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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 29, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.48

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Luzette King cut a trail of ULP failures on her way to declaring support for an Arhnim Eustace led NDP government.

by KENVILLE HORNE

only the trade unions knew, if only the ‘Greedy “IF ONLY WE KNEW! If only Bill’ opponents knew that the Organization in the voting for the Star meant Defence of Democracy ‘Together Now’ only for (O.D.D) knew. If only the some, but hell and Christian Council knew. If victimization for over

3,000 struggling Vincentians who supported the NDP.” Those were some of the sentiments expressed

by Washington-based Vincentian political

activist and host of the weekly Global Highlights Radio Programme, Luzette E. King, as she delivered the feature address at the NDP’s

37th Annual Convention, held last Sunday at the NDP headquarters on Murray’s Road.

Continued on Page 3.

Above: On many occasions, the audience was moved to demonstrate their support for what the guest speaker had to say.

2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 3.

News 3

‘Time for a change in government,’ says ULP member

The NDP faithful listen attentively to their guest speaker.

and be counted. It is time to stand up to the politics of fear and victimization.”

King, a selfHer proclamation was met confessed member of with resounding applauses the governing Unity from the audience.

Labour Party (ULP), King admitting voting for a told the convention change in the 2001 elections that, while she helped because she felt that a change to bring the ULP to was necessary. According to her office in 2001, it is when the 32,925 persons voted time for a change in for the ULP in March 2001, they government in this did not expect the Star to fall country. out of the sky only months into the life of the administration.

A vote for change then “No one had a clue that the twinkling light of the Star was a King, speaking in a tale of ‘all that glitters is not tone of regret, gold’,” King conceded. proclaimed “Today I “If we only knew that laws stand here convinced made retroactively on a Sunday that after helping to would be deemed a bring about change 12 masterstroke on a Monday. If years ago, it is now we only knew that the annual time for me to stand increase in the number of Continued from front page.

Arnhim Eustace won the endorsement of the guest speaker and an overwhelming show of confidence by party members and supporters.

U N - H E A D L I N E D

N E W S

World’s tallest man weds THE WORLD’S TALLEST MAN has fulfilled his life-long dream of finding love and getting married.

Sultan Kosen, 30, who stands at 8ft 3in, towers over his new bride, 21 year-old Merve Dibo, who measures 5 foot 9inchs.

Sultan rose to fame in 2009 when he was named the world’s tallest man by Guinness World Records.

On his first visit to London in September 2009 he said: “It’s really difficult to find a girlfriend. They are usually scared of me.

Hopefully now that I’m famous, I’ll be able to meet lots of girls. My dream is to be married.”

In the two years that followed, Sultan’s life did change as he received free life-saving surgery to stop his growth, as well as specially tailored clothing and the opportunity to travel the world.

Yesterday, he tied the knot in his native Turkey.

Sultan met his wife through a mutual friend, after she travelled from her home of Hasaki, in Syria, to his village Dede köy in The world’s tallest man was worried that he Turkey. would never find love.

They only began dating two months ago, but say they knew immediately that they wanted a representative from Guinness World Records to be together. and local dignitaries.

Sultan says: “When I looked into her eyes, I After the wedding, the happy couple headed knew it was love”. back to their specially made home in Dede köy, The couple, who are Muslim, enjoyed a full wedding party with over 1,500 guests, including where they say they hope soon to have two children, “God willing.” (Source: Express, UK)

people, including farmers, on the poor relief list was progress.

If we only knew that pointing your middle finger in public had a positive meaning and can save lives. If we only knew…,” King said, sarcastically.

eating with friends and family to embarrass you and destroy your womanhood,” King said, making reference to the arrest of NDP senator Vynnette Frederick on charges of perjury.

Other concerns Upstream current set in In King’s assessment, “The reality is that Vincentians by and large have and are willing to play their part. However, there are some upstream currents that the poor, the single mother, the youths on the block, the farmer, the unemployed, and the school child have to confront daily.”

Some of the upstream currents highlighted in her speech were the alarming salaries of ULP “big wigs and hangers-on” and the promotion of senior civil servants who have been found by audits and other reports to commit serious infractions.

“Instead,” she declared, “those in authority are allowed to run sidebusinesses as account officers in these ministries.

As the calypsonian says, there is a class language division in our society.

When the regular man is caught in similar situations, he is called a ‘thief’, but the big men and women too, are said to have just misappropriated funds,” said King, much to the vociferous agreement by the NDP supporters.

Among the other indictments against the ruling ULP cited by King were: the sale of the National Commercial Bank (NCB); the downward trend of the banana industry, poor healthcare and infrastructure; funding for the Argyle International Airport; and the high level of campaigning by civil servants for the government.

Regarding the last, she said, “Civil servants are now asked to be lower level politicians, conscripted to be foot soldiers of the party in government. But, when you look for the real politicians, you can’t find them,” she explained.

Support for the opposition

King unapologetically endorsed the qualities of the opposition leader, Arnhim Eustace, and the NDP policies, which she noted will take the country forward.

“I believe that an Arnhim Eustace led New Democratic Party as shown now in opposition, would practise a different type of political management. One that is not of theoretical doctrine but of real people-centered origin,” she said confidently.

The NDP, in her judgement, Unfavorable conditions for has shown its willingness to women help those in need, and has refused to score cheap political According to the UK points.“They have done this by trained Registered Nurse, reaching across the aisle and there is no other point in supporting government the nation’s history when initiatives that they think are in women have been so the best interest of the country,” threatened, marginalized she said, adding, though, that and fearful of high offices. the party has given strong “The seemingly opposition and rebuke to the discriminate use of legal authority to prevent those many shortcomings of the government. accused of rape and other “We expect Mr. Arnhim ‘nasty’ offences from facing their accusers in a court-of- Eustace and his team to take this foundation with them in law is abominable. In this country, women, including governance and build from there. This integrity and girls, receive second class justice to those in financial excellence in leadership must complexes. When the shoe filter down to all sectors of the economy, every department, and is on the other foot, they reach the ears of all employees, hound you down with the both in the public and private SSU, Black Squad and sector,” King projected. other police units, while

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Marijuana, SVGÊs new green gold?

Connell said that Barbadians seem to like two Ws in St. Vincent and the DEFENCE lawyer Grant Connell has Grenadines, weed and women, and described this country’s marijuana as they seem to have a common “the new green gold”. denominator, that they are both of a Connell was mitigating on behalf of good quality. his client Michael Emanuel Yarde, 38, Connell noted that his client of Barbados, who had returned to the pleaded guilty, had not wasted the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday court’s time, co-operated with the for sentencing, on cocaine and police, and was a virgin to the law in marijuana charges. He had pleaded SVG. guilty on Monday to possession of 234 The lawyer contended that he did grams of cocaine with intent to supply, not want to create a nexus between and 166 grams of marijuana with the court and the coffers, but he intent to supply. pointed out that the International Connell told the court on Airport needs to be completed, roads Wednesday, “If you look at his (Yarde) need to be fixed, the hospital needs track record in Barbados, his previous drugs, and salaries need to be paid. (convictions) were for marijuana, and For cocaine possession, Yarde was there is no secret that some of our fined $12,000 forthwith or one year in friends in the east enjoy our green prison. He was ordered to pay the gold.” court $400 forthwith or one month in Chief Magistrate Sonya Young relation to the marijuana. rebutted, “Wasn’t banana green gold?”

The Chief Magistrate recommended Connell replied, “No, this that Yarde be deported upon payment (marijuana) is the new green gold.” of the fines or completion of the

by HAYDN HUGGINS

sentences. He paid the fines.

The court had earlier heard that last Saturday, police went to the house where Yarde was staying at Redemption Sharpes.

He was met at the house, and during a search of a garbage bin in the kitchen, a taped package was found which, when cut open, revealed the cocaine. During a further search of the house, the Michael Emanuel Yarde (right front) had previous marijuana was found in marijuana-related convictions in his homeland a transparent bag in a Barbados. clothes basket in a streets,” Connell said, evoking bedroom.

Connell had said in mitigation that laughter from the packed court room.

THE VINCENTIAN understands when the items were brought to the that Yarde came here legally August house by someone for a friend who this year and was due to leave reside there, Yarde told the person to throw away the cocaine, and she threw February next year.

Up to press time Wednesday, he it into the garbage bin.

“That is where it belongs, not on our was awaiting deportation.

More policemen like Delpleche needed

by HAYDN HUGGINS DEFENCE lawyer Grant Connell says more persons like Adolphus Delpleche are needed in the local constabulary.

Connell made the point on Monday after Delpleche, now Senior Prosecutor in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), withdrew two marijuana charges against his client Ian Shay of the United States.

Delpleche told the Serious Offences Court that he was not proceeding with the matter in which Shay pleaded not guilty to possession and importation of 0.4 grams of marijuana.

“We need more people like Mr. Delpleche in the police force, and common sense will reign sometimes,” Connell told the Court. He held up the envelope that supposedly contained the very small quantity of marijuana with which his client was charged.

Connell indicated that 0.4 grams of marijuana is less that the regular amount that is sent to the lab as a sample. He said that it must have been a genuine mistake on the part of his client to bring in the drug.

“You don’t carry rice to China, or sand to the beach, or marijuana to St. Vincent,” Connell said.

Shay was arrested at the E.T Joshua Airport last Sunday, November 24 after arriving on a LIAT flight from Antigua.

While speaking with THE VINCENTIAN shortly after the

charges against his client were dismissed, Connell said, “I think I have said enough on marijuana.

“If PC 272 and his superiors see wisdom in their action to arrest someone for 0.4 grams of marijuana in the circumstances, lock up that person, give him four square meals while in custody at the cost of $15 each, and manpower to bring him to court, in addition to the paper work involved in doing so, so be

it. I guess that is good police work for some police officers.”

Connell noted, “The drug didn’t even have a value. It was not even half a ‘spliff’.”

The lawyer questioned, “Why lock up a man for this?” adding, “Go and channel your energies in fighting real crime. After this matter, I have given up hope in the way some policemen approach their job.”

During an interview with Stephen Gibbs of CCTV, which

was posted on You Tube, November 13, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves questioned, “Why are you going to lock up a fellow for a half an ounce (14 grams) of marijuana?”

Lawyer Grant Connell has urged police officers to channel their energies in fighting real crime, instead of arresting and charging persons for possession of miniscule amounts of marijuana.

Man acquitted of murder DEVRAN ST. JOHN will be one of the happiest men in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this season. He walked out of the High Court in Kingstown a free man last Tuesday morning, after Justice Frederick Bruce Lyle gave him the green light.

The Justice directed the foreman of the 12-member jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. He was charged with the murder of Shawn Gordon who was shot at Edinboro, December 19, 2010; possession of a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence, and unlawful use of a firearm.

Gordon, a CD vendor from Rillan Hill, was found with bullet wounds on that fateful evening.

The trial began last Tuesday, but with two

witnesses called, Crown Counsel Carl Williams withdrew the case against St. John.

The Prosecution found it difficult to extract evidence to properly identify the person accused of Gordon’s death.

Dwayne Banfield, one of the state witnesses, was not too certain about the identity of the person who did the shooting.

Justice Frederick BruceLyle pointed this out following Carl Williams’ withdrawal, and proceeded to direct the jury to their course of action. He also commended the Crown Counsel for the decision he made.

Devran St. John, seen her with his lawyers Arthur Williams St. John was not inclined and Sylvonne John, was not moved to say much after he to speak after his acquittal, was set free. and chimed: “I just war (want to) go.”

Arthur Williams, supported for the defendant.

Former Attorney General

by Sylvonne John, appeared

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 5.

Regional

Jamaica not banning T&T goods

JAMAICA HAS NO INTENTION of banning imports from Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the assurance given by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister AJ Nicholson to his CARCOM colleague (T&T), following a clamour in Jamaica that its government should ban Trinidadian imports as a reprisal for recent action by the Trnidadian authorities, to deny entry to 13 Jamaican nationals.

On Tuesday 12 November, 13 Jamaicans, including an 11-year old and a man who is the husband of a Trinidadian, were denied entry upon their arrival at the Piarco International Airport.

They were returned to Jamaica the next day.

The call for reprisals found reinforcement when businessman William Mahfood, who was on the same return flight as the Jamaicans denied entry into Trinidad, called on the Government to reject Trinidadian goods at local ports, if it was that Jamaicans were going to be denied free travel to and entry to that CARICOM partner.

AJ Nicholson, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, says his hands are tied as far as banning a CARICOM partner’s goods is concerned.

their friendly match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Those denied entry said that they were not national Shanique Myrie, are classified as being of allowed to contact anybody against the Barbados CARICOM origin are nor were they even Government. entitled to duty-free allowed to use their Myrie had sued the treatment on entry into Barbados Government for cellular phones to contact each CARICOM member the persons who were direct breach of the state, unless a member waiting outside at the Revised Treaty of state has invoked a airport to receive them. particular exception under Chaguaramas when she They also claimed they was refused entry into the treaty. It would be a were threatened that their Barbados on March 14, breach of Jamaica’s phones would be seized if 2011, was detained, obligations under the they attempted to use treaty to block the entry of subjected to a them. dehumanising cavity goods from Trinidad and “When I gave them the search, and deported to Tobago, which qualify as being of Caricom origin, as Jamaica the following day. number of my sister-inlaw, the woman Meanwhile, those a result of the allegations (immigration officer) affected directly by the of unjustified denials of pretended to make a call entry,” Nicholson told the action of the Trinidadian and then told me that it immigration authorities Sunday Observer.

Nichols told local media continue to highlight their was a man on the other end. While she did that I plight to the Jamaican that his ministry was called my sister-in-law, public. investigating the who had invited me to Hands tied – CCJ a circumstances visit her, and got her. I recourse surrounding the return of The ordeal tried to give the Jamaicans from Trinidad immigration officer the But Minister Nicholson, and Tobago, and advised One of those affected in a swift response, said that Jamaicans can use told a Jamaican blog that phone but she said she was not talking to that his hands were tied legal remedies through the their passports were as far as that nature of Caribbean Court of Justice confiscated and they were anyone,” Onicia Robinson, (CCJ) if they felt they had ordered to sit on a wooden one of the Jamaicans reprisal was concerned, denied entry to Trinidad, and cited the terms of the been denied their rights as bench throughout the said. enshrined in the Revised night.

Revised Treaty of Jamaica is a major They were subsequently Chaguaramas as enforcing Treaty of Chaguaramas. market for Trinidadian This advice comes on “bundled on a Caribbean that stricture. goods. (Source: Jamaica “The Revised Treaty of the heels of a recent ruling Airlines flight” on which the majority of the Reggae Observer, Yard News, Chaguaramas establishes by the CCJ in which it T&T News) Boyz football team were a regime where goods that handed down judgement in favour of Jamaican being flown home after

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola.

Some of the Jamaicans who were recently refused entry into Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo: Joseph Wellington/Jamaica Observer)

New Dominican airline coming NEWS OUT OF DOMINICA at end of last week was that that OECS country could well be served by a new airline come January 2014.

And with all the problems as a result of the fallout of continuing disruptions in the service provided

by LIAT, this is welcomed news according to one Domincan with whom this publication spoke.

According to a source in Dominica, a new airline, Caribbean Island Transport (CIT), has given notice of its plan to serve Dominica.

Information posted on a CIT website indicates that it is registered in Florida, USA, and that its service to Dominica will begin with flights between Dominica and Florida, as early as January 2014.

It promises to begin flights to other Caribbean territories by mid2014.The website refers to the CIT

A Boeing 737-300 aircraft, the type of aircraft purported to be owned

by Caribbean Island Transport. as the national carrier of Dominica and said that it is owned by Dominican nationals.

Blair Webb is listed as the operating manager and Jeffrey S Wade as the vice-operating manager.

Checks with this paper’s sources tell that officials of the airline are

expected to meet with Dominca’s prime minister this month, November, though negotiations with other Dominica officials have already begun.

CIT’s website list the airline’s fleet as one Boeing 737-300 aircraft which has a capacity of 140 passengers.

A typical border town between the DR and Haiti, occupied in the main by Haitians.

DR expels 244 Haitians AUTHORITIES in the Dominican Republic (DR), on Saturday, expelled 244 Haitians and an elderly Dominican couple was slain in an apparent burglary, near the border between the two countries.

The Associated Press reported that an angry mob of Dominicans retaliated by killing a Haitian man, after people of Haitian descent were blamed for the fatal stabbing of the couple.

Police in the DR confirmed that a couple, both 70 years old, were killed during an apparent burglary at their home, in the border town of Neiba.

The alleged killers are said to have got away with two sacks of coffee.

Increased tensions in the town following reports of the murder, caused a group of Haitians, who have been living in the town for several years, to seek refuge at a police station.

Independent observers say that the police handed over the group, some 244, to Dominican soldiers, who drove them to the border and expelled them back into Haiti on Saturday.

In an immediate response, the Haitian government objected to the deportation. Salim Succar, an adviser to Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, said in an email: “We have taken certain measures to welcome these people but disapprove of the way this repatriation was done.”

The Haitian government, reports said, welcomed those expelled and gave each of them US22.00 to assist with their relocation.

There has been a long history of animosity, even violence, between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, neighbours on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

Relations between the two have become increasingly strained since a Dominican court decision in September threatened to revoke (Domincan) citizenship for people of Haitian descent, many who have lived in the DR for decades.

This move could well disenfranchise more than 200,000 people, stripping them of the documents they need to work and attend school, and denying them passports needed to travel overseas.

The Dominican government announced last week Friday that it has developed a plan to resolve the legal status of people who could lose their citizenship because of the court ruling.

Details of this plan await the signing of a decree before disclosure. (Source: AP)

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG delegation at regional BAM discussions Right: Banana Stems being composted in Compost Factory.

Vincentian Renwick Rose A VINCENTIAN DELEGATION returned last weekend from a four-day regional seminar on the European Unionfunded Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) which was held in Santo Domingo, November 18-21, 2013. The seminar is the second one to be organised by the European Commission after a previous one held in Douala, Cameroon.

The Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) is a programme of assistance being offered by the European Union to

focusing on the genesis, features, investments and results of the diversification programmes over the years. The following recommendations were proposed for future success at diversification: (1) demonstrated partnerships based on mutual respect and equality between government, civil society, (2nd right) among regional delegates on field visit. development partners/donors; (2) making competitiveness ACP (African, Caribbean Nash, Administrative and sustainability major and Pacific) bananaOfficer for the local BAM pillars of diversification; producing countries whose programme; Denniston (3) strengthening and preferential trading Samuel, Chairman of the actualizing local reference arrangements for export to SVG National Fairtrade capacities — human the European Union have Organisation, and resource, institutional been eroded as a result of Renwick Rose, Chairman (mechanisms for policy a settlement in the of the Non-State Actors banana dispute between Panel. The delegation was formulation, implementation and the European Union and one of seven from the monitoring), technological the United States of Caribbean to participate and marketing; and (4) America. in discussions with The four-person European Union personnel addressing other gaps, including affordable access Vincentian delegation was on the implementation of comprised of Messrs the assistance programme. to credit.

The St. Vincent and the Colville King, Planning Tracking performance Officer in The Ministry of Grenadines delegation made a presentation on Agriculture; Yannick The intensive agricultural diversification

discussions resulted in agreement on a range of indicators and measures to track performance and success of the BAM. These will be now taken at the national level and finalised after consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

Immediately, the members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation, the BAM project team and stakeholders will meet to conclude on the indicators which will be used to monitor the BAM project over the next five years.

Over the course of the next few months, consultations will be held with stakeholders as part of a wider Caribbean study on the feasibility of Public Private Partnerships.

Field visits

Drivers counting their lucky stars TWO DRIVERS are counting their lucky stars following a collision at the intersection leading into Stoney Ground from the Leeward highway.

Reports given by Jemron Nanton of Rose Place, driver of pick-up TS864 which was transporting fish for sale, state that his brakes failed after he passed NEMO on his way into Kingstown.

He avoided hitting pedestrians on the sidewalk and was forced to ‘bank’ his vehicle by ploughing into the chain link fence surrounding the Jaycees compound.

The fence could not contain the momentum and speed of the incapacitated vehicle. The pick-up jumped the small drain, in the area

where a motor cycle accident had occurred just a week earlier, and slammed into motor car R9275, driven by Bensil Samuel of Layou.

The motor car was waiting to enter the Leeward highway from Stoney Ground.

Both drivers were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) for observation, and Mr. Samuel was diagnosed with The final position of the two vehicles involved in the ‘whiplash’ as a result of the collision. collision.

The vehicles were moderately Corporal King of the Traffic Department is damaged, but fish was strewn along the conducting the investigations into the highway. accident.

A practical side to the visit came in the form of field visits to banana farms to observe agricultural practices by farmers in the Dominican Republic as regards control of black sigatoka, post-harvest handling and organic cultivation.

One farm, which is approximately seven hectares in size, operates a small bio-fertiliser compost factory. This operation has resulted in a 40% reduction in the cost of fertiliser to the farm.

The farm uses the liquid bio-fertiliser derived from the composting of banana stems, manures (chicken, cattle, goat) and other plant wastes (cocoa and coffee hulls). A strain of gram positive Bacillus sp. is applied to the composting materials to hasten the processes. A combination of compost liquid (2000L from manure and 10,000 L from banana stems) is applied aerially every 21 days or on the soil every 45 days.

The BAM project will invest in equipment for a probiotics lab, as well as the construction of fifty composting bins to address soil nutrition through probiotics. Successful implementation of these activities will open the doors to fertility and productivity improvements as being experienced on the visited farms.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 7.

Court

Convicted killer dies in prison

a service at the St. Georges Cathedral.

CONVICTED KILLER, Carlyle Collis was originally Collis, who was serving a 20charged with the murder of year prison sentence for causing his mother, Bertha Collis, a the death of his mother, about 76-year-old retired nurse who five years ago, died at the Belle was confined to a wheelchair Isle Correctional Facility, for three years prior to her November 15. death, and had lived alone at Information is that Collis of Walvaroo.

Walvaroo, Sion Hill, died On February 9, 2010 at the around 9 a.m. THE Criminal Assizes, Collis VINCENTIAN understands pleaded guilty to the lesser that he had just finished charge of manslaughter, and eating breakfast, was in his the prosecution accepted the usual jovial mood and went to plea. Justice Frederick Brucelie down, before suddenly Lyle sentenced him to 20 taking his last breath. years in prison the following An autopsy showed that he day. died from seizure disorder, Evidence revealed that aspiration pneumonia, and Collis had beaten his mother asphyxia. He was buried by around 8:40 pm, on Christmas his family on Monday at the Eve, 2008, at her Walvaroo Kingstown cemetery following home. She was rushed to the

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where she died around 3:40 a.m. on Christmas day. Collis was 47 at the time of the incident.

A report from the Mental Health Centre, prepared by then Senior Registrar of the institution Dr. Amrie MorrisPatterson, showed that Collis was fit to plea.

The report had revealed that he was admitted to the institution on about five occasions since 2005, the last being July 3, 2008. He was diagnosed with chronic alcoholism with associated memory deficits, as well as hallucinations and cocaine dependence. According to the report, his mental examination revealed mild impairment in short term memory, otherwise he was able to give an account of the

PSU matter in limbo by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

MEMBERS OF THE Public Service Union (PSU) will have to continue sitting in limbo until, at least, February next year.

That’s when the next round of arguments will be heard in Court, in a matter brought by incumbent President, Cools Vabloo, to prevent an interim executive committee from ousting him and calling elections.

Justice Gerthel Thom gave the period for the new hearing when she heard the continuing matter at the High Court in Kingstown, last Tuesday November 26.

Matters in the PSU hit boiling point at a September meeting when rifts between executive officers and some members erupted into to open rivalry.

The battleground shifted to the courts, with Vanloo, Cools Vanloo contends that a September represented by lawyer Nicole meeting of the PSU had nothing to do with Sylvester, against PSU a no-confidence motion in the executive represented by Joseph Delves that he led. and his legal team.

Vanloo claimed that the September served as Vice president, but confessed that she did not keep up to meeting had nothing to do with a noconfidence motion in an executive that date with PSU matters since she left the body in 2005. She was not aware he led. He similarly rejected claims that a no confidence motion was that he assaulted the general brought against Vanloo. secretary.

Dallius Cummings also mounted He contended that some executive officers failed to carry out their duties. the stand in support of Vanloo’s He added that the September meeting affidavits.

The Interim Committee appointed held was under “dubious authority.” to oversee the calling of elections, with As far as Vanloo was concerned, Vanloo out of the way, includes matters of misconduct by executive Aubrey Burgin, Elroy Boucher and members ought to be referred to the Joel Poyer, all former executive Administrative Council. members of the PSU. Margaret London recalled having

events leading to his admission, and was oriented in time, place and person.

Collis’ lawyer, Ronald Marks, had pleaded for leniency, stating that his client was a cocaine addict who started Carlyle Collis is pictured here on his way to Her using the drug from Majesty’s Prison, after being sentenced in 2010. his teenage years. But should have realized that it Justice Bruce-Lyle had was his mother. contended that Collis should A coroner’s inquest is have been able to exercise expected to be held in relation better self-control and that if to Collis’ death. even he was using cocaine, he

Murderer jailed for life

by HAYDN HUGGINS RESIDENTS OF Evesham and Park Hill can now rest comfortably, with Cardinal Williams having been put away for life.

Williams, originally of Evesham, but who was residing at Park Hill, was sentenced to life imprisonment last Friday, November 22, for murder.

Justice Wesley James handed down the penalty at the Criminal Assizes at the conclusion of a sentencing hearing.

On October 24, 2013, a 12-member jury had found Williams guilty of the murder of Nynford Ryan, a 67-year-old retired head teacher and Justice of the Peace of Park Hill. Williams was living at Ryan’s home up to the time of the incident.

Evidence presented by the prosecution showed that on the night in question neighbours heard Ryan cry out saying that Williams was killing him. They went to the house where they met Ryan, who appeared to be dead. Williams was

also there. Ryan was later pronounced dead.

This is Williams’ second conviction for murder. He was convicted and sentenced to death June 23, 1995 for the murder of his common law wife, Caroline Moses of Evesham. He had appealed his conviction and sentence and the Privy Council on January 24, 1996 allowed the conviction but varied his sentence to ten years in prison.

After Williams was released from prison he was baptised in the Seventh Day Adventist Church and went to live with Ryan at Park Hill.

According to the social inquiry report, prepared by a case worker at the Family Affairs Division and presented at last Friday’s sentencing hearing, residents from Evesham described Williams as being too wicked ,and said he deserved to spend the rest of his life behind bars. One resident related that Williams said that when he returned from prison he would kill her. Others

told the case worker that they were unable to sleep good at night when Williams was out, and if he was released they would have to migrate.

According to the case worker, another Evesham villager revealed that Williams was “ignorant” since he was a child, and nobody in the community was without a mark from him.

The case worker said that one Park Hill resident related that Williams had planned to marry and live at Ryan’s house, but Ryan told him that “no man will marry and live in his house.”

According to the case worker, it was the view of some Park Hill people that Williams was worthless and a ‘good for nothing’.

Lawyer Duane Daniel pleaded for leniency for Williams; but Justice James contended that, based on his previous conviction and the social inquiry report and the fact that Williams showed no remorse, he thought the appropriate sentence was life imprisonment.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 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

Political Parties POLITICAL PARTIES and general elections are heralded as hallmarks of (our) democracy.

In fact, this country has had a proud history of political party development and the staging of free and fair elections.

The truth is, though, authoritarian regimes also hold elections and encourage the existence of political parties, yet we are wont not to consider these regimes democratic.

Seems, somewhere in all of this, there might be a contradiction of sorts.

The current wave of activity among and within the two leading political parties here (i.e. Executive Council meeting of the ruling Unity Labour Party and the Convention of the opposition New Democratic Party) begs a certain reflection as we look towards the next general elections here, which is on a not too distant horizon.

As we shift into appropriate gear to suit the climb to and clamour of the next elections, it is not too early to consider a few related thoughts.

Theories of democratic politics purport elections as the means by which citizens hold politicians accountable for the quality of governance. It pre-supposes that citizens have sufficient information to monitor politicians closely and, in any event, can make sound choices from among the packages of policy promises that may not reflect totally their own views, but come close enough for comfort.

The questions are: Do we really embrace or understand elections as a means of holding politicians accountable? Is casting a vote merely an exercise in replacing one person with another? Do we get the wholesome truth and nothing but the wholesome truth as far as what and how the parties hope to deliver on their packages of promises? Are we in fact motivated by the want for a better nation as against the want of satisfying our own aggrandizement?

When a party wins a general election, the truth is that, regardless of whether it provides for the benefit and improvement in the quality of life of ordinary citizens - and that they must do as far as delivering a minimum level of social services is concerned - history has shown that that party provides first for its officials, its cadre of volunteers, and then its ordinary party members.

Moreover, our history is ripe with stark demonstrations of preferred access to jobs in the state bureaucracy for party members/activists, and inside opportunities to form businesses to capitalize on state projects.

Even if it is that there are those who will refute that party activists stand poised to benefit, and do benefit, they can less defend the likelihood that the connections of party activists open up future possibilities for rewards and upward mobility.

It follows, therefore, that party activists, some describe themselves as militants, display a very strong interest in the survival of the party and the party leader, to whom they attribute their good fortune. In the words of the nursery rhyme, it is a case of ‘singing for your supper’.

These activists or militants, especially those close to the leader, are obviously moved to support their leader both within and without the party, seemingly at all costs.

All this fuels a possible situation of a ruling party and its leader adopting certain authoritarian tendencies. Our democracy, with all its heralded built-in mechanism of protection for the individual, can also breed a situation of a party believing that it owns the country; leadership of which it is to hand down among its allies.

Yet, while all of the above bears down on our ‘practice of democracy’, political parties continue to operate, for all intents and purposes, outside the constitution. Perhaps the proposed new constitution might have addressed this deficiency, but that is not up for discussion here.

The reality is that there has been no real body of legal studies on the role of the political parties within the existing constitution and as entities that can promote constitutionalism.

Given our modern political development, we can no longer content ourselves with the belief and practice that political parties are merely private associations. Political parties are public action organizations that impact constitutional life.

For this reason and more, political parties must be made to subject themselves to public laws and rules or even constitutional norms, including controls.

Admittedly, the nature of these norms, controls must not be carbon copies of what exist elsewhere or those which one party sees as appropriate. They must be informed by the culture, the political culture of the country, as well as bear testimony to what is conventionally accepted.

Now for the overarching question: Are the political parties here, the Unity Labour Party and the New Democratic Party, prepared to commit to fostering a change in how our political parties do business here within and without government?

NDP 37th Party Convention I SPEAK NATURALLY subject to correction; but I believe that the latest 37th convention is the first from which I was absent.

I was all ready to go, but for some reason relaxed and took it all in, comfortably seated at home.

From my own assessment, reports from attendees and general press coverage, it was an excellent event.

In SVG’s relatively short political history parties generally change-over on an average every two terms plus; that is the broad trend.

The 8th Army of Liberation won, so to speak, in 1951 and 1954. Followed by the PPP which won victories in 1957, 1961, and enjoyed a third truncated period 1966-1967.

Labour had a one term Victory 1967-72 which ended abruptly owing to peculiar circumstances. But the SVLP came back in 1974 to complete a second and third term that ended in 1984.

The NDP then established a record of sorts with successive victories in 1984, 1989 (a complete Black-wash), 1994 and a fourth record-breaking period with a one-seat majority which was rudely disturbed half-way by “The Road-block Revolution”, indicating that the exception truly proves the rule!

Lastly, the ULP entered the scene in 2001, consolidated in 2005, and barely snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in another cliff-hanging election with the slimmest of majorities in 2010.

The question now is whether the ULP can buck the historical trend of defeat following faithfully situations of a one-seat majority as in 1966 and in 1998. I think NOT. Heavy weather is being made of the fact that Arnhim Eustace had led his NDP into a trio of defeats -2001, 2005 and 2010 - and is likely to do so again. But let us look at the specifics and the other side of coin.

Arnhim Eustace valiantly took over the leadership of the NDP at its lowest ebb, he kept East Kingstown NDP in 2001 and 2005 against tremendous odds, the only NDP seat on the mainland.

Eustace came within a whisker of bringing home national victory in 2010, consistently and impressively increasing his tally of votes and margin of victory with every turn at the crease.

In fact, Ralph Gonsalves, who is fond of proclaiming the establishment of records, must consider this. Every political leader, with the sole exception of Arnhim, had suffered personal defeat at some time or the other. George Charles, leader of the 8th Army in 1957, and continuing.

E.T Joshua lost his deposit in his last election in 1984. Milton Cato could not make the grade in his first election as leader of the Labour Party in 1957. “Son” Mitchell failed to win his seat in 1979 elections, albeit in very peculiar circumstances.

And, of course, Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves as leader of UPM and MNU, was defeated in 1979, 1984 and 1989 before Vincent Beache surrendered the North Central Windward seat and allowed his charisma to flourish.

It is on such grounds that I argue that

Arnhim has to continue his leadership of the NDP - despite whatever detractors, including the founding-father of the NDP, might say. In fact, a sketch of the end of Mitchell’s own political biography is instructive.

The fact is that in the late 1990s, Mitchell had clearly run into trouble with the nation as a whole, substantially owing to his involvement with the Ottley Hall fiasco, details which apparently he personally handled. It was time to move away from public affairs.

So Mitchell passed government to the sturdy shoulders of Arnhim Eustace, “Mr. Clean” , for reasons of public hygiene, while he participated in the Grenadines Accord that cut short the life of NDP Government, pending the General Elections of 2001, in which he would have no part.

But with the passage of time and the improved chances of the NDP capturing Government once more, the proprietary instincts of Mitchell were aroused, and he began to show animosity towards Arnhim, and suggest that Eustace should step down, with a surrogate of Mitchell, if not himself, taking over the leadership.

These broad hints and suggestions, Arnhim has politely rejected, preferring to let any change be guided according to the constitution of the NDP, which Mitchell himself had largely crafted and, indeed, the democratic adjuncts which Arnhim himself introduced.

I hold that whatever his shortcomings, Mitchell, on balance, was a credit to this country, but it should now be made clear that if he wants to act the noble part of father —figure or role model, he has to change his ways or else.

Which brings me to the convention itself. It was great. Feature speaker Luzette King of Global Highlights fame simply outdid self with her expressionism on her faith that the country must embrace positive change under the leadership of Arnhim Eustace.

In fact, I believe that the full fifteen-man team (no women-what-ah-shame) of the NDP candidates is easily the best assemblage ever to face a SVG election, led by the three Ph.D’s, three Master’s Degrees, and other persons trained in a comprehensive variety of areas, all acting under the spiritual guidance, faith and economic know-how of an Arnhim Eustace.

I hope and believe that there will be change for the betterment of all SVG, provided NDP under Arnhim Eustace wins and carries out its mandate which is achievable.

While putting the finishing touches to this article, I heard Arnhim Eustace read over Nice Radio his letter to “Son,” virtually acknowledging that the founding father has been treacherous to his off-spring the NDP. I will say something on this next week.

Meanwhile, Luzette’s ringing endorsement of the NDP has clearly inspired Leadership and followers alike to rekindle their hope of a brighter tomorrow.

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An open letter to the Churches I WRITE as a concerned citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regarding what appears to be, not only, an upsurge in gun-related crimes, but a deliberate targeting of financial institutions and other places of commercial activities, and well calculated violent reprisals of one kind or the other in our beloved nation. The familiar results are the untimely death of productive citizens, a financial burden on our already over-extended development resources, and broken and unreconciled communities.

The Church, which has traditionally been a ‘force for good’ in this country, has an obligation as the prophetic voice of the people to enter the conversation on ‘the causes and consequences of crime and criminality’, with the specific aim of assisting in their prevention, if not, their containment.

It is against this backdrop that I am proposing that the Churches take the lead in concert with other Civil Society organisations on the following: 1. The call for and the administration of a Gun Amnesty in collaboration with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. * In order for this to gain broad acceptance, it cannot be managed by the Police Force; instead it ought to be managed by an impartial but credible and competent organization with appropriate guidance, and procedural policies so as to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the participants and the process itself. * A significant financial incentive must be determined by the management of the Amnesty to be paid to individuals in exchange for the recovery of illegal guns. * A public education awareness programme be initiated to ultimately persuade individuals and communities possessing illegal guns, to come forward and reassure them that no punitive measures will be taken against participants.

2. The hosting of a national conference involving a broad section of the Church, relevant state and private sector institutions and the NGO community to examine the sources, effects, costs, and remedies of ‘violence in our society.’

3. The issuing of a strong call for the strengthening of the resources of the National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP) in order to realistically address policy initiatives and practical programmes in the prevention of violent crime.

These suggestions are by no means a panacea for the crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, they can be the beginning steps of a more fulsome engagement with important sectors in our society on the question of crime prevention and containment.

Ronnie Daniel EDITOR’S NOTE: This (letter) was originally sent on 23rd September, 2013 to the SVG Christian Council for discussion. According to the writer, no such discussion took place because the matter was not tabled.

With this publication, the writer hopes to generate some national discussion on the matter.

Beware of Questionable Employment Advertisements!

IT HAS BEEN observed that a number of employment ads placed in local newspapers fail to provide appropriate and relevant information so as to allow a person, who may have interest in applying, to, at least, have the basic information available before making a decision.

These employment ads often fail to disclose the name of the company/organisation placing the ads, and also fail to state the position for which an applicant should apply. The only information given about the company/organisation that a prospective applicant has to go on is the P.O. Box Number, to which all applications must be sent and, the closing date.

However, applicants are required by these companies/organisations to include their CVs and references, along with a police record and medical certificate. Now, why should an anonymous organisation or an individual for that matter, have the benefit of knowing all personal details of the applicant, but the applicant knows absolutely nothing about the organisation which has placed the ad? How do we know that the personal information details of the applicants are not intended for some other WHEN ARE we going to set honest purposes- perhaps, for judgment in this country? people trafficking, the sex industry or for Backup plans #2 organised criminal activities? And, if it’s a I hope law-makers have a back-up bona fide organisation, plan when the same sex earthquake why would you not want starts shaking the earth. Those the general public to responsible will not see or feel know who you are? anything, because they will be dead by There is nothing then. under the Protection of Law makers have lost their way, Employment Act 2003 to evidenced today by their dishonest regulate such activities judgments. Can you imagine and/or protect attending the wedding of your individuals from these son/daughter, only to witness your son anonymous employment kissing another man/woman in your opportunities. However, presence? Can you imagine waiting given the challenges for your son/daughter to produce which many people face grand-children? Can you imagine in finding work, the visiting a home and you ask the man temptation to try any to speak to the Mrs of the home, only and everything might to have him bring another man and just be too strong to introduce him as the Mrs? resist. Notwithstanding Why are law-makers forcing these one’s personal dirty acts on us? Am I right to say circumstances, it is that soon they will try to convince us hoped that persons that there is no God? would nonetheless Today, scientists around the world exercise good judgment are trying to come up with a cure for before deciding to submit AIDS. Can you image the number of personal details to an AIDS patients around when the same anonymous sex earthquake start shaking? organisation/individual.

One world leader said it (same sex) was against his religious belief, and a Steve Stewart few weeks after said, “Well, I think it is ok.” Am I right to go along with the

A thought on Venezuela I CONTINUE to hear about how Venezuela is going to do this and do that for us. The latest is that that country will pay for 12,800 laptop computers for students at tertiary level institutions here. According to Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the son of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, those laptops are

expected to cost US$5m, about US$380 per unit. (Not a bad price.)

I am grateful to Venezuela for all that it has done for us; but I am afraid that we might be depending on that country for too much.

Look at what is happening in Venezuela these days: food shortages, toilet paper shortages, power outages,

* Is the DPP office uncomfortable with cases being withdrawn? * What is the situation with respect to all those laptops that were turned in for repairs? * What’s the status on Christmas bonuses for civil servants? Can the revenue collection afford these? * Why all the boasting and bragging about road repairs and refurbishment when the streets of Kingstown are in dire need of repairs?

Don’t suppose all those government people with their ‘big drives’ feel the potholes, eh? * How many people know there are no pedestrian crossings between KFC and Grand Bazaar, and between Bickles and the old NCB branch? What is the traffic department doing to enlighten people about this?

Dishonest judgment: Same sex and awards

opposition marches, taking over of private retail businesses, and now the President has decided to rule by decree.

Things are getting from bad to worse in that country; so how can it afford to keep up with all that it has promised under ALBA and PetroCaribe?

Venezuela has its own problems, and I don’t think the situation there is going to get better without first getting worse.

And by the way: How come our

man who said he will not trust any of those Church leaders, world leaders and political leaders?

Awards If we are to look back into the history of SVG, there will be a lot of people who will be eligible for awards.

Awards will go to those persons who voted against a military funeral for an outstanding senior police officer who died on the job; an award for the decision to run all the senior police men to the streets; award for the public service who are constantly promoting persons who know nothing about policy; awards for those persons in the judicial system who made and make so many blunders in murder cases; awards for those lawyers in SVG who were never challenged for their dishonesty.

An award must be given to the one responsible for the non-promotion of the band master to an Inspector after all those years. And a special award must be given to those responsible for the downfall of the police system.

Awards will also be given to those persons who were never jailed for stealing monies in public offices.

Look out for more awards in the award ceremony to come.

SPY Prime Minister, who likes to put his mouth in all kind of people business, has not said a thing about a President ruling by decree, i.e. flying in the face of all that is democratic? To rule by decree is to rule like a dictator; and if we condemn one dictator, we must condemn all, regardless of whether that person is Chavez or his successor.

Twisty

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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Applying some economic theories to our society

The Issue STUDENTS OF ECONOMICS will all say that the study of that social science is an analysis of the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services. The reality is that goods and services will always be in scarce supply. There is a demand for these goods and services, and the interplay between these factors is what the study of economics is all about.

Into this whole mix must be placed a number of issues related to how the economy works, including efficiency, pricing, production, inflation, monetary and fiscal policy and economic growth. These issues affect a number of social matters including employment, education, the provision of social services, the legal system and pensions.

Any serious politician who has responsibility for finance and development in a country, must be grounded in these matters and be able to apply (them). Any serious political party must fashion their philosophy with a clear understanding of these issues, taking into account the economic realities of the market place.

There must be a vision as to the direction that the economy must go if it is to bring benefits to the people of a particular country. There must be flexibility and a willingness to change and adapt and respond to new conditions that may develop. For example, the global economic and financial crisis, and events related to the weather, may require that governments shift their planning and execution to respond to the challenges that will arise.

Always, we have to remember that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is dependent on external source markets for trade in goods, tourism and services. Our domestic market is limited in terms of our size, and there is not a sufficiency of creative risk taking among our entrepreneurs.

The response of the ULP administration The ULP administration has developed a unique approach to the development of the Vincentian economy. First there is the recognition that the private sector, the cooperative sector and the State, have important but complementary roles to play in the workings of a mixed economy. These roles are critical in a small economy like St. Vincent and the Grenadines that is so vulnerable to external shocks. As a result of this, there needs to be commonsense approach by the government, to ensure that issues like fairness, efficiency and sustainability, are considered.

In this situation, it is perhaps very easy to allow the market conditions to determine demand and supply. This is where the State must intervene to ensure that some regulation takes place, to protect the poor and the vulnerable, and to reduce the power and influence of certain monopolies.

There are those in the State, particularly members and supporters of the opposition NDP, who are opposed to the intervention of the State in this regard.

They question the approach of the ULP administration whenever there has to be an intervention, to correct a particular situation. This speaks to a

lack of understanding of the economic forces that are at play in our country.

It also indicates a type of laziness that is dangerous, and can create great damage to our society, particularly if these people attain political power.

The ULP’s “people-centred vision” as the philosophy for the development of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been well executed and has produced many benefits, despite the buffeting of the global economic and financial crisis. Indeed many observers, including those in the NDP, have been forced to admit that the country is not doing too badly in the current harsh economic conditions. As compared to our Caricom neighbours, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beacon of hope.

The ULP administration, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, understands the economics of our time, and there is a recognition that this calls for bold, visionary and strategic leadership. Over the last twelve years, the ULP has refined its vision and is ready for a greater momentum in the years ahead. A number of projects will facilitate this drive, including the Argyle International Airport, the revitalization of the agricultural sector, the education of our citizens, the provision of enhanced health services, the many projects that will provide employment for many Vincentians, and the revolutionary turning of “dead capital into live capital”.

Working harder and smarter Despite all the application of the required economic approach to development, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not yet out of the woods. As a people, we have to work harder and smarter. We have created problems for ourselves through our lifestyles. Some of us have acquired sophisticated and expensive consumer tastes, particularly in the quests for the latest electronic equipment. We shun many of our local foods and produce, for those of other countries.

This has resulted in a high level of expenditure on imported goods and services, and has placed some pressure on our foreign exchange.

In other areas, the cost of providing health care for our citizens has increased, because we have not been paying enough attention to our lifestyle. Our diets have changed, resulting in an increase in the incidence of hypertension, diabetes and cardiac and renal problems.

Here and there, a tiny minority indulges in acts of criminality, and still others show a preference for “nice time, laziness and leisure”, rather than hard work that is smart and productive.

The truth is that too few are required to carry the burden of too many in our society. That must change and is changing as our young people take advantage of the education revolution. Still we have to do more with the limited resources available.

Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace’s Address at the NDP’s 37th Annual Convention THIS SUNDAY, the 24th day of November, 2013, a day that the Lord has given us, marks the beginning of the end of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) in power in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The New Democratic Party (NDP) stands ready to face this event with courage, and we are confident of success.

As leader of this great party, thirtyeight (38) years old this year, I make the following pledge to you, the people of this country:Our talented, multi-skilled team of candidates, with your help, will remove the ULP from power at the next General Election, and rebuild this nation’s shattered economy, increase employment and income, restore our moral fibre, reduce crime and corruption, and let all Vincentian people smile again.

We not only feel the normal Christmas breeze of this time of the year, but the emerging winds of change energizing a confident New Democratic Party. We speak with confidence, not because we believe the race is already won, but because we know that you have felt our consistent support, representation and work for you, all the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while we have been in opposition. We will continue as a government to govern in the interest of everyone, whatever your politics, be it NDP, ULP or any other party. St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot run on the strength of half the population, and this NDP will work for all Vincentians. This, as leader, I pledge to you.

In 2001, the ULP had our country in a 12-3 stranglehold. Today that hold no longer exists. A one seat majority 8-7 parliament indicates without a doubt, that the people are no longer fooled by empty promises and useless rhetoric.

“They get away by the skin of their teeth.” Not again!

We have repeatedly asked the people, “Are you better off today under the ULP than you were under an NDP government?” and without exception, the people have said no.

At every meeting, in every community, on every talk show, the people are lamenting the change in their circumstances. They had a better life with an NDP in government.

Vincentians should not be surprised by this, because the figures show it. For instance, in the period 1994-2003, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy grew by an average of 3.5% per year, while St. Lucia and Antigua, whose economies account for half of the OECS economy, grew by 1.2% and 2.9% respectively. Lower than the Vincentian economy of that time.

During the ULP administration, in recent times, however, in the last five (5) years, the period 2008-2013, St. Vincent and the Grenadines declined, had negative growth, did not grow for four out of the five years. This is significant because the cake has become smaller. When the cake is smaller to share among the entire population, everyone gets less, especially the poor.

I wish to reiterate that the St Vincent and the Grenadines economy in the four (4) year period 2008-2011, is the only economy in the thirty-two (32) countries of Latin America and the Caribbean that had negative growth for four (4) consecutive years. All of that has happened under the watch of the ULP. I also wish to point out, in that same four (4) year period when we were negative, those other thirty-one (31)

countries in the Caribbean and Latin America were experiencing an average growth rate of 3.5%. So all of our neighbours were doing better than us.

Why? Because the ULP were busy mismanaging our economy, and blaming their incompetence on the world economic crisis. So we are all feeling it in our pocket because of their mismanagement.

To have a growing economy is critical to the future prospects of our people for an improved standard of living and poverty reduction. To achieve meaningful economic growth in SVG at this time, the NDP will focus on some of the following areas: specifically the need for fiscal discipline, the agricultural sector, particularly bananas, the plight of the private sector, and energy.

The creation of JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! through:- 1.Fiscal discipline; 2.

Increased Productive sector activities with an immediate emphasis on the agricultural sector, particularly bananas and fishing; 3. Enabling the Private Sector to grow by providing the necessary incentives; 4. Tourism Development; 5. Technology Development; 6. Energy; 7. Health.

Fiscal discipline As at the end of September 2013, the government, with an approved budget of $799M, has been running a current deficit in excess of $5M. In short, they have been spending more money than they have been collecting. I expect this figure to get bigger because government has now gone forth and borrowed even more money from the Commercial Banks in an effort to pay the back pay of 1.5%, which was owed to civil servants.

This increased their borrowing by $15M at high overdraft interest rates.

In addition to that, there are other amounts which they have spent which they have not yet brought to the parliament. This will no doubt make the deficit even larger.

One should also recall that in preparing the budget, the government introduced a measure to collect $115M from capital receipts for revenue, and they will not be able to collect even $5M of that money. All these things make the deficit larger. It should be noted that in this kind of circumstance, it is vitally important for the government to run a current surplus.

In other words, they must collect more than they have spent, so that they can provide funding for projects, so that all our projects will not be based on 100% borrowing.

How many Vincentians recognize that wages and salaries for 2013, which have to be paid, is estimated at $261.9M per year or $21.8M per month? This does not include Pensions and NIS Payments to be made by government, which will increase that monthly amount from $21.8M to $25.9M per month.

How many Vincentians recognize that to pay the interest on our debt will require $50.2M dollars this year?

How many Vincentians recognize that to pay the principal on our debt and the sinking fund will require $88.3M dollars? This will bring the total payments on our debt alone to $138.5M this year, or $11.5M per month.

V Accusations, the accuser, and

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 11.

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the accused

“Oft times, accusations say much of the accuser and little of the accused.”

— Gregory Weekes, Financial Analyst, Trinidad and Tobago SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I considered pursuing a degree in law “just for the fun of it”. I contemplated that the mental stimulation would have been good for my aging brain. And while I smiled as I keyed the words for the previous sentence, on reflection, I realised that this was not a good enough motive for such a pursuit. Thus, I must admit that I have no authority to provide any legal insights in this article (even though I can masquerade as a “bush lawyer” as I share thoughts on a topic such as this).

But, then again, the slant that I am taking has nothing to do with the law or the legal profession, although the title may seem to imply such.

A dear friend from Trinidad and Tobago shared the introductory quotation with me some time ago.

Unfortunately, he had not stated the source of the quotation (but subsequently did after I contacted him following my fruitless Internet search for its origin). My Internet hunt was quite fascinating and educational though.

I came across a most interesting article early in my Internet exploration. It provided me with a most interesting “bush lawyer education” in relation to how it is possible to twist the very same words to mean so many different things.

That blog helped me to understand how a skilful attorney-at-law can interpret the words of an accuser and make it possible for the guilty to go free (or to trigger a mistrial). And so we ask, how many guilty citizens have been able to walk free because they or members of their legal team were able to “manipulate the law”? In addition, we wonder how many innocent, unsuspecting victims have been denied justice as a result of such technicalities. How many lawyers have “danced on words” and, in doing so, mesmerized the jury and allowed the guilty to go free and the innocent to suffer great agony? The accuser and the accused may not always get justice.

But Gregory Weekes’ quotation beckons us to take another look at accusations, accusers and the accused.

It reminds us that there are some who, for a variety of reasons, will seek to make mischief by trumping up all kinds of reports (accusations). The ones that are most dangerous are those that a spiced with a little truth.

The English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) captures the danger of “partial truths” this way: “A lie which is half truth is ever the blackest of lies.” And while we may seek to debate Tennyson’s “colouring of lies” (i.e. “the blackest of lies”) we appreciate that those lies that are tinged with a little truth are probably the more dangerous ones. These “spiced accusations” can be very deceitful and mischievous (nay “dishonest”). And they also reveal the nature of such an accuser. Such an example gives credence to Gregory’s quotation. For certainly, in instances like this, the accusations say much more about the accuser than it does about the accused.

Let us not conclude that all accusations are false or “tinged with lies”. Sometimes accusers may place facts within the public domain but, for a host of reasons, not be able to convince their audience of the accuracy of their information. Such accusers

will understandably be most frustrated and, in some cases, very humiliated.

Take, for example, the case of a young lady who goes out on a date with a “respectable male” and is subsequently raped. She knows it. And he knows it. However, the rapist may respond to her allegations with an outright denial. Or he may craftily indicate that it was a mutually agreed activity.

Who is to be believed? It can go either way. And while there are readers who would question my use of such a sensitive example, we must understand and appreciate that this is the kind of argument that many men who are accused of rape will use. It then becomes his word against hers in terms of whether she agreed to participate in the act or was forced to do so. This has been a challenge to the legal fraternity all over the world for centuries. And there is really no end in sight for justice to be had in such circumstances. And this is principally why so many individuals who have been physically, spiritually, and emotionally scarred by such infractions opt to settle for non-pursuit of justice.

This, they rationalise, will limit the intensity of the chronic pain and shame that often accompany such infringements.

Sometimes the accused is innocent, but in the eyes of the law or in the public domain they may be given a guilty verdict. The New Testament example of Stephen (Acts 7) immediately comes to mind. He was faithfully serving God when he was falsely accused of blasphemy against God and the Mosaic Law. But even as his accusers stoned him to death, he asked God to forgive those who had falsely accused, sentenced, and were in the process of killing him. What character! What maturity! What an example for us to follow!

The wrongfully accused, as described in the preceding paragraphs, need not be overly alarmed (even when efforts are made to defame, discredit, or harm them). As traumatic and emotionally devastating as the experience may be, they must have faith in the triumph of good over evil.

And while the accusers may consider that they have won the initial battle, they must forever look over their shoulders realising that they may not win the war. And, as they stumble and falter, the same accusing dagger that they sharpened for another may later be thrust within their own bosom - by their own hands. The Old Testament example of Haman and Mordecai (Esther Chapter 3) reminds us of such a possibility — when the false accuser builds his gallows, he needs to consider whether he will not eventually hang from his own contraption. Even as the accusations are levelled, we may very well witness justice for the accuser and/or the accused.

And so, we proceed with caution in relation to how and who we accuse.

We must also understand that, from time to time, we will be rightfully and/or wrongfully accused. However, in whichever circumstance we find ourselves, we must appreciate the fact that the accusations often say much more about the accuser than the accused.

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

Pope Francis speaks Truth to Power THE ATTACKS on the inequities of capitalism by Pope Francis last Tuesday is clear proof of the growing disconnect between the majority of the world’s people and the way in which the captains of high finance and industry run the world economy.

No longer can it be said that those calling for reforms or radical change in the capitalist infrastructure are ‘fringe radicals of an era long past.’

The Pope launched a blistering attack on what he called the ‘tyranny of capitalism.’ Pope Francis warned that unless radical changes are made to the way the system of capitalism operates all of the world, peoples are heading towards ‘disintegration and death’ The tyranny of capitalism is leading to widespread social unrest because inequality would inevitably lead to conflict that results in ‘disintegration and death’. The pope argued that only an overhaul of the financial system in Western economies that currently promote ‘unbridled consumerism’, will arrest the slide to certain destruction.

In a warning that will be disregarded, to the chagrin of high state officials as well as the economic and social elite here, Pope Francis said ‘When a society — local, national or global — is willing to leave a part of itself on the fringes, no political programmes or resources spent on law enforcement or surveillance systems can indefinitely guarantee tranquility.’

‘Without equal opportunities, the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and eventually explode,’ Pope Francis warned.

The pope insisted that the action needed went beyond ‘a simple welfare mentality’, and called for ‘more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor,’ to make their voices heard.

Pope Francis went further than previous comments criticizing the global economic system. On Tuesday, he was merciless in attacking, what he called the ‘idolatry of money.’ He beseeched politicians and economic leaders to guarantee all citizens “dignified work, education and healthcare”.

Pope Francis attacked the emerging unfettered capitalism as ‘a new tyranny’, and urged global leaders to fight poverty and growing inequality more than ever before.

He also called on rich people to share their wealth. ‘Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality.

‘How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?’

The 76-year-old pontiff said ‘as long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems.’ To accomplish those tasks, he called for an overhaul of the financial system and warns that unequal distribution of wealth inevitably leads to mindless violence.

To bring the church in line with his new and radical vision, the pope called for a renewal of the church’s mission, and demanded that the Vatican and its entrenched hierarchy “needed to hear the call to pastoral conversion...I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security,” he wrote.

While he may have displeased many in arguing that the male-only priesthood ‘is not a question open to discussion,’ he was vocal that ‘women must have more influence in church leadership.’ Although abortion was another issue on which the pontiff did not budge, he warned that a revitalized church must fight against ‘an encroaching secularization’ manifested mostly in western countries.

Economic inequality features as one of the issues Francis is most concerned about. The 76-year-old pontiff calls for an overhaul of the financial system, and warns that unequal distribution of wealth inevitably leads to violence.

“As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems,” he wrote.

Denying this was simple populism, he called for action “beyond a simple welfare mentality” and added: ‘I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor.’

The pronouncements by the pope are important for a number of reasons. Principal among them is that criticism of the excess of the capitalism system is becoming more mainstream. In recent times, top stake holders in the system, such as George Soros and Warren Buffet, have called for systemic reforms.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have spoken out against the notion that austerity measures are the cure for all of the ills facing developing countries. In recent times, leaders from across the globe have witnessed that the ideas of an unregulated market, rampant privatization and belt tightening for the most vulnerable offer no solution to the economic malaise that confront most countries in the world.

Now that an important world figure as Pope Francis has spoken most forcefully about the tyranny of capitalism, the hope is that more of our political and economic leaders will take these issues more seriously. If they do, we may have less of the glib talk which pass for policy prescriptions in St Vincent and a more serious mental engagement that really grapples with finding solutions to our country’s problems.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Import substitution can create economic growth in SVG

Under the economically incompetent ULP regime, imports have risen massively from 463 million in 2001, to 964 million in 2012. This is part of the cause for high unemployment, businesses closing down and our economy becoming dangerously weak.

The ULP regime has shown since 2001, that it is hopeless and unable to revive the economy or provide enough jobs and revenue.

As well as a strategy of import substitution, we OUR COUNTRY imports too much food and other machinery needed, and train our people in the skills need to change our economy so that it is exportorientated. In the economic sectors that we carry out products. We need to embark on an economic policy of needed to produce many goods. This would again import substitution, once we have the skills and import substitution and export orientation to create mean more factories and thousands more new jobs resources to produce enough for our people, we can economic growth. in light manufacturing.

In 2011, SVG imported over 200 million dollars of It is important that we reduce our dependency on then increase production and export to foreign food. In 2012, SVG imported 964 million dollars of foreign countries and also increase our level of self- markets.

Other new SVG exports will be fish from a billion goods in total, and for every one dollar we exported, sufficiency. This will create sustainable economic dollar tuna fishing and canning industry, fresh we imported over eight dollars. growth. We must have a more industrialised drinking water, and products from new Green and The problem with importing so much goods, is economy and not focus on a dead-end product like science and technology sectors of our economy. that a large amount of money leaves our country. tourism.

Singapore’s industrial policy in 1959 sought to We cannot afford to have a billion dollars a year lost A Green government would help people set up promote industrialization as a way of diversifying abroad as was virtually the case in 2012. businesses as part of the import substitution its economy by import substitution. In 1968, when As a nation, we need to grow and make much process, and provide incentives so that shops and the British started to withdraw from Singapore, more of what we consume by import substitution. supermarkets sell locally-produced goods rather import substitution was succeeded by a strategy This would create thousands of new jobs; our people than imported foreign goods. promoting export-oriented, labour-intensive would be better off and there would be much more One of the main imports that needs to be industrialisation. money circulating around our country. substituted is the oil we use to produce electricity.

Import substitution and export orientation is the In terms of food, we could grow much more of We must change to using renewable energies, such what we eat, and set up factories to do agroas solar, wind and hydro, to produce our electricity. vehicle for economic growth in SVG. processing of goods such as fruit juices, baby food, This will make the price of electricity much cheaper, SVG Green Party peanut butter and other food items. For non-food keep much more money in our country and help www.svggreenparty.org items, we could easily acquire the technology and small businesses prosper.

Dr. Thompson should decline I SEE FROM the newspapers that there is some excitement in some of the constituencies, regarding the selection of candidates to contest the next general elections. That is probably a good sign, indicating that more of the younger people are preparing themselves for the responsibility of taking charge of the affairs of state.

It is my strong opinion, as it pertains to the constituency of North Leeward, that Dr. Jerrol Thompson should not put his name up for the candidacy.

His energy could be put to better use and more effective service as a medical doctor, the area in which he is eminently qualified. We are all aware that the area of health care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is woefully short of where we had projected it should have been at this time.

While it is admitted that the weakness of the economy over the last several years has

had its impact on several areas of national business, the evidence that there has been recklessness and gross mismanagement, has been irrefutably documented.

The people of the villages of the parish of St. David Spring Village, Coull’s Hill, Rose Hall, Troumaca, Rose Bank, Petit Bordel and the town of Chateaubelair and its suburbs - have been neglected for far too long, with respect to social services and job opportunities. So those of us who can, must express towards the hope for a significant improvement in their circumstances.

Here are some of the areas which have for years been frustrating the efforts of the people of the aforementioned villages: 1. The inadequate allocation of transport for students of the area.

2. The failure of government to attend to the feeder roads so vital to farming activity

One Bedroom Apartment Arnos Vale Housing Plan Tel: 452-1011

which has been the economic mainstay of the people for generations 3. The disdain for the people as exhibited by the ULP’s handling of the vexing question of the Cumberland Playing Field project.

During Dr. Thompson’s stint as parliamentary representative of the area, he did not, at any time, seem to command the respect of his cabinet colleagues, sufficient to influence them to act caringly, to address those issues which were crying out for attention.

On the contrary, he seemed enthused to high-handedly enter on to the prosperity of a widow, Herman Dennie, in the attempt to settle on her lands at Cumberland Estate, persons who had been displaced from their holdings at Belle Isle. Readers will no doubt remember that the present ULP government attempted to acquire Mrs Dennie’s lands at 18 cents per square foot, despite the fact that she had sold some of the

same lands to the previous Mitchell administration at the rate of $1.50 per sq. ft.

Dr. Thompson seemed to be in the forefront of blatant injustice against a quiet law-abiding respectful and wellrespected family of the community.

With respect to the Cumberland Playing Field, Dr. Thompson was, in the opinion of many, the lead player in hoodwinking us as to the government’s determination to have that project completed. The people of St. David are happy that the people of Dr. Jerrol Thompson was South Rivers have a good unseated by Patel Matthews as playing field today. It seems as though it took but parliamentary representative for a ‘wink’ from conception to North Leeward in the 2010 commissioning. Why should general elections.

Cumberland be taking twenty years to complete? of the people of North On the basis of the Leeward. He has had his fair foregoing, I do not think that chance. Let us hear now what Dr. Thompson should be the new men have to say. considered as a candidate for election to be the parliamentary representative LeRoy Providence

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Blucher mesmerizes for international airport

Stor y and photos by

by Nelson Nelson A. Story A. King naking@verizon.net; naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

Award-winning A w ward-winning Gospel Diva Bridget Blucher electrifying concert. gospel concert

A section of the e effervescent audience.

AWARD-WINNING A WA ARD-WINNING CARIBBEAN gospel CARIBBEAN diva Bridget music diva Bluc her las Blucher lastt Saturda Saturdayy night, ga ve a full-throat gave per formance in performance mesmerizing fans legions of fans and patrons at another fundraiser in Brooklyn, Ne w New or the Yor o k, ffor York, InternaArgyle InternaAirport. tional Airport.

The effervescent, popular New Grounds native belched out hypnotic hits from her wide repertoire in the 3 ½-hour, ‘Land of My Birth, I Pledge to Thee’ gospel

concert at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

The event – organized by the Brooklyn-based Friends of Argyle International Airport, New York, in collaboration with the New York-headquartered Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, U.S.A. – attracted a large number of Vincentians, from all walks of life, as well as Caribbean nationals.

Blucher, also known as Evangelist Blucher, cher, pulverized the packed house, as patrons “got down”, with rhapsodic numbers, such as ‘Bur ‘Bur-dens are Lifted’, ‘I Will Bless The Lord’, ‘Oh, How Marvelous’, ‘My God’, ‘Greatly Blessed’, ‘Send a Light’ and ‘God’s Not Dead’.

Blucher, who trekked from her residence in Port St. Lucie, Florida for the fundraiser, noted the all-too-familiar hardships that most nationals and visitors encounter in transiting to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Once you get to a certain place, they tell you that you are ‘overweight’, so you have to get into your spending money,” she lamented.

“At this gospel concert, we not only Angus ‘Brigo’ need to sing, we need to pray [for L ynch, ex-calypsoex-calypsoLynch, completion of the international nian cum gospel singer r, reflected on airport],” she added. singer, air travel service Other acts related problems he and tourists underunderBlucher’s went while he was a enthralling taxi driver at home. performance was augmentaugmented with gospel renditions by former calypcalypsonians, now Born-Again Born-Again--

Layou native Cornis Hannaway was a live wire at the gospel concert.

Right: Evangelist Ellsworth ‘Life ‘Life-boy’ Quammie.

Christians, Angus ‘Brigo’ Lynch, of Calliaqua, and Ellsworth ‘Lifeboy’ Quammie, of Stubbs. variety was furnished More variety by: Campden Park natives Minister Anndean Charles and Garfield Bowen; Lowmans Windward-born cousins Azuree and LaFleur Durrant; and the Brooklyn-based United Worshippers Gospel Band, with Minister Edron Olive, of Lynch Questelles. sought to provide ‘Peace’ while noting ‘How Great is Our God’, as Quammie underscored that Grena‘St. Vincent and the Grenadines [is] Land of Love’, urging patrons to’Hold On, Don’t Give Up’.

Lynch reflected reflected on the “problems” he, his colleagues and tourists underwent while he was a taxi driver at home for 20 years, stating that the signifi-international airport will signifi cantly help in resolving many of these issues.

“It’s [will be] a blessing that, one day, we’ll go direct to St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said.

Quammie later told patrons: “[If] you’re looking to have the airport completed, hold on. Bless the Lord!”

Charles sang that the Argyle International International Airport is ‘In the Hands of Sweet Deliverance’ and ‘What ‘What Didn’t Kill You Will Make You Stronger’.

As the airport nears completion, Bowen beckoned ‘Ride Focus’, after which ‘I Out O the t Storm’ and ‘Don’t Lose Your Focus’, am [will be] Free’.

In the interim, Azuree, 16, noted the ‘Amazing Grace’ of God, and encouraged patrons to ‘Praise G od in the Most God Humble Way’.

While ‘Holding My [Our] Hand’, LaFleu LaFleurr admitted that ‘I Need Thee Every Hour,’ and appealed to the ‘Savior [to] ‘Hear My Humble Cry’.

Jamaican-born poet, Kimberle Thompson, adjutant to Mistress of Ceremony Dr. Roxie Irish, the Vermont-born, Campden Park-raised former national netball star, also noted air transport difficulties in connecting to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Thompson, who had accompanied th thee United Vincie rish is the founder Cultural Group of Brooklyn – of which IIrish and president – to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, during its medical mission in 2010, read a poem at the gospel concert, dubbed ‘Non-Stop to SVG’. tell your neighbors/ It read in part: “So tell your friends, tell forget about the politics/ and fly non-stop to SVG.”

Former National Football Federation President Louis Dais Dais-ley (c) with ex-national netball captain Stella Boyea-Ashby and ex-national football captain Stanley "Luxie" Morris at gospel concert.

Chairman Godfrey Pitt, a former police officer at home.

Pitt, who hails from Georgetown, said that the group has also conducted a bus ride and BBQ in raising US$35,000 to date, excluding the latest event, for the airport cause.

VINCEN“We will keep raising funds,” he told THE VINCENTIAN during the intermission last Saturday night. “The turn-out tonight is excellent. I’m very pleased.”

“It’s an excellent group,” added Pitt about the Friends of Argyle International Airport, New York, disclosing that the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex-Teachers Association has recently joined the fundraising initiative.

“We’re very focused on our country,” he continued. “We’re very strong on nation-building.

We can’t wait for the airport to be completed.”

The Government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Jamaican poet has said that construction of the Kimberle Thompson airport will be completed in time made his contribution for an opening ceremony in to the fund-raiser fund-raiser..

October next year.

Continuing suppor supportt The event, coordinated by Deputy New York Consul General Edson Augus Augus-tus, was the third gospel concert that the Friends of Argyle Inter Inter-national Airport, New York has conducted since its formation two years ago, to help raise funds for the airport, according to

Bridget Blucher receiving award from Friends of the Argyle International Airport, New York.

York. o

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 15.

16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 17.

Arts

The police cautions little mouths

Right: Mother PassionFruit in one of her tirades which her children, Lime and Kiwi, have to endure.

Drama Club was the WE HAVE ALL BECOME fourth drama FAMILIAR with the saying, group to ‘Be careful little mouth make its what you say’, and all the presentation other warnings given to in the 2013 other body parts that can Bank of St. lead us into trouble.

Vincent and Notwithstanding, the the RSVG Police Drama Grenadines Club (RSVG PDC), last Drama weekend - Friday 23rd Festival. to Sunday 24th THE November - sought to MESSAGE give its audience a lesson The RSVG in the serious PDC has been repercussions that could known, over result from negative the years, for words rushing giving inconsiderately out of our presentations Too much mouths, in their that have left presentation, ‘Be Careful indelible Little Mouths’, at the messages on the minds of Peace Memorial Hall. its audience. This year The RSVG Police has been no exception.

by GLORIAH…

his persuasive talk to capture the interest and participation of the hesitant.

The two children in the Juice family, Lime and Kiwi, were thus targeted: Lime smoked the marijuana, but Kiwi refused the Blackberry phone.

When Ms. Juice was told about Lime’s involvement, she launched a crazy attack with pressure at home leads Lime into a life on the street. words that only condemned the ‘Be Careful Little Mouth’ family, in which the insecure young man, who was a tale unraveled mother, Ms. Passionwas musically inclined through a single-parent Fruit Juice, constantly flung careless words out and always wanted to be of her mouth, regardless a doctor. Lime chose to tell the truth to his of to whom she spoke.

The play concentrated its mother, but to no avail.

Her tirade simply story on the unwitting continued. She even incident of Ms. Juice’s doubted that her angry, negative words daughter had refused the belched out on her son, cell phone.

Lime Juice, helping to Upon hearing Ms. determine the travail Juice’s barrage of into which he eventually negative words to her fell.

Lime and Kiwi, the THE STORY audience could easily The story involved a have found her too village hoodlum called insufficiently provoked ‘Big Yam’ who easily for her words too strong. threw money around to As the play action The court, not usually a ‘nice place’, turns out to be a change agent in Lime’s anyone wanting to “work unraveled, however, the for me.”

He would use life.

Frankie Mc Intosh to be honoured

Franklyn ‘Frankie’ Mc Intosh will receive another honour during the inaugural Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari.

RENOWNED VINCENTIAN MUSICIAN, composer, arranger Franklyn ‘Frankie’, ‘The Maestro’ Mc Intosh will be honoured this weekend in his homeland.

‘Frankie’ will receive the prestigious Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari Legends Award during the debut of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safar in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Safari, scheduled for tonight, Friday 29th,

at the National Tennis Courts at Villa, will feature ‘Frankie’ alongside the Original Unit Jazz Trio of Barbados, and patrons are anticipating being enthralled by CalypsoJazz renditions which Frankie describes as “the wave of the future.”

Other acts include the Barbadian sensation Shontelle, Guy Marc Vadeleux and his Trio from Martinique and American guitarist Derek McKeith and his

Jazz Funk Band.

The Vincentian musical maestro is no stranger to awards, having among other accolades, being named the 1990 Arranger of the Year at the Caribbean Grammy Music Awards.

Frankie holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music, but that has not confined him to a world of theory and academics. He has worked with a countless number of calypsonians,

jazz ensembles and Caribbean artistes in general, both as arranger and accompanying keyboardist.

He will be the fourth to receive the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Legends Award Barbados. The others are Trinidad born and Barbados based pianist Ebe Gilkes, Antigua’s Winston Anthony and Grenadian composer and arranger James Clarkson.

playwright’s intention became clearly obvious — the delivery of the very serious message: The power of the tongue is underestimated. Her son could do nothing but leave home.

THE EVENTUALITY Lime Juice became a street dweller, so ‘Be Careful Little Mouth” took its audience across the vagrant landscape, attempting to expose its mountains of contrived contentment and its valleys of longed-for victories. After a series of actions, a court case ensued, as Lime Juice was charged in a stealing felony. He was found not guilty, and the sympathetic Magistrate, aided his “Ms. Prosticution”, decided to give him and the other accused an opportunity to showcase their musical talent. The court was brought to a hilarious scene of melodious uproar.

“Be Careful Little Mouth”, at times appeared simplistic in its acts, but what better way to drive a powerful point home. The objective was achieved. It was complemented by simple, realistic costuming, with spot-on curtains and scene changes. Those switches were the best so far seen in this festival.

THE INSPIRATION Seasoned playwright Sergeant Meldon James confessed that he got his inspiration for the piece from a sermon by the same name, which he wrote. He kept to his steady philosophy: that there are many ills in society and people need chances.

“I wrote the play,” he told THE VINCENTIAN, “to highlight those things and to let the audience decide if they have been encouraged to make changes in their thinking.”

V Did the national heroes debate come to an end?

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

He was unique. He was no ordinary man! He was a great gift — a blessed PART IV gift to our nation. There was only one Abraham Lincoln in the history of the If so, isn’t Dr. J.P. Eustace the greatest of United States of America, one all?

Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi in the history of India, one Winston Churchill A national imperative in the history of England, and one John Parmenas Eustace in the history Let it be a National imperative for of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. all citizens — children, scholars, But Doctor J.P. Eustace was really an preachers, evangelists, Christians, amalgamation of Winston Churchill philanthropists, scientists, sportsmen, and William Shakespeare, when his farmers, lovers of the unfortunate, the prodigious and encyclopaedic language marginalised, the rejected, and the skills are taken into consideration. He victims of self-imposed bondage and was also an Abraham Lincoln, a Billy those deprived of opportunities - to Graham and the Apostle Paul, when liberate or emancipate themselves. his mammoth grasp and Doc touched lives locally, regionally comprehensive command of Biblical and globally in his labour of love principles are studied. He was all of without being motivated by human these men in one — a glistening and rewards or compensation, and he died scintillating diamond in human form. with the conviction and consciousness and satisfaction that he had done his What is really causing the inordinate best for his fellowmen. His passion delay was to enhance human life with worth, capital, dignity, quality and hope. He What is really holding up the made life for us not just tolerable but Declaration in this matter of National triumphant; he made monotonous Heroes? It is so clear and existence, momentous and the unambiguous. Let us take politics out negative — positive. He gave us cause of this, for Doc J.P. Eustace is clearly, to celebrate life. by far, historically, educationally,

by R. THEODORE L.V. BROWNE

socially, spiritually, compassionately and patriotically the only national choice with or without the legal imperative.

Can any other nominee survive without the aid of politics? Are we dealing with “the terminability of a contract of unspecified duration” as the late Professor Ralph Carnegie once titled a classic masterpiece in a scholarly law journal?

Let right be done now, and stop any unnecessary and vulgar political pussyfooting, if any. When the evidence is looked at carefully and analysed objectively in its entirety, Dr. J. P. Eustace emerges as the greatest Vincentian that was ever born.

Let us not do anything so foolish and so pregnant with bias that it will trigger the imposition of wrath or a curse on our blessed land. Let us not recklessly say: “don’t bother or disturb me with the facts. I don’t need them to make up my mind.”

Seriously, can we, as Vincentians, identify any other Vincentians who will, as an exemplar, portray a better and more inspiring, lofty and noble image of our country than Dr. J.P. Eustace?

Dr. J. P. Eustace was: (1) A great and exemplary scholar at every level of our educational system. Locally and internationally; (2) A spiritual giant who practised what he preached, and who by the power of example transformed many lives; (3) A gifted linguist in Spanish, French, Latin, English, Hebrew, Greek; (4) The pioneer of co-education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the secondary level and the founder of schools (i) Primary (a) New Prospect/Simon - 1935 and (b) Sandy Bay-1948; (ii) Secondary (i) Intermediate 1926 at the age of 20 (ii) Emmanuel High School — Kingstown 1952 (iii) Emmanuel High School — Mesopotamia 1963. Amazingly, in every decade from the 1920s to the 1960s he founded schools. Not even the British Government could match him.

In SPORTS, he pioneered volleyball and promoted table tennis, cricket and weightlifting, e.g. Maurice King — strongest man in the world pound for pound, was a school boy at the Emmanuel High School when he captured the attention of the world; Denzil Winsboro who at the young age of 15 made the senior cricket team to represent St. Vincent in Dominica; Winston Davis — record breaking fast bowler in International One Day Cricket; Jonathan Pitt and Yvonne Mapp — mixed doubles champions in Table Tennis and again McVain Ollivierre and Jonathan Pitt were men’s doubles champions in Table Tennis.

Moreover, Dr. J.P. Eustace was an effective local Missionary — more so than white Europeans and North Americans and Canadians. He taught ‘locals’ how to be creative, independent and self-sufficient and not to discriminate against any on the basis of colour of skin or condition in life.

By life, lip and example, he demonstrated the meaning and power of faith and the demonstration of love to all without discrimination.

Dr. John Parmenas Eustace made his mark in the Grenadines — particularly in Mayreau, Bequia, Canuoan and Union Island - in Sandy Bay, as local authority and Pastor Peter Ballantyne and Parliamentarian, the Honourable Montgomery Daniel and His Excellency Professor Dr. Cadrin Gill would attest, and indeed in every village, big and small, on the mainland.

Dr. J.P. Eustace was a Good Samaritan, educator and preacher. By the sheer weight of evidence, he stands out like a mountain peak in several areas of our national life. He was indeed a man of character, a man of scholarship, a man of vision, a man of freedom and a man of demonstrated compassion and profound spirituality.

The evidence is abundantly overwhelming, persuasive, convincing and incontrovertible.

No other Vincentian has touched, inspired and influenced as many Vincentians as Dr. J.P. Eustace — as an exemplary scholar, educator, preacher, sports administrator, eye specialist, philanthropist and motivator. It’s like comparing Mt. Everest to smaller physical elevations and concluding that Kings Hill is higher than Mt. Everest. Let us not be ridiculous by allowing ourselves to be influenced by extraneous matters like politics, religion, education and skin colour. Doc is simply the greatest. he is without doubt better than all the rest in any test. There is no need for further argument. The debate is over and the verdict is clear.

On sheer merit, Doc. J.P. Eustace stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Allow the facts, verifiable facts, to speak, not suppositions, assumptions, deductions and imaginary excursions to the realm of fantasy to influence your verdict; and thereafter be satisfied that you have done your best in the sight of God and man. Thank you, Doctor J.P. Eustace, for your lofty, noble and inspiring example.

In conclusion, when all the evidence is examined and carefully analysed, and when close attention is given to its magnitude and global scope and livingness, and after disabusing our minds of all political emotionalism, bias and nebulous academic notions and any malice influenced by the consideration of extraneous and irrelevant matters, we are, as a matter of fairness and transparent honesty, bound to conclude, while being guided by the mandatory provisions of Section 10 of the National Heroes Act, that the only Vincentian qualified to be declared a National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Dr. John Parmenas Eustace. Clustering him with others would only magnify the extent to which ‘others’ are unqualified. Let right be done!

V Digicel wins award for education work in Haiti

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 19.

Business

Hundreds of children and their families, like these from the community of Chemin Lavi Miyo, benefit from the Digicel Foundation.

DIGICEL WAS NAMED a winner at the 2012/13 Corporate Citizens of the Americas (CCA) Award last night at a glittering gala in Washington DC, November 20.

The CCA Awards are an initiative from The Trust for the Americas with support from the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and AES Corporation.

Digicel was named the winner in the “Vulnerable Communities” category for its Digicel Foundation education programme in Haiti, which sees it on track to build 150 schools by 2014, and deliver training to over 600 teachers who each receive more than 450 hours of training, mentorship and professional development.

Other winners on the night were IBM Latin America for its “Corporate Service Corps” programme in the Economic Opportunities category, and CEMEX for its “Comprehensive Assisted Auto Construction” programme in the Citizen Security category.

The Trust for the

Americas is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the Organisation of American States (OAS).

It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its initiatives, implemented through local partner organisations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities for vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance.

Commenting on the Digicel Foundation’s work in Haiti, Digicel chairman and founder, Denis O’Brien, said; “We are deeply committed to helping the people of Haiti to build a brighter future for themselves.

Our education programme in Haiti sees between 80,000 and 90,000 children being given the opportunity to receive a much-needed education and teachers receiving proper training and support. We would like to thank the Trust of the Americas and its partner organisations for this kind recognition of our efforts.”

(Contributed)

The Digicel Foundation is partnering with a local NGO to install twelve IT centres throughout Haiti.

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A two-faced husband looking for work. I came home one time and met him looking at porn with YOU HAVE no idea what I am going my neighbor, a 31-year-old single through at home with my so called female. I went totally crazy and, on loving husband. I am fed up with top of that, he said I had no right to keeping his secret now! My embarrass him in front other husband is not working at the moment and he claims he is actively people. I asked him if he can be at

Dear George,

home looking at porn with her, what else is he doing with her. I said I do not want her back into my house, but he is saying that is his decision to make.

We have been married 2 years.

What I did not tell you is that my husband is one of those so called preachers in the church.

He shows one image in public, but at home his life is a mess.

I cannot keep his secret any longer and I am tired of catching his STDs, his lies and his infidelity. I have moved out from him, and I do not want to go to any counselling because we should not have been married in the first place, but that is another story.

Decided Dear Decided, It would be difficult to live with someone who is living a double life. You do not deserve to be disrespected like that, and your moving out is fully justified, if that is what you wanted, and especially when no remorse was shown.

Your husband was not showing the kind of commitment he needs to show to the marriage, and with what you have described, plus what you still have hidden, maybe it is better to reset the button to your life and give yourself another chance to make a wiser decision as to whom you want to share the rest of your life with.

George

A sudden change of mind Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND changed her mind 3 days before the date we set for our wedding. She said she was having second thoughts after seeing a certain movie. I am disgusted that she would change her mind from being with the man she loves and who loves her, because of one stupid movie! How can I get her to change her mind?

Puzzled Dear Puzzled, It is always best to have all the information before entering into something as serious as a marriage.

If your girlfriend expressed that she is having second thoughts, then you need to listen to her and entertain a discussion as to what those thoughts are. It can be the perfect time to extend the counselling session or begin one if there was none. Let her take as much time as she needs to sort herself out. If you think you do not have that amount of time, then you are free to move on with- out her.

It is always better to measure twice and cut once! That’s the golden rule of the carpenter, and it applies in your girlfriend’s case.

George

Five mouths to feed Dear George, I AM A MOTHER of five children and I am not working. I have been feeding my children by prostituting myself. I do not want to live like this. I am not feeling good about what I have brought myself to, but I have five mouths to feed.

My girlfriend knows my secret and she wants me to get out of it, but there is nothing else for me to do. Times are hard and my children need to eat and attend school. The fathers of these children are not supporting them, and I do not like the idea of going to the court.

Surviving Dear Surviving, Every man should be made to support his child or children! It is your responsibility to these children to go after these men for child support.

You are not doing it for you, but you owe it to your children.

The family court is set up to facilitate this process. In addition to that, you can make a petition to the Social Welfare Department and explore what available help is there for you. It will be also useful if you see someone from say, Marion House and get some counsel as to how you can identify and use what skill you might have to earn you some money otherwise.

It is good that you have a friend who can be there for you and advise you correctly. Ask your friend to accompany you to one or all of the above places I have mentioned. Good luck to you, and keep your chin up!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make sure that you make reservations early. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Try to be a bit more understanding or you may end up spending the evening alone. You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do.

you're prepared to accept irrevocable results. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. Avoid any intimate involvement's with coworkers or employers. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Younger relatives may seek your advice. When the work is done, they may serve you for a change.

Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for. You can make money if you are wise in your choices.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Concentrate on spending quality time with children and friends. You can make financial gains through investments and dealing with other people's money.

Control your emotions and everything will fall into place. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Those close to your heart may be difficult to reason with. Take time to explain your intentions to loved ones.

Legal matters that have been pending may be alleviated through compromise. Financial difficulties may be worrying you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. Do something constructive outside. It's time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. You will find yourself tied to the phone.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset. Try to be patient and understanding. Refrain from arguing with your mate. Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Competitive games will be your forte. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. Those who have been too demanding should be put in their place or out to pasture.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't start any arguments unless

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self awareness. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. Try to stay calm and do the best you can.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Uncertainties about your personal life are probable. Expect some flak.

Physical work or exercise should be part of your schedule. Residential moves will be favorable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on. You could lose a good friend because of it. Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble. You can make adjustments in your domestic scene this week. Avoid boredom by being creative in your endeavors.

ACROSS

55. Overlooked 59. Mata __ 1.Religious image 60. Furlough 5. Ameche and 62. “__ Lisa” Rickles 63. “__ Island 9. Clothesline, e.g. with You” (2 13. Scruff wds.)

14. Show feelings 64. Descriptive 16. Divorced mates tag 17. Bird talon 65. Eager 18. Black bird 66. Sudden pain 19. Mondale, once 67. Bic products 20. Baseball’s __ 68. Actor Beatty game (hyph.) et al.

22. In a clear way 24. Certain hosp.

DOWN tests 25. Gore et al.

1.Andes native 26. Computer 2. Use a phone Communication 3. Milky-white (hyph.) gem 28. Primped 4. Tom Brokaw, 32. Actress Dunne e.g.

33. Pennant 5. Run off the 35. Nevada town track 36. Scrap of food 6. Bradley et al.

37. Removed from 7. Fall mo. print 8. Dance move40. Suffix for a ment doctrine 9. One who 41. Having foot rewrites digits 10. Yoked 43. Slobber animals 44. Rascal 11. Banana’s skin 46. Sort 12. Catch sight of 48. Wash oneself 15. Blow up a 49. 1939 outbreak photo 50. Milk (Fr.) 21. Attempted 51. President after 23. British beverBush age

26. Mistake 27. Gauge 28. Woodland walkway 29. Dobbin’s comment 30. Result 31. Rounded rooftop 32. Whit 33. Chimney passage 34. Quebec article 38. Chinese restaurant appetizer (2 wds.)

39. Sink part 42. Breaking, as day 45. Footstool

47. Natalie Cole’s father 48. Rolls with holes 50. Pep (up) 51. Mince 52. Turner of films 53. Middle Eastern

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 21.

nation 54. Lowest tide 56. Stray 57. Author Bagnold 58. June celebrants 61. “Honest” President

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Week of Prayer for Prisons a success

THE WEEK OF PRAYER for Prisons, November 17 – 24, 2013, organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter of Prison Fellowship International (PFI), has been judged a success.

And a release this week from the local Chapter referred to and thanked a number of institutions and persons whose co-operation made the week a success.

Among the many institutions and persons referred to were: government officials and prison officials and inmates of the three prison facilities for their cooperation and participation; the electronic and print media for taking the message to the public; the churches, wellwishers and members of the general public for their moral support and their work behind the scenes.

Prison Fellowship International (PFI) is an international, nongovernmental, transdenominational organization of National Prison Fellowship organizations from over 120 countries. Its primary mission is “to mobilize and assist the

Christian community in its ministry to prisoners, exprisoners, victims, and their families; and in the advancement of restorative justice.”

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter was officially chartered on January 15, 2013, and its current executive is chaired by Jonathan Pitt, a local tax consultant and a Christian evangelist in his own right.

The local PFI Chapter has an ongoing programme of support, including counseling, at the three prison facilities here.

In its outreach to the wider community, the local chapter urges Vincentians to join it in its efforts to: prepare incarcerated persons for Godly productive lives on the outside; prepare to welcome them back into our homes, workplace, churches and communities; assist victims and their families and the families and loved ones of incarcerated persons; assist in reducing the high level of crime and violence in our country.

A busy season for the Police Band

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THIS YEAR, when the RSVG Police Band rolls into your area, there will be a concert with a difference.

Members of the public will be able to perform alongside what has become known as one of the region’s best musical ensembles.

Director of the The RSVG Police Band, a section of which is seen here at the band, Station Sergeant Bernard launch of the Salvation Army 2013 Kettle Appeal, has been doing Christmas community concerts for well over 50 years.

Haynes, this week, outlined aspects of the Band’s Christmas programme. December 17 event ,while Rose Bank will see the Police musicians live, December 18.

The action opens at the Clare Valley Barrouallie will see the musicians Government School, Monday, December 2 December 19, and the focus shifts to the and winds up on Monday, December 23, Police Christmas Thanksgiving Ceremony, with concerts at the Mental Health Centre 20. at 10 am, and the Lewis Punnett Home at The Police Band will be at the Prison 11 am.

Concert at 3 pm on December 22.

The Band will be in: Green Hill Children adjudged to have performed well December 3; Owia — December 4; Richland will win prizes, compliments the Police Park — December 5; and South Rivers Band.

December 6.

Haynes is keen on turning this year’s Spring Village in North Leeward will host activity into a musical training exercise. the band at 3 pm, December 8, and Layou Band members will speak about their will do so on 9th, Rose Hall 10th, instrument, its role, type and history.

Georgetown 11th and Lowmans Windward Haynes is hoping to arouse interest in 12th. wind instruments.

The Band will be at the Police Carolling The Police Band has been entertaining Contest, December 13.

A Children’s Party at Government House, audiences throughout St. Vincent and the December 14 at 2 pm will also see the Police Grenadines for over 50 years. They have become a fixture in the Christmas season’s Band on show. Chateaubelair gets its taste celebratory activities.

December 15, with Biabou being the venue Haynes indicated that the Band will be on 16th. going to some places for the first time, and The South eastern town of to others they have not been to in many Calliaqua is the venue for the years.

Bandmaster has concerns

Station Sergeant Haynes is committed to arousing interest in playing brass/wind instruments.

STATION SERGEANT BERNARD HAYNES, Director of the RSVG Police Band, is shocked with persons’ unwillingness to play brass instruments.

He expressed the sentiment in conversation with THE VINCENTIAN this week, during which he also noted that there were schools with wind instruments, but that no one wanted to play them.

But the Director is determined to do something to arouse interest in wind instruments here, beginning with taking the opportunities of the Police Band Community Christmas concerts to highlight the instruments.

Band members will be taking time out during their visits to communities across the state this Christmas, to speak about their instruments, their roles and history, with a view

to encouraging interest in the instruments, especially among the young people.

Station Sergeant Haynes, with some 37 years of active involvement in music here, recalled his own interest in brass instruments beginning after being enthralled by the late renowned trombonist, Denniston ‘Dennie’ Young. Young had come as a member of the Police Band, on a visit to Calliaqua , Haynes’ hometown.

Haynes expressed his Band members’ readiness to “teach persons to play wind instruments,” as has been demonstrated by the successful Summer Training Camps hosted by the band.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 23.

Kingstown retain Masters 20/20 Title Log Enterprises Kingstown, four-time champions of Masters 20/20 cricket in SVG. Joseph Medford was named Player of the Finals for his two wickets and his half century.

Kingstown Masters and RSVG Masters earned places in the finals with semi-final victories on Saturday, over Sion Hill Masters and St.Vincent Cooperative Bank Ptani Masters respectively.

At Arnos Vale Playing Field, Kingstown Masters defeated Sion Hill Masters by Hollis John was the 4 wickets. Sion Hill were kept to 99 for 8 off 20 overs. tournament’s highest Gosnel Cupid recorded the Augustine Victory stroked 51. wicket-taker. most runs in the Winsbert Springer grabbed 3 tournament.

LOG ENTERPRISES for 23. Kingstown Masters KINGSTOWN Masters were eased to 100 for 6 off 18.2 once again crowned Champions under the leadership of Joseph Medford, MVP of the finals overs. Colin Shoy made 18 not Bradley Brooker. of SVG Masters Cricket. out. Ronald Medford took 2 In actual play, two police wickets.

They laid claim to the title for 15 Andrew Bramble 2 for Kingstown Masters won the Kingstown Masters in reply 27. when they defeated RSVG reached 132 for 6 off 19.1 Police Masters by 4 wickets in toss and asked RSVG Police In the other semifinals overs. Joseph the Sunday’s grand final of the Masters to bat. RSVG Police played at at Sion Hill, RSVG Masters, winners of the Medford, promoted to the 2013 tournament, played at Police Masters had a fivetournament on two occasions, opening spot, led the runs the Arnos Vale Playing Field. wicket victory over St.Vincent chase with an entertaining 58, Cooperative Bank P’tani Kingstown Masters’ victory were reduced to 131 for 6 off 20 overs. Gosnel Cupid with captain Jose gives them their fourth title, Masters by 5 wickets. P’tani continued his good season with Carrington contributing 18. three consecutive under Masters made 123 all out off a top score of 70. Colin Shoy Parnel Browne took 2 for 31 present captain Joseph 20 overs. Alfred McKenzie hit and Joseph Medford each had for Police.

Carrington and the other 54. Ronald Jack took 4 for 25.

Union Islands takes Basketball title

Union Island All Stars – 2013 Champions of Basketball in the Grenadines.

THE UNION ISLAND AllStars defeated the Bequia AllStars, 59 — 54, in overtime 59 to 54, to capture the coveted title in the Digicel Grenadines Basketball Championship.

The Championship came to an exciting finish last Saturday

night at the Clive Tannis Hard Court, Bequia.

The final game was a dog fight all the way, as no team led by more than 6 points all night. Fans, the majority spurring on the home team, were treating to a nail-biting

RSVG Police Masters replied with 126 for 5 off 19 overs.

Trevor Bailey led with 64 and Frankie Joseph 20 not out.

Ray Richards took 2 for 20.

In other awards presented after Sunday’s final, TSVG Police Masters’ Gosnel Cupid was rewarded for being the tournaments highest rungetter with 372 runs, and was also named MVP of the tournament.

The Most Wickets award went to Hollis John from Kingstown Masters for his 13 scalps. There were also awards for five-wickets haul: Hollis John 5 for 13 against RSVG Police Masters; and Vibert Bute from Arnos Vale, 5 for 27 against Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters.

Awards were also handed out to the Most valuable Players on each team.

Logs Enterprises Kingstown Masters took home the championship trophy and $1,200, while runners-up Police pocketed $800 and a trophy.

finish which organizers describe as a fitting closure to an excellent competition.

On the field of play, Kevin Joseph ensured victory for Union Island by putting in 16 points.

Bequia All-Stars, losing but not disgraced Rookie Ornade Blugh Warrican Garrick, Championship finalist.

MVP of the had an impressive night for Bequia. He Chapionship.

Kirstin Lampkin born, retired NBA player. converted 12 points. of Bequia All Stars Speaking at Sunday’s In Friday’s semi-final took home a trophy for having presentation, Sabrina Mitchell, games, Union Island defeated the most rebounds, 70, in the Co-ordinator of the Mustique 112 to 51, and Championship, as well as one Championship, thanked Bequia defeated Canouan 58 to for being his team’s MVP. Digicel for their continuing 40.

Union Island’s MVP, sponsorship and that In the presentation Stevorn Taylor, was also company’s representative, ceremony which followed rewarded for having the most Colson Peters, committed his immediately after the assists, 22, and most steals, 21. company to a further 3 years completion of the final game, Ishama McKree had the most of support for the Warrican Garrick of the third points, 117, in the Championship. placed team Canouan Championship, and also copped The next Grenadines Islanders, was rewarded as the the MVP award for his team, Basketball Championship is Championship’s Most Valuable Mustique Icons. scheduled for May 2014.

Player (MVP). He was also The Championship’s awards adjudged his team’s were made possible courtesy I.B.A.ALLEN outstanding player.

Adonal Foyle, the Canouan-

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

TASVG elects members without executive member coaches of the organisation met last week, according to a TASVG report, and elected Theron Gordon as the Coaches Representative. It went on to say that a few days after, the athletes met and elected Josh Hamilton to be their spokesman on the executive.

The two were expected to be part of an executive which should have been elected at last Saturday’s, nine years late, AGM at the Xpert Computer Josh Hamilton – new athletes’ Boardroom in representative on the ‘executive’.

Kingstown.

However,as had

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT been the case for the last near decade the organisation led, by TEAM ATHLETICS SVG now has “squatter president’ Keith two newly elected executive Joseph, informed member members, but according to reports, these members have no bodies that the meeting was rescheduled. executive to sit on.

A release issued by Joseph What may be described as a stated in part: “Please note comical situation arose after that the auditor, Mr Dougal

James, has indicated that he would be out of the country this weekend. He wishes to be at the General Meeting to facilitate his explanation of the accounts of TASVG. As a result, we would now have the General Meeting on 14 December at 9.00am at the Expert Conference Room, upstairs the Music Centre.

This serves as adequate notice of the change.”

One member organisation told THE VINCENTIAN that they cannot recall that Mr. Dougal James was present at the previous meeting which was postponed owing to the lack of a quorum. In addition, the member organisation is questioning the responsibility of the Treasurer in dealing with the accounts of TASVG. Former General Secretary of the local ruling body, Mike Ollivierre, in looking at the situation, joked that the two recently elected members should be president and vicepresident since there was not a standing executive for them to serve on.

However, on a serious note, he was

Pamenos wins NACAC 10K

by KENVILLE HORNE THE KING OF LOCAL distance running, Pamenos Ballantyne, has added yet another title to his list of accolades.

Ballantyne, on Sunday, outran all his competitors to take the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) 10K road race title.

The ace long distance Sherwin Paul (left) surrendered runner was 1st in a time of 33:21:48, and title to Pamenos Ballantyne. was followed home by Junior Ashton in 35:14:69 Kingstown, concluding at and Josnel Ashton third in Heritage Square.

Speaking after the race, 38:01:86.

Ballantyne told THE In the female category, VINCENTIAN that he was Vincentian Linda McDowald took first place not comfortable with the time but was happy to honours in a time of have won.

41:25:10, Grenadian He said he was well Kenisha Pascal regained prepared, knew all of his her second position from last year with 42:04:97 on competitors and their weakness, and devised a the clock, and national cricketer Samantha Lynch, plan to run the first half of the race at a slow pace, known here more for her increasing the pace in the cricketing exploits, was final phase. The strategy third in 53:20:01 The race, which marked paid off.

“I passed Junior Ashton its second running, covered in Arnos Vale and then a route from Prospect on after I passed the the Windward side of the Grenadian at Llewellyn island, into and around

(Sion Hill), the race was mine,” Ballantyne said.

The Grenadian to whom Ballantyne referred was defending champion Sherwin Paul.

Paul also spoke with THE VINCENTIAN. “I was comfortable but during the last three miles I started feeling weak, then I his couldn’t make it again, and I fell at the side of the road,” said Sherwin, who did not complete the race.

“I feel disappointed in myself, because I wanted to defend the title.”

He admitted that his main threat was Ballantyne, but he was not intimidated since he had beaten the Vincentian on several occasions.

Paul promised to return to reclaim his title.

McDowall, like Ballantyne, expressed happiness with her victory.

Twenty-four persons competed in the event that was organized by the SVG National Olympics Committee.

confident that the two would do well in their new role.

“I welcome the election of both Theron and Josh Hamilton. Theron is a young promising, wellequipped Coach with great ‘people skills’ ....I Theron Gordon was elected to actually nominated him. represent the coaches on the Josh is my Club Captain ‘executive’. and the National 200m assistant secretary /treasurer; Champ....smart, eloquent, he Rawlson Morgan — games is not a push over.”. secretary; with committee And about the members in Cornel “Mice” postponement........”What’s Forbes, Aldith Waldron and three weeks after 9 years?”

Vernette Mc Dowald .

Ollivierre quipped.

The athletes chose one of Joseph was elected for a the most promising sprinters four year term in October then, Courtney Bascombe, as 2004, but has remained in their representative. office for nine years, while Over the period, Woods, a many close to the sport said he school teacher, died after a displayed little interest in short battle with cancer and holding stipulated AGMS. The executive put in charge was replaced by Keisha of the affairs of the sport then Sutherland, while Greenaway read Keith Joseph — president; relocated to the USA. Joseph, as is the case in the Leroy “Fisher” Llewellyn — vice president; Calvert Woods latest postponement, had cited reasons for the delay, among — secretary; Jacinta them matters related to the Ballantyne — treasurer; auditors.

Desmarie Greenaway —

Buccament Primary are netball champs BUCCAMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, on the back of a 17 — 15 win over Langley Park Government, emerged champions of Primary Schools Netball here.

The match between the two, played at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex hard court last week, brought the curtains down on the 2013 Inter-Schools Netball Tournament.

In a third place play-off, Richland Park trounced Kingstown Government 17 — 2. Owia took a consolation prize by defeating Layou Government, 14 — 12.

Richland Park outscored Kingstown Government 17-2 to place third, while Owia Primary took the consolation prize beating Layou 14 goals to 12.

In a presentation ceremony which followed the finals for the primary schools, awards were handed out for the earlier completed Secondary Schools competition as well as the primary schools.

Campden Park Secondary School copped both the junior and senior titles in the Secondary competitions. Central Leeward finished second in both junior and seniors, North Union was third in the juniors, while Marriaqua finished third in the seniors.

Shania Daniel of Bethel High had the most goals in the juniors with 102 from 150 attempts.

Niancia Gordon from Central Leeward recorded the most goals in the seniors with 156 from 213 tries.

Buccament Primary School – Champions

Langley Park, Government second placed team Pauline Francis and Shantol Rouse of Bethel High were voted the MVP of the finals in the junior and seniors respectively.

The competition was organized by the Ministry of Education, SVG Netball Association and the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013. 25.

Sports

Reloading THE VARIOUS sporting organisations will be rewarding those who have blazed the trail. There might be complaints about the paucity of credible candidates in some categories. It leaves the impression that the benefits of sporting involvement have not been embraced.

National Sports Awards serve as a motivation for the building of new sporting pillars.

We don’t have to wait on events beamed internationally for us to find something with which to identify. Our local brand has to be nurtured. Everything is not lost, because we are producing the calibre of athletes like the 1979 Football squad, or even others before that in many different disciplines.

We have progressed technologically, and access to all the latest gadgets is easy.

We have to step over the personality parade we are so prone to head for.

There is an urgent call for us to unearth this country’s potential. We have to keep digging, and if we don’t find any gold in the earth, then we have to plant up that prepared soil and there will be fruits in abundance.

Ever so often, glimpses of our potential harvest emerge, and there is a feeling of awe when the discovery is made.

The Swimming Association must be congratulated for their strides in the sport. They have adopted a genuine nationalist outlook, and have been finding the resource groomed in Bequia an extension of their mandate.

Many on the mainland accept the landscape, the water, the horizontal backdrop as part of the surroundings. There is a reluctance to recognise the powers of the sea.

The correlation between those areas with an aquatic history and their performance in sport is well known. The Swimming Association must continue to look for potential medallists in the Grenadines as well as in communities like Rose Place, Clare Valley, Layou, Barrouallie, Coulls Hill, Rose Bank, Petit Bordel, Chateaublelair and Fitz Hughes. Beach activity on the Windward side of St. Vincent is not as prolific because of the Atlantic surge.

However, there are communities where the coast has become engraved in the environment.

Sandy Bay, Fancy, Owia and Biabou have produced excellent swimmers. The records of the Federal Queen disaster testify to at least the Sandy Bay phenomenon.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has turned up a Volleyball duo which stunned the rest of the region. We have no real facilities, and how that feat was accomplished will have to be another mystery.

It is pleasing to see that table tennis is shrugging off the yoke of sluggishness which threatened its existence. The thrust has to be profound.

There must be a National Football squad in training. We can’t wait until there is a tournament looming, then scramble a contingent to participate.

The units must be at several levels. Those with the interest must see to it that those outfits are in place so that the chemistry builds over the years.

Youngsters get lost, once they pass the school stage. There has to be a strategy to encourage the youngsters to keep up with their sporting programme.

Indecision by administrators, the reluctance of coaches, and activists to embellish the stock has been contributing to a stagnation in the developmental process. Ensure that the provisions available are put to the best use.

Improve your health, and make sport an integral part of your life, not just for 2014, but beyond.

‘Tennis mom’ keeps twins focussed

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT WHILE SOME of this country’s top sports personalities have seen their offspring make it into the national setup, existing records have shown that no ‘sports parents’ have had the unenviable task of overseeing twins competing at this level.

There is, however, one parent in this position. She is former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Women’s Singles champion, Karen Anderson, who represented SVG during the early 1980s.

Karen is the mother of 12year-old twin girls Amaralia Amarlia Benn and Gabrielle Benn who are takes a break from the current ITF and National training.

U14 doubles champions.

Anderson told THE VINCENTIAN, while looking on at proceedings at the National Lotteries Tennis Facility at Murray’s Road, that she enjoyed the game during her time as a player, and hopes that her girls can do the same, but with more success.

“In my time, we did not have the kind of facilities which now exist….but we made use of those that were available, that is to say the Murray’s Road Court (Kingstown Tennis Club), and later this one (NLA Facility). We were so happy to play tennis that, once we had that opportunity, we took it,” the soft-spoken Anderson said.

Anderson said her daughters began playing the sport while at pre-school, with coach Kebajah King, their current coach. They migrated to the Grassroots Tennis Court, but returned to their starting point when work was being done at the Grassroots Courts.

She pointed out that coach King has done a tremendous amount of work with the girls in helping them with their physical training and their on-court play.

“He ensures that they are well prepared…..he would take them to ‘Nine Steps’ for physical training and put them through a lot of ‘ball hitting’” on the court. I am satisfied that he knows what he is doing, and this is evident by their early success,” she said, with little hand gestures and the always present smile taking over her countenance.

King believes that the girls are progressing well for their age and the period of time he has to work with them.

“They are doing good…..I still want them to develop a hunger …..to want to play for long hours…..yes, they are only 12, and I have to be mindful that their tender bodies are not pushed too much; but they have the potential to reach far,” he said between giving instructions.

King believes that the girls, current U14 champions, can do well in the U18, but despite his encouragement for them to register in that division as well, they are reluctant to do so.

“I took them out to the ITF tournament and pointed out to them some girls who were competing in the U18 who were not as good as them (Amaralia and Gabrielle): but they felt they were not confident enough to make that step up,” he explained.

Gabrielle is a left-handed player with a variety of “silky” shots on the forearm side and a backhand in the developing stage. Gabrielle, though not as consistent as her sister, still possesses a sound game on both sides.

Their mother, in identifying other changes from her playing days, spoke about the gear required now.

“When I played, I was happy to put on a ‘granny print skirt’ and take to the court. I did not even

Coach Kebajah King dishing out instructions to Gabrielle Benn.

Mom, Karen Anderson (right) chats with former doubles partner Samantha Goodluck. have a special tennis shoe….that shoe had to be worn other places. Now it is not so. You have to get brand name clothes, etc,” she said, a mixture of acceptance and resignation on her face.

Considered to be one of the most disciplined players during her time, Anderson said she has tried to instil those same qualities in her children.

“You cannot refuse to shake your opponent’s hands even if you have a bad result. You must aspire for proper sportsmanship. I also tell them that the guy sitting there in a sandals and short pants could be a millionaire and a potential sponsor or someone offering a scholarship, so they must play hard but play fair at all times,” she said, firmness enveloping her voice.

She has also made sure to underscore the importance of good academics towards realising scholarship opportunities, and so, the girls, form two students at the GHS, maintain a balance between their work and the game.

The girls are also keen to follow in their mom’s footsteps by doing their best.

Amaralia, the more at ease of the two, identifies Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal as the pair’s favourite international players, but admits that it will take a lot of hard work and commitment to reach that level.

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POLICE COULD USE BETTER JUDGMENT requirement under the Code for much more money to have the drug use their discretion in relation to tested than what the court may have persons having such small amounts of Prosecutors. He went on to explain that it would have cost tax-payers imposed as a fine. marijuana, Delpleche said, “I think sometimes the police can use better judgment in arresting persons for marijuana offences. I cannot tell the police not to arrest, because the law allows them so to do; but I can advise them to use their discretion. Similarly, they cannot tell me how to prosecute, because that is within my province to exercise my discretion.”

The former Inspector of Police told THE VINCENTIAN 0.4 grams of marijuana is very minimal, and the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

“While the law says that you must not have marijuana in your possession, one has to be practical in applying the law, and the law gives the police and the prosecution a discretion. So even if the police may have made an arrest, which is well within their rights to do, when it comes to the prosecutorial part of it, I am within my right to exercise my discretion, applying the Code for Prosecutors,” the Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche is on record as explained. saying that he will not waste the Delpleche, who holds a law degree court’s time prosecuting a man with from Huddersfield University in a ‘spliff’ of marijuana.

England, pointed out that in Shay’s case, while the matter may have

by HAYDN HUGGINS passed the evidential test, it would have fallen way below in the public ADOLPHUS DELPLECHE, Senior interest test.

Prosecutor in the office of the Director of “It doesn’t worth the time and the Public Prosecutions (DPP), thinks that effort to prosecute somebody for 0.4 sometimes the police could use better grams of cannabis (marijuana),” he judgment in arresting persons in concluded. connection with marijuana offences.

Shay was arrested at the E.T The police officer of about 30 years, Joshua Airport last Sunday, November who now heads the Summary 24 after arriving on a LIAT flight from Prosecutions Division in the DPP’s Antigua. office, was speaking with THE This is not the first time that VINCENTIAN shortly after prosecutor Delpleche has withdrawn withdrawing two marijuana charges charges in connection with very small against United States national Ian amounts of marijuana.

Shay, on Monday.

Delpleche had created headlines Shay pleaded not guilty to April 17, 2011 when he opted not to possession and importation of 0.4 PRE-SCHOOLERS from the Kingstown Evangelical Church (KEC) Preproceed against a defendant who had grams of marijuana; but the Senior school made their way to the Kettle Appeal point under the Singer gallery, pleaded not guilty to possession of one Prosecutor informed the Serious on Monday 25th November, to make their donations to a needy cause. marijuana cigarette, commonly called Offences Court that the prosecution Pastor Dick Neverson of the KEC, said that this was the church and ‘spliff’ or ‘bomb’. school’s way of engendering a sense of caring for others, especially those was not proceeding with the matter.

He had told THE VINCENTIAN in need, from an early age.

Asked by THE VINCENTIAN then, that the matter had not passed Need we say, “Unless you become like one of these……” whether he thinks the police should the public interest test which is a

Setting the pace

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