Vinpages 14 03 14 e reader

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

THURSDAY,

MARCH 13, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.11

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas died a day after police raided her home at Chateaubelair.

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

Chateaubelair native, Sgt. Luke James, says that they will do all within the law to pressure the authorities to hold an independent inquiry into Thomas’s death.

Below: Thomas’s brother, Chris Howe (left) served as one of the pall bearers at Thomas’s funeral procession to the cemetery.

STATING THAT HE DOES not trust the police to conduct their own probe, the United States soldier who last week spearheaded a candle light vigil in the wake of the death of a Chateaubelair woman a day after police raided her home, is now calling for an independent investigation.

Sgt. Luke James, a Chateaubelair native, who is currently a logistical technician and qualified combat lifesaver with the Colorado National Guard, said he, nor the family of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas, 49, does not have faith in the police.

Police Commissioner Michael Charles, who is also Chateaubelair-born, has promised a police probe into the matter.

Funeral procession for Sylma Thomas winds through Chateaubelair’s main street towards Fitz Huges Cemetery.

Right: Cameshia Jordan, Sylma Thomas’s daughter, heads funeral procession along Chateaubelair’s main street.

“I am calling on the authorities to do an independent investigation, so we can all know if policies and procedures were followed; and, if not, to hold anyone not following them accountable,” James, a former Form 4 classmate of Thomas at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, over the hill from Chateaubelair, told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive interview.

The ex-teacher at area schools — Chateaubelair Methodist, Fitz Hughes Government and Petit Bordel Secondary — also called for additional training and/or retraining of police officers.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Honouring Hugo Chavez TENS OF THOUSANDS OF supporters (Chavistas), of the late Venezuelan leader Supreme Commander Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias took to the streets in Caracas and elsewhere this past week to mark the first

anniversary of his death, March 5, 2013, and honour the socialist leader, whose 14-year rule won him the adoration of many of Venezuela’s poorest.

On Friday, March 7th, the Embassy of the Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela in St. Vincent and the Grenadines commemorated the event at the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation in Kingstown. Diplomats, VIP’s and guests were welcomed by

Mr. Elias Villalba, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guests were also treated to a screening of the feature length documentary, “South of the Border” by Oliver Stone. This excellent documentary, viewed on Friday evening, focused on the life and career of Hugo Chavez. It explained with specific examples, how International media can manipulate facts and events to distort perceptions of readers, listeners and viewers.

Oliver Stone is an American film maker, and was a personal friend of Hugo Chavez.

Stone hoped the documentary would encourage the Western world to rethink socialist policies in South America. He directed a series of

Commander Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias (July 28, 1954 March 5, 2013) made and lived an option to serve the poor. films in the late 1980s and 90s about the Vietnam War. His films, which focused on contemporary and controversial American political and cultural issues, earned him three Academy Awards: Midnight Express, Platoon and Born on the Fourth of July.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has developed a positive relationship with Venezuela in several tangible ways. The country has benefitted under the terms of the Chavez’ Petrocaribe initiative, with lower cost fuel including “cooking gas”.

Chavez pledged and has delivered Venezuela’s support in the construction of the Argyle International Airport, and Vincentian students who have received scholarships are currently studying in Venezuela.

Hugo Chavez had a very positive relationship with Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, and made two state visits to St. Vincent and the Grenadines during his presidency.

Screen picture that greeting persons who attended the commemoration ceremony last Friday.

Venezuelan found different ways, as seen here, of showing their adoration for their fallen hero.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 3.

News 3

THE VINCENTIAN welcomes the Richland Park GovÊt School GRADE 5 STUDENTS of the Richland Park Government School spent the better part of the morning of Monday 10th March, 2014, at the offices of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Accompanied by their class teachers, Mrs. Glennis Thomas and Mr. Desmond Bacchus, the students were opportunity to see how pages given a brief history of the are prepared for the weekly newspaper and got an publication.

From all accounts, the students went away armed with information that will

serve them well in their Social Science studies.

Calls for probe into woman’s death continue to make sure it (protest) remains peaceful.”

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

Continued from Page 1.

He noted the.’“Friendly Fire’ shooting of Cpl. Milford Edwards, also a Chateaubelair native, in Rose Place, Kingstown, on Dec. 5, 2012.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Colin Williams, charged three officers with “conspiracy to defeat the course of justice.

“This is one good reason why I think an independent investigation is warranted (in Thomas’s case),” James said.

“If the police can do this to one of their own, how can we trust them to investigate themselves?”

While waiting for “justice in the form of an independent investigation into the matter, we will continue to be civil and will, at no point, break the law,” assured James, who served two consecutive years in the active US Army, combating the “War on Terror,” for which he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

“We want justice to take its course,” he added. “I will

Fecuriguard, a security company in Edmonton, questioned why it took a full Family members join in the week after Thomas’s death for call police to claim that a greenlike substance, that appeared Based on numerous to be marijuana, was found at responses he has received her home. from last week’s front page He also queried why wasn’t coverage in THE Thomas placed under police VINCENTIAN and his Face guard, before her death, at the Book page, “Justice for Codo”, Milton Cato Memorial James said “people are fed up” Hospital in Kingstown, if there with alleged police harassment were concerns about the and abuse. suspicious green-like “I am very disappointed to substance? hear about the alleged conduct “If these complaints are of the police,” he said. “I must being looked at, what make it clear that all police disciplinary action is being are not the same. We have taken and what very good law abiding police, recommendations are being but we also have some who do suggested to help improve wrong and hide behind the communication between police badge.” and civilians?” Bristol asked.

Cameshia Jordan, Thomas’s Police action, state reaction daughter, who turned 30 last Friday, the same day as the Late last month, the United vigil, said she fully supports States claimed in a report that James’s call. the police’s occasional use of “I’m not too happy about excessive force is among the the way they (police) treated “most serious human rights her,” said Jordan, who came problems” in St. Vincent and home for the funeral from Salisbury, England, where she the Grenadines.

In its “Country Reports on resides with her husband, Human Rights Practices for Frenico Jordan, a 2013,” the US Department of Chateaubelair native serving in the British Army, referring State, however, said that the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves-led to her mother, in a administration “took steps to VINCENTIAN interview. punish officials who committed “We have to do something abuses, and there was not a about it,” added Mrs. Jordan widespread perception of tersely, also urging that the impunity for security force police be trained in first-aid, among other things. “It’s sad, members.

“There were no reports that but you have to carry on.” the government or its agents Kemron Bristol, Thomas’s committed arbitrary or cousin, who also hails from unlawful killings,” it said.

Chateaubelair and resides in But the report said, while Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the constitution and law wants nationals to sign a prohibit torture and other petition in pressuring the cruel, inhuman, or degrading authorities to “conduct a treatment or punishment, “the proper and, hopefully, an honest investigation, while the non-governmental organization (NGO), St. family and dedicated friends Vincent and the Grenadines seek justice for such action.”

Bristol, assistant director at Human Rights Association

(SVGHRA), asserted that the police used excessive force.”

As far aspersons killed in the line of duty, the State Department said, “The Criminal Investigations Department investigated all police killings and referred them to coroner’s inquests.”

For example, in the 2011 police killing of an escaped prisoner, Godwin Moses, the State Department said the shooting death of Moses and the man he allegedly murdered shortly after his escape, “were undergoing a coroner’s inquest at the end of the year.”

Additionally, the report said the DPP “charged police constable Rohan McDowall with manslaughter in conjunction with a 2010 incident in which McDowall shot and killed a fellow police officer.

“McDowall pled guilty to a lesser charge,” it said. “The judge then granted him ‘time served’ for manslaughter and released him. He did not reenter the police force.”

The State Department also said that, on May 7, “police shot and injured two civilian suspects during an attempted arrest at a rural carnival.

“Authorities continued to look into the incident but did not indicate they would open a formal investigation,” it said.

The report said citizens alleging police abuse can lodge complaints with the Complaint sDepartment within the police force or an independent government oversight committee.

“If a particular complaint has merit, the DPP will file charges,” it said. “The government did not normally provide any public information about the disposition of such complaints, any disciplinary charges, or other actions taken.”

Thomas's cousin Kemron Bristol, a security company in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, wants nationals to sign a petition to pressure the authorities to “conduct a proper investigation.”

Encouraging support As far as support for Thomas’s case is concerned, James said he was “very encouraged by the support we are getting.”

According to him, “the vigil and march went well, and we had people who traveled from outside the area attending.”

Supporters, including Thomas’s fellow Baptists, marched from her home in Sharpes, Chateaubelair, to the Mission Corner, in the town’s epicenter, to the Chateaubelair playing field, then back to Thomas’s home.

James also said “many people marched with copies of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper in hand.”

Thomas’s funeral service took place on Sunday at Bethel Baptist Church, adjacent to her home.

The huge funeral procession then wound its way through the town’s main street, for over a mile, to the Fitz Hughes Cemetery.

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4. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

‘Scarface’s’ death ruled a ‘misadventure’ Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS TEN MONTHS after police shot and killed remand prisoner Anthony ‘Scarface’ Hamilton in the washroom area of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, a five-member jury at the Coroner’s Inquest found that Hamilton’s death was the result of misadventure.

The Inquest, held to determine the manner in which Hamilton died, commenced at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday10th March and concluded on Tuesday 11th March.

The media and the public were not allowed in court during the proceedings, but according to information received by THE VINCENTIAN, Coroner Rechanne BrowneMathias, in her summation, outlined what the possible verdicts were and explained the terms.

She pointed out that Death by Misadventure is a lawful act causing death which is unexpected or undersigned. After using proper precaution to prevent danger, unfortunately death occurs. She explained that murder is an unlawful Act with malice aforethought where there was a deliberate intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, while manslaughter is an unlawful killing without the intention to kill or

Magistrate Sonya Young and Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, following which he would eat a pound of Furadan The day in question (an insecticide). The remarks were made in Hamilton, who was the presence of police remanded on charges of officers and prisoners. robbery and assault He told a prisoner that causing bodily harm, was he only wanted to get his shot and killed close to hand on a gun.

11am, May 14, last year, The evidence also after Corporal Alvin revealed that Hamilton Gibson and Sergeant asked to use the Dwayne Bailey had washroom and a police escorted him, in officer informed handcuffs, from the Delpleche of Hamilton’s Serious Offences Court’s request. The Senior holding area to a Prosecutor then washroom of the instructed Sergeant Kingstown Magistrate’s Bailey, attached to the Court located in the Rapid Response Unit same building. That (RRU), and Corporal Court was not sitting at Gibson, the two most the time. senior and experienced Information received officers in court at the by this publication time, to take Hamilton to revealed that according the washroom. Bailey to evidence presented at and Gibson, who were the Inquest, Hamilton not present during was very aggressive that Hamilton’s tirade, morning, and before complied with leaving Her Majesty’s Delpleche’s instructions.

Prison for court, he told a prison officer he did The build-up and eventual shooting not care about his life.

He claimed to be Sergeant Bailey frustrated, was “not coming back to prison” approached Hamilton and “they would have to first, but the accused, using expletives, said he kill me”. He laced his outbursts with expletives didn’t want Bailey to escort him. Eventually and threatened prison officers. the two officers took him According to the to the washroom in evidence, when Hamilton handcuffs. On reaching got to the holding area at the washroom, Hamilton, who had initially said he the Serious Offences Court, he said that once wanted to urinate, he got out of prison, he indicated that he would would kill, rape and ‘bull’ like to defecate and the handcuff was removed who came in his way, from one of his wrists. including Chief cause grievous bodily harm. It could have arisen by accident or negligence.

The inquest also heard that there was no toilet paper in the washroom, and Sergeant Bailey left to get some, leaving Corporal Gibson on guard. At this stage Hamilton had gone into the washroom, closing the door from inside.

Shortly after, Hamilton pushed open the door suddenly, and a struggle ensued between him and Gibson.

During the struggle, Gibson’s shirt was torn and several buttons removed. As a result, Gibson’s gun was exposed. Hamilton attempted to get the firearm and to overpower Gibson. The officer discharged a shot, but Hamilton continued to struggle with him, and Gibson discharged another bullet, following which Hamilton fell to the ground.

Bailey, on hearing the shots, made his way back to the washroom. He tried to render aid to Hamilton, whose hands and feet were still moving. He was unsuccessful and called for transportation.

Dr. Wayne Murray pronounced Hamilton dead on arrival at the scene. An autopsy showed he died from two gunshot wounds to the chest.

Gibson was treated at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained during the struggle.

Fourteen (14)

Fight to save Lovelace continues The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has refused an application by lawyers representing this country’s lone death row inmate, Patrick Lovelace, for extension of time to file an appeal against his sentence.

The former long-distance runner of Belmont was sentenced to death February 26, 2010, for the July 2002 murder of 12-yearold female pannist, Lokeisha Nanton of Sion Hill. A 12-member jury had found him guilty, July 15, 2009, following a retrial ordered by the Appeal Court.

In a judgment handed down March 2012, the Court of Appeal dismissed Lovelace’s appeal against conviction but UK-based lawyer Shiraz Aziz, who had conducted the appeal, did not appeal the sentence. To date, Lovelace’s conviction and sentence stand.

On January 24, 2014, local

attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne, in conjunction with the British Law Firm Simons, Muirhead and Burton, filed an application before the Court of Appeal for extension of time to file an appeal against Lovelace’s sentence.

However, in an order dated March 5, 2014, the Appeal Court stated that they didn’t have the right to extend the time in which to appeal against sentence in the case of a conviction involving a sentence of death.

But, Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN that Lovelace’s lawyers would be appealing the Appeal Court’s order. That appeal would be made to the Privy Council.

“This is a grave omission on the part of his (Lovelace) previous lawyer not to have appealed sentence, and we now have to fight very hard to correct this error. We have given notice to the

lawyers acting for the state in the Privy Council that we are going to appeal this order,” BacchusBrowne said. She declared that they are prepared to fight to the end to at least save Lovelace from the hangman’s noose.

British Queen’s Counsel Charles Russell is acting on behalf of the state.

Bacchus-Browne had told THE VINCENTIAN June 2012 that she had written to the relevant authorities, including the Prime Minister and the Governor General, requesting that Lovelace’s execution be stayed pending the outcome of an appeal to the Privy Council.

Nanton’s nude body was found hanging from a mango tree in an area at Sion Hill called London Road, on the morning of July 2, 2002. An autopsy showed she was strangled.

Troumaca man on gun, ammo charges

Anthony ‘Scarface’ Hamilton was known to the court. He died not long after completing an extended prison sentence. witnesses gave evidence, including Dr. Ronald Child, who conducted the autopsy, Dr. Wayne Murray, Sergeant Dwayne Bailey, Corporal Alvin Gibson, three prison officers and two prisoners.

Crown Counsel Sejilla McDowall and Tammike McKenzie assisted the Coroner.

The jury was comprised of four women and one man.

TROUMACA labourer Iraul Murray will return to Court June 30, on firearm and ammunition charges.

Appearing at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Murray pleaded not guilty to possession of a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver, two rounds of .38 ammunition, and having 66 grams of marijuana with intent to supply. He was granted $11,000 bail with one surety.

As part of his bail conditions, Chief Magistrate Sonya Young ordered that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Rose Hall Police Station every Monday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The charges reportedly stem from a police action March 7 at Fitz Hughes.

Commissioner not surprised at verdict Commissioner of Police Michael Charles is not surprised at the verdict a five-member jury delivered in the Coroner’s Inquest involving remand prison Anthony ‘Scarface’ Hamilton, on Tuesday.

The jury, comprised of four women and one man, found that Hamilton’s death was the result of misadventure.

When contacted, the top cop said he was not Commissioner of Police when the incident occurred, but having read the report of the police officer involved, he is not surprised at the outcome of the inquest.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams told THE VINCENTIAN, “I am glad that the streams of justice are being kept pure and undefiled.

“We continue to ensure that the oxygen of justice is delivered daily.”

Hamilton, who was remanded on charges of robbery and assault causing bodily harm, was shot and killed by a police officer close to 11 am. May 14 last year, after two police officers had escorted him from the Serious Offences Court’s holding area to a washroom of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, located in the same building.

Michael Charles, Commissioner of Police, is not surprised by the ruling.

DPP Colin Williams is pleased that justice has been delivered.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 5.

News

South Rivers Hydro up and running VINLEC’S SOUTH RIVERS Hydro Power Plant has been re-commissioned.

Operations recommenced on Wednesday March 5, 2014, after two months of rehabilitation work occasioned by the December Trough System. The

rehabilitation work included clean-up of the Intake and reconstruction of a section of the pipeline.

According to VINLEC, an earlier attempt to recommission the South Rivers Plant was made in January, but a blowout on the pipeline

Right: Electrical Supervisor Edwin Gibson makes a walk through inspection of the plant at South Rivers.

caused a setback. The broken pipeline caused flooding to the Power Station, and the Company was required to repair the broken line and clean and repair the equipment. The Plant is currently operating at a

LIME making it ‘sweeter’ for Vincy Mas 2K14 TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER LIME is ‘pupping’ up the pre-action to Vincy Mas 2014.

Already a committed platinum sponsor of the official festival, LIME is using its resources to reach out to its customer base in direct ways.

On Tuesday this week, the company, in collaboration with Island Network, introduced the ‘LIME Ambassadors’ to the media.

The ‘LIME Ambassadors’ include the already established Soca Dans Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, Shaunelle McKenzie, Hance John and DJ Q. Also carrying the LIME brand are DJ’s Hypa 4000, Pitbull, Chemical X, and Fugitive.

In addition to its continuing support for these artistes, LIME will work with Island Network to deliver its sought after Monday Mas Band, the staging of Soca on the Beach, which this year is dubbed YOLO (You Only Live Once), at Warracou Beach on June 29th, and a new event, ‘Future Proof’ scheduled for sunrise on Carnival Friday.

A number of new talents are also expected to be introduced this year, thanks to LIME’s partnership with Island Network.

Also introduced last Tuesday was LIME’s already in train plan to develop a new ‘app’, designed to give LIME 4G users, a service scheduled to be launched this April, access to

songs/music produced by local soca artistes.

“We have partnered with these geniuses who build apps, and one of the apps they are in the process of building is where in advance of the artiste actually launching, or even after they have actually launched their song for this year… once you have a LIME phone and you have access to this app, you will have a preview of the particular song,” Leslie Jack, General Manager LIME told the media on Tuesday.

Jack also spoke of another initiative that would give the average soca lover a chance to be in the spotlight.

“LIME has a 4G rhythm. This too will be available in the next couple of weeks… we will tell you where you can go and download it ….. you write your song and submit it, and we will air it on Hot 97 during our one hour programme, that is between 5-6 P.M Mon. — Thur. Fri. 4-5 P.M and Sat. 34pm,” Jack said.

Listeners would be invited to vote for their favourite song, via text or via calling in, or submitting votes by Twitter as well as Facebook.

Jack promised to unfold more information on this soon.

Jack called the new initiatives a marriage between the services provided by LIME, and the company’s drive to bring awareness and exposure to Vincy Mas.

General Manager LIME, Leslie Jack (2nd from left front) introdo14 activities to the media on Tuesday last.

capacity of 600 kW. Meanwhile, work continues at the other locations. One Station at the Cumberland Power Plant, which consists of three run of the river stations, is functional.

Operations at the Cumberland 1 Station recommenced in January and the Station has been operating at full capacity for the past six weeks.

Efforts to rebuild a section of the woodstave pipeline at Cumberland 3 are ongoing and should be completed by midMarch and the company

is projecting an April deadline for the recommissioning of this station.

As far as the Richmond Hydro Plant is concerned, the damaged pipeline there has been dismantled in preparation for repair work. VINLEC is also currently making the necessary arrangements to commence clean-up operations at the Intake during this month. The Company is also using the opportunity to upgrade the turbines and

generators at the Richmond Station during this down period. This work is part of an earlier plan to upgrade the Station.

VINLEC is working towards having all rehabilitation work completed by the end of 2014 so that the Company can have its hydro operations fully functional. VINLEC’s hydroelectric facilities traditionally contribute an average of 18-20% of the electricity generated annually.

6. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 7.

News

Trinidad PM calls for deepened integration

by KENVILLE HORNE PRIME MINISTER OF Trinidad and Tobago and Immediate Past Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has emphasized the significance of deepened integration and security as being vital to the sustainable development of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

During her address at Monday’s opening session of the 25th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of The Buccama Bay Resort, venue of the Conference of Heads of Government of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Government of CARICOM. CARICOM, held at Trinidad, addressing the opening session of the 25th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Buccama Bay Resort Conference of Heads of Government of here March 10 and 11, Persad-Bissessar CARICOM, during which she called for attention to be paid to the issue of security for Said CARICOM must work together the peoples of the region. to overcome the technical assistance to a many challenges that the region coordinated approach to crime and faces. security in areas including the To her, it was important that Advance Passenger Information there be decisive cooperation to System, and the Regional eradicate the threat that crime Intelligence Fusion Centre. posed to the safety of the people of CARICOM Member States, she CARICOM, if the Region is to noted, had benefited from the achieve any real level of sustainable Agency’s expertise in the development. negotiations for the UN Arms Towards this end, she Trade Treaty and its current highlighted that her country has implementation phase, as well as placed much emphasis on this issue provisions under the Caribbean and in that context, was devoted to Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). the ratification of the United Addressing the issue of economic Nations (UN) Arms Trade Treaty. challenges facing the Region and This was demonstrated by Trinidad how the Region was organising to and Tobago’s CARICOM-endorsed confront these, she expressed bid to host the Secretariat in Port of delight that one of the major Spain. outcomes during her tenure as The Immediate Past Chair also Chair, was the approval for the highlighted the move by CARICOM establishment of the Commission Member States to become on the Economy, to advise regional signatories to the Treaty, which she leaders on solutions that would said had provided a “significant lead to growth and development. component in the global fight She cited that “The against the trade of conventional Commission’s work has already arms in illicit markets,” and she begun, and with a deep encouraged all CARICOM Member appreciation of the fact that States to join Iceland, Guyana, sustainable development can only Antigua and Barbuda, Nigeria, be achieved through the free Costa Rica, Mexico, Trinidad and movement of people and goods, and Tobago, Grenada, Panama and reliable transportation across the Norway in endorsing the Treaty. region.. .”

As the Region sought to As far as Prime Minister Persadstrengthen its security Bissessar was concerned, forging infrastructure, Prime Minister ahead with securing the future of Persad-Bissessar noted the critical CARICOM, and building importance of ensuring the sustainable development and sustainability of the CARICOM progress, there must be a Implementation Agency for Crime willingness “not only to do the work and Security (IMPACS). The Prime that is required, but also take the Minister said IMPACS continued to tough decisions and fulfil our play a significant role in providing obligations.”

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8. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial National Heroes Day: A thought ANOTHER NATIONAL HEROES Day is upon us.

We wait with bated breath for an announcement of a new hero or new heroes.

Whatever the announcement, if any, it comes at a time when we seem to have so much suspicion, mistrust and hatred breeding disunity, combining to make it difficult to come together, but easier for our politicians to exploit.

And we are exploited because we want them so to do. That is why some are wont to say we are worse than our leaders.

After all, ‘our leaders are the products of our society’, so, as others would say, ‘every society deserves the leaders they get’.

And wittingly or unwittingly, we celebrate some of their vices.

There is no denying that we need technology, money and foreign aid. But, isn’t our real need a true national hero who commits us to a national policy, void of ambiguity and bias?

We need persons around us who can refocus our attention and direct us to a genuine national goal. A true national hero around whom we can rally, will serve us in good stead, in pursuance of that noble goal.

That is why it is important that when we decide on another national hero, one of whom much more is known tham our celebrated, and rightfully so, first national hero Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, that that person is suitable to the purpose of solidifying this country on the path of achieving an all-embracing and all-serving national goal.

That aside, we are all beckoned to celebrate another National Heroes Day. But just how do we celebrate the significance of the Day? In an ideal situation, a national committee should be guiding the celebration, joined by other government agencies and non-government organizations in various activities.

The Ministry of Education should be encouraging all public and private schools to highlight the courage and patriotism of our National Hero, in classroom discussions and other related activities.

Do we encourage essay writing, drawing, storytelling, oratorical contests as ways of instilling an understanding of heroism, nationalism, patriotism and love of country, which we expect and understand to be the values exhibited by heroes yet unnamed and the sole one named?

National Heroes Day ought to be a Day, a season, when we herald its significance in the broadest sense, and also remember the ‘heroes’ who are not with us anymore, and honor our modern-day ‘heroes’, including those in the Diaspora.

It is a perfect opportunity to spend time with family, and honour the many ‘heroes’ who fought for what we have gained to date. And when all is said and done, we all have our own ‘heroes’ in life, and they deserve to be celebrated too!

Here we speak of the fathers and mothers who work hard each day to provide for their immediate families and even their extended families. Every time, against all odds, when they make sure that something is on the dinner table, that the children are supported in school, that a shelter keeps them safe, they show how ‘heroic’ they are.

Just as we honor those designated as National Heroes, we can honour, in this season, our loved ones who are leaders in their communities and (who) make a positive difference every single day, without as much as a whisper of how much they are doing and have done.

So this year, why not take a minute to thank our own heroes for everything they do? Return the love they so freely give.

National Heroes Day is also the perfect time to reconnect and strengthen family bonds. During the celebration of the holiday, consider taking a moment to call loved ones who are overseas. A holiday brings families together, no matter how many miles actually separate them. National Heroes Day should be no exception. We can take the time out to thank them for their ‘heroic’ deeds over the years. Telling people how thankful you are for their generosity is a wonderful holiday gift to give and the greatest homage we can pay to our National Hero(es).

Yes, we may all have our personal ‘heroes’, but as one people, we can also have National Heroes.

In the context: Perhaps just one more for the time being?

The Milton Cato legacy vs national heroism THERE IS A NEW MOVE afoot to lionise Milton Cato, with a view to making him a National Hero.

Soon after the ULP Government had first attained office in March 2001, Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves and his entourage made a desperate attempt to have Milton Cato declared a National Hero.

In my view, this quest had been motivated by purely narrow political considerations. Cato having been the founder of the Labour Party that later merged with MNU to form the ULP, any elevation of Cato would redound to the credit of the Old Labour Party, and ultimately would be a feather in the cap of successor Prime Minister Gonsalves.

I put in strenuous objections to this cynical ploy, backed up with uncontroverted evidence of Cato’s unsuitability, exposing the lies that were being peddled on his behalf, and citing in support the negative reaction expressed by the P.M’s colleagues , erstwhile and current, including Oscar Allen, Renwick Rose, Casper London, Jomo Thomas and Blazer Williams.

I am aware that there is support from the likes of Cims Martin who had been Cato’s economic guru, during Labour’s early administrations; Burns Bonadie who understandably champions his uncle, whose government he served as heir apparent; and René Baptiste who is a noted family friend, to the extent that rejecting all other considerations, Cato selected her birthday as the official date for the nation’s independence!

Cato’s C.V was embroidered and studded with untruths such as that he attended Oxford University, was a great trade unionist, and had been instrumental in developing and shepherding the Shaker Movement to general acceptability. The lies exposed, there was a strategic retreat of that mission.

Lo and behold, after eight years, the Prime Minister has chosen again to remember Cato on the twelfth anniversary of his death. He reminds us that “there is a huge legacy of this great man, and we must remember him”. Remember him yes, as in naming of the Central Hospital after him.

It so happens that Ralph Gonsalves had himself recited the essentials of the legacy when it was fresh in his mind in 1983, the year before Cato ended his administrations of 10 years plus. The litany of woes included: “Public Service Act of 1971; the banning of progressive literature and persons from the State; the increasing militarisation of the country; the rampant political victimisation and harassment of anti-SVLP persons; the presentation to parliament in 1981, of the Public Order and Public Safety Bill and the Essential Services (Amendment) Bill; the strengthening of ties with repressive regimes such as Taiwan and South Korea; the active resistance to workers’ protests or strikes; and the passage of the unfair Representation of the People Act (1982) designed to rig elections”.

The foregoing is a damning indictment for all time. It can be forgiven, but neither forgotten nor re-written! Ralph’s lame excuse cannot hold water.

The references were cold-blooded facts and were neither flippant nor spiteful, which is how Ralph wishes to pass them off in his changed agenda.

Mike Browne, among others, had earlier warned of the trait of sullying and cleansing the history of characters as they appeared to Ralph as enemies or allies over time.

When the comrade had separated from UPM, Mike Browne, who remained behind, wrote in his column “My Dear Son” in “Justice” of 19th September 1986 concerning Ralph’s volte face

towards the dead Hudson Tannis: “By the way, I heard this same Gonsalves paid a hell of a tribute to Hudson and his “great” contribution to the nation. I understand that he even went so far as to confess his “shame” for criticising Hudson “unfairly”. After “gunning down” Hudson with his pen and his mouth, it seems that he is trying to salve his conscience. I really can’t take people who does talk with forked tongue. Old people always say not to trust them!”

The living Vincent Beache has experienced the same course of treatment courtesy the Comrade.

Condemnation at the time of rivalry, praise and over-compensation in more propitious times. The changing relationship to Ralph is the only yardstick and measurement. Other examples are legion, from top to bottom.

Governor General Antrobus was accused of “entering the kitchen”, on behalf of the NDP, and so qualified for the “heat” ULPites poured on him.

Ralph promised “to go down to the gutters to fight with Glen Jackson”, only to sing praises of his virtual indispensability as the P.M’s righthand man at his bizarre death.

Ralph’s politicking on serious national questions must be stopped.

George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua, YES, for they were a different kettle of fish. Mulzac, perhaps, depending on whether our nationals wish to embrace their kith and kin in a wider diaspora for consideration. But three times “No” to Cato as National Hero.

There is another “non-starter” on the blocks.

True, Dr. Parmenos Eustace made an invaluable contribution to what is now termed “the education revolution”; but his thrust was too narrowly confined within the four walls of the school-rooms.

They should name the Glen Community College after him.

With respect to Joshua, Casper London could bold-facedly publish the following in THE NEWS of 7th January 2007, five years after I had recommended Joshua to the ULP authorities; Sixteen years after I had given Joshua’s eulogy at his State funeral in 1991; and thirty-six years after I had produced a Ph.D thesis virtually based on the positive qualities of the man.

Casper had the gall to write: “Joshua’s detractors, who include those of the ilk of Kenneth John and Adrian Fraser, are a miniscule few and ought not to be allowed to succeed in their spurious arguments on this particular issue”!!! The public call was for immediately (in 2007) conferring the title of National Hero on Comrade Theodore Joshua.

Actually I belonged to a group that recommended that lofty status about one week following Joshua’s death- the group comprised Edgy Richards, Oscar Allen, Ralph Gonsalves and Kenneth John, who held a nocturnal session at White Chapel to assure Joshua’s place in history.

Can you imagine the self-same Casper London, who had angrily stated in 1974 that he would live long enough to see “Young people spitting on Joshua’s grave,” without breaking a stride, now proclaims him to be a better Hero, no matter what.

So, my recommendation to the committee, headed by Rene` Baptiste and charged with the fine-tuning a list of National Heroes, is that George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua are deserving of the accolade right now.

Others may later be added as the fruits of further research dictate and determine.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 9.

Letters

Let Mc Intosh stand alone

IF MY MEMORY serves me correctly, I think our Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, promised that we will have some national heroes names for this year’s National Heroes Day. I understand from all that I have been reading and in discussion in this deep freeze they call New York, that persons like George Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Joshua and Milton Cato are in the mix. I understand also, that

a committee, headed by a former Minister of Culture, Rene Baptiste, is advising government on the choice or choices.

Now I have no problem with the people making suggestion, but when I look at the persons in the mix, for what it is worth, I want to suggest that, if we are to have another hero, let it be George Mc Intosh. Forget about the other two gentlemen.

What we must do is allow a hero to stand by himself for some time so his contribution can ‘soak in’, not only in the now generation but generations to come. George McIntosh deserves to be honoured separate from any other person or persons. He is deserving of National Hero status to be named such in his own company… no one else must be allowed to crowd him

out; no Joshua, no Cato, and not even Dr. Eustace whom a certain lawyer is making out a case for.

From what I understand, McIntosh is the only one in the mix who doesn’t carry a political flavor. The other two are of too recent memories, many of them not so good.

Though I must say that if, and that is a big if, I had to go for one of the other two, it will

have to be Joshua. I have too many not so fond memories of what was unleashed on me as a youth in SVG during the days of Milton Cato. No amount of turncoat big speeches from Dr. Gonsalves could take away those scars.

That’s my bit from the cold.

Hope it doesn’t sound as cold as it sounds. That’s my piece.

Garnet, N.Y.

Test cricket far more superior Clamp down I AM NOT A frequent letter writer to newspapers. I tend to do so only when something really irks me. It so happens that at this time, there is something that has irked me — that something has touched my passion for cricket.

I have been a follower of cricket for decades — long before soca overcame calypso, and rap and dance hall music became ‘our culture’.

No need for me to rehash the glory days of cricket which, while I agree that those days belong to the days of captaincy of Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards, I must remind the not so young that we must not forget the mastery of the three Ws, Ramadhin and Valentine, Sobers, Kanhai, Hall, Griffith

and Gibbs, to name a few.

I think that you may have already gathered from my references, that I am not a fan of the shorter versions of the game of cricket that have overtaken the game.

Money truly speaks!!

I don’t care how many 20/20 championships our current team might win, that proves nothing to me until they can comfortably win a test series against one of the top cricketing countries.

I hang my head in shame when I realize that our cricket has hit such depths that we can hardly bargain for a full test series anymore.

There will always be showmen among our cricketers. Those cricketers will shine dazzlingly in 20/20 and

even ODI’s. But until that same dazzling brightness can characterize their performances at the test level, I will find it hard to take my head out of the shame which now engulfs me.

Like Clive Lloyd, I am a strong advocate of the longer version of cricket.

It has been and will always be the test of any cricketer’s mettle.

And by the way, has anyone else noticed how quickly the Australians have re-built a formidable unit of test cricketers? Can anyone remind me how long we in the West Indies have been re-building?

By way of suggestions: Get rid of Otis Gibson, and settle on a captain once and for all.

Moreover, give that

captain increased authority like Lloyd and Richards had.

Grant

I HAVE BEEN following on and off the trial of that Jamaican singer, if that is the correct word, Vybz Kartel. He is charged with murder, and chances are that by the time the editor might choose to carry this letter, there would have been a verdict. That is one thing.

The thing that bothers me is that there are young people all over Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean, including SVG, who idolize this man. The man is a criminal, charged for murder, and God alone knows what else he has committed.

He, like many other Jamaican artistes, are not good examples for our young people. And I understand that two Jamaican artistes who performed here sometime ago, and which

Importance of writing Does Camillo and publishing have a constituency?

Mrs Aldia Gumbs-Dyer, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, has been encouraging students to write and publish. This is certainly admirable, and I hope that her plea becomes a reality.

I would also like to encourage more of the population, in general, to write

and publish. It is so important for a nation to document and preserve that which takes place in its own society.

History is important.

How wonderful to listen to young students make presentations and quote local writers as well as other writers as their primary sources.

The leaders, intellectuals, and others of Vincentian heritage are setting a good example by writing articles that have been published in books, and/or writing books that have been published.

Printing began in Kingstown, St. Vincent, since 1767, as evidenced by Gregory Frohnsdorff, who has identified 256 items known to have been printed between 1767 and 1834.

The indigenous intellectual tradition has been growing over the years. The legacy of continuity from one generation to the next will be attained and maintained if writing and publishing are made a priority.

Happy National Heroes Day !!!

Cheryl Phills King

SO, MR. EDITOR, Senator Camillo Gonsalves has revoked his USA citizenship. I don’t know when he did it, but I hope it was done before he entered the house of parliament, otherwise I think there might have been something wrong about that.

Maybe somebody could shed some light on this.

The announcement of the younger Gonsalves revoking USA citizenship is an indication, to me, that he is getting ready to contest the next general elections. That has been on the cards, regardless of what others might say. The other two ‘brightest young men’ in the land, Jomo and Luke already have their constituencies, so where will the younger Gonsalves run? Is one of the present members going to make room for him? Is it going to be Burgin giving way?

If that is the case, can he put up a fight against Dr. Lewis. I hope he can, for as far as I am concerned? Dr. Lewis is a ‘no no’.

I might not like how the younger Gonsalves came through the back door, but anyone other than Dr. Lewis, please.

East St. George

this newspaper sponsored, was also arrested somewhere in the Caribbean.

Never did I hear in my time any calypsonian being locked up for murder or robbery or some other grave crime.

It is time that the authorities here clamp down on these artistes coming into our shores.

They are not good for the minds of our young people.

James Browne Kingstown

* Why didn’t Senator Camillo Gonsalves revoke his US citizenship before he returned to take up his senatorial and ministerial appointment? * Why is the family of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas saying that the government doctors say they are not performing an autopsy on her? Is (the family) expected to pay for the autopsy? Is this a cover-up? * What is the true situation with banana production in this country? Do we have any bananas for export?

Can all the money being promised really help when farmers say the black sigatoka disease is alive and well? * Did a cruise ship visitor make an about turn for the ship when he was greeted by that barbed wire fence at the cruise ship terminal?

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The Local Economy amidst global chalenges; Excerpt from the 2014 Budget Address MR. SPEAKER, this government does not govern without a clear developmental framework regionally, nationally and sectorally. Accordingly, late last year (2013), we launched formally the Economic and Social Development Plan for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2013 to 2015. This is to be read in the context of a deepening regional integration in the OECS, CARICOM, PetroCaribe, ALBA, and CELAC. Further, plans exist or are being updated or further elaborated for a host of sectors or subject areas including Education, Poverty Reduction, Health, Tourism, Agriculture, Social Development, Pensions, Public Expenditure, the Police Force, Energy, Port Development, Road Transport, Culture and Sports. My budgetary proposals fall within the frames of these various plans. Coherence is evidently at work.

Mr. Speaker, our plans can go awry if the external economic challenges arising from the global economy and nature, do not subside or are ameliorated. What, therefore, is the external economic prognosis?

Let us first state the basic facts in summary form. In 2013, the economy of the USA experienced real growth of a less-than-moderate 1.6 percent; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast economic growth in the USA at 2.6 percent for 2014. So, in 2014, the world’s largest economy is poised to pick up on its growth rate.

In the Eurozone countries, there is a marginal, gradual progress from a 2013 growth rate of minus 0.4 percent and an IMF forecast of 1 percent in 2014. In China, growth is expected to slow somewhat from 7.6 percent in 2013 to a forecasted 7.3 percent in 2014. In the emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, Turkey, Mexico, and South Africa, there is a cautious wait-and-see from a growth rate in the aggregate of 4.5 percent in 2013 to an IMF forecast of 5.1 percent in 2014, but loaded with downside risks.

The cumulative expansion of the world economy in 2013 is estimated at 3.1 percent; the forecast for 2014 is 3.8 percent.

Still, the overall picture of the global economy is uncertainty and unevenness, particularly in our major trading partners, coupled with an insufficiency of growth in jobs, but with an optimism that things economic are improving, yet still below the level of economic activity, pre-2008, and indeed fewer jobs.

Disturbingly, the less than stellar growth in the recovery of the United States’ economy has confounded many reputable economic analysts who had predicted an imminent acceleration in the US economy from 2010 onwards.

But the actual economic performance was not robust: 2.5 percent growth in 2010; 1.8 percent in 2011; 2.8 percent in 2012; and below 2 percent in 2013.

These very analysts insist that a faster pick-up in the US economy will occur in 2014. Still, other mainstream economists do not share this unbridled optimism; and the IMF,

though upbeat on the US economy, forecasts a modest 2.6 percent growth for it in 2014.

The IMF’s Chief Economist Olivier Blanchard does not envisage that the global economy will rebound in a relatively stable manner until the end of 2016. If this view proves to be correct, as is likely, and given the time-lag effect of economic growth in the USA and Europe on small Caribbean economies like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the sustained upturn in dependent, tourism-based economies of our region may not be evident until the end of 2017, thereabouts, or beyond. A gradual, moderate level of economic growth in our region’s major economic partners in USA and Europe will assist in keeping us afloat, but is unlikely to facilitate the requisite lift unless the peculiarities in the individual Caribbean economies provide opportunities for accelerated advance.

In the case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I had earlier commented on some possibilities for realisation in our peculiar, “sui generis”, though not isolated, context.

Broadly, a pertinent query, of a general kind, arises for consideration: Can a socio-economic model, initiated

by Robert Milton Cato, refined by Sir James Mitchell, and further reformed under the ULP government, in a small, vulnerable, resource-challenged and dependent economy like St. Vincent and the Grenadines be sustained, without profound adjustments or alterations, during a prolonged global recession or continued economic slow-down? If the answer is “yes”, then incremental accretions and a wait-and-see approach is plausible. If the answer is “no”, what are the adjustments or alterations to be made and in what time-frame?

My government is satisfied that appropriate alterations and/or adjustments are necessary and desirable in order to attain a relatively secure level of economic sustainability. Fundamentally, this is the analytic frame which has guided the policy reforms of my government, and their urgency, in divers areas, of the society, economy, and polity which I summarised earlier.

In the challenging external environment which still lies ahead, these reforms and structured alterations are required more than ever to be accelerated. We cannot rest on our laurels. We cannot afford the luxury of wait-and-see or illconsidered temporising. Renewal must continue apace. Lethargy is not an option. Focussed, hard and smart work and production will bring progress, wealth and job creation.

CARICOM and St. Kitts/Nevis Press statement by the Honourable Arnhim Eustace on the situation in St. Kitts/Nevis.

I LIVE ON A HILL that affords a commanding view of several Grenadine islands. At many a sunrise, I have contemplated the beauty of these islands which, together with my island, comprise my country. Yesterday morning, they appeared for the first time unrelated somehow, close as if only by accident.

A similar disaggregation is taking place in CARICOM. The Constitution and, in particular, the Parliamentary process in our sister state of St Kitts/ Nevis are under siege. Democracy in St. Kitts/Nevis has been compromised for nearly fifteen (15) months.

Kittitians and CARICOM nationals in general are confronted with the most undemocratic of absurdities: a minority Government.

This tear in the Kittitian political fabric threatens to unravel CARICOM and the OECS sub- region. For the much vaunted democratic integrity of our region and sub-region is only as strong as it is vibrant in our weakest member. Our disordered fraternity instead, concerns itself with the state of democracy in Venezuela and even more remotely, in the Ukraine.

I ask the following: Whence does CARICOM derive its moral authority to comment on the state of democracy in Venezuela or Ukraine or anywhere outside the region, when it watches silently as St Kitts/Nevis’ democratic underpinnings collapse? What is CARICOM’s relevance to CARICOM nationals when it is more focussed on the other instead of the self?

Will it take therefore, an expression of concern or statement of condemnation from nations outside of CARICOM, such as the United States, or that country from whose colonial grip we freed our bodies but perhaps not our minds, before we feel we ought to look at our own St. Kitts/Nevis? Is St. Kitts/Nevis’ parliamentary impasse less relevant to the interests of CARICOM nationals than medical marijuana or foreign relations with Turkey? And finally, what interest has each CARICOM head of government in saying nothing on the St Kitts/Nevis issue?

We have been here before. Yet, CARICOM now stands aloof. Fourteen (14) years ago, CARICOM’s current chairman, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was a beneficiary of the intervention of a proactive fraternity of CARICOM heads, when it did here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines what it is calling for in Ukraine, “the use of international mediation and/or negotiations”.

Presumably, CARICOM did so in order to ensure what it has stated about Venezuela, that “No democratic society can reasonably pursue disorder or any unwarranted subversion of democratic institutions”.

This generation of CARICOM heads is neither proactive nor reactive. My brothers and sisters, you have plunged to dizzying depths of hypocrisy in your silence on St Kitts/ Nevis. We are stunned by your complicity in this most undemocratic status quo. In refusing even to table this crisis for discussion, you have rendered yourselves complicit in the attenuation of the democratic structures of St Kitts/Nevis. Please act now or you shall render CARICOM irrelevant. Our people shall draw their own conclusions

about the reasons for your silence.

Excerpts from the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris’ Press Statement.

My fellow CARICOM nationals, I am here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on this day, at this hour, when CARICOM Member States have gathered at the 25th Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). I am here as a humble citizen of St. Kitts/Nevis. I am also here too as a member of parliament and as the Leader of the TEAM UNITY political movement in St. Kitts/Nevis, to let you know that all is not well in our country. I am here to tell you, as Comrades, brothers and sisters of a common heritage and purpose, that we the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are no less desiring and are no less deserving of freedom, justice and democracy, than the rest of our CARICOM neighbours.

CARICOM Charter of Civil Society sets out the fundamental principles that are to govern our CARICOM region, as regard to human rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and good governance. The Charter reaffirms confidence in CARICOM as an association of sovereign states and territories committed to those fundamental principles outlined within a Caribbean integration framework. When these principles are being transgressed and undermined in any member state, it behoves CARICOM Heads to take note and to act responsibly.

Article XVII of the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society deals with good governance and the rule of law, and in St. Kitts/Nevis, under the Douglas regime, we are experiencing a vicious, calculated and deliberately provocative attack on good governance, the rule of law and constitutional democracy.

When we see our brothers and sisters suffering anywhere around the world, we should always hear them, and speak with one loud, clear voice and act to end their plight. And when it hits closer to home on the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, we should not hesitate to act with deliberate haste for the sake and in the spirit of our ancestors who bled and died for the rights and freedoms that we now enjoy today.

On this note, let me on behalf of the citizens and residents of St. Kitts \Nevis, extend our deepest appreciation and admiration for the sterling work and leadership of the Hon. Arnhim Eustace, the distinguished Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly and political leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

When this chapter is written in history, it will be revealed that the Hon. Arnhim Eustace showed courage of conviction, and spoke “truth to power,” and he fought for democracy in St. Kitts and Nevis as valiantly as he continues to fight for it in his own St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We will always be indebted to this outstanding son of our Caribbean Civilization, whose integrity and vision for the region is unrivalled and unmatched.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 11.

Views

Looks Aren’t Everything

“Beauty is only skin deep, and the world is full of thin skinned people.” - Richard Armour (1906–1989) US poet THE NAME CAMERON RUSSELL (born 1987) is unknown to many of us. However, those individuals who regularly follow what is taking place on the fashion/model runway will readily recognize her to be one of America’s most popular models. Her modelling career commenced when she was 16.

Since then, she has been featured in Vogue magazines in America, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Japan. She has done advertising campaigns for several internationally famous companies such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The interest in sharing insights on this topic surfaced after I had viewed her October 2012 TEDx Mid-Atlantic presentation entitled “Looks aren’t Everything. Believe me, I’m a Model”.

The tall, slender, Caucasian model described herself as having won “a genetic lottery”. In explaining the statement, she emphasized that internationally acclaimed models are often selected and groomed on the basis of looks and skin colour. She proceeded to testify that “it was difficult to unpack a legacy of gender and racial oppression, when I am one of the greatest beneficiaries”. The Huffington Post, described Cameron’s TED video as “refreshingly frank”.

And CNN subsequently invited Russell to a roundtable discussion, during which she was invited to share her insights on this and related subjects. However, as is the case when such sensitive statements are made (re colour and/or race), there were individuals who took offence to some of her statements. Peter Frost, an anthropologist who has published mainly on sexual dimorphism in human skin colour, and on the evolutionary origin of European hair and eye colours, emerged of one of her critics. And while some in our society are super sensitive about discussing the “colour issue” it is so very important that we facilitate healthy discussion on this most important issue. Not with the intention of seeking to claim that one is better than the other because of hair texture, eye colour, nose shape, or lip size, but that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God. That being said, we should have a healthy respect and admiration for all peoples — regardless of their ethnicity and/or DNA reserves. We assure ourselves that looks aren’t everything.

My maternal grandmother (fondly known as Miss Billy) could pass for white. The description is penned this way to avoid the “nit picking” that would have emerged if I had simply stated that she was white. My maternal grandfather (known to many as Uncle Joe), however, was “very black”. Again, there is no need for us to debate the different shades or degrees of blackness. But most readers would certainly understand what I mean. Within and throughout

our family tree, there are varying shades of blackness and whiteness.

And therein lies the beauty of our society. We can co-exist and love each other, regardless of the physical characteristics that we portray. And while there are still some within our society who will favour one skin shade over another, we must be forever on guard to make sure that the differences are not used to divide us (as is the case in some parts of the Caribbean and beyond). We are a blessed people. This is a blessed land.

And we must preserve this beauty of our society and culture. Many nations of the world would envy us for this unique and highly desirable feature. But we must fight tooth and nail to preserve this heritage. It is amazing how we could co-exist and not be distracted by the fact that we have emerged from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. And while some of our CARICOM neighbours will boast of similar diversities, I am yet to find one that is embracing and accepting as ours.

Having shared the above truism, it becomes necessary for us to caution all of our citizens that it is not necessary for us to seek to change our looks to become like anyone else.

Some of us older folks would recall rumours that we would have heard in our childhood, that the Catholic nuns slept with clothes pins on their noses, and that this was why their noses were so pointed. Some of us may have even ventured to attempt to sleep with our mouths open (so that we could breathe) and clothes pins struggling to keep on our noses. But clothes pins had nothing to do with their pointed noses ... and there was/is nothing wrong with our having flat or bulging noses. We, all of us, are God’s creation and, as such, are fearfully and wonderfully made. In addition, we must remind ourselves that looks aren’t everything; real beauty shines from the inside out. It is who we are on the inside (our character) that really make the difference. Not who we appear to be with our “good looks”, fancy clothes, shiny shoes, expensive watches, and so on. Looks aren’t everything.

Beauty is only skin deep. It is fragile.

It is transient. But character will shine through long after physical beauty has faded. Some may even venture to say that our true beauty is never really evident until the physical beauty and earthly props (i.e. material possessions, titles, power, etc.) are removed. So, let us focus on the inner beauty that we each have, knowing that looks aren’t everything!

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

One more step to reparations CARICOM LEADERS meeting in St Vincent took one more important step in their quest for reparatory justice against European countries that engaged in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery. Last July, at the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in Port of Spain, the leaders committed to work for reparations for citizens of their respective countries.

At this sitting of the Heads in SVG, the meeting agreed to engage all of the European powers targeted for possible legal action in a developmental conversation, even before letters are sent to them. The European countries being targeted are England, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

The meeting heard an update of the work of the Regional Reparations Commission from its chair, Dr Hilary Beckles. Dr Beckles reported to the Heads that all of the countries of CARICOM have established National Reparations Committees. This is a major advancement because at the last meeting in July 2013, only Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados and St Vincent had taken the initiative to form reparations commissions.

To date, the Regional Reparations Commissionm which along with Dr Beckles has co-chairs in Dr Verene Sheppard, Jamaica Reparations Commission, Armand Zunder, Suriname Reparations Commission and Jomo Thomas, met during the Reparations Conference in St Vincent last September, December 9 and 10, in Jamaica and January 27 and 28 in Barbados.

There was agreement among other broad agreements: to host an annual regional reparations conference; hosting of a collaborative conference between the University of Essex and the UWI on the issue of reparatory justice; establishment of a Centre of Reparations Research at UWI; all CARICOM states advancing claims will issue formal complaints about the legacies of slavery on their country’s economy and people; that a complement of Caribbean lawyers will work with Leigh Day, the British legal team working along with CARICOM governments and countries.

The Convention on the Elimination of all forces of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is being studied as a key United Nations document, out of which some of the legal claims against genocide and slavery will be grounded.

The Regional Reparations Commission took the important decision not to include the issue of indentureship in the reparations campaign, because it did not fit with the concept of chattel slavery due to its voluntary and contractual element.

It was, however, acknowledged that forced labour, deception, breach of contract and entrapment which occurred under indentureship were connected to slavery, and that the national and regional reparations committee should make the necessary linkages as they go about the work of educating local, regional and international audiences.

The research necessary and sufficient to support the work of the legal team was in an advanced stage of development and will be ready by the end of June 2014. Dr Hilary

Beckles, as the key point man on the regional reparations claim, had made vital contacts as he travelled across Europe sensitizing segments of the European population and building critical support for the Caribbean Reparations cause.

Dr Beckles, as chair of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, has been charged with the responsibility to report to a CARICOM’s government’s committee which is led by Barbadian PM Fruendel Stuart, and includes leaders from Trinidad, Haiti, Guyana and St Vincent. A report was given by Dr Beckles at the CARICOM heads meeting which concluded in St Vincent on Tuesday. A more detailed report will be tendered to PM Stuart of Barbados.

A broad outline of the strategy for development of the region is premised on the following: Compensation for ingenious peoples; Reparatory justice for the descendants of the enslaved; and A reparations funded investment framework to confront and uproot the post slavery poverty that afflicts more than 90 percent of the region’s population.

The strategy also envisages among other things: An apology, rather than a statement of regret that expresses no responsibility for the suffering of victims; Admission for wrong doings committed by the European powers; Commitment to reasonable reparatory action; and a commitment to nonrepetition.

The regional meeting was buoyed by the understanding that the British state is quite aware that it has a case to answer, and that the Caribbean has a legally strong and morally just claim. The meeting was put on guard that the British and their European allies were hoping that disunity will overtake the region’s effort, resulting in a failure by regional governments to press their claims for reparatory justice for their citizens.

To properly carry forward the case for reparations, the CARICOM heads demanded an apology as a first step.

The meeting also unanimously adopted a joint “Ten Point Action Plan”. The plan calls for: European funding of an “indigenous peoples development programme”; support for Caribbean cultural institutions; public health assistance; illiteracy education; an “African knowledge programme” to educate Caribbean people about Africa; “psychological rehabilitation” to address the “massive psychological trauma” that resulted from slavery; technology transfers; and “debt cancellation”.

Among the boldest of calls is the demand for “repatriation” of the descendants of “stolen people” — through which European governments could help to resettle Caribbean people in “their homeland” of Africa.

The CARICOM summit also called for a meeting in London between Caribbean and European officials.

The response of the Europeans to this call will enable our clients to quickly gauge whether or not their concerns are being taken seriously.

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

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12. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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CARICOM – 40 years of failure

SINCE it started in 1973, CARICOM has given the Caribbean little more than failure. CARICOM’s focus has been tourism and incarceration, and that is why Caribbean countries have high levels of national debt, unemployment and crime.

Over the past 40 years, successive governments in CARICOM have sought to deal with crime by building more and bigger jails, and failed to see that high-quality education is the way to reduce crime.

The Asian version of CARICOM, known as ASEAN, has brought Asian countries low unemployment, low levels of crime, low levels of national debt, and prosperity for their people. When compared to ASEAN, it is clear that CARICOM is an organisation of incompetence that lacks vision.

Poor financial management is a common factor in CARICOM countries.

The common focus of ASEAN countries is highquality education, innovation, good financial management, and competent and visionary leadership. Rather than build more and bigger jails, ASEAN focuses on building more and bigger universities.

For example, in its first five years of independence from England, Singapore built three high-quality universities. In contrast, in SVG, after 34 years of independence from England, the

incompetent ULP government built a massive jail and not a university. This example is illustrative of CARICOM countries’ incompetence.

ASEAN countries know the value of education, and seek to bring their people prosperity through education, universities and innovation. CARICOM countries seem to want to oppress their people and keep them in poverty by focusing on tourism and building jails, and refusing to build universities.

Countries with more highly educated people per capita are more prosperous than countries with poorly educated people. For example, Singapore is number one in the world for most millionaire households per capita, with 170,000 millionaire households. Where do CARICOM countries lie in this list?

Competent management of finance and economics is at the heart of the economies of ASEAN countries, whereas in CARICOM countries, poor financial and economic management is rife. For example, in SVG the ULP government failed the Audit of Public Accounts in 2008.

The people of SVG need jobs. Businesses in SVG need a vibrant economy and competent financial leadership for them to become prosperous and create more jobs for SVG’s people.

Unless there is substantial change in the mindset

of CARICOM leadership towards massive investment in high-quality education and universities, the high levels of debt, crime and unemployment throughout the region will continue.

Caribbean countries cannot withstand 40 more years of failure by CARICOM. Economic growth in the region is achievable, but only with innovation, competent financial and economic management, and building at least one university in every CARICOM country.

A new mindset is needed like that of ASEAN countries, because CARICOM people are falling behind the rest of the world and becoming secondclass citizens in their own country.

A Green Government will build science and technology universities, not jails.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

World Cup 2014 Brazil: Counting down the days

by RONALDO CHRISTIANO Former national footballer of Brazil ONLY 100 days! It’s hard to believe it’s so close. It seems like only yesterday that Brazil was confirmed as the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ host nation. I remember the excitement I felt, once I realised that my country was going to stage the most important football event on the planet. Football Even though I won’t be out there on enthusiasts from all over the world the field, I’m starting to get the same Neymar, the will be going out butterflies in the stomach as I used to scintillating of their way to do when a big game was coming up. forward, will be After all, the World Cup will be a kind meet and greet the a special world’s greatest of “final” for Brazil, in terms of the attraction when ever footballer, country establishing itself on the he takes the Brazil’s Pele. global stage. The spotlight will be on field for the us, and it’s a great chance to show the Brazilian Although Brazil world just what’s so special about is a country of great national football Brazil and the Brazilian people. social contrasts, we team. have made significant progress in Brazil: A land of many and much tackling this problem in recent years.

We are a diverse but unified society, a With the World Cup and the 2016 land of talented, determined, creative Olympics taking place here in Brazil, and innovative people — characteristics we have the chance to prove to the that are captured perfectly by world not just how much we love sport, Neymar’s dizzying, magical dribbles, but also how strong we are the music of Tom Jobim, and the economically. Brazil is a world leader scientific achievements of Miguel in biotechnology and one of the biggest Nicolelis, whose exoskeleton research meat, mineral and soya producers on has given paraplegics hope that they the planet. Very soon thousands of may one day walk again. tourists and foreign journalists will Brazil is such a colourful country, arrive on our doorstep, anxious to blessed with breathtaking natural discover the real Brazil. beauty. Tourists that come here for the World Cup should prepare themselves for an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s from visiting the beaches of the northeast, witnessing the vastness of the Amazon River, or taking in the dazzling blend of ocean and mountains that makes Rio de Janeiro such a special place, every visitor will take There will be a lot to choose from as far as home a treasured personal memory. night entertainment is concerned during Brazil is a place of great the World Cup in Brazil.

Rio De Janeiro is world famous for its wild beaches and its Carnival celebrations. Inset:The Arena das Dunas, in Natal, one of the new stadiums Brazil has built for the 2014 World Cup. happiness and joy, and we will welcome World Cup visitors with open arms. But until then, we must keep working.

Getting ready for the World Cup As a 2014 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee Management Board member, I have been lucky enough to observe up close the dedication and skill of the workers who are helping to construct this unique event. In all 12 host cities, I’ve witnessed the commitment of the thousands of people who are striving to create the best World Cup possible.

We faced some tough tests during the preparations.

Last year, we hosted the best FIFA Confederations Cup in history. That’s not just my opinion, but also that of fans, journalists, and even FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

Less than six months later, we successfully organized another challenging event: the Final Draw at the Costa do Sauípe in Bahia. And after we discovered in which cities the games would be played, the 32 national teams that will dispute the tournament discussed their operational plans with members of the LOC, FIFA, and the Brazilian government.

This exchange of ideas and opinions between organisers and national

teams is an ongoing process, and another key event, the National Teams Workshop at the Costão do Santinho in Florianópolis, took place last month.

Subjects such as safety, transport, and how the teams are to be looked after were discussed in detail.

On the way Now we’re really on the home straight. Since the beginning of the year two new stadiums have opened: the Arena das Dunas, in Natal, and the new Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre. They’re beautiful, just like the Arena Amazonas, the Arena da Baixada, the Arena Pantanal and the Arena Corinthians, which are also almost ready.

By the time the World Cup begins, all the stadiums will have carried out test events. These are of vital importance so that the tournament organisers can make final adjustments to their plans.

There is not much time left now until the tournament begins and the greatest players on the planet go head to head. Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iniesta, Neymar... I can’t wait. I’ll be expecting you in Brazil. See you at the World Cup!

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 13.

People

Mistake corrected: Anderson recognised

to use his left foot in order to fill in the left back position for the Grammar ELDON VINCENT ANDERSON School football team. has a long association with He recalled touring St. THE VINCENTIAN Lucia in 1936 with a newspaper. His father, contingent from the Robert Mowbray Anderson, school. He recounted being was a former editor of the the 12th man for the publication.

Cricket team, but his Heading for his 95th exploits in the high jump birthday, Anderson, in and football have been fact, holds claim to the known. honour of being the oldest Eldon has hitherto been surviving St. Vincent referred to as the ‘home Grammar School student. grown Cadet’, recognised He entered the institution for his pioneering role in in 1932 and left in 1936. that organisation, when it THE VINCENTIAN was then the St. Vincent reported last week that Boys Grammar School Leopold Anthony, aged 92, Cadet Corps. held that honour. Readers in the know were quick to Early years point out the discrepancy.

Eldon spent his early Sporting prowess days at Higginson Street in capital city Kingstown.

Born December 28, He recalls having gone to 1919, Anderson lives at Miss Flintoff’s School at Villa. He walks around North River Road in comfortably, even though Kingstown. He attributed he displayed some support his “tattered” history to socks on his left foot, a the fact that his mother reminder of him learning died when he was 23

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANDERSON

months old.

He attended the Troumaca Primary School during the time he lived in that North Leeward community with Thomas Webster Clarke, the legendary teacher of that institution.

Eldon also reflected on having been taught by Dr. John Parmenos Eustace and his brother, Joseph Lambert Eustace.

Overseas sojourns Like many of his generation, he sought and found employment in Aruba where, as he put it, the people felt that the “English” were taking away jobs from the natives.

When he returned

Eldon V. Anderson – the oldest surviving student of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Left: Curtis King, Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School, in heartwarming conversation with Eldon Anderson.

Neat and trim, Eldon displays signs of the home in 1960, Eldon went Recognition physique which we into business in a joint assume would have operation with two Curtis King, Head distinguished him from his brothers-in-law, Joe Master of the St. Vincent peers.

Morris and Milton Horne. Grammar School, was Some matters may He proceeded to the happy to be made aware of escape his memory, but United States in 1962, and Anderson, and arranged to there is no question about by 1995, he was once visit him immediately. his hearing ability. He again domiciled in his King is planning a visit responds immediately to homeland. with Anderson again, this anything asked, and in Eldon is fit and mobile time with the Heritage succinct manner, applies as can be, and still drives. Club of the School, so that that measure of courtesy His is a retired the oldest surviving with which people of his stenographer.

Grammar School boy can generation have been be formally recognised. blessed.

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Arts

Caribbean Reproduction Rights Organisation meets

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS was the venue for a meeting and training workshop of Caribbean Reproduction Rights Organisations (RRO), March 2-5, 2014.

Organized by the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO), in collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Eastern Caribbean Copyright Licensing Association (ECCLA), the meeting and workshop also received support from the Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY), and was coordinated by Carol Newman of JAMCOPY, in her capacity as the Caribbean Regional Development Representative of IFRRO. Presenters and facilitators for the workshop included: Brian O’Donnell, Director of Business and International Development, Access Copyright, the RRO of Canada; Olav Stokkmo, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO); Victoriano Colodron, Senior Director, International Relations, Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), the RRO of the USA; and Madeleine Pow, International Relations Manager, the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA), the RRO of the United Kingdom.

In addition to ECCLA and JAMCOPY, the other Caribbean RROs represented at the meeting were the Trinidad and Tobago Reprographic Rights Organization (TTRRO), and BCopy, the Barbados Reproduction Rights Society Inc. Directors and Country representatives gave reports on the status of RRO activity in their respective countries.

The rationale was to establish a platform for an action plan for both individual territories as well as the OECS region as a whole.

Towards the advancing the plan for the OECS, the last day of the meeting and workshop was devoted to that sub-region. Of signal importance was the need to ensure that all about ECCLA. ECCLA is the rights management organisation in the text and image spheres for the OECS sub-region. It was incorporated as a non-profit

company in Saint Lucia in 2011 and registered in St Kitts and Nevis in December 2011.

ECCLA was established pursuant to the copyright law to manage the reproduction rights of creators and publishers, whose works are published in print and digital formats. ECCLA’s mandate is to facilitate seamless access to and the sharing of content from academic works, through newspaper articles, novels and sheet music, to photographs and illustrations.

Through ECCLA’s intervention, creators and publishers will be enabled to meet the needs of their users (government, libraries, universities, colleges, schools, businesses, etc.) in a constantly changing environment, by means of a flexible, efficient and convenient mechanism, within the framework of copyright law. In so doing, ECCLA encourages ongoing creation of new works, promotes respect for the rights of those that bring this material to the public, and fosters a viable and efficient marketplace for intellectual property.

ECCLA is currently on a membership drive and creators in the OECS member states such as writers, authors, poets, photographers, print journalists, sculptors, painters, music composers and other creative persons are invited to join. Publishers of books, magazines, newspapers and other periodicals are also invited to membership. The eligibility requirement is that you must have at

least one piece of works published in printed form.

There is no fee to join and publishers and creators stand to benefit enormously from membership. Interested individuals should contact the directors and representatives listed above for further information.

Member States of the OECS are represented on the Board

of Directors of ECCLA. Members and or Directors present at the recent meeting were: Linisa George of Antigua & Barbuda (Representative); Irvin C Durand of Dominica (Representative); Sandra James of Grenada (Representative); Desiree Richards of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Director); Camille Crichton of St.

Vincent and the Grenadines (Representative); S. B. JonesHendrickson from of St. Kitts and Nevis (President of ECCLA and Director); Attorney Claudette Jenkins, Registrar of Intellectual Property for St. Kitts and Nevis, and Attorney Lydia Elliot of St. Lucia, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel of the ECCLA.

V From a fantasy to an affair 20. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

listened in on one of the telephone conversations with the man.

What was to be just a sexual I HAVE ALWAYS had a very open and fantasy turned out to be an honest relationship with my wife of ongoing affair. She does not want 3 years. She would always say to me that she wants to explore some to hear me talk about it, and dismissed it as I am being of her sexual fantasies. I told her that it is always a good idea for one paranoid. Now, I may never know to explore their sexual fantasies and when this guy is in St. Vincent, and that bothers me because now, she should explore hers. I knew I I do not trust my wife with him. told her that, but what I did not know was that she would actually Upset H/band take me up on it, and exclude me totally from it.

Dear Upset h/band, It so happened that she went ahead and had sex with a white It is never recommended that man who was just here on a 3-day visit with his wife. I later learned you introduce other people into your marriage, or relationship for that she went with both of them that matter. Even though it is and did what she had to do. argued in some circles She was doing this for more that fantasies ought to be actively than six months, unknowing to me. I found out accidently when I pursued, it may be wise to just let

Dear George,

them remain where they are as fantasies.

You gave her permission to do what she did, and are now expressing shock that she actually did it? That approach will be confusing to any jury! You have the option of letting bygones be bygones and discuss the issue with your wife towards setting a clear code of behaviour with which both of you will be comfortable.

It will be better for your marriage if that code could have the clause of excluding ALL OTHERS from your relationship, something that already exists in your marriage vows, but which you might have missed.

George

Prayer before sex blow my top. If he does not stop this nonsense I AM SO FRUSTRATED that he is behaving with, with my husband and his I am going to do something that he would attitude to our bedroom not like, believe me. life, that I am about to

Dear George,

He is an ordained minister, and he insists that before we make love, we must open the bible and read a few verses that pertain to

love, and wants us both to pray about it before the act.

He is nuts!! One time he went as far as suggesting we sing a love song (gospel of course) before. I stormed out of the bedroom.

I am telling him here and now that if he does not stop this nonsense, I am going to find a man who can give me what I want, when I want it, before I lose the mood for it.

I hope he is reading this because it is his last chance!

Untimely demand Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND wants me to make love to him, even though I am having my monthly period. He is ridiculous, and I have told him that; but it does not seem to shake him. He is telling me that I am his girlfriend and anytime he feels like having a piece of me, he is entitled to it.

I am not happy with him and his animalistic behaviour. I tried to refuse him on a few occasions, and he threatened me with violence. I love him, but this part of him is scaring me and it has me thinking. What would you suggest that I do?

Annoyed Dear Annoyed, If this is the man you are planning to marry, then I would suggest that you reconsider. Showing violence because he cannot get what he wants is a warning sign that you should not ignore, and that sign clearly has ‘ABUSER’ written all over it.

It makes no sense being with someone who does not respect you and your body. You have every right to be scared of him and as far as I know, love does not exist where there is fear. You need to take the time to rethink your decision to be in such a relationship. If you are seeing a sign that says there is danger ahead, then there may in fact, be danger ahead. Do not ignore the sign!

Disgusted George Dear Disgusted, As a minister of the Gospel, your husband should know that there is a time and place for everything. While it is good to be always in a state of thankfulness, you husband could be over the line. You may have to use all of your feminine skills and some good brotherly advice from a marriage counsellor to bring him back to this side of the century. This counseling could be had from in house, but if it is not available, then you can look outward. Do not give up on him as yet; remember that patience is indeed a virtue.

George

Leisure

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

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Short trips will be educational. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous.

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

Sudden romantic connections may be short lived.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. Get out and, about. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. Love can be yours if you get out and about. If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through. You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts.

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

Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment.

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

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

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

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

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on. You will find your personal partner taxing this week. Money can be made if you are willing to take a chance. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place.

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

You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially.

You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Deceit around you is evident.

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

ACROSS

47. “Carmen,” for one 1.Cardinal’s color 51. Picnic crash4. Singer Redding ers 8. Came down 53. Baby back 12. Common __ contraction 55. Roman 54 13. Author Grey 56. Film spool 14. “Hi __, Hi Lo” 57. On bended 15. Shark feature __ 16. Sad news 58. Opposite of item, for NNW short 59. Used the 17. “…sting like subway __” (2 wds.)

60. Weekend 18. Swashbuckling days (abbr.) actor Errol 61. Always, 20. __ park poetically 22. Above, in poems DOWN 24. __ Carolina 27. Shopping site 1.Guitarist’s short phrase 30. Footnote 2. Harmful abbr.

33. Onassis’s nick- 3. Renounce 4. Invigorating name air 34. Mimics 5. Check 35. Comic Bill’s 6. Name’s first nickname letter (abbr.)

36. School gps.

7. Adam’s off37. __ Fields spring cookies 8. San Antonio 38. Native of Landmark Bangkok 9. Set free 39. Insurance 10. French island agents (abbr) 11. Gift for Dad 40. __ flu 19. Have-__ 42. Three (Ital.) (those 44. Kind of without) protest (hyph.)

21. Terminate

23. Having megabucks 25. Pitfall 26. Cat’s warning 27. Talking doll word 28. Rainy times (abbr.)

29. Withstood 31. Squeezing serpent 32. “Or __ at long last love?”

(2 wds.)

36. Ready a patient 38. High explosive (abbr.)

41. Church’s walkway 43. Bower flowers 45. Irritates 46. Singer Simone 48. Other than 49. Pre-anthem

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 21.

instruction 50. State emphatically 51. Departure’s opposite (abbr.)

52. New (prefix) 54. Play the ponies

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22. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Typical Buccament Street after the flood.

Harmony Lane almost restored.

Innovation: A key to productivity and expense reduction in Europe and Central and Southern Africa on almost every type of building project.

AT A TIME OF CRISIS, local contractor In 2002, Ken moved to the Eastern Ken Picknell brings global experience to Caribbean, and managed major St. Vincent and the Grenadines. construction projects on Canouan, Picknell, Managing Director of Mustique, Bequia and St. Vincent. In Tennon Construction, is a professional 2007, he incorporated Tennon Construction Manager who has worked Construction, complete with a fullyBEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

Harmony Lane before (top), Harmony Lane after.

equipped joinery workshop, for the production of windows, doors, furniture, and almost anything else that can be made of wood.

Picknell also incorporated another company, Tennon Precast Ltd. Tennon Pre-cast is the sole manufacturer and distributer in the Eastern Caribbean of a unique line of patented, pre-cast, reinforced, solid concrete fencing, retaining walls and blocks that interlock with each other.

These innovative products can be installed completely by semi-skilled labour, or a home owner, saving considerably time and money over the construction of traditional block/concrete retaining Harmony Lane, Buccament before (top) Harmony walls. The patented Lane after. moulds were imported a solution that provided employment from the UK and South Africa; local for local workers and created low cost workers were hired and all products ‘Made in St. Vincent’ products using necessary for the manufacturing materials and supplies available right process were sourced in St. Vincent here on the island. and the Grenadines. The steel At Cane Hall in Arnos Vale, behind reinforced precast concrete walls are a the Super J. Store, Ken Picknell and proven low-cost alternative to his wife Gwen (who is managing daytraditional block and wire mesh walls. to-day operations) have been busy 24/7 Following the disastrous damage responding to queries, manufacturing caused by the December 2013 floods, products for an unending stream the immediate mobilisation of orders, especially in the Buccament resources of cost-effective, high quality Bay area, and completing construction construction, supplies and workers was in record time. essential. Expensive retaining walls St. Vincent and the Grenadines is and fencing had been destroyed, an island of opportunity for innovative leaving properties vulnerable to developers and entrepreneurs, who further damage and loss. The Tennon bring new, creative ideas and Pre-cast products were a perfect technologies, so necessary for the speedy, cost-effective response to an challenging years ahead. urgent need, and a win-win example of

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 23.

Saints march on⁄Police One stand easy however, pulled out of strife

by Marcus John, 34, and GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS, Antonio Sutherland, 18 not behind a good century from out, who took them to relative Rolando Wright, continued their safety and ensured an early meticulous march towards a end to the match, much to the first Premier Division title in satisfaction of Assistant more than three decades, when Commissioner Frankie Joseph they extended their lead at the who once again turned up to top of the standings after taking give moral support. first innings points over Police Ray Charles took 2/28, ONE, in their drawn match at bowling for Guardian General Arnos Vale TWO last weekend.

Saints.

But the lawmen, despite Earlier, Police ONE had losing first innings points, won the toss and elected to were able to leave the venue take first strike. Having made sporting broad smiles, as it a few changes to their line-up, was the first time in their four they looked a more focussed matches they had not suffered team, and exhibited a more an innings defeat. positive cricket-ready attitude.

They had succumbed in this The lawmen managed 31 way to Team Rivals, Lime for the first wicket between Radcliffe and Victors ONE in Collison Cottoy, 20, and Peter their previous outings.

Morris, 14, and looked well Scores in the match: Police placed at 99/3. The dreamONE 186 &104/4, Guardian like position even had three of General Saints 306/6 dec. their colleagues on motor The officers may have just cycles riding to the Arnos Vale slightly entertained the Playing Field in what may thought of a possible fourth have been interpreted as a innings defeat after batting a salute to the turnaround. But second time with a deficit of things then reverted to the 120, and losing an early Police way as they soon found wicket at nine and two with themselves at 120/6. It was the score on 57. They were, then left to Sutherland, 59, to arrest the situation with some bold strokes on both sides of the wicket.

He struck eight fours, and was the only score above 25.

Guardian General Saints, who went to the close at 35/2 and with three of their leading players in Romel Assistant Commissioner of Police Currency, Sunil Frankie Joseph (2nd from right) keeping Ambris and Kenroy an eye on his subordinates at play.

Peters out on Windward Islands duties, looked in some bother at 94/4.

Their anxious moments were brushed aside by Wright, 110 not out and Zane Edwards, 63, in a 91-run fifth wicket partnership.

Edwards, who struck five Antonio Sutherland off drives during his fighting half century.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

fours in his innings, suffered two mishaps in the match: first collapsing from exhaustion at the end of day one while batting, and secondly, colliding with fielder Calvin Glasgow in a clash of heads, while attempting a run. Glasgow left the ground and took no further part in the match, while Edwards, who was dismissed shortly after, could be seen using an icepack to possibly quell the pain and possibly ease the swelling.

Wright then added a further 70 with Timothy

Centurion Rolando Wright plays another attacking shot during his unbeaten century.

Warner, 33, during which time he brought up his century, his second at this level. He struck twelve fours and three sixes.

He also featured in a 51- run seventh wicket partnership with Nos Samuel, 9 not out, to give his team a fourth bonus batting point. Captain Vertel Davis finished with 3/68, bowling for Police ONE. Guardian General Saints, last year’s third place

finishers, now lead the standings with 56 points ahead of defending champions Victors ONE on 46, Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO on 34, Lime Radcliffe on 33 and joint defending champions Team Rivals on 27. The top three have played three games while Rivals and Radcliffe have played two. There are eight teams in the Premier Division.

New Junior Squash crop bursting open A NEW SET OF junior Squash players has started to emerge from the ground up, as the sport continues to replenish itself at the national level.

As the natural progression takes place, the elevation process saw some who are relatively new to Squash, advance their cause at theNational Championships, which took place last weekend.

One person who tasted success was Jada Ross, as she trumped the girls’ under-13 title ahead of Giovanna Miller- Alexander.

Ross’ efforts saw her being named on the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ training squad, which will defend the OECS title next month in St Lucia.

Joining her is elder brother Geronimo Ross, as he too seeks to make the trip.

The squad also sees: the brother and sister pair of Lauryn and Jason Doyle; brothers Rashid and Akeem Constance; sisters- Gianna and Giovanna Miller- Alexander; as well as Thandi and Deiriai Myers.

Completing the hopefuls are Jlan Mc Master, Kai Bentick, Omari Wilson and Mickal Quashie.

But it will not be an easy passage for the selectees, as coach James Bentick has outlined that, apart from their standard of play and discipline, regular attendance at practice sessions is also a principal factor in determining the final cut.

All selectees showed their worth at the championships.

Giovanna Miller- Alexander was the top girls’ Under-11 and Mc Master- the boys’ under-11.

Bentick hit and ran his way to the boys’ under-13 and under-15 titles, while Thandi Myers secured the girls’ under-13 and under15.

The Myers’ household was also the recipient

Jada Ross - under-13 title holder.

Jason Doyle - under17 and under-19 champion

Deiriai Myers - underKai Bentick – took the 19 title winner boys under-13 and of the girls’ under-19 under-15 titles title, via Deiriai over Gianna MillerAlexander. Derirai was beaten by Thandi in the under-17 title play off.

And Jason Doyle, who has won individual accolades at the OECS level, and was the 2010 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) under-13 winner, secured the boys’ under-17 and under-19, as he takes over from those who are no longer eligible.

Doyle defeated Akeem Constance and Wilson on his way to the double titles.

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24. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Victors within a whisker... women starting all three of his victims. Offspinner Kenneth Denbar, 3/21, and legspinner Keiron Cottoy, 2/9, also DEFENDING champions, Victors ONE, narrowly failed in supported with important wickets. their bid to pull off a come-from -behind victory against Earlier, Victors ONE, who won the toss and chose Carl Glasgow Law Chambers ASCO at the Stubbs to bat, were limited to 117 after turning up with Playing Field on the weekend, after their bowlers only eight players. Captain Donwell Hector, 56, and staged a remarkable fight back against the odds. makeshift opener, Cottoy, 24, featured in a 57-run Having set their opponents what was seen as a second wicket partnership after losing Miles gettable 128 in the final 15 overs on the small Bascombe for naught with just a run on the board. outfield, the Victors ONE bowlers, led by fast bowler Hector struck six fours and one six in his faceShacquille Browne, tore the heart out of ASCO’s saving innings on a difficult pitch, with spinner batting to end two wickets shy of victory.

Andre Hunte taking 3/35.

SCORES: Victors ONE 115 &184, Carl Glasgow Carl Glasgow Law Chambers ASCO then set Law Chambers ASCO 172 & 61/8. about ramming home their advantage with an Browne, 3/14, bowling with good pace and opening partnership of 64 between Darin Greaves, showing plenty of improvement, gave his team an 27, and Javandean Browne, 29, but quickly slipped early sniff after being asked to spearhead the attack into some difficulty that saw them ending the day at when the experienced Norlan Williams suffered a 138/6 - a lead of 23. They added a further 34 for the slight hamstring injury. The measure of his loss of the remaining four wickets for an eventual accuracy was underlined by the fact that he bowled lead of 57, with Cottoy grabbing 5/52 and Denbar 3/52.

Batting a second time, the Victors ONE innings once again centred around their captain Hector, 56, with Lauron Francois, who was not around for the first innings, contributing 31 and Denbar 27. Francois and Denbar added 49 crucial runs for the seventh wicket.

Hector, who became the first player to score two hundred runs in this year’s competition, struck four fours Lead all-rounder LaToya Providence and talented batter Jacintha Adams and four sixes in his third among those to be on show in the RBTT Women’s tournament.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Donwell Hector, captian of Victors One, led from the fro, with two half centuries. consecutive half century. He also added two catches and three stumpings to his work, after being forced to stand behind the stumps owing to a pre-match injury to the first choice gloveman.

Hunte, 3/53, and Darius Martin, 2/2, were the top bowlers for Carl Glasgow Law Chambers ASCO. Action will continue this weekend with Victors ONE taking on Police TWO at Arnos Vale TWO and Guardian General Saints meeting Team Rivals at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

In addition, this weekend will see the commencement of the RBTT Women 40 overs tournament, at the Stubbs Playing Field. Organisers say this year, the female tournament will be played over 2 rounds, with matches starting at 12 p.m. Five Teams, defending champions United Survivors, Garifuna Stars, Rising Stars, J.G Tigress and newcomers Northern Girls Combined, are set to contest the 2014 edition.

The opening match, to be preceded by an opening ceremony, will feature United Survivors and Garifuna Stars.

Denson Hoyte repays his school’s principal PLAYING a pivotal role, the Sandy Bay Secondary School winning the United Insurance Secondary School Cricket title, was a repayment of sorts by team captain, Denson Hoyte.

His efforts were a direct repayment to the school’s principal, Brendan Child, who kept him at the institution for another year.

Hoyte shepherded his team to victory with a knock of 54 not out against the Georgetown

Secondary, in last Friday’s final at the Park Hill Playing Field. He made the difference as Sandy Bay successfully reached the 162 required for victory, the Georgetown Secondary having been dismissed for 161 in 48. 5 overs Following his match-winning innings, Hoyte said: “Last year was supposed to be my last year, but I only got three subjects. The principal decided to take me back, and I said I will repay him for his support of me.”

Hoyte, who played for St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Windwards at the Under-19 level in 2013, and who was the most valuable player for his country in the Windwards tournament, recalled that during his knock, the principal’s Most runs and top all-rounder: gesture remained Gidron Pope of the Georgetown etched in his Secondary. thoughts.

Hoyte (83 not out) was also the anchor in Sandy Bay’s response when they first tasted glory in the 2013 final versus the Petit Bordel Secondary, then staged at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

As he did last year, Hoyte was again adjudged Sandy Bay Secondary School – 2014 secondary schools’ the Player of the cricket champions.

Final.

When Georgetown batted, Kimson Dalzell was the lead batsman with 41 not Denson Hoyte during his out; Ornel Thomas hit 28 and Gidron Pope 26.

Sandy Bay’s bowling was led by Sealron Williams who grabbed 3 for 22 and Denson Hoyte 2 for 29.

Aiding Hoyte’s response for Sandy Bay were 39 extras conceded by Georgetown, and Dilworth Thomas, who scored 28, as they landed safely on 162 for 6 from 48.2 overs.

Gidron Pope was Georgetown’s most successful bowler with 3 for 17, and Othniel Lewis supported with 2 for 19.

Pope, the Georgetown captain and a St Vincent and the Grenadines and Windwards’ under-19 player, claimed the most runs award and the best allrounder title.

A left-handed batsman, Pope totaled 428 runs, and scored the first double century in the competition, 248 versus the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua .

He also collected 11 wickets, to crown off a good all-round performance.

The top wicket taker was Kurtney Pompey of the Sandy Pay Secondary who scalped 21 wickets, with Georgetown’s Dellorn Douglas named the best wicket keeper, and, taking the most catches in the final was Iran

match-wining knock.

Pompey who clutched two in Georgetown’s innings.

The Bethel High School took the third spot.

The Zone winners were - Zone A- Sandy Bay , Zone B - Petit Bordel and Zone CWest St George Secondary .

Meanwhile, the national schools Most games committee in outstanding the Ministry of wicketkeeper: Education honoured Dellorn Ezekiel Clarke and Douglas, Randolph Medica Georgetown (deceased) for their Secondary. years of service as umpires.

Clarke, who was absent from last Friday’s function, will receive a plaque.

The final was played in honor of both umpires, thus the second and first place trophies were named the Ezekiel Clarke and Randolph Medica trophy respectively.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 25.

Sports

Ballantyne says no to age limit...

Skiddy playing for recall

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Making sports of politics RICKY SKERRITT, the tourism Minister in St. Kitts/Nevis, is one accused of being part of an illegitimate regime in that state. That’s because of his loyalty to Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas. That issue took some degree of the spotlight at the 25 Intercessional meeting at Buccament Bay last Monday and Tuesday.

Interestingly, Skerritt was named among the most 25 Interesting People by a Florida based entity. His accolade comes as a result of the investments in tourism that country is experiencing.

Skerritt is a former West Indies Cricket Team manager. Whatever his record was during that tenure, he has used his contacts to propel his country’s adjustment to the economic climate.

Skerritt and his colleagues have become targeted by a Team Unity which includes another regional cricket stalwart.

Vance Amory is one of the six elected Parliamentarians who are spearheading a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas.

Mark Brantley from the Amory’s Concerned Citizens Movement of Nevis is one of the six opposition activists. Eugene Hamilton and Shawn Richards, leader of the People’s Action Movement, and Dr. Timothy Harris and former Deputy Leader of the St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party Sam Condor make up the rest of the six.

Dr. Harris and his team combined with the opposition New Democratic Party in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in mounting a protest outside the Buccament Bay Resort, where the Heads of Government were meeting. A press conference featuring the leaders of the two opposition camps was also part of the strategy.

The protesters have declared that they have put the St. Kitts issue on the regional agenda, and compared their actions to the Road Block Revolution in 2000 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which attracted CARICOM attention and ushered Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party into government.

Prime Minister Douglas has been blasted for his handling of the affair in his country. His view is that the St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party, on whose ticket Condor and Dr. Harris entered Parliament, was elected in 2010.

Dr. Harris has not been so explicit on that matter. Floor crossing is not a practice Caribbean people should condone.

Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has also been taken to task for not giving the no confidence motion any urgency.

The St. Kitts scenario will be resolved on home soil. The decision to highlight the matter in St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be an innovative way of campaigning. If the people of St. Kitts/Nevis have grouses with their government, they will make the replacement.

It is a pity that Dr. Harris has to resort to this method. Political rivalry is part of the democratic process. Infighting and power struggling will do a nation no good however.

The differences between Dr. Douglas, Sam Condor and Dr. Harris ought to have been resolved along mature lines. Is this bitterness spilling over to St. Vincent and the Grenadines a credible approach to regional development?

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Netball Association (SVGNA) will not be axing experienced players from the national roster simply because of their age, according to officials of the body.

Reports had surfaced that the Association had taken a decision to introduce a cut off age of 36 years for players representing the national Gotcha!! Goal Attack from Hill View goes high to collect Jacintha team. However, when Ballantyne, in their 29/30 loss to Green Hill Sports Club in Sunday’s THE VINCENTIAN Treasurer of the opening action. contacted Treasurer of the SVGNA, is not SVGNA, Jacintha have hid injuries and only She was quick in favour of age Ballantyne, she indicated that it limits. reported those injuries when they to point out was “a discretionary decision and are already overseas…..that is that she is back not hard and fast.” dishonesty…..so if you are not to full fitness and has been She added, “I will never fully fit, regardless of what you working out regularly at the support an age limit being put on have done in the past, you should Arnos Vale Playing Field, on a player’s chances of representing not be selected”. afternoons.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ace goal shoot Skiddy Francis The former national captain because, once you are performing —Crick was happy to hear that it attributes her ability to remain at at the required level for national was not the rule. Francis-Crick, the top of the ladder as a shooter, selection, you must be dealt with who is still regarded as this to her non-indulgence in alcohol purely on merit.” country’s top goal shoot, and “night life.”

She, however, was not in expressed frustration at not being She will be representing, for support of players being selected able to regain national selection yet another year, several times based on a name and on past despite topping the stats sheet for champions Vita Malt Maple, the performance if they are not up to the last decade and a half. club with which she made her standard on their current play.

“I am very fit and still the top debut as a fourteen-year-old more “Selection must be based on shooter…..just check the records than two decades ago. performance and fitness since, as over the years and you will see Speaking to THE you know, some people in the past that no one has VINCENTIAN on Sunday at the come close to me opening of the LIME 4G National with most goals Netball Championships, Francisand shooting Crick said she is looking to help average,” Francis- her team to the double this year Crick, the only (League and Knockout) and to player to have maintain her standard of play. scored one Twenty-eight teams are taking hundred goals in a part in this year’s tournament, single match said. five in Division ONE, nine in Francis-Crick Division TWO, seven in Division has been out of THREE and seven in Division favour with the FOUR. national selectors Organisers say that matches after coming down will be played this year in Bequia with a back injury and at the Keartons Hardcourt in Vita Malt Maple - looking for more titles on some years ago.

Central Leeward.

Skiddy’s form.

Physical Planning play it tough THE GOVERNMENT PRINTERY Sports and Cultural Club’s Firms 20/20 Softball Cricket Tournament continued amidst the weekend rains.

Two weekend matches were played, one was rained out and the other decided by default.

In Saturday’s first match, Physical Planning, against whom a purported record total of 370 was amassed by Media House two weekends ago ‘recovered’ to register victory against Transport and Works (T&W).

T&W were all out in 18.1 overs for 137, Zenroy Lee being their major contributor with 46. Roger Davis snared 2 wickets for.

Physical Planning cruised to victory in 15.4 overs, losing 4 wickets in a total of 138. Hyron Shallow, drafted in to bolster the

thin Physical Planning batting, smashed 96.

Saturday’s other match was recorded as a win for Media House over Tourism who failed to take the field.

Sunday’s first match pitted CWSA against Cole Trucking Bombers (CTB).

CTB batted first and made 112 all out in 15.4 overs. Peter Alexander returned figures of 3 for 22 for CWSA, who replied with 116 for seven in 19.1 overs.

Jaban Cunningham caused some consternation for the CWSA batsmen, taking 3 wickets for 5 runs.

The second match, ECGC versus Police was abandoned due to rain.

As it stands after last weekend preliminary round of matches,

CWSA heads Group A with 9 points and Media House sits at the top of Group B with 12 points.

This weekend, in matches scheduled for the Daphne Playing Field: Printery take on CTB on Saturday; and Police square off against Agriculture, followed by Port Authority against T&W on Sunday.

Hyron Shallow, with a knock of 96, helped Physical Planning to redeem themselves with victory over Transport and Works.

26. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

MRS. NAOMI BROWNE

VIOLA SHARPES A.K.A Elca Weekes

Born: 22nd December 1933 - Died: 5th March 2014 Holy Trinity Parish Church Georgetown Wednesday, 12th March 2014 At 9:30 a.m.

Sunrise: 10th August, 1940 Sunset: 22nd February, 2014 Questelles Evangelical Church Sunday 9th March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

ESTELYN ISAACS $.$ ³7$17,(´ Born: 22nd March, 1919 - Died: 28th February, 2014 Kingstown Methodist Church Thursday 6th March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

BERA VERONICA BAPTISTE

LEROY ENDEAVOUR FREE

Mt. Ararat Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 9th March, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Sunrise: 12/11/1958 Sunset: 3/3/2014 Arnos Vale Christian Church Sunday 9th March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

ELSA ROBERTS Mt. Carmel S.B Church Saturday 8th March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

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Delegation Heads, including Jamaica’s PM Portia Simpson-Miller (left) taking in Dr. Gonsalves’ forthright message.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves delivering what some observers say was an address from the heart… one filled with an honesty but not void of vision.

TIME TO IMPLEMENT DECISIONS, URGES DR. GONSALVES

by KENVILLE HORNE “WE MUST ensure that the organs of the Community work as intended, and that its decisions are implemented in each nation-state of the Community.”

This was the advice given to his fellow Heads by Dr. Ralph Gonslaves, Prime Minister of St, Vincent and the Grenadines and incoming Chairman of CARICOM, as he delivered an address on Monday 10th March, the first day of the 25th Inter-Sessional Meeting of

Outgoing Chair of CARICOM, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and incoming Chairman PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, exchange a friendly word at the head table.

the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held here at the Buccama Bay Resort.

Dr. Gonsalves cited the issue of implementation of decisions as one of the failures of CARICOM. In acknowledging that the Guyanabased Secretariat “is not CARICOM,”, and that it “possesses no authority to compel enforcement of decisions of the various Councils of Ministers and the Heads of State and Government Conference,” he emphasized that, “the central responsibility for the implementation of CARICOM’s decisions rests with the governments of the individual nation-states”.

It was, he said, not only each government’s responsibility, but moreso their “solemn obligation, to put appropriate institutional arrangements in its natural executive and administrative apparatuses, to facilitate the speedy and efficacious implementation of CARICOM’s decisions.”

Dr. Gonslaves was at the time addressing the fact that CARICOM has come under continuing attack for its failure or refusal to implement the decisions of its treaty-based institutions.

And, even as he admitted that “there is a great deal left to be done to

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

realise the full fruition of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” Dr. Gonsalves pointed to the accomplishments of CARICOM, citing, “functional cooperation, particularly in education, health, and citizenry security; trade and economic integration; freedom of movement of persons though still problematic; the coordination of public policy in the areas of renewable energy, agriculture and tourism, air transport, financial services, and foreign affairs, and disputes-settlement through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).”

It was, though, in Dr. Gonsalves’ estimation, the “unfulfilled potential of CARICOM which prompts stinging critiques, including a justifiable sense in some quarters that this regional body is unequally yoked and thus allocates or distributes its benefits too unevenly”.

But with an air of optimism, Dr. Gonsalves proffered: “The political leaders and populations in each nation-state possess the requisite political will for CARICOM’s optimal functioning, as structured.”

The 25th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM concluded on Tuesday 11th March. (More CARICOM news on Page 7.)

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