Vinpages 21 02 14 e reader

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.08

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

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

Consul General Selmon Walters should also be removed, if opposition leader Eustace had his way.

Left: Edson Augustus, former Deputy Consul General, was confirmed as having been in SVG.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ Opposition Leader, Arnhim Eustace, has called on the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves-led administration to overhaul the New York Consulate General in the wake of an alleged “scandal” involving recalled Deputy Consul General Edson Augustus.

Eustace, a former prime minister, told THE VINCENTIAN, in an exclusive interview on Monday morning, that the negative image of the New York Consulate General must be immediately changed.

“We have to clean up that act — to make sure we don’t give the wrong impression,” said the president of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).

“They (government) have to clean up what the Consulate has been doing,” he added. “That place has a bad image, and the government has not done anything (to address it).

“People are worried, too. They have families up there.

They have relatives who’re out of status. And those who are legal, they feel that they will be living under suspicion,” Eustace continued.

Recall Walters Eustace also called on the government to recall Consul General Selmon Walters, a former minister in the Gonsalves administration, saying that the alleged

Hon. Arnhim Eustace, Opposition Leader, made no bones about the need for the overhauling of this country’s consulate in New York. “scandal” has taken place on his watch.

“I don’t know how he (Walters) does not know what has been taking place,” Eustace said. “I don’t believe that.

Other people must be involved.”

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to solicit responses to its telephone call Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 3.

News 3 ÂShake-up New York Consulate,Ê says Eustace

Gonsalves, a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ambassador to the United Nations, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) last Saturday, that Augustus was recalled because he offered to help undocumented Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Vincentians in New Gonsalves conjectured that York obtain US Edson Augustus had left permanent resident teh country after he was cards, also known as ‘debriefed’. “green cards”.

“The facts that we have to date indicate that Mr. Augustus was holding himself out as somebody who would be able to assist out-of-status Vincentians in New York with either expediting or facilitating applications for green cards and that he would do that for a fee,” said Gonsalves, the eldest son of Prime Minister Gonsalves.

“That is it. There is nothing to do with Camillo Gonsalves, Foreign passports, there is Affairs Minister, went on nothing to do with record as saying that the sale of green Augustus was setting cards there’s nothing himself up as having the to do with the sale of wherewithal to assist passports, there is Vincies to get Green cards. nothing to do with a ring, or a syndicate or anything like that.

Continued from We have no information Frontpage. supporting that,” added Gonsalves, noting that and emails to Prime the local authorities were Minister Dr. Ralph continuing their Gonsalves, Foreign investigations into the Affairs Minister ex-diplomat’s activities in Camillo Gonsalves, Counsul General Walters New York. and other top Far-reaching effects government officials, as it sought clarification or But Eustace said he elaboration on the issue feared that the “scandal” last week. at the New York Foreign Affairs Minister Consulate General would have far-reaching speaks implications for the nation.

Augustus, a former “It’s not a good thing Seventh-day Adventist at all,” he said. “It’s Church pastor, was going to make it harder recalled on Feb. 5 for Vincentians at home because of what the and in the US. This government said were thing is very damaging “activities outside the scope of his employment to St. Vincent and the and inimical to interests Grenadines.

“I’m watching the UK of the Consulate General (United Kingdom) and the Government and restricting visas for people of Saint Vincent Vincentians,” added and the Grenadines.”

Eustace, reiterating that More specifically, Foreign Affairs Minister the Consulate “scandal”

comes “only a few months after Canada has removed the right of Vincentians to travel freely without visas.”

Prior to the implementation of visa requirement for Vincentians to travel to Canada, the opposition leader said 5,000 Vincentians had traveled to Canada in the last 10 years.

“I’m going to continue to investigate this matter and make sure the public understands the implications for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he asserted.

“And they (the government) have to come straight with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he added, rejecting the foreign minister’s claim that Augustus’ alleged activities were not done “on Consul premises.”

“Whether they were done at the Consulate or in his home does not matter,” Eustace said.

circumstances would admit,” the Vincentian leader said. “But, clearly, he came in yesterday (Monday). He was in Augustus ‘debriefed’ in yesterday and left.

SVG “He met with the permanent secretary and During Monday’s the minister (foreign interview, the opposition affairs) yesterday, and leader said he had they would have “confidential questioned him about information” that the many things. That’s why former Deputy New York I say there was a Consul General, despite debriefing,” he added. his recall, was still in the Questioned whether “Big Apple.”

Augustus was still at Some unconfirmed home, Gonsalves said: reports had also “No, I think he left. The indicated that Augustus information I was given was in Trinidad and is that he left for Tobago, where his wife Trinidad. Whether in resides, as their young Trinidad or not, he’s no daughters attend school longer in the there. employment of the But Prime Minister Government of St. Gonsalves told a press Vincent and the conference in Kingstown Grenadines. on Tuesday that the “There’s (are) family Richland Park native and friends in different was at home on Monday places, and he was in for a “debriefing.”

Trinidad from what I “I would expect that understand,” he added. he will return as Augustus also has not promptly as all the returned calls and email

“Something is really wrong here. If you’re recalled, you have 48 hours to return home.”

requests for comment.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also told reporters that Nathaniel Williams, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will visit the New York Consulate General soon.

Williams, who was in New York last month, had met with the newlyformed, Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Emergency Relief Committee, of which Augustus was the deputy chairman.

The committee, headed by Walters, was set up in the immediate aftermath of the freak Christmas storm that left several people dead and a trail for destruction.

Augustus had played a leading role in the relief efforts in the United States, including appearing on mainstream American media to help publicize the gravity of the storm at home and relief drives in the US.

House repairs and rebuilding begin THIS WEEK, according to Howie Prince, the Managing Director of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), was going to be a buzz of activity as his Organization commenced the house repair and rebuilding component of the ongoing national relief programme.

The relief programme, necessitated by the devastation caused by unprecedented rainfall and consequent flooding over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2013, wrought damage on an estimated 662 houses, primarily in the north western and north eastern areas of mainland St. Vincent.

According to figures advanced

by Prime Minister and Minister Work to repair and/or rebuild damaged houses began in earnest this of Finance, Dr. Ralph week.

Gonsalves, in the 2014 Budget Address, damage to houses was which THE VINCENTIAN is not accounted for. put at EC$24.6 M, and the cost privy.

“This is a mammoth for repairs and rebuilding, undertaking, but we are not One thing is certain though, including relocation, was and that is, as NEMO and other daunted by its magnitude. Once estimated to be EC$45 M. those involved comply with the government agencies aim to Accordingly, as Prince said last avoid mistakes of the past, the conditions, there should be no Friday when he accepted the work to restore the housing reason why the housing repair donation of EC$10,000 from the sector in the damaged areas will and rebuilding programme could Taxi Drivers Association, “Every be awarded on contract; even if not be implemented, this time little bit matters.” owners of the houses damaged around, with expediency and Prince intimated that the effectiveness,” one official close to are able to do their own repairs. repairs and rebuilding activity the administration told THE This will ensure that monies will be guided by the contents of designated for labour, for VINCENTIAN. a Cabinet Memorandum, to example, are properly spent and

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Contractor charged with C.K. Greaves robbery

EC$13,018.56, the property of C.K. Greaves and Company Ltd. ABOUT TWO WEEKS after Primus was reportedly charges were laid against taking the bag with the two men in connection cash and cheques from with the daylight robbery C.K. Greaves wholesale of St. Hill Insurance to the company’s nearby Company, another has supermarket on Upper been charged with the Bay Street, when he was robbery of a second robbed around 5:30 p.m. business place in February 7.

Kingstown.

Reports are that Allan Wilson, a 29Primus was midway year-old tiling contractor between the two of Questelles/Diamond, buildings when an appeared at the Serious unmasked gunman Offences Court on approached him and Monday charged with the pulled away the bag with robbery of Delivery Clerk the cash and cheques.

Vendcliff Primus of The assailant then fled Belair, of a laptop bag by foot using ‘The containing EC$29,994.20 Greens’ route into in cash and cheques Kingstown Hill. amounting to Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

During investigations, Wilson was named as a person of interest and his photograph was circulated to the media, February 13. He was given until February 14 to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), according to a police report.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that he went to the CID around 5 p .m. February 14, accompanied by his lawyer, Samantha Robertson. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Wilson was not required to plea when he appeared before Chief

Magistrate Sonya Young on Monday. He was granted $30,000 bail with one surety on condition that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Questelles Police Station between 6 a.m and 6 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. He was also ordered not to have contact with the virtual complainant.

Eight witnesses are expected to testify for the prosecution at the Preliminary Inquiry slated for June 11.

On February 5 and 6, Jariel Belle, a 26-yearold unemployed man and Kwasie Ryan, a 24-year-

Student fined in policeman’s incident

Rockies man slapped with more charges ROCKIES RESIDENT Shurn Chewit, already facing charges of deception, was denied bail when he returned to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court this week on similar charges.

Chewit, 24, pleaded not guilty to two charges of deception when he re-appeared before Magistrate Rechanne-Browne Mathias on Tuesday.

He is charged with obtaining by deception, February 11, a quantity of potatoes and onions valued $3,490 and on February 12, a quantity of the same produce valued $1,614.

Prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg objected to bail on grounds that Chewit has similar matters pending, and that police are carrying out investigations into other matters allegedly involving the accused.

Chewit was remanded and will return to court next Monday for bail review.

ONE WEEK after omnibus driver Ellyet Guy was sentenced to nine months in prison for assaulting police constable 806 Chet Soloman,causing him bodily harm, a female college student was fined $400 in connection with the incident.

Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias handed down the penalty Wednesday at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after Stacia McDowald pleaded guilty to using indecent language to PC Soloman.

McDowald was ordered to pay the court forthwith, with an alternative of one month in prison. She paid the fine.

The student had pleaded not guilty when she initially appeared in court on February 3.

Prosecution ASP Glenford Gregg told the court on Wednesday that around 1:40 p.m January 24, McDowald was at Arnos Vale where she witnessed an altercation between

Guy and PC Soloman, during which Guy boxed Soloman in his face.

During the altercation, the student shouted, “Yoh (expletive) you, yoh (expletive) you.”

PC Soloman informed the student of the offence and reported against her. She was subsequently arrested and charged.

Last week Wednesday, Guy, the driver of the ominibus HB158, was sentenced to nine months in prison for assaulting PC Soloman causing him bodily harm; six months for resisting arrest, and three weeks for unnecessary obstruction of traffic. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Guy was also fined for a number of traffic offences.

Magistrate Browne-Mathias handed down the penalties after Guy was found guilty on all the charges, at the conclusion of a trial at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Female to pay or one month in prison FEMALE COLLEGE student, Ketesha Audain was expected to pay a $400 fine by yesterday (Thursday) to avoid going to prison for one month.

Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias handed down the penalty on Wednesday at the conclusion of a trial in which Audain was found guilty of wilfully obstructing police corporal 277 Kirt King, he being a police officer acting in due execution of his duties.

Corporal King, attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU), testified that he was in plain clothes driving his car on January 24, when he saw a large crowd at Arnos Vale. He stopped his vehicle and when he exited, he noticed there was a uniformed policeman in the crowd. He approached the scene and shouted ‘police’. He noticed that the officer was trying to arrest a man, who turned out to be omnibus bus driver, Ellyet Guy. Corporal King said he assisted the

officer in subduing the man, but while doing so, the student came up to him and said, “You can’t put yo foot on the man.”

King said he pushed her off and told her she was obstructing him. She continued with her assertions , and he told her that he was going to report against her.

During cross-examination, the student’s attorney Arthur Williams accused Corporal King of lying, stating that he never shouted, ‘Police’.

In her caution statement, which was read in court, Audain admitted using the words, but said she never knew Corporal King was a police officer. The defence relied on the caution statement.

Under cross-examination by Prosecutor ASP Glendord Gregg, the student maintained that she did not know King was a police officer.

old tatoo artist, both of Paul’s Avenue, appeared at the Serious Offences Court on robbery and firearm charges in connection with the January 30, daylight robbery of St. Hill Insurance Company Ltd.

Allan Wilson as he appeared in the photograph circulated by the police when he was deemed a ‘person of interest’.

Police to establish crime plan THE POLICE HIGH command is working on the establishment of an overall crime plan to ensure a safer and more secure St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sergeant Indications are that the public Atland Browne can expect improved crime of the Major investigation and crime prevention tactics from the local Crime Unit (MCU), who is constabulary. spreading the undertaking, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that the crime plan will come under a number of broad headlines. These include: having measures in place to deal with any potential crime; the training of police officers to deal with any crime; the establishment of a sex unit and a crime scene unit, in which officers would be able to process the crime scene more professionally.

Sergeant Browne noted that some officers are already being trained in this regard.

Browne added that steps would also be taken to strengthen the relations between the police and the public, not only through the ‘Neighbourhood Watch Programmes’, but through other community groups and organizations.

Browne also cited more outreach programmes, suggestion boxes and consultations with the public on a regular basis.

The MCU officer said there would be an overall evaluation of the exercise on an ongoing basis, to determine what progress is made and what areas need to be strengthened.

Browne explained that ensuring a safer and more secure SVG would create the environment for economic development, since nobody would want to invest in an unsafe atmosphere. He is urging the public to cooperate with the police in its new thrust because, “at the end of the day, everybody’s security will be enhanced.”

Browne also spoke about the crime plan Monday night on the ‘Police on the Beat Programme’ on NBC radio.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 5.

Regional

Australia reneges on aid commitment to Grenada & others IT APPEARS AS THOUGH the Caribbean has been handed a bad hand after it would have lent support to one of its Commonwealth partners.

The Caribbean stacked its support behind Australia’s successful bid for a prized seat on the United Nations Security Council, but that island countinent has now turned its back on one of those Caribbean territories.

In a dramatic turn of events, Australia, currently under a Coalition and the Liberal Party administration led by Tony Abbott, announced that it will phase out all aid programmes to the Caribbean region.

Grenada became the first victim of the fallout of this shift in Australian foreign policy, when it was informed that Australia was withdrawing aid already committed.

The Grenada government made the announcement last week Wednesday, February 12.

Grenada’s original parliament building was bombed when the USA invaded that country on the heels of the implosion of the Grenada Revolution in 1983.

An artist’s impress of the new parliament building for which Grenada now has to seek alternate sources of funding.

The OECS country had expected to be the recipient of some AUD $5.1 million (AUD$1.00 = EC $2.44) to assist with the construction of a new parliament building.

The new policy position of the Australian government means that it is reneging on a signed agreement for aid to help with a project which is weeks away from starting.

The Dr. Keith Mitchell administration in Grenada described the news of the aid withdrawal as “extremely difficult news,” especially after “our government had done all the due diligence on the matter to ensure that it had gotten to this stage.”

However, the Grenada government assured that the United Arab Emirates is

keeping its promise to provide USD $5 Million that will also help to fund the project, an aid package that was successfully negotiated last year.

And Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell is confident that his government will be able to negotiate for additional funding to replace the shortfall that will be realized with the Australian government’s decision.

“Our government has already begun exploring with other friendly governments the possibility of the needed additional funding.

Government remains completely

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell is confident he will be able to source assistance to make up for the shortfall caused by Australia’s withdrawal. committed to building a new home for this country’s parliament. It is a commitment that has transcended Grenada’s governments,” Dr. Mitchell said.

(Source GIS, Grenada)

Venezuela rocked by violent anti-government protests occurred after the majority of protestors had gone home.

Earlier on Saturday, an estimated 3000 opponents of President Maduro’s government and policies gathered in the capital demanding the release of detained students and other opposition activists. Riot police shoot tear gas during last Saturday’s By that time, 25 anti-government protests of 99 people in Caracas (Photo: Leo arrested earlier in Ramirez) the week in connection with the Anti-government student Saturday’s protests, had been freed protestor throws stone at crackdown followed pending trial. The riot police. (Photo: AFP) more than 10 days of remaining were expected Anti-government demonstrators run away from anti-government to be processed before the tear gas, Saturday 15th February, 2014. (Photo: opposition leader Leopoldo rallies, mostly led by end of Saturday.

Reuters – Jorge Silva) students, that culminated Lopez on charges of on Wednesday, in which at murder and terrorism during the street violence, least three people died, as Lopez spent two weeks two students and a ONCE AGAIN, the St fuel surcharge. in place for the past five organizing sporadic rallies community activist, in Lucia Electricity Services Unlike in many of its years. what observers describe as around the country.

Limited (LUCELEC), sole OECS partners, the basic “It is designed to Lopez turned himself into the worst unrest, since provider of electricity in tariff is reviewed in reduce large fluctuations the authorities on Nicolas Maduro assumed that OECS country, has January of every year ,in in the fuel surcharge,” he Tuesday, February 18. the presidency last year. seen it fit to ease the accordance with the said.

Lopez’s party, Popular burden on it consumers.

Electricity Supply Act, LUCELEC’s Corporate President Madiro Will (known as VP after Beginning with and reflects the average Communications responded to the violence its initials in Spanish), February bills, St Lucians price of fuel for the Manager Roger Joseph in a public statement, will be paying less for preceding 12 months. says what the customer has accused the denouncing the unrest as electricity, as a result of a Louisy said the pays from month to government of an attempt to carry out a 2.6 cent reduction in the reduction in the basic month is the total of the responsibility for violence coup d’état. He laid the tariff for 2013. The tariff is a result of the basic tariff plus the fuel during anti-government blame at the feet of announcement was made average price of fuel for surcharge (which is protests Wednesday. extremist fascist groups, Trevor Louisy, last week.

2013 being lower than the calculated each month).

Opposition leaders say and said that those LUCELEC Managing LUCELEC Manager previous average price LUCELEC customers they will not be responsible for the Director, is on record as Trevor Louisy explained LUCELEC paid in 2012. are said to be eagerly intimidated and will violence would be claiming that electricity that the basic tariff is “These reductions are awaiting their February continue to protest in the prosecuted under the full what LUCELEC largely due to a fuel price bills to see for themselves, rates in St Lucia are streets. (Source: weight of the law. among the lowest in the customers pay per unit of hedging programme the reduction in ‘black Wordpress, CNN, On Thursday, a court electricity, without the which LUCELEC has had and white?

Caribbean. reddit.com) ordered the arrest of VENEZUELAN POLICE, on Saturday, deployed water cannons, and used tear gas against crowds of angry stone-throwing

protesters in Caracas.

The anti-government protests, which began during last week, escalated on Saturday,

and police authorities there say they have merely responded to a growing level of violent activity by the protestors, and which began as earlier as last week Wednesday.

The majority of protestors is said to be young people and students.

Authorities say they clashed with protestors, who have taken to the streets to make known their dissatisfaction with the economic programme of President Nicolas Maduro, after they (protestors) attempted to block a highway in capital Caracas.

Saturday’s violent clashes between protestors and police are said to have

Electricity bills going down in St. Lucia

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Twenty-one new Ham operators trained.

Some of the recently trained radio operators with NTRC course invigilator, Mischa Quashie.

FEBRUARY 14, 2014, was a joyous occasion for 21 persons from various walks of life, who successfully completed a one-week course, earning them a Novice class amateur radio licence.

The course was organized and conducted by the Rainbow Radio League Inc. (RRL) in keeping with its commitment to contribute to national development in the area of emergency communications.

The course focused on radio protocols governing amateur radio, antenna theory and construction, frequency allocations for radio amateurs and emergency message handling.

It was sponsored by the NTRC, LIME and Bumble Bee Caterers who provided participants with a light

snack following the daily training sessions.

This basic course allows these persons to legitimately use two-way radios on the amateur frequencies, especially in times of national emergencies. As part of the on-going training, these new Hams will be involved in a simulation exercise where they will have ample opportunity to practise their new found skills, under the supervision of senior radio operators.

The RRL wishes to thank the NTRC for its continuing support in helping the RRL to realize its goal of training at least three persons from each community in SVG, so that the country will have a corps of trained persons who can assess and report

OAS support Women’s Conference by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY WITH JUST OVER month before the second Phenomenal Women’s Conference is staged here, the momentum is building.

Two women, a mother and daughter, who fit the bill, will Joy Cato (R), Conference Planning attend the Conference free of Committee member, and Melene charge, compliments the Glynn, OAS’s Representative in St. Organisation of American States Vincent and the Grenadines, (OAS). detailing plans for the second Melene Glynn, OAS’s Phenomenal Women’s Representative in St. Vincent Conference. and the Grenadines, made the announcement last Tuesday at a Chamorro, to mark the 20th anniversary since the adoption of press briefing at the OAS Office, Kingstown, the occasion of which the Convention. Chamorro noted that “Violence is a daily routine was used to commemorate the for too many women in our Day of Women of the Americas. region.”

The Conferecne, the second, It is with the aim of achieving will be held here, at the this objective that the OAS is Methodist Church Hall, on April partnering with Karen Hinds to 11 and 12, 2014. stage the Phenomenal Women’s Candidates for the OAS offer Conference. have until March 25 to send in Joy Cato, from the Planning their bids. That will include a 500 Committee, anticipates that this word profile of themselves, year’s event will exceed the high including what made them performance of the inaugural phenomenal, and how they exercise. transmitted that spirit to their Cato noted that this year’s daughter. agenda includes a segment Glynn described the OAS catering for youths between 13 involvement as in keeping with and 17 years old. the OAS’s commitment to Special attention will be paid promote women’s rights and to the Bishop,s College Kingstown ensuring the eradication of in recognition of its 50th violence against women. anniversary observation.

She echoed the message from Karen Hinds is a former Inter-American Commission of Women’s President, Maria Isabel Bishop,s College student.

damage from any community in SVG, and therefore, assist officials stationed at an EOC (emergency operations center) to respond in a timely and effective manner.

The RRL conducted annual courses free of cost, but in the last two years, the demand for the course has warranted the running of this important training twice per year.

The next course is scheduled for November this year.

The course was conducted by Donald De Riggs - THE ST. VINCENT and J88CD. He was the Grenadines Bee assisted by Lavell Keepers Association is Mapp —J88LM and determined to expand J88NFJ Leon the export of local honey.

This is one of a Ambris. number of proposals accepted at a meeting of the Association held on Monday 3rd February.

The meeting involved some 20 members in an exercise that reviewed progress in the production and trade of honey, and looked at plans for the future.

Members of the Association, a registered organization, were informed that annual production of organic honey increased from zero gallons in 2006 to 1748 gallons in 2012.

Local honey was returned to the supermarket shelves in 2007 and, according to reports, has since been in higher demand than the imported products.

This is supported by indications of a marked decrease in the importation of honey, from EC126, 000 in 2008 to EC$59,000 in 2012.

All of this comes as a result of a renewed focus and energy directed at apiculture development commenced around 2006, when almost all the

Hive of activity for bee keepers

Bee keepers in session reviewing work and planning for the future. hives, save for 24, were wiped out by a parasitic pest the Verroa Mite.

The industry suffered from withdrawal of bee hive keepers and therefore, drastic reduction in production of honey.

Now that the industry has been revived, membership increased substantially, and withproduction of honey at its highest levels in years, the Association is set to attend to ensuring its membership is well served.

Towards this end, plans are afoot to, inter alia: access more affordable equipment and examine the possibility of using local material for hive construction; continue vigilance of the invasive species such as the Africanized Bee; host at

least 6 sessions of workshops, demonstrations and training activities for all beekeepers.

And as the Association looks to expand overseas trade that presently is confined to Canada, Barbados and St.Lucia, it is bent on doubling the current number of commercial farmers from 10 to 20. Commercial farmers are those with more than 12 domestic colonies with the potential of over 30 gallons honey per year.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bee Keepers Association is headquartered at the local IICA’s office, and it works in close association with the Ministry of Agriculture, IICA, FAVACA and other apicultural organisations.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 7.

Business

LIME kicking off Vincy Mas TELECOMMUNICATIONS provider LIME and the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) have inked a new two-year agreement. They did so last Tuesday.

As such, therefore, LIME has committed itself to being, yet again, one of the platinum sponsors of Vincy Mas, this country’s premier cultural festival.

And in accordance with the details of the agreement, LIME will kick start Vincy Mas 2014 with an activity dubbed, ‘LIME 4G Carnival’, in April, during which the telecommunications provider will launch both its own Vincy Mas 214 campaign and its highly anticipated 4G betwrok.

“We made our announcement that LIME will be launching our 4G in April, so you can expect a number of 4G related activities or ‘apps’, that would help to drive and support the awareness of carnival during the course of 2014,” Leslie Jack, LIME General Manager said. “.. Beginning in April, we will start driving our awareness campaigns.

We will have t-shirts

available for the Monday bands, ….a load of tickets available for the shows that we will be sponsoring as well, and persons will hear more about the different activities that we will have for carnival that they can take advantage of.”

Jack said that LIME patrons will also be receiving discounted services throughout the season, and he believes that the early events would help to drive the awareness and support of this year’s festivities, slated to run from June 28 to July 7, with the official CDC launch on May 3.

The General Manager said that the company will be making provisions for persons eager to jump on the 4G bandwagon, but are not yet 4G compatible.

“We will have a plan available for you to upgrade your handset.

So persons who are not 4G compatible, don’t worry yourself, get ready to be LIME 4G. We will have offers available just for you to upgrade. If you are on the other networks … get online,

LIME introduces Debt Amnesty!

LIME customers with outstanding balances can expect some relief.

This comes as the company introduces Debt Amnesty programme in February and March, that will give residential and business landline, internet, mobile customers and LIME TV customers with an overdue balance owing for one year or more, the opportunity to have up to 80% of those unpaid bills cleared completely.

According to a release made available to media houses on Wednesday, the company said that it is taking the initiative, having recognised the prevailing, difficult economic times.

“We understand that some of our customers may have problems paying all of their service bills,” said Leslie Jack, LIME St. Vincent General Manager.

He added, “We will always try to help customers who are trying to pay. This special amnesty offer is generous and far-reaching. It is a way of providing customers with the support they need to help them gain peace of mind and get back on track by having their service reactivated debt free and hassle free!”

not just because of 4G, but because we have the cheapest rate, anywhere, anytime, any network.”

(L-R): Ashford Wood, CEO of CDC, and Leslie Jack - General Manager/LIME, at last Tuesday’s signing of the new agreement.

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 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

Of Housing and ‘Debriefing’ AMIDST THE COMMENCEMENT, or so told by NEMO Director Howie Prince, of the house rebuilding and repair programme following the floods of December 2013, there stands the saga of Edson Augustus.

The chance of one overshadowing the other is slim, since they are both issues of national proportions that have the reach to affect the foreseeable political future of this country.

Prince tells us (or did he imply?) that there will be increased vigilance as far as the spending of monies is concerned; monies which, in the main, are donor monies, not monies generated by normal revenue collecting measures of the state.

Nevertheless, these are monies that must be accounted for in as precise a manner as if they were the taxpayers’ monies. (No joke here, please.)

The mistakes of similar, past endeavours are to be avoided — never to be repeated again!

No one will be allowed to profit knowingly or ‘unknowingly’ from this humanitarian exercise. Every man jack who undertakes to effect the re-building, repair programme at the nuts and bolts level, will be under contract or sub-contract.

We hope and pray, therefore, that the established contractors in the affected communities would be the primary contractees, who then will ‘contract’ his/her work force and hold them to the tenets of the understanding of the primary contract.

That is a noble intention, and we can only wish Prince and his NEMO officers the best. Big wish for them, though, is that the politicians, and political functionaries, especially those on government side, would stay clear of the process and let fairness prevail.

This is, as said above, a humanitarian cause from which no one should inordinately profit in terms of dollars and sense, or look to profit politically or otherwise.

It is the duty of the state to provide for the needs of the people at all times and in all circumstances, not least in times of crises and displacement.

All those who see a colour in the programme now in train should stay clear and let the true colours of proportional care and fairplay abound.

And so we come to the ‘Sad Sack’ case of Edson Augustus.

Yes, we all heard correctly: Augustus committed no crime! No infringement, as far as the authorities here are aware, of the laws of host country USA or the laws of homeland St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He merely, if we accept what we have been fed, ‘stepped out of the bounds of his terms of reference as Deputy Consul General in New York’, to paraphrase the official statement on the matter.

So, in diplomatic language, he was recalled, and was ‘debriefed’ by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Debriefed? Say that the man was formally dismissed and his diplomatic passport revoked. What’s all this diplomatic language about, when the matter has long ceased to be one! And the result of this ‘debriefing? A gentle slap on the wrist, if we may say so.

The authorities here owe this country this much: A clear, unambiguous and detailed account of what misdeeds in which our former Deputy Council General found himself entangled, and if there were any other party or parties to these misdeeds.

The sooner the air is cleared on this, the less speculation there will be, and the quicker we will take peripheral attention or otherwise, away from other members of staff at our Consulate in New York and even those of local state/government agencies and departments.

There has been nothing short of conjecture by the authorities.

A language of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ cannot suffice in the circumstances.

They fall woefully short of the whole truth.

Those who control the reins of government should by now be feeling the pull of the people. The people want answers… even those who will continue to support the party currently in ‘power’.

What these supporters must realize is that if, as they claim, they ‘owned the government’, they ought to be able to influence a wholesome response from their government on the matter of the Augustus saga. People power still matters.

And even amidst all the huffing and buffing, we find time here to extend heartiest congratulations to Mr. Stanley Kendrick ‘Stalky’ John, Barrister-at-Law, on being elevated to Her Majesty’s Counsel for the States and Colonies served by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. We hail, Stanley Kendrick ‘Stalky’ John, Q.C.

The Early Cato Outside the House (1948-1966) ROBERT MILTON CATO returned to SVG at the end of the Second World War from Canada via England, armed as a Barrister of Law. He aspired near the top of the Vincentian society, having been made one of the few members of the legal fraternity, who was unapologetically black.

Apart from his profession, he had a lordly stature and impressive bearing, was a tremendous after-dinner speaker who soared immediately within reach of the cream of the society with his law practice. He was made master of ceremonies of the Carnival celebrations, became a member of the Kingstown Town Board, and showed immediate political promise in anticipation of our grant of Adult Franchise about two to three years away.

He moved in a social club, the Edinboro Circle with the likes of R. N Eustace, (Arnhim Eustace’s father) Rudolph and Noel Baynes, and Freddie Clark. In 1951 he became a member of the short-lived New Era Party which anticipated the Adult Suffrage Era. He was every inch a lawyer in the traditional sense, dapper, clean-cut and pipe-smoking which later recruits such as Hudson Tannis, Carlyle Dougan and Stanley ‘Stalky’ John followed.

He later helped create the St Vincent Democratic Association in 1954, which rapidly gave way to the SVG Labour Party in 1955, of which he became leader by sleight of hand. His deputy was Rupert John, with President and Vice President O.D Brisbane and H.A Davis. In fact, Labour contained a group of the colony’s tried and tested conservatives who came on stream really to oppose Joshua’s PPP, a fiery left leaning group which had broken away from the original 8th Army of Liberation led by George Charles. In 1954, Joshua’s PPP had come dangerously close to winning the elections, having gained 3 of the 8 elected seats.

In its infancy, the Labour Party was resented by the masses as a backward party of the oldtime conservatives, “a bedroom party”, “a Labour Party without Labour”- in fact the only “Labour” Party without a trade-union base - an elite bunch of men who largely prided themselves on their “education” and commitment to British orientation. Indeed the Labour Party was completely routed in its first election outing in 1957. All on board went under, including Cato in his maiden trip. But this is running ahead somewhat.

At the very beginning, Milton Cato as a Lawyer appeared on behalf of the 8th Army in 1951. He had successfully defended some Shakers who suffered much discrimination in the society. He appeared politically to be leaning towards the 8th Army who wanted him to give a lift to their group and contest the North Windward seat.

But the Planters offered Cato a watching brief for the Northern estates, which he took and so forfeited a chance to stamp his image on the 8th Army and SVG. With his withdrawal from frontline politics in the leadership of the 8th Army, Ebenezer Joshua was invited by Charles to leave Trinidad, where they had both served in the party of Tubal Uriah Butler, and

contest the North Windward constituency vacated by Milton Cato.

Even so, there was an interesting period, 1951 to 1954, when Cato and Joshua appeared to work together.

Cato was often Joshua’s lawyer during his troubles with the planters and the police, especially through the F.I.AW.U., the trade union affiliate of the PPP .

In the mid-1950s, Cato had represented the FIAWU workers who had been summarily dismissed from the Colonarie Estate of Alban Dos Santos, a nominated member of the House and a sympathetic supporter of the Labour Party to be. In the general turmoil, Cato was later to refer to this period as when he had represented “the 63 hooligans”, a most unfortunate description of his clients, which Joshua politically exploited to the full.

The logic of the situation drew Cato and Joshua further apart, the one as representing Massa and the elite, as against the other with his field- hands and the toiling masses.

An editorial in THE VINCENTIAN told it all in beefing up Cato for the 1958 Federal election: “Cato was a barrister, twice member of the Kingstown Board, one time chairman, thrice president of the “Old Boys’ Association”, five times president of the cricket association, Windward Islands Representative on the WICBC, member of the PSC, Chairman of the Labour Advisory Board, member of various wages councils, member of the Library Board., member Land Settlement Development Board, Chairman Preparatory School Advisory Committee.”

Cato managed to win one of the two Federal seats owing to the strength of the WIFLP, of which the SLVP was an affiliate, and his own brother, Dr. Arnott Cato who had been the personal doctor to Grantley Adams later, and himself President of the Federal Senate. No wonder that as Premier of the SVG Milton Cato took a one-day holiday from his busy schedule once to witness the swearing-in of his said brother as Governor General of Barbados for a SINGLE DAY to satisfy a constitutional requirement in the change-over of G.G’s in “Little England”.

Cato made it to the House in 1961 as Leader of the Opposition which he greeted with a criticism of the PPP Government’s failure to practise British Parliamentary procedure: of attacking the rustic manner of the PPP politicians when seen on deputations abroad.

Cato himself criticised mercilessly PPP’s elected Speaker Fatima Adams, and could not resist the temptation once to grab the mace and bolt out of the House.

Following Cato’s lead, the Labour Opposition cried shame on the social back-ground of some of the PPPites, particularly Cato’s sister-in-law who thought it outlandish that Mr. Joshua should take his unlettered wife to London Constitutional conference, seeing her, as did THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, as “the Mammy Darling of hoe-gang”.

Cato was to show his true colours after he assumed power following the snap elections of 1967.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 9.

Letters

Dishonest judgment WHEN ARE we going to see honest judgment?

Signs of all kings It seems to me that the government will have to invest in some new kind of signs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There are traffic signs, don’t litter signs and many more all over, but it seems the government will have to go into some of our homes and put up no littering signs.

And I believe by now they should be thinking about putting signs in the mountains. Didn’t some people who know not say that the government did not clean out the mountains after the previous disaster?

Further, the Solid Waste needs to bring some garbage police on board. The fees charged to pick up garbage could be turned over for policing garbage.

And why is there additional fees to have their additional garbage picked up? There is already a charge fee for garbage collection. Can you imagine, you have to pay for a cell phone call to have them pick up your old stove, and still have to pay five dollars?

By the way, who is looking into these abandoned vehicles seen throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Will it be cheaper for us to get rid of the vehicles, rather than spraying mosquitoes and complaining about rats?

Back to the court system If you are a reader of my column, you would have read my views surrounding the judicial system in SVG, like the mega punishment for guilty offenders and the amount of time court cases spend floating around before a hearing; the back- log of cases awaiting hearing for years; the popular trend of watering down the sentences for criminals; the big bonuses given to offenders when they plead guilty to lesser charges; the unprepared case files. Regarding the last point, am I right to say someone at the top, middle or the end is not doing his/her job to ensure these case files are ready?

SPY

The exotic moon and its splendour Come closer, closer to me my dear Whisper sweet nothing in my ear, Though you whisper nothing, I can feel my dear The sweet breath you breathe caressing my ear.

The exotic moon fills the night with splendour Making it a night of nights to remember, The Nightingale noted for its sweet song of love The stars shine with glory from above.

Come let’s frolic on the lawn I’ll miss you the moment you are gone When the sunbeam peeps through the dawn I’ll meet you soon after on the lawn.

Open letter to BRAGSA and IADC Gentlemen, my experience has shown me a grave disaster in the making.

You will recall a CNN feature item which showed some small islands in the South Seas sinking; water reaching where villages once stood.

Sir, take a good look at Rabacca. Below the bridge, you will see a back hoe taking out gravel for sale to trucks.

Now, you will also see that machine digging down below the visible surface up to 4 feet or until they meet water.

That water is not the river flow going toward the sea; it’s the sea level under the land, and this action is calling the ocean to come into the shore, just as we did in Brighton, allowing all those machine owners to make hundreds. Now the damage has been done, how much have they donated to repair the damage they have caused?

Mr. Mathias, I am a Vincentian, and have worked on runways both in BG (British Guiana now Guyana) and

Grenada. The runway at Argyle shows a lot of loose holes. It begs the following questions: 1.

What is the depth of backfill before it is vibrated? 2. Is this compaction being soaked nightly to get that perfect adhesion of both virgin and grantor soils?

3. Two years ago, Mrs Richardson visited Layou in a meeting to talk to the people. I asked a question and I am still awaiting the answer.

At the end of the runway, towards the sea, it has to go out to sea (yes). What are the plans to pile that part, and what is the depth of the sea at the point of stopping, or at the end of the runway?

Will you use those large concrete blocks as used at Owia Fishery or piles?

I recently passed at the airport site and saw earth being pushed to the beach area, only to have the earth washed away by waves, all because there are no barriers of sea from land.

A concerned citizen

LISTENING to the PM’s recent statements regarding the Christmas tragedies and the need for persons to stop cultivating in the forests and on government reserve lands, I thought of the following ideas.

People need to be able to farm the lands lower down, preferably close by to where they live, which would negate the need to go higher up.

Unfortunately, much of the prime agricultural lands with easy access lie idle, due to the fact they are owned by persons who have no use for them. Over the years, many persons of various qualifications and

persuasions have acquired many acres of land, which they have not put into production.

Instead, they allow the lands to become fields of bushes. Most Vincentians can attest to somewhere like this in their own neighbourhood.

The lack of nearby lands has not only discouraged potential farmers, but pushed the few motivated farmers miles up into the hills, onto government lands.

So, we need a plan to put these idle lands back into use. There are many persons who would love to plant a crop on some of these nearby lands.

THE RECALL of Deputy-Consul General, Edson Augustus, is a fiasco and embarrassment to SVG. The recall of Deputy-Consul General, Edson Augustus, is a fiasco and embarrassment to SVG. Once again the ULP regime has embarrassed our country and degraded our country to the world.

Your love is so sweet According to the Minister of Foreign On the lawn let’s meet Affairs, Senator Camillo Gonsalves, the Deputy-Consul General, Edson If not there, Augustus, did not break the laws of Then you tell me SVG. Camillo Gonsalves is missing the where. point: the point is, yet another ULP regime person has caused international Josiah Bobb (2014) embarrassment to our country.

The incident in New York is another example of the ULP regime’s attitude of not caring about its responsibility. The ULP regime is utterly hopeless at managing the affairs of our country.

SVG Green Party is calling for Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Camillo Gonsalves and PM Gonsalves to resign for this huge embarrassment to our country. The ULP regime appointed Edson Augustus and they must take full responsibility for his behaviour.

Mr Ivan O’Neal BSc hons, MSc, MBA Leader and cofounder of SVG Green Party

For many years, we have toiled But never give up on hope We believed one day that we will be free, Free from oppression.

So we fought hard, For what we believed in Although many have fought and died for our freedom, Our faith still remained strong and unbroken, Strength, courage and bravery This is what kept us going And one day we were finally free.

We came together Thanking God for his mercy and for sparing us for this long And in the immortal words of Martin Luther King ‘Free at last, free at last.

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’

Yanic Sayers (2014)

Idle lands can be put to use

SVG Green Party press release

There won’t be a mystic in the air Even if the birds of prey will disappear, No one else will be near to hear When I tell you how much I care.

What about the covering of the rivers.

Was this not scheduled to have already started?

What is the minimum weight that present runway will take before it starts to disintegrate?

A good idea should not go bad by bad planning and poor workmanship.

Black history

There could be a law stating that persons owning lands that have been idle for over 5 years, will be subject to a ‘farmers claim’. Persons (or community groups) wanting to cultivate the said lands could apply to a government department outlining the details of their intention.

On processing the requests, a 2-year tenure can be put in place, allowing agricultural officers to check and make sure persons work the lands. The property title would remain in the hands of the owners, dispelling any claim to ownership by those who cultivate the lands.

The benefits are many: it would firstly encourage the owners to do something on the lands themselves; if they are not interested, it would allow others without lands to farm, preventing the urge to roam onto government lands; it would assist in food security, and curtail the hazards of deforestation higher up.

All of this will help the country grow, as local prices for these items should fall, and may also provide excess for export.

More persons would

* How come some Sports Council workers couldn’t get paid, but the Council found it fit to spend lavishly on an Honours Ceremony at Spring Gardens? * Can the Commissioner of Police bring internal disciplinary charges against Inspector ‘Gold Teeth’ Glasgow after he has already been dealt with by the court? * Is Karib Cable (FLOW) aware that since all the talk about upgrading that cable television, reception has gotten worse? What are we paying for, interference? * Does anyone but me feel uncomfortable that the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit has declared himself a likely candidate in the next general elections?

be enticed to try agriculture, as they could farm near to their residences, instead of journeying hours up into the hills. This could also encourage some of the idle hands on the blocks and corners to use the idle lands, since they complain that they would like to plant, but don’t have any lands.

Let’s move on and make some progress by using that which is not being used.

Marcus Jack

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Trial by Social Media

Governance, ULP style

THE STORY OF THE birth and subsequently explosion and popularity of the social network called Facebook, is well documented. Currently there is an estimated 1.2 billion users of this social network world wide, many of them using mobile devices to communicate, and to send their messages worldwide.

While Facebook was originally designed as a social network aimed at providing assistance to students at American universities, it has evolved as a communication tool for all sorts of purposes. Users exchange information and photos on light topics such as anniversaries, picnics and parties, and unusual events.

Facebook usage has evolved into business and marketing opportunities.

Now the uses have exploded beyond the imagination of the founders. There are reports that Facebook was a major communication tool during the “Arab Spring” in 2011. In Australia and New Zealand, Facebook is used as a protocol to serve notices and legal documents to defendants. Now political parties and political activists are drooling over how many persons they can reach, and perhaps influence.

our consulates and missions abroad in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All

The Issue

The Vincentian Scenario In recent times, Facebook has been the medium through which many antiULP and anti-Ralph activists launch attacks on the government. Many operators and supporters of the NDP are on Facebook with lies, half-truths, and defamatory statements, which, if things were equal, would attract lawsuits that would result in massive payments.

A number of these operators live in the Diaspora. Some of them wanted favours and jobs from the ULP administration, and when this did not happen, they began viewing the ULP as an enemy. Everything is attacked, from the economy to the airport project at Argyle, and anything positive that illustrates how far we have come as a nation, under the ULP administration.

But it is the volume of lies which are being uttered that is cause for concern. Let us take the case of the recent heavy rainfall during Christmas Eve 2013. During the relief period, someone on Facebook announced that the girlfriend of Senator Julian Francis was placed in a senior management position at NEMO, with responsibility for the distribution of relief supplies. It turned out that this information was false, and a dastardly lie. When the truth was pointed out, it was said that the lie was posted, to prevent the situation from happening!

The main characteristic of these persons is the failure to check the facts. In many cases, a simple telephone call to the person or persons in authority will shed real light on any situation that may arise. But this is not the interest of those persons. They have no drive to ascertain the facts, and to get the truth from these facts.

The number of lies posted on Facebook, in relation to the political scene in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will astound you. It seems as though the objective is to pull down the Vincentian society and make us look bad in the eyes of the rest of the

world. How could some Vincentians be so unpatriotic? How could some Vincentians turn their backs on their country, their families and friends, all in the name of politics, simply because they don’t support the administration in power?

To be sure, there are Vincentians who will defend the good name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These are persons who are not afraid to verify the facts and to engage in debates and discussions with those who are committed to lying on Vincentians, and on this blessed country. To those persons, the ULP administration urges them to continue their good work and to be vigilant, since it is expected that the NDP will intensify their campaign, and the lies will become more desperate and nasty.

The trial So virtually everything that concerns the ULP administration and its governance, is now under the microscope. This has been so for the last fourteen years, but the scrutiny has intensified over the last six years or so, as the NDP increases its dirty campaign.

This is not an issue for the ULP administration. This government, under Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is the most transparent in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And there is no corruption among government ministers. No government minister is getting cheap crown land for sale; no government minister is using tax payers’ financed transportation for their personal benefit; no government minister has a “sweet heart mortgage deal” with the nation’s bank; and no government minister has been involved in any scheme like Colonial Homes, etc.

Here and there, and in very few cases, a tiny minority of public servants have run afoul of the rules and regulations that govern the state administration, and there are processes in place to deal with these situations. But by and large, this government, this ULP administration, can and will stand up to the scrutiny of the critics and ULP haters on Facebook.

In time, the spotlight will focus on these critics. The ULP is not afraid of critical analysis of its work in government, and in fact any such development is a welcomed one. Such analysis must be based on facts, without malice or any ulterior motive, and its sole aim must be to improve the governance of the country, for the benefit of all Vincentians.

Facebook will be with us for a while.

We will continue to have this trial by social media, from persons who are bent on removing the ULP from power, circumventing the will of the electorate. But the ULP will continue to triumph, because Vincentians will continue to defend the impressive economic and social gains over the last twelve years.

THE CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding the recent removal of Edson Augustus from the Vincentian Consulate in New York have prompted all Vincentians to question the conduct, performance and suitability of those appointed by government, to represent us at our consulates and missions abroad.

This government’s ‘mauby shop’ foreign policy continues to alienate our traditional allies and to have scant regard for the people of our nation, as exemplified in the current need, as a nation, to be properly advised of what happened with the matter involving Augustus.

I made the call for information regarding the recall of the former Deputy Consul General, to be shared with the public. I did this on February 10th, and while I was making the call, the Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a press release to say that Augustus was recalled since February 5th.

Today, we know that on February 7 his salary was stopped. Why wait on the Opposition to agitate in order to come clean with the state of affairs?

Were Vincentians to be ignored?

The former UN Ambassador’s brush with authorities in New York prompted the Prime Minister to find me when I was having dinner at a restaurant after nine in the night, to inform me of what was going on and to seek our support, for his battery of lawyers to go to the aid of his son, our Current Foreign Affairs Minister.

In this scenario, it is the Opposition’s calls for information, and for the removal of Augustus’ diplomatic status, that prompted the Government to speak with any clarity on this issue. To date, there has been no strident statement to repair our Foreign Affairs image in the eyes of our US and other allies. Add to this, the refusal of this government to distance itself from anti-US statements uttered by Hugo Chavez on Vincentian soil, and do not overlook the condemnation of Vincentian passports and consequent imposition of Visa restrictions on Vincentians travelling to Canada These matters, added to this latest issue with Edson Augustus’ apparent involvement in a green card scam, point to the urgent need to review our foreign policy and what is taking place within our missions. As yet, we do not know all the matters in which Augustus was involved. We have questions about how our assets are being used abroad.

What is a Vincentian diplomatic vehicle doing regularly at the Stony Brook Medical School? What is the relationship between the Consulate and the Premier Ford/Lincoln Car Dealership located at 5001 Glenwood Road Brooklyn New York? These are questions which mustbe answered.

Relief Efforts and Duty Free Concession Attached to this release is a letter with attachments, which I have sent to institutions and governments referring to the flood relief efforts here

indications are that relief supplies sent to the opposition NDP for distribution to persons affected, will be subject to import duty, VAT and the Customs Service Charge. We regard this as unfair, discriminatory and punishment for those persons who are in dire need of these relief items.

The NDP expects, in the next week, to receive approximately 45 barrels and cartons of relief mainly from the Canadian Diaspora.

The St. Vincent Economy The St. Vincent economy continues to be a major source of worry to the people of this country. Things are getting worse. With little or negative economic growth for the past five years, there is nothing to be proud about our economic performance. I expect that in 2014 we will continue to have high current deficits. That is, we will continue to spend more than we earn. That deficit will be in excess of 140 million dollars. Given the significant duty free imports of lumber, galvanize, food, clothing and other items, related to the relief effort, we expect a decline in government revenue. We expect the businesses which are normally involved in the sale of such items, to have a significant decline in their profit margins this year, because of lower sales. This will lead to a decline in receipts of company taxes. This situation will be made worse by the fact that the government continues to owe the private sector millions of dollars. This will lead to higher overdrafts to cover increased expenditure on the part of the private sector, and again, this will result in less profits. We must look at this situation against a backdrop of increased NIS contributions being required of employers and employees, including the government, this year.

Banana exports are expected to be very low and therefore, our balance of payments in relation to goods will decline further when compared to our imports. With respect to financing our projects, this year, the leeward highway will be delayed, the international airport will not be completed, and according to the estimates provided by the government, which borrowed 212 million dollars for the airport, in the latter half of 2013, only 97 million will be spent on the airport in 2014. The airport therefore, will not be completed in 2014. addition to this, in the history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the government has NEVER spent over 160 million dollars on its capital budget, and if you examine all of the projects to be disbursed on in 2014, including projects related to flood repair, our disbursements on expenditure of projects amounts to approximately 300 million dollars. Government simply does not have the implementation capacity to make this level of disbursements. 300 million dollars will not be spent. There is little hope for increased permanent employment.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 11.

Views

Consequences to Wrongdoing Attempts at Counter revolution in Venezuela

“THERE ARE NO consequences to wrongdoing in this country.” — Dr. Keith Rowley, Political Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) in Trinidad and Tobago.

SOMETIMES WE WRONGFULLY conclude that the evils that pervade our society are unique; that these things do not occur in other countries. However, the quotation used to introduce this week’s article draws attention to the fact that we are not alone in relation to the frequency with which persons who do wrong appear to escape the arm of justice. Dr. Rowley’s comment was extracted from an article entitled “PNM Reviewing Crime Plan for When it Takes Power”. It was written by Carolyn Kissoon and appeared on page 23 of the Daily Express of Friday, 14th February, 2014.

Dr. Keith Rowley’s comments followed his description of an incident where a medical doctor at a private institution performed a surgical procedure to remove cocaine pellets from a man’s stomach (in Trinidad and Tobago). He noted that the man got back the cocaine before being transferred to a public hospital. Dr. Rowley also speculated that 90% of the perpetrators in Trinidad and Tobago walk free. And while this writer is not seeking to downplay this staggering information, we know that such occurrences are not unique to Trinidad and Tobago. This appears to be a universal problem; persons in “privileged positions” somehow appear to be able to circumvent the law. They may hold senior (and “respectable”) positions in the private sector, government, non-government organisations, and the church. And because of those “privileged positions,” they appear to be able to walk free, even when their infractions are publicly known. We may console ourselves by saying that “God sees all, and will have His way of exacting justice”. But I do believe that God is not pleased when He observes the frequency with which our modern day society appears to make right appear wrong and wrong appear right. We do an injustice to the individual, our society, and the next generation, when we turn a blind eye to crime; when we encourage them to believe that there are little or no consequences to wrongdoing. It does not matter who commits the infraction — justice must never be perceived to be blind (or have “caste eye”) or we will fuel a society that will take us to the brink of anarchy.

As I reflected on the challenges that many of the nations in our region now face in relation to the escalation of crime, I pondered how much effort is exerted at placing “band aid” on the symptoms of crime, rather than doing radical surgery on the causes of crime.

We need to discontinue the “limp statements” related to combating crime when our actions and/or inactions confirm that this is not society’s focus. Is our society really being tough on crime? Are we really seeking to eradicate the causes of crime? Are we putting programmes and structures in place to combat crime? Are our actions confirming that there are consequences to wrongdoing?

Our entire society has to get on board with these most serious and urgent assignments. We have to respond to the preceding questions with honesty and objectivity. And, having done so, we need to implement corrective strategies. And while I

cannot profess to be qualified to make pronouncements on the root causes of crime, as a thinking citizen, it is quite evident (even with the absence of research to support my views) that listed among the root causes will be the relatively high unemployment rates. We need to generate more work for our people — especially our bright young people. We can do this. But we need to have the conversations with the unemployed and under-employed in relation to the possibilities that presently exist. We need to let them know that they must be “prepared to creep before they can walk, and walk before they can run”. I have been having similar conversations (especially with our young people) and am amazed at how many are prepared to fold their hands and depend on others (family and politicians), to provide for them. We have to break that mindset. We have to channel them to be more proactive and productive. We have to be prepared, as a society, to help them to help themselves. I am convinced that many who gravitate to crime may turn away from the lure of such activities if/when we provide them with alternate means of survival. Yes, we understand that some members of our population have been “programmed” to survive via a life of crime; but this writer is convinced that many of them can be “re-programmed”. We have to start somewhere. And we need to advance that agenda now. We cannot leave this to the next generation to solve.

We must act! And we must act now.

Unemployment is not the only situation that pushes people to be dishonest. It is only one of the causes.

We can understand and appreciate this when we contemplate that many of the “white collar criminals” are employed and not considered poor.

They are downright greedy. And while this may seem to be a harsh description, objective and detached analysis may result in readers agreeing with this description. Why is it that persons who are not “hand-tomouth” will seek to steal from their employees or defraud the unsuspecting public? The biblical passage from the New Testament book of 1 John 2 reminds us that life’s temptations will emerge via “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.

Our society therefore needs to regularly focus on nurturing citizens to fortify themselves against such temptations. And those individuals who will seek the path of evil and/or crime need to be intercepted. We have a responsibility to show them another way. Our homes, schools, churches, youth groups, service clubs, and other similar organisations need to exert renewed effort and energy as we jointly seek to regard the progress of criminal activity — one person at a time. We need to highlight the consequences of wrongdoing. We need to move forward with impunity, and demonstrate, in no uncertain terms, that there are serious consequences for wrongdoing.

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

WHAT IS HAPPENING in Venezuela closely resembles the development that led to the military overthrow of the government of Salvador Allende in Chile in 1973. In 1970, Allende, a socialist, was elected President of Chile. President Richard Nixon opposed the election and moved to block Allende from being sworn in as president. When those attempts failed, the CIA infiltrated the Chilean military and plotted Allende’s overthrow. It was a bloody coup in which more than 30,000 persons lost their lives.

The people of Venezuela repeatedly elected President Hugo Chavez (of blessed memory) and on his passing, his chosen successor, Nicolas Maduro.

But the will of the people is never respected by those who scream most about human rights and democracy.

The only right which some seem to respect is the right of the privileged sections of society to lord it over the vast majority.

And this is why President Chavez consistently went back to the people election after election, and referendum after referendum, to win their support for his people-centered policies. Last year, President Chavez died after winning the presidential elections by 10 percentage points.

Months after Chavez died, President Maduro won the elections by a narrower margin. But as they say in an electoral democracy, a win is a win.

In the local government elections which followed the election of president Maduro, the people voted in again, with a convincing majority, those candidates pledging to carry forward the Bolivarian Revolution of President Chavez.

Interestingly, with all of the efforts of the Venezuelan leadership to live by the rules of democracy, democracy for some right wing elements in Venezuela and abroad can and will only come to pass if and when the socialist experiment in Venezuela is overturned. The poor and marginalized and all peace loving and progressive people across the world must not allow the forces of reaction to succeed.

There is a lot at stake. There is a lot to be lost. In Venezuela, the poorer classes have benefitted enormously from the revolutionary gains. Over 1 million homes were built and given to poor and low income families.

Education and health care became not only affordable, but free. Many Venezuelans attest to the factor that it was only after the victory of President Chavez that many saw doctors or dentists for the first time.

In Venezuela, a strong social safety net has been created to protect the most vulnerable in society. Some foods have been subsidized and many benefits, out of the reach of the people, are now guaranteed. In the past, Venezuela’s enormous wealth was used to benefit a narrow band of political and economic elites. Today, a significant percentage of the wealth of the country is spent on national development geared ultimately towards the up-liftment of the broadest cross-section of Venezuelan society.

The Venezuelan leadership of President Maduro and Vice President Elias Jaua is young and modern, sensitive and caring as regards the pressing demands of the people.

President Maduro is not adventuristic in his approach to problem solving.

While he holds firm in defence of the transformative process he inherited from President Chavez, he has been

firm yet prudent in his utterances. He has moved deftly to settle the simmering problem with his Columbian neighbour. He has also declared that only peaceful dialogue will assist a solution to the long standing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

Across the region Venezuela has played a most constructive role. The Petro Caribe Agreement, which offers fuel at concessionary prices, came on stream just as the price for the fuel reached an all-time high in 2008. Petro Caribe also came along just as the international economic crisis struck and caused an enormous shrinkage in foreign direct investment.

In addition, through the selfless generosity of Venezuela, through the ALBA bank, our country is closer to realizing the dream of building the Argyle International Airport. Millions of dollars, through grants or soft loans, have been received from Venezuela to build the airport. It was through the commitment and assistance of Cuba and Venezuela, both promising to do the earth work at the airport, that most Vincentians harbour no doubts that the international airport will open in the not too distant future.

It was Venezuela, under the leadership of President Chavez, that had the vision to form the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (CELAC). This is an important grouping that pulls all of Latin America and the Caribbean together. Only Canada and the United States are not members. This group stands on the principles of independence and solidarity. Last Month in Havana, CELAC declared the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina, a nuclear-free zone of peace.

All of these initiatives, from frequent democratic elections, to benefits for the poor and vulnerable, to Petro Caribe and the encouragement of independent thinking among the people of our region, are what make the forces of reaction uncomfortable with what’s happening in Venezuela.

These developments explained why President Chavez was kidnapped as part of a failed attempted coup in 2002.

Placed in context then, the violence we see on the streets on Caracas and other cities are a manifestation of the latest imperial plan to overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution. Right wing forces are being funded by foreign elements to stir up violence. They call for the removal of President Maduro.

They demand the end of the revolution.

Never forget Henry Kissinger’s statement about making the Chilean economy scream. Never forget his claim of wanting to save Chileans from their own irresponsibilities. Are some of the difficulties in Venezuela coming from that same play book? We must learn from history and protect those who assist us in our time of greatest hour of need. We send only positive energy and solidarity to the President Maduro and his deputy Jaua as they fight to defend the gains of the revolution.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Canouan and Union Island neglected by ULP and NDP regimes ON A RECENT trip to Canouan and Union Island, SVG Green Party Leader, Ivan O’Neal, was appalled to see how these islands have been neglected by both the ULP and NDP regimes. We have had 17 years of NDP government and 13 years of ULP government, in succession, yet still these islands lack some basic facilities.

Canouan still does not have its own secondary school, and children of Canouan are forced to live away from home in Union Island or mainland St. Vincent, so that they can attend secondary school.

This is a terrible arrangement which parts children from their families for many days of the year.

It is also a costly exercise for Canouan parents as they often have to pay for accommodation for their children living away from home. Canouan needs a secondary school, and a Green government will build a secondary school in Canouan.

It is incredible that the NDP regime preferred to build an airport for tourists on Canouan rather than build a secondary school, and likewise, the ULP

regime thought it was better to build the Belle Isle jail rather than a secondary school in Canouan.

Too much land on Canouan has been sold to foreigners by the ULP and NDP regimes. A Green government will ban the sale of land to foreigners, because as we see on Canouan, Vincentians are getting pushed out of their own country. If things carry on like this, future generations of Canouan people will not be able to build their own homes on the island.

There is a lack of jobs in Canouan, and it seems that most of the high-paid jobs on the island are being given to foreigners. Essentially, a form of economic apartheid exists on Canouan, and most local people are being economically oppressed by only being given low-paid jobs.

The lack of jobs is a big problem on Union Island too. The economy here is weak, and many businesses are suffering and finding it hard to get sales. A Green government will rejuvenate the economy of Union Island and create jobs by,

amongst other things, situating a faculty of the new SVG university on Union Island.

There is an urgent need for a high-quality hospital on Union Island. We have seen in the past, that when Gonsalves needs medical treatment he flies off to Cuba. This is not an option for the people of Union Island, and their lives are at risk if they need emergency treatment, because they must travel by boat to Kingstown.

A Green government will build a high-quality hospital on Union Island to improve the medical facilities available to the people. It is a disgrace that this issue has been neglected for so long. The hospital will benefit also the people of Mayreau and Palm Island.

The freshwater supply in Canouan and Union Island is in a precarious situation. A Green government will set up a water tanker ship supply of freshwater from mainland St. Vincent to Canouan and Union Island, and help households in Canouan and Union Island to increase their water storage capacity with extra black tanks.

Ivan O’Neal will be visiting other areas of our country in the coming weeks.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Voice from below

A letter to Thomas, Williams and all citizens of SVG ACCORDING to The News newspaper dated February 7th, 2014, there are three persons showing interest in being the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for South Leeward in the next general elections. Among those showing interest are former ULP senator David Browne, Financial Intelligent Unit head Grenville Williams and new ULP senator Jomo Sanga Thomas. I listened with a witty smile on my face to these prospective candidates announcing their candidacy, and thought to myself that “some things will never change”.

As an educator and an active member of the South Leeward constituency, I am obligated to critically analyze this situation. There is no doubt that both Grenville Williams and Jomo Thomas are academically certified. However, in my opinion, they both lack the necessary prerequisites to represent the people of my constituency. These intelligent men constitute what Vifredo Pareto termed the ‘circulation of elites’. All elites tend to become decadent. They ‘decay in quality’ and lose their ‘vigour’. They become soft and ineffective with the pleasures of easy living and the privileges of power; they are too set in their ways and too inflexible to respond to changing

circumstances. In essence, “nothing ever really changes.” These men come to us with the same old stories and excuses as did the men before them“SAME OLD KHAKI PANTS”.

February 7, 2014 edition of The News newspaper quoted Thomas as saying- “When you say Jomo Thomas, I think people know the name, they recognize the name and, more than that, they would be able to point to some of the issues that I have dealt with and dealt with forcefully. And that’s why I think that I would be the best candidate that the ULP can put forward in South Leeward.” On the contrary, we do not know your name Mr. Jomo Sanga Thomas, because you spent so much time trying to be popular, at the expense of many other qualities that the ordinary citizen looks for in a leader and/or representative.

Moreover, we are able to point to some of the issues that you have dealt with. Most notably is the issue of the alleged ill-disciplined student and the hardworking educators who work tirelessly to instill the good, old, longlost values of our society. You were so busy trying to make your name, that you neglected ‘leading by example’, and supported ‘slackness’. And that’s why I think you are not the best

Grenville Williams

Jomo Thomas

candidate for my constituency. You chose being a lawyer over a leader.

Mr. Grenville Williams! Reading your rationale for aspiring to represent South Leeward is like reading from a text book. The citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are tired of the ‘sweet talk’ over and over.

We desire real representation, not a text book representative. The elites are unconcerned about the struggles of the average man. They pass us on the streets without recognition, then expect us to vote for them. We have never seen Jomo Thomas nor Grenville Williams in our community, yet they claim to be living in South leeward for ‘umpteen’ number of years. How could you represent us if you don’t know our pain and disadvantaged situations? In the past when different societies wanted to unite, a marriage was in order. Is it possible that Grenville Williams fantasizes about a marriage between the ULP and the NDP? The ‘down-to-earth’, David Browne is more in touch with his constituents than any past candidate for that area.

However, he was at a disadvantage last elections, haven’t been named as the candidate for South Leeward during the last few weeks running up

David Browne

to the elections. Unlike the majority of his colleagues, he never had the time to prepare properly for that election.

Nevertheless, the underpinning fact is that we only see politicians around ‘election time’.

Evidently, our Prime Minister is the best leader our country has seen up to date. His charisma and intellect has surpassed that of all other leaders in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

His policy to school every citizen through the ‘education revolution’ is the greatest contribution of an ideal leader. Nevertheless, schooling is not education, according to many philosophers. Education must result in some worthwhile change in behaviours, yet many of our politicians have not changed their ways of dealing with citizens.

Therefore, would it not be fair to say that many of our politicians are philosophically uneducated?

Philosophers posit that we can judge a leader by the men he keeps around him. It follows logically that, PM Gonsalves has a lot to contemplate when selecting his team for the upcoming general elections.

Vanrick D. Williams Email: vanrick.williams@hotmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 13.

People

Clare Valley amputee gets special New YearÊs gift Philadelphia.

“Over the years, I have noticed an increase in the number of one-legged persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said. “Within the A CLARE VALLEY amputee couldn’t ask past three years or so, I’ve paid more for a better Christmas and New Year’s attention to gift! amputees everywhere, because my Tracy Haywood, 28, nicknamed very close friend, Kelly, lost one leg, ‘One-E’, who, for 15 years, has been then another, to complications directly getting around of sorts without his relating to diabetes.” right leg, received, over the Christmas Kelly, who is currently in a holidays, what he described as the rehabilitation center in Brooklyn, New biggest surprise of his life — a York, said he was delighted to donate prosthetic leg — compliments fellow the ‘leg’ to Haywood after consulting villagers, James Cordice and James with Cordice.

Kelly.

“The Bible says, ‘each one helps “Good! I feel really good!” said one’,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “We Haywood with excitement, after should help each other at any time, receiving his new ‘leg’, in a while we’re in a position to do so.

VINCENTIAN interview. “I am “I feel real proud that the guy completely surprised. It’s nice to be (Haywood) can use it (prosthetic leg),” standing on two feet again.” he added. “All he has to do now is to In his relatively short life to date, take care of it, because it can last him Cordice, a community advocate, social for a long time.” activist and humanitarian, has done many good deeds for humankind, but Learning to cope none seems more gratifying than the prosthetic leg he went out of his way Haywood said the nickname, ‘Oneto acquire and personally deliver to E’, stuck with him after he fell from a Haywood. coconut tree 15 years ago, and was The Philadelphia-based Cordice — a hospitalized for eight days. His right former president of the St. Vincent leg was then amputated. and the Grenadines Organization of “Back then, climbing was our thing; Pennsylvania, who was home for the and, for me, the day started out like season — brought the ‘leg’ for Haywood any other day,” Haywood said. that was donated by his very close “There’s a coconut tree below my friend, New York-based double house. I climbed that tree amputee, Kelly. approximately every day, growing up as a young man. But, on that day, I Seeing and acting lost my balance and fell to the ground.

“Honestly, words can’t explain how Cordice told THE VINCENTIAN I felt, especially after the doctors told that, though the ‘leg’ was in his me I won’t be able to use my leg possession since August, he waited again,” he added. “It’s not something I until he travelled home in December would wish for anyone to go through.” for Christmas, and a family reunion, With the loss of his leg, Haywood to surprise Haywood. said he was unable to play football “In my village, there is a young man (soccer), his favorite sport. with one leg. I inquired of his father if But he said he “never allowed it will be ok to try a ‘leg’ on his son, myself to feel left out of anything,” Tracy. He instantly said it was ok,” adding that, even though he missed Cordice recalled. running, and used crutches to get “I brought the ‘leg’ to his house that around, he still learned to ride a day. I attached it and gave him some bicycle. guidance,” he added. “And although it Haywood said he can also swim, needed some adjustments, the most “and I can even go hunting amazing thing happened: Tracy occasionally.” walked!”

And, with his new “leg”, he said his For over 14 years, Tracy, or ‘Onenew goal is to “run down Mr. Cordice E’, had hopped around and say, ‘Thanks, thanks a lot!’” on two crutches.

THE VINCENTIAN has been “It was such a joy to see him with reliably informed that the Caribbean his new ‘leg’,” continued Cordice, the American Heritage Collaborative Inc., mastermind behind St. Vincent and an organization with which Cordice the Grenadines’ participation in the interfaces, continues to source limbs, illustrious annual Penn Relays at the wheel chairs, walkers, etc., for University of Pennsylvania in donation to needy persons in SVG.

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

James Cordice is particularly concerned about the number of amputees he has seen on his visits to SVG.

Tracy ‘One-E’ Haywood sporting his prosthetic leg with shoe and all.

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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Homicide #4 recorded

by KENVILLE HORNE

A FORMER INMATE of the prison system here is this country’s 4th homicide victim for 2014.

Earl Jack, 26, a bus conductor of Campden Park, was shot in his head about 5:15 am, Sunday 16th February while asleep in a bedroom of a rented apartment at Great House, Lowmans (Hill).

He was reportedly lying in bed with his girl friend, Patrice Walker, and a male friend, when The area in which the fatal shooting the incident took place. occurred was cordoned off to allow the Jack was taken to the police to begin their investigation.

Milton Cato Memorial Hospital by a police Inset: Earl Jack was known to the police vehicle, where he authorities here. succumbed to his injuries, accustom to be up late,” she around 7pm, in the Intensive Care explained.

Unit.

On inquiring, Walker said Michelle Walker, the mother of Jack’s girlfriend and also an occupant she was greeted with a strong smell of sulphur of the apartment, while not agreeing to be photographed following what she coming from Jack’s apartment. said “happen with another The apartment was in newspaper,” told THE VINCENTIAN on Sunday, that she was just about to darkness, the landlord having disconnected the electricity following “lie down” when she heard the sound a dispute with her, so she was unable of a gunshot. to see clearly inside the room, when “I use to be a security, so me she pushed the door.

She noted, however, that her daughter, Patrice, and the male friend of the family, were awake.

“Jack was still lying on the bed making a snoring sound, so we think he was sleeping,” said Walker.

It was not until the rays of a nearby street light beamed through the room street that they realized Jack was bleeding.

According to the Walker, her daughter trained a flash light on Jack and shouted that it was Jack who was shot.

Walker said she noticed then that the bedroom window, which she found out later had been closed earlier, was now open.

Unable to contact anyone, including the police, because their cellular phones were “dead”, Walker walked some distance to get a call to the Questelles Police Station.

The police arrived and transported Jack to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he passed away around 7 pm the same day.

“He was a very strong boy, because even when he was going with the police he was still breathing on his own,” said Walker.

The gunman is not a stranger Walker said she is upset that such a crime was committed at her home,

and she is also convinced that the perpetrator of the crime is familiar with the surroundings.

“Na kay way nobody tell me, the person who do this use to be here. The dogs around na bark, me na hear the gate open, nor the window,” said Walker.

She noted that the street light would come on in bursts every five minutes or so, and she assumed the assailant also knew when the light “go off and come on,” adding, ”No stranger out a one village na know how my place situate fo come do that.”

Walker also recounted a recent occasion when someone encouraged her to warn Jack to keep out of Great House because there were people who wanted to kill him, “but me na take it serious,” she sighed.

In 2006, Jack spent five years in prison, a sentence for manslaughter, after admitting to being the driver of the vehicle that transported Police Officer Elson Richardson to Belle Vue, where he was killed in 2004.

Jack’s brother, Shorn George, and Earlando Lampkin are currently doing life sentences for that murder.

As recent as February 9th, Jack was arrested and charged with burglarizing several businesses in Kingstown, between 09.01.14 and 10.01.14.

Walker admitted to THE VINCENTIAN that many people had a bad impression of Jack, but for the time she knew him, he was good to her.

“Whoever kill him will get their turn, cause yo live by the gun, yo dead by the gun,” she mused. .

The police are continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jack’s death.

Head of the CID, ASP Sydney James, is appealing to anyone with information to come forward. “We are soliciting your information,” declared James.

V PetersVille students ÂRead to succeedÊ Education

“Read to succeed,” along the path.

The students were STUDENTS OF THE Peters- outfitted with caps, ville Primary School wind other head gear and up a week of activities posters extolling the marking the annual Hats virtues of reading. off to Reading Reading co-ordinator, programme, with songs, Christine Martin, dances, drama and other reflected on the March, displays of talent, at the and pointed to an Interinstitution today.

House Reading Those activities will Competition which was be a culmination of the held yesterday, commemoration Thursday. observed under the Martin, one of 14 theme, ‘Read to succeed’. teachers at the Students marched institution, is in charge from the School of the Kindergarten compound, around the section of the school. block to the Bishops Petersville Primary College and back to the School will celebrate its school at Kingstown 50th anniversary next Park. year. It was founded in Students, 1965 by the late Edna accompanied by teachers Peters. She passed away and some parents, in 1977, but her chanted the slogan daughter, Roslyn Peters,

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ANTHONY

Students proudly extolled The virtues of reading.

Reading co-ordinator, Christine Martin and a group of her cares appropriately adorned for the occasion.

soldiers on as Principal of the institution which has an enrolment of 260 students.

Students, teachers and parents took to the streets to highlight the school’s focus on reading.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 15.

16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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

V Remembering ÂBettyÊ 18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

by SIS. CLAUDETTE MISS MILDRED ELIZABETH Child, affectionately called ‘Betty’, was born in the Georgetown area on 1st August 1947.

She attended the Georgetown Primary School and the Bishop’s College Georgetown, where she performed creditably.

She joined the teaching profession as a student teacher, and worked her way

up the ranks, attended the St. Vincent Teachers College, and became a Qualified Assistant Teacher.

‘Betty’ taught Home Economics at the North Union Secondary School for many years, and improved her knowledge in that area by further studies abroad.

Betty’s character can be summed up by utilizing the letters of her name. She was a Buoyant person, humorous, with a winning smile and

words of encouragement and advice to students, fellow teachers, parents and members of her beloved Holy Trinity Parish Church, which she attended Sunday after Sunday. She could often be seen entertaining children of the less fortunate parents, driving them around with fun and laughter.

Betty was Eloquent, always playing a leading role in educational upliftment, in the various church organizations

including the prayer group and fund-raising committee.

She was Thankful, spending her life giving thanks to the Almighty for her gifts, which she could use in the betterment of her fellowmen. She always expressed gratitude for those persons who assisted her in any way.

Betty was Trustworthy.

She was a reliable and dependable friend and colleague, who lived up to her vocation and to her promises.

If she said she would do something, you could rest assured it would be done.

Finally, Betty, throughout her life, always remained Youthful in appearance and in her association.

She led the Brownies and Girl Guides for many years, and shared in their fun and games, and in their general exuberance.

On December

14th, Betty was laid to rest in the Holy Trinity Churchyard, after the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist of Thanksgiving, led by the Rt. Rev. C Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands.

She leaves to mourn brothers Walter, Alwyn and Ronald, many relatives and friends.

‘Life’s little day ebbed suddenly out, Ending a life, a vision, a journey.

But her spirit fled with a joyous shout And entered in the realms of eternity’.

May she rest in peace.

Two fallen cricketers laid to rest

by PATMOS RICHARDS Two former local cricketers who participated in both the National First Division championship and the SVG Masters tournament were recently laid to rest.

Reynold ‘Ray’ Miligan died on Wednesday 22nd January after a terminal illness, and was buried on Thursday 30th January following a funeral service at the St. John’s Anglican Church, Belair.

‘Ray’ was a fast bowler, who bowled in tandem with his fallen colleague, Julian ‘Crazy’ Bailey, for Nuclear Stars and Richards Masters.

In addition to his bowling skills, ‘Ray’ was a useful lower order batsman who struck the ball ferociously.

He was unquestionably committed to his teams, rarely having been absent for any scheduled game.

He was 53 at the time of his death.

Ray’s fallen colleague, Julian ‘Crazy’ Bailey, died in a tragic

circumstance on the 26th January, when the truck on which he and others were travelling experienced difficulty at Maroon Hill in the Greiggs area and overturned, leaving three persons including, 52year-old Bailey, dead.

Julian ‘Crazy’ Bailey captained Victors TWO in the local premier division competition. His captaincy was exemplary, he having led his team to victory on several occasions.

‘Crazy’, a genuine medium fast bowler, outwitted many batsmen with his deceptive swing bowling and he also extracted effective bounce on placid wickets.

Like Ray Milligan, he played a key role as a medium fast bowler in the SVG Masters 40-over tournament.

Bailey was laid to rest on Saturday 1st February at the Dumbarton cemetery in Mesopotamia following a church service at the Mesopotamia Gospel Hall Assembly.

The cricket fraternity was well represented at both funerals.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 19.

Business

Vincy Trade launches ‘Buy! Sell! Shop!’ website

by GLORIAH… A BRAND new website, www.vincytrade.com, boasting a host of innovative ideas, was launched on Saturday, 8th February, at the Beachcombers Hotel, Villa.

The website is owned and managed

by Vincy Trade, a Vincentian company intent on making it easier for consumers and vendors alike.

It is easily navigable, with an attractive homepage which features numerous search options and item previews.

The promotional banner that greets visitors to the site.

sensate “will change the shopping scene here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

He assures that it is easily accessed under one online community, and provides exposure to a large database of online users, and explained that the site is “discoverable and measurable,” Features of the site being able to be accessed through the Google Search Engine, and giving Catering to shoppers, it features constant updates on Ad listings and items for sale. It also makes selling item sales, among other statistics, per easier. Logins, registering and day. posting of ads are completely free Gunn-Akcayli also pointed to the services. Sellers have the option of site as one that facilitates browsing choosing to feature their products, through hundreds of categories, thereby giving them heightened through which the individual can prominence and resulting in greater either buy or sell any item ranging views, for a small cost. from units as small as a used text book The site also affords the facility of searching for events, jobs, careers, and to a car.

As far as the security elements of the viewing of the latest promotions the site are concerned, Gunn- Akcayli from local companies and services. explained that it will be safe to do Propelled by the tagline ‘Buy! Sell! transactions online, as there is Shop!’, Director of Vincy Trade, Mr. Tolga Gunn-Akcayli, promises that the protection against vandals. Each

Mr. Tolga Gunn-Akcayli, Director of Vincy Trade, cites the potential of the new website as being able to change the shopping landscape in SVG. customer will be able to log in with Facebook, if he so requires.

Use so far At the time of the launch, www.vincytrade.com had already received 11,000 likes and 1,750 clicks.

There was a daily average of 100 users and an This is what visitors of the site are likely to see average of 10 advertisement listings per when they log on. day.

Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, And as for the future, GunnSt. Lucia and Dominica, under a Akcayli told those gathered at the Beachcombers Hotel that he foresees a Vincentian registered company.

This, he projects, should be ready to future, in keeping with the desire of come on stream by April, 2014, and is his father for Caribbean Unity, in expected to be named ‘Caribarter’. which a website would be created to “Cari Barter”. specifically service the islands of St.

Invest SVG building capacity Invest SVG, the agency tasked with the responsibility for bolstering and attracting Local and Foreign Direct Investment to the island, is looking to improve its capacity building for improving the investment climate in and to further economic development of the country.

Towards this end, a team of officials from Compete Caribbean, a private sector development programme that provides technical assistance grants and investment funding to support productive development policies, was recently in SVG for discussions with Invest CSVG. A release from Invest SVG cites the

changing international business environment as beckoning to countries like SVG, to respond to the guiding need of improving their competitiveness.

The institutional strengthening of Invest SVG is paramount and a move in the right direction as the agency seeks to fulfil its mandate. The time for enhancing the investment climate is also ripe, given the coming on stream of the Argyle International Airport. The aim of this current pilot project is to address the problem by proposing a strategic framework that is not only consistent with the themes of the Island’s National Economic And

One of the public consultations involving Compete Caribbean Mission.

Compete Caribbean Mission officials meet with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Social Development Plan (NESDP 2010 — 2025), but is also “designed to enhance the global competitiveness of St Vincent and the Grenadines.,” the Invest SVG release stated.

According to Invest SVG’s Executive Director, Bernadette Ambrose-Black, this is Compete Caribbean’s third visit to SVG, but it would not be the first time that the Organization would be implementing a developmental project.

It is anticipated that the outputs of this project will enhance the investment climate, thereby contributing towards economic growth, increased export earnings, increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a reduction in the country’s trade deficit.

While here, The Compete Caribbean Mission held high level meetings with

the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Government Ministers for all the economic focus sectors for which Invest SVG has responsibilities, the Director General of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Director of Planning. Consultations were also held with both private and public sectors that fall within the preview of Invest SVG. The Compete Caribbean programme is jointly funded by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), the UK Development for International Development (DFID) and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD). It supports projects in 15 Caribbean countries. Projects in the OECS countries are implemented in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 21.

Relief

Vincentians in Philly give to airport

According to the seemingly the Vincentians in Pelle and Jakie. bit in this regard.

Philadelphia for their kind Cordice told THE indefatigable Cordice, a On Monday 17th support, indicating that there February, a cheque in an VINCENTIAN, that while the number of “unforeseen amount may seem negligible, circumstances” led to a was need to continue to amount of EC2, 000.00 support the airport project and diminished amount finally he was pleased that the was handed over to advanced to the IADS. that every bit of assistance Communications Officer Vincentian community in Philadelphia came out in Richardson, in accepting the received is immensely of the International appreciated. cheque, thanked Cordice and support of the cause.

Airport Development Company, Jennifer Richardson.

The funds were raised from a concert, dubbed ‘Soca 4 Argyle International THE NATIONAL RELIEF pleasure at Airport’, held in late programme, occasioned by the being able to October 2013, and co- 2013 Christmas Eve floods come to the odinated by James caused by unprecedented assistance of Cordice, former rainfall that accompanied an the hundreds president of the unseasonal trough system, who were Philadelphia-based continues to attract support displayed by St. Vincent and the from a variety of sources here the floods, Grenadines’ and abroad. “especially Organization of One of the more recent those who did Pennsylvania, in donations to the relief effort not enjoy a (L-R): The presentation party included Angus was made by the St. Vincent good collaboration with Martin (Vice President), Winston ‘Pops’ Morgan and the Grenadines Taxi Christmas.”

Kylla Herbert, co(President), Howie Prince (NEMO), Calvert Mills Cindy Cordice (left) hands over cheque founder of the Drivers Association.

Howie (Treasurer) and Vivian Primus (Trustee). on behalf of James Cordice and On Friday last, February 14, Prince Philadelphia-based Vincentians resident in Philadelphia, to Caribbean American the relief effort.

President of the Association, expressed a deep sense of Jennifer Richardson.

The donation was made Winston ‘Pops’ Morgan handed appreciation of the taxi drivers’ Heritage possible with monies donated over cheques in the amount of gesture, recognizing it as a Collaborative, Inc. VINCENTIAN NATIONALS in the directly by the membership of EC$10,000 to Managing demonstration of persons who (CAHCI), USA Diaspora continue to lend the Association, each member Director of the National care for those on whom they The concert featured a tangible support to the contributing $100.00 , and the Emergency Management depend for their livelihood. construction of the international number of leading Committee (NEMO), Howie He assured the Taxi Drivers additional amount of $2000.00 Vincentian calypso and soca airport here. donated by ‘Pops Taxi Tours’, Prince, during a short that the money would go artistes in the United Not to be left out of the owned and managed by ceremony at NEMO directly to the housing repair States, including Alston opportunity to demonstrate Winston ‘Pops’ Morgan. headquarters at New Montrose. and rebuilding component of national pride and patriotism, ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Winston Morgan Vincentian nationals resident Soso, Cyril ‘Scorcher’ expressed his in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thomas, Lively, Fabulous membership’s T, Cutis-C, Philly Dilly, USA, have moved to do their

Taxi operators donate to relief programme

Aunty G Charitable organization still reaching out THE AUNTY G Charitable Children’s Organization (AGCCO),a non-profit organization, founded in December 2006, which aims to assist children of less fortunate families, continues its quest to fulfill its mission.

The Organization’s latest demonstration in this regard, took place at the Langley Park Government school, last Monday, when a quantity of school texts was donated.

The books were sourced by AGCCO’s founder and director, Georgietha Nanton, through the Wayside Community group in England, and were presented to the school’s Headmistress, Ms. Elva Springer, in a short ceremony at the school.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, Ms. Nanton said that similar presentations were expected to be made during the week to the Georgetown Technical Institute and the Georgetown Multi-

Cleysorna Browne, AGCCO rep (left) , Elva Springer, Headmistress of the Langley Park Government School with members of the School’s Guides and Brownies packs at the presentation of school books ceremony.

Purpose Centre.

In related news, AGCCO will join in the national relief drive on behalf of citizens affected by the Christmas Eve flood, when it hosts a ‘Charity Fun Day’, at the Chile Playing Field, Georgetown, on Sunday, March 2, 2014.

The event will feature a ‘Masters Football Match’, involving government officials, calypsonians, police officers, DJ’s, and veteran and former national footballers.

There will also be a cultural package

featuring, among others, Candy Man, vocalist Vincentian born Canadabased RQ, the Groundbreakers dance troupe, the CD Dancers and DJ Nu Flava.

Patrons are asked to pay $5.00 at the gate or donate a food item.

Monies and foodstuff collected will be handed over to NEMO and the Red Cross.

Readers will recall that AGCCO hosted a similar event and raised some EC$4,000.00, which was made available to victims of the floods of 2011.

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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2014 Partnering with men and boys to achieve gender equality INCREASED knowledge and transformation of attitudes and behavior among both men and women, are necessary conditions for achieving the harmonious partnership of men and women.

“Men play a key role in bringing about gender equality since, in most societies, men exercise preponderant power in nearly every sphere of life, ranging from personal decisions regarding the size of families, to the policy and programme decisions taken at all levels of Government. It is essential to improve communication between men and women on issues of sexuality and reproductive health, and the understanding of their joint responsibilities, so that men and women are equal partners in public and private life.” - ICPD Programme of Action, Para 4.24 In the past, development efforts have tended to focus on either men or women, but rarely on both.

For decades, development assistance often took the form of providing technologies, loans and training to men. Starting in the early 1970s, analysts pointed out the need to pay more attention to women as agents of development. The initial effect was to direct more resources to women and, later, focus attention more broadly on gender dynamics and inequalities. The movement for gender equality itself has undergone a similar shift over time, from an early emphasis on women alone, to the recognition of the need to engage men in the process.

The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) was unprecedented in its call for countries to promote men’s support in the struggle for gender equality, and encourage their involvement and shared responsibility in all areas of family life and reproductive health. The Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs) give little explicit attention to men’s roles, although the need to involve men in their realization is apparent.

As a matter of principle, men, especially those who are marginalized by poverty or other circumstances, have needs and rights that deserve greater attention. Given that men wield preponderant power across all areas of public and private life, their cooperation is essential not only in the domestic and community spheres, but also in the wider realm of national politics, finance and governance. Gender equality, and the social transformation it implies, is most likely to be achieved when men recognize that the lives of men and women are interdependent, and that the empowerment of women benefits everyone. when women need immediate medical care.

Supportive fathers can play a large role in the love, care and nurturance of their children. Often they are the primary providers for their families.

Men’s partnership is clearly essential to achieving Researchers have begun analyzing the links gender equality, and can influence all of the other MDGs, both directly and indirectly. Partnering with between paternal absence and poverty. Children’s psychological, social and cognitive development can men is an important strategy for advancing proper suffer from paternal abandonment and lack of attitudes to reproductive health and rights, which affective and material support. are so closely linked to the MDGs. Fathers who neglect their financial The AIDS epidemic sharply underscores men’s responsibilities leave women with children more critical role: In the absence of a vaccine or cure, changes in male behaviour are central to preventing vulnerable to poverty. Some mothers are forced to bring, or send, their children to work instead of to the spread of HIV. school.

Men play a decisive role in many other respects.

Research in Central America and the United Husbands often make decisions about family States has found that repercussions of paternal planning, their wives’ economic activities and the abandonment or neglect range from poor use of household resources, e.g. for medical and educational purposes. These decisions influence the educational performance and school dropout (including early entry into the workforce to help well-being and prospects of the whole family. The families make ends meet), to teen pregnancy, drug care and support of an and alcohol abuse. In the United States, fatherless informed husband also children were more prone to suicide. improves pregnancy and The many benefits of a father’s supportive childbirth outcomes, and involvement in family life underscore the pressing can mean the difference between life and death in need for effective policies. Social norms and institutions that assume women are primarily cases of complications, responsible for children’s well-being and care may discourage men from getting involved during pregnancy and childbirth. Yet this early involvement is associated with men’s later roles and responsibilities as fathers.

Gender-based expectations can keep men from enriching the lives of their children and their own lives as well: Studies confirm that for many men, fatherhood enhances well-being and confers a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Some studies have found that fatherhood may also reduce men’s criminal behaviour and other forms of risk-taking.

Furthermore, fathers with more genderequitable and responsible attitudes about childrearing are more likely to pass on those values to their sons and daughters, and to spend more time with them.

Men’s roles in achieving the Millennium Development Goals

Contributed by Nelcia Robinson – Chair, Commonwealth Women’s Network - as part of a public awareness program to inspire new ways of action to achieve gender equality.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 23.

Feature

Embassy speaks on situation in Venezuela Editor’s Note: The following is the complete text of a release from the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is of great importance for us to express the views of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with regard to the situation that has developed in Venezuela in the past week, in an effort to counteract and balance the news emanating from the global media conglomerates, which tend to present biased information.

Venezuela acts against minor far right groups dedicated to promote violence endangering the lives of our co-nationals. These groups also act against the constitutional rights of peacefully expressing their opinion, while attacking private and public property which is punished by law.

The Government rejects firmly the Statement of the United States Secretary of

the peace and love of the solidarity State, and decided to expel country, not conditioned to expressed by the three US Diplomats based in any foreign demands or International Caracas, since they were interference in our sovereign Community with actively participating in the regard to the organization and promotion of affairs.

The Government of the grave situation in the groups that today are Venezuela. generating violence. They were Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its visiting private universities compromise with the Embassy of the with the pretext of offering a Bolivarian visa program, while contacting principles of democracy, contrary to what is marketed Republic of student leaders to enlist through the mass media Venezuela students in training and in Saint Vincent financing of organizations that internationally, and at the same time appreciates the and The Grenadines are promoting violence.

The people and Government of Venezuela will continue to act within the framework of the Constitution, laws and principles of popular democracy to guarantee the The Community calls peace of the society Editor’s Note: The following is the full and unabridged for respect for the and overcome the statement of CARCOM on the democratically elected agenda of violence. situation in the Bolivarian Government of the The Government Republic of Venezuela.

Bolivarian Republic. In has continuously (CARICOM Secretariat, all democracies, citizens expressed its will to Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, have the right to air their open dialogue for Guyana) The Caribbean views and differences, Community is concerned by the however, this must be confrontations which have taken done within the place in the Bolivarian Republic constitutional framework of Venezuela over the past few and not through violent days in the course of demonstrations. No democratic demonstrations. CARICOM society can reasonably pursue deplores the deaths of three disorder or any unwarranted persons arising from the resulting subversion of democratic acts of violence. institutions.

Canned liquid cocaine: A mystery?

From Backpage.

Under cross-examination by Connell, Frazer said that, while a certain process is required to extract the cocaine, she could not give any evidence as to its purity.

The Chief Magistrate had requested the appearance of the analyst to give further verification on the substance.

In mitigation, Connell told the court that, after hearing the evidence of the analyst, the court would still be in a quagmire as to the exact amount of cocaine, since she was unable to give any evidence as to its purity and how much of the liquid was actually cocaine.

Connell stressed, “There is a nexus between the amount, the value and the sentence”.

The lawyer made it clear that his client played no role in the preparation and canning process.

“He (Smith) was used as a mule and subjected to the puppetry of a young female. Clearly, there was an element of fear”.

Connell expressed the view that “any Englishman who is offered a trip to the Caribbean would not refuse. To them, St. Vincent will be heaven on earth, and we know we all want to go to heaven at some time,” evoking a chuckle from those present. But according to Connell, Smith did not look at the bigger picture.

The trial involving Lisa Hooper, 23, charged on three counts in connection with the cocaine seizure, is scheduled for today (Friday).

Smith would be called as a state witness in the matter which is expected to be followed with keen interest.

Attorney Jomo Thomas is representing Hooper.

(See related story on page 5)

CARICOM Statement on the situation in Venezuela

CARICOM calls on all parties to take the necessary steps to refrain from any further action that would hinder a peaceful resolution of the differences and a return to peace and calm in the country.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

He beats me!!!

Dear George, MY HUSBAND hits me all the time, and the last time he did, I almost died. I suffered two fractured fingers and other injuries to my body. I am very scared of him. I want to leave him, but I am so afraid. I am afraid when he comes home at night, and would always hope that he is not drunk. He blames his abuse to me on his drinking. When he does not drink, he is a sweet and loving man.

I want to stay married to him, but I do not want him to keep beating me. One time, he told me that if I did not want to get hit, I should act like a woman instead of a slut. I do not know what he meant by that, and he never explained it. I feel so depressed and worthless.

GM Dear GM, Your husband has succeeded in making you get to the point where you have lost your self-esteem or where it is at an all time low. You need to get out of that situation as soon as possible. Staying in such an environment can result in him eventually killing you.

No man has the right to put his hands on another woman, and you need to get him to agree to get professional help. He also needs to hear that he will face the full force of the law should he ever hit you again. You can and should go to a professional counselor to help you sort yourself out and to set a survival plan in place. You do not have to wait on your husband to go with you.

One way or the other, you need to have a plan A and a plan B. He can choose where he wants to fit in.

George

Blind-sided

I went in to see him and told him that I just wanted to make sure he For 2 years, my boyfriend denied being involved with was alright and would live long enough to his ex-girlfriend. He said regret not having me in they do not even talk as his life any longer. He friends because of what she did to him in the past. had nothing to say to me, and it was the first time She hurt him by getting whether we can turn the I ever saw him involved sexually with Hind-sight is indeed other cheek, and if it is speechless. At long last, 20/20 vision, and do not another man, right in his worthwhile trying to do I caught him with his house. blame yourself for not damage repair to save It so happened that he pants down. I even left a being able to see in the the relationship, if in note with the nurse to got sick and had to be future. fact it is worth saving. give to her should she hospitalised. I got the When we get involved With the information news of him being there ever come back to see in relationships, we can that you had in your about five hours after he him. The note stated only hope that the other case, you felt it was time that she can have him was there. I arrived person does not betray to move on, and you now. What a scumbag! there to be told that he the trust we put in must be congratulated How could I not have was only allowed one them. Being human, for following your seen this coming? visit. (By the way I am sometimes they do instincts. I hope you find writing to you from St. exactly that! It is then love in the future.

Disappointed Michael, Barbados.) up to us, when that He had a visitor in his George happens, to decide Dear Disappointed, room at that time I was there. I waited until the individual came out, only to discover that it was his ex-girlfriend. I was furious! She somehow Your boyfriend obviously is not Dear George, got to know of his plight showing the kind of commitment to hours before me! He also MY BOYFRIEND got me to agree to the relationship that you want him to had her name down as show. I do not know what caused you do a threesome. I had no problem the person to call in case with it, but since then, the woman is to agree to that threesome in the first of emergency, and so place, but whatever the reason was, always in my house wanting more of they called her. inviting another person into your him. She even went as far as to say relationship is never a good idea. that if I did not agree to her having You opened up the back door constant access to him, she might just have to take him for herself. That was while taking steps to secure the front door and expecting to be safe in your when I ordered her out of the house.

As she left, she said that he knows house! You need to wake up and get serious about keeping what is yours to where she lives and she would be yourself! waiting for him. I told him about what she said, and he just told me George that I should do as she says, seeing that I had no problem with it in the first place.

I think our relationship is in big trouble because of this woman. What do I do?

Dear George,

Three is too much company

Scared Dear Scared, When you invite others to take a bite of your cherry, then you stand the risk of losing that cherry altogether.

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Secret affairs will eventually backfire on you. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep. Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Plan a nice evening for two. This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable.

Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Only bite off what you can chew. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Travel should be on your mind.

Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move.

Moneymaking opportunities will surface.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. Trips should be your choice. Make plans to meet again in the near future.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You will have to control the way you feel. Don’t be angry, but be on your guard. Try to do things with children that will enable you to bond closer to them. Spend some quality time with your lover.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries this week. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project. You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Some situations may be blown out of proportion. Calm down and take a step back. Keep your feet on the ground, if you can. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don’t deliver. You will make new friends through physical activities. You can expect changes at your work place. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. Don’t bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Don’t depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change.

Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. Focus your efforts on your work.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Property purchases should be on your mind. You could come into extra cash. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen.

ACROSS 1.Student’s concern 4. Vegetarian staple 8. Turn suddenly 12. “You betcha!”

13. Slight tints 14. Unsightly 15. Made a difference 17. Fail to keep 18. Fuzzy fruit 19. It precedes Sept.

21. Creative 24. Doesn’t eat 28. Certain investments (abbr.)

30. Journalist 32. Greek letter 33. Rations (out) 34. “Just __ suspected!”

(2 wds.)

35. Downspout decoration 37. Mel of Cooperstown 38. Regions 39. Winter coaster 41. Doggie doc

43. Farrow et al.

46. 5,280 feet 49. Examines carefully 53. Train track 54. Castle’s ditch 55. Also 56. Naughty children 57. TV award 58. “Harriet the __” DOWN 1.School dance site 2. Crest 3. Italian wine town 4. That group’s 5. “Flags of __ Fathers” 6. Stipend 7. Food inspection initials 8. Uncouth 9. Self-esteem 10. Raised railways 11. Bread variety 16. “__ brillig…”

20. Tabloid topics 22. Quarterback

Aikman 23. Hollers 25. Doctor’s “right away!”

26. IQ __ 27. __ Lanka 28. Burn slightly 29. Dreadful 31. Avenger Emma 32. Arnold Palmer’s gp.

33. Medicinal portion 36. Auction rappers 37. Garfield’s pal 40. Vacant

42. Clock information 44. Deeds 45. “Whoa?!”

46. Modern diagnostic tool (abbr.)

47. “I think,

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 25.

therefore __” (2 wds.)

48. Mouth part 50. French for “name” 51. Sleuth Spade 52. Bean-curd bean

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Taiwan continues to offer scholarships for medicine IN ORDER TO CULTIVATE passionate and devoted international medical professionals for its diplomatic allies, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to provide scholarships for medicine in 2014.

In 2013, the TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Minister of Health Hon. Clayton Burgin Development Fund) partnered (2nd left), Minister of Youth Hon. Frederick with I-Shou University (ISU) to Stephenson (2nd right) met with Mr. Andre establish a four-year Doctor of Williams (3rd right) and Mr. Raphique Pope Medicine degree (M.D.) program (3rd left) in Taiwan. for international students. All admitted students are awarded admitted to the program last year. with full scholarship and are obliged to The Taiwan Embassy welcomes return to their home countries to provide Vincentian youth with a bachelor degree medical service. from accredited universities/colleges Two young Vincentians, Mr. Andre desirous of studying medicine to make Williams and Mr. Raphique Pope, were applications by March 14.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 27.

Pope’s century helps Spartans through purgatory

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT WINDWARD ISLANDS U19 BATSMAN Gidron Pope hit a masterful unbeaten century to help underdogs News Spartans come out with a fighting draw against defending champions, Victors ONE, in their Premier Division match at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field on the weekend.

And this came in the face of a 13-wicket match haul by Windward Islands senior selectee, offspinner Kenneth Dembar.

SCORES: Victors ONE 250/4 &27/1, News Spartans 141&214.

Pope last week smashed the Secondary Schools record for an individual innings when he hit 248 for the Georgetown Secondary against the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, at the Park Hill Playing Field.

On Sunday he got just under half of that against what can be described as a quality bowling attack, on a fair size playing field.

The talented left-handed opener who got just 14 in the first innings, returned to the crease with his team being asked to follow on, 109 runs in deficit. He looked a class act as his teammates fell around

him, mainly through reckless strokes. He went to tea unbeaten on 40, with his team precariously placed at 77/6. It was during that time, while taking a walk outside the park, that Pope was given some advice by Windwards left-arm seamer, Delorn Johnson. The advice: “You must be the last man standing at the end!” It was advice that the younger player heeded.

On the resumption, he quickly got into his stride and lofted Dembar twice in the area of the Mike Findlay Pavilion, the second of which landed on the roof and brought up his half century.

The score quickly slipped to 108/8, still one run in arrears, with Pope at that time unbeaten on 73. Not allowing a serious bout of cramp to affect him, he stoically set about shielding the lower

Gidron Pope drives through the offside during his unbeaten 120.

Inset: Kenneth Dembar-took 13/93 in a valiant but vain attempt to take his team, Victors ONE, to victory. order while dispatching, with great panache, the numerous bad balls served up by wayward bowlers.

While hindered to a great extent from using his feet, he was allowed to stay on the back-foot to cut and pull with consummate ease on his way to the first century of the 2014 season.

It was another imperious pull to the square-leg boundary off pacer Norlan Williams which saw him

achieve the landmark, much to the delight of his teammates.

He struck 13 fours and five sixes in his near three hour stay at the crease.

He was able to add 106 for the ninth wicket with Basid Mathews (29), as the Victors ONE bowlers appeared to lose their way in the mid afternoon sun.

Dembar, who took the last two wickets in one over, did the major damage in taking 874 to underline his continuous upward climb for the last three years.

With Victors set 104 in 17

overs in fading light, play was the score 27/1.

Earlier, Victors ONE had declared at 250/4, thanks to an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 122 between Chrisroy John (65) and Keiron Cottoy (53).

Miles Bascombe (45) Atticus Browne (41) and Donwell Hector all got starts but fail to go on as pacer Darnley Grant took 3/61.

The News Spartans were then dismissed for 141 with Omally Lavia 47 being the topscore as Dembar grabbed 5/19, for match figures of 13/93.

Bramble calls for more cricket in schools ONE OF THIS COUNTRY’S CRICKET coaches believes there is a need for longer hours in the secondary schools cricket tournament.

Andrew Bramble, who coaches at the school and club levels, said, “It is good we still have some cricket being played. At least we have not reached the worst where we totally abandon cricket, but playing more cricket, the players develop better.”

He believes, “we are playing a sort of fast food cricket where we are just saying we host a cricket

competition, but basically the competition is of a low standard and quality…. it’s not what it should be.. .”

Bramble, who has also successfully coached in other sporting disciplines, football and track and field included, recalled when the secondary school cricket competition was of a two day format.

He advanced the view that, “in the absence of the two day format, the secondary school cricket should be a whole day affair. The game should start at 9.30 and finish

at 5.30, which may allow the match to go into more than one innings.”

And Bramble believes that all the secondary schools in the state should be involved in the competition. “If one school cannot field a team, there could be a combined team, but at the end of the day the students are playing cricket in a zone,” he suggested.

Addressing the game at the primary school level, Bramble said, “There is too much talk and no action in the organizing of primary

school cricket, the foundation of the future players. The Ministry of Education, the Local Cricket Association and the National Sports Council should see how best they could utilize the coaches in schools, to conduct different programmes.”

As far as exposure for this country’s young cricketers is concerned, Bramble lamented the lack of participation in the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Schools Cricket Tournament, held in Barbados.

“Roxell John and I, for

many years, took teams to the Sir Garfield Sobers Schools Cricket Tournament. We saw the benefits because a number of those players went on to play for SVG and the Windward Islands, without the help of the Local Cricket Association,” Bramble declared.

And on a forthright note to end his conversation with THE VINCENTIAN, Bramble said, “The Local Cricket Association has to also take some of the blame for the low standard of cricket in the country,

Andrew Bramble, coach, is concerned about the format and general state of schools cricket. and needs to be more proactive in organizing coaching programmes, training especially in the summer break.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

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28. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Saints prevail in lowscoring match

by E. Glenford Prescott GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS may be floating on wings after inflicting a third straight defeat in as many years, on former powerhouse Lime Radcliffe, in the Premier Division of the national cricket competition.

SCORES in the match played at Arnos Vale Two on the weekend: LIME Radcliffe 76 &67, Guardian General Saints 60 & 88/7.

After grabbing full points in 2012 and 2013, Guardian Saints showed it was not happenstance or coincidence, but just sheer enemy action with the latest success.

This one, achieved by three wickets, was far from straight forward, as both teams looked well placed to secure victory in a low-scoring affair on a pitch that, despite being assessed by the players as not of the best, did little to contribute to the demise of most of the batsmen.

“It is good they leaving on some grass, but the pitch needs some good rolling…..it has to be compact so you will not have the two- pace that you are seeing now,” Currency told THE VINCENTIAN after the match.

After being set a target of 84 for victory, with both teams failing to reach the hundred

mark in the previous innings, it was left to the experienced Rommel Currency (29), who showed near impeccable technique on a wearing pitch, to take his team some distance to victory. He was badly missed by wicketkeeper Lindon James when on 12. But when he went at 65/6, brilliantly caught one-handed

by Delorn Johnson at slip off Dyke Cato, things still looked very shaky for Saints. It got even worse after Vincent Cupid (the young boy, not the old man) who had withstood a barrage from Johnson, went at the same score.

It was left to Ronaldo Wright (16), who struck three fours, to see his team over the line. Johnson took 3-26.

On Saturday’s opening day, bowling line and length with some movements, medium pacer Ray Charles, 7/26, had reduced the LIME Radcliffe innings to tatters. They looked to be turning the innings around at 57/4 after the loss of some early wickets. However, the innings took a nose dive with the runout of captain James (26), with the last six wickets going down for 19 runs.

Any thoughts that Guardian General Saints may have had of easy points were

Delorn Johnson showed his class in a losing cause.

quickly snuffed out when Johnson yorked opener Rickford Walker with the first ball of the innings. They ended the day at 22/4, with Cato doing most of the damage.

On Sunday morning, it was all Johnson. Still buoyed at being named the country’s Senior Male Sports Personality the night before, he set about the Saints batsmen with bounce, pace and movement. He returned 6/18 and Cato 3/24 as Saints were humbled for 60. Omar Lorraine got 34.

Grass Root coaches get help APPROXIMATELY 25 local football coaches are now better equipped to function at the grass root level.

This, as a result of a Grass Root Coaching Course, hosted by the SVG Football Federation (SVGFA) at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, last weekend.

“St Vincent and the Grenadines would have had similar programmes for the last two years, so I am here not just to educate new coaches but to see what has been happening in SVG over the past two years,” said Anton Corneal, the CONCACAF instructor who conducted the course.

Corneal explained that the course “is geared to teach the foundation of the game,” adding that it is, “also geared towards educating young people about life. Even though football is the vehicle, we know they all have to play the game of life, and we hope there are certain aspects of the game, on and off the field, like cooperation, respect, dedication, commitment, that

Adams, Durrant continue good form ELEVEN RIDERS TOOK the orders at the starting line last Sunday outside the Lewis Pharmacy, Kingstown, for the SVG Cycling Union’s 27-mile road race.

The race took the bikers to Bridgetown and back, with a finish at the Sion Hill intersection.

At the end of a grueling race, Cammie Adams and Peter Durrant registered, once again, their dominance in their respective classes.

Adams out-pedaled the field in the under 40 class, and

But seemingly surprised by what looked a handy lead under the circumstances, the LIME Radcliffe batsmen once more succumbed to what looked to be more steady than penetrative bowling.

Their cause was not helped when captain James was run out for the second time in the match.

Left-arm pacer Kenroy Peters took 4/21 and Ray Charles continued to impress Charles 3/23 to give him with his first 10-wicket haul for the match analysis of 10/49. new season.

Durrant did likewise in the over 40 class.

Zephal Bailey ran second to Adams, and Orel George took a similar position behind Durrant.

Sunday’s race featured the competitive racing debut of youngsters Desmond Cox and Kyle Dougan.

The Cycling Union takes its activities to Barrouallie tomorrow, Saturday 22nd February, for a series of (L-R): Cammie Adams and Peter BMX and Mountain Bike races.

Durrant continue to excel in their respective classes.

we can impart to the youngsters.”

The instructor recognized that the coaches were now challenged to deliver.

“I would assume the reason some for them took the course is because they need the information. So we asked them to come with their glasses empty, not with their glasses full, so there will be enough room for information.

They must now implement and will see the benefit from this course in a few years,” Corneal said.

Trevor Huggins, General Secretary of the SVGFA confirmed that it was the second such course hosted by his Federation, and the undertaking was in keeping with the intention of increasing the number of trained persons operating at the grass root level.

He alluded to plans to stage three more courses during the year.

Shanell Cyrus, a coach working with the Under 15 and 17 members of local club System 3, described the course as “timely”, saying that it “provided more knowledge to impart to the youngsters, not just pertaining to the sport but also life skills.”

She realizes the challenges she faces, noting that “the kids possess a lot of skills, but without the right attitude, it will be hard for them to excel.”

The course ran from February 14 to 16.

I.B.A.ALLEN Course participants in session.

Anton Corneal, Course Instructor, stressed the importance of the life skills component of the course.

Shanll Cyrus, one of the course participants, described the course as being timely.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 29.

Sports

Looking beyond the awards SEEMS LIKE the National Sports Association has found a venue for the Sports Awards Ceremony.

Spring Gardens, about ten miles up the North Windward coast, presented a gorgeous setting. It is spacious, and the setting and ambience served as commendable backdrops, creating an air of appreciation for those who have put their hearts out in the nation’s interest.

I had reservations about the site, based on the assumption that it was too far from Kingstown.

But I overlooked the fact that Vincentians have adapted to the road. Ten miles extra may be burdensome for some persons. We will find ourselves having to commute for hours on a daily basis, once abroad.

Those who planned the exercise must have been familiar with the trend, and ought to be congratulated for their foresight in coming up with the location.

The Sporting authorities are not resting on their laurels, and have begun laying the groundwork for the next event. Having the benefit of two years hindsight, things can only get better.

It will have to be an all-inclusive affair, and that must be a journey embarked upon with real speed. The momentum has to be kept. The experience is there for the task to be maintained.

There are obvious ways for improvement; but we must avoid overindulging or attempting to take on too many adjustments.

The National Sports Awards has fulfilled its role. It carries immense worth as a source of motivation. The stakes can only go higher. The dividends are untold.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to establish an athletic culture. We have to churn over a crop of decent athletes every year; that is persons with the basics in running. Whether they excel in sprints, middle distances, or the longer events, or whether they are field athletes involved in long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, discus, the benefits are invaluable.

The cyclists, cricketers, basket ballers, volley ballers, footballers, swimmers, netballers, boxers, will do well to find out the commonality of their disciplines. Running is the base.

Coaches have their role. They have to justify their qualification, and display their worth in real terms. If they fail to accomplish this, their certificates will not be of any value.

Sport is a genuine platform for the enhancement of any nation.

We have to see it as an industry, and ensure that it goes from strength to strength.

The linkages through sport are extensive. We have to find avenues to deepen them. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a natural training ground.

There are structures to broaden the base. With our creativity and ingenuity, we can cater for any requirement.

The changing surface must not be an obstacle.

We have to be aware of our surroundings. As long as we co-exist with nature, there will be room for us to carry on with our national agenda. We have to make sure that it fits in with what the Almighty allows.

‘Sports Jewel’ urges fair play, commitment, dedication

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT FORMER national netball captain, Saska Diamond, is urging local athletes and sporting organisations to be dedicated and committed, if they are to help with the development of sports here.

Diamond was delivering the main address at the 2013 National Sports Awards last Saturday, February 15th, 2014, at Spring Estate,on the theme: Achieving Greatness Through Fair Play.

She told her audience, comprised primarily of members of the sporting community, that there are a number of values identified by the International Fair Play Committee, which must be adhered to if one is to achieve sporting greatness.

“These values to which it speaks include but are not limited to, respect, friendship, team spirit, fair competition, sport without doping, respect for written and unwritten rules, such as equality, integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence and joy,” Diamond said.

These, she said, are building blocks of fair play that must be learnt on and off the field or court, as fair play is not a theory but an attitude that manifests

itself in behaviour.

Saska Diamond (centre) in one of “It is a her last outings in national philosophy of colours. respect for others entities, even as and respect for the institution of she recognised sports. It requires desire, the many discipline, determination, challenges they dedication and diligence to face. succeed, and these are the “I know that principles that guide every true we are faced with Saska champion, Diamond, who represented SVG at U16, U23 and much economic Diamond constraints….I senior levels, said. delivering know we lack She called on the athletes to feature resources and are display the prescribed attitude so sometimes forced address at the as to avoid running the risk of 2013 National into positions cutting short or stymieing their Sports where our backs progress.

Awards. are against the “We must be able to wall more times demonstrate that greatness lies than we would like it to be. not in what others perceive to be However, there are things that we as winning, but in our ability to must appreciate, and that display the spirit of true is…..that at the heart of every sportsmanship and the portrayal champion, at the heart of every of a noble character.

“Greatness lies in our ability to success is unity, commitment, dedication and the ability to respect the rules and to compete recognise that we need each in the spirit of fair play…….And other’s assistance, guidance and always admonish yourself that there is a legacy that must be left encouragement. We cannot do it all by ourselves”. for the next generation, and you The awards were held to must channel the course of that recognise athletes and other legacy,” Diamond exhorted.

The petite Diamond, now sports connected personalities practising law in Antigua, made a who excelled in 2013. big call for unity among those

Huggins looking to 2018 Qualifiers CORNELIUS HUGGINS, coach of the national football team, described the recent two-match outing against Dominica as an opportunity to see “where we are as a team, and to have a look at individual players as we look towards building a strong and competitive unit for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2018.”

SVG won the two-match friendly fixture, played at the Sion Hill Playing Field on Friday 7th and Sunday 9th February, beating their opponents 3-2 in the first encounter and drawing , 0-0, in the second.

Huggins noted that victory in the first match came, compliments of a squad that included a number of young players who were getting their first caps.

“In my opinion, they played like they were in the team for a long time, which is a positive sign,” Huggins told THE VINCENTIAN. He is not sitting on his laurels, and pointed to the upcoming outings for the national team, the Windward Islands tournament in Cornelius April followed by the Digicel Cup. Huggins, coach “But my main focus will be of the SVG preparing the team for the 2018 national football World Cup,” Huggins stressed. “I team, has his have decided to start my eyes set on preparation early because for the preparing now past years we started to prepare for the 2018 too late and as a result, we were World Cup not fully prepared, so that’s why I qualifiers.

am going to kick start the training earlier,” said Huggins, a former national defender.

He cited the need for more friendly matches, which he described as a critical component of the team’s ongoing preparations, and is looking to the Federation to arrange these.

There are currently 30 players who make up the core of the national training squad. Huggins, though, is keeping the door open to overseas based players.

And as any coach would say, Huggins thinks SVG believes his squad can “go far … we just need to keep improving from game to game.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014. 31.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.08

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CANNED LIQUID COCAINE: A MYSTERY?

EC$1.50

Adolphus Delpleche, Senior Prosecutor, laments the fact that persons could be putting their intellectual abilities to such dastardly use.

Delpleche, who had presented the facts, told THE VINCENTIAN, “I would not say it is a mystery.”

Delpleche noted that international and regional media sources recently reported that the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States are currently pursuing investigations into matters of a similar nature, and are looking at a particular Caribbean country (not St. Vincent) as a possible origin.

He added that there were also news reports of a recent incident in London in which someone died after allegedly consuming a Connell wants answers liquid, alleged to be Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on cocaine, from a manufactured tin.

Monday that, while he finds the The senior prosecutor sentences reasonable, the issue as to said that it seems to him how, when, where and by whom the that concealing cocaine liquid cocaine was prepared and through canned liquid canned, remains a mystery.

Connell noted that answers to these form appears to be a new method used in cocaine questions were not part of his Naton Smith’s case follows recent seizure of instructions, nor were they revealed in trafficking. cocaine found in cans labelled as juice “It is not mysterious; the facts presented in court. manufactured in a Caribbean territory. persons are just “It’s unfortunate that my client ingenuous,” Delpleche came here on a holiday to collect said, adding, “It is sad that they are samples of drinks, but the holiday Local forensic scientist Antoinette channelling their intellectual abilities Frazer, who tested the drug, told the turned into horror when he was in such a negative way.” deceived and given something that court, February 13, that the cocaine From a local standpoint, the turned out to be liquid cocaine,” could be dissolved from its powdered prosecutor pointed out that narcotics Connell said. form into a solution through basic detectives and other investigators here chemistry, and a basic extraction could are looking deep into “this type of Mystery no, ingenuity yes be done to get it back into its original criminal activity.” form.

However, when contacted on Tuesday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Local scientist offers testimony Cont’d on Page 23.

year for conspiring with Lisa Hooper of Campden Park, and others, to export ONE WEEK after his client, Naton Smith, the drug. He pleaded guilty to all three was jailed on three cocaine charges, charges to which he had originally attorney Grant Connell remains mystified pleaded not guilty. as to the origin and processing of the The sentences, handed down by substance, which appeared in canned Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the liquid form.

Serious Offences Court, are to run Smith, a 22-year-old window concurrently. installer of the United Kingdom, was The cocaine, said to have had an on Thursday, February 13, 2014, estimated street value of EC$65,000, sentenced to two years in prison for was revealed in liquid form in three possession of 1,235 grams of cocaine sealed aluminium cans bearing the with intent to supply; one year for labels Vita Malt, Presidente and attempting to export the drug, and one Hairoun, the names of local products.

The sealed cans were found in Smith’s luggage after police constable Chris John of the Narcotics Unit intercepted him at the E.T. Joshua Airport around 5:30 a.m. July 24, last year. Smith was destined for his homeland via Barbados. He had arrived here July 11, 2013 and stayed at a hotel in Prospect.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Attorney Grant Connell remains mystified, since the matter has not revealed how, when, where and by whom the cocaine got into the can.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.