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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 17, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.03

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

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(L-R): Carlos Sutherland, Gareth McDowall, and Dexter Chance were expected to return to SVG, as free men, during this week.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS AT PRESS TIME WEDNESDAY, three Vincentians, who were

extradited to Tortola about three years ago to answer drug related charges, were en route to their homeland after being freed by the

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court during a sitting in the British Virgin Islands.

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Kay Bacchus-Browne, one of the local attorneys for the men, indicated that they are considering suing the Tortolan government.

“Get the files ready,” prosecutor warns WHILE SENIOR PROSECUTOR Adolphus Delpleche assesses 2013 as a relatively successful year for prosecutions at the Serious Offences Court, he is concerned that there were some files not ready by investigators for prosecution within reasonable time.

He warned that he would have to take the necessary action if investigators continue in this regard.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche Delpleche, who heads is not satisfied that there is expediency the summary in the submission of investigation Prosecutions Division in reports to the prosecution. the office of the Director

of Public Prosecutions, was speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

“I believe in swift justice. I understand that we are not in an ideal world where things are always the way it should be. However, I am still urging investigators to make the extra effort for 2014 and beyond, to get the files ready for prosecution after making an arrest,” Delpleche said.

The Senior Prosecutor is aware that there are some investigators who are making an effort in getting their files ready, but “there are far too many who could improve in this regard.”

Delpleche recalled former High Court Judge Satrohan Singh saying during a court hearing, ‘The police is the first cog in the wheel of justice,

and once that wheel starts turning, it should not be stopped or stalled inordinately, it should turn smoothly’.”

Delpleche declared, “I would love to adopt that principle, and I advise investigators to do likewise.”

The former police officer would also like to see some improvement in the preparation and presentation of evidence. He admits there are some policemen who are very good at this, but recommended training for those who are lagging in preparing and presenting evidence, as well as other aspects of policing.

“I know we have qualified, capable and competent people here to do the training; it is only to have it implemented,” the prosecutor opined.

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2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Police/media celebrate historic occasion

by HAYDN HUGGINS

WHILE ADMITTING there is still room for improvement, former Commissioner of Police William Harry thinks the relations between the police and the public have improved tremendously, since he initiated the establishment of the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the local constabulary 15 years ago.

“There is a lot of improvement. We have come a long way. There is much more exchange between the police and the public now,” the former Commissioner told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview following a ceremony at the Police Canteen on Tuesday to mark the 15th anniversary of the department.

Harry urged the police and the media to continue to be professional in their

respective areas of expertise. He also called on the police and the public to continue the exchange which he views as critical in the fight against crime.

“We have to work together”, he declared.

Harry said he took the initiative to establish the Department, mainly because of the hostility between the police and the media at the time, and the public’s lack of trust in the police.

Harry was of the view that the police and the public did not understand each other, and there was need for a vehicle to bridge the gap.

“I wanted the police to realize they are professionals and to show professionalism, and in so doing, the public will show more trust”.

The former Commissioner admitted he was not a very popular commissioner,

especially with the media who accused him of incessantly using the comment, “I am not aware of that”.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, “The media was asking me general questions, which I could not answer. They were not asking me questions related to the police”.

In delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, former Commissioner Keith Miller and head of the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Jonathan Nichols applauded Harry for his foresight and initiative for putting the Department in place.

ASP Nichols highlighted the Department’s promotion of a number of

Former Commissioner William Harry (right) who established the Department, Former Commissioner Keith Miller (left) who encouraged its growth and development, and Acting Commissioner Michael Charles who currently oversees the Department. programmes including ‘On the beat’ aired on NBC radio; the police youth clubs, and ‘Pan Against Crime’. He commended retired Superintendent of Police Artis Davis, the first person to head the department.

ASP Nichols lauded those who contributed to the upliftment of the Department, and the media for its contribution over the years, singling out journalists Chester Connell and Bernard Joseph for initiating the ‘On the beat’ programme on the ‘now defunct’ radio station, First FM. Former Commissioner

of Police Keith Miller, who played a significant role in building the Department, said that in the early days, those involved were called numerous names, but, “we performed our task, and the Department is now a force to be reckoned with.”

He noted that the facilitywas established at a time when the constabulary was being slammed with claims of police brutality, but he is happy that the medium was put in place to investigate such reports.

Miller, however,

urged, “It is not the responsibility of the small staff at the Police Relations and Complaints Department, but the entire organization, to foster good public relations”.

Media houses were recognised at the ceremony for their contribution during the 15 years.

Senior reporter William ‘Kojah’ Anthony received the certificate on behalf of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

(More on page 6)

ASP Jonathan Nichols, current Head of the Department, highlighting some of the outreach programmes it has initiated.

Police Chaplain Pastor A. Isaacs opened the ceremony with a prayer, under the prayerful watch of the police top brass seated at the head table.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 3.

News 3

Archbishop Kelvin Felix named Catholic Cardinal

KELVIN FELIX, Dominican-born retired Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Castries, has been named a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

He is among 19 new prelates announced by Pope Francis at the Vatican last Sunday, a list that includes archbishops from Asia, Africa, Latin America and elsewhere, including the developing nations of Haiti and Burkina Faso.

Observers view the Pope’s choices as keeping in line with his belief that the church must pay more attention to the poor and as another clear indication of his intention to keep the Roman Catholic Church’s mission, focused on the poor and disenfranchised.

Archbishop Felix is the first cardinal appointed from the English-speaking Caribbean.

However, since he is over 80, he will be among three of the named Cardinals who will not

be eligible to vote for a new pope. He will carry the title Cardinal Emeritus.

The ceremony to officially install him as a Cardinal will be held at the Vatican on February 22.

God’ and church wide as it was varied. In addition to being a serving priest, Archbishop Felix served as a secondary school principal in Dominica, and was President of the R.C. Antilles Episcopal Conference from 1991 — 1997, the highest A wide and varied service decision-making body of the Roman Catholic Church across Archbishop Felix was born nationalities and languages. in Dominica on February 15, An avid ecumenist, he 1933 and ordained a priest on served as Associated General April 8, 1956 at the age of 23.

Secretary, 1975 — 1981, and On July 17, 1981 he was President, 1981 — 1986, of the appointed Archbishop of Caribbean Conference of Castries and ordained Churches (CCC). archbishop on April 5, 1981.

His work within and His purview included without his church was responsibility for the dioceses recognized by the Vatican, and of Castries in St. Lucia, St. he was called to serve on the George’s in Grenada, Roseau in Pontifical Council for Family Dominica and St. John’sLife, the Pontifical Council for Basseterre in Antigua and St. Inter-religious Dialogue, and Kitts. the Synodal Council for Archbishop Felix retired America. from active duty on February Since his retirement as 15, 2008. archbishop, Felix moved back His service as a ‘servant of to Dominica where he has been

Archbishop Kelvin Felix created history by becoming the first person from the English-speaking Caribbean to be made a cardinal. helping out in various parishes.

THE VINCENTIAN joins with Roman Catholics across the Caribbean, and Caribbean people in general, in congratulating Archbishop Felix on his elevation to high office, and wish that he will continue to be blessed with the spirit of humility and service that has characterized his person.

‘People need our help,’ says Bullock

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY “THERE ARE PEOPLE out there who desperately need our help.”

That’s the assessment from Murray Bullock, chairman of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

He was speaking at Cabinet Room last Monday, after which he handed over a cheque for $100,000 to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The money will go towards helping the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) with its relief efforts, following the disaster wrought by the Christmas rains and floods.

Murray expressed sympathy with those who have been affected by the floods.

The NLA chairman pointed to the loss of lives, damage to homes, loss of furnishing and other household items. He also pointed to the suffering incurred by farmers as a result of the destruction of crops, and the loss of livestock.

Bullock was conscious of the emptiness felt by businessmen who lost equipment.

He praised residents for their community spirit and their solidarity with each other in the disaster, and expressed gratitude to Howie Prince and his team from NEMO for their “urgent and professional response.”

The weather pattern caused destruction in neighbouring St. Lucia, and Bullock expressed sympathy to that country. He expressed commendations to those governments and agencies that have sent in relief supplies or other means of support.

And while Bullock confessed that the NLA was making the donation “out of slender resources,” he announced that an Instant Ticket Game will be introduced and that proceeds from that venture will

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves accepts a cheque on behalf of NEMO from NLA Chairman Murray Bullock.Others pictured are NLA Officials McGregor Sealey (right), Allison Thomas (left), Anthony Dennie (right back), and NEMO Director Howie Prince. go into the Relief Fund.

were installed so that families could have greater privacy.

Other financial assistance Dr. Gonsalves referred to the decision to provide counsellors as indication of the Dr. Gonsalves also received an amount broad approach to the relief programme. of EC$10.7M that same morning. That He echoed plans to provide stoves and amount was advanced payment from fridges to those persons who lost items Home Owners on the Grenadine island of during the flood, and stated that the Mustique. individual who will pay for those items He outlined that that money was not a will be named. According to him, that donation. person will also provide 1000 bed The Vincentian Prime Minister used mattresses. the occasion to highlight his government’s Building material was being assembled “sound public policies on an ongoing for the recovery process. That includes basis.” packages from local and foreign business He pointed to the process where schools houses. are gradually being phased out as The Vincentian Prime Minister Emergency Shelters. promised that relief supplies will be He alluded to the refurbished distributed on a needs basis. He dismissed Community Centre at Rillan Hill. suggestions of biases or discrimination in According to him, cubicles at Rillan Hill the distribution process.

Appeal Court frees Vincentians in Tortola Continued from Frontpage.

Dexter Chance, Gareth McDowall and Carlos Sutherland were each sentenced to six years imprisonment in Tortola July 3, 2012, for importing 61 kilos of cocaine to that country. They were found guilty October 7, 2011. The drug was said to have a street value of US$1 million.

However, at about 7:15 pm. on Monday, Appeal judges Mario Michel, Davidson Baptiste and Ola Mae Edwards quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence.

The Appeal Court ruled that the Magistrate, Valerie Stephens, erred in law in relying on a certificate of analysis which did not bear the name of the defendants, and that it was short served.

The charges stemmed from an action by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) January 23, 2008, during which the police seized and searched a catamaran at Hodges Creek and found 61 kilos of cocaine on board. The drug was said to have had a street value of $1 million US. The RVIPF alleged that the shipment of cocaine came from St. Vincent, and that Chance, McDowell and Sutherland were involved in the shipment of the drugs.

On being released, Chance told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), “I am very happy to be free to get back home to St Vincent and the Grenadines to be with my friends and family.”

Mc Dowell was said to be loud in praise to God. “….and I want to say thanks to the lawyers, they fought a good fight, and in the end we are victorious,” VINO quoted Mc Dowell as saying.

Asked what he had to say, Sutherland was reported as replying, “Me good man, me good.”

Local attorneys Kay BacchusBrowne and Grant Connell, along with St. Lucian lawyer Alberton Richelieu had represented the men at the extradition hearing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

When contacted on Wednesday, Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN that they are thinking of suing the Tortolan Government under section 16(8) of the Tortolan constitution, for at least $1 million, for the miscarriage of justice and the deprivation of their liberty.

Bacchus-Browne said the purpose of the section is to curb the excesses of the executive arm of government.

The men were expected to be in St. Vincent between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

V Stubbs walk away with Nine Mornings titles 4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Art & Culture

A contingent from the Stubbs community winners of the Best Nine Mornings Community award).

Stories by GLORIAH...

THE COMMUNITY OF STUBBS walked away with the most titles for the Nine Mornings Festival at the Awards Ceremony, held at the Peace Memorial Hall last Saturday, 11th January.

STUBBS’ achievement Stubbs copped the coveted awards for the National Lotteries Authority Best Nine Mornings Community and the National Lotteries Authority Best Christmas Community.

According to Mr. Michael Peters, Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee, the Best Nine Mornings Community competition “is based on the quantity, quality and

Luta (right) accepts his award for having the Most Popular Local Christmas song, from NLA representative Anthony Dennie.

variety of the early morning programming. It also takes into consideration the size of the crowd attending and the level of the audience participation.”

The Best Christmas Community competition, he told THE VINCENTIAN, looks at “the Nine Mornings programming, the quality of the lighting and the evening programming.”

Not only did Stubbs take the top awards, but they also won second place in Zone 3 of the Vinlec Community Lighting Competition.

Other results for the Best Nine Mornings Community are as follows: 2nd, Carriere; 3rd, Richland Park; and 4th Barrouallie.

Mrs. Eden Gonsalves collects her prize for winning the Best Lit Gardens with her Richmond Hill Gardens, a perennial favourite with locals and visitors.

100 Year Theme with, ‘The Past and the Present Make Us Who We Are’.

Other results announced on December 24th, 2013, the final morning of the nine-day festival Other awards included the Vinlec Community Lighting Competition which was won Other awards were the National

by Point Village, followed by Town Hill Lotteries Most Popular Local and Rose Bank in that order.

Christmas Song which was won by The Best Lit Gardens competition ‘Luta’ with his ‘Girlyn’. He also placed was won by Richmond Hill Gardens, 2nd with ‘Roast Pork’. Carlton ‘CP’ with Ces for Wes Gardens second, and Hall placed 3rd with ‘Promises,’ and Fitzhughes Beachfront third.

Roland Bowman placed 4th with ‘Gift Mr. Jimmy Samuel of Rillan Hill for Santa’. was adjuded winner in the Best Lit The accolade for National Lotteries Private House competition. He was Authority Best Community on Parade followed by Mrs. Olivia DaSilva of at the December 1st launch was Cane End in second and Mr. Glenroy awarded to Point Village, and they Providence of Frenches in third. also received the award for the Best In the Best Christmas Community, Bequia placed 2nd, with Barrouallie placing 3rd and Richland Park, 4th.

Nine Mornings Honours bestowed LAST SATURDAY, 11TH January, at the 2013 Nine Mornings Award Ceremony, the National Nine Mornings Committee honoured nine individuals and institutions which have helped to institute the change to a formal structure, in 1998, of the Nine Mornings Festibal.

Mr. Sebastian ‘Bassy’ Alexander and ‘El Grupo Amistad’ were honoured for inspiring the revival and consequent development of the festival, having begun activities on their own from 1992.

Pastor Errol Daniel and the Streams of Power Church at Sion Hill were recognised as the Christian body that has stood with the structured festival to provide devotions from its inception, when the decision was made to make “Jesus the reason for the season”.

Leroy Llewelyn and the Sion hill Community’s recognition came as a result of having been the first community to “light up” and thereby inspiring the National Leroy Llewellyn (right) accepts an award Community from Minister of Culture Cecil Mc Kie, on Lighting behalf of the Sion Hill community Competition. contribution of Christmas An award for lighting was music with a Vincentian presented to the St. Vincent flavour, while the Sion Hill Electricity Services Ltd. Euphonium Steel Orchestra (Vinlec) for their sponsorship received an award for being of the National Lighting Competition from 1998 to the the only steel orchestra involved in all fifteen years of present time. structured Nine Mornings Music is a key part of the celebrations. annual festival, and the Awarding gifts became a Committee sought to recognise vital part of the festival and musicians. Carlton ‘CP’ Hall Kid’s Plus, owned and was awarded for his

A representative of Kid’s Plus accepts an award from the Minister of Culture. operated by Ms. Merlene Fernandez, was recognised as being the first store in SVG to contribute gifts. She has been contributing for the past fifteen years.

The expansion of the Nine Mornings festival came through the technical support of the Ministry of Culture and the financial support of the National Lotteries Authority,

One of the plaques, designed and made by craftsman/artist Nzimbu, that was presented to the honorees. and both institutions were honoured for their contributions.

The National Nine Mornings Committee expressed further thanks to all those persons who worked within communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines to make the annual festival a success.

V Haiti remembers the big quake

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 5.

Regional

HAITIANS PAUSED SUNDAY to remember the tens of thousands of people who died in a catastrophic earthquake four years ago.

The day in the capital Port-auPrince began like Haiti’s President, Michel any other Sunday, Martelly, and his wife, Sofia with churchgoers, Martelly, visit a commemordressed in their ation monument to place a best skirts and wreath. (Photo: Gulf Times) slacks, wending their way through streets noticeably turned into an official clear of the rubble that memorial for those killed. clogged them long after Martelly said much had the quake. been accomplished since Haiti’s radio and the disaster. television stations played “Four years later, I somber music in keeping think we have moved with the government’s forward tremendously,” declaration of the day as a Martelly told The day of remembrance and Associated Press, noting a reflection, with the decline in the number of Haitian flag flown at half- people still without staff and clubs ordered housing, and the number closed. of hotels being built. “Of President Michel course, a lot remains to be Martelly and first lady done.”

Sophia Martelly placed a Almost all the rubble in bouquet of white flowers the capital has finally at a potter’s field, north of been carted off, and many the capital of Port-auof the tent encampments Prince, that is being are less visible, replaced

The Christmas Eve floods left many houses in shambles and 9 dead in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CARICOM responds

A mass was held in Port-au-Price at a temporary church built next to the remains of the old cathedral. (Photo: BBC) by construction sites.

Still, the reconstruction effort has been piecemeal, with promised aid money slow to come because of worries about Haiti’s political infighting and corruption as well as the reluctance of donors to provide funds amid the global economic downturn.

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck outside Haiti’s capital on Jan. 12, 2010, and thousands of buildings toppled in Portau-Prince and surrounding cities.

Officials say more than 300,000 died, but no one

knows for certain how many people lost their lives.

An estimated 1.5 million people were left living in gloomy tent camps that became symbols of the devastation and desperation heaped upon this already deeply poor nation.

The number of displaced people has since fallen to 146,000 in a decline attributed to a combination of voluntary departures, rental subsidies and violent evictions. (Source: AP)

Ganja Growers Association for Jamaica to form part of a forum of stakeholders that will be held at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.

“We have invited representatives of the various organisations to come together at the forum to take their ideas forward,” Paul Burke, a spokesman for the forum organisers confirmed.

The launch of the Cannabis Future Growers Paul Burke, one of the and Producers Association is expected to be one of the major players in the outcomes of the forum,the move to establish a Jamaica Observer Ganja Growers Association in Jamaica. newspaper reported.

The decriminalisation of ganja is, according to PRO-GANJA ADVOCATES in Jamaica reports, being taken as a ‘done deal’ by Jamaicans, will launch a Cannabis as both sides of the Growers Association on political divide have January 18, as they struck common ground on anticipate the the issue. decriminalization of the This follows the herb and the eventual establishment of a formal adoption of a widely debated Government‘ganja industry’ in that sanctioned National country.

Commission on Ganja in The advocates of the August 2001. move say that they That Commission had envision the development recommended that ganja of a local, regional and be decriminalized for international cannabis industry that will generate personal, private use by adults, and for use in billions of dollars for the religious rites as per the Jamaican economy and Rastafarian movement. others in the region.

The Commission did The formal launch of the Association is expected recognise that ganja can

have harmful effects, but said that this should not mean that thousands of Jamaicans should be deemed criminals for using it. It also recognised the therapeutic properties of the herb.

Jamaica is taking the lead in the Caribbean with efforts to bring ganja into the mainstream. Late last year Dr. Henry Lowe established Medicanja, Jamaica’s first medical ganja company. (Source:

Ganja is known to be widely cultivated and used in Jamaica.

Jamaica Observer)

REPORTS INDICATE that to date some $3m have been mobilized from within the CARICOM region towards relief efforts in flood-stricken St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica.

CARICOM members The three countries responded suffered damage to their infrastructure and there was immediately and in generous kind to the loss of lives in SVG, 9, and needs of their St. Lucia, 6, as a result of stricken partner severe rains and flash floods members. on December 24 and 25, 2013.

Over 30,000 persons are said to have been affected, and damage is estimated to be in the vicinity of $200m.

CARICOM member states have come to the assistance of their stricken partners.

Barbados responded almost immediately with a shipment of 6,000 units of bottled water to SVG, transported by that country’s Coast Guard.

The Barbadians have also declared their readiness to assist with transporting relief from other territories, and has agreed to provide an Engineering and Technical Support team to SVG, to assist with the rehabilitation of infrastructure.

Trinidad and Tobago has already provided two containers of relief supplies to SVG — including bedding, toiletries, first aid kits, water purification tablets — and has promised another two containers of supplies.

St. Kitts and Nevis has pledged $1m to assist with the recovery programme in SVG. Guyana and Suriname have also pledged assistance with Guyana promising lumber and cash, and Surinam committing to provide 10 twenty-foot containers of supplies.

In addition to assistance from individual CARICOM partners, assistance has come from USAID - $148,000 to Red Cross Societies in St. Lucia and SVG — and PAHO/WHO - $200,000 worth of relief supplies to the stricken countries.

More medium and long term assistance is expected to come from the CARICOM Development Fund, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Department for International Development, the Food and Agricultural Organization and the United Nations Development Programme.

Byes in place for Int’l Soca contest SVG’S REIGNING Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous, will have an automatic bye into the semi-finals of the International Soca Monarch competition held in Trinidad.

‘Skinny’ will enjoy this privilege along with all other soca monarchs from outside Trinidad and Tobago, who show interest in competing.

The bye was confirmed by William Munroe, Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Promotions, owners and promoters of the show.

Munroe spoke publicly about the completion last week and lamented the “little support” coming from regional culture ministers for their country representatives.

According to the man who has engineered the competition for the last sixteen years, he intends to spend five and a half million American dollars on the 2014

competition.

Increased expenditure is expected to cater to increasing the size of the stage, placing mega video screens and enhanced lighting.

The investment, in Munroe’s words, “is worth every cent, since it helps to push regional talent onto the world stage.”

The 2014 International Scoa Monarch is scheduled for February 28.

The International Soca Monarch is purported to be the richest soca contest in the world, and word is that the prize package for 2014 could well be increased.

Whatever the final decision, Munroe guarantees that even the last place finalist will get a minimum of 100 thousand EC dollars.

Left: William Munroe, the man behind the International Soca Monarch competition, intends to increase spending on the 2014 production. Right: ‘Skinny Fabulous’, SVG Soca Monarch, is no stranger to the International Soca Monarch stage.

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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Surviving the worst

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY CORINTHIAN HADAWAY is a businessman in the Vermont area.

His story from the events of December 24 is one of survival. He climbed atop a partition of his residence to save his life. He had to endure some hours in that position, so that he could escape the raging waters gushing through his building.

“This is my judgement,” Hadaway accepted. He lost his refrigerator, food, dining table, mattresses, sewing machine and other items.

“Me never see water dig out Vermont so… just rain, thunder and lightning,” Hadway testified.

Hadaway operated a Bar and also did some tailoring.

“Everything gone down,” he uttered.

“I couldn’t move. I make up me mind, if the building go, I go. It was a serious thing,” he stated.

He recalled trying to hustle

Kelmore Hadaway resigned himself to whatever might have become of him, but found the strength and faith to pray. things out of the house when he realised the level of the water was rising, and acknowledged that he now had to “talk” with clients who had brought clothes mostly for him to adjust.

“I have to make some decisions with people when they come,” Hadaway sighed.

“Building clothes aint such business again,” he summed up. Most of his work in recent time was, as he outlined, “cut down and sew.”

Hadaway shared the near tragedy with his nephew, Kelmore Hadaway.

Corinthian Hadaway suffered loss of many household and personal items, but is thankful that he survived the Christmas ordeal.

“Never seen anything like this before. Never seen the water on the road before,” Kelmore recounted.

“Unless you come face to face with death, you can’t tell me you’ve been through what I’ve been through,” Kelmore added.

He recalled the drama and having realised that he couldn’t move from the house, he resigned himself to fate.

“I prayed. I had a great deal of faith,” Kelmore testified.

COP (Ag.) did not welcome PPR & CD

by HAYDN HUGGINS WHEN THE POLICE Public Relations (PPR & CD), and Complaints Department was established 15 years ago, Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, then Sergeant, attached to the drug squad, did not welcome the move.

The Acting COP made the admission while delivering remarks during a ceremony at the Police Canteen on Tuesday, to mark the 15th anniversary of the department.

Charles recalled that when the drug squad went out on duty, people would accuse the unit of being “heavy-handed.”

As a result, persons would complain to the facility, and members of the drug squad would have to write a report.

“I didn’t like the Department because I saw them as being against the police,” Charles admitted. But his perception changed when then head of the Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Artis Davis, (ASP), held a meeting with the general body of the police force and explained the role and duties of the Department.

“What the Department did was to keep members of the police force in check. It made

Michael Charles, Commission of Police (Ag) admitted to a change of heart as far as the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department is concerned. us at the drug squad more professional, and I will say that the Department is responsible for some of the professionalism that is now present in the drug squad and other units of the police force,” Charles said.

He added that some people may say police are investigating police, but there is evidence to show that there were cases in which police officers were taken before the court.

He noted that if persons were not satisfied with the outcome of the investigations, redress can be sought through the Police Oversight Committee.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 7.

News

Agriculture severely affected, says Minister

by KENVILLE HORNE

Damage to roads and bridges and made it difficult if not impossible to transport agricultural produce including bananas.

(Photo: Don de Riggs)

THIS COUNTRY’S MINISTER of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar says that the flooding and landslides which occurred over Chrstmas Eve and Christmas Day 2013 have impacted adversely and significantly this country’s agricultural sector.

During a press Conference on Monday, at the Agriculture headquarters conference room, Caesar told an audience comprising visiting FAO officials, government officials , key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, and journalists, that the Saboto Caesar, Minister of adverse weather Agriculture traced the had already affected damaged inflicted on the exports of bananas. agriculture industry by the A significantly December rains and floods. reduced amount of bananas was collected for shipment to the United Kingdom, as a result of famers being unable to get to their fields, and the disruption in transportation because of damage to roadways and bridges.

The impact of the Christmas disaster also prevented a planned aerial spraying operation, occasioned by the collapse of the Caratal bridge in Georgetown, over which a 20-foot container of chemicals was to be transported.

Farmers will continue to feel the fallout from the heavy rains and flooding that claimed lives, Caesar contended, noting also that plantain and other root crop farmers have also been affected.

According to Caesar, the local poultry industry has also been impacted. Electricity outages which followed the rains and floods, severely disrupted production at the Government Hatchery at Dumbarton.

“We would have lost the entire hatch at Dumbarton, and therefore we are looking at some 6,000 less chicks being placed on the market for sale. …… . We have to come up with an interim measure , otherwise we will have a scarcity of locally produced birds on the market, and what we don’t want to do is to be forced to import whole chickens to service the local market,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Minister Caesar reached out to farmers to come forward with information with respect to the extent of damage they might have suffered.

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Discipline: The basis of all achievement DISCIPLINE is a word that some believe is as much used as it is misunderstood.

Discipline they say refers to a system of controlled actions and fixed rules. And every branch of knowledge, area of undertaking or realm of endeavour is supported by a system of rules. Little things like grammar of a language, mathematics or science, each has its own discipline; it sets of rules and controls.

But discipline also extends to human affairs. In every walk of life, there is and must be discipline. Not to have (discipline) is to create a state of runaway anarchy. If you are asked to drive on the left of the road, and the people follow it, then they are disciplined. Consider the chaos if we choose not to comply with this request, this rule, this control.

To comply is to be disciplined.

So, as we choose our paths in life, and adhere to certain controls, rules, demands, regardless of how strenuous this might be, and we reap the rewards for our hard work, society says we have achieved.

But stick a pin! That achievement is the result of discipline, supporting the axiom that discipline is the basis of all achievement.

The question then is: Just what is achievement? When you succeed, in many cases after many trials and errors, in doing something for self, on the job or for others, that is achievement.

So that when forty-six young men and women successfully complete studies in various fields from the University of the West Indies, that is achievement, the result, we are certain, of a disciplined approach to their studies and adjustments in their lives.

Think of the hours of study, the sacrifices made — curbing if not cutting out completely opportunities for social interaction, indulgence in pastime activities; lessening time with cares but learning along the way that quality is timeless and quantity terminal; re-ordering available finances, if not entering into loan commitments so as to cater to the pursuits of study, and still attend to everyday responsibilities.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating! Forty-six persons achieved because they were disciplined.

Congratulations to each and every one of them.

And then, there is the historic elevation of a Caribbean son, Archbishop Kelvin Felix, to the position of cardinal - an accomplishment that perhaps means more to the estimated 24% of the population that is Roman Catholic, in the Englishspeaking Caribbean.

His appointment must not be seen as a mere reward for his longevity — he is 80 years old and has been a priest for 57 years - but as a reward for hard work, dedication, perseverance, tolerance, and a disciplined life, the last attribute no easy accomplishment, given the trials of the life of a member of a religious order.

His achievement is one on behalf of all Caribbean people who have had to endure, accept it or leave it, the teachings of a Euro-centric religion — Christianity - and who had to struggle to indigenize the rituals and rites and applications of teachings towards building a new and just society, and a church with Caribbean people at the centre.

So, there is that word — discipline — again, associated with achievement. We pray that Archbishop Felix accepts and lives his new position with the same humility and discipline that characterized his life thus far.

To conclude, discipline makes life easier. It makes for achievements in all walks of life easier. Last, but not least, it makes learning efficient, effective and lasting. But the best discipline is that which is developed within and not forced.

Another storm in a teacup?

NO, AS SO OFTEN HAPPENS in life, our current crisis is deemed small because the theatre of action is so confined a space as a two-by-four island, but the principles at stake are great in a very real sense.

It is nothing short of a real battle for the sake of democracy. What is the controlling factor in a democracy, a small clique in charge of governance, or the people at large influencing and determining how their lives are to be lived?

This question was indeed settled by one force at the turn of this century, by the “roadblock revolution” which introduced the notion that a mere majority of “one is not enough” to warrant riding roughshod over the people’s rights. There was appeal to a higher principle, and the country was made “ungovernable” in pursuance of that right.

Today, the tables have turned. The ULP government of the day is now preaching that by virtue of the strength of its one man majority, it has a sacred right to call all the shots in the polity, and there must be no power-sharing with anyone else, even in times of the gravest of national disasters.

That is the burning question which challenges this emergent nation. Are we to follow blindly the dictates of a so-called “General”, and simply fall in line and do his bidding, or are we to involve ourselves and consult our own interest in obedience to the tenets of a participatory democracy, which we all claim to be the highest form of selfgovernance?

Fifteen years ago, the NDP Government conceded to cries of the people, and actually cut short their tenure in the general interest.

This time, with a multi-faceted crisis at hand economic, social, and generational cast within the context of a national disaster - the ULP’s response is to stiffen its back, flex its muscles (such as it can muster), call out its troops, so to speak, and seek to hold out defiantly, even while national elections constitutionally hovers around the corner.

The straight facts are that SVG was dealt a savage body blow by nature last Christmas Eve. In response to the crisis, the ULP appointed a crisis committee under the “Generalship” of the Prime Minister, in which the Field-Marshall was an unelected Senator, his own cousin, Julian Francis, and peopled by the ULP die-hards, with not one of the NDP representatives included, though they control seven of the fifteen elected seats at the last elections, and are believed to be ahead of the ULP in the current election race.

In God’s name, where is the logic, reason or fair-play in that decision? Does it hark back to a period of political darkness when governments, so called, on the basis of a bare majority, subscribed to the view that “The Winner Takes all”? How backward! NDP high command apart, many persons of the political

community, led by the venerable Oscar Allen who heads the PMC and is normally held in high regard by the Prime Minister, has publicly cried shame, and pleads for a change of policy before it is too late.

Another highly respected supporter of the ULP, Renwick Rose, calls for an altered course in both parties vis-a-vis victimisation possibly committed by the NDP over twelve years ago and which pales into insignificance when compared with the misdeeds of the ULP. As normal Prime Ministerial interviewer EB John drew reference to the 1979 Soufriere committee when, as he noted, all hands of varying political persuasion were allowed on board by the governing Labour Party to make their contribution to the national effort. I will only comment that short memories have forgotten that in that episode, the term “Bodow” was coined to explain away certain ugly manifestations!

In all the confusion, the NDP relentlessly pursued its own line of seeking help and assistance locally and abroad for Vincentian victims, regardless of their political colouration. They promised to identify all recipients of their relief and operate an opendoor policy in their approach for the world to see and monitor. Yet, every difficulty has been placed to harass, and frustrate the Opposition Party in carrying out its humanitarian gesture, its labour of love.

ULP is clearly headed down-hill, despite the surface appearances to the contrary. It has to distract attention from itself and its problems of succession leadership, so Arnhim is targeted in the hope that confusion is transferred from the elite of the ULP to the ranks of the NDP. Then there is the coming budget with its frightening and dismal prospects.

In all the turmoil, where is one to place the panacea of the Airport? Apart from its attractions to the eye, when would it fit in to place and give real promise of economic stimulation?

The timing of the next elections is crucial.

Should it be held soon, as Keith Joseph anticipates, in March, or nearer to the end of its term when its internal problems become settled or intensify?

And will the ULP elevate Robert Milton Cato to be National Hero to give filip to the electoral chances of heir apparent Camillo Gonsalves?

Meanwhile, the Vincentian masses have redirected their thoughts to the relief efforts after the Soufriere eruption in 1979, after the ravages of Tomas in 2010 and flash floods two years ago, and the Labour Government trackrecord was found wanting on every score.

They are trying to block a repeat performance this election year.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 9.

Letters

Stop the bickering

We stand corrected!!!

WHY IS IT that at every turn in the life of our country, we have to put politics?

Look, as though to remind us that we need to take a good look at ourselves, the Good Lord poured his rains us on. Loss of lives and damage to our country are warnings for us to take heed.

This is not a time for us to be bickering among ourselves about who is doing what, who should do what for the people who have lost their homes and personal items in the floods.

I feel ashamed when in the face of all the help coming in from outside, there is bickering among our politicians. And this bickering is filtering down to the ordinary people who just carry the stupid talk a little further.

I think that in order to show all these people who have sent relief supplies that they will reach the people who are in need, politicians should stay out of the distribution and leave it up to independent bodies like the Red Cross. The politicians, especially the representatives, should be allowed to feed in information to the Red Cross, but they should not be involved in the actual distribution.

There must be no politics involved in who gets what. How funny it is that everybody is calling for unity at this time, but the politicians, who supposed to be our leaders, are so divided.

Lynette

Hairouna

by Tracy Connell In all this world there is for me One great and beautiful land, A shining glory strong and free As made by God’s own hand.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Forever it will be, My homeland, my paradise, This land where I am free.

In all this world there is for me One great and beautiful land; A land so rich with pastures green And rivers wandering in between.

From Overland so fair and free Southbound to Mulligan Cay, The mountaintops like sentinels stand To guard the Callinago land.

Each morning as I rise I feel the rhythm of the earth.

The pounding waves upon the rocks Leap up to Heaven to kiss the sun.

The heralds of the morning sing Their sweet refrain upon the wing, And school boys kick their way to school And mock old men aside their mules.

The island seems just like the rest: The fruit is bears, the crops it grows Are all the same as everyone knows.

Black sandy beaches where others are white Keep one in touch with day and night.

The games they play the season through Each island plays the same games too.

The winds that blow across its shores Pass through its neighbour’s open doors.

And looking down from a lofty height Upon this island chain, The looker may remark, I’m sure, “They all look just the same”.

Until his eyes fix on this plot, And inner thoughts concede, And yet — HAIROUNA.

Editor’s Note: A clear indication of a man who loved his place of birth. Rest in peace, Tracy.

I BELIEVE that the column on page 3 of your issue of January 10, 2014 (regarding the appointment of my son) was designed to Inspire Vincentians and particularly the younger generations that they too can compete successfully for positions of repute worldwide – and I therefore proffer my commendation.

In addition, I must register the view that paragraph 3 of the said column can only be regarded as an unfortunate digression.

Further, your closing paragraph refers to “Dr. William Iton, Registrar

and Head of Administration at UWI, St. Augustine”. Actually, William is the Registrar of the UWI, with headquarters at Mona, Jamaica, and so far as I know, he does not carry the title of Dr.

Editor’s Note: We thank Mr. Clement Iton for this prompt correction, and apologise to Mr. William Iton for any inconvenience caused.

Clement W. Iton

SVG be warned!

Mr. Editor, on 12th January, 2014, at 6:30 a.m., I was awakened by a call from an overseas number, 88213098609, informing me that I had won 1,000.00 Euros, and to give some information for records, etc.

First question (a machine speaking): “Are you male or female?” Press #1 if male. Then, “state name.” Question: “Do you have a bank account?

Please give bank’s name and account number.”

Question #4: “How would you like us to send the 1000.00 Euro, by cheque or into your account number?” Question #5: “Do you have any business or big job?”

Then a male voice (machine like) told me that I had won 5,000 Euros, and that I must call within 10 seconds to a toll free number, in order not to lose the winnings.

Vincy flash flood 2013 It started with a flash and a boom, Water rushed down from mountain Picking up cattle, Picking up goat , Picking up car Picking up house Picking up people Picking up Christmas tree That you would never see ... ... And down to the sea It all rushed, With no mercy !!!

Rain, and muddy water Mixed with lightning thunder A deadly formula for Wrecking homes Wrecking fences Wrecking defences Wrecking lives Wrecking families Wrecking hope Of finding loved ones alive.

Water gone, After so much lightning Light gone, Me Eddoe piece gone Me banana blow down Wait, even me outdoor latrine gone!!!

But the Lord always good So Bequia send water Grenada send pipe Trinidad send helicopter Barbados send coast guard All over send love and plenty concern.

Now is time to pick up the pieces Reflect about what went on And thank The Almighty that all of us ain’t gone.

And it ended with a flash and a boom. !!!

Then everything went dark.

Don De Riggs December 31, 2013.

When I called, a female voice told me to call back later to this number: 88213090606. When I dialled that number, the number 88213090355 showed up on my phone, then it cut off.

Another message came in again; in fact, seven in all, asking me to call. When I did call again, a local operator said the number is incomplete.

Sir, how did these people get my number? I never called any overseas number since I got my phone. I wonder: Are there persons here working with others overseas to scam Vincentians? And what are the telephone companies here doing to prevent this type of thing?

Hutchie

Dishonest judgment WHEN ARE we going to see honest judgment?

The prison Years of problems have plagued the prisons; but the bosses’ eyes were on other things (pay cheques?) and the government never even peeped in on the prison operations.

Where were the authorities when we needed to address the problems of the public throwing stuff over the prison walls, and prisoners escaping?

The number of persons employed at the prison is not the problem; it’s the operation that is causing the problems. Lack of respect for the persons in authority give prisoners the ok to misbehave. Some prisoners are bullied in the prison, and the prison officers ignore them, while other prisoners refuse to take their lashes ordered by the court. Too many prisoners are doing the prisoner officers’ jobs. If the officers were doing their jobs, there will be discipline in the prisons. Am I right to say one of these days the prisons, officers will be put behind bars by the prisoners and * Is the next no one will be able to free them?

Commissioner of Police going to be a Lawyers woman?

It is no surprise to me that lawyers are not coming together. As it is, only * When are the a few name brand lawyers are big in traffic authorities the court, and are always in the spotlight. going to put an But, are there name brand lawyers official bus stop in who take people’s money and never the area of the appear in court? Do name brand lawyers beg off for notorious criminals?

Brighton gap? Are Do name brand lawyers forge they waiting for a signatures? Are the name brand catastrophe to lawyers winning all the murder cases? happen?

Are name brand lawyers involved actively in the property market?

The non-brand name lawyers are * Why are people now taking stock of the records of the saying that the brand name lawyers, and this is causing a tug-of-war. police are weak on The sad situation is that there is no investigating white redress by the Bar Association for the collar crime? Is it people’s cry. Am I right to say complaining to the Bar Association for because they are justice is pointless? not trained or some other reason?

SPY

V

10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Another important phase for the International Airport Project at Argyle The Issue AMIDST THE DISCUSSION about the heavy rain which fell on December 24th 2013, and the subsequent relief efforts, an important event went almost unnoticed in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It was the handing over of the terminal building at the site of the international airport at Argyle. The building is now in the hands of the IADC, the International Airport Development Company, who will now be involved in the process of retrofitting the area, to meet demands related to the operation of the airport.

The terminal building will have a total of 135,000 square feet of floor space over three floors, and is designed to handle 1.5 million passengers annually.

It is significant to note that the opposition NDP was invited to attend this function, but they chose to ignore the invitation and did not turn up to witness an important stage in a project, that they now say they support. How can anyone take the opposition seriously? Yet, they will go on their radio station and say allthings negative against this all important project, and then try to fool the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with their maligned “support”.

Nevertheless, the ULP administration will continue full speed ahead with this all important project. The IADC, headed by Dr. Rudi Mathias, and including a number of well qualified Vincentians, has already unveiled a programme of work which will lead to completion of the airport in late 2014. As a people, we must continue to support this project, and to stand fully behind the efforts of the IADC in this respect.

Minister Gonsalves was able to raise all the money for the construction of the international airport. But ULP supporters always had confidence in the man who could put together the “coalition of the willing”.

A busy 2014

In 2014, the project site at Argyle will be a hive of activity. Almost immediately, the IADC will complete contracts with two private firms for the construction of the control tower, and the aircraft rescue and fire fighting buildings. These will be constructed by September this year.

Further, the IADC will sign a contract for the construction of the cargo terminal by March this year, and this building will be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2014.

More construction work, including the access road to the terminal, the access roads to Argyle Gardens and the Rawacou-Mt. Pleasant area will begin early in 2014. These activities will provide jobs for Vincentians, and local companies and individuals with trucking services and heavy equipment, will be lining up for work.

Then there is work related to the drainage network at the project, the further paving and marking of the aerodrome, the installation of lights and a lighting system, the fencing of the area, and the environmental and landscaping activities. Clearly, the IADC will be kept busy as the project nears completion towards the end of 2014.

In all of this, the IADC has Some Background maintained a close relationship with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation It will be helpful to the readers if Agency, ECCAA, the aviation we look at some background information in relation to this project, authority for the OECS. That body so that we keep things in perspective. has been consulted on all matters related to the design and construction This project, the largest capital of the airport, and information is project ever attempted by a always provided to ensure that government in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been ECCAA’s role as an oversight body is smooth and devoid of any obstacles. re-estimated to cost US$250 million ECCAA has privately and publicly dollars. indicated its approval of the plans for The ULP administration, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the airport, as well as the construction work being done on the has put together a creative financial project. strategy, to raise the money for the construction of the international Vincentians must prepare airport. This required significant amounts of grant and soft loan Vincentians must now begin to financing from friendly countries, along with the sale of crown lands as upscale their preparation work to take advantage of the opportunities that part of the contribution of the the international airport will present. government to the project.

Apart from the thrust in agriculture One key point must be mentioned and tourism at the national level, here. The financial package was individuals must position themselves fashioned so as to avoid borrowing large amounts of money. In this way, to take advantage of the many the ULP administration ensured that commercial opportunities that will arise. the country still had the capacity to The airport will require upscale meet other fiscal requirements, such shops and restaurants, taxi services, as salaries and pensions, and the baggage attendants, and the list goes funding of other economic and social projects for the overall development of on. Taxi operators will be required to improve their services, and the Argyle the country. area will become a hub of activity, Contrary to the statements from requiring more services, like the opposition NDP, there was no supermarkets, and motels. choking of the government’s ability Vincentians are excited about the and capacity to borrow or raise international airport project, additional funds for additional work in the country. It may have come as a recognizing that the future looks bright, once the airport becomes surprise to the NDP, that Prime operational in late 2014.

Great job by the NDP THE NDP IS MINDFUL of the manner in which the ULP government managed the relief effort for hurricane Tomas in 2010, and will do all in its power to ensure that such an occurrence is not repeated as per the the distribution of materials to persons who were affected during the Christmas Eve storm. To this end, the NDP has begun to apply the pressure on the government and NEMO, to make sure that all those who were affected by the recent storm are assisted.

Because of the pressure that has been applied by the NDP, it has forced Mr. Fitz Huggins, Consul General in Canada, to call the New Times programme to clarify arrangements that were made by his office and a shipping agent to ship foodstuff and other materials to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for those who were affected by the recent storm. From his call, Mr. Huggins made us aware of the policy of the ULP regime as it relates to shipping materials to the flood victims in St. Vincent; a policy which discriminates against those persons who had materials ready to ship to the NDP. However, the Hon. Arnhim Eustace was on the ball and was able to make contact with the shipping agent to seek further clarification so that the materials for the NDP could be shipped.

Also, Mr. Howie Prince, the head of NEMO, came out of his slumber and called the New Times programme to address issues relating to the distribution of materials by NEMO. Had it not been for the intense scrutiny and pressure by the NDP, these men would have never called the NEW Times programme to try to clear the air on those issues.

from the aftermath of hurricane Tomas. Also, there are residents of Georgetown and surrounding areas who were affected by the storm in 2011 and are yet to receive any assistance from the government, simply because they are perceived to be NDP supporters.

The NDP will continue to reiterate that there are hundreds of Vincentians whose homes were damaged during the passage of hurricane Tomas and have not yet received assistance. A short list of the names of such persons was published in the NDP’s column last week, and the NDP is encouraging persons who have been denied assistance, to call the NEW Times programme or the NDP’s office to give their names, so that we can show the world how wicked and vindictive this ULP administration really is.

NDP relief effort

The Hon. Arnhim Eustace and his executive should be commended for moving promptly to set up their own relief fund, and collecting foodstuff and clothing to assist those who have been affected by the recent storm. It must be made clear that the NDP is not collecting materials to assist its supporters only; the NDP is assisting and will continue to assist all Vincentians, it doesn’t matter their party affiliation. So, for the ULP to say that the NDP is raising money and collecting commodities for their supporters is utter rubbish.

The ULP is stunned at the high level of organisation by a party in Hurricane Tomas and Georgetown opposition, enabling it to implement flooding and effectively manage its own relief programme. This goes to show the This devastation came at a time Vincentian public that the NDP is when our country was recovering ready to govern and would have done slowly from the storm that affected a better job in the management of the the people of Georgetown and other recent disaster in St. Vincent. The residents north of the Rabacca Dry Hon. Arnhim Eustace was out in the River in 2011. Once again those areas affected areas early on Christmas Day were severely affected. However, our assessing the damage. Where was the people are resilient and have begun to Prime Minister? Where were you, rise to the challenge. We have seen a Ralph Gonsalves? Where was heightened community spirit being Maxwell Charles? Maxwell Charles demonstrated in North Leeward and was in the comfort of his home when other parts of the island; where young the Hon. Arnhim Eustace and his men volunteered to carrying pipes to team visited Central Leeward. the mountains, in order to ensure the The NDP visited the affected areas restoration of the water supply in and was able to make an assessment North Leeward, and moved before the government. As a matter of expeditiously to cleaning up in a fact, the NDP was in South Rivers, number of communities.

North Central Windward, distributing In the meantime, most Vincentians water before the Prime Minister. have begun to call on the government Moreover, the NDP parliamentary to ensure that building materials and representatives and candidates of the other relief items being offered by the affected constituencies should be government are given to the persons commended highly for an excellent who have been affected by the storm. job. This again shows the high level of They have made the call because of representation from a party in their experience during the aftermath opposition. Representation is what the of hurricane Tomas in 2010, when electorate of this country is yearning most persons who were severely for, and it can be found in the NDP. affected by the hurricane did not Clearly, the NDP is ready to govern receive any assistance from the the affairs of this country. government. Most of the building The NDP will continue to be materials were given to supporters of vigilant and endeavour to do all in its the ULP and to ULP members who power to ensure that the ruling ULP did not suffer any damage at all. The does not use this disaster to gain known NDP supporters were political mileage in this country. Our overlooked. people must understand that the As a matter of fact, there are government has a responsibility in presently hundreds of poor times of disasters, and they are not Vincentians who are still suffering doing us a favour.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 11.

Views

To be, rather than to seem to be Crisis after Crisis

“A costume is something you put on and pretend that you are what you are wearing. A uniform, on the other hand, reminds you that you are, in fact, what you wear.” — Eunice McGarrahan - Parish Associate at First Presbyterian Church.

MANY OF THIS COLUMN’S readers would regularly wear uniforms. These garments may provide evidence that they are members of a particular group or gathering (i.e. members of a particular school, workplace, police officers, nurses, Red Cross volunteers, members of the Salvation Army, etc.).

And, hopefully, they are proud to be associated with the organisations and groups that they represent. However, not many of us wear costumes for a living. Sometimes we may don these special apparel if we act in plays. And at Christmas time and carnival, it will be customary to see persons engaged in wearing garments that portray a particular season or theme; some may be historic while others will be the figment of someone’s imagination. In any case, the wearing of costumes seems to invite the audience or spectator in figments of imagination. In the case of the wearing of the uniforms, this outward garb signals to others who we are and what we stand for. In relation to the wearing of the costume, this reminds us that individuals are not always who they appear to be. Thus, as we go through life, we are challenged to develop skills in discerning those who “are” from those who “appear to be,” and we are challenged to be genuine in portraying who we really are (deep down inside) and not be caught up in pretending to be who we are not.

The motto of North Carolina, USA, is “To be, rather than to seem (to be)”.

This motto was adopted in 1893.

History records that North Carolina was one of the thirteen original states that declared independence from Britain and that, until then (1893), it was the only state that did not have a motto. The motto was taken from Cicero’s essay “On Friendship”. The Latin expression emerges in Chapter 98 of Cicero’s “De amicitia” where he pens the words “Virtute enim ipsa non tam multi praediti esse quam videri volunt” (Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so).

Over the years, this motto (“Esse quam videri”) has been adopted by a number of schools around the world.

These have included, but not limited to, the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Florida; the Accra Academy High School in Ghana, Africa; the Ashford School in Kent, England; the Beaconsfield Primary School in Tasmania, Australia; the Bennett Instituto Metodista in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil; the Esquimalt High School in British Colombia, Canada; the St. George School in Havana, Cuba; the Taieri High School in Otago, New Zealand; the Cilla Devoto School in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and the War Academy of Chilean Army in

Santiago, Chile. The foregoing provides ample evidence that the motto, and the thoughts generated by it, must be considered to be of universal interest and value.

A motto or a slogan is extremely useful in motivating individuals to pursue a particular goal. It is intended to energize and inspire persons to achieve an expected end.

This motto is no different. It invites individuals to seek to develop character traits that will distinguish them as being genuine; sincere to the core. It invites participants to embrace integrity and to have these noble character traits at the centre of their being so that this becomes who they truly are and avoids them seeking the insincere route of pretending to be such (when they are not). When life’s misfortunes strip away our various support systems and leaves us hurting and vulnerable, the character traits we possess should keep us forever pursuing honesty, integrity and decency. When life’s fortunes take us to the pinnacle of success, and usher us into the courts of prestige and power, those same traits of honesty, decency, justice, mercy, and humility should be evident in our conversations and actions.

Life’s circumstances, whether bad or good, positive or negative, should not alter who we are, when we truly embrace the tenets of the philosophy that is etched into this most noble motto — “To be, rather than to seem (to be)”.

Who are you? And who do you seem to be? Who am I? And who do I appear to be? We are each invited to respond to these probing questions and to challenge ourselves to be true to who we really are at the core (assuming that our desire is to be pure, honest, and kind). And if perchance my objective introspection reveals (or confirms) that I am unhappy with the individual that I see when I remove all the fluff and frills, it behoves me to design and create a better “me”; a more just me; a more merciful me; a more humble me.

And while we play a variety of roles in life (i.e. father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, etc. etc.), these roles will always be better fulfilled if the driving forces in our lives (i.e. who we really are on the inside) are influenced by pure, clean, uplifting, positive motives. When this happens, we can afford to be vulnerable enough to have our inner thoughts and most private deeds exposed and analysed — with nothing to hide. It is at this stage that we can then be, rather than seem to be.

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

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is a small, resource- challenged, developing country. To a large extent, many of us depend on citizens living abroad for survival. Foreign agencies like the World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Union (EU) and to a lesser degree the International Monetary (IMF) provide most of the money we need for basics like building roads and schools, as well as buying basic medicine for the treatment of HIV-AIDS. We have little investment capital.

In this little island of ours, nothing comes easy. The majority of our people live (a) very demanding existence. A little rain or a too prolonged period of sunshine creates strains on our ability to cope. We are best able to get by when everything appears to be and remain in a state of balance.

But this balance is being disturbed.

The frequency with which nature assaults our balance seems to be increasing. In 2010, we were struck

by Hurricane Tomas, and by April 2011, heavy rains caused major damage to the north eastern section of our country, especially Georgetown.

Now the heavy rains of Christmas caused island-wide havoc and destruction, with 9 deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

What is instructive about the April floods of 2011 and the Christmas disaster is that the rains were unseasonal. They were out of character. April represents the very heart of the so-called dry season, and the December floods arrived a full month after the hurricane season should have closed. It means that our weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

There are other changes that I have noticed as well. The most significant is our crop rotation. Others may have detected a change in other fruits and vegetables, but I want to speak of mangoes. When I was a boy, mangoes were in abundance between the months of April and August. In recent times, mangoes appear to come in multiple rotations. It’s January and we can all enjoy a juicy mango.

Is this ‘new’ development because of changes in our temperature and climate, or are the changes because we have imported and planted different species of mangoes? If the availability of mangoes is verified and proves to be as a result of changes in our climate, is this good for our long term sustainability? Those of us who like mangoes may delight in this development; but are there other changes which we may not be paying attention to that portend danger or can become a threat to our very existence on these islands?

Last year, there were no major hurricanes in the region. There were few if any warnings about tropical storms or depressions, only to be slammed by the trough system that proved more deadly and destructive than all of the natural disasters since independence.

Part of the problem with the frequency of these disasters is that they do not impact on our island only.

The recent system caused damage to St Lucia and Dominica. This means that the eyes of the world have to look in a number of different directions as it relates to resources for relief and rehabilitation.

Some persons and institutions may find it difficult to respond and cope with one disaster after the other. Our citizens in the Diaspora have performed yeoman’s service to this nation. They have responded admirably time and again. They have selflessly mobilized their friends, dug deep into their pockets and closets to send money and relief supplies for family, friends and the nation. We owe it to the Diaspora to do something special in their honour.

With all of the goodwill that has come our way, we will have to admit to ourselves that we have not behaved in ways that are always honourable.

Too often we look more at ways in which this or that action may impact on our political fortune than on ways in which they may positively affect our nation.

We will never be able to banish politics from our daily lives. In fact, there should be no desire to banish politics. The ways in which a government responds to a disaster is just as important as the way in which it presides over the economic wherewithal of the country.

In the end, its stewardship during good times and bad times will recommend or condemn the governing party in the collective eye of the electorate. Similarly, the actions of the opposition and other forces will come under the watchful eye of the people. They will be scrutinized by opinion makers. The key point that government and opposition need to know is that those who appear to be most divisive and disruptive of a national response to disaster will be made to pay a heavy price by the electorate. Those who place electoral considerations and their party’s political fortunes ahead of the people must know that people are watching.

I am convinced that whoever plays this disaster right, he who looks first to alleviate the suffering of the people, to mobilize moneys to fix roads and rebuild river defenses washed away by the floods, will not only serve the nation well but will be rewarded by the people politically.

At the conclusion of my VOICES radio show, listeners are reminded to read, pay closer attention to what’s going on around them because ‘what they don’t know can kill them.’ The call is much more than a useful jingle.

It is more like a call to order. We fail to take heed to our detriment.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

War with nature or war with ignorance?

We could do with a national helpline where members of the public can report disaster damage SVG experienced serious floods a few years ago, but it many things could have been done to reduce the and their needs, and also announcements via seems as if little has been learned or done since those effect of disasters. website or radio about where people can get water, floods, in terms of disaster prevention.

We need disaster protection and response teams food, shelter and other assistance.

When Haiti experienced floods a few years ago, in each constituency and island in the Grenadines.

As the United Nations recommends, in terms of the country’s governing élite was severely criticised These teams must be equipped to provide immediate aid, we need funding allocation decisions and by international aid agencies for its refusal to open first response assistance, and feed local information disbursement procedures that have accountability up the political process to opposition parties, and into a national disaster framework. and transparency. free up political debate.

We need warehouses and storage units in each After the last floods, some bridges were The same kind of ignorance is happening in SVG. constituency and island to store emergency supplies destroyed. They seem to have been re-built in exactly the same way, and have been destroyed The SVG Constitution 1979 underpins the such as large water containers, water purification again. They could have been built higher above the democracy, freedoms and rights in our country. In kits, generators, etc., and to ensure proper supply the constitution, the Leader of the Opposition is an management to refill them before any reoccurrence rivers to lessen the chances of damage; but ignorance prevails. important role. Due respect should be given to the of heavy rainfall. We need bigger and additional Even today, we see examples of ignorance in the Leader of the Opposition, no matter who it is. water reservoirs. river at Arnos Vale, where large stones are being The Leader of the Opposition should be involved We need improved modelling and monitoring of removed from the river and sold. Removing these in the planning and reconstruction of SVG in the rainfall and surface water to integrate into early rocks will reduce the stability of the river structure, aftermath of the recent floods. The Leader of the warning systems. The spatial variation of rainfall and could cause the sides to collapse, causing Opposition ‘reported for duty’, but ‘General and models of surface water response to rainfall is blockages in the flow of water.

Ignorance’ has turned him away. This is an insult to critical for improved early warning systems.

We face not a war with nature, but a war with the role of the Leader of the Opposition, and We need improved communications via rapid ignorance, and that is why we need a change of disrespectful to our country’s 1979 constitution. texting, or short-wave radio if the phone service is government. The country mash up!

There is plenty of free information on the disrupted, to report damage and needs during Internet about disaster prevention, but our country emergency events. Hand held devices that can send SVG Green Party is being turned in to a food-aid nation, because photos and simple surveys, provide critical support www.svggreenparty.org ignorance prevails. Since the floods a few years, to coordination and communication efforts.

Ariel Sharon in our own backyard in SVG?!!

I JUST COULD not believe my eyes when I read on FB a joyous note of “Good Riddance” to the deceased, former Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon from one of my friends and comrades. This comes at a time when some of us Vincentians won’t have to go too far afield to find our own Ariel Sharon.

To my mind, therefore, the People Movement For Change’s(PMC) call for unity between the two main political leaders is by far very inadequate to address the hurt afflicted upon some Vincentians who express, in one form or another, a preference for a political party other than the Unity Labour Party.

Such a Unity call does little or nothing for the 88year-old grand-mother who called in on radio to complain about the neglect after suffering damage to her roof during hurricane Tomas in 2010. She even stated that she was asked about who she votes for, and she told them that she votes for God. Then there is Mrs. Russell from Georgetown who claims that she is an active supporter and member of the NDP, and during an election campaign, a leading ULP person told her that he would deal with her. The outcome, she believes, is that she gets no help after losing her home, a business and two vehicles during hurricane Tomas of 2010 and the 2011 freak floods. Further, it is claimed that PM Gonsalves went on air very recently to say that Mrs.

Russell might have got no help because she has two houses.

What about Pointer Douglas’ claim of the woman who, days after the Christmas Eve flood, thought it necessary to travel to Kingstown to get herself some ULP stickers to increase her chances of getting relief for the damage to her property... The question must be: Who in this time was or is issuing party stickers to these survivors?

And of course, there is the matter of Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel and his claim that for the last three years, he has been going through the same emotional and other trauma as the survivors of the Christmas Eve flood and the natural disasters before that. The only difference is that the cause of his trauma comes directly from officials in the Unity Labour Party Government who summarily revoked his land excavation licence. He has had no chance to make right the allegations of ‘actual or potential’ wrong doing. Even the equipment which he could have used elsewhere to make a living was decommissioned. Such actions by a progressive ULP administration has left to starve to death Bigger Bigs and his children, 68 employees and their families and all at the same time that ULP bigwigs amass shares in all kinds of business entities in SVG, especially in the construction industry .... Last night, this one time multimillion business man Bigger Bigs admitted that he sometimes asks friends to send him credit to his telephone.

More apt is that the PMC is well aware of the inappropriate politicization of almost everything under this ULP administration, and this is evident in the I-Witness News story dubbed “Non-Partisan

group fears Gov’t will politicize disaster relief”: http://www.iwnsvg.com/2014/01/09/non-partisangroup-fears-govt-will-politicise-disaster-relief/ In addition to the wanton discrimination at home in SVG, as recently as last Sunday and days after the PMC’s call for Unity between the two political leaders in parliament, Prime Minister Gonsalves allegedly called in on a Toronto-based radio to say that the New Democratic Party was collecting disaster relief donations only for members of their party. I am sure there will be no lawsuit coming from this.... In fact, Consul General Fitz Huggins, in his call yesterday from Toronto to NICE radio, was at pains to make the point that he was only implementing the government policy, which some of us alleged to be discriminating against Vincentians who do not support the government disaster relief effort.

So how far away from reality is Lennox Daisley’s interesting, if not frightening, Face Book observation of the situation in SVG? “For a long time now, I have been observing the striking resemblance between Ralph and Sharon.

The way he talks and looks around as if to get approval of/for whatever he was saying; even his gait - the sort of bad-john way he walked around, jacket barely getting around his girth, with hordes of his trusted security men at his elbow, seemingly ready to fight - is reminiscent of the local scene at Chateaubelair when ours nearly got into a fight with a resident; or the time in Kingstown when he used his middle finger to ward off an individual, whom he described as unorthodox, etc.

“But, the similarities might not merely be skin deep! Sharon’s military-oriented and warlike politics; his merciless treatment of people who were different, or not in his camp, seems a virtual mirror image.

Am I merely hallucinating?”

Implicit in Daisley’s observation is that we need to look closer to the actual or potential Ariel Sharons in our own backyard before we condemn others, especially those who cry for injustice meted out to them on the basis of their political party affiliations or other forms of dissent or unorthodox differences.

Luzette King Host of Global Highlights

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 13.

Religion

Anglican induct first female priest-in-charge

“Have faith in God and yourself,” Rev. Jones THE ANGLICAN CHURCH advised. has inducted its first The Reverend Father female priest in the confessed that the church Windwards Island. has changed. “When I On Monday, The Right was ordained, there were Reverend C. Leopold only male servers, all Friday, Bishop of the white priests.”

Windward Islands, He has witnessed inducted Reverend immense change, Eleanor Candasie “including the first Glasgow as Priest-InVincentian Bishop,” Charge of the St. James referring to Bishop Paris Church, Layou and Leopold Friday. “We live St. Mary, Buccument. in a changing world,” he The service of emphasized. institution and He further encouraged celebration took place at the newly Instituted the St. James Parish priest to stand her moral Church, Layou, in front ground, and to rest on of a packed congregation the shoulders of those consisting of family who came before her, friends, parishioners, even as she fulfills her present and former commitment to the politicians and clergy church. colleagues.

Rev’d Jones told the The usual protocol church that the evening’s associated with the service marks the Institution of a priest beginning of the new was observed. ministry, and it takes on a significant role with Changing times the first female priest.

by KENVILLE HORNE

Delivering the homily, Reverend Father Ulric Jones said he felt honoured to be the preacher at the event. He appealed to the newly elected priest to begin her journey in God.

The presentation Following the Rev’d Fr. Jones, sermon, there was the presentation of the priest-in-charge by The Venerable J. Everton Weekes.

“We believe that she is well qualified and that she has been prayerfully and lawfully selected,” the Venerable Weekes testified.

Bishop Friday then inquired of Rev’d Glasgow her willingness to commit herself to the trust and responsibility of being a priest, to which Rev’d Glasgow replied, “I am willing to do so with the help of God”. Bishop Leopold also asked Rev’d Glasgow if she believes that God has called her to “this ministry” and she responded in the affirmative.

Bishop Leopold then prayed for Rev’d Glasgow as priest-in-charge of the parish, and enquired of all who witnessed the new beginning, if they were willing to support and uphold the priest and her family while working with her “in this new ministry”, to which the congregation answered “ With God’s help, we will”.

Rev’d Glasgow was presented the keys to the church, and there was a ceremonial opening of the church.

The reading of licence

Left: Rev. Eleanor Glasgow declares her willingness and preparedness to submit to the responsibilities of being a priest-in-charge. as priest-incharge was done by the Diocesan Registerar, Grenville John. Then there was an announcement by the Bishop, who proclaimed “Meet your new priest.”

The congregation showed approval by applauding loudly.

Above: There was an outpouring of acceptance for the new priest-in-charge.

Holiness Church until her conversion to the Anglican faith during her time at Christ Church Girls Foundation School, Barbados. Her passage to priesthood was motivated by her high Her background regard for her Sunday school teacher.

Rev’d Glasgow was not Glasgow was raised in born into the Anglican Barbados where she faith. Her background obtained a first degree was the Wesleyan and later a Master’s

degree in Theology at Codrington College In 2011, Rev’d Glasgow became the first female Deacon in the Windward Islands Diosese of the Anglican Church.

She is married to Vincentian Christian Glascow who is the Archdeacon of the Anglican Community in Grenada.

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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Stacy Mercury (second from left) donated a play pen and adult diapers for relief effort. Others in photo, L-R: Lance Davis, Dr. Desmond Browne and Shirlon France.

COSAGO executives Earl Horne (left) and President Lavern McDowaldThompson taking a break from relief efforts.

Relief efforts in U.S. to continue for another six months Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT RELIEF EFFORTS in the United States to help the homeland in the wake of the tragic Christmas Eve storm that claimed nine lives and left a trail of destruction, may continue for another six months, according to the deputy chairman of the Brooklyn, New York-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Relief Steering Committee, Edson Augustus.

“We were told by PS Nathaniel Williams that the relief project in St.

Vincent and the Grenadines will go on for the next six months,” said Augustus in updating THE VINCENTIAN about his group’s activities, referring to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who held an emergency meeting, on Saturday, with the Committee, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

“It means, therefore, that we will need to continue — whether on a large or small scale — as the need arises,” added Augustus, who is also Deputy New York Consul General and a former Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor

Some volunteers listening to briefing by Deputy New York Consul General Edson Augustus.

at home.

Augustus, who hails from Richland Park, said two 40ft. containers of relief supplies — comprising, among other things, medical supplies, food, clothing, water, toiletries, household items, pampers, diapers, toys and books for children — “have already been packed and sealed to be shipped off.”

Former Richmond Hill (renamed Thomas Saunders He also said Secondary School) teachers Joslyn Burnett another 40 ft. (foreground) and Dofflyn Cox-King among volunteers container of supplies sorting clothes for shipment home. was expected to be completed later this The Edinboro native said SPOONY is week for shipment home. now focused on providing relief supplies Arrangements were being made to to residents of Fitz Hughes, a have the containers shipped home “as Chateaubelair suburb, in North quickly as possible and at a minimal Leeward. cost.”

Last week, the group donated 10 The relief supplies are currently barrels, a large box and a pallet of relief stored at Standard Shippers, 3116 supplies to its homeland.

Clarendon Rd., Brooklyn, before It also donated EC$3,000 to the shipment home.

Nanton family in Rose Bank, who lost The Friends of Crown Heights their house and five members in the Educational Center had served as the storm, and gave EC$1,000 to Leotha chief operating venue for relief supplies Hackshaw, of South Rivers, who also in New York before Standard Shippers, lost her home through the storm. whose owner is Biabou-native, Gideon All items from Spoony are addressed “Fessy” Yorke, took over. to the Red Cross, in care of the National The very first shipment of relief Emergency Management Organization supplies — comprising 77 barrels and (NEMO), Augustus and Howard including food items, clothes, medicine, confirmed. water and toiletries — was transported Former NDP minister Jerry Scott is free of cost by Amerijet. It arrived at Spoony’s local liaison, Howard said.

E.T. Joshua airport on Jan. 2.

“This is a crisis, and this is a serious That was followed last week by a 40 one, too,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. ft. container of similar items, plus tools “This is not a political thing.” and shoes.

In the continuing relief effort, the Augustus described as a major Brooklyn-based Vincentian American success a “CanFest” on Sunday night, at Adventist Association (VAAA), in Café Omar in Brooklyn, organized by collaboration with the New York Junior Goodluck, son of Linus Consulate General, is staging, on Sat., Goodluck, Superintendent of Her Jan. 18, at 6:00 pm, a gospel concert.

Majesty’s Prisons in St. Vincent and the The event takes place at the Boys Grenadines. and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Patrons had to supply five cans of Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant food items, to aid in the relief effort, in section of Brooklyn. order to be admitted to the event.

Then, on Feb. 8, the three Vincentian Augustus said 12 barrels of foodstuff divas, calling themselves, BMZ and two barrels of other supplies were Production — Bernadette Saunders, collected from about 400 patrons.

Monique Ingrid Neverson and Zulema Meantime, Douglas Howard, the George — will host a fashion show to aid newly-elected president of the Brooklyn- primarily the pediatric ward at the based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Progressive Organization of New York Kingstown.

(SPOONY), an arm of the main The show, dubbed ‘Rip the Runway’ opposition New Democratic Party is held in collaboration with the New (NDP), said his group will continue to York Consulate General. aid in the relief efforts.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 15.

Arts and Culture Bajan Sensation Cover Drive – one of the headliners in Bequia.

Bajan Band of the Year 2014 Soka Kartel, another headliner.

B Bequia equia i Mount Mountt Gay Gay Music Mus sic Fest Fe est 2014!

2014 2 4!

IT’S JUST ONE WEEK TO GO before the Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest kicks off its 11th anniversary four-day music-filled weekend in Bequia. Patrons from St. Vincent and visitors to Bequia from all over the world will be treated to mega-watt performances from Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, who will close out the weekend on Sunday afternoon with the grand Mount Gay finale, plus UK chart-topping Cover Drive and 2014 Band of the Year Soka Kartel from Barbados who will headline the Saturday night show at De Reef.

Opening honours for the Music Fest go to the Frangipani Hotel, where the fabulous 13-piece Elite Steel Orchestra from St. Vincent will perform on Thursday 23rd January from 9pm.

Thanks to Basil Charles, on Friday 24th January, the Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest once again welcomes The Mustique Blues Festival to

The One & Only Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus from SVG.

Bequia for one night only.

Dana Gillespie and the London Blues Band and her guest artistes will guarantee another thrilling night’s entertainment dedicated to the Blues at its very best.

Headlining this year are stunning American electric blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland, “Best New Blues Artist” Zac Harmon from Jackson Mississippi, British Blues guitar legend Ian Siegal, and the extraordinary Dino Baptiste on keyboard.

On Saturday 25th from 12.30pm, the Bequia Beach Hotel in Friendship will be the venue for a hot and cool Afternoon Jam by the beach, featuring visiting and locally-based musicians from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s a chilled afternoon of music in the hotel’s beautiful gardens and, best of all - admission is free!

Saturday night is Music Fest fete night at De Reef.

Debuting in Bequia this year on a massive wave of anticipation are not one but two headlining bands – UK Chart topping Cover Drive who opened for Rihanna in Barbados, Barbado os, and Barbados’ sensa-soca sensa tion Soka Kartel. Also performing is extraor-the extraor dinarily gifted

Right: Bequia's Country Relatives.

young band NJ30+, featuring Marius Charlemagne, guitar virtuoso Toby Armstrong, and Bequia’s own Infinity, who will open the Saturday night show.

The ever popular Music Fest Sunday by the beach will see the legendary Vincentian calypsonian Becket closing out the weekend at the massive Mount Gay Finale at De Reef in Lower Bay. Huge crowds are expected to come for Becket’s first performance in Bequia for nearly twenty years.

Also performing on Sunday afternoon will be the Bequia “Kids on Pan” Steel Orchestra, Bequia's Country Relatives, Jazz, Blues and Rock by the Denzil Bacchus Blues Band, the Bequia Blues Band and other guest appearances.

Tickets for all shows are on sale at Quik Print in St. Vincent, and in Bequia at the Bequia Tourism Office, Lina’s Delicatessen, De Reef, Bequia Beach Hotel, Bequia Technology Center, Vintages and the Frangipani Hotel.

Tickets prices are EC$65 for advance single night

tickets (EC$75 on the door. Tickets for Sunday afternoon are EC$20 (EC$25 on the door). An advance “weekender ticket” for all three ticketed events is available for a bargain EC$140.

Admission is free to the Frangipani on Thursday and to the Jazz 'n' Blues Jam by the Beach on Saturday afternoon at the Bequia Beach Hotel.

The Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest is only possible because of the enthusiastic support it receives from local businesses. Apart from Title Sponsorship from Mount Gay Rum (Barbados), the event also receives Gold Sponsorship from LIME, the Bequia Beach Hotel, and SVG Ministry of Tourism/SVG Tourism Authority, Silver Sponsorship from the St. Vincent Brewery, and additional sponsorship from Air Adelphi, Frangipani Hotel, De Reef, CRS Music & Media, (Barbados), Admiralty Transport Co. Ltd., L’Auberge des Grenadines

Electric blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland guests with the Mustique Blues Festival. and Quik-Print (St. Vincent), the Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest is also generously supported by Basil’s Bar Mustique, Nice Radio, Mountain Top Springs Water, Julie’s Guest House, Mac’s Pizzeria, Vintages Bequia (Agents for Mount Gay Rum), Doris’ Fresh Food, Bequia Technology Center, WAG Service Station, Nichols Garage St. Vincent, Compass Publishing and Outhouse Graphics.

For more information visit www.begos.com/bequiamusicfest and www.facebook.com/bequiamusicfest

16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 17.

18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 19.

News

CRDH assists disaster victims

by KENVILLE HORNE THE CANOUAN RESORTS DEVELOPMENT Holdings (CRDH) has come to the assistance of persons affected by the 2013 Christmas Eve floods.

Last Sunday, January 12, Public Relations Officer of CRDH, Camille Crichton, Camile Crichton, PRO/CRDH (extreme right) led a team that distributed relief items to shelters on the Leeward and a team including CRDH including this one at Rose Bank. employees, Keneisha Austin Shelter Manager at Spring Village, and Laverne Williams, journeyed to Heather Stewart, said that the 30 the South Central Leeward and North persons housed at that shelter are Leeward areas to distribute food very happy that CRDH employees and items, clothing, bedding (sheets and the people of Canouan could come to pillow cases) and toys to the their assistance.

Emergency Shelters in those areas.

“We can never stop saying thanks Crichton explained that on hearing to persons who consider us and put us of the disaster, the people of Canouan as a priority. … What you are bringing and the CRDH employees moved gives them hope, and they appreciate hastily to mobilize and collect the it, no matter how big or small. items that have now been donated.

Whatever it is, we are grateful,” “They wanted to help because they Stewart commented. realized that a lot of persons were In Rose Bank which sustained affected and needed help,” said major damage and 5 deaths, the Crichton. donations were a much needed boost Distribution of items was made at for those in the shelter. shelters in Rillan Hill, Spring Village, Shelter Manager Erel LaBorde said Rose Bank and Fitz Hughes. that the Rose Bank community was The Shelter Managers in the severely affected, and 92 persons are various areas expressed thanks to the presently at the shelter. management and staff at CRDH, and “This is a very good gesture, and we people of Canouan. are very happy,” she stressed.

Shelter Manager at Rillan Hill, Coordinator of the North Leeward Stephen Derby, said that 22 persons shelters, Dora James, stressed that are housed at his shelter. He stressed the persons housed at the Golden that some of the persons that have Grove Learning Resource Centre in taken up refuge lost everything during Chateaubelair (eight families equaling the floods.

25 persons) were very happy to receive “Anything we receive is a definite the help. She explained that the help to them, so we are very grateful,” donations would go a long way in said Derby. helping the people at the shelters.

Film, Fine Arts, Fashion Festival scheduled THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE within the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture will host its 6th Annual Film, Fine Arts and Fashion Festival between Tuesday 28th January, and Saturday 1st,February, 2014.

Against the backdrop of the effects of the 2013 Christmas Eve rains and floods, the Festival has taken the theme, ‘Take Care of the Earth.

Festival activities will commence on Tuesday28th at the North Union Learning Resource Centre and Georgetown Secondary School. They continue on Wednesday 29th at Barrouallie Learning Resource Centre, , and Thursday 30th, Friday, 31st and Saturday, 1st February at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown.

The Closing Ceremony takes place

at the Peace Memorial Hall at 4:30 pm on Friday 31st January, to accommodate the benefit concert scheduled for Saturday evening.

The five-day activity, a travelling exhibition, will include the showcasing pieces of art collected from students around the country, and other local artists; short films by local producers/amateurs or other foreign individuals; and a cross section of fashion from students and other designers, which include clothing, bags, hats, jewelry, and accessories.

Activities are expected to conclude with what organizers describe as “an energetic fashion show.”

The Festival is expected to include an energetic fashion show, a video show and other forms of entertainment.

V Has SVG become an 'ass-assi-nationÊ?

20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

was dealt with would have resulted in a situation which would not have been to the benefit of the state or to the honour of the administrators.

I do not know Mr. Sam personally, but I read his writings in the newspapers before he went to NEMO, and the story reaching me, is that at NEMO, he was not given anything much to do. That, to

by LEROY PROVIDENCE citizens of St. Vincent and the to the historic document. What country had become, an “assmy mind, is a waste of human assi-nation,” and its citizens a shame! Particularly when Grenadines were satisfied resources and a waste of Some of the factors which were being “ass-assinated”. when the Government and the one considers that the Prime money. Who could have felt in prompt the query stem from the Teachers Union signed an The expert intelligence Minister is himself a lawyer of his spirit a sense of issues which have sapped our gathering, the expertise of repute and of many years’ agreement to implement that satisfaction in the engineering energy and impeded our security personnel including experience. What a waste of principle. When our Prime of that debilitating development, particularly during Minister signed that the venerable Sir Vincent good time and valuable arrangement? the last dozen years. Following Beache, may well have been agreement, he had the benefit resources! The haunting If the authorities felt that are a few examples. the basis on which Dr. question is: Are there any of the advice of the Attorney Mr. Sam was overstepping his Probably more than twenty General, whose duty it is to other documents to which our Gonsalves had been limits, I feel sure that years ago, the discussion was make sure that the Prime Minister has affixed his emboldened to make that measures in harmony with initiated, that public servants government’s business is historic pronouncement. Had signature which may be, at justice and reasonableness, should be able to offer those skills and intelligence conducted with legal propriety. some time, deemed to be could have been devised to themselves for service as been put to work in the invalid?

So we have today the sad appropriately deal with Mr. parliamentarians and if they No wonder then, that some Banana Industry, those situation where three of our Sam, allowing him to play his were not elected, should have sharpest and disciplined are inclined to ask, “Has SVG important documents which part in the development of our been able to re-enter the become an ass-assi-nation?” had gone missing in the minds are being prevented country. service without any from having their skills It may be pertinent to note “vastness of territory” in the A great disservice was done, impairment to the years of here that when Glen Jackson, Ministry of Agriculture, might as in Otto Sam’s case, so with utilized by the state. The service they had previously have been located soon argument presented is lost on the Prime Minister’s Press those other three teachers, accrued. enough, to be passed on to the and our country has been many of us. We cannot accept Secretary, was murdered, During this discussion over that after all the history of the Prime Minister Gonsalves, Ministry of Finance, by the unnecessarily debilitated and the years, there had never calling from abroad, informed Chief Agricultural Officer, and pained, in those exercises. issue, the desires of the been any dissenting voice as the nation that Glen Jackson so avoid the crippling of our community cannot be As I was saying, I always far as I remember. The idea implemented because the had been “assassinated”. That Banana Industry by the ‘Black felt that NEMO would be was thought to be progressive, signed agreement has been is how that ugly word entered Sigatoka’ disease. tarnished and discredited giving our trained people To me, this is a graphic case because of the way they deemed to be unconstitutional. into our local circumstance. opportunity to serve at a of what could be labelled “ass- treated Otto. In the reversal Some may be inclined to say If that is so, we must “higher level”. The populace assination”. that that pronouncement conclude that the Attorney of letters, Otto will still be seemed to have accepted the I had always suspected, yes Otto, but NEMO would be General had not properly represented the argument and there was no commencement or the I had the sneaking suspicion, advised the Prime Minister OMEN. Then potentially, an objection. On that premise, the before he affixed his signature validation, which our dear that the way that Otto Sam omen of “ass-assination”.

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money. Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible. Anger might lead to carelessness and minor Injuries. You can write beautiful love letters this week.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Try to satisfy both of your needs. Put your energy into self-improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you. Accept the inevitable. Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Time spent with family, children, or good friends will be regenerating and positive. If you're already in a relationship, use this added energy passionately.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Don't gamble unless you can afford to lose. You will be ready to jump on anyone who gets in the way of your progress this week. Don't overspend on friends or children. Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Don't make any unreasonable promises.

Make love, not war, and all will be fine.

Include the whole family or those you love. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging roman tic connections. Lack of funds may add stress to your already uncertain situation. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Move forward if you want to turn your life around. You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner. Your talents are likely to be discovered. You need to be around friends and family.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Realize that you don't have to do everything yourself. Make changes in your domestic scene. Either way, you're up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Travel will also entice you. Deceit around you is evident. You can pick up information that will give you an edge.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Comfort is a necessity. Check your motives. Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline. Get involved in competitive sports. Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Be sure to double-check the house on your way out. You will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to the bottom of things. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Others may want to steal your thunder when they realize your ideas are pretty solid. Family responsibilities are escalating. Don't let others know about your private affairs. Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices.

ACROSS

one 50. Badminton 1.From __ Z (wds.) divider 4. Appendage 51. __ carte 8. Main and (2 wds.)

Sesame (abbr.)

52. Elevations 11. Cut awkwardly (abbr.)

12. Garfield’s 53. Motorists’ gp. canine pal 13. Teacup flaw DOWN 14. “April Love” singer (2 wds.)

1.Swiss peak 16. Verdi work 2. Burnt __ crisp 17. Authorizes (2 wds.)

18. “__ birthday!” 3. Make a 20. Love, Italianselection style 4. Attractive one, 23. Mutt moniker slangily 24. Lifting device 5. Vows exchan25. Scott work ged at the 29. Wind dir. altar (2 wds.)

30. Fixed charge 6. Hr. part 31. Angled annex 7. Apiary sight 32. Panacea 8. Boat 35. Releases 9. Put in order 37. Cattle poker 10. Mudpack 38. Mountain inn locale 39. __ printer 13. Certain 41. Pod occupant chicken 42. Type of dancer 15. Tedious one (hyph.)

19. Dentists’ 43. Engrave group (abbr.)

48. Damson 20.

Actor 49. Frisbee, for

Guinness 21. List of entrees 22. Finished 23. Soccer player’s locale 26. Follow orders 27. Fashion designer Cassini 28. When all __ fails…

30. Miami’s state 33. __ salts 34. Exist 35. Particles 36. Simba’s warning

39. Recline lazily 40. Drink for Juan 41. Furtive whisper 42. Grade point Average (abbr.)

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 21.

44. Nothing 45. __ nutshell (2 wds.)

46. “Maude’ star Arthur 47. Airline schedule abbr.

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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Wedding plans woes

finance your wedding, I December is some Try not to lose your think they have taken it ways off, and there cool over this. You can a little too far in might be enough time for gently let your in-laws MY FIANCÉE and I have dictating to you the you and your fiancée to know that it is still your agreed that we get wedding, and while you married in December. The length of your guest list. save enough to have a downsized wedding, if appreciate their gesture trouble I am having is that Frankly, I do not think your list is that is what it would of agreeing to pay for my fiancée’s parents have have to be. Of course, everything, you are volunteered to pay for the ridiculous, but if your future in-laws think so, there is always the prepared to put it entire wedding, seeing then give them the option of putting it off to off until you can save that my parents simply option of keeping their a later date to give you enough to pay for it cannot afford to do so. yourselves. End of story!

We have a guest list of money, thus allowing you enough time to save to have a wedding that enough to suit your plans one hundred and fifty, and wishes.

George and my in-laws to be are you can afford. saying that the list is too long, and we must cut it in half. I told my fiancée that this is ridiculous, seeing that have possibly transpired in my Dear George, they are the ones who absence. I have not had to worry said they would pay. We about my husband before this sort of I CAME HOME one day, to find three never asked them! My behaviour, and I am very crushed by different sizes of female underwear position is it’s either you are paying or you are not (thongs) in my bedroom. My husband it. I am not sure what I want to do now. is at home on vacation, and that day paying!

So here we are at a when I left the house, there was Humiliated stalemate, and that’s nothing of the sort there. I know so why I am writing to ask because I cleaned the room before your advice.

Dear humiliated, leaving.

I asked him about it, and he tried JC When you are not sure what to do, to play dumb, telling me he did not the best thing is to do nothing know what I was talking about. I Dear JC, showed him the underwear, which by until you have thought everything through and are absolutely certain Although it was a nice the way had ‘stuff’ on them, and he about your next move. That too is the said someone may be trying to frame gesture for your fiancée’s best time to go see a marriage him. parents to volunteer to counsellor to help you to sort your I do not want to think what could thoughts out. You do not want to be in a situation where you end up doing something that you would later regret.

As for your husband’s denial of knowledge of those pieces of women’s underwear, he should have come clean at that point. Three possible counts of infidelity is quite difficult to argue when the evidence is staring you in the face.

If he had to say something when you confronted him, it was better he had said, ‘YOU GOT ME!’

Dear George,

Strange underwear in my bedroom

George

Giving in to a weakness Dear George, I CALLED a friend of my husband to come to the house to talk to my husband, to beg him to stop putting his hands on me. He came over and did as I asked, and my husband apologized, but left the house in vexation. He was out for about 3 hours and came back highly intoxicated. He was so out of it that he fell asleep on the sofa.

His friend was about to leave when it began to rain, with thunder and lightning. Whenever it rains like that, I get a certain kind of romantic feeling, and I mentioned that to my husband’s friend, only to have him come on to me. I ended up having sex with him, and now I am feeling so guilty. I was caught at a weak moment, and now I regret it deeply.

Mince Dear Mince, You ought to know that your husband does not have the right to physically abuse you, and you need to do something about that, other than calling on his friends to assist you. He needs professional help at this point. From all appearances, he seems to have a problem, not only with being abusive but also with alcohol.

You need to ask yourself some hard questions whether or not you want to remain in an abusive relationship which is linked in some way to you becoming emotionally vulnerable, and an easy prey to anyone who shows your affection. A true friend of your husband will not take advantage of you when you are at your lowest and asking for help.

Get some professional help as soon as you can.

Maybe in the end, you may be able to save your marriage, if that is, in fact, what you want to do.

George

V ECGC shows that it cares

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 23.

Reiief

one of many companies were recipients of water that came to the and the food packages assistance of fellow from ECGC were: Vincentians.

Chateaubelair, Rose The management and Hall, Troumaca, Coulls staff of ECGC personally Hill, Spring Village, delivered over sixty Gordon Yard, Walliabou, thousand gallons of Keartons, Barrouallie, drinking water, as well Campden Park, Clare as up to 500 bales of Valley, Vermont, THE TORRENTIAL RAINS of packaged flour and over Lowmans, Georgetown, Christmas Eve 2013 50 cases of canned food Spring & O’Briens brought much sadness to items. In addition, the lives of many C.K Greaves & Vincentians as they Co. along with suffered the loss of lives, Allan Smith extensive infrastructural bakeries and property damage, as partnered with well as the daily basic ECGC to produce conveniences of living. and deliver in Many members of our excess of 1,600 business community rose bags of “penny” to the cause in an bread to the unprecedented display of length and social responsibility, and breadth of the poured resources into all island for several affected communities. days.

Food packages were also handed out to persons affected The East Caribbean Group The of Companies, (ECGC), is communities who by the rains.

Editor’s Note: The following is a statement from the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGc) with respect to its outreach to persons affected by the rains and floods of Chrsitmas Eve 2013.

KARIB CABLE hands out relief assistance KARIB CABLE/COLUMBUS Communications has joined the ranks of corporate citizens here who have responded to the needs of persons displaced by the Christmas 2013 floods.

On January 6, 2014, a team from the triple-service (cable television, internet and telephony) providers, presented supplies, including school supplies, food items and clothing, valued at $3,500.00, to the Rose Bank Community shelter.

In a release on Monday, Karib Cable described their recent act of benevolence as yet another demonstration of its commitment to “give back to the community”, Melissa DaSilva, Marketing Executive especially in a time of dire need as per the persons affected by the recent KC (left front), makes presentation to Ms. Louie, Shelter Manager, in the trough system. company of KC staffers Franklyn Fraser and Alenda Guy (centre).

UWI mobilises support for SVG THE MANAGEMENT, STAFF and Students of The University of the West Indies Open Campus extend deep condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the floods and landslides of December 24-25, 2013.

We empathise with all our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes, their possessions, and in some cases, their means of livelihood in this disaster.

Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Open Campus, Professor Hazel Simmons- McDonald, upon hearing of the disasters in Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, immediately launched a region wide campaign involving all Country Sites and Departments of the Open Campus, to bring relief to the affected islands. Bank accounts have also been

established for the receipt of monetary donations.

The first shipment arrived from the Open Campus, Barbados, via the Barbados Coast Guard on Sunday 29th December, with a second shipment on the 31st.

Since then, the National Emergency Management Organization has received supplies from the Open Campus Trinidad and Tobago, kindly transported via the Trinidad Army, on December 31.

Supplies were also delivered to the Trinidad Red Cross for shipment to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross. Shipments of food, water and other supplies are expected from open Campus Country Sites in the ensuing weeks and months.

(Contributed)

Village, South Rivers, Mannings, Fancy and Magum.

The main focus of the effort was that of ensuring benefits and some relief to persons

who were unable to be placed in shelters.

The Management and staff of ECGC continue to encourage the affected families and communities to exercise

strength and resilience in the face of these trying circumstances, as we all as a unified nation rally to keep up the hope that there is a brighter dawn ahead.

ECGC joined the national appeal to provide portable water to affected communities.

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Minister Francis praised ,TRANSPORT AND WORKS Minister Senator Julian Francis has been praised by Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, Nicole Bonadie-Baker.

She was speaking in her capacity as Chairperson of the Shelter Management SubCommittee.

Baker disclosed that the Shelters “opened promptly.”

She noted some readying had

to be done on some of the centres, but within an hour, showers were in place and toilets were working.

She paid tribute to the Infrastructure Committee.

The Permanent Secretary described Senator Francis as: “The man of business. He gets things done,” Baker stated.

She kept her role modest, and spoke of having arranged

for supplies of water to those shelters, and of using her links with the relevant authorities to ensure that the Shelters provided adequate comfort.

For example, she tapped into the School Feeding Supplies, and by December 28, $13,000 of stores was provided to Shelters.

Nurses visited the Shelters to take care of pregnant ladies and young children. In the case of the Shelter at Rillan Hill, cubicles were put in and doors with locks placed. (WKA)

Ottley Hall man fined for ganja A MAN WHO WAS nabbed while police were conducting random searches at Ottley Hall on Monday was fined $700 when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court the following day, charged with possession of 223 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Kevin Warren was ordered to pay $400 forthwith and the balance in one month. In default, he would go to prison for three months.

Members of the Rapid

Response Unit (RRU) arrested the 35-year-old Ottley Hall labourer around 5:40 p.m. when he alighted a passenger van at Ottley Hall, with a pink Jansport knapsack on his back. The lawmen approached him, identified themselves as police officers, and requested a search to which Warren consented.

A search, of the knapsack revealed a black plastic bag containing marijuana. When cautioned Warren told the police, “Is a small ting.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 25.

Business

Winners in the Super J Christmas promotion JENQUETTE JCOBS (2nd from left) of Sharpes Dale, won a first prize of a room makeover from Fine Things Ltd and $ 1000 worth of shopping from Super J/Save A Lot. Angello Franklyn (centre) of Upper Cane Hall, won a second prize of a $500 food voucher from RUBIS and a Christmas Hamper from Super J and Save A Lot. Others pictured are Anasha Crooke (left), representative of Fine Things; Petra Plato, Marketing and Corporate Communication Assistant at Save A Lot/ Super J; and Denise Ashton, Front End Store Supervisor Save A Lot.

Winners in Fine Things Christmas Promotion FINETHINGS extended Christmas cheer to its customers with two $500.00 room make overs.

Derron Liverpool collects his winner’s voucher from Fine Things representative Anasha Crooke.

Gaileen Mofford (right) collects certificate of victory from Anasha Crook, Fine Things Rep.

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 27.

SVGFF First VP pledges to help needy children said to smiles and applause of appreciation from the delegates and KENTON OLLIVIERRE, newly elected First members of the media.

Vice-president of the St. Vincent and the And confident of making a change Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), in the sport, Ollivierre has pledged to will use his monthly stipend of meet with those involved in soccer EC1200.00 from the organisation, to across the island in an effort to assist assist half a dozen needy children in an image-changing exercise. connected to the sport of football.

This was among the promises made The Contest

by Ollivierre prior to his election to the post vacated by Lloyd Small a few Ollivierre was elected to the onemonths ago, amid problems with before- the- top position at the president Federation’s Special Meeting last Venold Saturday, at its offices at Bentick Coombs.

Square.

“Being the He was able to rein in a spirited generous challenge from Osborne Bowens, one person that I said to have been favoured by certain am….if sitting executive members. Ollivierre elected, I came away a 28-17 victor. There were plan to 46 clubs eligible to cast ballots this donate 50% time, unlike the near 80 in previous of the stipend elections. for the entire The race, which at the close of duration of nomination appeared to be a five- man my tenure, to contest, saw the other candidates in six needy Elroy Boucher, Clemroy Francois and children Wayne Grant pulling out at various within the Osborne Bowens times in the lead- up to Saturday’s made a go of it, but football meeting, and throwing their support will have to await fraternity, to behind Ollivierre. another opportunity to assist with The Elections were conducted in sit on the SVGFF their what has now become the expected executive. schooling,” he and customary miasma of confusion,

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

The voting process in action at last Saturday’s Special Meeting of the SVGFF. with efforts made by clubs supporting Bowens seeking to get their members to vote as proxy for absentees. In fact, it was revealed that, despite a representative of the SVG Coast Guard being present, attempts were made to collect the ballot for the organisation.

“Imagine Coast Guard dey ya and wan ah di bigges rif raf war go vote fuh dem,” one member of the meeting was heard to have said.

In the end, with all looking on with rapt attention as the votes were counted, Ollivierre eased past the 24 votes threshold and added another three for comfort to take the position, triggering smiles and grimaces from the respective camps.

Talking to the members “Let me thank all those who came out to support Mr. Bowens or myself.

It shows that persons still genuinely have the game at heart. I am humbled and very appreciative that I was given your vote of confidence. Our work to

improve football has just begun,” Ollivierre said, a shy smile covering his face.

“You can be assured that I will approach your work with Kenton Ollivierre diligence. I intend intends to hold to make the rounds dialogue with members/clubs throughout the throughout the island to get a state. better understanding of your individual needs,” he added.

The new VP then urged delegates to contact him with ideas, suggestions or concerns which are germane to move the sport forward.

Ollivierre, who would be handling the area of technical matters on the Federation, told THE VINCENTIAN that he would be using some part of a development plan provided to him by former Technical Director Sammy Carrington, as the basis for his programme.

Charles committed to improving service MANAGER of the National Sports Council (NSC), Cecil Charles, said his Council will be looking at ways of improving its performance and working relationship with sport associations, sportsmen and women and the public.

In direct reference to one of the areas of his and the Council’s purview, Charles said that “we recognize the importance of maintaining the various playing fields and hard courts to have them in good condition for the public, but we have to work together to achieve this.”

He urged the public to give support in this regard, and appealed for respect of the facilities in light of what he said was the challenge of

ongoing vandalism.

“There are some people who seem not to take any pride in what we have, but we are saying we want persons to take a deeper sense of pride in the facilities,” Charles exhorted, and posited that, “the public must not only look at them(facilities) as the NSC proprieties, but see them as belonging to all of us Vincentians.”

Charles acknowledges that working with the various stakeholders is an integral part of the Council’s responsibility.

This is important as the Council seeks to respond adequately and timely to request for the use of sporting facilities, and Charles is

appealing to would-be users to give the Council two weeks’ notice.

“This approach will allow us to put the necessary structure in place to facilitate whatever activity is undertaken,” Charles said.

He admitted that over the years late requests for use of the facilities have presented some challenges, and “this is one of the areas we are working towards improving from this year.”

The Council, according to Charles, will be making greater efforts to ensure that the various sporting associations submit, in a timely manner, their calendars of sporting activities for the year. This, he said,

will help in the planning process and deciding on facility use.

Users of the Arnos Vale facility could well see the introduction of a cutoff time for demitting the facility, and the introduction of a fee for use of the bowling machines and nets, as in the case of cricketers.

All in all, Charles viewed the challenge of his job as being made easier by developing a good relationship and Cecil Charles, Manager of the understanding with sports persons and their National Sports Council (NSC), is looking to cultivate an improved Associations. relationship with sports people so as to ensure an improved delivery I.B.A.ALLEN of service by the Council.

V Ballantyne giving back 28. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Secondary School, as an athletics coach, used the summer period of 2013 to organize sessions at the Arnos Vale playing field for a group of young, potential distance running athletes. The group comprised ages 10 to 16 years.

The Sandy Bay native was elated to report that he has identified some talented athletes, especially the juniors, and singled out Mosaka Pamenos Ballantyne has his Bowman and mind set on competing in Newman Peters as one more Olympics. excelling.

“I believe, once they continue ACE DISTANCE RUNNER training, they will Pamenous Ballantyne, become top future now a Level Two certified coach is giving back to the athletes for St Vincent and the Grenadines, and sport that has given him I am expecting them to recognition. win or even break the Ballantyne, who is 1000 meters at the 2104 attached to his alma Inter-Schools Meet,” mater, the St Martin’s Ballantyne shared with

THE VINCENTIAN..

He also pointed to Charline McKenzie and Terick Williams in the intermediate division as also showing signs of a bright future.

During the summer programmee, the athletes were involved in track and beach running as well as swimming.

Despite not having the proper runner gear and equipment, Ballantyne is pleased with the interest and attitude shown by the athletes.

In addition to his commitment to the St. Martin’s Secondary School, Ballantyne also offers his service to the Bishop’s College Kingstown, The Intermediate High School and the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

“Once I am around I will be doing my best to ensure that middle and long distance running here will have a bright

Pamenos Ballantyne (right) and some of the young athletes that worked with him during the summer of 2013. future,” Ballantyne assured.

“I have gone through some challenges and good times during my career, but I try to teach the athletes the good things as well as the challenges of the sport, and also about life in general,” he explained.

“A lot of the students now look up to me as a role model because of my achievement as the leading marathon runner over the years. I am challenged by this, but I feel a sense of

satisfaction working with these young athletes,” the now 40-year-old , still active distance runner said.

Pamenos Ballantyne’s career spans a 24-year period, during which he has won seven titles in Trinidad, been the OECS Half Marathan winner on 11 occasions, has four Jamaica Reggae Marathon titles and the record, and has won the Barbados Half Marathon five times to add to countless local titles.

“The honest truth, I

Tennis talent abounds in SVG, coach says THE TRIANGLE TENNIS ACADEMY caters for children of all ages, and everyone will be given attention and the opportunity to develop their game, regardless of colour, class or creed, according to head coach at the institution, Kebajah King aka ‘Ras’.

‘Ras” indicated that he does work out with a few pre-schoolers in addition to the other junior players, making it a total in excess of one hundred who attend sessions at the National Lottery Tennis Facility, which houses the academy.

“This is my life, and I was sent from heaven to do this……I am here to help all who need my help……I do not pick and choose……but there are a few things I ask and that is respect, trust and commitment to the game and your body,” he said in an earnest voice, coupled with eyes of a similar nature.

According to him, he lets parents know what the requirements of the programme are and what is expected of his charges. And if there are any transgressions, he talks to the offending individual. If the action

Coach Kebajah King aka ‘Ras’ taking pre-schoolers through some very basic drills.

persists, he then has a chat with the parents in the presence of the student.

The coach admits that it is not always smooth sailing since there are teenagers of both sexes, and parents are sometimes a little uneasy, but he moves to reassure them that it is just human getting to know each other.

He said that now that he has more girls than boys, things get even more stressful as the females, especially, face the challenges of their development, respond to simple advice or instructions in a rough way sometimes. He said this attitude is also directed at other players and may result in little problems coming to the fore.

A few players have travelled overseas on scholarships, and among the things the coach said he has advised them to do is to do ATP coaching programmes, to get qualified as coaches.

“I told them that there is life after tennis, and they must make the preparations to become coaches to go along with what they are studying, to continue being part of the sport after playing,” he said.

He said that his relationship with players when they return home on vacation is just as good as it was before they went off, and saw this as a sign of their respect and comfort in dealing with him.

He named Siara Goodluck and Shane Latchman as two players who are studying overseas but are on the

want to run one more Olympics which will be in 2016. Making the qualifying time will depend on my training which I am willing to work hard towards. I have changed my approach towards some part of my training, and with a greater understanding of my body and driven by my will power, I hope to finish my career on a positive note,” he concluded.

I.B.A.ALLEN

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Siara Goodluck is one of those who are currently on scholarship overseas but have kept a close relationship with Coach ‘Ras’ and the Academy. court on a regular basis when they are home.

The coach pointed out that not only are players coached, they are also taught about stringing racquets, among other things.

He again refused to single out players, but was confident that there is enough talent to take SVG tennis to the next level, once harnessed and nurtured properly.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 29.

Sports

National Sports Award set for February

by KENVILLE HORNE

Rehabilitation and sports The West Indies should have been able to win their T/20 matches in New Zealand. We are the reigning World Champions in that version of the game.

How things could have gone so wrong that West Indies did not turn up for that version of their New Zealand sojourn. Their display in the Test series was bad enough.

They clawed their way to square the One Day International aspect. Those results came amidst claims of in fighting in the squad.

As soon as Dwayne Bravo moved into the captaincy of the One Day squad, he deciphered that there had to be unity within the party.

It was strange to see his brother returning home shortly after because of the overloaded statement “personal reasons.”

If Darren Bravo could not function under his brother, there has to be a serious rift in the team.

However, like so many things in West Indies cricket, one may never know the real reason behind the ongoing impasse.

Caricom’s response to the disaster which affected at least three of its member states speaks of that support and solidarity, once any member is struck by any disaster.

One time, I took disapproval of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar’s stance when she ridiculed St. Vincent and the Grenadines soon after a disaster.

I will praise her on this occasion. Not that I am selfish and only see things in my light. It is up to Kamla whether she wants to support any country in times of disaster.

What she must guard against is presenting an image of scorn on anyone else.

The regional response has been encouraging.

Along with the humanitarian plunges, it will be creative if the government can include an aspect of the relief to ensure that provisions are made for the rehabilitation and restoration of sporting facilities damaged in the wake of the floods.

Such requirements are not priority even in normal times. This may be an ideal opportunity for us to make sure that playing facilities are refurbished quickly.

The full contingency need not be provided. As long as the basics are in place, efforts should be made to encourage sporting bodies and communities to chip in with the exercise.

Genuine sports personnel will be happy to contribute to the refurbishment as long as they see the works are being seriously undertaken.

Our road network, infrastructure, river defences, coastline have been affected. The damage to sporting facilities may be minor. But we must not allow them to remain an eyesore or get worse while we focus on the vital areas.

This is time for an overarching approach.

Human needs must be addressed immediately.

There must be no excuse for overlooking sports. It is too critical an aspect of our life for it to be neglected.

The loss of life as a consequence of the floods is unbearable for those who are suffering. But that does not prevent us from continuing with our quest for real life advances.

Paying attention to our sporting facilities and returning them to some semblance of normalcy is a sure way of avoiding any additional complications as a result of the devastation.

AFTER a 2-year absence, the National Sports Awards is set to return in February.

Organizers for the 2014 ceremony said it would be hosted at the Spring Garden Estate, a scenic location on the Windward side of the island, on February 15th.

The National Sports Award seeks to recognize and reward the country’s best sportsmen, sportswomen, sports journalists, sports photographers, sporting organizations, and coaches.

At a press conference on Tuesday 7th, at the National Sports Council conference room in Arnos Vale, Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Cecil Mc Kie said it was important that the awards be held since sports continues to play an important role in the nation’s development. He promised that the award

will become an annual one.

The Sports Minister disclosed that significant work had gone into planning the event for this year.

Along with trophies, the winners in their respective categories would also receive monetary rewards. The winners of Junior Athlete of the Year would receive EC$1,200, the Senior Athlete of the Year EC$2,500. The Sports Personality of the Year would get EC$4,000, while Sports Journalist of the Year, Sports Association of the Year and Coach of the Year are also expected to receive monetary awards.

The award for the International Sports Man of the Year has been removed, since according to the organizers, the Sports Personality of the Year normally takes that award.

Chairman of the

National Sports Award Committee and Deputy Chairman of the NSC, Julian Burgin said the organizers wanted to ensure that the awards were of a level that was befitting of the achievements of the athletes over the years.

Burgin said that early in the process, it was decided that a panel be established to look at sports performances, “record what takes place and come up with the awardees”. He said that this took place around the month of March, 2013. “And the judges worked in conjunction with the manager of the Council to see that the necessary work was done to have the athletes and other persons selected”.

A special magazine will be published which will include citations on the nominees.

The event will be held under the patronage of Govenor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, and will hear a feature

Windwards selectees get match practice THE FOUR Vincentians, Kenroy Peters, Alston Bobb, Delorn Johnson and Romel Currency, selected to the Windward Islands cricket team for the West Indies Super 50 tournament, will have an opportunity of real game action this weekend.

They will turn out for a Windwards Selectees Eleven this Saturday, against a SVG Select Eleven in a match to be Alston Bobb, leg Kenroy Peters, leg arm played at the Park Hill spinner fast bowler.

Playing Field.

This 50 overs per side match should fine tune the skills of the Vincentians as they prepare to join their Windward teammates on January 24, in Trinidad, ahead of their first Super50 match against Jamaica on January 30.

The players joining the four selectees to comprise the Windwards Selectees Eleven are: Dawnley Grant, Ray Jordan, Kenneth Dember, Miles Delorn Johnson, left Rommel Currency, Bascombe, Lindon James, arm fast bowler batsman Sunil Ambris and Keron and Kimani Cottoy.

Williams.

Those turning out for the SVG SVG gained 10 places in an original Eleven include: Donwell Hector, Atticus Browne, Salvan Browne, Deron 24-member Windwards training squad Greaves, Gidron Pope, Drummo Toney, that was selected after the 2013 Windward Islands WINLOTT and the Asif Hooper, Casmon Walters, Mclean two-day tournaments.

Williams, Rodney Lawrence, Dyke Saturday’s match begins at 9:30 am.

Cato, Shaquille Browne, Hyron Shallow, Marvin Small, Roneil Jeffrey I.B.A.ALLEN

Minister of Sport Cecil Mc Kie has given the assurance that the National Sports Awards will become an annual affair. address from National Netballer and Lawyer, Saskia Diamonds. A Champagne cocktail and ball will follow the distributing of the award.

The after party segment which follows the distribution of prizes would serve as an event to raise funds for the Christmas Disaster victims, and the upgrading of local facilities.

The total cost to host the event was given as EC$75,000. The National Lotteries Authority is a corporate partner for the event.

30. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014. 31.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 17, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.03

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SUPER J, SAVE A LOT HAVE NEW OWNERS

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE DECISION by the Trinidad and Tobago based conglomerate Neal & Massey Holdings Limited to acquire controlling shares in Consolidated Foods Limited, will spell greater fortunes for the business links involving Super J IGA Supermarkets at Arnos Vale, Stoney Ground and Save a Lot in Kingstown.

Harold Dougan, the man at the helm of the state corporation National Properties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, made that assessment.

Dougan was contacted earlier this week in relation to the move by Neal & Massey to acquire the majority shares in CFL, the principal shareholder and operator of the two Super J and Save A Lot supermarkets.

The Save a Lot enterprise was once a government run Supermarket here.

The building, which houses the Save a Lot Supermarket is part of the National Properties assets.

Dougan confirmed that CFL

CFL assumed control of and operated the two supermarkets formerly known as Aunt Jobe’s under their brand name Super J.

operation in SVG was a joint arrangement in which Ken Boyea had some investments and National Properties vested interest.

No changes Dougan admitted that there will be no changes to the operations, at least in the near future.

“Any changes would be down the road,” Dougan confided.

He indicated that “things will continue normally.”

He hinted that “there will be no name changes, no rebranding,” and suggested, “It might be better for us.”

Dougan noted that the business climate was improving worldwide, and with Neal & Massey’s wider capacity to handle financial transactions, the Vincentian based enterprises will benefit.

When it was announced that Neal & Massey had acquired controlling

CFL is credited with bringing an improved look and level of service to the old Marketing Corporation Supermarket, under the name Save A Lot. Inset: No changes are expected in the short term. Loyalty cards are set to remain. shares in the St. Lucia based CFL, telephone at a CFL operation in St. alarms went off about the likelihood of Vincent and the Grenadines, declined St. Lucians employed with affiliated to comment on enterprises there being laid off. the issue.

A person who answered the

PM: ‘Don’t harass Red Cross and NEMO’

’

PERSONS who want to send relief supplies to specific persons or parties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines must apply for duty free concessions. They should not use the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), or the Red Cross as a clearance outlet for them.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made this clear last Wednesday during a Press Conference at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

As far as Dr. Gonsalves was concerned, having NEMO or the Red Cross engaged in clearing items through Customs, destined to individuals and groups, amounted to being counterproductive of the rehabilitation and recovery process.

Dr. Gonsalves indicated: “You can see the mischief which lies in all of this.”

He indicated that persons will try to send in goods

ostensibly for relief purposes, but which may indeed be for other intentions.

He echoed that NEMO and the Red Cross will be clearing goods for those institutions alone.

He warned that there are persons who would want to send packages with items other than those for relief purposes.

“Don’t try to beat the system,” Dr. Gonsalves cautioned.

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

He alluded to incidents where persons attempted schemes which amounted to fraud.

“People have to be on the lookout for them,” Dr. Gonsalves stated.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has warned against using NEMO and the Red Cross as clearing agents for items not destined for the relief programme.

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