THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 1a.
2a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 , 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 3a.
Governor General’s Message
We can overcome
Governor General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne
MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY SIR FREDERICK N. BALLANTYNE, G.C.M.G., MD, DSc GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TO MARK THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 27TH OCTOBER, 2012
MY FELLOW VINCENTIANS, we celebrate our 33rd Anniversary of Independence at a time when the world is undergoing one of its worst economic crises. This crisis is negatively impacting the lives of all Vincentians, and we are all, by now, familiar with the closure of many business places, and the significant
increase in unemployment. We need to be aware that any adverse effect of the economy hits mostly the poor, and it behooves us all to recommit ourselves to the principles of tolerance and generosity at this crucial period of our existence. More than ever, all of us, individuals, families and Government, need to work together to fashion plans to see us through this difficult period, emphasizing always that we need to work hand in hand to accomplish what we need versus what we want. It is my view that the adoption of this simple concept can guide us towards determining our economic survival. As a young Nation we have a lot to be proud of, with significant gains in all indices measuring development over the past thirty-three years. We need to be reminded constantly of those who fought for our freedom and Independence, and equally to celebrate the
vast number of persons who continue to strive to make sure that we protect the hard won freedom. As we celebrate this anniversary, let us take this opportunity to thank the many persons who work long and hard in the interest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The list of these persons or groups is too long to detail, but we must never forget those in the Diaspora, Vincentians and nonVincentians, who all love St. Vincent and the Grenadines and contribute through their organizations to foster our development. I am honoured and proud to be a Vincentian, and have faith in the goodness of all our people. It is my hope that the generosity of spirit which has guided us over the past years will become more evident as we face the years ahead. May God continue to bless us all on Independence Day and always.
4a. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Prime Minister’s Message
Progressing in the face of challenges symbolic because it reminds us of the magnificence of our sovereignty and the freedom which we enjoy in a constitutionallygrounded democratic society. Independence for us as a struggling people means the promise of hope for a better future, a future FELLOW VINCENTIANS, at guided by the teachings home and in the Diaspora, of the church in our it is with tremendous pride development of morality, and happiness that I peace and justice. deliver this Independence Our distinguished Message. heroes from His On October 27, 2012, Excellency, Paramount St. Vincent and the Carib Chief, Joseph Grenadines celebrates Chatoyer, to our nation’s the thirty-third Founding Father, Robert Anniversary of National Milton Cato, have Independence. delivered, and the legacy Independence is indeed of our ancestors has INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE – 2012 PROGRESS AND OPTIMISM IN CHALLENGING TIMES BY DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES PRIME MINISTER OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
enriched and ennobled generations of Vincentians. Our outstanding Statesmen, including George Augustus Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Theodore Joshua, Sir James Mitchell, and Sir Vincent Beache, have all crafted a magnificent path in our nation’s history. They stand out as beacons in our nation’s annals for their involvement, commitment, contribution and service. Our blessed nation has also benefited from the enormous contribution of other outstanding sons and daughters in all spheres of life. Many of them have left us for the
great beyond, but they continue to live on in our memories. Dr. Earl Kirby, Dr. Gideon Cordice, Mr. Frank Mason, our late community and church leaders and public servants, doctors, farmers, fisherfolk and business professionals. We will continue to lift them up in our prayers. Fellow Vincentians, the policies of the government embody the dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers, and our nation’s comprehensive development plan embraces reforms in all spheres and priorities the enhancement of the human condition. Indeed, the transformation of the national economy touches every facet of life and production. This 33rd anniversary of Independence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, however, comes at a time when our nation is feeling the backlash of the global recession. Additionally, several other ills which hinder human development continue to plague our citizens in the form of breakdown in families, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, disrespect for authority and property, obstructionist messages from talk radio, consumerism, intolerance, ill discipline, all of which are unacceptable. Importantly, these recurring challenges have placed tremendous strain on the social services and the church. Despite the setbacks, our nation is full of hope and optimism, the unbridled enthusiasm of our citizens at home and in the Diaspora, the creative potential of our youth, the numerous opportunities created for our people through the education revolution, the advances in science and information technology
Prime Minister Dr. Hon Ralph Gonsalves in the production and social apparatus, the confidence in the national and citizen security initiatives, the excitement and creativity shown in the thrust to provide world class competitive air and maritime transport systems, all serve to encourage us to continue to fashion St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a nation in which its citizens will have boundless pride. This year, Almighty God has been good to us; with the abundance of rainfall to fortify our crops, a fairly calm hurricane season, the wherewithal to assist parents in sending children back to school; a plan to stimulate employment with increased activity at the Argyle International Airport, and in the housing sector. The tourism sector has received several accolades abroad, and with the new thrust in agriculture, our farmers are reinvigorated to fight the diseases which infect their crops. As we reach another great historic milestone, let us continue to be inspired by those who have used little to achieve much, and in the words of scripture “be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God”. Philippians, chapter 4, verse 6. In these turbulent economic times, let us
strive for peace in our nation, and for the common good. Let us all be our brothers’ keepers. Let us return to our strong religious values to guide our thoughts, ideas, convictions, concepts, and code of conduct which will help us to respond to all sorts of circumstances; continue to value self, family and nation. In closing, I urge the citizens of this nation, whether in the public sector, private enterprise or self-employed, here at home and in the Diaspora, to work diligently and smartly, strive for high ideals, value your contribution to nation building by working individually and collectively. Our nation is small, but we can have big dreams and achieve much greatness. On this Independence Day, continue to have strong faith in God, love of one another, and in the words of Phillipians, chapter 4, verse 8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” May God bless our nation!
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 5a.
Message from the Leader of the Opposition
Keeping our Independence that our colonial masters were somehow “more equal” than we were in our land. Our political and economic trajectories were largely plotted by British technocrats and colonial ideologues. But TOMORROW, St. Vincent and the because we longed for selfGrenadines will mark 33 years determination and worked en since we broke free of colonial masse toward the same, our rule to determine our own path colonizers had to contend with as a people. and ultimately defer to our Many Vincentians are too will to be masters of our young to remember day-to-day selves. life as subjects of the British Thirty-three years later, our Empire. The irony of longing government celebrates the to determine our own affairs grant of loans or gifts from while singing “God save the countries either moved by pity Queen!” and beseeching for us or seeking to expand Almighty God in anthem to their influence in our region. “make the nations see, That We no longer boast of having men should brothers be, And secured major contracts for form one family, The wide trade. We have become world ov’er” while observing beggars where once we were Independence Message 2012 HONOURABLE ARNHIM EUSTACE, Leader of the Opposition St. Vincent and the Grenadines
architects and builders of our own destiny. Thirty-three years on, farmers who once traded in green gold, wait desperately for CESS, and strain their eyes for the outline of a spray plane on the horizon. The previously industrious depend on “poor relief”. Parents choose between feeding their children and sending them to school. We are told this situation is to be expected because the economies of most countries the world over are in decline; that all over the world, people are losing jobs and making do with less. But many countries are still growing, but not St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean with four (4)
consecutive years of negative growth, and possibly a fifth. Yet, countries the world over are fighting to remain independent by cutting costs and putting measures in place to stimulate growth, create jobs and increase Hon. Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the opportunities for Opposition further education and training. our blessings. It would appear Countries fight so as not to be that we should ask God to beholden to any bigger and “grant us strength for the hard wealthier country. fight to achieve and keep our Perhaps, the refrain in our freedom.” own anthem, “And God bless May we keep our and keep us true!” is too Independence! passive. Perhaps, we have forgotten that we must earn
6a. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Message from the Leader of the SVG Green Party
High quality education for all is true independence SVG GREEN PARTY INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE from IVAN O’NEAL BSc(Hons), MSc, MBA Leader and co-founder of SVG Green Party IF SOMEONE HAD SAID TO VINCENTIANS on 27th October 1979, that in 33 years’ time SVG would be worse off, the thought would have been unbelievable. The truth is though, that SVG is much worse off now than on 27 October 1979, due to decades of poor vision by government. High quality education is the way for all countries to gain real independence. Three years after independence from England, Singapore had built three science universities. Thirty-three years after SVG independence, SVG has not built one university. Our ancestors fought for our freedom and independence, but our people are enslaved in poverty and hardship. Where is the independence and dignity in relying upon handouts from foreign countries? It is suicidal
for our nation to rely upon foreign loans with arms folded, and expect prosperity. History has shown that this does not work wherever and whenever the people are poor and there is high unemployment and crime. No uneducated nation can ever be a great and prosperous nation or an economic power, and I urge our young people to campaign for their education. Youths are the prized gems of our nation, and as long as they wish to study, the sky should be the limit as far as what the government is willing to provide. Without education, the seeds of independence and prosperity will never be nurtured. In 2011, a record 12,000 Singaporeans graduated from universities in Singapore. In China, every year, seven million graduate from universities. In 2011, no Vincentian students attended our SVG university. There is an overwhelming cascade of graduates entering the global job market and our children cannot compete if they have no education. The only way to compete is by training our
people, developing expertise and creating innovation. For this, SVG needs free education from pre-school to university, and to build three science and technology universities, so we can create innovation and obtain lucrative science and technology contracts from abroad, to bring revenue to the country. However, the veiled apartheid excreted upon us by the ULP regime for the benefit of the super-rich of Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan, obstructs our people’s path to independence and prosperity. Apartheid is keeping our children trapped in the chains of poverty. Education and innovation are needed to convert dead capital into live capital in SVG. SVG could export fresh water in tanker loads, export a whole variety of agro-products, use renewable energy to make electricity significantly cheaper, and create innovative Green products. True independence will only come when we have a strong Green economy. A Green government will invest $200million annually in education and build three science and
Ivan O’neal, Leader of the SVG Green Party technology universities, so our people can be prosperous and independent. The independence of our children hangs on our endeavours. SVG needs new leadership, able to carry out bold and decisive measures to convert dead capital into live capital and create new products, thousands of new high-paid jobs and surplus revenue. May a new direction and God’s blessing be our strength. Happy independence anniversary
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 7a.
Message from the Commissioner of Police
Developing our Police Force to ensure the continuing development of our Nation 2012 INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE – COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AS WE CELEBRATE ANOTHER YEAR of Independence and development as a nation, I am moved to comment on some of our developments as a Police Force (Service). It is so important that our Police Force develop alongside our Nation, seeing that security, law and order and tranquility are necessary for the development of our Nation. In ensuring this development, the Police Force, in 2012, continues to be the recipient of a number of very important assets/equipment, training for personnel, and are engaged in discussions in respect of Law reform.
Equipment For example, we are now in possession of a Hydraulic Shears, which is used for the destruction of obsolete firearms and persons have been trained to use and maintain same. In the past, the method of destruction was of concern; the Shears is recommended as a more suitable option. We are also in possession of a DOT Peen Firearms Marking Machine. Personnel were also trained in the use and maintenance of this. It enables us to insert, in addition to the Manufacturer’s Identification marks, our unique identification on the Department’s firearms, and all other firearms imported into the state will be engraved. This process will assist with easy identification of all marked firearms. The electronic system to record interviews of accused/suspects for serious offences, and its supporting laws and training for personnel, must be seen as a means through which the credibility of our investigators who interview accused/suspects, would not be tarnished by allegations of inhumane treatment, threats and promises during the interviews, which sometimes led to voir dire in Court. It will help the Court to understand both the conduct of Police and the accused/suspect during the process of interviews. We have commenced discussions and preparation for the setting up of the Electronic Fingerprint Machine and Database. This will help with the instant processing of the relevant biodata of prisoners both locally and around the region, give the networking that will
develop with others islands. Our two (2) new Interceptor boats, the Radio Communication system, a vehicle and other assets were received from the Government of the United States of America, under the Secure Seas and Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) programmes. The construction of the Coast Guard Base in Canouan will enhance our Coast Guard personnel and maritime capability. We have also received a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This system is a relatively new technology. It was implemented on February 01, 1999, through amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. It is the international radio safety system mandated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for ships at sea. The primary purpose of the GMDSS is to automate and improve emergency communications for the world’s shipping industry. The GMDSS is really an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety, and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircrafts. It consists of several systems, some of which are new, but many of which have been in operation for many years. The system is intended to perform the following functions: alerting (including position determination of the unit in distress), search and rescue coordination, locating (homing), maritime safety information broadcasts, general communications, and bridge-to-bridge communications. Specific radio carriage requirements depend upon the ship’s area of operation, rather than its tonnage. The system also provides redundant means of distress alerting, and emergency sources of power.
Service expansion The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) was established on March 07, 2012 and officially launched on April 13, 2012, as a result of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 27 of 2011. Its main functions are: to investigate possible cases of Trafficking in Persons; to prosecute suspected traffickers; to train law enforcement agents in combating Human Trafficking; to inform the general public through awareness campaigns about Trafficking
in Persons; to submit annual reports to the Minister of National Security on all pertinent matters concerning Trafficking in Persons. Its establishment and roles so far, amongst other initiatives by the Government, have mitigated the threat by the United Nations to place St. Vincent and the Grenadines on tier three of the watch list. The Unit continues to assist in fulfilling the mandate under the Commissioner of Police, Keith Miller Act, to ensure that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not black-listed for not taking the necessary action against this operate in a more professional environment which is facilitated through and other related crimes. the Graduate Entry level. The Training and Personal Advancement experience gained from higher selfdevelopment and the level of professionalism of personnel will assist Our personnel continue to take our men/women to better understand advantage of training that becomes and perform their roles more effectively available, whether they are and efficiently, and the public will place departmentally or personally driven. more confidence in our ability to do so. During this year so far, personnel were exposed to training locally, regionally Welfare and new initiative and internationally in areas such as: Caribbean Defence and Security, Law While we encourage personnel to Enforcement, Small Arms Trafficking, develop themselves, we continue to Cyber Security and Cyber Crime, Trafficking in Persons and Performance ensure that their welfare is taken care of as we are very concerned about our Management and Development System men/women’s diet. For this reason, the (PMDS), while others are presently services of the Canteen have been pursuing either Associate or Degree extended to include the catering of programmes at Institutions around the freshly prepared meals, at a reduced region, the United States of America or England. Special mention must be made rate. We also encourage personnel to of the Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD) join our Group Insurance to ensure that they take advantage of the benefits training being pursued in the United under the Policy, which includes life, States of America by a member of the health, dental and vision. Our children’s Coast Guard Service. Although this education is not left behind, seeing they training concentrates mainly on are taken care of under the Scholarship Maritime explosives, the learning acquired will be able to complement our Fund Policy. Discussions are continuing in respect K-9 unit when it is called-out for duty. of Cyber Crime Laws to curb crimes Mention must be made also of personnel who are making use of online committed via the internet, and studies. For this year, another seven (7) amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Laws to address problems persons have registered for the on our streets, given the influx of University College of the Caribbean vehicles and the reckless conduct of (UCC) degree programmes in Information Technology (IT) and Human some drivers on our roads, as well as to Resource Management. This brings the improve the safety of road users. These are some initiatives which have total to twenty (20) persons who have been realized or in pursuance in an decided to advance themselves via this effort to ensure that our Nation medium. It is believed that more personnel are continues to mature and develop with inclined to pursue academic development minimal criminal/assault on its progress. Let us work together as a Nation to to take advantage of the Accelerated ensure the continuing development of Promotion Policy, either for accelerated our Nation and our Police Force. Happy promotion or the increase in salary Independence! which will soon be available under the Graduate Allowance, or to be able to
8a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Message from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies
Give thanks
by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done. Even though we don’t have all we want, we are grateful for what we’ve escaped and what we have. We are thankful to God for allowing us to live in this WE ARE GRATEFUL for another beautiful, peaceful country. occasion to celebrate our We still have the freedom of national Independence. This is a worship at a church of our golden opportunity to pause and own choosing every day or reflect on our blessings, as well once a week, or not at all. We as to commit ourselves to can still express our opinions making our nation productive in open fora such as meetings, and prosperous. Consequently, rallies, on radio and television Independence Day for our future and in newspapers. We still generations of Vincentians will have the choice to own be celebrated with even more property, and are free to move reasons to express gratitude. about the country. We still It is imperative that we offer prayer in schools and loudly celebrate our public offices, and the Bible is achievements and blessings, regarded as a divine book. We as silent gratitude isn’t much still regard the sanctity of use to anyone. Someone has marriage, that it is a said, “No duty is more urgent relationship between a man than that of returning and a woman. thanks”. There are many more areas So often, we are perturbed we can be thankful to God for. Independence message By BISHOP SONNY E. WILLIAMS Presiding Bishop – Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies St. Vincent and the Grenadines District
Psalm 136:1 reminds us to, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good”. Our blessings did not come from our parliament. They came and come for God alone. The Epistle of James is of this view: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of light” (James 1:17). Whatever we enjoy in life that is good genuinely come from God. Our founding fathers understood that perfectly when they enshrined in our constitution that our nation is founded on the belief of the Supremacy of God. The writer of our national anthem captures this in the line, “Whate’er the future brings, our faith will see us through”. We must always recognize and honour the source of our blessings. God’s warning to Israel is timely and apt. “When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good
land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God”. (Deut. 8:1011). President Abraham Lincoln reminded his people that God is the true source of blessing, nationally and individually. He stated, “It is the duty of nations, as well as men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God….. and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Bishop Sonny Williams Holy Scripture and proven by all salute the nation on its 33rd history, that those nations Anniversary of Independence, only are blessed whose God is and join the many in thanking the Lord”. God for His provision, The Pentecostal Assembles protection and preservation of the West Indies, St. Vincent over this nation. and the Grenadines District
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 9a.
Message from the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese
ÂGive God the gloryÊ INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE BY THE PATRIARCH OF THE SPIRITUAL BAPTIST ARCHDIOCESE SVG, HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT REVEREND EDMUND ERDLY JOHN “IN OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, we hold the following truths to be self evident: All men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain alienable rights that among these are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Whenever Government becomes destructive towards these ends, it is the rights of the people to alter or abolish the government and institute a new one.” Abraham Lincoln. Fellow Citizens and Vincentians within the Diaspora, my Archbishop, my Chancellor, Council men and women, ministers and members of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese: Today I lend my voice to the swell of the hallelujahs of this nation’s 33rd year of independence. Alas! The dumb man might eloquently speak, the lame man with his crutches might leap for joy and the man with failing eyesight might see the light that shines even in the darkest night, giving him a reflection of our nation’s independence. This independence should allow us an opportunity to renew our faith in God, for it is only through faith we can see the invisible, take hold of the intangible and become spiritual visionaries to provide this nation with an alternative to not being overcome by evil by overcoming evil with good. Through faith in God, we can build this nation, just as Jesus builds his churches on one man’s testimony that ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God’. Jesus said “Upon this rock; upon this confession of faith I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
God, even as we recall our identity, our history, and our destiny ‘for all ah we’. We must thankfully acknowledge God’s great goodness toward this nation, along with the further goodness that we expect and hope for. Whatever good things God gives us, it is His will that we make the most comfortable use we can of it and in return, offer our baskets of first fruits, that is, giving back something to God. Today we tell the community about the men and women of great vision and courage who secured our liberty, giving us equal chance of living, and enumerate the many milestones that this country has crossed. However, I must argue that it is high time to change this nation for the glory of God; for each of us to experience the awesome move of God in our lives, replacing our stony, empty, wicked, deceptive and badminded hearts with love, compassion and consideration for our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, elderly, children and the youths of this nation.
Many are the cries
Fellow citizens, the blessing of this independence should be enjoyed by all; but unfortunately, while this sunlight has brought joy to some, it has brought fear and hopelessness, discrimination and death for others. I can hear the hopeless cries of the 5-15 year-old-children who are sexually molested amidst the jubilant shouts of independence. I can hear the agony of those youths who have committed and are attempting suicide because of the unfair demands placed upon them by society. I have seen the increasing expulsion-revolution in the schools, that is being mistaken for an education revolution, as youths are put out indefinitely from schools. with no hope for the future. Yes, I can hear the silent, hopeless cry of farmers who toil all day In the glory of God and are unpaid, unable to maintain their Let us praise Almighty families because their
crops and livestock are eaten up by disease and the unpredictable weather, or stolen by unscrupulous people. Yes, I hear, loud and clear, the cries of those persons who, because of political interference and on-the-job jealousy, have lost their jobs and have no redress. I have seen
the increase in immorality perpetrated even by officers of independence. Aren’t we ashamed?
slow to address the concerns that threaten our nation’s people. I am appealing to our government, our people and the Spiritual Baptist Our calling community to respect, protect, preserve and It is now clear that we support this nation and have waited too long to our Spiritual ask the right questions, Archdiocese, by and we are going too denouncing, condemning
and eradicating the chaos of immorality and violence prevalent among us. Let each of us play his/her part to make this nation of St.Vincent and the Grenadines the strongest of all nations, as we seek to be a people that God blessed and commissioned.
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A thought for independence
‘Our Country, Our home’
by ADRIAN WRIGHT I’M SO PROUD to be a Vincentian, Though this land has no gold or diamond, The warmth of the people surround, Your heart drowned in all the love shown. Breadfruit and Jackfish our national dish, The Soufriere Tree our national flower. Take a romantic SVG where nature’s splendor and happy faces abound. walk in the Botanic Gardens, Experience the captivating flora and fauna, The Vermont Nature Trail, or Table Rock, Or take an exhilarating kiss on top of La Soufriere Volcano.
Developing the Local Economy Econom om my One Business At A Time T
Explore the beauty of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Represent the Blue, Gold and Green, like the Amazona Guildingi, Take a drive to one of the water falls, Baleine or Trinity, Explore the gems of the Antilles, feel the tropical breeze. Breathe the fresh air, relaxing in a hammock under the shade of the trees.
On On October 27th, 1979, St. Vincent became an independent nation. October 27th, 1979, Stt. Vincent became an independent nden Man ny Vincentians still do not realize the siig gniific i ance of th Many Vincentians still do not realize the significance of this. The Fa athers of Independence decclarred e the goal of National In Fathers of Independence declared the goal of National Indepenedence. There trug ggles, prrepar e ra atio ation and planning involved There were struggles, preparation and planning involved in achieving werre strug this an a objective of selffǦdetermination. this important objective of selfǦdetermination. importtant Likewisee, man ny business owners/entr /entrreprreeneurs decclarre t Likewise, many business owners/entrepreneurs declare their goals to grow their businesses or increase profits, but too often they fail to gr row their businesses or incrreease prrofiits, but too oftten th wage the battle necessary to ensure those goals are met. wa age g the battle necessary to ensur urre those goals arre met. This independence, let us reaffirm our declarations and move forward and m a This independence, let us reaffirm our declarrations with a plan to develop the economy of St. Vincent & the Grenadines a plan to develop the econom with my of St. Vincent & the Gr through business development. thr ro ough business developmentt.
Ha appy ppy IIndependence ndependence D Day! Too the Government & People off St Vincent T Viincent & the Grenadines Gre From the Management ment & Staf ff of the Staff
Centre for Enterprise Development ent Inc. Moussa Building Grenville Street, P.O. Box 2343, Kingstown Kingstown Tel: 451-2235/6 451-2235 451-2235/6 Fax: 4512235 Email: Email: cedsvg@gmail.com cedsvg@gmail.com Website: ww www.cedsvg.com w.cedsvg.com
Take a sip of the cultural wine; get drunk from the fun, Carnival Festivities, jump around in the July sun, Everything in moderation is good, and everyone is welcome. Vincy to the Heart, big up the whole crew worldwide, Sunset, SLR, Hairoun or Ju-C, raise your glasses high, And let’s toast to the best Caribbean Isle. Land of the Blessed, forever my home, even though I may roam, To distant places, among strange faces, I’m never alone. A loving mother and child relationship, nothing can break that bond, Just ask Jamesy P, Alston Becket Cyrus, or Kevin Lyttle why, And you will understand that this connection is very strong. Phyllis Punnett and Joel Miguel reflected this in our anthem, Our Country, Our Home, Songwriters and Musicians inspiration given, Sitting upon golden sandy beaches watching the sun rise, over the mountain, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, this is a little piece of Heaven.
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Nation-building and Independence A treatise by PATMOS RICHARDS SINCE ITS ATTAINMENT of Independence on October 27th, 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made some social and economic progress under different political regimes, dating back to the Milton Cato and Sir James Mitchell led administrations, and including the current Dr. Ralph Gonsalves era. Each period has been marked by the respective leader’s inimitable style of governance. However, it cannot be gainsaid that our present political dispensation is taking us to a higher level: Infrastructure has mushroomed tremendously with the advent of new housing schemes, learning resource centres, the upgrading of health facilities across the country, the improvement of some roads and of course, the biggest capital project undertaken by any government, the construction of the Arygle International Airport.
Education advancements et al Education is virtually the government’s flagship. With the introduction of computers to primary and secondary school children in addition to the increased number of scholarships offered to pursue higher education, there is a turning point in our educational mobility. Naturally, an educated nation will be a productive nation. And as we prepare to maximize production and use of a trained and educated human resource base, it is vital that the private sector recognize and fulfill its role as an integral stakeholder in the process of nation-building, to include among other things, the creation of jobs, a harmonious industrial climate, and an avoidance of unbridled partisan politics. Sadly, most of the commercial entities that comprise the private sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have not done enough to impact on the national landscape. They, for example, could invest more in sports development.
Community action and negative attitudes In this our 33rd year of Independence, as we seek to consolidate our gains and build
on them, we must move to ensure and encourage greater activity at the community level. The revitalization of community-based groups, which were prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s, should be given some serious consideration. That period was characterized by a spirit of volunteerism which contributed positively to social and economic progress at the community level. More importantly, as we use this period of reflection on what we have accomplished since October 27, 1979, we need to give attention to changing our negative attitudes, since these (attitudes) are impediments to real nationbuilding. An example of our negative attitude is the vandalism of our public facilities. The dilapidated state of our public utilities at Little Tokyo is a perfect example. Too many citizens, for inexplicable reasons, take gratification in writing obscene graffiti on public buildings. We need to desist from these negative practices. Moreover, we need to approach nation-building as a collective. The constabulary, for example, needs to forge links with communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in its efforts to prevent and possibly eliminate crimes. Crime, we know, can adversely affect our tourism product, and if we are not careful,
SVG can become a place to be avoided. We have the potential, the capacity and the political will to move forward as a nation. However, this will only be
achieved with a change in our negative attitudes. It is imperative that, as we focus on the way ahead, we do so with positive attitudes. That should be our resolution on this the 33rd anniversary of our independence.
32a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Vincentian heroines
OVER THE PERIOD 14 – 21st October, 2012, the Casper/Maria Marshall Centre will continue its series of educational activities under the Theme “The Emancipation Story – Tell it to our Children”, with a focus on Elma Francois and Bertha Mutt, two stalwarts of the labour movement in St. Vincent &
The Grenadines. In honour of these women, the Centre will host storytelling sessions, drumming and distribution of leaflets and other educational material, at the Bertha Mutt Library, George McIntosh Community Market, Paul’s Avenue.
ELMA CONSTANCE
FRANCOIS
October 14 marks the birth of one of the most outspoken Afro-centric activists in the history of Trinidad & Tobago. She is Elma Constance Francois, who was born in Overland, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, on 14th October, 1897. In
her youth she received primary education up to 5th standard, and then worked alongside her mother picking cotton. From an early age she struggled for the betterment of her people since life was hard for labourers. Some women worked in the cotton fields, others as domestic
workers, while others worked at the Mt. Bentick Sugar Factory. The outspoken Elma quickly set about trying to organize the labourers of Mt Bentick Sugar Factory where she worked, and was promptly fired. Elma Francois then migrated to Trinidad where she worked as a domestic. Reading books late into the night, Elma educated herself and proceeded to educate the people on labour and political matters. When asked where she had acquired such knowledge, she said “You must read, and you mustn’t read stupidness.” She was a founding member of the National Unemployed Movement which was later renamed as the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Orgnisation (NWCSA). The NWCSA organized many ‘hunger marches’, and following the 1937 uprising, the NWSCA instigated the first strike in Port of Spain. Demonstrations and strike fever’ spread throughout the whole country, and for her role, Elma Francois was arrested and charged with sedition. She defended herself and was finally acquitted. When the prosecutor asked her why she persisted in making speeches which were causing disaffection among his Majesty’s subjects, she replied “I don’t know that my speeches create disaffection, I know that my speeches create a fire in the minds of the people so as to change conditions which now exist”. On September 25, 1987, forty-three years after her death, Elma Francois was declared a national heroine of Trinidad & Tobago for her role in drawing attention to human dignity and effecting radical change towards eradicating mass unemployment and hunger. She demonstrated political will, temerity to speak up in public, tenacity in educating herself, and in using that education for a cause.
BERTHA MUTT October 21st marks
the 77th Anniversary of the 1935 uprising in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, as a dispossessed predominantly black population protested their condition of poverty, hardship and degradation. A small group of group of fifteen Vincentian women abandoned their daily chores to protest against the rising cost of living. This action was sparked by an increase of customs duties on basic items, among them oil and matches. The women stormed the Court House in Kingstown, brandishing sticks and stones. In the process they freed fifteen prisoners. Bertha Mutt, a Vendor, was one of the women in the forefront of the uprising. She is reported to have led the march into the courtyard and prison. Among her other sisters who took part in this activity were Ermine Potenor, Lydia Laidlow, Hermina Oliver, and Beryl Ollivierre. The women were soon joined by two hundred men, also armed with stones, sticks, sledge-hammers, cutlasses, knives and pieces of iron. The protestors smashed the court house windows, over-turning cars, and freeing prisoners as they went on rampage. When the uprising was quelled, George McIntosh was singled out as the key figure and was charged with treason-felony- a charge which was later dismissed for lack of evidence. The women were given prison sentences of eighteen months to four years hard labour for their role in the events leading up to the uprising. The uprising signaled significant change in the social conditions of ordinary working people, and according to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves “marked the beginnings of the democratic evolution in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and laid the basis for the country’s democratic awakening”.
James Street, P.O. Box 2405, Kingstown Email: commwomen@yahoo.com Phone #: cell #492 9393 and cell #454-0866
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 33a.
Towards a brighter future Congratulations to the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines on 33 years of Independence.
34a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Message from the UNDP CYTT
Developing the resolve that matches our responsibility UNDP CYTT INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE FOR ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES IN COMMEMORATION OF 33 YEARS OF POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE by JAMAL BROWNE OCTOBER 27TH, 1979 marks a historic moment for the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. For some, it is seen as the culmination of a century of struggles towards complete political autonomy, and for others, it is also viewed as the base of a self-determined climb to the zenith of national development. Hypothetically, we are thirty-three years into this climb, and many are the notions of our progress thus far. Our political transition from Crown Colony to a fully independent nation is in itself a remarkable story — a synthesis of lives and processes — processes driven by ordinary people making extraordinary contributions. The tale of our post-independence experience maintains the same; however our nation has struggled immensely amidst the rapidly changing global scenarios of the past three decades. As a nation, we have encountered the unstable
down to succeeding generations, our predecessors are likely to have taken for granted that their successors clearly understood that the responsibility must always be matched by the resolve in order to attain absolute success. I am instantly reminded of the theme of this year’s Caribbean Youth Day, ‘Youth Harnessing Positive Jamal Browne: Member Energy for Caribbean of the UNDP’s Development’. It is a Caribbean Youth Think theme that acknowledges Tank for St. Vincent & the optimism, vibrancy, the Grenadine. and creativity of youth — linking these to and slippery slopes of development within a struggling dominant region so severely industries, the rugged impacted by foreign trails of fluctuating dynamics. global commodity prices, Given the legacy of the the turbulent hillside pioneers of our political winds of natural independence, and the disasters, and the many lessons learnt after counter-productive thirty-three years of selfgravitational pull of government, the message social and moral decay. here should be crystal Nonetheless, the climb clear. As the time draws continues, and it is near for the next imperative that the generation of leaders and people of St. Vincent & citizens to take on the the Grenadines remain mantle of selfhopeful. government, we must It was hope that first develop the resolve fueled the ambitions of that matches our the pioneers of this responsibility to our multi-island nation’s nation and to our people. political self-government, Happy 33rd and it is this very hope Independence: To the that would take us people and Government forward, even where of the State of St. grim global prospects Vincent & the defy. Grenadines. As the mantle of selfgovernment was handed
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 35a.
Sports Personalities
Sports personalities in an independent SVG SVG Football Team 1979: (Back row L to R): Tyrone Barrow, Basil ‘Bung’ Cato, (Assistant Manager), Keith ‘Slick’ Bonadie, Ali Munroe, Elliot ‘Morrie’ Millington (captain), John Horne (Executive Member), John Cato, Sydney Mandeville, ( Middle row: L-R): Pete Morris, Sheen Millington, Ashley Baptiste, Raltie Lowe, Stanley ‘Luxie’ Morris, Guy Lowe. Sylvester ‘Scobie’ Taylor (Manager) (Front row: L – R): Marcus Young, Blincon Soso, Rudy Boucher (coach), Rudolph by ‘Ounce-ah-Beef’ Mayers PATMOS (trainer), Raymond RICHARDS ‘Chip’ Ballantyne, Dorian Phillips, Gideon Exeter (Executive member).
INDEPENDENCE QUOTES on which to ponder “Belize, with the help of God and the support of its people, will stand upright and will do its duty and help bring peace, stability and prosperity to our region and to wider circles of our planet Earth.” (George Price, First Prime Minister of Belize) “You are on your own in a big world, in which you are one of many nations, some small, some medium sized, some large. You are nobody's boss and nobody is your boss.” (Dr. Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago)
AS WE COMMEMORATE our 33rd anniversary of Independence, this writer would like to salute all the sectors of this nation who would have contributed significantly to nation-building, during the pre and post Independence era. However, an important sector, often overlooked, that has made
invaluable and imperishable contributions to the development of nation-building, is the sporting community. From time immemorial, sportsmen and sportswomen here have been laboring with an indefatigable energy to take our country to glorious heights. The unflagging zeal and competitive spirit of our sporting personalities should be recorded and preserved as valid legacies for future generations to cherish.
Sporting icons not recognized That said, it is unfortunate to note that many of our sporting icons are denied the recognition they deserve. Apart from Pamenos Ballantyne of athletic fame, who enjoys the honour of having the London Playing Field in Sandy Bay named after him, there is absolutely nothing in communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines to remember or recall the exploits of our sporting icons. Continued on Page 38a.
“I believe that as an independent people, Jamaicans could so manage themselves as to demonstrate, one day, how by making their great motto, 'Out of Many, One People', come to speak the truth about themselves, they could become a worthwhile and shining example of the sort of world men sometimes dream to live in." (Sir William Alexander Bustamante, First Prime Minister of Jamaica) “We will not regard any great power as necessarily right in a given dispute unless we are convinced of this, yet at the same time we will not view the great powers with perennial suspicion merely on account of their size, their wealth, or their nuclear potential. We will be friends of all, satellites of none.” (Errol Barrow, First Prime Minister of Barbados) “A year ago Guyana became politically free and independent. She assumed the untrammeled right to make her own decisions on what ought to be done or ought not to be done within her border. Since then, hers has also been the right to decide what course she would take and to state her views and opinions positively in the fora of the world. As we celebrate the first anniversary of freedom, it is our duty to take account of what we have achieved or what we have failed to do, to note where we have done well and what we ought to have done better.” (Forbes Burnham, First Executive President of Guyana)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 37a.
Focus on our women
Women in action OCTOBER 15 is observed as International Day of Rural Women, a day somewhat overlooked by the observance of “Global Hand Washing Day” on the same date, and World Food Day on the following day, October 16. The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15th October, 2008. This new International Day established by the General Assembly in its Resolution 62/136 of 18th December, 2007, recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, food security and eradicating rural poverty. In most parts of the developing world, rural women participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick. The United Nations Secretary General has therefore said that “Empowering rural women is crucial for ending hunger and poverty. By denying women rights and opportunities, we deny their children and societies a better future”. This year’s Theme for Rural Women’s Day is “Claim Your Space in Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change”. This important Theme, invites a sustained education programme in communities, a process which will be more powerful when combined with the Theme for World Food Day — “Agricultural Cooperatives — Key to
Feeding the World.” The United Nations has recognized that women are “the linchpin of families and communities, and have a positive multiplier effect — using their income and resources, when given the necessary tools, to increase the well-being of their children and families, and thus play a critical role in reducing food insecurity, poverty and socio-economic effects of climate change”. Introducing a UN Report on Women and Climate Change at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Durban, South Africa, UN Under SecretaryGeneral and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said: “Women often play a stronger role than men in the management of ecosystem services and food security. Hence sustainable adaptation must focus on gender and the role of women, if it is to become successful”. The United Nations recently launched a programme to empower rural women and enhance food security . The US Congress addressed this situation through the introduction of a Bill which recognizes the disparate effects of climate change on women, and calls for efforts to empower women in the process of designing and evaluating strategies to mitigate climate change and its impact. Will government produce a policy on rural women that will include investment in rural women’s initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, and strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change?
Women of Sandy Bay, involved in a vegetable cultivation project in their village, maintain a tradition of women playing an integral role in the agriculture sector of this country.
38a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN
Clinton sends best wishes to SVG THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT of a greeting from Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of State, on the occasion of this country’s 33rd anniversary of Independence. “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as you celebrate 33 years of
independence this October 27. “The United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a long and close friendship based on shared values and ties of kinship. “Our shared support for democracy, rule of law, and universal human rights remain as strong as ever. “We continue to work together to ensure our
region’s security and economic stability and our citizens’ health and prosperity through such programs as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. “As you gather with friends and family across your “Land of the Blessed” to celebrate this special day, we wish you
Sports personalities in an independent SVG Continued from Page 35a. Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of State. all a peaceful Independence Day and a successful year ahead.”
There is no billboard, for instance, with a portrait of Layou’s Marcus Young, the Morris brothers, Pete and Stanley Morris, nor are there any billboards in Sion Hill with a portrait lionizing the Millington brothers, Elliot and Sheen. Nothing has been documented about: the legendary Rudy Boucher, a footballer of exquisite class and grace; the Lowe brothers, Guy and Raltie, who impressed with their unblemished style of football, of playing quality football; Dorian Phillips, perhaps the best goal-keeper; not to forget nothing in honour of Tyrone Barrow, Raymond Ballantyne and Fred Trimmingham. The captioned 1979 football team (see Page 35a), created local and regional history when they gave a sterling account of themselves in the inaugural CFU tournament, finishing second to Haiti in a field that also included Surinam and Trinidad.
Hall of Fame and more This writer is appealing to the Ministry of Sports and the private sector to launch a collaborative plan for the establishment of a Hall of Fame and a documentation centre, to highlight the achievements of our sporting personalities, both past and present. Undoubtedly, this gesture would foster a sense of national pride and patriotism in our younger generation of sportsmen and sportswomen, who presumably would want to emulate their predecessors. An important third party in this collaborative scheme would be the Ministry of Education. With a competent management staff there, the Ministry, as the major stakeholder in education, can ensure that biographical material on our local sporting legends is available to all primary and secondary schools. Renowned businessman, Randolph Russell, has taken the initiative to establish a Hall of Fame which features politicians and some top public servants of the past and present. This gesture is commendable and must be recognized for the precedent that it is.. Can’t someone take the initiative to establish something deserving for our sporting personalities? It would be remiss of me, as my conclusion draws nigh, if I didn’t mention my former colleague at youth cricket level, Winston Walter Davis, and his record-breaking 7 for 51 against Australia in a 50-over encounter. And I must repeat my call to the relevant authorities for the late Frank Odel Mason to be lionized by naming a pavilion in his honour. Mason’s last appearance on the cricket field was in 1962 when he bagged 9 wickets for 13 runs to secure a victory for SVG cricket team, against a formidable Dominican cricket team. These two icons should earn a decent, welldeserved place in the annals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines cricket history. We need to pay more respect to our sporting personalities, some of whom would have taken St. Vincent and the Grenadines to a respectable status on the world sporting stage.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. 39a.
Fact Corner
1762 -1877
1877 -1907
The flags of SVG VERTICAL TRICOLOUR of blue-yellow-green, the yellow being double the width of each of the other two, and with three green lozenges, two and one in the middle of it. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of 3 Jan 1958 - 27 Oct 1979 those rare Commonwealth countries that did not adopt the British ensign system and uses one national flag for all purposes. The ratio is also not quite according to British traditions. After a local competition failed to produce a satisfactory 27 Oct 1979- Mar 1985 design, the problem was submitted to a Swiss graphic artist who suggested what is now the current design. The Swiss graphic artist who designed the current flag of St Vincent is the late Julien van der Wal. Among many Mar 1985- 22 Oct 1985 creations, he is also the author of the current flag of the Canton of Geneva. Julien van der Wal was the Swiss designer of the Saint Vincent and Grenadines flag (source: article in the Encyclopedia Britannica, by Adopted 22 Oct 1985 Whitney Smith). The present flag of Saint Vincent and the many islands of St. Grenadines came into Vincent and the use officially on Monday Grenadines. These gems October 21, 1985. That define St. Vincent and morning there was a the Grenadines as the ceremony at the War gems of the Antilles. The Memorial in Kingstown Blue represents the sky to mark the change over. and sea. the gold is for According to a leaflet warmth, the bright spirit produced in 1985 at the of the people and the Government Printing golden sands of the Office in Kingstown, the Grenadines. The Green symbolism of the flag is represents the lush as follows: vegetation of St. The green diamonds Vincent’s agriculture and are shaped in a V for St. the enduring vitality of Vincent, and reflect the the people. The Flag may plural nature of the be called “The gems”.
1907 -1940
1 Jan 19408 Jan 1958
40a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN