ANYONE WHO HAS A CLASS 3 Liquor Licence and whose place of business is situated outside a cemetery gate or across the road from the cemetery, will not be
disallowed from selling strong liquor under the proposed amendment to the Public Order Act. The proposed amendment
WE HERE APOLOGISE to MR. EZRA WILLIAMS, of Rose Bank, a photograph (here repeated) of whom we carried on the front page of THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 3rd May, 2024, identifying him as Reanson Montgomery Kirby a Paul OverMurray’s Village man who had gone missing for three days before his lifeless body was discovered floating in the sea off Rose Bank.
We want to assure MR. WILLIAMS that our misrepresentation was not an act of ill intent on our part, and that we regret any discomfort our error caused to him and his family. In admitting to our error, we implore his understanding.
deals with the consumption of alcohol during funeral processions and at cemeteries which, according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on the issue on radio on May 8, “has become quite terrible,”
The amendment is expected to focus on a central problem, i.e. “people drinking rum and beer and getting drunk and behaving quite badly,” the Prime Minister said.
The only issue however, with the section of the Bill dealing with the sale and consumption of alcohol in cemeteries, Dr. Gonsalves
Continued on Page 3.
Right: Funeral processions have become jump-up like parades accompanied by live percussion/steelband and even Hi-Fi music.
Burial services at designated cemeteries, including the Kingstown Cemetery (pictured), have become occasions when people indulge in consuming strong liquor and making merry.
Participants getting an early feel of throwing the “Javelin”.
FOR FOUR HOURS LAST SATURDAY,May 4, 2024, at the Diamond Track Facility, two hundred and seventy-five students between the ages of 4 and 14, participated in Team Athletics SVG’s Kids’ Athletics Festival, described as a day of excitement and fun.
Drawn from twelve primary schools and two communities, the students were actively involved in rotations among nine stations, as they kept pace with the
theme: “Play, Move, Explore”.
The Festival was done in two phases, a rotational segment and a competitive Shuttle Relay, the latter engaging the students in events that gave an indication of those (students) with some previous involvement in Track and Field.
For their efforts on the day, each participant was presented with a gold medal.
Taking the students
through their paces were twelve coaches, drawn from the Kids Athletics Programme.
Assessing the Festival, National Coordinator for Kids’ Athletics here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Kelisha Yorke, said, “The day was a huge success, the turnout from students, as well as parents was fantastic …We were especially thrilled with the participation of the Paget Farm Government School and the Bequia
THE “GARIFUNA DANCERS” of the CW Prescod Primary School took the spotlight at an activity which was held at Frenches House on Friday, April 26. 2024, to mark World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD).
The activity was spearheaded by IP advocate Bernard Joseph and effected in collaboration with the Bishop’s College Kingstown and the SVG Small Business Association.
The Day’s proceedings opened with a prayer led by Taylor Samuel, a student of the Bishop’s College Kingstown, who had been invited to be a co-host in this the year of its 60th Anniversary.
The dance contingent featured Kesslon Semon, Euncia Lewis, Madrid King, Jaziel Gilkes, Alliann De Freitas and Jomaria Tash. They were accompanied by their choreographer and teacher, Zerry Morgan, who was ably assisted by Ariel Ollivierre-Hooper.
Noted was that the CW
Anglican. It was the first time that schools in the Grenadines were participating”. Yorke noted that there were requests from schools from Union Island, however, they could not be accommodated given the challenging
logistics that this pose.
“There was marked interest in this year’s Festival, and I believe that the build up to the Festival was well publicized, with an April 30 briefing for coaches and ongoing and endorsement of the event, from the
Prescod Primary School, headed by Suzette Abbott King, is still mourning the recent death of its teacher, Falicia Alexander, who was instrumental in ensuring that there was a Garifuna component in the school’s annual activities to mark National Heroes and Heritage month.
The activities, in addition to the dance routine as referenced, also included the showing of a video of the 2024 World IP Day Message by the Secretary General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)- Daren
Tang Heng Shim, who spoke on the theme of this year’s observance of the day: ‘IP and SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals]: Building our common future with Innovation and Creativity’. There was also a presentation by Lance Chapman, the Vincentian Director on the Board of ECCO (Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation) for Music Rights. It was the second successive year that Chapmen was addressing a forum to mark World IP Day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He did
Ministry of Education”, Yorke reasoned.
She predicted growth, as the Kids Athletics Programme is engrained into the schools, which can only augur well for Track and Field in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
World Kids’ Athletics Day 2024, was celebrated last Tuesday, May 7.
World Athletics, the governing body for Track and Field, encouraged
the focus of the Day’s observance to be one to inspire children and young people the world over, to get moving, be more active, so they can develop the skills and confidence to connect with sport and other physical activities as a healthy lifestyle.
so at last year’s event which ECCO co-hosed with SVG AMP and had as its keynote speaker, Vincentianborn jurist- Mr. Justice Colin Williams, who is currently serving in Dominica.
The event also featured spontaneous poetry recitals by Master of Ceremonies, St. Clair Stapleton, President of the SVG Small Business Association and a cultural enthusiast, and Edgar ‘Kwame’ Lewis. Stapleton did a poem ‘Of what value is School’, which he said has inspired him throughout his life, and Lewis did an original ‘Ah Tell Yo’.
The event also witnessed the official launch of a local initiative titled: Calypso for SDGs. Describe as youth-
driven, Caribbean soft powerbased global campaign, its full extent, according to the initiators, is to be unveiled at the inaugural Youth Music and IP forum, planned for June 21, 2024- World Music Day.
World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) is observed annually on 26 April. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trade marks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of economies and societies across the globe”, Wikipedia.
A BILL WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, is expected to address the problem of stray dogs and improper care/ownership of dogs should have had its first reading and then put to the select committee stage, when Parliament met on May 9.
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves speaking on radio on May 8, said that there was a serious problem with dogs in the country and that a lot of people were getting dogs, but not keeping them.
“And they are roaming all about, and they are killing animals,” he said, adding, “…. we have to deal with it.”
There were also some dogs that warranted special consideration, he said.
“Fellas walking these huge dogs, some of them because of their owners, could be problematic,” the prime minister suggested.
Dr. Gonsalves explained that the Bill dealt with dogs, however owners of dogs were also included because dogs were not recognised to be as dangerous by nature compared to other wild
animals.
“It is the problem of owners, how they deal with their dogs; how they control them; what they encourage them (dogs) to do and not to do; how they train them…. So, we have to address that,”
Dr. Gonsalves said.
The problem of stray
dogs was recently highlighted when classes at both the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and the Girls’ High School had to be temporarily halted because of an infestation of fleas on the schools’ premises, which are located at the site of the
runway of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale.
Curtis King, Education Minister, in addressing the issue said that it was not the first time that the said locations had become infested with fleas and
Passage of legislation, among other things, is expected to give more clout to the state with respect to how to address the problem of stray dogs.
he also attributed this to the prevalence of dogs in the area.
But despite efforts to deal with the issue,
has partnered with the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals effecting a four-day spay and neuter clinic for some three hundred (300) cats and dogs in the Owia, Sandy Bay and Georgetown areas.
In April, a total of 167 dogs and cats were presented for the clinic. Twenty-seven pets were either dewormed, vaccinated, or treated for other medical conditions and 140 spay/neuter surgeries were performed on 34 cats and 106 dogs, having a tremendous impact on the Georgetown and Owia areas in particular.
The Sandals Foundation, Gold Sponsor of the VSPCA’S 2024 Animal Wellness Spay and Neuter Clinic, has longsupported initiatives geared
The team of volunteers and VSPCA personnel who conducted the clinic with the sponsorship of Sandals.
towards the improvement of the lives of animals in need. This support, says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the
Continued from frontpage.
explained, was that although cemeteries have boundaries by law, they usually are not marked.
“If you are going to make a law in that regard, you have to make sure to help persons to know at which point they can do what,” he added explained.
Given that this could be problematic, the issue has already been raised with those persons drafting the amendment.
But Dr. Gonsalves reminded the public that the focus was also on the procession.
“I hear some people say that we want to control people’s behaviour at a funeral, but the law controls and regulates people’s behaviour otherwise,” he said.
He acknowledged that St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoyed a unique tradition.
“In America, in New York City for example, you do not see funerals blocking the
street — you do not see it in other major cities around the world either.
“But we have that tradition and people, motorists and other users of the road are satisfied that they will go along with the inconvenience and wait a while,” Gonsalves continued.
And to stamp home the point of the need for control, the prime Minister said, “This drinking of alcohol in the procession, and the icebox behind the hearse, people selling 3 for $10, surely, in our civilization I think you go down the road and 8 or 9 of every 10 persons will tell you that is wrong.”
It was unfortunate that government had to regulate something like this, he said, especially where good sense should have prevailed.
Proposed Amendment
The amendment to the Public Order Act will provide for a ban on the possession or consumption of strong liquor by anyone who is part of a
funeral procession that traverses along a public road, or anyone who is part of a burial service in a public cemetery.
The amendment will also provide for banning the sale or free serving of strong liquor in the precincts of a public cemetery, to be read to mean within or immediately outside a cemetery. This clearly addresses the sale of liquor by ice box vendors who set up their operations outside the gate of the Kingstown Cemetery.
And as far as power of the police is concerned, the amendment will give the police the right to seize any strong liquor they may find in the possession of a person or persons attending a funeral procession and/or burial service.
A person(s) found to be guilty of the above could be arrested without warrant especially in cases where the police deems the person(s) to be acting in a manner that threatens the safety of any other person(s).
Sandals Foundation, is indicative of its commitment to the wellness of human beings and animals alike.
“The overall mission of the Sandals Foundation is to support communities in all aspects. This includes the humane treatment of animals. We are happy to partner with the VSPCA to contribute to the wellbeing of the people and furry companions in our new home,” she said.
The initiative came less than a month after its parent company, Sandals Resorts International, made St. Vincent and the Grenadines its newest home. The company’s philanthropic organisation invested over EC $5,000 towards the 2024 series of clinics, creating the platform for service beyond hotel doors.
Lisa Walker, President of the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), says the organisation is dedicated to humanely
Veterinary volunteers getting down to the business of attending to a ‘patient’ of the clinic.
including appeals to dog owners to tie their animals and the erection of a fence, challenges remained. (DD)
Some of the ‘pets’ that received attention from the joint Sandals-VSPCA clinic.
addressing the immediate issue of overpopulation while taking proactive steps towards longterm solutions for animal welfare.
“The importance of spaying and neutering cannot be overstated, especially in regions like ours, where the population of stray animals continues to pose significant challenges. Through our clinics, we are reducing the number of animals subjected to homelessness, neglect, and suffering,” she said.
“Looking ahead, we envision a future where every animal in St. Vincent receives the care and compassion it deserves. Through continued collaboration with partners like the Sandals Foundation, we aim to expand our outreach and impact, reaching even more animals in need and empowering communities to embrace responsible pet ownership practices,” Walker continued.
MWATA HENRY, a Redemption Sharpes man who is serving a 45-year prison sentence for murder, may have set a precedent on Wednesday when he challenged the duration of his time spent on remand, causing his sentence in another matter to be delayed.
Henry and Dwayne Stephens, also of Redemption Sharpes, returned to High Court 2 on Wednesday for sentencing for conspiracy to murder, after a jury had found them guilty of the offense on November 8, 2023.
The men were jointly charged with that ‘on a date unknown
between February 27, 2018 and March 2, 2018, at Redemption Sharpes, did agree with others that a course of conduct shall be pursued, which, if the agreement was carried out, in accordance with their intentions, will amount to the commission of murder on Collrise Pompey of Redemption Sharpes’.
Both men were unrepresented when they appeared before Justice Rickie Burnett on Wednesday.
Justice Burnett informed Henry that based on the information before him, he had been on remand for four years, two months, and three days.
But Henry told the Court, “I get charge in 2018, so 2018 to now is six years.
Burnett said that according to his information, Stephens had been on remand for six years, two months and three days.
The Judge said he would have to verify the time Henry spent on remand because he was about to sentence the men, and the time spent on remand would have to be taken into account in passing sentence.
The matter was stood down during which time checks were made at the prisons to have the issue clarified.
When the matter resumed, Crown Counsel Maria Jackson-Richards told the Court that Henry was admitted to prison on March 5, 2018. On May 23, 2022 he was sentenced to 45 years for murder after being convicted for that offense on May 5, 2022. As such therefore, Henry’s time on remand ceased as of May 5, 2022.
But Henry argued: “I got two charges. I got convicted for one, so the remand time cannot stop for the other one. It could stop for the one I am convicted for”.
Henry pointed out that, “I got charged for conspiracy in 2018. The time on remand for this charge cannot stop until I am convicted”.
The convicted murderer added, “I serving sentence for a charge, but not this charge”.
Henry noted that, “These are two different cases, plus the conspiracy charge was brought before the murder charge”.
Burnett suggested to arrange with attorney Grant Connell to speak with Henry in an effort to have the issue addressed.
But Henry said he would prefer to speak with attorney Kay BacchusBaptiste.
The Judge said that his sentencing was already prepared, and he could sentence the accused men and deduct the time spent on remand after the issue was verified, but he preferred to
have it verified first. However, efforts by the Court turned up that BacchusBaptiste could not be available until Monday, May 13. As a result, the matter was adjourned to Monday.
Mwata Henry put the court into a tailspin when he questioned the duration of time the records showed he spent on remand
On May 23, 2022, Henry was sentenced to 45 years for the January 24, 2018 murder of Jahbarry Charles, 29, of Redemption Sharpes who, while being among a group of young men celebrating his (Charles) birthday, was shot in the chest 8 a.m.
He succumbed to the injury the same night at the Milton Cato memorial Hospital.
Several others survived gunshot injuries during the attack while others escaped unhurt. Henry, who was 26 at the time of the incident, was also slapped with charges of attempted murder in connection with the attack, as well as a separate incident, but the Prosecution withdrew those charges as the complainants offered no evidence. Conspiracy to murder carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
A MANfacing three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, three counts of attempted unlawful sexual intercourse, and two counts of indecent assault involving his two daughters, ages 5 and 7, is expected to know his fate today (Friday).
Justice Brian Cottle is likely to give his summation today following which the Jury will deliberate.
However, Cottle said that he was unsure as to whether the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) would allow him to do so as his retirement took effect yesterday (Thursday).
The Court had heard closing addresses from the Crown and defense yesterday, but the Judge has always said that it was not his practice to have the Jury listen to the closing addresses and summation on the same day, and he was not going to divert from that. As a result, he adjourned his summation to today.
The accused was not charged with incest. He is charged with having
unlawful sexual intercourse and attempted unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, and indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 15.
The accused was alleged to have committed the acts on his two daughters on separate occasions between July 31, 2019 and December 1, 2021.
The matter started before Justice Cottle at High Court 1 on Monday and several witnesses, including Dr. Alicia Bonadie, relatives of the children, and an investigator attached to the Sexual Offenses Unit (SOU) testified for the Crown.
Crown Counsel Maria JacksonRichards and Prosecutor Richie Maitland led the Crown.
A nine-member Jury comprised of seven women and two men heard the matter.
Unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Canadian born Connor
DeMerchant has been exploring his Vincentian roots, and will share some of these findings in a presentation at The University of The West Indies, (UWI) Global Campus from 7 p.m on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
DeMerchant, who is pursuing a PhD in History at the University of New Brunswick, is from a predominantly Caucasian lineage from the neighbouring island of Barbados and the local Dorsetshire Hill community.
DeMerchant will deliver his presentation under the theme, ‘Making Whiteness, Remaking Empire: The Poor Whites of Dorsetshire Hill, St. Vincent 1834 — 1940’.
He described the findings from his research as “insightful and rewarding.”
He noted that his ancestors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were stereotyped and the public perceptions of them was that they were underprivileged “whites,” and were referred to as “Dorsetshire Hill Bajans”
or “Poor Whites,” but many of them have thrown off the stigma and have done well for themselves.
The young man shared that his Great Grandmother’s family migrated to Canada in 1908 and he has always been curious about his Caribbean ancestry.
The PhD student expressed elation with the opportunity to present his research at The UWI Global Campus, and expressed the view that this would be a “cathartic” experience for many in
International St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SISVG) has a new president. Jane Farrell was elected to the position at the club’s Annual General Meeting of Saturday 27th April, 2024.
Others elected to the Board of Directors were: Velda GumbsVice President; Jonelle O’Garro — Secretary; Christine DaSilva — Treasurer; Noami LabordeProgramme Action; Ikarmola LabordeMembership and Safeguarding; Rene BaptisteGovernance and Development; Samantha Cordice — Communications.
The recently Board of Directors of SISVG (L-R): Donnette O’Neil – Immediate Past President, Noami Laborde – Programme Action; Velda Gumbs – Vice President, Jane Farrell – President, Christine DaSilva – Treasurer, Rene Baptiste – Governance and Development, Samantha Cordice – Communications and Ikarmola Laborde – Membership and Safeguarding.
Donnette O’Neil will sit on the Board as Immediate Past President.
Rene Baptiste will continue in her capacity of President Elect at the regional body Soroptimist International Caribbean (SICN). Ikamola Laborde will serve as the Club’s representative and Josie-Ann Small as Federation Councilor at Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI).
In her President’s report, Donette O’Neil noted that despite certain challenges the Club has seen growth and during the period under review, was able to further establish itself in the public sphere. Communications, she said, was substantially improved, and in this regard, she referenced the Club’s hosting of a successful webinar on “Financial Literacy for Emerging Entrepreneurs for students at the Barrouallie Technical Institute (Bartech/BTI) and Central Leeward Secondary School, on March 12th, 2024.
Shannon Durrant- Samuel, lead on Programme Action, highlighted the
attendance.
Officer-In-Charge of The UWI Global Campus, Camille Lakhram, who met and had a brief chat with DeMerchant when he visited the campus, was of the view that his presentation on this Thursday May 16th, will give local persons of Caucasian descent, particularly from the Dorsetshire Hill community - the opportunity to learn about their heritage.
Lakhram also suggested that findings from DeMerchant’s
Officer-In-Charge of The UWI Global Campus, Camille Lakhram (left) meeting with Connor DeMerchant who has been researching his Vincentian roots.
research may also be useful in the compilation of the Vincentian history currently being chronicled by four local historians, under the auspices of the government.
activities of the Club under the theme of ‘empowerment, education and community outreach’, as leaving a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls across St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
The annual Girls on Fire July 2023 placed emphasis on ‘Stop the Violence’, self-confidence, cyberbullying, the STEM program and the donation of our Comfort Period Kits to participants.
Other activities included a Human Trafficking seminar, Literacy project, Breast Cancer Awareness- Self Breast examination video, and the distribution of additional Period Comfort Kits on International Day of the Girl Child.
The incoming President, Jane Farrell, stated that she was honoured to be elected as President. She encouraged members to be one membership, one group, one organization, and reminded, “The adults and young adult women who we pledge to serve are counting on you and your support”.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
NOT FOR THE FIRST TIMEhas the region been involved in an exercise that focused on the state of (West Indies) cricket and what, if anything, could be done to reshape it and set it on a course that would, not just reap accolades on the field of play, but revive confidence among the people of the region and more importantly, among sponsors.
Will we ever be told the real cost that this recent two–day ‘Cricket Conference/Conversation’ incurred? Will we ever know whether this was a combined financing effort by Caricom taxpayers or the sole undertaking of the taxpayers of host Trinidad and Tobago?
Therein lies the fundamental issue on which W.I. Cricket legend Michael Holding took the Directors of Cricket West Indies Inc. (CWI) to task. An issue of lack of transparency that could equally be applied to the governments across the region as it is applicable to CWI.
The Conference, to be honest, threw up nothing new, i.e. nothing vastly different from what has been advanced in earlier studies/reports, including the comprehensive P.J. Patterson Report.
What those two days did provide was another opportunity for an exchange among stakeholdersincluding regional leaders - who would have been involved in previous exercises of this nature or whose “valuable” input had been previously sourced otherwise.
So, while in a broad sense there was nothing new, save an except the open, no-holds-barred passionate input and appeal by Holding, there just might have been some sense, as negligible as it might be, that somethings were said and accepted as factors to inform the process going forward.
Interestingly, almost everyone who made a contribution highlighted the issue of governance. In simple terms CWI has, as much as it would want, to influence change at the territorial level as being vital to any meaningful change, and has to accept that its governance structure and style have outlived their usefulness.
In that light, no one can fault Michael Holding for highlighting that the current CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, has failed to get his
Board of Directors to see and act on restructuring the administration and actual play of the sport.
This change at the Board level is even more vital given that there is no telling the extent to which the input of regional leaders would matter, even though it is upon these said leaders that we depend for providing adequate and competitive facilities.
Then there are those who will question the effectiveness of regional leaders to influence change on the part of CWI when they cannot do so in their own political jurisdictions.
But we are prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt as far as influencing change in the CWI going forward; and to say that we would expect that if/when anything is done, that what is put in place holds fast for incoming cricket administrators. That mechanisms be put in place to ensure continuance and not what obtains in the wider world of Caribbean politics when incoming regimes are wont to dismantle what they meet.
And whatever is set in place going forward, it must be such that the people of the region are made to feel included in the process.
And now the question of sponsorship, significant amounts of which as per Holding, CWI has lost, the result (as per Holding) of financial discrepancy has clouded cricket administration in the region.
Then there is the threat of being overwhelmed by a North American appearance at our doors, one that if we are not early in identifying ways in which we can co-operate if not coexist, will outstrip development in the West Indies, given the indications of availability of ‘wads of cash’ from eagerly awaiting Indian concerns.
The focus of the outside cricketing world must somehow remain on the idyllic cricketing islands of the Caribbean. What we come up with as a new approach to doing business must be clear and defined with respect to how we win sponsors and moreso how we keep them.
West Indies cricket has attracted some of the best corporate sponsors operating in the Caribbean. Why they are no longer part of the mechanism is anyone’s guess. Somehow, we have to win new friends, reopen relations with old ones and vow to keep both in the future.
SAVING WATERis all our responsibility. “I am only using what I need.” Well, I am here to tell you today that this is not enough during a severe drought. We need everybody to do their part to save water and use less than they feel that they need.
Believe it or not, water is the least expensive commodity in SVG today. And we need to do whatever we can to keep it that way. Our faith is in our hands; we must do better. Without your efforts, providing a secure water future is an exercise in futility. The amount of water in the world is not changing, and this is true in SVG as well. Over the years, the CWSA has added several hundred customers to the system, and that’s good. They have added a few additional storage devices, but not nearly enough. More importantly, they have not added a matching number of new supply sources. The CWSA does not have the water storage capacity to be able to handle our daily demands during our dry weather season. I am pleased to learn that they are now looking for new sources, and for our sake, I hope they find them soon. An assured water supply is a vital component of developing a sustainable economy.
In addition to this effort, the CWSA must engage in deliberate and consistent consumer education programmes. We cannot go from no information in the first three months of the year to water rationing in April. Oh, I forgot, saving water in January would do nothing for us in April. After all, we do not have the capacity to store water for that long; some will argue that it is not safe. So, education is the key to our success. Mandatory watering restrictions will help us save part of that much-needed water, but we need customers to change their year-round, daily habits. Using what you need during the dry weather season is not enough.
Today is not the time or place to be overly critical of CWSA. We all need to step up and do better. Conserving water is vital for many reasons. A few days ago, I saw a house in my neighborhood destroyed by fire. Now, the fire department cannot use the excuse that a lack of water was a contributing factor. Thanks to a video provided to us by IWS on Facebook.
Anyway, back to the central issue
for today. We need to change our habits and attitudes toward water use.
Our attitude and actions are the most essential tools to reduce water use. You can save water daily by making a few easy changes in your water use habits. A straightforward way to save a gallon or two is to turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving. Maybe a gallon doesn’t seem that important, but you are adding your efforts to thousands of other Vincentians. Believe it or not, I still see some people washing their driveway and front porch. How about just sweeping it, my friend? Most garden hoses use 10 gallons per minute, while a broom uses no water, so turn off the hose and grab a broom!
Here are some other minor adjustments that can have a significant impact when it comes to conserving water:
1. It’s time to reinstall that watersaving aerator we removed from all our water faucets because the water pressure was too low, especially in the shower.
2. Fix those leaking pipes; one drip every second adds up to about twentyfive gallons daily.
3. When washing dishes, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
4. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape and scrub them clean.
5. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan instead of running water from the tap.
6. Keep your showers to under five minutes.
7. Some toilet leaks can be silent; check them regularly.
8. Consider a dual-flush toilet if you are in the market for a new toilet.
9. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, shave, or lather up your hands. These simple actions can save up to 200 gallons of water per week for a family of four.
10. Report leaking transmission lines to the CWSA. Make it your business to do so.
Horatio.
DIS ONEis for fellas who barn and grow up in Tong, peeplo like Bassy, you Missa Edita, Scakes and all dem boys from Back Street Boys.
All ya ‘member wen tong was full up ah charactas like Larwood, Bag-ah-Coals, Teddy Bear, Gattie Bogaloops, Lesta, Milton Frederick betta known as Cat Tong, Rice, Maco James, Mission Monkey, Browne de Flute Man and some ah shore ah fuget?
I tell all-yo, I miss dem people. Tong was live with jokes and more. We even uses to get some big time speeches from people like Larwood and Teddy Bear. An mine you, we uses to mek good fun ah dem. Bu Larwood was special. He uses to run a cattle from cuntry to Tong and mek shore de cattle geh to the abutor to get inspec, slauter and de meat pu on sale in the market. An Larwood uses to be barefoot.
So, jus de udder dey, an fren tun an ask me, outta de blu, wha appen to dem kin ah peeplo. He say dem peeple uses to mek the tong come alive. Dey might ah cuss a bad word now an again bu no fight dong and no voi-lence. He say how he miss dem.
Now, he say, all we ha pon the street dem in Tong is a hole set ah crazy people. And he mek shore an say over an over dat he talkin bout real crazy people who should be in Crazy Home. Me fren say that it got more darm crazy people outside de Mad House dan inside.
Ah fine it hard to argue up wid me fren. Look, jus de udder day a cray man pu some blows on a oman who was going to she wuk.
An wen ah tink me fren finish, he tun an ask me, ‘Pardna, ah wonder if we ha foe look in de parliament for some fellas to replaec man like larwood and Teddy Bear?’
Rite dear and den, I shut me fren off!
Tong man
MR. EDITOR,I just had to get in on this one. After all is said and done, as far as I am concerned, the only thing that hit the nail on the head at that Cricket Conference held in Trinidad recently, was what the great Michael Holding had to say to Cricket West Indies (CWI), which being from the old school, he referred to as the West Indies Cricket Board or simply the Board. I found that amusing.
To me, with his reference to the Cricket West indies and the West indies cricket Board, think he was saying that it’s the same old khaki pants. You could change the name all you want, but it ‘air mean a damn thing’ if you continue to repeat all the bad habits of the past. And that was his point. He pointed a finger at the CWI/Board and by telling them to clean up their act, he was as much saying to them and to all the cricket-loving people across the region, that the CWI/Board might just have something thy are hiding. Why else would he appeal to them to be transparent?
So, I don’t care whether is a Vincentian who heads CWI or not, whoever is there has a responsibility, no an obligation to get the act of the CWI together… to make it plain and open. To stop ‘picking up’ for past offenders. Tell it like it is. I couldn’t agree more with Michael Holding. His is not only a cricketing legend because of his performances with the ball; he is an honest Caribbean man who cares about our cricket in a way that I wonder if the “Board” members can say they do. Big up to Mikey.
Charles, Edinboro
CAN
ANYTHINGbe done about the lack of customer service on the buses that serve the GeorgetownKingstown route? I often ask myself this question, but just can’t seem to find the right answer.
Am I the only person travelling from Georgetown to Kingstown who experiences the loud noise (music), the reckless driving and the disrespect from conductors or sometimes even from the drivers?
One of the things you cannot ask a driver or conductor to do while travelling with them is to turn down the music. I always seem to encounter problems with these conductors especially when I ask them to turn the loud music down.
A conductor once said to me, “The music can’t turn down. If you don’t like it come out the van.”
On another occasion, while on my way to Georgetown, the music was so loud I kept asking the conductor to turn the music down, instead he turned it up louder. The van drove through Mespo, it was around 5 pm and that’s when the conductor asked the van driver to stop the van and rudely asked me to “come out,” knowing very well how challenging it is to catch (another) van from Mespo to Georgetown.
These are some of the everyday situations that we the passengers have to face.
I would really like someone to help me with these questions:
Do passengers really need to hear this ‘boom boom music’ during travelling? If yes, then can we have the music at a decent level so we can at lease understand/appreciate
it?
Is the loud music played for the passengers, the drivers, or conductors?
Why are passengers sometimes left half-way from their destinations?
Why are passengers paying $7.00 from Georgetown to Kingstown and not getting a comfortable ride?
Why are passengers complaining year go year come, about this situation and nothing has been done about it?
Is there anyone in authority who can do something about this situation or is it that the authorities don’t give a spit?
The disrespect from drivers and contractors is so bad that passengers are afraid to speak out for fear of getting thrown out of the van come sun or rain.
Passengers will rather
‘sue sue’ (complain) among themselves or you might hear someone say, “Me nah ride with this van ahgen.” It is on a rare occasion that passengers speaking out about their bad experiences. This situation that passengers encounter has been going on for too long. Can’t something be done to help us passengers? Do passengers have any rights?
Aunty G GeorgetownALTHOUGH it is dry season, we can use the opportunity to prepare the land for the growing season. Since it is a leap year, we can expect a bumper crop this year. Critical to our success will be land conservation, plowing, manuring, weed control and using the right seeds for the soil type.
Contouring is the planting of grass along contour lines. It has the effect of slowing the downhill movement of the soil and allowing more water to soak into the soil. Some farmers plant aloes or place stones along the contour lines with good results.
Alternatively terracing, the formation of broad steps for planting on hilly lands will slow runoff and loss of soil.
Strip cropping, the planting of alternate strips on flat lands keeps one strip always covered and this helps to prevent the soil from being
scorched or blown away. Cumulative knowledge of the types of crops and seeds to be used in particular, soil types will be useful in ensuring maximum yields.
Good use should be made of all the available manure sources that include dung from cows, sheep and goats. Poultry farm waste is very rich. Efforts should be made to
collect the waste from the cleaning of fish to enrich the soil. Every farm should practice composting to provide a ready supply of plant food. Water harvesting, storing and irrigation distribution system to supplement the rainfall will be useful. Natural methods of weed control should be deployed. Knowledge of
crop pests and their predators will help to determine the best method of control. Market research will help to determine the demand for the crop and the best time to produce them to get the best price. We can look forward to a rich harvest this year.
ONE ASPECT of the Education Revolution is the quest to improve markedly the physical facilities within which the students at the various levels of education (pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary). This involves not only repairing, rehabilitating, and rebuilding the existing “school plant”, but to build modern, wellequipped educational institutions to provide an optimal environment for learning and teaching. This process has been underway since 2001 when the ULP government met the school plant in shambles — poor and deteriorating physical facilities, inadequate and insufficient plant; and this process continues apace.
Currently, in addition to the usual ongoing, substantial school repairs during the July-September holidays, there are specific capital works in the educational sector. One such huge capital project being implemented is the modestly-named “School Improvement Programme” financed principally by a soft-loan, of some EC$80 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); there is, too, counterpart financing from the Government of SVG (GOSVG).
This loan was secured to rehabilitate/rebuild extensively/construct nine schools (primary and secondary) as follows:
(i) Rebuild/rehabilitate seven schools: St. Vincent Grammar School, Girls’ High School, Thomas Saunders Secondary School, St. Clair Dacon Secondary School, Bequia Community High School, Barrouallie Anglican Primary School, and Barrouallie Government Primary School.
(ii) Build two modern schools: Kingstown Anglican Primary School and Sandy Bay Secondary School.
The original CDB-loan was approximately EC $36.3 million but building costs rose exponentially and the scope of works were enlarged significantly, so a further EC $43.011 million was borrowed.
The details are set out below regarding the progress of this capital programme of huge import to students, teachers, and our nation.
(A) The Barrouallie Anglican Primary School has undergone significant rehabilitation as follows: (1) Block A (single story classroom block): Repairing and replacing windows and doors; remove and replace timber partitions with sliding, folding partitions; repairing roof and guttering; repairing floors, and walls, and ceilings); (2) Block C (Two story classroom/administrative building): Repairing and replacing windows and doors; repairing floors, walls, and ceilings; install electrical bell; Exterior works: Constructing a small parking lot; fencing the school compound; retrofitting wash-room facilities.
(B) The Barrouallie Government Primary School: Extensive works were completed by rehabilitating the playing area (netball/basketball court); grassing the remainder of compound; putting in a sound drainage solution for the school compound; rehabilitating the washroom facilities; repairing the fence; relocating the exit and entrance to the school; building a security booth; extensive termite treatment of the entire facility. The works on both of these primary schools were done by the firm of Bally and Bally Investments Limited at a cost of over EC $3 million.
(C) The St. Vincent Grammar School: Rehabilitation works of some EC $3.8 million were done by two firms (Bally and Bally: EC $2.45 million; and Gibson Construction: EC $1.85 million).
The new building (Block B), a two-
story structure with eight classrooms, was constructed by Gibson Construction. Bally and Bally did, among other things, the substantial bathroom and other renovations and the installation of AC units.
The following schools are being rehabilitated/rebuilt and extended:
(A) Bequia Community High School: As of April 30, 2024, the works here are 70 percent complete; they are being done at a cost of approximately EC $6.1 million. The contractor is Sea Operations Limited.
The scope of works include: Renovating, upgrading and extending the first floor of the main block to accommodate 250 students (Forms 1 — 5), library information room, sick bay, Principal’s Office, staff-room, washroom facilities, and a physical education room; replacement of the main block roof; landscaping and fencing of the compound; security facilities.
The project has some delays relating, in large part, to the layout design of the new extension, and certain unforeseen circumstances of two septic tanks which required a redesign of the foundation.
All the works on this school are expected to be concluded by the end of August 2024, for the reopening of school in September 2024.
(B) St. Clair Dacon Secondary School: The scope of works here include the following: Refurbishing four classrooms and the administrative building, comprising two science labs, a staff room and the principal’s office. Many details are included in this broad description. The contractor is Bally and bally Investment, and the contract sum for the works amounts to EC $3.1 million.
There have been unacceptable delays here. The original contract was of 12 months duration; however, 18 months have elapsed thus far, the works are to be completed for the school term beginning in September 2024.
(C) St. Vincent Girls High school: The original contract sum was EC $2.948 million and the contractor is Bally and Bally Investments. However, an alteration of the scope of the works is likely to add at least another EC $8 million. The original contracted works are proceeding while final assessments of the Byron Block and the Business Centre, and the Grimble Hall Building are being concluded by the consultants.
Work on the Norma Keizer Resource Centre is currently being done; it is 99 percent complete. The refurbishment works done here include:
Repairing or replacing doors, door frames, windows, window frames, and hand rails; restoration of ground floor and walls; replacement of roof; extensive repairs to the Science Laboratory.
Work on the Coutts Building is 80 percent complete. The outstanding works include installing remaining doors and windows and floor finished. These works are expected to be completed by May 31, 2024.
However, the status of the Byron Block and Business Centre, and the Grimble Hall Building is as follows:
(i) Byron Block and Business Centre: The original scope of works and the cost estimates were inadequately addressed by the external technical experts. Inhouse reassessments were done and it was considered necessary and desirable to procure the services of an
(Excerpts of Dr Godwin Friday’s presentation on his weekly radio program)
THE PLAN OF THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTYis to create an economy that is working; an economy that is growing so that it would create jobs and better paid jobs for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
We suffer from low wages, the lowest in the region. We have to turn that around. We have to make our people more productive. In agriculture, we have to use new techniques to make our farmers more productive and to help them with inputs and marketing. We have agriculture as one of the pillars of the economy.
We also have the tourism sector which has tremendous potential. But, it will not grow automatically. There must be an environment that attracts and encourages people to come and invest here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The process must be streamlined, opened and transparent that what you are doing is no special favour from government and you have to return a favour at some point down the road. But, this is how the system functions. It is one that is designed to facilitate investment. So, that will help with our tourism economy to take off because we are still very far behind countries like St. Lucia and Antigua in terms of development of tourism when we have so much potential. So that’s an area we are going to focus on.
We speak of the blue economy, there is potential for development. How we are going to get our fishing industry and yachting sector developed. How we are going to get the Ottley Hall Marina and Ship Yard functioning and humming and providing service to our boat industry. Also, to provide jobs to young people, skilled jobs in welding, painting, diving and electrical engineering. The government is not allowing that facility to get off its knees and basically to function in the way that it can and was intended to do because they do not want James Mitchell and the NDP’s vision to be vindicated.
We will turn that around within the first term of an NDP government, that facility will be up and running and providing lots of jobs for young people, and spin off to the economy and service to our shipping industry and yachting industry. There is so much potential there. And, I can’t wait to be able to implement what we talk about here. That is to rebuild our economy, focusing on the four pillars: agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the new economy.
The new economy: to develop sports, to develop the creative industry, to tell people in the creative industry listen, this is not just a hobby. There are some people who can actually make a living doing the things that they are passionate about and we have to provide as a country the opportunities for them to do so. That is what we talk about when we say we are going to rebuild the
economy focusing on these four pillars. Once the economy is thriving, so many more things become possible, providing assistance to the schools, supplying medicine and bandages to the hospital and fixing the terrible potholes that are all across the country.
You have to focus on building the economy. Borrowing and begging bring money for the government but it’s not an alternative for a thriving economy. That money which the government borrows, is supposed to be invested in infrastructure. It then allows the private sector to grow, and we don’t see enough interest being paid by the government to make that link between the private sector especially the local private sector. Almost grudgingly they look down on the private sector because the government is spending more money than them, that the government has superior acumen for doing this sort of thing. When in fact, we have to rely on our local private sector.
We also have to attract foreign direct investment into the country, if we want the country to take off and grow at a rapid rate. One and two percent growth will not create jobs, will not create the tax revenue that we need to fix things that are broken in the country, to put the necessary investment in crime fighting; so we can bring this terrible scourge of homicides and gun related crime under control. We are offering ourselves as the vehicle for change because we know that the country needs it, and we will work in partnership with all the people of this country to make it happen.
We appreciate the public servants
Our mantra is about creating jobs. You don’t create jobs by cutting people’s jobs. Once people are performing and doing their work, nobody has anything to worry about. There are certain persons within the ULP camp who are trying to frighten people and tell them Friday will take away your jobs. That is absolute nonsense! They have nothing to worry about. What I want to see, is that this country goes forward.
The public sector has a role to play in providing services that are needed to get our country moving and to keep it abreast with technology as a modern country, in this modern world. So, we have to give them the confidence to do their jobs. They will not have to look over their shoulders and say, I don’t know if I should do it because I have not heard from the ‘big man’ as yet, as to whether doing my job is approved. We will give people the freedom to do their work.
Once you are doing your job in the way you are supposed to, you have the jurisdiction to function. You don’t have to look over your shoulder and ask if you are doing the right thing.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)
MODERN TRAVELLERS CAN TRAVERSE the world by using navigational instruments such as compasses, sextants, and global positioning systems (GPS). However, ancient seafarers and traders had no such implements. Early sailors navigated vast bodies of water without seeing landmarks. They relied on viewing the stars at night and the position of the sun by day as they traversed the celestial globe. In this regard, we ponder how many of the ancient African explorers were able to find their way back to the African continent.
Taylor Gordon, in an article titled “10 Pieces of Evidence That Prove Black People Sailed to the Americas Long Before Christopher Columbus”, notes that, “According to renowned American historian and linguist Leo Weiner of Harvard University, one of the strongest pieces of evidence to support the fact that Black people sailed to America before Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was a journal entry from Columbus himself.” In addition, the Spanish explorer, Vasco Nunez de Balboa (1475-1519), also recorded seeing “Negroes” when they reached the New World. The mystery remains in relation to whether any of these adventurous Africans were ever able to find their way back to their mother land. On reflection, it may not have even been necessary for them to venture to do so — having discovered new lands and possibly wishing to remain there. They would have taken the risk during a time when civilisations considered that the world was flat (and that they may fall into an abyss if they went beyond the horizon). However, centuries later, the great Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) noted that “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Their courage would have enabled them to discover new worlds.
A review of the history related to Negroes in the New World confirms that their mass arrival and presence was deeply interwoven with the complex chronicle of colonization, slavery, struggle, persistence, endurance, and toughness. From the 1400s onwards, European powers embarked on voyages of exploration and exploitation, resulting in the forced migration of millions of Africans to North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The individuals were enslaved and shipped to the New World in the most inhumane and unhealthy conditions imaginable. For many, the Middle Passage (Africa to the Americas) was a foreteller of the horrid conditions they were likely to face as slaves in the Western Hemisphere.
The colonizers made every effort to rid the slaves of their dignity. Tortures were commonplace for those who dared to resist colonial rule or attempted to abscond from the plantations where they were enslaved. However, despite the brutal cruelty they encountered, Negroes played crucial roles in shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the New World. The historic records confirmed that although many of the
slaves were “beaten into submission”, there were many others who orchestrated acts of resistance such as slave rebellions as they sought to assert their humanity and fought against dehumanization. The slave rebellions in Haiti and Jamaica provide ample evidence of this.
The Haitian Revolution began with a slave rebellion in 1791. The resistance was led by Toussaint Louverture (1743-1803), Jean-Jacques Dessalines (1758-1806), and Henri Christophe (1767-1820). It culminated with Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic in the Western Hemisphere in 1804.
The most notable slave rebellion in Jamaica, known as the Baptist War or the Christmas Rebellion, took place between 1831-1832. It was so named because it was led by a Baptist preacher Samuel Sharpe and is said to have played a major role in the eventual abolition of slavery in the British Empire via the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.
More recently, we have observed Negroes playing significant positive roles in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century, advocating for equal rights, social justice, and desegregation. Individuals like Rosa Parks (1913-2005), Malcolm X (1925-1965), and Martin Luther King Jr. (1925-1968) championed efforts to bring about legislative changes that helped to transform American society with “spill-over effects” around the globe.
Negroes in the New World have also made significant contributions in the field of science, technology, music, literature, arts and culture, athletics, information technology, medicine, business, education, politics, and in many other fields of endeavour. Negroes in the New World can therefore be justly proud of their achievements; a positive pride that reflects a good feeling about self and not the negative pride that is portrayed by feeling better than someone else. Such accomplishments are possible (and have been demonstrated) among all races and ethnicities. The Negro’s contributions to the development of modern society are infinite. The Negro is no less capable or competent than any other. Through their resilience, creativeness, and dogged determination in the face of hardship, they have helped shape the world we live in today.
The legacy of Negroes in the New World continues to be reflected and magnified in the vibrant cultures, languages, and traditions of Afrodescendant communities throughout and beyond the Western Hemisphere. Their courage and enduring spirit of resilience and determination in the face of great adversity, remind successive generations that light can emerge from the darkest of circumstances.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
IN MY ATTEMPT TO UNDERSTAND the current state of our world, I went back to Aime Cesaire’s 1950 essay Discourse on Colonialism. Cesaire, a Martiniquan intellectual and politician, makes a powerful accusation against ‘the so-called European or ‘Western’ civilisation’ that reigns supreme in the contemporary world.
This civilisation, Césaire argues, is ‘indefensible’ and must be overthrown, and a new international order must be set up in its place. ‘Europe is indefensible because of history: from the 15th through 20th centuries, Western European governments progressively conquered the rest of the world through brute force to amass power and profit. During this conquest, they committed genocides and enslaved native peoples on four different continents.
Césaire cannot help but see the profound hypocrisy in Western Europe and the United States portraying themselves as the world’s saviors. They celebrate themselves for stopping the genocidal policies and imperialist ambitions of Nazi Germany and its allies, while continuing to maintain empires of their own and indiscriminately slaughtering the people they rule over.
I went back to Cesaire because of a recent news clip in which US House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) against issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top leaders of his government responsible for executing the current genocide in Gaza.
‘We might just turn the table on the ICC. They better be careful,’ Johnson said. Imagine that! A court established to set the rules of the game being threatened by the most powerful country in the world! Consider as well that this same court was encouraged by the US government and other Western countries to issue an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Why was Putin charged with war crimes? The allegation is that he presided over the deportation of 16,000 children from Ukraine to Russia. The Russians maintain that they moved the children into Russia for their safety.
When asked about the ICC’s move, US President Joe Biden said, ‘Well, I think it’s justified.’ He noted that the US is not signed up to the ICC, ‘but I think it makes a very strong point.’ Mr Putin ‘clearly committed war crimes,’ he said.
Note well. Putin did not kill the children. The children were not imprisoned. Yet Biden claims that the ICC charge is justified.
For the past seven months, Israel has been waging a genocidal military campaign against Palestinians. Israel’s Defence Minister Yual Gaev said that Palestinians will be denied food, water and electricity. He has likened them to animals.
More than 40,000 men, women and children have been slaughtered. Over 80,000 have been injured. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been driven from their homes and made refugees; Children are starving to death, and Israel is poised to commit even more genocidal crimes with its murderous invasion of Rafah, the last remaining city in devastated Gaza. Yet, the American political establishment lines up behind the
Israeli murderers with total and complete support. In fact, the Biden administration last week agreed to a $63 billion aid package; a sizable portion goes to Israel so that it can carry out the further extermination of Palestinians. Yet these ruling elite in the US and Europe have the temerity to declare that it is Israel that faces an existential threat.
Casaire did say that Europeans were not concerned about mass killings and destruction. They only began to pay attention because Hitler and his Nazi storm troopers brought the mass killings to European with the attempted extermination of the Jews. Cesaire reminded his audience that King Leopold of Belgium had massacred over 10 million Congolese a few decades earlier, and not a single European leader batted an eyelid.
The double standard is both glaring and instructive. Across Africa, despotic regimes aided and abetted by American and European governments commit mass killings. The military leaders in Sudan and Jihadists in Mali, Niger, Chad and Nigeria destabilise African states without a hue and cry. Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda continually help Western powers dismember the Democratic Republic of Congo–no expression of outrage.
The hypocrisy is so in your face that people will hopefully learn and draw lessons. The so-called rule-based international order is for the West and not the rest of us.
On Wednesday, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations called on the Biden regime to defund the United Nations if the UN General Assembly votes to grant Palestinians de facto statehood status and right as a country. The Assembly vote is slated for today, and Israel says if the resolution passes, it shows that the UN is committed to rewarding terror.
When the ICC was established in 2002, neither the US nor Israel signed the treaty. When the ICC considered issuing arrest warrants for Americans responsible for war crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq, America threatened sanctions against the court.
In the same year the ICC was established, the U.S. Congress passed the American Service Members Protection Act (ASPA), which authorised the President to ‘use all means necessary and appropriate to bring about the release of any U.S. or allied personnel being detained by, on behalf of, or at the request of the International Criminal Court. The act also permitted an American President to authorise military force to free any U.S. military personnel held by the court. The act was later modified to permit U.S. cooperation with the ICC when dealing with U.S. enemies. Double standards do not make for good or lasting rules. Some people can be fooled sometimes. But you can’t fool all of the people all the time. Haile Selassie, emperor and former leader of Ethiopia, addressed the United Nations and reminded world leaders that ‘until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is abandoned, the world will not know peace. There will always be war.’ We hope the stresses and strains in our world do not lead to WW111 and the end of the world as we know it.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
I
AM NOT the only person clamoring for a Sunday bus service and on this occasion I am representing the nurses, police, security guards, Sunday worshippers, sea port and airport workers, hotel staff, supermarket
workers and local tourists who all suffer from the lack of a Sunday bus service in SVG. And here I am appealing to the minibus association to seriously consider getting its members on board, and I hope they are reading!
For most Vincentians the only time available for them to visit relatives in another part of the country is on a weekend, particularly on a Sunday. Others who wish to visit recreational parks or beaches, Sunday is also
the most appropriate day. For church goers, the place of worship of their choice may not necessarily be in their own district, and what about those persons who want to visit relatives on a Sunday at the main hospital.
There are also times on a Sunday when a person becomes ill, not serious to warrant the service of an ambulance, but serious enough to warrant seeing a (private) doctor, as most rural clinics are closed on weekends. Once there is a Sunday bus service and the public is aware of that service, it will be used. Now in other countries, including nearby Barbados, there is a daily bus service …. Sunday to Sunday … , but of course that is government operated, but the private bus owners there fall in line and provide a Sunday
service as well.
Here in SVG there are Adventists and other Sabbath worshippers who do not operate their buses on a Saturday, so why can’t these persons operate their buses on a Sunday. Let me state here that seasonally, especially during the carnival season, buses do operate on a Sunday, this is also repeated during the Christmas Sunday shopping season. We thank our minibus operators for the service at those times, but it can be scaled down and operated sensibly at other/all times of the year.
The timing of bus service is important and on Sundays, because there are limited buses on the road, they can and should operate every hour or two hours depending on the area from/to which they operate, to ensure they
achieve maximum capacity. Once the public is aware of a Sunday bus service, they will fit into that schedule.
Sometimes on a Sunday I wish I could splash under a water fall in one of our clean rivers and feel rejuvenated, or visit an acquaintance or relative in the country side, or attend a Sunday funeral or Christening but cannot do so unless I own a vehicle or can rely on a good relative or friend with a car who has some time to spare. Let us continue this conversation, especially on radio.
The Bequia Express and Admiralty transport companies have had the vision to provide a Sunday ferry service for many years now and it works, so why can’t our minibus association get their members to follow suit. Trust me, in 95% + of all cases it will be a ‘win win’ for both commuters and those who operate this valuable service. Let’s get some ACTION NOW.
Contributed by: Donald De
RiggsDEATH SEEMSto stalk the environs at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre (MHRC). Sheron Garraway — ace journalist, noted the trend of 10-11 deaths in the older population at the time of renovation when the center was temporarily moved to Orange Hill. A teenager also committed suicide there.
It was with great shock and sadness when apprised a few weeks ago of the passing of Dr. Ann Marie Morris Patterson, a one-time psychiatrist at MHRC, advocate, allaround friend, and adviser. One of the confidences Dr. Morris passed on to me, (she was at the time, a professor at Trinity School of Medicine): “Colin, I get anxiety attacks when I think of my tenure at MHRC”. Her support kept me out of MHRC for five years, reasons for this are fairly obvious.
The second focus point of this article is to “kudo” a promising staff member in the ranks for the ‘mixed blessing’ that a stay at the MHRC can be. This is not to criticize the nursing staff there. Young people, aware of the Hippocratic oath, have to deal with dubious protocols and life’s challenges on a day-to-day basis.
Head Nurse France, however, gets my vote, for four days when she stepped into my life as Dr. Morris did previously, ensuring that my nonevaluation by a doctor for four weeks was conveyed to the relevant personnel, and that I was eventually put on the list for discharge — two moves which caused some dissent among some staff member.
Head Nurse France will be in consideration for SNO status and is miles ahead in down-to-earth intelligence and know-how which qualifies her — I’ve known dozens. I compare Nurse France to one of the best SNOs the Mental Health system has known, Sister Diane Bailey, with her careful dispensing of grate passes, thinning occupational therapy — vis a vis policies with then Dr. Karen Providence (another great lady, subsequently retired), attention to staff concerns, who was removed and replaced with a personal nurse to the honourable P.M Gonsalves — Elizabeth Medford. The result — a jail live system.
I alluded to Sheron Garraway’s expose of deaths in the system. Since 2008, I have written across the spectrum from serious to humorous, at least 75 separate pieces on mental health. Safe to say, this piece will mark an end to a fruitless endeavour.
Clarification: Many publicans see me in the street with an ice pick, a steel pipe, or an empty liquor bottle and assume that I intend violence. These items are simply being used for defense against a marked clan, and because of them, attacks twice a day now down to maybe one or two a week.
Vincentians have demonstrated no understanding of anything I wrote; their advice is to ‘behave yourself, and take your medication’. Did I really misbehave or was it a symptom of which one component or influence is mental invasion by local Satanists here?
Story by NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net
AS MARCH WAS COMMEMORATEDas Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a Vincentian-born New York Police Department (NYPD) detective specialist has been telling the harrowing story of her battle with surviving colon cancer. Brooklyn, New York resident Roxanne Joseph, 43, who hails from the southern St. Vincent Grenadine island of Union Island, recently appeared on ABC TV’s Good Morning America (GMA) in discussing her journey.
She was also featured last July by New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center in its summer magazine.
Recently, Joseph was the keynote speaker at a Colon Cancer Awareness Forum by the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Community Affairs Section, at Top Civic Center on Utica Avenue, between Beverly and Clarendon Roads, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Joseph — who, in July, will serve 19 years as a cop — did not hesitate to tell THE VINCENTIAN her story.
“March 2022: I went to the bathroom and noticed there was a little blood in my stool,” she said. “I decided to call up my gastro doctor (gastroenterologist), who informed me to come in.
“I went in to do a colonoscopy,” she added. “It was during that time [that] they found a tumor,” she added. “The tumor was biopsied; the biopsy came back that it was colon cancer.”
Joseph said the NYPD’s Medical Division then referred her to MSK, where she started treatment.
She said her treatment plan comprised chemotherapy and surgery.
“I had the best team at MSK — Dr. Rona Yeager, who was my oncologist, and Dr. Philip Paty,” she said, adding, though, that chemotherapy was “extremely rough” on her.
“But, by the grace of God, I pushed through and am here today to tell my story”, continued Joseph, stating that April will represent a year since she’s been cancerfree.
Since her life has returned to “a sense of normalcy,” Joseph said she has been on an awareness campaign, especially in the African American community, which includes the Caribbean community, “trying to educate our people on the importance of getting screened.”
Joseph told the forum: “For 1 ½ years, while I was gone (from her NYPD job), I was on the battlefield.
“I was fighting a disease that was so rough; I was fighting a silent disease,” she said. “2022 started good for me. I was good, working out (at the gym).”
But, one morning, she said she saw blood in her stool, and that completely changed her life.
She recalled that, a year before, one of her uncles was diagnosed with colon cancer.
“I came to work, I didn’t tell a soul”, said Joseph about her diagnosis. “I went to the gym. The NYPD was so good to me.
“This disease is silent and deadly,” she added. “I want everyone to get screened.
“I thank God for his saving grace,” Joseph continued. “I can testify that there’s a God. When I was diagnosed, I prayed so much.”
go on disability. I get to be my normal self again. I’m just really grateful that I had the team that I had.” (Source:
According to MSK, Black patients are 40 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer than other ethnic groups.
Recent work at MSK has shown that, even among patients with colorectal cancer who were treated at the same institution, those of African ancestry don’t live as long after diagnosis as those of European or East or South Asian ancestry.
“MSK researchers are discovering that one reason for this disparity in outcomes could be due to the differences in the molecular profiles of tumors between patients of different ancestries,” said MSK in its Summer 2023 magazine. “Fewer patients with African ancestry have tumors that are likely to respond to newer treatments (like immunotherapy and targeted therapy).”
Joseph was born on Jun. 25,1980 on Union Island. At 14, she migrated to Brooklyn, to join her mother, Marva, who had begun paving the way for a better life for her family.
She graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn and went on to New York City Technical College, where she majored in the human services, and later transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in criminal justice.
Subsequent to her appointment to the NYPD, Joseph often spoke proudly of her aunt, Sergeant Ilene Maloney, who dedicated over
30 years of service to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force as supervisor of the Central Investigation Division.
Her aunt’s “passion and dedication” in helping others inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement, Joseph said.
After she was sworn in the NYPD, on Jul.11, 2005, and after graduating from the Police Academy, she was assigned to Brooklyn’s 67th Precinct’s Impact Unit, the daily patrol squad. Joseph was also a member of the precinct’s Conditions Team and the Community Policing Unit.
Joseph said her expression of love for her Caribbean culture and passion to keep the Caribbean community safe and empowered earned her the position of Community Affairs Officer.
During her tenure in the 67th Precinct, Joseph said she “consistently advocated for the educating of new police officers. assigned to the precinct, on the West Indian culture.”
She said that understanding Caribbean culture and traditions is “essential to a successful relationship between police and Community.”
Joseph said she’s also an advocate for guiding young women to be successful and productive, and to become independent women in society. After eight years in the position of Community Affairs Officer, and gaining the trust, respect and love of the entire community, Joseph said she was promoted to the rank of Detective Specialist.
She said her continued work and dedication to the Caribbean community quickly became noticed by NYPD’s hierarchy. This merited her a position in the Police Commissioner’s Office as the West Indian liaison to the Police Commissioner. In her current position, Joseph serves as the West
Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde, Leader of Blondie Bird and Friends Mas Band, is confident band will maintain its tradition of ‘high quality mas’.
by HAYDN HUGGINSTHOSE WHO STILL BELIEVE AFRICAwas a dark continent could well be convince otherwise when they view Blondie Bird and Friends 2024 Mas production, ‘Motherland’.
What many would have had us believe and accept as fact, ‘Motherland’ seeks to correct, so to speak, in
eight sections designed by veteran designer Oswald ‘Ossie’ Constance.
“We bringing the side of Africa they didn’t teach us about,” band leader Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyde, also known as ‘Papa Bird’, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.
“They teach us Africa was a primitive place with wild people dressed half-naked with bone through their noses. They never tell us that Africa was the cradle of civilization. We just trying to show you the positive side,” the multiple times Band of the Year winner added.
The sections are Zulu Warriors, Spirit of Ashanti, Jungle Fever, Afro Beat, From Africa with Love, Zimbabwe Dancers, African Craft and Gold.
Boyde explained that while the band will be bringing back Zulu Warriors, a prominent feature of Carnival of the 1960s, it would not be entirely the same type of mas used in that era when Zulus were
portrayed as a tribe dressed only in leopard skins, bones through their noses, and carrying spears and shields.
WHEN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESmarks its 45th anniversary of Independence October 27, 2024, persons who have made contributions to building and strengthening the religious fortification of the nation, will be recognized.
That recognition will come when A & A Tannis Promotions, founded by retired Vincentian police officer Arden Tannis and his wife, host another edition of Accolade, an event that recognizes outstanding Vincentians amidst an evening that also features Vincentian and regional musical talent.
Those to be recognized in October will join the esteemed musician Frankie McIntosh, international songstress Judy Boucher and the members of the icon 1979 National Football team, amiong those who have ben rcognised previously.
Tannis will have Dr. Cleve Scott and Anderson Parris on his team for the October 2024 event,
which will include modern and traditional performers but with a regional and international tint to it.
The event will feature audio-visual presentations of biographical data on the awardees.
Dr. Scott, a Historian and Sound Engineer of repute, is known for his attachment to some of this country’s top musical outfits. He is looking forward to the regional component.
That regional connection is scripted with Barbadian born Anderson Parris. He is used to matters of a Technical nature, having made St. Vincent and the Grenadines part of an annual pilgrimage at Carnival time. He brings to the table theatre and decorative techniques.
“We modernizing the thing. We making it more colourful, because Zulus was a colourful tribe,” the veteran mas
Whatever is used to enhance the product, Accolade 2024 will be a “family affair,” its organisers promise. (WKA)
man continued.
Commenting on the section, ‘From Africa with Love’, Boyde said: “We did too loving, that is why they capture we.”
In relation to the other sections, Boyde said that African culture is not only about drums.
“Africa has all kinds of music, craft, and dancers.”
When asked about the band’s prospects for Vincymas 2024, Boyde said, “We intend to
maintain our usual high standard of mas.
“People don’t move from the pavement until we pass, they look forward to seeing our band,” Boyde boasted.
The band is catering to 350 to 400 masqueraders, and mas lovers can look forward to the band’s return to the King and Queen of the Bands competitions, from which it was absent last year.
Dr. Friday said that his party supported an age between 16 to 18. “But again, I would prefer to have a broader public discussion on the issue, not just the age of consent,” he reiterated.
And while he has heard talk of raising the age of consent to 21, Dr. Friday put this down as not being practical.
How does this relate to SVG?
teachers, church leaders, ordinary people, young people, and so on,” he said.
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITIONDr. Godwin Friday is of the opinion that 15 years as the age of consent is “too low.”
Speaking on We FM last Monday, Friday said that while he supported raising the age of consent, a decision in this regard should be as a result of consultation with the public.
“If you look around the world, you will find that between 16 or 17 tends to be around what the higher level is,” the Opposition Leader noted.
Choosing to broaden the discussion, Dr. Friday, a lawyer by profession, shared that based on information from the High Court arraignment list, sex related crimes, e.g sexual violence and the abuse of girls, were pervasive across the society” and he advanced the view that there needed to be a general review of sexual offence.
The Opposition Leader suggested that there should be forums where these matters could be addressed by persons who have expressed their views about it and persons who are affected by it.
“You’re thinking about school
BRENTON SMITHis a former President of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA). He is also the Secretary of the New Democratic Party (NDP), the parliamentary opposition. Smith did not disguise his party loyalty last Wednesday May 8 when addressing the opening ceremony of the 12th Annual Meeting of the regional body. He expressed disgust with “politicians” who
refuse to discuss matters that affect police officers.
He also chided police officers who leak information for political gains. Smith acknowledged Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday and predicts that assistance from the Welfare Association when Friday becomes Prime Minister.
Smith pointed to discrimination police faced because they refused the
The focus on sexual offences heightened as Parliament on April 4, debated and passed with bipartisan support, an amendment to the Criminal Code that approved stiffer penalties for a ‘string of sexual offences.
“But our (NDP) preference,” Dr. Friday revealed, “is to have a special legislation that deals with sexual offences rather than just as part of the Criminal Code, which includes the definition of the offences but also sets out like policy statements as to how these offences are to be dealt with.”
He noted that a move in this regard “..is not reinventing the wheel, because
other countries have similar types of legislation or approaches. And that’s something we can learn from, and I think it’s the way to go.”
Friday said that SVG is moving from a stage where sex crimes have been very underplayed in our society in terms of how people regard them.
“People regard these things as just sex and it’s been going on and you have the abuses in the homes, you have abuses from people in different levels of power, in various offices. We’re going all the way from rape to sexual harassment in the workplace, which we don’t hear much of. And that is something that also needs to be addressed as a general approach in the society, to dealing with these very serious offences.” (KH)
Covid, e.g. their benefits are being denied, and referred to the Appeal heard May 2.
Former Commissioner of Police Colin John, now Senior Magistrate, advised members of the Welfare Associations to “avoid being adversarial,” and be “disciplined.”
John all but condemned police officers who engage in nefarious activities and urged members to be “dedicated to serving people.”
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sejilla McDowall outlined her analysis of the security network. For those seeking peace, the Police is a welcomed visitor, for the law breaker a “rude intruder; friend in one instance, foe on the same mission, McDowall pointed out.
Police, she emphasized, “are humans, defined by blood sweat and tears, and not carriers of batons, guns, or wearing boots.”
For McDowall, Police is a “poor student, yet breed more and more scholars.”
She added, “Police is a cool drink in a scorching sun, and
must keep cool in response to scorching tongues.”
Not done with her analysis, she continued: They are a “blessing in disguise,” and also a “dime a dozen; chief, yet cook and bottle washer; appearing as one, but standing as a thousand strong.”
Corporal Germano Douglas, Intermediate Chairman of the local Welfare Association, recounted the history of the regional body.
He noted risks faced by security personnel and outlined that “despite these challenges, they remain steadfast in their dedication to upholding the rule of law, and ensuring public safety,” in the face of “inadequate living conditions, insufficient salaries, lack of essential resources and support.
Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday, in his address, expressed the belief that gun crimes undermine security.
He promised support for the police at Stations, and tools, along with use of modern methods of investigation, as means to reduce the number of murders which reached record levels two years consecutively.
but important roles of
Friday points to guns from outside the region as contributing to the killings, and decried a trend by persons of robbing and stealing.
“We cannot allow this to be the new norm,” the Opposition leader stated.
The AGM, which closes today, will also see the election of a new executive and selection of a venue for the next meeting. (WKA)
Prime Minister Philip Pierre is on record as saying that once Antigua and Barbuda proposes a share structure for LIAT 2020, his government will give it consideration.
THE GOVERNMENT of St. Lucia is keeping a close watch on developments as they relate to LIAT 2020, a new airline\s spearheaded by the Antigua and Barbuda government.
LIAT 2020 is being positioned to replace the collapsed LIAT (1974) Ltd., the only true regional
airline when it was at the peak of its operations.
LIAT (1974) Ltd. went under for reasons inclusive of being strapped for cash. Antigua and Barbuda, a major shareholder in that airline and the headquarters of the airline, recognised that it had perhaps the most to lose as a result of the collapse, sought to devise a plan to retain its place as a player in regional air services.
LIAT 2020 is reportedly a 30/70 partnership
The ERJ 145 jet can accommodate up to 60 seats, although many operators would have fewer seats as per their configuration.
between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace, a Nigerian airline that has committed to invest up to USD80 million into the venture that is intended to boost flagging regional connectivity, already burdened with exorbitant airfares.
While the new airline is yet to receive its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), to be issued by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), it has taken possession of two Embraer E145 jets (ERJ 145 jets) as part of Air Peace’s commitment to provide three such aircraft, to complement the ATR Fleet that is expected to be purchased from the Caribbean Development Bank.
LIAT 2020, spearheaded by the Gaston Browneled government of Antigua and Barbuda, has not escaped the attention of Prime Minister Philip Pierre of Saint Lucia, who admitted that he was closely monitoring these developments with a keen interest to get involved.
“Saint Lucia has not got involved in terms of putting any finances. We are monitoring and talking to Antigua,” Pierre said.
And with that in mind, Prime Minister Pierre disclosed that once a share structure is established, Saint Lucia will begin official discussions with Antigua.
“Very soon, when things are ready, when the share structure is organised, Saint Lucia will look at it and its feasibility. We need to improve air travel in this country so we’ll see what we can do,” Pierre said.
Prime Minister Browne, while not on record as making any direct response to Prime Minister Pierre’s intimation, would be pleased, according to a source, with the interest shown by a fellow OECS country.
This, the Antiguan source said, is Prime Minister Browne’s intention… that other OECS and Caricom countries would find it fit to invest in the new entity.
As it stands in most cases, air fare for travel outside of the region is cheaper than regional travel. Whether LIAT 2020 can effect a turnaround in this regard is left to be seen. (Sources: Online St. Lucia, Loop News)
Continued from Page 8
.independent consultant to prepare the scope and cost of the required works; the consultant has assessed this number at some EC $6 million, but the CDB budget for this is EC $3 million; so, a further reassessment is done to bring the cost to $3 million.
(ii) Grimble Hall Building: The original assessments by an external consultant were flawed; further deterioration had set in on the building. An independent consultant was procured to assess an expanded scope of works. Originally, the proposed works focused on the rehabilitation of the floor and the roof. The altered scope of works now includes the demolishing of the entire building and rebuilding it, but with features of the original iconic building. The revised designs came in at a cost of EC $8 million, but the consultant has been requested to keep the cost to no more than EC $5 million; a new schedule is to be submitted by May 10, 2024.
The expected start-up
date for construction is September 2024, taking account of the procurement process and mobilisation of a contractor. This facility will require another 15 months of construction, given the significant altered scope of works.
(D) Thomas Saunders Secondary School: The scope of works for the renovation of this school has been changed to the construction of a new building on the part of the school which was originally the Richmond Hill Primary School. A review of the original assessment revealed that the integrity of the current structure is compromised and not fit for purpose. Accordingly, the TVA Consultants Limited were awarded a contract for Design and Supervision of the Construction of the school. TVA Consultants are expected to submit preliminary designs and costings later this week. Upon the review and approval of these preliminary designs the next step will be the preparation of the tender documents to procure a building contractor. The
tender is expected to be launched by the end of June 2024, and a contract will be awarded by late September 2024. Construction will commence thereafter and is expected to take between 12 to 15 months to complete.
(A) Kingstown Anglican School: 18 classrooms for 400 students; administrative area; library; student and staff washrooms; computer lab; sick bay; kitchen to prepare lunches for over 300 students; security booth; ancillary facilities. The estimated cost is just over EC $5 million.
(B) Sandy Bay Secondary School: A design was done for the same location in Sandy Bay. The volcanic eruptions caused a rethink of location; the people suggested a premier site at Orange Hill.
The above is further evidence prompting the people to say: “ULP for SVG, always”!
Dear George,
MY GIRLFRIENDis Bahamian by birth but grew up in Florida.
When I took her to SVG to meet my family, I was let down by her “standoff-ish” behaviour. She refused to eat anything my mother prepared and told me afterwards that she cannot be expected to eat from “ that dirty place”, referring to my mom’s kitchen. She wanted to return to the USA immediately but we eventually left one week earlier than originally planned.
Since we are back, some three weeks now, I have not returned any of her calls.
As much as I think love her, I am done with her but she just does not know it yet.
Deflated
Dear Deflated,
Your girlfriend lacked “class” when she was among your folks. Family is everything and her acting out at a time when you were presenting her for the first time to your family, spoke volumes of her character.
That experience should have revealed to you all that you needed to see and know about her, and you should now be in a good position to make a final decision on the future of your relationship with her.
You should tell her what is whatthat you are no longer interested in building a future with her. That would be the classy thing to do.
George
Dear George,
MY BOYFRIENDand I have finally decided to get married. I was the one to set the date. In fact, I am the one making all the arrangements. I purchased the rings and now he wants me to finance his suit. He even told me to select the groomsmen. When I asked him about his obvious lack of interest, his response was I was the one who wanted to get married, so he was just giving me what I want.
Since that statement, I have had a different and funny feeling in my gut. Should I continue with this marriage thing?
Worried beyond words
Dear Worried beyond words,
Your boyfriend has said enough to you to give you the green light to bring things to a halt. This marriage is certainly not of mutual interest and it will be unwise to continue pursuing it.
Save yourself the heartache down the road and rethink this situation. The right man to marry would be a man who wants the marriage just as much as you do, and is ready and willing to do his part to ensure things fall into place nicely.
You have to accept what your boyfriend is showing you and when you do, you will move on with your life.
George
Dear George,
I CANNOTremember the last time my wife and I made love. It is always about how tired she is and how having sex would tire her even more. She works from Monday to Saturday.
To deal with this, my wife has taken the calendar and marked off the days on which we should have sex.
I am just about ready to stop arguing with her over this and am tempted to go and find some other woman to quench my sexual thirst. I just hope she understands when I do that.
Mad and done
Dear Mad and done,
Withholding sex from your partner or just making yourself unavailable at prescribed times is a recipe for disaster. This can be listed as a form of abuse and it ought to be pointed out to your wife. It could be that she does not understand the importance of this part of
the union and therefore, has given work and other things prominence over it.
I suggest you both see a counsellor immediately so you can discuss priorities and get to understand the things that keep a marriage glued.
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Your social activity should be conducive to finding love. Spend some time with people who can shed some light on your personal situation. You can meet new friends who will let you know just how valuable you are. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Short trips will be educational. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit. Visitors may be likely to drop by. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Sudden romantic connections may be short lived.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. Get out and, about. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. Love can be yours if you get out and about. If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through. You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. You need to mingle with people who can spark enthusiasm and confidence in you. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Be sure that you lay your cards on the table. Do things that involve children. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Concentrate on yourself or your work. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. Your partner may not understand your m-ood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Arguments will flare up if you get backed into an emotional corner. Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on. You will find your personal partner taxing this week. Money can be made if you are willing to take a chance. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
You can make money if you put your savings into conservative investments. You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Deceit around you is evident.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Unexpected changes in friendships could occur. You can utilize your versa tile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Don't play on your partner's emotions. A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying.
ACROSS
1.Cardinal’s color 4. Singer Redding 8. Came down 12. Common contraction
13. Author Grey 14. “Hi __, Hi Lo” 15. Shark feature
16. Sad news item, for short 17. “…sting like __” (2 wds.)
18. Swashbuckling actor Errol 20. __ park
22. Above, in poems
24. __ Carolina
27. Shopping site
30. Footnote abbr.
33. Onassis’s nickname
34. Mimics
35. Comic Bill’s nickname
36. School gps.
37. __ Fields cookies
38. Native of Bangkok
39. Insurance agents (abbr)
40. __ flu
42. Three (Ital.)
44. Kind of protest (hyph.)
47. “Carmen,” for one
51. Picnic crashers
53. Baby back
55. Roman 54 56. Film spool 57. On bended
58. Opposite of NNW 59. Used the subway 60. Weekend days (abbr.) 61. Always, poetically DOWN
1.Guitarist’s short phrase 2. Harmful 3. Renounce 4. Invigorating air
5. Check 6. Name’s first letter (abbr.)
7. Adam’s offspring
8. San Antonio Landmark
9. Set free
10. French island 11. Gift for Dad 19. Have-__ (those without) 21. Terminate
23. Having megabucks
25. Pitfall
26. Cat’s warning
27. Talking doll word
28. Rainy times (abbr.)
29. Withstood 31. Squeezing serpent 32. “Or __ at long last love?” (2 wds.)
36. Ready a patient
38. High explosive (abbr.)
41. Church’s
48. Other than
50. State emphatically
51. Departure’s opposite (abbr.)
52. New (prefix)
Pre-anthem instruction
54. Play the ponies
SHANE CADOGAN IS OVERJOYED, to say the least, with his appointment as Competition’s Administrator with the Confederation of North, Central America, Caribbean Football Association (Concacaf).
Indeed, he did not hide his emotions when the VINCENTIAN interviewed last Saturday, May 4, 2024, three days before he was set to fly to Miami, USA, where he will be based, to begin his initiation on his first rung of his career pathway.
“To say that I am not happy will not be the case, but it is part
of the biggest picture that is possible right now,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.
As for his substantive duties, Cadogan said: “My task is to network and help the region as much as possible to execute projects; in essence it is a Project Manager position that allows me to practise administration of tournaments like Copa America… I will also have a hand in the FIFA World Cup in 2026, to be hosted by Concacaf.”
He acknowledged that he was new to the work market and is convinced that academic background took him over the line.
“I must say they would have taken a chance on me, having completed my undergraduate at Stanford University in the USA, (June 2023) where I did a Bachelor’s in Human Biology, so I studied Sports and Human Performance… I also pursued a Certificate in Bio Medical Sciences,” Cadogan detailed.
Academically he is not done yet. In his own words: “I am doing a BA in Sports Administration, that I started last August. Also I will be taking a course in Management and Business Administration”.
But Cadogan is not new to the spotlight, he is a national swimmer and in addition to capturing headlines in this regard, he has had a training of
outstanding academic performance.
He is a National Scholar, who received the Robert Milton Cato Award in 2019 for his outstanding CAPE results.
In 2017, he was before, in prominence as he became St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ top male performer at the CSEC Examinations, when he gained thirteen Grade One passes. These added to a Grade One in Mathematics the previous year, 2016.
Five years earlier, 2012, Cadogan had placed second overall and first for Males at that year’s Common Entrance Examinations.
Cadogan attended the Windsor Primary School, the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School, the St. Vincent Grammar School and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, before heading off to university.
Following his enrollment at Stanford University, Cadogan did some studies at Florida International University in a PreMedical Programme.
He was made a Sporting Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in October, 2023.
Cadogan is the founder of All Athletes Inc. (AAI), a non-profit organisation which was officially launched in 2023, dedicated to empowering young athletes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
ODEISHA NANTON,22, has broken Yvette Haynes’ National 400m Hurdles record, that stood in the record books since 1991.
Nanton set the new mark when she ran 58.82s at the MIAA Championships last Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Herschel Neil Track and Bearcat Stadium in Maryville, Missouri, USA.
Haynes, at the 1991 National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association Championships held May 18, in Odessa, USA, had clocked
58.89s.
Odeisha Nanton entered the national track and field record books in impressive style.
Whilst giving way to Nanton in the 400m Hurdles, Haynes, with a time of 13.92s, still has the 100m Hurdles National record affixed to her name. Meanwhile, Shafiqua Maloney continued her outstanding run of form as she lowered her own St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ record in the Women’s 400m. This she did when she clocked 50.75s, last Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Arkansas Twilight in
Fayetteville, USA.
Maloney, on Friday, April 19, 2024, broke the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 400m record, at the John Mc Donnell Invitational at Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she timed 50.94s, to erase the ten-year old mark of Kineke Alexander of 51.23s, which she established in 2014.
So far for 2024, Maloney, 25, has won all her
SHAFIQUA MALONEYat position number two in the Women’s 800m of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Rankings, is the top Vincentian on the list.
The Rankings, as of April 30, 2024, show Maloney, who has qualified for the 800m at this year’s Paris Olympics, sitting behind USA’s Michaela Rose.
Maloney is also into the top ten of the 400m at 8th and is 12th in the 1500m listing.
Meanwhile, the best showing by a Vincentian male athlete is Handal Roban who is 8th in the 800m and 19th in the 1500m.
Also, among the males, the quartet of Matthew Robinson, Keo Davis, Devonric Mack and AJ Delpesche is ranked 24th overall in the 4 x 400m, and 6th in the Under20 age category.
The combination of Davis, Delpesche, Timothy Williams and J’Mar Saunders is 26th in the 4 x 100m, and 6th in the Under-20 category.
Verrol Sam is 21st in the High Jump and Amal Glasgow is 25th on the listing in the Men’s 400m.
And completing the list of Vincentians on NACAC’s Rankings are Odeisha Nanton and Leann Nicholas.
Nanton is 26th on the Women’s 400m Hurdles list, with Leanna Nicholas positioned at 13th in the Women’s Triple Jump order of performance.
All times and distance were registered during 2024.
ASECOND half double strike from substitute Steven Pierre, broke a St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior Men’s Football Team - Vincy Heat, four-match losing streak versus Dominica, as the host came away 2-0 victors, last Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Victoria Park.
Oryan Velox scored the lone Vincy Heat goal in the first friendly.
Pierre’s goals were an atonement for the Vincentians, who were beaten 3-1 in the first of the friendly internationals played Thursday, May 2, also at Victoria Park.
In that match, the home team had taken the lead through Oryan Velox, but a brace from Audel Laville and a single strike from Chad Bertrand gave the Dominicans the come-from-behind win, and their fourth in succession over the Vincentians.
Dominica had inflicted a 1-0 defeat on St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Concacaf Nations League Qualifiers, which derailed Vincy Heat from gaining a direct tick to the Concacaf Gold Cup.
This followed two
international friendlies played in Dominica in 2022, when the Dominicans triumphed 3-1 and 2-1.
Assessing his charges’ performance in the two matches, Director of Technical Matters of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation and Head Coach- Theon Gordon, lauded his players for their comeback in Sunday’s match.
“Overall, they gave a good account of themselves… They took responsibility for the first match…They recognized where we could be better and tried to build in the second match …What was also complimentary, it was basically two different teams that played in the two matches and we tried to give as many persons a chance to see what they can do”, Gordon related.
Welcoming the opportunity for the team to get some match sharpness, Gordon said, “It was really nice to get two friendlies to see where we are. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do…”, the Head Coach admitted.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like Dominica, used the two matches as preparations for World Cup Qualifiers that start next month.
Drawn in Group F, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will pit their skills against El Salvador, Suriname, Puerto Rico and Anguilla, while Dominica faces Jamaica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands in Group E.
The Vincentians kick off against Suriname in
SIX ATHLETESretained titles won in 2023, when the 2024 Wendell Hercules National Championships concluded May 5, at the Diamond Track Facility. Leading the way were Teia Laborde and Zichri Hepburn both of the Mustangs Track Club. Laborde repeated victory in the Women’s 100m and 200m clocking 12.38s and 25.20s respectively, and Hepburn did likewise in the Men’s 1500m in a time of 4:16.19, and the 5000m in 18:37.05.
High Performance’s Kesiann John stayed as the Women’s 1500m champion with a time of 5:28.6, while ROSES Academy’s Alika Smith upped her height to 1.55m to repeat as Women’s High Jump champion.
Meanwhile, Akani Slater of Biomechanics maintained his hold on the Men’s 400m, when he timed 47.46s and Nabia Pompey of X- Ceed Sports Club kept her Discus title, throwing 31.99m.
Keo Davis of IT CAT Academy predictably
took the Men’s 100m and 200m with times of 10.56s and 21.22s. Kyle Lawrence had done this double in 2023. Another double winner was ROSES Academy’s Adrian Sam, who took the Long Jump in 6.65m and the High Jump at 1.90m.
Taking the Men’s Shot Putt was X- Ceed’s Jimmaur Compton (12.70m); Maxwell Pompey, also of X- Ceed, the Men’s Javelin (49.03m); Serani Roban of the St. Vincent Grammar School the Men’s 400m Hurdles
(1:00.38); Andre Spencer - IT DAT Academy, the Men’s Discus (40.90m); High Performance’s Romaul James, the Men’s Triple Jump (13.64m); Chatoyer’s Malakye Nero the Men’s 800m in 2:02.33.
Other Women’s champions included: Alia Mc Dowall of High Performance - the Triple Jump with a 10.01m; Amia Edwards of XCeed took - the Long Jump (4.78m); Kiara Ollivierre of X- Ceedthe Shot Putt (8.91m); Zekisha KellyMustangs, the 800m (2:26.52); and Shaquania
Suriname, June 5, then host El Salvador, June 9.
The qualifiers resume June 4, 2025, when St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertain Anguilla and June 10, will be away to Puerto Rico.
With less than one month to go before their date with Suriname, Gordon stated: “For us, it is continued training but it is quite difficult for us because locally there is no national championships, but hopefully we can get a friendly in, and of note too, we should be bolstered by some new players coming in to see what they have, but the process continues”.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ last World Cup Qualifiers in 2021, under Head Coach- Kendale Mercury, they finished with a 1:3 win/loss ratio in Group C.
The Vincentians solitary win came against the British Virgin Islands, but suffered losses to Curacao, Guatemala and Cuba.
Jacobs of X- Ceed - the 400m (56.84s).
The 2024 Team Athletics SVG Wendell Hercules National Championships began on the April 27, with the staging of the preliminaries of the sprint events.
The semifinals and finals took place, May 4 and 5.
Wendell Hercules, in whose memory the Championships are held, was a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines middle distance athlete who shone during the early 1970s, before migrating to the USA. He died in 2017.
WHEN THE Cricket World Cup starts in three weeks, one Vincentian will be missing from the stands. That person is Harvey Caine. He will be laid to rest Sunday 26, a day of significance. That was observed as African Liberation Day. That was a period of consciousness to which that youngsters aspired.
With Nelson Mandela in jail for his stance against the apartheid regime in South Africa, there was a wave of condemnation worldwide, and every right thinking person took their position on the struggle.
Harvey must have been one of those. We shared a close relationship, drawn close by a number of traits we shared. The first was neighbourhood. His base in Coulls Hill is regarded as an extension of Troumaca, where I grew up.
Cricket is the national sport as far as North Leeward is concerned, and Harvey was a natural product of that environment. We knew his as a decent all-rounder. He was not a fast bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but he got the ball to lift outside the off stump, and overcame many batsmen with that weapon.
I can vouch for his ability. Without trying to bring attention to myself, Harvey was part of the North Leeward Masters team which took part in the initial tournament. That featured four teams, including the Arnos Vale outfit. Matches took place at the Keartons Playing Field. One match against Barrouallie, Harvey came up against Vibert Bute. Harvey produced one of his lethal deliveries which Bute tried to cut. It took a thick edge and was climbing over the first slip area. The man at first slip jumped, knocked the ball up and took the rebound. That is as much a firsthand account of Harvey’s prowess as you can get.
Harvey was also a calypsonian, known by the soubriquet as HC. He was a member of the North Leeward Calypso Tent in the late eighties and early nineties. He served as a Police Officer, then moved into other aspects of security.
Part of that was his spiritual direction. He was always that caring individual concerned about everyone’s welfare. We maintained contact throughout, for he never lost touch with his roots. He remained a cultural and sporting enthusiast and the relationship strengthened as we discussed mainly cricket whenever we met. He was a proud father, and beamed with pride at the accomplishment of his son, Kishore Shallow. Harvey might have preferred if Kishore had made it to the West Indies team, a matter that Kishore himself admitted to before. When Kishore assumed the position of Vice President of the West Indies Cricket, that might have been a moment of satisfaction for him. And when Kishore was elevated to the presidency, that must have been a crowning point of Harvey’s life.
Kishore must have learnt the art of hard work and discipline from his father. Ambition was a foundation of Harvey’s existence, and that became engraved in Kishore outlook.
The World Cup Cricket would have been a priority for Harvey, and his son will have seen to his accommodation. Harvey was acknowledged in the House of Assembly last Thursday with members of Parliament paying their respects to the departed brother.
His visionary outlook came to the fore, for Harvey was a man of spiritual of depth.
GODFREY HARRY, head coach of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School’s teams to the 2024 Penn Relays, has expressed satisfaction with his teams showing.
Harry shared: “In the School’s 11th outing at the Penn Relays in the United States it was a good one especially for the girls who won both the 4x100 and 4x400 meters relay (heats) on the first day of the Penn Relays. Unfortunately, the boys were not as good as the girls were, as we had a few preparation setbacks.”
Harry explained that two of the better male runners were unable to secure visas for entry to the USA. The School was able to
adjust and Harry was pleased, given the circumstances saying, “It was a good outing for the young men and we are hoping that they will use this experience to carry forward for the 2025 Penn Relay.”
The female group of Antoniya Haynes, Mephia Munroe, Shaquania Jacobs and Jniah Goddord clocked 52:57 in the 4 x 100 meters. In the 4 x 400 meters Mephia Munroe, Jniah Goddard, Shaquania Joseph and Olicia Phillips teamed up to register 4:10.87.
In the boy’s category, Jonte Ollivierre, Jahron Williams, Kahlil Lavia and Trevion Burgin
Godfrey Harryhead coach of Thomas Saunders Penn Relay teams.
finished on 48:30 in the 4 x 100m relay. In the 4 x 400m they clocked 3:48.30.
Following their respective events, the girls’ 4 x 100m team ranked 356 out of 595 and the 4 x 400m team 196 out of 561.
In the boys ranking, the 4 x 100m team sits at 547 out of 594 and the 4 x 400m at 491 from 531.
Zayden Cyrus and Shanecia Delpesche were all tested on the way to being overall category winners when the SVG Table Tennis Association held another of its Assessments Tournament on Saturday 4th April 2024, at the West St. George Secondary School.
Dublin, this county’s number one senior male player, defeated Caleb Howard 3 to 2 in a hard fought five-set match. He took the first two sets comfortably winning 11/3, 11/3, but Howard got into gear and took the next two sets, 11/7, 11/5 to strike some fear into the number one player. Dublin regrouped but was made to work hard for a final
set win of 11/9 to claim the victory in the senior category.
Zayden Cyrus, one of this country’s upcoming young talents, beat Macahlie Hazelwood 3 sets to 1. The set scores of 11/9, 6/11, 12/10, 11/9 showed that the competition was tighter than the match score indicated. In defeating
Hazelwood, Cyrus secured the Under-19 Male title.
Shanecia Delpesche, after being affected by injury for the early part of 2024, returned with a bang to beat Leah Cumberbatch 3 sets to 2 in the Open Women’s category.
Cumberbatch seemed to have taken advantage of a match-strapped
Shanecia Delpesche took the Open Women’s category.
Delpesche beating her 5/11 in the first set. A resilient Delpesche settled and took the next to sets 11/6, 11/8, only to lose some composure and have Cumberbatch take the fourth set, 12/10. The match was set for a close finish and it was Delpesche who stayed the course to record an 11/8 win in the final set.
THE WEST INDIESselectors
have announced a 15-member squad that will represent the region in the upcoming ICC T20 Cricket World Cup to be hosted in the West Indies and the United States from June 1 — 29.
The squad reads: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherfor and Romario Shepherd. Among the notable omissions are opener and medium pacer Kyle Mayers and left-arm seamer Obed McCoy.
McCoy, whose figures of 7-17 are the best bowling figures by a West Indies player in the T20I, was on duty recently as a member of the West Indies A team that toured Nepal, where he played under Roston Chase, captain, and with fellow Windward islander Johnson Charles.
Chase and Charles are the only ones called up from that squad to the World Cup squad.
West Indies are in Group C along with Papua New Guinea (PNG), Uganda, New Zealand and Afghanistan. Their first two games are in Providence, Guyana, against PNG on June 2
and against Uganda on June 8. They then play New Zealand at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on June 12, before their last group game against Afghanistan on June 17 in St. Lucia.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
From Backpage.
And towards warding off these threats, Dr. Rowley assured, “…we at the local and regional levels have remained alert to many threats and singularly or
together have our intelligence and other security agencies working to protect the population in countries and at venues throughout the tournament.”
The World Cup,
scheduled to take place from June 1-29, 2024, will be co-hosted by the West Indies, with venues in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA with venues in Florida, New York and Texas.
Thousands of fans and cricket lovers are expected to flock to the region for the matches.
(Source: Trinidad Express)
Dr. Keith Rowley, Chair of Caricom Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, assured that Caricom members are on full alert as far as a possible terrorist threat is concerned.
Keith Rowley, chair of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council and chair of the Caricom Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, has confirmed that Caricom is on alert and security agencies are working to combat any terrorist threat, that could potentially affect the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup.
This was reported by the Trinidad Express of May 05, which went on to say that on May 3, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation in Barbados reported that regional security officials were monitoring potential threats to the T20 World Cup.
The CBC report also stated that the issue surfaced publicly
following the circulation of a document on social media, indicating that Caricom IMPACS agency had received information of a potential security threat to the games from the Pro-Islamic State (IS).
According to the CBC, IMPACS indicated that it had received intelligence of a potential threat to the World Cup from the Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) through the media group “Nashir Pakistan” - an Islamic State group-affiliated propaganda channel. It went on to alert Caricom to the fact that Pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources have launched campaigns inciting violence against sporting events, which included video messages from the Afghanistan-
Pakistan branch ISKhorasan (IS-K) highlighting assaults in numerous countries, and urged supporters to join the battlefield in their countries.
IMPACS stated: “Given the terror group’s demonstrated capacity and intent to incite violence, vigilance and robust security measures must be employed to mitigate terrorism threats towards sporting events.”
When the Express contacted Dr. Rowley for a comment, he said: “Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century. It is against this backdrop that all nations, like our region, when hosting
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large or vulnerable gatherings, make an extra effort in national security preparations and response readiness to take seriously, all threats, expressed or implied.”
Thousands of cricket lovers, visitors and locals, are expected to flock to cricket grounds like Kensington Oval, Barbados, which has a capacity of 28,000.
ELROY BOUCHERwas returned unopposed as President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (SVG PSU) after three days (April 23 — 25) of polling.
He will head a ninemember executive that will serve for the period 2024 — 2026.
The executive includes six females: First Vice President - Gweneth Baptiste Stoddard; Second Vice PresidentDesrita Gilkes Boucher; General Secretary - Shelly-
Elroy Boucher heads the Public Service Union for another term, 2024-2026.
Ann Alexander Ross; Assistant Secretary - Lanique Findlay Providence; Women’s Committee Chair - Anastasia Wickham Caesar; Young Workers Chair - Nyorkia Cupid.
The other members are: Treasurer - Gary Lewis, and Grievance Officer - Dougal Allen.
According to a PSU release, the only positions that were challenged were: General Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Grievance Officer. Boucher was first ‘thrown’ into the leadership seat of the PSU when he was elected to head an Interim Committee at
a Special Meeting of the Union, held on September 10, 2013.
That meeting disbanded the Cools Vanloo-led executive and mandated the Interim Committee to run the affairs of the Union for the period up to March 2014, when the term of Vanloo’s executive ended. It was also mandated to hold a general meeting within one month to elect a new executive for the two-year term 2014-2016.
Boucher was duly elected and has been returned to the Presidency of the Union at all subsequent elections.
Shelly-Ann Alexander Ross was returned to the General Secretary position which was one of the three positions for which there was a challenger.