The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 28, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.09
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
Phillip ‘Super Cat’ Quashie is homicide victim number 5 for this year. by KENVILLE HORNE
bringing the number of murders for 2014 to five. At approximately 2:07 am, Phillip ‘Super Cat’ Quashie was at his home in Glen when
gunmen allegedly entered the porch of his house and opened fire. Quashie was hit in the head and back, and is said to have died on the spot. Most residents were tight-lipped about the incident when THE VINCENTIAN visited the area on Wednesday. However, an individual who professed to have knowledge of the Quashie’s past, said that he came to reside in the community about a year ago, after escaping death in Calliaqua, where he had previously resided. Quashie is said to have been a popular figure in the Calliaqua area, and was given the alias ‘Super Cat’ for his ability to escape death. “He is known to the police. He has gang affiliation,” said a police source. He was arrested and jointly charged for murder with four other persons, some years ago, but only served remand time, the source added. Other persons in the community had a negative impression of Quashie. “He was a wicked man, who was involved in criminal activities. He used The rented house at Glen which Phillip ‘Super Cat’ Quashie occupied, to influence the youths into violence,” and in which he was shot to death.
A 49-YEAR-OLD-MAN was shot dead at his home on Wednesday, February 26,
said one resident. Quashie is said to have spent some time in the United States, but because of his run -in with the law there, he was forced to return home. He was also branded as a gang leader. He was the centre of much attention, according to another source. In August 2013, a 23-year-old labourer of Calliaqua was arrested and charged with entering the Glen dwelling house of Quashie, and stealing EC$500 in cash and a quantity of clothing, valued EC$325.00. But to his friends, he was a good man. One male friend, told THE VINCENTIAN that Quashie had fathered two children. “Arwe Dods (leader) still, from foundation,” he said. Tears filled his eyes when he was asked to express his feelings on the passing of his colleague. The only words he could muster were, “Me can’t talk right now.” Up to press time, no one had been arrested for the murder, but police are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Arts
Blondie Bird promises, ÂHeat in de placeÊ tomorrow (Saturday) creole style, at the Sion Hill GUINNESS-Y DE LIMA-Hitz FM intersection, from 11 a.m. to Blondie Bird and Friends is 11 p.m. using a kaleidoscope of colours, “This year, tell dem dey hah creativity and craft to generate to catch we around park more heat in the 2014 edition of because is heat,” band leader Vincy Mas, already dubbed the Errol ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde told ‘Hottest Carnival in the THE VINCENTIAN at the Caribbean’. band’s headquarters at The band’s 2014 production Kingstown Hill, on Monday. ‘Heat’ will be launched The veteran masman is by HAYDN HUGGINS
confident that the production will win in all the big costume categories because, according to him, “I notice dem fellows (other mas bands) hands tired, so dem ting is easy win foh me.” The band, which had a hattrick of wins from 2010 to 2012, had its eyes set on the beaver trick, but its 2013 presentation, ‘Jewels of the
Caribbean’ was beaten into second place by SVG Players International’s ‘The Garifuna Story’. But Boyde is not bothered by that. “I ain’t really digging nothing with the second place last year, because when a man could bring a local band and beat you by five point, it means our band was outstanding,” he declared. Asked about the prospects of recapturing the Band of the Year title, Boyde said, “We always up there, and this year we hot… is heat in de place.” The band, catering for 400 masqueraders, will feature ten sections designed by veteran designer Oswald ‘Ossie’ Constance. The sections include: Rings of Fire, Fireworks, Blue Flames, Fire and Ice, In de heat ah de night, Heart on Fire, Hot, Hot and Fire Fire. The children sections are Hot Pepper and Fireworks. Boyde explained that the band decided to do a more colourful and fiery presentation this year as opposed to its traditional “cultural style.”
Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde, promises to ‘heat up the place’ for Vincy Mas 2014. Tent.
A special year This year is very special for Blondie Bird and Friends, as the band celebrates 20 years of involvement in mas. Boyde noted that when the band landed on the scene in 1994, the competitions were judged in the big and small bands categories, and it placed first in the small bands category, immediately showing signs of potential. “Today we have grown into a force to reckon with,” the veteran masman underscored. Boyde described the 20 years as “magnificent”, boasting that Blondie Bird and Friends was the only mas band here to display costumes during one day international cricket matches played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Considered by many to be one the country’s leading mas bands, Blondie Bird and Friends has copped, in its unbroken 20 years of active involvement in Vincy Mas: three Band of the Year titles; ten King of the Bands victories; four Queen of the Bands titles: seven Junior King of the Bands wins; five Junior Queen of the Bands top spots; and ten Sections of the Bands titles.
Cro Cro back in calypso finals PINK PANTHER (Eric Taylor) will have the likes of veterans and former monarchs Cro Cro (Weston Rawlings) and Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool) breathing down his neck, when he defends his Calypso Monarch title this Sunday, March 2, in Trinidad and Tobago. Joining Cro Cro, four times monarch, and Chalkdust, eight times monarch, in the battle to dethrone Pink Panther are: Queen Victoria — (Victoria Cooper); Mistah Shak (Sheldon Noel ); Body Guard (Roger Mohammed); Chucky
(Roderick Gordon); Incredible Myron B (Myron Bruce); Last Badjohn Kasiso (Kurt Allen); Skatie (Carlos James); Brian London; and Alana Sinnette. The finalists were selected from a pool of 40 semi-finalists which included the likes of former monarch Singing Sandra (Sandra DesVignes-Millington) and SVG reigning Raga Soca Monarch Fya Empress (Lornette NeddReid). First prize in the competition is once again TT$1 million.
V News 3 Commonwealth to extend assistance
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 3.
Below: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (left) and Commonwealth General Secretary Kamalesh Sharma held discussions on a range of issue pertinent to develop in CARICOM countries.
by KENVILLE HORNE
THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, commonly known as The Commonwealth, has identified the need for capacity building in its members, and is doing something about it. Current Commonwealth Secretary-General and former Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kamalesh Sharma, made the disclosure while addressing a press conference at Cabinet Room on Monday. Sharma was in the country to attend the 25th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from February 24 and 25, which was postponed to March 10 and 11 on the request of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Sharma used the opportunity to hold wide- ranging discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, current Chairman of CARICOM heads, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Camillo Gonsalves. “Capacity is what constrains small states and hits you everywhere, so we thought that in the Commonwealth we should offer this service and now it is being developed,” said Sharma. The Indian diplomat said that the question being asked is: How to use capacity within the Commonwealth in a more user friendly way? Sharma, who in the past served as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, from August 1997 to May 2002, said that the Commonwealth is of the belief that no matter the population of a country, “every human has an equal right to a place in the sun and for global attention to a solution for its dilemma.” The Prime Minister and Sharma also held discussions on ways that the Commonwealth can assist CARICOM in the areas of disaster management, solvency, liquidity and debt sustainability. The Secretary-General cited the “the entire money issue,” as possibly having “a huge effect on the social agenda and education,” adding, “No country should be
allowed to be in free fall, and we need supportive systems to arrest the fall.” Discussions also surrounded the issue of trade, in particularly, productive capacity and General Secretary Sharma assured that “we are now working towards a finance trade facility, which would provide to small states, a facility which larger countries entrust.” Prime Minister Gonsalves hailed the Commonwealth organization as a special one and a deliverance of practical benefits. “If it was not all of those, it would have not survived,” said Gonsalves. The Commonwealth is made up of 53 independent countries, which include some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, spanning five regions. Thirty-one of its members are small states, many of them island nations.
Read to succeed DANE JACK (INSET), Graphic Artist/Sub-Editor with THE VINCENTIAN, was more than delighted to read for the Grade Six class of the Kingstown Government School, Tuesday 25th February, 2014, as part of the school’s celebration of its Reading Week, under the theme, ‘The Ability to read heightens the power to succeed’. Here, the students show their appreciation for Dane
and his camera in the company of their Class Teacher Winston Telesford (left) and Head Mistress Mrs. Maureen Brackin (right).
The Kingstown Government School celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2013.
St. Vincent’s Captain Bligh named ‘World’s best rum’ CAPTAIN BLIGH XO was named The World’s Best Rum by judges in the prestigious 2014 World Rum Awards competition held recently in the United Kingdom in conjunction with the World Drinks Awards. Sunset Very Strong Rum received a bronze medal in the overproof category. Both rums are produced by St. Vincent Distillers in Mount Bentinck. Captain Bligh was also the winner in the World’s Best Gold Rum category. The surprise announcement came on February 20th following three elimination rounds, during which the world’s leading brands of rum were judged in five separate categories: Balance, Character, Complexity, Quality, and Functionality. The judges in round one included leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers, bartender/mixologists and hoteliers. In the second and third rounds, a panel of leading distillers and experts from the international rum industry were added to the first group to select the World’s Best Rum. Each entry was tasted blind and marked to an agreed and strictly enforced grading system that included nose, palate and finish in addition to the above-named categories. In their comments about Captain Bligh, the judges said, “This delicate rum shows a lovely balance of light wood, providing vanillas and a hint of cocoa. It is elegant and smooth with toffee, (and) caramel flavours which linger on the finish.” St. Vincent Distillers Ltd (SVDL) General Manager Kenrick Greaves said he was delighted with the results of the competition. “Captain Bligh has consistently received top awards in global competition, and the designation of this superb spirit as the World’s Best Rum is well-deserved. This is the culmination of our efforts to put St. Vincent rum on the world stage,” he said. SVDL Marketing Director Phillippa Greaves added, “I have always thought that Captain Bligh has been under-estimated. This award serves to vindicate our long-held belief that Captain Bligh is one of the finest rums money can buy.” The World Drinks Awards is an annual selection of the best alcoholic beverages internationally. Entries were received from more than 25 countries, from as far afield as South Africa, the U.S.A., Mongolia and France. The Awards are sponsored by TheDrinksReport.com and chaired by Felicity Murray, a former British Business Magazine Editor of the Year. TheDrinksReport promotes the best beverages to consumers worldwide, and serves to inform and educate the trade. Commenting on this year’s event, Ms. Murray said “The competition featured some eye-opening spirits, and the judging panel had a hard time separating the good from the very good. My congratulations go to the winners. The judges’ exacting standards mean that the winners are truly the greatest tasting spirits and best looking package designs in the world.”
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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
Con man to pay again
cheque later. investigations led to Chewitt’s arrest. The goods were sent to be transported to Bequia Last Friday, Magistrate Browne-Mathias for delivery, but days passed without the business sentenced Chewit to six months in prison for THREE DAYS after Rockies resident Shurn Chewitt was jailed receiving the cheque. This prompted the business to obtaining by deception a quantity of codfish and call the number which the person had given as other items, January 25, 2014, from Harmony for six months, having pleading Bynoe’s, but failed to make contact. Someone called Investments Ltd, Kingstown, to the tune of $3,810. guilty to deception, he was again claiming to be John Bynoe promising that the He was also ordered to pay compensation of $3,446 bonded and ordered to pay forthwith, with an alternative of six months. The compensation on similar charges. cheque would be delivered but, he wanted some Chewit, 24, was, on Tuesday, more goods. They were again sent to the wharf to be sentences will run consecutively if the compensation transported to Bequia for delivery, but this time, the is not paid. bonded for two years and Chewitt has 12 other charges of deception ordered to pay compensation of delivery clerk went to Bequia in search of John Shurn Chewitt Bynoe. pending. $3,068 to A.P. Manufacturing A report was made to the police and may have just of Fountain, for obtaining by deceived himself deception several sacks of thinking he could potatoes, cases of codfish, and get away with a other items to the tune of series of ‘cons’. $3,068, from the delivery clerk Commissioner of Police convicted transgress. So collective decision by the of the wholesale business, Michael Charles says the police officers does it not gazetted officers, in February 11, 2014. reinstatement of three on the simple now apply to consultation with the If Chewitt fails to pay the compensation by June 20, he would go to prison for nine months. convicted police officers, basis that ‘Gold Teeth’? Police Welfare Chewitt was also bonded for one year and ordered April 2011, was a they are hard “I am in no Association. to pay $1,894 compensation to A.P. Manufacturing collective decision. workers. How way Senior Magistrate for obtaining by deception, January 31, 2014, The top cop’s do you supporting the Donald Browne had on similar items from the business’s delivery clerk. comments came while compare that actions of the February 2, 2010 He is to pay the compensation by June 6, with an speaking to THE to an inspector at convicted the three alternative of nine months in prison. VINCENTIAN on inspector who the Kingstown detectives, Corporal The sentences will run concurrently if Tuesday. He was has easily Magistrate’s Casanki Quow and compensation is not paid on both charges. responding to a letter on distinguished Court. I am Constables Hadley Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Mathias page 7 of The News himself as a simply using Ballantyne and Osrick COP Michael handed down the penalties at the Kingstown newspaper last Friday top performer Charles disclosed the situation James, of assaulting 15Magistrate’s Court after Chewitt pleaded guilty to captioned: ‘Commissioner over the last to illustrate year-old Jemark that three police both charges. Charles under the ten years? Jackson, causing him officers convicted how The accused had pleaded not guilty on both microscope’. “The Commissioner bodily harm. They were of an offense, were counts when he initially appeared at the Kingstown The letter stated that, precedence Charles’ each fined $1,500 to be reinstated on the Magistrate’s Court, February 17. “Commissioner Charles has been set actions paid in one month with basis of a collective Prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg told the court supported the decision by Miller, puzzles me.” an alternative of six decision. that on January 31, A.P. Manufacturing received a taken by previous supported by But the months, in prison. The telephone call from someone claiming to be a John Commissioner Miller to Charles, that hard Commissioner told THE convictions and penalties Bynoe of Bequia, stating that he wanted the goods reinstate the three working police officers VINCENTIAN that the were upheld by the in question on credit, and that he would send the will suffer little reinstatement of the Eastern Caribbean Court consequences when they three policemen was a of Appeal. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
Policemen’s reinstatement was a collective decision
‘No supporting evidence,’ says Commissioner
Rajiv Deshong
Calvert Prince
Denzel Sam
Major drug haul off Chateaubelair SIX MEN have been charged in connection with a major drug haul off the coast of Chateaubelair, February 20. Rajiv Deshong of Redemption Sharpes, Ezekiel Robin of Clare Valley, Denzel Sam of Ottley Hall, Godfrey Cumberbatch of Glen, along with Daniel Baptiste and Calvert Prince of Petit Bordel have been charged with possession of 1,999 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply. They are also accused of having Ezekiel Robin eight pounds the drug with intent to supply. The men were each granted $100,000 bail with one surety when they appeared before magistrate Rechanne Browne-Mathias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They were granted bail with reporting conditions and ordered to surrender their travel documents. They will appear at the Serious Offences Court Monday, March 3. That court did not sit this week. The men were held February 20 during a joint operation by the local Coast Guard, the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and the Narcotics Unit. Godfrey Cumberbatch
THERE IS NO supporting evidence for disciplinary action to be taken in a matter during which a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) officer, who according to a photograph in The News newspaper November 1, 2013, displayed a middle finger gesture in front of the Central Police Station, in the presence of other police officers, including a senior officer. That’s according to Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, while speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. He was responding to a letter on page 7 of The News newspaper last Friday, February 21, captioned ‘Commissioner Charles under the microscope’. The letter sought to draw a parallel between what was revealed in the photograph, and a recent matter in which Inspector Calvin ‘Gold Teeth’ Glasgow was held in contempt of Court, after he was heard, and admitted to, ‘sucking his teeth’ when leaving the witness stand. The author stated, “When we look closely at the photograph in the news of November 1, 2013, reasonable persons will conclude that a senior officer was close enough to see the Black Squad (RRU) officer making a middle finger gesture, yet Commissioner Charles said no disciplinary action could be taken because there are no witnesses willing to testify. Isn’t this an indictment against the senior officer who appears unwilling to give evidence against
insolent behaviour? This to my mind is on par with Inspector Glasgow involving the Chief Magistrate. The Police Service Commission should have received a report on the matter involving the middle finger gesture, because a senior police officer was present and unwilling to give evidence.” But Commissioner Charles told THE VINCENTIAN, “In respect to what the writer referred to as the middle finger gesture, that officer was dealt with. He is no longer attached to the RRU, he is now a regular policeman.” Regarding the issue of a senior officer captured by the photographer as being present at the scene, the Commissioner said, “If the writer had observed the photograph, the senior police officer was staring in another direction. Other persons present claimed they did not see the gesture, hence it is based on the photograph of the (RRU) officer’s behaviour, he was transferred from the RRU”. Asked why no disciplinary action was taken, the top cop explained that nobody was there to offer evidence. Because there was no supporting evidence disciplinary action could not be taken. “The police high command’s actions are above board, and we are accountable to the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines”.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 5.
Regional
Venezuela closes consulates in ABC islands alarm, and when police arrived after receiving word of an accident, they saw a man walking up to the nearby gas station. It turned out to be the suspect looking for a taxi. He seemed under the influence of alcohol, and was detained. Aruba police authorities assured that a thorough investigation is underway. As a preventative measure, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Elias Jaua issued instructions for the withdrawal of all diplomatic staff from Aruba as well as Bonaire and Curaçao, until authorities could guarantee their safety.
This was in keeping with an The Venezuela Consulate in Aruba was the order from target of an attack by a vehicle reported Venezuelan driven by an intoxicated Venezuelan. President Nicolai Maduro, who against the to have immediately convened ordered the closure democratically an urgent meeting with his of the three elected Cabinet, and after the consulates “until government. meeting, he called the Holland can protect Minister Venezuelan consul, Sonia Elias Jaua, Venezuela’s Venezuelan Jaua echoed Alvarado Rossel, to offer her Foreign Minister, directed the sentiment necessary assistance. diplomatic personnel according the personnel at the saying, “I am The prime minister also consulates to ‘close up to the Vienna amazed of contacted his Aruban shop’. Convention.” how far the counterpart, Mike Eman, to President ability has offer assistance and also Maduro once again blamed the come to inoculate hate, with a receive more information opposition and foreign media perverse use of social about the incident. for inciting Venezuelans networks, promoting Venezuelans all over the abroad with false claims intolerance of class and race.” world are on edge as violent While there was no reported clashes between student response from Auba’s protesters and government government officials, the forces erupt across the nation. prime minister of Curacao, Up to Monday 24th Ivar Asjes, during a press February, the death toll as a conference, said that the result of the violent protest government of Curacao has was put at eleven. (Source: taken notice of the incident in The daily Herald (Sint Janaury, following his recent illness and Aruba. Maarten), Caribbean News hospitalization in The prime minister is said Now) New York. The announcement of the award has evoked a telling response from at least one noted applauded the ruling made on THE ANTIGUA-BARBUDA Trinidadian cultural Wednesday, February19, court handed down a icon. landmark decision last week. 2014. Internationally LeRoy Clarke, Prime Minister of Croft said, “The The case involved renowned artist not one to T&T, Kamla PersadVenezuelan nationals Eraquio significance of a fine of over LeRoy Clarke has mince words, Bisseesar said she EC$385 million represents a Gonzalez, Pablo Gonzalez, was disgusted slammed the was particularly historic decision, in that I am Isidro Mata, and Columbian Government for its pleased to be making with the not aware of anyone else Luis Mosequrea, who were the announcement in ‘lateness’ with belated decision to receiving such a hefty but arrested and charged by the award the Mighty which the the presence of The appropriate fine in the Office of National Drug and Sparrow, saying it award came. Mighty Sparrow. history of Antigua and Money Laundering Control was only after the Barbuda or within the subPolicy (ONDCP) in Antigua the calypso king of the world The Mighty Sparrow has region. This also sends the and Barbuda, on July 21, highest national recognition almost died that its hand was proved himself as the correct message to persons or 2010, for being in possession and honour which can be forced. Quintessential Calypsonian groups who engage in illicit of 909.95 kg of cocaine. awarded to any citizen.” Clarke is quoted as having with over 70 albums to his activity and wish to use Eraquio Gonzalez, the In paying tribute to The said that it was a shame it name. Antigua and Barbuda.” captain of the vessel used to Mighty Sparrow, the prime had to take his recent serious Consideration was given transport the drugs, was minister said, “….you have THE MIGHTY SPARROW, illness for the authorities to for time already spent in Dr. Slinger Francisco, dubbed entertained our senses and honour him. “We have to wait convicted for possession of cocaine and drug trafficking, prison while the men were on challenged our sensibilities. the ‘Calypso King of the until Sparrow dead and come and received a sentence of 14 remand. (Caribbean news Your words have inspired, World’, is to receive Trinidad back alive to give him an years imprisonment, and was Now) reflected, caused serious and Tobago’s (T&T) highest award. ...... Maybe I should fined EC$200,000 introspection and at times national award. fake it and go into a coma. (US$74,000) and have just provided sheer Speaking last week Stop patronising me, man, EC$385,675,920.18 musical and lyrical delight.” Thursday, February 20, in stop it,” he added. (US$142.8 million) She referred to the award Penal, a community in the Former T&T Calypso respectively. consistency she represents in as “a fitting tribute to the Monarch, Weston Rawlins, The other three defendants the House of Representatives contribution you have made to better known as Cro Cro, says were convicted for possession Trinidad and Tobago, and to in T&T, Prime Minister while it is good the country of cocaine, and were the world,” and described the plans to recognise the Mighty Kamla Persad-Bissessar sentenced to four years announced, in the presence of 78-year-old’s contribution to Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) imprisonment and a fine of the music and culture of T&T, with the nation’s highest The Mighty Sparrow, that and to the world as “the Cabinet of Trinidad and award, Government also needs EC$200,000. In lieu of the ““unparalleled. Tobago has agreed that I to pay attention to the calypso fine, each man will serve an additional year in prison if The announcement of his recommend to His Excellency, art form itself. they fail to pay. President Anthony Carmona, latest accolade follows a string The Mighty Sparrow was Lt. Col Edward Croft, Director The court also ordered the of public recognition activities expected to perform with Cro to confer on you, Dr. Slinger of the ONDCP, points to the forfeiture of the vessel and that the calypsonian has been Cro’s ‘Icons Calypso Tent’ for Francisco, the Mighty the destruction of the drugs. sentences as being the focus of since returning to the 2014 CarnivaL season in Sparrow, the prestigious Lt Col. Edward Croft, unprecedented in the OECS Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the twin island republic in T&T. Director of the ONDCP sub-region.
VENEZUELA CLOSED ITS consulates in the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, after a Venezuelan man rammed his sports utility vehicle (SUV) through the front of the Venezuelan consulate in Aruba. The incident is said to have taken place around 4:00am Friday 21st February, amid mounting unrest in his home country. There were no reported injuries. The alleged culprit was identified as Guy Acuero, a businessman from Maracaibo, who had arrived on the island from Venezuela a day earlier as a tourist. The impact set off the
Sparrow to get T&T’s highest award
Landmark decision in drug trafficking case
6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
V Canada cracks down on citizenship fraud
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 7.
News
by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT
AS CONCERNS HEIGHTEN over the recall of former Deputy New York Consul General, Edson Augustus, the Canadian government has announced that it is cracking down on citizenship fraud. On Feb. 19, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, reinforced the government’s commitment to tackling citizenship fraud through measures proposed in Bill C-24, the “Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act.” “The government is cracking down on citizenship fraud by enforcing stronger penalties for those who do not play by the rules,” said Alexander in a statement. “Changes to the Citizenship Act reinforce the value of citizenship and will help ensure new Canadians are fully prepared to participate in Canadian life and have a stronger attachment to our country,” he added. “Stronger penalties for those who commit citizenship fraud will protect the integrity of Canadian citizenship,” Alexander continued. “The government’s changes to the Citizenship Act reinforce the message that Canadian citizenship is valued around the globe and will be afforded those who recognize that it comes with duties and rights, privileges and responsibilities.”
Proposed measures Under the new legislation, Alexander said the Canadian government will have the authority to develop regulations to designate a regulatory body whose members would be authorized to act as consultants on citizenship matters. “This change will help protect applicants and deter third-party fraud,” said the statement, adding that Bill C-24 “reinforces the value of citizenship by cracking down on fraud and ensuring Canadian citizenship is only offered to those who play by the rules.” The proposed measure includes stronger penalties for fraud and misrepresentation (a maximum fine of
Arnhim Eustace, Opposition Leader/SVG, noted that the NY Consulate ‘scandal’ comes only months after Canada had introduced visa requirements for Vincentians. CAN$100,000 and/or five years in prison); expanding the grounds to bar an application for citizenship to include foreign criminality, “which will help improve program integrity”; and making it an offence for unauthorized individuals to “knowingly represent or advise a person on a citizenship application or hearing for a fee.” Alexander said “ongoing large-scale” fraud investigations conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have identified more than 3,000 citizens and 5,000 permanent residents linked to major investigations–a majority of them related to residence. In addition, he said nearly 2,000 individuals linked to the citizenship fraud investigations have withdrawn their applications. Alexander said the legislation brings Canada in line with “most of our peer countries, by providing that citizenship can be revoked from dual nationals who are convicted of terrorism, high treason and spying offences (depending on the sentence received), or who take up arms against Canada.” He said permanent residents who commit these acts will be barred from applying for citizenship. Alexander said that more than 85 percent of eligible permanent residents in Canada go on to become citizens. As a result of these amendments, he said applicants will need to be physically present in
Steve Phillips, Former SVG Consul General to Toronto in 2011, stated categorically that there were no grounds on which Vincentians could be applying for refugee status.
Canada for a total of four out of their last six years. In addition, he said they would need to be physically present in Canada for 183 days per year for at least four of those six years. Under the proposed changes, the Canadian immigration minister said individuals who have had their citizenship revoked for fraud or misrepresentation would be barred from reapplying for 10 years–up from the current bar of five years.
Some background Claiming that its immigration system was broken and was being taken advantage of by “bogus” refugee claimants from “democratic, human rights-respecting countries,” such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Alexander’s predecessor, Jason Kenney, had announced last year major overhaul of the system. Kenney’s announcement had come amid what has been described as heightened fraudulent claims for asylum in Canada by Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals. In an exposé, on Nov. 12, 2011, the Toronto Star, under the caption, “SVG Is this Caribbean Idyll the Worst Place in the World to be a Woman,” said that the majority of Vincentians flocking to Canada, seeking refugee status, are women, who, it appears, are “fleeing domestic violence.” In response, the then Consul General to Toronto, Steve Phillips, said there was “no
Jason Kenney, Alexander’s predecessor, had sai d, in 2011, that bogus refuge claims were being made by persons from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, says his country is taking a strong arm as it cracks down on citizenship fraud.
to Canada in the last 10 years. Augustus, a former Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, was recalled on Feb. 5 because of what the government political, religious or social Consulate General would said were “activities conditions in St. Vincent have far-reaching outside the scope of his that justify any implications for the employment and inimical Vincentian applying for nation. refugee status.” “It’s not a good thing at to interests of the The Canadian all,” said the former prime Consulate General and the Government and people of government subsequently minister and president of Saint Vincent and the imposed visa requirements the main opposition New Grenadines.” on St. Lucia and St. Democratic Party (NDP). Foreign Affairs Vincent for allegedly “It’s going to make it Minister Camillo “unreliable travel harder for Vincentians at documents,” home and in the US. This Gonsalves, a former St. However, Prime thing is very damaging to Vincent and the Grenadines’ ambassador Minister Dr. Ralph St. Vincent and the to the United Nations, Gonsalves said Grenadines. also told the Caribbean subsequently that when “I’m watching the UK Media Corporation (CMC) the Canadian government (United Kingdom) that Augustus was sent an official restricting visas for recalled because he offered notification, on Sept. 12, Vincentians,” added to help undocumented 2012, about the new visa Eustace, reiterating that Vincentians in New York requirements, no mention the Consulate “scandal” was made of “unreliable comes “only a few months obtain US permanent travel documents.” after Canada has removed resident cards, also known the right of Vincentians to as “green cards”. THE VINCENTIAN has travel freely without Back to Augustus been reliably informed visas.” that St. Vincent and the Prior to the And, as the Augustus Grenadines’ government affair gains more traction, implementation of visa officials in the United Opposition Leader Arnhim requirement for States have been Vincentians to travel to Eustace told THE instructed by Kingstown Canada, the opposition VINCENTIAN last week not to comment on the leader said 5,000 that he feared that the ongoing “scandal.” “scandal” at the New York Vincentians had traveled
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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial Asking too much of Venezuela? IT SEEMS like the late 1960s and 1970s all over again. Yes, it seems that history is repeating itself all over again, as the world’s attention is drawn to the now dissipated street protests in Ukraine and those ongoing in Venezuela, a country closer to home in more ways than geography. In both cases, students comprised a clear majority of those who have taken to the streets in protest. We spare a thought here for Venezuela where violent protests have roiled major cities and challenged the very foundation of the country’s socialist government. What seems to be coming to hand is that, about a week or so before the escalation of street protest on February 12, students at the University of the Andes in San Cristobal in the border state of Tachira, were protesting an attempted rape of a young woman on campus. The students’ protest was reportedly met with ‘harsh police response’ which resulted in several students being detained, and demonstrations calling for their release were rebuked with further abuse. The student protests spread from university campus to university campus, and eventually overflowed onto the streets, as non-student protestors, members and functionaries of opposition parties, immersed their own rally against the challenging economic times and burgeoning crimes, into the students’ protests. Before too long, opposition forces had penetrated the student protests and led it in the direction of more national issues, bringing out large numbers of their supporters on to the streets, and resorting to acts of civil disobedience and violence. The appearance of pro-government supporters in counter-street demonstrations added to the already charged atmosphere, and the rest is now history: The protests became the scenes of wanton violence resulting in the loss of lives, retarding any effort to return some sense of equilibrium to the situation. So where does all of this leave Venezuela, especially as it relates to its increased assistance to many English-speaking CARICOM territories? There is no doubting the economic challenges that currently abound in Venezuela. All of this against a foreign policy that sought (seeks) to develop closer ties with the English-speaking Caribbean and the propagating of a new ‘revolution’ of sorts; one that would lessen dependence on the might of the ‘imperialist’ USA and the multi-lateral financial institutions it controls. In the circumstances, even though there might have been recent indications to the contrary, issues such as PetroCaribe are of immense concern, as they relate particularly to energy security for those English-speaking countries who have signed on to it. PetroCaribe has helped to ease the burden (as understated as this might seem) for many of the smaller Caribbean countries who continue to depend primarily on fuel generated electricity, to satisfy household, commercial and industrial demand. The question in this case has to be whether or for how long Venezuela can continue to provide oil on terms such as five to 50 per cent off the market price upfront, with the remainder being repaid over a 17-25-year period at one per cent interest. Already, if the truth be told, the world has seen drastic change since the inking of PetroCaribe in 2005. The global economic crisis of 2008 seems to have affected any plans there might have been to expand PetroCaribe. The challenge is now one of sustaining it at current levels. Is this asking too much of a country in economic turmoil? And what of the ALBA - the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — ‘the intergovernmental organization based on the idea of the social, political and economic integration of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean’? What of the ALBA Bank from which ALBA-member countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have drawn down funds for development projects? What of ALBA’s plan to introduce a whole new system of trade, as an alternative to the American instigated Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA), using a virtual regional currency known as the SUCRE? With its trying economic situation, a home front that is still unstable, can Venezuela continue to afford underwriting of the cost for all of this? On a matter more pertinent to this country’s development, to run counter to Archbishop Drexel Gomez’s lamentation, we have to pray that Venezuela’s assistance for our international airport will not be affected. All in all, it is difficult to comprehend how a country (Venezuela) that is one of the largest oil producers and a forefront member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) could find itself in such a trying economic situation. Politics, it seems, has the potential to make a mess of the best of times.
In the midst of life and turbulence, there is death and peace IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS of this year, I have recorded a sample of three significant deaths in reverse order. Leroy Rose died at the Milton Cato Hospital on the 20th February. He had been admitted to Male Medical on Sunday to join me as fellow-patient, Today February 28 is exactly one year since he presented me with an autographed copy of his book “Boy Days Were Happy Happy Days”. In my copy, he had penned these few words: “You have inspired many in the past, continue to do so for the ‘Now’ generation”. Our last meeting was beautiful, touching and brief. I sensed that it could be our last encounter. We embraced and exchanged pleasantries. I told him how impressed I was by his publication which was autobiographical, telling of his birth on Young’s Island, the sheer beauty of the neck of the land on South-East St Vincent that was his home environment, and the pure joy and innocent fun that attended our upbringing in SVG of the 1940s and 1950s. Paradise Lost. Leroy really grew up and spread his wings during the middle years that he spent in the “Mother Country”, along with boon companions like Vanny Alexander and Charles Ellis, who constituted a flying squad in the Royal AirForce. He returned home and made his contribution largely through his management of the Chamber of Commerce and several service clubs. For a time he seemed to have worked fairly closely with Son Mitchell and the NDP, having been introduced by the De Freitas brothers, Marcus and Douglas, whose sister he had married. Throughout his life, Leroy had been an independent thinker, a balanced personality and all-rounder who enjoyed the simple things of life, friends and indoor games, a handy-man of class and particularly a horticulturalist and an agriculturalist who could produce plants and food of every variety, taking advantage of his knowledge of our God-given soil and climate. I recorded this joke which is not at all jocular! In 1979, a group of us, led by Parnel Campbell, Ralph Gonsalves, Renwick Rose, Adrian Saunders and Oscar Allen, had enlisted in the Progressive UPM to fight the Independence election. Carlyle Dougan, scion of a Laboursupporting family had been our candidate for East St George, opposing Milton Cato himself, Leader of the Labour Party. At Carlyle’s launching at Belmont, Leroy’s father, Clifford Rose, was so incensed that he mounted our rostrum, grabbing the microphone and cried shame on Carlyle for mixing with such unruly bunch of renegades! Leroy’s last political statement on a burning issue of today was that, like Ken Boyea, he feels that in our current controversies, as a nation, we should not tempt fate, but soldier on for the time being with one national hero, Joseph Chatoyer. It is not for nothing that his father had named him Leroy (Le Roi) the King, headed for the heavenly kingdom. Clement Noel had been a public servant of class, an officer of the highest ideals. Born in
Union Island, he was first and foremost a dedicated primary school headmaster. He married Beatrice Browne of the famous Browne family that radiated from the Marriaqua Valley and have generally followed the finest traditions of the Labour Party. Through it all, Clement, like a true Grenadines mariner, sailed successfully between the Scylla and Charybdis of Vincentian politics to draw praise from all and sundry for a job well done as Clerk of the House, during a most troublous period. Clement and sister B had always been my friends, moreso at the time when his ribald cousin, the now ailing Hilary Samuel, had been my personal friend and colleague, in spite of opposing politics. Through Hilary, I had become an honorary member of the Unionites in exile on the mainland- Hugh and Glenford Stewart, Joshua Jackson, Raymond Cadette, Ruthford Cox, and the rest. I do have my biases. I wink at the infraction if Clement were awarded a State Funeral against the rules of protocol as adumbrated by Brendon Browne (his wife’s relative) in “The Right Way”! The honour could not have been wrongly paid to a more deserving fellow!! Nesta Da Silva nee Minors slipped quietly away from the scene, but I need to recall our past relations to underscore a particular question which is still unanswered in our polity. In 1974, Eddie Griffith and I dared to contest elections on behalf of the Democratic Freedom Movement (DFM) running in two constituencies only, East and West Kingstown where I was candidate. In house-to-house campaigning, I approached Mrs. Forde’s residence in New Montrose, which appeared shut up and from which there was no response. Then Mrs. Nesta Da Silva, who lived nearby, shouted to Mrs Forde to “open up”, which she did. Mrs. Forde explained to me that she understood that I don’t like “White People” and that if I were successful at the polls, she would emigrate to Puerto Rico and join her first son, Errol. Mrs. Da Silva took over. She asked why I hated White people so. After all, I was fair enough to pass muster, and had married into the white Hadaway family, never mind that Jennie (my wife) was a bit on the dark side. Mrs Da Silva, who had been separated from her husband, commented that she does not have anything against Black People. In fact, she claimed that her present boyfriend was Black, but, shrugging and glancing at her shoulder with a smirk remarked, “you see, nothing rub off”. I listened dumbfounded, in stunned silence to this diatribe coming from a supposedly rational and intelligent being! I remained friendly and conversational with Mrs. Da Silva over the years, to the extent of her confiding in me and giving me the odd legal matter to attend to. I can only hope that white angels do welcome her among the Heavenly hosts. Meanwhile, This Week is back on track next week with the follow-up article “the later Milton Cato, in the House 1967-1984”.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 9.
Letters
Loud music and the police response FOR THE PAST MONTH, there is a blue rum shop in my area that has been playing very loud (amplified) music all weekend long and all night long, without any conscience or consideration for the retired, and the working, tax-paying, voting persons living in the area. This loud music interrupts my sleep and my family’s sleep, so I decided to inform the police. The first call met
with a series of transfers that ended with a very irritated police officer who told me that the first step is for me to go to the rum shop and ask them to turn down the music. I am sorry for having to disturb the police at 3:00 a.m. and for not going myself to deal with the matter, me a single mother living on the outskirts of Wallivarou (an area known to have had its fair share of killings and other gunrelated issues), and in a country plagued with a
lot of recent rapes. Just to say that, no one came because the music continued until 8 am. I figured that I wasn’t calling from the right neighbourhood; that I should have provided a name with some influence; or maybe this incident wasn’t important enough to be attended to. So let’s wait for another shooting or God forbid death, and maybe that would get someone’s attention. I (and I am sure I am not the only person) have made previous calls to
the police to complain about this extremely loud music, only to be told, mostly by an irritated police officer, that there was no transport to check on it; they would see what they can do. And so the music continued each night into the morning. This is very stressful. Do these rum shops have the required liquor licence and permission to play this amplified music all night into the next day? I might be wrong, but I think that a licence is required to play
amplified music after 2:00 a.m or midnight. Does anyone even check things like this? Is there any follow up by the police on calls related to noise? Is Arnos Vale/Sion Hill close to the Technical College zoned as a residential or commercial district? It’s funny how this policy is implemented in certain neighbourhoods, but not in others, and at carnival — the amplified music is turned off at midnight or before, which is ensured by the police. But who am I to
Well, time didn’t allow me to write this article last week, but I made up my mind to ensure that I wrote it this week. Valentine’s weekend was a weekend I won’t forget in a LONG time. And before yuh start, it had nothing to do with a hot date, but it had everything to do with Diadem Dancers. Last Valentine’s weekend, a friend forced me to go to the Peace Memorial Hall for a dance concert. To be honest, I don’t mind those things, but I don’t like wasting my time with low standard entertainment. Plus, at $40 a ticket, I couldn’t imagine them being
worth my money. I couldn’t be more wrong. This group is simply dynamic! Their production, called ‘Finding True Love’, was near perfect, and definitely the BEST thing Peace Mo has seen in a long time. The storyline, the costumes, the music selection, the drama...if yuh missed it, then yuh missed a moment that can’t return. I laughed, I got angry and I forced myself not to cry. I couldn’t believe this show had me so emotional. I was told that they were sold-out, all 4 nights of this same production. That in itself had to be some kind of
record in St. Vincent! I hope the right people are taking note of this kind of local talent right here, and they know how to promote it. I felt so proud to be a Vincentian - that it was
LOCAL people who came Bona fide citizen together to produce something of such a high quality. Diadem Dancers, I salute you. Blessings!
World peace Diadem Dancers: worth every cent! Put down the weapons, Stop the hatred and pain, End the wars and suffering, Watch and listen, To the innocent children cry, Their lives, homes and dreams are destroyed, They are there, Thinking about those who left them, All their courage have been replaced by fear, But what we all need is love, For that is what makes us who we are, No more division, Let’s all come together, Thank God for life Pray for peace and love, For all nations. Yanic Sayers (2014)
ARE SOME people born to commit crimes, or do circumstances give rise to their criminal behavior? Is imprisonment the answer to all the crime we have, or is education still the key? Crime comes in many forms and from persons right across the social spectrum. Even the educated are known to commit crime — they call it white collar crime. However, as it stands, it appears that most of our criminals come from the lower class. This is not to say that every member of the lower class is a criminal, for there are many persons from this class, the majority, if I may stick my neck out, who are not wont to commit crimes and are, in fact, very, very hard-working, even if they are underpaid. If we are to follow the police lead, there are places in St. Vincent that are considered ‘crime hot spots’. The former Commissioner of Police did not hide the fact that the police considered communities like Ottley hall, Paul’s Avenue and Sharpes as home to many criminals. Remember the former Commissioner’s programme in Ottley
#ISTATEFACTS
VenezuelaÊs troubles
Hall? The truth is that these communities are comprised of large numbers of unschooled individuals with little or no hope of finding gainful employment. Yes, there are many without formal education; but if we were to look deeper, we will find that many are skillful. Why then don’t we introduce programmes that will build on these skills? Education is still the key to opening the doors of preventing crime and closing those to our jails. But if we are to pursue this means to a fruitful end, we cannot wait on government and the politicians. The churches have to wake up to their responsibility to minister to these people in a wholesome manner. It is, as Archbishop Gomez said in an article in your paper some weeks ago, time we got off our knees and do something. Faith without action is dead! Time we forget about giving a man a fish every day. Time to teach him to fish.
I COULD NEVER those fellows who feel they have more education than most, and read more than most. They always seem to find some hifalutin explanation for everything, and is always America to blame for the problem. Venezuela is in trouble. I don’t want to say it, but it could be on the brink of a civil war. But yet, we have some people here who find all kinds of excuses and try to put blame on all sets of people. The truth is that an oil-rich country like Venezuela had shortages of medicines, toilet paper, milk, cooking oil, sugar, even corn meal, as we call it. My question is: Did anyone really ask why? How could this happen in such a rich country? Where did all the money go? Did it go into building? Did Chavez bite off more than he could chew? The truth is that the country is divided. I am not going to say that Chavez didn’t help the poor people, and help us too; but when you have to turn against your own people to do this, you are setting your country on a course of destruction. Sometimes I feel it for the Venezuelan people when I think of the help their country gives to others while they face hardship in their own country. You don’t have to wage a war against another class of people to help the poor. That kind of strategy has been tried and failed. Even Cuba is now opening up to allow Cubans more freedom. And by the way, regardless about how much some people want to say America this and that, how they like to destabilize governments, it’s that country where all of us head to make a better living. Ah lie?
CA - Lowmans
George
Education is the key
complain? I am asking other residents of the area, who are being disturbed, to make a report to the police. Call 457-1211 and ask for the CID department, and maybe something will be done. Awaiting a public response either by writing in the newspaper, or on the police radio programme on 107/5FM. Maybe Mr. Parnell Campbell or any other lawyer can provide a bit of free advice. What is the position of the law concerning amplified music after hours, and noise pollution in general?
* Since the Manager of the Sports Council says all workers with the Council were paid, we have to believe him, eh? * Will we, the people, be getting a full report from the Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary on his ‘inspection’ of things at our Consulate in New York? * Why are people saying they have more hope in arrowroot than banana? Is it because some big boys planting arrowroot and not bananas? * Why is a certain Parliamentary Representative so uneasy about other people checking into the plight of constituents in the area which that MP represents?
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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Excerpt from the 2014 Budget Address
The New Democratic Party will pay
EC$30,000 were invited to apply for assistance. Across the ECCU, $27.5 million have been paid to 2,296 MR. SPEAKER, it may be difficult to policyholders. In Saint Vincent and the believe, but this month marks five years since that day in late January 2009 when Grenadines, $5.1 million have been paid to 374 policyholders. CL Financial’s disastrous financial In November 2013, Phase 3 of the situation became public. Programme commenced, where all The people of our region have remaining individual policyholders exhibited admirable patience and may now apply for payments of resilience throughout this period. EC$30,000 each. Under this Phase, Despite the considerable fiscal 631 persons in Saint Vincent and the difficulties of the Governments of our Grenadines are eligible to receive $18.9 Currency Union, significant progress million. So far, just over 60% of all has been made in helping and policyholders in this group have made protecting the interests of their applications. Priority attention is policyholders of British American being given to those applicants who Insurance Company (BAICO) and have been badly affected by the CLICO in the Eastern Caribbean Christmas Eve storm. Currency Union. This progress has Whilst most payments in Phase 3 been achieved by immense toil and can be met from funds on deposit at determination. the ECCB, the full completion of the Since the presentation of the 2013 Budget, much progress has been made. payments in this phase is dependent on our receipt of the promised First, the ECCU Governments additional funding from Trinidad and agreed with BAICO and Sagicor Life Tobago. Further, we are ever hopeful Inc in 2012 to recapitalise and sell that this Phase 3 will not be the end of most of BAICO’s traditional business, the assistance to this group of the sale of which was completed on policyholders, and that we will be able March 15, 2013. Sagicor has now to make further payments to them in assumed the responsibility for this the future when sufficient funds are business and, partly utilising funding made available. from the ECCU Governments, has undertaken to make payments to Awaiting Us$64 Million persons with that type of policies for Thus, we are in the position now claims or bonuses due to them. where we await the balance of US$64 Nearly 3,000 persons in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have had million promised by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. We anticipate their policies transferred to Sagicor, that the funding will be received in two and are once again in a position to tranches: US$40 million in a operate their policies. In St. Vincent development loan from the Caribbean and the Grenadines close to 300 Development Bank on a phased basis; persons have benefited or will benefit and US$24 million directly from the from being paid over $3 million in Government of Trinidad and Tobago. outstanding claims. The loan to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will be paid over BAICO annuities time, based on the approval and Having assisted most of BAICO’s traditional policyholders, we were able commencement of new insurance regulation in the Currency Union. I to focus our attention on those will speak more of this in a moment. individuals who acquired annuities We continue to press the from BAICO. To this end, the support Government of Trinidad and Tobago of Trinidad and Tobago has been for the outstanding US$24 million that critical. it promised, over 18 months ago. We In addition to the original US$50 trust that they will not disappoint us, million received in 2009 from the CARICOM Petroleum Fund, a further and we await news of the arrival of those funds. US$100 million was pledged by the I wish to once again acknowledge Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the work of the BAICO staff and the the CARICOM Heads of Government Judicial Managers through the ECCU in July 2012. In December 2012, the and in The Bahamas, who have first US$36 million was received with provided invaluable assistance in the appreciation by the Currency Union. effective operations of the Programme This first payment enabled us to as well as the support to the Monetary commence the ECCU Policyholders’ Relief Programme, which is focused on Council. I also wish to express our appreciation to British American in assisting holders of BAICO’s annuity Trinidad, which has been working with policies. These policies, although less in number compared to the traditional us to review policyholder data and to produce the necessary cheques for business, represent by far the greater payments. losses to those individuals and organisations that hold them. For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, this Litigation During 2013, BAICO’s judicial Programme may assist some 2,000 managers continued to pursue a policyholders. number of legal actions for the Phase 1 of the Programme commenced in early December of 2012, recovery of funds from various parties. The judicial managers have and closed at the end of March 2013. kept us up to date on developments Holders of FPA policies with under and, although litigation can be a $30,000 in their August 2009 account frustratingly slow process, matters balance were able to receive that amount plus a refund of the premiums continue to advance for the benefit of BAICO’s policyholders. they had paid since that date. Across As citizens of Saint Vincent and the the ECCU, 3,231 policyholders received $19.3 million. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would be aware, the Grenadines, 716 policyholders received Supervisor of Insurance has instituted legal proceedings against a commercial $4.5 million. bank here in St. Vincent and the Phase 2 of the Programme Grenadines in respect of assets which commenced on 18 March 2013, when ought to have been properly held on policyholders with EFPAs and FPAII policies with Principal Balances under trust or custodianship for the benefit of BAICO policyholders.
TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2014, Vincentians sent a strong and clear message to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP administration. They pledged over $20,000 to the New Democratic Party (NDP) towards paying the relevant taxes to the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the relief supplies that were sent to the NDP for persons who were affected by the Christmas Eve floods. The payments became due after the wicked and vindictive government, headed by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, denied the NDP duty free concession on the relief supplies. Vincentians demonstrated that they are fedup with the immature and spiteful behaviour of the Prime Minister, and will support the Honourable Arnhim Eustace and the NDP in their endeavour to assist those who were affected by the floods. This is another first for the ULP administration: demanding that the opposition party pay duties on relief supplies that will benefit the poor and working class. It is the poor and working class who were affected - the same poor and working class who you claim to love, Comrade. Where is the love for them, Comrade? What the government has actually done by refusing duty free concession to the NDP, is to punish the victims of the Christmas Eve disaster, and the persons in the affected constituencies must take note of this. For instance, the constituency of Central Leeward was severely affected by the storm, and the parliamentary representative for that constituency, Mr. Maxwell Charles, is a member of cabinet, therefore, he is part of the collective, and has taken the decision to punish the people of Central Leeward who were affected. Because of the action of Mr. Charles, he must be made to pay a heavy political price at the polls, when the next general elections are called. The NDP is grateful to all those persons who made pledges towards payment of the relevant taxes to Prime Minister Gonsalves and his government. We also thank our friends and supporters in the Diaspora who worked tirelessly to ship the vast amounts of relief supplies to the NDP. Those persons who sent supplies to the NDP trust the Honourable Arnhim Eustace. They are confident that he will do an excellent job in distributing the supplies to the persons who were affected during the storm. Moreover, we express our gratitude to the shipping agent, KLC, for its generosity in shipping the supplies free of cost to the NDP. We assure the people that the NDP will continue to function effectively in and out of parliament as it prepares to take the reins of government in this country.
The Baico-Clico Issue
NEMO During the 2010 general elections, the ULP’s propaganda machine was well oiled and spread its propaganda like wild fire throughout the length and breadth of this country. We know it’s election time again because the propaganda machine has begun to work. The latest has to do with a
statement that the ULP government has attributed to the Honourable Arnhim Eustace about NEMO. Mr. Eustace has never made any statement to the effect that he will transfer the staff at NEMO when his party is elected. That is a dastardly lie by the ULP. The Honorable Arnhim Eustace has made it clear that relief supplies sent to the NDP would not go to NEMO because he did not trust them. This is because of the NDP experience with NEMO during hurricane Tomas in 2010 and the flooding in Georgetown in 2011. Presently, a number of persons who were severely affected by hurricane Tomas have not received any assistance from NEMO. Most of the building materials were given to supporters of the ULP and, for the most part, to ULP members who did not suffer any damage at all. The known NDP supporters whose houses got damaged were overlooked. Also, the residents of Georgetown and surrounding areas who were affected by the floods and rains in 2011 are yet to receive any assistance from NEMO, simply because they are perceived to be NDP supporters. Therefore, relief supplies sent to the NDP will not go to NEMO. ST KITTS NEVIS (extract from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace’s Press conference) “The Heads of Government of CARICOM will meet in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the 10th-11th March, 2014, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Gonsalves. The region is well aware that the Opposition in St. Kitts and Nevis, which has the majority of elected members in Parliament, has for more than a year been attempting, without success, to have a no confidence motion debated in that parliament. In the last few days, the Opposition in that country has attempted to present to the Governor General with a letter showing that a majority of six elected members have thrown their support behind Dr Timothy Harris, a member of the Opposition. I am informed that the letter was not accepted by the Governor General. This blatant disregard of the constitution and rules of Parliament is totally unacceptable and sends a dangerous signal to this region, which undermines our democracy as a Caribbean Community. What I find most disheartening, is the deafening silence of the other CARICOM governments who appear to wish that this situation did not exist. The CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minster Gonsalves, and his colleagues should hang their heads in shame for condoning this unacceptable state of affairs. Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as Leader of the Opposition, as I reflected on the ceremony commemorating CARICOM’s 40th Anniversary, and the wonderful speeches delivered, I wondered what the silence on the St. Kitts situation means for the future of our integration movement. Like Keats, ‘My heart aches and a drowsy numbness pains my sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk.’ AWAKE, Heads of Government. Our region is dying because of your inaction.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 11.
Views
Don’t forget the journey!
“Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome.” - Arthur Ashe the process; observing our own actions (1943–1993) American college and professional tennis champion; first black and reactions, appreciating the contributions of others, valuing international tennis champion. listening skills and the ability to empathise. Yes, even now, so many IT IS OFTEN RATHER amazing how readers are pausing to reflect on the quickly we forget the beauty of the struggles that we encountered en route beauty of the landscape along their to some of the privileged positions that particular journey — some scenes now reappear to remind us of the richness we now hold. It can become so very easy for the graduating student to forget of the experiences that we have gone through. Even (and especially) the the long nights of studying and the disciplined approach that he/she had to painful ones. We pause to count our blessings ... naming them one by one. master en route to academic success. There is so much to be thankful for. The athlete who relishes the afterglow of victory at the tape can also forget the There are so many persons to be thankful for ... and to say thanks to. early morning or late night training or We remember the journey. We the disciplined diet that made it possible. The new mother, as she pulls treasure the experiences. We value the moments. the infant to cuddle in her arms so Greg Anderson, the USA basketball effortlessly could so easily forget the player for the San Antonio Spurs and months of discomfort, or the pain of the Atlanta Hawks, challenges us to childbirth. The new home owners, “Focus on the journey, not the sitting comfortably on their porch and destination. Joy is found not in admiring the moonlight could so easily finishing an activity but in doing it.” forget the tremendous financial and/or Those words of wisdom are inserted physical sacrifice they made to build or acquire the property. And we can think here especially for those individuals who are going through some of so many other instances where we, “challenging times” and longing for you and I, forget the useful lessons some kind of release. As traumatic along life’s journey as we glow in the victory or, in some cases, wallow in the and difficult as it may seem, we can extract value from the challenges that defeat. There is value in struggle. We can now seem to box us in and sap our resolve. We also strengthen our extract useful lessons from failures, tenacity when we reflect on the words foibles, disappointments, and of wisdom uttered by Sir Winston betrayal. We can pull out numerous Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874blessings when we reflect on the many individuals who paused to help 1965), that outstanding British Prime Minister and 1953 Nobel Prize winner us along the way. Wherever we are, (literature) when he said, “We have and whatever we have become, is a not journeyed all this way across the result of someone having assisted us centuries, across the oceans, across along our path. We did not get to the mountains, across the prairies, where we are on our own steam. because we are made of sugar candy.” Someone placed wind beneath our These words, spoken during his wings. Someone helped push us up presentation to the Canadian Senate the steep incline. Someone took the and House of Commons in Ottawa on time to pray for us through the difficulties. Someone cared enough to December 30, 1941, remind us of the lend a hand as we journeyed to where “strong substance” that we are made of (we are not “sugar candy” people) we are today. So we must not forget and our ability to do extraordinary the blessings of the journey ... and things even when we face great odds. those who made it possible. I have had the distinct pleasure of So let us not be daunted by the journey. Let us not be discouraged by interacting with some of the Caribbean’s brightest in business and life’s detours. Let us not cower or cringe because of the forces that government. I always consider it an appear to be against us. We are God’s honour and great privilege to creation and were made for moments contribute to “the shaping of their like these. We are like ships built to attitudes”. Over the years, I have sail life’s oceans. Sometimes life’s seen the tremendous benefits of getting them to work in teams/groups waves may seem as though they want to sink us. Sometimes we can become to perform a variety of tasks. It is fearful when we see the vastness of often amazing how rich the group discussions are as they participate in life’s oceans and reflect on our apparent insignificance. But we press small group debates and seem to on, we plough through, we strengthen extract so much from their our resolve to reach the distant interactions, as each person brings shores, committed to remembering their ideas and experiences to the fore. And usually, as we reconvene, I the priceless lessons from the journey. Treasure the experiences. Don’t would say, “Always remember that forget your journey! the journey is often just as valuable as the destination; the process can be just as important as the end result.” There are so many valuable lessons that we can learn from reflecting on
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SVG must become best governed THERE ARE 14 INDEPENDENT STATES in CARICOM. Except for Trinidad, Jamaica and Guyana, all of the others combined, with the exception of Haiti and Surinam, are so small they can comfortably into the big three. Yet CARICOM plays lip service to unity while individual leaders go about their merry ways tightly holding on to these island states as if they were personal estates. A few years ago the entire region was made to go gaga about the prospects of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). Today, we are back to the dog eat dog status where every ‘turkey’ fights for her own craw. Every CARICOM leader speaks of the need to become competitive without clearly narrating with whom they intend to complete. But as the fight over tourist ship docking fees and airline landing rights make clear, our leaders are more intent on fighting among themselves rather than devising a strategy aimed regional development. Lack of vision is evident, but it remains crystal clear that regional integration, premised on functional and operational unity, promises the best chance for the survival of our Caribbean in an increasingly unfriendly economic, financial and trading climate. Any leader or party that does not have regional unity at the centre of a political agenda will do a disservice to his/its country and the region. But what is to be done when CSME has been placed on the back burner? The politics, in the meantime, becomes central. The minimum programme of any party or leader aspiring for state leadership must be a strong push to ensure that SVG becomes the best governed developing country on the planet. What does it mean to strive to become the best governed small, poor, developing, independent country? For sure the leadership of the country must forsake and disavow all desires to be like the developed world. They must frown on the construction of monuments. Our notion of development cannot be, must not be as it is projected in New York or London or even Port of Spain or Kingston. We must be big in vision but deliberate and measured when it comes to our ambitions and plans. Economically and politically the fight for integrity and the battle against official corruption must be taken to another level. Persons hitched to the major political parties with the sole intention of grabbling whatever they can get without regards for law or ethics, should be removed from positions of influence and authority. Those engaged in wrong doing or questionable action that discredits or embarrasses our country should be made to pay a heavy price once the evidence demands it. We remain convinced that strong integrity legislation will assist our country in its effort to become one of the best governed developing countries. Such legislation must deal with reform of the salary scale of government officials if we are to attract the best and the brightest. We note with satisfaction that Trinidad is reviewing salaries as we write. But we also know that in Trinidad
officials think twice before engaging in corrupt practices. They know the law watches no face. In TnT, former PM Panday and former Chief Justice Sharma were jailed for engaging in questionable practices. We need to pass similar laws which make public officials think long and hard before using their offices to feather their own nests. With greater transparency and accountability, the international community may be more inclined to offer further assistance. With enhanced good governance best practices our reputation for honesty and fair play will help us to promote our country to the world. Increased accountability will undoubtedly help with the growth of our country’s reputation. We have to restructure our society if we are to become the best governed. Too many of our young people are not only unemployed, they are unemployable. We have to recommit to educate and train our population. All of us will not become university graduates, but more of us can be encouraged to gain technical skills in masonry and carpentry. We need more electricians, refrigeration and computer technicians. Today we have a shortage of skilled people. We need to thrive for a health delivery system that is more preventative and then curative. Our hospitals and clinic must be adequately staffed. They must also be properly stocked with the basic drugs. People need to be taught that most of their ailments and pains come from dehydration, mal-nutrition and stress. The lifestyle diseases of diabetes (sugar), hypertension (pressure), heart, kidney and liver failure develop because of the poisons we eat and failure to burn most of it off through exercise. Good eating, sleeping and living habits must be made a central part of the national health agenda. Basic notions such as what cures and what prevents must be instilled into the minds of our people, especially the young. What does not prevent, kills? All of the above presupposes a rethinking of the political divide in our country. Our politicians are too much alike for them to stoke the levels of division that paralyzes our country. A greater sense of national purpose may allow for the better use of our national resources. Everything said so far is within our grasp. Some may label this utopian thinking. However, the notion that change for the better is utopian is the ideology of an elite bent on keeping the nation divided for its narrow, selfish interest. SVG sorely needs a new national project that places country above self and people before politics. This vision is within our grasp. All we need now is the will.
This is a reworked version of a piece first published on August 17, 2011. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com
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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
We must crush this second phase of colonialism in SVG SVG GAINED independence in 1979 and, at that point, we thought colonialism had ended. However, even before independence and over the recent decades, a second phase of colonialism has been creeping into our country. This second phase of colonialism must be crushed, as Vincentians are becoming second-class citizens in their own country, and there is little hope for our grandchildren. Colonialism is the establishment, exploitation, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory, by people from another territory. It is a set of unequal relationships between the colonial power and the colony, and often between the colonists and the indigenous population. SVG is under a second phase of colonialism. Taiwan has been in SVG for over 32 years, and it is exploiting our country economically and propagating a culture of dependence. Taiwan creams-off billions of dollars from SVG by using our deep sea fish licence to fish for tuna. They pay little or no tax or customs duty, and this
stepping stone for the second phase of colonialism to take root! The Mustique Act no. 48 of 2002 is another illustration of economic exploitation under this second phase of colonialism The Act grants blanket tax and customs duty exemptions to the super-rich of Mustique. This economic exploitation is of no benefit to the poor of our people, and it is immoral that both the NDP and ULP government have economic exploitation is bleeding our country dry, allowed this exploitation to exist. and making our people poorer. A Green Government The only difference between the NDP and the will deport the Taiwan Ambassador from SVG. ULP is the colour of their t-shirt. Acquiring land is a typical feature of colonial In the Mustique Act no. 48 of 2002, the ULP control, economic exploitation and acquisition. Let government claims to recognise the ownership of us take a deep look at the alleged sale and purchase Mustique by the super-rich of Mustique, but the of Mustique. deed number quoted in the Act is different to the The sale/purchase of the Island of Mustique number of the alleged deed of sale. This misunder Deed no. 23 of 1945, Deed no. 315 of 1959 and information sets out to fool the people of SVG. Deed no. 316 of 1959 remains highly questionable, The second phase of colonialism is kept alive by and we contend that the owner of Mustique is in deliberate scarcity of jobs and a poor standard of fact the government and people of SVG. education for our children. For example, there is no A significant level of obfuscation has occurred secondary school in Canouan. within the various sales/purchases of Mustique. A Green government will end this second phase After the alleged purchase of Mustique in 1959, of colonialism and end economic exploitation. Our Mustique was sold and purchased ‘internally’ twice, people deserve prosperity and to be free from firstly to the purchaser’s own estate under Deed no. oppression driven by colonialism. 650 of 1967 and again on 19 December 1968 under Deed no. 989 of 1968, to try to ‘clean up’ the SVG Green Party purchase. www.svggreenparty.org The highly questionable first sale/purchase is the
Mental health care: A circle of indifference AS A PRECURSOR to this article, it is noteworthy to highlight that almost across the board, patients and staff at the Mental Health Centre (MHC) are voicing their displeasure at the planned Orange Hill relocation, scheduled to take place sometime between March and June this year. Way past Georgetown, the location is hours away from most of the staff’s home locations, and those with young children are wondering what they are going to do with their children, given that the shifts will be increased by up to six hours, not counting travel time. For the patients, especially those allowed on the outside who work as farmers, gardening assistants and in car-washing, what will happen to the income, albeit small, these rather convenient Villa-Glen centered jobs provide? One of the members of staff in a recent meeting said that the powers that be need to educate the patients thoroughly as to the move, and provide, on the Orange Hill property, agricultural projects which will keep these patients in hand. The rumours of relocation had started up to two years ago, with venues being named at Ottley Hall and other locations. Almost every one spoken to at MHC indicate that the renovations should have been done on the expansive space which is already in tow at Glen. Other serious issues abound at the MHC, chief among them being security. But that is for further
investigation. Now onto highlighting of the human element, that is the patient populace at MHC. Sometime ago, this writer made the comment that the education revolution has left the area of the mentally ill young behind. Here are two cases which are of interest by contrast. I.E. and D.M. are two young men recently experiencing their first situation at the MHC. These are two of the most intelligent and charismatic persons I have encountered. I.E. left St. Vincent at the age of 4 years, and was educated in the mainstream society and streamlined education system which exists in New York and Florida. He graduated and had success as a young mortgage loans agent, and later as a representative for a popular cell phone company abroad. D.M., on the other hand, was educated here, and received the average education, which in itself is one thing, except that he has become acclimatized to the terrible schoolleaving environment for young men ages 19-30, where he regales endless stories about involvement with drug boats, the scene in the drug plantations in the hills, and who exhibited a far different experience than I.E. on attaining maturity. Both experienced mental illness for the first time last year. D.M., by the way, is in solitary cell for misbehaviour. He was ‘running’ the entire ‘corridor’ (dorm section) with
The Mental Health Centre at Glen is set to undergo refurbishment beginning in March. Patients will be housed temporarily in quarters at Orange Hill. a business savvy demonstrated by his distribution and sale of cigarettes, this being the most important item of currency at the MHC. It is here that the failure of the education revolution is clearly underscored. Had D.M. and I.E. been switched in environments, their stories may have been different, in the opposite sense. The same is true of those young men observed by this writer outside of the mental health system in general. Pounding the pavement (or the grass track) these young men reject and logically so, any real, good for (of) their educations, and fall easy prey to the stultifying environment of indifference and immorality they graduate to on leaving school, finding no other way to go. I had good relationships with both these young men. As a casualty of the Vincentian environment myself, I relate to young men from every stratum of society. I.E and I had interesting talks about books, movies we’d read and seen, as well as politics, mysticism and social areas both here
and abroad. D.M. and I ran the gamut of drug rehab options, reading lessons (he the student) and discussions on the crime scene here, of which he was ‘skilled’. Both these men are my friends. The point I am making is that beyond the shoddy management of drug rehab centers here in St. Vincent, where the victims tend to be further victimised as per the gossip commess factor, thereby doing precious little for the stigma this incurs for the young men when graduating such, we find the ‘moral majority’ greatly at fault. Something needs to be done. A third patient shows what I am talking about with facility. He attended the St. Vincent Grammar School (prestige), became a teacher (nobility), became mentally ill (setback), and has been transformed into an alleged cocaine addict, who has been arrested for robbery and muggings on the street. No doubt we now need a post education revolution, of which the basic levels of human decency will have to be taught. (CK)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 13.
News
Looking for sites? Go online If you want to know more about this country’s attractive sites, you don’t have to rely on a brochure or piece together some information. You can log on to www.nationalparks.gov.v c. There you will be guided through the network and get all the information you need to help you make your
decision. Tourism Sports and Culture Minister Cecil McKie launched the website last week Friday. McKie spoke after Australian Peace Corps Volunteer, Nicholas Harris, had outlined aspects of the site. Harris highlighted the importance of having a “strong online presence.”
Some of the Vincyfresh products on display at the recent Buyers Forum, held in Guyana.
Vincyfresh at Food Buyers Forum Vincyfresh Ltd, the Agro processing company which is a joint venture between Winfresh (60%) and National Properties Ltd (40%), was represented at a Food Buyers Executive Forum in Georgetown, Guyana, on 24 February 2014. The Food Buyers Forum was the initiative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in collaboration with CARDI and CARICOM. It was aimed at bringing together all major stakeholders in the Caribbean food industry, including hotels, supermarkets, agroprocessors, catering services and exporters, towards improving market linkages that would ultimately contribute to agricultural enterprise development within the CARIFORUM region. The Forum came against the backdrop of the region’s food bill which now stands at over US$5 billion and rising. Presentations were made by: Robert Reid, International Specialist in Agribusiness, IICA; Dr Derrick Deslandes, Unit Head, Marketing, International Business, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UWI; Guyana Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy;, and the EU ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM. The speakers touched on topics ranging from current trends and best practices in the Global and Caribbean food markets, financing schemes to support the development of commodity value chains, domestic, regional market information and intelligence systems, improving marketing, entrepreneurial and organizational capacities, HACCP compliance, the need for greater cooperation and collaborative efforts, changing lifestyles and demands and untapped opportunities in Agriculture. Representatives of Vincyfresh and Sunfresh (St. Lucia), both subsidiary companies of Winfresh, attended the Forum at the invitation of Winfresh. They had the opportunity to display some of their products, which are marketed under the Winfresh brand, and received commendable and encouraging responses. Time was taken to establish links especially with. supermarket buyers from across the region.
This he indicated was “good for transparency.”’ Harris described the site as a “great resource” which can be a “first stop” for visitors and locals alike. He is anticipating cooperation from the public, and hopes that they will contribute to the development of the resource “The site will continue to grow,” Harris promised. Gordon Shallow,
Curator of the Botanical Gardens, spoke about the creation of the website. He projected to the launch of a facility to cater for the Botanical Gardens itself, expected to be on stream some time soon. Minister of Tourism Cecil Mc Kie (left) and Peace Corps Volunteer Nicholas Harris were buoyant as they presented the new website featuring sites in SVG.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 15.
14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Battling ground
Wait and see
There have been calls for the removal of Walters as Consul General in the Selmon Walters New York York o Consulate. Story A.. KING Story and photos by by NELSON NELSON A naking@verizon.net; naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com CORRESPONDENT US C ORRESPONDENT AS York Consulate the New New Y A S THE ‘‘SCANDAL’ SC SCAND A DAL A ’ at the o ork C onsulate surrounding recalled recalled Deputy Consul General surrounding Consul Edson Augustus Augustus continues to re General Edson reverberverb e errthe Vincentian community community in the the United ate in the States St ta ates and at home, home, nationals in the the US have have e xxpre esssed mix ed vie ws on Op expressed mixed views Opposition Oppo sition Leader Eustace’s or a complete co Arnhim Eus ta ace’s call for fo c mplete “s hak ke e-up” at the the Consulate. “shake-up” Consulate. Eustace, a former prime minister, also called last week for the “head” of Consul govern-General Selmon Walters, a former govern ment minister, saying that the alleged fiasco took place on his watch. VINCEN-But nationals, with whom THE VINCEN TIAN spoke, in separate interviews, reacted to the clear “talk-of-the-town” primarily along partisan lines.
“I don’t think there’s a need for doing that (recalling the Consul General) at this point until all the facts are out there,” said Jofford Sutherland, president of the Friends of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Committee, the New York arm of the incumbent Unity Labor Party (ULP). “Whether it was rumors or actual, the government was proactive in dealing with the situation,” added the Sandy Bay native, who is also a dean at Public and Intermediate School 323 in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York. “This is a matter for the (ex) deputy consul general. I don’t think the consul general should be recalled, based on alleged tarnishing of the image (of the Consulate). “Let us wait until the government does a full investigation, and await the result of the full investigation; and, if the Consul General knew (about what allegedly took place), then you take action,” continued Sutherland, stating that the issue has consumed the Vincentian community in New York. “Everybody’s talking about this issue; it’s on everybody’s minds,” he said. “It’s part of everybody’s conversation. Every Vincentian you meet on the street, it’s the topic of conversation. It’s through genuine concern for the country on a whole.”
No need to recall Walters Greg Dublin, another staunch ULP supporter, who hails from South Rivers, also lauded Augustus’ work ethic, while rejecting Eustace’s call. “Everybody makes mistakes. The investigation is ongoing,” said Dublin, a director at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn. “If it turns out (that) the information is accurate, it’ll be unfortunate. “He (former Deputy ConsulGgeneral) was a very hard worker,” added the St. Martin’s Secondary School alumnus. “He did a lot to help the community. He did a yeoman’s service at the Consulate, but no one is perfect. “It’s premature for him (Eustace) to requestthat (Consulate shake-up and recall of the Consul General),” Dublin continued. “The action of one person doesn’t indicate that it takes place throughout the Consulate. I don’t think the Consul General should be punished for the action of one employee. “I think the government took the right steps,” he said. “When the allegations surfaced, they immediately recalled the Deputy Consul General. It shows the government did not tolerate that kind of activity. This is a government of integrity. I’m saddened by the recall of the Deputy… . He was a very good organizer, and he was dedicated to his job.”
Shake –up, something has to give Douglas Howard – John’s immediate predecessor, who recently split with SPOONY and now chairs a new, non-political group, Vincy Liberators of New York – supports the opposition leader’s call. “I think something has to be done,” said the Edinboro native, who claims to still be an ardent NDP supporter. “I want to know how one man can do all this (alleged) stuff at the Consulate. “I agree with Eustace; you have to change something at the Consulate,” he added. “This is the biggest Consulate; and, if you have some kind of problem, there must be some change. “You have to have a ‘shake-up’ at 801 2nd Ave., (the address of the Consulate General in midtown Manhattan,” continued Howard. “The government’s main propaganda radio program is called ‘Shake-up’, so they need to use the ‘Shake-up’ at 801 2nd Ave. Something has to give here. “When you put a square peg in a round hole, what do you expect?” he asked. “If we’re going to work on behalf of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we expect more respect than this.”
Eustace politicizing the issue Emery Alexander, formerly Jack, an ex-police sergeant at home and die-hard ULP supporter, flatly dismissed Eustace’s call, saying the opposition leader “wants to politicize this. “I see no reason to replace Walters, because, in my opinion, he’s doing a good job,” said Alexander, who hails from Chauncey, bordering Questelles, in South Leeward. “And Eustace has to stop this petty politics. “Whatever he (former Deputy Consul General) did, the PM (Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves) dealt with it appropriately, and I don’t see why Eustace wants to attach the Consul General to the Deputy Consul General’s situation,” he added. “It’s unfortunate of what he (Augustus) allegedly did. We forget that all of us have glass windows. “Eustace’s call is not right; but he (Eustace) had ambassadors who did things, too,” continued Jack, declining to identify those “ambassadors” and their alleged misdeeds. He was, however, high in praise of Augustus’ work in his erstwhile official capacity and during the freak Christmas storm relief efforts in the United States. “One of the great things he did was during (after) the floods,” Jack said. “He did a great job. He did a tremendous job not only for the relief; the guy was doing what was expected of him as deputy consul general.”
Consul General should step aside But while ULP supporters showered praise on Augustus and dismissed the opposition leader’s calls for “Consulate shake-up” and firing of the Consul General, NDP stalwarts, on the other hand, for the most part, agreed with Eustace. “We support the president,” said Stephen ‘Scombo’ John, the newly-elected president of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York (SPOONY), the NDP affiliate, referring to Eustace’s position on the Consulate issue. “Obviously, something of this magnitude – as important as green cards or passports – it’s very difficult that one person was involved in this. “In any event, he (Consul General) cannot escape this,” added the Calder Ridge native, a former unsuccessful NDP candidate for South Leeward. “It’s under his watch. Whether or not he knew anything, he has to take responsibility. “When something like this happens under his nose, he has to step aside so a full investigation can be completed,” continued John, a principal at a public school in the Bedford-Stuyvesant-Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. “This thing is a serious matter, and I hope the government will handle it with the seriousness it deserves. “You can’t shirk responsibility and put the guy (Augustus) out there to dry by himself,” he said. “People at the top should step forward and take responsibility, so these things don’t recur and affect people’s lives.”
Ashamed!
Give him a chance
Another SPOONY ex-president, Vincent Bacchus, who was born in Bequia but lived in New Montrose, Kingstown, before migrating to New York, concurred with Eustace’s calls. “It (Consulate shake-up) should be done,” he declared. “I think they should make a change. Send people here who can fully represent us. “You cannot believe the government,” added the ex-police sergeant at home. “They’re not dealing with people straight up. The government digs a hole for itself. The government isn’t straight. “The government has to change,” he continued. “I’m a Vincentian, and am ashamed of what’s going on.”
But Earl Horne, recording secretary of the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc., the umbrella Vincentian group in the US, said he was uncertain whether Walters knew about Augustus’ alleged actions. “I really don’t know if the CG (Consul General) knew about this, but it looks bad under him; he’s the boss,” added the nephew of former NDP minister John Horne. “The CG will have to put down his foot and run the office better, because he’ll be blamed. He’s the boss. “It really looks bad on us, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” added Horne, the founder of the Brooklyn-based Hairoun Sports Club, who hails from Lower Middle Street, Kingstown. “Give him (Walters) a chance. Let him try to do a better job. Let him continue for another year, because elections are coming up.”
In an exclusive interview int terview it THE with VINCEN VINCENI IA last TIAN week, Eustace, e president of re the e main pp opposition New e Democratic a Party (NDP) l called on the Dr. a Ralph Gonsalves-led d administration to ve overhaul the New York o Consulate General, saying a the negative image of the that f office must be immediately Edson Augustus, seen here address address-ha changed. ing a meeting of the New York York o Relief “We have to clean up Committee, has, by his misdeeds, a act – to make sure we that brought unprecedented focus on the impres-on give the wrong impres don’t SVG Consulate in New York. York. o o (govern-sion,” he said. “They (govern ment) have to clean up what e e Consulate has been doing. “That place has a bad image, and the the government has not done anything (to address it). In urging the government to recall Walters, Eustace said the alleged “scandal” took place on Walters’ watch. “I don’t know how he (Walters) does not know what has been taking place,” he said. “I don’t believe that. Other people must be involved.” While Walters did not return calls by THE VINCENTIAN, THE Prime Minister did, though direct contact is yet to be established with him. Augustus, a former Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, was recalled on Feb. 5 because of what the government said were “activities outside the scope of his employment and inimical to interests of the Consulate General and the Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” Foreign Affairs Minister Camillo Gonsalves, a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ambassador to the United Nations, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Augustus was recalled because he offered to help undocumented Vincentians in New York obtain US permanent resident cards, also known as “green cards”. “The facts that we have to date indicate that Mr. Augustus was out-of-sta-holding himself out as somebody who would be able to assist out-of-sta tus Vincentians in New York with either expediting or facilitating applications for green cards, and that he would do that for a fee,” said Gonsalves, the eldest son of Prime Minister Gonsalves. “That is it. There is nothing to do with passports, there is nothing to do with the sale of green cards, there’s nothing to do with the sale of passports, there is nothing to do with a ring, or a syndicate or anything like that. We have no information supporting that,” added Gonsalves, noting that the local authorities were continuing their investigations into the ex-diplomat’s activities in New York. Eustace had said that he feared that the “scandal” at the New York Consulate General would have far-reaching implications for the nation. “It’s not a good thing at all,” he said. “It’s going to make it harder for Vincentians at home and in the US. This thing is very damaging to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Vincen-“I’m watching the UK (United Kingdom) restricting visas for Vincen tians,” added Eustace, reiterating that the Consulate “scandal” comes “only a few months after Canada has removed the right of Vincentians to travel freely without visas.” Prior to the implementation of visa requirement for Vincentians to travel to Canada, the opposition leader said 5,000 Vincentians had traveled to Canada in the last 10 years.
16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 17.
Business
Sean Latty Digicel Country Manager, hands over supplies to Kenton May who said that the floods took away a lot of his belongings.
Rasmus Ballantyne, who blind, was also very thankful for the assistance.
Digicel continues to bring relief LAST SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22ND, Digicel continued its community outreach programme with the distribution of food supplies to residents of communities north of the Dry River (Rabacca), who were affected by the 2013 Christmas Eve floods. In fact, Sunday’s effort, which reached out to some 80 persons, also included hand-outs to the elderly and shutins in general. Sean Latty, Digicel Country Manager, who led the team, said, “We realize that a number of persons still need help after the devastating floods that passed last Christmas, so we just wanted to come out today to hand out supplies and send the message that we have not forgotten about the less is fortunate and elderly persons.” This latest effort by Digicel is part of an
Digicel offers vehicle tracking OWNERS OF BUSINESSES which operate fleets of vehicles, have develop ways and means of managing and rationalizing the deployment of those vehicles. They have maximised efforts to reduce fuel usage and effectively manage repair and maintenance costs. Digicel, local telecommunications service provider, is now offering business persons the means to track their vehicle fleets, with the Digicel Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management solution. Digicel has forged a number of partnerships, and one of these partnerships now allows local companies to track their vehicles, using one of the most advanced technological platforms that is operated and controlled simply by connecting to the internet. Business Solutions Sales Executive at Digicel Diana Caesar explains that the Digicel Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management solution requires no software installation, but works by allowing each vehicle unit to receive GPS signals that calculate exact locations. In addition to location, one can know speed, operating times and lots of other factors that affect performance. “This is a fantastic product for companies who want to manage a fleet of vehicles,” says Caesar, adding, “You can manage a driver’s behaviour, and therefore, control cost in relation to how you budget for fuel maintenance and other things as it relates to your vehicles.” The system works along with the new and improved Google Maps, which, according to Digicel’s Sales Manager Fanta Williams, “now gives a high level of granularity than ever before, so you can track your vehicle to an exact spot.” “Just call our head office for answers to any questions you may have… any company with vehicles on the road can benefit from having all of the information that Digicel’s Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management solution provides,” Williams assured.
extensive distribution of items by the telecommunications company. Office Administrator at Digicel Michelle Thomas said that as early as Boxing Day 2013, less than two days after floods ravaged the country, Digicel employees were on
the ground making contributions of food, water, credit and other items. On Friday January 3rd, Digicel also donated approximately EC$5000 in foodstuff to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Association.
The company, through the direct involvement of its founder, Debis O’Brien, also made a sum of $800,000 available to the government of SVG, to purchase its mattresses, stoves and refrigerators for persons who had lost these items in the floods. As recent as last
Monday, such items were distributed to affected persons in Georgetown, Sandy Bay, Owia and Fancy. Marketing Manager at Digicel, Juno DeRoche, assured that Digicel will continue to make contributions to the recovery process. “We are always happy to be able to help in times of need, and we will do everything in our power to help,” said DeRoche.
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18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Feature
Haddon Hotel ups its reach
by KENVILLE HORNE
AFTER TWO YEARS of extensive renovation, the Haddon Hotel is now fully reopen for business. The Hotel, situated at McKies Hill, announced its reopening with a Cocktail reception last Friday. Among those at the reception were politicians, including St. Clair Leacock, MP for Central Kingstown, in which McKie’s Hill is located; Commissioner of Police Michael Charles; The luxury wing of the Haddon Hotel. The Diplomatic Corps was well represented at the representatives of the reopening cocktail, and included the Honourary Council for building the hotel.. Supervisor Janis James; Front Diplomatic Corps, a host of local Considered by his peers the Government and People of Chile, Ms. Desiree Richards Office Manager Paula Charles; business persons and specially (right). as a visionary, Da Silva Housekeeping Supervisor Carjal invited guests. described the hotel as an Gurley; Executive Chef Miguel The guests intermingled as a excellent one, and noted that, Vaga Capo; and Restaurant Cuban pianist provided despite the hotel industry Manager Cleophus Lyttle. entertainment. suffering from the global The General Manager General Manager of the hotel, economic downturn, “We described the Vaga Capo, a Ton Hoogstraten, told the always have confidence in Cuban, as a world class chef. gathering that the hotel what we are doing, and we Renowned business man and underwent a major renovation owner of the Hotel, Bertille ‘Silky’ know there is a need for hotel and is now ready to serve its accommodation and high class Da Silva, was in an upbeat and customers. optimistic mode when he spoke to restaurant.” He took the opportunity to He said the hotel is THE VINCENTIAN. present some of the senior Da Silva said he purchased the targeting “everybody, local members of staff, among these and visitors. We have the being: Assistant Manager/Senior property in the 1960s, before best service, we have the best place; this is a place with national standards,” he Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva (right) owner of Haddon Hotel, assured. seen here with local architect Moulton Mayers, was “We have provided a place for expectedly upbeat about the reopening of the hotel. Vincentians, and we expect them to come out. We have designed the place for the people, because we know the need for this type of place,” he quipped. Haddon Hotel, consists of 11 standard guestrooms, 4 onebedroom and 4 twobedroom deluxe suites, and provides employment for over 20 workers, mostly Vincentians. Its ancillary services Kim Halbich (left), President of the SVGTHA , seen here include parking, with Insurance Executive Syd Hazell (centre) and COP laundry, massage, Michael Charles, called for a ‘working together’ of therapy, stakeholders in the Tourism Industry. photocopying and fax, tennis court, restaurant and bar, excursion arrangements, and flight confirmations. President of SVG Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA) ,Kim Halbich, was on hand to congratulate the owner and staff of the Hotel and wish them all the best. She proclaimed that all stakeholders in the industry have to work together to make tourism work Top members of staff include (L-R) Miguel Vaga Capo, Carjal Gurley, Paula Charles, Janis James and in SVG. Cleophus Lyttle.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 19.
News
Students receive HIV/AIDS information
STUDENTS OF THE DR. J. P. EUSTACE MEMORIAL Secondary School and the Intermediate High School were, last week, given the opportunity to find out more about HIV/AIDS, as part of an HIV/AIDS Outreach Programme undertaken by students of Trinity School of Medicine. A team of three students, Afolami Fagorala, Cherelle Smith and Sarah Celebi, visited with the Dr. J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School on Tuesday, 18th February, and the Intermediate High School on Friday, 21st February. The workshop began with a video
presentation of cases of sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. According to the facilitators, the main aim of this segment was to draw out reactions from the participants, in order to fully stimulate their interest in the subject. Following on this, a question-andanswer session ensued. The participants were asked to select questions from a number of prepared questions and supply answers for a reward, resulting in a highly interactive exercise.. Noting that the method of
Renewed call to protect endangered species important for preserving biodiversity and protecting water EFFORTS TO PROTECT resources. THIS COUNTRY’S As far as Edwards was endangered wildlife concerned, protecting the species have been volume and quality of highlighted time and water is critical to the time and again, but a preservation of life and reminder has been given she wants to establish a to continue this trend. buffer zone around the Four animals are Forest Reserve so that under threat - the the quality and quantity Whistling Frog, Black of water is preserved. Snake, Whistling Warbler The banks of two and the Parrot. rivers within the Dominican born Cumberland Forest Watershed Specialist Reserve will also receive Marie-Jose Edwards attention. Edwards emphasised the need to wants to make sure that protect these species last (the) rivers do not dry up. Friday, while giving an Implementing a Land overview of the Use policy is also part of Cumberland Integrated the venture. Watershed Project, at the headquarters of the Protection of animal National Parks, Rivers life and Beaches Authority. Edwards highlighted Edwards highlighted the importance of the the value of the forest to Watershed Management the sustenance of life and Plan. pointed to the need for “We tend to take water preservation of the management for granted. endangered species. That is why we have so She echoed the need to many floods,” Edwards ensure that the animals, pointed out. which are found only in She has been working this landscape, are along with the National preserved so that the rest Parks Rivers and , of the world can see Beaches Authority them. (NPRBA) in a venture Part of the exercise aimed at developing an involves mapping ad Integrated Watershed designating specific areas Management Plan for the in the watershed that Cumberland Forest contribute to the Reserve, some 9,000 acres conservation of the key ‘from ridge to reef’. habitats of the four The mission ends in endemic species. June this year. By then, US $114,000 would have A model been expended. The Cumberland The task Integrated Watershed Project is an all-inclusive Edwards’ task entails one. As a result, agencies a biological inventory and such as the St. Vincent an evaluation of the and the Grenadines biodiversity of the Electricity Services, watershed. Central Water and She will also focus on Sewerage Authority, as improving the well as relevant conservation and government Ministries protection of forest types and Departments have and ecosystems been drafted into the by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
Marie-Jose Edwards, Water Specialist, related the importance of the Cumberland Watershed project to the preservation of animal wildlife.
Andrew Wilson, Director NPRBA, hopes the Watershed Project would become a model for the state. venture. Andrew Wilson, Director of National Parks, stressed the relevance of this venture. Wilson looked at the project as overdue and timely and rationalized its importance with references to the destruction brought on by the recent floods and the impact of Hurricane Tomas in 2010, and Floods which took place in April 2012. He reiterated the importance of a Land Use policy. Wilson is hoping that the Cumberland Integrated Watershed Project will be a model for the state.
Students (standing) of Trinity School of Medicine delivering the facts about HIV/AIDS. presentation of information was non-offensive, Counselor at the Intermediate High School, Ms. Cutelyn Morgan, said, “At sessions like these, the content is always put in a negative way, but today it was very educationally presented.” She said that it was very Students of the Intermediate High School informative, and that even she willingly filled out questionnaires at the had learnt some things. end of the session. Counselor Morgan explained that the students come from a When asked what motivated such a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, project, Trinity School of Medicine and that the information could aid them student, Ms. Charelle Smith remarked, in making good decisions. “I see students at the bus-stop after Topics ranged from the difference school liming, hugging and doing other between a virus and a bacteria to what things. Parents are not always home to is the immune system, to what is digital receive them and sometimes are not sex, and whether STI’s increase one’s 100% aware of what is happening. We risk of acquiring HIV. Throughout the just believe that this information could session, the pivotal message transmitted make them more aware of what is out to the students was: “HIV is a virus. there.” Once you have it, it is never going to go The students’ impressions of the away. The symptoms can be treated, but workshops, solicited through a the virus will always remain in the body questionnaire, are expected to inform the of the infected.” ongoing programme in other schools.
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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Put the dream aside
Dear George, FOR TWO NIGHTS in a row, I dreamed that my husband was having an affair with my next door neighbour. In my dream, I saw her taunting me and relishing in the fact that she has my husband. Based on my dreams, I am convinced that my husband is having an affair with this woman. She is very good looking and wellshaped, and my husband has said on more than one occasion, that he would not say no if she offered him the opportunity to sleep with her. He said in the end he was only joking, but I do not believe him.
Dreamer Dear Dreamer, You cannot judge and convict your husband for something that you dreamed he committed. Your insecurity and distrust of your husband has provoked an over-working of your subconscious mind. All of this could really be in your mind, and you need to wake up and give your husband more reasons to love and want to be with you and only you. Let him know that you trust him and admire him for having chosen you of all the women he could have had.
George
Get rid of the car!!
people who bring cars into the island. I told her to take the MY WIFE shocked me with car back, but she is the poorest decision she telling me that I do not has ever made since our care about the fact that marriage of 2 years. We she has to walk and take have been meaning to The acquisition of attached, is an exercise purchase a car for the last public transport. She such a big ticket item of poor judgement. The said that if I cared for year or so, but every time should have been reluctance to return her at all, I would let her discussed. To sneak a we tried, the money it, and her willingness to keep the car. was needed to do car into the driveway keep it, disregarding the I want to know what something else more and not expect to be ulterior motives of the could my wife have been asked hard questions is a giver, will give you some important. I came home one afternoon to find a car thinking to accept such a sign that she couldn’t be insights as to her gift, and from a man who the least concerned about thinking. She has in my driveway. I asked clearly wants to get into your response, seeing my wife whose car it was certainly left the door and she said it was ours. her pants. open for further that her mind has On inquiring further, I been made up one way or advances by this fairy was told by her that this Appalled another. God Father. The car friend of hers, who in my Accepting such a gift needs to go back! mind has been trying to Dear Appalled, from someone who most get her attention by likely would have strings George offering favours to her, had decided to give this car to us as a gift. He apparently has some me thinking since that time. Dear George, connections with the MY BOYFRIEND came home with me Double thought for the first time, and I was so excited Dear Double thought, to introduce him to my mother. As soon as my mother saw him, she was Your boyfriend did not waste time all over him. I even got vex with him showing what stuff he is made of. You for the kind of conversation he was now know a bit more about his having with her right in front of me. character and morals. He has failed He was saying things like he would consider himself lucky to be with both the test miserably, and you ought to be at least thankful that you did mother and daughter. He was decide to take him home, so that he responding to my mother asking him could expose his true self. if he found her sexy, and what would As for your mother, she needs to get he do if he had the chance to date both a life and start acting her age, give mother and daughter. the respect due to you as her I could not believe my boyfriend daughter, and set the right example was talking like that. We have been for you to follow. together for 8 months, and I have never seen this side of him. He has
Dear George,
Mother meets boyfriend and……
George
Leisure
Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Your social activity should be conducive to finding love. Spend some time with people who can shed some light on your personal situation. You can meet new friends who will let you know just how valuable you are. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent. Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Short trips will be educational. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. Gemini (May 22-June 21) Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit. Visitors may be likely to drop by. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Cancer (June 22-July 22) You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. Get out and, about. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Disruptions may set you back, but you’re strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. Love can be yours if you get out and about. If you keep busy you won’t feel the personal pressures you are going through. You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. You need to mingle with people who can spark enthusiasm and confidence in you. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment.
Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Be sure that you lay your cards on the table. Do things that involve children. Don’t make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Concentrate on yourself or your work. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness. Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Arguments will flare up if you get backed into an emotional corner. Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end. Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on. You will find your personal partner taxing this week. Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place. Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can make money if you put your savings into conservative investments. You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Deceit around you is evident. Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Unexpected changes in friendships could occur. You can utilize your versatile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Don’t play on your partner’s emotions. A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying.
ACROSS 1.Mountain __ 4. Mommy’s three 7. Carpet style 11. Gardner of “The Killers” 12. Frame of mind 14. Rug thickness 15. Honolulu souvenir 16. Relieve 17. “__ Ordinary Man” (2 wds.) 18. Baby 20. Coolidge’s nickname 22. Letters after a dentist’s name 23. Runs in neutral 26. Naval chiefs (abbr.) 29. Lou Grant portrayer (2 wds.) 31. Grand total 32. Computer Communicator 34. Kilmer of “The Saint” 35. Young cows 37. YMCA offerings 38. Worn out 39. Common tree
41. Adherent (suffix) 42. Summarizes 46. Markdown tag (2 wds.) 49. British princess 51. Mama’s boy 52. Merry adventure 53. Animal hideaway 54. Onassis, informally 55. Antlered animals 56. “Certainly!” 57. Goldfish, e.g. DOWN
magazine pages 1.Surrealism’s 21. Eden Salvador dweller 2. __-steven 24. Jealousy 3. Homeless 25. Joining child line 4. Correct 26. Barbecue copy residue 5. Castles’ 27. Song for trenches Steve and 6. Help call Eydie 7. __ the 28. 2002, to beans Brutus (blabs) 29. Begley 8. That boy and 9. Chicken __ Bradley king 30. Author (2 wds.) Stevenson’s 10. Patton’s inits. rank 32. Track (abbr.) event 13. Settle a 33. Test question 36. Searches 19. Many for
weapons 37. Truckmaking inits. 39. Bert’s roommate 40. Ogles amorously 43. PDQ’s kin 44. Scrutinize
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 21.
45. Little tantrum 46. Pub pint purchases 47. Baseball’s Maglie 48. Bother 50. Dissenter’s vote
V Methodist Youth Month finalists announced 22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Arts
Gomea won in the choir segment with a number entitled ‘Gloria’.
The Calliaqua group into their ‘Azonto for Jesus’. by GLORIAH... THE KINGSTOWN Chateaubelair Circuit of the local Methodist Church held its final semi-final in its 2014 Youth Month of activities last Friday, 21st February, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.
Contests: Choir, Solo, Dance The parishes in the competition were the Arnos Vale, Brighton, Calliaqua, Gomea, and Kingstown Methodist churches. The enthusiastic audience saw competition between Arnos, Brighton, Calliaqua and Gomea in the choral song presentation. The test piece in this category was the song, ‘Take My Life and Let it Be’. The second part of this
Shane Burgin, winning soloist.
Vale; and 3rd, Gomea. Chateaubelair, West Wood, Other competitions of the When these finals convene Barrouallie, Chauncey, 2014 Youth Month of activities on the evening of Saturday, Calliaqua and Arnos Vale. that will have their finals will 1st March, there will be a From what was seen last be the ‘Public Speaking’ and winning dance routine, meeting of all competitors in Friday, this final promises to ‘Quiz’ competitions which will the Kingstown Chateaubelair be spectacular. The take place on the morning of organisers were commended Saturday 1st, March at the competition saw choirs singing Circuit. Competition will come from Chateaubelair, by the judges, who found it to Methodist Church Hall in pieces of their choice. Rose Hall, Barrouallie, be an excellent means of Kingstown. Brighton rendered, ‘Still’; Chauncey, Calliaqua and gaining, peaking and Excitement is in the air to Calliaqua, ‘Sing Praises’; maintaining the interest of find out which parish will Arnos Vale, ‘A God Like You’; Gomea in the Choir and Solo segments. The Dance segment young people, in song and realise the most winnings. and Gomea, ‘Gloria’, a song will see competition from dance. with Spanish lines. There was also was competition in the solo category, with the test song being ‘I’ve Been Changed’. There were distinct differences in arrangement and performance styles non-competitive among the performers, NEXT LEVEL COUNTRY Music Club, the organization that hosted the SVG Country Music but love singing who were: Aldonio Karaoke Idol contest 2010-2012, now has a new for fun; Matthews, Brighton; Mission. Category 2, Shane Burgin, President of the Club, Arden C. Tannis, Karaoke Calliaqua; Catanya Diva/Divo Ellis, Gomea; Steffano explained that in the past, the activities of the Club were hosted in established bars and night Challenge’ an John, Arnos Vale; and clubs. actual Neleshia Robertson, “This,” Tannis said, “did not encourage the competition; Kingstown. family as a whole to attend and particicpate in the and category 3, The dance category activity.” ‘The Mic is contest saw Calliaqua, Tannis cited “unscientific research” as Yours’, in which Arnos Vale, and indicating that hosting karaoke in bars and night any member of Gomea, performing clubs, legally and otherwise, prevents many the audience is dances entitled, persons from participating or attending. This given 30-60sec. ‘Azonto for Jesus’, includes over 80% of the population that claim to to perform ‘Thank God I Made It’ be Christian. something and ‘Strong Warrior’ The research also recorded that many singers funny. respectively. felt that smoke-filled bars and the night club Admission to environment were not contributing to their health. and Arden Tannis, President of Next Winners and Finalists “The traditional view on the use of karaoke in participation in Level Country Music Club, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is very narrow,” SVG Karaoke spoke to his Club’s new The following were Tannis said, adding, “We have broadened our Fiesta is free. mission and planned activity. selected for the finals Individuals which are scheduled to scope on its use to include the participation of the entire family at any given time, and are now interested in participating must be present at the take place tomorrow, placing our emphasis on the discovery and Peace Memorial for registration at between 5.00 Saturday, 1st March, promotion of young talent, hence our new pm - 60:00pm on the April 5, 2014. Positions are at the Methodist mission”. limited for each segment, and participants will be Church Hall, The Club’s newly adopted mission, according to selected on a first come first serve basis. Kingstown: Tannis is “to take Karaoke beyond bars and night The best performances for the night will be Choirs test piece clubs to venues that are family friendly and determined by a panel of judges and the audience. and own-choice - 1st healthy, while using the karaoke art form to Prizes and trophies will be awarded. Gomea; 2nd, Calliaqua; discover and promote talent in the family.” For more information, email and 3rd, Arnos Vale. Toward this end, on Saturday April 5, 2014, Sargant_t@hotmail.comSVG COUNTRY MUSIC The soloists were: 1st, Next Level Country Music Club will launch ‘SVG CLUB Shane Burgin; 2nd Karaoke Fiesta’, a series of karaoke celebration President: Arden. C. Tannis - 718 913 6752 Catenya Ellis; and 3rd, designed to discover and promote unique talents PRO: Dr. Juanna Osborne - 784 529 0745 Neleshia Robertson. within the family. Secretary: Todd Samuel - 784 492 4961 In dance, 1st was The celebration has three segments: Category Arnos Vale, P O Box 1738, Kingstown Calliaqua; 2nd, Arnos 1, ‘Carry your own Key’, for individuals who are Email: sargant_t@hotmail.com
Karaoke Beyond Bars and Night Clubs
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 23.
Saints move atop with second win Set 94 for victory, Guardian General Saints got off to a GUARDIAN GENERAL Saints sit terrible start with the pacey atop the perch of the national Darnley Grant removing cricket premier division after Zomorio Mathews (0) and recording a second straight win Omar Lorraine (2), by the time in as many matches, last the score had reached seven. weekend. It was left to Sunil Ambris They secured maximum (37), with another classy points after beating News innings in trying conditions, to Spartans by four wickets in guide his team through another low-scoring affair, this turbulent water even as time at the Sion Hill Playing wickets continued to fall. Field. He featured in a 28-run SCORES: News Spartans fourth wicket partnership with 68 & 150, Guardian General elder brother Romel Currency Saints 125 and 95/6. (6), before the latter chopped Saints, who on the previous onto his stump to make it weekend had eked out a tight 53/4. Ambris, for all his three-wicket win over Lime obvious class, once again Radcliffe at Arnos Vale TWO, displayed what some say is his came out of what can be customary penchant for giving described as another dogfight his wicket away, when he with some scratches and a few attempted what was an illbites. advised pull from a delivery by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
that did not get up off veteran Basil Andrews, and was adjudged LBW. It was then left to Zane Edwards (21) to take the team to the verge of victory before being dismissed at 88/6. Andrews finished with 3/34 and Joseph 2/29 in a workmanlike attempt Guardian General Saints batsman Sunil Ambris plays Basil Andrews to snatch possible through the legside. Wicketkeeper Seon Sweene covers the path of victory. the delivery. Earlier News team from Victors ONE, got veteran umpire told THE Spartans, who won the toss any score of note, as left-arm VINCENTIAN. and elected to bat, put on .yet seamer Kenroy Peters, 5/20, Offspinner Gidron Pope another substandard batting left-arm spinner Rolando (5/23), Grant (3/42) and performance to be all out for Wright, 3/24, and seamer Ray Andrews (2/23) shared the 68, on a pitch which saw the Charles, 2/13, took full wickets for News Spartans. ball keeping extremely low advantage of the conditions. Batting a second time in from very early. Only Seon Guardian General Saints deficit by 57, it took another Sweene (27), who joined the behind Ambris’ 71, reached brilliant innings from Sweene 125 as they overcame early (75), with good support from trouble at 38/4. Ambris struck Grant (34), to give News nine fours and appeared head Spartans a fighting chance. and shoulders above all others. The pair came together He was given a let off though after their team had slipped when in the twenties. Given from 66/2 to 66/5, and added out LBW by umpire Dillon 73 for the sixth wicket before Child, he was called back Grant, swinging wildly, was when squareleg umpire Roger caught. In the last over before Davis and Grant both tea, Sweene, with a century indicated to Child that the ball pleading for the taking, missed was edged into the pad. a big swing at Currency, fell “I am entitled to change my flat on his stomach and was decision, once an error is bowled. The team lost its last pointed out to me, and Roger five wickets, including those of (Davis) and Darnley (Grant), Sweene and Grant, for 11 Delorn Maloney blasted a as well as the fielders close to runs, to rue what ‘might have double century in a20/20 the bat, all said the ball came been’ with a few more runs. Softball cricket match here, off bat…so I did this (showing Wright took 5/43, Currency and pundits say he set a the sign to change a decision) 2/10 and Peters 2/33. record that could well stand and called him back,” the for some time to come.
Maloney writes himself into the record nooks
CRICKET PUNDITS, statisticians and sport enthusiasts here were sent into a frenzy, following last Sunday’s match between Media House and Physical Planning, played at the Daphne Playing Field, in the inaugural Government Printery Sports and Cultural Club’s Firms 20/20 Softball Cricket Tournament. The man who caused the frenzy was Media House’s Delorn Maloney who blasted 222 not out, in his team’s total of 370. The local cricket fraternity went berserk trying to establish whether Maloney’s double century was the highest individual score ever recorded in softball cricket here, and whether his team’s total was also a record. When the dust cleared, the majority of those with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke, supported the claim that Maloney’s ton was indeed a national record. The team’s total was still under discussion. In the actual game, Media House rubbed in their dominance by dismissing Physical Planning for a
Roderick John hit a century that would have been, otherwise, the knock of the weekend. miniscule 51 in 10.2 overs, Travis Cumberbatch claiming 5 wickets for a paltry 3 runs in his 4 overs. In other weekend matches, Police made extremely light work of CWSA on Saturday, amassing 247 for 4, to which their opponents replied with a miserable 43. Roderick John ensured Police’s total with a knock of 122. Kenroy Martin returned figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs, to be Police best bowler. In Sunday’s other match, Cole Trucking Bombers posted 159 for 5 against ECGC, Edwin Payne top scoring with 33. The victory target proved
too much for ECGC who replied with 99. Ovando O’Brien claimed five wickets for 26 runs. Matches in the tournament continue this weekend at the Daphne Playing Field. On Saturday, Government Printery face CWSA, and ECGS will do battle against Agriculture. Sunday’s doubleheader sees Immigration against Port Authority, followed by a much anticipated clash between Police and Cole Trucking Bombers, both sitting at the top of Group A on 6 points. Media House leads Group B with 6 points.
News Spartans batsman Seon Sweene goes big at Sion Hill. Wicketkeeper Sumil Ambris looks on
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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Juvenile Championships⁄.bevy of talent⁄.raft of problems
as well was a problem again. You needed more officials. You had events inside and outside where they are calling the U15 hundred metres runners and they are calling the Under 15 long jumpers. Some of whom do both events. I am grossly disappointed since, I came here expecting a quality Meet,” the IT DAT head coach said. Ollivierre said that a number of coaches failed to show up at the event, including those collecting Awards at the organisation’s Awards Ceremony last Saturday (February 15th). According to him, this does not send a good message. In addition, Ollivierre cited the late submission by clubs/schools of TASVG Gen Sec Tyrone information requested days before and ‘Chenear’ James admitted to subsequent acceptance of the problems on the day of the information by the organisers as Meet. contributing to the problems and on the day all that would experienced on the day. have been required was to “We were told to send in our allocate numbers to athletes. information by midnight on But, he said, by this not Thursday....I think. Mine went in by the deadline, but today I see everybody happening it set them back a who came this morning being allowed great deal. He felt though that Ollivierre, to run….. (kiss teeth)….. what’s the purpose? Then you submit things and whom he rates as an excellent and hardworking coach, could they are asking you how old the athlete is. They are supposed to have refrain at times from being that critical. James also pointed out that information in their data base……(kiss teeth)…. we aren’t going that even Ollivierre was able to SJCK athlete in action in the girls long jump. do some registration on the anywhere with his kind of approach,” morning of the event. he said. with the young athletes to help them James, like Ollivierre, was James, who is the organisation’s forge their careers. overwhelmed by the wealth of talent elected General Secretary and served on display, and urged coaches to work as Meet Manager on Saturday, told THE VINCENTIAN that there were a number of problems, and this was due to the number of athletes who attended the event. Michael ‘Mercy” Ollivierre, IT DAT “We were not head coach, lamented the problems NATIONAL LEFT HAND opening batsman prepared for that on the day that he thought could Kishore Shallow took a place in the record many athletes since have been avoided. book on Sunday, in the re-formated version of the prior registration the SVGCA First Division Sunday League 55 which we requested by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT overs an innings competition. from the clubs and Shallow stroked his first century to propel schools was not THE JUVENILE championships held by Victors TWO to a comfortable win over Rudy’s done…so on the day Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Electrical Unique Warriors, at the Buccament we had to be doing Grenadines (TASVG) at the main Arnos Bay playing field on the weekend. Vale Playing Field last Saturday, February registration, and this Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors batting took up a lot of time. 22nd , were adorned by a bevy of talent, first were dismissed for 75 in 27 overs. Damal In addition, some of but the organisation of the event left Phillip picked up 5 for 24 as the best for the people who we much to be desired, according to top Victors 2 bowlers. Jamal Nash assisted with 4 expected to come out track coach, Michael ‘Mercy” Ollivierre. to assist never showed for 31. When Victors TWO took the crease, Meet Director, Tyrone ‘Chenear’ Shallow stroked his way aggressively to 102, up, so these factors James, while admitting there were to help his team to 256 for 8 declared off 44 problems believes the coach is being a contributed in a large overs. Akeem Shallow supported with 39. part to our problems,” bit too harsh on TASVG. In other results, Triumph United Cricket the former Carifta Ollivierre told THE VINCENTIAN Club “A” beat Radcliffe Too at Stubbs by 73 that he was impressed by the talent of medallist said. runs. Triumph United Cricket Club “A” posted He said that the the young athletes and it is clear that 174 in 41.3 overs. Ronique Laborde hit 32 early registration was SVG is blessed with very good Kishore Shallow recorded the first century of while Marlon John took 4 for 37. Radcliffe requested because it athletes, who must be encouraged to Too could only reach 101 in 21.3 overs. Shawn the re-formated version of the National First facilitated the remain in the sport and seek what it Division cricket competition. (Photo: E. G. Browne led with 27. Rohan Ash took 5 for 34, has to offer for those reaching the top. electronic timing Ronique Laborde 3 for 22 and Maxwell Prescott) system which is now He, however, feels that the raft of Edwards 2 for 8 1 for 1. used internationally, problems, which affected last Police THREE defeated Robertson’s Smashers won over Ishallz Byam Physical as the hand timing Saturday’s event can easily turn both Surveying Belmont United at North Union by Therapy at Arnos Vale 2. Ishallz Byam has been found to be parents and athletes away from the 46 runs. Police THREE made 91 in18 overs. Physical Therapy made 77. Omar Tucker topunreliable. sport. Maxiann Richardson hit 33 and Dominique scored with 34. Smashers replied with 104. According to James, Stowe 23. Mikayan Delpeche snared 5 for 13 “The Meet should have started at Rawdon Bentick hit 40 and Javon Samuel took the early registration nine; it never got started until six and Augustus Mofford 3 for 16. Robertson’s 6 for 27. would have allowed minutes past ten. That should not Surveying Belmont United were bundled out TASVG to enter the happen! Then the pace of the events for 45 off 18 overs. Elgin Richards took 2 for I.B.A.ALLEN names in the system 7, Renford Jack 2 for 3 and Dominique Stowe
Shallow’s century sinks Warriors
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 25.
Sports
Table tennis focuses on youth on this, the ITTF will be offering a scholarship, through the National The SVG Table Tennis Association will be Olympic Committee (NOC), for one focusing its attention on the CAC Games player, preferably under the age of 24, in Mexico and possibly the in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Games. Scotland, according to the man charged “We therefore must continue our with technical matters of the programme to get the young players to organisation, Orville Haslam OD. a standard where they can be in line Haslam told THE VINCENTIAN for such scholarships. It is not that we that the KPMG National do not have plans, as we said before, championships, currently taking place for the older players, but you must at the West St. George Secondary admit that no country in the world School, will be used to prepare the would be happy having forty and fiftyyoung players, in particular, for year-olds heading their national upcoming major international events. teams. And again, sponsors are now “We have those two big outings, and more inclined to pump their monies I believe that we have a very good into youth programmes, so we must chance of qualifying for the CAC pursue youth development with Games, so we will be putting a lot of commitment and foresight to reap effort on doing that in the qualifiers,” success in the future,” he said in a soft he said. but firm voice. Haslam said the Association was Haslam said he would be looking at not overlooking the importance of the the possibilities of introducing a Commonwealth Games, but they had Masters tournament during the course to be realistic about their chances and, of the year, to help the older players as it stands now, the CAC Games appear their best bet to do well against international competition. The former several times Caribbean champion said that the thrust would be on the youth development programme since it is now obvious, and based on the Intentional Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) shift, that young players would be the way to go in order to grow, spread and sustain Veterans Joseph Carrington (right) and Robert the sport in the long term. He said that based Ballantyne are still active on the national circuit. by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
see competitive action. The National ChampThe young brigade- Damion Dublin (left) and Kamal Hunte ionships, comprise the young brigade of active teable tennis players in which SVG. return this others, while Gaymes, Romano year after a prolong absence, will see Spencer, Damion Dublin and Kamal the reintroduction of the Junior Hunte who is currently training in Division, according to a release from Trinidad but who is expected here to the Association. take part in the championships, are all The championships, which run from expected to feature highly in the fourWednesday February 26th to Saturday day action. March 1st will see action in the open They will all, however, have to Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles in overcome the awesome play of young both Senior and Junior categories. Stephen Payne who hurt them badly Among the players on show will be in the 2013 Independence veterans Bob Ballantyne, Joseph Tournament. Carrington and Carlton Daniel among Play gets going from 6pm each day.
Table Tennis honours up for grabs SOME of this country’s top and emerging table tennis players will again be given an opportunity to enhance and showcase their skills, while pressing for a spot in the national team, when they compete in the National Table Tennis Championship. The Championship, under the auspices of the SVG Table tennis Association, scheduled to get going this Saturday, March 1, at the West St. George Secondary School, in Belair, is sponsored by KPMG Accounting Firm. PRO of the Association Sean Stanley said the the venue will allow for greater visibility for the patrons. He also noted that “this year, we would also see the reintroduction of the Junior Division of the Championships, with three of our
young leading players expected to be involved.” The three are Damion Dublin, Kavir Gaymes and Javier Deshong. They are returning from a six-week training programme in the Dominican Republic. Stanley pointed out that the Association is introducing a point system whereby players will obtain points for participation in tournaments organized by the Association. This will lead to a seeding system going into future tournaments. The 2014 National Championships is the third tournament staged by the Association since it elected a new executive eight months ago. I.B.A.ALLEN
GTC reaches out to schools FOLLOWING last week’s boost to the Pamelus Burke Goverment School in Byera, the Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC) continued its donations of equipment this time to the Clare Valley primary school on the leeward side of the island, earlier this week. The donation is the impetus to kick off the three-month coaching
programme to introduce children to the game. Head of GTC, Grant Connell, said the hard court in Clare Valley would be used. The court will be lined and a net erected to facilitate the process. “It’s another way we can extract the positive energy from the area. I’m sure other members from the community will Wayne Dabriel, Head Teacher at the Pamelus Burke Government School, accepts a help, since they can donation of balls and racquets from Trevor Sam, in the presence of an enthusiastic use it as well and cross-section of the student body. learn the game.” Clare Valley Government School ready to place the services of a coach, Those children fron welcome the initiative, which will once a week for three months, to direct the area, who wish to begin in earnest in March 2014. the introduction of the sport to the continue developing their The Clare Valley donation and students, and promised that once the game would be able to do launch of the new initiative followed a Ministry of Education agrees, his Club so at the GTC week on a similar gesture at the will install a net, removable net poles, programme conducted on Pamelus Burke Government School in and paint and line the existing hard Saturdays at the Haddon Byrea. court. Hotel Court, Kingstown. There, the GTC handed over a “I hope other clubs can assist in They will do so free of quantity of tennis balls and racquets time. We will put the infra-structure Trevor Sam, Head Coach of GTC, hands over balls charge, Connell assured. for use by the students. in place,” Connell said. and racquets to Mrs Margaret Mc Allister, teacher The teachers at the Connell indicated that GTC was of the Clare Valley Government School.
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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Lauders Club launches cricket tournament
THE PLANNING committee of the Lauders Cultural and Sports Club (LCSC) held the launching for their 2014 softball cricket tournament last weekend, at the Uzzah Pope Bamboo Ranch in Laurders. The club was able to
attract two main GOLD sponsors in Digicel SVG Ltd and Hairoun. The launch heard remarks from Area Representative Hon. Saboto Caeser and representatives from a number of teams.
In his brief remarks, Minister Caesar said that he was delighted and pleased with the works done so far by the LCSC. “I am very proud that a group within my constituency is setting the pace in the country by organizing such
event,” the Minister said inter alia. A representative of the St. Vincent Brewery, which is one of two gold sponsors of the 2014 tournament, said the Brewery is “in full support of the LCSC and
what the group is doing.” He committed his company to support in 2015. Justin John of telecommunications service provider Digicel, the other gold sponsor, echoed the sentiments of his co-sponsor. John also announced increases for the man of the match awards, which will see from $20.00 to $25.00 worth of credit being offered. The player of the tournament will receive a 4G smartphone, compliments Digicel. Chairman of the group, Israel Bruce, expressed his gratitude
to this year’s sponsors. He went on to state that prize monies for the 2014 have been increased from $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 for the first place; $2,500.00 for the second place up from $2,000.00; and an increase to $1,500.00 from $1,000.00 for the third place. The tournament, branded The DigicelHairoun Lauders Cultural and Sports Club 2014 T/20 Tournament, will bowl off from this Sunday, March 2, at the Lauders Playing Field from 2 p.m. I.B.A.ALLEN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014. 27.
Classifieds
May you continue to rest in peace.
MARK STEPHEN
CAMILLE MERCEDES JACK Full in the Spirit Pentecostal
Sunrise: 20-11-1985 Sunset: 12/2/2014 Faith St. Mary Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.
MISS UCILTA CHARLES Faith Temple Kingstown Saturday 22nd February, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.
A.M.E Zion Church Ottley Hall Sunday 23rd February, 2014 Service at 2:30 p.m.
KENNETH ADOLPHUS QUAMMIE
FUSTINA EDWARDS Better Known as Josie
Sunrise: 7/1/1968 Sunset: 14/2/2014 Belmont Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday 23rd February, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.
Sunrise: 11th August, 1985 Sunset: 8th February, 2014 St. Michael Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 23rd February, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.
ALVIS SAMUEL Rose Hall Methodist Church Saturday 22nd February, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Leeward Highway to be refurbished by KENVILLE HORNE
ANOTHER PRISONER ESCAPES
The Belle Isle Correctional Facility is a recently constructed multi-million dollar high security prison. Inset: Desmond Pavy is the second prisoner to escape from there over the last two months or so.
Commissioner of Police in charge of crimes. According to the facts presented JUST ABOUT two months after Colly in court before Lowman was Lowman, a 41-year-old Georgetown sentenced last December, he left the farmer, was sentenced to one year prison compound at Belle Isle along imprisonment for escaping the Belle with other inmates under the Isle Correctional Facility, another supervision of a prison officer , inmate has escaped the penal sometime after 8 a.m., December 6. institution. They went to the prison farm Up to press time Wednesday, located about 200 yards away. Desmond ‘Cat’ Pavy, a 41-year-old While there, Lowman asked to national of Trinidad and Tobago, use the washroom. He was allowed was still on the run. An official at the facility told THE to do so, but did not return. The area was searched, but he was not VINCENTIAN Wednesday that seen. He was brought back to according to his information, Pavy came out his cell around 5 a.m. last custody three days later by his lawyer Grant Connell. Saturday to assist with the Before sentencing Lowman, the preparation of meals. He was Chief Magistrate said, “I consider discovered missing between 4-5 the prison officers are culpable in p.m., close to lock down time. some way. I think that has been Pavy was serving a nine-month glossed over. sentence for possession of a “I just do not understand. I don’t controlled drug. know if they (prison officers) felt The police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Pavy. sufficiently secured with him going If seen, persons are asked to contact to the washroom alone.” Speaking with reporters after them at any station or Assistant by HAYDN HUGGINS
Lowman was sentenced, Chief Prison Officer Brenton Charles said Lowman was trusted by prison officers. He added that it was strange Lowman made the dash since the inmate was accustomed working daily on the prison farm along with other inmates, and while serving previous sentences, he worked outside the prison and in the bakery at Her Majesty’s Prison. Lowman was serving time for robbery and wounding with intent. Murder accused Godwin Moses had escaped from Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown, sometime during the daylight hours of November 21, 2011. Police shot and killed him at Happy Hill, Layou, December 11, 2011 while he was on the run. A tribunal appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) found that two prison officers who were the subjects of investigations into Moses escape, were not responsible.
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THE MUCH anticipated refurbishment of the deplorable road that makes up the South Leeward Highway is set to begin in a few weeks. Prime Minister Gonsalves on Monday, during a Press conference, indicated that work to rehabilitate the Leeward highway will commence in March, though he had hoped for a February start. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is funding the project, said to cost EC$30 million, and will be executed by DIPCON Engineering. The state of the Prime Minister main road Gonsalves detailing (highway) on to the multi-million dollar the leeward side of Leeward Highway the island has refurbishment project. come in for some heavy criticism in recent times, both from commuters and vehicle owners, and the government’s slow pace to rehabilitate the road did not help to lessen the criticism. At Monday’s press conference, Gonsalves described the project as a major one, which requires careful spending, and explained, “That’s why people have to bear with us with some of the pot holes on the path, because the point is this: some (roads) which are pretty bad, you have to do some little fixing, but if you are going to dig up the whole road, it doesn’t make sense spending a great deal of money trying to fix it. So obviously there has to be balance, because you need to have a motorable surface,” On the issue of traffic flow, and the overall plan for the highway, the Prime Minister said it is not his task to study how the flow of traffic would be managed, since there are technical persons who would make those assessments. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the plans that are in place, and explained the process towards actual project implementation as one that comes through the Ministry of Works, and involves independent assessors, the Tenders Board, a consultant engineer who does the evaluation, and the CDB, whose technical people have to “look at it” The project will cover from Kingstown to Layou.
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