August 10, 2012 Edition

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 10, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 32

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

MAN ADMITS TO KILLING MOTHER

Lidia Duncan, in happier times, is said to have been murdered by her son.

by KENVILLE HORNE A MAN, DEEMED TO BE MENTALLY ILL, is in police

custody after confessing to murdering his mother.

Monroe Duncan, a 55year-old male resident of

Vermont admitted to killing his 85-year-old mother, Lidia Duncan.

The elderly Duncan is said to have received chops to the left side of her neck, left hand and right leg.

According to Lidia’s daughter-in-law, Gwenette Duncan, Monroe lived with his mother and they both had a very good relationship.

“He was the one cooking for her, but sometimes he is not normal,” she said, and went on to say, “He is a very nice person when he is sane.”

She revealed that he telephoned her around 6 am Wednesday morning, and informed her that he had killed his mother.

“I say to put Lidia on the phone for me, and he said she dead,” Gwenette stated.

She admitted to being shocked, saddened and shaken by the revelation, and informed her husband about what Monroe had reported.

Together they journeyed to Lidia’s home in an area known as Pigeon Hole, and discovered the woman “in a horrible condition.”

She said she could not come up with a real reason why Monroe would kill his own mother, but still

concluded that it was a matter of insanity.

“He don’t make trouble. I am sorry for him and I am very much concern because he is not accustomed to the conditions he would be placed in,” confessed Gwenette.

Gwenette is also of the opinion that Lidia might have been killed in the night as opposed to the morning.

“When we arrived, there was a lot of clot blood, so I believe she died in the night and he must have called when he catch hisself,” she offered.

Noel Duncan (left), with a family friend, confirmed that his brother had a mental condition.

Right: Gwenette Duncan found her mother-in-law in what she considered to be a horrible condition.

‘Church ‘Nennen’ Noel Duncan, another of Lidia’s sons, remembers his mother as very loving and helpful.

“She was like a mother in the community. She goes to the Methodist church and she was a ‘Nennen’ in the church. She would go to church whether rain come or sun shine,” he related.

He recalled taking some money and foodstuff to Lidia and Monroe on Monday, August 6,

and last speaking to his mother on Tuesday when, according to him, “She was in good spirits.”

Noel disclosed that his brother was recently released from the Mental Health Centre and never really gave anyone trouble, “but when he called and stated what he had done, I know right away that he was speaking the truth.”

Asked if he is angry with his brother, Noel replied, “If I am angry

with him, I would have done different things but because of his mental condition I wouldn’t bother.”

The Duncan family is waiting for Lidia’s other children to arrive from overseas before they begin preparation for burial.

Charges are expected to be laid against Monroe, a police source confirmed.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Economy

Fair Trade farmers host 12th Assembly

and beyond the call of duty to produce the best that they can.

THE SVG FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION INC. Kozel Peters, WINFA Coordinator, also addressed HELD ITS 12TH General Assembly of Fair the farmers, assuring them that WINFA will Trade Banana Producers on August 2nd at continue to work along with them, and encouraged 9 am at the Methodist Church Hall, all to maintain and improve their standards of Kingstown, under the theme, ‘Producing production, while also outlining WINFA’s plans for Quality Fruits for the Survival of the the future.

Industry’.

Following an official call to order, Ministry raises hope opening prayer and singing of the Prayer and Anthem, Philemon Allen, Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, also Chairman of the Fair Trade spoke to the group. Recently returned from Organization, addressed the group with Grenada, Caesar informed that “Farmers of some brief remarks.

Hairouna should be thankful for the subsidies which He thanked the farmers for coming they benefit from that other farmers, such as the out and encouraged them to go above Grenadians, do not have.”Addressing the issue of Fair Trade farmers in attendance at their 12th General Assembly. diseases affecting crops, Caesar retold the story of his encounter with a farmer who warned that, “If you think Black Sigatoka is bad, Moko 10 times worse!”, and reiterated that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue persevering, along with the farmers, to combat these diseases. He also encouraged farmers to have a good team around them.

According to Caesar, the quality of some produce may not be up to WINFA standards, but this might not be the direct fault of the farmer, as sometimes the graders or packers are not performing as they should. Thus, he encouraged all elements to work together. He used the forum as an opportunity to announce that from Wednesday August 8th, mass registration of farm workers will commence at the New Grounds Station, at Dumbarton and at Waliabou, and appealed to unemployed persons and farm workers to register at this time. The Minister also reminded farmers that on the issue of Fair trade principles, “Vincentian farmers will get an extra dollar if we just comply with the fair trade principles. We have to ensure that there's a market for non-banana fair trade commodities.” Recognizing the turmoil faced by many farmers, he offered some consolation by saying, “The Problems we face here in SVG are the same as in St. Lucia, Grenada Dominica and many other islands of our region,” and reassured that “the Fair Trade organization is helping itself and the government will do all it can to assist.” The Minister’s remarks were followed by a vote of thanks which closed the opening ceremony, and after a break, the farmers moved into the Business Session of the Assembly.

by KARISA CLARKE

Business Session The business session began with constitution reviews and discussions followed by the minutes of the 11th General Assembly, matters arising from the minutes. Following this, a series of reports were delivered and discussed. The National Committee Report, Financial Report, Work Plan were all discussed. Officers of various Committees were then elected.

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar assured the farmers that his ministry will persevere, along with the farmers, to combat the Black Sigatoka and other diseases.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 3.

News 3

Police detain LIAT passengers

According to understood that some passengers were left information received, passengers were taken stranded at the airport close to two dozen from the airport and for hours, not sure passengers were waiting brought to the whether they would be for hours for the LIAT compound, so they could able to catch connecting planes to take them to have somewhere to stay. flights. The fist occasion their neighbouring Asked if as head of the was no fault of LIAT. destinations from where CID he was not On Monday 23rd July, they were expected to contacted, he said, “No,” dozens of passengers catch connecting adding that perhaps the voiced their frustrations international flights. officers involved in after LIAT flights were After it was removing the passengers delayed due to a problem announced that there saw no need to contact with the navigation light at Sion Hill Bay. AN ARDENT FOLLOWER of the with soap in hand, to spend the better were some cancellations, him since no crime was they became enraged and committed. He noted Passengers milled Memory Lane column contacted us part of the morning beating those that no one was arrested around, some stretched after last week’s edition to say how clothes on those river stones, wringing very vocal. Airport security officials tried to and charged in out at the entrance to the much he/she enjoyed the approach to them with the force of unbelievable airport as they awaited the blurb that accompanied the strength,and then stretching them out quell them and get them connection with the to leave so that the situation at the airport. word on the situation of photograph. on the same stones to dry under a airport could be properly The passengers were the flights.

Encouraged thus, we are prompted blazing sun? closed and secured, but released after some time.

At that time, a LIAT to continue in that vein and ask, Then it was time for the latest they were adamant they Reports on NICE plane had circled the ET moved by the photograph here village ‘gossip’ and some sharing of were not leaving until Radio Saturday morning Joshua Airport more displayed: Remember when there ‘private home happenings,’ as the they got a flight to their said that Prime Minister than ten times, according was no pipe borne water? Remember women waited for the clothes to dry, destinations. and Minister with to reports, before when there were no washing their conversations abruptly After attempts by responsibility for returning to Barbados machines? Remember how the clothes interrupted, occasionally, by some airports, Dr Ralph with the passengers and linens of the estate labourers and man who sneaked in nearby to ‘catch a airport security failed, police were summoned to Gonsalves, met with the because it was unable to who knows, some estate owners, were bath’. disgruntled passengers land. Later that evening, kept clean?

But the day was short and they had assist.

When contacted Saturday morning and a LIAT worker Well, this country has been blessed to get back home to cook ‘the man Monday, head of the assured them that efforts announced that the (from time immemorial) with a food.’

Criminal Investigations were being made then to Eastern Caribbean Civil number of free flowing rivers which Into a whisk basket went the dried Department, Assistant have them taken to their Aviation Authority had served as sources of food (cray fish and clothes, and the journey back home Superintendent of Police destinations as soon as given permission for the river lobster), a swimming pool (a began, sometimes accompanied by (ASP) Elton Jackson, possible, so they could LIAT planes to land modern day Jacuzzi if your ask me) song; but not before the women catch connecting flights. without the navigation and ‘washing machines’. themselves had a good bath in the cold said he was not on duty at the police station at It was the second time light.

Remember how the women of the water while waving away some that time, but he in weeks that LIAT village would bundle the week’s inquisitive male eyes. clothing of their hard-working men Those were the days of open air and their mischievous children, and in ‘washing machines’.

ERRATUM - Carnival Souvenir Magazine 2012 groups journey to the nearby river, The attention of readers of the 2012 Carnival Souvenir Magazine is drawn to the article captioned, ‘Carnival way back when’.

THERE SEEMS NEVER to be a dull moment when it comes to LIAT and passengers.

A number of

disgruntled passengers, stranded because of delayed or cancelled flights, were taken to the Criminal Investigations

The E. T. Joshua and LIAT seem not to make the best combination in delivering service to the passengers.

Department in the wee hours last Saturday, after they refused to leave the ET Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale.

Attention is drawn in particular to the sub-section ‘Female band Leader’ in which we listed the name of a Denise Marshall band as ‘Disables’. This should be ‘Diablos’.

We also draw readers’ attention to the sub-section ‘Queen Shows’, and apologise for omission of the Vincentian participant, Diana Barnard.

We apologise to our readers and to Mr. Albert Edwards for the misrepresentation and omission on these pages.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Proceeding St Lucians on continues remand following against four Bajans ganja haul Below: Dwane Charlemagne and Christopher Alexander leaving the Court on Monday.

TWO ST LUCIANS, nabbed last week in a narcotics operation on the Leeward Coast, are now on remand.

Dwane Charlemagne and Christopher Alexander were remanded in custody on Monday after they appeared before the Serious Offences Court and pleaded not guilty to possessing 21,338 grammes (47 pounds) of cannabis, with intent to supply.

The St Lucians were arrested and charged after officers from the Drug Squad and Coast Guard Service intercepted their speedboat off Baleine Bay, on July 29th, 2012.

Local lawyer Stephen Williams made an application for bail for

A RECENT PROPOSAL by four Barbadian nationals to take a particular course of action regarding pleadings to a joint drug charge has been rejected by the prosecution.

When the Barbadian nationals turned up at the Serious Offences Court last Monday, prosecutors said they were not withdrawing the charge against any of them and would be proceeding against all four accused.

When they first appeared before the Serious Offences Court on July 16th, they pleaded not guilty to their joint drug charge and were remanded in custody.

The four Bajans — thirty-six-year old labourer Shawn Butcher, fifty-yea- old fisherman Joel Payne, thirty-eight-year old painter Devon Hurtle and thirty-five-year old painter Ryan Corbin were intercepted by law enforcement officers in the waters off Fancy, in a boat called ’Rolling Deeper’, on July 13th, 2012.

They were charged for being in possession of more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply, after the drug was allegedly found in the boat.

The matter has been adjourned to October 22nd, 2012.

the accused men, proposing cash bail and arguing that bail was possible, with precedence having been set in the Caribbean.

However, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Adolphus Delpesche, objected to bail on the grounds that Charlemagne and Alexander were non-nationals and had no known residence here. He contended that they were flight risks, noting that they were caught on the high seas.

The matter has been adjourned to October 29th, 2012.

Police corporal’s manslaughter PI to continue PRELIMINARY INQUIRIES into the death of police corporal Joel ’Baggy ’ Hull are scheduled to continue today with evidence from three remaining prosecution witnesses.

The preliminary inquiries got started before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday and the prosecution called ten witnesses, including Wesley Bennett of Rillan Hill, businessmen Cleve Lewis and Dean Clouden, and Hull’s wife, Evelyn, who was reduced to tears as she gave formal evidence.

It is alleged that Hull was walking along the road between P.H. Veira and the Kingstown

Vegetable Market sometime after 8.00 p.m. on July 27th, 2011, when he was struck by passenger van HU 16, driven by Stanwell Henry of Fair Hall.

Hull was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was

admitted as a patient and spent some days in the Intensive Care Unit.

He died on August 3rd, 2011.

Henry is charged with causing Hull’s death. He is being represented by lawyer Andreas Coombs.

Ten witnesses give evidence in manslaughter PI THE PROSECUTION closed its case last Friday after calling ten witnesses to give evidence in the preliminary inquiries into the death of sixtythree-year old Arthur Hazell of La Pompe, Bequia.

Hazell died after he was allegedly struck on that Grenadine island by a minivan driven by Matthew Gregg, on December 5th, 2009.

The preliminary inquiry commenced at the Serious Offences Court on July 30th, 2012 and was adjourned to the following day. After hearing more evidence, it was again adjourned and evidence taking concluded last Friday.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young has requested that both the prosecution and defense present their submissions in writing

by September 20th, 2012, following which she is expected to give her ruling on the matter.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 5.

Regional

Grenada celebrates JamesÊs victory RESIDENTS OF ALL WALKS of life runner to break the 44-second Gouyave, on the north western and ages in Grenada and its barrier in the race. His time is the side of Grenada. dependencies of Carriacou and Petit fastest ever by a Caribbean Martinique, took to the streets in Happy and Proud athlete in the 400 meters. wild celebrations of that country’s In addition, James’s victory first –ever Olympic gold medal, last James is the first non-U.S. makes Grenada the smallest Monday, July 6. country, population wise, The celebrations were to have ever won a gold immediate upon their medal at the Olympics. countryman, Kirani James, The Olympic gold running away with victory comes a year after James in the 400m, in the captured the World 400m impressive time of 43:94 title in Daegu, South seconds.

Korea, and establishes The nineteen-year-old him as the best quarterhad impressed in his buildmiler in the world. up to the Olympics, and all According to NEWS of Grenada were in ONE, a mobile news anticipation of his victory. service for Iphones, But, as one observer told James said after his THE VINCENTIAN, in a victory, “I am very happy telephone conversation, “No and very proud for my one could predict the country and everyone spontaneous outpouring of that is associated with celebration and unity that my country. There is no followed Kirani’s victory.” word to describe the According to the source, feeling right now. “people danced, waved flags, “I am very proud of simply misbehaved in a the time and very happy celebration that was clean to win the gold medal.” as it was loud.”

Grenada’s Prime Reports are that several Minister, Tillman new calypsos which paid Thomas declared: tribute to James and “James’s victory is an released for Grenada’s inspiration to the annual carnival, Spicemas, country.” which climaxes this Prime Minister weekend, were heard being Thomas could have easily blasted from street corner said, and with full DJs. acceptance, that James is The celebrations were an inspiration to the Kirani James raises his hands in victory after especially ecstatic in entire Caribbean. demolishing the field in the 400m at the James’s home town, London Olympics.

Thomas signed a document formalizing the grant of some 88 acres to the university, for a new campus.

THE UNIVERSITY of the make headway Management of the West Indies is not easing throughout the new facilities will be the up on its effort to Caribbean, the UWI responsibility of the UWI establish a stronger demonstrated its Open campus, which presence in the Eastern commitment to already oversees distance Caribbean. expansion when Vice learning initiatives of the At a time when more Chancellor of the UWI university. and more non-Caribbean Professor Nigel Harris In his statement at tertiary educational and Prime Minister of the signing ceremony, institutions continue to Grenada Tillman Prime Minister Thomas said the campus would be a “significant investment in the future of the people of Grenada,” and one which makes education accessible to “all of our citizens.”

Professor Harris thanked the Grenadian Government, and underscored the UWI’s commitment to expand its outreach and bring the university to students “who could not easily come to us.”

The new facilities in Prime Minister Tillman Thomas (left) and Professor Hope, St. Andrews (in the north-eastern section Nigel Harris signed an agreement that made 88 of the island) is expected acres available to the UWI for construction of a to be a multi-purpose new facility.

UWI expanding

site encompassing teaching and learning facilities, conference and event facilities, as well as an agricultural research station.

Site preparation and construction are expected to begin in the next few months. (Source: Caribbean 360)

& in sponsorship row THE COMPETITION between telecommunications giants LIME and DIGICEL has overflowed into the carnival arena.

LIME is the only diamond sponsor of carnival in Antigua and Barbuda. Here in SVG, it is one of the platinum sponsors of Vincy Mas. Just like here, the two companies have found the occasion of carnival in Antigua and Barbuda, continued ground on which to play out their competitive elements.

It appears, given reports coming out of Antigua, that LIME had taken umbrage to having the brand name DIGICEL plastered across the name of a steel orchestra which DIGICEL had sponsored, in carnival celebrations, in this case Panorama, in which LIME has purportedly pumped hundreds of dollars directly and indirectly.

THE VINCENTIAN was still to confirm exactly how the impasse was settled, since none of the parties was prepared to specify; but did learn that a compromise had been met before the staging of the Panorama..

A LIME representative did, however, assure that that company will continue to play its corporate role in promoting Antiguan & Barbudan culture.

In a comment leading up to Antigua and Barbuda carnival, a LIME representative had been diplomatic when, according to the OBSERVER newspaper, she said, in response to the impasse, “I just want to say, LIME is the first and the only Diamond Sponsor to Antigua Carnival … We will continue to sponsor Carnival and any other activity that will benefit the people of Antigua & Barbuda …”

What is certain in the whole scenario is that LIME considered the public display of their competitor’s name during any official activity of the carnival, to be a breach of the existing contact with that country’s Carnival Development Committee.

Interestingly, LIME was a major sponsor of another steel orchestra, the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, which went on to win the 2012 Panorama in Antigua and Barbuda, with the DIGICEL Halcyon Steel Orchestra coming in second. Talk about the last laugh!!!

Here in SVG, during the recent Vincy Mas activities staged at Victoria Park, some patrons might have noticed the black plastic bags used to ‘block out’ the name DIGICEL, on the litter booths provided for patrons’ use. The same was not done on the ‘booths’ stationed around Kingstown.

One leading cultural activist here, on learning about the LIME-DIGICEL ‘clash, commented: “If this is the price we have to pay for advancing our culture, we may as well just give it away and forget the whole *&%* thing.”

‘What will we think of next?’

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

BOSVG cultivating good savings habits

be used to open accounts for the participants — a newly developed product for youths - Smart Grower Account. In his presentation, at the opening of the second phase of the programme on Monday 30th July, 2012, Marketing Officer at BOSVG, Omari France, reiterated the Bank’s policy in supporting social causes that have a positive impact.

“Our Bank has been here for over 30 years, supporting numerous activities and efforts in the community. We understand the leadership role we play in this regard, and remain committed to it. This year, it is our pleasure to do something unique. We have created a special account for the Youth called the Omari France (right) of the BOSVG presents his bank’s sponsorship cheque to Co-ordinator of the Coast Guard Youth “Smart Grower” — and you will be hearing more about this product in the programme. weeks to come — to help them on their way to cultivating good savings and THE BANK OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES investment habits. Half of the funds we are (BOSVG), THIS COUNTRY’S LEADING FINANCIAL donating today will go towards opening these INSTITUTION, continues to demonstrate its accounts for the participants of this year’s Coast commitment to the positive development of the Guard Youth Development Programme.” noted Mr country’s youth.This latest demonstration came this France.He added that some of the features of the month, August, when the Bank made its 17th Smart Grower Account will involve an active youth consecutive donation to the highly acclaimed Coast club component and ongoing programmes such as Guard Youth Programme. life seminars and financial literacy to help young To mark this year’s sponsorship, the Bank people to map their success in life both financially doubled last year’s financial contribution of $5,000.00 to $10,000.00. This additional $5,000 will and in the broader scope of personal development.

The Coast Guard Youth Development

Programme, which was introduced nineteen years ago, exposes the nation’s youth to a variety of safety and leadership skills, including survival techniques at sea and at home.

Through the continued support of the BOSVG and other co-sponsors, coupled with the hard work of the Coast Guard Officers and supporters, the programme has achieved tremendous success and growth over the years. Registration for the programme is met with huge anticipation at least one year in advance by candidates wishing to participate. The programme runs for six days and is conducted in three batches. This year’s programme culminates on Friday, August 13.

Participants in the 201 Coast Guard Youth Programme.

V Success for CAP focus on behaviour modification

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 7.

Youth Focus

explained that at the THE CHILDREN AGAINST onset, the Poverty (CAP) Programme students is an initiative of the proved to be a Ministry of Education, in very which at-risk children are challenging given the opportunity to group. But, deal with academic areas after three that have been years, he was problematic for them, in a proud to friendly, non-threatening announce manner. that there The programme’s was seriously intention is to remove notable the strict classroom change in methodologies and many. reintroduce these Over the ‘difficult’ content areas in years, the a way which is students interesting and makes would have been exposed learning fun. to areas such as: Anger CAP has continued to Management, Personal be a feature in the lives Hygiene, Effective of many students across Communication, Self the country.

Esteem, Conflict THE VINCENTIAN Resolution, Peer visited the current phase Pressure, and Etiquette. of the programme being Drama and role play conducted at Central were used to help to Leeward Secondary draw out an School, and spoke to understanding of these Area Coordinator, Mr. issues. There was also a Kenyon Pierre. netbook component, in which the students were Participants given the rudiments of Mr. Pierre explained Power Point the children in presentations. Sports, attendance have been craft, and a field trip selected by their class were also included. teachers with approval from the schools’ Reviews principals.

Kolani Myers and He outlined that the Dennessa Benjamin are participants were notably students in this disruptive students and programme who were therefore, excellent volunteered opinions. candidates for the Eleven-year-old Kolani workshop. They came explained that before he from the three feeder entered the programme, schools of Layou “people used to say me Government, Barrouallie rude and me have no Government and behavior,” but now, with Barrouallie Primary, and time, he better would have spent three understands that he years in the programme, should not fight for having been selected everything and that he from their Grade 4 class could do without cursing. in 2010.

His friends also A profile of each testified that he had student was carefully changed drastically. prepared to better allow Kolani will transfer from the teachers at the CAP the Barrouallie Behaviour Modification Government School and Programme to deal with attend the Questelles them.

Government School this The participating academic year. students have this year, Dennessa is also sat the national Common eleven. She will attend Entrance Examination the Girls’ High School in and most of them will be September, 2012. moving on to secondary Dennessa recalled how schools. much of a fighter she was. “I changed my Workshop content behavior,” she said.

“When someone Supervisor Pierre

by GLORIAH…

Mr. Kenyon Pierre, Area Coordinator, did not hide the fact that the progamme has been a challenge.

Dennessa Benjamin feels assured that, with her new attitude, she is better prepared for secondary school.

Left: Students get down to some serious work in textile making.

rebuked me, I used to screw up my face, and I used to fight and curse.

Now, I [does] walk away or ignore them!” she sid with a sense of

student of the Girls’ High School, she will need to know how to behave.

Teacher, Mrs. Sonia John-Mc Donald, reinforced the benefits of the programme, and said that she was extremely accomplishment in her proud of the participants voice.

She admitted that she Involvement in the was quite happy to have programme has made her feel good about been included in the programme, because as a herself.

Kolani Myers admits to learning that fighting and being rude are not ways to get what you want.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Taking unnecessary risk Editor’s Note: This is a guest editorial TAKING UNNECESSARY RISKS invariably puts the person(s) taking the risk in danger or at a disadvantage, and if the ris takers find themselves in trouble, then the rescuers’ lives are also endangered as a result.

This was borne out during a recent event that cost the various stakeholders several thousand dollars to respond to a situation that could have been easily avoided.

Sailing is a passion for many persons born and raised in the Grenadines, and over the years, there has been keen competition among the islands. The Beguia Regatta, for example, attracts participation, including model sailing boats from Canouan, Mayreau, Petit Martinique and Carriacou. The same degree of participation is seen in the Canouan, Mayreau and Carriacou regattas.

Last weekend (August 3 — 6), Carriacou staged their regatta and, of course, the young sailors from Bequia, Canouan and Mayreau were invited to participate, the Vincies having titles to defend.

Also present during the same weekend was an unwelcomed visitor, Tropical storm ‘Ernesto’, and though it can be described as a benign storm, all precautions were in effect and ought to have been respected.

But a group of overzealous sailors took off from Bequia in the height of the storm, and the rest is now history.

A flotilla which left Bequia encountered the ravages of high winds and seas, and at least two young sailors went missing. All’s well that ends well: the men were rescued, but only after an effort marshalled and executed by private ship owners and radio operators, an effort that followed earlier notification to the Coast Guard.

The account of the ordeal, (see page 32), may appear to be the content of a fiction novel, but no, it was real. Real lives almost perished because a bad decision was first made. Why would anyone in their good senses want to venture into the ocean with a storm overhead and a small craft warning in effect? This rash action has cost many persons phone credit, diesel, gas and aviation fuel for the boats and planes involved in the search for the missing vessel, not to mention the anxiety and sleepless nights for both occupants of the boats as well as their relatives and rescuers.

All of this massive expense could have been avoided if these boat owners and operators had heeded the small craft warning and stayed put.

The lesson, we hope, for everyone reading about the ordeal, is that taking unnecessary risks can be expensive and deadly.

Last year in Switzerland, skiers ventured into a forbidden area and became trapped in an avalanche. The rescue team also became trapped, and three rescuers, including a doctor, lost their lives. The loss of lives could have been minimized, in fact avoided, had the skiers heeded the warnings. Similarly, the rash action by our young sailors, put Coast Guard and other rescuers in danger, having to brave a storm to try to find them.

Here in SVG, we do not have an adequate land, sea or aeronautical response or Search & Rescue (SAR) capability, therefore, it is incumbent on all to exercise all safety precautions at ALL times.

And even if we had the capability to respond, the conditions under which the search had to be conducted would have also put the rescuers at risk.

In future, let’s be sober in our actions, and take all the necessary precautions to avoid accidents, remembering that death is a permanent state, and it is those who are left behind that are the ones who often suffer most.

Running high and a funeral of love JAMAICA CELEBRATED its fiftieth birthday in grand style. It was on August 6th , 1962 that the new Independent Jamaica flag was raised aloft at the National Stadium, symbolising its independence after centuries of colonial rule.

Fifty years later, on the 6th day of August 2012, at the same stadium, a good representation of her citizenry turned up, gaily attired in several bits and pieces of her national colours, to watch her new kings, Bolt and Blake, grandly announce that Jamaica had been crowned sprint Champs of the World.

That curtain raiser shouts good news for Jamaica, Caricom and the West Indies, that we have arrived, at least an equal member in the various halls of fame, sports first, as the harbinger of much more to follow.

In 1962, I was there, at the Stadium, where the first stirrings of a proud people expressed itself itching for centre stage. I saw the new Prime Minister, Bustamante, a larger- than- life figure graciously extend a hand of friendship to enclose that great “cousinhood” with Norman Manley, the so-called leader of the opposition at the time.

I was there mentally at the Jamaica Stadium and at source in London —true Judy Boucher style, while my body in peaceful SVG cruised aloft on my magic carpet witnessing the young men, West Indian, and, yes, of Black Features, lead the world, not in armed struggle or merry dance, but for leadership of the world in the most meaningful and peaceful way, through sports.

Bolt and Blake may cause, after the 200 metres race, our cup to run over. Grenada gave a halfholiday in celebration of her own 19-year-old son Kirani James who led the world a merry dance in the 400 metres.

And the Caribbean may well strike gold again in the women’s 200 mteres through CampbellBrowne and/or Fraser. The Anglo-phone Caribbean never had it so good in anything positive in the international field.

Perhaps we need a dictator to call the tune.

Our heroes certainly need much recognition. After all, Hugo Chavez gave the highest Order of the Liberator to Venezuelan boxer who punched his way to gold. Are the Caribbean folk trying to tell their local masters something new?

Who was Robert Anthony Williams I attended the funeral of my friend “Laren” at the Gomea Methodist Church last week Friday.

He was the fourth son of an illustrious family. His elders had made a name for themelsves in St Vincent, following in the footsteps of their great father, Darnley, who had lit a candle as headmaster, local preacher, Justice of Peace, choir master — general head-man in Gomea.

All the siblings followed the lead of the patriarch’s portrait which had been emblazoned on school exercise books as a “Leader of Thought”.

Frank was peerless as public administrator, manager of Banana Association, creator of the Accounting Firm Williams and Taylor. All first three brothers, Frank, Henry and Moulton were members of the P.S.C. Henry also served as Assistant Administrator, U.W.I Extra-mural Tutor, while Moulton distinguished himself in the field of national sport in both cricket and football.

“Laren” was set a hard act to follow. He fought hard and mastered the art of nursing which he accomplished by attending school in the U.S.A. But ‘Laren’s’ especial trait was his selfless love of all his relatives, which he demonstrated time without number.

For that reason, one or two sisters, along with a cherished few of their grand-children plus other relatives, made it home from the four corners of the globe personally to attend ‘Laren’s’ funeral, which the deceased had organised before-hand, giving hymn, chapter and verse of every item, including his friend Monty Maule as the preacher!

My Way Among those present were sibling Mrs Doris Williams Robinson, still looking good and singing like an angel, as has always been her forte.

There was Jeanette Cadet-Williams, Frank’s daughter, and the former Mrs. Vin Stewart and Garth Williams (Moulton’s children), and Mrs. Jeanne Horne and Erlene (Henry’s daughters) to whom I am just a slave to her angelic voice as she rendered the appropriate “My Way” , expressive of Laren’s bold independence in life.

Another deceased sister, Mrs. Cupid, was represented by her two daughters, Claire and Wanda, and Alwyn the son of their brother Errol.

Of course, uncle Leroy has never left his beloved Gomea .

Two or three of the next generation had to turn up: Henry’ s grand-daughter Zingha Edwards and Luc Velox, son of Lavern Gibson Velox who had been brought up by her aunt, Frank Williams’ wife.

Generally, the ceremony was a tribute to the extended family, including, in this case, Robert Anthony Williams whose mother had not been the wife of the celebrated patriarch. Still, all ah we is one — in Christ.

“When we all get to Heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be....”

We were all swept along with the Williams’ choir inspired by the words of Monty Maule accompanied by his gyrations.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 9.

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The poor on display, why?

I’M SO FED UP with this kind of media showcase.

Why every time poor people and hard working Vincentians get some money, there has to be a public showcase?

Sabie (Minister Saboto Caesar) said ‘it’s like carnival in July’ for these farmers. Why is he using this kind of expression to describe this situation?

Arrowroot farming is back-breaking work, and I’m sure there are not many well off Vincentians who are willing to invest their money in cultivating this crop. Why do we have to always put the poor on display?

sOne man donate six ceiling fans and some sheets to the hospital, and we have a handing over ceremony for that.

What ‘backwardness’!

Can’t the people just pick their cheque up or have it deposited directly into an account?

And why is the Minister of Agriculture thanking the farmers for their patience? How long was this payment overdue? The farmers know that this government has failed all the farmers in SVG, and so the patch-up work continues.

Tell the government I

them. We can start with controlling what they look at on television.

ON WHAT BASIS does a cable provider decide to block out a news channel, substitute their own, and state they have negotiated exclusive broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games? On whose behalf?

Karib Cable blocked out MSNBC, my favourite news station that focuses mainly on political issues. It is staffed by a team of able journalists that addresses topics relevant to Caribbean people, particularly with respect to the economy and recent upsurge of racism even among the athletes in the Games. These issues impact our families in the Diaspora; therefore, I am deeply disappointed about the block out of this station.

As well, the US team is well represented and competition is fierce, therefore, it is understandable the station will telecast the Olympics in order to satisfy its viewers.

Channel 1’s promise of exclusive broadcasting rights implies coverage matching the enthusiasm of MSNBC and the rest of the world; but instead I am forced to endure a boring commentary by lifeless hosts that are in dire need of a shot of adrenalin. In the break, Caribbean destinations are highlighted. Is this exclusive coverage of the Olympics; why not give information on places to visit in London, where the Games are taking place?

During the carnival season, CDC added a few channels, that not only broadcast the carnival but gave the option to pay for exclusive shows if we so desired. I have no choice between games or news. CDC’s respectful partnership should be imitated. This antiquated ambush sales mentality not only erodes loyalty but leaves us wishing for competition until we could jump ship.

I have a passing interest in sports, but have to endure two whole weeks of Karib Cable’s exclusive broadcast, which is tantamount to a life sentence.

Anne – A Parent

Trapped

say get the fisheries complex in Owia up, and the one in North Leeward up and running, and give the exporters from Saint Lucia and Martinique the necessary licence to buy conch and lobster from our divers and fishermen.

When will we start seriously to promote nation-building with the involvement of all Vincentians? We don’t have to look for political mileage from every little event.

Nigel Jacobs (Taken from thevincentian.com)

Protect our children THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ALL PARENTS: Please control what your children are exposed to on television.

I know people are going to say it is our culture; but how can all this sexual kind of dancing on our Caribbean music channels be good for our children? Many of these videos are nothing short of sexual simulation… all this gyrating and what

have you.

Too many parents take our children for granted. Too many don’t understand, or ignore, the fact that children are sexual beings and have a sexual nature that they must learn to control, but they can do so only if we, parents, guide them.

With all this influence at large, it is important that we teach our children to say “no” to

Those pit bulls SOME MONTHS AGO, there was a series of letters highlighting the issue of dangerous dogs. I notice, Mr. Editor, that the issue seems to have gone off the boil, as they say.

I, however, want to keep the issue on the national agenda. I want to remind this country that we have had at least one case of a person being mauled to death by a dog or dogs.

Only this week, I saw a young man walking his pit bull along the busy Arnos Vale area. The dog was a robust, well-built, deadly looking animal. It seemed that if he gave his leash one good tug, the dog would easily escape his ‘master’. God forbid,

anyone who makes sexual advances.

Are we going to allow our children to be influenced by this ‘culture,’ only to have them abused by older male relatives? The courts are full of cases like these.

It is time that we parents stop talking about how we want only the best for our children, and begin to protect

but do you know what would have been the result if that had happened?

These dogs are easily distracted.

Any little disturbance can cause them to go berserk. Owners, regardless of how much they think their pit bulls are obedient to them, should not be walking them in public, especially during busy times and in areas frequented by pedestrians.

It is time that we introduce strong laws against dangerous dogs.

James

Bad manners Mr. Editor, I was recently confronted by a group of children of primary school age, and was appalled, not to say embarrassed, by their lack of manners.

They pushed and shoved their way to the front of a line at a certain eating place in Kingstown, without any regard for those who were in line before them.

I tried to intervene by saying to them that they should go to the back of the line, but that was a signal for them to get rude, with one of them saying, “if you wah foh stay in de line whole day, da is your business’.

water, with aquatics.

How come, therefore, that the police in Bequia don’t have their own patrol vessel?

COME ON, MAN!!! This can’t be St. How come, especially when there has been Vincent and the Grenadines in the 21st a reported increase in the incidence of century. robberies of yachts?

A man gets shot on his boat in Bequia I am truly ashamed. an island noted for its popularity with And to make matters worse, the yachts people - and the police don’t have yachtsman who was shot, as reported in transportation to get to his rescue? What your edition of August 3, 201, also else could be worse!!! complained about the lack of Bequia is all about the sea water… communication (radio or otherwise) with fishing, yachting, boating. Bequia caters the police. What is it now, police don’t to all and anything that has to do with the have access to a radio, a VHF radio, that

I am ashamed!!

Karib Cable dictates

What are we coming to? I couldn’t help but think that these children are the products of homes where ‘manners do not maketh man’. No one is going to tell me that these children were taught proper manners at home. If they were, they would have acted accordingly.

I wonder about certain trends in this society: many persons spend lots on dollars to buy, care for and train dogs.

Maybe it’s time we do the same for our children.

Parent

is a basic tool of all yachtsmen and boat people generally?

We got to do better than this. Good thing the man who was shot seems to have a special place in his heart for SVG or it would have meant another person plastering a bad name for this country all over the internet.

I must thank your newspaper for carrying the story…. There is no need for us to sweep things like this under the carpet.

Josh

* Would the Prime Minister say whether there are any persons, if there are and how many, who have been granted Vincentian citizenship because they made investments in the country since the ULP took government? * Who benefited more from going to the London Olympics, the athletes or the non-athletes? * Did ‘Pess’ Llewellyn get anything more than a portrait of himself when the authorities honoured him for his contribution to pan in this country? * What’s the latest on the ECGC investing in Bottlers? * What’s going on with our Coast Guard?

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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Managing the CountryÊs Fiscal Affairs

The Issue DESPITE THE MACHINATIONS OF THE OPPOSITION NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY, most Vincentians have come to the conclusion that there are significant global economic and financial factors impacting the economy of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.It is impossible for any individual state, no matter how powerful, to control the effects of the current global economic and financial situation. Not even Arnhim Eustace, the professed “economic guru”, is capable of this. Governments will take some steps to reduce the effects of this crisis, as the ULP administration has done, under Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.In fact, most of the Caricom countries, except Guyana, have had to adopt creative strategies of one kind or another, to cope with the current situation. Some have been successful, as in the case of St.Vincent and the Grenadines and St.Lucia; but others have not managed their economic situation properly and their citizens are suffering as a result.

The ULP Administration Approach Perhaps this is a good time to refresh Vincentians, about the way the ULP administration has strategized to address the situation.

When Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves delivered the 2012 Budget Address on January 9th 2012, he stressed the need for financial stabilization, fiscal re-balancing and social equity, at a time of continued global economic uncertainty.What does this mean? It is an indication of the approach of the ULP administration combining a sensible balance of prudence and enterprise, eliminating wastage in the public sector but at the same time continuing the delivery of services in education, health and law and order.In this period, the poor and the disadvantaged have not been forgotten. The government has increased public assistance payments to the indigent poor and the economically disadvantaged, by some 25 percent. This has benefited students attending primary, secondary and post secondary school.

The 3% Salary Increase An indication of the way the government has managed the financial situation in the country can be seen in the strategy adopted for the payment of the three percent salary increase to public servants.

This is part of the 12 percent increase that was agreed between the government and the Unions. It is well known that the ULP administration is running a budget deficit, and even though the fiscal situation has improved and is under control, it has not improved significantly to allow for the payment of the salary increase.

The ULP administration had to be prudent and take into account a number of factors, before making a decision to pay the salary increase.

Still, in the light of that, it must be said that the wage bill of the government is showing a two and a half percent increase over the last six months, as compared to the same period in 2011. So far this year, the government’s salary bill is EC$108.3M as compared to EC$105

million by mid 2011. This is due in part to the payment of increments to public servants and the filling of vacancies, to provide some jobs for Vincentians. The reports are that some sixty percent of the public service have increments of between three to five percent. So some salaries have moved, but the government recognizes that some public servants are at their maximum, and cannot earn additional income unless they received the three percent, or, if they are promoted to a new posting. This is of particular concern to the Comrade Ralph and the ULP, and the administration has been examining creative ways to address this and other salary relief, within the current challenges. In any event, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP have expressed their gratitude to the public servants, and the Unions, for the understanding and restraint shown during this period. Here and there, there have been pockets of discontent, but by and large, most public servants have shown understanding.

The Fiscal Outturn It is now a pet topic of the Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace to ask questions about the country’s fiscal situation, at question time in Parliament. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has always responded fully to these questions, since it provides an opportunity to show how well the ULP administration is managing the country.Arnhim Eustace would have been surprised to learn that the government has reduced the overall deficit to minus EC$26.3M for the first six months of 2012, as compared to negative EC$45.8 for the corresponding period in 2011. He would have been surprised too when Prime Minister Gonsalves reported that there was a 4.4 percent in the current revenue situation during this period, to EC$219.1M in 2012, as compared to EC$209.9M in 2011.

These figures tell a story that the NDP does not want to hear, that the government is managing the country’s fiscal affairs rather well, given the global economic and financial challenges. It represents a commitment to certain central fiscal principles aimed at consolidating the current fiscal situation, to meet the current socio-economic circumstances.As the Prime Minister says in his 2012 Budget, the ULP administration will ensure that “the overall fiscal balance stays within prudential guidelines over the medium term; shaping fiscal policy to spur economic growth, create jobs, reduce poverty and build the social and physical infrastructure; and generally setting targets which are reasonable and do not undermine the economic fundamentals”.

This is the reason why the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines elected the ULP to office for a third consecutive term, and this is the reason why the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines will reject the unpatriotic NDP. They have no vision, no philosophy, and no socio-economic strategies to take the country forward.

NDP ready as more Vincentians ask for change THE ULP GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED TO CREATE MEANINGFUL employment for our people;, they have used and abused the poor for political purposes and have failed to lift them out of poverty.

To change this, the NDP has set out major Development Projects to create meaningful, long term employment for Vincentians: A major international construction group will partner with the NDP to finally get the Argyle Airport into a state of readiness; A major international development group will build a 1000 unit integrated residential and hotel resort complex on St. Vincent; an important international banking group will use SVG as its base to establish a new chain of retail banks throughout the Caribbean; a major international construction group, specializing in infrastructure projects, will establish a regional head office in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; a global player in the trust and corporate services sector will be involved in overhauling our financial services; a global player in private aircraft services will set up a state-of-the-art aircraft registry; the NDP is working with some of the world’s most experienced international tax specialists to establish tax treaties that generate further investments into our country; the NDP will work towards each household in SVG having a minimum of one person with meaningful employment.

Crime Under the ULP administration, crime has increased drastically, and the ULP must take the blame and responsibility. However, it would appear that the ULP administration either is not concerned or does not have what it takes to stem the flow of criminal activities here. We have not been hearing from the Minister of National Security, who happens to be the Prime Minister, as to how to deal with this serious problem. We must not forget that in 2001 the ULP’s campaign was focused on crime. They said that they would have been tough on crime and the causes of crime. Eleven (11) years have gone and the situation remains the same - another failure for the ULP administration. The NDP is concerned about the crime situation and believes that the following steps should be taken to enhance detection and develop a more responsive and accountable Police Service: Implementation of the Spiritual, Social and Redemption Charter as the prime mechanism to deal with issues pertaining to our emphasis on the prevention of crime; increased Police manpower to focus on beat and other patrol; establishment of visible police presence in communities, especially those with high crime rates; reduction of response time; Improvement in the collection and value of evidence in crime investigations to deal with crime and the causes of crime; Establishment of a Crime Prevention Department; Introduction of the Crime Stoppers Programme; Introduction of tougher sentences for sexual offences, the NDP’s priorities are clear: better prevention and detection of crime, more effective prosecution of criminals and enhanced rehabilitation to reduce the revolving doors offenders. We will deliver tough action on drug dealing and crimes of violence, and will strike a better balance between punishment and rehabilitation and give our Police and Prosecutors the manpower, tools and financial resources they need to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines safe and livable.

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) Those who visit the MCMH often talk

about the deplorable state of the hospital. Some even say they will not risk being admitted there. In the last 10 years, have you heard of a Minister of Government seeking medical attention at MCMH? Is it just that there was never the need for any of them to be hospitalised?The place is dirty. The fans and other accessories for the patients’ comfort are mainly broken. Sheets and pillowcases- you better walk with your own. Medicine- ask those who recently were there. Many essential medications are not available. In short, the hospital needs attention.The MCMH was rebuilt by the NDP. It was expanded, creating new wings, and a modern emergency room and operating theatre were some of the improved features. The roof of the operating theatre developed a leak. But rather that fixing it, a bucket was placed to catch the drip and the NDP was blamed for the leak which developed during the administration of the ULP.

What will change The New Democratic Party (NDP) will introduce a “Back to basics approach” in the delivery of health care in SVG.Access to proper health care remains a fundamental right of every citizen, and the NDP is committed to facilitating the delivery of this right.An NDP administration will refocus its attention on the basic principles of decentralizing the primary health care delivery system. To this end, District clinics would be refurbished and equipped to meet the immediate needs of every community, at source. The rural hospitals at Georgetown, Chateaubelair and Union Island, which have been reduced to shells, would be resuscitated.In order to adequately meet the needs of our nationals as well as visitors to our shores, a new general hospital would be built and equipped.

The specific site is within the zone of the major population centres.NDP will maximize the use of the modern medical facility at Georgetown, despite its location away from the main population centre.NDP will examine different models with a view to the implementation of modern management techniques within the health care sector.NDP will implement its already developed plan for National Health Insurance.The NDP will ensure that by prudent management and accountability throughout the system, the availability of basic medication will always receive priority treatment. In addition, by putting emphasis on preventive medicine, a significant reduction in the need for hospitalization and lifetime medication will be achieved. Apart from the easing of congestion at MCMH, the new state of the art hospital will free up the building in Kingstown to be used as other government offices and departments. It is to be noted that government has been renting many buildings in the city for office space.

The NDP is waiting The NDP has done it before. We can do it again. We need to institute policies to facilitate development of our country for our people. Our youths need to be given a path that engenders hope for the future. We implore you to resist lies, bribes and false hopes, and to stop voting against your own interest. The interest of the majority, and not of the few, should take centre stage.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 11.

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Celebrate whatÊs Never forget, never again right with the world “Adventure is not in the guidebook and Beauty is not on the map. Seek and ye shall find.” - Ancient proverb A FRIEND RECENTLY directed me to an Internet website where I was able to view a 23-minute video clip that featured the outstanding works of the National Geographic photographer, Dwitt Jones. It was most uplifting; most inspiring. And so, I decided to borrow the title of that video clip and make it the title of this article. For certainly, Jones’ outlook on life, his philosophy, can aid us in taking a new perspective on life as we celebrate what’s right with the world.

I first came across Dwitt Jones’ works when I viewed one of Dr. Stephen Covey’s motivational videos just about a decade ago. In that inspirational video clip Covey sought to encourage viewers to digest a host of positive statements.

Covey used Jones’ beautiful scenes of different landscapes as backdrops. I subsequently discovered that the photographer was one of Dr. Covey’s friends and associates. Like Covey, Jones lives by a philosophy that revolves around the fact that we often have to visualise where we are going before we get there; the vision controls our perception, and our perception becomes our reality. By celebrating what’s right with the world, we can create a perspective that helps us to fix what’s wrong with the world. This is not to be misinterpreted to mean that we turn a blind eye to the evils that exist in the world; it merely emphasises that, amidst all of the wrongs, there is still so much good that we can and should celebrate.

What’s right in your world ... that needs to be celebrated? Yes, several readers will readily react by saying that there is so much that is wrong in their world. And yet, that is precisely why we should change the focus ... to celebrate what is right in the world.

We can see the glass is half full ... not half empty. An amputee can look at where limbs once were, and still be grateful for eyes that can see. Yes, life could be so much better, but there is still so much to be thankful for. Let’s celebrate what’s right with the world.

So, let’s return to the question that we started this paragraph with: What’s right in your world that we need to celebrate? Think about it. Reflect on your situation. There is so much about life that we can commemorate. We have come through (or are going through) great trials, and can testify of God’s goodness and His grace; the tests have created testimonies of persistence, courage, and victory.

Many of the readers of this column are aware that I regularly view the videos at TED.com. I regularly invite persons to visit that site and be encouraged by the many 20-minute video presentations that are archived there. At TED.com, viewers can access the latest information in the fields of technology, entertainment, education, design, business, music and global issues. I recently visited the site and was mesmerized by the passion of a school teacher named Stephen Ritz.

This educator, who works in the South Bronx, New York, USA, encouraged students and the wider community to grow their own vegetables “wherever there was space to do so” — on roof tops, abandoned parking lots, walls, etc.. His ingenuity encouraged many ghetto

children to grow their own food and to “eat healthy”. Many of his students got involved in “green community projects” and subsequently aspired to establish small related businesses. I also viewed a most interesting video presentation featuring Dr. Daphne Koller as she talked about what we are learning from online education. The musical conductor Mark Applebaum’s presentation on “the unconventional way of teaching music” also got my full attention. But this was not as fascinating as Dr. Noah Wilson-Rich’s 20-minute talk about the value of honey bees and our need to increase their population worldwide. However, the best was yet to come. The video presentation that really inspired me to the maximum and pulled at my emotions that night was one by Giles Duley entitled, “When a reporter becomes the story”.

Giles was a photographer who became well known for his celebrity photoshoots in London. However, he subsequently became bored of capturing the photographic images of the rich and famous, up-and-coping stars, models, and the like. He craved for more excitement, and subsequently dedicated himself to using his camera to “tell unheard stories of those caught in conflict and economic hardship around the world.” Giles’ adventures took him to places such as the Ukraine, Bangladesh, Sudan and Angola; places where stories of civil strife and human atrocities abound. However, while on assignment in Afghanistan in 2011, Duley stepped on a landmine which severed his left arm and both legs.

Despite this horrific outcome, this outstanding triple amputee continues to dedicate his life to telling stories through his photography. Wow! What a man! What courage! He is still able to celebrate what’s right with the world, and sees his tragedy as providing him with an opportunity to share stories that will encourage and inspire ... even after tragic loss. (see http://www.ted.com/speakers/giles_duley .html) Even amidst life’s setbacks and disappointments, we have an opportunity to celebrate what’s right with the world. The world is not all bad. There is still so much good going around, and we, you and I, have the opportunity to be conduits of that goodness. Yes, we still have so much good going for us ... and so many opportunities to do good in and for our world. This article, in its own little way, is inviting us to seek out some unique “adventures of life,” knowing that they are not in life’s guide book. It reminds us that we may have to create our own beauty spots on this map of life. It reminds us that we have the potential to reshape and replant many of the ugly scenes of life. We, you and I, can paint new landscapes of hope. And so we venture forth, together, seeking to explore and expose what’s right with the world.

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

PART OF THE REASON why Jews do so well in this world is because they make everyone else ashamed of the crimes committed against them throughout history. More importantly, Jews build institutions to ensure that their offspring learn about Jewish history and remind future generations to never forget the evils committed against their forebears.

African people need to take a page out of the Jewish story if they are to understand why Africa and its Diaspora are in the conditions which bedevil its descendants.

Celebratory activities to mark Emancipation Day 2012 brought home to those in attendance the unspeakable crimes which Europeans, especially the British, committed against the indigenous population and those brought to these shores as enslaved Africans.

On the eve of Emancipation, Tuesday, July 31, the University of the West Indies Open Campus held an Emancipation panel discussion with the theme ‘Slavery and Resistance: The Vincentian Experience’. There were presentations by Dr Joyce Toney on Women and Resistance in Slavery, Historian Curtis King on the ‘Role of Enslaved Africans in the Black Carib War’ and Dr Michael Dennie on ‘Disease and death in Vincentian Slave Society’.

To demonstrate the depth of the injury the British colonizers committed against our people, there is emphasis on Dr Dennie’s presentation. Dr Dennie outlined that, at the end of the Carib War in 1797, there were about 3000 enslaved Africans in SVG. These were held mainly by French colonizers. By 1807, the year in which the slave trade was abolished, St Vincent was home to more than 28, 000 enslaved Africans. By the time slavery was abolished in 1834, the Africans were so badly treated that the slave population had fallen by 25 percent to 22,000.

Dr Dennie showed that the British genocidal policies against the Garifunas, which got to a high point following the assassination of Chief Joseph Chatoyer, paved the way for the importation of thousands of enslaved Africans. The extermination of the Garifunas meant that SVG moved from ‘being a society with slaves to a full blown slave society.’

Dr Dennie noted that the fight for the right to be free in SVG became a fight for the right to live. Even as SVG emerged as one of the most important slave societies in the region between 1797 and 1807, slave deaths were higher than slave births. The enslaved Africans died mainly from the harsh conditions of life and the brutal treatment meted out to the enslaved, especially those who rebelled or sabotaged slave production.

Dr Dennie also cited statistics which showed that the years 1807 and 1834 represented a ‘most dangerous time’ to be a child in SVG, as 25 percent of all the children died before they reached the age of 5 years.

Forty percent of all enslaved Africans between the ages of 19 to 40 also died.

Most Vincentians, Dr Dennie said, simply did not live to be very old. He contended that emancipation was a

blessing in that it aided life and population growth, even though the country continued as a colony until independence in 1979.

A number of truths came out of Dr Dennie’s lecture. Chief among them is that before the Europeans came into contact with the Americas and rudely interrupted and disrupted the way of life of these proudly independent people, life was much better than the pain and suffering, death and destruction brought on by European conquest and colonization.

Another point is that European contact with the rest of the world, especially Africa and the Americas, led to the development of the transAtlantic slave trade and slavery which brought enormous benefit to the European societies, and contributed to the underdevelopment and stagnation in the both Africa and the Americas.

The first act of the British after the death of Chief Chatoyer was the banishment of thousands of Garifunas from their homeland. Those that remained were pushed to the remote northern regions of the country. As this was done, the British took control of over 100,000 acres of the mostly fertile lands.

Worse, even after exploiting the labour of thousands of enslaved Africans, when emancipation legally came in 1834, it was the British planters who were rewarded by the British Parliament with close to 600,000 pounds. Estimates are that this payment is about 120 million pounds in today’s dollars. Those who were enslaved and made to work for free, those beaten and raped and killed are yet awaiting compensation for their labour.

Herein lies the basis for the call for reparations, in which demands are made for the British government to pay our country for the wrong which it sanctioned, especially after the death of Chief Chatoyer and the establishment of British crown colony in SVG. Imagine what our country could do with 120,000,000 pounds!

If these crimes were committed today, the British will definitely have a case to answer before the International Criminal Court in the Hague. As Dr. Dennie showed, there is ample proof that genocide and mass deportation of a people, all recognized as war crimes, were committed by the British against our ancestors.

The celebrations held in Diamonds to ring in Emancipation on July 31 and in Georgetown and other points across the country to mark the 174th emancipation anniversary, are proof that more people are getting the message of slavery and the need for recompense.

More of this slave and emancipation story needs to be brought to our young so that, rather than be ashamed of our slave experience, we might join as one to proclaim: Never forget, never again.

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

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Argyle airport – a colossal mistake

THE MILLIONS WASTED ON THE ARGYLE AIRPORT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INVESTED in our people, to give them prosperity and a bright future.One has to ask PM Gonsalves, how many millions have been wasted on the Argyle airport project? Is it 100 million dollars, 200 million dollars, 300 million dollars or more? Gonsalves should tell the people how much has been wasted at Argyle; how much money has been borrowed from ALBA and various banks?

For all the millions spent at Argyle, have we seen thousands of new jobs created? Have we seen economic growth? Have we seen a decrease in poverty and crime? No, no and no!

Let’s not mince words here: we have a strip of mud at Argyle and nothing more, and it has cost our country millions. The Argyle airport should be cancelled now.

The ULP regime needs to understand that TV adverts cannot make the Argyle airport runway longer. They can show 5 adverts a day, 10 adverts a day, even 50 adverts a day, but the Argyle airport runway will still be too short. The more we see Argyle adverts on TV, the more we know that the ULP regime does not know what they are doing. Does the ULP regime think that the International Civil Aviation Organization hands out aviation licences to airports with dangerously short runways and dangerous, unpredictable crosswinds based on the basis of TV adverts?There is a very dangerous inherent tailwind /crosswind problem at Argyle. No amount of adverts can change this.

The tailwind/crosswind problem is a serious and major flight safety hazard,

which could make it doubtful that the Argyle airport will be useable for much of the time.

The lack of an instrument approach runway is also a major flight safety hazard. The EIA report warned the ULP regime that the width of Argyle airport, runway is far from wide enough for an instrument approach runway, which is needed for landing in bad weather conditions.It would be foolhardy and reckless to carry on with the Argyle airport knowing that it will be unused and torn up in the future.

The Argyle airport project is now history.

Argyle airport has been in the planning since 2005 and many millions have been wasted. It is sad to think what could have been achieved in the previous 8 years with say, 300 million dollars properly invested.By now we could have had thousands of new jobs,

our own university, a more vibrant agriculture sector, lower taxes and a real education revolution, with education free from preschool to university. SVG could have been well on the way to having much of our electricity produced by renewable energy too.

Argyle airport has been a colossal mistake. It is time to go Green and stop throwing money away on the Argyle airport. At present, our country is on a runway to ruin, and change is desperately needed. We need to unlock our nation’s full potential and create new jobs and new revenue.

Our people need hope and a brighter future.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Call for youths to be creative

Young Local Visual Artist and Video Producer, Akley Olton delivering the feature address at the ‘Youth in Arts & Culture: The Age of SelfExpression’ forum in the SVG National Youth Lecture Series 2012.

Part almost Two of the SVG National clichéd as Olton Youth Lecture Series demanded of his 2012 (NYLS 2012), audience, “Can we say 'Youth in Arts & Culture: what Vincentian culture The Age of Self really is? Can we say Expression', was held that Vincentians last Thursday evening at understand what their the Peace Memorial Hall. culture is?” The The feature speaker seemingly obvious was young local visual answer was punctuated artist and video with yet another producer, Mr. Akley question that clearly Olton. It initially seemed revealed Olton’s unique

perspective: “Can we see examples of a Vincentian people united around a love of this defined culture and an appreciation for its value and power?” Responding to his own question, Olton firmly stated, “No...We have no real example of a well defined cultural product to which we can point”.Olton quickly found himself serving dual roles in his short but enthralling presentation — as proxy for the voices of many local artists, and as encouragement to young artists still feeling their way through unconventional creative fields. He made a firm call for local educational officials to “...include the arts in the mandates of local [educational] institutions,” and advanced the view that “our people must understand how to express themselves; they must learn how to be creative”. Moderator, Mr. Anthony Theobalds, Director of Culture, left no stone unturned with his references and personal insight into several modern-historical and contemporary

developments in the local artistic movement, leaving with his audience the thought, “You do not paint just to splash colours on a canvas...your audience would feel that you are fake.”

Panellist Mr. Shane Scott, Co-Director of the SVG Mass Choir, in sharing his personal journey towards becoming an artistic director, spoke of the importance of remaining true to one’s calling, and taking full advantage of

personal gifts and talents. Scott also made a resounding call for the local Christian community to better incorporate ‘The Arts’ into their local ministries, much to the delight of the audience.

Young musician and Curriculum Development Officer in the Ministry of Education, Ms. Marla Nanton, also shared from her personal experience, re-emphasizing the challenges associated with making the various

forms of artistry viable within local vocation. All in all, last Thursday’s forum was a resounding success. There were contributions from youths and veterans as well as cross-disciplinary contributions from youths in business and history. This rich variation in ideas — all converging on the central theme — formed the essence of a mostremarkable forum.

(Contributed)

L-R: Mr. Anthony Theobalds (Director of Culture – The Ministry of Tourism & Culture); Mr. Shane Scott (Artistic Director and Co-Director of the SVG Mass Choir); Ms. Marla Nanton (Musician and Curriculum Development Officer – Ministry of Education).

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 13.

Diaspora

Vincy dishes spice up church fair

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US Correspondent

VINCENTIANS AT ST. ALBAN’S EPISCOPAL (Anglican) Church in Brooklyn, New York, last Saturday ensured that patrons featured wanted “seconds” – and other West obviously did not go home Indian foods and fun-filled unfulfilled – by serving mouthwatering local delicacies at the activities for children and adults. church’s annual fair.

The fair, held on the The dishes, prepared by church’s sprawling grounds in members of the congregation and well-wishers, were part of the Canarsie section of the predominantly Caribbean Brooklyn, attracted hundreds of Caribbean and church’s ‘Rally of Nations’ other nationals, fund-raising activities, who made every J D which effort to sample e-born ncis) i l l a u Barro offrey Fra ith the wide variety Gof (G controls, w of spicy dishes at the oxanne. on hand.

R wife, Besides St. Vincent and the Grenadines, other countries represented were Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana,

Members of the SVG ‘Rally of Nations’ team, L-R (front row): Annette Stowe, Rosalie James, Carlitha Jack, Esther DaSilva and Viona Homer; (back row): Wayne and Elitha John.

Left: Fr. George Bonner and wife, Majorie, enjoying the fair.

Jamaica, Nigeria, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Good support St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ‘Rally of Nations’ members, led by Marcia Providence-Etienne, include Annette Stowe, Esther DaSilva, Elitha John, Viona Homer, Carlitha Jack and Rosalie James.

Stowe, the Bequia-born treasurer, told THE VINCENTIAN that her group has been managing the fair stall since 2010.

“We have been successful in getting the Vincentian members of our congregation to contribute a variety of Vincentian specialties, which have been enjoyed not only by our fellow Vincentian supporters of the fair, but also by our many other Caribbean counterparts,” she said.

The Vincentian menu comprised fried fish or saltfish, with roasted breadfruit, coconut dumpling, cooked green banana and salad; pelau and salad;

Vincies, among other Caribbean nationals, relaxing under the trees in the church compound.

Jackson Farrell, of LaCroix, President of the Brooklyn-based SVG Ex-Teachers’ Association of New York, getting his mouth-watering dish from the Vincy stall.

Caribbean people coming together in harmony,” he said, sipping from a colored plastic glass.

“The church is responsible for the whole development of the total man,” added John, flanked by Simmons and childhood friend, Vibert David, from Belmont. John and David were acolytes at St. John’s Anglican Church in Belair.

Coming together in harmony St. Alban’s Belize-born pastor, Fr. George Bonner, As he feasted on fried fish said he was “having a good and breadfruit, O’brien time” among his diverse body.

Simmons, President of the “I’m enjoying myself,” he Brooklyn-based Bequia United said, as his compatriot wife, Progressive Organization Majorie, chowed down oxtail (BUPO) and Treasurer of the and rice and peas prepared by Vincentian umbrella group, Council of St. Vincent and the the Belize contingent.

“This is one of the most Grenadines’ Organizations, vibrant churches in the U.S.A. Inc. (COSAGO), said he parish,” added Fr. Bonner, was getting nostalgic. boasting that 400-500 people “It’s good,” he said about attend Sunday worship. the local dishes, adding that Barrouallie-born Goffrey the Vincentian group was Francis, aka DJ Gof, “getting good support. entertained patrons with a “People are buying,” he variety of Caribbean music, said. including the latest Vincentian Wayne John, a recently hits. retired civil servant at home, The St. Vincent and the who hails from Belair, said he Grenadines’ ‘Rally of Nations’ was not only supporting his team also holds an annual wife, Elitha John, but the fund-raising barbecue each entire church.

July, at the same location.

“It’s good to see all

callaloo soup; breadfruit and saltfish; and cooked green banana and saltfish.

Others on the menu were: bakes and saltfish; fried fish and bakes or breadfruit; cow foot souse; saltfish cakes; sweet potato pudding; and doucana.

Patrons washed them down with sorrel beer and mauby.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The tangled web

question. He cited both the rules of the house and the Immigration law of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: the first was sec 21B of the House rules that prohibit questions which begin with names of persons unless they may be necessary to render the question understandable, and the second was the immigration law under which he argued he was not obliged to explain how he used his discretionary powers when granting citizenship to any individual.

Anyone who was paying attention to that exchange between Drs. Lewis and Gonsalves (note the reference to the Doctors as in PhD name tag) would have been totally confused, particularly when the Speaker Alexander Parliament’s ‘goins and allowed the misuse of the comins’ rules of the house. Even though the question did not On the invitation of The address the fundamental issue Speaker of the House, that is inherent in the Hendrick Alexander, at the Buccamma Bay Resort debacle sitting of parliament on July which is foreign direct 24, 2012, Dr. The Honourable investment (but that is for Senator Linton Lewis rose to another article from this ask question no. 19 to the writer), Dr, Lewis’s question Prime Minister Dr. The did not seek names. He asked Consul General Selmon Honourable Ralph Gonsalves. for qualification, eligibility and Walters addressing the 2012 When paraphrased, Dr. numbers of those who were Vincy Picnic, 1000 Island, Lewis’s question was whether granted citizenship from that Ontario (Photo by Nelson any investor, officer of investor foreign direct investment King) or other persons associated project. Further, the question with Buccamma Bay Resort has been granted citizenship The Airport and 1000 Island of the state of St. Vincent; if so what nationalities were they, The allegation that Consul whether they had lived in General (CG) Selmon Walter SVG prior to the granting of was seen at the popular that citizenship; whether Canada-based Vincy Thousand they were eligible and what Island picnic with either a box made them eligible. or bucket soliciting money for To this question, the our international airport that Prime Minister responded is being built at Argyle, goes in a rather long-winded against the grain of political fashion which amounted to reasoning. This is the same a refusal to answer the airport which both Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Right: Hendrick Alexander, Ralph Gonsalves and his cousin Minister Julian Francis Speaker of the House, is perceived to be lenient to one boast that the Vincentian side. public will not bear the financial burden. Such was their confidence as they boasted pledges from a “coalition of the willing” that “OH WHAT A TANGLED WEB we included Venezuala, Cuba, weave, when first we practise to Mexico and Trinidad and deceive!”

Tobago, that they had a “RED” Sir Walter Scott, the (ULP) groundbreaking event eighteenth-century Scottish for that same airport. They historical novelist, playwright, did not need the support of the and poet who was popular “YELLOW” (NDP). throughout much of the world It is no wonder, therefore, during his time, offers an apt that many of NDP supporters description of what we witness who were among the in Saint Vincent and the estimated 15,000 picnickers Grenadines these days. As a think it an affront to be result, it may be worth our approached in this way. The while pondering three of the premise upon which that recent follies: the allegation of airport was promoted, solicitation at the July 21, initially, has been a far cry 2012 Vincy Thousand Island from UNITY which was the Picnic; the Parliamentary driving force behind sitting of the July 24 and 31, Vincentians in Canada, 2012; and the August 3, 2012 especially in Toronto, tropical storm Ernesto Montreal and Ottawa coming warning. together at around 1985 to form what has become one the biggest Vincy gatherings to the world.

As an aside, do people get receipts for these charitable gifts toward this near billion dollar capital project and who guarantees the intended expenditure of same?

Below: There were the usual rough seas associated with storm weather conditions.

by LUZETTE KING Producer and Host, Global Highlights globalhighlights@gmail.com

allowed for a QUICK responsive leap to the feet which then turned into a verbal meandering with occasional pauses that left the Vincentian public no wiser as to the real story with the Buccament Bay Resort.

There is another significant aspect of the second session of that parliamentary sitting on July 31. In fact, it was a black conscious individual who drew to this writer’s attention the timing and insensitive nature of a parliamentary discussion on a piece of legislation that increases the airport departure tax by “only $10.00”. On the eve of the 2012 African Emancipation Day, Vincentians, through their opposition parliamentarians, who are predominantly of African descent, were deemed unpatriotic when they protested another tax rise at the same time that civil servants are having to wait for their long overdue 3% raise in salaries. These legitimate protestors also represent recently disenfranchised farmers, some of whom travel either for medical reasons or leisure; who, sometimes, have to pay VINLEC’s unexplained surcharges of more than 100% of the cost of their actual use of electricity; who have to pay the various increases in the form of VAT on homegrown and more nutritious foods, and the list of taxes rises can go on. Apart from telling us in answer to a question that the proceeds were not for the

airport, there was no further information regarding the use.

Lest we forget, did I hear Prime Minister Gonsalves and his cousin almost simultaneously denying, in this same sitting, ever boasting that Vincentians would not bear the financial burden of the Argyle International airport?

The storm in a teacup As for the Ernesto debacle, one has to commend the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) for their efforts when preparing Vincentians for what could, had tropical storm Ernesto visited as anticipated.

However, there was evidence of a frantic approach when we were asked, on the evening, to stay at home, and then less than 12 hours after, we were asked to stay at home. Would it have been less panicked were we asked to standby?

Anyhow, one Face Book poster encapsulated the situation on Saturday, August 4, with this post which I find appropriate to share: “Breaking news! u hear it here first. Due to financial difficulties, Ernesto has canceled his visit to SVG because of d raise in departure tax at d ET Joshua airport and d cost of food, gas and other prices is too high. ...”

As I began, so shall I end “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive!”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 15.

Heritage

Youths respond to Garifuna Cultural retrieval

James Lovell.

He took the THE 2012 GARIFUNA CULTURAL participants RETRIEVAL Workshop was through the officially launched o Tuesday, singing of July 24, at the Central Leeward Garifuna songs, Secondary School, Peter’s Hope, and taught the on Monday, July 23rd. lyrics for songs Officials at the opening sung locally, ceremony included former including our Minister of Culture, Ms. Rene National Baptiste and Director of Anthem.

Culture Mr. Anthony He also Theobalds. introduced the There was a registration of rhythms of the a staggering fifty participants Garifuna to over last year’s meager ten on new participants, Day One. Participants and gave the travelled from as far as Sandy returning ones new and Bay. Over the next few days, exciting beats to be the numbers continued to incorporated into known ones. swell, reaching to over one On Friday, 27th July, Mr. hundred by the third week.

Lovell was joined by The activities concentrated Dancer/Choreographer Erica on drumming and singing Zuniga from Los Angeles, during the first week. This California, and commenced was led by Belizean born the dance component of the Garifuna Singer/Musician workshop.

by GLORIAH…

James Lovell explains the rudiments of Garifuna dance and music.

Left: Dancer/Choreographer Erica Zuniga (left) in session with a group of female dancers. forward to the rest of our time together!”

With a few days into the dance, the three components were combined so that those taking part could better understand the A first timer to her function of each component in ancestral homeland, Ms. a unified piece.

Zuniga was ecstatic at what During the weeks’ she saw during her sessions activities, the children showed with the young people. “I had a particular eagerness to learn a great day today with the about their Garifuna culture youths.” she said; “this was and heritage, and when THE the first time many of them VINCENTIAN visited the had ever danced any Garifuna Central Leeward Secondary dances, and they stepped up to School on Tuesday, August the challenge. I really look 7th, it was noted with

amazement, the way in which even the smallest child readily grasped such songs in a completely new language.

The dance moves made many look like naturals. The movements were easy, and ones with which each person, males and females easily related.

All that is learnt was choreographed into an entire production to be staged in three locations: the Central Leeward Secondary School, at the Greiggs Hard Court and at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Children learn about festivals

by GLORIAH…

‘GROWING YOUNG SVG ARTISTS: Transforming Lives Through the Arts’ is the Annual Visual Arts Project of the Youlou Arts Foundation here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Foundation

continued its programme this year at four locations around St. Vincent and the Grenadines: the Thomas Saunders Secondary School in Kingstown, the Barrouallie MultiPurpose Centre, the Georgetown MultiPurpose Centre, and the

A happy bunch of ‘young creators’, stand proudly alongside their handiwork.

Westwood Methodist School in Spring Village.

The project, which catered to children between the ages of five and fifteen years, centred its activities around the theme, ‘Festivals’.

Participants were placed into three groups, 5 — 6 years, 7 — 9 years and 10

This facilitator years and over. keeps a sharp eye According to the and finger on the Coordinator of the work of his cares. project, Mrs. Camille SaundersMusser, the main aim of this year’s theme was to “allow children to be as creative as they could”, to “get a taste of how other people in different parts of the world celebrate”, and to “learn to work as a team”.

Saunders-Musser told THE VINCENTIAN that to support each theme. the activities started The group was also with the children viewing responsible for creating a videos of festivals around public relations the world: the New Year campaign to inform Festival and Lantern about their festival, Festival in China; the through the media of Diwali and Holi Festivals posters, banners or in India; Carnival in invitations.

Brazil; and the Day of This year, as far as the Dead Festival of the Coordinator is Mexico. concerned, has seen a From these, she said, marked concentration on much discussion was the job in hand among stimulated, and the all children. “This year children were able to is really successful”, draw on them for their Saunders-Musser said; inspiration for coming up “the children are really with each group’s engaged, because it is individual theme, and hands-on. They are very the costume, head piece, focused. They are mask and other learning how to be decorations, which were creative and to imagine a to be designed and made piece of art and then

produce it.”

All the hard work undertaken in this year’s programme was showcased on Thursday, 9th August on the ground of the Grammar School Playing Field, where participants from each location, put on a parade of their festival.

There were approximately three festival processions from each group.

The programme Coordinator was extremely pleased with what went on during this year’s summer workshop, and has every intention of working towards its continuation.

Participants honing their design and production skills.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 19.

Browne launches ÂFeather your TingalingÊ A crosssection of the book launching audience.

Cecil Browne introducing his book.

DESCRIBING VINCENTIANS AS NATURAL STORY TELLERS, author Cecil Browne has encouraged citizens of this country to become writers.

Browne made this call on 27 July at the UWI Open Campus Lecture Hall when he launched his second book, ‘Feather your Tingaling’, a compilation of eight fiction short stories.

Browne, who migrated to England when he was 13-years old and is now a college lecturer in Math, said that when he often returned to St Vincent and the Grenadines, he would seek local publications, but it was often difficult to find any. He said instead of continuing to search, he began writing, and in the process used familiar local names and locations to give a nostalgia sentiment. Browne expressed the belief that eventually, many Vincentians as well as foreigners would be eager for stories from this country, whether it was fiction or non-fiction. It was important therefore, to tell stories from the Vincentian perspective, Browne emphasized..“Get writing, don’t keep that stuff under the bed…we have to re-create and define who we are as opposed to going along to one particular part of the spectrum. We have projects to recreate what the Caribbean life was first like when we went to England, like when people first went to the 40’s and 50s after the war. The British are keen to have these experiences recorded, transcribed and available as a part of their history,” Browne encouraged.

Giving an overview of the book, historian Dr Adrian Fraser said that ‘Feather your Tingaling’ was worth reading and that the book was a collection of eight Caribbean short stories with a focus on St Vincent, while two pieces were set in London.He outlined the liveliness of the characters, but was critical of the author for taking liberties with the geography of this country, in naming randomly when an individual travelled from one area to another.

Dr. Fraser pointed out that the use of random names in the book could confuse Vincentian readers; but however, praised Browne on his use of folk songs and expressions which we no longer present.Lecturer at the Community College and PhD student at the Cave Hill Debra Robinson did readings and described Browne’s writings as “fluid” and “effectively brings the city and rural environs to life.” Hilton Browne described his brother Cecil as one with a deep interested in cricket, Vincentian culture and peoples living in the Diasporas.

V Spiritual Wickedness in High Places!

20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

FREEDOM IS THE RIGHT THAT WE CAN BE WRONG; not to do wrong. Our rights are a God given Liberty; Liberty is the freedom for us to make our own choices; freedom is the result of making the right choices. As Vincentians continue traveling down their sin-loving path, they are making the WRONG DECISIONS! I must stress: there could be no oppressive SVG government if the Vincentian people truly have love in their hearts and were right with God, because they would refuse to tolerate such wickedness in their land. The problem is that only a handful of Vincentians are openly doing the right.

People who live practise deceit become indifferent, and don't care about their fellow men.

Look at those who are the most vigilant and fearless fighters against the evils in our country, and you'll discover that most of them are ordinary people who are not selfish but genuinely love people as much as themselves and families, and sincerely believe in the Lord.

More Poor relief: What a country The Vincentian people and their

economy have been hijacked and destroyed by unscrupulous politicians.

At present, there are thousands of people on poor relief. The unemployment rate has skyrocketed over the last five years, with the last general poverty level figures showing about 37% of the population and rising. The SVG dictatorship is blaming the escalating unemployment levels on the global crisis, but don’t forget they have always boasted of their love for the poor; how they have generated the most jobs ever in the history of St. Vincent. Instead, they have destroyed the economy and made more people beggars and dependent on their hand outs.I can’t forget going to their meetings and hearing them say, “Teach the people to fish, instead of just giving them a fish” then boast about the reduction of poverty and the empowerment of the citizens through greater investments in human capital, like the Education Revolution.

The regime beat their chest about: increases in the minimum wages at the end of the 1st term; increases in wages and salaries for the private and public sector (and even bonuses

routinely granted for public sector employees); massive increases in minimum pensions and other benefits under the NIS, including noncontributory beneficiaries. However, for the last five years, all of that has come to a grand halt, and because of mismanagement and political interference, the NIS is currently in serious financial straits. The regime may also be forced to downsize the civil service.

To make matters worse, the regime has boasted about enormous rises in poor relief payment, but that has also slowed down. Fore sure, there have been enormous rises in poor relief beneficiaries., WHAT A GOVERNMENT! Taking a closer look at our poor relief statistics in St. Vincent or the “socialist, job recovery programme”, for me it’s a mental entrapment of the people; the typical communist ploy to tie the masses to their demonic master for life. People, beware! This is not by accident; these atrocities are well planned and conceived in the minds of wicked men.

This evil enticement of our vulnerable citizens is wrong, and most importantly wrong in the sight of our creator. His word clearly states man will live by the sweat of his brow, never off state hands-outs to buttress corrupt and wicked politicians. to keep them in power to enslave us for a lifetime.

When you look carefully, you see the massive explosion in the numbers of the poor relief over the year. Last figures estimate over 6 thousand and climbing as our jobs are systematically plucked away. But even more scary is the idea of placing young people on the list, instead of the aged.

To add insult to injuries, the opposition is silent on these matters.

Is the opposition just careless or maybe they have fallen prey?

Another deceitful act of the regime happened just a few weeks ago when one of their so called representatives gave information on his report card.

He boasted of tangible achievements under jobs and stressed the YES programme but, I say to you all that is a YOUTH ENSLAVEMENT SCHEME!

Where the money goes So it’s all in the open now: the real financial crisis in government and in particular, the true status of economy.

For sure, the regime has recruited more spin-doctors and con artists to try and bamboozle the nation, another socialist tactic to keep Vincentians FOOLISH AND DEPENDENT on them, so they can fall in line.

Let us focus awhile on what is happening. The Ideology of communism and socialism comes to mind; the dangerous communist company the regime keeps is frightening, but real. The policies of dictatorship are clearly advocated in SVG, i.e. tell lies to get into power,

then suppress the speech of the masses, destroy our economy by diverting state coppers to private interest, and then all the jobs dry up, people become fearful for and eventually dependent on them for their basic amenities of life.

But where does the money go?

Answer: millions of our hard earned tax dollars annually to a handful of party high-ups and salary increases galore to past ministers and the making of two cabinets for the fast time in the political life of SVG; increase in salaries to “party faithful” and selected civil servants and compromised managers of statutory bodies etc. Yet the government speaks of shortage of money as the reason for not giving the civil servant their 3% increases. God forbid if any of our tax payers’ money end up in the party war chest.

Destroy the opposition Another troubling observation is the absence of real checks and balances provided by the legal opposition. What happens in a socialist environment is this: destroy the head of your opponents and the body becomes useless.

All socialist regimes realize that without organized and strong opposition leaders, the people lose their resolve and go scattered and hopeless; so they (regime) attack with impunity. The resulting situation is one conducive to totally destroying their opponents by using tactics such as bribery, victimization, blackmail, reverse psychology, deceit and plain scare tactics just to stay in power.

A word of caution to our citizens: God will not tolerate corrupt leaders; he will also not tolerate careless and fearful citizens. He has empowered us to stand up for what is right. God is always with those who diligently serve him, and warned us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

Therefore, we must arm ourselves spiritually from His holy words and practise honesty and faith, always speaking out truthfully against evil and holding all our Leaders to account.

According to the (Basic English) Bible, “for the arms with which we are fighting are not those of the flesh, but are strong before God for the destruction of high places”. 2Cor.10:4 We must demand respect and decent (jobs) opportunities from our political servants, WE HAVE TO START MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS! We must search for a new, uncompromised, organized, Godfearing, caring, credible and stronger group of LEADERS (government/opposition) with a plan, then work in unity and love, one with the other, and with God’s guidance rid St. Vincent and the Grenadines of spiritual wickedness in high places.

That’s the only hope of a new prospect of freedom and liberty for ALL. Concerned Citizen

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't be too hard on your mate. You can make a huge difference to children if you are able to put yourself in their shoes. You should spend your day trying to get things completed at work.

You will be emotional about money matters.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time. You must take care not to over exert yourself if involved in sports. Make decisions about your professional objectives. Make plans to do the things you enjoy.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be extremely sentimental, and if pushed by others you may hold a lasting grudge. Make plans to attend group discussions or get together with friends who like to talk as much as you do. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work. Rely on the one you love for support and affection.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Attend to things that you should have done yesterday. Be careful of disclosing personal information. Get back into the swing of things. Your ability to converse with charm will entice someone you may have had an interest in for some time now.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) However, you may not attract the kind of interest you had in mind. Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast. You have to believe in yourself and your talents. Use your quick wit to win points with friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Driving too fast or double parking will result in difficulties with officials. Travel will also be very informative. Learn some new skills that will increase your income. You haven't been watching your spending habits and you may have been neglecting your duties.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) It's a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. You may get upset with peers or relatives. Your mind may not be on the job. Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love. Don't forget family obligations. Romance and social activity will be a promising combination.

You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas. Acceptance is the key. Opportunities to get together with friends will be enlightening and entertaining. Socializing will be more than just entertaining.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on.

Financial limitations may add to your depression. Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren't taken. Your ability to get the job done will result in added responsibility and possible promotion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your temper may erupt if you have allowed others to cost you too much money. Don't rely on others to do your work. Drastic changes regarding your personal attitude are evident. Hard work will not go unnoticed.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Romance could develop through social activities or short trips. Make changes to your living quarters that will please the whole family. It will do you some good.

Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you.

ACROSS

guide 35. Tiny 37. Clear your 1.Comic plate Johnson 38. Patsy of 5. Liquid country measures music (abbr.)

39. Caribbean 8. Roads nation (abbr.)

11. Words from 42. After that 43. Ike’s theatre Scrooge 44. Inhabitants 12. Flapjack 49. Chaney of chain films (abbr.)

14. Make tracks 50. Verbal 51. Origin 15. Hershey’s 52. Vinyl product records 17. Man _ (abbr.) mission 53. “_ You (2 wds.)

18. Milk carton Experienced?”

20. Fleur-de-_ 54. Corset instr21. Castle stiffener uction defense 19. Fervent 22. Queen DOWN request Boleyn 21. Shopping 1. Alphabet start 23. Biblical ship complexes 2.College Cheer 24. Record players 3. Conjunction, 23. “Do _ say (abbr.) infor …” (2 wds.)

25. “_ in the mally 24. Taboo family” things 4. Take to the dance 26. “_ Ordinary 25. Getting up Man” 5. Laundry in the (2 wds.) mounds morning 6. Comparative 27. Egypt’s 29. Middle river word Brady 28. Guy’s 7. Drunkard girl partner 30. His bday. is 8. Footgear 9.Rock’s Turner 30. Major celebrated in engin10. Sail the Jan. eering seven _ 31. Soccer school player 13. Coke’s com(abbr.) petitor Hamm 33. Court 16. Selects 32. Lettering

divider 34. Egypt’s capital 35. Downhill transport 36. UMW members 38. Santiago’s country 39. “War is _”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 21.

40. On 41. Charged particles 42. Russian ruler of old 45. Geologic age 46. In no way 47. Bring _ close (2 wds.)

48. Hog home

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

An interfering pastor

pastor has to know what he is talking about MY WIFE AND I have been because he is deeply going to the same church spiritual.” What nonsense! since we got married. I We have discussed was a member before and she joined me after we got time and time again that we cannot afford another married. I have been having a problem with the child, and my wife agreed with me on that leadership of the church and the way they interfere issue until the pastor in our personal business. feeding her another view.

I went to him and told The pastor has taken the liberty to tell my wife him not to interfere in my personal life and that the reason why we that he has been the sole are having problems in other areas of our life, is cause of more problems with his warped views. because she needs to He told me that I was have a child. My wife out of place and that it has been throwing that on me since! She would was I who did not have enough spiritual insights say things like, “The

Dear George,

as to the source of our problems.

I have stopped attending the church and have advised my wife to do the same, but she has refused to listen to me. I am not the only one in that church who has had problems with advice from that pastor.

I want to handle this issue carefully, but at the same time I have to be brutally honest with myself and my pastor.

membership. With that level of authority, they are expected to be responsible enough not to mislead their membership, and should be careful not to be advising others on matters that are beyond their area of expertise.

This kind of behavior can expose these individuals to possible legal actions, and they ought to exercise more caution not to step outside of their areas of Disappointed member expertise.

To prevent further Dear D/M, breakdown, I suggest you and your wife find a It is very important qualified marriage for pastors and other counselor to help you get heads of churches to to the root of your realize that they are in a problems. While that is position to easily being done, it can be influence their helpful to take the matter concerning your pastor to the board or steering committee ( if there is one ) of the church.

The level of your spirituality largely depends on your closeness to your God; that is a matter for you and you alone. The church you attend should not be in direct opposition to the way you run your family.

George

An uncaring, unfaithful wife the point where I cheated on her, she could walk away as I GOT TO FIND OUT that my neighbour has well.

I do not want to be been sexually exploiting a girl that is under age. with a woman who is prepared to look the I decided to do something about it, and other way when a very now he has to answer to young girl is being sexually abused. I am the legal authorities. sick to my stomach!

When my wife learned about what I had done, she took issue Gorner with it. I found out Dear Gorner, later that the only reason she did so was You did well to report because she has been this abuse to the legal having an affair with authorities, and must this man. be congratulated. It is We have been a shame that your wife married for 8 months, does not feel the same and I have decided not way, and has allowed to continue with the her own selfishness to marriage. I am not blind her to the abuse interested in going to meted out to a minor. any counselor because You have made your she knows my position decision not to continue on extra-marital with the marriage, and affairs. I told her it is you who have to before we got married live with that decision. that if she ever cheats on me, our relationship is history; and if I got to George

Dear George,

Dealing with the hard times cannot and must therefore, make decisions that are based on reality, My boyfriend and I have been living and well researched.

The United States and Canada together for about 3 years, and we are seriously considering getting married, have their own economic problems and going there to “hustle” is no guarantee and down the road getting a piece of of success, and can come with a high land and a house. degree of difficulty. That degree of Lately, however, things have been very hard with us, and it is difficult to difficulty can have a negative impact on your relationship. make ends meet. I suggested to him Going to the US for working that I go away to the United States or purposes with only a US visa is not a Canada and do some hustling for a wise decision and has its own while, to make up for the financial hole that presently exists in our lives. problems. If you are going to do something, you need to do it right.

I have good friends there who have The strategy of the tortoise is not advised me that they can find work for based on speed but rather on me. I have a US visa, and I do not completion. There is a lesson need one to go to Canada. somewhere in there for all of us.

He does not think I should go, and tells me that he is afraid that I would George get involved with another man, and I would not look back, once I get there. As far as I am concerned, he is just putting his jealousy to get in the way of our progress. I wish that he would be more forward thinking and let me go do what I have to do.

Dear George,

Miss T Dear Miss T, It would be a different thing, if only we could see around the corners and beyond the horizons. The fact is we

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 23.

Business

Solidarity Inc. gives first scholarships

by KARISSA CLARKE ON WEDNESDAY August 8th , two lucky youngsters became the first ever recipients of scholarships from Solidarity in Action Inc. The Organization, started in October 2010, is founded as a joint undertaking of WINFA and the National Farmers Movement.

In an August 8 press conference, Renwick Rose, Chairman of the Board of Solidarity in Action Inc., reiterated the organisation’s commitment to making contributions in education and culture where possible.

He explained that, “We are trying to help, but our organization is substantively to support our farmers and workers.”

In 2011, Solidarity in Action made the donation of four bursaries, and has now stepped up to 2 full scholarships worth $1200 each.

Lericia Abbott, who attended the Dickson Methodist Primary School, and Jontai Scott, formerly of C. W. Prescod Primary, received scholarships of $1200 each, to be paid in installments over the course of the 3 school terms.

Scholarship winners Jontai Scott (right) and Lericia Abbott.

Rose encouraged them to be excellent students, and urged them to “do very well, not only academically but also in sports and more.”

Nioka Abbott Balcombe, grandmother of Lericia Abbott, thanked the Solidarity board of directors on behalf of the recipients, saying that, “it is clear that the organization really has workers and farmers at heart.“ Abbott is off to the Girls’ High School in September and Jontai to the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia.

Maxwell Bennett (3rd from right back) accepts donation from Karib Cable’s Vance Garraway in the company of some of the youngsters involved in the Max Strikers Football programme.

Karib Cable donates to Summer Football programme KARIB CABLE, this country’s sole cable television service provider, has come to the assistance of the Max Strikers Football Programme.

The programme, initiated some twelve years ago by Maxwell Bennett, offers exposure to the fundamentals of the sport to young persons from the ages of five to fifteen years.

Karib Cable has generously donated a quantity of football gear and equipment, inclusive of balls, pumps and

cones, to ensure the success of this year’s programme, staged during the month of August.

“Karib Cable’s contribution to the Max Strikers Football Programme is very much appreciated,” said Maxwell Bennett. He continued, “The interest Karib Cable has invested in this summer programme will surely impact the lives of the 25 kids I have here, and this equipment will help to make teaching the kids the basic

fundamentals of football much easier.”

Vance Garraway, Marketing Executive of Karib Cable, expressed his company’s readiness to be supportive of “any organization or individuals who take time out from their busy schedule and use that time to assist children.

I want to thank Maxwell for the effort he has put in over the years, and with Karib Cable’s support we hope that this programme continues for more years to come.”

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

Nanci Lee with children from the Harmony Baptist Church.

Left: Some of the facilitators from the First Baptist Church with children.

Church reaches out to children

Hall, where the church is located, and which was “KNOW THE TRUTH, Speak designated by law the Truth, Live the Truth” enforcement officers here was the motto emphasized as a crime hot spot’, by members of the First came out in their Baptist Church of Georgia, numbers in daily USA, who conducted a attendance at the vacation Bible School at sessions. the Harmony Baptist They were involved in Church from 23-27 July. singing, Bible stories, Youngsters from games and craft.

Edinboro and Ottley Team leader of the

by SHERON GARRAWAY

First Baptist Church from Georgia, Nanci Lee, said that it was necessary to share the love of God with children while they are impressionable.

“I used to tell my boys when they were growing up, to fill their brains up with good stuff ,and there wouldn’t be room for bad stuff. When you

imprint a child’s mind with positive things, it stays with them and they are more stable. We have to teach them before they get involved in other things, that living a Godly life is not all about feelings…it is about knowing, speaking and living yourself through God’s truth; and God is truth.” Lee told THE VINCENTIAN. She said she found the youngsters energetic and eager to learn, and was

in praise of this country’s landscape and its hospitality.

Pastor of Harmony Baptist Church Jeffery Mc Dowall said that he felt blessed that the team from Georgia had come to minister to the children of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He emphasized that sowing the word of God in the hearts of children would help children to be adults who are

Eleven graduate from KDNPS ELEVEN STUDENTS GRADUATED from the Kingstown Day Nursery & Preschool (KDNPS) on Thursday 19 July 2012, in front of parents, guardians and friends.

The Graduands, four girls, Delcia Amrion, Miracle Hadaway, Micaiah Baisdon and Melody Cordice, and seven boys, Antonio Kyle Smith, Jason Isaiah Junior DeFreitas, Omari Kelly, Luke Isaacs, Brandon Shawn Knights, Leo Vaughn, and J’Sean Zaidon Jelani Williams, donned their best and were full of excitement and anticipation throughout a ceremony that began at 10:30am.

Chairman of the Board of Management, Mrs. Kathryn Cyrus,

peacemakers instead of turning to violence.

“We want to change the culture…instead of shooting guns, they have to learn how to live in love and togetherness.

Sometimes the best people come out of the worst communities, and we must aspire to make our boys and girls become great men and women and stand for principles,” the pastor said.

Some of the 2012 Graduands of the Kingstown Day Nursery and Preschool.

encouraged the parents to keep the children happy and enthusiastic about learning, as long as was possible within their power.

Guest speaker, Mrs. Gail Davis MSc. Ed, spoke on the theme, ‘Education- our Future: Teach us well’.

Mrs. Catherine Clarke, the Nursery coordinator, gave her annual report.

The ceremony included entertainment by the students who offered presentations in music and rhyme.

Presentation of their certificates by Treasurer Mrs. Angela Taylor and gifts by Mrs. Kathryn Cyrus closed the ceremony.

V Sailors lucky this time around Continued from Backpage.

The ‘Iron Lady’, with 10 persons on board, limped into Port Elizabeth, Bequia, at 11:00 pm. Anxious parents, relatives and friends met their loved ones with tears of joy, but concerns for the missing two.

Search and rescue

keep them moist.

Both sails were damaged in the squall, and they were at the mercy of the winds, tides and rough seas.

At one stage, they could “just barely see St. Vincent.”

Late into Saturday evening when the tide changed again, they patched up the sails and headed South East, and that was when they saw the lights of the M.V. Barracuda.

Fortunately, the captain of the Barracuda spotted the vessel in distress, circled and then approached with caution.

The men were taken aboard and the Barracuda proceeded to Kingstown with the sailing boat in tow.

The two young men, Richard Ollivierre and Warren Hunte, are thankful to all the persons who were instrumental in organizing the rescue mission, as well as the vigilance of the captain of the M.V. Barracuda.

The whole scenario raises questions about our attitude to safety, especially during this time, the hurricane season. Questions about the services of marine state agencies also come into focus.

The alarm went out and in the absence of an immediate response from the local Coast Guard, radio operators Sylvester Tannis, Jeremy Barbour and Clayton Ollivierre, all from Bequia, working with the operator at the Fort Charlotte Signal Station, were able to organize a search mission involving at least one vessel from Canouan and other sailing vessels within the area.

They searched in vain during the night and well into daylight hours of the next morning.

The men were eventually rescued, but only after what they described as ”a very trying time.”

They related that they had one small bottle of water, a piece of bread and fried fish, and when the water was finished, (Contributed by: Donald they flushed their mouths with sea water to De Riggs)

The M. V. Barracuda came to the rescue of the young sailors.

Right: The ‘Limbo Dance’ moored at Port Kingstown.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 25.

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 . 27.

ADARE Soccer Inc. reaping success

by KENVILLE HORNE THERE IS A FOOTBALL renaissance quietly taking hold in SVG, and ADARE Soccer Inc is at the centre of it all.

ADARE Soccer Inc. programmes, entrenched in Barrouallie, Layou, Rose Hall, Kingstown, Sharps, Green Hill and Mesopotamia, continue to train and develop talent from the grassroots, through its Summer Camp and weekly Saturday morning training sessions.

ADARE Soccer Inc, founded by Barrouallie native and former Vincy Heat player Oronde Ash,

recently completed its 4th annual summer football camp at the Keartons Playing Field.

As he has done since 2009, Ash brought coaches from the US to work alongside local programme coordinators Jason Frederick, Damien John and Alban Bulze, to impart the game’s basic skills to well over 100 boys and girls age 5-18.

ADARE also held two afternoon training sessions for about 30 players in Layou and is planning to host a weeklong camp there in 2013 and beyond.

Youth Football festival

Layou and Barrouallie U-10 clash in the Layou Football festival.

Left: Goal-keeping drill in the Barrouallie ADARE Soccer Inc. programme.

And for the first time, ADARE held a youth football festival in Layou on Saturday, July 28.

“I’ve wanted to do this from the beginning,” said Ash. “I don’t see how hard it can be to pull an event like this together four times each year – Christmas, Easter, in the summer and around Independence Day in October. I called Ian

Oronde Ash (arms folded) looks on as coach Chester Henrickson speaks with participants in the Layou Football festival.

Sardine with his group in ‘Town, spoke to Keith Olliviere in Camden Park and host Chester Hendrickson in Layou.

We got some goals, set a time to be at the field, then the kids played football the way it’s done all over the world.”

From 10 AM to 3 PM, there were games among three age groups, U-10, U13 and U15. Over 200 players participated.

“A few phone calls, balls, goals, van rides, sandwiches, popsicles, and 200 kids enjoyed themselves. Fun and enjoyment was ADARE’s mission. That’s why I am in SVG every summer, why I collect football gear to give freely to ADARE affiliated programs, coaches and players. I want football to be a vehicle to improve lives and get some of the more talented players scholarships to study in the US,” Ash told THE VINCENTIAN.

X- Cel sends two to ITF St Lucia LUKE BROWNE and Dejeante Simmons, members of the X- Cel Tennis Academy, journeyed to St. Lucia to compete in the 2012 Coca International Tennis FederationJunior Tennis Tournament, staged at the Beausejour Tennis Centre.

The two were expected to compete in the singles of the under-14 category, in both the round robin and knock out formats.

The two were also registered in the

doubles play.

Browne and Simmons were expected to return to the state this weekend, to be part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines leg of the 2012 First Citizens Investment Services ITF Junior Tennis Championships.

That prestigious Tournament is scheduled for the National Tennis Centre in Villa and the Grassroot Tennis Club in Kingstown, and begins on Saturday 11th August and runs

Championships and the Barrouallie programme took the U-15 and u-17 Asked what he wants titles. for ADARE moving And Ash’s response to forward in SVG, Mr. Ash this success: “It’s now presented the following time for local individuals wish list: Financial and businesses with the support from SVG means to support and businesses to pay for help ADARE grow.. simple things, i.e., because we will only get snacks/water for players; bigger and better.”

Sponsorship of the 2nd Nuff said!!!! annual ADARE Football Festival held in Barrouallie, July 27, 2013; businesses paying overseas shipping and local customs charges so ADARE can send football gear four times per year to the affiliated programs instead of just once in the summer.

Since the introduction of the ADARE progamme in Central Leeward, the Layou programme won the inaugural Oronde Ash shares a light U-13 National moment with his son.

The future

(L-R): Luke Browne and Dejeante Simmons

until Saturday 18th August.

Over one hundred and fifteen Junior Tennis players, representing over twenty countries worldwide are registered to participate in the Tournament.

The X-Cell duo of Browne and Simmons, together with many more local Junior tennis players, will be seeking to gain points on the COTEC rankings, through their participation in this weekend’s tournament.

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28. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Rivals Rose Hall Playing Field gets assistance trounce Police 2 THE CRY FOR HELP has been heeded. The Rose Hall Playing Field has been cut and cleared, thanks to Lennox Lampkin and the Bank of St.Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG).

The playing field, where the St.Vincent Brewery Small Goal Football Tournament is currently being played, was not in the best condition.

In the Friday, July 20th edition of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, Kenville Horne, organizer of the tournament, appealed to those in authority to give some attention to the

Lennox Lampkin taking the lead in ‘trimming’ the field.

Rose Hall youth footballers strike a pose on the ‘trimmed’ field. filed in consideration of the development of the community.

It appears that his call has not been in vain; his persistence and perseverance have paid off and the Bank of SVG and the Grenadines has come on board to assist with the clearing of the playing field.

Horne, speaking with THE VINCENTIAN this week, also recognized “the heroic effort of community member Lennox Lampkin for providing a weed trimmer for use in trimming the field.

He continued: “Lennox was very helpful. He went the extra distance to assist the youths in the community.”

Joylyn Lampkin, Lennox’s wife noted that she and her husband were very impressed with the voluntary work

The playing field at Rose Hall showing its ‘unfriendly’ playing surface.

Horne was doing.

“We applaud his tireless efforts and commitment to working with the youths, and we encourage him not to give up. It’s a labour of LOVE, and one day he will get his just reward,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. The youngsters involved in the Small Goal Tournament were on hand last weekend to help remove the grass, and assisted with getting the playing field prepared for the matches.

They were jubilant when the hard work was

over, and expressed thanked the BOSVG and the Lampkins for their generosity.

In the competition on Sunday 5th, Troumaca and Rose Hall U-15 played to a nil- nil draw, while Chauteaubelair Seniors also drew nil- nil with Rose Hall Stars.

This Sunday, Barrouallie U-15 will take on Fonando Forces U-15, while in the senior division Triple 2 will take on Troumaca seniors.

All matches would be played at the Rose Hall playing field.

TEAM RIVALS defeated Police 2 by five wickets in a National Lotteries Authority Premier Division Cricket Championship match, played last weekend at the Arnos Vale 1 Playing Field.

Police 2 posted 110 in their first innings. Salvan Browne topscored with 32 and Gerald Gould hit 21.

Asif Hooper took five for 22, Deighton Butler two for 23 and Ricardo Williams two for 24.

Batting a second time Police 2 made 118. Salvan Browne made 23 and Mc Leon Williams 22. Olanzo Jackson, 4 for 32, and Asif Hooper, 3 for 21 undid the Police officers..

Rivals in their first innings made 179. Asif Hooper led with 48, Harley Skerritt 43 Kadi Nedd 22 and Terron Barnum 21 not out.

Orlando took Wright 4 for 45 and Kenroy Martin 2 for 26.

Team Rivals in their second innings reached 51 for 5. Kadir Nedd topscored with 31 not out, while Orlando Wright took 3 for 17.

In another weekend match played at Arnos vale 2, national left-arm spinner Andre Hunt took a career best 11-wicket match haul, as ASCO took first innings from Police 1, in their drawn game.

Led by Desron Maloney, 97, and Darius Martin, 21, ASCO

Aussies looking for another Bequia title CRICKET ENTHUSIASTS in Bequia are expected to converge on the Clive Tannis Playing Field this Sunday, to witness the final in the 2012 Hairoun Bequia 20/20 Cricket Competition.

They will be eager to see whether defending champions, Knights Trading Aussies, can undo their arch rivals, Admiralty Transport Company Youth Combine, to lay another grip of the Championship title.

The Aussies were considered to have had the run of luck in their semi-final match against Canouan, when they stuttered, given their

strength and depth of batting, to 150 all out in 19.5 overs.

In that innings, Julian Edwards top-scored with 29 and Dean Browne made 28. Canouan’s Colin Williams took 3 for 37.

Canouan looked on course to overhaul the defending champion’s score, with Kazom Haywood, in particular, looking at ease against the Aussies’ attack. His match top score of 79, though, was unable to help Canouan maintain its momentum, and the Sothern Grenadines men were dismissed, perilously close to their target, for 143 in 19.4 overs.

Dean Browne and Brazie Browne took two wickets each for the Aussies.

In contrast, Youth Combine had an easier run into the finals, defeating RBTT Carib Stars by 31 runs.

In a match played on August 1, Youth Combined 202 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, Jenry Ollivierre topscoring with 77.

Carib Stars were stopped at 171 in 18.4 overs with Dam Williams being their Knights Trading Aussies are on the hunt for another highest run getter 20/20 cricket champion’s title in Bequia. with 48.

Sunday’s final will RBTT Carib Stars and Match time is 10:00 be preceded by the third Canouan. am. place play off between

Asif Hooper took 7 wickets for Team Rivals in their match against Police 2.

Desron Malone hit 97 and 53, and took 5 wickets for ASCO in their drawn match against Police 1. compiled 152 in their first innings. Rohan Holder took 2 for 34 and Parnel Browne 2 for 36 bowling for Police 2.

Batting a second time, ASCO made 126. Desron Maloney was again among the runs hitting 53, with Oswald Soleyn 31. Calvin Glasgow took 5 for 19.

Police 1 made 147, led

by Anthony Sutherland 57 and Parnel Browne 24, in their first innings.

Andre Hunte mesmerized them to claim 7 for 42 and Desron Maloney took 3 for 27.

Batting a second time the lawmen reached 88 for 9 at the close. Parnel Browne top scored with 30 and Anthony Sutherland made 26.

Andre Hunte took 4 for 26 to finish with match figures of 11 for 68.

Darius Martin bagged 2 for 23 and Desron Maloney 2 for 35.

This weekend, Spartans will play Saints at Arnos Vale 2, Radcliffe face Police 1 at Arnos Vale 1, and Police 2 oppose ASCO at Stubbs in the NLA Premier division.

In the NLA First division, Belmont take on Smashers at Buccament, and Sion Hill oppose Radcliffe 2 at North Union.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 29.

Sports

Milo 2012 Junior Champions with representatives of sponsors Milo, SVGTF and GTC.

Milo Junior Tennis champions crowned A NUMBER OF NEW CHAMPIONS WERE CROWNED WHEN THE 2012 MILO GRASSROOT TENNIS CLUB JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT ENDED on Saturday 4th August, at the Haddon Hotels courts.Seventy –eight young tennis players, drawn from the X-Cel Tennis Academy, the Bonan Tennis School (BTA), the Onike Tennis Academy (OTA) and the bulk from the Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC), participated in the tournament.Renica Reid of GTC is the new girls’ under6 winner. She beat Amelia Hushkinson, also of GTC, into second place.The boys’ under-8 was won by GTC’s Kyle Da Silva, with Machando Joseph (GTC) as the runner-up.

Akeil De Roche of GTC secured the boys under-10 title. He overcame Zedante Spann of OTA in

the final.The new girls’ under-10 champion is Briana Nash of X-Cel. The runner-up in that age division is Tiffany Chapman of OTA.Gabrielle Benn of XCel took the girls’ under12 over GTC’s Shania Williams. Richard Hoyte of GTC champed the boys’ under-14, after placing second in the boys under12 last year. He defeated Khamisi Bascombe of BTA in the final.Kamara Williams representing the GTC turned it up in the girls’ under-14, with Gabrielle Benn, for the second year running, in the runner up position.The other titles and runner-up positions were taken by the GTC.Those who maintained their titles were Che Connell in the boys’ under -6 and Demetra Fernandez in the

girls’ under-8.Connell won ahead of Jair Patrick, and Fernandez over Raffina Sardine.

The Most talented male player was Josh Moseley and the most talented female player selected was Raffina Sardine. Making short addresses at the closing on Saturday were President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association, Anthony Mc Kenzie, the Tournament Director Onike Spann, and head of the Grassroot Tennis Club, Grant Connell. The tournament was sanctioned by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association. The closing once again was spiced up with music from the Potential Steel Orchestra’s A team, with their accustomed wide repertoire.

SVG fails to lift its games

Jamal Small – SVG’s MVP Male Volleyballer

Kenroy Williams – SVG’s MVP Male Basketballer

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES FAILED TO REGAIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN THE ANNUAL WINDWARD ISLANDS SCHOOLS GAMEs, which were held in Grenada and concluded last Saturday.Completing the hat trick of titles in female volleyball was the highlight for St Vincent and the Grenadines in the 2012 CBN/ Super Six sponsored event, which also included male volleyball, football, netball, male basketball, female basketball and track and field.

After winning the title for the first time in St Lucia in 2010, the Vincentian volleyball lasses repeated in Dominica last year and completed the hat trick in Grenada. They were overwhelming in victory, defeating all three opponents, St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica, three sets to one. This was the only category won by St Vincent and the Grenadines, who tied with St. Lucia for the overall third position, with twenty-two points.St Vincent and the Grenadines placed third in male

Azhino Solomon – SVG MVP Footballer

volleyball, football and track and field.

This represented an improvement over the previous year. Grenada was again the overall winner of the games with thirty-nine points and Dominica second with twenty nine points.In the rewards list for St Vincent and the Grenadines, Azhino Solomon was football’s Most Valuable Player. Delonie Sam was Netball’s MVP. Alicia Cox was the Vincentians’ MVP for female basketball, and Kenroy Williams was awarded for male basketball.Daniel Lavia and Jamal Small were the female and male volleyball MVP’s respectively.

The coaches who accompanied the team were Godfrey Harry- netball, Shaun Young- volleyball, Alrick Wright- track and field, Wade Jackson- football and Vasha Adams - basketball.

The manager was Sharon MorganPeters; chaperone- Rosmund Griffith and technical director- Woodrow Williams. St Vincent and the Grenadines hosts the games next year.

30. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012. 31.

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N O T I C E

Mrs. A. Ernestine Harris-Sutherland of Harland Integrated Services Ltd. would like to inform the General Public, and insurance customers in particular, that her office will be closed from Monday, August 13- Monday, September 3, 2012 inclusive.

In the event of an emergency, messages can be left on (784) 485-6901, or email harland@vincysurf.com.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

THE GUYANA & TRINIDAD MUTUAL GROUP OF INSURANCE COMPANIES

NOTICE Stanley Johnson having made sworn deposition that policy number SV:1680 issued by The Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life Insurance has been lost, and having made application to the underwriter to grant a duplicate of same.

Notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within two weeks of the date thereof, the duplicate policy asked for will be issued.

Dated: August 8,2012

By Order Collin Cambridge Principal Representative

NOTICE I Flevius Daniels of Fairhall am no longer responsible for my wife Glendine “Stella� Simon-Daniels as she has asked that I leave her house. I am not responsible for any debt of hers.

Flevius Daniels

A.I. REAL ESTATE

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Rivulet 11,229 sq.ft @ $13.00 p.s.f. - $145,977.00 - BB800 Calder 12,435 sq.ft @ $12.50 p.s.f. - $124,350.00 - BB805

S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 10, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 32

Belvedere 13,628 sq.ft @ $19.00 p.s.f. - $258,932.00 - BB136 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

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SAILORS LUCKY THIS TIME AROUND EVEN THOUGH A SMALL CRAFT advisory had plastered the airways here on Friday August 03, 2012, giving the presence in the area of storm Ernesto, a flotilla of boats left Bequia heading for Carriacou, for that Grenadine island’s annual regatta.

About 1/3 of the way into the journey, when they were just north of Canouan, the flotilla encountered high winds and 15 — 20 foot waves. The boats were swamped and their sails L-R: Warren Hunte and Richard Ollivierre went missing, and damaged. described their ordeal as ‘a very trying time’.

Reports reaching THE VINCENTIAN say that one boat Duke’. the south against them, a was able to pull into Palm At about 5:30 pm on the decision was taken to return to Island for refuge and another Bequia, even though the boats said Friday, the tow rope broke made it into Canouan where it were by this time sailing with free and the ‘Limbo Dance’ was ‘overnighted’. left to fend for itself, and the aid of only their jibs. The Of the five boats that only means of communications disappeared into the darkness comprised the flotilla, two, that was already setting in, was cell phones.

‘Iron Duke’ and ‘Limbo Dance’, Four of the six young sailors with Warren Hunte and were in close proximity of each transferred from the ‘Limbo Richard Ollivierre its other, each having six men on Dance’ to the ‘Iron Duke’. The remaining occupants. board. sailors managed to tie the With the wind blowing from ‘Limbo Dance’ to the ‘Iron Continued on Page 25

Courtney Carl Williams (4th from left below).

Williams’ eyes on 2016 HE DID NOT WIN GOLD, silver or bronze for that matter, but he did this country proud.

Son of the soil, Courtney Carl Williams, lined up in this country’s colours in the London Olympics 100m.

The 21-year-old placed third in his heat in a time of 10.80

seconds, not enough to get him into the next round, but enough to catch the eye of spectators and experts alike, who deemed him ‘one for the future’.

Many Vincentians extended congratulations through various Social Media to the young man who currently

resides in Houston, de Janeiro Olympics Texas, where he has with heightened been training and where he will attend Houston College, on an athletic scholarship, beginning in September.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Williams on ‘putting his best foot forward’, and looks to him and the 2016 Rio

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

by KARISSA CLARKE

expectations.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.