The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FRIDAY,
AUGUST 24, 2012
VOLUME 106, No. 34
BY WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY ‘Aliza’, and stealing US$3,200.00, on August 7, INCIDENTS OF BURGLARY and 2012. theft on yachts visiting St. The others sentenced in Vincent and the Grenadines will relation to the matter were not be dealt with lightly. Tanisha Forde, an This seemed to have been unemployed 18-year old, who the attitude which Senior was sentenced to three Magistrate Sonya Young months, and Genelia Forde, a intended to convey when she 38-year-old bartender, to four sat at the Serious Offences months, both for having Court, last Wednesday. received stolen property. During that sitting, she They were charged, August handed down sentence on four 20. residents from Mayreau, all Tanisha received US$1300 charged in relation to and handed over US$1,000 to burglary and theft from a the Police. The remainder was yacht anchored off the Tobago unaccounted for. Genelia Cays. received US1100. Jordan Forde was sentenced to nine months in The incident jail and Jason Alexander six months for the same offence. The Court heard that the They pleaded guilty to theft men boarded the yacht and burglary when they chartered by an American, appeared before Senior Jose Calderin. Magistrate Sonya Young at Calderin, a New York based the Serious Offences Court, designer, had chartered the last Wednesday. yacht, ‘Aliza’, in Grenada, and Forde and Alexander were arrived in the Tobago Cays at arrested and jointly charged 12.05 pm, August 7, 2012. with entering the yacht, He secured the vessel and went ashore for dinner at 6.30pm. When he returned to Above left: Tanisha Forde was charged and sentenced the boat at 8:30pm, he found with receiving stolen money. it ransacked and over US$3,000 removed. He reported the matter to Left: Genelia Forde was also the Union Island Police. sentenced for receiving and retaining money known to be Investigations led to the arrest of Jordan Forde and stolen.
www.thevincentian.com
Jason Alexander. Forde explained to the court that he went to pick whelks and saw that the boat “was empty” (unmanned). He confessed that he removed some money from the boat, with the intention of assisting his mother who has four children to send to school. “I was only trying to help her,” he told Magistrate Young.
EC$1.50
Sonya Young, Senior Magistrate, considers robberies committed against yacht persons as terrible acts.
represented Jason Alexander, assured Magistrate Young that there will be no appeal in the matter. Young ordered that the men write a letter to the American expressing their remorse. That draft was expected to be on her desk by A terrible act 4 pm yesterday, Thursday. She promised to ‘vet’ the Magistrate Young described letter, and threatened to affix the men’s behavior as “terrible additional time to the men’s for St. Vincent and the penalty if it was not up to her Grenadines.” standard. She echoed that the nation Young’s effort to send a “relies heavily on tourism.” message to those who would The Magistrate was upset, want to perpetrate such and outlined to the accused crimes, may have been men: “You are destroying my undermined. While awaiting breadfruit tree.” transport to the prison, one of She issued a restitution the men sentenced shouted order on the money recovered, that the Prison was going to and reminded the convicts of make him tougher. their right to appeal. “They only breeding However, lawyer Mira criminals in this place,” he Commissiong, who stated.
V
2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
News Commentary
Rapid response to Stoney Ground SchoolÊs fire
News commentary and photos by: DONALD DE RIGGS
JUST TWO WEEKS after fire gutted the entire upper storey of the Stoney Ground primary school administrative and classroom wing, a construction team, nicknamed here the ‘A Team’, has made remarkable progress, working literally day and night, to complete repairs in time for the reopening of the 2012/13 school year. When the flames were just about being doused by the hardworking firefighters, I spoke informally with Senator Julian Francis, who was Construction off and running. among government officials who had rushed to in quick time.” the scene to gather a firsthand He smiled and quietly said, “You impression of the damage. will see.” I said to Senator Francis then, “I I have a particular interest in this know your presence is an indication school, as all of my children attended that this building will be reconstructed this institution. That is where they
this primary educational institution. The present group of stalwart teachers will attest that, even though I do not have any children there presently, I still support their fundraising and book reading activities. To return to where I began, the reconstruction of the burnt out section of the school is proceeding at a rapid pace. There is a new stairway being constructed to provide an additional exit in case there is an emergency requiring immediate evacuation of the upper floor. This new development must be commended, especially from the safety standpoint. The pictures tell the story: a roof on in three days, working day and night. I must ‘big up’ the construction team; the carpenters did a remarkable job, working even at night, which requires more diligence. I rather suspect that at the rate at which this project is going, and barring any setbacks due to inclement weather, the entire school were nurtured academically, resulting plant should be ready for use at the scheduled opening of the new school in four of them having already attended university, with the youngest year. Now we know what the Honourable two just about completing secondary school. I have also served as President Minister of Works meant when he said, “You will see.” and PRO on different occasions, therefore, I have a special affinity for
Work continued under floodlights.
Ready for the galvanize.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 3.
News 3
The launch of the Consultation on the National Cultural Policy heard remarks from (from left) Anthony Theobalds, Hon, Cecil Mc Kie, Janeil Henry and Rene Baptiste. Right: A diverse group of Vincentian nationals turned up for the launch.
National Cultural Policy in the making This is the Mantra that Cecil Mc Kie, “RISING INTO THE FUTURE Minister of Tourism, with Culture.” by KARISSA CLARKE
WE CONTINUE with the trip DOWN THE MEMORY LANE of efforts to forge Caribbean integration, with a look at the Petit St. Vincent Accord. Thanks to Frank da
Silva, we can display this picture of three Premiers of the day, Eric Gairy of Grenada (left), James Mitchell of St. Vincent (centre) and John Compton of St. Lucia, who met in Petit
Sports and Culture, feels this country should operate under.
McKie made his of persons from various sentiment known when walks of life, who had he addressed a gathering converged at the NIS Training Room, on Tuesday 21st August 2012, for the Launch of the Consultation on the National Cultural Policy for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Following an official call to order at 10:30am and the playing of the National Anthem by local St. Vincent in May 1972, absence of Edward le panist extraordinaire to discuss and agree Blanc, Dominica’s Rodney Small, the upon eliminating travel premier of the day, met Launch was underway. and work permit and agreed, it was The Consultancy will restrictions within their reported, that effective be funded by UNESCO jurisdictions/countries. August 1, 1972, there and organized by Rene The three Windward would be complete Baptise, former minister Islands leaders, in the freedom of movement of of culture, still citizens and affectionately known as permanent ‘Mama Culture’. She will residents of the be responsible for three territories. reviewing documents, We know now holding the consultation that this grand and then refurbishing accord was never and refreshing the implemented and National Cultural Policy. the matter of In his welcome ‘freedom of travel’ remarks, Anthony (or is it hassle free Theobalds, Chief travel) within the Cultural Officer in the OECS and the Ministry of Culture, wider CARICOM expressed his happiness continues to be to be present for a subject to certain Launch of this nature conditions. and the parameters for One Youth consultative process Church leader at the time of the when he said, “Many ‘signing’ of the Petit factors need to be St. Vincent Accord, addressed economically, is reported to have socially, culturally and in commented: ‘What relation to Intellectual freedom of travel Property in this Policy.” they talking about? Theobalds’ remarks How many of us were followed by those of can afford to Janeil Henry, Secretary travel?’ Nuff said. General of SVG UNESCO National
Commission. Henry, who was also representing the Ministry of Education, expressed excitement about the Policy and all that it entails. She conveyed UNESCO’s full endorsement and anticipation of the Policy document. Consultation Chairperson Baptiste informed the gathering that invitations to participate in the process have been extended to organizations such as the Youlou Pan Movement, Invest SVG, CED, Carnival Bands Association, the Indian Heritage Organisation, The Garifuna Heritage Organisation, ECCO, music producers, dramatists, designers and so much more. Minister of Culture Cecil Mc Kie expressed the feeling that “our nations is turning another leaf as it relates to culture.” And while he recognized that “our culture is varied and involves every sector of our society,” he called for a cultural policy that is “reflective of our individuality but also has international muster.” He gave his blessing to the process and to Ms. Baptiste’s appointment. The Consultation on the National Cultural Policy for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to be completed by 21st September.
V
4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Courts
Campden Park man set for PI
Patterson and Williams had an altercation August 1, 2012. Patterson, confined to a wheel ELSWORTH WILLIAMS, a 48-year-old Campden Park chair, at the time of the incident, died at the Milton labourer, is expected to return to court November 16 Cato Memorial Hospital August 16. for preliminary investigations into a murder charge. Inspector Adolphus Delpesche, appearing on Williams appeared before Chief Magistrate Sonya behalf of the prosecution, plans to call ten witnesses Young last Wednesday. He was charged with the during the hearing. murder of Raphael Patterson, a 32-year-old Williams is represented by lawyer Grant Connell. labourer, address also given as Campden Park. Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
Elsworth Williams is charged with murder.
Burglar says he wants to change ENOS WALLACE-PROVIDENCE, a 44-year-old man, began an 18month jail term last Tuesday. Magistrate Ricky Burnette imposed the penalty after Wallace-Providence pleaded guilty to counts of burglary. He removed over $11,000 worth of stuff in Left: Enos one incident between July 17 and August 4, Wallace2012, and $2,000 sometime between August 10 Providence has a and 15. string of He expressed regret: “I am very sorry. I convictions make a terrible mistake.” against his name. Wallace unleashed a tale of conflict, and outlined his cooperation with the Police in recovering some of the items. “I want to make a change. In order to do that, I have to be given a chance,” Wallace declared. He described himself as a builder and craftsman, and vowed that he could make $120 a day. “I could pay the fine,” he suggested. Magistrate Ricky Burnette was not softened by his pleas. Wallace-Providence begged for time to compensate the owners for articles that were not recovered. The man told the court that he had to pay $5,000 for items still unaccounted for from one haul, and $369 for goods not recovered in the other incident. Wallace-Providence spoke of having spent 11 months in prison for a murder that he stated he knew nothing about. He begged the Magistrate to fine him and place him on a bond. Magistrate Burnette was firm that a custodial sentence was necessary. Burnette advised WallaceProvidence that he was free to appeal. Assistant Superintendent of Police Arnon King, who served as Prosecutor, advised the court that Wallace-Providence had 25 other convictions.
Pay for the goat or else… LLOYD MC LEAN, a 46-year-old vendor, will have to find $250 by September 3, 2012, or spend four months in jail. After he pays the compensation, he will be bonded for one year, and if he breaks that, he will be fined $1,000 forthwith or go to jail for six months. The penalty was handed down by Magistrate Ricky Burnette last Tuesday at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. McLean pleaded guilty to the theft of one ram goat at Prospect, August 14, 2012. It took the awareness of a farmer in the area to unravel the Magistrate Ricky Burnette was adamant that the a ‘goat thief’ mystery. Mc pay for the goat he had stolen. Lean was seen with a sack over his shoulder. When he was accosted by two persons, he dropped the sack and ran. A search of the bag revealed a ram goat with its throat slit. Investigations led to McLean’s arrest. The goat belonged to a 14- year-old student who had tied the goat that morning. Mc Lean pleaded guilty to the charge. He outlined to the court that he used to “run a fruit table at Arnos Vale,” but that “my girl friend steal all the money and run off.” He confessed that he was desperate and stole the ram goat. He begged the Magistrate to “give me little time.” Burnette quipped: “I want back the ram goat almost right away.” “Just give me a little time. I will pay for it,” Mc Lean hurtled. “I am going to give you a short time to pay for it,” Burnette asserted.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 5.
Regional
RegionÊs stand on APD tax gets support
THE AIR PASSENGER DUTY (APD) tax proposed by the UK government should be reviewed. This is the view of Mark Pitchard, a British Conservative Party Legislator. Pitchard made his feeling known during a recent visit to Barbados. Press reports have quoted him as saying: “I understand the UK government’s position. I recognize that with the deficit we have to raise
revenues as do many other countries and taxation is a key part of that. But, having said that, the APD as it currently stands is not a level playing field and it should be reviewed.” Pitchard is hoping that there is enough time for other legislators who share his view, to remind the Treasury about the impact the tax will have on Caribbean economies. Caribbean
governments, led by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, have articulated the negative impact the tax is likely to have on the number of British travelers to the Caribbean. It is calculated that, with the new tax, a family of four flying from the United Kingdom to the Caribbean now has to pay close to £400 (US$625.08) in taxes. In The Royal Caribbean Cruise liner The Navigator of the Seas.
Crew member accused of assaulting woman A WOMAN who claims she was assaulted by a crew member during a New Year’s cruise, has filed a federal lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruise, in Miami. The attack is claimed to have happened aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise liner Navigator of the Seas, on the morning of January 1. According to an affidavit sworn to by the woman, she had gone to an upper-level deck to use a whirlpool and while there, she asked a crew member for a towel. She claims the male crew member led her into a bathroom where the alleged attack happened. The attack was partially captured by the ship’s surveillance cameras, the woman’s attorney told the media in Miami. Michael Feiler, Attorney for the woman, said that the surveillance video captured the woman following the crewman into the bathroom then trying to escape, only to be dragged back into the room. The woman was finally able to escape and reported the attack to the ship’s security. It is believed that the security officers took the crewman into custody
and kicked him off of the ship at the next overseas port. “This is a problem in the cruise industry and if the company cared, it wouldn’t just turn this guy loose in the nearest port,” Feiler told reporters. “You need to cooperate with the victim and assist in bringing the perpetrator to the proper authorities.” A cruise line spokesperson did say however, that their security people “responded and preserved information and potential evidence that could be helpful to law enforcement,” and added that the incident was immediately reported to the FBI and law enforcement in St. Kitts. There was no response to inquiry made by THE VINCENTIAN to an email contact address for Royal Caribbean Cruise. There is, therefore, no information on the nationality of the crew member allegedly involved in the matter. Local agents for the cruise line, Coreas-Hazell’s Inc. was not apprised of the development and could provide no further information on the matter. There are hundreds of Vincentian men and women employed by cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Cruise.
2005, such a family would have paid a total of £80 (US$125.06) in taxes. The lobbying by the Caribbean states has helped in delaying some of the increase. However, Barbados Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealey, has admitted that the Caribbean is “aware that we will not get the APD abolished,” and asks only that the Caribbean gets
a fair way for it to be applied. In February, the Caribbean Tourism Organization released statistics from 23 countries that showed the region experienced a decline of arrivals from the United Kingdom for a third consecutive year, with officials attributing the drop to a weak British economy and increases in the APD.
Mark Pitchard, British Legislator, says the APD should be reviewed.
Cuba convicts 12 for corruption
Below: A nickel processing plant in Cuba.
THE REACH OF CORRUPTION in high, public offices has no respect for political systems. In what used to be considered a closed society ruled by the iron fist of the Communist Party, Cuba is demonstrating to the world that it too, is prepared to deal appropriately with those found in want of honesty in the execution of their duties on behalf of people and state. News this week from Havana indicate that Cuba sentenced a dozen people to prison for corruption, including high-ranking government officials and employees of a jointly run Cuban-Canadian nickel operation. According to Granma, the official organ of the
Cuba Communist party, the prison terms ranged from four to 12 years. Those convicted include three former vice ministers of the Ministry of Basic Industry, which oversees nickel mining. Nickel production is one of Cuba’s main sources of foreign income. In addition to the vice ministers, the director and other employees of
the state-run Cubaniquel and workers from Empresa Moa Nickel SA, also received prison terms, for their dishonest dealings. The case involved the contracting and execution of the expansion of the Moa nickel mine’s Pedro Soto Alba processing plant.
V
6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Arts
CDC Chairman lashes out at detractors by KENVILLE HORNE
CHAIRMAN OF THE CARNIVAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC), Denise Ambrose, has issued a stern warning to some private promoters , to desist from pulling down the CDC . The chairman’s comments came while speaking at the CDC prize giving ceremony last Wednesday 22nd at the Methodist Church Hall. Ambrose stated that the CDC will continue to
support the private promoters’ shows since they help to keep the carnival spirit, but stressed that they must be “in coordination with CDC to avoid conflict.” In a stern tone of voice, the Chairman appealed to some private promoters to desist from pulling down the CDC. “Remember it is the CDC and the Tourism Authority who conduct the promotion which brings the vast amount of persons to SVG. These are the same people
whom the promoters are counting on to attend their shows,” the chairman told the audience, comprised of carnival makers, carnival enthusiasts, sponsors of carnival shows, media personnel and government officials. Ambrose, while stopping short of naming any individuals and/or entities, took aim at those people who comment adversely about CDC’s policy of involving foreign artistes at carnival shows. In
Part of the audience which expressed support for sentiments expressed by the Chariman of CDC.
defending his organization’s action, Ambrose stated that when Vincentian artistes have hit songs, “we applaud them, we appreciate that other countries invite them to perform outside of Vincy Mas, so the Vincy artiste is a foreigner in that particular country.” The chairman questioned the move by some promoters who spend large amounts of money to bring foreign artistes to perform in St. Vincent, yet “these are the same people who turn around and criticize the CDC for bringing overseas artistes.” He described this action as “hypocritical,” and challenged the critics “to show their dedication to the local artistes, the local calypsonians, the local soca artistes and the local pan men, by giving them more airplay.” His comments drew loud and seemingly supportive applause from the audience. Ambrose affirmed CDC’s commitment to develop all aspects of the cultural art of the Carnival, saying that
“our local artistes and artists can rest assured that the CDC is committed to helping them to advance as far as possible.”
Innovation and other issues As far as Vincy Mas 2012 was concerned, the chairman assessed it to be “a huge success,” and pointed to the introduction of live pay per view telecasting of the shows as an innovation that worked. He appeased carnival component representatives by assuring them that the issue of increased prize monies will be addressed by the CDC in due course. The media also enjoyed expressions of thanks for their support, with the Vincentian Publishing Company coming in for special recognition for its consistency in producing an annual Carnival Souvenir Magazine. The Prize-Giving ceremony also heard addresses from the Minister of Culture Cecil Mc Kie, the President of
Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, took aim at those who criticize the CDC but do little on behalf of carnival makers. the Youlou Pan Movement Warren Knights, President of the Calypsonians Association Ann Miller and Chairman of the Carnival Bands Association Hugh Ragguette. Minister Mc Kie reiterated his government’s support for Vincy Mas, stating, “We will ensure that we continue to provide the necessary environment for carnival to develop.” Vincy Mas 2013 is slated for June 28 to July 9.
Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd, 2012 Calypso Monarch, Ragga Soca Monarch and Road March Champ, was on hand to collect her silverware.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 7.
V
8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 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
Crime: Tackling the cause and consequence OUR RELATIONS with a ‘traditional ally’, the United States of America, were amplified and broadcast for the world to see and hear earlier this week. The occasion, barring the Prime Minister’s injection of another of his tirades against those who would dare to be critical of his decisions and actions, was, in fact, a concrete USA demonstration of its commitment to the region under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). Under the CBSI, the USA commits to spending millions of dollars (begun in 2010) in what Secretary of State Hilary Clinton described as an initiative aimed at “addressing transnational security challenges in the twenty-first century.” Clinton also said then (2010) that, the “CBSI means working together not only to strengthen national security forces and anti-trafficking efforts, but also focusing on broader citizen safety partnerships and social inclusion.” And in recognition of the focus on “broader citizen safety partnerships and social inclusion,” written into the Memorandum of Understanding governing the CBSI was a promise of assistance for efforts by Caribbean signatory countries, ‘to reduce the opportunity for crime and violence in the Caribbean Region by increasing the skills and educational opportunities for populations, and to provide alternatives to atrisk youth, such as formal and informal education initiative’. This was in addition to what some may consider the more attractive assistance with respect to combating the growing threat of transnational crime in the region (illegal drugs and gun trafficking) and institutional and capacity building support (for regional defense, law enforcement, and justice sector institutions, etc). There is no questioning the balance that these broad areas of assistance connotes; it clearly speaks to a recognition of tackling security issues in the region at both the causal and consequential levels. So now that the USA has demonstrated, every year since 2010, as per the request or priority positions of the Caribbean Countries, that it is forthcoming with assistance (interceptors, training for law enforcement officers, etc) to address the consequential dimension of the security issue, and while it is understood that continuing assistance in this area will be needed, is it not time that we propose meaningful measures to address the causal nature of the security issue, educational revolution notwithstanding? The second tier, reference such only for listing purposes and not in terms of importance, cannot be ignored. Responding to the need to create opportunities intended to decrease opportunity for crime, remains the direct concern of a sitting government and its people, and therefore, it is folly not to want to exploit avenues for assistance in this regard where they, from all appearance, exist for the taking. Maybe some Caribbean countries have sought to exploit the existing agreement; maybe they have, and that assistance has not been forthcoming, (re. Prime Minister Gonsalves’ claim that USAID has not been as ‘generous’ as it ought to). But the fact that crime, both major and petty, in every CARICOM, continues to be a major social challenge, then does it allow for a question about how proactive our region has been in inviting assistance, USA included, to advance measures to address the causal nature of the crime wave? The reality should not be one of while ‘Nero fiddles, Rome burns’. While we wage a necessary war against trans-Atlantic crime, we must not do so at the expense of instituting real need measures, both immediate and long term, to combat the opportunities for crime that our society throws up on itself, day in and day out. No one wants to accept the view expressed by commentators dating back to the 1970s, that in-country crime is an unnecessary evil, the result of our political culture. That, as they say, is another story. In the meantime, let us resolve to grab every opportunity that presents itself for support for our effort to be tough on crime and the cases of crime.
Time for a change of government HISTORICALLY, any time that the Party in Government completed two terms plus, the electorate, for whatever reason, becomes nervous and itchy, clamouring for change. In the 1951 elections that introduced Adult Suffrage, the 8th Army of Liberation won Government hands down. It is true that in those days, Government was very limited, and they were divided and ruled by the colonial Administration. Still, seven of the former Eighth Army won their seats in new elections in 1954, including Latham who had entered the fray the year before. So, in effect, the remnants of the 8th Army were returned, minus Joshua who had formed his breakaway PPP, 1952, and which competed as such in 1954. The “new Government” was, after a fashion, run by Charles, assisted by Rudolph Baynes. After two terms-of 3 years each in the early period, the people effected their first change to the P.P.P., in 1957. The PPP was again returned in 1961, going on to complete two terms ending in August 1966. In the latter year, PPP again won a straight third term 5 to 4, which was cut short by the crossing of the floor of Sam Slater. Labour Party won 6 to 3 in the resultant general elections of 1967. After one term in office, the Labour Party in general elections in 1972 suffered a set-back when it returned six seats, as did the Opposition PPP, which threw its weight with the Independent “Son” Mitchell, (who had recently defected from the Labour Party) to form a razor’s-edge Government. Politics being based primarily on power and the law, the PPP calculatedly gave in to Mitchell who as Premier likened his one-seat majority “as hard as the tip of a diamond”. But the Junta Government, so-called, fell when Mr and Mrs Joshua felt disgruntled enough to quit the Government and back the Labour Party, to secure the fall of the Junta and the return of the Labour Party in a ten-two-one ratio, the one being the N.D.P. The revived Labour Party held Government for two terms, from 1974 to 1984, and was suddenly defeated, attesting to the thesis that generally the people of SVG do not trust a Party to remain over long in power. Remarkably, Mitchell had in the meanwhile formed the N.D.P which he built up into a fighting political force that was combat-ready, just as Labour had been provoking people by its arrogance and abuses. The NDP won in 1984, won all elected seats in 1989 and was returned for an unusual third, 12 to 3, almost certainly because of the weakness of the Opposition forces. Cato had resigned following the 1984 debacle, and there was a protracted period of scuffle between Stanley ‘Stalky’ John and Vincent Beache for leadership, aggravated by the entry into the fray of Ralph Gonsalves and his MNU. The elections of 1998 was again surprisingly won by the NDP, against the run of play. Gonsalves, who by stealth had won the leadership of the new ULP (Labour +MNU), used all his talent, political know-how and cunning to create an untenable situation in the State that forced Mitchell to cut short his tenure by half. By then Gonsalves had gained the leadership of the U.L.P after Vincent Beache’s resignation following his Party’s fourth successive defeat at the polls 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1998! The ULP won the next three elections: 2001, and 2005 by large majorities 12 to 3, and ventured into the questionable third term in 2010 by the slimmest of majorities, 8 to 7. Like the NDP win in 1998, the real question is posed: Can the Government survive for the normal period of five years, or can it be made by circumstances, including the people’s manifest disgust with its one-manism and abuse, to seek a
renewed mandate in the tradition of the democratic imperative? Actually, I think that East St George will fall to NDP’s Dr. Lewis in any event, notwithstanding the recent buttering-up of Burgin to safeguard his personal vote but not his candidacy. The candidate may well be Camillo Gonsalves, by sweet irony taking over from Labour’s founder Milton. Rather, the suggestion is here made that Camillo should run for his father’s old stomping ground of North Central Windward which Ralph is advised to vacate, and retire to his palatial residence, haunted by the troubling thoughts “After me comes the flood”. As a matter of interest, I would be surprised, all things being equal, if U.L.P were to capture as many as five seats in any election held within three years.
Funeral Again These days, my age group, 65-85, is falling like nine-pins, and my own condition renders me unfit to keep up with the traffic of the dead. So, I missed Millicent Caesar who used to plan break-outs whenever I visited her at the Thompson Home. Another childhood Millicent from Cemetery Hill passed on without my knowledge, her grandpa “Po-Pa”, her grandpa “Blackie” and mother Olive, all long dead, must frown at me in their graves. I really felt sad on not learning a thing about Sister Bramble’s death prior to her burial. She had been an old Joshua fan whom the NDP had inherited. Fitzroy Springer of Belle Vue- Colonarie, a forest ranger, did not attain the age of 50 when he was cut down. My heart goes out to his beautiful wife and children. There was a typical country funeral at Biabou in the African tradition for Jean Matthews nee Samuel. Members of the blood family teamed up spontaneously to provide Jean with a complete biography. Personally, I was transported, as the widower, with shac-shac, burst into Shakers songs and dance which moved the entire church to jump and give praise, including me who, with wife, was sitting up front in high grass in the company of the Attorney General Judith Jones Morgan and Minister Frederick Stephenson, the representative of the area. During the 1960s when party politics had been fever-pitch, Anne Mitchell was very active for Labour’s women’s brigade. She has moved on to greener pastures at the ripe old age of ninety odd. Avis Wilson Yorke was laid to rest at the Anglican Cathedral in Kingstown with full rites and honours which were her due. There was a singular omission in her impressive tributes. No one seems to remember that in calypso dance in particular, no Vincentian couple could match or even touch the youthful pair of Hugh “Plumber” Herbert and the bubbly Avis Wilson. Heaven must be a more joyous place, especially with Avis’ entrance. As we go to the printers, let me salute the passing of a great personal friend who had been an exemplary policeman through the ranks, and retired as Deputy- Commissioner, then acted as Governor General’s Deputy. Of course my reference is to the venerable Denniston Bobb who served our police and nation dutifully with honour.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 9.
Views
My favourite Vincy broadcaster NINA MALONEY is tops! My favourite Vincy Radio Broadcaster of all time. I heard her dulcet tones at the service celebrating twenty-five years of NBC Radio 705 in July 2011. The presenting of ‘Memory Lane’ that followed showed Nina at her best. Nina Maloney is the consummate professional in Radio Broadcasting. Just listen to her summarizing after a long, boring, repetitive Sunday religious broadcast! The Lady has class! Nina Maloney is/was the presenter of the popular radio programme ‘Memory Lane’; it would have been so much better if she had taken some guests down Memory Lane. We would now be listening to some happy, tear-jerking wonderful recordings from the archives. I think of Nina every time I hear the popular BBC Radio programme ‘Desert Island DISCS’. It has been going for sixty years and it will continue for centuries. Nina Maloney still produces good listening. Avil Cupid
* If the truckloads of material seen heading out of town this week is for the road repair programme and not some ‘election gimmick’? * If there is any truth in what school children are saying: That Ambassador Gonsalves returning home soon to get his feet wet on the political ground? * Has the Carnival Development Corporation received its 2012 subvention from government? * What’s happening with the promised assistance for banana farmers?
More $$ for Sports I HEARD ON THE RADIO that following the gold medal earned by young Walcott for Trinidad and Tobago, that a state corporation there has already committed $2m, (I think it is T&T dollars but it doesn’t matter) to be spent on preparing that country’s athletes for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Yes, I know that T&T has oil money and all that, but that is not the issue here. The issue is that a state corporation (and we have so many of them employing so many people at some of the highest salaries in the land) has
seen it fit to invest some of their profits in the people of a country, who can make every citizen proud. No amount of Political Union, no amount of who is the best PM and who is the best Opposition leader can bring as much pride to a country than its sportsmen and sportswomen. It is still the only real thing that unites us as a people. Just look at how united the British were as they welcomed people from all over the world to the London Olympics. And look how proud they
were when their athletes did so well. That is not the result of overnight action. That is the result of long, hard planning and commitment. Yes, I know we have the Lotto that is supposed to support sport, but with all the other known and unknown things that the Lotto is commanded to support, I wonder if that source will be able to give all that is needed to build world class sports persons from this country. Public Corporations here must be made to
give meaningful and sustained support to our sportspersons. And it has to start now for the future. If Grenada could produce a Kirani James, what happen to us? Goat bite we or what? Let us put our money into an effort that will make us all proud to be Vincy. When is the last time a Vincy thump his chest and say with gusto and all sincerity, “I am Vincy to the bone!!!!” Glastone
Bothering the examiners SOMETIME AGO, I read in the papers where someone said that he bothered the examiners only once. This remark/statement had a strange sound to me; and since then, I have been trying to figure out whether there is something else in the mortar besides the pestle. It seems to me that there may be three scenarios here: 1. Somebody/someone may bother the examiners only once, as the writer said he did. My take on this, is this: he had one shot at the exam and passed it — no failures.
2. Somebody may bother the examiners more than once. That seems to suggest that someone failed some sort of exam (one time or more) and had to go back and take over the exam again; thereby bothering the examiners. 3. One may not bother the examiners at all. He/she may strive hard to avoid being examined for fear of failing. But this fear is always present when one is ill-prepared for the exam — a situation that may even harbour the notion of forgery. The examination process must be different from and independent of “the body” lawfully requiring
to stop a vehicle and then pull a gun on the driver. So you see, Mr. PM, with all the university graduates in the police force, they can’t make a dent on the crime in this place. What we need is real hard-nose policing, not a set of book work. While them fellows fighting among themselves, showing off how much they know, the criminals reaping a fortune. Time to return to the old methods of policing right here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, then people could feel safe in their houses.
I WAITED THIS long to add my piece on West Indies cricket, hoping that I would hear all the local experts and pundits get off on our recent victory over New Zealand. It seems I waited in vain because, correct me if I am wrong, very few if any of them opened their mouth or put pen to paper to give Darren Sammy some praise for the victory. I would bet my last dollar that if the Kiwis and beaten us, that there would have been no end of criticism about Sammy’s captaincy. Oh, how we like to pull down our own! Let it be said that, while there were some outstanding individual performances by some of the guys, the one thing that remained constant throughout the series was the steadfastness and determination of the captain. Credit is due Sammy for his daring decisions with respect to how he rotated his bowlers, and his courage in the face of criticism for staying with some bowlers (Deonarine) we would have considered part time. Credit the man also for his attacking field placements, especially for Narine. With all the criticism leveled against the team for their poor showing in the past, I wonder if it is that criticism has blinded our experts. Then again, some people only see what they want to see.
(Name withheld on request)
Pat.
the exam. This is the fair and just situation. If it is “impossible” to follow a legal course of action, then exceptions may be accommodated. Nos. 2 and 3 above are somewhat related. They are to be avoided. Let me leave my readers with the substance of a verse from 1 Corinthians 4:7.: ‘What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?’ Verse 14 of the same chapter consoles. ‘I write not these things to shame you, but.. I warn you.’ A Student
Vincy Picnic is a good thing LAST SATURDAY, I attended the inaugural Vincy Picnic in Brooklyn. Lawrd!!!! Watch Vincies!!! I see Vincies I air see for years! Mr. Editor, it was a true outpouring of harmony among my people. Congrats to the organizers, even though I understand some leading Vincies might have been left out of the planning and organizing. Regardless, it was a grand occasion. Only one thing though: With certain people using every opportunity to ‘beg a lil’ something for the airport’, you would swear that is the only thing happening in Vincy land. I wish that persons would stop making the airport out to be the panacea to all our problems. I don’t wish it, but I hope the airport doesn’t become our biggest problem. And Labor Day coming up! After such an outpouring of how proud we are to be Vincy, perhaps it is time that we support Mr. Wesley Millington and his Mas band. That man has been, through sweat and toil, laboring to keep the Vincy name alive in the Labor Day parade, without any real support from Vincies. I haven’t done any scientific study, but I swear they have more
Vincies scattered throughout all the other bands (from Trinidad, Grenada, even Haiti) than there are in Wesley’s band. What a pity! Anyway, Mr. Editor, let me end on the good note on which I started. The Brooklyn Vincy Picnic is a good thing. We up
here have to commit to keep it going. It may never get to the level of the 1000 Island Picnic in Toronto, but it is worth any effort to keep Vincy pride alive out here, where we continually struggle not to be second class citizens. Garnet, N.Y.
Get back to real policing WITH ALL THE PRIME MINISTER talking about how many qualified persons there are in our police force, the truth is that crime still more rampant today than it was say, ten years ago. Every day, as I sit in the market among the people, I hear about all the ‘thieving’ and robberies that going on. In fact, Mr. PM, I just heard that there is a man in your constituency, somewhere between Park Hill and South Rivers, who robbing people, and the police can’t find out who he is far less catch him. The last I heard is that he placed a log of wood in the road
In praise of Sammy
V
10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Dark days for SVG Of leadership and Arnhim Eustace The issue
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is at a critical stage in its economic and social development history. It requires leadership that is strong, visionary, dynamic, resourceful and disciplined, with a clear philosophy, and an understanding of the geographical space in which this nation occupies, and the consequences of that space. Currently the leadership of the country is in the hands of Dr. Ralph E Gonsalves, who is Prime Minister and leader of the Unity Labour Party, the party that is in government since 2001. On the other side of the coin, we have an individual, regarded by his party as “the Prime Minister in waiting”. He is Arnhim Eustace, the Opposition Leader and the President of the New Democratic Party. It is therefore, natural that we compare the qualifications and abilities of the two men, if we believe that as leaders of their respective parties, they will play a critical role in the development of the country.
Ralph Gonsalves vs Arnhim Eustace Let us discount the family background of both men, since they would have no control over that factor. Both men attended the St.Vincent Grammar School, then regarded as the leading educational institution in the country. Ralph Gonsalves made an impact on that school during his tenure. One recalls his debates and discussions with the then Headmaster, U.Crick, on a number of issues. Arnhim Eustace does not have that richness in terms of his tenure at that school. Both men attended institutions of higher learning. Ralph Gonsalves went on to attend the University of the West Indies, where he obtained a first degree in economics, and a Master’s in government. He went on to complete a PhD in Government at the University of Manchester, and a degree of Utter Barrister at Grays Inn in London. Arnhim Eustace completed his first degree and Master’s in economics at the Sir George William University in Canada. Clearly both men have certification, but Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is better educated, and has a larger basket of goods, when it comes to intellectual achievements. Both men studied economics, but Dr. Ralph Gonsalves went on to qualify himself further in the field of Government and Law. Based on this, we can say that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is better qualified to be Prime Minister of this country.
done the walk to support his socioeconomic development talk, has demonstrated a deep love, care and commitment for Vincentians and is in communion with the people. Arnhim Eustace has functioned as a bureaucrat all his professional life, first at the Caribbean Development Bank and then at several positions within the administration of Sir James Mitchell. He never had to work hard in the political wilderness where important lessons are learnt. He was handed a political seat on a platter, and then virtually handpicked to become Prime Minister of this country, ahead of more deserving names like Parnel Campbell. He cannot bring any rich life experiences to bear on his leadership, simply because these don’t exist in his life repertoire. He has not published anything of worth, and is not sought after by regional and international institutions, and regional thinkers. How else can we explain his statement that he did not know that there was so much poverty in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, other than to say that from his ivory tower, he could not properly see and assess the economic conditions affecting the masses of this country. And this from the man who was the architect of the fiscal policy during the latter years of the NDP administration!
Modern day performances
Finally, let’s examine the modernday work of both men. It is no secret that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been at the helm of the most progressive government in the history of the country. Under Dr. Gonsalves, the ULP administration can boast of a number of impressive achievements, all of which have enhanced the quality of life of Vincentians. There have been commendations from a number of regional and international bodies, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the European Union. By contrast, Arnhim Eustace has presided over the most unpatriotic political party in the history of country. Under his watch, the country was lied upon, libeled and defamed by all and sundry in the NDP, and Eustace has not been able to control this situation. As political leader, he has Beyond Certification demonstrated a lack of knowledge of Even so, let us go beyond basic issues. We cannot forget his certification and examine the life misunderstanding of the operations of experiences of both men. Through his the NIS, his muddling of the economic work and university life, Dr. Ralph growth figures from the Central Bank Gonsalves has established himself as and the IMF, his approach to the one of the leading thinkers in the BAICO/CLICO issue, his failure to region. His advice is sought after in a apologise for the unfortunate number of areas including politics, comments he made in relation to the education, the law, regional South Leeward carnival, and the list integration and government. He has goes on. researched, written and published So it’s clear to all that, on the issue extensively on a wide range of issues of leadership, Dr. Gonsalves is light affecting the Caribbean, Africa, years ahead of Arnhim Eustace. That modern day politics, comparative is why elements within the NDP are political economics and the now pre-occupied with the matter of development of the Vincentian society. finding a new leader to replace He has four major books to his credit, Eustace. And that is why the people of the last being “The making of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines will Comrade: The political journey of return Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Ralph Gonsalves”. Unity Labour Party to power, for a Dr. Gonsalves knows the fabric of record fourth consecutive term. Vincentian civilization and life, has
THE MASKS are off and daggers drawn. SVG’s democratic process may become a part of history, leaving the world to wonder how we could so willingly poison ourselves with the belief that the elections of 2001 would lead to better days. With moves being made to have Nice Radio cease its operation, one wonders what’s next for this country as it faces some of its darkest days. Those in power have consistently let their people down – ruthlessly. But no one is being fooled. In the meanwhile, the country seems headed for another phase of political instability that might lead to yet another regime crumbling to people power; sense may prevail at the end. Four years of negative growth has given people little about which to rejoice. Memories of dark nights and empty stomachs will begin to symbolize our democracy if we are not careful. The judiciary remained the only institution in which people put their faith, but we fear for that process. After all, democracy rests on all three pillars of the state, and no one pillar alone can bear the weight of this complex system. We are moving fast in an unfortunate direction, and unless we reverse it now, it may be too late.
businesses have had to cut back their operations. Because the Government has no money to put into the economy, it remains depressed. At every turn, the global economic downturn is blamed; seems as though we alone make up the globe, since every other Caribbean country and most others globally are shaking out of the depression, whilst we sink further.
Deja Vu
Haven’t we seen this before? A rerun of the National Commercial Bank debacle? Government and Statutory Corporations owed the bank and did not pay. The result was that the bank became cash strapped and was brought to the brink of collapse. The result is well known. A bail out by CDB had a condition which forced the Government to sell the Bank. Now it is the National Insurance Services and the CWSA. To salvage the CWSA, we are asked to pay increased rates. The question is, Quo Vadis NIS? We all need to pay attention to what is happening to our various institutions, and not be misled into complacency. Waste and corruption CWSA’s billing for water supplied Waste and corruption are rampant in Government. If you are a member to Government institutions has not of the inner circle, you are taken care been honoured for a number of years. CWSA bills the government quarterly of and you are protected, no matter for this service, at a subsidized rate, what wrong you may do. There are some public servants and and yet these are not paid. As explained by the manager of the employees of State enterprises who CWSA, the CWSA is now cash are now under investigation or are strapped- a situation which has been before the Court for defrauding the alien to it since the early 90s. State. But there are other public VINLEC has a similar servants who are deserving of being arrangement for billing the put under investigation for defrauding Government. One wonders if its fate the State, yet they are allowed to go is the same. unpunished, even rewarded with promotion. These are the BIGWIGS Unanswered questions of the Party. In a recent article, we had asked the former Minister of Agriculture to Unmanageable answer a number of questions. No It is no secret that the Public answers have been given, so we are Service has become unmanageable back. The NDP asks of the because of favoritism, nepotism, incompetent Minister the following corruption and political interference important questions: What is the at all levels. Is it little wonder that reason for the suspension of the telephone bills are sky high, and licences held by farmers in 2010 who simply not attended to? Who is in were exporting golden apples to the charge, and who cares? Why isn’t United States of America? Was the there a system in place to ensure aware of the number of restricted use and accountability? To minister persons employed by each licensed say that Cable and Wireless has been farmer in the venture? Will the billing incorrectly is certainly a joke. minister be willing to tell the nation After the first bill, any wrong billing what his assets were upon entering should have been corrected. Government in 2001, and what his And to say that the amount owed assets are in 2012? Will the minister by the Ministry of Education is kindly state if he has legally acquired $100,000 plus and not $800,000 is lands from the government, and if so, certainly a joke. Why is there $100, how much he paid for these lands at 000 owed to Cable & Wireless by one the time of acquisition? Ministry, and why was there no effort The NDP has promised Vincentians to direct the charges to the correct that we will bring integrity legislation department or project? The point is, to parliament again as soon as we whether the balance of $700,000 or a assume office in the next general portion of it is owed by some other elections. We feel, however, that department or project, IT IS STILL voluntary declarations can be made OWED and due. by Government Ministers as to their actions since entering Government, The Private Sector and we begin with the Honorable Government owes millions of Montgomery Daniel. dollars to this country’s private sector. This has resulted in the further Conclusion suppression of the economy. In these hard economic times, Government is the spender of last Vincentians have to decide. resort, so when the economy is There must be a better way to depressed, Government’s ‘counter govern a country. More time must be cyclical policy’ should kick in. spent in planning development Instead, the opposite has happened, strategies for the advancement of St Government owing, rather than Vincent and the Grenadines. spending, prolonging the economic We, the NDP, promise, that when depression in the process. A we come to office again, we will not struggling private sector is forced to pretend that we are working for you, finance the Government. and give you words and promises, but Businesses are struggling, and as a will put forward a vision for the direct result of Government’s not country’s development and work settling its bills, many small towards its achievement.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 11.
Views
The Levi Latham Legacy (Part 2) “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” - Anthony J. D'Angelo; The College Blue Book LAST WEEK’S In Touch introduced (and in some cases “re-introduced”) readers to the late outstanding Member of Parliament Levi “Papa” Latham, and ended by inviting readers to return this week as we continue to highlight some of the accomplishments of this outstanding icon from The Valley. Welcome back. Latham Levi Latham was born in St. Vincent but spent a significant part of his life in Aruba. Latham purchased a bus shortly after returning to St. Vincent some time in the early 1950s. He named the bus “Our Bus”. He entered active politics in 1953. This happened when Mr. Evans Morgan, the Member of Parliament for Marriaqua (Central Windward), resigned from the ruling political party at the time - The Eighth Army. Morgan’s resignation ushered in a by-election. Latham won and subsequently served for the “remnant of Morgan’s term”. He then won the seat as an independent candidate the following year. He joined the People’s Political Party (PPP) in 1957 and was made a Minister Without Portfolio. He contested the elections for the Federal House in 1958. Latham subsequently left the PPP and joined forces with the Labour Party. He remained a Member of Parliament until 1979. Latham was perceived as being honest, hard-working, and community-spirited. He encouraged self-help projects, and advocated that communities could benefit when the people partnered with the government. This self-help approach resulted in the construction of the road network at Mount Pleasant and Richland Park. “Papa” is also recognized for encouraging the villagers to join “the friendly society,” and advocated that “individuals can improve their places in life if each person made a little contribution to the overall good of each other”. His approach to teamwork and synergy was also demonstrated by his coming together with friends Alonzo Dreighton, Eardley Browne (Mike Browne’s father), and Clifford Weekes in seeking to construct a community centre in the Mesopotamia Valley. It is alleged that his vision was to have the centre selected as a venue where the villagers could congregate to view movies. Levi Latham’s latter years were sad ones. His battle with diabetes resulted in him losing both legs. Levi Latham’s legacy is one to be emulated. He has taught us that you do not have to be charismatic or a great orator to influence lives for the better. You do not need a university degree or a string of letters behind your name to lift the fallen. You do not need mastery of the English language to show that you care. You
do not have to be a professional to look into the eyes of the hungry and tired, and assist them, while allowing them to retain their dignity. Levi Latham knew how to do that, and so can we. We can model and mentor his community spirit, and join with like-minded patriotic and caring citizens to make our nation a better place - one community at a time. We can accomplish this together and end each task feeling good about ourselves and about each other. That spirit of caring for others is still within us. That spirit of self-help has not died. That desire to help each other and to help ourselves may be latent, but we will awaken it. We will activate it! We will ignite it throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are aware that there are some who advocate that the Levi Latham legacy is dead; that persons are no longer prepared to engage in the kind of community service that he encouraged. However, sparks of that kind of spirit still exist throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I have seen this ignited, for example, when the residents of Fancy, north of the Dry River, joined forces with the Rotary Club of St. Vincent to build a dam in the adjoining mountains, install a water filter, lay approximately one mile of galvanize pipes and provide potable water to their homes. This was less than two decades ago. The self-help spirit is not dead. It may be dormant, but with good leadership and a motivated people, we can create and sustain the self-help momentum. There is work to be done in so many of the towns and villages throughout this blessed land. Unfortunately, there are many who wrongfully assume that it is government’s responsibility to implement all of these enhancement projects. That is so wrong. The government has its role to play in providing many of these, but we have voluntary service to render also. The government and the citizens, working together, can ignite the Levi Latham spirit in our communities and do wonderful projects in health, education, sports, road repairs, and so on. There are projects in all of our neighbourhoods that need our attention. Yes, “our attention”. Guided by the relevant government departments, and supervised by their technical staff, we can rekindle the Levi Latham spirit as we seek to enhance our communities and preserve the dignity of a proud people who are prepared to give, even as we get. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
‘Elections comin’, vendors bawlin THERE IS AN ‘OLE TALK’ making the rounds among opposition circles about impending genel elections. Some in the New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership even proclaim with a straight face that the opposition is battle ready. The party’s column speaks of the party being ready to govern again. No wonder this party cannot win the real thing when the elections are actually contested. Evidently, Eustace and company are completely misreading or are divorced from the happenings in our country. Such infantile political miscalculations are informed by the fact that the NDP has not yet recovered from the shell shock following their defeat in the 2010 elections. All of the indicators pointed to an NDP victory, but the NDP leadership threw away the last elections. Because the party dropped the ball then, its leader first said the government could not last six months. Then he revised his ‘prediction’ to one year. The party could not keep on changing the date for the fall of the ULP government, so the NDP has taken a new tact. Its leaders now say that Gonsalves will call a snap elections. They know not of what they speak. They claim that the economy is depressingly bad and will get worse. This prediction is true for SVG as it is for much of the world, including the most developed countries. They claim that in recent times the government has employed scores of road gangs to clean the gutters and overhangings along our roads. No keen observer can deny this; but the NDP has made the wrong connection. The road work has nothing to do with impending elections. They have more to do with creating the psychological effect of economic activity. Persons making a few dollars from a week’s work may be in a better position to buy books and uniforms for their children. Even more convincing to the opposition of an early elections is the distribution by the government of scores of plots of land in the North Windward constituency. Why else will government give lands, if not to buy votes in an elections that is coming soon? Here’s an alternative view: Lands are being given to the landless, in much the same way as the former NDP government gave lands to the poor during its tenure. The ULP, like NDP before it, intends to cash in politically on these giveaways whenever the elections are called. But elections will not be called any time soon. Here’s why? Gonsalves has nothing to gain and too much to lose by calling a snap elections. The ULP government is less than two years into its third term. Gonsalves will have to be politically suicidal to call elections when ULP currently holds a precarious 8 to 7 parliamentary majority. Further, Gonsalves takes few political chances. His political cowardice was on display in 2005 when he failed to leave his safe North Central Windward seat to seriously challenge and probably beat Eustace, who held a tenuous 48 vote hold on the seat. Further proof of Gonsalves’ disdain for and refusal to take political chances is reflected in the fact that the ULP’s second term ran for more than 5 years, even when Gonsalves had a 12 to 3 parliamentary majority. If he refrained from calling an early elections last time, why would he call one now? Those
in the opposition who think that elections are on the horizon, are engaging in a childish form of wishful thinking. Have they noticed that Camillo Gonsalves, the PM’s son and the person he is intent on succeeding him, still occupies SVG’s ambassadorial chair at the United Nations in New York? Three years are a long time in politics and the NDP leaders are itching to walk the corridors of power again. However, Eustace and company must stop deluding themselves and party supporters about early elections.
Vendors bawlin’ The feud between the government, the private sector and local vendors is deeply troubling. Even after due considerations of the arguments of the private sector and tourism officials, it is profoundly unjust and ‘inciteful’ to ask persons, who attempt to make a living on sidewalks, to move off the streets of Kingstown because business people or tourists might be offended by their sometimes unruly trade. In a country where close to 50 percent of the population is unemployed, it is almost insane to say to people to hell with you and your families, but you cannot make a living outside of my business place. There is no getting away from this problem. As long as the economic difficulties continue, people will try as best as they can to make ends meet. The view that vendors should be removed from the streets and placed in the market or other specially designated places is cruel and lacks economic sense. People made decisions to go into markets when others were ashamed to vend on street corners. Economic conditions have washed away that pride. Scores of persons, including young men and women, stand on the side walk for long hours in an attempt to make an honest living. Further, markets and other designated areas will only be effective if there are magnets to draw large groups of people to the vendors. If government forces vendors off the street, it’s only a matter of time before they return, or frustration bubbles over into confrontation and violence between vendors and the police. It is funny that the very people who want to chase the vendors into the hills are the very ones who vocally scream that Vincentians are lazy and lack an entrepreneurial spirit. Those vendors who ply their trade every day on the streets of our nation put a lie to these elite voices that slander the poor of this nation. Some vendors overdo their enterprise. Some are untidy and intent on taking over the entire sidewalk. Such a selfish takeover must be prevented and even strictly enforced. A compromise must be found where vendors, businesses and the public can coexist in an orderly, organized and tidy fashion. Such a compromise will allow the vendors to continue to make a living without affecting pedestrian traffic or negatively impacting the business’s reputation or profit. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com
V
12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
Technology is cheap – Taiwan and Venezuela are expensive MANY VINCENTIANS have complained to the Leader of the SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, about the extremely high fuel surcharge which is .5871. For example, if a customer uses 145 units of electricity, the customer will pay $72.50 in charges for actual energy used, and a staggering $85.13 for the fuel surcharge. This shows that the fuel surcharge is ridiculously high and outrageous. It is time to phase in renewable energy in SVG and do away with the wicked fuel surcharge. The adoption of technology is needed as a vehicle to provide sustainable development in our blessed country. This would be a significantly cheaper option than having Taiwan and Venezuela in our country. Relying on Taiwan and Venezuela is expensive and a major obstacle to sustainable development. SVG buys oil from Venezuela under the PetroCaribe agreement. Using modern, Green technology, it would be cheaper for SVG to use renewable energy and end its dependency on imported oil. We could be self-sufficient in our energy needs within five to ten years, by using renewable energy. The SVG economy would be stronger and all
households would have more disposable income with low-priced electricity. It would be easier for small businesses to start- up and survive, as they would have lower overheads. Many highly paid jobs in the renewable energy sector would be created. More hydro-energy could be produced from the same water, by having a number of turbines running in series for each hydro power station. Wind and solar energy will be built into a national electricity grid system. If SVG had the technological capability, we could be using our deep sea fish licence to benefit and enrich our people. Compared to the millions we are losing, the technology for deep sea fishing is relatively cheap. The ULP regime relies upon Taiwan for a few handouts from time to time; in exchange Taiwan creams off hundreds of millions of dollars annually from our deep sea fish licence. SVG would be much better off replacing Taiwan with the cheap technology necessary to do deep sea fishing on our own licence. This would create many jobs in the deep sea fishing industry and hundreds more jobs in SVG in
the factories needed to process and can the fish. Relying upon Taiwan and Venezuela is turning our country into an empty shell. The table of trade figures shows the desperate situation with the SVG economy and illustrates that money is cascading out of SVG at a phenomenal rate. Year 2010 2011 2012
Exports 26m 22m 28m
Imports 219m 222m 224
Balance of trade -193m -200m -196m
(Source - SVG Statistical office - Researched by Ivan O’Neal BSc(Hons), MSc. MBA)
SVG urgently needs technological advancements to achieve sustainable development and create thousands of new jobs for our people. Relying upon Taiwan and Venezuela is moving us backwards and creating more poverty. One only needs to look around the country to see the suffering of our people. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org
August 1st, has it lost its significance? by LUZETTE KING
Host of ‘Global Highlights’ A most recent and relevant example is evidenced in a presentation in parliament by political scientist and Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves (De Comrade) on July 31, 2012, the subsequent publication of “The End of Slavery in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” and the responses. Undoubtedly, this is ‘De Comrade’s’ way of ensuring that he is recorded in Hansard (the Official verbatim report of proceedings of parliament in SVG) as one of a few, if not the only Vincentian PM to be as sensitive to the plight of Africans who were traded by Europeans between 1450 and 1807. Noteworthy is that for 21 years after this (1838), the physically and emotionally harsh conditions under which the enslaved Africans persisted. With much deference for editorial space, let us take a brief look at the comments from at least two of our black conscious citizens: Renwick Rose and Clive ‘Bish I’ Bishop.
Informative reading and lamentations Rose quite appropriately laments, in his Searchlight column of August7, 2012, the lacklustre attitude among the descendants of enslaved African towards a major event in our history: Emancipation Day. With the same passion, he commends ‘De Comrade’ “for his comprehensive statement to mark the anniversary of emancipation.” He further emphasizes, “What is even more commendable is that the statement was tabled in Parliament, our highest legislative
body, on the eve of the anniversary. Not many of our prime ministers are of this mold, neither those of today nor yesterday. … The Ministry of Education now has the duty to ensure that this document is fully utilized in all educational establishments, and that it becomes compulsory reading.” That which seemed to have gone without mention in De Comrade’s parliamentary statement/publication is, according to historians Alistair Boddy-Evans of Scotland and Dr. Adrian Fraser of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the trading of Africans as a commodity in the West was started in the 1450s by Portuguese merchants, in their quest for gold in Africa. With the same vigor as Rose, ‘Bish I’ condemns Africans living in SVG in particular, as “culturally lazy and spiritually backward.” He goes further on Cross Country Radio’s ‘Meet the Media’ programme on Sunday 19, 2012, to denounce as “ill-timed” and “culturally insensitive on both sides of parliament,” the discussion and passing of a bill to increase airport departure taxes on a day when, 175 years ago (July 31, 1838), the fore parents of the majority of our nation would have been thinking about their freedom the next morning. Who knows whether this presentation on ‘The End of Slavery in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ could well have been designed to sweeten the taste of this tax increase which was lowered from $20.00 in a previous bill to “only $10.00.”, as described by the Prime Minister. ‘Bish I’ characterizes this act as “spiritually disturbing”, continuing to explain that, “The quantum of the
this level of economic disenfranchisement of disadvantaged people with the media-grabbing distribution of a paltry 68 acres of land A race war? Consistent with ‘Bish I’s grief over in the North Windward constituency? the insensitivity of a tax increase that In fact, in a recent Inter-American was preceded by De Comrade Commission of Human Rights reminding African people of their (IACHR) report (The Situation of history in the same parliamentary Africans in the Americas, January sitting, Wilmoth ‘Randy’ Aberdeen 2012) and when presented to the makes the point succinctly in his CARICOM heads of state meeting on Searchlight letter of August 7, ‘I July 6, 2012, the point was made that Come From Africa’. He writes: “At a even in Caribbean countries where time when the Prime Minister of St there is a majority of African Vincent and the Grenadines should be descendant populations, the problem engaged in debates on issues of of race is more complex and more national importance - jobs, youth subtle, and that indirect unemployment, the banana industry, discrimination remains a problem in health care, the Argyle airport - it addition to strong structural would appear that Dr. Gonsalves is paradigms that exacerbate inequality attempting to create a race war in between races. SVG.” It follows that Rose’s call to make The issues raised by Randy become available, in our education even more paramount when one institutions,’De Comrade’s’ publication considers the disenfranchisement of “The End of Slavery in Saint Vincent mostly African and Carib descendants and the Grenadines” is a commendable that run contra to a claim that slavery one. This is particularly so since it is has ended in SVG. These include the recorded in Hansard. One would hope Rastafarians who lost farm lands to that these students, particularly those foreign investors at Buccament Bay; the record number of banana farmers of African descent, would seize the opportunity to go beyond this who are on the ‘poor relief’ (social welfare) list because that industry has pamphlet to research and read for THEMSELVES the history of the collapsed; small business people enslavement of their fore-parents, and (vendors) who are being targeted by the authorities in an effort to keep the reach their own conclusions. Hopefully, too, they would glean from city of Kingstown clean with little their studies the significance of August alternative plan; the destruction of 1 and the persistent economic Leon ‘Bigga Bigs’ Samuel’s sandminding business at Rabacca; the loss marginalization of African descendants, even when in the of principal farm land by black majority, by those who claim to be beneficiaries of the NDP administration’s Rabacca land reform politically and culturally sensitive to their plight. programme and a similar thing at Cane Grove. How does one reconcile raise is irrelevant … it is the principle involved that matters.”
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 13.
Diaspora
Vincy cultural exposition to rock Brooklyn by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT
components to the exposition — the exhibit and live entertainment.
ONE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ leading cultural and educational groups in the United States will this Saturday, August 25, stage a massive cultural exposition in Brooklyn, New York. The Brooklyn-based Club St. Vincent, Inc. will host the 9th biannual event at Mahalia Jackson High School, 790 East New York Ave., from 12:00 noon — 9:00 p.m. According the Verna Arthur, chairperson of the Cultural Exposition Committee and public relations officer of Club St. Vincent, Inc., there are two
Exposition
She said the exposition will be held under the theme, ‘Harambe’ (‘Let’s All Pull Together’). Arthur, one of the group’s former presidents, who is considered a Vincentian cultural icon in the United States and hails from Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, told THE VINCENTIAN that the exposition highlights the “available products, resources and services the community has to offer, while providing marketing and networking opportunities for our vendors.” She said the exposition features areas of arts and craft; agro products; and cultural performances by professional and upcoming artists, “spanning from the Diaspora to the shores of the Caribbean.” “Artists, whose only means of livelihood is their art, always look forward to this event,” Arthur said. With greater emphasis this year on agro products, Arthur said vendors from home, as well as some from the Diaspora, will participate in the massive showcase. These include: Alita Garraway (green seasoning, seasoning for pork, seasoning for curry foods, pepper sauce with lime juice, ginger and mint); Peter Providence and Dinks Johnson (paintings); Island Wear (bangles and earrings); Ermine Williams (clothing, table cloths, coasters, etc., made from crochet); Erica Country Style (pepper sauce and Works like this piece by Rowland ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell pepper and passion will comprise the items on display at the Exposition.
Sea Operations Starlift is expected to add a real Vincy flavor to the Exposition and other activities in which they will be involved. Left: Verna Arthur, chairperson of the Cultural Exposition Committee, says the aim of the Exposition is to develop a deeper appreciation, respect and understanding for our culture. jelly, etc); Rowland ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell (craft); and Vida Bulze (straw purses and fans). “We are appealing to patrons to show appreciation to our vendors by purchasing their products,” Arthur said.
Entertainment The entertainment segment, which starts at 6:00 p.m., will feature: the incomparable musical arranger extraordinaire Frankie McIntosh and his uncle, Harold McIntosh; Becket; Scorcher; the revived band, Clymax (back just for the exposition); and Winston Soso and Cauldric Forbes teaming up (expected to bring much nostalgia). Other performers include: the United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn; Abena Amory (daughter of Erlene Williams-King and Vance Amory, former premier of Nevis); Chico Ellis and Omari Neverson (tribute in poems to the late Shake Keane); Red Tiger Jiu Jitsu Academy; Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) national dress and slide presentations (national dress worn by nationals of their respective countries); Fayola; and flag ceremony. The sound system is furnished by calypsonian Vincent ‘Groovy D’ Kennedy, ‘Dread Condition’, who hails from Rose Place, Kingstown. Arthur said the performance of perennial panorama champions, Starlift Steel Orchestra, will be the highpoint of the evening. “We have raised the bar a little higher,” she said. “This is an historic moment for Starlift — the first time ever to perform in the United States. They promised to make us proud.”
Labor Day – More Starlift In addition to the cultural exposition, Arthur said Sea Operations Starlift will be on the road for J’Ouvert during the annual West Indian American Carnival in Brooklyn on Labor Day, Sept. 3.
“We will be jumping to 100 percent Vincy music,” she said, calling all Vincy masqueraders to support the only Vincy J’Ouvert band in New York. “Come purchase yo costume and full up de band,” she added in local lingo. “For those who will be playing mas on the parkway (Eastern Parkway) later that morning, no sweat! You will make the Parkway on time.” Arthur said among several other performances for Sea Operations Starlift, while in America, are a concert, dubbed ‘Starlift in Concert’, and an evening of entertainment at VeeJays restaurant on Avenue I in Brooklyn. “Starlift’s visit was long overdue,” she said, disclosing that, many years ago, she had shared her excitement with former Minister of Culture, Rene Baptiste, about having a Vincentian steel orchestra perform in the United States. “It did not materialize then, but now we can safely say it’s coming to fruition,” Arthur said. “I am sure the (former) minister would be pleased.” Club St. Vincent’s cultural exposition began in Brooklyn in 1983, and the bi-annual event started three years later. Club St. Vincent, Inc. itself was founded in 1979 by a group of patriotic nationals, who had gathered together once per week to socialize. Arthur said the idea for the exposition was “based on a need for artisans in our community to have an outlet to showcase their talent and market their products.” In 1995, Arthur said the group conducted a “very successful” threeday exposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Proceeds went to the SVG Society for the Blind. Arthur said the overall goal of the exposition is to “develop a deeper appreciation, respect and understanding for our culture, artists and their work through exposure and marketing of their skills and products; and for artists to foster ties within the Caribbean community.” “I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity afforded me to promote our Vincy culture in New York,” she said.
V
14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Coast Guard better equipped 20th, the SVG Coast Guard accepted the THE GOVERNMENT OF equipment, during an ST.VINCENT and the official handing over Grenadines is the ceremony at the Coast beneficiary of two Guard Base at Calliaqua. interceptor vessels, In an interview with one pickup truck, two THE VINCENTIAN, trailers and spares, Coast Guard Lieutenant from the United States Deon Henry said that the government. 33- foot defender class The assistance interceptor vessels, were was made under the each equipped with three ‘Secure Seas’ 300HP engines, and will initiative, part of the enhance their effort at broader Caribbean sea, in terms of maritime Basin Security law enforcement and Initiative (CBSI), a search and rescue regional security exercises. partnership He noted that the new initiative, first interceptor vessels had a announced by longer endurance, and President Obama can therefore reach during the Fifth further out at sea, “and Summit of the you can stay longer at Americas in 2009. sea.” ‘Secure Sea’s The Lieutenant provides nine confessed that the Coast Eastern Guard had never before Caribbean had boats driven by countries with three 300HP engines; the interceptor boats older fleet carried 200 and associated and 250HP engines. equipment, stateThe pickup truck, he of-the-art stated, would assist with command and the launching and control recovery of the vessels. communications Lieutenant Henry systems and assured that there were training and competent and qualified technical support. persons to captain and On Monday man the vessels, and by KENVILLE HORNE
The truck, part of the assistance package,that will be used to haul the vessels.
One of the interceptor vessels with its three 300HP engines.
described the mood among his fellow officers as one of “excitement,” with everybody wanting to go out there and do work with the assets.” He thanked the United States of America Lieutenant Deon Henry for its assistance, and assured that there are pledged to take care of trained persons to man the equipment. the new vessels.
US Ambassador issued warning by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH ANTHONY “IF YOUR BUSINESS is drug trafficking or any other form of activities that threaten this hemisphere, you had better be warned. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard is better equipped to deal with you.” So said US Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Larry Palmer, during a ceremony in which he handed over two 33foot Defender Class safer interceptor vessels, last Monday. Palmer highlighted the partnership between the United States military and law enforcement agencies, and the local constabulary, especially the Coast Guard. Palmer pointed out that the “interceptor boats and the installed communications systems will provide St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a distinct edge in detecting, tracking and pursuing suspects, and will facilitate operational efficiency between nations.” Palmer, sporting a high crop of white hair, carried the outlook of a late sixties early seventies hairstyle which was characterised by those with an Afro-centric consciousness, pledged his country’s longterm commitment to “support your ongoing capacity building efforts to increase the country’s national security.” And in reference to the new Coast Guard base on the island of Canouan, in the Southern Grenadines, the US Ambassador said that the new structure “will strengthen your maritime law enforcement and search and H.E. Ambassador Larry Palmer (foreground), US Ambassador to rescue Barbados and the OECS, capabilities in officially handed over the this remote vessels and related equipment. area.”
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 15.
high
ON A
STYLE
SAVE S AVE $$1,000 1,000 ON ON T THIS HIS S SOLVENIA OLLVENIA 99PC PC D DINING INING R ROOM OOM S SET ET
LOW
BUDG BUDGET ET LOWEST PRICES ON
FURNITURE EVER! Shop for the season ason now w and S SAVE AVE
BIG BIG.
SAVE SAVE $$1,200 1,200 GET THIS 3PC ASHLEY JUPITER COMBO (LM865 | LN905 | LP935)
FOR ONL ONLY NLLY $3,997
GET THIS 9PC 9PC SOLVENIA SOLLVENIA V DINING ROO ROOM M SET (DB781)
FOR ONL ONLY NLLY $1,499 | $15 WKLY WKL LY
S SAVE AVE $$300 300
P PLUS LUS G GET ET A FREE FREE RUG RUG WITH W IT H T THE HE P PURCHASE URCHASE O OFF THIS THIS VICTORY VICTORY SUITE SUITE
$40 WKL WKLY LY | $5,197 97 W WAS A AS
SAVE S AVE $40 $4000
GET THIS 7PC CARLA DINING SET (DA DAT035) AT T035)
FOR ONLY ONL LY $1,799 $18 $1 8 WKLY WKL LY | $2,199 W WAS A AS
| $2,499 W WAS A AS
GET THIS 3PC VICTORY SUITE (KLM715K)
FOR ONLY $3,597 | $36 WKLY
Prices are correct at the time of going to print. Courts reserves the right to subsequently change prices Terms ocks last. All Finance Te cre approval. without notice. Offers available while stocks T erms are subject to credit Weekly W eekly prices are based on Gold 36 months repayment plan unless otherwise stated. Product exclusions apply.. 3 to 36 months credit plans available. Accessories not included. See in store for details. apply
| $3,897 WAS
16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 17.
V
18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Banana cultivation looking up, say officials Earlier this year, in an effort to eradicate the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE Black Sigatoka disease Saboto Caesar, on Tuesday that had devastated 21st August, led a team of banana cultivation here, a technical officials and other nationwide operation, stakeholders in the dubbed ‘Operation agricultural sector, on a Cutback’, was initiated to field visit to a number of clear all fields. farms and Investment The spraying of fields Projects on the Windward was also carried out and side of the Island. farmers were assisted, The visit was intended including being provided to afford the officials an with new plants, to opportunity to make a replant the fields, in a rapid assessment of phase referred to as programmes and projects ‘Operation Plant Back’.. launched this year, to A visit to Mr. rehabilitate the banana Christopher Gunn’s farm industry and advance the in Mt. Grennan revealed production of cocoa. fields of healthy plants, by KENVILLE HORNE
Officials here are confident that banana cultivation is over the worst (pictured at left) and heading for disease-free cultivation.
and Mr. Gunn admitted that he was “feeling a bit more confident about the revival of the banana industry.” Chief Agricultural Officer Reuben Robertson was encouraged by what he saw at Mt. Grennan, and appealed to farmers to continue in this vein, so that banana production could return to
commercial levels and benefits derived. Minister Caesar was also encouraged by what he observed on the visits, and was moved to declare that the Black Sigatoka disease “is now under control.” He admitted that aerial spraying had been brought to what is a temporary halt, and assured that
spraying will resume as soon as the aircraft was repaired. The visit culminated at the Orange Hill Farm, where the tissue culture laboratory is located and the propagation of banana seedlings continues unabated. More plants are expected to be made available within two
weeks. Since the beginning of ‘Operation Plant Back’, there have been requests for over 265,000 banana plants. The aim of the programme is to have 500 acres of banana replanted this year, with the Ministry of Agriculture providing technical and management support
services.
Gonsalves slams objections to recruitment policy Hawkins Nanton, a former foresight?” employee of the Searchlight The Prime Minister ventured PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph newspaper. that the number of officers joining Gonsalves is accusing some Dr. Gonsalves described the ranks of the security forces persons of not looking at the Nanton as an “experienced will be limited, but he questioned bigger picture with respect to journalist.” He wondered if three the argument that the measure recruitment into the SVG Royal persons of a complement of 800 had the capacity of blocking Police Force. were sufficient to subvert the legitimate members from being He chose the occasion of the order of the Police. promoted. handing over of two Interceptor Dr. Gonsalves vessels to the Coast Guard last urged listeners “to Monday to raise an issue which use a sense of has caused ripples in the balanced constabulary. perspective,” and The Prime Minister was declared, “This is responding to mutterings over the not an issue for policy whereby persons with war@. university degrees have been The Vincentian entering the Police at the upper leaderchided those end. At least three graduates who expressed have taken advantage of the new reservations about approach. But the most recent the appointments appointment has caused fissures as without “grace” The gathering at the handing over of the within the ranks of the security and inceptor vessesl and other equipment attracted forces. “understanding,” That has to do with the querying, “Are we a number of Commissioned officers of the appointment of Inspector Police Force and civil servants. so lacking in by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 19.
V
20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
Where goeth the Opposition in Parliament? AS A CITIZEN OF SVG, it’s my right to express the way I feel about what is happening in my country. Towards this end, I want to state my disgust with the behaviour of our parliamentarians, as demonstrated in parliament a few weeks ago. On the 23rd July, I listened to the opposition leader getting all excited in announcing to the public that there would be parliament on the following Tuesday; he seemed like a man that was going on a joyous adventure. He never gave the impression that parliament has for years been monotonous and useless to the people, and has become a sacrificial altar of democracy at which once humble men have been transformed into ‘political warmongers’, and where the ruling regime has purposefully found a formula to bully and entrap the Opposition MPs and humiliate the masses. What I heard in parliament was shameful and contemptuous of the listening public, and I blame all the stakeholders. What transpired reflected, in particular, on the opposition. The ruling regime has built a reputation for being tyrant, and the opposition should have, by now, been in a better position to respond to the anticipated tactics of their opponents. Instead, they have capitulated. The opposition has been systematically setup and outmaneuvered by the ruling regime into making them lose their decorum and credibility. The truth is that the opposition has never settled, and they continue to make many procedural blunders, e.g. in the way they ask their questions and to whom
the questions are directed. As a result, they have lost focus, i.e. REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE! They have also lost their composure, and it’s now arrogance versus arrogance, and coupled with the incompetence of the Speaker, the ruling regime always gets their way. Do any of our politicians, either from the ruling regime or opposition side, take the time out to sincerely consult with the people to gather their views and feelings on the happenings in our parliament? Should the solution to this tyranny on the people by the regime, and the way forward be left up to opposition executives alone? I say NO, because they (the opposition) have failed, and lack ideas and strategies to deal with the problems. They have become very much a part of the madness in our (once honorable) House, and therefore, have betrayed the people. Just recently, we saw the replacement of an opposition senator by a “cook-up” opposition prohibition, and this has helped to set up an environment for more chaos and personal showboating, to add to the already existing state of confusion in the house. I am ashamed of all of them, and I am calling on all the bullies, cowards and opposition Hollywood actors, to do the honorable thing and set the people of SVG free from this worthlessness in our (once honorable) House, before it’s too late. I consider these fiascos in parliament a waste of our tax payer’s money; I don’t think any of them should be paid for their mediocrity. The people of SVG are suffering and expect better representation; but what goes on in
parliament does not, in any way, benefit the people. The ruling regime has lost their way, and the opposition is a nuisance. It is clear that the majority of the bills passed in the house are just pushed on the people, without proper people’s consultation. I want these politicians to understand that they are no big boys
for us; they are supposed to consult with the people, as they are our servants and paid by our hard earned tax dollars. They must never forget that one day soon, the people will make them pay, and they will be held to account with the help of the Almighty. It’s a shame that the opposition is not listening to the voice of
the people. Not too long ago, and just recently, three past speakers literally begged them not to go back in the House with such a speaker. I guess the opposition leader loves the humiliation; I guess that’s a part of being kind and gentle. In closing, I want to urge the citizens of St. Vincent that the time
has come for us all to hold our servants to account; the madness must stop; the speaker must step aside; the opposition must be purged of the leaders/leader. The regime must be forced to set our people free by seeking a new mandate now. Concerned Citizen
The NDP is silent A DANGEROUS AND ALARMING increase of violence against women, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, incest, political intimidation by senior members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, discrimination based on political affiliation, and the high unemployment rate, are some of the social and institutional problems that are currently raging like wild fire throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. To all of this, the NDP have failed to mount a sustained and committed offensive. In fact, their SILENCE on these subjects is deafening! Instead of leading the fight against these social problems and taking our government to task, the NDP are preoccupied with trivial matters. They are still focused on the career demise of the three teachers who entered in, and lost, the election race. While one can commiserate with the teachers’ situation, their issue is one that has a narrow national effect. They have recently added to their arsenal of concerns, a pressing need to diagnose the “mysterious illnesses” of the Prime Minister. In the meantime, the nation’s health is adversely affected by the social ills created through legislative and judicial neglect, and the abuse of power by those in authority. In addition, the inner circle of the Party is more concerned with their own self-interest, jockeying for status in the Party, or a position in Parliament. This preoccupation prevents them from formulating a cohesive and viable strategy that would effectively oppose the incumbent Government, loosening its stranglehold on the nation. There are many Vincentians
who cannot afford to properly feed their families; but on this subject, the NDP is SILENT! Instead of being focused on the suffering majority, and ways to give them hope of a brighter future, they are constantly pointing the finger of blame at the government. They prefer to focus on the plight of some defrauded investors in the international ponzi scheme debacle involving William Wise, the executive chief of Millennium Bank, and draw parallels with the Harlequin Buccament Bay Resort Project. Although there may be questions surrounding the latter, it holds little importance to the daily acute problems that are plaguing the majority of Vincentians. One would expect that the Leader of the Opposition, who describes himself as someone versed in development initiatives, could have been able to assist in the start up of even a few SMALL projects, which when taken together would have a ripple effect in the country. Instead of constructing and implementing a plan to resuscitate the economy, which will create jobs for many Vincentians, Mr. Eustace and his team are eternally focused on small issues, or issues that affect the upper echelons of society, such as, the British American/CLICO affair. But while they may focus on that issue, they cannot tell those affected what they should do about their situation. At the same time, many Vincentians are not able to rebuild or repair their homes after the devastation of hurricane Tomas; yet they babble on, exploiting the situation surrounding ONE homeless man, Mr. Elvis Browne, using him for political profit. The banana farmers in SVG
were devastated by the loss of their crop and the demise of the industry; but on this subject, you could cut the NDP’s SILENCE with a knife! They have no counter-plan for the banana farmers whose industry began its decline under the previous administration. It was only in response to the public embarrassment they suffered at the hands of the Thusians, who pointed out their lazy and uncaring attitude for this segment of the society, that the NDP were seen with the farmers. They have now turned their attention to the contract, dealing with the cocoa industry, between Amajaro and the government. They incoherently oppose it, failing to provide an alternative that the people could rally around. They do not seem to realize that they are the Opposition, and should be doing the work of the Opposition NOT the government. So now, our farmers — the backbone of our economy - are left to exist in a socio-economic vacuum. The Leader of the Opposition speaks of the FEAR FACTOR, occasioned by partisan politics; but this is as far as he goes. He has no plan, no words of encouragement, no rallying cry to “FEAR NOT”, the NDP is in the wings! Nothing but a deafening Silence!!! Mr. Eustace, in failing to take advantage of the issues raised by the general public, demonstrates his lack of leadership qualities. The Honorable Arnhim Eustace needs to step down as leader of the New Democratic Party! We need real and substantial change! Helen Alexander
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You may need to make a few alterations to your living arrangements. You can't live your life for others. Patience will be of utmost importance. Be sure not to reveal private information to the wrong individuals. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't take your frustrations out on the ones you love. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. Friends may not understand your situation. Opportunities to get ahead are evident. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Stand up and propose your ideas, and you'll be surprised how many people will follow you. For now just do the best you can. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Don't reveal anything about your personal life that could be used adversely. Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. You can make amends by taking them somewhere special. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Stay mellow. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble. Try a barbecue or a day at the beach. You can meet new and exciting lovers through work related projects. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You could have a tendency to spend too much on your home or entertainment. Travel will promote new romantic en counters. Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Disharmony will result in a lowered vitality. Stress may result in minor illness. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. Don't believe everything you hear. Take a close look at any contracts you've signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. Try not to upset others with your plans. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Although up setting, changes in your domestic situation will be favorable. You need to reevaluate your situation. Sit tight. Things aren't as bad as they appear. Go after your goals and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't believe everything you hear. You should be on the road. You may want to sign up for courses that will encourage you to have more confidence in yourself. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. Try to keep an open mind. You can pick up information that will give you an edge. Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't be too pushy or demanding, or you may find yourself all alone. Try to be understanding. Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner this week. You need an energetic outlet that will help you dissipate your anxiety. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just continue working on development. You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness. Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. You can solidify your relationship if you plan a special evening with your mate.
ACROSS 1. Sis’s counterpart 4. Entertainer Shore 9. Valise 12. Promissory note 13. Dote on 14. Gardner of films 15. Obtain 16. Screwdriver ingredient 17. 54, in Roman numerals 18. Catches sight of 20. Reach a destination 22. Caustic liquids
24. Biblical preposition 25. Professors, e.g. (abbr.) 26. Bugs 29. Make a bow 30. From China 31. Aussie marsupial 33. Neckties 35. Boat blades 36. Haunted house danglers 37. Makes a stab at 38. Placid 41. Boston __ 42. Ace 43. Strong light 45. Recede 48. Focus 49. Barkin of
“The Big easy” 50. Batter’s stat 51. TX to NY dir. 52. Log floats 53. Social Security no. DOWN 1. __ top 2. Fish eggs 3. Alien 4. Letterman and Barry 5. Altar vows (2 wds.) 6. Silent consent 7. Clinton’s birthplace 8. Cheer up 9. “ __ Ha’i”
10. Tel __ 11. Bestowed 19. McMahon and Begley, Jr. 21. Eden __ 22. Fitting 23. Smartly dressed 24. Army subdivisions 26. Ferdinand’s queen 27. Racetrack VIPs 28. Grouchy 30. One who retaliates 32. It preceded the CIA 34. Gasp cause 35. Bobby of hockey 37. Years of
adolescence 38. Wingspread 39. “__ go bragh!” 40. Caesar’s city 41. Guitar divider 44. Candidate Landon 46. Air-rifle ammo 47. Storage container
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 21.
THIS WEEK ON
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
August 24th, 2012
August 25th, 2012
August 26th, 2012
August 27th, 2012
August 28th, 2012
August 29th, 2012
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
FRIDAY
6:00 CNN 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Every body Hates Chris 11:30 My Wife and Kids Afternoon 12:00 Headline News 1:00 8 Simple Rules 1:30 3D 2:00 The Closer 3:00 The Mentalist 4:00 Good Luck Charlie 5:30 Kickin It Evening 6:30 Yes There is Hope 7:00 SVGTV News 7:50 Caribbean Passport 8:25 Vibes Caribbean 8:50 3D/Lotto Draws 9:00 Tele-Classifieds 9:10 SVGTV Obituaries 9:15 Bold & Beautiful 9:55 Super 6 Draw 10:00 Western ‘R’ “Outlaw Country“ 12:00 Drama ‘R’ “The Departed” 3:00 Anarchy 4:30 Arch 5:00 CNN News
6:00 CNN 7:30 Cubix 8:00 Sonic X 9:00 Yu-gi-oh 10:00 Dragon Ball z 11:00 Tai-Chi: Chasers 11:30 Yu-gi-oh Afternoon 12:00 The Young Icons 12:30 On the Spot 1:00 Pokemon 1:30 3D 1:35 Pokemon 2:00 On Stage 3:00 The Game 4:00 Video Train 5:00 Inside Story
6:00 CNN 7:00 Your Destiny 8:00 Trinity in Touch 8:30 V2V Church 9:00 Bible Speaks 9:30 Faith & Truth 10:00 Tehillah Ministries 10:30 T.B.A. Afternoon 12:00 Paula 12:30 Turning Point 1:00 Direction 2:00 T.B.A 4:00 T.B.A.
Evening
Evening
6:00 Kick 6:30 Living Water Ministries 7:00 SVGTV news 7:25 Sportweek 7:55 Voice of Freedom 8:25 FH Videos 8:55 3D 9:00 Guinness Rush Hour 10:00 Action ‘R’ “Confessions of a Dangerous mind” 12:00 Drama ‘PG 13’ “Straw Dogs” 2:00 Thriller ‘R’ “And soon the darkness” 3:40 Drama PG 13 “Barney's Version” 5:30 CNN
6:00 Health Talk 6:30 Flashback 7:00 Adventure ‘PG’ “Puss in Boots” 8:30 Drama ‘PG’ “The Prince of Egypt” 10:15 Action ‘‘PG 13’ “X2: X-Men United” 12:10 Adventure ‘PG’ “Legend of the Guardians” 2:10 Comedy ‘PG 13’ “Gulliver's Travels” 3:35 Comedy ‘PG’ “Flubber” 5:00 CNN News
THURSDAY August 30th, 2012 Morning 6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Scooby Doo
11:30 We cooking Afternoon 12:00 Headline News 1:00 10 Dollar Meals 1:30 3D 2:00 Burn Notice 3:00 Good Luck Charlie 4:00 Jessie 5:00 Victorious
6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Meet the Browns 11:00 House of Payne 11:30 Jake and the Neverland
TUESDAY
6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 The Backyardigans 11:30 Franklyn
Afternoon
Afternoon
12:00 Headline News 1:00 Looney Tunes 1:30 3D 2:00 The Doctors 3:00 I Carly 4:00 Good Luck Charlie 4:30 Austin & Ally 5:00 Caribbean Power Outreach 5:30 The Parkers
12:00 Headline News 1:00 Looney Tunes 1:30 3D 2:00 Fairly Odd 3:00 Deck 4:00 My Wife and Kids 4:30 My Wife and Kids 5:00 Kicking It
Evening 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:55 8:25 8:55 8:57
Diners In Touch SVGTV News Encounter The Law & You 3D Tele – Classifieds 8:58 SVGTV Obituaries 9:00 WWE Monday Night Raw 11:05 Com ‘PG 13’ “Couples Retreat” 1:30 Comedy ‘PG 13’ “Couples Retreat” 4:00 Law & Order CI 5:00 CNN News
Evening 6:00 New Life Baptist Church 7:00 SVG TV news 7:55 A.P.I Presents 8:55 3D 9:00 Tele- Classifieds 9:10 SVGTV Obituaries 9:15 Bold and Beautiful
Evening 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:55 8:55 9:00 9:10
Victorious We Cooking SVGTV news A.P.I Presents 3D/Lotto draws Tele-Classified SVGTV Obituaries 9:15 Bold & Beautiful 9:35 Caribbean Newsline 10:00 Drama ‘PG 13’ “Twilight” 11:45 Drama ‘R’ “Layover” 1:25 Action ‘R’ “Triplecross” 3:00 Drama ‘R’ “Farewell my concubine” 5:30 CNN News
WEDNESDAY
6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Crash Box 11:30 Crash Box Afternoon 12:00 Headline News 1:00 Looney Tunes 1:30 3D 2:00 Good luck Charlie 3:00 Deck 4:00 My Wife and Kids 4:30 My Wife and Kids 5:00 On Stag Evening 6:00 Agri-Business now 6:30 Serving the People 7:00 SVGTV news 8:00 T.B.A. 8:55 3D 9:00 Tele-Classifieds 9:05 SVGTV Obituaries 9:15 Bold and Beautiful 9:30 Caribbean Newsline 10:00 Drama ‘PG 13’ Les Miserables” 12:15 Drama ‘PG 13’ “Scrooged” 2:00 Drama ‘PG 13 “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” 3:30 Kids 5:00 CNN News
9:25 Caribbean Newsline 10:00 Comedy ‘PG 13 “Just Go With It” 12:00 Boss 1:00 Drama ‘R’ “The Divide” 2:50 Drama ‘PG 13’ * Programme guide subject “Straw Dogs” 5:30 CNN News to change.
V Kept in the dark 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Dear George,
I HAVE BEEN writing to this female who lives in Barbados. We became friends via the internet and have been e-mailing each other to the point that our conversations became very intimate. It has been 8 months since we met, and during that time I have only seen a few photos of her and they were photos that showed only her face, from her shoulders up. She finally came to St. Vincent a few weeks ago, and boy was I in for a shocker! When I met her at the airport, it was as if I was meeting a total stranger! She was nothing like the girl in the photograph, and I know now why she never showed me the rest of her body. She walked with a limp and her left foot was twisted somewhat. Her weight was far above that which she led me to believe. From the looks
of her, she could not be weighing less than 2300lbs. There is no way I could settle with someone like that. I am not discriminating against her because of her weight, but it was never my intention to date someone of that size and physical limitations. She never leveled with me. In fact, she misled me. I told her we can only be regular friends and where I stood on certain things relative to the kind of partner I’m interested in, etc. Since her return to Barbados, I have not heard from her. I need to know if I went about this in a fair way to her.
Plain T Dear Plain T, No need to feel guilty about this situation at all. Your friend kept you in the dark in more ways
than one, and she never gave you the opportunity to accept her AS IS from the beginning. Showing up like that with her bag full of surprises only pushed you to be brutally honest with her, and that is
quite understandable. It would be useful for you, in the future, to find a way to do a full research before fully committing your heart and intentions.
George
Thank him and move on Dear George, I HAVE BEEN working at this place for 2 years now. My boss was very kind to me two years ago when he hired me, and gave me a chance to reach my fullest potential in his company. I am at the place now where I want to move on to greater things. I recently received a job offer I find very difficult to refuse, and I discussed it with my boss, only because I want to be civil and upfront. He told me I was ungrateful to want to move away from his company, and tried to put me on a guilt trip by saying that it was he who gave me a job when I could not find work two years ago, and now that I am in a better position, I want to “ throw water” on him. I tried to explain to him that I am young and need to capitalize on every opportunity to attain greater heights. I am 24 years old. Is he correct in saying I am ungrateful, and should I turn this offer down out of loyalty to him?
CrossRoad Dear CrossRoad, No one should be standing in the way of your progress. If your boss is guilty of that, thank him for giving you an employment opportunity 2 years ago, but firmly and calmly articulate to him that you need to move on. You do not need his permission to do so, but there is a right way and a wrong way, and the right way in this case is to give him ample notice of your intention to move on. You owe him nothing more than the required notice time line, in keeping with company policies. Good luck to you!
George
Trouble over a dream Dear George, SOMETIMES it is good not to tell your spouse everything. I decided to tell my wife about a dream that I had the night involving her best friend. I told her that I found myself making love to her friend, and I was surprised to find her very good in bed. I told her that I always looked at her as a boring person, but was shocked with the way she was transformed in my dream. My wife responded by telling me that she feels that I have interest in her friend, and judging from the way I talked about my dream, I was looking forward to being with her friend. She became even more angry with me when I insisted on telling her friend about my dream. I am asking myself why she is so paranoid about a simple dream. It is not like I am going to go out and try to make that my dream a reality.
Regret Dear Regret, While it is a good thing to be honest and open with your spouse, it does not mean you should be doing your best to commit marital suicide. It beats me as to why you would insist on sharing your dream with your wife’s friend, especially after noticing how telling your wife about it disturbed her. Of course, dreaming about someone does not mean that you have interest in them, but being melodramatic about it, as you relate it to your wife, does not help your case at all.
George
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 23.
Education
Ryan advocates group work Stories by GLORIAH… described something of the dynamics that RYAN JOHN gave a characterized the stellar academic group. “For me performance at the personally, I never 2012 sitting of the did well in English B, regional CSEC but it was through Examination. A the other guys that I student of the St. got to understand it Vincent Grammar better. They taught School (SVGS), he me the poems and gained ten passes: other stuff. I helped Grade One with with the POB, then Distinctions for we all came together Principles of Accounts, and helped each other Principles of Business, with everything else,” Mathematics, and he reflected calmly. Integrated Science; Ryan continued: Grade One passes for “Our group was very Information interesting. We Technology, Geography helped each other and French; and Grade out. We balanced Two passes in English school work with fun. A, English B, and If one person missed French. a class, we came Ryan was a together and went member of a study over the work with group with two other him. We shared Fifth Form boys, notes and Utamu Rose and everything.” Dimitri Kennedy, With a sound grin, from his former Ryan gave his opinion school. on what he taught In an interview was the result of all with THE the work which he VINCENTIAN, he and his group put in:
“I expected that all of us in our group would beat the top boy at graduation. We showed that it does not matter, whether you are a Science or a Business student. You could still excel!” He has now formulated a recipe for working in groups which he would like other students to follow: “Try to form groups with persons who are not a bad influence and who can motivate you. Keep your groups small, to allow for good communication and proper attention to each person. Learn from everyone in the group,” he advised. Ryan will move on to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, where he will begin his quest to become an
Ryan John Accountant or an Economist with his pursuit of studies in Accounts, Economics and Management. He laughingly reported that he wants to make some good money in life. He expressed his thanks to his parents, Jennifer King and Reynold ‘Sammy’ John, and gave a special thanks to his grandmother for the numerous words of advice she has given him. His teachers also came in for high praises.
Shamona tops it at BCK SHAMONA extra classes at school still not quite sure on a CHARLES, a or from private specific area. very tutoring. reserved, Shamona sixteen-yearbelieves that old student, hard work is the brings Bishop’s success. She College advises Kingstown’s students (BCK), top wanting to performer at excel, to the 2012 study hard. CSEC “Just go in Examination. your books She gained every day,” passes at she said with eight conviction. Shamona Charles subjects. “Go to The young teachers for lady told THE VINCENTIAN advice and ask them that she was not surprised at questions!” all by her performance, as Her next move she always did well in school will be to the St. and started to study long Vincent and the before the exam. Grenadines She achieved Grade II Community College passes in English A, Human Division of Technical and Social Biology, Social and Vocational Studies, Food and Nutrition, Education, where and Home Management. She she will study also received Grade III Business or passes in Electronic Information Document Preparation Technology. She Management, Economics, and aspires to a career in Geography. All this, she the field of business, said, was achieved without but at this point is
No boasting for Rodley SEVENTEEN-YEAROLD Rodley Haynes of Green Hill is now reflecting on his journey towards becoming the top performer for his school, the St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS), in the recently sat CSEC Examination. In an exclusive interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Rodley expressed that he feels really good about his performance. Rodley He, however, refuses to become too overwhelmed about it. “I feel good, yes, but it is not really anything to boast about. I just have to thank God for helping me to be successful. I just have to take the opportunities that I have now,” he said humbly. He explained that he was always the top student in his class. Rodley received passes in nine subjects. He received a Grade I for Physical Education and Sport; Grade II’s for Economics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Integrated Science, History, and Information Technology; and Grade II for English A. In order to be successful, Rodley believes that the student must study a lot. “He must not always be in books, but he must be focused with a mindset. It will not come easily, but you have to do extra work, especially with all the SBA’s and still having to study for so many subjects.” He is now even more convinced that if one puts his mind to it, he
“could get through.” He will attend the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College to complete studies in Accounts, Economics and Management of Business.
Overall performance Other notable performances at the SMSS came from Haynes Stephen Joseph, gaining nine passes out of nine subjects sat; and Phillip Hazell with eight passes out of eight sat. The SMSS has reported that the school saw a fall in overall pass rates from 73% in 2011 to 66% in 2012. There were poor results in Mathematics this year. Food and Nutrition and Technical Drawing also saw poor results. There was, however, 100% pass in Integrated Science, following along on the past nine years. English A received 60%, English B, 70%. Principal of the school, Mr. Nereus Auguste, told THE VINCENTIAN that “over the past two years, the school has registered improvement in percent pass and pass quality,” so he is now somewhat disturbed by this year’s performance. He is, however, grateful for the performance of many of the boys who would have made great efforts to study and to listen to their teachers. “I am extremely happy for these”, he said.
V
24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Education
Dimitri : Think and make a link DIMITRI KENNDEY IS THE SON OF MS. ANNIE Burnette and Mr. Elliot Kennedy. He is sixteen years old and hails from Lowmans Hill. He sat the 2012 CSEC Examination as a student of the St. Vincent Grammar School. His performance at that examination has made himself, his parents and his school proud. Dimitri gained passes in ten subjects: Grade Ones with distinctions in Economics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Mathematics, Information Technology and English B; Grade Ones in English A and Integrated Science; and Grade Twos in
French and Geography. He would also have made the other members of his study group, Utamu Rose and Ryan John, proud. He credits the study group for his success, pointing to the motivation and stimulation each emember got from the others. “Some people believe that people do not do well in groups, but once you have the same goals and the proper mindset, it works,” the young man explained. Dimitri wisely advises students wishing to excel “to prioritize — get a set of goals and work towards them regardless of the adversities, and most of all, give praise to the Most
High.” He said that throughout his secondary school career, he has remembered the advice given him by his Grade Six teacher from the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School, Mr. James ‘Jimmy’ Wilson: Think and make a link. That, he said, has stuck with him and was reinforced by what his mother often told him, “What you put in is what you get out” and his school’s motto: Per Aspera Ad Astra Dimitri intends to become an Auditor, but he prefers to become an Accountant first. He will begin this journey as a student of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community
College Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, where he will pursue studies in Accounts, Economics Dimitri Kennedy and Management of Business. He is thankful for all the support and love received from his parents, other family members and his teachers.
Calvin Charles gives no surprises THE TOP PERFORMER OF THE CAMPDEN PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THIS YEAR’S CSEC EXAMINATION IS CALVIN CORNELIUS CHARLES.Charles, described by his teacher as “promising, determined and focused,” gave a performance which was said to be “no surprise”. He gained passes in eight subject areas: Grade II’s for Integrated Science, and Information Technology; and Grade III passes came in English A, Mathematics, Principles of
Accounts, Principles of Business, Office Administration, and History. Charles, a past Class Prefect, told THE VINCENTIAN that his favourite subjects were Information Technology and Mathematics, and he took extra classes in these. He advises students to “keep studying hard throughout the school year” He explained that he was very distracted by the computer in the fourth form, but forced
himself to leave it alone in form five. “Keep away from the computer if it is a distraction,” he warned. Calvin intends to attend the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s Division of Technical and Vocational Education to pursue studies in Business. He is not yet sure of a career choice.Information coming from the Campden Park Secondary School reveals that it has seen a 56%
overall pass in this year’s CSEC performance. It received 100% pass in Integrated Science, Electronic Technology and Food and Nutrition. Other subject areas received reasonably good pass rates: Physical Education and Sport — 96%, Social Studies — 80%, Principles of Accounts — 77%, Principles of Business — 76%, Information Technology — 74%, Caribbean History — 73%, and Building Technology — 72%.
Mathematics was said to have shown “slight improvement over last year, but there was an admission that there “is need for more remedial work”. English A, on the other hand, suffered a slight fall. Deputy Principal Acting of the School, Mrs. Miriam Pompey, reported that, although the school has experienced a lower pass rate this year, she still feels gratified that “all students of the Fifth forms are given the chance at CSEC, even
Calvin Charles the weakest ones, including all the children who came in from Form One with Reading and Math difficulty.”
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 25.
Sports Extra
West Indies – favourites at ICC World T/20
by EARL W. ROBINSON WITH LESS THAN ONE MONTH to go before the start of the fourth edition of the ICC World Twenty/20 to be held in Sri Lanka, beginning September 18, I have decided to declare my hand at the selectors’ table. My squad reads as follows: Darren Sammy (captain), Dwayne Bravo (vice-captain), Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Samuel Badree, Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Johnson Charles, Sulieman Benn and Carlton Baugh. Knowing the kind of conditions existing on the sub-continent, I did not include Tino Best, Fidel Edwards nor Krishmar Santokie. If Ravi Rampaul was fully fit, he would have been in and Benn out. However, the size and the overall fitness of Rampaul should come into question when the touring party is discussed by the official selectors. Clearly, I see no room for Darren Bravo and Kieran Powell. Of the nineteen ICC global events dating back to 1975, West Indies have won only three. Those were the inaugural World Cup in 1975 and the following one in 1979. Then in 2004, they won the champions trophy. In all three instances, the tournaments were held in England. Obviously, there will be some ‘selectoral dilemma’, but if the selectors get it right and the players perform at their optimum level, the Caribbean team should be the winners of this
twelve-team extravaganza. From observations of previous matches, it appears that captain Sammy dislikes bowling during the power-play and at the death. This practice he has to stop; he must lead from the front like a true general. Bravo (Dwayne) and Russell are competent all-rounders, but their bowling usually falls below par. Sometimes their spells at the death are horrendous, to say the least. Too many full tosses and slower ones generally lead to high scoring overs in tense situations. Any halfdecent batsman could dispatch these knee-high full tosses to the boundary. A steady diet of full tosses cannot be part of the strategy. Yorkers are the prime deliveries in close encounters. Somehow these two players are not familiar with that school of thought. Pollard, Sammy, Smith, and the two players mentioned, above are some of the best fielders in the world. They are expected to outclass their opponents in this department. If there is a weakness, it is the wicket-keeping. Ramdin or Baugh makes no difference. As we say here, ‘six of one set and half-dozen of the other’. Forget about the socalled mini world cup; that will come to an end in 2013, according to ICC. West Indies’ focus should be on this tournament. It has been thirty-three years since silverware came to the Caribbean shores. West Indies should not only remain favourites, but emerge winners. The region’s cricket needs a
Right: Earl Robinson, cricket statistician and analyst, has named wicket-keepers Carlton Baugh (left) and Denesh Ramdin in his W.I. team to the ICC World Twenty/20.
26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
BBONADIES OONNADIES SSUPERMARKETS UPERMAARKETETSTS #1#1&& 2 Bonanza B oona on naanz nan anza nzza za DISCOUNT DIS SCOUNTT OF 5% SCOUN ON GROCERIES GROC CERIES $20.00 & O OVER V fr VER from om August September August 29th to to S eptember e 1st On Friday 31st 31 August
WIN W WI IN A GIFT IN GIFT BA BAG AGG WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES Every 15 Minutes, When the Bell Rings, one Customer Cashing at the Cashier Wins A Back 2 School Gift Bag
SPEND LESS, GE GETT MORE WHEN YOU YOU SHOP AT AT BONADIES SUPERM ARKETS #1 & 2 SUPERMARKETS L ower Middle Middle Street: Street: 456-1679 Lower Upp er Middle Middle Street: Street: 457-1616 Upper
Paul’s Avenue, P.O. Box 592, Kingstown Tel: 456-1821 Fax: 457-2821 E-mail: metrocint@vincysurf.com Website: www.metrocintsvg.com
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 27.
SVG: 2012 WINLOTT 20/20 Champs
SVG Captain Lindon James receives the Championship trophy from Allison Thomas, WINLOTT rep., in the company of an elated Vincentian squad.
Left: Kenroy Peters (right) receives his Player of the Tournament trophy. Right: Devon Smith collects his award for having scored the most runs in the tournament.
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES are the new champions of Twenty/20 cricket in the Windward Islands. They claimed the title by winning the 3rd WINLOTT/Windward Islands 20/20 cricket competition which climaxed in St Lucia last weekend. SVG played unbeaten throughout the tournament and secured their first title with a 22-run win over last year’s finalist Dominica. In a low scoring finals, SVG batted first and were restricted to 99 for 7 from 20 overs. Donwell Hector led with 25, Atticus Browne was unbeaten on 22 and Miles Bascombe contributed 20. Dominica were routed for a dismal 76 in 19 overs. Kenroy Peters bagged 3 for 11, while Rolando Wright, Keiron Cottoy and Alston Bobb took two wickets apiece. Commenting on his team’s victory, Lindon James, SVG’s captain, said, “Winning the title was a good feeling,” and cited that it was an overall team effort. “The game plan we came into the
tournament with worked from the first game, supported by hard work from everyone,” he continued. SVG received the championship and challenge trophies as well as a cash prize of ten thousand dollars for winning the tournament. Earlier in the third place play off, defending champions Grenada defeated hosts St Lucia. By way of individual awards, Vincentian left arm seamer Kenroy Peters was named Player of the Finals as well as Player of the Tournament. He captured 9 wickets in the tournament. Grenadian Devon Smith was voted Batsman of the Tournament with 130 runs. The highest individual score, 76, was made by St. Lucian Darren Sammy, West Indies captain, and Vincentian allrounder Alston Bobb turned in the best economy rate for bowlers with a total of 16 overs, 48 runs and 7 wickets. I.B.A.ALLEN
Aussies take Bequia T/20 again KNIGHTS TRADING AUSSIES made it three in a row in the Bequia T/20 competition, with a comprehensive ninewicket win over arch rivals Admiralty Transport Youth Combine. In the match played last Sunday afternoon at the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Bequia, a boundary-filled 89 not out by Drumo Toney and 38 not out by Julian Edwards, saw Aussies to 141 for 1 in reply to Youth Combine’s 138 all out.
Admiralty Transport Youth Combine – runnersup. Left: Drumo Toney – Player of the Finals. Triple Champions Knights Trading Aussies. Toney slammed seven fours and eight sixes, while Edwards struck six boundaries as they shared in an uninterrupted second wicket stand of 135 runs. They delighted the crowd which, in the most part, was in support of the Aussies. When Youth Combine
batted, Mc Neil Morgan, a former St Vincent and the Grenadines and Windwards fast bowler, struck 33, and former national Under-19 player, Jenry Ollivierre, made 21. Extras contributed 25. Verden Baptiste took 2 for 8, Braxie Browne had 2 for 23, Drumo Toney 3 for 29 and Rajiv Roberts 2 for 40.
Drumo Toney was named Player of the Final. Youth Combine’s Mc Neil Morgan was named Player of the Tournament for his tally of 288 runs and 12 wickets. Since the inception of the tournament in 2007, only Youth Combine and Aussies
have claimed the title. Youth Combine won in 2007, and both teams shared in 2008. Youth Combine did the hat trick when they won in 2009. Aussies have subsequently reigned over the last three tournaments.
V
28. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
‘Give Taekwondo more attention,’ pleads instructor ST LUCIAN TAEKWONDO instructor, Samuel Decaille, wants to see an end to “talent discrimination.” Decaille, who was a member of a St Lucian team that was a recent guest of the local Taekwondo association, believes that it is this discrimination which is causing Taekwondo not to be a more popular sport. “At the schools, you only find Football, Cricket and Track and Field mainly, and Taekwondo is no big thing to the authorities,” Decaille stated. Putting in a plug for Taekwondo to be used as a means of diffusing tensions in
young people, Decaille holds the view, “that Taekwondo will help the young athletes to be more disciplined, to have more strong moral values as it is a highly disciplined art.” Decaille believes that if students get involved in Taekwondo and channel their energies there, there will be a reduction in violent activities among them. “The benefits of Taekwondo are so great, as it develops their self esteem, self confidence and the art of defending themselves,” Decaille said. “Every day you hear the politicians preaching that the youths are the future, but they
are not doing enough to push sports,” Decaille claimed. “They (the authorities) need to pay more attention to the non- traditional sports,” Decaille advised. He pointed to Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott’s gold medal in the Javelin at the just concluded Olympic Games, as a case of a shift in tradition and a venture out in areas which the Caribbean is not noted for. “The more sports you have, the more the chance you have to medal at the Olympics, and I think Taekwondo is the way forward,” Decaille concluded. Decaille tutored eleven practising youngsters of
Taekwondo from his homeland, who were involved in a one-week exchange with their Vincentian counterparts. The visit climaxed here last Saturday with a sparring and poomsea competition among the teens, at the NDP headquarters on Murray’s Road. St Lucia won five of the categories and St Vincent and the Grenadines, two. Samuel Decaille, Taekwondo Vincentian Donte instructor, wants more emphasis Dixon was the best placed on non-traditional sports. male fighter in the Knights the best male in the kyorugi category and Aaron poomsea.
Male volleyballers off to continental championships A TEN-MEMBER team of Under-21 volleyballers left the state last Wednesday to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines in the NORCECA continental championships in Colorado Springs, USA. Left: Part of the SVG Volleball delegation off to the NORCECA championships.
Rose Hall Football: Rising Stars into the final
the Rising Stars goal and was cleared by the defense. Rising Stars turned on the by KENVILLE HORNE pressure on that side of the field, pressure and it paid off as and in the 17th minute Willo Wildan ‘Rick’ Samuel controlled RISING STARS are through to Samuel unleashed a powerful a ball in front of the Future the finals in the senior division of volley from a Kesron Browne Legends goal after their centre the St.Vincent Brewery Rose Hall cross to give Rising Star their back failed to clear danger, Small Goal Football Tournament, first goal. and tapped it into goal. following a 3-1 thrashing of Willo Samuel was on the score There was no coming back Future Legends last Sunday, at sheet again in the 34th minute for Future Legends. the Rose Hall playing field. when he broke through the Meanwhile, Fonando Future Legends never posed Future Legends defense and Forces Under- 15 are into the any threat to a better organized converted with a well placed final of the Under-15 Rising Stars, and playing with competition after winning by right-foot shot. default over Barrouallie two men short, it was always However, Future Legends Under-15. They play going to be a challenge. found some hope when defender Troumaca Under 15 in the Ten minutes into the game, Janelle Ferdinand, playing an final. Rising Stars almost registered overlapping role, galloped down The other semi final match their first goal. A dreadful the right wing, evaded two Rising in the senior division between misjudgment from a Future Stars defenders and tapped the Predator FC and Rose Top Legend defender near the halfway ball into the goal. line, allowed Wildan ‘Rick’ With an action-filled first half, United will be played on Sunday 26th. Samuel to sprint clear, but the the large crowd anticipated more The Finals in both opposition full-back recovered to excitement in the second half. The divisions are set for make a clumsy intervention on first 15 minutes of the second half September 1st. the edge of the penalty box. was evenly poised. Future Future Legends left wing Legends had an opportunity to Right: Action in the appeared weak and exposed, so equalize, but Carlywn Stapleton’s Rose Hall Small Goal Rising Stars began applying shot ricocheted off the cross bar of Competition.
In its first ask at this level, St Vincent and the Grenadines is placed in Pool A and will face three of the top teams in the North America and Central America region. St Vincent and the Grenadines plays Mexico on Monday , the USA on Tuesday and Honduras on Wednesday. Pool B comprise Canada, Curacao, Puerto Rico and Guatemala . St Vincent and the Grenadines, representing the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) grouping, is the lowest ranked among the eight finalists. The teams in each of the group will play each other, following which
there will be a quarter final, semi final and final. The players who travelled are Ijahlon Butler, Marlon Cupid, Adonson De Souza, Maxroy Dublin, Jamal Edwards, Andre Franklyn, Enrico Nedd, Allisko Samuel, Jamal Small and Azhino Solomon. Former national senior team player Brian Burke is the team’s coach and will also perform the duties of manager. Duane Daniel , who recently acquired his international referee’s badge, is the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ representative on the referees’ panel.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 29.
Sports
Sweep THE SUCCESS of the local cricket squad in the recent Windward Islands Twenty/20 cricket tournament will last till next year. And when the defense is needed, the squad will be up to it, for there is nothing wrong with wearing the crown, or having to defend it. It is better that way. Should the team have lost, they would have been pummeled for every reason. Questions about everything would have been raised. Old wounds would have been scratched. The triumph is not to be diminished because of the paltry scores and the shortage of runs. If I am to go to the extreme, I would say that a one-eyed man is king in a blind man’s country, which may be construed as harsh. So it might be patriotic to commend the Vincentians for battling through the allotment of twenty overs, for their total of 98.That Dominica faltered in their chase, is not a tribute to our batting artistry. One may say it is a regional problem, and that bowlers like Shane Shillingford among the lot, and at the crest of regional recognition, the (batsmen’s) technique was exposed. Vincentian spin bowlers, Alston Bobb, Keiron Cottoy and Orlando Wright, aroused curiosity. Twenty/20 cricket calls for boldness: a trait that players at the test level need to adopt. Rashness in any form of life ought not to be encouraged. However, there is need for innovation and adjustment to conditions and other factors. The situation is often seen whereby teams, with batsmen of high reputation, have faltered at the T/20 match. Even at small outfields, where one would think that it is easy to clear the boundary, there have been instances where bowlers have held their own. The tonic provided by the triumph of the Vincentian team helped to evaporate the horror of the Under-19 W.I. team from the semifinal. They will have to hope for fifth at best and rue their chance of lifting the trophy. How more dismal could it get? Value the lessons from such an experience and make the adjustment. Action in the Vinlec North Leeward Cricket competition is tweeting. Bowlers are known to struggle at the Petit Bordel Playing field, and picking up six wickets for an entire season stands out as a success of huge proportions. But one youngster by the name of Kenrick Westfield shattered that myth in one dispelling show. In a matter of 20 legal deliveries, he achieved what must be a record in the annals of Vinlec North Leeward Cricket. I have not engaged in any in depth research, but I believe I will be hard pressed to come up with statistics as miserly as Westfield’s 6 wickets for 8 runs. Anyone who unearths a greater phenomenon can illustrate the occurrence. Winterset Ball Beaters, the team which Westfield represents, secured a seven-wicket win over Peto Stars who previously had romped to two victories. The action is set to continue at the Petit Bordel Playing field tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday. Once the weather is right, the battlelines will open up once more. There are eleven outfits vying for the title. Capturing the prize is a symbol of pride, not just in the constituency but nationwide. The competition has attracted widespread appeal, and has become something of a tourism card.
SVG 5th in W.I. 20/20 cricket THIS COUNTRY’S female cricket team failed again to get into the top four in the West Indies, this following the completion of the inaugural Women’s 20/20 cricket competition, held recently in Jamaica. Hosts Jamaica emerged champions following a 16-run victory over arch rivals Trinidad & Tobago in the Grand Final, at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital. St. Vincent & the Grenadines finished in fifth place in the 8-team table, following a 20-run win over Grenada in the Consolation Playoff at Kensington Park. SVG captain Cordel Jack led the way with 49 not out in her side’s 116 for four
off 20 overs, and then reduced Grenada to 96. It was the second major women’s final in which the Jamaicans had toppled T&T, following their capture of the Regional Women’s
Super50 Tournament last year in Barbados. Jamaican Stefanie Taylor, who was named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2011, earned the Player-of-the-Finals, award and was also
voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Earlier, Barbados had captured third place, when they prevailed over Guyana by seven wickets in the Consolation Final at the same venue. Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN
Cordel Jack, captain of the SVG team, topscored for her team in the Consolation Play.
Stafanie Taylor was named Player of the Tournament.
Juliana Nero is an aggressive top order player.
Nero in West Indies squad
The Windward Islands 20/20 training squad. Missing from the photography are Sunil Ambris and Kavem Hodge, both on W.I. U-19 tour duty.
Eight Vincies in W’wards training squad EIGHT VINCENTIANS have been included in a 20-member training squad from which the final team to represent the Windward Islands in the 2013 Caribbean T20 cricket tournament will be selected. Vincentian Sunil Ambris, on duty with the W. I. Under-19 team, is joined by seven players who were among the top performers in the just concluded WINLOTT/Windward Islands 20/20 tournament. The seven are Lindon James (wicket-keeper/batsman); batsmen
Atticus Browne and Miles Bascombe; fast bowlers Kenroy Peters and Delorn Johnson, and leg spinner Keiron Cottoy. The rest of the squad reads: Devon Smith, Lindon Lawrence, Tade Carmichael, Nelon Pascal from Grenada; Liam Sebastein, Shane Shillingford, Raymond Casimier and Kavem Hodge fom Dominica; and Marvin Wells, Xavier Gabriel, Dalton Polius, Gary Mathurin, and Darren Sammy from St Lucia.
Samuel humiliates Sion Hill JEROME SAMUEL put in an outstanding allround performance to help Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United defeat Sion Hill by an innings and 36 runs, in a last weekend match in the NLA First Division cricket competition. Samuel took 4 wickets for 1 run, including a hat trick, as Sion Hill were dismissed for 64 runs in their first innings. In reply, Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United raced to 177 for 9 declared. Jerome Samuel topscored with 67, and Augustus Mofford made 31 not out. Dwayne
Bacchus took 3 for 25 and Brian Davis 2 for 12. In their second innings, Sion Hill failed to show any real improvement, closing at 77 all out. Augustus Mofford took 5 for11. The national cricket competition is expected to come to an end this weekend when leaders Rivals face second placed Victors at Arnos Vale One, and Saints oppose News Spartans at Arnos Vale Two in the NLA Premier division. In the NLA First Division, Smashers will oppose Log Masters at Buccament.
Jerome Samuel sent Sion Hill packing with both bat and ball.
JULIANA NERO is the lone Vincentian included in a 14member West Indies female team to represent the region in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC)World T20 Tournament in Sri Lanka, in September. The team was selected following the conclusion of the inaugural West Indies Women’s 2012 cricket tournament which was held in Jamaica. The team will be led again by wicketkeeper/batter Merissa Aguilleira. She will have Stefanie Taylor as her Vice Captain. The team also includes Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, StacyAnn King, Kycia Knight (Wicketkeeper), Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Shaquana Quintyne, Shakera Selman and Tremayne Smartt. The Windies Women will undertake a tour of England where they will face England Women in five T20s, prior to travelling to Sri Lanka. The West Indies have been drawn in Group B of the ICC World T20 Tournament along with Australia and Ireland. The Tournament gets going on September 26, in Galle.
30. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012. 31.
Classifieds
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FRIDAY,
AUGUST 24, 2012
by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY DRUG TRAFFICKERS and money launderers will not find smooth sailing anymore. The delivery of two Interceptor vessels is aimed at wiping out the activities of such operators. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made a pledge to step up the battle against drug traffickers and money launderers when he addressed the gathering at the handing over of the two vessels to the Vincentian Coast Guard, last Monday morning. The boats are part of a US$2m gift from the government and people of the United States of America, and were handed over by U.S.A. Ambassador to Barbados and the OECS, Larry Palmer. Dr. Gonsalves looked at the donation as effective ways of dealing with persons in such spheres. Drug trafficking exposes the society to health hazards, while money laundering weakens the financial pillars of the nation, the Vincentian leader pointed out. “These Interceptors are going to make life difficult for them (drug traffickers and money launderers) who want to ply their trade,” Dr. Gonsalves predicted. He pointed out that the two new Coast Guard patrol boats will help to stop the “fast vessels,” used by persons engaged in illegal activity. The Vincentian Prime Minister alluded to the use of two C 26 Aircrafts which “do over flights.” He indicated that with the 300 “sorties” that the planes do annually, coordination with Coast Guard entities will be smoother. The boats will also be deployed in cases of natural disasters, and factors influenced by climate change.
VOLUME 106, No. 34
F O R
A.I. REAL ESTATE
S A L E
Belvedere 13,628 sq.ft @ $19.00 p.s.f. - $258,932.00 - BB136
Penniston Sober House. - Open to offers - CALL Lower Questelles 3 bedrm 2 bathrm on 7,039 sq.ft $320,800.00 - CALL
Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
They will also assist in rescue operations when fishermen or other seafarers encounter difficulty at sea. “These vessels would assist us in saving lives,” Dr. Gonsalves pointed out. Besides the two vessels, which cater for a crew of 21 and are equipped with airconditioning systems and sophisticated communication and navigational gadgets, the USA package included one pick-up truck, two trailers and parts. A training component is also attached to the project. Twenty Coast Guard officers Prime Minister have been trained to operate and maintain Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (centre), U.S. the boats. Ambassador Larry Dr. Gonsalves Palmer (right) and described the government off0icials assistance as “substantial,” and on tour of one of the outlined that in Interceptors. addition to improving local defence, the vessels will be available for use on Regional Security Systems ventures. The Vincentian leader highlighted the importance of the donation, and expressed the view that they (vessels) were treasured. One of the two inceptor vessels that are expected to enhance the Coast Guard’s efforts to combat drugs, guns and human trafficking in our waters.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.