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FRIDAY,

MAY 16, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.20

Bacchus-Browne is representing former talk show ATTORNEY KAY BACCHUShost Matthew Thomas, the BROWNE has described as other defendant in the matter. “premature,” a notice served on But she told THE BDS Ltd, owners of ‘Nice Radio’, VINCENTIAN on Tuesday demanding that the company that BDS Ltd had contacted pay Prime Minister Dr. Ralph her for representation.

Gonsalves $185,370.31, owed Bacchus-Browne pointed to him as of out that the Demand Notice May 9, was premature, based on an 2014. application that is before the High Court and which is yet to be heard.

“I have asked the Court to set aside the root of the

by HAYDN HUGGINS

assessment order. If that order goes, there will be no judgment against both defendants,” she explained.

The Notice, dated May 9, 2014 and signed by Dr. Gonsalves’s lawyer Richard Williams of Williams and Williams, stated that Gonsalves demanded that the Company pay the debt or secure or compound it to the creditor’s satisfaction.

The document stated that, “the demand must be dealt with within 21 days after its service upon the company, or a winding up order could be made in respect of the company. ”

Judgement against Thomas and BDS The monies, according to the document, are owed to Gonsalves by virtue of a decision of the High Court of Justice, February 10, 2012.

The judgment accrues interest at the daily rate of $23.14.

On February 10, 2012, a Court order was made where it was assessed that Thomas and BDS Ltd pay Gonsalves $155,000 in damages, prescribed costs of $11,625 and interest on the judgment debt of five percent from the date Left: Matthew of assessment.

Thomas was The decision found guilty of stemmed from legal defaming his action Gonsalves had former colleague, taken against Thomas Dr. Ralph and BDS Ltd for Gonsalves. defamation, in relation

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

to comments Thomas had made on ‘Nice Radio’.

Application for rule to be set aside Kay Bacchus-Browne, attorney for Matthew Thomas, Bacchus-Browne told THE said that she had asked the VINCENTIAN that she filed Court to set aside the root of an application January 15 this the assessment. year, for the ruling of the court in November 2009 to be application to be denied. set aside.

“They (lawyers) are saying The court had ruled then that the assessment order to that Thomas and BDS Ltd are pay the money was not liable to the claimant for appealed. My application is let damages to be assessed. the court decide,” she Bacchus-Browne said her explained. application was made on the grounds that the ruling was Continued on Page 3. irregularly obtained and ought to be set aside, and that all enforcement proceedings be stayed until the application is dealt with.

According to BacchusBrowne, “the law is that the court should not give summary judgements for defamation proceedings.”

She noted that the matter had not gone through a trial in which Gonsalves was subject to cross-examination.

“I call it summary judgement. They (Gonsalves’s lawyers) may argue and say it is not summary judgement, but let the court decide,” Bacchus-Browne contended. Douglas De Freitas, principal of BDS, owners and operators of She noted that Nice Radio, had also been Gonsalves’s lawyers have put in an affidavit sworn to found liable in the matter of defamation of the Prime

by Gonsalves, for her Minister.

V

2. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

SVG Young Professionals Association launched

by KENVILLE HORNE A NEW ORGANIZATION, geared towards encouraging young professionals to be engaged in the communities here, through networking, career and social development opportunities, has been launched.

On Sunday 4th May, a host of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) future leaders gathered at the Palmyra Restaurant and Lounge, Pembroke, for the official launch of the SVG Young Professionals Association (SVGYPA).

Those gathered included young lawyers, entrepreneurs, university graduates, media workers, academics, and the ‘who is who’ of youth achievers in SVG. The ceremony was addressed by: Chairman of SVGYPA Kishore

Shallow, lawyer; Director of SVGYPA Karim Nelson, lawyer: Manager at the Bank of SVG, Derry Williams: and feature speaker, Jacqueline P. Lyttle, wife of Soca Superstar Kevin Lyttle.

Shallow expressed how honoured he was to be standing before the gathering to speak about the intentions of SVGYPA, and he thanked those who came out to support this initiative.

He described the organization as catering to young people between the ages of 17 and 36, and outlined its mission as: To establish a resourceful, sustainable, and inclusive society that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Shallow noted that the

small demographics and status quo of St. Vincent and the Grenadines don’t allow for advancement through divisiveness. “We are a country with limited resources, both capital and human. Therefore a collective movement is the optimal way for us to progress,” advised Shallow.

Nelson shared similar sentiments, saying, “We tend to allow our differences to divide us, when instead we should be focusing on how we could unite around the common things that we share… . We share youth, we also share a vision for a better and brighter SVG, and we need to unite around these things, and that is what SVGYPA is really about.”

Manager at the Bank Of SVG, Derry Williams, underscored the

importance of talking to each other as a means of learning, growing and developing; and cautioned , “Don’t select who you talk to; talk to everybody… . We have to open our minds and our hearts to learning everything that we can from everybody.”

Lyttle, an academic and a successful business woman from the North Leeward town of Chateaubelair, now resides in the USA where she co-owns and manages a number of businesses, including interest in real estate and a recording studio.

She is the first black female graduate from the US Coast Guard Academy, and has lectured at the University of Miami.

Speaking on the topic ‘Building Blocks for Success’, Lyttle shared what she considered her

building blocks to success: determination, motivation, knowledge and skill, education, gratitude and focus. She developed the importance of each, with effective use of anecdotal references.

The Board of Directors of the SVGYPA comprises: Kishore Shallow — Lawyer, Business / IT Consultant;, Mikhail Charles — Lawyer; Karim Nelson — Lawyer; David Brown — IT Specialist; Ranelle Roberts — Lawyer; Kari Da Silva — Public Servant specializing in tourism; Mari France — Marketing Executive; Danielle Cupid — Marketing Executive; Marlon Joseph — Public Servant; Angelo Lewis — Pharmacist.

SVGYPA is a registered non-profit organization.

Kishore Shallow, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SVGYPA, addressing the launch of that organization.

Jacqueline P. Lyttle shared her pyramid of ‘building blocks to success,’ to warm and appreciative acceptance by the gathering.

V News 3 Advanced preparation advised Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

GLENDELL DA SOUZA, Science and Technology Officer based at the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation Trinidad and Tobago, has appealed to persons here to be in a state of advanced

preparedness.

That advice came from Da Souza last Friday at the E. T. Joshua airport.

He was addressing a welcome ceremony for the Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour (CHAT) 2014.

Da Souza alluded to the El Nino phenomenon,

The WC-130 J Hercules aircraft, known as Hurricane Hunter, as it made its maiden touchdown at the E. T. Joshua Airport.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 3.

Acting PM Girlyn Miguel extends a handshake of welcome to Dr. Richard Knabb, USA’s National Hurricane Director, and his party.

advance, Da Souza advised. and pointed to the His views were echoed drastic effect weather

by Dr. Richard Knabb, patterns could have on USA’s National the region.

Hurricane Director.

He urged listeners to Knabb outlined that “rededicate” themselves this region faced the to protection against same weather factors, potential disaster, by and declared that “we being prepared for the have to be prepared in weather system. advance for the The Trinidad and hurricane season,” and Tobago Meteorologist espoused that, “We will observed that it only all come out better if we needed one weather prepare in advance.” system to pass across the He noted his country’s region, not necessarily in role in coordinating and the direct path of any disseminating early country, to effect serious warning information to damage. the western hemisphere.

Life can be better Knabb cited the visit protected by being of the Hurricane Hunter prepared long in Aircraft as an

‘Take care of your health,’ advises Dr. Adams PERSONS HAVE BEEN URGED to make their health a personal concern. Medical doctor Lennox Adams made the call last Friday as the nation’s lone power company, VINLEC, launched its annual Environmental Health and Safety Awareness activities.

Adams, a former national athlete, observed that “more and more people (were) getting well-rounded on the Dr. Leroy Adams urged his job.” audience, and He stressed the importance of good physical the general The gathering at the launch give their undivided condition, and prompted population by attention to guest speaker, Dr. Adams. listeners to “make personal extension, to health a priority,” and Adams lamented occupational health and safety a make their advised, “You must take the invasion of the topical matter. personal health charge of your life. You will a priority. gang culture, and “We must continue in this impact on how you live by bemoaned the direction. We cannot how you live.” senseless loss of life, overemphasise safety,” Jackson Adams noted changing (social) especially among the young male said. trends, and indicated that population.

VINLEC’s Environmental attitudes had changed. “We eat Safety on the road did not Health and Safety Officer, more junk food, we play less,” he escape the doctor’s purview. He Anthony Patterson, highlighted declared. admitted to having seen cracked components of his company’s Persons, he said, were putting helmets and skulls intact, initiative. on more weight, and 200 pounds instances of scorched seatbelts Chief Executive Officer were “becoming the norm.” and injury free driver, but severe Thornley Myers endorsed the He pointed, though, to cases of injuries to passengers who do not efforts of the campaign. Chairman increased physical awareness apply seatbelts. of the Board Rene Baptiste also in some instances, and Adams also pointed to aspects addressed the launching. commended those who have taken of health risk to employees caused The launch also featured a to walking. by poor ventilation, overcrowding performance by a musical quartet, The emergence of what he and bad air-conditioning at work comprised of workers at the referred to as the “knife and gun places.

VINLEC Lowmans Bay plant.

Club” is a worry to Adams. He His comments followed those by The quartet featured Kent cited figures at the Emergency National Workers’ Movement Bacchus on guitar, Michael Unit (at the Milton Cato Memorial General Secretary, Noel Jackson, Millington on bass, Larry Samuel Hospital) as bearing testimony to who commended VINLEC for its - keyboardist and Vivian this new phenomenon. drive to make the issue of Ollivierre on drums.

opportunity to enhance the partnership among countries in the zone.

The WC-130 J Hercules aircraft, known as Hurricane Hunter, a high wing, mediumrange aircraft, is used in weather reconnaissance missions.

It touched down at the E.T Joshua airport shortly before 6 pm last Friday, and was welcomed by a party of government officials — including Acting Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel airport and media personnel.

This country’s Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government Minister, Senator Julian Francis, part of the welcoming party, called for a speeding up in the transmission of

information from the Hurricane Centre, Miami, to threatened and/or affected areas.

Director of Airports, Corsel Robertson, stressed the aspect of adjustment to the changing climatic conditions, when she moved a vote of thanks.

The Hurricane Hunter created its own sideshow when its exhaust blew away a makeshift tent erected on the tarmac for the ceremony. The function had to be held in an alternate location.

The Vincentian leg of the WC 130 J Hercules was part of a threecountry swing through the region. It ended in Puerto Rico following visits to Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo and Huatulco in Mexico.

“Premature demand,” lawyer declares Continued from Frontpage.

They should have appealed However, when contacted on Wednesday, Graham Bollers, one of Gonsalves’s lawyers, told THE VINCENTIAN that the judgement was handed down years ago, and Gonsalves was awarded damages.

Bollers said that if the lawyer/lawyers representing the defendants were not satisfied with that, they have the right to appeal, but this was not done.

“You could only appeal to the Court of Appeal. You have 42 days to do that, and there is no stay of execution,” Bollers explained.

Asked about BacchusBrowne’s comments that the matter had not gone through a trial, Bollers responded, “All of that is totally irrelevant.”

Graham Bollers dismissed as irrelevant, a claim by attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne that the case had not gone through a trial.

Below: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, has successfully brought suits against others, including the NDP New Times Programme host, Elwardo Lynch.

V ÂP2Ê and Â2BÊ on murder charges again 4. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS “Freedom is a must.”

Those were the words of Jason ‘2B’ Henry while speaking to reporters just after he and Rodney ‘P2’ Roberts were freed on three murder charges, in 2009.

Last Monday, May 12, the men were back in court on similar charges.

Henry and Roberts, both of Lowmans Leeward, are jointly charged with the murder of Kyle Phillips, 20, of that community.

Kyle died after he sustained gunshot wounds to his stomach and left Jason ‘2B’ Henry (left) and Rodney ‘P2’ Roberts are jointly charged hand during an incident close to his with the murder of Kyle Phillips. home, around 9:10 pm. May 6. murders of Reuben Small, 22, and Omoro Bowens, Phillips died at the Milton Cato Memorial 21, both of Lowmans Leeward, and Javon ‘John Hospital.

Wayne’ Antoine, 20, of Layou. The three were Henry and Roberts turned themselves in after gunned down at Burgin Village, Lowmans Leeward, police issued a notice, following the incident, asking August 9, 2007. The incident had sent shock waves that the two report to the Criminal Investigation across the country.

Henry and Roberts were acquitted after a 12Department (CID) by 5 p.m. on May 8. member jury, on November 4, 2009, had found them The men were not required to plea when they not guilty of all three charges. They were appeared before Magistrate Rechanne Brownerepresented by attorney Arthur Williams.

Matthias, and were remanded.

Roberts was a 17-year-old secondary school A Preliminary Inquiry is slated for July 30 at the student at the time of the incident. Henry was 24.

Serious Offences Court.

Some years after Roberts and Henry were Attorney Arthur Williams represented Roberts, acquitted, Andre Charles of Chauncey was convicted while Olin Dennie and Andreas Coombs appeared and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the three on Henry’s behalf. murders.

Freedom the first time around Roberts and Henry, along with relatives and friends, had plunged into jubilation outside the High Court building November 4, 2009, as the men emerged after being freed on three murder charges.

They were jointly charged with the

Tough sentence for ganja possession WHILE the worldwide debate continues on the legalization and decriminalisation of marijuana, persons here continue to receive tough sentences for possession of the drug.

At the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, a Petit Bordel man was sentenced to two and a half years for possessing 9,404 grams of marijuana, with intent to supply.

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias handed down the penalty after Timroy Ince pleaded guilty to the charge.

Ince was arrested on Monday during an action by members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU).

The facts presented in court revealed that members of the RRU were patrolling Richmond at the northern end of the country, when they spotted Ince standing next to a hut. When he saw the police transport, he started to run.

The lawmen gave chase, caught the defendant and brought him back to the hut. A search was conducted, and the drug, contained in four transparent bags, a red bucket and a black plastic bag, was found under a bed in the hut.

Labourer charged with attempted murder A 54-year-old Questelles labourer was granted bail Monday, on a charge of attempted murder.

Peter Weekes is accused of attempting to murder Godfrey Anthony of Questelles.

Weekes was not required to plea when he appeared before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was granted $20,000 bail, on condition that he report to the Questelles Police Station every Monday between 6 a.m. and 6 pm, and surrender his travel documents. He was also ordered not to contact the virtual complainant.

Anthony received a chop wound to the throat during a recent incident at Questelles. THE VINCENTIAN understands that he was been discharged from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

The matter was been adjourned to a later date and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

Fisherman charged with church burglary A CANOUAN fisherman was denied bail on Monday when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, charged with burglarizing the Canouan Catholic Church.

Justin Laidlow is accused of entering the Church between April 27 and May 7 and stealing two Acer laptops, one computer mouse, two computer jacks, four bottles of red wine and a cannon backpack at a total value of $3,375.

Laidlow pleaded not guilty when he stood before Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias.

In objecting to bail, prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg told the Court that it was reported to the police that threats were made to the life of Parish Priest Fr. Rex Ramos, and that the police are carrying out investigations into other burglaries on that Grenadines island, to which the defendant may be of help.

The prosecutor expressed the view that if granted bail, Laidlow would interfere with the process of investigations.

Browne-Matthias contended that, based on what was put forward, she viewed the offence as very serious.

She remanded Laidow until May 26 when bail would be reviewed.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Fr. Ramos had secured the Church and gone to Mayreau on church duties. When he returned he discovered the items missing.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 5.

Education

Trinity holds White Coat ceremony

THE TRINITY SCHOOL of Medicine, Ratho Mill, held its White Coat Ceremony for students who constitute the Class of 2018.

A total of twenty-nine students were robed appropriately during an impressive ceremony, held at the institution, on Saturday, May 10th, 2014.

Presiding over the ceremony was Dean of the School, Dr. Douglas Skelton.

Dr. Skelton described the White Coat Ceremony as a very important event in the life of any doctor.

“When I put a white coat on a student,” he said, “I always remember that young lady thirty years ago, on whom I put a white coat and who has hung in there and today, now looks after my mother.”

He quipped, “That gives me the assurance that one

of you will hang around to look after me!”

Governor General, His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne, welcomed the students, assuring them that the people of the country (SVG) that will be their home for the next two years, “..are very hospitable, very friendly.

There is not another people that is more hospitable and friendly anywhere else in the world.”

Reminding them that medical education is very expensive, but that there is also a cost to his country, he explained, “All our medical facilities run into hundreds of millions of dollars, and we put all of these at your disposal,” he said.

On a very serious note, the Governor General cautioned that “marijuana is illegal” in SVG. He

The Class of 2018 who received their White Coats earlier this month.

Inset: Students being robed. advised that they do not risk their entire careers on “silly decisions”, as he believed that God had chosen each of them for the “noble profession” of medicine.

President and CEO of Trinity, Mr. Steve Wilson, followed with his welcome, noting that for them (students) everything was new, there was no need to be nervous. CEO Wilson then introduced a video in which graduating students of the Class of 2013 offered advice on: the importance of the White Coat Ceremony; coping mechanisms and study tips; opportunities for volunteering that would enhance the quality of

residency; preparation for residency; pathways for future careers; and enjoying the island experience and the beauty of the people of SVG. Faculty member Dr. Paula Wilson gave a brief outline of the origins of the white coats, noting that, “The first White Coat Ceremony took place on August 20th, 1992.”

Today, according to Dr. Wilson, one hundred and thirty schools around the world hold such ceremonies. “It is like a rite of passage, and robing you with white coats is a symbol of Trinity’s faith in you all,” she said.

Dr. Joseph Wilson, Associate Dean of

Clerkships, in making a point in support of the transformative effect of the white coat, recalled how an old janitor called him “Sir” one night as he walked out of a hospital after a hard day’s work.

“It transformed me!”

The address out of the way, it was time for the twenty-nine students to be robed. A White Coat was placed over the right arm of each student who made his/her way to faculty members, including Dean Dr. Douglas Skelton, to be

robed. Each student was welcomed into the new profession with a handshake from Governor General Frederick Ballantyne, himself a medical doctor.

The ceremony was closed by Dean Skelton after which guests, faculty members and students retired to the Paradise Beach Hotel for a reception.

The first term for those students who were robed began on Monday, 12th May.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Envoy wants continued advocacy for reparations

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT ECHOING a call by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to the United Nations, I. Rhonda King, is urging the continued advocacy for reparations for the slave trade in all international fora.

Like Gonsalves, King wants the issue to be “a centerpiece of our region’s foreign and domestic policies.”

In addressing a major conference on (L-R): Dr. Ron Daniels, founder and president of “Revitalizing The the Institute of the Black World, Amb. I. Reparations Movement”, Rhonda King, Congressman John Conyers, and at Chicago State Sir Hillary Beckles.

University, the Vincentian envoy noted that has indicated willingness to the adoption last December of negotiate reparations.

Resolution 68/237, by the UN General At the Chicago conference, a Assembly, for the International leading United States congressman Decade for People of African Descent. disclosed that he will re-introduce King said that consultations on the legislation in the US Congress to development of a programme of action study reparations for African to accompany the resolution would Americans. begin shortly.

“It is the most important piece of “It is our hope that these legislation I have ever introduced, and consultations will lead to the inclusion I will re-introduce HR40 in the 113th of activities that will encourage Congress,” John Conyers, Democrat of meaningful conversation about Michigan, told about 400 attendees. reparatory justice with former The 113th Congress first met on Jan. colonizers,” she told attendees at the 3, 2013. conference organized by the New Conyers, who is also dean of the York-based Institute of the Black Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), World 21st Century (IBW) in said the actions of CARICOM nations collaboration with the US Center for in demanding reparations from Inner City Studies and the Samuel Europe over slavery will revitalize the DeWitt Proctor Conference. movement in the U.S. Her appeal came as the Caribbean Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, Principal Community (CARICOM) heightens and Pro-Vice Chancellor of The pressure on European countries for University of the West Indies, Cave slavery reparations.

Hill Campus, Barbados, standing in In their meeting in St. Vincent and Chairman of CARICOM, SVG Prime the Grenadines on Mar. 10 and 11, Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told the CARICOM leaders unanimously conference that the British adopted a 10-point plan that would government paid the slaveholders 40 seek a formal apology for slavery; debt percent of the empire’s national cancellation from former colonizers, expenditures, which was 20 million such as Britain, France, Spain and the British pounds, today’s equivalent of Netherlands; and reparation payments US$200 billion. to repair the persisting “psychological Sir Hilary gave his audience a trauma” from the days of plantation history lesson about slavery in the slavery.

Caribbean that observers say would The plan also calls for assistance to never be taught in US classrooms or boost the region’s technological appear on movie screens. capacity and strengthen its public His book, ‘Britain’s Black Debt: health, education and cultural Reparations for Caribbean Slavery institutions, such as museums and and Native Genocide’, and its detailed research centers. research is the foundation for CARICOM nations have warned CARICOM’s demand for an apology that if European nations fail to and reparations from Britain and negotiate with them, they will take other countries, for the inhumane legal action in the Haguetreatment of Africans during in the headquartered World Court. trans-Atlantic slave trade from 1501 To date, Sweden is the only country to 1866.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 7.

News

Another Taiwan medical team to visit SVG A MEDICAL TEAM of seven from the Chunghua Christian Hospital (CCH) in Taiwan is scheduled to visit St. Vincent and Grenadines from May 18 to June 6, 2014. It will be the fifth visit of the CCH Medical Team to SVG since 2010.

The team, led by Dr. Nina Kao, CEO of the CCH’s Overseas Medical

Mission Center, is comprised of four medical doctors and two nurses, including specialties of Chest Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chinese Medicine, Otorhinolaryngology, etc.

During the visit, the CCH Medical Team will work hand in hand with

Cocoa Producers to meet The Cocoa Producers Group of SVG will hold its Inaugural General Meeting tomorrow, Saturday 17th, May 2014, at Frenches House, Kingstwon, from 2pm.

The meeting is expected to hear a feature address from Mr. Eric Reid, a cocoa and chocolate entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic and the USA. Mr. Reid is CEO and Founder of SPAGnVOLA, a high quality chocolate manufacturing and distribution Company.

He provides technical Eric Reid, seen here holding a mould assistance to a new Chocolate filled with individual chocolates, will Making Initiative in one of the address the inaugural meeting of the States in Nigeria.

Cocoa Producers Group of SVG. Mr. Reid has also begun to partner with a Caribbean Agriespecially as it relates to adding value Business network with a focus on by involvement in chocolate making Cocoa. enterprises.

It is anticipated that Mr. Reid will Farmer Oscar Allen is the interim avail his experience in offering Chairman of the Cocoa producers guidance to cocoa farmers here, Group of SVG.

colleagues of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in providing medical service to Vincentians.

The team is scheduled to meet with Dr. the Hon. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on May 20, and H.E. Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne on May 23.

The CCH Medical team pictured with PM Dr. Ralph They will also give a presentation on “Get the Gonsalves (5th from right) and Taiwanese Ambassador Weber Shih (4th from left), during the Point: Acupuncture in team’s visit from November 20 to December 9, Healthcare” on May 20, 2011. at Grenadine House.

With further support in August, 2010, which has turned on from the ROC (Taiwan) Government, a new page for the medical cooperation the CCH is to send two medical teams between Taiwan and SVG. to SVG in 2014. The second team is Apart from sending medical teams, tentatively due to visit SVG from the CCH also offers training programs November 15 to December 7. for doctors, biomedical engineers, and The CCH and MCMH were twinned laboratory technicians from MCMH.

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 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

MARIJUANA- Continuing the debate AN ARDENT READER OF THE EDITORIAL COLUMN in this publication thought that last issue’s editorial set the debate on the issue of legalizing marijuana on its “proper course.”

That reader, though, advanced the view that we need to say exactly what we are debating: Is it the decriminalisation or the legalisation of marijuana?

Here, therefore, is an attempt to set out, in simple terms, the difference yet co-relationship between the two, and maintain the debate on its ‘proper course’.

Marijuana decriminalisation differs markedly from legalisation. A country decriminalizes conduct (an act) when it removes accompanying criminal penalties; however, civil penalties remain.

So for instance, SVG may decide to decriminalize the possession of marijuana in small amounts, say up to 30 grams. What that means is that possession of up to 30 grams no longer warrants criminal prosecution; but it is still considered a civil offense and subject to civil penalty. So a fine under the adjusted dispensation might be $100.00, whereas before its introduction, it might have been $1000 with or without jail time.

Where things get complicated is with respect to the high-level drug offenders — the ‘big fish’ — and the cross border nature of the marijiana trade.

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is correct when he says that it is important for CARICOM to adopt a regional approach to settling the issue of the legalisation of marijuana; but recognizes that the movement of citizens within the region as making it difficult to deal with the decriminalisation of marijuana on an individual basis.

The learned attorney, we think, acknowledges the duplicity of the issue.

That said, we continue the debate by looking briefly at legalizing marijuana and Public Safety concerns.

Implicit in social and legal policy in the Caribbean is that marijuana use has debilitating effect on the society. It is instructive to consider that when marijuana use became widespread in the 1960s and 1970s in the Caribbean, the medical fraternity, law enforcement agencies, the media, Churches, immediately indicted the drug.

In addition to assuming that the drug posed serious dangers to individual health, they more vociferously voiced that it was a menace to public order; that crime, insanity and idleness would be inevitable consequences.

Needless to say, some of these original fears were unfounded if not exaggerated. Yet, many of these beliefs still abound, and regional legislators will have to take ‘serious’ note of these.

It follows, therefore, that the CARICOM Commission on Marijuana will have to evaluate carefully all data relevant to the social impact of marijuana use. It must determine in what respects continuing social concern is justified — what is myth and what is reality.

For certain, there have been, over the years, several hypotheses about the relationship between marijuana and anti-social conduct. The earliest view was that marijuana use encouraged aggressive and violent criminal acts such as murder, rape and assault.

Some others have postulated that marijuana use leads to non-violent forms of criminal or delinquent behavior, ranging from sexual promiscuity to grand larceny, passing through phases of petty larceny of course.

Additionally, there is the position that marijuana frequently impairs judgement, distorts reality and diminishes (temporarily) the user’s sense of personal and social responsibility, and that regular, heavy use interferes with the orderly development of psycho-social and moral maturity.

But the Caribbean will well know also, that a growing uncertainty prevails about the existence of a causal link between marijuana and antisocial behavior. It will also know that a large segment of professionals, law enforcement and criminal communities are moving away from asserting a cause-effect relationship, though they remain cognizant of and cite a statistical association.

Notwithstanding the above, controversy remains over the cause-effect relationship between marijuana use and criminal, violent or delinquent behavior, and the CARICOM Commissioners will be well advised to call upon different types of experts to ensure that they are informed by what is relevant, reliable and valid.

There are enormous difficulties in proving any positive direction relationship, causal or otherwise, between two inherently complex social phenomena. The relationship of marijuana use to crime, violence, aggression, or juvenile delinquency is no exception.

The undertaking by the CARICOM Commission on Marijuana use/trade, whatever, is no easy task. The issue is as complex as you will ever get one.

CARICOM has to start somewhere, and it must do so, wary of the differing attitudes, and not be blinded by the political, or for that matter, economic benefits that appear more clearly and tantalizingly on the horizon.

The debate has to continue.

A flashback to the very significant “Tied elections” of 1972 (Pt. 1) I PRESENT MY THUMBNAIL sketches on all the candidates; in particular I want readers to note that I had a clear picture of the situation with James Mitchell, and had anticipated his emergence by clever uses of the attendant political forces.

NORTH LEEWARD SAMUEL SLATER: The master of political brinksmanship; enjoying his seventh outing at the hustings, plus one by-election; a political acrobat of class, with a talent for correct timing; defected in 1967 to bring about the first real change in Party Government; endeared himself to constituents by kindness performed more than 10 years ago; as Minister of Home Affairs presided over the erosion of civil liberties; or slept while the police did their own thing; is running (or limping) on his very last leg and could lose the race.

ALPHONSO DENNIE: is a closely packed bundle of energy; a very successful and hard working ex-teacher; an asset to any Government if properly harnessed; more likely than not to replace Slater in North Leeward.

CENTRAL LEEWARD THEOPHILUS WOODS: an apparently nice and pleasant fellow with a good bedside manner; used village cricket as an instrument of political appeal; his unassuming exterior might well be a cover for other things; likely to confirm Labour’s hold in Central Leeward, but facing a spirited bid by opposing candidate.

CYRIL ALEXANDER: is another dynamic youngster earmarked to win over the youth; bubbles with self-confidence; faces an uphill task in Central Leeward which is traditionally Labour; will do moderately well if he exploits his own capacity, selfreliance and infectious charm.

SOUTH LEEWARD OTHNIEL SYLVESTER: Diligent barrister and sharp businessman; Speaker of the House 1966/67; lost the South Leeward on a PPP ticket1967; generally regarded as the brains behind Joshua; became tarnished by his involvement in the Deep Water Pier issue; has lost credibility and therefore finds it a bit difficult to win South Leeward against a weak Labour candidate; still likely to carry the day. [He did]

coming barrister pitted by PPP against Hudson Tannis; a persuasive speaker and forceful personality; his showing will depend on whether he can attract the youth whom Tannis had lost.

HUDSON TANNIS: a loyal and devoted Labour Party man; a fine advocate and logical debater; easy mixer; good company; and a kind person; becoming of late very involved in business, and over concerned with law and order, and gives little thought for social change; a determined political fighter unbroken by a record of failures; lost Federal Elections 1958 and Kingstown constituency in 1961 and 1966; showed moderate achievements as Chairman of Kingstown Board, but did not fulfil expectations in Ministries recently held; has clearly lost the support of the youth by his complacency; his West Kingstown seat is therefore in jeopardy though he is still tipped to win by a slight margin.

EAST KINGSTOWN RANDOLPH RUSSELL: a shrewd businessman and astute politician; made much economic head-way under a former PPP regime of which he was a member; defeated on PPP ticket for Town Board Elections 1957, and Labour ticket for West St George on 1967; has shown a talent for work and organisation as Chairman of Town Board1971/72; Disliked by the ‘Olives” faction of the Labour Party; will lose in East Kingstown. [He won instead] EMMANUEL ADAMS: a determined plodder in the field of law and politics; Speaker of the House 1961-66 and a lacklustre Minister of Trade in the PPP Government 1966-67; a forceful speaker when preaching to the converted; has been given the “safe” PPP stronghold of East Kingstown. (Seat thrown away.)

WEST ST GEORGE

ARTHUR WILLIAMS: is something else; a Labour Party fanatic; a man with boundless energy and stamina, who will move mountains to reach his goals; and great believer in the potency of University degrees; is obsessed by the notion of power; pretends to be the man of the people but mixes uneasily; incapable of standing up to criticism; in spite of the length and RODERICK MARKSMAN: a tough political intensity of his campaign, likely to lose West St George by about 150 votes. customer; PPP member of Town Board 1960; PPP nominated member 1961-1966; CLIVE TANNIS: winner of the Grenadines PPP minster 1966/67; Labour minister seat 1951, 1954, 1957 and 1961; a PPP 1969/72;’ has never shown a flair for Minister for Trade 1961-1966; an efficient ministry; a seasoned campaigner with a administrator with a tendency to push his grass-root appeal; will give his opponent a good run for his money in South Leeward. family business interest; a committed Party man and a devout disciple of Joshua’s; WEST KINGSTOWN ought to earn his reward in the West St George seat, despite the tremendous fight EMERY ROBERTSON: is a young up-and- waged by the Labour Party candidate.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 9.

Letters

Thank you, Grace Eustace you are the principal custodian of his legacy, and you have proved A FEW WEEKS ago, I had the good fortune of being yourself to be a most able to read your beautiful worthy heirers of this incomparable gentleman letter about your great father, Dr. J. P. Eustace, in who is more than THE VINCENTIAN. It was a qualified to wear the title “Right Excellent.” By the breath of fresh air. That letter was a rare gem and way, Doc couldn’t have it constituted an effective given you a better name — Grace. That is not a response to the common nonsense that comes from misnomer at all. The choice of this name must the careless pen of a have been a result of weekly columnist in that divine inspiration. Grace newspaper who has not is your defining yet mastered elementary characteristic, and it is a principles of reasoning, concept that is central to writing and grammar. our Christianity.

Grace, thank you for Let me take this your masterpiece and for your model of clarity and opportunity to share with you something that I precision that writers recently discovered and from all over the world which I found to be quite could emulate. I do not significant. I was going even count myself to be too old or too experienced through the dictionary the other day for some to learn from you. reason, and I came Who could possibly across a meaning for the speak more abbreviation IHS. I knew authoritatively about John Parmenas Eustace it to be the shortened form of Intermediate than you? As his daughter and only child, High School which is the

Dear Grace,

current name of the first school that was founded by your father, way back in 1926, at the age of 20.

From the dictionary, I saw that IHS also stands for Jesus. For me, this is a most symbolic coincidence. We could see Jesus in your father’s work. The spirit of the Lord was upon Doc, and he, in the language of St. Luke 4:18, was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor; he was sent to heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

Bassy Alexander paid a fitting tribute to Doc in his most recent column. I hope you have read it.

Bassy’s tribute stood in contrast to the vain babblings of his counterpart from THE VINCENTIAN who tries so hard to project an air of learning that his arguments simply end up

being full of air. Bassy has a totally different style.

Without Doc, it is likely that I would have been deprived of a secondary school education since I was not a son of privilege. This is the story of many Vincentians. Doc saved me from being a frustrated road worker.

Such a rescue mission delighted my dear mother, who firmly believed that I had the potential of becoming a lawyer or a scientist.

Thanks again, Grace, for sharing the unique insight about your father. J. P. Eustace is a man for whom we have a common admiration. He is already a National Hero in my book. full length, given what we consider to be our Theo. obligation to continue fulsome debate on the (Editor’s Note: We have issue of National carried this letter in its Heroes.)

A mother’s love Never in my life, Have I ever felt so happy, Safe, protected and loved, Oh how I wish, I can hug you and tell you everything is ok, But it was, I was your amazing bundle of joy, When you smiled at me, I felt loved, This love was sent from God, If there was ever a time to be grateful, It would be from since the first day of birth, Now, I can finally say Thank you Mom, and I love you for being the best Mom in the world.

Yanic Sayers

Still a case of black and white ALL OF A SUDDEN, the issue of colour has surfaced up here (in the USA) with a renewed intensify. The scathing comments by Mr. Sterling, owner of the LA Clipper basketball team, about ‘keeping company with blacks’ caused a rebound throughout America.

However, while that Sterling matter was being played out in the media, another and perhaps more telling exhibition of racism raised its head but just may have gone unnoticed.

I speak, Mr. Editor, about the difference in reaction to two major incidents that happened recently.

First a Malaysian plane carrying 239

passengers disappeared, and immediately it attracted headlines across the globe. And in the twinkle of an eye, a search involving all the leading countries of the world was mounted.

A few weeks after, close to 250 high school girls in Nigeria were kidnapped by Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group with a strong and known presence in the north eastern states of that African, black, country.

Tell me, has anyone else noticed how long it took for the world, the great countries of the west, to take notice of this incident?

My question, one that lays heavily on my consciousness, as you would have said, Mr.

Positive attitude to water I WANT to congratulate myself and all Vincentians for what I have observed to be a positive change of attitude to water.

It is the first time, as I travel across the country almost daily, that I have seen the citizens of this country respecting the call made by the CWSA for us to conserve water, given that we have been experiencing a dry spell.

I have also not heard any negative remarks concerning the short periods of ‘locking off water’ in certain areas.

May be this new attitude has to do with a new respect that we have for the CWSA and the fantastic job they did to restore water to the country after the December floods.

Water is precious. It is vital for life — all life. It is good that we have learned to protect and conserve this precious gift from God. Sam P

Editor, is: If the girls who were kidnapped were white with blond hair or belonged to wellknown families, would there have been a more immediate response to their plight?

May be somebody would wake me up out of my slumber so that I could say, ‘Na man, this is not the world we live in in 2014.”

One Love, Mr. Editor.

Garnet, NY

* Have all persons and organizations who rendered service for Vincy Mas 2013 been paid, and paid in full? * Why are persons saying that all is not well with the business of the Calypsonians’ Association? * Is the ULP grooming a resident of Paul’s Avenue as its candidate for Central Kingstown?

Is that person a relative of a sitting member of the House of Assembly? * Which government revenue collection agencies/departments are behind in their projected targets for the first quarter of 2014?

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Economic diversification – The ULP administration has done tremendous work in the banana industry A priority for the NDP THERE IS MUCH talk among the opposition NDP, that it is the ULP administration that is responsible for the current state of the banana industry. That is a dastardly lie.

The ULP column wishes to serialize excerpts from the budget addresses of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, to illustrate the work done by the ULP administration, to rescue the banana industry over the last thirteen years.

Bananas 2003 A combination of factors contributed to the turnaround, including favourable weather conditions and the impact of the restructuring of the banana industry.

These restructuring initiatives received a boost in the earlier part of this year when a decision was taken to completely reorganise the finances of the Banana Growers’ Association.

One component of this restructuring, is the assumption of some $18.4 million of the Association’s debt. The Central Government also acquired the Banana Action Committee’s (BAC’s) Input Trading operations and the grower’s receivables.

The Banana Action Committee The Banana Action Committee (BAC) was required to change its operational policy of subsidizing the price to growers, and to move its operations to the unused space at the WIBDECO Shed. This means that the BAC Building in Kingstown is now available for rent as a source of income. The reception and loading operators at the Kingstown Port, which was previously operated by WIBDECO, was taken over by the workers, through the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU), and certain aspects of the extension services previously provided by the BAC were transferred to the Central Government at no cost to the BAC. The execution of the strategy, to further deepen the diversification process, will involve the targeting of some key sub-sectors and the development of programmes and initiatives to address the sector’s specific issues and problems.

Tropical Storm Lilli Tropical Storm Lilli inflicted considerable damage to the country’s infrastructure and agriculture sector, with the banana industry being the worst affected. The sub-sector at the time was at its peak in terms of production. Preliminary projections show that 40 percent of the total crops were either damaged of destroyed. As a result, production and earnings for the last quarter of 2002 were revised downwards by 35 percent.

As a result of the damage suffered from the storm, WINCROP’s compensation payments are in excess of $2.4m. This speedy response should encourage a quick rehabilitation of damaged plantations.

This Government acted swiftly in coming up with a package of assistance for the affected banana and commercial plantain farmers. The

Entertainment Services

package includes a labour grant of $400 per acre for replanting, and of $240 per acre for rehabilitation. The first installment of the grant has already been paid. I am encouraged by the response of the farmers to this offer of assistance, and barring any new disaster, we expect a full recovery by the second half of 2003. A credit facility of up to $950 per acre for purchase of inputs through an appropriate financial institution was also made available. Poultry farmers who suffered damage from the Storm are also being given assistance in the form of a grant. In addition, we have requested the commercial banks and credit unions to provide a full or partial moratorium on payments on loans due by affected farmers over the next nine (9) months. This package of assistance was discussed, amended and fully endorsed by the farmers in the consultations that I mentioned in my opening remarks, and I wish to state how pleased I was at the very high level discussions that came out of this consultation with the farmers.

Measures aimed at further improving the quality of the bananas and providing good agricultural practices will be given top priority in 2003. These are clearly stated in the European Good Agriculture Practices (EUREPGAP) Certification Programme. This specifies that, in order to maintain sales of St Vincent’s bananas to the UK supermarkets, the fruits must be grown in accordance with EUREPGAP standards, using methods that respect the welfare of the workers and the environment.

Initially, the target group will focus on a core number of farmers who can meet the EUREPGAP compliance deadline date set by the UK supermarkets for June 2003. This group will expand to include all active banana producers in SVG, estimated at 2500 farm families. To provide institutional strengthening of this programme, the BGA will create an EUREPGAP product management unit to establish and oversee the certification programme.

In 2003, the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, in conjunction with the EU, will provide $2.1 million to aid in the continuation of the National Irrigation Programme to provide irrigation to the Richmond and Cane Grove areas, and expand the project in Tourama and Grand Sable. This will increase the acreage under irrigation by 600 acres to 1700 acres. In addition, a gravity fed system will replace the intake system at Colonarie. To ensure that the irrigation is sustainable, we will move towards the establishment of a National Irrigation Commission. In this regard, during 2003, legislation will be brought to this Honourable House to accord legislative status to the Commission. Furthermore, we will in 2003 commission a Water Resource Study financed by the EU to determine the availability of water for future irrigation programmes.

Music is the world’s universal form of communication. It touches every person of every culture on the globe, and the world’s music industry rakes in some US$40 billion annually. Given our inherent creative ability, we can capitalise on this economic prospect.

In restructuring our economy, therefore, an important part of our nation’s competitive strength will lie in the creation of knowledge-intensive intellectual property based goods and services. The recording industry represents a viable sector that can be capitalised on to our benefit.

This is one of those economic activities that we must strive to do better than the people of any other nation in the Caribbean. In setting up recording production facilities, regional and international markets are vital to the sustainability and success of such an industry. We can develop and provide a world class service that will cater primarily to the burgeoning talent and unique musical identity inherent to the Caribbean region. Why should we lose our talent and the associated economic benefits to international interests? The established and ever increasing international appeal of Caribbean music should redound to the benefit of the Caribbean.

A recording industry will provide economic benefit to thousands of people, including artists, musicians, arrangers, producers, sound engineers, record promoters and retail sale persons, to name a few. Of added profits are the backwards and forward linkages associated with an industry of this magnitude, such as instrument development, music technology, retail and wholesale markets, music festivals and paraphernalia products such as teeshirts and posters.

The talent is evident, the market is proven, and the technology and expertise are readily available. The New Democratic Party (NDP) intends to develop the competencies to merge these aspects towards deriving economic, social and cultural benefits. A recording industry will create employment and generate foreign exchange.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines also has great potential as a location for film making in many different formats, and has proven beyond doubt, as revealed by the sports illustrated swimsuits photo shoots, the full length feature film ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and other television and films documentaries.

This is a tribute to the efforts of the previous NDP administration to put St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the international map. A foundation has been laid on which the NDP administration must build when it returns to office.

We will continue to seek and attract film makers and photographers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, capitalising on our natural attributes of place and people. We will also provide incentives for such activities that will lead to the beneficial activity in the area. The NDP will encourage local photographers to develop their competencies, so that they could provide related services to interested parties, and will acquire the services of a specialised promotional agency to market St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the world.

Science and Information Technology As a small nation with limited resources, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to ensure that every investment made in developing Science and Technology builds human capital, and generates acceptable returns on the international markets. The allocation of our scarce resources should therefore,

lead the transformation of our country’s development into a knowledge driven economy. The NDP is committed to creating the leading Knowledge Based Economy in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. We envision a more integrated, diversified and dynamic economy shaped by science and information technology, in order to exploit global market opportunities and the internet. We must educate our workforce to utilise generational technologies to organise all our workplace.

In this regard, the NDP’s Science and Information Communication Technology policy provides a framework to attract investment, enhance productivity and sustain growth. We will strengthen strategic alliances among government agencies, industry, universities and research institutions. Our policy will address a number of strategies. These include strengthening national research and technological capacity and capability, promoting commercialisation of research outputs, facilitating ecommerce development, developing human resource capacity and capability, strengthening the institutional framework and management for Science and Information technology and monitoring policy implementation, building competence for specialisation in key emerging technologies and continuing to work with our OECS partners to strengthen the regulatory processes and ensure quality and efficient telecommunication services at the cutting edge of applicable technologies.

The benefits of Science and Information Technology from the KEconomy are diverse and are far reaching. These are as follows: higher productivity and faster economic growth for expanding opportunity and raising living standards; economic balance towards achieving social equality and economic equity. Government will be decentralised, non bureaucratic, catalytic and empowering, and governance will be fast, responsive and as flexible as the economy and the society with which it interacts.

Moreover, Information Technology will create jobs for our youths.

Therefore, the NDP administration is committed to an increasingly knowledge based economy in an effort to create jobs. We intend to place great emphasis on this area, particularly to tackle youth unemployment.

The NDP recognizes that internetbased businesses are the future. For that reason, this is not just about information technology, but rather a commitment and a plan for transforming our economy. Throughout the world, technology has become ubiquitous. It is not only technology business that use technology but even traditional ‘brick and mortar’ industries have adopted technology to expand their marketing and increase efficiencies.

This is a call to all Vincentians. The world has changed, and so must we.

We will continue to reiterate that Vincentians must elect the NDP to office when the next general elections are called, so that the NDP can implement its economic programmes to restore growth to the economy of this country. The NDP has creative plans to diversify this country’s economy which will ease the burden off the taxpayers; such as the programmes outlined before.

This will certainly create economic growth and undoubtedly generate employment for thousands of Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 11.

Views

Seeking pity but needing love

“A pity beyond all telling is hid in the heart of love.” - William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) Irish poet, playwright and mystic, leader of Irish literary revival, Nobel Prize 1923 STUDENTS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE would be familiar with the writings of William Butler Yeats (1865-1939). They may also conclude that many of his writings appear to be very “deep”.

Yeats’ writings beckon readers to pause, to meditate, as they seek to imbibe the beauty of the thoughts of his often philosophical writings. The quotation that was used to introduce this week’s article is a classic example of the depth of thought that he often shared – twelve words that cause us to stop and re-read in search of the pearls of wisdom that they contain.

While I am not an expert in psychology or human behavior, I have often read widely in these areas. In addition, I have paused to observe and ponder on many of the writings of outstanding professionals in these fields. During my early adult years, I was especially interested in Child Psychology. My training in Special Education (teaching emotionally disturbed children) in Birmingham, England, in the late 1970s, then provided me with useful insights into several aspects of disruptive behaviours. But it was probably not until I was on attachment to Dr. William Glasser’s Try Centre in Miami in the early 1980s, that I really sought to understand and appreciate how easily we can mistake emotions; how easily we mistake wants and needs. That misunderstanding can result in the unsuspecting or ignorant (no insult meant here) pursuing a path to euphoria, but having it triggered by an activity that has long term negative consequences.

Sometimes, that individual may know that they are pursuing a destructive (and sometimes self-destructive) path, but assume that the negative end results will happen to someone else but not to them. Or if it happens to them, they will be able to “ride the storm”.

The preceding paragraph may appear to be very general to many readers. This was intentional. It was intended to lay the platform for our discourse on this most important topic. It is quite possible that readers of this week’s column can identify individuals who are mixing up their emotions — seeking pity but needing love. When we examine the emotions, we may conclude that “pity” and “love” have some similarities in terms of the feelings that they emit; they both attract emotions from or to others. And it is precisely because of this that we sometimes confuse one for the other. The psychologists and social scientists among us may be able

to explain why this may be so. Suffice it to say, that we have to be so careful not to confuse one for the other.

The thoughts on this topic are not new to the writer. I vividly recall having such a discussion with my father over three decades ago. And although the discussion lasted a few short minutes, the depth and breadth of the discourse has remained with me over the years. So many of us go through life needing to love and be loved. And as elusive as “love” may sometimes appear, it is often within easy reach if we would just allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to embrace it. But sometimes it seems to be so very easy to seek after her “distant cousin” ... pity. In its own way, pity becomes an easy substitute for love; a mirage that does not quite expose us to the same level of warmth and commitment. And it is probably because of this very reason that so many gravitate to expressing or accepting pity when love is what needs to be shared.

To love, truly love, demands that we make ourselves vulnerable. And while love creates numerous opportunities for happiness it is exactly because of this that some may shy away from revealing our deep inner selves to others; to allow the emotions to run deep. It is almost as though we seek some degree of selfprotection from being exposed to the possibility of being hurt. This is especially so for those who would have been burnt from earlier emotional attachments. But we can take consolation from eight words of encouragement from the French dramatist and screenwriter, Jean Anouilh (1910-1987) who said, “Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.” The giving of oneself, or the receiving of someone’s self, can be quite liberating.

But it calls for trust. Giving and receiving pity, on the other hand, only skims the surface of our emotions ... and really makes no heavy demands on our emotional bank account. It is therefore relatively easy to give and receive pity.

We go forward then, seeking to assess where we stand in relation to the emotions we express and receive.

Are we emitting love or pity? Are we seeking love or pity? May we all be challenged to invest our time and energy in the deeper emotions that enrich lives, and avoid the temptation to seek pity when we really need love.

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

Caribbean faces existential threats as sea rises A GROUP OF SCIENTISTS released a shocking report on melting polar ice that should alarm all regional leaders, policy makers and stakeholders. These are island nations with many towns and villages already below sea level. A few inches rise in the sea level is bound to create havoc.

The group of scientists found that West Antarctic glaciers had retreated far enough to set off an inherent instability in the ice sheet. They also found that a large section of the mighty West Antarctic ice sheet has begun falling apart and its continued melting now appears to be unstoppable. If the findings hold up, they suggest that the melting could destabilize neighboring parts of the ice sheet, and a rise in sea level of 10 feet or more may be unavoidable in coming centuries.

The group of scientists reported on Monday that Global Warming caused by the human-driven release of greenhouse gases, has helped to destabilize the ice sheet, though other factors may also be involved. They issued the dire warning that the rise of the sea is likely to continue to be relatively slow for the rest of the 21st century, but even a small rise could mean doom for many of our islands.

Thomas P. Wagner, who runs NASA’s programs on polar ice and helped oversee some of the research, said in an interview. “There’s nothing to stop it now. But you are still limited by the physics of how fast the ice can flow.”

The scientists revealed that West Antarctic ice sheet sits in a bowlshaped depression in the earth, with the base of the ice below sea level.

Warm ocean water is causing the ice sitting along the rim of the bowl to thin and retreat. As the front edge of the ice pulls away from the rim and enters deeper water, it can retreat much faster than before, creating more problems. Most alarming is the statement of Dr Roy Rignot “Today we present observational evidence that a large sector of the West Antarctic ice sheet has gone into irreversible retreat. It has passed the point of no return.”

Dr Rignot noted that there were six glaciers in the area that was studied.

He said those six glaciers alone could cause the ocean to rise four feet as they disappear, possibly within a couple of centuries. He added that their disappearance will most likely destabilize other sectors of the ice sheet, so the ultimate rise could be triple that.

The scientific team also found that a slow-motion collapse had become inevitable. Even if the warm water now eating away at the ice were to dissipate, it would be “too little, too late to stabilize the ice sheet. There’s no stabilization mechanism.”

The scientists said the ice sheet was not melting because of warmer air temperatures, but rather because relatively warm water that occurs

naturally in the depths of the ocean was being pulled to the surface by an intensification, over the past several decades, of the powerful winds that encircle Antarctica.

And while the cause of the stronger winds is somewhat unclear, many researchers consider human-induced global warming to be a significant factor. The winds help to isolate Antarctica and keep it cold at the surface, but as global warming proceeds, that means a sharper temperature difference between the Antarctic and the rest of the globe.

That temperature difference provides further energy for the winds, which in turn stir up the ocean waters.

Some scientists believe the ozone hole over Antarctica – caused not by global warming but by an entirely different environmental problem, the human-caused release of ozonedestroying gases – may also be adding energy to the winds. The global sea level has been rising since the 19th century, but Antarctica so far has been only a small factor. The biggest factor to date is that seawater expands as it warms.

But the melting from both Greenland and Antarctica is expected to be far more important in the future. A United Nations scientific committee, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has warned that the global sea level could rise as much as three feet by the end of this century if stronger efforts are not made to control greenhouse gases.

The new findings suggest the situation is likely to get far worse in subsequent centuries.

He added that while a large rise of the sea may now be inevitable from West Antarctica, continued release of greenhouse gases will almost certainly make the situation worse.

The heat-trapping gases could destabilize other parts of Antarctica as well as the Greenland ice sheet, potentially causing enough sea-level rise that many of the world’s coastal cities would eventually have to be abandoned.

“If we have indeed lit the fuse on West Antarctica, it’s very hard to imagine putting the fuse out,” the scientist said. “But there’s a bunch more fuses, and there’s a bunch more matches, and we have a decision now: Do we light those?”

The effects will depend in part on how much money future governments spend to protect shorelines from a rising sea. Caribbean governments are resource starved and are least likely to have moneys to build sea defenses.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Massive coastal and marine pollution damage at Argyle FOR SEVERAL months now, we have witnessed the dumping of tons of mud at the seafront of the Peruvian Vale, northern end of the Argyle airport runway construction. Most of the soil though, is being washed into the sea and polluting the marine environment.

Apparently, the soil is meant to be a barrier to stop the runway from being flooded by seawater. However, the more soil the backward ULP regime is putting there as a barrier to stop the sea flooding the runway, the more likely it is that the runway will be flooded, since the soil continually gets washed away, with some of it settling on the coastline. In effect, this is causing the seabed, and ultimately the sea level, to rise.

Many people have mentioned to SVG Green Party Leader, Ivan O’Neal, that they are very concerned about the pollution. Local people are worried that the pollution will kill the lobster bed in the area and also the Tri-Tri, which some people rely upon for an income and as an important source of protein. The sea at Argyle airport is now very dark brown and polluted.

SVG Green Party is very concerned that the incompetent ULP regime seems to be contravening a host of regional and international environmental conventions and action

plans, including the Cartagena Convention and the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities.

Various environmental conventions and laws have been established for the protection and development of the marine environment of the Caribbean and countries throughout the world.

The pollution standards are there to prevent, reduce, control and/or eliminate marine degradation from land-based activities, including the dumping of tonnes and tonnes of soil in the sea.

Having tonnes of soil in the water puts contaminants into the sea. This is a major cause of eutrophication, which leads to algal blooms, changes in the aquatic community structure, decreased biological diversity, the killing of fish and depletion of oxygen in the water.

People are very concerned that the soil is spreading to the Grenadines and damaging the coral reefs of the Tobago Cays. It may cause algae to overgrow the corals. This would have a negative economic impact upon tourism and the livelihoods of people living in the Grenadines.

Using soil as a barrier to stop the Argyle airport runway flooding will

not work, because the sea washes the soil away, and as local people know, there is a natural source of uprising water under the airport runway.

On behalf of the people, SVG Green Party The sea at the northern end of the runway at the will write to the United Argyle airport is brown as soil washes into it.

Nations Environment Programme to call for Argyle. A Green government will inspectors to examine this invest in a university and factories to environmental disaster. create jobs for our people. We will put Over 700 million dollars have been the needs of Vincentians first, not wasted on the Argyle airport, and not tourists. only can it not be completed due to The priority is factories and jobs for water under the runway, it is our people, not the Argyle Airport. destroying our marine environment Vote Green for factories and jobs. and people’s livelihoods. Vincentians are being starved of employment SVG Green Party because millions are being wasted on www.svggreenparty.org

Report card – Mental Health Centre OFFICER of the Law. This is a standard designation; one that implies a certain amount of power and discipline and in some cases, aggression.

This article opens with a certain amount of irony to note that all of the male workers at the Mental Health Centre (MHC), including attendants, are addressed by the patients as ‘Officer’. The truth is most of the male workers of MHC are not officers as regards the stipulation of the designation. They are in fact nurses and nurses’ aides (NA). But if the reports are true, the term ‘Officer’ is definitely characterised by displays of power and violence on the part of some of the NA’s.

At least one ‘Officer’ at the MHC is, reportedly, deserving of the moniker ‘Officer’.

Nurses Aides are supposed to care for patients, in the spirit of healing them, and provide support to nurses in nurturing and taking care of them (patients), especially so in the case of mental patients.

The truth is, the MHC has its share of unstable and potentially violent inmates. A strong physical presence is needed — even on the part of the nurses - but there is, given the reports, at least one ‘Officer’ who overdoes it, with others exhibiting less of such tendency but no less harsh instances of overdoing it.

On the other hand, there are those ‘Officers’ who handle their duties as nurse aides with a sense of discipline.

While there is need for a stern hand, one does not recommend having to resort to measures like hitting a patient with a crowbar or assaulting a patient who requests help.

Sadly, there might well be instances of this nature at our MHC. If there are in fact, news of this type of ‘treatment’ would appal family members of a patient so affected.

Then there is the likelihood of more subtle ways of bringing pressure — more so emotional — on patients who would have the wherewithal to bring the reality of care at the MHC to the attention of senior, relevant authorities, like the Senior Nursing Officer (SNO) and/or the Permanent Secretary in the

The Mental Health Centre is set to undergo extensive rehabilitation.

Ministry of Health.

And this emotional pressure could well be reinforced when patients themselves might be encouraged, unwittingly, to harass other patients about their sexuality.

(Speaking of the SNO, that position has changed three times in one year. Obviously, there are organisational, internal relations related issues, possibly at the heart of so many changes.)

A note on smoking at a mental health institution. Smoking, we understand, is allowed at the MHC here. Most of the staff, it is reported, look the other way on this phenomenon, since there would be a riot if it was banned. It is considered as one of the few ‘escape valves’ in an otherwise harsh environmental.

Apparently cigarettes are also important as a source of income and for barter among patients.

There are, in fact, complimentary anecdotes about the caring attitude of some of the staff at the MCH. These are herewith discounted but not because they are not deserving.

The concern for all of SVG at this point is that of the pending relocation of the MHC to Orange Hill. One hundred and ten (110) of the two hundred (200) patients are to be relocated. The others are expected to be released into the care of their families.

How will staff and patient respond to the relocation that will cut them off from police and ‘civilization’? How will the curtailing of certain ‘freedoms’ such as freedom to go out and work or shop in Glen and further afield, affect the state of mind of the patients and the staff’s ability to handle restless situations?

Submitted by: One who cares

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 13.

Pageantry

Thoughts from the Miss SVG Contestants

by KENVILLE HORNE

Right: The 2014 Miss SVG contestants exhibit poise and confidence in a photo shoot, two weeks before they brave the stage at Victoria Park.

BRILLIANCE, PASSION AND INTELLIGENCE are just some of the superlatives that the 2014 Miss SVG contestants are using to describe what patrons can expect during the prestigious pageant scheduled for May 31st Eight young ladies are ready to set the 2014 Miss SVG pageant stage at Victoria Park aglow on the night Saturday 31st May. When the media met with the contestants on the idyllic Young Island Resort on Saturday 10th May, they were as relaxed as though they had already exhaled from the tension of the stage.

Here are a few thoughts the ladies expressed to this reporter: Miss Imperial Optical Inc., 20-year-old Fellisia Baptiste, who hails from the North Windward village of Sandy Bay, pledged to take the issue of domestic violence under her wings, as the platform for her reign as Miss SVG. “I will be an advocate for that cause,” she said with assurance.

Miss Metrocint, 24-year-old Selis Blair, would be representing the community of Richland Park, though she was born in Grenada to Vincentian parents. With eyes focused on engendering good values among the youth, Selis advises the young people “to get involved in youth groups or find a means of using your life positively.”

Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse, 21-year-old Shackell Bobb, is a “pageant lover,” with participation in five pageants under her belt. “If I did not enter the Miss SVG Pageant, I would have felt that I had accomplished nothing in the world of pageantry,” she quipped.

Miss Mustique Co. Ltd., 21-year-old Karla Gellizeau comes from the community of Edinboro.

Mindful of the stigma which her community has to endure, she is adamant that “…no matter how you grow up, and no matter where you are from, you can still pursue your dreams. You can have big dreams, and you just need to have a lot of determination to go after your dreams, and you will become successful.”

Miss Super 6, 22-year-old Vanika Hope, is originally from Belair, but now resides in Chateaubelair. She aspires to become a Counseling Psychologist, and in the meantime she urges the youth “to seek God, stay focused, and think positively.”

Miss LIME, 21-year-old Shadeisha George, is a resident of Lowman’s Hill. She recognizes the Miss SVG Pageant as a calibre event, and believes it allows “for a holistic development of oneself.”

Miss Bequia Beach Hotel, 22-year-old Tatiana Lespierre, was raised and resides in the Grenadine island of Bequia. She describes herself as being “very real” and assures that “realness is what you would be seeing on the night (of the Show).”

Miss Lotto, 24-year-old Jamilla Neverson, will proudly represent her community of Vermont. A self-motivated person, one who believes strongly in herself, she needed no added incentive to enter the Miss SVG Pageant, with its opportunity to “win a scholarship.”

The Theme of this year’s MISS SVG is “A Combination of Passion and Brilliance.”

14. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 15.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 17.

Culture

Vincy Country Music alive!!

APRIL 2014 saw the biggest country music dance party at TimeOut Cafe in the Cruise Ship Terminal Celebrating the awards, TimeOut Café, in association with Digicel and Hairoun, created the very Digicel’s Danielle Cupid and King first Ezee dance of Country Michael Warren. party complemented by Ezee Radio and SVG TV. A great fun occasion on the night saw winners in various categories, including King and Queen of country, best dressed, best dancers and those who made the night a big country success.

On the night, King and Queen were taken by Michael Warren of Richmond Hill and Monica Findlay of Belair respectively. They were treated to brand new Digicel Android smart phones and Ezee radio trophies.

The Royal Country music court was fuelled by Hairoun and Digicel, with runners-up prizes for Maurice Horne, Karen Davis, Annie Eagan, Lynette Burgin, Angus Dabreo, and Donnette Davis. They took away free lunches at TimeOut Cafe, and Hairoun six packs.

Jan Fernandez, the organiser of the event, reported that three weeks after the event, she was pleasantly surprised that the winners were excited enough to dress up in their party clothes to collect their prizes.

Winners and participants on the night were ecstatic about the opportunity to enjoy different musical treats at the Cruise Ship terminal, and TimeOut Cafe promises even more themed parties before and after the 2014 Vincy Carnival season. Keep your eyes and ears to the ground and on facebook for more Ezee Country dance parties.

Fantastic Friday has a new twist PATRONS TO THIS YEAR’S Vincy Mas Fantastic Friday National Calypso SemiFinals at Victoria Park, June 27, will be treated to drinks from the bar. That will be covered by their $30 entrance fee.

Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) Coordinator of Marketing, Anthony Dennie, hinted at it last Tuesday, during a CDC press conference held at its office, Victoria park.

Coordinator of Shows Marlon Stephenson heightened the expectation when he, earlier in the press conference, teased listeners with indication of an innovation for the Calypso semi-final event.

He chose to leave Calypsonians’ Association president Ann Miller to give details.

Miller declined the privilege, allowing Dennie to break the news.

Miller, though, promised an enhanced programme in keeping with the effort to improve the semi-final package.

In addition to the 22 semi-finalists, fans will see a revival of the Roses Crew. Persons like Delroy ‘Fire Man’ Hooper, Gregory ‘DJ Twenty’ Small and Rawlo, formed

the foundation of this group from North Leeward, which impacted heavily on the music of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Stewart ‘Rudy’ Louie was a driving force in that ensemble, and even when its members went on individual paths, Louie remained a stalwart in the cultural arena, up to the time of his death in 2012.

Preliminary judging for the five Calypso Tents wind up June 14, when the New York based Dynamites Calypso Tent face their test.

The Preliminaries, scheduled for four locally based tents reads: P’tani Calypso Tent — June 11; On Tour — June 12; Graduates — June 13; and Upstage Calypso Tent June 19.

Meanwhile, calypso tents here are still to confirm their launching dates, and a venue for those shows is yet to be identified with certainty.

What is certain, though, is that the Dynamites calypso tent will launch its 2014 season this weekend, in New York.

Ann Miller, President of the Calypsonians’ Assocaition, promised an enhanced semi-final package.

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Sections of audience

N.Y. Vincy group hosts ‘Tea Party with a Difference’ Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT NOSTALGIC Vincentian and other Caribbean nationals in New York two Saturdays ago, got an appetizing local cultural treat at what has been described as a very successful ‘Tea Party with a Difference’, by one of the leading Vincentian cultural groups in the United States.

The United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) continues to make a strong indentation in the Diaspora with its cultural presentations, even at a tea party on May 3.

The group staged its 6th Annual Tea Party at St. Anthony Baptist Church, 425 Utica Ave., corner of Utica Ave. and Empire Blvd. in Brooklyn, providing not only much nourishment for the body, but also hilarious entertainment for the soul, while raising funds for its medical mission at home.

Patrons dined on local delicacies, such as saltfish cakes, beef and chicken patties, chicken wings, and coconut tart, washing them down with passion fruit juice, fruit punch, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

They also absorbed and participated in song and hat competitions, and gently swayed to folkloric and sentimental rhythms from the group’s newly-formed band, featuring lead guitarist and cultural figure, Gordon “Don” Sutherland, founder of the defunct Georgetown band, Affetuosos, who wrote many of UVCGB’s folks songs.

The UVCGB band also comprised Geoffrey Holder, of Byera Hill; Tyrone Owusu Slater, of Old Montrose, and Rawle “Winkie” De Caul, of Calder.

The show also featured Emily Mentor James, of O’Briens Village, Georgetown, on harmonica (mouth organ).

Additionally, patrons got a “sneak preview” of Miss Continental Pageant 2014, a Brooklyn-based beauty show founded and chaired by Paul’s Avenue native and ex-netballer Yvonne Peters.

The show takes place on Jun. 14 at George Wingate High School in

Best dressed Annette Stowe, strutting her stuff, was crowned Miss United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn 2014.

Brooklyn.

Six beauties — representing New York, Tobago, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines — graced the stage and briefly espoused their respective platforms before the very appreciative audience.

Some also participated in the Hat Competition that was won by Miss Grenada, Imani Peterson, with Miss St. Lucia, Kelly Smith.

Bequia native Annette Stowe, who attended the event for the first time, was adjudged “Best Dressed,” winning the inaugural, coveted “Miss United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn 2014.”

“Our 6th Annual Tea Party was a great success,” said UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish in a VINCENTIAN interview afterwards.

“Each year, we strive to improve on our service and entertainment,” added the Campden Park native and BornAgain Christian. “It entails a lot of work, but it is all worth it.

“From the feedback we have received, everyone in attendance had a wonderful time and is already looking forward to next year’s event,” continued Irish, stating that guests also came from Connecticut and New Jersey, as well as far away as the Cayman Islands.

Irish, who chaired the proceedings, disclosed that a guest, from the Cayman Islands, expressed “pleasure” about the event “and is hoping to implement some of the items at her next event upon her return to the Cayman Islands.

“We are very grateful to our guests who showed such a great outpouring of love and care,” she said.

UVCGB’s 10th Annual Cultural Show takes place on Sept. 6 at Meyer Levin Intermediate School, at the corner of Beverley Road and Ralph Avenue, in Brooklyn.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 19.

Feature

A tribute to the Girl Guides Movement

by PATMOS RICHARDS

LAST MONTH, APRIL, marked the centenary anniversary of the Girl Guides Movement here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The very fact that the Movement has transcended 100 years is ample evidence that it has impacted favourably on the lives of scores of young women.

Preparing them for challenges in their adult lives and facing these challenges with tenacity and courage was always a fundamental goal of the local guide movement.

Moulding young women to become community leaders and productive citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was also another objective of this august body.

Encouraging young women to accept worthwhile calls to national service was integral to the Girl Guides Movement from its inception, and this encouragement should be a hallmark for younger generations of women to emulate — service to country before self.

Featured in this article as a mark of respect for the centenary occasion is the first Kingstown Rangers, an offshoot of a number of Girl Guides groups in and around Kingstown.

Founded in 1969, the Kingstown Rangers was the mastermind of Ms. Inez Coombs, a former civil servant, with Ms. Angella Bowman as her assistant.

The group of young ladies, between the ages of 16 and 18, were instructed in public etiquette and official protocol, and were participants in national events.

They made their first public appearance on the occasion of SVG becoming an associated state with Britain, on the 27th October 1969.

Most of the members of this female coterie are still alive. The majority has migrated to North America where they have carved niches in their respective fields of endeavour.

Among those who are still domicile in SVG are: Gale Davis nee James, Sylvia De Freitas nee Hamlett and Maureen John nee and Providence.

Gale Davis was a lecturer in English at the then Technical College and later at SVG Community College.

Sylvia De Freitas is co-founder, with her husband Marcus, of Nightinggale Bookstore.

Maureen John gives full support to her husband, lawyer Stanley John, Q.C. Without question, the Girl Guides Movement and its derivatives like the Kingstown Rangers, have played a seminal role in the lives of many a Vincentian woman.

Congrats Dr DuncanAdams THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS of Dr. Mishka Duncan-Adams welcome her home and congratulate her on her successful completion (with distinction) in General Paediatrics/ Paediatric Neurology.

We wish her God’s blessings and continued success as she returns to serve the Vincentian people.

Front L-R: Angella Bowman, Silma Millington, Anestine Baptiste, Merle Hannaway, Marcia King, Sandra James, Marva Boucher, Maureen Providence, Angella James, Maureen Muckett, Inez Coombs. Back L-R: Helen Hamlett, Arlene Saunders, Marva Thomas, Sylvia Hamlett, Margaret Williams (hidden) Arlene Lindsay, Carmen Nanton, Josette O’Garro, Gayle James, Marilyn Paynter.

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Set the woman free Concerned about my wife

your spouse to remain married to you, and Dear George, MY WIFE of 5 years has told me, in especially so, when all no uncertain terms, that she wants indicators show the WHAT AM I supposed to do when the man my out of the marriage. My reply to her union has reached a point when it is no daughter brings home as her intended husband, request did not go down too well longer healthy or makes a pass at my wife? Should I get rid of both with her. sensible for the parties them, wife and boyfriend?

There is no way I am going to to live under the same I had to argue with my wife about this when I let her go, so that she could loose? reunite with her ex-boyfriend, the roof. got home one evening and met this man in the If the marriage has lost its According to you, your wife same man she denied being with house and sitting within inches of her. They were purpose and your wife wants out, wants to be (openly) with the man then set her free. Give yourself a while she was married to me. I laughing and touching each other; but as I entered she has denied being with while am not releasing her to go and chance to find happiness he pulled his hand away from her face. I married to you, and you are meet that man! She has no elsewhere. Do not deny yourself immediately called her into the bedroom and asked consideration for my feelings, and determined to prevent her from that favour. You may need to get her about it, and she admitted there and then, that doing so. My question to you is: for that, it will be hell to pay. some help to deal with the anger she should have rebuked him when he touched her, Why do you want her to stay I have to admit that our that is obviously locked away in but didn’t as she did not want to be too harsh with married to you to continue being marriage has broken down. We your system. him. unfaithful, seeing that she has no do not sleep in the same bed nor I asked him to leave my house, after letting him eat together, etc. But, when I got intention of cutting this man George know how I felt about him, and asked him not to married to her, the vows said ‘for see my daughter, who at 18 is seven years better or worse,’ and she will younger than he. remain my wife even it has to be As he walked away from the house, he on paper only. I did not marry to replied, “ ‘E’ will see about that!” Should I be get divorced and embarrassed. concerned about him and my wife?

That is what she can’t mouth?

Dear George, understand.

I want nothing to do with either Worried George, I want you to tell her THE MEN in this country are really of them right now. What really for me that a woman should stay hurts me is that I love this man and Dear Worried, bold-faced and have no shame. I with her husband to the very worship the very dirt he walks on. met my boyfriend kissing a mutual end.

You were well within your place to discuss, Guess I was wrong about him and friend of ours, only to have him try with your wife, the inappropriateness of his also her (my friend). to convince me that the kiss was just Angry T. behaviour. a friendly kiss. George, have you Your wife should have known better. She Hurt ever seen a man and a woman Dear Angry T. should have pull this young man up when she exchanging a friendly kiss, with his realized she was being targeted by the man Dear Hurt, tongue completely lost in her You cannot physically force who was claiming interest in her daughter.

You do not want your daughter to be with a It would not make much two timing man. sense to argue with your This incident presents a golden opportunity boyfriend over what he thought you saw or didn’t see. to have a serious talk with your wife. There could be underlying issues that need If he said it was a ‘friendly attention. Use this opportunity as a building kiss’, then accept it as that, block toward a stronger marriage. and give him a friendly Also, your daughter needs to know what goodbye from your life. You transpired in her absence and guided can only trust someone until accordingly as to how to make better choices they prove that it is no longer in the future. wise to continue doing so.

Dear George,

Give him a friendly goodbye

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Sudden changes could result in estrangement's. Your creative imagination will help you in coming up with unique ideas. Don't expect the whole family to be overjoyed. You will have splendid suggestions for fund raising events.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) This is probably causing upset and confusion on the home front.

Opportunities for new romantic encounters will unfold through the social events you attend. Family members will not be happy with the amount of time you are spending away from home.

Loved ones may be annoyed if they feel restricted.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Don't overspend on friends or children. Having your own business is a good idea. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce just that. Try to put your money away for a rainy day.

You are best not to confide in anyone right now.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can make progress professionally.

Back off if you want to keep the relationship intact. You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Do not expect others to do your work.

Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived.

Uncertainties are still prevailing. Social events will be plentiful.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

You will find good buys and you will lift your spirits. Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Spend time with friends or family.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You should get into programs that will enhance your appearance and help you to be the best that you can. Residential moves are evident. Try to avoid any drastic/ decisions concerning personal legal matters. You could be blind to the defects of those you love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions. You can accomplish a great deal. Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job.

Generosity will put you in the poorhouse.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Try to mix business with pleasure while traveling. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship. You can travel for business or pleasure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. If they don't like the plan, suggest that they con tribute a little. Depression may put a damper on your day. Don't make unreasonable promises.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your ability to stand out in a crowd will bring you the recognition you desire. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. Do things for them but don't allow them to make unreasonable requests. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make.

ACROSS 1.Comedian Skelton 4. Arena receipts 8. Blasting substance (abbr.)

11. Roman 3 12. Trolly sound 14. Aussie marsupial 15. “Snakes __ Plane” (2 wds.)

16. Immense 17. Pretty __ picture (2 wds.)

18. Valley 20. Song from “Annie” 22. __ the world (2 wds.)

24. Streams 27. Smear 28. “ __ Clown” (2 wds.)

29. Intl. pact 31. Jolson and Hirt 32. Yodeler’s location 33. __ de plume 34. Eat to fullness 36. Sandwich order 37. Novelist Ferber 38. Jenna

and Barbara, to Jeb 40. Postpone 41. Company’s head (abbr.)

42. Mata __ 43. “Bali __” 45. Motorized bike 48. Clean air agcy.

51. Historical time frame 52. Exposed 53. Neckwear in Hawaii 54. “__ Tin Tin” 55. Bank (on) 56. Lower the lights

10. “Prelude __ Kiss” (2 wds.)

13. DNA segment DOWN 19. Land 1.”__ Rita” parcel 2. Munich 21. Craving “one” 22. Advanced 3. Examinadegs. tion expert 23. Poe’s 4. Sheet music middle sign name (2 wds.)

24. Small 5. Actor Alda rooms 6. Sailor 25. Fully 7. London’s engrossed land 26. Boulder (abbr.)

28. Slugger 8. Carl Lewis Ruth domain 30. Epps of (3 wds.)

“House” 9. Numerals 35. Width of (abbr.)

Shaq’s

shoes 37. Always, in poems 39. Grooming item 40. Mommy’s spouse 42. Achille’ __ 43. H.R.H. starter

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 21.

44. Jackie O’s second husband 46. Rowboat accessory 47. Prior to (prefix) 49. Architect I.M.__ 50. Target

22. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 23.

Is it the end of JackÊs presidency?

His tenure over the last few years has come under OVER FORTY MEMBERS of the microscope, the St. Vincent and the with a number of Grenadines Cricket questions being Association have tendered asked about his a petition calling for a commitment and Special Meeting, as per competence in that the body’s constitution, to position. have president Julian Jack In one such removed from office. incident, his A source told THE former Radcliffe VINCENTIAN that the teammate Stanley petition, spearheaded by Hinds called for second division club him to step down Is this representative of the Past and the Future...? (L-R) Smashers, has levelled a as head of the Julian Jack. Lennox John and Kishore Shallow. number of charges Women’s Cricket against the long-serving Committee, for president has lost the president, who it deemed allowing the state of that complained to THE unfit to hold such a high sphere of the sport to fall VINCENTIAN that they commitment and zeal he were not paid for months once displayed. office. in standard. and, in addition, had to The state of Under 15 Jack, part of cricket Other questions have provide snacks, and in cricket, which has seen administration here for been raised over time, some cases SVG placing at the close to three decades, regarding the WICB transportation monies for bottom of the Windwards has served in such high sponsored Grassroots some of the young championship for the last ranking positions as Cricket Programme players. six years, has also been a treasurer and vicewhere monies totalling While not questioning bone of contention under president before being over EC two hundred Jack’s previous Jack’s presidency. elevated the post of thousand dollars have contribution, one source One source told THE president, following the been disbursed. departure of the longSome of the coaches in told THE VINCENTIAN VINCENTIAN that it appears difficult for Jack, serving Lennox John. the programme recently that it appears that the

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Delegates at a SVGCA AGM...How will they vote at the Special Meeting?

Right: First VP Elson Crick... Pillar of the future? who is serving his fifth consecutive term, to survive the measure given the persons who have signed and those who are in silent support. He suggested that Jack and the rest of the executive resign before the vote, to avoid humiliation.

The petition not only calls for Jack’s departure, but for fresh elections.

The sitting executive reads: Julian Jack — President; Elson Crick — first vice-president; Denis Byam — second

vice-president; Rawle Caine — treasurer, Samuel Holder secretary, Kishore Shallow — assistant secretary, and committee members Cecil Charles, Kenroy Martin, Deighton Butler and Calvin Glasgow.

The executive is expected to meet in the next few days to discuss the petition and set a date for the Special Meeting, a source said.

Hat trick for Barrouallie:

Central Kingstown trounced

by KENVILLE HORNE THERE IS NO DOUBT that the footballers from the community of Barrouallie possess very good individual football skills, but their ability to dominate football as a team, with such consistency, remains an unsolved puzzle to many.

Whatever the pundits will come up with as the reason or reasons, one thing is certain: Barrouallie are the 2014 Champions of the National InterCommunity Football League.

They claimed their third title hold on the trot in the Hairoun Beer sponsored Championship, when they trounced Central Kingstown, 4 -1, in the finals, played at Victoria Park, last Sunday, May 11, In front of one of the largest crowds at a domestic match in a some time, Barraoullie registered their intention as early as the third minute of the game, when Olaex Anderson, top goal scorer of the championship, earned a penalty, which he buried, to put his

Left: Olaex Anderson, the 2014 Championship top goal scorer. team one up.

Vesbert Ledger extended the lead in the 33rd minute, after poor defending by Central Kingstown allowed him space to shoot, and he shot accurately. And two minutes before the end of the first half, the match seemed all but finished when the goal scoring machine, Anderson, made it 3 nil, drawing ecstatic celebrations by the large contingent of travelling Barrouallie fans.

The second half witnessed more excitement, as Central Kingstown appeared more purposeful, pressing deep into their opponents’ half.

The pressure paid dividends when, in the 61st minute, Azino Solomon reduced the deficit. But signs of a Central Kingstown recovery dissipated quickly into thin air when, in the 75th minute, Jomo Toppin converted Barrouallie’s fourth goal.

The final whistle signaled carnivallike celebrations by the Barrouallie

Barrouallie, three times in a row National InterCommunity Football champions.

Right: Central Kingstown, defeated 2014 finalists. supporters.

Earlier in the day, the third place playoff saw West Kingstown mauling Layou, 4 — 1.

Goal scorers for West Kingstown were Calvert Browne and Dorrian Delaware both registering braces. Layou’s lone goal came from the boot of Wendel Cuffy.

For their feat, the champion team Barrouallie will collect $10,000, while

runners up Central Kingstown will receive $6,000. Third place West Kingstown will receive $3,000 for their effort.

Sunday also witnessed the under-13 finals between Central Kingstown and East Kingstown. Central Kingstown won 1 nil, with a goal by Roshawn Hooper.

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24. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Spartans/Police drop catches galore⁄⁄..

Hooper hits a century in 55/55/ league

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT Police TWO and The News Spartans took catching to ground level last weekend, after both teams combined to floor not less than eighteen catches over three innings in their Premier Division match, at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field.

The match ended in a draw, with The News Spartans taking first innings points, after posting a chance-filled 264. The lawmen replied with 210, and when play ended, The News Spartans were 109/2.

The standard of catching was determined so substandard that it forced one of the standing umpires to remark: “Since I looking at cricket, I have never seen Salvan Browne scored more catches put down in 88. a match.”

Spartans, asked to take first knock on an underprepared strip, saw their openers, the veteran Dawnley Joseph (31) and the U19 player Gidron Pope (38), overcome the early problems to post 67 for the first wicket, before the former went to a stinging return catch by Romario Bibby, one of the few that stuck. Bibby then yorked Pope as the batsman attempted a big off drive.

The innings took on impetus through Renaldo Coombs (47) and later Kissinger McLean (64), aided by several portions of generosity by the butterfinger fielders. The big hitting McLean took advantage of his luck by launching the bowlers into the double-decker and other areas of the field, as he counted six massive sixes and two fours. He also had four chances.

Offspinner Kevin Abraham 6/57 was the top police bowler, while Bibby took 2/53.

The police innings bore sharp resemblance to the News Spartans’ innings. Fieldsmen, it appeared, took turns trying to outdo each other in flooring the easiest of catches.

Opener Salvan Browne, who struck 88, undid all the work of the Spartans fielders to hand him a century by piloting a wide half volley-the first ball after lunch - to deep point. He set to complete his second century of the season but instead had to look on in disbelief as a catch was taken at what, he assumed, was the wrong time. He struck ten fours and one six.

Mohammid Lavia (52*), not for the first time this season, chipped in with useful runs, but his team, batting with two men short owing to injury and national service, was left ruing yet another middleorder slump from 137/2 to 155/6.

Veteran medium pacer Basil Andrews 6/57 took the first six wickets and saw several catches going to ground, including a caught and bowl sitter.

Batting a second time, Spartans ended on 109/2 with Pope unbeaten on 55. No less than five further chances were put down in the Spartans second innings.

The tournament will come to a close this weekend with the all -important fixture between joint defending champions, Victors ONE, and team Rivals at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

A win or first innings for Victors ONE will hand the title to Guardian General Saints.

Meanwhile the SVG Police Co-operative Credit Union Clinchers T20 Softball Cricket competition is heading into its final stage at the Richland Park Oval.

Spartans’ Basil Andrews 6/57 walks back to his mark.

Mohammed Lavia square drives during his unbeaten half century.

This Sunday will see the one remaining quarterfinals fixture taking place between defending champions, Gairy Construction Simple Boyz, and Young Strikes, from 1pm.

Semi-final action begins on Sunday with Better Brands Supreme meeting Dr. Thomas Injectors from noon, to be followed at 3pm by a clash between the winners of the quarterfinal match between Young Strikers and Gairy Construction Simple Boyz.

Finals are set for May 25th.

Renaldo Coombs hits over the infield.

SHAMON HOOPER hit an exciting 111 and Nigel Small 64 to lead Triumph United Cricket Club “A” to an insurmountable 313 for 7 in 45.1 overs against Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United.

Belmont looked uninspired in their chase, with Jerome Samuel contributing the only respectable effort with 37.

Vangel Small returned figure of 3 for 10 for Triumph A. In another weekend match in the National 55/55 Sunday League Competition, IShallz Byam’s Physical Therapy earned a comfortable win over Neil Williams Academy, at Buccament.

The Academy took first knock and recorded a total of 67. Spinners Javon Samuel, 4 for 32, and Javid Harry, 4 for 18, were Therapy’s best bowlers. iShallz Byam’s Physical Therapy replied with 193 all-out. Carlton Woodley top scored with 45 not-out and Danny Allen hit 35. Joelano took Neil 3 for 25 and Ian Allen 3 for 37.

In another game, Buccament Bay Androids won over Triumph United Cricket Club “B” at Buccament. Triumph made 71. Joel Ogarro took 4 for 16, Wesley Simmons 2 for 6 and Obed Mccoy 2 for 18. Buccament Bay Androids answered with a massive, 320, Venol Collis led with 92, Shawn Ogarro 55 and Renwick Quashie 40. Keyan Dowers took 3 for 16.

Police Three won over Young Warriors at Sion Hill. The lawmen made 209 in 28 overs, Alrick Ellis leading with 48, followed by Renwick Cato, 38. Sim Knights took 4 for 33, and Kentish Phillips 3 for 22.

Young Warriors replied with 134 from 23.1 overs. Lex Frederick hit 22.

Smashers won against Team Rivals 2 at Park Hill. Team Rivals 2 made 115 in 33 overs.

Davean Barnum hit 37and Ramano Grant 31.

Anthony Charles took 4 for 34. Smashers replied with 144 in 28.2 overs. Darren Russel and Ozico Williams each made 41.

Imran Smith took 3 for 47 and Antus Wright 3 for 22.

This Sunday, Triumph United Cricket Club “B” will take on Smashers at Arnos Vale 1.

Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United face Victors 2 at Arnos Vale 2. Buccament Bay Androids take on Combine Youths at Buccament.

I.B.A.ALLEN

United Survivors suffer first defeat A COLLECTIVE batting effort by Nyasha Williams, Hazel-Ann Foster and Juliana Nero was more than enough for Garifuna Stars to inflict a first defeat on United Survivors, in this year’s RBTT National Women 40 Overs Cricket Competition.

Playing at Park Hill last weekend, Nyasha Wiliams of Garifuna Stars batted Garifuna Stars continued a good first and run of form with a posted an impressive knock of 56.

209 for 5 off 30 overs.

Nyasha Williams continued her prolific form with a top score of 56, with support from national players Hazel-ann Foster, 46, and Captain Juliana Nero, 40. United Survivors struggled to 156 for 8 in 30 overs. In form batter Samantha Lynch Samantha Lynch led with had a match top Hazel-Ann Foster 61. Hazel-Ann Foster took score of 61, but had a good game 2 for 30. could not prevent with bat and bowl In the other weekend United Survivors’ to help Garifuna game, J. G Tigrees beat defeat.

Stars to victory.

Rising Stars by 3 wickets wickets for in a low scoring match, at Arnos Rising Stars.

Vale 2. Rising Stars were This Saturday, J.G Tigress will dismissed for 76 in 24.1 overs.

Xaviah Matthews top scored with face Garifuna Stars at Arnos Vale 19. La Toya Providence took 4 for 2, while Northern Girls Combined 9. J. G Tigrees replied with 79 for oppose United Survivors at 7. Stacy-ann Adams hit 16. Casey Buccament.

Campbell, Xavian Matthews I.B.A.ALLEN Jephrina Joseph each grabbed 2

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 25.

Sports

CONCACAF D-Licence course comes to SVG

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Changing of the guard IT CAME SWIFTLY, but if we had followed the sign, the writing on the wall would have been obvious.

I hope that Ramdin hastens some success. He will be here in September at the helm of the squad in the early stages of his new dispensation.

He is going to need all the support Vincentians can provide. Some fans will still be grieved by Ramdin’s show of disrespect to Sir Vivian Richards.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since. If that is the appreciation the present crop is going to display to those who have helped to establish West Indies cricket, we must have entered a new passage.

Sammy pointed to turmoil in the West Indies camp in the wake of the New Zealand debacle. The fact that not even Dwayne Bravo as captain was able to persuade his brother Darren to remain with the party for the One Day matches, is evidence that something serious was simmering.

What is going on in the dressing room or in Board room have the markings of some bizarre proportions.

The truth will never be known, or if revealed, will be subject to some scrutiny and or suspicion.

Those who campaigned for Sammy’s execution must be happy with their accomplishment.

Ramdin as a replacement does not offer the prospects of an immediate end to the infighting.

Ramdin’s elevation has been greeted with happiness by his compatriots.

Perhaps the bigger territories, Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana, will feel more at ease. The trend today is a reverse from the prophecy that Sir Frank Worrell made, that the smaller islands will form the plank of future regional cricket. That manifested for some time. The likes of Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson, the Benjamins, helped to cement Worrell’s prediction.

Some persons in the Windward Islands goaded Sammy on to failure. They winced when he succeeded.

His estrangement after he was relieved of the One Day International captaincy made it simple for Sammy to finish his Test career.

If West Indies cricketers cannot solve the conflicts that affect our game, we are in for a rude awakening. The squabbling for leadership is not over.

The captaincy attracts some prestige; one which Caribbean nations venture to attain. That seems to have been the basis of the hostility to Sammy. A St. Lucian was not supposed to be at the helm.

Perhaps it was a hangover from the Julian Hunte episode. Instead of salvaging West Indies cricket, persons hastened a downward spiral motion.

With Gayle’s absence, or some may as a result of Gayle’s absence, West Indies were becoming a fighting outfit.

Cricket is a team sport. Once there is a chink in the armour, there will be repercussions. Sammy could not heal the wounds that characterised out our game.

The cycle continues. The atmosphere of despondency will be a factor for some time, unless we overcome the obstacles.

Cricketers will aspire to don the maroon uniform. That will be a springboard for their exposure.

The proliferation of Twenty/20 tournaments will provide opportunities to make money around the world.

That is the trend. Even then we have to uproot that attitude of insularity which is strangling us.

NINE months after CONCACAF launched its own coaching programme-the D Licence coaching course - in Mexico, the body brings the programme to the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the Confederation’s president, Jeffrey Webb, set to open the historic event.

A release from CONCACAF said the D Licence is the first official licensing programme for coaches, and will be the foundation of the Confederation’s coaching educational programme.

An official of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation said that a total of 42 participants will take part in the four- day course, and will undertake an exam, after which the successful ones will receive their CONCACAF D Licence certification.

According to the CONCACAF, The D licence is the first official qualification for coaches in the region and further licences will be developed by the CONCACAF Development Office.

Previously, coaches in the region were forced to travel to Europe or other confederations for education and recognised qualifications.

The D License training course educates coaches in the components of coaching football, among which are: the principles of coaching; the adequate training by age; the fundamentals of planning training sessions; physical training; health and security; the development of community clubs, among other Reports say the D Licence course was also to be conducted in the Cayman Islands, Aruba and Grenada last year, and the CONCACAF is committed to

enabling its 41 Member Associations to take advantage of the programme.

The programme in Jeffery Webb, SVG will run President of from Thursday CONCACAF, is set to open the D May 15th to Sunday May Licence course 18th and scheduled for will take place SVG. at the Media Centre at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

The facilitators will be CONCACAF instructors Lenny Lake, Ettienne Siliee and Jonathan Martinez. They are expected to attend to a wide variety of areas in practical and theoretical situations, according to an SVGFF official.

Ministry of Sports launches Sports 36 NELSON HILLOCKS, Director of Sports here, has acknowledged that his Department has to take some of the blame for the poor performance of the national Under-15 cricket team over the past 10 years, but assured that he and his department are prepared to do something about it.

Towards that end, The Department of Sports has launched a primary-school focused cricket programme it has dubbed, ‘Sport 36’.

Facilitators of the programme and selected students of Launched last week at the South Rivers the South Rivers Primary School.

Primary School, Director of Sports Nelson Hillocks said ‘Sport 36’ is deliberately concentrated one way or the other,” Hillocks on the developmental aspect of the sport, as against proffered.

The persons who are involved the competitive aspect.

“We are moving from competition to development; in facilitating the inaugural that’s our goal in the ministry,” Hillocks explained. phase of the programme are Deighton Butler, Orlanzo The programme will use the expertise of former Jackson, Kenroy Peters, Ian and current national cricketers to deliver motivational sessions and conduct coaching sessions Allen and Cordel Jack. for primary school students.

I.B.A. Allen It begins with the South Rivers Primary School, winners of the Department of Sport sponsored Primary School Street 20 cricket competition, moves Nelson Hillocks, Director of Sports, is confident the Sport next to the Calder Primary, first runner-up, and 36 programme will achieve completes its first phase in Bequia, at the Paget its desired objectives.

Farm Primary, 2nd runner-up.

“We will re-commence the programme in September, the first month of the new school year, beginning with the West St George Primary and then focus on the other parts of the Islands,” Hillocks assured.

Hillocks is confident that the programme will serve the younger generation “in the way of motivation by getting a firsthand experience with some of our top cricketers who have played at the highest level. We are sure that once we work together over these months and years to come, the youngsters will benefit in

26. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

ROBERT STEPHEN BROWNE Mt. Sinai Spiritual Baptist Church Carriere Monday 12th May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

MARTIE CUPID St. Malachi Spiritual Baptist Church Redemption Sharpes Saturday 10th May, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

ADOLPHUS JOHNNY

POLLY SAMUEL FERDINAND

New Ground S.D.A Church Sunday 11th May, 2014 2:00 p.m.

New Life Prayer Tabernacle South Rivers Sunday 11th May, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

GLENFORD MC MASTER HARRY S.D. Adventist Stubbs Sunday 11th May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

EUTON JAMES Church of God World Wide Mission Redemption Sharpes Sunday 11th May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

F O R

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BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT:

‘PATRON’S ACCUSATION UNFAIR’

statement said.

“It is therefore unfair for accusations of prejudice to be aimed at a team that both includes and Located on the South regularly welcomes Vincentians, not to Leeward coast of mainland St. mention many people from ethnically Vincent, the Buccament Bay and socially diverse backgrounds,” the Resort has been featured statement read. prominently from its The statement included the conception.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY the Buccament Bay Resort outlined. assurance that Day Passes for the “The resort prides itself on the Harlequin Hotels and Resorts are excellence of its team, which is the key Resort were valid from 10 am.

THE BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT has the owners/operators of the Buccament reason for the hotel’s success,” the responded, in a written statement, Bay Resort. statement indicated, and outlined that Refuting the complaint received on Monday 12th May, to a The Resort, in its statement, it was “the team’s goal to show all report in THE VINCENTIAN of May 9, declared that, “we take all complaints guests a truly Caribbean luxury With direct reference to the incident 2014. seriously, and are disappointed if any experience with warmth, charm and reported, the statement sought to The report featured a complaint by guest has not fully enjoyed their time attentive service.” explain that, “The guest arrived very Sharon Mercury, an English born with us.”

The Resort referred to their early and was approached by security woman of Vincentian heritage, who In that light, the resort asserted, “ethnically diverse, multi-cultural to confirm why they were on the was not pleased with the treatment “We must take issue with the very executive team”, and that three resort, which the guest took exception she was given when she and two other serious, misjudged and unjustified quarters of that figure were to. relatives visited the resort. accusations that have been made Vincentians.

“The guest is mistaken in the belief The Resort deemed the complaint as against our staff and establishment by The resort team is 98 per cent that she did not see a manger, as she ‘an unfair accusation’. a recent visitor.”

Vincentian, according to the resort. did in fact speak with the front Office “We would invite the complainant According to the statement: “Many members of the team have Manager, who tried their best to make to write directly to Harlequin Hotels “Prejudice of any kind has never, and extensive international hospitality the party feel welcome and valued,” and Resorts, setting out the full nature would never be tolerated and condoned experience, and the hotel welcomes Buccament Bay outlined. of their complaint,” a statement from at Buccament Bay Resort.” guests from all round the world,” the The Buccament Bay resort has not been without its fair share of scrutiny and legal tussles.

A diverse team

NDP to work towards Canada visa removal PRESIDENT of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace says that he intends to work with the Canadian authorities to revoke the visa restrictions imposed on Vincentians, when his party forms government.

Some may see it as an impossible task but, according to Eustace, the NDP was prepared to work to ensure that it Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, addressing the town hall meeting at York Civic Centre in Toronto, Canada.

happens.

Addressing Vincentians at the York Civic Centre in Toronto, Canada, in a town hall meeting last Saturday, Eustace said that the NDP had been examining the situation for some time, with the aim of reversing the decision which was made back in September, 2012.

The Canadian government then, imposed visa requirements for citizens from a number of countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia.

The Leader of the

Opposition said that he was aware of the contribution that the Canadian government has made to St Vincent and the Grenadines over the years, and the government had every right to make certain decisions if they so chose.

“But many Vincentians have chosen to flee because of the harsh reality of the economy in St Vincent,” Eustace said.

He acknowledged that remittances by nationals living abroad were considered a pillar in the local economy, and any rattling of that could be

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

disastrous.

However, according to Eustace, data at hand indicate that in 2009, 30.6 percent of the Vincentians residing in Canada were in violation of that country’s immigration conditions.

“And that is considered to be high, very high when compared to other countries,” he said.

The acceptance rate for persons applying for Canadian residency in 2010, on the other hand, was far lower, Eustace told the gathering.

He explained that the data revealed that the number of Vincentian nationals who were

residing in Canada, but who were not in compliance with the immigration laws, had increased considerably between 2009 and 2011, with the figure reaching 3,308.

“These statistics, while outstanding, are not hopeless,” the Leader of the Opposition said.

“We realize that many Vinentians abide by the law, and we in the NDP are prepared to work with the Candian authorities and you, Vincentians living in Canada, with the view to have the restrictions over time, removed,” he said.

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