Vinpages 13 09 13

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.37

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

VILLAGERS APPREHEND ALLEGED Four Vincies rescued by US BURGLAR Coast Guard The rescued crew of a 30-ft power boat in the comfort of a US Coast Guard vessel.

by BEN HARRISON International Correspondent

by KENVILLE HORNE

ON AUGUST 12, 2013, it was the turn of the residents of Troumaca to apprehend an alleged criminal, beat him and tie him up before handing him over to the police.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013, was the turn of the residents of Belair.

Reports are that on that Saturday, at about 10:30 am, Gregory ‘Gargamel’ DecCaul was caught, beaten, tied up and then released to the police.

Belair, as THE VINCENTIAN had reported in an article (page 7) of its July 19, 2013 issue, had been plagued recently by a number of unsolved burglaries.

A source told THE VINCENTIAN that sometime before August 21, a suspiciouslooking De Caul was spotted in the Belair community, on numerous occasions.

During that time, a number of residents reported their houses had been burglarized.

On 21st August, about 10:30 am, De Caul was spotted in the vicinity of a house in Belair that had been the object of a burglary.

Right: Gregory De Caul (without shirt and hands bound behind him) is turned over to police officers.

FOUR MEN traveling from Union Island to St. Vincent on a 30- foot power boat were rescued at sea, Monday 9th September, after drifting to approximately 135 miles south of Puerto Rico for a reported 12 days, after their outboard engine broke down.

Those rescued are Vincentian nationals, Maxwin Alexander, 40; Justin Frazar, 33; Mearoy Raboy, 24; and Carl Taul, 45.

The Coast Guard confirmed that they received the distress call on Sunday 8th September.

The crew of the Vincentian registered bulk carrier Sabina A, who spotted the disabled craft, contacted the Fort de France Maritime Coordination Rescue Center via INMARSAT C satellite communication, who alerted the San Juan Coast Guard centre watchstanders (Volunteers who monitor maritime distress calls) The launch of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Miami was coordinated to assess the situation, and the US Coast Guard Cutter Farallon was diverted to provide rescue assistance.

The crew of the HC-144 arrived on scene at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday and dropped a VHF marine radio to establish communications.

The boaters recovered the marine radio and confirmed they were all safe.

Continued on Page 3.

Continued on Page 4.

Gregory De Caul (without shirt) is cornered outside the VINLEc Power Plant at Cane Hall.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Garifuna leader honoured in USA Ben Harrison – International Correspondent Belizean-born Garifuna Leader, Thomas Vincent Ramos, will be celebrated posthumously in Illinois later this month.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has issued a proclamation to establish and recognize September 17th as Thomas Vincent Ramos Day in the state.

This most recent recognition of Ramos is the third among governors, state legislators and mayors. In 2009, former Houston Mayor Bill White proclaimed December 2nd as ANDY PALACIO DAY; in March 2013, a petition in the Texas Legislature was introduced by Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis and was passed to declare March 14 as Chief Joseph Chatoyer Day in Texas.

Thomas Vincent Ramos was a Garifuna community organizer in Belize and his

efforts led to proclaiming the first Garifuna Holiday, now known as Garifuna Settlement Day, and marked annually in Belize on November 19.

Born in Puerto Cortes, Honduras on September 17, 1887, Ramos moved to Belize in 1923 and became a school teacher. In addition, he founded community organizations to provide assistance to the local population including the Carib Development Sick and Aide Society, and later the Carib International Society whose affiliations were established in Guatemala and Honduras. His efforts had a global reach.

In1942, following a petition by Ramos, the British Government created a bank holiday in Belize, then known as British Honduras, to commemorate the Garifuna arrival in Belize.

A Garifuna Settlement Day street parade in Belize.

Thomas Vincent Ramos is responsible for influencing a decision to declare Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize.

The State of Illinois proclamation states in part, that Thomas Vincent Ramos fought discrimination against the Garifuna people and all Afro-Belizeans, and he founded the Independent Manhood and Exodus Uplift Society and the Colonial Industrial Instruction Association.

The proclamation further states that as the City of

Chicago and the State of Illinois are home to one of the largest Garifuna populations in the United States, in celebration of his birthday and in recognition of his fortitude and tremendous contribution to the Garifuna people, the State of Illinois, has proclaimed September 17, 2013, as Thomas Vincent Ramos Day..

Jerry Castro-Cayetano, a Garifuna who has been leading efforts in city, state and United States Congress for a national Garifuna recognition, on receiving news of Governor Pat Quinn’s proclamation said, as quoted

by the blog Belize.com community, “It’s important for our community celebrate the masterpieces of our ancestors, like TV Ramos, Chief Joseph Chatoyer, Marcos Sanchez Diaz and all of the men and women made tremendous contributions for our presence today.”

Ramos died and was laid to rest on 14 November 1955. A torchlight parade is held on November 13th every year in Belize, in honour of his contributions to that country and its people. The parade is part of the week-long lead-up to the Garifuna Settlement Day.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 3.

News 3

CRDH contributes to youth in Canouan

BY KENVILLE HORNE

Man killed while felling tree

by KENVILLE HORNE

THE CANOUAN RESORTS Development Holdings (CRDH) continues to support and strengthen relations with the residents of Canouan, by providing educational opportunities and other financial incentives to the youths on the Island.

Last Monday, a number of parents and guardians congregated at the Canouan Pan Yard to Parents and guardians collected cheques towards offsetting education expenses for collect funds on their children and cares. behalf of their children, who are Also on the receiving end of the entering secondary schools and those school receiving EC$ 700, while those attending college received EC$ goodwill of the CRDH was the Kids going on to colleges here.

1500. The scholarship holders are Soccer Team, a youth football team The funds were distributed expected to receive the support for based in Canouan. The donation, through the Canouan Island some $4,000, will go towards Council, funded by Canouan Resorts the duration of their time at their places of study. providing transportation and other Development Holdings.

The scholarship programme expenses, during the team’s stay on The number of students began in September 2001 with 6 St. Vincent, where they are expected benefitting this year amounted to to participate in a weekend of 53, with students entering secondary students. football activities.

Public Relations Officer at CCA, Maridonna Burgin, who presented the cheque to the Football team, said that it is the company’s hope that the excursion is both successful and a great learning experience for the Kids Soccer Team.

Coach of the Canouan Kids Soccer Team, Akil Joseph expressed heartfelt thanks to CRDH, and promised to make the experience memorable and worthwhile.

A CAMPDEN PARK resident unfortunately lost his life in a freak incident, in the North Leeward mountains.

Reports are that 28- year- old Rodney Elrado Harry, succumbed to his injuries on Friday, after a tree fell on him.

THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that Rodney was in the company of three other men, all farmers; they were cutting trees in the Soufriere Hills, on land intended for farming, when the mishap took place.

The three men were said to be using cutlasses, while Rodney opted for a chain saw. It is reported that the tree Rodney was cutting down, broke and hit him. Rodney’s brother, Joseph Harry, admitted that he was one of the farmers in the mountain when the incident occurred.

The elder brother said he and the men tried desperately to save his brother’s life.

He said he conducted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on his younger brother, who was lying unconscious on the ground close to the fallen tree, and he showed signs of consciousness. Joseph further stated that his brother tried to stand but was in too much pain to do so.

The men proceeded to make a stretcher using a piece of tarpaulin, and with Rodney on it, headed to the Larakai beach, from where they made the journey by boat to Chateaubelair.

On their way to the Chateaubelair Hospital, Rodney is said to have lost hope, and told his brother that he couldn’t make it any more. According to Joseph, his brother told him to convey his love to his children and to take care of them, before falling in a state of unconsciousness.

The nurses at the Chateaubelair Hospital tried to stimulate Rodney who, according to Joseph, still had a pulse. There was no doctor in attendance. When the doctor arrived later, he pronounced Rodney dead.

Rodney leaves to mourn his five children.

Villagers apprehend alleged burglar Continued from Page 1.

On realizing that the villagers were taking note of his movements, De Caul is said to have begun running. Some villagers gave chase and he was caught in the area of the VINLEC Power Plant at Cane Hall.

The villagers proceeded to tie him up, and administered a severe beating on the hapless De Caul who, according to one source, would have sustained even more serious injuries at the hands of the irate villagers, had it not been for the intervention of some workers at the power station.

The police were called in, and a coast guard jeep arrived which took the battered man to the Calliaqua police station.

Residents in the Belair community remained very concerned about the status of the individual. One resident told THE VINCENTIAN, “I want to know if he has been released, so that we can be aware. Since his arrest, we haven’t heard about any more burglaries.”

Police efforts When THE VINCENTIAN contacted the Calliaqua police station on

Wednesday September 11th, an officer on duty said that De Caul was not at the station, and he was unaware of his whereabouts.

A subsequent call to the Police Headquarters in Kingstown was more helpful. Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, ASP Sydney James, confirmed that De Caul was remanded in police custody, charged with burglary.

In further conversation with James, he acknowledged that there had been an increase in reports of burglary, and indicated that the police were doing all within their power to address the matter.

According to James, “The police have been very busy dealing with these incidents, and we depend on the public for assistance.”

He pointed to measures that have been taken, including increased patrols in and around Kingstown.

He issued a call to the members of the public to come forward with any information that they might have in relation to crimes committed.

“We would greatly appreciate any assistance,” James said.

Meanwhile, residents of Belair are breathing a sigh of relief though they have not put down their guard.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Lawyer calls for ganja consultation

by HAYDN HUGGINS LOCAL ATTORNEY CARLOS JAMES has called for a national consultation to address the positive and negative aspects of marijuana.

He made the call on Monday during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN. While James is aware that apart from using the drug, there are other acts of criminality that young persons especially engage in to finance their drug habit, he thinks that society has not addressed the marijuana issue in a scientific way.

“For too long we have looked at the negatives of this herb. The time has now come for us to focus on the positives which can be derived from the use of the substance. It is not irresponsible for us to address this issue in a scientific, social and economic way,” James said.

“We have a product (marijuana) that is directly or indirectly causing a lot of the illegal activities among young people, while it has potency as a medicine, and there is research to prove that,” he explained.

James is of the view that marijuana should not be decriminalized in such a way for people to use or abuse but he pointed out that the laws here could be amended to regulate the use of the herb in a sensible way, for medicinal purposes.

The lawyer suggested that marijuana use be heavily regulated, from the point of production to consumption, and “we will be amazed at the reduction in criminality and abuse of the substance.”

He noted that there are states in the United States which have amended their laws to accommodate marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Medical tourism James contends that, with the Argyle International Airport soon to be completed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines would have a fine

Carlos James, Attorney, says SVG is well poised for a fine opportunity to move towards medical marijuana. opportunity to move towards medical tourism. He believes the Mt Wynn, Peter’s Hope area could be utilized as a high end medical tourism facility or a pharmaceutical haven, using marijuana as an ingredient for persons diagnosed with severe chronic illnesses.

He suggested that to prevent the abuse of the substance, only persons with a certified medical identification card must be allowed to use medicines containing marijuana.

This regulation, James said, would increase employment, especially in farming, with those involved having to contribute to the National Insurance Service (NIS) and be open to taxation.

James made it clear that he was not advocating the legalization of marijuana.

“I still believe we should keep this drug off the streets from those who want to abuse it; but in addressing the issue in a more scientific way, let us regulate the production and use of the substance, and make it accessible to those who need it for medicinal purposes,” he crystalized.

Four Vincies rescued by US Coast Guard Continued from Frontpage.

THE SABINA A maintained watch over the boaters until the arrival of the Farallon at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Monday. The crew of the Farallon boarded all four men, who appeared to be in good health, and provided them with clean clothes, food and blankets.

“The sea conditions definitely made this a difficult rescue, but the crew performed exceptionally,” said Lt. Nolan V. Cain, Coast Guard Cutter Farallon

commanding officer.

“Knowing that the The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter persons FARALLON, which effected the onboard the rescue of the four men. distressed vessel had Emergency Position been adrift for two Indicating Radio Beacon weeks, the crew made onboard before going out sure they had clean to sea.” clothes, blankets and a The crew of the hot meal. We all thought, Farallon took the if we were in their shoes, distressed vessel in tow that’s how we’d want to and transported the be treated.” rescued boaters to Puerto Commanding Officer Rico.

Cain went on to say, Information was not “This case highlights the forthcoming about plans importance of having the for the return home of proper VHF marine radio the men. communications and

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 5.

Regional

ÂGanja ToursÊ available in Jamaica

FARMERS IN JAMAICA are offering a different kind of trip for a different type of tourist.

The UK Guardian of September 9, 2013, reports that tours are being organized to some of the island’s hidden cannabis (marijuana) plantations.

The report states that tourists, who are ‘brave’ enough to take the tours, can sample such strains as ‘purple kush’ and ‘pineapple skunk’.

One of the tours is said to pass through Nine Mile, the hometown of Jamaican reggae icon, Bob Marley, on the way to the mountainous central regions where dreadlocked guides take the curious, anxious visitors to farms that boast “deep green marijuana plants”.

Of course the tours are in themselves illegal, since marijuana, even in the face of global calls for its legalization, remains illegal in Jamaica.

Notwithstanding, Chris

Simunek, editor-inchief of the magazine High Times, based in New York, says, “There’s already a high degree of marijuana tourism in Jamaica; they just don’t call it that.”

And the Guardian reports that an online holiday guide called Jamaicamax promises to organise ganja tours in the Negril area. But there is one stipulation: first you have to smoke a ‘spliff’ with your guide, presumably to show you are not law enforcement.

“After you smoke a spliff with us and we get to know you, then we will take you on the best ganja tours in Jamaica and you’ll smoke (and eat if you want) so much ganja you’ll be talking to Bob Marley himself,” the

The farms the tourists visit are said to ‘deep green marijuana plants’.

Left: One tour passes through Nine Mile, the hometown of Bob Marley.

travel website says.

News out of Jamaica says that with all the heightened attention the ‘crop’ is getting, the

Ganja Law Reform Coalition, an island group calling for the

government to decriminalise and regulate ganja, is preparing to host an international conference in the capital, Kingston, this month — September - where topics will include prospects for commercialising cannabis.

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

DPP: No sound basis for ConnellÊs demands

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams has written to Attorney Grant Connell informing him that there was no “sound basis” for his demand that the Acting Commissioner of Police issue a public apology and release, in relation to his Colin Williams, client Dwaine Sandy, a former national goalkeeper. DPP, found no plausible ground (L-R): Grant Connell and Police had issued a on which Attorney Dwaine Sandy, at the airport release last June with Grant Connell Sandy’s photograph, in Grenada, awaiting a flight deeming him ‘wanted’, should demand to SVG where Sandy had and stating that he was an apology on been declared a person of ‘armed and dangerous’, behalf of his interest by the police. following the robbery of a client Dwaine postal clerk and shooting Sandy. you do a recommendation for of a policeman in him?

Kingstown, June 13.

“Surely, you would recall that Sandy, 24, of Brighton, was recently you had to take his passport detained June 17 in connection with the incident, but was released after 48 to Grenada for him to be able to travel back to St. Vincent and the hours, without charges.

Grenadines by air. You may have Connell’s letter was written hours noted that he had several entries in after Sandy was denied entry into that passport showing his return to Trinidad and Tobago, September 2, this country without any 2013, where he had travelled, corresponding exit. So clearly, he is reportedly upon request of Malabar not a law-abiding person and one who Football Club for a potential contract has gone undocumented from one with the club. country to another (some persons The DPP, to whom Connell’s letter equate that to smuggling). So, even was copied, stated in his response though he may not have been charged, letter, “I am sure that you (Connell) know very well that there is no sound prosecuted and convicted, one ought to basis for your much publicised demand be a bit more circumspect in seeking to describe him as you did as having for a “public apology” and release in some character which can be tarnished relation to your client. But a far less by the police.” discerning public would not necessarily be able to understand that Sandy wants to move on your call is simply based on instructions and cannot be supported The DPP also addressed the by two fundamental and necessary document which Connell annexed to pillars — the law and the facts.”

The DPP further stated, “While I do his letter to the Acting Commissioner, assessing that it clearly states that respect the role that counsel must play, and the fact that counsel is paid Dwaine Sandy was denied entry at Piarco Airport, Trinidad and Tobago to do a job and do so based on under section 20 or section 21 of the instructions, I urge you as a friend and brother in the legal profession, not Immigration Act of that country. The side note indicated that section 20 to unjustifiably and unreasonably do deals with: “Where a person cannot be things which can bring our criminal properly examined and section 21 justice system into disrepute and with: “Report on person seeking undermine the rule of law.” admission”.

Sandy told THE VINCENTIAN that A question of character the Immigration Officers in Trinidad and Tobago told him they were The DPP’s letter explained, “As counsel of several years standing, you sending him back because he was on would appreciate that there is a clear the St. Vincent and the Grenadines ‘Watch List’. distinction between the absence of a In respect to the DPP’s letter, criminal record and ‘good character’. A Sandy said, “I feel embarrassed, person who does not have a criminal ashamed and discriminated against. I conviction is not necessarily a person of sound repute. While your client does was expecting a response that would help me. I just want to have my name not have any conviction, would you hold him out to be a role model to any cleared so I could move on with my of your sons? Or if you had a daughter, life.”

Referring to the potential contract would you welcome him into your with the Football Club in Trinidad and home as a desirable son in law?

Tobago, he said, “That could be the Indeed, is Dwaine Sandy the kind of last opportunity in my life, which I person you will sit down to have have been deprived of.”

Sunday lunch with and introduce to your family as a friend? Indeed, would

Fair Hall man on ganja, ammo charges A FAIR HALL man will return to court December 6 on charges of marijuana and ammunition possession.

Shawn Browne is charged with possession of ten rounds of 9 m.m ammunition without licence and 519 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Browne pleaded not guilty to both

charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

He was granted bail in the sum of $5,000, on condition that he report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Mondays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The charges stem from a police action September 6 at Villa.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 7.

News

Oil spill in the Edinboro bay: School closed temporarily

when the school was locked up on Friday, the THE EMISSION OF noxious noxious fumes were fumes from an oil spill in trapped inside, hence the Edinboro bay, caused “we had to keep it closed the temporary closure of on Monday” to facilitate the J.P Eustace Memorial the cleaning up process.

Secondary School, which The Director disclosed is located in the Lower that a task force had Edinboro area that rims been assembled to deal the bay. with containing and The closure was cleaning up the oil spill ordered after members of in the Edinboro area. the teaching Staff, and The task force comprised students fell ill. personnel from fuel companies SOL and Minor casualties Rubis, the Coast Guard, the Public Health According to a press Department, Traffic and release from the Fire Services of the National Emergency Police Force, Maritime Management Administration and the Organization (NEMO) Central Water and early Friday morning, Sewerage Authority.

September 6, a spill NEMO further urged occurred when a ship persons living in the sank in the Edinboro area to temporarily bay, resulting in the relocate or take emission of noxious precautions if they are fumes and contamination unable to. of the shoreline.

As a result of the School back to normal fumes, 23 persons - 17 students, 3 teachers, 2 When THE residents and 1 VINCENTIAN contacted emergency worker who principal at the J.P was assessing the spill - Eustace Secondary, had to be treated at the Alwyn Joseph, on Milton Cato Memorial Tuesday, he indicated Hospital. They were that the school was back later discharged. to normalcy.

In an interview with “School has Director of NEMO, recommenced and no one Howie Prince, he has complained,” confirmed that the school indicated Joseph. had to be closed on Recapping what Friday 6th and Monday transpired on Friday.

9th September.

Joseph said that Prince explained that teachers and students

by KENVILLE HORNE

Oil from the sunken vessel could clearly be seen on the surface of the water in the Edinboro bay.

The J.P. Eustace Memorial School, one of the newer school compounds in SVG, had to be closed because of toxic fumes from an oil spill.

began complaining about a foul odor. He himself eventually experienced the odour. “It was very high,” he explained.

According to the principal, three students who are asthmatic began to fall ill.

He immediately called the Chief Education Officer who proceeded to

inquire as to what could be the problem. By the time she relayed word on the situation, “more persons had taken ill and had to be treated at the hospital,” Joseph told THE VINCENTIAN. Contingency plan needed Joseph said there is

need for proper plan to be set in place.

“Normally, we think about hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis; but this type of disaster was not anticipated at all,” he declared.

He suggested that such a disaster be added to the list “and put the

proper contingency plan in place.”

Meanwhile, effort to get a status update proved futile. A representative of the SVG Port Authority declined to comment, and indicated that no comment would be forthcoming until the CEO returns to the state.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Marijuana and the great debate MARIJUANA use has been with us from time immemorial. One collection of evidence indicates that its use can be traced back to 2500 B.C., to ancient Chinese culture.

Those documents record that for the Chinese then, marijuana use provided a mild euphoria if ingested, and proved to be an effective general pain reliever.

Marijuana spread to various cultures across the globe, and was known to be in use among early American colonists: by doctors for pain relief; by households for appetite inducement; and by the wider population as a recreational substance.

The irony is that America became one of the first countries to outlaw its use, but has since retracted, somewhat, to become one of the leading countries to propagate its use for medicinal purposes.

Of course, the Americans moved to outlaw marijuana after what it said was research which pointed unequivocally to it being detrimental to American culture and morality.

In time, marijuana use would come to characterize the culture of that great nation, and because of America’s influence, its widespread use for recreational purposes spread across the globe, once again.

So, while admitting that the issue of medical marijuana is not a new one, the calls for addressing the issue have intensified in recent years; and as far as the Caribbean is concerned, those calls have come from within and without the region, from ordinary folk, professionals and persons of religion.

The Caribbean is snugly positioned in the debate, not only because its use is widespread as a recreational substance and, in the case of the Rastafarians, as a ‘holy herb’ in their theocracy, but moreso because the region has become internationally renowned for the mass cultivation of the herb.

It has become a staple export from places like Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where simple folk of farming traditions have even developed hybrids, and communities have flourished in spite of challenging formal economic times.

But, if the truth be told, there are conflicting positions with respect to marijuana’s place in our society.

Those who condemn any move to legalise its use, for medicinal use or otherwise, advance a series of arguments. Some of these include: studies have shown marijuana to be addictive and mind-altering; its use is linked to heart and lung disease, throat cancer and decreased memory capacity; it slows response time, especially in emergency situations; its use is linked to criminal activity.

Those who promote its use suggest: with legalization, even as medicine, government could regulate it, like tobacco and alcohol; there would be a means of tracking its use; it opens the

cultivation and sale to taxes; it would decrease criminal activity associated with its cultivation and sale, and encourage safer use.

Those who advance the cause of medical marijuana cite, inter alia: its properties as an effective pain killer generally and especially among cancer patients, and as a nausea-reducer for chemotherapy patients; its multichemical make-up from which ingredients can be extracted for the production of pharmaceuticals (as is the case of Canasol — a treatment for glaucoma; and its use as beverage base for treatment of respiratory problems.

The interesting thing about this debate, which admittedly is presented here in some degree of simplicity, is that it is riddled with irony. Both sides of the divide, as diametrically opposed as they are, are essentially arguing for the same thing: the alleviation of the drug problem.

But the debate on legalising marijuana for medical use is not just a simple for/against debate. It has many different approaches to it, and in each of the approaches, there are differences of opinion. There appears to be three main sides to this debate: the medical approach, the lawmaker approach, and the government and enforcement approach.

Take the medical approach: Not all doctors are convinced that marijuana should be used to treat cancer patients.

One group of medical practitioners advances the view that there is no concrete evidence that marijuana has any medical value, while the other presents evidence from their clinics to show otherwise.

The lawmaker approach consists of our legislators - the ones who make the first and final decisions. It is they who will have to amend the laws to accommodate any legalization, partially or otherwise, of marijuana. As always, there is every chance that good reason may not prevail among this learned bunch whose greater concern always, is the vote. They will, for want of a taste of authority or continuance of same, echo the voice of their constituents as against working to encourage informed debate leading to a sound, non-partisan decision.

The government and enforcement approach has a lot of influence on whether or not marijuana will be legalized for medical uses. The government officials have their influence on this debate, but the police also have their say. The most difficult part for police officers is going to be determining who can legally possess marijuana.

Short of a clear editorial position on the debate, this column encourages its readers, in the face of a pending national debate, to educate yourselves on this subject matter so that when making a final decision, you may make a smart one.

The passing of Anselma Soso I AM USING THE DEATH of a pleasant, politically innocent, progressive lady who had been a pioneer of women’s incursion into the top echelons of our public service, to hammer home a particular point.

With the assumption of Independence in 1979, it was to be expected that the Milton Cato regime, which had declared itself “the strongest Government in the world”, would embark on a power trip in which the Public Service Commission would play an important partnership role.

So, what followed was a PSC dominated by Labour Party personnel who carried their party labels on their sleeves, so to speak: Chairman Christie Norris, George Thomas, Alderman Sutherland, Augustus ‘Chippy’ Browne, Sammy Ballantyne and Hudson Soso, among others. When Cato said “kill,” they virtually replied “bury”.

The Public Service at the time was stocked with Labour Party supporters and operatives at the top.

In 1984, an “NDP” PSC took over, and many persons expected heads to roll in the service.

Not so. Prime Minister “Son” Mitchell inaugurated a period of change, to ensure continuity, and was prepared generally to work with the Civil Service he met in place.

For example, Anselma Soso was untroubled in her post as Chief Personnel Officer , even though her husband, Hudson Soso, had been a political foe of “Son” Mitchell!

Not only that, Mitchell had inherited a Cabinet Secretary, James Pompey, from Cato. Pompey had laid out all plans by the out-going Labour Party, pointing out strengths and weaknesses to Mitchell in such a candid manner as to draw praise from his new “boss”.

So that when Pompey declared that Cato had promised him promotion to the UN diplomatic desk,

Mitchell readily agreed that the NDP Government would honour that promise, which they did.

More big-heartedness was displayed when, surprisingly for those times, Mrs. Anselma Soso was promoted to be Secretary of Cabinet, to work as confidant and chief executive of Mitchell, who was then despised by her husband!

Indeed, Mitchell had gathered about him some progressive women not known necessarily to share his political party views. Apart from Anselma Soso, there were Judith Leigertwood, Carmen Jack, Pam Browne, Evelyn Jackson, and Irma Young, together with a couple of up-andcoming stars like Laura Browne and Ingrid Fitz Patrick.

The stories of some are truly revealing. Pam, the wife of an ex-Labour Minister, could resign from the public service in pursuit of personal business interest which, failing, she could return to the public service at the level of Permanent Secretary. Mrs. Evelyn Jackson once refused promotion from chief examiner of accounts on the grounds that she was popularly misrepresented as a Labour plant, despite Mitchell’s expression of confidence in her.

When the Unity Labour Party took over on 20th March 2001, the incoming Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, would not rest until he had secured his new Cabinet Secretary, Brendon Browne, in a public ceremony staged at Victoria Park significantly on All Fools Day 2001.

A policy of ULP patronage versus NDP victimisation went into full operation. In particular, the CPO left by the NDP, Shirley Francis, was kicked from pillar to post in a programme of harassment that persisted until her delicate constitution could take no more. On the other hand,

rapid promotion was granted to the likes of Godfred Pompey, son of the aforementioned James Pompey, who is now a Permanent Secretary, the first father and son team so honoured.

The long arm of victimisation seeks out N.D.Pites wherever they are. So Arnhim Eustace’s wife was dismissed from VINLEC as chief accountant, following a farce of an enquiry.

St Clair Leacock’s wife was refused the necessary Government’s endorsement to ensure a regional educational post.

Sharon Cummings, wife of Daniel Cummings, another NDP representative, was not given a renewal of her contract as adjudicator in the Family Court .

Perhaps nothing is as bad as the brutal treatment meted out to three teachers who ran unsuccessfully for the NDP in the last election, and have not been reemployed by the Ministry of Education, despite an Agreement beforehand and the availability of places as the “education revolution” spreads.

One gets the message: the days of independent CPOs with spine have gone with the passage of the twentieth centurypersons such as James Pompey, Judith Leigertwood, Patricia Griffith, Anselma Soso and Shirley Francis, the last-mentioned two of whom must now be turning in their graves.

The PSC with “Blazer” Williams as Chairman and Tyrone Burke as CPO complete the deterioration of the Public Service into a party political playground.

The country owes it to itself to put immediate stoppage to this sorry development trend to perdition by wholesale support of the NDP the next time around.

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Caribbean forum on gender equality THANKS, Mr. Editor, for publishing the follow.

With the support of the UN Women MultiCountry Office for the Caribbean, a Joint Statement was generated by high level government officials and civil society representatives from CARICOM countries, with inputs from regional intergovernmental bodies and international partners in the Caribbean. The Statement represents Caribbean voices and expectations in the emerging Post 2015 and SIDS global agendas as it relates to gender equality.

The Joint Statement emerged from a UN Women-supported “Caribbean Forum on Gender Equality and the

Post 2015 Agenda” held in Barbados (22nd to 23rd August 2013). In adopting the Joint Statement, participants committed to an advocacy strategy so as to ensure that the ”asks”, priorities and perspective contained in the Joint Statement are considered by decision-makers within the emerging global processes around Post 2015 and SIDS. Forum Participants endorsed the need for a stand-alone goal on Gender Equality in the Post 2015 Agenda, as well as mainstreaming of gender equality priorities throughout Post 2015 and SIDS. The comprehensive Statement called for action in seven critical areas of concern. Several

of the innovative recommendations under each heading are quoted as follows: Access to Justice - Ensure the removal of all systemic barriers to the effective delivery of justice, especially delay, widespread withdrawal of charges and the inappropriate use of cash settlements; Freedom from Violence Recognise and promote the critical role of prevention as a systemic response to eliminating violence at all levels of society; Education Ensure that sociopolitical and economic factors that negatively impact boys’ participation in formal education systems are addressed, and that formal certification

carries equal social and economic value for both sexes; Health Recognition of genderbased violence as a public health issue; Food and Nutrition - Provide for gender sensitive public education and action on food and nutrition to transform consumption practices; Economic Empowerment - Creation of and access to financing and investment opportunities to develop women’s and girls entrepreneurship; Leadership - : Mobilise political parties to transform to genderfriendly practices, including education, training and support, incentive based accountability systems, gender parity practices which ensure equal

Dishonest judgment WHEN ARE we going to set honest judgment in this country?

The economy The economy of this country cannot move in the right direction. For too long it was left in the hands of ‘shoes lickers’ of political parties. Each political party has its pay back vendors waiting for their party to get into power. So when they get into power, they will push these vendors in positions they know nothing about. These vendors will break the backs of non-supporters of their party.

These vendors will do any and everything for

* Is there a shortage of linens at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital? * Who is funding the hosting of that big Reparations Conference? Is it the Lotto? * Any word yet on how much of that Alcohol Tax went to the CDC? * Why are the wards at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital without 24/7 security?

Haven’t the authorities learned from the recent theft there?

them to keep their party in power. They will cut a road through any place without having the money to pay the land owners. They will take money from poor people to keep useless persons in office. They will convince people that they will find employment for all if they get in office.

They will ‘thief’ hospital supplies to support their life styles. They will make a pass at your wife before she gets the job.

They will tell you to come into town and protest, for what? They will tell you come to protest without providing food and passage. They will send government G vehicles to pick up their dog food.

to close their mouths, but let us look on the bright side. There is not enough bananas to be sprayed; banana is gone like cotton and sugar cane. The spraying in residential areas is not good for health reasons.

The water catchment is in trouble because of the spraying. Spraying is effective in large countries not in a small country like ours. The wild life is going. Where are the people who are supposed to be looking out for us?

Agriculture

Agriculture needs some help. No one is paving the way for agricultural workers.

The first bit of concrete must be the punishment for stealing. Why must I plant tomatoes to be reaped by thieves? Why invest in animals? When thieves are caught, it will take up to six months or more before your matter is called, only to have it thrown out, and I am left with the bill to replant my The cart on the horse tomatoes.

What happen to the Proper planning in flames in the cocoa government is needed for industry? Can I say they us to go forward. Too run out of wood? many sleepers, not Between arrowroot enough planners? The and fish, which of them Spray plane bypass road between would have been a better Ottley Hall and economic builder for the It is time for Lowmans Bay must be windward coast? Can I government to stop the cleared for vehicular say it was better for the spray plane before it is traffic before we attempt clergyman to consider too late. The spray plane any work on the Leeward revitalizing the may have given us some highway. Can you arrowroot industry with assistance in early times, imagine trying to get to a modern factory? Can I but today it is useless. It Kingstown on a day that say this is another cart is good for government to work is being done on and horse ride? buckle under the the main road? Is this a pressure from the NDP cart for a political ride?

SPY

The PMÊs attitude MR. EDITOR, I have reached my limit as far as tolerating our PN’s attitude to news people. His clash with that journalist from Grenada put the icing on the cake. It seems our PM feels that he is a lord over all Caribbean people. He feels he can go anywhere and flex his muscles.

This attitude does us no good. But the unfortunate thing is that he will

continue to get away with this unless our news people here stand up to him.

Why is it that he feels he must tell everybody how to do their jobs? He should buckle down and ensure that this country, whose care we entrusted in his hands, does not roll any further down the economic hard times road.

Joe – Public Servant

representation.

Participants at the Forum will be implementing the Advocacy Strategy with a view to influencing decision makers to take the recommendations of the Joint Stateent into account as they deliberate on the post 2015 Agenda.

Nelcia Robinson Forum Participant

Stop the hunting IT IS HUNTING time again in SVG. Bands of young men have taken to the forested areas of the country to hunt iguana in particular. Of late, I have noticed some rather crude weapons with which these bands of young men arm themselves for the hunt.

The thing I have against the hunting of iguana in particular, is the scant regard the hunters have for the female iguana and the young ones. They just simply sweep everything in their way, with no regard for the future stock of the animal.

I am certain that they capture more iguanas than they can use, though I understand that there is a lucrative market for iguana meat in Trinidad, and that may be encouraging the hunters here to be indiscriminate.

All in all, though, hunting the iguana here is just a sport. These are not times when mankind needed to hunt to feed himself.

We should cherish whatever wildlife we have here, and if I may say, we don’t have a wide variety. We need to stop hunting now before we deplete our wildlife populations to a point where that wildlife can no longer naturally replenish themselves.

HR

V The Reparation Conference; 10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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The start of a long journey

The Issue This Sunday September 15th 2013, all Vincentians will focus their attention on the Victoria Park, as the Reparation Conference gets its official blessing with a ceremony scheduled to begin at 4.30pm. It will be an exciting event for many persons, especially those with a high level of consciousness about their history and their culture.

Many will come to hear the speeches which will denote an exciting point for the history of the Caribbean. Others will come because they want to understand further, the issue of reparations for slavery and native genocide, and what it means to the people of the region. They will get this from the addresses to be delivered by Professor Verene Shepherd of the Jamaica Reparations Committee, or from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and from Jomo Thomas, the Chairman of the SVG Reparations Committee.

Still there will be those who will come because they want to hear the legendary Jamaican reggae artiste, Bunny Wailer. Whatever the reason, they will leave Victoria Park more enlightened, with a better understanding of the reparation issue.

They will get more information on the principles and politics surrounding the reparation issue, and they will be filled with historical data which will cement the case for reparation.

Broad based Support Generally speaking, there has been broad based support for the conference.

Many Vincentian students have been doing their research on the internet, to get a better understanding of this issue.

The talk shows on radio stations which have a positive approach to national issues, have been quite active with discussions on reparations.

Even the self-styled local historian, Dr. Adrian Fraser was moved to write in his column called Point of View, in the Searchlight Newspaper of Friday September 6th 2013, on page eleven, the admission that “I have difficulty seeing any serious arguments against reparations”.

Sadly, the party he supports, the backward and anti-progressive NDP, is not of this view. They have been involved in a propaganda strategy to muddy the waters around the whole discussion about reparations. For example, they try to promote the lie that the ULP wants reparation money to bribe persons in the next general elections. This of course is a dastardly lie! But we expect this and more from Eustace and his sorry bunch.

Professor Hilary Beckles defines the process when he states that there is need for Britain to recognize its central role in the crimes of slavery and native genocide in its Caribbean colonies. In his book, Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide, he states “Acknowledging and accounting for wrongs is deeply enshrined in British law and society. And as such, the need to engage British society with a reparations discourse is consistent with national, cultural and intellectual norms”.

This conference will signal the start of a process of regional mobilisation, since no single country in Caricom can go it alone on this issue. There must be unity. There must be a search for allies who will aid this process and who will provide support in a number of ways.

There must tactics which are well thought out, impeccable, and consistent with international norms.

Most important, there must be a clear understanding by all, of the purpose of reparations. Caribbean governments will have to be patient, since the process will be long; but even so, they must act with urgency in this matter. The region cannot tolerate any procrastination on the issue of reparations for slavery and native genocide.

Conclusion

As a people, we must understand that in this issue, justice is on our side.

There is an unanswerable case that is grounded in historical and contemporary facts, morality, politics and law. Nevertheless, we cannot expect the British government and the British public to simply “keel over” and acknowledge their complicity. It will take a robust case, a massive campaign, with support from Caribbean people and even the citizens of Britain and other international countries, before this issue is resolved.

Reparation is not a new issue. A number of countries have fought for, and gained reparations from International countries, as compensation for the crimes inflicted against their citizens. The most famous of course is the reparations agreement between Israel and West Germany, signed on September 10th 1952. It acknowledged that “unspeakable crimes were committed against the Jewish people,” and a level of compensation was agreed upon.

There is also the case of reparations A Long Journey brought by the government of South Korea, against Japan, following claims We must congratulate Prime that its citizens were subject to forced Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the labour when Japanese forces occupied ULP administration for placing the that country. That claim was settled in issue of reparation on the regional front 1965. burner in a positive way. Clearly this is In 2004, a group of descendants of going to be a long process, and there African slaves unsuccessfully sued will be some important steps along the Lloyds of London seeking damages and way. compensation from the slave trade.

First of all, there must be recognition by the government of Great Britain, We wish the conference every that its economic development and success. As the Vincentian component of transformation into a world power, was the Caribbean civilization, we are proud founded on a crime against humanity, to be involved in the debate on in the form of the genocide perpetuated reparations for slavery and native against the original inhabitants of these genocide at this level, and to be able to islands, and the enslavement of the provide an opportunity for more African people. dialogue in an organised way.

Education and Housing THE ULP REGIME continues to boast about the “Education Revolution”, but when you examine closely what is happening in education in this country, you are amazed. For instance, some schools were not in a state of readiness for the reopening of the new academic year, 2013 — 2014. You can only conclude that the government did not have the finance to carry out the necessary repair work to the schools during the vacation.

Even though some schools were reopened on time, some parents are complaining about the dilapidated conditions of most of these schools.

For instance, in South Central Windward, the stakeholders in education are dissatisfied with the condition of the schools and the unfair treatment to some teachers.

In 2001, after the ULP won the general elections, it embarked on a school repair programme. Most of the schools in South Central Windward at that time were in relatively good condition, so intensive repair work was not done. As a matter of fact, the Greggs and New Grounds primary schools were recently constructed by the former NDP administration. Since that time, there have not been any major repairs to schools in the constituency. As a result, most of the schools are in dire need of repairs.

The principals and staff of the Schools should be commended for the excellent job they have been doing over the years, taking into consideration the conditions of the schools. However, for the past five (5) years the PTA of the Greggs Government School has been pleading with the ULP administration for the school to be painted. Another school year has begun and the school is yet to be painted. The PTA is asking: Why is the government refusing to paint the school? Is this a form of victimization?

Numerous reports were made to the Ministry of Education and to the area representative, Mr. Caesar, but it would appear that the parliamentary representative is powerless. He doesn’t have the power nor influence to get the relevant Ministry to paint the school. When Mr. Caesar was elected, he promised the PTA that the school would be painted; three years later he has not delivered on his promise. Therefore, you have failed the people of Greggs and by extension the people of South Central Windward.

Also, the Lowmans Windward Anglican School is in urgent need of repairs, and the PTA is calling on the parliamentary representative to use his influence to get the relevant Ministry to do some maintenance work to the school. While there has been a call for quality teaching, students also need an environment that is conducive to learning.

Teaching will be ineffective if the students are not in an environment that is healthy and safe. Therefore, the government should ensure that all educational institutions are up to a certain standard and always be maintained.

prosperity and financial security.

The NDP will implement an integrated approach to its National Housing Policy by: continuing to make lands available at less than current market rates to those who do not have and who otherwise might not be able to afford to own land; providing roads, electricity and water where needed; constructing annually a quota of multi-family residential units for low income families which will be made available on a rent to own basis.

The NDP will adopt a threepronged approach to the development of the housing sector, by developing programmes for persons building their own homes, conducting a review of the “low — income” housing project and the introduction of a new low income scheme. Some of the ways in which the NDP proposes to implement the three — pronged approach to housing development include: attempting to keep the price of cement, steel and other building materials at the lowest possible level to reduce the cost of building a home; reviewing the financial arrangements for the existing “low — income” housing project with a view to capping the interest payable on home loans; ensuring that the NDP low — income housing scheme gives home owners the right to extend or modify their homes and there is a cap on the interest payable on home loans.

The NDP will also determine what changes may need to be made to ensure that a sustainable housing programme does not deplete the land available for agriculture.

Youths

The ULP government has failed to provide meaningful employment for the young people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Most of them are unemployed or under-employed. There is nothing more insulting to young people than to tell them that in order to get an opportunity, they have to submit themselves and their families in support of a political party. Young people do not want politicians to intrude on their lives.

Our young people have for years been given fake lip service by a hapless government which says to them, ‘the only way you can progress is to secure a party card’. That is the worst thing that any young ambitious independent minded person wants to hear. The youths are tired of broken promises. They are tired of hearing one thing and seeing another thing happening. They are fed up of being stereotyped as lazy by those who will say anything to get their votes. The ULP has failed to give the young people a genuine stake in the progress of this nation. They talk but refuse to walk the walk, unless of course the walk is dictated by the leadership of the ULP. Of the thousands who graduated recently from various educational Housing institutions, how many of them have been employed? Our young people The NDP has consistently must understand that this emphasized the importance of building a property owning democracy government does not care about them, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to and believes only that they can use protect our democratic way of life and the power of music to influence them to make critical decisions. Our youths provide every family with a solid foundation on which to build economic must not be fooled by the ULP.

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Constant Kindness “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.” — Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

increasingly interested in demonstrating corporate social THERE ARE SOME AMONG US who readily equate kindness with weakness. responsibility. In their own way, they encourage their board of directors, And conversely they equate brutality members of their executive team, and with strength. We can all think of their general staff to exert time, effort individuals who appear to gain greater respect when they demonstrate brutality and finance to enhance general conditions within the communities and unkindness. Some even advocate that they serve. Many do this that you have greater control over your direct reports when you treat them with through sponsoring health and sport activities. Others generate goodwill disrespect and disdain. How many times have we heard insecure managers by building structures such as libraries, bridges, constructing water say, “See how fast they run to do my projects and so on. All in all, they bidding when I burst two bad words on them?” But while “industrial language” seek to ignite the community spirit of kindness (while enhancing their may appear to generate more speedy corporate image). There is nothing responses, we can be assured that inherently wrong with this — win-win tenderness and kindness can create synergies are generated through such and sustain more lasting positive activities. Many of the larger results. The Lebanese poet and inernational companies now seek to novelist, Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931), encourage their employees to dedicate states it so when he advocated that “Tenderness and kindness are not signs time and energy to such activities.

Companies like Whirlpool, Starbucks, of weakness and despair, but IBM, W.L. Gore and Associates Inc., manifestations of strength and to mention a few, champion such resolutions.” causes. And while these examples Be assured that kindness is not synonymous with weakness. It takes are headquartered in developed countries, the enterprises operating in strength of character to be kind. developing countries are engaging in While the normal/natural tendency may be to look out for self and to take similar activities. It is amazing, for example, to observe how CEMEX, the care of personal needs, we need to large cement company headquartered “swim against the tide” when called upon to be selfless; we can be kind to in Mexico, engages in activities that allieviate the suffering of the poor by the unkind and show love to the unlovable. This is especially so when encouraging their employees to participate in community activities we are required to assist someone that meet many of their basic needs who has been unkind to us. The (e.g. water, housing, etc.). And while normal tendency may be to hit back; some may readily claim that to extract our justice; to demand our governments are expected to provide pound of flesh. But in doing so, we such needs, we need to understand reduce ourselves in our own esteem and appreciate that governments and in the eyes of others. We must cannot meet all of these demands. forever focus on walking the higher road — embracing constant kindness. Our acts of kindness, whether performed on an individual basis or Johann Wolfgang von Goethe via community efforts, can make a (1749-1832), the German poet, significant difference to many in dramatist and novelist, reminds us that “Kindness is the golden chain by needs.

Where do you and I stand in which society is bound together.” It relation to the acts of kindness that is probably true to say that we can we display in our communities? How measure a society’s maturity by the invovled are we (on a personal and level of kindness that is company basis) with lending a demonstrated. This is especially so when we can observe individuals and helping hand to those in need? Can we intensify these activities? May organizations providing community we accept the challenge to develop service and expecting nothing that ability to see how we can show material in return; all they seek isthat intrinsic good feeling that they acts of kindness to those around us.

But we need to go beyond seeing the have contributed to society through need to take positive action. May we their acts of kindness. So many of have the love and courage to accept these actions are performed without the challenge to demonstrate acts of pomp and fanfare; no cameras are kindness within and beyond our present; no newspaper articles communities, assured that constant published; no press releases kindness can accomplish much. circulated — simple acts of kindness where one human shares some of their material possession or talent Send comments, criticisms & with others deemed less fortunate suggestions to than themselves. julesferdinand@gmail.com Companies are becoming

Dialogue, Consensus and Restitution ON SUNDAY EVENING, this nation will host the first regional reparations conference under the broad mobilizing theme of, ‘Dialogue, Consensus and Restitution’. The conference, which runs from September 15 to 17, promises to be a tribune of conversation, friendship, solidarity and education.

It is expected that delegates from across the Caribbean, from Cuba and Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands in the north to Guyana and Suriname on the South American mainland, will gather at Victoria Park to listen, learn, share and experience speech, artistry, song and dance of our people.

The conference opening day will close out with the conscious lyrical sound of reggae legend Bunny Wailer.

The expectation is for there to be short political speeches from Chairman of CARICOM Leaders Reparations Committee, Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, and hosting PM Ralph Gonsalves.

The keynote address will be delivered by sister professor Vereen Sheppard.

Professor Sheppard, a lecturer at the UWI, Mona Campus, is a long time reparationist. She is also the head of the Jamaican National Reparations Committee.

On Monday, September 16, the conference gets down to serious reparations business. In the morning there will be presentations from representatives from all regional national committees. They will update the conference on the state and level of the reparations work in the respective territories. Following these presentations, wide ranging discussions aimed at unifying the regional movement and pushing forward the reparations cause are expected from all those in attendance.

In the afternoon, persons representing reparations movements in North America, Europe and the Caribbean, who are not linked to the national reparations committees, will get their opportunity to share their experiences, struggles and victories with the participants. These conversations promise to be both enriching and edifying.

All questions and comments directed at clarifying issues, and uplifting the story of our ancestors, who experienced so much during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, slavery and colonialism, will be entertained.

What will not be tolerated are questions and comments more suited for the briefing papers and personnel of British, French and Dutch embassies and foreign offices.

For example, the conference will not be hobbled or detained by those who are more interested in lamenting the fact that some Africans collaborated with the European enslavers. The story of treachery and betrayal among all peoples is too well known and need not be belaboured.

Neither will the question of who the British must make recompense to.

The simple answer is to the descendants of all those who were enslaved.

All sections of the Vincentian society, teachers and students, Rastafarians, nationalists, conscious brothers and sisters and those craving for an understanding of the issue of reparations, are invited to attend the Sunday launch and the open session on Monday.

Tuesday’s session will be closed session so as to allow regional delegates to work through and discuss, refine and decide on the legal strategy for taking the case for

Caribbean slavery and genocide to the International Court of Justice(ICJ) for resolution.

But we may not even get there. The CARICOM Heads of Government, at their 40th conference in Port of Spain, Trinidad, last July, mandated that Britain, France and Holland be engaged in non-confrontational conversation and dialogue about slavery and the slave trade. A most important part of this conversation will be to demonstrate to and persuade the former colonial masters that the legacy from centuries of enslavement and colonial domination has left the Caribbean and its peoples at a huge disadvantage.

The conversation about reparations will have a strong developmental agenda. Caribbean representatives will insist when the regional territories gained independence in the 30-year span between 1962 and 1990, they were left ill prepared for the monumental developmental task that lay ahead of them. The lack of an economic foundation remains glaring.

Illiteracy was and remains high, and few educational facilities were available. Some still lack basic means of survival.

It is only if the former colonial masters fail to see the overwhelmingly glaring evidence stacked against the development of our people and region, or if they choose not to entertain the conversation, or refuse to engage in good faith discussion, will the CARICOM leaders explore and pursue the legal route to redress. In the event that no progress is made in the proposed conversation, a case for the colonials to answer will be filed by individual regional states.

As Dr Hillary Beckles, the author of ‘Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and native Genocide’ frequently says, “Weak and disorganize peoples and nations do not get reparations. Those who are united have a far better chance to be successful.”

This then is the challenge facing St Vincent and the regional reparations movement. If we disunite and splinter, we are defeated even before we start the truly hard work that leads to reparations. The politicians in ULP and NDP need to be told there are issues that are larger than and go far beyond the next election or political fortunes of Gonsalves and Eustace.

Both sides must go toe to toe in policy debates with the confidence that a more enlightened electorate will reward them for a persuasive policy argument. The all day, all year, 5-year electoral political hum drum must be brought to an end.

Note what is happening. St Vincent is the only country in the region where the CARICOM decision to pursue reparations has become a flash point of divisive political contention.

And there is enough blame to go around. We must change soon.

If we don’t, the effort on reparations will be derailed in the same way the process of constitutional reform was destroyed. If we allow our politics to defeat us on every issue, all developmental conversations will come to a halt.

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

V All must pay tax 12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE NEW PROPERTY TAX is upon us, but we have to ask: Are the white, super-rich of Mustique and Canouan paying it? As black Vincentians suffer under this new property tax, are the white super-rich being let-off?

Under the new Property Act in SVG, the charge one has to pay is 0.08 of 1% of what your property is deemed to be valued at. So, if your property is valued at $100,000, you will pay $80 per year, and if your property is valued at $1,000,000 you will pay $800 per year.

Mustique has many super-luxury properties, most with swimming pools, and some a golf course.

Apparently, recently a pop star bought one for about $24 million.

Mustique land and properties are conservatively estimated to be valued at about $5 billion dollars.

Based on this estimate, the white, super-rich of Mustique should pay the SVG Treasury 0.08 of 1% of $5 billion, which is $4 million dollars a year in property tax.

Canouan land and property at Canouan resort is valued at about $1.25 billion dollars. Based on this, the white, super-rich of Canouan should pay the SVG treasury $1 million every year in property tax.

Combined, this is $5 million a year

With this $5 million a year collected from the white super-rich, we could provide all school children with free school books and free uniforms.

For the sake of our children, this property tax must be collected from the white, super-rich of Mustique and Canouan.

Many poor parents cannot afford to buy their children books, uniforms and even shoes. We must help all children and ensure all children get free school books and free school uniforms.

This second phase of colonialism in SVG is immoral, unconstitutional and punishes the poor.

The differential laws giving the white, super-rich of Mustique and Canouan customs and tax exemptions must be abolished.

This economic ‘apartheid’ system is being pushed down the throat of black Vincentians. Our people are being made to suffer for no reason. The white, super-rich of Mustique and Canouan must pay the new property tax.

What is the basis on which the financially incompetent ULP regime grants tax and customs duty exemptions to the white, super-rich in Mustique and Canouan? If it is the belief of job

creation, then let us look at this foolish pretence.

Let’s assume that 1,000 persons are employed at an average salary of $1,100 per month. Over a year, this equates to salaries of 1,000 x $1,100 x 12 =$13.2 million per year. However, the ULP regime gives away far more than that with the tax and customs duty exemptions — Mustique and Canouan have been exempt of hundreds of millions of dollars in tax and customs duty. Everything these people buy — including aircrafts and yachts — is tax free.

Any argument that Mustique and Canouan provide jobs in return for exemptions just does not hold water. It is far better to abolish these ‘apartheid’ laws and collect all the tax due from these inordinately rich people. The money can be used to give our children free education, free school books and free school uniforms. The imbalance is too great, and more jobs can be created with the tax collected.

The white, super-rich must pay property tax.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Notes for the reparation discussion THIS CONVERSATION reparations represents an excellent and probably unprecedented opportunity for us in the Caribbean of African descent to launch a comprehensive programme of the education of our people, about our origins and history.

I tend to empathise with Mr. Eustace when he expressed the view that he was not overly enthused about discussing the issue at this time, because, from his standpoint, there were serious issues prevailing on us for urgent attention. Can one blame him really when one dispassionately considers the modus operandi of Dr. Gonsalves over his years as Prime Minister of the land?

Deferring discussion It ought to be carefully noted also, that Dr. Gonsalves is calling for us to defer discussing the issues which have been burdening the people of St.

Vincent over several years, and a lot of which has origin in the ULP’s ineffectuality, insensitivity and arrogance. He calls these issues “village politics”, implying that they are of little moment, and he is invoking the shutting out into isolation, of persons who are not yet enthused about engaging in this discussion on reparations. I think that that attitude vindicates Mr. Eustace.

Is there not an abundance of evidence which should make Vincentians wary about jumping blindly aboard any initiative prompted, “out of the blue” by Dr. Gonsalves? For example, did he not tell us some years ago, probably 20082009, that we were actually on the cusp of an economic take off? Can we say that we have made satisfactory economic strides since then?

Relatedly, the credibility of our Prime Minister stands starkly naked, when one reflects on the recent reports

coming from Sir Dwight Venner the Governor of the ECCB, testifying that the economies of the sub-region have been in decline since 2008. Did Prime Minister Gonsalves and his technocrats have no knowledge of the real position of our economy then? On what evidence did P.M. Gonsalves feel emboldened to make his promising projection?

To make matters worse, several months after that, he declared that we were about to reap a harvest. Dr. Gonsalves should feel obliged to tell the nation of that harvest he had so emphatically declared. Sir, has the harvest been reaped? If so, who reaped it?

Gonsalves expressed the view that we as a people needed to commence a conversation on matters vital to our welfare, I was encouraged and began to mentally note some of the dozens of issues which are crying out for Micro-managing resolution and need to be treated with urgency. I feel strongly, however, that There is the perception that Prime important as the issue of reparation is, Minister Gonsalves enjoys the micromanaging of the affairs of state. There, it must never be the pretext for the deferral of the intensive conversation the blatant mismanagement of the on those issues intimately affecting so vital banana industry has shown him many of our citizens today. up as being not of the material, into Therefore, the call by Dr. Gonsalves whose hands can be entrusted the responsibility of carrying this country for the isolation of those persons who at this moment do not seem forward. The black sigatoka fiasco enthusiastic about rallying to this probably “takes the cake” for the exhibition of managerial incompetence reparation call, smacks of arrogance and lack of maturity. in the agriculture sector, over two hundred years.

For the people of African Let us remember that the black orientation, the subject of reparation sigatoka was known to be with us relative to the slave trade is a very big since 2009, but it was not until issue, and we must be very careful of November 2011 that government those whom we select to lead the commenced, what has turned out to charge. There are enough scholars and be, a lame and grossly inadequate people of competence of the suitably response. Because of the ineptitude, historically related orientation to the banana industry is crippled. make our case for us. We cannot have A few weeks ago, Dr. Gonsalves told our pursuits tainted by ego-driven us, that we were soon to be shipping in personalities, whose history of the region of 12,000 boxes of bananas, and this projection was made, he said, whimsical recklessness and jagged inconsistencies, seem to morally on the basis of the aggressiveness of the rehabilitation exercise. How many discredit them from prominence in so delicate and momentous a task. boxes are we shipping now?

I look forward to hearing our Discuss reparation yes, defer other African oriented scholars speak clearly on this issue without undue delay. issues no When some weeks ago Dr.

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 13.

Diaspora

Prominent cultural group honours five — Cultural Awards; and Dr. Kendall Stewart - the Medical Award. (See details below.)

Jamaicans Valrie Wilson — coordinator of THE UNITED VINCIE Cultural Healthcare International Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB), (HCI), a Brooklyn-based New York, a prominent group that offers medical Vincentian cultural group in services in Jamaica and the United States, has other countries, including honored five outstanding St. Vincent and the nationals for their Grenadines — and exemplary service to the Kimberle Thompson, community. adjutant to Dr. Roxie At its 10th Anniversary Irish, UVCGB president, Gala last Saturday night, also presented a plaque to at Antun’s Catering in Irish on behalf of UVCGB Jamaica, Queens, under members. the auspices of the St. In delivering the Vincent and the keynote address, in place Grenadines’ Consulate of community activist General in New York, the Nelcia Robinson-Hazell, UVCGB bestowed honours who was unable to make on: the trip to New York, Shipping agent Carl Jamaican-born Bishop Dr. Munroe and his wife, David Mc Donald, pastor Laverne - the of First Community Humanitarian Award; Church of God Ministries June Goodluck-McQueen in Brooklyn, urged and Tyrone Owusu Slater community members to Stories and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

have a “humanistic approach” in helping others.

“You don’t have to be in church to get involved (in helping others),” he said, adding that “you should not only help your family but your community.”

“I want to see a sermon than to hear one,” he continued. “We can help people who are struggling.

Remember, when we love people, it (blessings) will come back to us.”

Irish, a Born-Again Christian and former national netball star, said UVCGB has been “making a difference” in the lives of many at home and abroad since it began its “journey 10 years ago.”

To date, Irish said UVCGB has provided medical supplies and service to over 28 clinics in rural districts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

June Goodluck-McQueen GOODLUCK-MCQUEEN praised God for giving her “not a talent but a gift.

“I’m so glad that you decided to give me my award while I’m alive,” she said, stating that many nationals have been honored posthumously.

Calliaqua native Goodluck-McQueen, the writer of many of UVCGB’s poems and skits, is a Qualified Assistant Teacher at home, with additional training in the counseling of juveniles.

She has been a member of the Girl Guides Association, the Anglican Youth Movement, the St. Vincent and the

Grenadines’ Cadet Corps, Creation Culture Club, the Calliaqua Anglican Church choir, a dance project affiliated with the Venezuelan Institute, and the Calliaqua Area Development Organization.

Additionally, Goodluck-McQueen has been a Brownie leader since in the late 1970s, and serves as treasurer of the Calliaqua Fisheries Cooperative.

With responsibility for teaching music, both

theory and practical, GoodluckMcQueen said she was instrumental in the title in the 2010 Secondary School Calypso and 2011 Soca Monarch titles.

Now attached to the newlyestablished Fairhall Government School, Goodluck-McQueen has composed the school song and prayer, taking pride in presenting God’s Word in poetic and dramatic ways at devotions.

Irish said the highlight of the last 10 years was collaboration with HCI in taking a team of doctors, dentists and volunteers in 2010 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She said 500 Vincentians were treated during the one-week mission.

New York Consul General Selmon Walters congratulated UVCGB for “10 years of representation and hard work.”

Laverne McDowaldThompson, president of the umbrella Vincentian group in the United

his cultural foundation and musical influences.

“The exponential growth of community activism and cultural awareness during the 70s” influenced him into becoming a community organizer/cultural activist and spawned his commitment to social justice, all of propelled him to become an active member of the Lodge Development Organization, National Youth Council (NYC) and United

Left: Keynote speaker Bishop Dr. David McDonald.

States, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), also commended UVCGB for “working so hard.”

Popular Caribbean

gospel diva, New Groundsborn Bridget Blucher, then brought the gala ceremony down with hits from her wide gospel repertoire, with patrons enthusiastically joining her on the dance floor.

Carl and Laverne Munroe THE MUNROES were very brief in their acceptance speeches, thanking UVCGB for the honor, and stating that they preferred to be discrete in their humanitarian efforts.

Carl Munroe, the owner and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn-based Standard Caribbean Shipping, who hails from Tyrell Street, Kingstown, has made several generous contributions to many organizations at home and in New York, including sports, medical, educational and religious, as well as to carnival groups.

His wife, the former Laverne Sutherland, of Georgetown, started her nursing career in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, migrating to New York in 1972 soon after graduating from the

Tyrone Owusu Slater SLATER WAS BORN in Clare Valley and raised in Galba Range Alley in the Old Montrose/ Lodge Village area in Kingstown. He migrated to New York in 1990.

He received his elementary education at the Stony Ground Government School and secondary education at the Emmanuel High School, Kingstown.

As a youth, he said he attended many Spiritual Baptist celebrations, where he “became mesmerized by the intense rhythms and pulsating vibrations of the participants,” and cites Carnival , the ‘Bom Drum’, Starlift Steel Orchestra and “numerous calypso artists,” as being

Dr. Roxie Irish (c) receiving “surpise” award from Jamaicans Valrie Wilson (l) and Kimberle Thompson on behalf of UVCGB members.

Liberation Movement (YOULIMO).

In 1980, Slater joined Naked Roots, a cultural group that developed the ideology”Drumming is a Way of Life.”

He identified members of the New Artists Movement (NAM), such as Cecil “Blazer” Williams, Nzimbu Browne, and Leroy “Chico” Ellis, and Glenroy ‘Tswalla’ Browne as having early influence on his cultural journey.

“I accept this award on behalf of so many people, so many cultural activists,” Slater said.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ School of Nursing.

She was employed as a registered nurse for over 30 years, at the now defunct St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, and is currently employed as Assistant Director of Perioperative Services at Beth Israel

Hospital in Brooklyn.

Mrs. Munroe said she has a “passion to assist persons who need medical advice,” and to “help the less fortunate who need medical or surgical attention.”

Dr. Kendall Stewart UNION ISLAND-BORN podiatrist, Dr. Kendall Stewart, a former New York City Councilman and younger brother of former New Democratic Party Minister Glenford Stewart, said he was very surprised in receiving the honor.

“I’m so proud of this group — to see so many of us today,” he said. “I did not expect it (award).

Thank you for bestowing this award on me.”

Dr. Stewart entered politics and became a Council Member of the predominantly Caribbean 45th Council District in Brooklyn in 2002.

He was the chairperson of New York City Council’s Immigration Committee, while working part time as the director and chief surgeon of the Unique Foot Care in Brooklyn.

Stewart is president of the Brooklyn-based Kendall Stewart Realty, Inc., and founder and president of the Brooklyn-based Professor All-forms Sports Club and the All Fours Alliance of America.

Stewart holds membership in numerous prestigious medical boards, including the American Institute of Foot Medicine and the American Podiatric Specialties Board.

In addition, he is a fellow peer of the American Association of Physicians and Podiatrists.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 15.

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Putttin Putting ng g medical m med marijuana on the agenda ag gend da the medicinal value value of marijuana.

In fact, Dr. Gonsalves is so determined to make the issue a CARICOM agenda item, that he has written to Hon. Kamla Persad-BissesPersad-Bissessar, current Chairperson of CARICOM, urging action in this regard.

In a letter dated September 02, 2013 to Prime Minister PersadBissessar, r, Dr. Gonsalves , Bissessa height-in noting the recent, height possibil-ened debate on the possibil ities of medical marijuana, Medical Marijuana has found a and acknowledging the place in some developed potentially beneficial uses of countries. marijuana, advances the position that “….it is high time that CARICOM DR. RALPH GONS GONSALVES, AL LVES, V address, regionally, this Minister of S t. Vincent Prime Minister St. matter in a sensible, and the Grenadines, has focused, mom-hysterical for serious discussion called for manner.”

CARICOM level level about at the CARICOM And while he does admit

to the misuse, abuse and criminalization of the cultivation, possession and supply of marijuana in the region, Dr. Gonsalves cautions, in the letter, that “the longer we wait to give serious regional considerconsideration to this subject, the further behind we would lag legitimiza-in the inevitable legitimiza tion of medical marijuana, globally.”

The Vincentian Prime Minister cites the USA as already being “miles ahead” in medical marijuana, and makes reference to the fact that at least 20 states in legiti-that country have legiti mised the use of marijuana for medical and health purposes.

Pointing to the urgency of the matter, Dr. Gonsalves Persad-Bissesproposed to Persad-Bissessar that the matter be

“preliminarily explored at the next ‘Bureau of CARCARICOM Heads’, scheduled for September 17, in Port of Spain.”

Recognizing that CaribCaribbean people have been generally disappointed with CARICOM leaders’ general unpreparedness to address some of “the controversial, contemporary issues of real import,” Dr. Gonsalves urged that “we must not be afraid in putting them under the searching light of informed discussion.”

Dr. Gonsalves will CAR-assume the chair of CAR ICOM in January 2014.

Up to press time, THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain whether there had been a response by Persad-BisPrime Minister Persad-Bissessar.

Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar Persad-Bissessar, sarr, Prime Minister of T rinidad and T obago, is called upon, Trinidad Tobago, once again, to advance a case made by Dr Dr.. Gonsalves, to her fellow Heads.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. V incent and the Grenadines, has Dr. Vincent advanced another ‘controversial’ issue for consideration by CARICOM Heads.

CAL’s sub subsidy sidy removed CHAIRMAN OF THE SHARE SHARE-HOLDER governments of LIAT, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, could take some credit for forcing the hand of the government of Trinidad and Tobago, this according to one source in Port of Spain.

The news from that twin island CARICOM Republic is that Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), the state-owned airline of Trinidad and Tobago, will no longer enjoy the benefit of government-subsi government-subsi-dised fuel, estimated at TT$300 million.

The removal of the subsidy takes effect October 1, 2013,

according to that country’s Finance Minister, Larry Howai, who made the disclosure during his 2013-14 Budget presentation last Monday, September 9.

The subsidy had been a concern of LIAT’s shareholders and Board of Directors, and Dr. Gonsalves had been mandated to make the concern known to the Kamla Persad-Bissessar government, and request its removal.

Dr. Gonsalves had written to Persad-Bissessar and spoken with CARher during the July 2013 CARICOM Heads Summit, held in Trinidad.

L i Minister Mi i t off Finance Fi Larry H Howai, in T&T.

The LIAT shareholders accused CAL of not flying fair.

The Vincentian Prime Minister had spared no stone in pointing out how grossly unfair it was to LIAT who had to compete with CAL on certain Caribbean routes, while having to operate its fleet with fuel purchased at world market prices, while CAL enjoyed subsidized fuel from an oil-rich government.

GonIn the case made by Dr. Gonsalves, he pointed to the subsidy being an act that breached the tenets of a number of protocols governing co-operation among CARICOM members.

It was, in Dr. Gonsalves’ and compeLIAT’s view, simply unfair competition among CARICOM partners.

But while Dr. Gonsalves can chalk up a victory of sorts, the Trinidad authorities have stayed clear of making any reference to LIAT’s concern as a contributing factor in its decision.

However, Economics lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Dr Anthony Birchwood, did voice an opinion, in which he said he “suspected Howai’s announcement came as a response to arguments from other Caribbean islands, that the fuel subsidy was harming

’s financial loss would not be repeated this year ’s r, Even with the CAL subsidy subsidy,, Dr Dr.. Gonsalves hoped last year year’s year, LIA AT would be and expected that, with the 35 per cent reduction in costs expected from the new fleet, LIAT year. making profits from next year. regional airline LIAT. “Because of regional integration, he has taken a Caricom position.”

What is clear, though, is that governthe Trinidad and Tobago governstronment is prepared to take a stronoperager position on the overall operations of its debt-ridden State airline, something one observer says LIAT shareholders and Directors are not prepared to do.

According to Minister Howai, it is time that CAL “move towards the adoption of a financially-sound business model for positioning the airline in targeted segments of the global tourism market.”

Not unlike LIAT, the Board of

CAL has completed a revised business plan for the airline, a plan designed to achieve financial viability. The removal of the VINsubsidy, sources tell THE VINCENTIAN, has been incorporated into the business plan.

Minister Howai also made the revelation that he has been assured by the CAL board that the removal of the subsidy will have no impact on ticket prices, good news for a population which has enjoyed relatively affordable air travel.

Dr Anthony Birchwood,also questioned the wisdom of this “assurance”, saying, “How success success--

quesful that will be is another question, because fuel is a large percentage of an airline’s cost.

Removing that subsidy and then saying there will not be a rise in ticket prices, how can that be?”

One opposition comment to the removal of the subsidy, and the plan towards achieving financial feasibility came from former People’s National Movement government minister Conrad Enill, who said: “At the end of the day, it really does not matter, because if the airline finds itself in difficulty, the State as the owner will have to put money in.”

Drr. Go Dr. Gonsalves in uncomfortable uncomfortable interview inter view

DR. RALPH GONSALVES, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, recently found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with a Grenadian journalist.

Interviewed in Grenada on CC6 TV, the exchange of harsh words arose when the journalist posed questions about LIAT. The discussion/interview centred around calls being made for regionregional governments to invest in LIAT. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Dr. The calls for new investments have intensified as LIAT engages in was visibly put off by interviewer ’s a re-fleeting exercise which Richard the interviewer’s persistence.

Sealy, Barbados’ Minister of TourTourism and International Transport, said will cost upwards of US$100 million in equity and debt financing, over the next two years.

When asked if he considered it prudent business practice for persons to invest in a business that was not doing well, Dr. Gonsalves’ response was that LIAT should not be compared to other types of businesses, and he proceeded to openly admit the airline will simply never be profitable.

“A regional airline of this kind, this is not anything which is going to make money. This is a service which has to be provided, and if we can break even with this service, fine, but you cannot make money off this,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

As far as Dr. Gonsalves was concerned, the investment criteria used for a hotel or beer factory could not be applied to the regional airline.

The journalist persisted with her position that LIAT was a business designed to make a profit, and at one point, it became clear that Dr. Gonsalves was uncomfortable with her persistence.

He simply refused to entertain her on the matter, chooschoosing instead to say to her that she did not have a proper understanding of regional transport to have framed her question the way she did.

The journalist was adamant that Dr. Gonsalves was, so to speak, out of place, since he did not know what she knew about regional transport.

Dr. Gonsalves did, however, get in the last word, reiterreiterating that LIAT is not a business like other businesses; that it is a business of a different type; and not a business designed to make a profit.

LIAT has, to date, taken receipt of three new ATR 72-600 aircraft as part of its re-fleeting exercise, even as it contin-ues to work through a period of flight disruptions and bad press.

In a news conference held here on Wednesday, Dr. Gonsalves admitted that LIAT could well close its current financial year in a worse situation than it had projected.

LIA LIAT AT continues to be b the focus of much disgust from the travelling public.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Teachers Credit Union gets credit

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union (TCCU) has been praised for its commitment to students.

Jamarl Alexander is fit to do that and show his gratitude as he is one of this year’s TCCU Community College Scholarship recipients.

Alexander made his gratitude clear at a handing over ceremony last Tuesday. Son of Jenifer and Leroy Alexander, the youngster from Calder Ridge received Grade Ones in Biology, Chemistry, English A, English B, French, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Principles of Business and Social Studies, along with Grade Two in Geography.

Alexander is studying Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computer Science and Communication Studies at the Community College.

He noted that times were hard, and gave thanks to the TCCU for its assistance to students and

members alike.

Alexander was the 2008 TCCU Scholarship winner, which ensured his secondary education at the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Alexander sees himself as an ambassador for the TCCU Community College TCCU, and admits that Scholarship recipients (Lhe must work harder to R) Shanika John and fulfil their expectations. Jamarl Alexander.

He spoke on behalf of Shanika John who to Ulyn Abbott, Kathleen received a similar award.

Dorset Boyea, Cly-Donna She had Grade Ones in Bramble, Jozell Byron, Biology, Chemistry, Ronen Francis, Shamarla English A, English B, Sutherland Lewis, Kimely Information Technology, Nero, Joanna Stowe, Mathematics, Principles of Myrna Toney, Cheryl Accounts and Principles of John, Glenroy King and Business, along with the mother and daughter Grade Two in Geography, duo of Roxine and Yvonne Physics and Spanish.

Ragguette.

She is doing Biology, Chief Executive Officer Chemistry, and Maths at Julian Jack retraced the the Community College. origins of the assistance to She offered gratitude to students which resulted the Teachers Cooperative from an impression of the Credit Union for their hard conditions under generosity. She was not a which students pursued Scholarship winner at the studies, including tertiary Primary School level, but level studies abroad. benefited from a bursary Vice President of the from the Credit Union.

Credit Union Cecil Tuesday’s ceremony Charles pointed to the included bursary awards teachers slogan of every

Recipients of TCCU bursary awards.

member having special value, and he assessed the assistance to help with further education as fitting into that ideal.

Charles noted that his institution was the only one to give dividends every year. He also pointed to their system of rebate on loans and the existence of a Disaster Relief Fund for members.

ANDRAY: Exceptional performer Andray attended the private Sugar ANDRAY NICHOLS is now a settled, Mill Academy from enthusiastic student of the St. Vincent age three, but before Grammar School, having spent his this, he was taken to second week at that institution. a public primary Andray gained his place at the school school to realize an after placing 11th for boys and 20th assessment on his overall at the May 2013 Common performance. He Entrance Examination. He received stayed for three days, 95% for Mathematics, 87.88% for as he was English and 86.67 for General Paper. pronounced ahead of Andray Nichols has been But the thing that makes Andray his peers, and as a performing special is that he accomplished this feat result felt “bored”. at the age of nine years.

At the Sugar Mill beyond his According to his parents, Mr. Andrew Academy, he years.

Nichols and Mrs. Celoy Nichols, Andray completed both has always shown manifestations of Grades One and Two in the same year excellence from very early in his and proceeded on to Grade Three. childhood.

Andray told THE VINCENTIAN that Mrs. Nichols recounted that her son he is not at all overwhelmed at the attended daycare at five months old, and prospect of attending the St. Vincent was able to go straight into preschool Grammar School. much earlier than normal. He was “I knew there would have been many noticed as being very advanced for his students. At my school, the classes age, as he was reading at three years became less and less in number as the old.

Grades got higher, but I could handle it,” “He was introduced to the computer he confidently quipped. He says that he at an early age, and this enhanced his plans to be a top student. He believes phonics and, therefore, his reading and that he should “work hard and pay my comprehension skills,” she told THE own way.”

VINCENTIAN.

by GLORIAH…

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 17.

18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 19.

Book Review

Book: Brian Lara (An authorized biography) now....in the past you wanted to maintain yourself as the best batsman in the world…..”

True or not, it is undeniable that in any situation where a unique talent emerges, more experienced personnel bristle, become self conscious, concerned about being upstaged. Envy musings are well documented. But simmer and efforts are contrived to what stands out above all is Fuller’s stymie, to undermine the newcomer. exploration of greatness concomitant Lara became the target of an with the fragility of a mind grappling investigation regarding the damning with the pressures of adulation and allegation of match fixing which criticism. proved unsubstantiated. It’s the The axiom that greatness is born Jekyll and Hyde fabric of stardom that hardly explains the long arduous touched young Lara. Pulled by the hours of practice, the ingenious props used to hone his batting skills and the demands of the game and hounded by the media, Lara whittled, serving technical guidance of coaches at notice of his early retirement after his Harvard and Queens Park cricket highly successful 1994 season. Yet, his clubs.

Lara proved himself a student of the defenders were many, especially those who experienced first-hand his game and also a historian with a magnanimity. peerless mind for enquiry. His steely Lara encapsulated greatness with determination not to capriciously lose all its behooves and shortcomings. It’s his wicket was evident even at the a disconcerting paradox. People are pedestrian level of the game. In one enthralled by over achievers but can indelible exchange with Brian Davis, be equally disdainful of undue he asked, “Gary Sobers’ record of 365 braggadocio. not out, how come it lasted so long.”

As Lara’s stock continued to rise After the explanation, he (Lara) said, beyond the shores of the “I’ll break that.”

Caribbean, the pressure kept And with a personal tally of 250 mounting. runs in a county match, Hanif Despite his mediocre run at the Mohammed’s 499 was already in his cross hairs, as he went on to score the helm of the once indomitable West Indians, his more human first quintuple century. Later, he performances with the bat and his summoned an unyielding will to reclaim his record for the most runs in wrangling with the WICB, Lara’s footprints on the sport are forever Test cricket. Great men and women are determined, obdurate, pugnacious etched.

More importantly, though, is that and ever ready to hoist all he departed from the game, resolute responsibilities on their shoulders. and august, and with little signs of Some deride such posturing as outward capitulation. Very much cocky, arrogant, and aloof - a indicative of the complexity that distraction to team work. In fact, one sports journalist argued that “once Viv accompanies greatness.

Richards is around, Lara wasn’t Feedback: getting a run in the Test team because Richards recognised that...he wasn’t a glenvilleashby@gmail.com/Follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby team player,” that “he wanted to do well for himself first and foremost and Lara: The unauthorized biography by James Fuller Richards didn’t want that.” Although Publisher: Macmillan Publishers Ltd. this was disputed, self -centeredness www.macmillan-caribbean.com dogged Lara for years. In fact Lara hinted that much, giving fodder to his ISBN 978-0-230-71559-2 Available: amazon.com detractors, “I have got to ensure that Rating: Highly recommended the team benefited from my batting

EDITOR’S NOTE: THE VINCENTIAN is pleased to introduce this column which is expected to be a feature every other week.

We are especially pleased to be collaborating with DR. GLENVILLE ASHBY, whose exceptional credentials are presented below.

With the heightened interest in reading here, and improved availability of quality publications, the hope is that the BOOK REVIEW Columns would offer some guidance to this heightened appetite for literary work.

Critic: Dr Glenville Ashby The Steep Price of Greatness JAMES FULLER embarks on a literary journey that showcases the unfathomable prowess of Brian Lara, one of the most celebrated batsmen of the modern era. His unauthorised biography chronicles the rise of the cricket superstar from a prodigious, overly confident lad in his hometown of Cantaro, to a record-breaking phenomenon. And for good measure he taps into festering inter-island rivalries that are always tamed by the clarion call of “Rally round the West Indies.”

However, what eventually surfaces from Fuller’s work is a psychoanalytic and psychodynamic glimpse into the mind of greatness. Sure, it is all well and good to rifle through Lara’s career with awe. The concentration, the mental and physical stamina, his resolve and prophetic

Dr. Glenville Ashby

DR. GLENVILLE ASHBY was born in Woodbrook, Trinidad. He was educated at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus, and served as an educator for six years before migrating to the US. There, he spent an additional year in that profession.

After a tour with the United States military, Mr Ashby became very involved in journalism, and wrote for a number of newspapers and periodicals, including the Diplomatic Monitor in Washington, the New York Resident, Black Diaspora Magazine, NY and CaribNews, NY. In 2003 he became the editor of World News Forum. His work in broadcasting includes a stint at Spirit FM in Sussex, England in 2007.

In 2005, he served as correspondent for The Pillar (newspaper) of Tobago.

He has interviewed key figures in international politics, including members of the Diplomatic Corps. In 2006, he wrote and produced the acclaimed documentary, “Yes Bush, No!” His book, “The Believers,” has been called a seminal work in West

Indian literature, published early 2011.

Mr Ashby is a member of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Relations and an accredited journalist of the New York Foreign Press.

He is currently the foreign correspondent for the Trinidad Guardian, one of the most reputable newspapers in the Caribbean. He has earned several journalism diplomas from the London School of Journalism and Cleland Thom Institute in Sussex.

He holds a post graduate certificate in International Affairs and a doctoral degree in Diplomacy and InterReligious Dialogue from EUCLID (POLE UNIVERSITAIRE EUCLIDE), one of the world’s 5 intergovernmental universities.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Bedroom affairs gone sour learned that he learned them from her.

I found this out when a friend of hers told me that everything I know sexually I WAS RECENTLY let down by my best friend and it has left me very hurt. I shared came from this particular woman, and I some of my most intimate bedroom secrets should be thankful to her. To be honest with her, but if I knew that this would come with you, George, I wish I did not know any of this. I cannot trust my husband back to haunt me, I would not have done again, and neither can I trust my friend. so.

We have not had sex for 3 weeks, and I told her about how I would do the everything is going downhill fast. I need most awesome things in the bedroom help, George. Please tell me what to do! just to keep our relationship alive, and she said to me that what I was doing Helpless was terrible. She even discouraged me from doing those things. Little did I Dear Helpless, know, this so called friend was the one who had introduced my husband to most You have broken one of the golden of the things we were doing. My husband got me interested in doing them rules of marriage which is never to let others into your bedroom life. What goes and I came to like them. Now, I have Dear George,

on behind closed doors should remain there.

Always remember that most best friends have best friends that do not include You should not write off your you. marriage because of this, but instead try The sexual tension between you and to learn from the mistakes that were your husband is not healthy and should made on both sides. not be allowed to continue. While it is good that he was able to bring new ideas George to the table, or bed in this case, his method of acquiring the information is the problem.

You need to talk with him!

Go get some professional Dear George, help and openly face the issues of infidelity and any MY HUSBAND has given me a STD and I am furious! other issues that may be I confronted him and he denied that he was involved affecting the marriage. with any other woman. I know for a fact that I am in the clear. The only man that has seen my body is my husband, and I was shocked when this happened to me.

He has refused to go to the doctor with me, and instead is accusing me of fooling around. The reason why I am in such a shock is that my husband is a pastor of a church here in SVG. If he does not come clean with me, I want him to know that I will expose him. If he wants to save this marriage, then he has only one thing to do: come clean, confess his sins and move on with it.

My double dealing husband

Mad. Dear Mad, Your husband should know the sensible thing to do is come clean, since the concept of confession should not be new to him.

Sit him down and calmly explain that you would like to save your marriage, and that you are giving him the same chance to do so. He should also be agreeable to the idea of visiting the doctor.

This is not the time for him to run and hide. Even a trapped animal knows when it’s time to surrender to its predator. I doubt very much that he will allow you to openly announce his sins to all and sundry. Being a pastor does not immunize you from sinning, but it should make one realize the awesome responsibility of being an example to those who are asked to follow.

George

A threesome breeds trouble Dear George, I CONSENTED to having another woman in bed along with me and my husband. I did it to please him. I must admit that I too was a little curious.

The time we had was great, and I do not regret doing it. My husband and I have a very good relationship.

The only trouble is, he has not stopped seeing this girl from that time to now. I asked him why he was continuing to see her, and he said that he just cannot resist her. I told him that he will have to choose between her and me. I was shocked when he told me that he was choosing her, and said I will hear from his lawyer.

Is this man for real? I bent over backwards to please him, and now this is what I get? If he leaves me, he sure would have another thing coming to him!

VEX Dear Vex, You have to be careful with the games in which you get involved. It is wise, and before you do, make certain that all the rules are clear before getting involved. The problem with that is, even if the rules are articulated, they can still be broken or bent.

Unfortunately the price you have to pay for your curiosity is a broken marriage. It really was a bad idea to invite another woman to share your matrimonial bed. I hope you learn from this experience.

You can still try to save the marriage by inviting your husband to accompany you to counselling, and letting him know that despite everything that has happened, you still love him and would like for him to give the marriage another chance. Best of luck to you.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Stay away from social unpleasantness.

Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. You must deal with an emotional problem with your loved one that you have been avoiding for some time now.

Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Chances are you split up the last time because you didn't really want to make a commitment. You can accomplish a great deal. You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached. Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be highly sensitive to comments made by your lover. Take care of any dealings with government agencies. Family talks may get a little combative. You could do extremely well in competitive sports events.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You may have some difficulties with someone you live with. Don't get upset.

Don't vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. If you go shopping, only take what you can afford to part with.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Moneymaking opportunities will surface. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections. You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get. Avoid any over indul-

gences.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Make sure that you take time to remember those you love. You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par. Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move. Trips, educational pursuits, or projects that could lead to new outlooks should be on your agenda. Get help to finish a project if you need it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information. Don't take your frustrations out on loved ones. Don't allow someone to do a job that was designated specifically for you.

You will make new friends through physical activities.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your need to put great detail into everything you do may cause you to miss the overall picture. Discuss your problems and complaints if you wish to rectify them. Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path. Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Find out if they have other commitments. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Pleasure trips will be emotionally favorable.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Help children with important projects.

Look into some personal changes. You may have difficulties with in-laws or family members. Upheavals may occupy your day.

ACROSS

46. Entrance hall 47. “So long!”

1.Ship letters 48. Wrist throb4. “Gomer Pyle, bing __” 50. Vegetarian 8. Arthur of tennis staple 12. Mama’s 53. Horned husband pachyderm, 14. Diamond and For short Simon 55. Sign of an 16. Security breach allergy 17. Bang shut 59. Showery mos.

18. Filet of sole 60. Owned garnish apartment 19. Uncool, slangily 61. Kitchen ender 20. Sasquatch’s 62. Forest growth cousin 63. Keyboard 21. Greek letter button 22. Shade 64. Gloomy providers 65. Black-_ Susan 24. Behave or 23. Gather 66. Rabbit print together features preceder 25. Tavern barrel 67. Trio after L 26. Christmas __ 27. Fanatical 27. Drizzling 29. Evolve DOWN 28. Fervor 33. Hubbel and 29. Specific day Sagan 1.__-daisy 34. Nine-day-old 2. Business trans 30. “Jezebel” singer Ingredient action Frankie 36. Broke bread 3. Disagreement 37. Go by bus 4. Empty out the 31. Water mammal 38. Creative school trunk 32. Jury member subject 5. Gives the 39. Lo-cal word, on Impression of 33. Yield at har vest Madison 6. Imitates 34. Reimbursed Avenue 7. Drain problem 35. Goof up 40. Lennon’s 8. Declare 39. Assembled widow Yoko 9. Shut tightly like lasagne 41. Burning 10. Soccer star 41. Poehler or 43. Rattan worker Mia Sedaris 44. Egyptian land- 11. Stretches out 42. Like a tiger mark 13. Agreeable 43. Businesses 15. Rattlers, e.g.

(abbr.)

45. Took advantage of 46. Elevator’s stops 48. Columbus vessel 49. Beneath 50. London

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 21.

gallery 51. Nashville Entertain-ment 52. Liberated 54. Use a strop 56. Whit 57. Cause jaws to drop 58. Champion

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 23.

Jack called to explain her action SVG team camp in Grenada at the West Indies Women’s tournament, is expected to be STAR FEMALE brought before the Cecil BATTER Cordel Jack “Blazer’ Williams-led is expected to appear Committee to give reasons as before the SVG to why she took what is being Cricket Association described as “drastic action” to Disciplinary leave the camp.

Committee sometime According to the reports, next week, but up to Jack has submitted a letter late Wednesday, without request to the SVGCA persons close to her outlining why she took the said she was yet to decision. receive notification Among the reasons given of this impending raises questions of the team appearance. members’ sexuality.

The decision to One source indicated to summon Jack was THE VINCENTIAN that a made at the majority of team members Association’s may well have adopted a executive meeting certain lifestyle, much to the last Saturday, chagrin of Jack and a few sources say. others.

Reports reaching Jack who on many occasions the VINCENTIAN has openly raised concerns said that Jack, who about the lifestyles of her walked out of THE team mates, is said to become

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Josiette Cambridge, Manager of the National Women’s Cricket Tean, has already submitted a report to the Cricket Association.

angry and frustrated after she assumed that little effort was being made by management to address the issue.

And the report said that it is while in this state of mind that Jack, a former West Indies player and national captain, returned her gear to team manager Josiette Cambridge, and asked to be sent home.

Wendell Glasgow, Manager of Survivors, the team for which Jack plays in the local competition, had stated while on radio that Jack was pushed into taking the action because of a number of reasons.

Glasgow was also critical of the management of the team for the manner in which the matter was dealt with.

According to reports, Jack will be summoned by letter to a meeting with the committee

Cordel Jack, is expected to make a defense before the SVG Cricket Association Disciplinary Committee. where she will be required to give “her side of the story”.

Both manager Cambridge and coach Kenroy Martin are said to have submitted their reports outlining the lead up to the incident.

If found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, the SVGCA can take a number of actions against Jack, including a strong reprimand, a suspended ban, a suspension or a ban for a specified period.

New T20 champions in Mustique

Shafiquerelocates: Aims for Improvement “I felt that she was overworked due to her involvement in different disciplines in her school, and once she continued in this way, plus her personal training, this country may well have lost a potential gold medalist,” Ollivierre further stated.

Shafique, a specialist in the 400 meters event, has also competed in the 100, 200 and 1500 meters events, the jumps and throws, and has also been actively involved in volleyball, netball and basketball.

The workload obviously took its toll and the exchaustion that set in was, in Olliveierre’s assessment, reposnisble for her Shafique Maloney will at last year’s hopefully be more focused in collapse Windward Islands St. Kitts.

Championships in Grenada, SHAFIQUE MALONEY, one of particicpation in which he had advised against. this county’s most promising Apart from her over young female athletes, has involvement, Ollievierre pointed relocated as she continues to to some social issues creeping strive to be the best she can in into the athlete’s life, which both her athletics and could have hampered her in her academics endeavours. quest to be a top athlete.

Shafique, who attended the Ollivierre explained that Thomas Saunders Secondary School here, is now a student of both her doctor and therapist the Ver Child Secondary School advised on a change of environment. in St Kitts, where she will Ollivierre set to work, and continue her education, as well St. Kitts threw up the best as her athletics, for a one-year options. period in the first instance.

There, Shafique will have the ‘Shafique’s transfer was a benefit of better facilities, and collective effort of her parents, she will be under the watchful the Athletes governing body, eyes of qualified IAAF Level the Government and me,” her One coach Janice Daley and coach Michael Ollivierre told Lanzo Wilkinson.

THE VINCENTIAN

“I wanted a change of environment because I was not happy with a number of issues in and around my life, and I believe this move will give me an opportunity to train smarter and compete against other national athletes,” Shafique said.

“I am glad she is out of this environment for a while …. she will be on a better platform for excellence,” Ollivierre said, adding, “I believe this move will do well for her, where she will be able to focus more on her 400 meters hurdles and the 400 metres in preparation for her participation in next year’s CARIFTA Games.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Michael Ollivierre, Shafique’s coach, views the move as one that should benefit her in a wholesome manner.

SORANGA Tama Hawks, 2013 T20 Cricket Champions of Mustique.

SORANGA TAMA Hawks are the new champions of T20 cricket in Mustique.

They beat Terrance Tags in the final of the 2013 Mustique Twenty/20 Cricket Championship, played last Sunday, at the Mustique Playing Field.

The Tama Hawks amassed 148 for 5 off 20 overs: Shem Browne led the batting with 44 and Marcus Castello 26. Felix Greaves took 2 for 23.

Terrace Tags in reply were bowled out for 75 off 14.4overs to hand the Tama Hawks a convincing 73-run victory.

The wickets were shared among Sherberth Jacobs, 2 for 3; Marcus Castello, 2 for 14; Caswell Dorsett, 2 for 17, and

Razime Browne, 2 for 22.

Shem Browne was voted the Man-of-the-Match.

In the third place play off, defending Champions Milsom Construction were unable to salvage any real pride. They went under by 13 runs to ALUMBRERA Sweepers.

A-LUM-BRE-RA Sweepers made 97 off 17.5 overs. Roy Baptiste led with 27. Milsom Construction were then dismissed for 84 off 11.5 overs.

Lenon Cain top scored with 29 and Nicholas Baptiste had 28.

Curtis Robinson took 3 for 4.

The Man-of-the-Match was Curtis Robinson.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

RudyÊs takes North Leeward T/20 title

4 overs, was voted Man of the Match.

He engineered a collapse after Starlight were 95 for 2 at one stage.

J’ranie Haywood 23, Donald Delpesche 22, and Leeshawn Lewis 21 had starts for Starlight, but their dismissals triggered a slide, and Rudy’s players used their experience to hinder further progress.

Former West Indies player Ian Allen, captain of the Rudy’s outfit, summed up the victory to “experience.”

Allen hit 38 which bolstered his team’s total. But it was the surge instigated by former national speedster Norlan Williams, which added to the momentum.

Norlan scored an unbeaten 39.

Phillip Anthony, 3 for 25, made early Troumaca Starlight, losing but not disgraced inroads into the Rudy’s finalists.

RUDY’S ELECTRICAL returned to the pinnacle of Vinlec North Leeward T/20 Cricket competition, with a seven-run win over Troumaca Starlight last Sunday.

Rudy’s Electrical restricted Starlight to 137 for 7 from their 20 overs, after compiling 144 all out from 19.4 overs.

Rudy’s Andre Hunte, 4 for 29 from

Rudy’s Electrical, 2013 Champions of T20 cricket in North Leeward. batting, and Donald Delpesche had 2 for 22 from 4 overs, and Zemron Providence 2 for 22 from two.

But their batting could not complete the task. Alston Bobb, the Windwards all-rounder, did not contribute much with the bat, but his left arm spinners proved crucial.

Bobb bowled the last over when 24 runs were needed. Sylvester Pitt and Ronique Samuel at the crease tried their best to achieve the victory target, but the requirement was beyond their reach.

A large crowd watched the final at the Petit

National cricket season on final stretch

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE DOMESTIC cricket programme, completed by August in past years, is now stretching into the penultimate month of the year, and with fear that the completion could be negatively impacted by the rainy weather.

The main programmes were completed in July, with the winners of both the Premier and First Divisions being decided then.

However the SVG Cricket Association, in what it said was an effort to have more cricket being played, introduced the Super40, involving the three top teams in the Premier Division Rivals, Victors ONE and Guardian General Saints - and the winner of the First Division Police TWO. Played at the Park Hill Playing Field- almost 25 miles from capital Kingstown over two weekends, the competition was won by Rivals, with organisers rating it an overwhelming success, in terms of cricket and spectatorship.

The LIME Saints would National T20 not have the tournament, services of ace a part of the seamer Delorn domestic Johnson.

programme for the last seven years, gets going this weekend with matches scheduled for the rural areas of the island.

A release from the SVGCA said fourteen teams will contest the tournament, with several times winners and defending champions Victors ONE leading Group A, and former winners Rivals leading Group B. Victors ONE will be Defending champs Victors ONE will be without the services of champion batsmen Donwell without the services of champion batsmen Donwell Hector (2nd from Hector for the early part of the competition. Hector, the right), seen here with some of his leading run scorer with 472 Brooklyn league team mates. runs and three centuries in opposes Smashers at Buccament the national premier division, is Bay. currently campaigning in the In Group B from 10:00 a.m, Brooklyn Cricket League.

Bequia takes on Triumph United LIME Radcliffe will also be Cricket Club at Buccament ,while without the services of left arm on Sunday from 10:00 a.m, pacer Delorn Johnson, who Radcliffe Too battles Victors TWO departs next weekend for India at Park Hill, to be followed at with the West Indies A team.

2pm by a clash between Victors The teams are Group A (Victors ONE and The News Spartans at ONE, Lime Radcliffe, The News the same venue.

Spartans, Carl Joseph Law According to the release, the Chambers ASCO, Police ONE, National Cricket T20 Competition Smashers, Ishallz Byam Physical will be played over eight Therapy). weekends; which will see the Group B (Police TWO, Team preliminary matches from 14th Rivals, Guardian General Saints, September to the 20th October Bequia, Victors TWO, Radcliffe and the playoffs from the 26th Too, Triumph United Cricket October to the 2nd November. The Club) final is set for Sunday, November In matches for this weekend , 3rd at the Pak Hill Playing Field. in Group A on Saturday from Officials say, following the 10:00am: Carl Joseph Law completion of the tournament, a Chambers ASCO meets Police squad will be selected to defend ONE at Park Hill; at 2:00pm The the Windwards T20 title later this News Spartans takes on LIME year, in the presence of scouts Radcliffe also at Park Hill and from the Caribbean Premier Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy League-CPL.

Bordel Playing Field. The atmosphere electrified as the game went down to the wire, and there were shouts of jubilation and taunts of derision by Rudy’s supporters as the team closed in on victory.

Ten teams in two zones took part in this year’s competition.

The presentation ceremony has been set for Saturday, September 28, at the Beach Front Restaurant.

Greiggs Softball heats up THERE WERE wins for Street Fighters and CGM Gallagher Novice in the Sea Operations Nah Fren Dem/Hairoun/Premium Distributors Greiggs Twenty/20 Softball Cricket Championship, in matches played last weekend, at the Greiggs Playing Field.

Street Fighters defeated Out-A-Trouble by 3 runs. Street Fighters made 102 for 8 off 20 overs.

Curtis Dorsett top scored with 32. Sunil James took 2 for 30. Out-A-Trouble replied with 99 off 18.5 overs. Sunil Ambris hit 40. Randy Hooper took 2 for 1, Curtis Dorsett 2 for 8.

CGM Gallagher Novice beat Glen United by 61 runs. CGM Gallagher Novice posted 124 for 6 in a match reduced to 17-overs because of a late start. Kentish Phillips led with 51 not out. Ricky King took 2 for 13. Glen United were then dismissed for 63 off 13.4-overs. Damian London hit 15. Andre Hunte bagged 4 for 7 and Everton Durrant 3 for 23.

In another weekend match, Gunners recorded a 3-wicket win over Dr. Thomas Injectors. Dr. Thomas Injectors made 123 for 7 off 20 overs.

Kalique Peters hit 39 and Ronald Scott 22. Noel Carr took 2 for 30. Gunners replied with 125 for 7 off 18.2 overs. Keon John made 20. Tex Franklyn took 3 for 7.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police beat Better Brands Distributors Supreme Ventures Stars by 8 wickets. Better Brands Distributors Supreme Ventures Stars made 69 off 13 overs. Roderick John took 3 for 19. Police responded with 65 for 2 off 5.4overs. Salvan Browne hit 39, Roderick John 20. Quesnel Cottoy had 2 for 8.

Sea Operations Nah Fren Dem (1) registered a 5-wicket win over Panthers of Peruvian Vale.

Panthers registered 64 off 13 overs. Verrol Henry hit 19. Cody Jarvis grabbed 4 for 22. Nah Fren Dem (1) replied with 65 for 5 off 12.1overs.

Zimron Humphrey made 31. Kevin Henry had 2 for 11.

On Saturday, Hard Knocks will meet Bridge Bar Strikers from 9:30 am, followed by Anything Could Happen against Combined Sixers.

Clinchers will face Valley Stars at 3 pm.

On Sunday, Rankers will tackle Players X1 from 9:30 am, after which Sea Operations Nah Fren Dem (1) will oppose Better Brands Distributors Supreme Ventures Stars and Stallions will take on Street Fighters from 3 pm.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 25.

Sports

Tributes HOWEVER one reflects on the 2013 Vinlec North Leeward Cricket Tournament, there will be agreement that there was entertainment for spectators and sports lovers wherever they were.

The competition proceeded uninterrupted, gladly so, for having commenced in June, there was every possibility that the weather could have been a factor.

Climatic conditions turned out to be ideal throughout the season, and the final episode was a fitting spectacle.

Commendations to the organisers who ensured that the facility at Petit Bordel was maintained in sufficient condition to offer competitive cricket.

Those responsible for the grounds must be thanked, including those associated with the National Sports Council.

VINLEC has been sponsoring the competition for the past fourteen years, and given the way things climaxed at last Sunday’s showdown, they will be inclined to continue the partnership.

Ten teams began the competition, and each must be complimented for their cooperation.

There was a variety of participation. Somerset and Winterset are teams based in the northern community of Fitz Hughes. But Winterset Ball Beaters attracted the attention of some players from outside the area. Their commitment to that squad signalled a level of dedication to the sport, and there can only be benefits to the individuals, and North Leeward cricket.

Sharpes United took care of the cricket enthusiasts from the Chateaubelair area. The talent and potential are there in those surroundings, but the squad needs some more mature persons to assist with managing that outfit.

Heritage Tours Peto Stars were the home team and raised their hopes with some creditable performances.

The fact that they did not make it to the final did not daunt the spirits of the surrounding residents.

Robertson Surveying Rising Stars represented the interior district of Rose Hall. They will be disappointed with their showing this year. Everyone knows the capability of the Rising Stars players.

There were glimpses of their prowess, and given more time to oil the machinery, that unit will continue to be a force with which to be reckoned.

Carlos James Troumaca United must be considered the disappointment of the tournament. They were champions three years ago, but found themselves eliminated in the preliminary round.

What led to such a rapid deterioration in their fortunes is a matter for which the squad will have to pay close attention. Their counterparts, Troumaca Starlights will feel depressed, having advanced to the final for the second year in succession, only to falter once again.

They shouldn’t feel too demoralised.

Congratulations go the Rudy’s Electrical. No one can deny the experience factor as acknowledged by their captain Ian Allen. With players like Alston Bobb in the squad, Rudy was bound to be a serious contender.

Bobb has been one of this country’s forgotten heroes. His performance for the nation at the Stanford level distinguished him earlier. His returns for the Windwards have been profound, and he is a member of the recent outfit which romped to the West Indies 50 over title.

Bobb is one of those cricketers suitable for any form of the game. With Twenty 20 gaining prominence worldwide, Bobb is one of those ideal candidates. He bowls a miserly left arm slow stuff.

The type that confounds batmen all over. He is capable with the bat, even though his productivity was not overwhelming for Rudy’s Electrical. He is a keen fielder on any part of the network, and there is no doubt about his knowledge and expertise in the game.

He was not the only pivotal factor in the Rudy’s outfit. Their capture of the title came as just reward.

For having disposed of 2012 champions Ajuba in the quarterfinal, Rudy’s had involuntarily completed a rehearsal of the final hurdle.

The other team in the competition was Police. They provided more than a touch of security. Police lifted the prestige of the tournament and indeed the level of discipline.

If there were to be a reward for the best turned out unit, Police would have been easy takers.

Cricket for those Peace Officers serves as a source of relaxation and enjoyment. And other benefits could accrue as a consequence.

Everything meshed at Petit Bordel. Everyone took to the conditions with humility. Anticipation is high towards the start of the next competition.

Meanwhile, focus will shift to football at Petit Bordel for the rest of the year.

Novice makes good start in Belair DEFENDING champions CGM Novice made a positive start to the defense of their title with a convincing 89-run win over Doctor Thomas Injectors, in the National Lotteries Authority TBPO Softball 20/20 cricket competition at the Dauphnie playing field, last weekend.

Batting first, Novice posted 141 for 8 from 20 overs. Kenrick Williams and Desron Spring, with 20 each, topscored. Kesron Ashton took 3 for 20 and Emil Small 2 for 23. In reply, Doctor Thomas Injectors crashed to 52 in 11.3 overs. Damien Allen topscored with 14. Adonis Nanton bagged 3 for 14, Trevor Bute 2 for 6 and Desron Spring 2 for 10.

In other results, Sea Operation Nar Fren Dem defeated Bank of SVG All Stars by 3 wickets. Bank of SVG All Stars batted first and

made 102 for 6 in 15 overs, with Glenroy Dasent hitting 25 and Keyon Boyea 23. Cody Jarvis took 2 for 9 and Jamal John 2 for 7. Sea Operation Nar Fren Dem replied with 103 for7 in 14.5 overs. Sachin James, Zimron Humphrey and Travis Petres hit 28, 26 and 23 not out respectively. Kelly Murray took 2 for 10.

The Gairy Construction Simple Boys and E.Z Toppers match ended with the teams on the same score.

Gairy Construction Simple Boys batted first and made 76 runs for 9 in 15 overs. Casmond Walters hit 25. Vernardo Primus took 4 for 5.

In reply, E.Z Toppers made 76 runs for 5 in 15 overs. Miles Bascombe led with 27. Kenny Hunt and Casmond Walters each took 2 wickets.

Due to time constraint, the mandatory super over was not possible, prompting the organizers to rule the match as a no result.

In the fourth weekend match, Glen United beat General Hardware Supplies Richmond Hill by 6 wickets. General Hardware Supplies Richmond Hill batted first and were dismissed for 84 in 17.1 overs. Elroy Cumberbatch topscored with 43. Damien London grabbed 3 for 15. Glen United replied with 87 in 17.3 overs. Elvis Woods hit 33 and Casius Welcome 16. Colin Lee took 2 for 6.

Georgie Valley Saints beat RSVG Police by default The competition continues this weekend at the same venue.

I.B.ALLEN

V

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Pay day for ECCO members THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc., the St. Lucia based music royalty collection and distribution organization, On Monday 9th September, 2103, made royalty payments to its local members and members of international affiliates totaling some $340,000.

According to a release from the organization, the payments include: fees collected in the ECCO territories for the period 1st January — 31st December 2012 from Broadcasting & General Performances; previously unidentified performances rescued from pending sources; overseas royalties received from ASCAP (USA), COSCAP (Barbados), COTT (Trinidad & Tobago), JACAP

(Jamaica), PRS (UK), SACEM (France) and SGAE (Spain).

And members of ECCO can look forward to further benefits when, in November and December, payments are made from royalities derived from the licensing of Major live events, including: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2011/2012; St. Lucia Jazz 2012; St. Kitts Music Festival 2012; St. Lucia Carnival 2013; Vincy Mas 2013 (St. Vincent & the Grenadines); Spicemas 2013 (Grenada)); National Performance Programme 2013 (St. Lucia) ECCO General Manager Steve Etienne confirmed that the royalties this year exceeded last year’s, but described the amount as “small change” since

many users remained unlicensed.

He cautioned composers, songwriters and music publishers that it was “only by stepping up the licensing of users across the OECS can creators benefit at a level relative to the wide use of the music repertoire ECCO administers.”

ECCO is entrusted with the responsibility of licensing all public use of music in the OECS. Meanwhile, ECCO has a new agent in SVG. Mr. Ellsworth Hackshaw, a recently retired Superintendent of Police in the Royal St. Vincent & the Grenadines Police Force, replaces

ECCO General Manager Steve Etienne pointed to more payments being made later this year.

Bernard Joseph.

Mr. Hackshaw brings to the organization proven communication skills, a wealth of administrative expertise and a known ability to interface with persons at all levels.

He, like Joseph before him, will focus on licensing music users, thereby generating revenue for music creators whose music is publically performed in SVG, and who have not previously received any remunerations for the public use of their music.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013. 27.

Classifieds

ROSALINE E. LEWIS

MR. MILTON O. CHARLES

19/4/1946 2/9/2013 Gospel Hall Kingstown Sunday 8th September, 2013 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Bethel Gospel Assembly Lowmans Windward Tuesday 10th September, 2013 3:00 p.m.

MRS. OLIVE RICHARDS St. Bethel Spiritual Baptist Church Chateaubelair Sunday 8th September, 2013 2:00 p.m.

BRIAN DANIEL Fountain Gospel Hall Monday 9th September, 2013 3:00 p.m.

LOUISE MILLER Age: 78 Arnos Vale Methodist Church Saturday 7th September, 2013 3:00 p.m.

6+(/,1'$ ³6+(//<´ &<586 1(52 Sunrise: 16th June 1974 Sunset: 1st Sept.

2013 Kingstown Baptist Church Gardens Gate Sat . 7th September 2013 2:30 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

A.I. REAL ESTATE Lowmans WD 8,712 sq.ft @ $5.00 p.s.f. - $43,560.00 - BB468 Fair Hall 6,675 sq.ft @ $9.00 p.s.f. - $60,075.00 - BB470

S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

Attorney Grant Connell has written the COP demanding an apology on behalf of his client, Dwaine Sandy, who he said was defamed.

VOLUME 107, No.37

Redemption Sharpes 3 bedrm Property on 1,770 sq.ft. $93,600.00 - H527 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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GOALKEEPERÊS LAWYER DEMANDS APOLOGY

Kingstown, June 13.

The 24-year-old Brighton resident was detained, June 17, in connection with the incident, but was released after 48 hours, without charges.

by HAYDN HUGGINS However, within hours after he was re-arrested. Connell told THE FORMER national goalkeeper Dwaine Sandy, who was deemed ‘WANTED’ about VINCENTIAN then, that the police explained that his client was held for three months ago, is in the spotlight ‘safe keeping’. Sandy was again again, this time seeking to have his released without charges. name cleared so that he could move on with his life.

Up to press time Wednesday, Acting Public apology demanded Commissioner of Police Michael To date, nobody has been charged in Charles was awaiting a response from the Attorney General (AG) from whom connection with the incident, and according to Connell’s letter to the the top cop is seeking advice on a Acting Commissioner, dated letter Sandy’s lawyer, Grant Connell, September 3, 2013 of which THE had written him, demanding an VINCENTIAN happened to gain apology and retraction for what Connell considers to have significantly possession, “To date, there has been no corrective release from the same damaged his client’s character. source which wrongfully judged Mr. Connell’s letter was written hours Sandy ‘Armed and Dangerous’ and after his client was denied entry into ‘wanted’.”

Trinidad and Tobago. Sandy had The letter stated, in part, “The travelled to the Twin Island Republic, substantial matter with regard to the on Monday, September 2, 2013, upon request of Malabar Football Club, for a defamation of my client’s character would be addressed in due course. In potential contract with the club. the interim, this letter serves as a Sandy had created headlines last June when the police issued a release demand on your good office to issue a public apology to Mr. Sandy, admitting with his photograph, deeming him that your office erred, and that the ‘wanted’, and stating that he was release that deemed him ‘wanted’ is considered “armed and dangerous”.

The release was issued following the retracted. The apology and release robbery of a postal clerk and shooting must be made via the same means on and through which the aforementioned of a policeman during an incident in

release was made and published. This includes SVGTV, local and regional media, immigration authorities in the region and Interpol.”

Connell noted, in the letter, that the Trinidad authorities informed his client that they were yet to be informed by the office of the Commissioner or the Ministry of National Security in SVG, that Sandy is not “wanted” and is not on the “watch list” here, and until that is done he would be denied entry.

A copy of the document Sandy Dwaine Sandy was denied entry to received from the Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago by that Immigration Authorities was attached country’s Immigration Authorities. to Connell’s letter to the Acting THE VINCENTIAN that he had Commissioner. received the letter from Connell, but had forwarded it to the Attorney Commissioner Charles seeking General for advice. Charles assured advice that as soon as the AG responds, “I Connell’s letter was copied to Prime will contact Connell as to the outcome.”

Minister and Minister of National Charles said he informed Connell Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, that he had received his letter, and of Attorney General Judith Joneswhat steps he had taken.

Morgan, Director of Public Charles explained that before Sandy Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams, was taken into custody on June 17, he Minister of Sports and Culture Cecil was a suspect in the commission of a McKie, Chief Immigration Officer crime, and the police posted his Stanford Hamilton, Manager of SVG picture as a wanted person.

Broadcasting Corporation (SVGTV), Charles said Sandy was Manager of Malabar Football Club, subsequently taken into custody but Trinidad and Tobago and Dwaine was released pending investigations Sandy. which are ongoing.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Acting Commissioner of Police told

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