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FRIDAY,

MARCH 28, 2014

VOLUME 107, No.12

that class of licence, not having vehicle insurance THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT of coverage, and going through a the Royal St. Vincent and the No Entry sign. He noted that Grenadines Police Force has the officer is currently on sick adopted a ‘Zero Tolerance’ leave. approach to the playing of music Supt. John pointed out that in motor vehicles. the traffic regulations say that And Head of the Traffic no musical instrument shall be Branch, Superintendent played and no noisy Kenneth John, is appealing to instrument or loud speaker motorists to comply with the shall be played or operated in traffic regulations. any motor vehicle, in any Superintendent John told public place, except on the THE VINCENTIAN that his written permission of the Department began an Commissioner of Police. operation last week He noted that under the Wednesday, March 19, to traffic regulations, persons clamp down on the playing of could be fined from $250 to music in vehicles. $2,500 for such an offence.

Towards this end, a special “I am tired hearing the team of traffic officers has public complain about loud been assigned specifically to music in vehicles, and I, as deal with this task, together head of the Traffic with their usual duties.

Department, cannot sit back and allow motorists to do as Action against police they like. They must comply with the law. Police or no Supt. John revealed that the police, you have to comply”, seriousness of this new the traffic chief declared. undertaking is borne out by “Police, everybody we the fact that, even before the hitting, nobody is above the operation began, a police law. Right in the barracks officer had his music set (Central Police Station) disconnected, and was given a policemen want to park their ticket for playing loud music. vehicles. They were clamped Another police officer should and they have to pay; the law be going to court after being is the law,” John added. served with three summonses for driving an omnibus without Success to date

www.thevincentian.com

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Supt. Kenneth John (inset), head of the SVGPF Traffic Branch, has warned that no one is above the traffic laws, even the police.

The Senior Officer said the operation has been successful so far.

“It is just in the late evening and the night and in between during the day that we are still having some problems,” John disclosed, and he gave notice that his Department will soon extend the operation to the Grenadines.

John noted that on Wednesday of last week, 30 tickets were issued for the playing of loud music in vehicles.

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Mini buses operators are said to be guilty of playing excessively loud music.

Another mystery occupies the Police aboard a partly burnt life raft, early last Wednesday THE ST. VINCENT and the afternoon.

Grenadines Police Force The Coast Guard responded (RSVGPF) has another to reports received shortly mystery to solve. after midday, that a yacht was That’s finding out how John on fire at sea, approximately Edward Garner, a 53-year-old 15 miles west of Buccament man carrying a British on the Leeward coast of passport, came to his death. mainland St. Vincent.

According to a release from Garner was found with the RSVGPF Public Relations injuries to both of his legs as and Complaints Department, well as his head. He was Garner’s body was found taken to the Milton Cato

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police believe that the yacht is the ‘Asante’, which was registered in Gibraltar.

They disclosed that Garner arrived here Sunday January 19, 2014 by plane, along with a female companion, name given as Heidi Hukkelaas.

He was granted an extension to stay until April 19, 2014.

The Police could not say

where Hukkelaas was. They indicated that checks at the ports did not show that she had left the country.

The yacht, purportedly the ‘Asante’, on fire in the waters west of Buccament.

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Trinity AMSA donates to St. BenedictÊs

cheaper rate, and thus, enabled greater purchasing.

Articles donated ranged from personal to institutional items. These included linens, Children and AMSA students involved in some towels, blankets, fun activities. toys, clothes, and was given many gifts for shoes, and toiletries. They Christmas. Day Care students also gave over the counter were also given gifts in this medications, like children’s drive. painkillers.

Children of the St. Benedict’s Orphanage and Day Nursery, This time, for Sunday’s The St. Benedict Orphanage opened in 1963, offer an enthusiastic welcome to the donation, the AMSA members and Day Nursery was in dire TRINITY AMSA members. conducted an investigation need of office supplies and STUDENTS OF TRINITY School of The students, for some time into the most urgent needs of some general electronic Medicine at Ratho Mill, who are now, have been making the institution. Susan Kim, equipment. The students of members of the American donations to this institution.

President of AMSA, reported Trinity responded to this need Medical Students Association There had been gifts and that a lot of the items required by donating several DVD (AMSA), journeyed to donations of essential items could have been purchased players and educational and Georgetown on Sunday, 23rd and activities, including a here in St. Vincent and the fun movies for the children to March, to deliver a quantity of Christmas 2013 “Angel Tree” Grenadines, but their watch. items to the St. Benedict’s Day event, in which each child of organization sought to acquire President Kim reported that Nursery and Children’s Home, the orphanage was adopted by them in the United States as Trinity AMSA, among their Georgetown. a student of Trinity AMSA they could have been had at a other programmes, has taken

a very special interest in the St. Benedict Orphanage and Day Nursery, and they “will definitely continue to do this, especially the ‘Angel Tree’.”

According to www.amsa.org, the American Medical Students Association is ‘the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-intraining in the United States’.

AMSA could be found globally in medical schools and universities with an American base. It acts as ‘a vital force of future physicians who believe that patients and health professionals are partners in the management of health care and that access to highquality health care is a right and not a privilege’. Members of AMSA practice activism as a way of life, where student idealism is transformed into meaningful public service, innovation and institutional change.

The students of Trinity AMSA have vowed to make this a reality in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 3.

News 3 Special Warrant to be hotly debated

ARNHIM EUSTACE, Leader of the Opposition, is anticipating a lot of discussion when the House convenes next week, particularly surrounding the issue of the approval of a Special Warrant by the Ministry of Housing, for funds to be used in the rehabilitation of homes of persons affected by the December floods.

Eustace read from a document on Monday which confirmed that the Ministry responsible for housing had applied for a Special Warrant in the amount of EC$20,095,000 to deal with the rehabilitation process.

He noted that there was a certificate

accompanying the paperwork, in which it was noted that the expenditure could not be foreseen, and that it could not be met from savings, and offered the explanation, to wit, “Because there is no money in government to do it.”

According to the Leader of the Opposition, attached to the document dated February 25 and addressed to the Accountant General authorising the payment of the amount requested, was the signature of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Some of the particulars included: building materials -

$11,300,000; administration — $515,000; transportation of building materials $1,370,000, labour $5,350,000; one vehicle $85,000 and infrastructure associated with relocation $1.475 million.

“So that gives you a clear indication that so far that the prime minister has instructed the AG to find resources, I am assuming that much of that will come from contributions made by several groups and borrowing by government,” Eustace said.

“There are no savings, so it has to come from a source outside,” he continued.

On December 9, Parliament approved the 2014 Estimates of Income and Expenditure which amounted to EC$911 million.

But it was later revealed during Gonsalves’ budgetary address on January 20, that the Christmas Eve floods had altered the socio-economic context of the 2014 budget, and that the supplementary estimates and appropriations bill to be brought before Parliament will contain “both altered and

Farmers benefit from credit support

by KENVILLE HORNE OVER 40 FARMERS here have already benefited from the Farmers Support Company $6million Loan Programme, funded by PetroCaribe, and which provides concessionary loans to farmers at two percent..

The first batch of farmers collected their loans on Friday 21st, at an official Distribution Ceremony at the Agricultural Input Warehouse in Kingstown. The Fund is as a result of a grant Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, told media personnel that the revolving credit facility is a timely intervention, given the challenges being faced globally. He noted that in addition to loans, farmers will also receive fertilizer and tools on credit.

Felix Lewis, General Manager for the Center of Enterprise Development (CED, said

Elizabeth Boyea will use Errol Porter commended her loan to rehabilitate the government for her banana field. taking the initiative to assist farmers. his organization will provide training and capacity building, along with technical support to the farmers.

Some farmers were more than happy for the support, while for some, it was long overdue.

Elizabeth Boyea said it is a good thing for the whole country, “farmers especially”. The female famer declared that she will use the support to rehabilitate her banana field and replant others.

Errol Porter, a mixed crop farmer from Richland Park said he appreciated the assistance. “I am really glad for what the government is doing here, and I know a lot of farmers would benefit, and it would propel agriculture to new heights,” he said with confidence.

He plans to use half of his loan to purchase fertilizer and other inputs, while the other

Hilford Bullock would have liked to have seen a programme of this nature (Credit facility) introduced a long time ago. half will be used to pay his workers.

Farmer Hilford Bullock, a retired Agriculture Extension Officer, described the credit offered to farmers as “a long awaited process. I think it should have been done before.”

He, however, commended the move, and appealed to farmers to work together.

A Special Warrant in the amount of approximately EC$20.1 million is required to offset unforeseen expenses for rehabilitation of houses affected by the December 2013 floods.

additional provisions to reflect the profoundly changed circumstances of our country.”

The House will be in

session April 2 and 3, for the presentation and debate of the 2014 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

Zero tolerance Continued from Frontpage.

He explained that under the revised traffic laws, soon to come on stream, there would be a penalty point system, which would result in persons having their licences suspended, once they accumulated a certain number of points.

The revised regulations are also expected to make provisions for the use of radar guns to check speed, and breathalizers to determine whether someone is driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We may soon see St. Vincent having its own highway code,” he mused.

Supt John confirmed that he had spoken to the president of the Ominibus Association, Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, and he has given his full support to the traffic department’s move to clamp down on the playing of music in vehicles.

Bacchus had stated his position on the issue to THE VINCENTIAN, in an interview carried in a page 3 article of its March 21 edition.

V „They canÊt cross her,‰ lawyer insists 4. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, Thomas informed the MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne- court that the defence would Mathias on Tuesday overruled an not be putting on a case as objection by defence lawyer there is already a caution Jomo Thomas, to his client, Lisa statement in evidence, on Hooper, being cross-examined which the defence would rely. on a caution statement she had Browne-Mathias then had given through an electronic Hooper go through the formal interview, to the police. proceedings, including having Hooper is charged with her being sworn, then directed possession of 1,235 grams of Senior Prosecutor Adolphus cocaine with intent to supply, Delpleche to begin crossconspiring with British examination on the statement. national Naton Smith and Thomas strongly objected, others to export the drug, and stating that to have his client conspiring with Smith and cross-examined on the others for the purpose of drug statement went against her trafficking. right to remain silent.

Following the close of the “How could they prosecution’s case on Tuesday (prosecution) put in a Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Sion Hill couple on gun charge A SION HILL couple was this week each granted $20,000 bail with one surety, for possession of a firearm, make and serial number unknown.

Tras Primus, a shopkeeper, and Shanda Roberts, unemployed, both of Bay Hill, pleaded not guilty to the offence when they appeared before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday.

As part of their bail conditions, they were ordered to surrender their travel documents, and report to the Central Police Station on Mondays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The two were also charged with marijuana possession, but those charges were withdrawn against the woman after Primus pleaded guilty to the charges.

For possession of 603 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, Primus was fined $1,100 by April 24 or six months, and for having 266 grams of the drug with intent to supply, he was fined $500 forthwith or three months.

The firearm matter has been adjourned to June 25 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

The charges reportedly stemmed from a police action at Bay Hill, March 25.

statement and want to cross examine her on it.

It is their statement, they cannot cross examine Lisa Hooper took the stand and her,” Thomas argued. was cross-examined.

“This is unprecedented.” Thomas at Prospect, but he was not declared, adding that he had aware of how the cocaine never seen in all his years of got into the cans or where practice, an accused take the Naton Smith was called to the drug had come from. oath and then be crosstestify on behalf of the state’s He claimed not to have examined on a statement case against Lisa Hooper. known Hooper before he which the prosecution came to St. Vincent and the presented earlier.

Grenadines, but she had met Browne-Mathias overruled him at the airport on his Thomas’s objection, but arrival, and arranged with a granted his request to have his objection to his client being taxi to take him to the hotel, paid for his hotel cross- examined on the accommodation, and took him statement, go on record. to the beach on a number of In the statement, Hooper occasions, during his 2-week denied knowledge of three stay here. sealed aluminium cans He also testified that bearing the labels Hairoun, Hooper had bought groceries Vita malt and Presidente respectively, which turned out for him with money he had provided. to contain liquid cocaine.

Smith also told the court The sealed cans were found that he had come to SVG on during a search of Smith’s behalf of his ex-girlfriend’s luggage after police intercepted him July 24, 2013, father, to take back to England drinks which could at the E.T. Joshua Airport, not be obtained there. from where he was destined Under cross examination on for his homeland. the statement, Hooper said Smith, a 22-year-old Jomo Thomas, lawyer for the Smith lied in saying that she window installer of Kent, brought the sealed aluminium defence, objected to having United Kingdom, is serving a his client cross-examined on cans for him. She admitted two-year sentence after a statemnent she had given she treated him well…, there pleading guilty, February 13, to the police. was no dispute between them, 2014, to possession of the and she found him to be 1,235 grams of cocaine with Delpleche questioned, “You intent to supply, attempting to alright.”

Hooper also admitted that, find that strange? You treated export the drug, and as far as she could remember, him (Smith) so nice and he conspiring with Hooper and everything Smith said she did lied on that one thing. You others to export the drug.

Smith, who was called as a for him was true, and that the find that strange?”

Hooper replied, “Yes only lie he told on her was state witness, testified last please”. that she brought the sealed week Tuesday, March 18, that The prosecution and the Hooper had brought the sealed aluminium cans for him. She defence are expected to said she did not know of any cans for him at present closing arguments reason why Smith would lie on the hotel where today (Friday). he was staying, her.

‘Time for four full-time judges’ PAST PRESIDENT of the local Bar Association Kay Bacchus-Browne has expressed concern about the administration of justice here, especially regarding the timely hearing of matters in the civil and criminal courts.

And she is calling on the relevant authorities to provide this country with two full time judges to handle the Criminal Assizes, and two full time judges to handle the civil backlog.

“The time has come for us to have four full time judges here apart from the itinerant masters,” BacchusBrowne told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview on Wednesday.

“It is impossible and inhuman to expect one judge to handle the Assizes,” she underscored.

Bacchus-Browne noted that the only judge currently dealing with the Assizes is Justice Frederick BruceLyle, and Justice Cynthia Combie Martyr is the only civil judge.

“I have matters that are ripe for hearing, and I am told that we cannot get trial dates before 2017 to 2018. As a result, many of my clients are frustrated and concerned because some of them are ailing or elderly, and they fear they would not be able to get their matters heard before their demise,” Bacchus-Browne lamented.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 5.

Feature

Preparing for the future:

CAREER DAY AT THE SVGS

Ms. Desiree Richards, CEO/Publisher of THE VINCENTIAN, leads a hearty interactive session with the students.

by KENVILLE HORNE AND the school held its BEN HARRISON annual Career Week, allowing approximately THE ST. VINCENT 150 Form 3 students to GRAMMAR SCHOOL explore a variety of (SVGS) is one of the most career options. academically successful Headmaster of the and consistently high school, Curtis King, told achieving secondary THE VINCENTIAN that schools in Saint Vincent the event is a yearly one, and the Grenadines. “because around this Established in 1908, it time, the students of is the oldest institution Form 3, at the end of the offering secondary level second term, early into education in Saint the third term, are Vincent and the required to make a Grenadines, and it choice as to the options continues to attract some they would be making in of the top performers Form 4.” from the primary school The Career Week level. approach, according to During this past week, the school’s head, “helps the students to make informed and realistic choices.”

He recognized that this year’s effort was expanded to include exposure to more career options.

Students show a keen interest in a demonstration by a staff member of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority.

Form Three Students, some attired in considered career paths, show off their copies of THE VINCENTIAN’S Carnival Souvenir Magazine.

Inset: Eworth Abrams, Co-ordinator of the Career Week, carries an air of satisfaction. discussed from both a positive and negative perspective.

Presentations were interesting and interactive, and students were encouraged to ask questions about the professions and about creating a career pathway, and ways to discover which college majors or technical programmes would best feed into different career paths.

Presenters included representatives from Pharmacy, Fisheries, Education, Agriculture, the News Media, Medicine (including Physical Therapy), The Legal Profession, Police, Water Management, the Hospitality Industry, Cooperatives and Credit Unions, Entertainment and Entrepreneurship.

Journalist/Reporter Mr. Kenville Horne.

Ms. Richards gave a brief description of her personal education and career development from the St. Joseph’s Convent, Kingstown, to graduation with two undergraduate degrees and a JD Law degree at Columbia University in New York.

She interacted with the students, discussing their career choices and their future, and stressed the need for a positive attitude in building a foundation. She urged the students to, “broaden your horizon, open up the possibility, take advantage of the opportunity, and you can be anything you want to be.”

Ben Harrison spoke A day’s format specifically about the requirements of a Throughout the publishing career, day on Wednesday THE VINCENTIAN impacts including skills and March 26, eighteen education required for local business, THE VINCENTIAN positions within the professional and newspaper was pleased industry. government service to take the lead as far as Rhandez Browne gave representatives, the News Media was an overview of the each made five concerned, and began its mechanics (typesetting, separate presentation with its photo preparation, etc.) presentations to CEO and Publisher, Ms. of formatting the paper individual groups of Desiree Richards, for submission to the 30-35 students. welcoming the students printers.

Specific and introducing her Kenville Horne requirements to support staff: General addressed directly the achieve success, Manager Ms. Jacinta subject of a career of such as personal Elliott; International Journalism in the News interest, abilities, Correspondent Mr. Ben Media. skills and Harrison; Senior SubIn a presentation that opportunities were Editor Ms. Rhandez delighted the students explained and openly Browne; and and visibly excited their

interest in the field of journalism, Horne emphasised that journalists have to follow strict ethics and standards, and pursue their path with the highest sense of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, fairness and accountability, so as to avoid bringing themselves, their profession and employers into disrepute.

In outlining the advantages of being a journalist, the reporter, who has been with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper for over two years, highlighted in anecdotal fashion, his personal experiences and challenges.

Copies of THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper, as well as complimentary copies of THE VINCENTIAN’s publication, the Carnival Souvenir Magazine, were

given to each student.

Five lucky students were each awarded a free sixmonth subscription to THE VINCENTIAN online newspapers, after their names were selected from a draw.

And the end of the day, Eworth Abrams, Coordinator of the Career Week, expressed “happiness with the effort”, and was delighted with the response of the students.

“I think we are on the right direction. The boys would have responded positively to the activity,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. The SVGS Career Week will climax Monday 31st March, with an activity for the parents/guardians of the Form 3 students, to allow for discussion and concerns about the options that are being offered to their children/cares.

This student may well have already decided on a career path.

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Deceased womanÊs family sues police for EC$ ½ million

Chateaubelair family over the death of their mother late last month, says the family is suing the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) for EC$ ½ million.

Last week, the children of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas — Fitzbert Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne Thomas, 32, confirmed that she has begun a and Cameshia suit against the RSVGPF on behalf Jordon, 30 — of the family of Sylma ‘Codo’ told THE Thomas, deceased.

VINCENTIAN exclusively that they were

by NELSON A. KING left with no naking@verizon.net; option but to take legal neloking@msn.com action against the local US CORRESPONDENT constabulary after their mother died on Feb. 28, a KAY BACCHUS-BROWNE, a day after police raided prominent lawyer her home in Sharpes, representing a Chateaubelair,

reportedly looking for weapons. Thomas was 49.

“I’m going to ask for compensation in the sum of EC$1/2 million, plus special damages, for the wrongful death due to police negligence,” veteran attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN, in an exclusive interview Wednesday afternoon.

Bacchus said special damages may comprise funeral expenses, among others.

She disclosed that the pre-action, civil lawsuit letter has been sent to Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan and Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, who is also a Chateaubelair native.

“To my mind, it (Thomas’s death) amounted to gross negligence and apparent disregard for human

life,” added Bacchus, lamenting the absence of a female police officer during the raid of Thomas’s home.

“They (police) did not know what to do,” she alleged.

Mrs. Jordon — whose Michael Charles, Commissioner Chateaubelair- Hypertension is listed as of Police, instructed retired born husband, one of the contributing casues of Sylma Head of the CID, Willisford Frieneco Thomas’s death.

Caesar, to investigate the Jordon, is a circumstances surrounding member of the Thomas’s home.

Sylma Thomas’s death.

Royal Artillery in Family Salisbury, England — members also independent probe, with returned to England , said they had initially the appointment of an with her husband, on requested an autopsy, impartial panel, Tuesday. She and revealing that the death excluding police Fitzbert were home for certificate indicates that influence.

Thomas’s funeral. the cause of death was Sgt. Luke James, 49, She maintained that “hypertension and an erstwhile teacher at the police’s alleged cardiovascular Chateaubelair area actions were “totally hemorrhage.” schools and a former wrong,” adding that if Form 4 classmate of the local lawmen had Investigation begins Thomas at the Petit handled the situation Bordel Secondary School, “properly, they, at least, Commissioner just a stone’s throw from would have taken her Charles, who had the North Leeward town, (Thomas) to the hospital promised a police insisted that Thomas’s on time.” investigation into the death was avoidable, had But while the police matter and had police exercised better claimed that the family surprisingly attended care during and in the had refused their help to Thomas’s funeral service immediate aftermath of take Thomas to the at the St. Bethel Baptist the raid. hospital, Fitzbert, who Church, a short distance “Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas resides in Barbados, from Thomas’s home, has is reported to have fallen where he works as a recruited retired Head of ill during a raid of her mason, said the police the Criminal home by members of the never offered to Investigations Royal St. Vincent and transport Thomas in Department (CID), the Grenadines Police their vehicle, and were Willisford Caesar, of Force on February 27th, unsure about what Georgetown, according to 2014,” says the petition actions to adopt when Caesar. addressed to Charles. she fell ill during the Caesar told THE “She subsequently died raid.

VINCENTIAN last week the following day. It is He said his mother that he was “sent to alleged by her family was taken in a private investigate” the case, that their request for vehicle instead to the acting on “instructions medical aid was refused Milton Cato Memorial from the Commissioner by the police conducting Hospital in Kingstown, (of Police).” the search. It is also where she died the next Without offering alleged by family day. details, Caesar said “the members the police said Fitbert also claimed investigation is she was ‘faking’. that Thomas’s brother, continuing” and that he Roland “Patel” Chris Howe, a veteran had to “talk to residents Matthews, Member of British soldier, had in the area.”

Parliament for North asked the police to But, without Leeward and an ex-Form immediately call a elaborating, Bacchus said 4 classmate of Thomas at doctor, but they allegedly “the investigator has the Petit Bordel refused to do so. already concluded what Secondary School, has In addition, his answer would be.” also written to Charles, Fitzbert questioned At the same time, the calling for an Commissioner Michael United States-based, independent, impartial Charles’s reportedly, Chateaubelair-born probe in the case. relatively long delay in soldier, who had “Justice demands that claiming that a “greenspearheaded a candlea thorough independent like substance” that light vigil in the wake of investigation be launched appeared to be Thomas’s death, as a matter of urgency,” marijuana was found in continues to call for an he urges. “Do not delay.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 7.

News

Explanations for marijuana use continue The explanation by the accused that he used ganja ‘to open his appetite’, might have been a novel one to the court.

AS THE PUBLIC DEBATE continues on the decriminalization of marijuana, persons continue to give varying explanations to the court for possessing the drug.

On Monday, Carlisle Williams, a resident of Richland Park, who pleaded guilty to possession of ten grams of marijuana, told the Serious

Offences Court that he uses the drug to open his appetite and for energy to do work.

Williams was arrested March 22 as he was going through Gate 5 at the Grenadines wharf, to board one of the boats that ply the St. VincentGrenadines route. A search of his person revealed the drug.

When cautioned, Williams told the police, “Officer, is my weed wey me does smoke to get appetite to eat and brisk up to do work.”

He gave a similar explanation when he appeared in Court on Monday.

When Chief Magistrate Sonya Young asked what type of work he did, Williams said he works when he gets employment.

He was fined $50 forthwith or two days in prison.

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) recently mandated that a Regional Commission be set up to address issues identified in relation to marijuana use. (HH)

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 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

Ignoring a noble effort ARE WE GUILTY of continuing to marginalize people in this country?

As we hasten to the end of another Heritage Month, which includes National Heroes Day, and after our editorial of March 13, 2014, it was with much discomfort that we were made to swallow a certain ignominy that currently pervades our land.

Page 31 of this issue, features the undertaking of a group calling itself The Kalinago Tribe of SVG. Granted, few might have ever heard of this group, far less what it is currently undertaking.

However, the lone figure of a Kalinago ‘warrior’ (Augustine Sutherland) taking his stance at the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill, and even at Independence Day Parades, would and should not have gone unnoticed.

Unfortunately, it appears that that proud figure of Kalinago descent seems to be a passing spectacle for most, and if the truth be told, an annual nuisance for some, maybe even a figure of ridicule.

For some time now, the story of the Garifuna has been rightfully finding its place in our Vincentian heritage and cultural landscape.

Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer is our only National Hero to date. He is supposed to be a symbol of our resilience and our ‘die-for’ attitude to preserving our freedom and respecting our past.

All of that is good, and can only augur well for the cultivation of a ‘Vincentianess’, a lasting and founded Vincentian identity.

But somewhere in the mix, we have erred in not paying homage and respect to the indigenous people of this country - the Kalinago - those the Europeans and our history books still refer to as Caribs.

They too have a history and a sacred place in our milieu, and ought to enjoy a place of pride in our cultural expressions, and be a bonafide part of our ethnic make-up, not simply to be regulated to recipients of lip service.

For certain, not unlike the manner migrant people who today populate our nation, the Kalinago in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, unlike their sisters and brothers in Dominica, have lost some of their everyday cultural forms and expressions.

But, if we are to follow what obtains across the globe, indigenous peoples are taking a stand; demanding their rightful place in the societies which have developed at the expense of their (indigenous peoples’) emasculation.

So when a group of Kalinago here decide to undertake the building of a Kalinago War Canoe, to recapture the history of, and foster a sense of pride in, their ancestry, and they find little support for their effort, we should hang our heads in a deep abyss of shame.

Other than the involvement of the Forestry Department, there has been no official support for this undertaking. No official help with provisions while they search the forest for a suitable tree; no help with transportation of the tree, barring the generosity of Ruddy Electrical; no help with tools; no help with preparing the work site, what they call their headquarters; no nothing, as they say.

Little wonder, therefore, that those proud and committed Kalinago who have made the building of the War Pirogue their project, have to charge a small ‘entrance’ fee for those who hear, by chance, about the project, and would like to have a firsthand view of it.

There are less significant undertakings and unwarranted ‘causes’ in this country that have received national support - private sector entities, community groups, even politically aligned groups.

Why then does this effort suffer so unduly from want of support?

Is it because those who spearhead the effort are humble men who are not prepared to play the ‘who-you-know game’? That, like their ancestors, they understand nothing comes by sitting down, and have resigned themselves to making do with the little they have? That a handout might be conditioned and, therefore, is better avoided? That the national significance might be railroaded for the sake of some narrowminded intention?

THE VINCENTIAN urges those who matter, public and private sector authorities — especially relevant Government authorities, if we may be more exact - to visit the Kalinago War Pirogue site at New Montrose.

See for yourself what is unfolding in our midst. Relive the ingenuity of a proud people whom we boast of as being part of our diverse ethnicity that should come together in a Vincentian oneness.

And when you do visit, please put your money where your mouths are.

My “A” Team: Some village elders

his speciality in public health helped him to rap the folk, but he did it all so naturally.

There was a time when buses, laden with patients from the Windward districts, Reprint from 3/7/2003 - Continued from would journey to “Gid’s” clinics at the last week) Mental Hospital, which also fell under his charge, for FREE medical services that Sir Sydney Gun-Munro were administered far into the night sometimes!

A Grenadian by birth, Sir Sydney is a Owing to his islandwide popularity, Dr Vincentian in every other respect.

Cordice, who had earlier been courted by Sydney Gun Munro came to work in the Joshua’s PPP, actually formed a political Colonial Hospital in St Vincent when there party -the SNM - but, by then, he had was a general dearth of medical personnel. missed the bus.

Although not specially qualified as a For a long time, too, Dr Cordice was surgeon, he was forced to do operations engaged in an activity, which was second and, gaining “hands-on” experience, only before politics in its popular appeal eventually became as sharp as a tack in the game of cricket. For over a decade, he this particular field. But it was Sir had been the President of the local Cricket Sydney’s bedside manner that won him Association, which, with Frank Thomas at very many hearts. A simple man without his elbow, he moulded into an institution cant or pretensions, he plunged himself into that virtually still runs largely on its own unceasing toil in organizing and effecting momentum to this day. the health care of all and sundry, “Gids” himself has had a good innings regardless of social standing or material and does not seem to suffer much from possessions. wear-and-tear since hanging up his boots.

It is significant that when Sir Sydney was persuaded to compete for the Labour Doc Kirby Party in the Grenadines in the 1974 election, he was the only person to have I am happy that the National Trust will caused the popular incumbent, “Son” formally honour our own Dr, Earl Kirby, Mitchell, to work up a sweat in winning the with a painting of his likeness and all. elections.

Dr. Kirby is the quintessential Sir Sydney became Governor- General in Vincentian man that embodies all that is of 1975 and took to the State House the same good report in the local personality. easy-going and down-to-earth Shy of his own formidable intellect, and characteristics that he demonstrated embarrassed by his manifold gifts, Earl throughout his life.

Kirby would be left wondering as to what As G.G, he even ran eye-clinics in the commemoration was all about. He Bequia, free of cost. would probably crack some ribald joke to Unfortunately, in his retirement, Sir break the ice and cover his own coyness.

Sydney met in an accident that resulted in Dr. Earl Kirby is probably without injury to his back and legs, that has equal in the work he has done on the seriously curtailed movement. But Sir history, archaeology, and culture of the Sydney had taken his misfortune stoically, Garifuna people in the region. I will remains a pleasant and easy embarrass Earl no further as he cannot conversationalist, espousing a Christian stand praise and commendations in his philosophy that is as powerful as it as name. simple.

Unsought, I have discovered that there is a common thread running through my A Dr. Gideon Cordice team: all the guys are endowed with simplicity, humility, integrity, love and Dr. Gideon Cordice, for all his apparent lack of concern with material achievements and accomplishments, has possessions. It is not that they have taken been rootsy and earthy as they come. a vow of poverty and, perhaps, one or two Before Dr. Cordice’s return to serve his are actually hurting by their deprivations. country, there had been a certain mystique It is that they have steadfastly refused to about the medical profession, where some worship the Golden Calf, in whatever shape practitioners put on airs and maintained an or form. unhealthy social distance from their less Probably that is what is wrong with the fortunate compatriots. present day SVG: an obsession or pre“Gids” Cordice broke down all social occupation with the mundane and the barriers, and demolished the wall that material, at the expense of the cultural and imprisoned many of his colleagues. Perhaps spiritual.

(A

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 9.

Letters

Cut out the double standards YOU ONLY NEED to take a walk through Kingstown after the dismissal of school on Monday to Friday, and you will get a very good impression of what our young people consider is good behavior.

The lack of respect they show for themselves and their school uniforms causes my gut to turn. In fact, there is one so called tertiary level institution that should honestly take another look at their uniform. Those jeans and tight tops do nothing to enhance the persons of our young women, in particular.

And while I am on it: How come the trainee nurses, the trainee teachers and even the students at the Technical College are so well uniformed, while those at the six form college

are allowed to do themselves in something not far away from being a ‘punk style uniform’?

This double standard is what has got us into all kinds of trouble. Beat the child in school, punish him/her, and the parents run to the Ministry of Education, and just like that, the child is back in school carrying a ‘I-got-you’ smile for the said teacher who reprimanded him or her.

Worse, little example of correcting wrong is exhibited at the very top.

Look at what happened in the case of that deputy consul general. As far as the government is concerned, the man did not break any law, so he did nothing wrong. The truth is the man had to have done something

wrong, otherwise he would not have been dismissed.

So, here’s the rule it seems: Do wrong, we’ll cut you down to size, but we will not punish you.

We’ll even give you a good recommendation.

Gone, it seems, are the days when you had to face the consequences for having done wrong. The removal of corporal punishment in schools has encouraged the students to feel they are on par with their teachers.

We must admit truthfully that we have lost our way as the first step in pulling up our socks before this country descends any further.

And you leaders, across all political parties, please be aware that our children, our

young men and women, are looking at you. We all have our part to play; but you, leaders, have an even greater role to play to ensure that SVG remains safe for those yet to come.

Adrian Andrews Kingstown

The case of loud music in mini vans KUDOS to the police and other government officials for taking action on this annoying social issue. The level of noise pollution in St.Vincent is becoming epidemic. It seems you cannot go anywhere on the island without being bombarded by extremely loud music.

The transportation vans are a good place to start, but let’s not stop there.

Why should residents be subjected to the annoyance of “music” at 6:00 am from someone’s home stereo; music so loud it fills the entire valley. Or how about from passing cars in the middle of the night, by people who feel their taste in music must be shared by the entire sleeping neighbourhood? And

let’s not forget the rum bars that keep the thumping annoyance going the entire night.

Not only is this type of behaviour extremely rude and annoying, it does have health repercussions which will manifest themselves in years down the road, by way of hearing loss. We may be looking at an entire generation which will experience some form of hearing loss as they age. Hearing loss is not only devastating, it is permanent. The best way to manage it is by prevention.

Ivona Lancaster Fair Hall, St.Vincent

legalizing ganja, at least for medicinal purposes, and there is a strong move outside and inside the government to move towards wider legalization. On the other hand, Grenada and Barbados say they are not touching the matter with the longest bamboo pole you could find to give them; they staying put with what obtains currently in their country, i.e. ganja is illegal, and that’s it!

I understand that some lesser minister of government in St. Lucia said that marijuana will be legalized in his country, over his dead body. But he seems to be a small fry.

Now tell me, with at least 2 and one half of the CARCOM membership saying an outright no to the legalization of ganja, what do people like Gonsalves and company believe? That some

IF MY FRIEND the editor decides to publish this, I hope that there is not another killing. Up to Tuesday when this was written, there were 7 murders for the year.

If we say that this average (7 a quarter) continues for the year, then we could end up with 28 for the year.

Whether it’s 7 or 28, it’s just too many for a small country like ours. And nobody better start talking about how we safer than Trinidad which has passed 100 murders for the year already.

It seems that these murders here in SVG, at least the last three, have something to do with a criminal element fighting among itself. That is all well and good, some of you might say, ‘Let them kill one another.’ But the danger is that in fighting against one another, there is a good chance that it will spill over to innocent people, like what has happened in Jamaica and Trinidad. And if we don’t do something to stamp out that criminal element, and stop protecting them (yes, protecting them), they will turn against the police, and then all hell will break loose.

Mr. Editor, my friend, there has never been so many people so afraid in this country before.

Afraid to even go out, because they feel that if they just bounce on somebody, that somebody will ups and pull a gun.

And talking about guns, when is the last time somebody got killed with a licensed gun?

I pray each day that this country could return to the peaceful place it was. Our leaders have to start being tough on all criminals, not shake hands with some and shut away some. Fighting crime must be done on an even playing field.

Then again, donkey say the world ain’t levels and it looks like we have to believe him.

George C

ULP: The best ever FRIDAY 28 will make 13 years since the Unity Labour Party was elected to government.

Since that beginning, March 28, 2001, the ULP has won two more elections (2005 and 2010).

I want to offer my public congratulations to

Round the ganja bush CAN SOMEBODY please explain this marijuana/ganja issue to me.

First, Dr. Gonsalves called for serious discussion among CARICOM Heads regarding the legalization of ganja for at least medicinal purposes. The Heads agreed to discuss the matter, and they did so when they met in SVG earlier this month.

From what I read, the Heads, according to Chairman Dr. Gonsalves, discussed the matter and they agree to set up a Regional Commission to address issues related to ganja use.

And Dr. Gonsalves has said that SVG will not act unless it is within a CARICOM decision and framework, or words to that effect.

Now, while all this ‘ole talk’ going on, Jamaica has taken ‘advanced steps’ towards

Don’t protect the criminals

regional Commission would change Grenada and Barbados’ minds?

To me, these Heads are playing to the gallery. Ganja is a good political issue, especially for those seeking to remain in power.

How could they (CARCOM) pursue an issue, on which there’s hope for unanimity (yeh man, I know some big words too) when already there are some dissenters among them? And I wonder if there are not some other countries who just ‘fraid to come out against the legalization push.

But no, set up another Commission to give some cronies some travel money and per diems.

I just don’t make sense of this action by CARICOM. Somebody please rescue me.

Garnet, N.Y.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP for achieving another year in government, especially in the face of all efforts to bring him and the ULP down.

The record of the ULP, in thirteen short years, is unmatched by any other term of government in this country since it achieved independence in 1979.

Sir James Mitchell’s NDP had 17 years in office and they did their bit. But undoubtedly, more has been done, in every sphere and endeavour, by the ULP, than was done before, and in a shrter period of time.

And to crown it all, Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP are nearing delivering to SVG an international airport.

Need we ask for more?

God bless Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP. May you continue to serve this country for another thirteen years and more.

P. Jack

* Is there something wrong about the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit putting himself up as a possible candidate for the ULP, in the next general elections? * Can somebody say whether or not there has been an increase in the number of TB cases in SVG? * Have all the arrowroot farmers been paid for their rhizomes? * When are we going to get a witness protection programme in this country?

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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The ULP Administration: 13 years and growing stronger The Issue THIRTEEN YEARS AGO TODAY, on March 28th 2001, the voters of this country went to the polls, to remove the backward, non performing NDP from office, and to replace them with the ULP, a party that has shown itself to be progressive, forward thinking and in communion with the people.

Suddenly the country experienced a new dawn, and Vincentians saw their beloved country going in a new direction. No longer were we the laughing stock of the region, being compared to Haiti in terms of development and poverty. No longer were we on any black-lists; no longer were we having problems getting our young people into universities; no longer were we on a “shift system,” with our children having to attend school for fifty percent of their school day. No longer were we as a people lacking in a national focus, drifting aimlessly, without a proper sense of identity.

All that has changed. Now we are proud to be called Vincentians, proud of our record of economic achievements; proud about the way our young people are being educated; proud of the way our infrastructure is being developed, and proud of two key strategies, the Education Revolution and the construction of the international airport project at Argyle.

Thirteen years of progress There are a number of factors which are responsible for the tremendous development of St.Vincent and the Grenadines over the last thirteen years. These include the people-centered vision of the ULP, the philosophy of applied social democracy, the many-sided economic strategy of sustained development, and the creative policies and programmes which are transforming this country for the better.

Add to this, is the leadership provided by the ULP and Comrade Ralph. The party has never shied away from any problem, from the Baico/Clico issue to the ravages of the current global financial and economic crisis that has affected the country.

And when the natural disasters affected the country, it was the leadership of the ULP who provided the guidance and example, first to provide relief to those who were affected, and then to begin and complete the restoration work.

It is that leadership that has driven the development work in the country over the last thirteen years. As early as the first term, this was demonstrated when there was a shortage of nurses in the country. The ULP used nurses from Cuba to cover the shortfall, and then began a massive training, where the government paid the nurses a stipend to undertake their training programmes. Who can forget that marathon repair work effort led by Julian Francis, to get our schools ready for learning, back in 2001?

The story is the same all over.

When challenges arise, the ULP goes into action, discussing the solutions, finding the finance to carry out the agreed actions, and following through

to completion. The evidence is all over the country. It is seen in the construction of the Rabacca bridge. It is seen in the housing units constructed for persons in the middle, low and “no” income social bracket. It is seen in the number of our young people who are at universities all over the world. And it is seen in the construction of the largest ever capital project in the history of this country, the international airport at Argyle.

Public servants are taking home more pay, and their working conditions have improved. The poor and the working class have been attended to, and the ULP administration has markedly reduced the level of indigent poverty in the State. The country has become wealthier, with an increase in the gross domestic product over the years.

Innovative programmes such as the duty free barrels at Christmas and the home care for the elderly have brought further benefits for Vincentians.

Still Challenges exist Despite all these positive development work, there are still some challenges that we have to address. The global economic and financial crisis is still with us, and while we are holding our own, and doing better than some of our regional neighbours, we are still not yet out of the woods.

Our people must continue to strive for excellence, and to work harder and smarter every day. Leisure is important, but it cannot be at the centre of our lives. Hard work will always bring success. We must avoid petty jealousies. We must love our neighbours and above all, we must come to their assistance in times of need. Above all, we must stay away from crime and criminal activity.

There is a tiny majority who spend time on radio and on Face book, tearing down and “badmouthing” our beloved country. Some of these persons are aided and abetted by the opposition NDP, but they are finding no purchase among patriotic Vincentians. By and large, most people recognize the good work that the ULP administration has done, and will continue to do, for the benefit of all Vincentians.

In another month or so, our secondary school students will be getting their Acer notebooks with all the Microsoft programmes, to enhance their learning and improve the flow of information. No dirty propaganda will affect these students in their thirst for knowledge.

Many Vincentians at home and abroad are thanking their lucky stars, that the Unity Labour Party and Comrade Ralph are at the helm of governance in this country. The thought of Arnhim Eustace and his reckless unpatriotic at the helm of this ship of state, is beyond comprehension.

Long live the Unity Labour Party, moving forward to a fourth term in office!

Motion on the crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) believes that government’s first responsibly is to protect its citizens by building a strong and safe community.

However, it is obvious that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration has failed miserably in fighting crime in our country. Hence, the NDP has seen it fit to draft a motion on crime, and is still waiting for it to be debated in parliament. The following is the motion: WHEREAS over the last few months, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced an unprecedented series of heinous and barbarous crimes, contributing further to a veritable climate of fear throughout this otherwise blessed land of ours; AND WHEREAS this trend has affected the lives of all Vincentians, resulting in a large number of our potentially productive young people being lost to crime, as can be evidenced by the number of youths in our prison population, the spiralling number of “homeless youth” roaming the streets of Kingstown and the creation of neighbourhood watch societies in several communities; AND WHEREAS there is an insufficient number of rural libraries and like facilities; an absence of a girls’ home, to complement the Liberty Lodge Boys’ home; an inadequate number of rural counselling centres, and an absence of a scientific approach to dealing with these social problems; AND WHEREAS resources need to be available to address these concerns which continue to impact society negatively and in particular that such assistance be used for increasing community policing, lending assistance to such organs as crime stoppers anonymous, youths organizations, family life and spiritual development programmes, and for expanding local and domestic security; AND WHEREAS this unsatisfactory state of affairs has been acknowledged by the media, civil society and the Human Rights Association, as manifested by their editorials, statements of condemnation, calls for marches of peace, and a request for a return to more Christian values and the need to be “our brother’s and sister’s keeper”; AND WHEREAS, this prevailing climate now sustains an environment of uncertainty, despair and unlawful conduct which threatens the best of our democratic traditions, constitutional privileges and a reasonable sense of decency; AND WHEREAS given the impact of foreign cultural penetration on small developing countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the state has an obligation to reintroduce the family unit and specifically the basic role of parents in the upbringing of children by a sustained and relentless education initiative for the development of spiritual, ethical, moral and human values through social, cultural and economic interventions; AND WHEREAS it is universally accepted that there is an undeniable link between the levels of crime and depressed economic conditions, and that the issues of drug trafficking, drug use and drug dependency, along with poverty alleviation, loom large and require the utmost priority; AND WHEREAS government spends over $13,000.00 per annum to maintain a prisoner in the main correction institution, and only $5.00 on a Girl Guide or Boy Scout(at an organizational level as evidenced in

the estimates) among youth who comprise the standard bearers of discipline for a kinder, gentler St. Vincent and the Grenadines; AND WHEREAS the potential for development of the criminal instinct is highest in disadvantaged , homeless and orphaned youth, it is imperative that the state complements the existing Liberty Lodge Boys Training School with a counterpart female institution; introduce truancy officers in the several constituencies, towns, villages as appropriate to back up a compulsory education initiative, while the Ministry of Gender and Social Affairs is charged with the responsibility for tracking homeless and orphaned children and aiding in their rehabilitation.

Be it Resolved that this Honourable House support a Motion to be called: The Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter, giving tangible effect to a national commitment to a just, equitable, confinement, fearless, respectful, proud and God-fearing people by providing resources, giving leadership, employing social and economic strategies to reduce the intolerable violence, providing hope for the Vincentian aspiration, tolerance for divergence, love and respect for the dignity of human life and our commitment to the Supremacy of God in all we say and do in building the kinder, gentler society for the 21st century.

Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter * Initiate household sustainability: Each Vincentian household must have at least one occupant employed over the next five (5) to ten (10) years. * Encourage prayer: A school prayer and pledge to be recited daily, suggested prayer to be crafted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council in collaboration with other religious organisations.

The Ministry of Education will be the executing agency. * Invigorate Sunday school: Support a fund for Sunday/Sabbath teaching. * Strength youth development: work with the National Youth Council on a pro rata contribution of $1000.00 per member group base on an approval basis. The following organizations will be given special recognition, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Cadet Force, Girls Guide, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Brigade, Pathfinders, Red Cross and InterSchool Christian Fellowship and National sporting bodies. * Further stimulate the intellectual capability by promoting the capacity of students through compulsory debating societies in all government and assisted secondary schools. * Effect quantitative improvement in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force by the implementation of national security professionalization and leadership programmes for the Office Corps. * Grant amnesty for illegal firearms. * Provide a girls’ home similar to the Liberty Lodge for disadvantaged, homeless and orphaned girls. * Develop value-laden family life telecasts for television * Establish a sport endowment of $20,000.00 to each of the leading sporting bodies for community based sports programmes.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 11.

Views

So easily distracted

“Until you learn to discipline your mind and have complete control over it, you will be expressly limited in your capacity to exercise faith. The full power of the mind is only realized when it is specifically focused and directed to a specific end. If you allow your mind to dwell randomly on incidental or mundane preoccupations, you will be limited in your ability to draw on the power of faith and your mind will not be a source of power for you. You will discover, however, that as you attempt to control and focus your mind, the devil will bring things to your view to distract you. When you can control your mind and not allow it to be distracted, you will be able to exercise unlimited faith and unlock the powers of heaven by your faith.” - Grant Von Harrison - American religious leader THERE ARE TIMES in our lives when we feel the need to draw closer to God; to get to know Him better; to get to love Him more; to want to serve Him more faithfully. I recently experienced such a yearning, and decided to go through one chapter of the New Testament book of John each day. It was truly amazing how many blessings I received as a result of this 3-week spiritual journey. There were so many things that I saw with “new eyes”. And as I reflected on these “new horizon experiences,” it dawned on me that a hunger and thirst for God’s word will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal new insights and provide new blessings along the way. I experienced one such moment when I got to the final chapter of John. Here, in Chapter 21, we read that Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples decided to go fishing after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

They toiled all night and caught nothing.

The next morning, Jesus (not yet recognized), speaking to them from the shore while they were still on their boat, asked them if they had any meat. After they indicated that they had caught no fish, He instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the ship. They did.

They then caught 153 fishes and the net did not break. What an experience!

The historic record in Chapter 21 proceeds to describe Jesus’ invitation to these men to “Come and dine” (verse 12). The Master had already prepared them a meal. John, inspired

by God, captures the experience of Jesus’ reminding Peter to feed His lambs and His sheep. This was a useful and timely reminder of Peter’s mission; his calling. Our Saviour reminded Peter to follow Him (verse 19). Peter, this powerful man of God, immediately became distracted as he gazed at John. He then asked the Lord, “What shall this man do?”

Peter’s curiosity had moved away from his assignment to contemplate what John’s role was to be; he was sidetracked by another’s task after he had been told what his mission was.

The Lord responded by reminding Peter that his focus should be on

Campden Park and the return of Ju-C ? following Him (Jesus Christ) and that he should not be distracted by John’s assignment (“What is that to thee?” — verse 22). Peter appeared to have been so easily distracted. However, we are encouraged, as we read the New Testament book of Acts, to see his many great accomplishments when he focused on the tasks at hand.

He performed miracles, strengthened believers, and preached the gospel (the good news) with energy.

While on this life’s pilgrim journey, we (you and I) will periodically become distracted by the events that are taking place in and around us.

We are so often guilty of having our eyes drift from the meal that is in our plate (the blessings that we have) to consider what is in another’s bowl.

That gaze, that distraction, is a recipe for disaster. If not managed, it can lead to envy. And that envy can corrode our inner peace and sense of gratitude. This can so easily happen when we think that the individual has more or better than we have. But, in the case where we contemplate that we have more or better than they have, it can create or sustain feelings of pride and arrogance. Such feelings are equally corrosive to our inner peace.

We can so easily lose our focus and become distracted by the events that vie for importance in our lives but draw us away from our noble mission and purpose. Evelyn Underhill (18751941), the English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist, captures these situations so well when she wrote, “Most of our conflicts and difficulties come from trying to deal with the spiritual and practical aspects of our life separately instead of realizing them as parts of one whole. If our practical life is centred on our own interests, cluttered up by possessions, distracted by ambitions, passions, wants and worries, beset by a sense of our own rights and importance, or anxieties for our own future, or longings for our own success, we need not expect that our spiritual life will be a contrast to all this. The soul’s house is not built on such a convenient plan; there are few soundproof partitions in it. Only when the conviction – not merely the idea – that the demand of the Spirit, however inconvenient, rules the whole of it, will those objectionable noises die down which have a way of penetrating into the nicely furnished little oratory and drowning all the quieter voices by their din.” And so, we press forward and upward reenergized and refocused; recommitted to those values that we hold dear. We are fortified in our spirits and focused on our own assignments and blessings so that we do not become so easily distracted.

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

FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS, Vincentian ‘sweet drink’ lovers were forced to go without their beloved Ju-C. The purchase of the Ju-c plant at Campden Park by the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) means Vincentians at home and abroad will get the opportunity to, once again, enjoy the range of Ju-C flavours that dominated the soft drink market for more than a generation.

Bottlers (SVG )Ltd, the company that produced Ju-C, closed in rather strange circumstances. The closure of the company was a strange occurrence because three or so years before shutting its door, Bottlers was said to have invested close to EC$6 million in equipment, to accommodate a line of its products in plastic bottles.

The unexpected closure meant that scores of workers were placed on the bread line. We understand that the workers’ representative, the CTAWU, is negotiated to ensure that workers receive their severance pay and/or other benefits owed to them as a result of their long service and forced termination. The hope is that many of those with experience at the Bottlers plant will be returned to employment as the company resumes production.

In these very difficult economic times, when many citizens are in search of employment, the impending return of Ju-C products must sound like music to their ears.

The biggest challenge for ECGC, the new owners of the plant, will be to reclaim market share that has been eroded since the plant closed. In that period, The St. Vincent Brewery has strengthened its line of soft drinks; Busta products have also made a strong claim on the taste buds of nationals, especially children, while some of our traffickers brought in JuC from Trinidad for sale on the local market.

ECGC is a majority company in which the government and a local business have significant shares.

Therefore, we wish ECGC well as it expands its business wings and takes on the production of Ju-C again.

Bottlers (SVG) Ltd also had significant local investments, and we do hope that the purchase will result in some, if not all of those local investors receiving return on their investment.

The industrial estate at Campden Park is a shadow of its former self.

When it became operational in the late 1960s, the concepts of industrialization by invitation dominated the developmental agenda in the Caribbean. Many companies, mainly from North America, exploited our close proximity to the American market, low wages and perfect weather and opened shop. These companies produced, among other items, children’s clothing, golf balls, and other products (e.g. tennis racquets) were assembled.

The big benefit to St Vincent then was that hundreds of locals received jobs. Even though the wages were low, workers, particularly females, travelled from across the country to Campden Park in search of employment.

The industrial estate at Campden Park was a kind of coming out party for many women. It was the first time many of them were working outside of the home. Many no longer depended

on their husbands and boyfriends, as before. Undoubtedly, the estate at Campden Park played a big role in liberating many women from the drudgery of house work, and empowered them with a pay cheque.

This is no small feat. I am old enough to remember an incident at Murray’s Village where a neighbour whipped his girlfriend mercilessly.

The woman had had enough, decided that she could take no more, and proceeded to leave the home. The man, cruel as ever, demanded the dress the woman was wearing because he had bought it. Ashamed to leave the house naked, she stayed, and the cycle of abuse continue.

Women are still being abused by men, but most women have long passed the day when they may not be able to walk away from an abusive man because she has no clothes.

The security emergency and the need for guards have had a similar impact and effect on the employment of women. There are hundreds of persons employed with the security services, and this has helped to ease the unemployment crunch.

Another striking development of the industrial estate was the need for transportation for the hundreds of workers employed there. Mini-vans came in to fill that void. These vans have now become the main mode of transporting people across the country, creating a source of two employees per van.

The foregoing clearly shows that work can have a transformative impact and effect on people’s lives.

Work also has the potential to create developments that many of us might not have even thought about when it begins.

At Campden Park, the container port, flour mill, the beer, metal and galvanize factories are all major employers. These businesses are the anchor on which Campden Park will once again become a hive of industrial activity and employment. The hope is that the re-emergence of Ju-C will bring a renewed confidence to the business sector. This confidence must help to spur creative ideas for innovation and business development that will not only bring a positive benefit to business owners, but also bring much needed employment to Vincentians.

It is well established that the commercial banks are overflowing with cash. But the atmosphere for business growth and development is hampered by the high interest rate citizens and business leaders are asked to pay. In this period of economic down, the interest rates in major economies are closer to zero, while in SVG it is between 8 and 10 percent.

These rates are strangling growth and development. Something must be done to ensure that businesses or enterprising individuals can get much needed capital at more favourable rates, so as to spur on the economy.

Ju-C’s re-emergence is a move in the right direction.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Financial incompetence killing Barbados and SVG THE BARBADOS economy is plummeting as the government is trying to deal with a massive fiscal deficit. The Barbados government says it intends to sell-off some public assets as it moves to reduce the fiscal deficit by March next year.

The situation in Barbados is mirrored in SVG. SVG has had 10 years of fiscal deficits and to overcome the financial problems, the ULP government has been selling-off our country’s assets. Financial incompetence is so serious in SVG that the Director of Audit failed the ULP government in 2008 on the audit Public Accounts.

SVG Green Party Leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal, who is a university graduate in accounting and finance from Oxford Brookes University, England, strongly disagrees with the fiscal stance taken by Barbados and SVG in trying to reduce their fiscal deficits, by selling-off their countries’ assets.

Mr Ivan O’Neal strongly believes that gross financial incompetence, poor financial forecasting, a lack of extrapolation and regression analysis, and a long-term inability to create sustainable sources of revenue are the core problems in Barbados and SVG, and the people of these nations are suffering because they have governments that cannot manage

public finances.

In Barbados, the government intends to sell-off the Barbados National Terminals Limited and in SVG, the ULP government killed the National Commercial Bank (NCB) with a massive bank overdraft of $185 million and sold the NCB. They also sold hundreds of acres of crown lands.

Rather than create sustainable sources of revenue, Barbados has announced a load of new taxes and increased gasoline prices. Likewise in SVG, the ULP government is too incompetent to create sustainable sources of revenue and instead makes Vincentians suffer under a range of taxes including VAT, property tax and the high fuel surcharge.

Barbados is introducing as much as BDS$100 million in additional taxes on its people. The high level of taxes in both countries has caused many businesses to suffer and close down, increased unemployment and the levels of poverty. Both countries cannot see where they are going wrong.

The Prime Ministers of Barbados and SVG are so backward that they chose to increase taxes to resolve their economic problems, whereas in

Singapore they have reduced taxes and their economy has grown.

After years of financial problems, the Barbados and SVG governments still focus on putting tourism at the heart of their economies, even though the figures and high fiscal deficits clearly indicate that tourism is not the answer.

Barbados has already sacked 3,000 government workers and this will bring untold damage to the society and economy of Barbados. SVG cannot afford to lose so many jobs as unemployment is already high.

Competent financial management is needed in SVG to ensure that no government jobs are lost and thousands more are created, and that is why a Green government is needed. A Green government can bring competent financial and economic management. A Green government will create sources of sustainable revenue.

With a Green government competently managing SVG’s finances, it will be possible to cut the price of water and electricity by 50%. Thousands of homes in SVG are without electricity and water and this is making our people suffer. Our people need change.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

The joy of scouting

the goats, bathing the dog I AM A PROUD scout, especially today or dogs, cleaning when I see my Girl Guide sister sitting the dog pen, in a wheel chair in attendance at a sweeping the Guide’s World Thinking Day yard, cutting the ceremony. She claims never to have lawn, and the missed one of these ceremonies, and big one, filling a Scouts logo she is 84 years young. The best of wooden tub with and motto. health and happiness to you, my water (12 full caring sister. biscuit tins each Bassy Alexander inspired me to holding 5 gals). And we did it elaborate on scouting and what and all with a smile, no displeasure, how it contributed to my upbringing, so much so that at times the Earn your badges and Scouts take pride in being on parade particularly from 1952 to 2014. boss will give us a bonus of six and displaying the badges they have always carry them It was a boy’s dream to become a pence or even three pence, and earned, as seen here during the 2013 with a smile - one of scout and be seen on parade or going he or she will get the privilege of the demands of being Independence Day parade. to church in full uniform, displaying being called a ‘good boss’. a Scout. all the badges he had earned. It made In a nutshell, the laws of the me feel like a man. ‘Be Prepared’ (be Scout Movement demanded your proficiency, I became. prepared for your future) was not only trust, loyalty, helpfulness, oarsman, ship, our motto; it was what the Scout brotherhood, courtesy, kindness, Earning your badges pathfinder, Movement actually did. smiling, obedience, thrift, and purity of swimming, first I recall as a scout being involved in mind and body. These laws prepared Let us stroll down memory lane. aid, and many ‘bob-a-job’ fund-raising efforts, in many young men to be proud citizens The first stage of becoming a scout more badges. which you did odd jobs for a ‘bob’ (24 of this world. My thanks go out to was learning the laws. Then you At 74 years cents). Such ‘jobs’ included tying out Lord and Lady Baden Powell for what learned about knots — their uses and young, I how to tie them. If you passed the remember the test, you earned your tenderfoot badge. days when there Lord Robert and Earning this badge told if you would were no cell Lady Olave Badenbecome a boy or man for life, because phones, only Powell, founders of on the day when you received your ham radios. I the Scout and Girl badge, usually at an investiture recall courting Guide Movements. ceremony, the entire troop took a my first swipe at you (a strap behind your girlfriend by head) to test whether you will morse code, also Semaphore, and the maintain a smile and whistle under all next day a group of boys (scout) telling difficulties. me all that was said, and how many The 2nd class stage taught you how kisses I received. Dom Fr. Carlos to clean wounds; how to use your staff Verbeke, known locally as Father to make a bridge to cross an opening Charles, a Roman Catholic priest and over which you couldn’t jump;, how to supporter of the Scout Movement, make a human chair with hands to advised me to use a letter the next transport sick patients. Then came the time I communicated with my 1st class stage where you are taught girlfriend. how to make tea using a paper bag Next week, we’ll speak of the joys of over an open fire to boil the water; camping and efforts to re-build the how to dig a hole on a hill top and use Scout Movement. it like a coal pot to cook food. During this stage, if successful, you could earn Old Scout Part 1

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 13.

Diaspora

Vincy judge gets US Congressional Honor

motivated her to volunteer and serve Justice Ash joined the legal staff of the daughter of the late as a victim services liaison for battered District Council 37 Municipal Rudolph “Fire” Ash, of Employees Legal Services Plan in New women and abused children.

Kingstown Hill and 95th York City, where she provided legal Street (Brooklyn) Labor representation to the council’s 125,000 Other current involvement Day Sunday Carnival state, city and municipal employees, fame, told THE In addition to her current judicial VINCENTIAN afterwards. specializing in real estate, family, administrative and immigration law. responsibilities, Justice Ash serves as “The congresswoman She was the supervising attorney in a board director on the Brooklyn and her mother have the union’s Family and Administrative Women’s Bar Association; the Judicial paved the way for Law Units and the chief counsel of the Friends Association; Judges and Caribbean-American Immigration Law Unit.

Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert women, such as me, and Prior to taking the judicial bench, Association; New York Municipal they are true role models Credit Union; and the Brooklyn-based for women whom I admire 2005, Justice Ash was a practicing attorney for over 20 years.

Q’Kingdom Ministries, Inc., and St. for their In this capacity, she was the general Gabriel’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church accomplishments,” added counsel for the National Association Senior Citizen Center.

Justice Ash, the niece of for the Advancement of Colored People Justice Ash is also an active the late Kenneth Ash, of (NAACP) Social Service Chapter in member of the Brooklyn Bar Lowman’s Hill, who New York City, where she provided Association; New York State Bar arguably revolutionized Christmas Lighting in St. pro bono legal services to the chapter’s Association; New York State members. The NAACP is the oldest Association of Supreme Court Justices; Vincent and the and largest civil rights organization in New York Criminal and Civil Bar Grenadines.

Associations; National Association of Justice Sylvia G. Ash is the US. Additionally, Justice Ash was very Women Judges; Columbian Lawyers also the niece of the late Justice Sylvia Ash (L) receives Congressional active in her community, and Association of Brooklyn; and the Award from Ex-New York City Councilwoman Una Henry Ash and Dollis volunteered her legal talent and Caribbean American Chamber of Forbes, of Kingstown Hill.

Clarke. acumen to numerous civic, religious, Commerce & Industry, Inc. Patsy Ash-Comas, labor and not-for-profit organizations, Justice Ash was the proud recipient Justice Ash’s aunt, is the Story and photos BY NELSON A. KING sole survivor of eight children of Esmie including youth mentorship programs, of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s 2012 naking@verizon.net; and Abel Ash, of Kingstown Hill. Ash- and was a strong and vocal advocate of Award in recognition of “Outstanding neloking@msn.com children’s rights issues.

Achievement in the Science of Comas is the driving force behind the US CORRESPONDENT Jurisprudence and Public Service.”

Justice Ash said these issues Kingstown Hill Christmas Lighting.

Prior to her A VINCENTIAN JUDGE was among five election to the Black female justices to receive a United Supreme Court, States Congressional Honour during the Justice Ash was the all-day 3rd Annual Shirley Chisholm first CaribbeanWomen’s Empowerment Conference at American woman to Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New be elected as a Civil York.

Court Judge in New Justice Sylvia G. Ash, a judge of the York City.

Kings County (Brooklyn) Supreme AS CANADA THIS MONTH Immigration Consultants are representation for a fee at any Court in the 2nd Judicial District of A trailblazer observes Fraud Prevention “highly trained and effectively stage of an immigration New York, was on March 15, honored Month, Citizenship and regulated, so their clients can application or proceeding.

by United States Congresswoman In 1984, Immigration Minister Chris be sure that they are getting If the court finds a person Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of immediately after Alexander is urging the best advice and guilty, on summary conviction, Jamaican immigrants, who represents graduating from Vincentian and other representation possible. the person is subject to a fine the 9th Congressional District in Howard University potential newcomers to use “Unscrupulous and of up to CAN$20,000, or up to Brooklyn.

School of Law in authorized immigration unauthorized representatives six months imprisonment, or Clarke’s mother, the trail-blazing representatives to avoid weaken Canada’s immigration both; and, on conviction on Washington, D.C., Dr. Una Clarke, the first Caribbeansystem, cost taxpayers money, indictment, he/ she is subject and being admitted to becoming victims of fraud. born woman to ever hold elective office practice law in the “Fraud is a very serious and slow down the processing to a fine of up to CAN$100,000 in New York City, presented the issue in our immigration of valid applications,” he said. or up to two years State of New York in award to Ash and the other honorees system,” said Alexander in a Under Canadian law, only imprisonment, or both.

1985, Justice Ash at a special ceremony at the authorized immigration A new bill, C-24, before the accepted a position as statement. “Our government culmination of the conference. is taking action to combat representatives can charge a Canadian Legislature a Judicial Law Clerk The other honorees were Justices fraud by introducing specific fee to help someone apply for a reinforces what Alexander in the Superior Court Barbadian-born Sylvia Hinds-Radix, L. of New Jersey, measures in the visa to come to Canada, said is the “value of Priscilla Hall, Cheryl E. Chambers ‘Strengthening Citizenship Alexander said. citizenship” by cracking down Chancery Division. and Sharen D. Hudson.

Act’ that will address He said if Vincentians or on fraud and ensuring She was the first “I am very honored to receive this misrepresentation in the other newcomers use an Canadian citizenship is only person of color to award during Women’s History Month serve in that position. citizenship system. unauthorized representative, offered to “those who play by from the congresswoman,” Justice Ash, “Fraud Prevention Month their application may be the rules.”

Later in 1985, reminds newcomers of the refused, and they could risk Proposed measures include importance of using becoming victims of fraud. stronger penalties for fraud authorized immigration He said of the nearly 6,500 and misrepresentation (a representatives and provides permanent residents who have maximum fine of information to newcomers so been flagged to date, as being CAN$100,000 and/or five that they do not become linked to major investigations, years in prison); expanding victims of fraud,” he added.

1,894 people have withdrawn the grounds to bar an Alexander cautioned that or abandoned their citizenship application for citizenship to unauthorized representatives applications — “a sign of include foreign criminality; are not trained or regulated, success with our immigration and making it an offence for and take money for services fraud deterrence measures.” unauthorized individuals to they cannot provide, “which Alexander said regulations, knowingly represent or advise often leads to the refusal of which came into force on Jun. a person on a citizenship applications that might 30, 2011, impose penalties on application or hearing for a otherwise be approved.” unauthorized representatives fee.

On the other hand, he said who provide, or offer to Section of the audience at women’s conference. regulated Canadian provide, advice or

Canada reiterates warning on immigration fraud

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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Curtis King, noted historian, says that European governments must pay for the transgressions of their predecessors.

Reparation takes centre stage at Culture Fest Carlos James, a lawyer and native of North Leeward, called for DuValle to be named this country’s second National Hero.

by KENVILLE HORNE CURTIS KING, a Member of the National Reparations Committee and the National Heroes

Selection Committee, is of the view that, even as persons of the black race have little inclination towards talking about slavery, Vincentians ought

to be engaged in discussion on the issue of reparations.

King expressed the view while speaking at a cultural event in Chateaubelair, Saturday 22nd March 2014.

The event, dubbed Culture Fest, was spearheaded by the Generation Next — a North Leeward-based youth group, as part of activities to mark this country’s National Heritage and Heroes Month.

King, a noted historian, said, inter alia, “We have to repair the damage that was done to us as black people by starting the discussion, and we have to support those who are fighting for justice. As black people, we don’t want to talk about that, but we can speak about the Jews and the Japanese.”

And reminded his audience that the Jews and Japanese “received reparations.” King acknowledged.

King, in making his case for reparations, the case of native genocide that rocked the Caribbean referred particularly to Chateaubelair, noting that the town was “a Carib community and now we hardly have Caribs here because of the destructive and murdering policies of the British.”

He emphasised that, “The Caribs did not roll over and die easily, they were engaged in warfare, fighting against the mighty British and holding them off for over 34 years”.

King was adamant that the Europeans who wrought destruction on

native people and enslaved Africans “must pay, and we need reparations to continue our thrust and development.”

Also addressing the function was ULP potential candidate for North Leeward, Lawyer Carlos James.

James, in his address, made a case for Carib chief DuValle to be considered as this country’s second national hero.

According to James, “We often forget that Chatoyer was not alone and could not have coordinated his islandwide tactical maneuvering without the help of others.”

The lawyer and community activist noted that before we take a quantum leap from the Chatoyer era to our modern socio-economic and political development, we must consider other persons who contributed to our development from the Chatoyer era, such as DuValle, who was a main component of the struggle between Caribs and the British.

“Now, before we even get to the stage of considering the likes of Joshua, Cato et al, I am of the opinion that there is a strong case to be made of DuValle who was instrumental in the fight for freedom for the Caribs along with Chatoyer,” James said.

The event also occasioned an appearance by the contestants in the North Leeward Heritage Pageant, and performances by reggae artiste Yaphato and the Rose Hall Drummers.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 15.

News

Washington Association donates to Red Cross

Members of the SVG party to Taiwan and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Agricultural Mission.

Seven off to Taiwan

SIX FARMERS, accompanied by one officer of the Cooperative Division, will leave these shores today, Friday 28th March, for Taiwan, where they will attend a 2-week training course on Agricultural Marketing – Operations of Farmers Groups and Cooperatives.

According to Mr. Chung-Yu Lee, Chief of the Taiwan Agricultural Mission here, the primary objective of the visit will be to expose the participants to the operations of various farming organizations and facilities, as a means of improving their skills and competencies as future trainers and leaders of farmers groups in SVG. Towards this end, the Vincentian party will observe the operations of the Chia-Yi-Sing Kang group 52, a farmers’ group renowned for its production of sweet peppers, and a number of farmers’ associations, the World Vegetable Centre and the Vegetable Wholesale Market.

Mr. Chung-Yu Lee also described the

visit as advanced preparation for a number of projects currently in the making, one being the ‘Strengthening Farmers Groups and Production Techniques’ project, currently under construction and which is in support of the EU project, the Banana Adjustment Measures (BAM).

A team of three Taiwanese experts will be here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (23rd-28th March) in a fact finding mission, and to advise on the way forward and complete the design of the mutual cooperation project.

The group visiting Taiwan comprises: Patterson Homer (Cooperative Division), Ms. Hazzard Joseph (Georgetown), Pat Ottley (Chateaubelair), Noel ‘Boot-I’ Samuel (Barrouallie), Wasem Dumbar (Rillan Hill), Vance Andrews (South Rivers) and Randy Tomas (Richland Park).

The visit is being facilitated by both the governments of Taiwan and SVG.

THE ST VINCENT and the Grenadines Nationals Association of Washington DC, last week presented the St Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society with a much needed donation, to aid with the relief effort following the Christmas disaster.

Last week Wednesday, Michael Michael Davy (centre) hands over cheque to Davy, local Ruby George-Chambers in the presence of representative of the Bernard Morgan.

Association, presented a cheque for US $1000, to Bernard Morgan, would be used to purchase materials president of the Red Cross Society and that would be used to repair a number Ruby George-Chambers, the Society’s of septic tank covers, which were welfare officer. damaged and/or destroyed during the According to Davy, the Association flooding. took pleasure in raising the funds for George-Chambers asked Davy to persons affected by the December 2013 convey appreciation to the Diasporaflooding, and asked that the funds be based organization, and said that the used to aid in the recovery and Society was deeply grateful for the rehabilitation after the flood gesture. (KH) Morgan indicated that the money

Defoe giving ‘Thanks’ NOEL CASTELLO, known in the entertainment circles as Defoe, has been in the calypso arena for the past 33 years. This year, he is saying, ‘Thanks’, in song.

“We can’t done give thanks,” Defoe told THE VINCENTIAN. He is still fine-tuning his 2014 production, “Thanks’ and admitted that he has a long way to completing the song. He is seeking support for the venture.

Defoe placed second last year in the New Song Competition. He is optimistic that he will move one step up the ladder this year, and secure his first calypso title.

Defoe secures a livelihood by selling Phone Cards, among other items, in Kingstown.

He made it clear that all of his songs have been well received, but the one

last year, dubbed ‘Woodlice’, has become something of a second soubriquet for him.

That number was the one that propelled him to second place in the New Song Competition in 2013.

Showing gratitude is nothing new to Defoe. He recalled saying thanks to President Reagan for his role in the Grenada affair, following the collapse of the People’s Revolutionary Government in 1983.

He recalled that Becket rendered a song with the same title.

“We all know the economics of the world is wretched,” Defoe confessed. “But I say thanks,” he added.

“The focus is making the production a success,” Defoe pointed out.

A member of the Upstage Calypso tent, Defoe is looking forward to a successful season this

Calypsonian Noel ‘Defoe’ Castello is giving ‘Thanks’ in song for 2014. year.

Asked about his response to his name having been mentioned in a calypso by Glenford ‘Bump I’ Richards last year, Defoe disclosed. “It make me more famous. “‘Woodlice’ still going strong. He want to be the woodlice,” Defoe indicated in relation to Bump I’s snide remark.

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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

ThomasÊs death sparks ÂpoliticalÊ fallout by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

the circumstances surrounding her death are creating waves of contention.

SYLMA ‘CODO’ THOMAS died A former head of the local February 28, one day after she Criminal Investigation collapsed during a Police search Department Willisford Caesar of her home in the North has been appointed to conduct Leeward town of Chateaubelair. a probe into the circumstances She has been laid to rest, but surrounding Thomas’s death.

However, that development has served to heighten the conflict.

Carlos James, who has been dubbed a Unity Labour Party hopeful for the North Leeward constituency, has found himself embroiled in the affair.

“They are trying to drag me into this thing,” James told THE VINCENTIAN. He revealed having been approached to sign a petition calling for an independent enquiry into Thomas’s death, but took umbrage with an online posting by the current North Leeward parliamentarian, Roland Patel Matthews.

The posting asked if it was true that, ‘ULP Carlos James, with his eyes on hopeful for North candidacy in North Leeward, Leeward refused accused the MP Roland Patel to sign the Matthews of politicising the petition asking Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas issue. for an independent inquiry into Thomas’s death?’

James accused Matthews of politicising the issue, and explained that when he was approached by a woman soliciting signatures to the petition, he asked her if she knew that there was an ongoing investigation into the incident.

“I sympathise with the family,” Roland Patel Matthews, MP for James stated. He North Leeward, had asked added that he whether or not James had attended the refused to sign a petition funeral, and has calling for an independent been in touch with investigation into Sylma the family and the Thosmas’s death. police. insinuation as “irresponsible James noted and distasteful,” adding, besides the “This proves that the North investigation Leeward representative does enquiry, the not possess the qualities and Thomas family had character necessary to hold retained a lawyer the office of parliament.” to begin legal As far as James is action against the concerned, “The Honourable police/state.

Patel Mathews should be “It is not for me aware that there is an to speak on the investigation. If he is not, he matter until the not on the ball,” James investigation has indicated. been carried out,” James expressed James outlined. satisfaction that the investigation enquiry was

Satisfied with the taking place “so that we could investigation know exactly what A lawyer by profession, James has branded the reaction by North Leeward representative’s

transpired.”

(Editor’s note: THE VINCENTIAN expects a response from Mr. Matthews, which should be forthcoming for next week’s edition.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 17.

News

LIME: Alive in communities THE PRESENCE OF telecommunications provider LIME was felt over the past weeks, when the company partnered with community groups that hosted cultural events to mark Heritage and Heroes Month.

LIME sponsored events organized for the North Windward Heroes Day celebrations as well as Heroes Day celebration in Greiggs, that took place on National Heroes Day, March 14th, and the North Leeward Culture Fest that was held on March

22nd in Chateaubelair.

Calypsonian and Community activist Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis, event coordinator of the session organized by the Fancy Unity Farmers Co-op in Fancy, said that the input from LIME is a clear indication that the annual event is going places, and with LIME, he anticipates that it would go further.

“LIME has been on board with us for years, and we are seeing our showcase getting bigger and more prestigious, thanks to LIME.

“LIME’s presence is a huge benefit to us in terms of pushing it where we want it to go. We look forward to partnering with LIME in future years to make the Fancy Heroes Day celebrations one of the more prominent showcases in the land,” Francis assessed.

Terranza Franklyn, cofounder of the Generation Next movement that organized the Culture Fest event in Chateaubelair, thanked LIME for their contribution to the event, which was hailed as a tremendous success.

“It is good that LIME is involved in community activities such as these.

They have helped us to offset some of the cost of hosting Culture Fest, which gives us as organizers the ability to do more for

LIME offered strong support for the re-enactment of a Garifuna Village by the Greiggs Garifuna Committee. the community.

To LIME we are very grateful for their assistance,” said Franklyn added.

LIME’s assistance to the Greiggs LIME not only supported National Heroes Garifuna Committee was Day celebrations in Fancy, but LIME staffers were on hand to make special offers and primarily in support of the provide information on the Company’s re-creation of a services. heritage village LIME provided gift items as part of that community’s and books as prizes for celebrations on National participants in the cultural Heroes Day. production that day.

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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

ULP Feature

ULP’s first victory The twelve who won

CLAYTON BURGIN East St. Geroge

DR. RALPH GONSALVES Leader North Central Windward

SIR LOUIS STRAKER Central Leeward

SIR VINCENT BEACHE South Windward

DR. JERROL THOMPSON North Leeward

DR. DOUGLAS SLATER South Leeward

RENE BAPTISTE West Kingstown

CONRAD SAYERS Central Kingstown

MICHAEL BROWNE West St. George

GIRLYN MIGUEL Marriaqua

SELMON WALTERS South Central Windward

MONTGOMERY DANIEL North Windward

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Advice

A problem with weight healthy when she “has some good size.”

We have been arguing I HAVE BEEN seriously involved with a 26-year-old over this more frequently woman from the island of since the wedding talk came up. I do not Barbados. I met her at a want to have an regional workshop 11 overweight wife, and I months ago. She has cannot bear the thought never visited St. Vincent of my wife looking and the Grenadines, but I anywhere close to her have visited her on two mother! I love her, but occasions since meeting like I have been telling her. We seemed to have much in common, and now her, she has to respect we are at the stage where my position. She wants me to shut up about her we have started talks about getting married.

She wants to marry me, but since seeing her mother, I have been having second Dear George, thoughts. Her mother is well over two hundred MY GIRLFRIEND left me in pounds, and has problems with her knees August of last year and had an affair with my due to her excess body employer. I approached weight. Her him about being involved grandmother had the with my woman, and he same problem of threatened to fire me. He obesity. It is true that wanted me to choose my fiancée weighs in right now at 175 pounds. between keeping my job When I met her, she was and shutting up about him sleeping with my woman.

14 pounds lighter.

What makes all of this She shows no interest in even worse is that he has physical exercise, and his wife, and she would thinks that a woman is

Dear George,

weight and the need to watch her health.

Concerned.

Dear Concerned, Your concerns are valid, and it would be useful for your fiancée to take another look at the situation. It could be difficult to get her to do this if the topic is brought up in the middle of a heated argument, or

discussed with some degree of hostility. In those circumstances, it would be natural for her to listen to you defensively; so you need to be tactful with your approach to the subject.

Without being judgmental, you need to find a way to get the point across. i.e. is out of love and concern for her health that you are bringing the subject up, and you would like to

have her around for as long as possible, so that you both can enjoy life up to your twilight years.

It would be a good idea to make this discussion a part of your pre-marital counselling sessions. That may be

an appropriate time to deal with it. Depending on the outcome then, you will have to decide on whether or not you have a future together.

George

Eating from What goes around ……. another plate Dear George,

eat fire to say he is a faithful husband. I told her about his dealings with my girl before, and she called me ungrateful for trying to bring down a man who gave me a job. She dismissed my complaint without even checking into it.

Well, I am writing to say that she and he are no longer together, and his wife is now worried about having possibly contracted some STD. I

heard it is more serious than she is saying. She met them in bed together and almost went crazy.

What goes around really does come back around!

I am now happily involved with another woman, and we are doing fine. We see to it to get tested for everything under the sun!

Relieved Dear Relieved, While it is not a good thing to rejoice in another person’s plight, it is wise to remember that whatever is sowed must be reaped. The reaping time may vary for different people, but it has to come at some time or another.

It is good that you have found love, and are happy in your relationship. Continue looking forward, and pay less attention to the events that brought about the end to your relationship.

George

I HAVE BEEN ignoring information from my friends, that my boyfriend is unfaithful to me right under my nose. I prepare his lunch every day, and he has had no problem until about a few weeks ago when he started bringing back the food, with excuses that he was too busy to eat, or that his mind changed from the food for that day, etc.

Every day, it would be a different excuse.

So I did some digging, and I found out that he has been eating at this restaurant religiously, and I know he cannot be buying food every day like that. The woman he is with works at this restaurant and gives him a meal (I don’t know if it’s free) every day. When I asked him about, it he remarked that I should be lucky someone has decided to take care of my lunch cost, so we do not have to come up with that cost. The trouble is, which he refuses to look at, that someone one is fattening him for her own uses.

Disgusted, Dear Disgusted, Your boyfriend has concluded that your food and the love that went into its preparation are no longer good enough for him. He has chosen instead to be treated by another.

You need to let him know that this would not work with you, and he cannot be eating the meal prepared by your competitor, while coming home to you for dessert. He needs to understand that the meal and dessert should be eaten at the same table and come in the same package. My advice is that you hold on to your dessert if he intends to keep eating for free.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Involvement in groups will be favorable and lead to valuable information. You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. Make changes to your living quarters that will please the whole family.

Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be careful not to show your temper when dealing with the boss.

Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. You may want to take another look at the investment you are about to make. Residential moves will be in your best interest.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension. Get out and experience the spice of life. You can't always have your own way. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family. Good day for romance.

Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection. You could find yourself caught in a one sided relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your positive attitude and intellectual outlook will draw others to you. Listen to the complaints of others. You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand. Loss is evident if you don't consider all the angles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't be shy to promote your own interests. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Investments will not be as they appear this week. Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't prejudge. You may get drawn into a personal situation that will not be

to your liking. You will learn easily if you put forth an effort. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget. Don't let your emotions interfere with your efficiency.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you'd like. You may want to take extra special care of your luggage if you are traveling this week.

Attend trade shows that will allow you to look at new products. Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. If you take on too much, you will find yourself in martyrdom.

Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing. Don't be too eager to dismiss someone who works under you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do.

Call someone you haven't seen in a long time. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side. You can finish projects early, which will bring you praise from superiors. Be sure to look into travel opportunities that will provide you with mental stimulation.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight. Your mate could get on your nerves if he or she backs you into an emotional comer or puts restrictions on your time. Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand. Try to put your money away for a rainy day.

ACROSS

temptations 38. “Take __ 1.Levi’s mother Train” 5. Do needlework (2 wds.)

8. Catch a 39. Soft French criminal cheese 11. Bohemian 40. Clock 12. Excursion numeral 14. Ostrichlike 41. __ de France bird 43. “Luck __ 15. Australian 37 Lady” Down (2 wds.)

17. Wine (Fr.) 49. Bellow 18. Bolted 50. Exile island 19. Jean who 51. More than a makes bath sec. products 52. Week 9. Friend (Fr.) 21. Weekenddivision 10. Hot cross or lover’s letters 53. Roasting rod sticky 23. Confiscate 13. Edible seeds weapons DOWN 16. Blockhead 25. Group of 20. Price __ buffalo 1.Flee 21. Quizzes 26. Move like a 2. Poet’s prior 22. Certain frog 3. Cape Cod’s vegetable 27. Federal agent ocean (2 wds.) (hyph.) (abbr.)

23. Stupid 29. WNW’s opp.

4. Toyota’s Prius, people 30. Zoo creature e.g.

24. “Ave __” 31. Miner’s find 5. Leave 25. “__ So Fine” 32. Pace speechless 26. Longed for 34. Darkroom 6. Miscalculate 28. Omaha’s item (abbr.)

7. Capital of state (abbr.)

35. Baby’s bed Manitoba 33. Golfer’s aim 36. Dieter’s 8. Raven’s word 35. Church bells

37. Map dot 38. Go point-forpoint 40. In a lazy manner 41. Computer co. inits.

42. Island

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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30. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

wreath 44. Fla.’s neighbour 45. Heidi’s mountain 46. Stat for Gehrig 47. “Krazy __”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 31.

Heritage

Kalinago War Pirogue being built here

The project has attracted interest from local schools, as demonstrated by this visit by a group of pre-schoolers.

After work deep in the forest and preliminary work, the pirogue is readied for transportation to Kingstown.

Much time is spent to ensure that the finest details, including carvings, are adhered to. transported to Kingstown,” said Sutherland.

Speaking with THE Long before the Europeans arrived, indigenous peoples from VINCENTIAN on South America explored and populated the Caribbean islands, Tuesday of this Kalinagos of Dominica on Monument week, Sutherland using canoes like this one, still being built today by the Kalinago Day held during the annual Kalinago said that when the people in Dominica.

Week (February) in that country, where pirogue is finished, A GROUP OF it will be as close Kalinago people maintain their rich PERSONS of as possible to an heritage.

Kalinago descent original one, “with have begun the in North Leeward. poles and carvings like it building of a War With the assistance of was in the times of the Canoe/Pirogue, akin to the the Forestry Department, Kalinago.” type used by their Sutherland and his team Sutherland also ancestors. were provided informed that this was A release from the accommodation on spot, “the first time since the Kalinago Tribe of SVG while they took on the last so -called Carib stated that the project is arduous and lengthy task War, “that a War Pirogue being undertaking at its of felling the tree, and of this kind was being headquarters along the shaping it according to built in SVG.” cemetery road in New original specifications.

The original intention Montrose, Kingstown.

Once that was done, the was to build a pirogue According to Augustine ‘tree’, by this time already close to 30 feet, but when Sutherland, who showing the s hape of a completed, “this pirogue spearheads the Group, the pirogue, was transported will be 25 feet long and 3 project was conceived to the group’s feet wide, and will some ten years ago. headquarters in accommodate up to 20 The identification of a Kingstown, where the ‘warriors’,” explained suitable tree was work of refining the Sutherland.

(L-R) Frankie “Uncle Pie” Sutherland and fundamental to the shaping and styling began.

The Kalinago Tribe of Augustine ‘Sardo’ Sutherland keep the spirit undertaking and Ruddy Electrical SVG is inviting persons, of the Kalingao alive by appearing at a eventually a search provided support in especially school children, number of cultural and heritage events, like identified a Gomea tree, facilitating the “pulling of to visit their headquarters the 2014 National Heroes Day celebrations in deep in the forest above the tree to a safe place so to see firsthand, “what is Fancy. (Photo: Don de Riggs) the Hermitage Mountain that it could be being undertaken.

“As a matter of fact,” Sutherland added, “only today (last Tuesday) we entertained quite a large number of school children.”

And where does the financial support come for this masterly undertaking? “We have been financing the project through our own efforts. I am at this moment preparing some cassava (bam bam) for sale to bring in some muchneeded finance.”

Work on the pirogue is expected to run for the balance of 2014.

Guided tours are available throughout the year, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, from 8am to 4pm, for a small fee.

The Kalinago people inhabited St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the time of the arrival of the Europeans. The Europeans called them Caribs, and would later refer to them as ‘Yellow Caribs’, to distinguish them from the Garifuna, whom they called ‘Black Caribs’.

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32. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

CW Prescod celebrates National Heroes Day

as demonstrating in more ways than one that “your main purpose is the overall development of the whole person, and that’s very, very good.”

Principal of the School, Yvette Antoine, implored the students to become heroes in their classrooms, at home and villages.

Yvette Antoine, “Chatoyer fought against theSchool’s principal, what he did not accept, the The C. W. Prescod Steel Orchestra, appealed to her cares bad things; and boys and girls, reigning Schools Panorama Champs, to be “heroes’ in their you don’t have to accept the rendered a number of nationallydaily lives by bad in your classroom ,you don’t have to join with those The mixture of colours denoting the School’s Houses, added spirited songs that resonated beyond accepting what is the school’s compound. good. that are doing wrong, you can a vibrancy to the atmosphere. stand up for what is right.” the School’s steel orchestra.

In

by KENVILLE HORNE Chatoyer, a day in advance. she beseeched.

Before the student the spirit of that struggle, Celebrated under the She urged the children to Morgan concluded his exciting population decked in the WHILE MOST VINCENTIANS were theme, ‘Celebrating our pledge to keep SVG free. “But colours of their School’s presentation by appealing to looking forward to celebrating success, celebrating our the only way you can do it is the students to keep SVG free. heritage’, the day’s programme Houses, Nigel Morgan, National Heroes Day, Friday, by doing what is right. You Morine Williams of the Cultural Officer, articulated March 14th, the staff and included remarks from the can be a class hero by doing his understanding of the way Ministry of Education, students of the CW Prescod School’s Principal and what is right, you can be a commended the School for its of life of the Garifuna, the representatives of the Primary School were busy with school hero by doing what is continuing involvement in story surrounding the their activities to celebrate the Ministry of Education and right, you can be a Chatoyer National Hero Chatoyer, and activities outside of the life and times of our sole Department of Culture, and in training,” Antoine said to mainstream curriculum. the struggle he led against the cultural presentations by the National Hero, His Excellency warm acceptance by her cares.

She recognized the School Paramount Chief Joseph students themselves, including English colonizers.

Lower Middle Street, Kingstown Tel: 457-2869

Extends Congratulations to

13

on its

th Anniversary in office on its

“Strive only for the best”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 33.

Business

Digicel celebrates 11th Anniversary DIGICEL St. Vincent Limited, the company that lays claim to having revolutionised the telecommunications market in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, marked its 11th anniversary of market presence in this country, last Monday, March 24.

Juno DeRoche, Marketing Manager/Digicel who thanked the Vincentian public for their support

over the years, said that during the last year, the Digicel team has cemented the company’s position as a full service telecommunications company, having successfully won big name business solutions contracts, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Canouan Resort Development (CRD), St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Electricity Services and Unicomer (COURTS) Limited.

“On the consumer side, Digicel has also taken the market-leading position with consistent growth in its customer base. Today, more customers than ever before are enjoying Digicel’s best value through offers such as International Bundle, which allows customers to talk for 119 minutes to

Canada, Puerto Rico, the USA, UK fixed lines and the US Virgin Islands for only EC$19, as well as the launch of the 59 cents rate plan and the Double Smile promotion,” said DeRoche.

Digicel, according to DeRoche, has also continued its commitment to developing its communities through its “In Five Hours Flat”

programme, which sees Digicel staff members and residents coming together to help those in need, by building homes for and donating supplies to the needy.

The Primus family of Rillan Hill, Bartley Lorraine (Deceased) of Owia, and the community of Canoaun are just a few to have benefitted from the “In Five Hours Flat” programme.

Digicel staff members took to the streets after the 2013 Christmas Eve floods, to distribute food and other supplies to affected persons.

Digicel’s scholarship programme also helps students to further their education and achieve their academic goals.

Said DeRoche: “On the sponsorship side, the Digicel Kick Start programme came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time, and gave the best and most talented youth footballers a chance to train with coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation.”

Deno John

is testament to the contribution this programme is making to developing grassroots football. John is one of three local Under 17 footballers who received training at the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados last year, and is now being eyed by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados soccer staff.

“He is being groomed for a university scholarship, thanks to his footballing skills — setting him on the path to a bright future,” said DeRoche.

In addition, Digicel also supports grassroots cricket and tennis and the SVG Football Federation inter-league tournament.

“As we move forward, we will continue to do our part to bring the best service possible to our customers...we will continue to do promotions with our customers at heart”, promised DeRoche, who added that the company will soon launch its 4G service.

Juno DeRoche, Marketing Manager/Digicel, traced some of the value that her company offers to their customers and the company’s involvement in the lives of citizens, young and old, across the state.

34. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 35.

Team Rivals steamroll Asco

However it looked another uncertain result for Team Rivals in midafternoon Sunday as their opponents, who began their second innings 202 runs in arrears, had rushed to 99/1 at tea, after being led by an opening partnership of 86 between their talismanic player, Desron “Flounks’ Maloney (32), and Daron Greaves (56).

The pair had Desron Maloney 77*, playing through thrown caution to the the onside wind and engaged some lusty hitting, Stories by E. GLENFORD before Maloney, who went past PRESCOTT 300 runs for the season, was LBW to Butler just before the JOINT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, interval. He struck three fours Team Rivals, put on a clinical and one six in his knock, while display with both bat and ball, his partner, who went LBW to backed up by the usual high offspinner Roland Wilkinson standard of catching and ground (2/25) with the score on 108, fielding, to obliterate pretenders had four fours and four sixes Carl Joseph Law Firm ASCO, by in his knock. Team Rivals an innings and 31 runs in their experienced some anxious Premier Division match at Arnos moments with the score at Vale TWO last weekend.

151, before the fourth wicket SCORES: Carl Joseph Law fell. They then grabbed three Firm ASCO 127 & 170, Team wickets for the addition of Rivals 329/9. three runs, to see the score to

154-7. It took another five overs and the addition of sixteen runs before the end came.

Left-arm spinner Hooper, 4/24, and Butler, 4/54, got the bulk of the wickets.

Earlier, Team Rivals had amassed 329/9 in 54.3 overs in ideal batting conditions, after dismissing their opponents for 127. They were led by an unbeaten 115 from opener Marvin Small and Hooper, 41, who shared another good opening stand of 81 in ten overs.

Small, who missed a century last weekend against Guardian General Saints at the Sion Hill Playing Field, played good shots on both sides of the wicket, striking eleven fours and three sixes as he took full toll of a disorganised and mediocre Carl Joseph Law Firm ASCO attack. Hooper, who was bowled by a hobbling Maloney, struck five fours and two sixes. Maloney, 3/47, was the best ASCO bowler. Extras contributed the second topscore of 44.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Carl Joseph Law Firm ASCO were saved

from utter embarrassment

by Maloney, 77 not out, who carried his bat as his team mates, displaying little Marvin Small (115*) moving into another off commitment, drive. fell around him through a series of what can be described as injudicious shots.

Hitting the ball sweetly against the combination of pace and spin, Maloney ignored the total of 2/1 and 3/10 to punish good and bad balls in counting six fours and six sixes in his knock. A measure of his dominance was with the score 63/6, Asif Hooper, 41 and match figures of he was on 21. He 7/55, drives through the offside. then scored 56 of the with the victory and maximum next 65 runs before the batting and bowling points, innings ended, hitting five moved to 66 points and second sixes and two fours during in the standing behind that time. Hooper, 3/31, guardian General Saints on medium pacer Roneil Jeffrey, 75. Victors ONE are in third 2/23, offspinner Casman position with 55 points.

Walters, 2/30, shared the wickets for Team Rivals who,

Police Two batted for pride

Salvan Browne cuts hard and makes it count.

POLICE TWO left the Sion Hill Playing Field, scene of their carnage of Victors ONE in 2006, with their heads held high after batting to a draw against tournament leaders Guardian General Saints, in their premier division match last weekend.

SCORES: Police TWO 151 &175/8, Guardian General Saints 240.

The lawmen, in arrears by 89 runs on first innings, ended on 175/7, a lead of 86, when the teams decided to call it a day.

They were indebted to their top and lower order for having avoided another defeat in what has been a dismal year for the former champions.

In 2006, the lawmen pulverised the then Victors ONE bowling to the tune of 549/8, a record score in national cricket. They were led by an opening stand of 170 by Salvan Browne, 91, and Mc Leon Williams, 90, with Rolando Wright, 112, and Oneil Thomas, 91, also being part of the ‘Ballocide’ at Sion Hill.

On Sunday, Williams, 42, and Browne, 57, were in abusive mood as their attention focused on their former team mate Wright,

2/63, who now plays for Guardian General Saints. In a partnership of 94 in 15 overs, they struck the ball to all parts of the field, including onto and over the sightscreen.

Browne who was caught on the long on boundary off Wright, struck ten fours and one six in his innings that had the fielders looking on in Rolando Wright grabbed in action McLeon Williams goes big awestruck admiration of his during his 5/34 haul. through the onside. drives and cuts. Williams, Police TWO got eight points. who was the beneficiary of the takers.

Police TWO, who won the In another match played on generosity of the Saints toss and elected to bat, found the weekend at the Stubbs fielders with chances at two the bowling of Wright, 5/34, Playing Field, LIME Radcliffe and again at three, struck and medium pacer Timothy won first innings points from three big sixes and three Warner, 3/35, too good, and The NEWS Spartans. fours. Their departure saw SCORES: News Spartans their team slip to 133/7 and in fell for 151.

Guardian General Saints 153 - Kissinger Mc Lean 40, danger of going under to yet who ended the first day 93/1, Dyke Cato 3 for 39, Andy another defeat. However, then reached 240, with Omar Harper 2 for 30 — and 93 Mohammid Lavia, 31, and Kenroy Martin ate up valuable Lorraine, 61, stand-in captain Omar Lavia 83, Dawnley Rickford Walker, 53, and Joseph 46 not-out, Seon Sween time.

Wright, 34, leading the 34, Dyke Cato 7 for 89. LIME Veteran Sylvanus Morgan, Radcliffe 200 - Wayne Harper 3/39, who answered an SOS by batting, with Kenroy Martin, 3/5, taking the most wickets.

73, Richie Richard 36*, Gidron his team, and Wright, who Guardian General Saints Pope 6 for 71. sent down six maidens in his collected 15 points, while 19 overs, were top wicket-

V Former VP takes swipe at TASVG boss 36. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

include some new faces to be part of the executive,” an extremely FORMER vice-president of disappointed Llewellyn Team Athletics SVG, Leroy said.

Llewellyn, is accusing “It was agreed that senior executive members there would be not much of that organisation of changes to the executive being “conniving, backsave for those mentioned, biting and devious,” after with I going back as VP,” he was not returned to he said. that position at the Llewellyn said that he organisation’s long got a little suspicious overdue AGM, eventually when, on the first held late last year. scheduled date of the Llewellyn, who served AGM, he was offered the in the dual capacity as opportunity to travel to VP and PRO as per the the Martinique as organisation’s manager of a team. constitution, told THE “I found this to be VINCENTIAN that prior rather strange, so I to the meeting, there asked Keith (Joseph) if were agreements made he is serious…..how do between himself and you expect me to leave long-serving president here on the same day for Keith Joseph. the AGM? I asked him “We sat down and then.. I did not go but agreed that ‘Chenear’ the meeting was (Tyrone James) would rescheduled,” Llewellyn come on as General explained.

Secretary, and we would Joseph is said to be

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Triumph United, Androids win matches TRIUMPH United Cricket Club ‘A’, Buccament Bay Andriods and Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United earned easy victories in the National Cricket First Division 55/55 overs Sunday League.

Triumph United Cricket Club ‘A’ beat Police THREE at North Union, in a low scoring match.

Police THREE were bundled out for a paltry 18.

Vangel Laborde took 3 for 7, Shamam Hooper 2 for 2 and Ronique Laborde 2 for 7. Triumph United Cricket Club “A” replied with 25 without loss. Ronique Laborde finished on 22 not out.

At Buccament, Buccament Bay Androids won over Team Rivals 2. Team Rivals 2 made 81.

Devian Barum led with 40. Orlando Simmons grabbed 4 for 20, Obed McCoy 3 for 15, and Lorenzo DeGrads 2 for 20. Baccament Bay Androids in reply posted 292 for 9 declared.

Shorn Ogarro led the batting with 58, Kelvin Quashie 52 and Renrick Quashie 43. McNeil Morgan took 4 for 78.

Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United won against Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors at Park Hill. Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United made 144 in 40 overs. Calvin Mofford topscored with 37. Calvert Williams finished with figures of 3 for 24 and Joseph Medford 3 for 46.

Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors reached 137 off 23.1 overs. Leon Samuel hit 33 and Sylvester Vanloo 32. Under 15 player Rayon Williams took 3 for 36 and Jerome Samuel 4 for 17.

I.B.A.ALLEN

currently out of state and more troubling was that Rosemond Griffith, who could not be reached to told me days before that refute the claims. she had no interest to No nomination serve on the executive, was nominated and voted into the position,” Llewellyn, a former Llewellyn said in a voice Sion Hill distance runner, said in the lead- dripping with sadness.

Llewellyn said his up to the second date of greatest fear of a the meeting, they once again touched base to see conspiracy was realised when he was told by who will be in which position, and it appeared Lynch that she was told that she could not that nothing had changed. It was then he nominate him, since she was not a member of an was told by Joseph that Affiliate.

Samantha Lynch would “If she was told that, be a good person to have then why was she on the executive as a subsequently nominated committee member. He for a position as a said it was then agreed committee that Lynch would member……..these nominate Llewellyn for the post of VP. Llewellyn people are some real razor blades,” the owner said that on the day of of the “Cutting Edge” the meeting, when his name came up, there was barber shop said, his eyes moving back and no nomination from forth like a cutter.

Lynch, and he was not Llewellyn said he nominated. suffered the “This I found to be consequences for troubling…and even

Keith Joseph, President of TASVG, came in for cutting criticism from Llewellyn.

Leroy Llewellyn, former VP of TASVG, has accused that organization’s officers of going back on their word. speaking about the long delay in not having the required general meeting, objecting to certain decisions of the president and raising concerns about some aspects of the financial management of the organisation.

“I have no regret about speaking

Police Co-op Credit Union/ Clinchers T20 Round-Up ANOTHER round of matches is scheduled for this weekend in the St. Vincent Police Cooperative Credit Union Clinchers T20 softball cricket tournament at the Richland Park Oval.

On Saturday from 12.30 Glen United takes on Better Brands Supreme, and from 3pm RSVG Police will take on Curtis Bowman Pharmacy Hard Knocks.

On Sunday from noon, Smashers will oppose Curtis Bowman Pharmacy Hard Knocks from noon, and from 3pm Calder United battle Aycess Nice Radio Clinchers Last weekend there were victories for Fully Loaded, D12, Owia Young Strikers and RSVG Police.

The other fixtured match between Country Meets Town Outa Trouble and Glen United was rescheduled following a request from one of the teams.

On Saturday CGM Gallagher Novice went

down to Fully Loaded by 72 runs.

SCORES: Fully Loaded 118 in 20 overs, Chris King 3/23, CGM Novice 46 in 13 overs, Saville Phillips 3/4, Dwayne Williams 3/16.

D12 eked out a one run “Tanty Merle” style victory over We Don’t Care. SCORES: D12 120 in 20 overs, Lois Haywood hit a topscore of 44 with five sixes and two fours as Devon Trimmingham 3/29 proved the most successful bowler. We Don’t Care 119 19.2 Marlon Ottley (2/1) taking two wickets with the first two balls of the

final over.

Owia Young Strikers defeated RSVG Police by six wickets in the first of two matches played by the lawmen. SCORES: RSVG Police 64 in 15.3 overs Randell Munroe 3/3, Ramon Yorke 3/17, Owia Young Strikers 65/4 6.1 overs, Osrick James 3/36.

And the lawmen exacted a measure of revenge after beating Allstars by six wickets.

SCORES: Allstars 93 in 16 overs, Osrick James 3/15, Roderick John 3/23, RSVG Police 94/4 in 12.1 overs, Renwick Cato 29.

out……when you are elected to serve a term, you must honour that, and I had to be threatening to resign to get Keith Joseph to call that meeting, and he got back at me through those who would do his bidding. And to think that I am the person who seconded his nomination as president. I was instrumental in having him removed before, and if it becomes necessary again, I will do just that”.

Llewellyn dismissed the suggestion that his attitude and approach may be seen as ‘sour grapes’.

“I believe that Keith Joseph is most qualified (person) to run sporting organisations here, but he must change his dictatorial style……he makes decisions then reports them”.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 37.

Sports

Real journalists stand up IT WAS INTERESTING looking at last Monday’s edition of the Observer newspaper from Jamaica.

They carried an interview with Carlton Baugh, the Jamaican wicketkeeper, not out in both innings with scores of 56 and 89, against the Windwards.

The Observer predicted that Windwards would have been hard-pressed to reach the target of 254 to win, even though the Windwards ended day three on 31 without loss.

Jamaica scored 194 and 275. Windwards 216 for 9 declared, with Liam Sebastien unable to bat due to injuries, and 256 for 7.

It is ironic that the headline in the Observer, on the same page later on Monday when the victory had been achieved, read: Windwards upset Jamaica.

Jermaine Lannaman, writing in the Gleaner newspaper, described it as “suave batting, particularly on the part of emerging batsman Sunil Ambris.”

Ambris “batted with maturity and patience”, according to the Gleaner.

The Observer ought to have taken a more cautious approach. The uncertainties of cricket have been well documented. But the Observer opted for blind patriotism.

Windwards accomplished the task, with Ambris, in his second match, top scoring for his team with 81. He shared a fourth wicket stand of 63 with his brother Romel Currency, 22. They came together at 100.

Lyndon James 15 and Ambris took the score to 191. Sebastien went shortly after, and when Ambris was dismissed at 223 for 7, Jamaica had a glimmer of hope. Delorn Johnson and Shane Shillingford saw the Windwards to victory.

The Windwards continue their bid for a semifinal spot when they play the Leewards in Grenada, starting today. Next week, it will be a heroes’ welcome for the Windwards contingent.

There ought to be a grand reception for homeboys Ambris, Currency, Johnson, Peters and James, not that the rest of the party deserve no less a reception.

We have the lessons of the insularity which pervade even at the Windwards level. Vincentians have a duty to ‘hold their own’.

Ambris is building up a decent average, with a century and an 81 in his first two games for the Windwards.

He ought to be given the fullest solidarity on home soil. And we have nothing to be ashamed of for greeting him with rousing enthusiasm.

Some sports journalists have to get it right.

There is an essential trait about writing. You can’t let emotions get in your way. There has to be fairness in the presentation. Fair play on the field is an established trend. Those who follow the sport off the field have to observe that pattern of fair play also.

The practice of one-sided reporting is widespread. It is glaring in the current ICC World Cup. Commentators do not realise that their bias comes out in their pronouncements. Some of that was evident in the West Indies versus Bangladesh match last Tuesday. One could have discerned traces of leniency towards Bangladesh. It may be inevitable that one’s loyalty surfaces.

Reports have to reflect the state of the game.

The results speak for themselves. No matter how we might feel, viewers, listeners and readers make their assessment.

Journalists can never alter the results. When there are attempts to influence the outcome of an encounter, it exposes the analysts for their preconception.

Ambris, Shillingford spur Windwards to victory SUNIL AMBRIS, following on his maiden century against Guyana, and Shane Shillingford, returning to his wickettaking ways, helped the Windward Islands to a three-wickets win over Jamaica in the West Indies four-day tournament match played last weekend at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

Ambris hit 81 from 186 balls, and shared in a 23-run partnership with Devon Smith, 28 with Keddy Lespiros, 63 with his brother Romel Currency, and 28 with Lindon James, to steer the Windward Islands to the victory target of 253 set by Jamaica. Other contributions to the successful victory chase came from Tyrone Theophile 30, Devon Smith 29, Romel Currency 22 and Delorn Johnson 21 not out.

“I just was looking to do better in the second innings and help the team to win the game. I am just trying to do well,” Ambris said after the victory was achieved.

And in the process of this latest victory by the Windwards, ace offspinner Shane Shillingford became the highest wicket-taker for the Windward Islands in regional cricket, when he took 11 wickets in the match to reach a milestone of 300 wickets at this level.

Man of the match Shillingford said, “I always felt confident I was going to achieve this milestone in this game after missing the first two matches as I awaited results of my bowling

action. Over all, I felt good playing cricket again.”

Shillingford shared that he was enjoying his cricket and admitted, “I think I was trying too hard to take wickets too quickly, hence I gave away too many runs in my initial spells, but (I) settled down nicely as the match went on.”

Set 253 to win in just over a day and one hour, the Windward Islands sensibly paced themselves to victory, leaving it to the last hour of play of the final day.

Opening bowler Delorn Johnson, who was promoted in the order, hit the winning runs - a six off fast bowler Jerome Tayler. He had previously struck three sixes in his breezy unbeaten 21. Shane Shillingford was the other unbeaten batsman on 7.

Scores in the match: Jamaica 194 - Calton Baugh 56, Shillingford 4 for 61, Liam Sebastein 2 for 23 and Delorn Johnson 2 for 41; and 275 - Calton Baugh 89, Blackwood made 67, Shillimgford 7 for 117 and Devon Smith 2 for 33.

Windward Islands first innings, 216: Tyrone Theophile 73, Romel Currency 76; and 256 for 7 = Sunil Ambris 81, Tyrone Theophile 30 and Devon Smith 29.

The victory pushed the Windward Islands into second place on 45 points after 4 matches, behind first placed Barbados, who beat Trinidad and Tobago to get to 46 points.

Shane Shillingford bagged a match haul of 11 for 177 in 49.1 overs

Sunil Ambris hit a victory-winning 81 for the Windwards’ chase of 253.

Romel Currency hit 76 in Windwards’ second innings.

Tyrone Theophile hit 73 in Windwards’ first innings.

The Windward Islands next match will be against the Leeward Islands starting today, Friday, in Grenada, with their final match in the preliminary round

against the Combined Campus and Colleges (CCC) at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, the following weekend.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Links, Panthers in winners row LINKS AND PANTHERS had easy wins over BOSVG All Stars and Sea Operation Nar Fren Dem respectively, in the DigicelHairoun Laurders and Cultural and Sports Club 20/20 softball cricket competition, in weekend matches, played at the Lauders Playing Field.

Links batted first and posted 156 for 8 in 20 overs. Mickron McDowald hit 30 and Shamic Roberts 26. Ricardo Thomas took 2 for 20 and Ossie Quashie 2 for 30. BOSVG All Stars replied with 114 all out in 19 overs. Nyron DeSouza top scored with 43 not out and Glenroy Dasent hit 22.

Shawn Williams took 3 for 27 and Omar Lavia 2 for 8.

Batting first, Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem made 141 for 4 in 20 overs. Jamal John led with 59 not out and Kenford Collins 42.

Panthers never threatened, and closed at 116 in 16 overs. Everson Thomas hit 30 and Verrol Henry 21. Damron Prince took 3 for 8 and David Baptiste 2 for 14.

In another match, Shaolin Eleven made 52 all out in 19.3 overs against Country Meets Town out-ah-Trouble. Imran Samuel took 3 for 9, Asborn Dasent 2 for 8. CMT Out-ahTrouble in reply,raced to 53 for 4 in 7.2 overs. Sachki Weekes hit 22 and Ethan Trimmingham 12.

Owia Young Strikers made 135 for 7 in 20 overs. Daveson Baptiste led with 37 and Shawn Henry had 27 not out. Damien Allen took 2 for 15. Dr. Thomas Injectors, 102 all out in 18.5 overs. Damien Allen made 46.

Daveson Lavia grabbed 4 for 13 and Denson Hoyte 3 for 12.

CGM Gallagher Novice made

156 for 8 in 20 overs against Ready Mix. Kimani Thomas top scored with 56 not out, Renrick Williams 23. Dexra Simmons had 2 for 8, Agustus Ballentyne and Samuel Thomas each had 2 for 18. Ready Mix mustered 50 in 15.5 overs in reply. Chrishy King took 4 for 3 and Travis Cumberbatch 4 for 8.

Defending champions Smashers took care of business against Clinchers. Scores: Smashers 137 in 19.1, Zyron Harry 47 and St. Clair Dickson 28, with Rajiv Roberts grabbing 5 for 34; Clinchers 115 for 9 in 20 overs, Brent Sanders 23 and Javon Nero 17, Chavis Peters 2 for 12 and Keneal Richards 2 for 27.

I.B.A.ALLEN

38. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014. 39.

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N.Y MISSION OVERCHARGING FOR PASSPORTS According to Eustace, who quoted from a report entitled ‘Unauthorized collection of passport fees’ which he explained meant that the fees were never collected — the Consulate office has, for a number of years, been collecting fees of US$165 and up to US$275 for the replacement of passports.

The regular price for replacing a passport at the Mission is US$150.

“In one case they charging 15 more and in the other case, they charging over 125 more, and the Consulate office has been doing that,” Eustace said.

Edson Augustus was dismissed from The report went on, according to the his post as Deputy Consul General in Leader of the Opposition, to indicate New York, after having been ‘involved “that no authority was seen for the in activities outside the scope of his collection of these fees. employment’.

“Now this period of this report is for YET ANOTHER scandal has rocked the Vincentian Mission in New York.

News of this was revealed by the Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, while speaking on the New Times programme on Monday.

Eustace claimed that he had evidence which suggested that Vincentians residing in New York were being overcharged for renewing passports.

This new allegation comes in the wake of the dismissal of Deputy Consul General Edson Augustus, last month.

EC$1.50

Arnhim Eustace, Opposition Leader, has promised to raise more questions about the operation of the SVG Consulate in New York.

August 2011 to August 2013. When I heard that nobody did anything wrong, and that no legal action is being proposed, I raised that question, and I am going to raise some more,” Eustace said.

The Opposition Leader described the overcharging as a very serious matter for Vincentian nationals, and more particularly for the Mission in New York, against which action could be taken.

“We don’t seem to be taking this matter seriously at all. We seem to be taking this loosely, and we are expected to accept that. I think we need to look again. We need to examine (it) in more detail and make recommendations for change in our consulates’ performance in various parts of the world,” Eustace said.

Metrocint stalwart passes CATHERINE SARGEANT passed away last Sunday, March 23, 2014.

She was a long serving member of staff of Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., having given well over thirty years of loyal and unstinting service to the Company by the time she left the company in 2011, failing health causing her to depart the desk from which she had endeared herself to staff and customers alike.

This woman of slender build but big heart and forthrightness, would have joined Metrocint Insurance during its embryonic stage, and became, along with persons like Ian Da Silva, who remains a manager with the Company to this day, one of the major blocks on which the foundation of Metrocint Insurance was built.

‘Sargie’, as she was affectionately called, provided the stability fundamental to the successful growth of Metrocint Insurance, and gave support above and beyond her immediate parameters of employment, to ensure a smooth transition period after the passing of the Company’s

Catherine ‘Sargie’ Sargeant has left a legacy of hard work and loyalty for the Metrocint family of workers and well-wishers to emulate. founder, Egerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, and during the more recent period of expansion of the portfolio of the Company.

As one associate put it, “‘Sargie’ became an integral part of our lives and the Company.”

Desiree Richards, Managing Director of the Metrocint General insurance Co. Ltd. and THE VINCENTIAN, described ‘Sargie’ as “an exceptional human being. We worked together closely during busy and slow periods in this business,

Catherine Sargeant was a pivotal player in the staging of the Annual Appreciation Day for Metrocint Insurances. Here she is pictured during one of those events, with longstanding clients Kevin Harry (left), Angus Martin (3rd from right) and CEO Desiree Richards. through personal triumphs and crises.

She was an indispensable part of the Metrocint team, and by association, of sister company, THE VINCENTIAN.” Ms. Richards continued: “She was simply a wonderful person… an incredibly special person … not just to a few, but to everyone with whom she

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

came into contact. Words are woefully inadequate to express the pain and sorrow in our hearts that we have for her family.”

Catherine Sargeant leaves to mourn a faithful husband Cordis, and children Ronnie, Wendon and Sasha.

See Page 3 for funeral details.

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