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FRIDAY,

MAY 30, 2014

Editor’s note: During their recent visit to New York, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace and Sen. Maj. St. Clair Leacock accused the Government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves of corruption and of running an inefficient economy.

Leacock was particularly scathing in his attack on the government, pointing to two documents, ‘Report of the Director of Audit’ and ‘Audit New York Consulate’, to back up his assertions.

Our US Correspondent, Nelson A. King, attended the town hall meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York, and, acting on behalf of THE VINCENTIAN, obtained a copy of the documents.

In the first of two reports, King takes a closer look at the ‘Audit New York Consulate’.

VOLUME 108, No.22

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has described as “extremely disorganized” and “devoid of important supporting documentation,” records presented by the New York Consulate General for an audit conducted on the Consulate’s accounts for the period, Aug. 2011 – Aug. 2013.

THE VINCENTIAN obtained a copy of the report on the audit, which was conducted from Sept. 9-21, 2013, and was recently released.

The report, conducted to assess the extent of compliance with finance regulations and other rules governing public sector expenditure, came on the heels of a scandal which resulted in the recall of Deputy New York Consul General Edson Augustus, over alleged visa and/or passport issues.

The report said that, because of disorganization and lack of “important” supporting documents, the scope of the audit was “limited,” adding that

“as such, significant errors and irregularities may not have been detected.”

Significant findings of the audit, however, pointed to “several shortcomings highlighted in the previous audit report” not being addressed; quarterly allotments remitted to the Consulate not transmitted on a timely basis; no monthly expenditure summary to reflect the expenditure incurred for the period under review; and no bank reconciliation statements prepared for the operating and passport accounts for the same period.

The report also said that, as of Oct. 31, 2013, a balance of EC$774,822.60 remained in the Advance Account; monthly payments for Aug.-Nov. 2011 and Sept. 2012 were not presented for audit examination; there were “frequent withdrawals” of sums of $200 for petty cash “without any supporting invoices”; and that there was an outstanding balance of $16,964.16 on the American Express card as at Jul. 19, 2013.

Additionally, the report said receipt books, other than those

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Selmon Walters, SVG N.Y. Consul General in New York, failed to implement or cause to be implemented, recommendations coming out of the previous audit report.

Edson Augustus, former Deputy N.Y. Consul General, was at the centre of a scandal that resulted in his removal and the conduct of the latest Audit.

prescribed by finance regulations, were used by the Consulate General Office for a “significant length of time” during the period under review; and the Consulate Office “continues to collect passport fees without the requisite authority.”

According to the auditor’s report, an examination of the records and entrance interview with the Consul General, Selmon Walters, a former government minister, revealed that although “shortcomings” were underscored in the

Concerns not addressed

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 3.

News 3

Belmont road woes to continue

OPERATORS OF MOTOR VEHICLES who reside in the Marriaqua Valley and surrounding areas cannot expect the use of the normal route, along the Vigie Highway, anytime soon.

This was made clear by Senator Julian Francis, this country’s Minister of Transport and Works, who explained that the solution to the broken piece of road at Belmont was not going to be immediate, and that work may not begin before early next year.

According to Francis, a contract has been entered into with a private engineer/surveyor, for a study to be conducted and for designs for a retaining wall.

These are expected to be produced within four months, June to September.

“So by the time comes around

to that for us to start fixing, I doubt you going see anything there before early next year,” Minister Francis said.

The Minister’s revelation came during a response at last Sunday’s Meeting of the OmniBuss Association at Arnos Vale, during which a proposal was made to allow traffic travelling to Kingstown to exit the Fair Hall main road at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Belmont, and access the recently rehabilitated by pass route which has been designated a one way for traffic travelling to Mesopotamia.

One omni-bus operator, in supporting the proposal, explained that the Wym road, which has been designated the legitimate route for traffic journeying into Kingstown, is unsafe, as parts of the road are

breaking away and combined with the absence of street lights, it is a safety hazard for traffic utilizing that route at night, especially omni-bus operators.

Francis agreed that the Wym road was unsafe and the surface undesirable, and noted that the issue of using the Belmont Village route for vehicles traveling to Mesopotamia as a one way should be revisited.

But while Francis agreed that the issue should be revisited, Head of the Traffic Department Superintendent Kenneth John said that the issue of some drivers who choose to break the rule and drive up that route, is problematic for the legitimate drivers.

“Everyone know why we have to run that road that way; the road is very narrow, and to run

The major landslide at Belmont that caused the main road through Belmont to be closed to vehicular traffic. two way traffic, it will create some traffic congestion,” Supt.

John said.

“At present, there are some drivers who drive up there when they are not supposed to, and you know the problem the traffic that coming down is getting when meeting another

vehicle coming up, so …. try bear with us a while until we get things sorted out,” he continued.

The main road between the Belmont lookout and George Williams’ shop was closed to vehicular traffic following a major landslide last September.

NY Consulate records ‘devoid of supporting documentation’ Consulate between Oct. 12, 2011 and Sept. 17, 2013, “there was no record of previous audit report and these remittances in the Consulate recommendations were issued to Office’s Cash Book, neither was it address the deficiencies, “it appears possible to verify the specific remittances that no action was taken by the from the Bank Statement.” relevant accounting officers” to The report said some remittance address a number of issues. advices were subsequently produced and The issues comprised: Payments verified, but remittance advices for the made on behalf of senior government period Oct. 6, 2011 — Dec. 29, 2011 and officials were not reimbursed to the Jan. 11, 2012 — Jun. 5, 2012 “were not Consulate as at Aug. 31, 2013; funds presented.” of US$2, 400.00 loan to the Consul The auditors said they observed that General to meet the cost of rent was receipt, bearing serial no. 1215000, not repaid, neither was it charged to dated Nov. 5, 2012, was the last any expenditure head and cleared government-issued receipt that was used from the advance account; and by the Consulate; and that, as at that expenditure of US$6,184.00, which date, receipt books other than those was incurred for the purchasing of prescribed by the Finance Regulations summaries and bank furniture for the Consul General’s 2009, were used by the Consulate. reconciliations prepared, “these records apartment, was not cleared from the “It was observed that the were still not presented at the advance account. unauthorized receipt books were in use conclusion of the audit.”

Other issues were: The difference of for over 10 months since the receipt In addition, it said there were US$411.20 ($6,595.00 - $6,184.00) was books were still in use at the time of the “several withdrawals reflected on the still not accounted for; additional audit in Sept. 2013,” the report said. bank statements for which no payment expenditure totaling $161,407.61 was “This situation should not have been vouchers or cheque stubs were produced charged to the expenditure heads and allowed to continue for this long,” it to justify expenditure. cleared from the advance accounts, but added, stating that it was drawn to the “Due to insufficient information “there is still an outstanding balance of attention of the Consul General that produced, it was not possible to EC$43,403.94 incurred for expenditure “this practice was in contravention of the determine whether all payments were during the period April 2009 to Jul. finance regulations.” legitimate payments of the Consulate 2011, which has not been cleared from The auditors warned that the use of Office,” the Office of the Director of the advance account.” receipt books other than that prescribed Audit said.

The report said that the Consul by the Finance Regulation 2009 “makes General had indicated that US$2,400.00, Passport business in the mix the collection process vulnerable to which was paid on his behalf by the fraudulent activities since there is no Consulate in 2011 to secure living monitoring of the quantity and On passport records, the report said quarters, was “still outstanding and will that they were examined for the period sequencing of receipt books to ensure be repaid early in the New Year.”

Oct. 12, 2011 — Sept. 17, 2013, and that that all revenue collected is accounted The Office of the Director of Audit for in the correct amounts.” “there was no bank reconciliation said maintenance of the records and the statement prepared for the passport The report also pointed out that the record-keeping system at the New York account.”

New York Consulate has, for a number Consulate has “tremendously of years, been collecting fees of It said while transactions dated Oct. deteriorated” since the last audit in Oct. 11 and 12, 2013 were transferred from US$165.00 and US$275.00 for 2011, and that the records presented the existing cash book to a new one, “the replacement of passports, instead of the were in a “state of disarray.” regulated fee of US$150.00, and that “no balance carried forward did not reflect It said, because of missing payment the adjusted audited cash book balance. authority was seen for the collection of vouchers and copies of cheques/cheque these fees.”

“As a result, the cash book balance stubs to support payments recorded on Additionally, the report said an carried forward was incorrect,” said the bank statements, among other things, examination of the cheque stubs and report, stating that while the “the audit may have been abandoned” monthly bank statements revealed that Immigration Department Cash Book under normal circumstances. a total of US$26,506.83 was withdrawn showed receipt of remittances totaling The Audit Office also said that, from the passport account “to meet US$288,590.00 from the New York despite requests to have expenditure expenditure not related to the processing Continued from Frontpage.

The ‘Audit New York Consulate’ report for Aug. 2011 – Aug. 2013, indicated that there were no records of certain remittances in the Consulate Cash Book, for monies received for passports.

of passports during the period May 2012 — May 2013.

“No approval was seen to utilize the funds for these purposes, neither was there any evidence of repayments of the amounts to the passport account,” it said.

Recommendations The Office of the Director of Audit, therefore, recommended that the New York Consulate provide supporting documentation to justify withdrawals from the operating account; a petty cash register be maintained to account for all receipts for replenishment and disbursement of petty cash; petty cash vouchers be written for expenditures and supported by suppliers/service provider receipts; and that the New York Consul General provide supporting documentation to “substantiate the use of funds totaling $3,333.20 ($3,400.0066.80) for office supplies, gas, and parking and tips during Jan. 2012 — Jun. 2013.”

The Director of Audit also urged that all monies collected for passports at the New York Consulate General be deposited “promptly” to the passport bank account and the same time frame be adhered to for funds withdrawn for remittal.

“This would provide for betting accounting for revenue collected as passport fees,” the report said.

In addition, it recommended that funds remitted to the Immigration Department be “properly recorded” in the New York Consulate’s records, that the Consul General ensure that “only receipt books issued by the Accountant General are used to evidence the collection of government revenue”; and that all passport fees collected by the New York Consulate be in accordance with regulations.

The report also advised that funds collected as passport fees “not be utilized for other purposes without the requisite approval,” and that any such funds used “should be repaid to the passport account.”

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Five charged with fisherman’s death

FIVE men have been charged with the murder of a 45-year-old fisherman of Campden Park, about two months ago.

Curtis George, 34; Jeffry Cuffy, 24; Kemron Spence, 20; Kemron Spence Andy Acosta Andy Acosta, 24, and Alister Roberts, 27, all of Campden Park, are jointly charged with the murder of Nolly Jack.

The fisherman’s body was discovered in the public road at Lowmans Bay, March 22, with bullet wounds to the chest and lower parts.

The accused men were not required to plea when they were taken before Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, and were remanded.

Alister Roberts A Preliminary Inquiry is slated for August 7 at the Serious Offences Court.

Curtis George

Jeffrey Cuffy

Appeals upheld in murder case Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

TWO YOUNG men of Redemption Sharpes, who were sentenced to life imprisonment almost two years ago for murder, will be tried a second time for the offence.

The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal on Monday, May 26, 2014, ordered a retrial for Che ‘Ragga’ Bute and Azari ‘Nines’ Ash, who had appealed their convictions and sentences.

Chief Justice Janice Pereira, along with Justices of Appeal Davidson Baptiste and Louise Blenman, agreed with Bute’s lawyer, Kay Bacchus-Browne, that, “a considerable body of prejudicial evidence was let in which had no probative value and therefore, it impacted on the fairness of the trial and the safety of the conviction.”

Bacchus-Browne had appealed on eight grounds, but only one ground was argued on which the judges upheld the appeals. She presented arguments on behalf of both appellants.

Carlyle Dougan QC, who represented Ash, had 15 grounds listed.

Bute and Ash were sentenced to life imprisonment July 2012 after being convicted in 2011 of the murder of Lloyd ‘Larzarous’ Samuel of Redemption Sharpes.

Samuel was shot in the head while reversing his vehicle at his Redemption Sharpes home around 1:15 am, December 21, 2007. He died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Christmas Day. As they were being escorted back to the nearby male prison, the men were asked how they felt.

“We feel good, we feel good”, Bute responded.

Ash laughed.

Bacchus-Browne told the publication, “I am happy that round one is over, in that I won the appeal; but a retrial has been ordered, so I now have to prepare for a retrial”.

Dougan said he was always confident that the court would have upheld the appeals. He expressed the view that now a retrial is ordered, the crown is faced with a dilemma since the principal witness, Uroy ‘Laybay’ Robertson, is dead.

Robertson, of Evesham, died from a bullet to the head at Walvaroo, Sion Hill, September 2, 2012 Dougan had high praises for Bacchus-Browne.

“I want to commend Mrs Kay Bacchus-Browne on her arguments for both appellants, particularly her emphasis on evidence that was allowed in by the court, which was entirely prejudicial. A good lawyer will always be a good lawyer,” the Queen’s Counsel said.

Lawyer Jomo Thomas, who initially represented Bute, was in court to hear the appeal. When asked for a comment, he told THE VINCENTIAN, “I am happy with the outcome, and I have always felt that the men did not commit the crime.”

In conducting the appeal, Bacchus-Browne argued that throughout the entire evidence of the prosecution star witness Uroy ‘Laybay’ Robertson, he kept repeating how bad Bute and Ash were, and how they wanted to kill him, which had nothing to do with the trial.

“He painted such a picture of these defendants that they didn’t stand a chance with the jury when he had finished with them (defendants). All of it was just highly prejudicial”, Bacchus-Browne contended.

She said Robertson called the defendants animals about six times, and referred to them as wicked.

She added that the star witness told the Court, “My Lord, if you notice, no man getting gun down in Sharpes now since dem two man dey in prison”.

Bacchus-Browne pointed to several other aspects of Robertson’s evidence which she deemed to be highly prejudicial and which had nothing to do with the trial.

Justice Pereira agreed that, “there is so much of this evidence that is not probative of the offence that was being tried”.

Azari ‘Nines’ Ash (left) and Che ‘Ragga’ Bute will have another chance to prove their innocence.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams told the judges that a line of cross-examination was pursued which was not consistent with the particular incident.

“I am not talking about the crossexamination, I am talking about where it started in evidencein-chief”, Pereira responded.

The appeal judges commented that it was the duty of the court and the DPP as a minister of Justice to intervene to ensure Kay Bacchus-Browne was commended for her that the trial was presentation of the appeals fair.

When contacted on on behalf of Ash and Bute.

Tuesday in relation to the court’s decision to allow the appeals and order a retrial, the DPP told THE VINCENTIAN, “That’s the court’s decision. The judges could have set them free, but they chose to order a retrial.”

Ottley Hall man on more charges A 25-year-old Ottley Hall man, who was remanded last week on a charge of unlawful and malicious wounding, was back in court this week on three additional charges.

When Devron St. John appeared before Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, May 27, he pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm, without licence, make and serial number unknown; unlawful discharge of a firearm, and having one round of ammunition.

These charges stemmed from an incident involving the unlawful and malicious wounding of his stepfather, Casbert Jordan, by shooting him in his right upper thigh, on April 13, to which John pleaded not guilty, and was remanded until Tuesday, May 27, for bail review.

On Tuesday, St. John was granted $50,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and surrender his travel documents. He was also ordered not to make contact with the virtual complainant.

St. John was not represented by a lawyer.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 5.

Regional

Queen Ifrica pulled from show

JAMAICAN REGGAE SINGER Queen Ifrica, violence against homosexuals. real name Ventraice Morgan, was dropped Describing it as “a very, very good from the cast of a show held last week decision,” Latty-Travis, who is Friday in New York.

Jamaican-born, asserted that Ifrica, not Queen Ifrica was down to perform at being able to perform in New York, “will the show, ‘Invasion of the Queenz’, at the save lives… especially at a time when Amazura Concert Hall, New York, but there is a spike in violence among the groups had protested over her LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, homophobic lyrics, after she was given Transgender) community in New York.” top billing.

John Rios, manager of Amazura One of her tracks about Concert Hall, in confirming that Queen homosexuality is titled ‘Keep It To Ifrica had been dropped as a direct Yourself’, and her lyrics include “no response to the protests, said, “… The faggotism.” show will go on.. . We’re not prejudiced New York City Councilman Daniel against anyone. I welcome the gay Dromm led a 200-strong protest outside community and we get along with the club, last friday, calling everybody. There’s no for the show to be dropped. discrimination.”

Dromm, a Democrat, Queen Ifrica’s represents District 25 in the management said in a city, including the immigrantstatement following rich neighborhoods of Jackson news of her ban: Heights and Elmhurst.

“Queen Ifrica expresses “We don’t need homophobic that, while she remains people like her coming to grounded in her morals Queens to spread their which espouses message of hate,” Councilman heterosexuality, she Dromm declared. wants to make it President of the abundantly and Caribbean Alliance for Jason Latty-Travis, one emphatically clear that Equality, Jason Lattyof the organizers of the she does not condone nor Travis, one of the organisers protest, said that has ever supported or of the protest, said anti-gay advocated violence dropping Queen Ifrica lyrics have been influencing against any group or

will save lives.

Daniel Dromm, Democrat NY City Councilman, led the demonstration against Queen Ifrica.

community, whether implicitly or explicitly.”

This is the second time in less than a year that Queen Ifrica has had to cancel a performance. Last August 24, she was pulled from the lineup of the Rastafest Concert in Canada.

Her removal, organizers Queen Ifrica was dropped from a New York show said, was as a result of because of the homophopic nature of some of comments Ifrica made her lyrics. during her performance on August 6, 2012 at the Grand Gala in Kingston to Jamaica, and a huge public stigma has celebrate Jamaica’s 51st anniversary of led to an upsurge in anti-gay hate crimes independence. in that CARICOM country. (Source: Homosexuality is criminalised in PinkNews.co.uk)

Former Curacao PM in custody As of Monday, May 26, 2014, the former prime minister of Curacao, Gerrit Schotte, remained in custody following his arrest last week on suspicion of committing several acts of forgery (in writing) and money laundering.

However, Cicely van der Dijs, his domestic partner (common-law wife) was released last week Thursday, but is still a suspect, according to an announcement by the Public Prosecutor on Friday.

Schotte (39) and Van der Dijs (36) were arrested on Tuesday (last week). Both charges — forgery and money laundering - carry stiff prison sentences, a clear indication of the seriousness of the case.

At the request of the prosecution, Schotte’s home was searched on

President wants Indo jurists to join CCJ

President Sir Charles Dennis Byron wants to see Indo jurists sitting on the CCJ.

PRESIDENT OF THE CARIBBEAN Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron is urging qualified jurists among the Indian community of the Caribbean to seek positions in the court.

The CCJ Presdient made the appeal while addressing an Indian Arrival Day Dinner, hosted by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, the major Hindu organization in Trinidad and Tobago, Friday 23rd May, 2014, in Port-of-Spain.

The Trinidad Newsday reports Byron as saying that given the hurdles that members of the

Indian race have overcome, “it is inevitable that the CCJ will become reflective of the diversity of the region.”

He urged that “IndoTrinidad must become intrinsic to the CCJ by applying to sit on the Bench,” and described the CCJ as an opportunity for ordinary folk to seek final judgment on matters, “at an affordable cost.”

Noting that the history of Indians was one of struggle, sacrifice and determination, Byron said , “Given your capacity, you can pioneer in another area of national development to shape the

direction of Trinidad and Tobago,” and he proceeded to list a number of IndoCaribbean personalities who had impacted their own countries, the region and the world. Among those he listed were Scientist/Politician Rudranath Capildeo, Diplomat Extraordinaire Sir Shridath Ramphal and former Chief Justice and President of Trinidad and Tobago Sir Isaac Hyatali.

The CCJ, established in 2001 and headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has an original and appellate jurisdiction. (Source: Trinidad Newsday)

December 9, 2013, and items, included laptop computers, other data carriers and documents, were confiscated for further examination.

Searches were also carried out in Italy.

Furthermore, several witnesses were interviewed in Italy, St Maarten and Curacao.

Schotte was also questioned by the investigation team last Friday.

The former prime minister continued to be held in custody, but one news agency reported that a magistrate will decide on Monday whether he should remain in custody or be released pending court proceedings. However, should the Prosecution deem it necessary to prolong the detention in the interests of the investigation, then the suspect could remain in custody for eight days.

The searches in Italy and the interviews in St Maarten appear to relate to previously reported questionable transactions

by Italian businessman Francesco Corallo and involving Schotte. Corallo owns a casino chain in St Maarten and was mentioned in the media as a financier of Schotte’s political campaign.

Corallo has denied this emphatically, saying that he only does business with the van der Dijs family.

“My transactions come from a legal company. I pay the van der Dijs family for services and products. I have never financed Schotte’s political campaigns, but if

Gerrit Schotte resigned as Prime Minister under a cloud of allegations.

Cicely van der Dijs, Schotte’s domestic partner, was arrested but later released.

I did, I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Corallo stated in a recent interview with a local morning newspaper.

Schotte was prime minister between 2010 and 2012. During that time, it is alledged that he wanted to give Corallo a diplomatic position in Curacao, but it never materialised.

Schotte was the first Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of Curaçao, which became autonomous in October 2010. He is one of the youngest persons in modern history to assume the office of Prime Minister.

Schotte resigned as Prime Minister on September 29, 2012.

(Source: Curacao Chronicle, St. Maarteen Island time.com)

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

JessicaÊs the ÂBessÊ

and Salt fish Bread and Tamarind Coconut Cake.

Jessica, from the interior JESSICA BESS has been urban community of Green cooking and baking for many Hill, came up with the idea years. But being a “timid” of doing something with person by her own admission, tamarind while at a she shied away from publicity. workshop recently. She Her husband, Michael Bess, decided to “try it out and saw the potential in her, and see” with some Cup Cakes, encouraged her to move which she presented for ahead. public consumption. She This year, Jessica entered pointed out that the the East Caribbean Group of creativity was well received.

Companies Baking Making wedding cakes Competition, and swept all and birthday cakes has been other competitors aside. something of a hobby for She was overall winner, Jessica over the recent past. and also won the Best in Jessica admitted that she Bread category. Her felt intimated when she saw creations were Breadfruit the number of established Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Baking could be profitable

names at the Methodist Church Hall last week Friday.

The results came as a “shock” to Jessica. She is “very thankful” for the accolade nevertheless.

A mother of three, ages 13, 11 and six, Jessica is keen to involve her children in her preparations.

She disclosed that her daughter, the eldest of the lot, wants to enter the Baking Competition next year. So there could very well be a family showdown in the Baking Competition for 2015.

Her six-year-old son is perhaps her keenest student.

She outlined that he likes to do the icing on the cakes when she is in operation, and could also be a contender at this type of affair.

In addition to her love of baking and

PERSONS WITH SOME skills in baking could find this area worthwhile. East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) Chief Executive Officer, Osmond Davy, is projecting this sphere an opportunity for making a livelihood.as an area that can provide a livelihood for those who are interested.

Davy made the suggestion last week Friday at the ECGC’s National Baking Competition awards ceremony.

As far as the CEO is concerned, “Baking could be profitable.”

Bakers also have the chance of being featured on the ECGC calendar which has become a highlight of the company.

Additionally, persons have the opportunity to Ormond Davy, CEO/ECGC showcase their creativity with their recipes which will identified baking as an opportunity to make a livelihood. also be promoted on the local fruits and vegetables in calendar. the pastry industry, Grant Davy praised students and schools for their involvement in would like to see the production of flour from some of the very the showpiece. crops grown here.

Lesliey Grant, Permanent That will add to the creation Secretary in the Ministry of of an indigenous industry which Agriculture, Fisheries and will be attractive to both locals Forestry, is happy with the and visitors alike, Grant baking competition. He noted outlined. that the competition was an This year’s exercise started encouraging use of more local on a sad note, with a tribute to products, ensuring not just Josel Small. She was a increased productivity, but a participant in last year’s healthy diet among the Baking competition. She population. however became one of the Grant also noted that the victims of the December 24, competition has the potential of 2013 floods. She was helping persons to establish attempting to leave her careers in the culinary arts. workplace at Buccament when The aspect of local products she was swept away by the can help with the creation of rising waters. Her body was employment, according to never recovered.

Grant.

Apart from an increase in

cooking, Jessica loves to organise events and plan the menu. She indicated that her house in Green Hill is something of a culinary arts school.

Persons are always in and out of that compound, and food preparation is the main activity.

Jessica is happy that this competition has placed her in the spotlight. She can make your wedding, birthday or anniversary cake and she hinted that her price is affordable.

And she will not be hard to find, for having been born in Green Hill, she has no intention of going anywhere.

Jessica Bess could well be the first of a list of ‘Besses’ to dominate the baking Competition.

Tivern aiming high TIVERN LAIDLOW is a fourth former at the Bequia Community High School.

When her teacher asked for someone to take part in the East Caribbean Group of Companies Baking Competition, Tivern put her hand up.

She was adjudged Best Student and Best in Pastry in the Competition, with her Plum Cheese Cake.

She was spurred on by her parents Tavia and Vernon, and members of her Union Vale neighbourhood on the Northern Grenadine island of Bequia.

Tivern is “excited” with her rewards, but she is not resting on her laurels. Tivern is keen to build on the momentum, and she wants to be the Best Overall next year.

This year is her first time in the competition. She has been baking for about four years.

Ronnie Browne, a Chef from the Jacaranda Villa in Mustique, placed second Overall.

Janine John placed third Overall. Janine, representing Camo’s Local Cuisine produced the best in Speciality Flour, with her Cass Pumpkin Multi-Cookie.

Best in Cakes category went to Sabrina MarksDasent with her creation dubbed: Exotic Chocolate Glitter Cake.

ECGC’s Marketing Officer

Tivern Laidlow has her eyes and hands on being the ‘Best overall’ in next year’s competition.

Glender Francois expressed satisfaction with the number of persons who took part in this year’s event. She was pleased with the quality of items.

Her comments echoed the feelings expressed by Rachel Haslam. This is the fifth year that the Baking Competition has been held. Rachel Haslam, ECGC Sales and Promotion Executive, noted that the exercise was growing, with 43 participants this year compared to 28 last year.

The recipes of 2014 will be featured in next year’s ECGC calendar.

She praised the efforts of the Mustique Community, with eight establishments from that Resort Island.

Those included Roland

Cato from Alumbrera, Esworth Cato: Carissa, Clotilda Joseph: Gelliceaux, Mary Forde: Lavender Hill, Pearlina Providence: Ruthland Hill, Deoniece Dellimore: Sienna, and Cheryl Craigg: Tetto Rosso.

Other participants were Nishia Antoine, Michelle Bacchus, Doritha Cambridge, Rae-Anne V. McDowall, Ricardo Gordon, Eurnice Solomon, Kettline Williams, Bernica Glynn, Ann Marie Bonadie, Vernette McDowall, Mesha Glynn, Zoe Millington, Verona John, Anasha Browne, Joel Warren, Simone Greene, Michelle Trimmingham, Leeza Charles, Shernell Hadaway, Frederick Forbes, Janell Lavia and Aleasia Rogers.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 7.

Arts

Drummers celebrate fourth anniversary celebrations. Plans are also afoot for a CD recording of the FOUR YEARS AFTER A GROUP OF group’s music.

MEN came together with the aim Drum builder and organic of reviving the drumming culture farmer, David ‘Bongo Dawit’ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Culzac, told THE VINCENTIAN they have every reason to that before the group was celebrate what they described as formed on June 3, 2010, he and “steady progress.” another drummer would get Resistance Heart Beat together at his Kingstown Park Drummers will celebrate its home and engage themselves in fourth anniversary from drumming sessions, every Tuesday, June 3 to Saturday, Thursday evening from 6 p.m.

June 7, with a number of to about 8 a.m. activities, starting with a social Culzac explained that one at the band room at Kingstown evening, veteran drummers Park, June 3.

Victor ‘Mwata’ Byron, Andrew Other activities planned are Providence and Anthony community work on June 6 and Bacchus visited his home, after a drum circle at the Vegetable they had learned about the Market in Kingstown, June 7, drumming sessions there. commencing at 9:30 a.m.

The men were impressed, There are also other activities and discussions were held about to be held outside the the revival of the drumming anniversary week, including the culture in SVG. The following painting of a mural at Bloc day, the group was formed.

2000, the community in which The objectives of the group the group is based, and a bingo are: to uplift the drumming following the upcoming Carnival culture; to assist in the retrieval

By HAYDN HUGGINS

of the Garifuna Culture; and to work in the schools to promote drumming.

The schools to which the group is currently attached are the Petersville Primary School and Intermediate High School.

The group, which is registered as a non-profit organization, is also involved in craft work, agro-processing and cultural entertainment.

Its current leader, Victor ‘Mwata’ Byron, told THE VINCENTIAN, “I think that the group has made steady progress over the years, and we think the time has come for us to record our own CD album.”

He disclosed that this would be done after the upcoming Carnival celebrations.

Byron is of the view that drumming is on the move again in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The former school teacher and cultural icon is pleased that students and people in the

Resistance Heart Beat Drummers has been at the forefront of the revival of the drum culture in SVG. communities have been showing interest in the art form, especially since the group has been organizing drumming circles within the past two years.

He anticipates that the art form will move to even “higher heights,” when a project which the SVG Drum Foundation comes on stream. Resistance Heart Beat Drummers is a member of that Foundation.

The group’s executive also includes General Secretary and Events Organizer Edgar ‘Kwame’ Lewis, Treasurer

David Culzac and Musical Director Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar.

The group has participated in a number of local and regional activities including Carifesta 2013 in Suriname, and two of its members were recently involved in the local Theatre Production, ‘Kingstown the Musical’ staged at the Tranquility Beach Hotel at Indian Bay. They also performed at a creole festival in Venezuela in 2012.

On the local scene, they have performed at Nine Mornings events, and weddings.

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial Misdeeds by public officers MISDEEDS BY PUBLIC OFFICERS – officers of the state pose a fundamental threat to the stability of any nation.

The misdeeds committed by those officers can impact national security and our way of life. They can impact from how well our constabulary might secure and protect communities, to verdicts in courts, to the quality of our roads, schools, health institutions and the gamut of government/state services.

And at the end of the day, misdeeds by public officers can cause an unnecessary drain on the tax dollars.

The last five decades should have taught us that power, money and greed can lead public officers into committing misdeeds and even entrenched corruption of government officials.

What worsens a situation that throws up misdeeds by public officers is when they remain unattended to by enforcement of the relevant law(s) or whether they are simply brushed over by a shuffling of those officers caught doing wrong.

That is tantamount to the people being tolerating acts and actors involved.

The people tend to get entangled in the political ‘goings and comings’ that are wont to characterize any discussion on the matter, therein losing sight of the broader ramifications for the state.

As this column has stated in previous editions of this publication, wrong is wrong, regardless of how much those who are responsible for the safeguard of public funds and institutions want to (dis)colour it. We haven’t heard that the meaning of ‘wrong’ has been redefined in the lexicon of the English Language.

The situation becomes even more slanted away from what should be the correct thing to do, when information on the ‘truthfulness’ of the misdeed is never made known in wholesome measure, resulting in wild speculation among the populace.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of this country, repeatedly refers to this country as having a ‘constitution that provides us with a government that is based upon the rule of law–not man’. That is a sound reminder.

However, it may also serve the Prime Minister and this country in good stead if he would remind also, like J.R. Martin says in his book, ‘Selling U.S. Out’, that, “our laws are created and enforced by men.”

That noted, the inherent imperfection of man, the human tendencies to protect what is close to him, the interpretation that withholding information is in the interest of national security, therein sacrificing truth on the table of (political) expediency, comprise the basis on which relaxation of the law will kick in, in instances of public misdeeds.

In the past week or so, this country has been hit by (reports) of two acts that conjure questions. One is substantiated by the presentation of a full report, the other rests in a cacophony of speculation.

Page 1 of this issue carries a detailed account of one of the reports prepared by this country’s Auditor General, on the (financial) operations of our Consulate in New York.

In the words of the Auditor General, the Consulate’s records were “extremely disorganized,” and “devoid of supporting documentation.”

This in no way levels accusation against any one person or group of persons in that Consulate of having committed acts of theft, misappropriation or fraud. That is not for us to say.

What we would say, though, is that, given the extent of the ‘disorganization’ and lack of substantiation of transactions, someone somewhere in the scheme of things, as it relates to the Consulate’s finances, has been asleep for some time now.

That one high ranking official at that Consulate has already been removed for wrong doing, some would prefer to say nefarious action, is good indication that those on sentry had taken a nap.

The expose by the Auditor General is enough on which further action should be taken. Is it too much to ask for the recall of the Consul General?

Then again, as referred earlier, political expediency clothed the table around which decisions of the state are oftentimes made.

Had this been an audit of a private business enterprise, ‘heads would have rolled’.

Will we be proven wrong this time? Will the ‘right’ decision be made in the interest of safeguarding state finances and resources? Maybe it’s time to clean the slate, retaining only those who have proved themselves worthy, or is it trustworthy?

Then there is the matter of the resignation of the Registrar. In the absence of any real evidence, as should be provided by the state, no one should blame the citizenry for, as this piece implies earlier, speculating on the reason(s) for the Registrar’s resignation.

What is worrying is the interpretation of the action of requesting this state officer to resign. Are we to assume that that is the end of the matter? That we will, once again, ‘sweep the mold under the carpet’? Is that officer going to resurface in another state position here or abroad? What is the real deal?

Citizens relate this development to one of earlier times, when the person involved in the same position, was made to feel the full length of the law.

See what Martin means when he writes that “our laws are created and enforced by men”?

Ten years of Fun in the July Sun (1987) Reprinted from 1987.

IT IS NOW TEN YEARS since we have stopped celebrating Carnival on the PreLenten Shrove Tuesday and shifted to a ten-day period of fun and frolic spanning the last and first weeks of June and July.

The time has flown by like nobody’s business.

The decision to make the change over was chiefly motivated by economic considerations. From a commercial standpoint, we could not cope with the stiff competition coming from the Trinidad extravaganza. A suitable date was then fixed that hinged together the two halves of the year, climaxing with twin public holidays that took in Caricom Monday.

It was a nice calculation. We had to dodge the June rains and duck the Antigua Carnival in August. True, we ran into the Barbados Crop Over, but that poses little problem, save the irritations suffered yearly by our intransit passengers at the Grantley Adams Airport. Perhaps the only disadvantage to talk about concerns the fact that the festivities fall smack into the end-of-year session of school examinations.

Change comes hard in these hide-bound societies, and Bertram Arthur and the Labour Government of the day deserve a round of applause for pushing the idea and displaying the courage of their vision.

How vividly does one recall that first signal break with the past: De Man Age leading a new generation of Kaisomen with their stirring messages; the band “Clymax” producing what turned out to be an anthem for the new Carnival — “Mas in July”; the great outpouring of talent by gifted masmen led by Roy Ralph, ‘Sheggy’ John and ‘Fuzzy’ Knights — making much of the six-month reprieve that now follows the spending-spree of the Christmas -New Year holidays.

An attractive package had to be concocted to hold interest at “Carnival City” for the 240 hours of gay abandon. At base, a cultural evening was introduced to fertilize the roots and nurture the growing national festival; and efforts have been made to keep alive the pulsating rhythms of our native pan music, reinforcing the new development with steel, as it were.

Crowning it have been the highly acclaimed “Carival Queen Show” which embraces the entire Caribbean Basin and would long be identified with the electrifying personality of our own Donna Young, who took the title on its premiere occasion; as well as the “All Stars” night featuring overseas-based Vincentian Calypsonians and other guest artistes from abroad.

More than a fringe benefit from the switch of dates, has been the great leap

forward in calypso spearheaded by the dynamic “Man CP” and the consistent “Scakes”. In times past we depended on the Trinidad calypsos. With the time lag, fans could not readily digest stale Trinidad calypsos warmed over for our festival. In the circumstances, we fell back on a plentiful reservoir of virgin sources, and tapped a rather rich native vein in the process. Indeed, our cup runneth over. The songs have been cascading down from the tents which generate the correct atmosphere and create the right atmosphere for the real bacchanal. Here, raw talent, naked ribaldry and sheer genius weave a mosaic that captures the essence of Carnival. It is the birthplace of folk-heroes, from “Professor” to “Ga-O.” Such an appealing product over-all, allied to an aggressive marketing strategy and a positive tourism drive, have caused thousands of people to descend on this little spot in mid-year. Leading the motley crew are, of course, returning Vincentians spellbound by the mystique of the rock.

Next in line come the Trinidadians who would not be left out of fun anywhere.

The Vincies and the Trinies of late, walk with their own competing bands.

Then follow hordes of North American and European visitors, come to let down their hair, their inhibitions and hang-ups, and participate in the original group therapy in its natural setting. The Arnos Vale airstrip plays big International Airport during the Carnival season.

Charter flights turn night into day.

Hotels and guesthouses are booked out solid, months beforehand, and private homes strain to cope with the spillover.

With places of entertainment going all night, it is possible that some visitors do not enjoy any fixed place of abode at all, but roam the streets without fear, catnapping whenever and wherever they can.

Taxis and vans do a roaring trade transporting people all over the place.

The mini-buses behave like mobile music boxes, their drivers sweetly taking the many curves and changing gear on the steep hills to the timing of the accompanying melodies. Traffic snarls through the capital threatening to tie it up, as man and metal, bellowing voice and honking horn, vie for precedence on the densely populated roads.

The capital serves subconsciously as a convention center for Vincentian exiles who converge from the four corners of the globe for their annual conclave. This ritual has grown to such importance that the participants make plane bookings a full year in advance, bolstered by an optimism in travel agents that remains unshaken by bad experiences.

Continued on Page 12.

V Problems with

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 9.

Letters

Public Officers ONE YEAR after my daughter submitted application forms for a SVG passport, I returned with the long form that was requested. I didn’t have a receipt, and told the lady that. However, instead of checking outstanding requests - I am sure there are many - she decided to lecture me. I was told I had to see the ‘manager’, and I agreed.

I saw the manager who told me there was no record of the application, the manager having been informed of such by another member of staff.

I refused to be lectured by the ‘manager’, because all I wanted was for them to look for the year-old application (somewhere on file). Of course, it won’t be in the computer since it wasn’t completed. But the ‘manager’ insisted that I produce the original form. I told him that that wasn’t necessary.

The episode ended with me leaving to avoid being thrown out.

I get the feeling that certain public (government) officers here think they have some power and must demonstrate it to the public. They don’t think it’s their duty to help customers. They believe in lecturing them.

I also have an issue with the land tax people.

The bank record showed that money was transferred to the government account for my taxes for 2012. I retrieved the necessary document from the bank to show 2012 year was already paid. I was then informed that ‘the books’ were at the Treasury.

I wonder how hard it is for someone to ask the Treasury to check ‘the books’ for the information, or to send someone to the Treasury to check it out.

They knew I had to leave the island in a few days.

The entire back and forth took more than a month and I still didn’t have confirmation from the tax department.

The SVG government is still operating in the days of Columbus. It is slowing down things in SVG (even at the banks). Information that should be a mouse click away, takes over 20 minutes to locate and process. I’d love to see the screens these people are looking at; because it appears to me they are probably reading a book.

PVP

Finding peace WHAT IS HAPPENING in our country? Every weekend it seems there is a shedding of blood, and the majority of the killings are gun-related.

Only last week, we read of the brutal slaying of a young man in Campden Park. According to THE VINCENTIAN, he was not unlike other young men his age who dream about owning a home and settling down. He was cut down before he could even begin to fulfill his dream.

Why are our young people surrendering their lives to violent crimes?

This is not to say that only the young are affected. The continuing murder toll strikes fear into the whole society. No one will feel safe, even though, I must say I thank God that we still have a police force that is on the side of keeping things as safe as possible.

But they have no control over those who have fallen prey to lives of violence and see no other way out for themselves.

Maybe this curse upon our land has to do with our lack of spirituality. We have lost belief in what is good and proper. We have lost faith in God. Are our homes teaching the right and proper way of our Saviour? If they were, then perhaps we would have none of this uncalled for violence.

Time for this nation, from captain to cook, to admit its wrong. Ask the Lord forgiveness and begin to live according to His laws.

Until we find peace with ourselves, and we can do that only by accepting the Lord, then we will continue on this path of hell fire.

Turn to the Lord , my people, before it’s too late.

An Elder

Widespread injustice POLITICS is an aspect of government, but it seems as though it permeates every stratum of society. If this was solely for the good of all, that would not have been so bad. But the situation is truly bad because of it.

One can’t help but wonder out loud: Who is controlling things?

Persons in authority, it seems, leave the fate of some in the hands of their so-called advisers, their grounds men who are obviously very vindictive as they act as ‘jurors’, and their decisions are very effective as they are implemented from time to time.

Isn’t this gross injustice? Citizens are helped to pursue their field of study. Isn’t this saying that they will need some form of employment after completion? There are some who are willing to accept less than what they bargain for to no avail, since they are thoroughly investigated by the ‘grounds men’, and if their findings are not satisfactory, they will never receive a reply to their application, let alone the post.

What is more amusing and at the same time so sad, are the persons who stoop to engage in such a lowdown act.

When an application is made, what does the employer need? Doesn’t he need persons who are qualified and so capable

of doing the job?

Nowadays, qualification gives way, actually is forced to give way, to whom one’s vote is cast for. No wonder there are so many round pegs in square holes, and the other way around. And rats are put to watch corn. Can a society move forward when these things are actually taking place?

It is truly laughable that the authority expects graduates to repay loans when they are barred from receiving meaningful employment. Are these people for real?

The government of the day is the government of the people. Once there are jobs, as many people as possible should benefit, and preference should go to those who are qualified and capable, regardless of whom they or their great grandparents support.

People need to be educated. We should be our brother’s keeper. We have the same needs.

The mini flood that happened in December showed us this. We should adopt this attitude all year round.

People in authority should start behaving like ‘people in authority’, put aside all childish and vindictive actions, and do the peoples’ job. God allows them to be there via the peoples’ votes, and He is watching from a distance.

People are afraid to

Silent tears Oh how she cries so silently, All alone day after day.

She just couldn’t understand Why someone she loves, Will treat her this way.

Many nights she will go to bed And has to sleep all alone.

Wondering all to herself Where has her lover gone?

Outside she paints a picture Of smiles and happiness all the while, But silently within her heart, Oh how she cries and cries.

speak out, for fear that they might disappear.

An entire society cannot be muffled, and the longest rope has an end.

God is watching from a distance.

Sickened

She tries very hard day after day, To wipe her silent tears away.

But no matter how hard she tries, Those tears just won’t go away.

Sydney K. Morgan © 2000

Well said, ‘Nuff Respect’

I WAS MOVED by the contribution of a letter writer in last week’s edition of your newspaper. He signed ‘Nuff Said’ because, I think, he feared reprisals from those he sought to enlighten. That is a pity.

I wish to echo the sentiments he so aptly shared with a simple quotation. I can only hope that those, for whom the message was meant, take it in good spirit.

It is well for those officers of the State to also recall to mind, that they serve all persons — the big and the small, the rich and the poor, the government officials and the opposition officials.

I have had my challenges with the Customs and Excise and I wonder sometimes, if the Customs Officers know what customer relations is all about. I shudder to think that they are * Is a Barbadian motivated by what rum the official rum they hope to receive of Vincy Mas 2014? * Was the former by way of bonuses Registrar of the THANK YOU, Mr. Editor, for starting the discourse on and other perks.

High Court allowed the marijuana issue.

And, while I am to leave the state, From where I stand, I think a certain amount of at it, I must even though an ‘stupidness’ rather than ‘real science’ determine our commend the staff investigation has views on marijuana. at the Inland been ordered for People who have never come close to the herb, voice Revenue for being that office? all kinds of aspersions against it. They become really courteous and * Does that emotional, and just don’t want to admit that the plant helpful during a investigation have has real positive uses. recent matter I had anything to do with How many Vincies home and abroad dose themselves there. Perhaps everyday with one drug made in labs while the rest of the wrongful some of the Customs removal of a certain the planet is studying the use of marijuana for easing Officers could do pains of all sorts? I understand that people with muscle sum of money? well by sitting with problems and glaucoma are seeing positive results from * Is Ricky Burnette the use of marijuana. And one drug, Canasol, made from some of those Inland going to be recalled Revenue Officers. marijuana, is prescribed for managing glaucoma. to the Registry, or Persons who are autistic, I read somewhere, are using Good Job, Mr. is he going to be an oil concentrate from marijuana to encourage normal Comptroller of elevated to Chief brain operation. And don’t talk about people with Inland Revenue. I Magistrate? cancers. They are turning by the hundreds to using pray that sometime * Why are certain marijuana for easing pain, and there are reports that it in the future I can jobs in SVG not also helps to destroy cancerous cells. advertised in the Vincies have to accept the science that says marijuana say the same to the local media? How Comptroller of is helpful in many ways. We have to get over all the many of these Customs and Excise. ignorance which might be the result, I admit, of the unadvertised jobs Nuff said. actions of those foolish ones who overdo the use of the have been filled by herb for other reasons. non-Vincentians?

G. Peters Garnet, N.Y. Kingstown

My marijuana bit

V

10. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The Ulp Administration has done tremendous work in the Banana Industry Part 3 THERE IS MUCH TALK among the opposition NDP, that it is the ULP administration that is responsible for the current state of the banana industry. That is a dastardly lie. The ULP column continues to serialize excerpts from the budget addresses of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, to illustrate the work done by the ULP administration, to rescue the banana industry over the last thirteen years.

through WIBDECO extra-regionally and 7,053 tonnes valued at EC$8.1 million were exported regionally, mainly to Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

For the first nine months of 2006, banana exports declined slightly by 2.4 percent with an output of 13,305 tonnes compared to 13,631 tonnes for the Bananas 2006 budget corresponding period in 2005. Export In 2004, 27,812 tonnes of bananas earnings for the same period was were exported to Europe and regional markets, earning EC$35.0 million. This EC$18.4 million, a 1.3 per cent decline.

The adverse weather conditions in 2005 is an increase of 4.2 percent in volume and early 2006 affected production and 9.3 percent in value over 2003.

Preliminary figures for 2005, indicate negatively.

An encouraging sign is the export of that banana exports declined by 20.2 bananas to the regional market. In percent with output of 19,385 tonnes 2005, banana exports to the regional compared with 2004. Export earnings market grew by 92.8 per cent from from bananas declined by 28.3%.

Production has been hampered by a fall 3,658 tonnes in 2004 to 7,053 tons. This, too, is becoming a very competitive out of active farmers (from 2,099 in market and we must treat it seriously.

2004 to 1,700 in 2005), untimely On January 1, 2006, a market application of inputs due to some regime less favourable than hitherto, uncertainties in the industry, intense was introduced in the European Union. dry spells, landslides and wind This market regime is based on a single damages. tariff system of 176 euros per tonne and The greatest challenge faced by the an ACP (African Caribbean and Pacific industry is perhaps the new regime, countries) quota of 775,000 tonnes including its administration, which came into effect in Europe from January administered in a manner which of this year, and which I have explained disadvantages the small producers from the Caribbean. Indeed, difficult as this to the public on several occasions, single tariff and limited ACP quota including in this Honourable House. regime is for the Windward Islands, While we are assured that we will there are international forces at work to continue to sell bananas for 2006, the make matters worse. longer-term banana market in Europe So, on November 20, 2006, Ecuador, remains riddled with awesome the world’s largest banana exporter, difficulties. formally initiated a process to challenge As part of our response to these the level of the tariff before the WTO. challenges, we will continue our And inside the European Union the lobbying efforts internationally, administration of the ACP quota is particularly in Europe, while at the likely to be even more disadvantageous same time, intensifying our drive to to the banana producers in the restructure the local industry. This Windward Islands and Jamaica. restructuring will involve a more My Government, and I personally as prominent role for a wider range of the Lead Prime Minister in CARICOM’s stakeholders including WIBDECO and quasi-Cabinet on bananas, in the Fair Trade Organisation. In addition, we are working in conjunction conjunction with the other banana with WIBDECO to formulate a plan for producers in Jamaica, Belize and the the marketing of an assortment of non- Windward Islands have been lobbying very assiduously, to secure the most banana products in the United favourable market regime for our Kingdom. bananas. In this we have been assisted In support of the banana industry, by relevant stakeholders in the banana the Government of St. Vincent and the industry. We will continue this lobbying Grenadines continues to subsidize the and negotiating battle on behalf of our cost of inputs, at an annual cost banana farmers. exceeding $1.5m. This subsidy has to Meanwhile, on the domestic front, date, been financed from the profits realized from sugar sales. Recently, the the Government, and the St. Vincent Growers Association in conjunction with cost of sugar has been increasing, and WIBDECO and the Fair Trade entities, at the same time the costs of fertilizers are making herculean efforts in every have also risen, effectively eroding the area to ensure the continued viability of sugar profits. If this trend continues, banana industry. the Government will have to consider A core group of committed farmers the extent of its subsidies. constitute the back-bone of the banana industry. They need our focused BANANAS Budget 2007 support. Accordingly, a Recovery Plan is The Government’s policy is that of being finalised by the relevant agricultural diversification around stakeholders. The aim, in part, is to lift bananas. Despite the extant and production to 30,000 tonnes in 2007. growing difficulties with both the market regime and market condition in Under the Plan, further financial and technical assistance will be provided to the European Union, our principal help farmers. The government’s subsidy banana export market, it remains true of EC$1.75 million annually on the that bananas still constitute the main commercial agricultural commodity. The purchase of inputs, remains in place.

Recently, through the efforts of the banana industry still occupies a greater Chairman of WIBDECO, the land acreage than any other cash crop; Honourable Montgomery Daniel, it employs more farmers and workers WIBDECO has decided to make a bonus than any other agricultural activity; it payment of almost EC$500 thousand to commands more export earnings than those farmers who sold bananas to it for any other crop; and it is better the first 26 weeks of this year and who organised. were still in export production up to In 2005, 26,053 tonnes of bananas week 47 of this year. This bonus were exported valued at EC$32.05 amounts to EC$1 per box of bananas million, of which 19,000 tonnes valued sold. at EC$23.95 million were exported

The ULP – the most corrupt administration?

The Unity Labour Party (ULP), which has been in government for the past thirteen (13) years, is tired, worn out, corrupt and bankrupt of ideas. Many are wont to conclude that the ULP administration might just be the most corrupt ever to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During the 2001 general elections campaign, the ULP made several promises to the electorate. Among those promises, the ULP said that it would wage a war against corruption, because at that time, the New Democratic Party (NDP) government was perceived and portrayed as corrupt by the ULP. Today, Vincentians are still waiting on the ULP government to produce the evidence of corruption by members of the former NDP government.

However, what Vincentians have seen since the ULP was voted into power in 2001, is corruption galore. In almost all of the ministries, allegations of corruptions are made.

To refresh your memory, we recall that a former chairman of the then National Commercial Bank (NCB) was involved in a questionable banking transaction at the said bank.

The Director of Audit found that officials managing the Cuban Integrated Health Project in the Ministry of Health had bought computer supplies and fast food, and paid monies to the International Airport Development Company (IADC) contrary to the government’s policy. Also, in the Ministry of Agriculture, under the Agriculture Diversification Project, microphone cable was imported at a cost of US $12.14, ($EC32.73) and was sold to the ministry for EC$1499.76, (US$555.46).

In addition, there has been: the revelation a senior government official was involved in a company that was formed to market and promote tourism in this country; the recall of the Deputy Consul General from the Consulate in New York for being involved ‘in activities outside the scope of his employment’; and most recently, the unexpected resignation of the Registrar of the High Court.

All we were told by the government so far, on the matter of the registrar’s resignation, is that the Attorney General had a meeting with the Registrar and she resigned, and that the Commissioner of Police, Director of Audit and Attorney General were looking into the development. We await the outcome.

During the 2010 general elections campaign, one of the slogans for the ULP was, ‘Own the Campaign’. The slogan has since been extended to ‘Own the Jobs’. For someone to be employed in the public service, that person has to present his ULP’s party card. And what is even more disturbing, the slogan seems to have been upgraded to ‘Own the Money’.

As one individual pronounces, may be that is one of the reasons why funds are being misappropriated and other irregularities are occurring in the government’s ministries so rapidly.

Some ULP supporters believe that it is their right to own the money that belongs to the state.

It also appears that corruption is now institutionalised by the ULP regime because no disciplinary action or punishment has been taken by the ULP government against anyone who has been accused of corruption.

Instead, a number of these individuals have been promoted or have been allowed to leave the country.

The ULP told us in 2001 that

corruption undermines democracy and people’s trust in government. Why is the ULP government afraid to tackle corruption? As a result, Vincentians no longer trust the ULP regime, and they are now calling for general elections so that they will vote for the NDP, which has a zero tolerance policy on corruption.

Zero tolerance on corruption The NDP has a “ZERO TOLERANCE” policy on corruption, and anyone found to be involved in corruption will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.

The NDP also believes that corruption stems from a lack of good governance practices, poor transparency and the absence of accountability. Therefore, for employment services and suppliers contracted by the state, the NDP will implement laws requiring transparency, and implement a new structure with regard to the tendering of public sector projects.

The NDP believes that accountability and transparency encourage the efficient and effective use of national resources. All government agencies and its officials have the responsibility of ensuring that all procurement processes are transparent and accountable.

Accountability demands that procedures be in place to ensure that procurement processes are conducted ethically. All procurement related actions must be transparent, documented and substantiated in accordance with legislation.

Governments carry a great responsibility for the prudent management of the public’s resources.

Within the public financial management framework, public procurement is an important activity conducted by all relevant departments and government agencies. The guidelines concerning procurement are a key mechanism to enable agencies to manage public resources efficiently, effectively and ethically.

The NDP will ensure that officials maintain a strong focus in achieving value for money. As such, we have sought to further highlight and strengthen references to this principle. Our focus on seeking the greatest value for money will enhance transparency of procurement practices across our government agencies. The adoption of these new practices will increase opportunity and access for our competitive small and medium sized enterprises. They also allow agencies to act in a manner consistent with international procurement agreements.

Value for money is the core principle underpinning the NDP’s proposed procurement policy. In our procurement process, the principle requires a comparative analysis throughout the entire procurement process of all relevant costs and benefits of each proposal. The principle of value for money is enhanced by public procurement through: encouraging competition by ensuring non-discrimination in procurement and using competitive procurement processes, promoting the use of resources in an efficient, effective and ethical way, and making decisions in an accountable and transparent manner.

The ULP administration has failed miserably. It is corrupt to the core and it is time for them to go. It is time for the Hon. Arnhim Eustace and the NDP to govern the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 11.

Views

Science, Technology and Agriculture

“Funding for agriculture and science and technology do not take place in a vacuum; they will grow if society grows.

They are linked. The entire future and development strategies for the region are linked to our future well-being in science and technology and agriculture.” — Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President of Guyana IT SOMETIMES AMAZES and worries me when I hear well educated individuals from within and outside the region suggest that we abandon agriculture and concentrate on services. Several years ago, I was part of a strategic planning group that was involved in discussions with some European decision makers. They, the Europeans, had an agenda. They were seeking to convince us that we would be much better served as a people if we concentrated on importing food from the more efficient agricultural producers and focus our efforts and energies on the service sector; especially tourism. Wow! I almost “blew a fuse”. As is my usual style, I always seek to recompose myself before speaking after anger of this nature erupts within me. I never like to talk when I am angry. Thus, after regaining my composure I addressed the gathering. I noted that while we appreciate the insights that individuals advance in relation to regional development we cannot, must not, and will not, abandon agriculture.

Agriculture means a lot to our people. This is especially so in relation to the females among us. Research will confirm that many of our women (especially those in rural communities) make a living from agriculture. This is so very important as we seek to ensure that they retain their dignity and become increasingly self sufficient. To abandon agriculture will result in our women in particular and our society in general taking a downward spiral economic and social tailspin. Our society will crash very quickly if we ever abandoned agriculture. In addition, the service sector is presently incapable of absorbing the multitude that will be displaced by the demise of the agriculture sector. But there is another significant variable that we must bring to the debate - the richness of our soil and surrounding sea. We have a comparative advantage as a result of the blessings that God has granted us with the fertile soil and the fish population in our surrounding waters.

However, there are a host of things that we may be able to do to enhance and sustain these advantages. We must be prudent. We must ensure that the decisions we make today will enable our grandchildren and their children’s children to continue the harvesting after we are dead and gone. Our decision makers and technical experts in agriculture and economic development must continue to be advocates of the benefits that we can derive individually and as a nation when we dedicate time and effort to this segment of our economy. It is not too late to guarantee such a noble dream.

It is possible to energize the next generation to be passionate about agriculture. It is not beyond us. How can this be done?

This generation has an affinity for science and technology. And that is as it should be. We are living in the age of scientific and technological advancement. But it does not mean

that we should abandon agriculture even as we pursue growth possibilities through science and technology. We could use these two platforms to propel the agricultural sector. This is as true in relation to producing primary products as it is in relation to value added agricultural items. Our youth must be encouraged to link this love and passion for the sciences with their neighbouring cousin, agriculture. Our young people have shown that they will move in that direction if encouraged.

They have not lost hope. Many of our brighter students have shown that they have a passion for such exercises. The RBTT Young Leaders Programme has confirmed this over the years. Some brilliant ideas have emerged through that programme. We have seen similar innovative ideas in agriculture emerge via service club and youth club activities. But our generation must continue to encourage such noble activities. Our wards must see the value of backyard farming. They must be encouraged to pursue neighbourhood projects in communal farming. These seemingly innocent ideas and past time activities can generate revenue and encourage healthy eating habits. These engagements can give birth to the next outstanding agriculturalist, agronomist, or entomologist. They can create the next generation of agro-processors; creating or developing new products for high-end niche markets. But these will not happen by default. We, you and I, must be proactive in encouraging such initiatives within our homes, schools, churches, and neighbourhoods. We must promote experimentation and innovation in agriculture. We must set the stage for the cross fertilisation of science, technology, and agriculture; a three-fold cord that can sustain our socio-economic development.

While the preceding paragraphs have been relatively general, readers are invited to contemplate specific projects that we can get involved in that will support agricultural development in our respective neighbourhoods. Is it possible for us to encourage bee keeping? Can we encourage efforts for rabbit rearing and backyard poultry production? Can we sponsor containers that will grow vegetables? Can we donate vegetable seeds or plants to a youth group? And as we consider the many possibilities we should also judge whether it is feasible to link these projects with science and technology.

Can we encourage, for example, small scale hydroponics and/or aquaculture initiatives? Is it possible for our youth to be encouraged to conduct Internet research, interviews with knowledgeable professionals, and to combine that knowledge with their own insights and imagination to design a mini biogas digester? Can we invite our children to create excel spreadsheets and/or data bases that can monitor and predict agricultural production? We most certainly can! Sustainable competitive advantage in agriculture can be achieved as we forge ahead with efforts to link science and technology with agriculture.

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

Lioness at the Bar THE RECENT ELEVATION of veteran attorney Stanley ‘Stalky’ John to the silky inner chambers of the legal profession, has once again highlighted the glaring and galling issue of gender inequity in the legal profession and the larger society.

There can be no quarrel with the selection of Mr. John. He has been at the Bar for almost four decades. He is very collegial, always willing to assist younger barristers, but more importantly, he has been an outstanding drafter, fierce litigator, with a personality that fills up the room while making complete sense.

Stanley ‘Stalkey’ John meets the mind as someone who studies the law, and knows the law. He presents the law forcefully and persuasively. There might be few in the legal profession who will openly frown on Mr. John’s smooth if delayed journey from the outer bar to the inner bar.

Silk is given to a member of the legal profession who, through his or her advocacy at the Bar, demonstrates a superior skill in the manner in which they advocate for their clients; the vibrancy and determination in the way they prosecute their clients interest; their success rate at the bar and the demonstrable asset which the advocate brings to the legal profession in the drive to ensure that everyone has access to justice, due process and fair trial, and the upkeep of the rule of law.

If the foregoing represents a fair sample of the criteria on which Silk is conferred, then the omission of females from the inner Bar becomes more than just an oversight. It has now reached the level of an outrage.

Currently, five persons, all men, don the silky cape. They are Bert Commissiong, Parnel Campbell, Andrew Cummings, Carlyle Dougan and the recent recruit, Stalky John.

These are all good men. They have all made contributions to the practice and development in the law, but where are our women? Are they not worthy?

I think they are some female attorneys who are prime candidates for Silk. The names of Kay BacchusBrowne and Nicole Sylvester come immediately to mind. I refer to them as the lionesses at the bar.

Whether we agree with the causes and cases that Kay and Nicole have fought for over the years, individually or together they epitomise the fighting spirit, determination, commitment to their clients’ interests, knowledge and understanding of the law, litigation skills. More importantly, their success at the Bar should have resulted in both women being honoured in the ways that the high honour was given to Commissiong, Campbell, Andrew Cummings, Dougan and John.

There is a reason why I clear the weeks when our Court of Appeal sits in St Vincent. Apart from the undeniable fact that on our court sits some legal minds that are unparalleled irrespective of the jurisdiction we reference, the fact that

the court sittings amount to a week of continuing legal education for lawyers who appear before the court or others who simply sit in the proceeding, the additional benefit is that at almost every sitting of the Court of Appeal, Kay and Nicole will argue an appeal that will bring to the fore the importance of research and preparation, knowledge and understanding the law, uncanny wit in delivery, consummate skill and invariable good results for their client.

Both women have an eye for detail that any up and coming lawyer should pay attention to and try to emulate. It is the eye for the finer points of the law that has brought them so much success at the bar.

Kay Bacchus-Browne was called to the bar in 1976. She is a passionate and skilled advocate who has excelled particularly at the criminal bar.

Nicole Sylvester was called to the bar in 1991. She literally charms you with her delivery to the court. She is as deliberate as her thoughts are considered and persuasive, whether she is arguing matters of criminal or constitutional importance.

The call for these women to be conferred Silk is no cheap reference to their gender. These women would earn this ‘right’ on their merits.

But gender equity is vitally important as well. Women lawyers are rapidly coming into the fraternity.

They outstrip their men folk 5 to 1, and this margin appears to be getting even wider. What better time to elevate Kay and Nicole so that young female attorneys may get a star to steer by?

Nicole’s contribution is even more striking because she has worked hard to build the Law Fair, where attorneys get exposed to continuing legal education and new legal books that can aid their profession. Nicole has also made it her mission to hire and train young female lawyers at her firm.

Both women are richly deserving of this high honour and the SVG Bar Association should lead the lobbying of the relevant authorities to ensure that this glaring omission is corrected, with one or both of these deserving ladies taking the honour they richly deserve.

I am aware that there is an EC$10,000 fee that must accompany any application for Silk. This is madness. No lawyer should be able to apply for him/herself. Further, there should be a nominal rather than the prohibitive fee which must now be paid.

Kay and Nicole are stalwarts of the law. They have worked hard and contributed mightily to the advancement of the legal profession.

And so I stake their claim.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Young people deserve prosperity and a brighter future

THE ULP REGIME has failed young people in SVG. They (young people) suffer under a high level of unemployment.

The ULP regime has failed to provide our young people with a high-quality education.

When someone is denied an education, they are being oppressed.

In October 2013, the

ULP regime launched their National Economic and Social Development Plan 2013-2025, and PM Gonsalves was quoted in I-Witness news as saying “that it will be a roadmap for any administration here over the next 12 years.” The document does not mention a university for our young people, and it

is clearly just a roadmap for 12 more years of oppression of our young people.

SVG Green Party believes that young people in SVG deserve prosperity and a brighter future. A Green government will build a university for our people, so young people can get a degree and be able to

compete for the best and highest-paid jobs throughout the world.

All over the world, young people are getting university degrees, but our young people are being held back and oppressed by the ULP regime. In Finland, 80% of young women are now going to university. In Iceland, 78% of women are getting degrees; in the Slovak Republic it’s 77%.

In SVG, only around 1% of young people in any school year go on to get a degree. Our young people are being denied the opportunity to get the best jobs around the world.

Lloyd Blankfein is the Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs Bank. In 2012, he earned EC$56 million. Now, there’s nothing special about him. In fact, he grew up in the Bronx in New York. As a child, he was no different from our children, and was no

more intelligent than our children. But, he was given an opportunity to get a good education and to go to university. This educational foundation gave him an opportunity to reach his potential.

The starting salary for graduates at Goldmann Sachs Bank is around EC$ 200,000 a year.

These are the kinds of jobs our children should be competing for; but they are being denied prosperity and a brighter future, because the ULP regime thought it best to build a jail for our young people and not a university.

If you feel the same way as SVG Green Party does, if you have faith in the potential of our young people and think our young people, should be given an opportunity to compete for the best jobs in the world, then we ask you to vote

Green. The Belle Isle jail will not give our young people good jobs, and the Belle Isle jail will not give our young people a prosperous future.

Since 1984, a whole generation of our people has been failed by incompetent NDP and ULP governments, because they thought it best to give Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan tax exemptions, rather than build a university for our young people.

The future of SVG lies in the hands of our young people, which is why we must educate them to give them the skills and the qualifications to move the country forward.

On election day, stop the oppression. Vote Green.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Ten years of Fun in the July Sun (1987) Continued from Page 8.

Kingstown becomes a veritable hive of activity buzzing with round-the-clock excitement. Food places do a brisk business, especially in local dishes. Inside are served various mélanges of Caribbean cuisine; mingling outside are corresponding mixtures of people in one international melting pot. During this season, the society is classless, nonracial, a miniature United Nations held together by dance, a tower of Babel whose lingua franca is music. The community undergoes a distinct personality change. It is African Market-Place, Mid-Eastern bazaar and downtown Brixton — Toronto — Brooklyn rolled into one.

All and sundry patronize the established entertainment spots, but, more so, the makeshift “hole-in-thewall” and fly-by-night concerns that sprout from the pavement during the Carnival season. Always, there is the constant jamming in the streets to deafening Dee Jay music blaring out of temporary bars built without doors. A triumvirate rules the roost by its recorded soca music — Becket, Soso and Scorcher.

The hucksters and small-vendors come into their own, doing a rapid turn-over in their personalized delivery service at crowded shows where they miraculously thread their labyrinthine way through mazes of people huddled together like devotees transfixed in worship.

A delightful pandemonium reigns supreme in Kingstown on Carnival

Monday and Tuesday marking the climactic outburst of this ten-day orgy of mirth and gaiety. One is struck by the clash of music, riot of color, display of talent and the general movement of a teeming mass of humanity. It is the grand finale, “the last lap” that builds up in a rising crescendo to the final explosion.

Then the curtain falls, a chapter closes. Carnival is over. The music stops; costumes are discarded; the bars disappear; the stage is dismantled; visitors leave.

Kingstown resumes its normal languid pace. It’s lack of business as usual.

But the lengthened shadows of the festivities remain: the haunting memories and pampered reminiscences of a lingering afterglow. Then anticipation of the next.

Travel arrangements are being sewn up twelve months in advance; revelers begin to knock heads to see how they can put together a better act the following year; officials compare notes with a view to more efficient planning in the future.

So this year’s Carnival is guaranteed to be the best ever. That is the pattern. The current year’s always promises to be tops. The tenyear milestone only underscores this trend. For, with Carnival, the graph rises steadily, and the sky is the limit.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 13.

Feature

Bacchanal in Carnival, again Hugh Ragguette, Chairman of the CBA, must have felt that he and his membership were slighted after demonstrating their preparedness to work with the CDC through its challenging financial situation.

ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS ago, Hugh Ragguette, Chairman of the Carnival Bands Association (CBA) made the pronouncement that his organization was ready and willing to aid the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) in its cost cutting measures.

(See page 20 of THE VINCENTIAN of April 17, 2014).

This, after the CDC had declared that it was some $250,000 in the ‘red’.

In keeping with its position, the CBA opted out of the official Launch of Vincy Mas 2014, hoping that monies saved, since there would not now be a commitment to pay appearances fees for the mas bands, would go towards paying Mas judges’ stipends for Vincy Mas 2013.

When the CBA Chairman inquired at a CDC meeting held Thursday, May 8, about monies owing to the Mas Judges and intimated that his organization would give the CDC up to May 31st to settle the outstanding amounts, this was enough to begin the latest ‘bacchanal in the carnival’, and resulted, in what one keen observer described as “egg in the face of the CBA.” Even against a history of its inordinately late payment of stipends to Mas judges, the CDC, interpreting the proposed date of payment for mas judges as implying a ‘threat’, countered with a letter dated May 15 to the CBA, in which it dismissed the perceived ‘threat’, and notified that “the services of the Mas Bands are not required for the Miss SVG Show.”

As such, therefore, the Miss SVG contestants will not parade in Mas costumes as they traditionally have done, during the introduction segment of that show.

The CDC, in the said letter,

also accused the CBA of promoting a perspective that “is unbalanced and disruptive,” one that “seeks to undermine the cohesiveness of the components of carnival,” and made it clear that it will not be held to “ransom… by any of its components.”

The response from the CDC has all but perplexed the CBA, whose intention, its Chairman Ragguette underscored, has always been to work with the CDC to avoid unnecessary statics in the processes governing the management of the Festival.

In explaining the perceived “ultimatum” as it relates to payment of Mas judges’ stipend, Ragguette, in a letter dated May 21, 2014 to the CDC, stated that, “the fact that the Pageant coincided with the end of the month is mere coincidence,” and that “there is absolutely no connection between the Miss SVG 2014 Pageant and nonpayment of Mas judges’ stipends.”

That said, Ragguette accused the carnival’s governing body of “breach of contract,” citing what he said was a verbal understanding between the CDC and the CBA, that Mas bands will provide costumes for display by the contestants in the Miss SVG Pageant.

Ragguette also accused the CDC of being insensitive to the fact that those Mas bands who had been “contracted” to provide costumes for this year’s Miss SVG contestants, were already in advanced stages of doing so, and would naturally have expended money in this regard.

THE VINCENTIAN

understands that the CDC will resort to a ‘Plan B’ to replace the costumed appearance of the 2014 Miss SVG contestants. Efforts to obtain an insight into what this entails proved futile.

Further, there is no definite indication of when Mas judges

will be paid for services rendered in Vincy Mas 2013.

In the meantime, Mas bands continue to work diligently towards participation in the various competitions for Vincy Mas 2014.

Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, signed the letter that notified the CBA that its services would no longer be needed for the Miss SVG Show.

14. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 15.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 17.

News

RSVG Police Force and GTC join forces

Police Officer who will participate in the training programme, with COP Michael Charles (3rd from left front), GTC Director Grant Connell (4th from left front) and other Officers, at the launch of the programme.

Club coordinators, will, on completion of the Police Youth Clubs Co-ordinators programme, and Commissioner of Police Mr. serve as Michael Charles (right), learning coaches in the basics of tennis. their communities.

THE ROYAL ST.VINCENT Training will be and the Grenadines Police conducted three days per Force, in partnership with week over a six (6) week the Grassroot Tennis Club, duration. has launched a tennis At the official launch programme, which the of the programme on organizations hope will Monday, May 26th, 2014, serve as the newest antiat the Grassroot Tennis crime strategy here.

Club (GTC), Murray’s Road, Grant Connell, the The programme will Club’s director, said the see a number of police GTC is hoping to use officers being trained in tennis as a nexus the basics of tennis. between the police and Among those to be trained are coordinators the community.

Connell, a practising in the various Police attorney here, said some Youth Clubs across the people in the community country. The officers, have lost respect for the particularly the Youth police, and the

programme is an opportunity to foster good relationships between the police and the community, especially in (crime) hot spot areas.

Under the new partnership, the GTC will rehabilitate four (4) tennis courts across the country and will equip police officers with balls, rackets, and baskets.

Commissioner of Police anticipates that the new initiative will serve to keep the nation’s youth on the right track.

Some 1000 members, mainly children, of the Police Youth Clubs, are expected to benefit directly from the programme.

COP Charles encouraged the coordinators to put their all into the programme.

Judith Hull-Ballah remembered EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a statement from the Ministry of Education on the passing of Judith Hull-Ballah.

The Ministry of Education mourns the passing of yet another Educator, Mrs. Judith “Patsy” Hull-Ballah, who died this past weekend.

Mrs. Ballah performed several roles during her sojourn with the Ministry of Education, but will be remembered particularly for her pioneering work in the Early Childhood Education Sector and the Roving Care Givers Programme for children aged zero to three.

Her legacy includes her commitment, dedication to task and general passion for children, and she

will be remembered as one who laid the foundation for many of the Ministry’s accomplishments in the aforementioned areas.

The Minister and staff of the Judith Hull-Ballah.

Ministry of Education express deepest condolences to Mrs. Ballah’s son, Rochard, and to her immediate relatives and friends.

May she rest in peace.

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Effort afoot to restore soil potency MANY OF THE MORE ESTABLISHED farmers in St. Vincent will readily recognize the name Clive Bishop, fondly known as ‘Bish I’. He is remembered for the impression he created among the farming communities when he worked with Caribbean Agriculture Development and Research Institute (CARDI) in the 1980s.

‘Bish I’ is about to launch a relatively new product, ‘GreatGrow’, which enhances the soil, increases plant yields and reduces the incidence of plant diseases.

In an exclusive interview with THE VINCENTIAN, ‘Bish I’ said that he was convinced that ‘GreatGrow’ is the answer for farmers whose yields have diminished over the years, and who want to restore the soil after excessive application of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides.

‘Bish I’ is a strong proponent of organic agriculture, but he made it clear that ‘GreatGrow’ is not an organic fertilizer but is a soil amendment.

He explained that in a

Clive ‘Bish I’ Bishop showing flavour peppers and papaya with GreatGrow treatment.

Left: ‘Bish I’ and soil amendment product. normal healthy soil, there are numerous organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, including microbes, which are essential for soil health.

These organisms, which are referred to as the ‘soil food web’, occur naturally, and they spend all or part of their lives in the soil, keeping the soil healthy. This ecosystem can be and has been destroyed principally with the use of herbicides, pesticides and nematacides, rendering the soil virtually useless.

The use of a soil amendment actually re-

introduces these healthy micro-organisms in a scientific way, and in the process restores dead soil to productive arable lands, by acting as a ‘kick start’ for the soil food web to begin and thrive again.

Experiments on several farms in the USA have shown significant yields with the use of this product. The product is due to be launched here by July 2014.

Since returning from the US about a month ago, ‘Bish I’ has already provided about 15 local farmers with samples, and is currently awaiting the results.

He has tried some of the ‘GreatGrow’ to papayas in his backyard, and he has already noticed significant increase in plant growth, compared to those planted in soil without the (soil) amendment.

Farmers and horticulturalists are invited to contact ‘Bish I’ at email clivebishop68@gmail.com Mr. Bishop for more information.

Article contributed by: DONALD DE RIGGS

Uninsured Omnibuses plying the roads in SVG THE NUMBER OF UNINSURED omnibuses in operation here is cause for concern for the Traffic Department of the RSVG Police Force.

And according to Head of that Department, Superintendent Kenneth John, something is going to be done to put an end to the practice.

Speaking last Sunday at a meeting with omnibus Supt. Kenneth operators, held at the Arnos John has promised Vale Sports Complex, and stern action as which involved drivers, against omniowners, police officials and buses operators the Minister of Transport who ply their and Works, Senator Julian vehicles without Francis, John said that it the appropriate was discovered by officers insurance. conducting traffic checks, that a number of omnibuses were not insured.

In fact, he revealed that, in three recent accidents, each involving omnibuses, only one was insured.

“I as the Head of the Traffic Department, I am not going to stand by and allow that to happen,” the top traffic cop asserted, and promised that appropriate action will be taken.

He also promised that a meeting involving onmibus operators and police offcials, is to be held, to impress upon the bus operators the need to have a copy of their insurance certificate on their buses at all times, in anticipation of a proposed stop and check exercise by the police.

“Every omnibus will be checked, so all I am begging, insure your vehicle before you bring them on the road,” John said.

LIME Rewards Commuters PASSENGERS OF ANOTHER LIME 4G branded vehicle came in for a pleasant surprise, when they were greeted by none other than ‘Luta, the Crowd Motivator’.

Last Friday, the LIME Vincy Soca Dan Soca Dan ‘Luta, the Crowd Motivator’ (standing) giving out journeyed to Gibson Corner to FREE CD’s to the driver and passengers of another LIME 4G branded vehicle. distribute 20 of his 20th she was always a passenger of the anniversary CDs to the driver and minivan, and said that the LIME passengers of HN 528, which travels branding of the vehicle made the ride along the Leeward coast. more exciting.

The stunned passengers were These giveaways will continue over grateful for the gift, and thanked the next few weeks, giving passengers ‘Luta’ and LIME for the gesture. more reason to ride a LIME 4G One rider exclaimed out loud that branded minivan.

V Jaycees: 55 years of social contribution

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 19.

Community

KEEPING civic and social organizations alive and active while ensuring that they continue to contribute to national development, is no easy task in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It requires committed leadership and the resolution to persevere in the face of all sorts of challenges. The determination to fight on to overcome inevitable lulls is an important ingredient of success.

For all these reasons, the local chapter of the Junior Chamber International, fondly known as the ‘Jaycees’, can feel justly proud as it celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.

Founded in the year 1959 on the initiative of a Barbadian Grammar School master, Phillip Greaves and two locals,

the Connell brothers- Joe and Arthur, the Jaycees grew to become one of the most prominent social institutions in our country.

Over its more than half-a-century of existence, the Jaycees have made indelible contributions to social life in our country.

Many of our younger people probably are not aware, and some of the older ones may have forgotten, but the Jaycees organization was for a decade synonymous with the organization of carnival activities at the national level. It ran the Festival from 1962 to 1972, to the extent that what is now Miss SVG was then, the ‘Jaycees Carnival Queen show’.

We are all aware of the National Lottery

today and its contribution from the proceeds of its games, to sport and culture. Well, the Jaycees initiated the forerunner, the famous Jaycees Radio Bingo, funding a number of projects such as an ambulance for the hospital, contribution to the National Sports Complex at Arnos Vale and a clinic at Fancy.

Two other social legacies were the Primary School Spelling Beecompetition, while through its weekly radio programme, ‘The Jaycees and You’, public education was provided on a variety of topics.

The Jaycees building at Stoney Ground is another lasting landmark, the organization not only constructing its

Right: Arthur Connell, noted Vincentian businessman, along with his brother Joe, was a founding member of the local Jaycees Chapter.

Headquarters, but providing recreational facilities for the public in the form of a playground, volleyball court, concrete cricket strip, and indoor facilities for table tennis and other indoor games.

Perhaps the greatest contribution of the Jaycees has been in the field of leadership development. Many of our leaders of today in a

Phillip Greaves, the Barbadian who served as a teacher here, encouraged the formation of a Jaycees Chapter. wide range of fields and sectors were trained by the Jaycees, its many courses and seminars giving valuable training in management and leadership.

As the organization winds up Jaycees week,

it does so in the satisfaction that it has contributed solidly to social development in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and has etched its name in Vincentian history.

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My girlfriend cheated on me

Dear George,

her to go back to her lover.

MY GIRLFRIEND cheated on me with another man, and now she is begging me to forgive her. Her friend was the one who told me about her cheating, and went as far as to say how my girlfriend described the sex she had with this guy. She said she told her that she never had such great sex, and she would never go back to any man who was not as endowed as this guy. She also told her that she would always find a way to keep this guy ‘on the side’.

How can I take her back with this kind of information? I can’t! She does not know her friend gave me all of this information, and her friend does not want me to disclose the source of my information. I never believed my girlfried would do that to me! I feel like pretending to take her back, and get her pregnant and leave

Hurt Dear Hurt, It is possible that this friend (of your girlfriend) could be manipulating the truth to suit her own interest. This is something worth considering before doing anything drastic.

Have a chat with your girlfriend and let her in on the information you received. Even before this. let this friend know that in order for you to give the relationship a chance, you may have to let your girlfriend know the source of your information.

Your girlfriend’s friend should know that secrets are not encouraged in your relationship. That way, the incidence of gossip and mischief would be greatly reduced or eliminated totally.

George

On the brink of suicide Dear George, I HAVE REACHED THE LOWEST point in my life, and I do not know what else to do. I should not have been alive today, but by some stroke of luck I am.

For the past month or so, I have considered gramoxone. I just could not bring myself to doing it; but it seems now that it may just be a matter of time before I finally get the courage to do it.

My whole life is one big failure! I lost my job two years ago and have not been able to find employment since then. I am qualified up to my ears, but still at home. I am unable to pay the bank and several other people from whom I have borrowed money. This is not like me, and my image has been soiled because of my

employment status. All the plans I had after returning from University have stalled, and I am wondering if there is really a way out of this situation.

George, I need your advice, please. Someone I was talking to told me to write to you. I hope you get this letter.

the tunnel; but there is.

You need to trust someone to assist you in getting to that light. I urge you as a matter of urgency to contact the Marion House and let someone there sit with you and help you to Depressed assess where you are at, where you need to be, and how you can begin the journey there at Dear Depressed, a pace that is comfortable.

Speak to your debtors; and Thanks for taking the time explain your situation, and to write. I hope that after with them towards a retoday you will find the will and work ordering of your payment plan. determination to give yourself This is also the time to talk a chance to reach the light that to a friend and accept whatever is at the end of the tunnel. In support they may have to the situation as it is now, you offer. I wish you the best. may not even want to believe that there is light at the end of George.

Pastor refuses to marry us My fiancée has a 5- year-old child that I know of. The pastor said that it is not a good MY FIANCÉE and I went to idea to marry a woman who our Pastor to get some prealready has a child. He also marital counselling and, said that I should never marry a woman who is 10 years my to our surprise, senior, because she would not he began telling us that we do not be able to give me the sexual satisfaction later down in life. belong together I am 24 and my fiancée is 34 and should quit years old. the idea of It did not matter that we getting married. spent the entire session telling At first, I him how much we loved each thought he was joking, but after other. We have been together for four years. I do not have a the first session good feeling about this whole was completed, he reiterated his counselling thing with Pastor X, and I am wondering what to position.

What stunned do. me were the Perplexed reasons he gave why we should Dear Perplexed, not be together.

Dear George,

It is good that you are questioning things that do not make much sense to you. The idea of a woman not being able to give complete sexual satisfaction at the age of 34 is totally ridiculous and erroneous.

As far as either one of you having a child is concerned, this should not be mentioned in the negative way you said it was. Once you have addressed the relevant issues and you are comfortable with them and, understand the responsibilities therein, you should be fine. You always have the option of finding another minister to do your ceremony.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Opportunities will come through long term investments. Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You might find that coworkers will support your endeavors. Don't make those you live with feel unloved or unworthy.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Good day for romance. You'll regret every word for some time to come. Try to visit a country that excites you.

Overstatement will be your downfall.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to be too harsh with your mate.

Make plans to meet again in the near future. You can find solutions if you are willing to communicate. If you act with anger you may blow the relationship.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't take your frustrations out on loved ones. You will need to take a look at the renovations that are necessary and try to find the cheapest way to get things done. Look before you leap.

Older members of your family may try to take advantage of you.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your partner will blow situations out of proportion. Monitor your budget carefully to avoid unnecessary stress. You need to be around friends and family.

Travel may be confusing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You should regain some of your selfesteem if you get involved in organizational functions. You should check out prestigious clubs or groups that have a cause you believe in. Joining organizations will provide you with stimulating romantic contacts. You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will be able to make financial gains. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern.

You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't let your anger consume you and don't allow important matters go unattended to. You may want to stay in the background this week. You need to look into ways to change your self-image.

Investments that deal with property will pay off but could cause conflict with some family members.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Arguments with children or friends may leave you steaming. You will be in the doghouse if you are being. You will find that unfinished projects at home will be most satisfying. You may find yourself in an emotional fix if you interfere in other people's problems.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. Either way, you're up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. You can make money through your creative efforts. Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things. You're in the mood to spend time with your lover.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents. Problems with relatives and friends could surface. Your family needs to spend some time with you, too. You can't lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold.

ACROSS 1.Interrogates 2. Little demon 8. Rug style 12. Gunslinger’s command 13. Elton John’s title 14. Give over 15. Computer collection of information 17. Midterm, e.g.

18. Cronkite and Koppel, e.g.

20. Like old jeans 23. “Baby __ Your Loving” (2 wds.)

26. Have __ in one’s bonnet (2 wds.)

27. Collar button 29. Brit’s bathroom 31. Sportage manufacturer 32. Cloth closures 33. Bro, e.g.

34. Electric fish 35. Summer treats 36. Woodsy fragrance 37. Stable part 39. Lamentation 40. Feathers

43. Mix slightly 46. Explode 50. Akron’s locale 51. Ike’s theatre 52. Layer 53. No (Ger.) 54. Biden’s party (abbr.)

55. Local work out spot (abbr.)

DOWN 1.Expand 2. Spanish “Mrs.” 3. Kit __ Club (“Cabaret”) 4. “Old Folks at Home” river 5. “__ Her Standing There” (2 wds.)

6. Young lady 7. Box-top bargains 8. Drama unit 9. Witch’s spell 10. Toothpuller’s org.

11. Precious stone 16. Flower plot 19. Stops 20. Artwork’s

copy 21. “__ Irish Rose” 22. Worked at a casino 24. Borden animal 25. Accomplishing 27. Off the beaten track 28. Light bulb inventor’s monogram 30. Heed 32. Cat’s basking spot 36. Sufficient supply 38. Clothing

protection 39. Alter __ 41. Measure (out) 42. Nuclear particle 43. JFK, to Joe 44. “In __

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 21.

beginning…”

45. Roman three 47. Goal 48. Detective, informally 49. Historian’s division

22. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 23.

File missing!

Police called in But one person, who was part of the Motion, told THE VINCENTIAN the president never put forward a convincing enough argument which would have swayed the undecided, which he admitted were few.

With regard to being described as “‘Snakes,” the administrator said that the president is being disingenuous since he was given regular warnings about his shortcomings.

Julian Jack leaving the “He must show the public meeting after being booted all the emails which he out. received raising concerns about his leadership style and period of Jack’s term.

The executive : President — some of the things he was Kishorn Shallow, 1st Vicedoing which were not president Elson Crick, 2nd approved by the Vice-president Denis Byam, executive……he must tell Secretary Samuel Holder, all….snakes, eh…..just wait Treasurer Jenry Ollivierre, and you all will see…..,” he Assistant Secretary Cleton said.

In Saturday’s meeting, Jack was left reeling when some of his executive members stood up and announced their resignation on the spot.

He then went to ground FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD when former executive Shantell Williams has shown members took to the floor just what consistent hard work to ‘show him up, and can achieve: Success. (when) former West Indies The Girls’ High School wicketkeeper, Mike student, competing in the Under Findlay, and headmaster 16 age group at last Saturday’s of the St. Vincent National Track and Field Club Grammar School, Curtis Championships, captured five ‘Baffy’ King, supported the gold medals to help her club, Xcontents of the Petition.

Ceed, take top honours.

In the end, a new Shantell took gold in the 100, executive was elected to 200 and 400 metres events, and serve for the remaining joined her club mates to take gold in the 4x100 and 4x200 metres relays.

In the process, the young lady recorded personal best times in RAYMARNO CHARLES hit overwhelmed by their the 100m (13.26), the 200m an entertaining century to opponent’s total, were (26.54) and 400m (1 min. 02 single handedly propel disastrous in reply, sec).

Buccament Bay Androids to a succumbing to a “I feel great that I have won comfortable win over steady bowling attack five gold medals in my age Georgetown Youth Combine, for a mere 36 in 16.2 group,” an elated Shantell said in the National 55/55 Sunday overs. Wesley at her first training session League Cricket competition Simmons took 3 for 5. following her recent successes. on the weekend, at Arnos In another “I must say the hard work that I Vale. weekend match put in with my coach, Pamenus Charles stroked an played at Buccament, Ballantyne, paid off,” she added. entertaining 115 not-out as Radcliffe TOO won She admitted that she will Androids posted 278 for 7 over Police THREE. reduce her training days from Raymarno Charles added his from 50 overs. Marcus McCoy Radcliffe TOO made name to the list of century makers four to three times a week, to gave good support with 81.

213 in 35 overs. A. allow her more time to attend to in the 2014 cricket season here.

Kimson Delzell was Youth Gilkes hit 45 and K. her “school work,” but assured, Combine’s best bowler with Sam 43. Renwrick Cato took Emkem Richards was not out “I will resume when it’s all figures of 3 for 24. F. 4 for 62 and Brenton Smith 3 on 24. over.”

Frederick had 3 for 56. for 51. Police THREE replied Shantell is pursuing studies Georgetown Youth with 186 off 25 overs. Trevor in ten subject areas for the I.B.A.ALLEN Combine, apparently Bailey led with 57 and CSEC exams.

Confidence in President Julian Jack, after Smashers Cricket “O CONSPIRACY! Club tabled a ten point Sham’st thou to show thy petition calling his leadership dangerous brow by night, into question.

When evils are most free” The Vote was carried but These were words from the the revelations and comments famous William Shakespeare’s which emanated from the written play “Julius Caesar”, gathering may have what which seem appropriate in observers say, are more fardescribing pre and post events reaching ramifications. of the Special General Meeting Reports are that the new of the St. Vincent and the executive, upon convening its Grenadines Cricket Association first meeting, were forced to held last Saturday, in the contact the Criminal presence of the members of the Investigations Department Black Squad at the Media (CID) when it was discovered, Centre at the Arnos Vale Playing after a thorough search, that a Field. file critical to the operations of The Meeting was called to the Association was removed contest a Vote of No from the Association’s office, without permission.

Information say that the missing file contains documents relating to financial transactions.

Reports say that after doing some checks with certain persons, the decision was then taken to contact the police.

Last Saturday Jack, stung by the manner of his demise from the organisation of which he was an executive member for more than three decades, likened his former colleagues to reptiles.

‘They are like snakes” he said.

The outgoing president lost the ‘Vote of No Confidence’ 65/25, but indicated that he was confident he could have Mike Findlay making a point withstood barrage and come at last Saturday’s Special out on top, based on preMeeting. meeting discussions.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Charles stings Georgetown Youth

A member of the Black Squad keeping duty during the meeting.

Burnette, Committee members Deighton Butler, Rommel Currency, Miles Bascombe and Samantha Lynch.

Shantell’s hard work pays off

Shantel Williams, winner of five gold medals at the recent National Track and Field Club Championships Coach Pamenus Ballantyne is obviously very happy with Shantell’s achievements, and believes they are as a direct result of hard work and dedication.

“She is very dedicated to her training which started last year and continues this year. With her discipline and the talent she has, I know she can reach places,” Ballantyne said.

He noted the systematic progress she has made during her training, not least being in her attitude and confidence.

Ballantyne thanked Dr. Edmund Sealey for the work he has done in helping to bring Shantel to the stage she is at now.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

24. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Crick unhappy with Peters’ omission

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Cricket matters run deep IT CAME AS AN EARTH-SHATTERING event last weekend. When the ruins were cleared, a new president surfaced for the local Cricket Association.

Kishorn Shallow must be a contender for Sports Personality of the Year when the National Sports Council stages its Awards Ceremony next year.

It might have been brewing, but Jack’s ouster came as a shock.

Jack took issue with the manner of his removal.

He swiped at members of his executive whom he accused of collusion and betrayal.

Jack must be the architect of his own demise.

Things were not the way he had seen. Some things were festering, and there was the feeling that all was not well with Vincentian cricket.

Jack might have been lulled into a false sense of security.

A former national opener, he was elevated to the post on the basis of not only his contribution on the field of play, but equally because of his contribution as a long standing member of the executive of the Association.

Shallow will be surrounded by nearly the same set of executive members who oversaw Jack’s departure. That will be something that he has to bear in mind.

By September, Bangladesh will be in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a Test match.

Shallow will be pleased that vice president Elson Crick is in the mix. Crick has experience on the regional cricketing circles, and has carved out a reputation for himself.

One will be hoping that there is no repeat of the situation when Bangladesh appeared here in 2009.

Up to the morning of that Test, the announcement of the team to represent the West Indies was a closely guarded secret.

Floyd Reifer led a hastily assembled West Indies party. Inevitably, the team faltered badly, unnerved by the novelty of the composition and the complexity of the situation.

I am fearful that a clique is being reactivated.

It is a pity that the West Indies could only see Kenroy Peters as helping to prepare the West Indies batsmen for their encounter with New Zealand’s left hand bowlers.

If Peters could take the most wickets in a regional competition, at which the best players are on show, I see no reason why he should not be picked in a genuine West Indies party. Jerome Taylor played in that same competition and did not take as many wickets as Peters did. He is included.

Similarly, Jermaine Blackwood amassed the most runs in that competition. He ought to have been given the plunge at the higher level.

Are we going to await Chris Gayle’s recovery from back injuries, rather that go with someone who is fit?

Shane Shillingford ought not to have been included, given the doubts over his action. That must be laid to rest once and for all. How can a bowler be allowed to bowl, and one of his stock deliveries is out of the question? It seems to be making his bowling one track.

But West Indies Cricket always turns up the unusual.

Vice-president of the Windward Islands Cricket Board, Elson Crick, has expressed his disappointment over the omission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Windwards leftarm seamer, Kenroy Peters, from the West Indies fifteen-man training squad for the first test against New Zealand, next month.

Peters ended the 2014 Regional Four Day tournament as the leading wickettaker with 40 wickets in seven matches, at an average of 12.75 per wicket. His economy rate was 2.34, while he got a wicket every 32 balls.

The 32-year- old Peters was the only seamer in the top ten, with Jamaica’s Jerome Taylor coming in at position 11.

Following his performance, the Vincentian was called up by regional selectors to be part of a twenty-man training squad, in preparation for the opening Test against the Kiwis at Sabina Park from the 8th June 2014. He was one of five pacers,including Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Shanon Gabriel and Jerome Taylor, called up by selectors. But when the squad was reduced to 15, Peters was the only pacer to be axed.

Crick told THE VINCENTIAN

that if the Right: Elson process is to Crick says he select players doesn’t support who perform insularity but well in the Peters’ omission regional raises questions. tournament, then, by right, Peters can count himself unlucky not to make the final cut.

“This is so unfortunate…..a man bowls and gets most of the top players in the competition out, not once, but twice in some instances, and still he cannot gain selection….this has to be a joke,” a very disappointed Crick said.

The administrator said he is one person who will never support insularity, but when things happen like this, you must believe that the people from the ‘small islands’ have a valid case.

“You have fans in the Windwards, in particular, who have been crying foul over the years, and people have been quick to jump on the insularity card ..but what kind of justification can you give for leaving out Kenroy Peters this time around?”

Crick, in highlighting Peters’ bad luck, pointed to his tour of England with the West Indies U19 Team when he was the best and most successful bowler on the tour, but when a replacement was

Kenroy Peters needed to be continues to toil in vain. sent out to Sri Lanka, Jamaica’s Germaine Lawson, whom he out bowled on the tour, got the nod, the reason being the “extra pace”.

Crick believes that, while Taylor and a fit Roach would gain selection ahead of Peters, he was not so certain about Gabriel.

The squad for the First Test Match will be selected at a later date and will depart from Barbados on June 4.

FULL SQUAD: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Shane Shillingford, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor.

Vincy swimmers impress in Barbados Meet FOUR Black Sands Swim Squad added to the medal count, Gold medalist Shné athletes, Shné and Alex Joachim, swimming his way to silver Joachim (left) and top Justin and Nikolas Sylvester, medal position in the 50, Black Sands Swim battled their way to more 100 and 200 metres Squad male performer swimming success at the 23rd Breaststroke in the Boys Nikolas Sylvester are Annual Aquatic Center 13-14. heading for the 2014 International Invitational in His younger brother, Commonwealth Barbados on 23rd - 25th May Justin, swam with Games.

2014. improved strength, The four were among 319 top delivering 10 personal best times. singling out Shné Joachim as “a dominant swimmers, representing some 18 Black Sands coach Kyle clubs from the region, who Dougan added to the medal count force in the girls 13-14 swimming category.” participated in the event. for Black Sands Swim Squad, Shné Joachim and Nikolas The SVG’s Black Sands when he took a bronze medal in Sylvester will lead the SVG swimmers were able to bring the men’s 15year and over swimming contingent at the home a total of fourteen medals as 50meters Breaststroke. upcoming Commonwealth Games well as establish a number of Coach Dougan was pleased in Glasgow, Scotland in late July. records. with his team’s performance, CARIFTA record holder Shné Joachim raced home winner of the 50m Breaststroke for Adams hit 61 in her team’s losing CLEA HOYTE and Stacy-Ann Adams girls 13 — 15 years, and cause and took 2 for 29 when continued their prolific form for in the process established In a one-sided affair at the Sion United Survivors and T.J.Tigress both Meet and Barbados Hill Playing Field, Rising Stars rolled respectively, in in the RBTT Women national records with a over Northern Girls Combine, beating National 40 Overs Cricket time of 35.58 seconds them by 146 runs. Rising Competition.

She went on to In a close contest Stars elected to bat dominate the girls 13-14 at the Arnos Vale 2 first and compiled years age group, winning 195 for 1 off 35 Playing Field last a total of 5 Gold and 3 overs. Glendeen weekend, Hoyte, Bronze medals, and being Turtin led with 74 with a good allawarded the Girls 13round performance, not out and Vinisha 14 Age Group Champion King was 54 not out. inspired United for the meet.

Northern Girls Survivors to a 16Shné’s younger Combine in response run win over brother, Alex Joachim, were dismissed for J.G.Tigress. She swam his way to a Gold 49 in 13.2 overs. stroked 51 to help medal in the 50 meters Sue-Nnn Martin Survivors reach Butterfly in the boys 9-10 took 2 for 5 and 181 for 8 from 40 age group, and also overs, and returned Kacy Campbell 1 for brought home a silver Stacy-Ann 11. to take 3 for 23 in Medal in the 50 Meters Adams Clea Hoyte hit Tigress’ total of 165 Breaststroke. stroked 63 and 51 and took 3 I.B.A.ALLEN in 37.3 overs.

Nikolas Sylvester took 2 for 29. for 23.

Hoyte, Adams shine in close contest

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 25.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

BEATRICE STEPHANA WILLIAMS

JENNIFER JUAN ASH

*(25*( 2¶1($/ Mt. Bethel Assembly Spiritual Baptist Church Vermont Sunday 25th May, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

April 12th, 1918 - May 21st, 2014 Wesleyan Holiness Church Campden Park Thursday 29th May, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Revival Centre Murray Village Monday 26th May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

UNICY ELAINE JOHN

SUZETTE AMANDA DANIEL

Age: 88 Years Mt. Coke Methodist Church Monday 26th May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Fountain SDA Church Wednesday 21st May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

MERANDO BELTHAZZAR KING Service held at: Holy Trinity Parish Church, Commercial Road, SVG on 24th May, 2014 at 2.pm.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MAY 30, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.22

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Registrar resigns: Audit report will determine next step resignation was still sketchy, resulting in much speculation among the populace.

A REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR of Audit will THE VINCENTIAN understands, determine the next step in the investigations though, that Gibson-Marks, a St. Lucianregarding irregularities at the Registry. born lawyer, has since left the country.

Reports are that High Court Registrar, When contacted on Wednesday, Tamar Gibson-Marks, tendered her Commissioner of Police Michael Charles resignation to Attorney General Judith told THE VINCENTIAN that at a meeting Jones-Morgan, last week Wednesday. he had with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph It is not certain whether Gibson-Marks Gonsalves and the Attorney General (AG), resigned her position on her own volition the AG requested the audit. or whether she was made to resign.

According to the Commissioner, the Up to press time, Wednesday, Director of Audit would send her findings information surrounding Gibson-Marks’s to the AG. Depending on the outcome of the audit, it would be decided whether or not the information would be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or the Commissioner of Police.

Speaking on the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) sponsored ‘New Times’ programme on Nice Radio last Monday, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace called on the government to issue a statement about Gibson-Marks’s resignation.

“It is a very sensitive post; it has to do with our courts, and it should be in everybody’s mind what the situation really is.

“I don’t want to speculate I believe it is the responsibility of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and specifically the Prime Tamara Gibson-Marks was appointed Registrar of the High Minster, in his Court of SVG in 2008. capacity as Minister of

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Legal Affairs, to say to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines what in fact happened.

“We are all hearing about a resignation with immediate effect, and we wish confirmation of that and the reasons for that,” Eustace said.

COP Michael Charles confirmed that the Eustace’s comments Auditor General was called in to followed one made to investigate certain irregularities at the news personnel here by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Registry.

Gonsalves. When asked for details surrounding the issue, he said he was not at liberty to speak about the content of a meeting between the AG and Gibson-Marks, at which the basis for the resignation is believed to have been established.

In other reactions to the resignation, the SVG Green Party, in a press release issued Tuesday, May 27, questioned the involvement of the Director of Audit in the investigations, advancing the view that she should be replaced by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) had appointed Gibson-Marks acting Registrar in 2006 and Registrar in 2008.

Gibson-Marks is the wife of local attorney and former government senator Ronald Marks.

She is known to have maintained deep links with her place of birth, continuing to serve as the artistic and production director of a St. Lucian Carnival promotion Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan, informed the Prime Minister of Gibson-Marks’s company, Red resignation on Thursday of last week.

Unlimited.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.