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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 16, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.33

Brooklyn, New York, while viewing netball matches between Caribbean teams, and meeting friends at the Lincoln Terrace Park in the Crown Heights section.

A PROMINENT VINCENTIAN lawyer and In recent years, the Lincoln Terrace former government senator earlier this Park has become a central meeting week got “a taste” of what has been place on summer weekends for described as the “unjustified and Caribbean nationals, particularly discriminatory brutality” often handed Vincentians, during netball matches, out to many blacks and other minorities, organized by the Brooklyn-based including Caribbean immigrants, at the Caribbean American Netball hands of officers of the New York Police Association (CANA).

Department (NYPD).

“I’m a bit battered and bruised, but After a court appearance and his I’m alright,” said Marks, stating that release, Ronald Marks told THE police had charged him with resisting VINCENTIAN on Monday, that he arrest, attempted assault, being in a was arrested late Sunday night in park after sunset and disorderly conduct.

Marks, who was vacationing in New York with his wife, Tamara Gibson-Marks, the court registrar in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said the presiding judge at Brooklyn Story and photos By NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

Orande ‘Man Kemmie’ Christopher confirmed that the NY Police officers involved in the incident used excessive force.

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Right: Attorney Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Marks is set to make a formal complaint to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau about the ‘battering’ he received at the hands of NY Police.

Supreme Court “adjourned (the case) in contemplation of dismissal.”

His lawyer, Colin Liverpool, told THE VINCENTIAN that, once there is “no reaction (falls afoul of the law) in six months, the case is dismissed.”

The incident On seeing one of his former clients, Darren Dopwell, handcuffed and thrown into a police squad car, Marks said he had inquired about the matter from a female police officer.

Continued on Page 2.

The 77th Police Precinct station house and signs of street on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, where Vincentians lawyer Ronald Marks, Orande ‘Man Kemmie’ Christopher and Darren Dopwell were held before transferred to Central Booking, downtown Brooklyn.

The manhandling of and arrest of Darren Dopwell (pictured) led to Marks’ inquiry and his (marks) subsequent arrest.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Prominent Vincy lawyer ‘battered, bruised’ by NYPD state, whom he had seen at the location a few He said Dopwell had minutes before. also shouted to him: Marks said, as he “Ronnie, I ain’t do turned around, he felt his anything, and they lock feet “removed from under me up.” me” by two police officers, Marks said the police and their knees jammed to responded that an officer his back after he dropped, had asked Dopwell to chest down, on the “move, and he didn’t move, pavement. and he had an attitude.”

Marks said he did not Marks further said “hoist a stroke,” adding that, since he has not been that, after the police admitted to practice law in manhandled him badly, New York, he inquired they came up with the about the whereabouts of “trumped up charges.

Liverpool, who is allowed “If a client had told me to practice law in the about such an attack, it would be hard for me to believe,” Marks added. “I couldn’t believe the police in New York could act so wickedly.”

Marks said former St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ junior calypso monarch, Orande ‘Man Kemmie’ Christopher, a popular DJ in Brooklyn and football (soccer) player, was also arrested after he questioned the police’s actions.

“It’s another story how they treated us in the cell, not allowing us to use the bathroom,” he said. “They slammed Darren (Dopwell) against the wall on the same shoulder he had surgery on.”

Marks said when Christopher questioned the treatment meted out to Dopwell, “they told him to shut up and put him in a different cell.

“From that, I learned to shut up,” said Marks, who has since posted images of bruises, sustained at the Lincoln Terrace Park, on the social network, Facebook.

Christopher and Dopwell have also been released.

Christopher later told THE VINCENTIAN that, while he does not want the spotlight to be on him, he was very irate about the alleged physical abuse meted out to Marks.

“I’ll support Ronnie 150 percent, because he didn’t deserve it (rough treatment),” said Christopher, stating that his case has been dismissed.

“It’s just a bunch of ‘stupidness’ — four, five cops on his back for no reason,” he added about the police officers who allegedly abused Marks.

“They just used excessive force.

“The man did not do anything,” he continued.

“He was walking back to us (at the Lincoln Terrace Park), when one of them (cops) tripped the man from behind and then pounced on him.”

Continued from Page 1.

A soft ball match involving Caribbean persons, underway on Tuesday evening at Lincoln Terrace Court where the incident took place.

Complaint to be filed

Marks is appealing to the public for video footages to help bolster a potential lawsuit against the NYPD. He also told THE VINCENTIAN that he will be filing a complaint with the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.

Marks, who could hardly raise his right arm from the “police abuse,” was expected to undergo a battery of tests and x-rays on Wednesday before flying to Miami the next day to continue his vacation. He said he will be returning home on Thursday, Aug. 22.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Deputy New York Consul General, Edson Augustus, who was among Vincentian nationals at the 77th Police Precinct, offering support to the arrestees, described the incident as “a very unfortunate situation”.

“At the end of the day, justice will be served,” he said. “It’s also unfortunate that it happens at this time, when we are getting together for ‘Vincy Day’ (in New York on Saturday).”

Recent history Marks is the second prominent Vincentian national to be arrested by the NYPD within the last 18 months.

Former United Nations Ambassador Camillo Gonsalves, the eldest son of the Vincentian leader, was arrested in the lobby of the building that houses the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission to the United Nations, after the NYPD claimed the younger Gonsalves refused to go around a barricade in front of the building.

Two years ago, Grenadian-American New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams was unlawfully arrested by NYPD officers during the West Indian American Day Carnival parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway.

Marks’ arrest also comes as a United States federal district judge on Monday ruled against the NYPD policy of stop-andfrisk against Caribbean immigrants, blacks and other minorities.

In a ruling in Manhattan Federal District Court, Judge Shira Scheindlin said the policy was unconstitutional, appointing a monitor to reform the practice.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he will appeal the judge’s ruling.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 3.

News 3

‘Cannot intervene in St. Kitts/Nevis,’ says PM Right: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has stated his case as to why he and other CARICOM heads will not intervene in the St. Kitts and Nevis parliamentary deadlock.

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has made it clear that “there is no proper basis for either the OECS or CARICOM to intervene formally in the current political situation in St. Kitts and Nevis,” and as such, “I an unable to make any formal representation for the resolution of the ongoing challenges in that magnificent country.”

Dr. Gonsalves expressed the position in his written response to Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace’s letter, dated August 5, 2013, in which Mr, Eustace posited that “it is incumbent upon you (Dr. Gonsalves) and the other CARCOM heads of Government to intervene so as to broker a resolution to the Kittitian parliamentary deadlock.”

The deadlock to which Mr. Eustace had referred was the situation in the St. Kitts and Nevis House of

Representatives in which the opposition held six places to the government’s five, and the refusal of the Speaker of the House to table for a debate a noconfidence motion.

In his lengthy response, dated August 13, 2013, Dr. Gonsalves also cited that, “the matter of the no-confidence motion in St. Kitts and Nevis has been complicated by the institution of legal action by members of the parliamentary opposition against the Speaker of the House and the government,” and continued by assessing that, “the eternal, core principles of Representative Government underpinning the filing, debating and determination of a noconfidence motion have become entwined with the sanctity of the judicial system.”

Dr. Gonsalves concludes in part that, “The difficulty faced by the OECS,

The House of Representatives/Parliament in St. Kitts and Nevis.

CARICOM, or indeed any international body such as the Commonwealth, to intervene in the impasse…… is that a possible path, or at least the opening of an avenue, towards a political resolution resides in the internal judicial and political processes. In the absence of an exhaustion of these internal processes, any formal outside interference in a country’s internal affairs is premature

and unacceptable, particularly since there is no breakdown in law and order and none is reasonably apprehended.”

The Prime Minister, though, admits to speaking informally to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas, on more than one occasion over the last six months, and assured Mr. Eustace that he will continue to do so.

Invest SVG 2013 internship ends their placements were: Terricia Graham — Invest THE INVEST SVG 2013 SVG, Marketing Secondary School Summer Department; Sienna Wales Internship Programme — Invest SVG, Research came to an end last Friday and Information 9th August, after four Development Department; weeks of active student Kurtisha Baptiste — Invest participation, working SVG, Export Development within business entities Department; Terika here.

Alexander — Invest SVG, Business Facilitation Programme and Department; Malikha Participants Providence — the Law Chambers of Baptiste & This year, the Company; Crystal Webb programme, inaugurated and Mekisha David — in 2011, provided the SVG Broadcasting opportunity for ten fourth Corporation; Brittney and fifth form students to Lewis — Financial Services be exposed to ‘bestAuthority; Rhea Cain — practising’ businesses, GECCU; and Devonti with the aim of peaking Boyea — IKTV. their career curiosities, and gaining hands-on Presentations experience and knowledge of the businesses in which Upon commencement of they were placed. the programme, a workThe participants and plan was created for each

by GLORIAH…

participant. This was personalized, giving details of specific activities that each was expected to become involved in, as an intern.

The Closing Ceremony provided an opportunity for each intern to give a brief synopsis of the nature of endevour of the business at which he/she interned, and to outline some of the tasks that were undertaken. This was done through a mandatory Power Point presentation.

The participants showed clearly that they received a good understanding of the business entities. Several of them gave outstandingly detailed reports that proved their level of commitment ant the eager enthusiasm which they brought to the

The 2013 Invest SVG Interns: (L-R Back) Mekisha David, Sienna Wales, Kurtisha Baptiste, Terika Alexander, Devonti Boyea and Terricia Graham. (L-R Front) Rhea Cain, Malikha Providence, Brittney Lewis and Crystal Webb.

Black; Mr. Allan Alexander, Division Managers of Invest SVG; representatives of partnering businesses and Invest SVG other members of staff of Invest SVG. In attendance at this Communications Officer event were: newly of Invest SVG, Tedra appointed Executive Kirby, in her talk to the Director of Invest SVG, interns, encouraged them Mrs. Bernadette Ambrose- to “be good ambassadors of programme. Relationships among staff members were emphasized by each intern.

Invest SVG.” She said that this would add mileage in the fulfillment of their “mandate of marketing SVG as a unique destination.”

Each intern was presented with a Certificate of Participation.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

„God never sleeps,‰ says victimÊs grandmother

MARGARET MITCHELL happen, Mummy, you sick?”

MAY NEVER recover from “I said no, I just going to get a check up,” the the emotional wounds and elderly woman related. trauma caused by last Duwayne was not at home when Mitchell week Thursday night’s returned around midday. Her worst fears would shooting death of her be realized later when gunshots rang out in grandson, Duwayne the area around 10:15 p.m.

‘Chucky’ Mitchell. But she Mitchell recounted hearing the sound of firmly believes, “God will gunshots, but could not recall how many bring everything to light.” explosions she heard.

The 27-year-old selfAt that point, Mitchell did not know what employed man was had happened as, according to her, there was gunned down about 30 no activity or crowd outside. But she admitted, yards from the house at “I know he (Duwayne) was accustomed coming Gibson corner, where he home around that time, so I was a bit scared.”

The area of the Leeward Highway where lived with his She called his mobile phone, but it just kept Mitchell’s body lay. grandmother and 3ringing. She sensed that something was year-old daughter. definitely wrong when someone looked in the “I would miss him because it was direction of her house about an hour later and Reports are that he only three of us living together.

It is was shot several times asked, “Are you ‘Chucky’s grandmother?” very hard to accept,” Mitchell around 10:15 p.m. Up to Mitchell was soon to be struck with the hard cold sighed.

But she hastened to add, press time Wednesday, reality that her grandson was killed.

“God is in control, and whoever did police were continuing “I was so numb, I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t walk,” that, God is going to bring their investigations.

Mitchell recalled, adding that it was not until everything to light. God never A younger Duwayne ‘Chucky’ Mitchell, Mitchell has been Monday that relatives forced her to eat something. sleeps. He is the one I trust.” this country’s latest homicide. finding it very difficult She was so shaken that up to Tuesday afternoon She described her grandson as to accept the reality of when THE VINCENTIAN spoke to her, she had not very loving, quiet and mannerly. losing her grandson in that manner. She had seen the body.

Mitchell had left home shortly before 8 a.m. that adopted Duwayne from a baby after his father died.

Duwayne’s aunt, Claudine, told THE fateful day to visit the doctor, not having the His mother, Debra Dickson, resides in Canada.

VINCENTIAN, “It’s just terrible to lose your life slightest clue that she would never see her grandson Interestingly, Duwayne’s father died when he that way; nobody deserves to die that way.” alive again. She had left Duwayne alone at home. was 3 years old, the same age as his daughter, his Duwayne will be buried on Sunday at the On leaving, she told him, “I am going to the doctor only child.

Kingstown cemetery following a service at the to get a check up.”

Kingstown Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He asked, “What

‘Pull yourself together,’ Magistrate tells offender wished to change his plea.

Prosecutor Assistant ONE OFFENDER, WHO APPEARED Superintendent of Police (ASP) at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Glenford Gregg told the Court that on on Tuesday, received some sound October 22, 2012, police were carrying advice from Magistrate Rechanne out investigations into a report of Browne-Mathias. burglary in which a Toshiba Laptop “This crime life is not for you, just was stolen. The lawmen met someone pull yourself together,” the Magistrate in possession of the laptop, and he told Giovanni Ferrari as she sentenced indicated that Ferrari gave him it to him to six months in prison for hold. As a result, Ferrari was arrested receiving a stolen item. and charged.

The 30-year-old welder of Cane He told the Magistrate, “when I Garden was charged with, knowing or hear police looking believing one for me, I go”.

Toshiba laptop to be Browne-Mathias a stolen item, told Ferrari that he dishonestly received could have been same for his own sentenced to two benefit. years for the Ferrari had offence, but in the pleaded not guilty circumstances she when he initially would give him six appeared at the months, which Kingstown would run Magistrate’s Court, concurrently to a April 9, 2013, and term of three and a the matter was half years Ferrari is adjourned to last currently serving for Tuesday. theft.

One prosecution The three and witness, Machel half year sentence McKie of Long Wall, was handed down Kingstown, was by the High Court called; but while he Giovanni Ferrari’s latest sentence where he was was giving evidence, of six months will run committed for Ferrari indicated to concurrently to one he is sentencing earlier this year. the court that he currently serving.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 5.

Regional

Holder admits to LIATÊS shortcomings DR. JEAN HOLDER, Chairman of the Board of Directors of LIAT, has admitted that the public should have been made aware much earlier of what LIAT was attempting to do.

Dr. Holder made the admission while addressing the ceremony which marked the signing of the Caribbean Development Bank/LIAT loan agreement, for the re-fleeting of the regional airline.

The Chairman alluded to the disruptions and discomfort resulting from

circumstances created by the move to re-fleet.

Among the circumstances referred were: training pilots and engineers in France to operate and service the new aircraft (ATR 72600); awaiting the confirmation from the regulatory bodies in 21 different countries to certify each new aircraft before it can operate to their country; having to continue to operate a scheduled service to all countries at the busiest period of the year; the daily occurrence of

breakdowns of the airlines old aircraft.

While apologizing for the disruptions, Dr. Holder did promise that “LIAT must and will do better.”

He was, however, in high praise of the resilience of the airline.

“For 57 years, LIAT, with the support of a few shareholder governments of considerable fortitude, has survived the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, when others of great reputation in business enterprise have failed. ….. Certainly, in

UWI Mona to offer course on reparation FOLLOWING CLOSELY on the heels of the CARICOM Heads decision to heighten activity, discussion and action on the issue of reparations, the University of the West Indies (UWI) has announced its involvement in the ongoing discussion.

Last week, the Mona campus of the UWI announced plans to offer a course on reparation, looking at the issue of Dr. Clinton Hutton, seen here speaking at the JIS compensation for slavery Think Tank, will design the course. in the Caribbean. feeling displayed for our ancestors is The course is the same that the Europeans had being designed towards black people. by lecturer in Hutton told the Think Tank that the Department some students have argued that the of Government reason their foreparents were enslaved in Political was because they were uneducated.

Philosophy and He argued, however, that some of Culture, Dr. the people, who came across the Clinton Hutton, Middle Passage, were state makers, who said the scientists and highly skilled persons. curriculum will Freundel Stuart, “In fact, the reason for Europeans Barbados Prime examine the going to Africa was that Africa was arguments for Minister, heads a rich in tropical agriculture and not CARICOM Committee reparation because of the physical makeup of our set up to drive the within a ancestors,” he stated. issue of reparation. historical “We need to walk through the context. passages that our ancestors walked, Speaking at a Jamaica Information and we can only do that if we educate Service (JIS) Think Tank held recently ourselves,” he added. at the agency’s headquarters in He said education will also generate Kingston, Dr. Hutton said that it was a bigger and growing political voice to important to educate the Caribbean support the work of the National population about the issues of slavery Commissions for Reparations that are and reparation, as many young people already in place in some CARICOM still do not see a connection between member states, and those that will themselves and their enslaved soon come on board. ancestors.

“I have no doubt that if the people “In other words, they are unable to are educated they will begin to think feel empathy for their own ancestors,” differently,” Dr. Hutton said. (Source: he said, noting that the same lack of Caribbean 360 News)

executing so difficult a mandate (serving 21 countries), LIAT has made its fair share of mistakes and owns them.

But some of the time, LIAT seems to suffer from a propensity of the Caribbean cultural norm to hold its own people to a higher standard than those from outside.”

As far as the loan agreement was

LIAT’s aging DASH 8 fleet presents going problems with its constant breakdowns.

Left: Dr. Jean Holder, Chairman of LIAT Board of Directors, conceded that LIAT should have been forthcoming about the repercussions of its plans.

concerned, the Chairman asserted, “this LIAT re-fleeting project was tailor-made for the objectives of CDB,” the benefits of which would be seen “by mid- January 2014,

(when) 7 of the 12 new aircraft planned will be in place and providing the public with a better and more comfortable air transportation service across the Caribbean.”

In 2012, LIAT carried just under 800,000 Caribbean passengers.

V Villagers apprehend alleged killer 6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Crime

by KENVILLE HORNE VILLAGERS in the North Leeward community of Troumaca on Wednesday apprehended and beat a man they accused of killing one of their own.

According to Alston Pompey, his uncle, 45-year-old Troumaca resident Owen ‘Big Ras’ Pompey, left his home on Monday for the Soufriere Mountain, a trek he made frequently.

‘Big Ras’ did not return home that day, and when he failed to turn up on Tuesday, family members became concerned. A search party, however, was not mounted until Wednesday.

Alston was not part of the search party, but a relative who was, told him that they encountered, in the mountain, a man with a hoe who, from reports, was looking quite suspicious.

Members of the search party questioned the man about the whereabouts of ‘Big Ras’ and he denied knowing anything about the missing

man.

Not convinced that he was telling the truth, members of the search party proceeded to administer a beating on the man, who eventually succumbed and led the irate party to a shallow grave in which ‘Big Ras’s’ body was discovered.

No Police search party yet The search party descended the mountain with the ‘suspect’ whose limbs were restrained. His body showed clear signs of having been battered. The procession to the Chateaubelair police station created quite a buzz among residents.

“When them done take the man to Chateaubelair police station, a whole set a police came in a coast guard boat,” said Alston.

He said someone inquired from the police if they were going to recover the body. An Officer said they would

rather Owen Pompey, whose leave it for body residents found in Thursday. a grave in the Soufriere “The mountain. police them lapsing, they are not doing their job,” said the angry nephew, who contended, “Suppose somebody remove the body, then they would lose all the evidence, and then the man will die in vain.”

Many villagers also expressed disappointment with the police’s refusal to go into the mountain to retrieve the body. One person remarked: “Ah sure if was a stash found, dey would camp overnight, but is just a body. Are we serious? After 2pm too late to go bush for a body?”

The man who was apprehended and beaten by a search party of Troumaca residents.

A police source confirmed that someone is helping the police with an investigation, and that the man brought from the mountain was taken to the Chateaubelair Hospital to treat his injuries. He was, up to press time, in police custody.

There were indications that the police were to begin the trek to the mountain to recover ‘Big Ras’s’ body on Thursday.

But North Leeward residents are still perturbed by the lack of immediate action by the police.

Former Grammar School student on wrong path

by HAYDN HUGGINS A FORMER St. Vincent Grammar School student who, according to Prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg, has embarked on a life of drugs, was jailed on Tuesday.

Brian Richards, a 43-year-old labourer of Biabou, was sentenced to 2 years in prison for stealing a quantity of panties, brassieres, boxer shorts and other clothing amounting to a total value of $23,314, the property of Julia Walters of Chateaubelair.

He received a separate sixmonth term for entering the dwelling house of Elford Payne, a 75year-old retired engineer of Level Gardens, as a trespasser with intent to steal.

The 2year sentence will run consecutively to an 18-month term Richards is serving for stealing from the same man, while the Brian Richards about six-month to board a police sentence will transport for conveyance to prison. run

concurrently, meaning Richards will serve three years and six months in prison.

Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias handed down the penalties at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after Richards pleaded guilty to both charges.

In relation to the burglary charge, Prosecutor Gregg told the Court that around 8:15 p.m. August 6, 2013, Payne was at his Level Gardens home when he heard a noise in his living room. The elderly man armed himself with a cutlass and proceeded to the living room where he met Richards, whom he knew. Richards tried to run past Payne, but the complainant chopped him on his left wrist.

Richards, however, escaped through a door. Payne reported the matter to the police and Richards was subsequently arrested and charged.

In respect to the theft charge, the Court heard that around 4:30 p.m.

July 24, this year, Walters, a clothes vendor in Kingstown, gave a ‘cart man’ a quantity of items to carry to the Kingstown Vegetable Market for safe keeping, until the following day.

He was offloading the items outside the Vegetable Market. He made the first trip, but on returning for the second, he noticed the items he had left there were missing. He told Walters what had happened and she reported the matter to the police.

Investigations led to Richards’ arrest.

ASP Gregg told the Court that Richards is a former student of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

“This young man is not a dotish man, but he is beyond redemption.

This young man is just taking coke, (cocaine) left, right and centre,” Gregg contended.

The magistrate agreed that Richards is not a stupid person.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 13.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Reparation: The time begins now In 2001, THERE WAS AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE on racism in South Africa, at which the Caribbean had both government and non-governmental representation.

African countries represented there and then, demanded an ‘apology’ for the slave trade, and by extension slavery; but the European countries offered a position of mere regret.

It appeared that the European countries, fearing that an apology was equivalent to an admission of guilt, and that it would have legal consequences, wanted no part of it.

The final wording of the Conference declaration read, in part; ‘We acknowledge that slavery and slave trading, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, were appalling tragedies in the history of humanity, not only because of their inherent barbarism, but also in terms of their magnitude, organised nature and especially their negation of the essence of victims’.

Clearly, this was definitely not an apology and no inherent commitment to offer any sort of reprieve!

Fast forward to 2013, and the issue of the slavery in the Caribbean and the trans-Atlantic slave trade has resurfaced with a vigor that has not been seen or articulated before in these parts.

The July 2013 Summit Heads of CARICOM held in Trinidad and Tobago, unleashed, for the first time, a united effort to seek compensation from three European nations (England, France and the Netherlands) for what they described as ‘the lingering legacy of the Atlantic slave trade, the evils of slavery, and the genocide of indigenous peoples.’

If the ‘talk’ after that Summit is anything to go by, the current Heads (of CARCOM) are preparing themselves for the long haul, and that they mean business, one indication of this being that they have contracted the services of a reputable human rights/legal firm to advise on and pursue (preliminary) action on their part. The hope here is that the vigor, determination and commitment of this crop of leaders will be continued by any new crop that will replace them.

That aside, there should be few dissenting voices, if any, as far as this issue is concerned. It would appear that if there are any who still question the veracity of the reparation effort, they do so on purely childish, political grounds, and/or subscribe to the belief that reparation is all about money.

Moreover, anyone who opposes the issue of reparation does not understand the value of history and how that history connects us to a wider context of economic, cultural and social development.

The reparation effort, therefore, is not just about money. It is about an acknowledgement of guilt and involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, slavery in the Caribbean and colonial exploitation, including genocide. It is also about an apology, nothing less, for slavery and exploitation, and the return of artefacts stolen.

The effort has as an underpinning intention also, i.e. one of educating Caribbean people about their heritage and reflecting for the world the contribution that this area has made to world history and civilization.

Reparation, therefore, has at its core a twofold purpose: to get European countries to acknowledge their complicity in an abuse of human rights, and also to acknowledge that they committed immeasurable social, economic and political harm on a people, African people, past and present.

That there should be some form of compensation for all their (Europeans’) ill-gotten gain is natural. But that restitution is not about money amounting to trillions. Rather, it is about debt forgiveness, investment in our education and health sectors, support for our arts, science research and other community-driven initiatives to be identified by us.

It is useful in the debate to recognize that past actions are directly linked to the present and affect the future.

The Caribbean, in which descendents of African slaves now reside and engage themselves in mapping their own development and destiny, continues to stumble through trying economic, social and cultural arrangements, controlled by a minority group of world powers, in a manner not unlike the days of colonialism.

The misfortunes, partly of our own doing, as we mimic the politics of those who colonilised us, are in the major part attributable to a systemic and institutionalized ‘vampirization’ of Caribbean societies and economies.

Is it wrong to seek redress, called it reparations, call it compensation, call it restitution, for the sins committed?

This could be nothing but the correct thing to do; but whether those from whom reparation is sought will acquiesce, is another question that points to many a battle before the war is done.

Who said, something to the effect, ‘You have to seize the time’?. The time begins now.

Close family circles as a factor in Caribbean politics son Kenneth Williams; Vincent and Glen Beache, and John and Jerrol Thompson.

Current moves by SVG’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves might suggest that he desires to impose his son Camillo as head of his party, the ULP, which has been running the affairs of SVG since virtually the start of the twenty-first century.

Absolutely nothing is wrong if Camillo had worked himself up through the ranks of the party and/or Government.

The great examples in the West Indies of yester-year, Michael Manley and Tom Adams, sons of their more illustrious fathers Norman Manley of Jamaica and Grantley Adams of Barbados, proceeded by the democratic route here suggested. The son paid their dues, won their spurs, and eventually earned the top position.

Furthermore, in the Democratic world, the father to son succession normally takes place after the intervention of one or two seasoned party faithfuls. The Birds’ case is an exception to abhor. The Manleys were separated by Donald Sangster and the Adamses by Dr. Cummings and Bernard St John.

The latest news on the street of ‘unofficialdom’, is that Camillo is to be sworn in as a senator and the country’s Foreign Minister. If that be the case, persons are asking: Is his next promotion to be leader of U.L.P when Papa has vacated?

To get an open field, there was a systematic and methodical clearing of the decks, professionally done.

First, René was eased out. Straker was knighted, and Girlyn honoured.

Neither Thompson, who was once rated as “arguably the brightest member of cabinet”, and Slater who delighted in making the rounds of international capitals accompanying his leader whose eyes he failed to full.

Fitz Huggins, who had had his eyes on East St George, following Burgain’s drift from grace, was paid off with a diplomatic posting. Saboto Caeser, who had cloned himself after Ralph, has been made to realise that he was never the real thing which has now arrived in the person of Camillo, who presents the right D.N.A of flesh-and-blood.

Even before the event, Papa has to ensure the naming of Milton Cato as the new National Hero, which would rebound to the glory of Camillo now hunting in Cato’s former stronghold. If not Cato, the whole time-table would be set back to yet a later date awaiting more propitious Welcome Home, Camillo times which will never be!

For, there can be many a slip twixt Back home we followed the father and the cup and the lip: a NDP victory for son tradition with, for example, Herman instance. and Herbie Young; George Charles and

CARIBBEAN POLITICS has been noted for its dominance of the family over the past seventy years or so. That historical phenomenon is largely understandable up to a point. What I wish to point out here is that its rationale gradually faded with time, and that family politics is a thing of the past, whereas we in SVG seem bent on giving it a new lease of life.

Let us start with Jamaica. Its politics today hardly bears the imprint of the “Great Cousinhood”- Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante- who headed in the early 1940s the PNP and JLP respectively, and which still vie for power. But significantly absent are the influences of direct descendants of the Great Men. We jump from North to South, and note that the husband and wife team of political leaders was born in Guyana with Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan.

It spread to the immediate North to Grenada where a diluted form took in Eric and Cynthia Gairy, and SVG which boasted Ebenezer and Ivy Joshua.

Then there has been a plethora of siblings which added lustre to the politics of their country, like Siboonath and Rudrinath Carpildo, and Ashford and Mitra Sinnanan, and A.N.R Robinson and Lionel, and John Donald senior and junior, all of Trinidad and Tobago.

Travelling North, we encountered in St Lucia the Compton duo of John and Clive, the Bousquettes of Allan and James, and the Odlums, George and John. Generally, they followed a great tradition probably started by Allan Lewis and son, Vaughn.

In Jamaica, there have been the Lloyd brothers (P.N.P) and the Hills (JLP).

The classic pair in this category has been the Dominican brothers of Michael and Roosevelt Douglas who both held the Prime Ministership in succession, and both had their stints suddenly cut short by fatal maladies.

Montserrat has been an exception that proves the rule. William Bramble was succeeded as head of Government by his son Austin: that is, the father was in fact defeated by Austin who headed a rival party!

For some forty years, Antigua had been a Bird sanctuary led by Vere Bird, then his son Lester assisted by Vere Jr. We wrap up this section by citing some interesting avuncular relationship: Duncan O’Neal and Prime Minister Errol Barrow of Barbados; Joseph Gibbs and Dame Hilda Bynoe Governor-General of Grenada; and the colourful Robert Bradshaw and the currently controversial Denzil Douglas of St Kitts.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 9.

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That St. Kitts and Nevis saga

Give LIAT a chance

DAMN if we do, damn if we don’t.

We can beat up all we want on LIAT, but unlike most of the other territories which it serves, we depend solely on the ‘Leave Island Any Time’ airline.

Lord knows that LIAT has been bad… I have had my share of experiences of late luggage arrival, late flights, missing ongoing connections, overbooking so that you get bounced in the strangest places and have to sleep in the airport.

Yes, man, I have had what some would call an overdose of the bad side of LIAT. But you know something? I have flown LIAT for well over 30 years, and I must be honest and say that in the majority of cases, I got where I wanted to go on time, got my luggage and made my connecting flights.

Now that the airline is trying to improve its service, we have to give them some slack. Mistakes will be made before the going gets smooth again. I know, Vincentians will always say we deserve better from LIAT, since in recent times we have been pumping money into it, and our Prime Minister doesn’t hold back on seeking what is good for it.

That may be so, but we must accept that LIAT is, for the time being, our only scheduled airline service, and we have to depend on it.

So the next time you fly LIAT, think about it as you getting into your own car. Wouldn’t you want to take care of your car?

Let’s give LIAt a chance to be the best it could be.

I GATHER on the matter of the political situation in St. Kitts and Nevis, that both our Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have received letters from opposition members in that country, requesting the two leaders to bring some pressure to have a no confidence motion debated in that twin island OECS member Parliament.

The situation in the St. Kitts and Nevis parliament, as I understand it, is that the opposition has six seats to the government five. The story is that the opposition went into parliament with five seats but increased to one when a member of Prime Minister Dr.

Denzil Douglas’ party defected to the other side.

The situation of six opposition seats to government’s five clearly constitutes a majority in favour of the opposition. So, what in heaven’s name could be motivating Dr. Douglas to hold on to the reins of government?

Regardless of whether the opposition comes from one party or two or three for that matter, the fact is simple: six is more than five. Dr. Douglas should therefore, be in opposition, or he should see to it that a general election is called.

But there are a few questions that I have in this whole matter.

What role is the

Governor General playing in all of this?

If the opposition approaches the GG and provides unambiguous proof that they have a majority in the House of Parliament, isn’t the Governor General bound by law to ask them to form the government? In addition, doesn’t the Governor General have the power, in the circumstance, to dissolve parliament and cause a general election to be held?

And where is the Speaker of the House in all of this? Isn’t he bound by his office to have the motion of no confidence debated? It could well be a situation where that Speaker is a supporter of Government and

Dishonest judgment – The police without the knowledge of the Commissioner.

Promotion must be done under the watchful eyes of a committee, not by the Commissioner himself who might not like you, or you may not be a favourite of the government in power.

An investigation must be launched, as soon as possible, by a special committee to determine which officer(s) was/were left back in the ranks because they were not in favour of the Commissioner, wasn’t wearing any political colours, wasn’t carrying any news, and who are currently assigned duties they should not be.

Whose idea it was to bring in a foreigner to set the Police Force on its right track — a man who does not know the history of the Police Force in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? How can we use such a person and pay him such a big sum. Can I say he must pay back the money because he did not make a difference?

Look at what took place in the Police That is the only reason I would encourage those who are Force over the past years. All or most of responsible for the prisons to the senior members check in on what they (prisoners) are saying. It is a were either ‘age up’ case of prevention better than or left because of unfair practices. Left cure. behind were some school children Paul without experience.

(Editor’s Note: Not all the When will another inmates at Her Majesty’s consultant be called Prison in Kingstown are convicted criminals. Many of in?

When are we going those housed are on remand — to have someone who awaiting trial.)

WHEN are we going to get honest judgment in this country?

For years, the Police Force has had some big bugs biting the flesh of its members. To today’s date, no one has Jane P used any spray to kill them. It seems that the ones responsible to kill the bugs are not learning from their mistakes.

Promotions must be made on I RECALL a recent letter to the editor published in your newspaper. It had to do eligibility, e.g. you must have at with an observation that nothing least ten years of service to be substantial was planned or held for considered for any promotion.

Emancipation Day here.

We cannot slip persons with no That writer was bemoaning that fact, police experience through the and I must agree with him. back door and push them into With all the talk around about top positions. Can a junior teach reparations for slavery, genocide and all you a job? the evil inflicted on the Africans in the Before you are promoted, you Caribbean, I would have thought that must go before a special Emancipation Day would have taken on committee of retired senior some celebration of national proportions. police officers, who will have a Are persons involved in the reparation record of your performance, not a talk afraid to get their hands into the real committee who will meet you in soil? the street and say to you, “You Let’s hope next year would be better. should be a Sergeant , come to my office,” and tomorrow Ole Pants morning, he or she is promoted

Emancipation Day

Prisoners complaining for what?

I HAD A GOOD chuckle at the front page story of last week’s edition of THE VINCENTIAN. I chuckled because I wondered what those criminals were complaining about.

After all, those who are now complaining are where they are because they cause some harm to someone, or did something that they shouldn’t have done. They broke the law, so what is all this complaining about? They

therefore, would not want to do anything to have his side removed from government.

Sounds familiar?

And amidst all of this, my information is that Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister, is bent on seeing to it that changes to the constituency boundaries are made before the next general election, which is due in 2015. Dr. Douglas is down as saying that the present boundaries are illegal. Did he not know this when he went to the pools in 2010, with those boundaries that he now wants to change, and came away a winner? Who can blame the opposition for saying that he is gerrymandering the

deserve to be in Her Majesty’s prison. They deserve their punishment, mosquito bites and all.

However, Mr. Editor, I have one concern, and that is about when these fellows get out. If there is something really happening in the prison and one of these fellows gets some disease that is contagious, on his release he should spread that disease to the general public.

electoral process?

Our Prime Minister is known to enjoy good relations with Dr. Douglas. I am not certain about Mr. Eustace’s relationship with Dr. Douglas. But what I know is that both Dr. Gonsalves and Mr. Eustace share a strong adherence to the principles of democracy. Is it at all possible that they can come together on this one and make a single appeal to Dr. Douglas to stop his nonsense and get on with the process of building a true democracy in his country? Wishful thinking?

Basil

MAN-ABOUTTOWN would like to know a few things about VINLEC: * Has VINLEC introduced a ‘Metre Maid’ programme? * Are these ‘Meter Maids’ supposedly assigned to check on metres in designated or selected households? * Have these designated households been showing a decrease in electricity consumption over a period of time? * Is the ‘Metre Maid’ programme to check to see if the metres are functioning properly? * Or is VINLEC concerned that its cash flow is being affected as consumers do as VINLEC encourages, conserve energy and therefore pay lower bills?

is going to stand up to the clergyman and say to him, we must come up with a plan to stop these gun-men from using these unlicensed firearms soon? Who is going to say that the people of this country are fed up with these unsolved crimes?

Who is going to say the authorities in this country are sleeping and need to get out of bed soon to come up with a plan to stop these crimes? Who is going to say that too many convicted criminals are let loose in the prison system and before you know it, they are back on the streets? Are we going to bring another consultant again to give away tax payers’ money?

Who is going to say too much rubbish in parliament? Who is going to say it is time for a big wig crime meeting which will include Mr. Shine, the clergyman, Mr. Smile, and many more time wasters?

Are we waiting for America to give us the green light?

Spy

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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Why the ULP is winning Tourism the information war

The Issue THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT That the Unity Labour Party government is the most scrutunised administration in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Every action by the government, every statement by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and members of his Cabinet is examined with a fine-tooth comb, by the Opposition, their supporters and spokespersons on radio, in the newspapers, on Facebook and You Tube.

This is nothing new, and is not an issue for the ULP administration.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has promised transparency, and the actions of his government are open and above-board. The ULP administration has been extremely careful in preserving the level of democracy that Vincentians currently enjoy, and will continue to enjoy. No media entity, no reporter or broadcaster, has been hindered in the performance of his or her duty.

There are no restrictions being placed on freedom of expression, or freedom of the press, save and except those laws which exist for the preservation of good order. Almost every other day, one or two radio stations defame Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and members of his Cabinet. Opinions have turned into facts; truth is hidden, and in some cases banished from the statements made by Opposition spokespersons and their supporters, and there is very little attention to accuracy.

falsehoods, and they malign ULP ministers and key supporters of the ULP. We are happy that there are party stalwarts and fair- minded Vincentians who are ready and willing to defend their government. These stalwarts post photos of key projects in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so that Vincentian Facebook users in the Diaspora can see what is happening in their beloved country. This is a defeat of the dirty propaganda campaign mounted daily by the NDP, about key projects like the International Airport at Argyle; the Education Revolution; the drive to build houses for middle, low and noincome Vincentians; the developments in the Tourism and Health sectors, and the many achievements of Vincentians at home and abroad.

The truth is that the NDP is mistaken in its belief that it can run a campaign on lies, slander, insults, misinformation and half truths.

Despite electoral defeats in 2001, 2005 and 2010, and a further defeat lurking on the horizon in 2015, the NDP is still to learn the lessons of this failed campaign of lies.

The ULP defence

In the face of these lies, the only defence that the ULP can adopt is Desperation by the NDP truth. So our operators on radio and Facebook have used this strategy to This state of affairs is occasioned by good effect. There is a constant flow of the level of desperation within the information in relation to important ranks of the NDP. They are faced with projects implemented by the ULP, a miasma in relation to their including the Education Revolution, leadership, and they cannot mount any the International airport project at credible attack on the track record of Argyle, the Housing revolution, the the ULP in terms of its performance, bridge over the Rabacca River, the jet the deliverables that have been port in Canouan, the Buccama Resort, achieved, and the philosophy that is the training of young Vincentian used to provide good governance in the nurses, the ongoing development at the state.

Community College and the revival of So they have launched an attack the Banana industry. based on the most outrageous lies, on The people of St. Vincent and the the ULP administration. They depend Grenadines have dismissed the lies on two factors: one, that despite the told by the NDP, but in the process advances of the Education Revolution, they are angry. They are angry when there are still persons who are gullible they hear the NDP claim that they are and will believe the lies put out by the so poor, that they can only afford half NDP; the second factor is based on the pound of chicken back, and half a ‘cake outrageous level of the lies. Their of soap’. They are annoyed that the theory is, the more outrageous the lie, NDP is claiming that Vincentians are the more likely that the public will unplugging their refrigerators at night, believe. to save on the cost of energy. And the And so there is a level of list goes on. recklessness on the part of the NDP as Visitors to the country know what they continue with their strategy of all Vincentians are aware of; that lies and half truths. The voters have despite the ravages of the global rejected them at the polls, which is an financial and economic situation, the indication that these lies have failed to collapse of CLICO and BAICO, and the achieve the purpose for which they natural disasters including Tomas, were intended. that the country is holding its own, and that in fact, Vincentians are doing The Social Media better than their counterparts in the OECS. The growth in the social media, The people of St. Vincent and the particularly Facebook and Twitter, Grenadines are patiently waiting for brought more focus and attention on “de Comrade” to ring the bell for the the ULP administration, and provided elections in 2015. It is then they will NDP activists with an avenue to deal the NDP another electoral defeat, spread their lies. Daily, NDP and punish Eustace and his followers, supporters are on Facebook trying to for the lies told on this beloved country take apart the work of the government. and its people.

They are abusive, they lie and speak

OVER THE YEARS, tourism has emerged as a major global economic activity that generates significant foreign exchange. Today, a significant number of people around the globe are employed in the travel trade and tourism. In the future, the tourism industry is likely to see unprecedented growth.

Tourism presently contributes substantially to the Vincentian national economy and, if properly developed and managed, has the potential to make an even bigger contribution. In recognition of this, the NDP, when returned to office, will place emphasis on the continued development of the tourism sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as it has done in the past.

Of all the economic sectors, the tourism sector is highly labour intensive. As such, the rate of employment generation is higher when compared to (most) other economic sectors. We have not fully developed this lucrative sector of our economy. The potential for growth is real since St. Vincent and the Grenadines possesses a wide range of tourist attractions, including the attractions of its natural landscape and scenery, wildlife, beaches, historical attractions (e.g. forts) , and a number of unique cultural activities.

The inability of the ULP administration to develop our full tourist potential is due to ineffective international marketing, inadequate infrastructure, the lack of planning and the lack of specialised personnel in the hospitality industry.

The main objectives of the NDP on tourism development will be to accomplish the following: increase in tourism’s contribution to GDP, inclusive of but nor restricted to encouraging increased expenditure by tourists, creation of employment opportunities at all levels throughout society; creation of linkages with other economic sectors; protection of the environmental and cultural resources, and quality of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

the demand for marina space is increasing.

The benefits of developing the yachting industry outweigh the costs to a great extent. Countries are now investing significantly in additional infrastructure in an attempt to meet the ever increasing demand. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will capitalise on the opportunity for employment creation and foreign revenue generation.

In our overall development plan, we are actively seeking economic diversification. We believe that the yachting industry is a viable option.

There are several key international best practices, which have been identified in developing this industry. These include: voluntary programmes for certification for marinas to meet international standards; measures for environmental protection; aggressive marketing to promote our country as a yachting destination; provision of adequate training facilities to expand the work force in the yachting sector; provision of incentives and supporting legislation to facilitate further growth of the industry; emergency planning and disaster preparedness; establishing an internationally competitive ship registry.

The yachting industry has the potential to be a catalyst for economic diversification. The industry has strong linkages with several other industries such as service sector (including restaurants, etc), boatbuilding, maritime services and fishing. The yachting industry will have positive spin-off effects for these related industries.

The development of the yachting industry and the cruise ship industry will also facilitate expansion of the tourism industry without major investment in additional hotels and airlift, and promote the Grenadines internationally as a possible venue for international yachting events.

Human resource

As expected, the NDP is committed to providing the trained personnel required for proper management and The NDP, when it is returned to operation of the tourist sector. The NDP office, will work with the private sector will undertake, as a matter of urgency, and all relevant stakeholders to develop a national study of labour supply and a Cruise Tourism Policy which is demand for the national economy to focused on manageable numbers, and determine the availability of persons to designed to encourage a fair work in tourism industry, to include the distribution between all official ports supervisory and management levels. throughout St. Vincent and the In tandem with the encouragement of Grenadines. The development of a small investment in the tourism sector, the cruise ship pier in North Leeward will NDP will develop full-time vocational be considered programmes designed to facilitate entry The NDP sees the improvement and to employment in hotels and other upgrading of Kingstown as an integral tourism enterprises, including part of a successful cruise tourism government tourism offices. policy, and will work assiduously to Competency-based centres of excellence develop a short to medium term and/or a hotel school will be developed development strategy towards the end. and expanded as the industry grows.

Identification and development of Greater emphasis will be placed on the appropriate strategies will be critical to teaching of tourism in schools so as to achieving desirable levels of visitor encourage the development of a wellexpenditure. The provision of supplies rounded student who is socially mobile. and services for cruise ships, and The NDP will also work closely with the encouraging the employment of Caribbean Examination Council to Vincentian nationals on cruise ships facilitate the introduction of a two-year will be other important thrusts in the ‘Travel and Tourism Studies’ NDP’s Cruise Development Plan. programme.

The yachting industry is in a state of The NDP will also develop a national growth internationally. With an ongoing programme of quality customer increasing number of persons retiring service and a Vincentian host early and higher average incomes, there programme. The Vincentian host is an increasing amount of leisure time. programme will seek to develop a Furthermore, a greater proportion of Vincentian who is knowledgeable about leisure time is now being spent in/on the country’s history and heritage and water. The growth of the yachting its present development, and who industry is also evident by the growth in displays a huge degree of national pride the production of pleasure craft and and self esteem. mega yachts. This increase in the It is clear: St. Vincent and the number of recreational boats worldwide Grenadines can benefit significantly is creating additional strain on the from tourism, but only under a NDP existing yachting infrastructure, and government.

Cruise Tourism and Yachting

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 11.

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The Middle Finger Never forget never “Clean your finger before you point at my spots.” - Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, printer, newspaper editor & writer THE PHOTOGRAPHS THAT APPEARED at the lower half of the front page of The News Newspaper of Friday, August 9, 2013 angered me. The photos, in an article entitled “Disgusting!”, showed a member of the police ‘Black Squad’ making a middle finger sign to a cameraman while a police constable looks on with a smile. My disappointment was magnified when I realised that Superintendent Kenneth John was standing just four or five feet away from the delinquent officer and appeared to be looking in his direction. And while I could not confirm that the Superintendent actually saw the action, it left me wondering whether the offending member of the Rapid Response Unit had any regard for the senior officer. Such behaviour, even without a senior officer present, would be considered most offensive. But to do it in the presence of a senior officer magnifies the obscenity.

The article indicated that the incident took place outside the Central Police Station on Bay Street in Kingstown on 26th July, 2013, the day the New Democratic Party (NDP) held its protest march.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and in Western countries, extending the middle finger is considered to be most offensive; it is ranked among one of the most obscene and insulting gestures. It is therefore most unfortunate that an officer of the law would appear to be publicly displaying such obscenity.

What message is this sending to our society? What message is it sending to our children? I vividly recall reading an article in The Star Newspaper (an organ of the Labour Party) some four decades ago. It was written by one of their popular columnists, Ad Astra.

The article was entitled, “He who wants respect must first show some”, and reminded the reader that we must be respectful if we wanted to be treated with respect. When law officers show such utter disrespect for members of the public, they cannot expect civilians to respect their authority. Yes, civilians will bow to their power under the law, but they will not be perceived to have “moral authority”. They will be respected because of their uniforms and the weapons they carry, but they will have no moral credibility. There are good, decent men and women in the police force, but incidents like these encourage the public to incorrectly paint the police force with a common brush. The officer needs to be disciplined (and the public needs to know that this has been done). The officer needs to make a public apology for his indiscretion. We will expect the Police Public Relations Committee, the Police Christian Soldiers, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council, and other concerned civic organisations to join the cry to have disciplinary action taken against police officers who demonstrate such disrespect for their uniform and responsible position in society. Enough is enough! They must not be allowed to commit such infractions without being held accountable. As responsible members of society, we must speak out (and write) when we see such undesirable behaviours being exhibited.

Over the years, I have used the fingers of the hand to teach aspects of civic responsibility. I recently used it at the graduation ceremony for the Bless Us Pre-School and Day Nursery at Redemption Sharpes, as I challenged parents and guardians to provide

proper guidance for all of our children.

I did this by drawing their attention to the thumb; it does not look like the other fingers; it is shorter and fatter; it looks odd; it looks different. The adults in the audience were reminded to look out and respect those who appear to be odd (i.e. physically handicapped, mentally challenged, obese, slow learners, etc.). I then drew their attention to the index finger (some refer to it as the ‘pointing finger’), and reminded the adults in the audience that they should provide the youngsters with proper direction. Parents, teachers, and other concerned citizens must be prepared to give proper direction and, most importantly, lead by example. We then get to the middle finger and I would indicate that it ‘stands taller’ than all of the other fingers, and reminds us that we should respect authority in our homes, schools, the government, and the community at large. The ‘ring finger’ talks about commitment (i.e. as married couples commit to each other) and I reminded them of the need to have strong commitments to high moral and ethical principles; these keep societies strong.

And finally we get to the ‘little finger’ and I reminded the audience that they needed to look out for the smaller ones among them; to be always willing to help them; to aid them with their school work, to encourage good manners and behaviour, to look out for them, and so on. Law officers and respectable citizens should be lending a hand to teach these principles - not the opposite.

Well, the next few days will reveal what “spin” will be put on this photograph. This writer will not be surprised if an announcement is made that the images displayed were totally misinterpreted. This writer will not be surprised if it is reported that the officer was merely exercising his fingers and the camera just happened to photograph him when he was exercising his middle finger. Or we may discover that this is the finger that the trained officer uses to pull the trigger of his revolver, and he periodically has to exercise it to avoid cramps. Yes, you get the picture. We could take a serious matter and make it laughable.

However, the seriousness (or lack thereof) will determine what the authorities think of law and order, respect of authority, and respect for the citizens in this country.

While I do not mean to appear negative, I am not hopeful that “corrective action” will be taken in relation to this incident. There have been a “proliferation of offences” committed by law officers within recent times. Many appear to be swept under the carpet or somehow end up in “file 13” (lost never to appear again). If we were to conduct a national survey, we may readily discover that the general public has lost a lot of confidence in so many of the law enforcement officers.

However, we are thankful for the many good and decent officers who seem to balance out the infractions of their delinquent colleagues. They point a “different finger” and assure us that they still have the moral authority to show us our spots.

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

PART OF THE REASON why Jews do so well in this world is because they make everyone else ashamed of the crimes committed against them throughout history.

More importantly, Jews build institutions to ensure that their offspring learn about Jewish history and remind future generations to never forget the evils committed against their forebears.

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

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

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

To demonstrate the depth of the injury the British colonizers committed against out people, there is emphasis on Dr Dennie’s presentation.

Dr Dennie outlined that at the end of the Carib war in 1797, there were about 3000 enslaved Africans in SVG. These were held mainly by French colonizers. By 1807, the year in which the slave trade was abolished, St Vincent was home to more than 28, 000 enslaved Africans. By the time slavery was abolished in 1834, the Africans were so badly treated that the slave population fell by 25 percent to 22,000.

Dr Dennie showed that the British genocidal policies against the Garifunas, which got to a high point following the assassination of Chief Joseph Chatoyer, paved the way for the importation of 1000s of enslaved Africans. The extermination of the Garifunas meant that SVG moved from ‘being a society with slaves to a full blown slave society.’

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

Dr Dennie also cited statistics which showed that the years 1807 and 1834 represented a ‘most dangerous time’ to be a child in SVG, as 25 percent of all the children died before they reached the age of 5 years. Forty percent of all enslaved Africans between the ages of 19 to 40 also died.

Most Vincentians, Dr Dennie said, simply did not live to be very old. He contended that emancipation was a blessing in that it aided life and population growth, even though the

country continue as a colony until independence in 1979.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This column with minor changes first appeared on August 10, 2012.

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

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

President Ma Ying-jeou, „Go home and stop milking SVG‰ SVG’s economy has crumbled after 32 years of Taiwan’s continuous scrounging from our economy. Taiwan creams-off billions of dollars a year on SVG’s deep sea fish licence. Meanwhile, SVG is suffering with an economy on the verge of collapse and high unemployment.

SVG must urgently cut ties with Taiwan and open ties with China. The

message to the Taiwan President, Ma Ying-jeou, is ‘Go home and stop milking SVG’.

SVG’s relationship with Taiwan has been bad for Vincentians, but good for Taiwan. Taiwan is a very rich country.

According to the CIA World fact book, Taiwan has reserves of foreign exchange and gold amounting to

US$408.5 billion; the seventh highest in the world. Unemployment in Taiwan is only 4.2%, whereas in SVG it’s more like 20% and counting upwards.

According to Bloomberg.com, Taiwan was home to 230,000 millionaire (US dollars) households in 2012, representing 3% of the total number of household, and is ranked 9th highest in the world. On top of that, according to forbes.com, as of March 2013, Taiwan also had 44 billionaires (US dollars).

Where do you think SVG ranks on the millionaire list? The contrast is vile and immoral.

After 32 years of relations with Taiwan, one has to ask: ‘Has the dream come true for our people?’ No, certainly not. Looking around at all the poverty and squalor in SVG, it’s easy to see that our people are suffering and Taiwan is not our friend.

Taiwan imported US$268.8 billion in goods in 2012, but none of that was from SVG. We can do without Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou’s e smile. After 32 years in SVG, Taiwan has not built one factory in SVG to help stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

SVG has children going to bed hungry, and poor families living in poverty in ‘lean-to’ shelters, but Taiwan cares little. They continue to skin us and cream-off billions of dollars a year on our deep sea fish licence, regardless of how many Vincentians are suffering. This

exploitation is killing our children’s future.

According to Chinasmack.com, last year, Ma Ying-jeou declared a personal wealth of just over 77 million Taiwanese dollars (TWP). Even though Ma Ying-jeou’s monthly salary is 470,000 TWP, he deposited monthly savings last year of 480,000 TWP. The Taiwanese public is angry and asking questions about Ma Ying-jeou’s massive personal finances.

With an all-time low approval rate of just 15% in Taiwan, President Ma Ying-jeou may be hoping for better abroad.

SVG must take back its deep sea fish licence from Taiwan, and operate a tuna fishing and fish processing industry ourselves, to create thousands of new jobs and surplus revenue to invest in science and technology, universities and renewable energy.

SVG must get rid of Taiwan and welcome China instead. The Taiwanese should go home — thirtytwo years of scrounging in SVG is enough. President Ma Ying-jeou, go home.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 13.

The steel pan is a popular choice of instrument among those applying to the programme.

Youth

Police train future musicians

0by GLORIAH… THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Police Force Band is currently into the 4th week of its 6th annual five-week Police Band Summer Programme.

The programme, held at the Police Band Room at Largo Height, offers free tutoring in theoretical and practical aspects of music by members of the Police Band, to young people between the ages of nine and fifteen years.

Instruments When THE VINCENTIAN visited the Programme during its third week, fifteen groups of a total of eighty-five participants were actively engaged in playing instruments while reading from musical scores. The range of instruments included the trombone,

saxophone, clarinet, recorder, electronic keyboard, rhythm and bass guitars, drums, xylophone and steel pan.

According to Station Sergeant Bernard Haynes, Band Master, with the exceptions of the newly introduced xylophone, B flat baritone and trombone, all of the other instruments were used in the previous years.

He identified a preference for the steel pan and keyboard among those applying to the single workshop, but programme. “this is not feasible,” Atmosphere given the constraints of time and the availability An obvious of instruments. enthusiasm pervaded the He was, however, ‘band room’. The young pleased , “overwhelmed’ participants, were with the growing desire noticeably focused on among young people to their tasks. learn music, and There was an bemoaned the fact that impressive age range of he had to turn away a participants and there large number of appeared to be no applicants to this year’s specific gender bias Programme. among this year’s Instructors participants, who openly When asked about the expressed their attitude of the officers delight at being towards the programme, at the Station Sergeant Haynes workshop, was proud to report that several of them all officers acting as indicating a instructors were very desire to learn enthusiastic. He, more than one however, lamented the instrument. fact that the workload, undertaken with such On this score, Station intensity within such a short space of time could Sergeant Haynes noted be very telling on them. that some Station Sergeant participants Haynes, though, often try to commended them for incorporate their patience and the more than one expressions of care and instrument in a

The focus and determination exhibited by these guitar trainees reflected the general mood among participants in this year’s Police Summer Programme.

Inset: These young saxophonists give hope that there could well be another Syl M Intosh, SVG’s internationally renowned saxophonist, in the making.

Inset: Station Sergeant Bernard Haynes, Band Master, is pleased with what he sees as a growing desire among young people here to learn music. love that they extended to the participants.

The team of instructors comprises: PC Smart - bass guitar; PC Cuthbert Lee - rhythm guitar; PC Delroy Pompey - saxophone; PC Raymond -Power trumpet; PC Sid

McDowall - clarinet; PC Serrano Hunte — keyboards; PC Ganish George - xylophone,; PC Stevan Baptiste recorder, PC Delano Riston - steel pan; PC Jermaine John - B flat baritone; PC Teshon Williams - B flat trombone; PC Bernard

Burke - piano.

This year’s Programme is scheduled to close on August 24, when participants are expected to demonstrate the skills they learned.

That ceremony will be held at the Old Montrose Police Station. (More Youth news on Page 25.)

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

CDC rewards Carnival winners

by KENVILLE HORNE

IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES and plaques, some EC$600,000 in prize money have been presented to the winners and participants in the different categories of the 2013 Vincy Mas competitions.

The presentation took place during the Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), held this yer on Thursday 8th

August, at Murray Heights Hotel, McKie’s Hill.

Changes paid off Among those addressing the Ceremony was Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC. He expressed satisfaction with the festival, its organization, offerings by the various components and the

general festivities, and hinted that his Corporation could look back with a sense of accomplishment on the success of the changes introduced for Vincy Mas 2013.

Among changes to which Ambrose referred were: the increased direct involvement of private promoters; the merging of a number of rural carnival activities; the programme change of having the Raga and Soca Monarch competitions on the same night.

As far as the rural carnivals were concerned, the CDC introduced two incentives: a Best Organized Rural Carnival and a Most Improved Rural Carnival award. Marriaqua was adjudged the Best Organized and North Leeward the Most Improved.

More marketing input needed Ambrose, even as he expressed pleasure with the outcome of Vincy Mas 2013, had some words of caution, particularly related to the marketing of the festival.

He warned that other Caribbean countries, “are willing to pump more funds into marketing their Carnivals using our Vincy Mas tools. It’s because they see a good thing, and they aim to overtake us, and could eventually crowd us out of our placement as the ‘hottest carnival’.

That could happen if we fail to put a bigger thrust on marketing this spectacular festival of ours.”

As far as he was concerned, “It is a well established fact that in order to make money, we must be prepared to spend... . We must be prepared to spend some money to market our festival in a powerful way.”

Air Transport setback The issue of air transport did not escape the ire of the Chairman.

Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of CDC, wants to see Vincy Mas marketed in a powerful way.

LIAT came in for criticism, even as Ambrose acknowledged the air transportation provider as a partner.

He bemoaned the situation of “absolute frustration in getting to and from this (SVG) destination,” for Vincy Mas. “We don’t hear it happening for Antigua Carnival, not for Spice Mas, nor Crop-Over, not for St. Lucia , nor Trinidad Carnival,” said Ambrose, and called on LIAT to take some concerted, genuine, and corrective measures at resolving the issue.

“It’s an embarrassment to the country, to the government and to the people like you and me, who put heart and soul into producing this marvelous festival that is the envy of many other nations, when people have difficulty getting here and leaving here,” added Ambrose.

And he declared sternly that, “We have endured this far too many years.

We are sure that the time has come to give us a better deal. I am sure we deserve better.”

Vincy Mas 2014 will be celebrated from June 27 to July 8.

The Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony of the CDC always attracts a large gathering of Carnival related and not so related persons.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 15.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 17.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Nutrition Intake (24 Hour Recall) Module Prepared by: Nadia Browne, Dietitian MCMH, Nutrition Unit, MOHWE (right) Alana Williams, Community Dietitian, Nutrition Unit, MOHWE

Introduction

THE NUTRITION INTAKE (24 hour recall) Module is another component of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS). This module includes collecting data on your total food consumption during the previous day, and will be done through asking questions and estimating portion sizes for a 24-hour food intake recall form. Food portion sizes will be estimated with Portion-size Measurement Aids (PSMAs). Portion-size Measurement Aids are essential to the accuracy of food recall. The PSMAs to be used in this survey will be food models, household measures and rulers. Some of the food models to be used include one slice of bread, one medium banana and one medium potato, while household measures such as tablespoons, teaspoons, bowls, and cups will be used. The 24-hour recall will be administered by the survey enumera-

tor/interviewer who will record your responses on the paper instrument provided.

This module aims to assess average energy, food and nutrient intakes (total fat, saturated fat, total carbohydrate, sugars, protein, sodium/sodium chloride, iron and cholesterol), nutritional adequacy and dietary patterns in the adult population aged 18-69 years, and to examine these relationships to obesity and other Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) risk factors.

Overview of the 24-Hour Intake Recall The 24-hour food intake recall will take place in a three stage process. The details of each stage are highlighted below.

Stage 1: Recall of Food and Bever-

ages Consumed.

At this stage, the interviewer will ask you to recall your exact food/drink intake during the previous day.

For example, if the interviewer visits you on Friday, the information collected should cover food and beverage intake from Thursday beginning at 12:01 a.m. until Thursday night at Midnight.

The interviewer will ask specific details to get a clear description of food/drinks consumed, types, brand names, cooking methods and any other additions such as salt and sugar.

Stage 2: Estimation of Amounts In the second stage, the interviewer will ask you the amount of food/drinks consumed by working back from the first food, down to the

last food recorded on the form. In this stage, it is important for you to note that the interviewer is interested in how much you actually ate and not how much you were served.

Stage 3: Review of Interview Data This is the final stage of the 24-hour food intake recall. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will go over the recall to ensure that complete and accurate information has been recorded for each item.

For example, the interviewer may say, “at 6:30 a.m., you had ½ cup of Nescafe coffee with ¼ cup of evaporated milk and 1 heaped spoon (A) of brown sugar. Is that correct?”

The heaped spoon (A) relates to the household measure you identified. In this particular scenario, heaped spoon (A) is a tablespoon.

In this stage, a checklist will also be used to ensure that no foods or

drinks have been overlooked during the recall. The check list includes foods and drinks such as chips, ice cream, gravy, juice, alcohol (rum, wine, beer), mayonnaise, energy drinks, chocolate etc. The last questions the interviewer will ask before leaving your home are: 1. Yesterday did you eat?

2. Did you eat about the same?

3. Did you eat more than usual?

4. Did you eat less than usual?

5. If more or less than usual, why did you eat more or less than usual?

Your participation in the Nutrition Intake (24 hour recall) Module of the National Health and Nutrition Survey is important. The information collected will influence the lives of Vincentians as the estimates will be used by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment as a basis for policy and programme intervention

Physical Measurements and Health Screening By: Health Nursing Supervisor Christobelle King

planning, which will translate to improved or additional health services. Without your cooperation in the survey, reliable and important data will not be obtained. Participate and do your part in contributing to the continuous improvement of the health sector.

THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, WELLNESS and the Environment, in collaboration with the European Union, through the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) project, the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the Pan American Health Organization, will be conducting the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) from September to November this year to collect information on chronic diseases. There are several components to the survey. This component will give a clear understanding on the types of questions you will be asked, once you are selected to participate in the survey.

A questionnaire will be used to collect needed information, and the interviewers will also take Physical Measurements for the following: • Blood pressure, • Weight • Height and • Waist circumference.

Blood Pressure will be taken to determine the proportion of the population with raised blood pressure, using a blood pressure automatic machine after a period of rest of about 15minutes, and will be taken three times, with a three minutes rest after each reading.

Weight and Height will be taken to calculate body mass index (BMI) that is used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population; while waist circumference will be taken to provide information on overweight and obesity.

There will be questions on health screening relating to stool examination, and colonoscopy, (introducing a tube through the rectum which will be able to

visualize the intestine to know if there are any alterations or problems).

Specific questions for women on breast examination, pap smear and mammogram, (an x-ray exam of the breast that’s used to detect and evaluate breast changes), and a question for male on prostate examination.

If you have been selected, to participate in the survey, take some time to talk to the interviewers, give factual information; as the valuable information will create national baseline data, and will be used to help develop sound public health policy, direct and design health programs and services to address chronic diseases.

Remember your health is a shared responsibility.

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Vincy author ‘Walking in Fulfillment of Prophetic Revelation’ Sonia’s eldest sister, Sylvia, a registered nurse, is the director of A VINCY AUTHOR is patient care at ‘Walking in the Bronx, New Fulfillment of York Veteran Prophetic Hospital.

Revelation: The Sylvia and Naturally Stacy are also Supernatural Life’. authors.

Auriol Sonia Sherry-Ann is Morris — younger the youngest sister of sporting sibling. icons Stanley “This has ‘Luxie’, Alexander given me ‘Pete’, Desmond direction and the ‘Des’ and Stacia tenacity to keep ‘Stacy’ Morris, going,” writes originally from Layou — Sonia, who resides says her first book, by with some of her the same title, is her siblings in Norwalk, “way of sharing how God Connecticut. has been drawing me “So, contrary to what too many closer to Himself, saving Christians believe, God is neither me from destruction, and silent nor distant,” adds the author, revealing my reason and who migrated with her family to the purpose for being.”

United States in 1978. “He wants us to know Him, and that relationship requires two-way communication.”

by NELSON A. KING neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

The book was released in June 2013.

Pictured right: Auriol Sonia Morris says the book is her way of showing how God has been drawing her closer to Him.

A purpose to our life Sonia writes that God is speaking, and revealing Himself and His will to us all the time.

“We just need to have ears to hear, a heart to perceive, and a will to do what He says,” she writes. “He wants to be intimately involved with us. That is why He makes people one at a time.

“Isn’t it interesting that He made Adam, then Eve?” she asks. “He could have made them simultaneously.

That’s because He is a God of individual and of corporate relationships.”

The author posits that before we can discover our purpose, “we must first discover the One who gave us that purpose in the first place, and designed us for it.”

“Everyone wants to know (his/her) purpose: Why was I born to this family, in this place and at this time?

What am I here for? How do I find out?

“Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we live our lives in search of the answers to these very important questions,” she writes.

“We were created for a purpose,” she adds. “That is why we constantly search for significance.”

Reason for the book Sonia — who holds a bachelor’s degree in the Philosophy of Politics and Law, a master’s in Public Policy (Government), and a juris doctorate (law degree), as well as licensure in securities NASD Series 7 and 66, along with various insurance licenses — told THE VINCENTIAN she was unsure about her initial reason for writing the book.

She said she was in China in 2008—

vacationing in Shanghai between semesters, while teaching business at a university there — and wrote four chapters of the book after returning from a church service.

“I believe I had already started it, but the work was established after that service,” she said. “And the reason was more about what was missing than what was present.”

She, however, said the main reason for writing the book is to “let people know, whether they are Christian or not, that God has made them for a purpose.

“And it does not have to be a mystery if they are open to receiving communication, however He chooses to do it,” she said.

“After all, He is the One who made us,” Sonia added. “I do this by sharing about my own walk, using examples from the beginning, middle and most recently. God is not far. He is as near as you want Him to be.

“This limitless God came near over 2000 years ago, allowing Himself to be limited by time and space in a human body,” she added, with a preacher’s voice.

“Redemption was an expensive transaction for God, but totally free to us,” Sonia continued. “We simply need to embrace Him in all His goodness and love. That is the message of ‘Walking in Fulfillment of Prophetic Revelation: The Naturally Supernatural Life,’”

A ‘miracle’ of sorts The author — who pursued her junior high school, through college, education in the US, and travelled extensively in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean — attributed a change in her walk with Christ to her miraculous recovery from a brain hemorrhage, stroke and paralysis.

A year and a half after heading to graduate school, Sonia said doctors told her she would live in a “vegetative state for the rest of my life.”

“God proved that statement to be ridiculous,” said Sonia, who, professionally, was a financial advisor (early-to- mid 2000s); legal consultant (mid- 2000s); Information Technologist at International Business Machines (IBM) (80 to 90s); university business instructor in China (2008-2009); and various educational projects (2010 to present).

Currently a writer, preacher, teacher and speaker, Sonia said she intends to make herself available to conduct workshops and conferences based on the message of the book, and on hearing and following God’s plans for lives.

She said the book is the first of three in a progressive series.

“I love to equip people, whether educationally, professionally or spiritually,” she said. “But my favorite part is spiritually equipping people, because that will be the basis for the others, then educationally.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 19.

News

Returning Nationals on the move airport at Argyle. vacation or otherwise. encouraged to support the raffle which The group is, in fact, busily engaged She views the project as one of is scheduled to be drawn on October A KEEN interest in the development of in managing and promoting a raffle which all Vincentians should be proud. 28, 2013.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines towards this end.

Vincentians home and abroad are characterizes the intention and work of a The first prize in the raffle is a group of Vincentian nationals who have $108,000 Kia Sportage vehicle which returned home after residing in Canada, was donated by the Mustique Airways USA and the U.K. Company.

The group, known as Returning Prior to this effort, the group hosted Nationals of SVG, was established in a dinner, a barbeque and a dinner and 2009 primarily for the purpose of dance towards its airport effort. becoming an active participant in the According to Mrs. Nioka Clouden, nation-building process.

Chairperson of Returning Nationals of This coterie of forty (40) persons is SVG, the airport development project currently occupied, sparing no effort, will bring long term economic benefits in undertaking ventures aimed at to SVG, create jobs for young people, raising money to assist the not to mention the relief it will bring construction of the international to Vincentians returning home for

by PATMOS RICHARDS

The Returning Nationals of SVG has been an ongoing contributor to the fund to aid in the construction of the international airport at Argyle.

Two get Striders awards NICHOLETTE CYRUS and David Alexander, the two outstanding 2013 Common Entrance students of the Brighton Methodist School (BMS), are the latest recipients of the Striders Cultural and Social Organization scholarships.

David placed first overall for BMS 2013 common entrance students, and Nicholette was first among the girls.

With the scholarships to support them, David Scholarship recipients Nicholette Cyrus (2nd from heads for the Boys left) and David Alexander (2nd from right) pictured Grammar School and with Sister Patricia Caruth (centre), Nicholette’s Nicholettte the St, mother, Cheryl (right) and David’s mother, Kerry Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, David eying a (left). career in sciences, and Nicholette set on your best feet forward.” becoming a doctor.

The Striders Cultural and Social In a short presentation ceremony Organization, formed in the 1970s, held at the office of THE was active within the communities of VINCENTIAN last Friday, August 9, Diamond, Stubbs, Brighton, Enhams, Sister Patricia Caruth, the local Revierre and McCarthy. liaison for the primarily US-based While most of its original members Striders Organization, after are today resident in North America, congratulating the recipients, told they come together to raise funds to them that the assistance would support the ongoing scholarship ensure that “they have books, awards and an annual Christmas uniforms and other supplies for the outreach programme of support to first year of their secondary elderly and infirm residents. education.”

The Organization is a member of She commended the headteacher, the Council of St. Vincent and the Ms. Anita John, and the staff of the Grenadines Organization USA, Inc. BMS for their dedication, and the (COSAGO). parents of the scholarship recipients Sister Caruth, wife of the late for their preparedness to offer their Julian Caruth, a former permanent children the necessary guidance. secretary and foundation member of She urged the parents to continue Striders, continues the work of her to offer this guidance, and implored late husband by servicing as the the recipients to “be focused and put Organization’s local liaison.

20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Expect to have problems with the ones you love. Don't expect new acquaintances to be completely honest about themselves. Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event. Take the initiative and go after your goals.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Get busy trying to make more money.

Your energy will be high. Good day for romance. You could have trouble persuading others to accept your ideas and opinions.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Opportunities to meet new lovers will I come through pleasure trips or social events. Don't let someone take the credit for a job you did. You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with. Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. This is not the time to lend or borrow money or possessions.

ative input. You can win points with both peers and superiors. You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time.

Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners.

Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful. Colleagues may try to undermine you. Someone you work with could try to undermine you. Secret affairs will only lead to deception.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand.

You may be able to get some good advice about your personal problems.

Start sending out those resumes. Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Spend time with friends or family. Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way. Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You might have some problems balancing your books. Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions.

Partnerships may be plentiful. Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You'll find it easy to charm members of the opposite sex this week. Don't confide in anyone for the time being.

Partnerships will be successful.

Romance will be yours if you get out and do things in large groups.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Colleagues may try to undermine you.

Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of.

Take the time to help old friends or relatives who have had a stroke of bad luck.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Get involved in jobs that require cre-

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities to get together with friends will be enlightening and entertaining. You will be able to make favorable changes in your living quarters.

The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. You mustn't take on other people's responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted.

ACROSS

52. Piggy __ 55. __ Galahad 1. Dogpatch’s 57. Tops a cake creator Al 61. Busy as __ 5. Filly feature (2 wds.)

9. Common article 62. Riviera depar12. Sharif who ture word played Zhivago 64. Perlman of 13. Parsley unit “Cheers” 14. Shakespearean 65. Footnote Monarch abbr.

15. __-mutton 66. Set back (hyph.)

67. Actress Carter 16. Hand in “The 68. Prepare Addams Family” leather 17. Singer Guthrie 69. Halloween 18. Quake shake wear 20. Male heir 70. “Peter Pan” 21. Unmarried pirate woman 22. Pizza serving DOWN 24. Roberto’s “rah” 26. Mansion’s 1.Sire’s offspring manservant 2. U.S. native 28. Word in CIA (abbr.)

31. Devotee 3. Congressional 32. Mixes batter aide 34. Patriot Allen 4. Punctual 36. Politician 5. Speed rate Landon (abbr.)

37. Singer Kate __ 6. Come up 39. Great wonder 7. Boy (Sp.) 40. Royal authority 8. Nutmeg-fla 43. Skin openings vored drink 45. Verb ending 9. Actress Garr 46. Tolerates 10. Holbrook and 48. Church tables Linden 50. Doughboys’ 11. Love god conflict (abbr.)

13. Roadways 51. Used a key 14. Say “Woe is board me!”

19. Some paints 23. Curls 25. Golfer Trevino 26. Ties up hay 27. Incompetent 28. No longer on the right path 29. Committee head 30. Signs of sleepiness 31. Remote 33. River, in Madrid 35. Darkroom item (abbr.)

38. Considerate 41. Stared goggle-eyed

42. SSE’s oppo site 44. After ham or gang 47. Take away weapons 49. Garnishes 51. Journeys 52. Fishing need

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 21.

53. Israel’s Eban 54. Germen equivalent of “nyet” 56. Concept 58. Ark passenger 59. Prefix for gram 60. Boutique event 63. Scared shout

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Have I lost her? maybe, just maybe, she is sending you a I HAVE not had a sexual relationship message, in her with my wife for over 3 weeks, and it way, to show her displeasure with is not for lack of trying on my part.

Since she returned from this cruise your decision to with her girlfriend, she began acting remain at home.

It does not have strangely. We were supposed to to be another man, cruise together, but I ended up sending her because of the amount and you should take the time to do some introspection rather than of work which had to be done looking outside for your answers. around the house. We had never Go to her and apologize for not gone on a cruise before, and her girlfriend convinced me to send her going with her on that cruise, and even if I could not go. Now she is back from the cruise, I’m not sure she is back with me.

My mind is going crazy here!

Did she meet another man on the Dear George, cruise? I am not going to be naïve and think that her girlfriend is MY HUSBAND keeps giving his not involved in some way or the hard-earned money to all kinds of other. How can I get my wife wishy-washy women, and leaving back? our bills unpaid. I am fed up with his nonsense!

Concerned He owns a small store in ‘Town’, and these women are Dear Concerned, eating him out, but he is the only one who is not seeing it. I do not To bow out from your first intend to go down with him when cruise together so that you can he crashes, and I am fed up with spend that time doing work the embarrassment when we around the house is just the kind cannot pay our bills. What we of thing that could send a have is not a marriage but rather negative signal to your wife. You something that resembles a have missed out on spending some marriage. quality time with your wife, and

Dear George,

Holding on to a ‘village ram’ Dear George

see whether that opens up the channel for discussion of the real issue.

George

Bill unpaid Tired.

Dear Tired, Your concern about your husband’s decision-making ability is understandable and within reason. You however, need to talk with him about his priorities and the future of your marriage, and whether or not he intends to be a part of it.

It is best to settle for an immediate visit to a marriage counsellor, in an effort to save your marriage.

George

I AM HAVING trouble figuring out if my boyfriend will ever marry me.

It’s 16 years since we are dating, and all he is telling me is he is not ready yet, but “we will see.” In the meantime, he is having children all over the place like some village ram. I do not want to leave him just like that, but he is leaving me no choice but to seriously consider doing so.

He is the man that I will want to be the father of my children, but my biological clock is ticking, and I need to get my answers now, but he is not talking.

Worried Dear Worried Your biological clock may be ticking, but it is pretty obvious that your boyfriend is not hearing it.

It is interesting that a man who has refused to marry you after 16 years of courtship, finds no problem having children with everyone else except you. You have described him as a ‘village ram’: Do you still think he is the best candidate to be the father of your children?

The question you need to ask yourself is: Do you deserve better, and is that the best you can do? It would be a tragedy to waste the best years of your life waiting around for a man who does not seem to be committed to you. If he is not ready and you are, then you need to make a decision now.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 23.

Diaspora

Thousands expected for Vincy N.Y. Picnic

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

IF YOU THINK the inaugural Vincy Unity Picnic in New York last year was a smashing success, expect more this year in the staging of the second annual event on Saturday, August 17, at Heckscher State Park on Long Island, a New York City suburb, according to organizers.

“I definitely think this year will be bigger and better, as word gets out in the Vincy community here,” said Laverne Mc DowaldThompson, president of the Brooklyn, New York-based umbrella Vincentian group in the United States, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations,

U.S.A., Inc. including (COSAGO), whose Philadelphia, group is part of Pennsylvania and the organizing Boston, committee, Massachusetts, to spearheaded by the event. the New York Hundreds more Consulate are expected to General, in a travel by car.

VINCENTIAN “One of the interview. good things “I have been coming out of this getting calls from is the big reunion nationals in the of Vincentians,” metropolitan area she said. wanting to know Edson how to get to the Augustus, the site — to be part of Laverne Mc Dowalddeputy St. the event,” added Thompson, President Vincent and the of COSAGO, says Mc DowaldGrenadines’ New people have been Thompson, York Consul, disclosing that at inquiring about how to speaking on least 13 buses will get to the venue. behalf of Consul be transporting General Selmon nationals along the eastern Walters, chairman of the United States seaboard, organizing committee, agreed

Part of the crowd in attendance at last year’s N.Y. Vincy Picnic. that the crowd at the unity picnic will triple this year.

“This year, certainly, our expectation will be three times the amount from last year, because the word has gone around,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “It has grown beyond our expectations”.

Augustus said nationals will also be traveling from Canada and even home to part for the historic affair.

Former presidents of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), James Cordice and Arlette Dopwell-James, are coordinating the Pennsylvania leg of the trip.

“I feel great that we, in Pennsylvania, can be part of

it,” said Cordice, who is also SVOP’s coordinator of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the popular Penn Relays.

“I just hope we can work together to make it as big as the 1,000 Is. (Unity) Picnic (in Brown’s Bay, Ontario, Canada),” he added.

Over the years, SVGOP and COSAGO have been collaborating in organizing bus trips to the Vincy Unity Picnic in Canada that attracts, on average, 18-20,000 nationals.

Like last year, organizers have planned a full day of activities, including entertainment by local soca and calypso artistes, during Saturday’s massive Vincy Unity Picnic in New York.

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While we have built our reputation and are best known for our extensive Motor Insurance Coverage, we now offer the full complement of General Insurance Products. Our friendly and efficient staff are waiting to serve you.

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ÂDigicel is lying,Ê says LIME Manager

Latty’s statement in the local newspapers, in which GENERAL MANAGER at he denigrated LIME’s LIME, Leslie Jack, has ‘Rate Test’ , referring to it accused Digicel, LIME as “not correct”.

Telecommunications Jack took further aim competitor, of lying about at Latty and Digicel by offering the cheapest rate, referring to a National and reiterated that his Telecommunications company, in fact, has the Regulatory Commission cheapest rate.

(NTRC) full page Jack’s pronouncement, newspaper advertisement at a press conference on (see THE VINCENTIAN Tuesday 13th August, will, of August 9, 2013, page according to observers, re- 13), in which the NTRC intensify the battle published the rates of both between LIME and Digicel companies, by saying that in the local market, if not the advertisement was the regional one. clear evidence that LIME Doing away with the customers were paying 60 formal language with cents a minute both on which he opened his local calls and regional statement at last calls, while Digicel Tuesday’s press customers were paying 86 conference, Jack declared: cents, 26 cents more.

“When dem talk bout dem “So when Digicel writes ha the cheapest rate, they to LIME and tell the lied.” people of SVG that they This, of course, was in have the lowest rate in the response to Digicel’s market and LIME is country Manager, Sean supposedly misleading

by KENVILLE HORNE

2013 CSEC: The results are in!

AFTER WHAT SOME STUDENTS described as a “long wait”, the preliminary results of the 2013 May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) of the Caribbean Examinations Council were released last Monday, August 12th.

From all reports, many schools showed differing levels of individual increases over past performances on the exam, with upward percentages especially over the last two years.

An overall analysis showed that, of the eleven thousand, five hundred and seventeen (11,517) subject entries, in thirty-three subject areas from a total of twenty-six secondary schools, 69% of these received Grades I to III. The corresponding figures for 2011 and 2012 were 67% and 67% respectively.

Four schools who recorded performances of 80% and over were: the Girls’ High School with 96.43%; the St. Vincent Grammar School with 94.06%; the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown with 88.27%; and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School with 80.18%.

There were twelve other schools which recorded creditable pass rates between 60% and 80%.

These performances are indeed commendable, but there are also other schools that have performed well against their own previous performances, for which data is not readily available.

A release coming out of the Ministry of Education reports though, that one such school, the Sandy Bay Secondary School, has shown the most remarkable improvement in performance in this year’s examination. While last year’s figures show a pass rate of 34.22%, the 2013 figure registered at 45.90%.

This showed a total increase of some 11.68%.

In next week’s publication, THE VINCENTIAN will highlight individual performances of students who have gone the extra mile to achieve numerous passes with excellent grades, which would have caused the overall increase in performance of their particular schools.

consumers, they are lying,” repeated Jack.

The LIME manager noted that the information contained in the advertisement was what “Digicel send to them, so NTRC could only publish information that you provided,” added Jack.

In response to LIME’s recent implementation of a 60 cent per minute rate, Digicel countered with an advertisement rate of 59 cent per minute rate.

However, Jack denounced such undertaking by Digicel, referring to it as a

promotion that requires a ‘divinity code’ to access.

According to Jack, LIME will contue to take this issue to the public, since they viewed it as significant to all Vincentians.

An attempt to get a response from Digicel

Leslie Jack, General Manager at LIME, did not mince his words about disparaging the competition’s announcement of having the cheapest rates.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 25.

Youth

FOR SALE

Rotary YES Programme concludes Below: Participants into one of their simulation exercises.

graduates of the St. Vincent Community College, and young AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY of the SVG recruits interested in pursuing a Rotary Club’s Young Employees career in the commercial banking and Socialization (YES) Training Programme, financial services sector and other twelve young participants showcased the commercial areas, and serves to assist employability skills they had acquired to these businesses with their those gathered to witness their passing performance improvement efforts by out. providing new employees with The ceremony was held at the SVG practical knowledge and insights that Community College Division of go beyond the narrow confines of job Technical Vocational Education on orientation.

Monday, 12th August, after a weekThe Workshop topics covered long workshop from Monday 5th to included: ‘An overview of the local, Friday 9th. regional and international business environment’; ‘How to project a Participation positive business image’; ‘Basics of quality customer service’; ‘Business Groups of participants took to the basics’; ‘Work habits and etiquette’; stage to simulate activities which ‘Interpersonal skills’; ‘Responsibility, young people may encounter in the goal setting and self-esteem’; ‘Career world of work. The main issues pathing, including occupation-specific tackled were preparation for the job details’; ‘Personal service statement interview; what a prospective and standards’; and ‘Personal employee should or should not do financial management’. during a job interview; assessing The Certificates of Participation interviewees after an interview; and were handed out by Mr. Earl Tash, sexual harassment on the job.

President of Rotary SVG and Mr. While some of these encounters Basil Alexander, Treasurer; with Ms. proved to be very humorous, each one Lidia Williams, new member of Rotary carried an excellent and serious SVG, doing the officiating. message.

Two participants, Cyriline Prescott After each session was completed, and Bijorn Bullock, received monetary the participants took the time to awards for their excellence in verbalize their impressions of what performance during the workshop. they had gleaned during the previous week.

The participants were: Omesha Spence, Tameka DaSouza, Royson Ollivierre, Mikel Marksman, Shenice Wilson, Shanique Hoyte, Bijorn Bullock, Cyriline Prescott, Mylz Williams, Priscilla Stapleton, Shontell Lewis, and Zenila Chance.

by GLORIAH

Programming The Young Employees Socialization (YES) initiative is a partnership between the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services, Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Bank of Nova Scotia. It covers employability fundamentals Cyriline Prescott (right) and Bijorn Bullock for high school graduates, top performers in the Workshop.

German Shepherd Pups Call 784-5286911 for more information.

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 27.

Jack wants more help for female cricket

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Julian Jack, President of the SVG Cricket Association, admits that the business of Women’s cricket here leaves something to be desired.

PRESIDENT OF THE SVG Cricket Association Julian Jack has admitted that his organisation has fallen short of some of its objectives as it seeks to advance the game here.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Jack indicated that, while he is generally happy with the way things have progressed, there certainly is a lot more to be done.

“We must say that we have tried, and the fact that we can say that we have more to do is a sign that we are prepared to make the effort…The Super40 for example is one of the new tournaments we have introduced and it will be played out of town (at the Park Hill Playing Field) and this is being done to encourage people to take the game into the rural areas”, Jack said.

The Super40 will see the three top teams in the Premier Division along with the newly promoted team from the First Division competing over two weekends in forty overs knockout affairs.

Jack said the rules of this competition which gets going at monthend will see teams being afforded the opportunity to include three players in their lineup who were not part of their team for the domestic season. He said that depending on how things take shape with regard to sponsorship, there could be an ambitious expansion where players

from the other Windward Islands may be recruited by local teams.

Friends not so friendly Female cricketers here may not be getting their fair Looking at the share of attention. other local competitions, Jack was concerned that wish to cast any negative shadow over the organisation, but the contribution the local tournaments are getting off could be more than what is being to late starts when things have been given now. put in place to facilitate an early Another area of concern to the commencement, and lauded the president was the fall off in the age relationship that the Association now has with the National Sports Council. group tournaments, including those in He expressed some disappointment the schools.

The President attributed the with the level of support that the problem as partly the responsibilities Association is getting from the of both the Ministries of Education ‘Friends of Female Cricket’, towards and of Sports, whom he accused of not the organising of the women’s game showing enough initiative in trying to here. get things in place to have these The ‘Friends of Female Cricket’ is tournaments. an organisation which, according to Commentators here have been reports, was hastily formed just prior highly critical of the Association for to the dissolution of the Women Cricket Association, and inherited the what is described as its shambolic Under15 tournament, which saw only Lotto Booth previously owned by the players from one part of the island latter.

Reports say that they had given an taking part and therefore, only those undertaking to contribute towards the being available for selection.

Jack said that the situation which managing and organising of the took place was unfortunate and, based women’s game here but, on information from the committee, based on Jack’s response this was as a result of a number of to questions, indications problems, with communications being are that they have not one of those. been honouring this SVG placed last in the Windwards commitment.

U15 Tournament, failing to win a Jack said he did not match.

Anthony upbeat about U15 camp THE SKILLS OF UNDER15 cricketers in the North Leeward are expected to be fine-tuned after their involvement in a three-week coaching camp organized by the North Leeward Sports Association (NLSA).

Julius Anthony, the coordinator of the programme, said that it is a continuation of where the NLSP left off a couple years back.

“In North Leeward, we used to produce a number of national Under15 and 19 cricketers, but within recent time, we have not been able to do so. I believe this was due to the absence of such a programme,” Anthony said.

Anthony also alluded to the Local Cricket Association’s hosting of the Zonal Under15 programme during the July/August vacation, but noted that for the past three years or so, the programme was not held.

“As a result we are thinking if we do a coaching programme around this time it will serve as a spring board from which the village teams can be

Hector runs amok in Brooklyn Some of the Uunder15 players involved in the Camp.

Left: Jules Anthony, Co-ordinator of the U15 Cricket Camp, views it as an exercise in more than cricket. strengthened for participation in next year’s North Leeward Under15 competition,” Anthony explained.

‘The ultimate goal is to be able to put back some players on the national Under15 and the Under19 teams, the Windward Islands and possibly the West Indies team.

Some of them will also end up in the VINLEC North Leeward Tournament where they will play for their senior village teams,” added Anthony.

Also cited as a reason for

staging the camp the intention to help curb the social problems in the community.

As far as Anthony is concerned, youngsters occupied in this manner will mean they have less time to be tempted into lives of crime.

The program, which started earlier this week, is expected to run for three weeks at the Petit Bordel Playing Field, from 9am to 12 noon.

Assisting as instructors are St Clair Bramble, Ronique LaBorde, Ian Allen, Alston Bobb and an Executive of the NLSP. I.B.A.ALLEN

IN A SEMI-FINAL MATCH of the Brooklyn Cricket League last weekend, Donwell Hector and Mark Audain shared in a 232 record opening partnership to help propel Middlesex to a 148 runs win over St Catherine.

Middlesex won the toss Donwell Hector (left) and Mark Audain and elected to bat. They on their way to the wicket where they posted 284 for seven from proceeded to register a record35 overs, led by an breaking partnership. aggressive 142 from opened the bowling with his Windward Islands batsman, medium pace and captured 2 Donwell Hector. This was his third century for the season. It wickets for 57 runs. M. Hofmas batted with some determination included 20 fours and 1 six, for 27, while S. Maughn dealt a while his opening partner, fighting 24, and skipper Don former SVG all-rounder Mark Audain, stroked 72 with 9 fours. Parris showed some fight with a gritty 21. Off spinner Treldon In reply, St. Catherine reached 136 for 7 wickets, from McMillan took 2 for 13 runs.

29 overs, losing 6 overs for their I.B.A.ALLEN late start. Donwell Hector

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28. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG table tennis officials confident

The squad includes what appears to be the level.” four senior men in new found role of Stanley, according to veterans Robert Umpire/player. the release, added that ST. VINCENT TABLE Ballantyne and Joseph A release from the technically speaking, he TENNIS officials are Carrington, along with SVG Table Tennis is confident that they confident of putting up a the fast improving Association reports Jack will play to the best of good showing at the two Romano Spencer and the as saying that he expects their ability and do their Karen Browne will be tested at this level. championships later this talented but the team to play well and country proud.

Kamal Hunte is inconsistent Kamal give a good account of SVG’s last considered to be one of month in St. Lucia.

Championships would be St. Lucia will be the Hunte. themselves. participation in the the more talented played in the OECS. host country of both the Two junior players According to the OECS Championships players to have come Full squad- Men’s OECS and Caribbean were also selected in the release, Jack said that was in 2011 when the through the ranks in Team: Robert Ballantyne Championships set to persons of Kavir Gaymes “the two young men, in SVGTTA hosted the recent times.

(Captain), Joseph run from August 24th to and and 14-year old Javier Deshong and event and captured the September 1st.

Javier DeShong.

Kavir Gaymes, will be Men’s Open Singles title Carrington, Romano The OECS The female selections exposed to a much higher through Ballantyne and Spencer. Kamal Hunte; Kavir Gaymes (Junior), Tournament will be are national champion level of competition and the Mens Doubles title Javier Deshong (Under played from August 24th Unica Velox, Tishaun should learn a great deal by way of Kamal Hunte 15). to 25th, while the Mathews and Karen from the overseas & Romano Spencer.

Females: Karen Caribbean Browne. exposure.”

Carrrington also reached Browne, Unica Velox, Championships will take Sean Stanley, as The release also the semi-finals of the Tishuan Matthews. place from August 27th expected, travels as the reported Coach Stanley men’s singles but was Officials- Tyrone Jack to 31st. coach. Newly elected as stating that “the team beaten by Ballantyne.

(Manager), Sean Stanley Following a weekend president, Tyrone Jack, is well-balanced and This is the first time (Coach), Damion Dublin of play-offs, the local travels as manager and strategically poised to that the Senior (Umpire/Player).

Table Tennis Association Damion Dublin travels in perform at the highest Caribbean selected a nine-player Romano Spencer has and a three-official made marked contingent to represent improvement in his SVG at the tournaments. VINCENTIAN tennis player, through his defeat of the number game.

Akeil De Roche of the Grassroot 1 seed, Aiden Bosquet of St. Tennis Club (GTC), rekindled Lucia, in the first semi-final some respect for Vincy tennis in match. the region, when he dominated The brilliant Vincentian, De the Boys Under 10 Tournament at Roche continued to break through the recently concluded Coca Cola with a 6 — 2 victory over Williams, Tournament in St Lucia. to take the title.

DUKE continued their rampage through Bequia De Roche entered the De Roche’s team mate, Rio Basketball last weekend, with another two wins.

Ishama McKree came up big once more for Duke main draw, having won his group ,Connell, captured the Boys’ in the round robin stage, but Consolation Title, while Antonio in the First Division, as they recorded 94 — 64 and remained unseeded and was given Caine was able to work his way to 69 — 65 victories over Rising Stars and East a bye in the quarters, where he the semi-final round in the Boys Blazers respectively, in the 2013 VitaMalt Bequia met Jordan Hunte of St. Lucia in Under-12.

Basketball Competition. the semi-finals. Hunte had The team returned home last McKree accounted for 26 points, 5 assists and 3 defeated 4th seeded Seth Joseph Friday, 9th August, from St. steals against Rising Stars and 18 points, 3 of Antigua to proceed to the semi- Lucia. It was led by Assistant rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals against East The GTC contingent: (front L-R) final round.

Coach Khir Huggins.

Blazerss.

Akeil De Roche dismissed Support for the team came from Che Connell and Akeil De Roche Kirstin Lampkin had 21 points for Rising Stars (U10 winner); (Middle L-R) Rio Hunte, 6 — 0 and moved on to the C.K. Greaves, Scotia Bank, and Michael Peniston 19 points for East Blazers.

Connell and Anthonio Cain; finals where he met 2nd seeded Deputy Commissioner of Police In the other First Division match-up, Micheal (Back) Khir Huggins (Ass’t Peniston scored 25 points to lead East Blazers to a Max Williams. Williams’ presence Frankie Joseph, and the GTC Coach). in the final round came about fund-raising team.

57 to 38 victory over Warriaz.

The Second Division matches opened with action resulting in Young Duke defeating Rising Stars 11, 70 to 57. Top performer for Young Duke was Donis Baptiste with 26 points, 7 steals, 1 blocks THIS Country’s Under-15 National Football team is Derron Rouse, Tevin Daivs, Timon McKie, Kewon and 1 assist, while the leading scorer for Rising presently competing in the CONCACAF Under-15 Clarke, Marcus Dennie, John Compton, Dylon, Stars 11 was Shar Foyle with 22 points.

Championship, which is taking place in the Cayman Joyn, Jante James, Avanzini Victory, Jamal Bishop, Also in the Second Division, Blazing Heat Islands.

Carlos Solomon, Trey Prince, Jacal Samuel, defeated Young Duke 69 to 52, Denroy Hutchins The Championship, which runs from August 15 — Chrstopher Harry, Nyron Butcher, Javil Lewis and getting 14 points for Blazing Heat and Young 25, is being played at three venues in Grand Mark Charles, along with Christopher Harry, Duke’s Jefferson Goodluck, 19 points.

Cayman. former national defender (Head Coach), Rohan In the Under 16 division, Hawks, like Duke, had Participating teams in this, the inaugural under- Thomas Jr. (Manager), Lason Lewis (Assistant two wins. They defeated Dragons 32 to 29 with 15 event, come from across the Caribbean and Manager) and Keith Ollivierre (Technical Director).

Cody Compton dominating with 20 points, 10 Central America, and include Aruba, the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, El Salvador, I.B.A.ALLEN rebounds, 9 steals and 2 blocks, and returned to Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, register a 38 to 23 win over Rockets, Compton Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. again leading with 16 points.

Lucia, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Rockets had some consolation when they Trinidad & Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. defeated Titans 35 to 28. Selisha Hazell led the The Championship is an initiative of CONCACAF scoring for Rockets with 12 points. Kirsty Bailey President Jeffrey Webb, with a view towards registered 13 points for Titans.

Titans also came out of defeat to record a victory strengthening the game at the youth levels among all of the Confederation’s members. against Young Wizards. Kirsty Bailey had 11 of Teams are divided into 4 groups. The SVG team Titans 30 points, and Jerome John also 11 for is grouped with Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, El Young Wizards.

Salvador and Antigua and Barbuda in group D of Competition continues this weekend at the Clive the preliminary round.

Tannis Playing Field.

The top sides will qualify to a knockout round which will yield the regional champion at this level.

I.B.A.ALLEN The SVG contingent reads: Kaicy Peniston,

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

SVG re-building respect in OECS tennis

Duke on a rampage in Bequia

SVG U-15 footballers off to CONCACAF

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 29.

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30. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Classifieds

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013. 31.

Classifieds

DRUE MORRIS St. Mary’s Anglican Church Buccament Tuesday 13th August, 2013 1:00 p.m.

VELTIE CORNETTA EDWARDS Layou Miracle Church Tuesday 13th August, 2013 Service at 2:00 p.m.

DUNCAN SIMON EPANETHA SCENA GILL-VEIRA

WINSTON TOBY

Kingstown Gospel Hall Sunday 11th August, 2013 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Church of God of Prophecy Monday 12th August, 2013 3:00 p.m.

Age: 77 St. Paul’s Anglican Church Calliaqua Friday 9th August, 2013 Service at 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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AUGUST 16, 2013

Attorney Grant Connell has had no response to his letter regarding the health situation at Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown.

VOLUME 107, No.33

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www.thevincentian.com

Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown (background) is said to be running over with rats and ‘blood-sucking’ insects.

EC$1.50

Acting Superintendent of Prisons Dennis Williams admitted that rats could be seen running around outside the gates to the prison compound.

NO RESPONSE FROM PRISON AUTHORITIES

by HAYDN HUGGINS

UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, attorney Grant Connell had received no response to a letter he had written, dated August 5, 2013, to the prison authorities concerning the health of inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown.

When contacted on Wednesday, Acting Superintendent of Prisons Dennis Williams told THE VINCENTIAN that he was still in possession of the letter, as Superintendent of Prisons Linus Goodluck was on leave.

In the letter, Connell stated that he was informed by several of his clients currently on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison that, “there is a presence of rats in areas of the prison where food is stored and consumed, and that the inmates are bitten by blood-sucking insects while in their cells at nights, resulting in lesions to their skin.”

The letter also stated, “To say at least, this is cause for great concern, not only to the inmates on remand, who are innocent until proven guilty, but to prison officers as well, since I trust you will agree that the rodents

would be a catalyst in the process of raising the necessary funds.”

The letter concluded, “In my humble opinion, this is a very serious matter, Money for fumigation and hopefully you would give it your serious and urgent attention. If I can be of any assistance, please contact my Connell revealed, in the letter, “I have taken the liberty in contacting chambers at your convenience.” the proprietor of Flick Pest Control The letter was addressed to and they have indicated that they Superintendent of Prisons Linus Goodluck, and copied to Prime would be able to fumigate the entire Minister and Minister of National property at the approximate cost of EC$200 per room/cell. This amount, I Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin am sure, is negotiable, given the nature of the institution and the role it Williams; Permanent Secretary in the plays in our society.”

Prime Minister’s Office Godfrey The letter added, “In this harsh Pompey; President of the Bar economic climate, there may be limits Association Dr. Linton Lewis; to the budget of your good office; President of the Human Rights Association Nicole Sylvester; Chief therefore, I humbly suggest you contact the Human Rights Association Magistrate Sonya Young, and and the Bar Association with a great Inspector Adolphus Delpleche, Chief degree of urgency, in your quest to Prosecution Services. offset this cost. Given the nexus between certain members of the latter Former inmate speaks aforementioned Association, in that The issue was highlighted on the many of their clients are within the front page of last Friday’s publication walls of the institution, I trust your of THE VINCENTIAN, in an article request would trigger their social conscience in addressing the issue and headlined ‘Prisoners complain of rat, don’t choose whose belongings they defecate or urinate on; therefore you are all at risk”.

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

bug invasion’, in which the newspaper reported an interview with former inmate Nigel ‘Third World’ Regisford.

According to Regisford, there is an infestation of rats, cockroaches and bugs at the Prison, and some inmates had contracted leptospirosis but had been cured.

When contacted by THE VINCENTIAN last week Tuesday, and on Wednesday this week, the Acting Prison boss denied knowledge of a rat and bug infestation at the male penal institution, and indicated there were no reports of leptospirosis there.

He admitted that rats are in the area and could be seen running around just outside the gates to the prison compound. But he could not say whether they were on the prison compound, as he is not there at nights, and had not received any reports in this regard.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, “It is not only around the prison there are rats; there are rats in the market and all about.”

He said it seems as though some people want to make a political issue of it. He reiterated that Vector Control personnel usually visit the prison, and were there up to Monday.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.