THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 15-03-24

Coreas back

Maloney Page 3

Four women honoured Page 4

Haiti PM resigns Pages 10&15

TIME TO GET A GUN!!

THAT WAS THE POSITIONof at least one resident of Cane Garden who spoke with the Editor of THE VINCENTIAN, following a spate of break-ins/burglaries in that residential area which lies just on the outskirts of capital Kingstown.

While there have been no confirmed reports from the police, as we go to press, another resident told The Editor, that there were at least three incidents of break-ins committed along the

same street in Cane Garden. The three residences are within close proximity of each other.

Other reports point to at least five break-ins including one in the nearby Sion Hill Bay area.

Video footage which was shared

on a number of social media platforms, showed a fully clothed (including mask) individual moving gingerly about in what appeared to be the living room of

Continued on Page 3.

Cannabis update Page 14

Grenadians charged Page 24

GOV’T/STATE SERVICES MOURN THREE

by KENVILLE HORNE

A SVG PORT AUTHORITY EMPLOYEEwho was found dead in his house at Diamond on Monday 11th March, was among three government/state agency employees to die within the space of four days.

The deceased, identified as Fernando Serieux who resided in the Diamond Housing Scheme in the East St. George constituency, was, according to reports, discovered in a chair in his living room with his body in an upright position.

The cause of death was still under investigation as of press time, Wednesday.

Serieux, originally from St. Lucia, was a Senior Clerk at the SVG Port Authority and the leader of Tribes Mas Band.

A close friend of the deceased, who also identified as a member of Tribes Mas Band, said that Serieux, a father of three, started the band in St. Lucia and continued it when he moved to SVG.

The friend described Serieux as a friendly person

Continued on Page 3.

Fernando Serieux

Delise Jones

Felicia Alexander

A fully clothed and masked intruder moving about the living room of one of the burglarised homes at Cane Garden, with a second intruder partially visible to the right (with arrow).

Cane Garden is recognized as an up-scaled residential area.

COREAS,comprising Coreas Hazells Inc., its subsidiaries, and Coreas Distribution Ltd., has announced a “strategic

Coreas backs Shafiqua Maloney

partnership with track and field sensation Shafiqua Maloney.”

The collaboration, according to a release from Coreas, “…involves a significant investment of $54,000 to support Ms. Maloney’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

The release added, “As leading companies in the private sector, Coreas is committed to fostering talent, promoting athleticism, and contributing to the success of outstanding individuals like Shafiqua Maloney.”

The sum of $54,000.00 is earmarked to support Maloney’s training, travel

expenses, and preparations for the 2024 Olympics.

Brand Ambassadorship: In return, the 25-year-old will serve as a Brand Ambassador for Coreas, aligning her values with the company’s mission and vision. She will also be expected to avail herself of promotional activities on behalf of the sponsor. The collaboration will extend beyond financial support to include joint promotional activities.

“Shafiqua Maloney,” says Coreas, “a shining example of dedication and perseverance, has not only excelled in her

athletic pursuits but has also inspired others to reach for their dreams. By investing in talented individuals like Shafiqua, Coreas not only nurtures success but also cultivates a culture of excellence and achievement within the organization.”

The partnership forged between Coreas and Maloney came in direct response to Maloney’s own appeal for help and a call from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves for the private sector to come to her aid, as his government is committed to do.

Maloney, who hails from Richland Park, holds the 800m indoor and outdoor national records for SVG and established a new record for the mile in her debut run in that event in the USA, in February 2024.

Participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics will be her second time in an Olympics. She represented SVG in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Source: Coreas)

Continued from Frontpage.

Time to get a gun!! Gov’t/State services mourn three

one of the homes that was burglarised.

Cane Garden remains, for all intents and purposes, primarily a residential area and is home to a number of business owners, managers, professionals, retirees and the like. It is considered a built-up area, which one resident told the Editor, “..is a target for thieves and burglars.”

Resident are now going out of the way to take all possible precautions in the wake of the reported

break-ins. And while one resident recognised the “value of security cameras,” he wondered about the cost of procuring and installing such measures.

“When it boils down to what is needed, those who don’t have a gun need to get one and perhaps the banks could ease up and help residents to get home security systems,” another resident shared with the Editor.

The incidents in Cane Garden and Sion Hill Bay come in the wake of confirmed reports of a

spate of home incursions in the rural (Windward) communities of Reeves Level, Cedars and South Union.

These incidents are reported to have involved the use of a gas which the intruders used to put the occupants of the targeted homes to sleep, while they went about the business of removing personal and household items.

Information reaching THE VINCENTIAN said that arrests have been made in relation to the incidents in those rural communities.

Continued from Frontpage. and highlighted his friendship with Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for East Kingstown, Luke Browne.

Browne, for his part, paid tribute to the former Port Authority employee in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying inter alia, “He was often a source of wise counsel, political wisdom, strength, support and encouragement for me.”

The former Port employee was among three government/state agency workers to have died within four days.

On Friday 8th March, news broke that CW Prescod Primary School teacher Felicia Alexander died after a battle with an unidentified illness. Two days later, on Sunday 10th, Delise Jones, an employee at the Ministry of Urban Development, passed away. She was the daughter of prominent educator Anne Jones.

Both Jones and Serieux were steadfast supporters of the Unity Labour Party (ULP).

In a broadcast on the ULP’s Star Radio, Jones and Serieux were described as “two stalwarts of the ULP family.”

Shafiqua Maloney has attracted financial support from Coreas, a leading private sector corporation in SVG.

Four Women get recognition

Joan Foster- Baynes

Joan Foster-Baynes began playing netball in 1966, as a student of the Bishop’s College Kingstown. Her prowess saw her making the school’s senior Netball team while she was still a junior.

She then transitioned to become a member of the Maple Netball Club, where she remains an active member.

Even before her active playing days were over, Foster-Baynes had added umpiring to her resume. Her expertise in this area earned her an opportunity to umpire at the 1995 World Netball Tournament staged in Birmingham, England. In that same

year, she served as a West Indies umpire for the three-test series versus England.

And to crown off a memorable year, 1995, Foster—Baynes gained her Level One Coaching Certificate, which she put to good use in conducting coaching clinics in schools and communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She is currently the Games Secretary of the National Netball Association.

Foster-Baynes’ was the Assistant Sports Officer, responsible for netball in the Ministry of Education, until her retirement in 2012.

Yoland London has been a livewire in various sporting and cultural

THE WOMEN IN SPORTS COMMISSION of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee(SVGOC) played its part in commemorating International Women’s Day(IWD) 2024, by recognizing four Vincentian women who have left a mark on sports in the country.

One day after IWD, Saturday, March 9, at the La Vue Hotel, Joan Foster- Baynes, Yoland London, Jacintha Ballantyne and Roxann Williams were presented plaques at a Dinner.

activities, especially in the Stubbs area. In fact, she has been involved in sports administration for the past twenty-years in the South East area of mainland St. Vincent.

Nationally, London became a Committee Member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation in 2011, before moving on to head the Female Football Development committee.

In 2013 she was elected to chair Windward Islands Football Association, and found a new pathway with her appointment as a Match Commissioner for the Caribbean Football Union and Concacaf.

London has also served as Manager of the SVG Under-20 Female and Male Football teams, as well as the National Under-15 Male Team.

Jacintha Ballantyne

Jacintha Ballantyne is a member of a sporting family, the Ballantynes, perhaps this country’s premiere family in that regard.

As an outstanding Girls’ High School Track and Field athlete, she rose to national prominence and was a member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines contingent to the inaugural Carifta Games held in Barbados in 1972, and competed in the subsequent Games in 1973 and 1974.

Ballantyne also represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Whitsuntide Games in Grenada, along with representing her place of employment — RBTT( SVG) - at the annual regional inter- bank sports meet.

She also played a role in the Falcons Netball Club, both as a player and administrator.

Currently, Ballantyne is the Treasurer of Team Athletics SVG, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee.

Roxann Williams

Roxann Williams rose through the categories of active competition to become an international Tennis Umpire, Coach and Referee.

Her player’s resume speaks to her being a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Junior Female Champion and a national player, who represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the OECS and the Commonwealth Games levels.

For the past four years, Williams has been the Junior Development Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association. She is currently the liaison between the Division of Physical Education and Sports and the SVG Tennis Association.

In addition, she is lending her coaching expertise to the Special Olympic Movement of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Yoland London

The

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.

Editorial

Haiti, we’re still sorry

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY(CARICOM)

Heads met in Jamaica last Monday (March 11) to discuss, for the umpteenth time, the ongoing situation in Haiti – a full member of CARICOM.

Current Chairman of CARICOM, President of Guyana Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, said in a pre-meeting statement, the meeting was called to “urgently address this current state of affairs and all other matters critical to the stabilisation of security and the provision of urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Haiti.”

Our Caribbean heads never cease to amaze… or is it to mamaguy?

What is this urgency about all of a sudden? Didn’t the Heads know that the crisis in Haiti had already reached alarming levels since 2022? Ask the United Nations!

Wasn’t there an agenda item on Haiti at the 43rd Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads, July 3-5, 2022, in Suriname, to “urgently address the crisis in Haiti”? How many meetings will it take before they drop the adverbial qualification “urgently”?

And what was so different about this recent meeting? What difference was it expected to make?

Here’s in part what the CARICOM Heads expressed after their 43rd regular Meeting: “…. grave concern at the deteriorating security situation (in Haiti) and noted the efforts of Haiti’s international partners to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian National Police.” Nothing new or different!

While the Heads make that “expression”, the ongoing wave of gang violence in Haiti has resulted in the death of hundreds and further deepened the humanitarian, political, and human rights crisis in the country.

As it stands, there is no or little semblance of a functioning government, not to mention any other national system through which national governance is executed in Haiti.

Heavily armed marauding gangs have all but taken control of important arms of economic and political importance, resulting in the decision of the “appointed” Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, to resign and seek temporary refuge outside of Haiti.

Knowing that, the Heads met and here is what the sitting Chairman of CARICOM, Dr. Ali, had to say in a statement: “…the regional bloc has not been able to reach any form of consensus regarding the situation in Haiti despite working on the issue

over the past three days…”

Notwithstanding Dr. Ali’s statement, there was an official communique that spoke to CARICOM’s commitment “to a transitional governance arrangement, which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for nearterm security, and the road to free and fair elections.”

This optimism is to be supported by what CARICOM heads refer to as a “Transitional Presidential Council”, holding possible power of Haitian presidency, that “will swiftly select and appoint an interim Prime Minister, who together will appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers.”

Do the CARICOM heads not know that their proposal for a transitional government disconnects with what the ‘ruling’ gangs want?

According to international media reports, the gangs want to set up a “troika” — a government composed of three members, including a former coup leader previously in jail on drug charges — and some kind of amnesty for gang members.

And why did the communique following last Monday’s meeting not address the multinational force the UN Security Council had authorised to “take all necessary measures” against alleged gang members, towards restoring some order in the chaosridden CARICOM member country?

Didn’t our heads not know, prior to their Monday meeting, that Barbados’ army was engaged in pre-mission training as the troops (up to 600 officers) prepare to go into violencetorn Haiti as part of that multinational force?

When questioned, the Barbados Military advisor could not say when the deployment of his troops would take place since they have to await the signal from that Country’s Prime Minister and other Heads of Government and Security Chiefs.

Is all of this not a ‘head tun’? Are our heads making us giddy? When will they stop beating around their bush of rhetoric and get serious about authorising the only action (military) that could bring the gangs to their knees?

Ariel Henry’s resignation is a step forward and even if the proposed Transitional Council can be so set in place as to be able to pass decrees, have the Heads of CARICOM thought about what will happen next?

Haiti, we’re still sorry!!

Tired of the Tokenism

THE THEME FOR THE WEEK OF TRAINING

activities in recognition of International Women’s Day, Mar 8, 2024, is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” Why does this feel like “Deja vu?” How many times do we have to do this dance? This year’s theme is just another variation of the last fifty years.

I mean no disrespect to the hardworking women of my country. You deserve much more than a day; sometimes, some people and organizations stretch it to a month. I was hoping by now we would be past this time when we still have to talk about the fact that in every professional position outside of the home, they make considerably less than their male counterparts.

Without accurate and current census data from SVG, I looked up the information from the most recent USA census to verify that nothing has changed significantly over the years. Yes, it’s still true. The women of the USA and presumably SVG are earning as low as sixty-five percent and no higher than eighty-two percent of what men earn for the same work today. That is about the same as it was in 2002. The good news is that it is better today than in 1980.

So, cut the crap. I am in no mood to listen to the placating statements on equality and equal rights from my esteemed leaders. Yes, today I feel a bit cynical about the International Women’s Day we celebrated on Mar 8. We have turned what is supposed to be a conversation about systemic issues facing our mothers, wives, and daughters into a social media breakfast and luncheon bonanza. Meanwhile, our daughters are being forced to carry babies as early as age ten or watch their “married boyfriend” get shot at 3 AM, as our leaders talk about empowering women. Get real!

Beyond the obvious issues facing our women today, we need to begin to address the issues affecting our country today. A systematic approach to these issues will also help our women. We are in no place as a nation to begin to single out unique issues affecting gender as an area of specific concern. In all my years of development work, I/we never focused on “what was suitable for women vs what works for men.” We looked at

what was fair and just for the community. With this approach, everyone was included, and the role of the women was equally recognized as a vital part of our overall development strategy. Some of the most successful farmers I worked with in the eighties were women who demanded never to be given special treatment.

Strangely, as I migrated to the USA and began my professional career, I took that same approach to my work. And it worked. In a nonunion environment, within two years of each assignment, everyone was paid equally for similar work. Of course, the issues were not only gender-based but race-based as well. So, for those in management positions today, I will not accept your default response: “It ain’t that easy.” It’s time you step up and do the right thing for our women. Leave the social media hatch tags behind.

Enough about me. National Heroes Day is also this month, so what are we doing for our indigenous women? Or is Heroes Day only about recognizing the importance of the Hon. Chief Chatoyer? I am willing to acknowledge that we are not anywhere where we need to be on equity among the genders, so how about spending some time this year working on improving the lives of our indigenous descendants? I am sure the events on March 8 and 14 were hosted with the best intentions. But what were the outcomes?

Some people reading this might get defensive because they’ve been trying their best to deliver a good International Women’s Day and National Heroes Day experience for the women and our nation. And to this, I’ll say don’t be. We have all been fooled, and it will probably happen again unless we carefully consider who we choose to lead our initiatives.

You see, I am disappointed in our progress. However, I will use that to fuel my drive to action and curtail my low tolerance for rubbish. In times like these, we must dig deep inside and remember what Thomas Edison once said: “The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

WE AGAINfound ourselves

Uplifting women Highly commendable

in observing the annual International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8. In observing the day, it is my hope that we recommitted to addressing women’s issues across the board.

Here in SVG, as we reflected on another IWD, In TT, we would have done us well if we recognized the social, political and economic power of our women; and appreciate that women are the lifeblood of our homes and communities.

Yet, women continue to face challenges in our 21st century SVG. Up front is the challenge to personal safety in the face of gender-based violence… spousal abuse and sexual abuse of

female minors. There is, also the challenges women continue to face in advancing their careers, though, I admit, this might not be as glaring as it was, say two to three decades ago.

And yet, we expect, us men especially, to attend to caring for the children, attending to other domestic duties while also working fulltime to support the home. We seldom recognise how this can affect a woman’s professional career.

Then there is the case of rural women who, in their role as shopkeepers, farmers, vendors, leads and entrepreneurs in their

own right. Do we involve these women in a genuine way in the conversation about national development especially as it relates to food production and food security?

Yes, we still have a lot of work to do if we are to realise the underlying objectives of celebrating IWD. First, we must accept that to make a difference as far as according women their rightful place in society, there is need for policy action. We must not pay lip service to involving women in leadership and decision-making opportunities. We must wage an ongoing war against abuse. We must ensure proper

More in the mortar⁄

THERE ISa lingering thought given what we have learned about the arrangement between the Sandals investment at Buccament and Rainforest Seafood SVG Ltd.

We have been informed that Rainforest will be the sole provider of fish/marine products for the Resort.

The question that arises: Was one of the conditions for Sandals investing in a resort pre-conditioned by a similar arrangement for its sister company to invest here?

Was this country “tricked” into allowing a situation of, six of one and half a dozen of the other, being allowed to invest yes and to reap profits simultaneously in the same market — a case of two ‘man rats’ have a bite of the same cheese?

And then of course, is this a case in which Vincentian people - especially farmers and fishermen - were duped into believing that they would have a ‘direct’ line to Sandals’ kitchens?

Now, no one wants to deny that it makes ‘simple sense’ for any investor to want to streamline their modus operandi — like buying its consumables through a single entity.

And lest there be any misinterpretation, let me state that most Vincentians welcome the Stewart’s family’s investments.

However, that said, we would not want to think that there were pre-conditioned, ‘hidden’, self-serving arrangements with the Sandals deal.

Development yes, investment yes, but please, not at the expense of our dignity and self-worth of a people trying to build a new civilization.

Stand-in Editor

The great disappointment

YOU MAY not realize it, but many people look up to you and have great expectations that they can follow your example.

We know that we are all humans and are prone to mistakes but to adopt immorality as a way of living is totally out of the question.

We had great confidence in you that you would do the right thing in any given circumstance. Your upbringing was not perfect, but your parents did what they thought was in your best interest. They accepted the Bible’s truthfulness, to wit, “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

You have no conscience based on your actions. Psychologists, psychiatrists and sociologists have not yet documented the length, breath and ingenuity of

the kinds of despicable behaviours that are currently manifested.

You were admonished to “shun the very appearance of evil,” yet it appears that you have become one of the Devil’s angels. Whatever your status, you can stop and make an evaluation of the kind of influence you are wielding. It may not be too late to make a change for the better. Isaiah 1:18 says “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Confession, repentance, forgiveness and a new life are in order for a new beginning.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

representation for working mothers and we must involve all women, without exception, in the national development conversation.

The saying might be that “behind every good man is a good woman”. It’s time we make a serious effort to change that to, “At the side of every good man is a good woman.”

Thomas

IT WAS A DELIGHTto be greeted with such an outpouring of loyalty and school spirit recently demonstrated by the members of my Alma Mater the Girls’ High School (GHS) on Sports Day and during the activities leading up to it.

The bantering that took place between Grimble, Headmistress, Staff and Moffett resonated so well with so many and especially the Alumnae in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in the Diaspora.

Let me take the opportunity to highly commend everyone associated with the success of this endeavour for their efforts. To all of the athletes I say, well done. Special congratulations to Headmistress- the Champion House. It was fun. The dedication, loyalty and school spirit are highly commendable. The joint GHS & SVG Boys’ Grammar School Sports Day reinforced the bond between the two schools.

Hope that all of the Women had a wonderful International Women’s Day and thanks to Shafia London-Williams of Headmistress House for an enlightening Lecture on Inclusion sponsored by ACWA/St. George’s Cathedral on Thursday, March 8, 2024. It was well received.

I would like to wish everyone a National Heroes Day filled with the inspiration of National Hero Joseph Chatoyer!!!!

Cheryl Phills King

32 Large strategic initiatives in ULPÊs 2020 Election manifesto for the years 2020-2025

Part 1

IN THE 2020 ELECTION MANIFESTO of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), a Summary List of 32 large strategic initiatives to be addressed in 2020-2025 was put before the people for their approval.

This List was advanced within the overall comprehensive developmental narrative of the ULP government, its policy, matrices, and its detailed programmatic platform. This List was put forward for the November 2020 general elections in which the ULP, remarkably, increased its majority of parliamentary seats in its 5th consecutive term. The volcanic eruptions of 2021 and the increasing turmoil in the global political economy have necessitated the further elaboration of other large strategic initiatives, and a refinement or recalibration of the 32 items on the Manifesto List of 2020.

As always, the ULP government is pursuing diligently its Manifesto commitments to the people. The dishonest propaganda to the contrary of the opposition NDP and its fellow-travellers finds no fertile ground in the face of the hard facts of the ULP’s implementation record.

Below is a summation of the List and the work being done, thus far on each item on the first 16 items on the List.

1. Maintaining macro-economic fundamentals

These fundamentals are: Monetary financial and banking stability; fiscal consolidation; low inflation; optimal economic growth; equity and economic inclusiveness; job creation; regional integration; fair trade globally; investment friendly environment; ease of doing business.

Every item here has been maintained and advanced except low inflation, which was temporarily undermined by imported inflation amidst supply-chain issues arising from the vagaries of monopoly capitalism globally and the Ukraine war. There was an inflationary spike beyond our control. However, the good news is that inflation has become moderate-to-low again over the last six months.

2. Ensuring full recovery from COVID-19

This has been achieved in each element of the COVID-19 challenge: Health, the Economy, the Social, and Security. The details are well known.

3. Making AIAwork

This is happening marvelously: Increased flights; increased passengerflow; more hotel rooms; more business overall; and stronger performance of AIA.

4&5. Adding 1200 quality rooms and local investment in hotels, too

This is being achieved over the 20202025 period: Sandals (301 — two-bedroom facilities), Holiday Inn (92 rooms) are the big ones shortly to be opened. Soho House in Canouan opened for business. Myah Suites is opened already. Expansion has taken place, and is taking place, at several hotels including well-known locally-owned ones such as Beachcombers and Alexandrina’s. Numerous locallyowned guest houses and apartments have opened, and are being built. Numerous Airbnb facilities are in operation. Black Sands Resorts at Peter’s Hope and Royal Mill at Ratho Mill are still under construction. Marriott Resort is expected to start this year and to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027. Other new hotels, and expansions, are in the offing. We are well on track.

6. Petit Mustique development

The government is working with the regional investor who purchased Petit Mustique from its private-sector owner

(foreigner), in respect of this island’s development. Preparatory discussions are in progress.

7. Construction of modern cargo port

This $650 million project is being built. Everyone can see it. It is slated to be opened by June 2025.

8. Constructing the acute referral hospital

This 132-bed Hospital at Arnos Vale is due to start construction by June or thereabouts this year. The preliminaries are being finalised. All the financing is in place.

9. Building out the modern city at Arnos Vale

The anchor project is the Acute Referral Hospital. All the preparatory elements for the modern city are being actively put in place. The rehabilitated Sporting Complex is part of this overall visionary project.

10. Elaborating plans for tunnel under Cane Garden point

This very ambitious project is in early exploratory and planning stages. We are elaborating the plans for future implementation.

11. Making preparations to relocate Pole Yard residents

The plans to do so are in train. We are actively identifying suitable alternative lands.

12. Continuing to pursue renewable energy

This is being done actively with solar. We are still pursuing geothermal energy with other stakeholders with an alternative kind of technology.

13. Construction of Modern Parliament and Modern Court complex

The design is currently being done for the Modern Parliament; the consultations on the design for the Court Complex are being carried out. These buildings are to be constructed at Richmond Hill. The $15 million building to house the Parliament temporarily has been built, and the Parliament is meeting there in Calliaqua.

The former BOSVG building at Bedford Street has been purchased and is being converted into High Court facilities temporarily as a replacement for the existing Court House Building. When the repurposing of the building is completed, the existing High Court Building will be fully rehabilitated.

The funds are available through softloans from a bank in Taiwan.

This project is ongoing.

14. Making Ottley Hall project work

The Ottley Hall project is at work. However, the government is engaging possible private sector investors to develop further the project for their optimal commercial use as a marina/shipyard.

It is the ULP government which secured over $160 million in debt relief in 2007 to save the project.

15. Constructing in partnership with private sectors apartment buildings and lands at Pembroke

The search for private sector partners is ongoing.

16. Building out of quarry in North Leeward

This build out is ongoing with the private sector – a company from St. Lucia.

Summation

The ULP government continues to address with urgency all its Manifesto commitments. Part II of this article will provide information on items 17 to 32 on the List mentioned above.

There is a mood for change in South Windward

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) officially launched its candidate for South Windward, Andrew John, on Saturday 9th March 2024, at a major event in Biabou.

Several speakers addressed the meeting including: the President of the NDP, Honourable, Dr. Godwin Friday; candidate for East St. George, Laverne Velox; Andrew John and former candidate Noel Dickson.

The following is Lavern Velox’s presentation:

“It gives me much pleasure to welcome Andrew to our NDP team, and as my neighbouring candidate. I look forward to working closely with him to address the key issues facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines — a lack of jobs, a weak economy, sky-high levels of crime, a struggling health care system and neglected roads and infrastructure.

The journey to Andrew’s candidacy was one I followed closely, having assisted with the election of the executive and one of the constituency groups. I know now not to mess with folk from South Windward. They were fixated on ‘Teach’ and nothing was going to get in the way of Andrew John’s candidacy. These people were serious.

So South Windward, you knew who you wanted, you pursued your goal relentlessly. You got your man selected. The last hurdle is to get him elected. Use the same energy you had in getting Andrew as your candidate, to ensure that he becomes your representative! I have confidence in you and I have confidence in Andrew…together you make an unbeatable team, but you have to put in the work to get the victory.

Andrew knows this constituency better than anyone; having worked as an educator and teaching countless children who have gone on to great things, many of whom are here tonight, proudly cheering on their mentor. I could not think of a better person to represent this constituency. The obvious respect you have for Andrew tells me that you are onto something that you need him to restore credibility and vibrancy to your constituency. Your vote is the power you need to achieve this.

South Windward has been neglected for too long. Yes, the others will point to the Argyle International Airport. But, what about the rest of the constituency? What about the many people who do not have jobs and are left to lime on the street corner? What about all those people who have been forced to leave their homes in South Windward to go to Canada, the United States and other regional countries in search of work, because there is a lack of opportunities in the land of their birth.

There are many people who did not vote in the last election, or voted for the ULP. To them, I say, there is a growing mood for change in this country as people look for hope. You are not alone. Join our campaign for change so that we can deliver hope for people across the country. Andrew John has a plan to create jobs, meaningful jobs here in South Windward that can offer young people fulfilling careers — not

just a means to an end. You need to get him elected. This is Andrew time!

Andrew will be going up and down the constituency during his campaign, meeting people from every walk of life. When you see him, I urge you to go and speak with him and get a better understanding of his plans for you and your constituency. The NDP plan!

We are on a rescue mission and have put out an (SOS); Save our St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Andrew is a vital part of the mission. A mission to create jobs, revitalize agriculture, resuscitate healthcare, improve infrastructure and foster an economy that provides opportunities for our people.

South Windward, with the NDP at the helm of governance, our country will become great again. Trust Andrew John with your votes. He will put them to good use by becoming an exemplary representative for you. I ask you: Are you satisfied with the representation you are currently receiving?

And guess what? I am going to work with Andrew in South Windward and he is going to work with me in East St. George to bring home these two seats to the NDP. That’s what neighbors do, they lift each other up for the greater good. And we are going to add Andrew Simmons to the mix … what a team! ‘Come on nah man’, Let’s get it done!

South Windward, I urge you to listen to our speakers. You will hear of the four pillars of the economy: Agriculture, Tourism, the Blue Economy, and the New Economy. Listen carefully and take the message back to the people who say NDP has no plans. Be sure to tell the naysayers they are included in our plans for rebuilding a great nation. NDP promises a bright future that’s full of hope.

Our recently launched National Athlete Program promises modern facilities, coaching, proper nutrition, proper gear so our talented sportsmen and women can compete regionally and internationally. The more exposure they receive, the more opportunities will be available to them. Our young people are already excited about this!

Our team is experienced and Government ready. We are ready to serve all of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The current administration serves pockets of people. They have failed us, forgetting that we, the voters, are their employers and they are our employees. We have deemed them incompetent failures so what’s the next step? Fire them by voting overwhelmingly for the NDP!”

Everyone is delighted to have a candidate such as Andrew John contesting the election on an NDP ticket. We are confident that Andrew John will win the seat. He represents all that is good about South Windward and will make an outstanding representative. He cares deeply about the people and will always put their interests first.

Views V

Entitled to be sad

“Being sad is a beautiful part of being human. I tell my kids all the time: We’re strongest in the places that we’re broken,” Casandra Brené Brown (born 1965) – American professor, author, and podcast host.

THERE ARE MOMENTS IN LIFEwhen, despite our best efforts, we encounter situations that result in our feeling disappointed and/or hurt. This may be due to our experiencing a broken relationship, breakups, abandonment, grief, or a host of other stress-charged situations. At times like these it is understandable that we may feel melancholy and in need of a shoulder to cry on, or a pair of listening, noncondemning ears. It is often during such moments that we must understand and appreciate that we are entitled to be sad. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. However, as best we can, we seek to avoid remaining in that lonely place for too long. We can be comforted and reassured when we recognize that we are not alone.

As we reflect on the Casandra Brené Brown quotation that was used to introduce the thoughts being shared here, we realize that it is loaded with wisdom. Sometimes, as we go through our most painful experiences, we may not appreciate the value of the wilderness encounters, the hurts, the disappointments, and the trauma. It is quite understandable that our normal/natural reaction may be to hide the pain as we seek to mask our vulnerability.

Being vulnerable can often appear most uncomfortable. This may be especially so when others in our immediate environment may seek to exploit that vulnerability and further intensify the pain and disappointment. In addition, there may be instances when efforts are made to avoid others seeing our brokenness. For example, it is quite understandable that parents may not want their children to observe their struggles and disappointments following their being furloughed from a job that provided revenue and stability for the family. Such a sensitive situation could be devastating to young minds that may not understand or appreciate the likely impact of such a situation. However, with wisdom and tact (depending on the age and maturity of the onlooker) it is possible to use even such traumatic situations to teach valuable life lessons.

It is often quite difficult to share our disappointments, hurts, and struggles with others. A spirit of discernment must be present as we contemplate who and when we share such thoughts with. Caution must be evident as every effort is made to avoid further complicating the situation should the confidant appear to divulge sensitive information. However, being able to ventilate has its value. Sometimes even as we pause to reveal our humanness and to show that we are hurting and/or sad, we may readily discover that merely sharing those concerns commence the journey to wellness, healing, and recovery. Conversely, efforts to bottle up our sad emotions could result in emotional and mental degradation that sour and disrupt relationships in the home, neighbourhood, or workplace.

There is power in prayer. Many will testify that when they may not be comfortable sharing their sadness with others, they can find peace and comfort after having prayed about the

situation. Prayer is merely conversing with God. When no one else may care, He does. He reminds us that pain is universal — but temporary. It will pass. We often need courage to deal with our sad moments. Fred Rogers (19282003), the American television host, author, and producer reminds us that, “It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it.” Men need to be just as aware of this as our female population should. All people, men and women, are entitled to be sad and to grieve when they experience loss and/or disappointment. Unfortunately, in many western societies grieving or being sad equate to weakness. However, there is nothing wrong with revealing that a loss is painful. There is nothing wrong in admitting that we are not superhuman. There is nothing wrong in admitting that we are sad. We are entitled to be sad.

The foregoing is not intended to provide an excuse for us to engage in chronic melancholy. Such an occurrence would invite mental instability. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1863), the famous American naturalist, poet, essayist, and philosopher, provides some useful advice when he said, “Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh.”

Paulo Coelho (born 1947), the Brazilian novelist and lyricist reminds us that, “Words are tears that have been written down. Tears are words that need to be shed. Without them, joy loses all its brilliance and sadness has no end.” These deep and sobering thoughts remind us of the valuable dicot of joy and sadness. Each helps us to better appreciate the other. They are two sides of a single and valuable coin. We are not expected to search out situations that create moments of sadness. We need not do so. Those situations will visit uninvited and often unannounced. However, our resolve should be to extract the lessons that they bring to us (and leave us with). Some of these are considered priceless even though their value may often appear long after they have passed. Some individuals may even conclude that the more traumatic experiences are accompanied by the most valuable learning opportunities.

We will all periodically go through the dark corridors of sadness. Our ability to cope with these may often depend on the thoughts that we entertain as we transit. Sickness, divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, failure at an examination … these are all situations that depress and derail us emotionally. However, we can resolve to remain thankful for so many other things and the persons in our lives who redirect our thoughts to avoid being so focused on what we have lost that we lose sight of the value of what we still have left. Strange, but true, sadness has its beauty. We are entitled to be sad.

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

Anything but the Covid Vaccine

AN ALARMING SITUATIONis emerging in St Vincent and the Grenadines. In fact, the troubling situation is occurring not only here but across the Caribbean and, indeed, the world. The alarm concerns the frequency with which friends and loved ones are falling ill and dying from blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and cancers.

The dead silence from doctors, universities, politicians and governments regarding the explosive situation is equally troubling. The British nurse, Dr. John Campbell, has been doing an exceptional job interviewing doctors, highlighting studies, and pointing to research papers connecting the excess deaths and the 800-pound elephant in the room: the Covid Injection.

The authorities’ response is to employ the services of the major tech companies, Microsoft, Google, and other search engines, to suppress information under the perverted pretext that governments and industry are protecting the people from misinformation and disinformation.

Recently, I looked at a clip of a top American epidemiologist explaining what accounts for the excess deaths witnessed across America. The good doctor pointed to everything under the sun: lack of exercise, covid disease, fatigue, stress, bad food, bad air and other environmental issues as possible causes. Told that all potential causes she cited existed before 2021 when the COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out, the epidemiologist reminded listeners that correlation is not causation and no evidence linked the COVID injection to the excess deaths.

Fair enough! But as our elders were fond of saying, ‘damn fool ah tark, but not damn fool ah listen.’ The WHO declared the covid plandemic in March 2020. The Covid Vaccine is the only known variable introduced to the world since 2021. Why has there been such an explosive rise in illness and deaths in the last two years?

And why the official silence? In Australia, the parliament voted 31 to 29 against conducting a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the excess deaths. There’s a frightening lack of will to investigate in the US, UK, and other major countries, which have sophisticated laboratories, scientists, and universities. The USA and Europe are sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine. None has earmarked a single cent to investigate the causes of excess deaths. Many have concluded that the governments are engaging in a monumental cover-up.

It is time to lift the lid on this sordid affair. Someone in high places has something to hide. The issue concerning illnesses and deaths is no longer heard in whispers. Many persons who volunteered to take the vaccine have vowed never to take a booster. Others who were compelled to take the injection following

Gonsalves’ perverse ‘no jab, no job policy’ are increasingly angry. Many more remain confused, not knowing what to think or who to blame for the illness and death of their friends and family.

Consider this: If, by month’s end, bodies of young women were found on the beach at Mount Wynn, in the Botanical Garden, at Fort Charlotte and on a deserted road in Marriaqua, and on examination all of the women were raped then killed, it would be reasonable for us to assume that we have a serial rapist/murderer on our hands. Why are we being offered every other explanation for the excess deaths other than the most plausible one?

The silence from our authorities is particularly upsetting, considering that hundreds of people lost their jobs because they refused to take the dreaded vaccine. Even worse is that following the crushing judicial defeat where the vaccine policy was deemed ‘illegal, ultra vires, unlawful, unconstitutional and proportional improper, the government pigheadedly appealed the judgment, thus prolonging the pain and suffering of the citizens.

Too many of us continue to bury our heads and refuse to think critically. Mind benders are at work trying to get us to conform to their way of life and thought. They tell us not to engage in selfless research. We are encouraged to let others think for us rather than seek out information and draw our lessons. As Eric Fromm, the German American Social Psychologist, says, ‘Most people are convinced that as long as they are not overtly forced to do something by an outside power, their decisions are theirs…but this is one of the great illusions we have about ourselves. A great number of our decisions are not really our own but are suggested to us from the outside; we have succeeded in persuading ourselves that it is we who have made the decision, whereas we have actually conformed with expectations of others, driven by the fear of isolation and by more direct threats to our life, freedom, and comfort.’

The time has come for us to free up our minds, break away from old fears and allegiances, and open ourselves to new pathways of involvement and knowledge. Nothing can be more liberating. We must demand urgent answers to pressing problems. Most of all, those who unleash the evil and devastating vaccine policy must be held to account. They must be made to pay for the pain, sorrow, injuries and deaths they caused.

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

Haiti’s PM resigns amid crisis

HAITI’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry tendered his resignation following an emergency meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations and appealed for calm as the

Ariel Henry, Haiti’s unelected prime minister, has resigned. He led the country since the 2021 assassination of its last president, Jovenel Moïse.

(Credit: ABC News)

country descends into chaos.

Up to Wednesday, there was yet to be a response from the gangs who control large swaths of Haiti and almost all of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and who have been demanding Henry’s resignation for weeks.

In fact, the influential gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier, who is known as “Barbecue”, had warned about “civil war” and “genocide” unless Henry stepped down.

Henry’s resignation was greeted by some celebrations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, but it appeared, according to international media sources, that the population remained apprehensive about what was coming next.

In that regard, the international and Caribbean Community put forward a proposal for a Transitional Council, but gangs had long

Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier took credit for the attack on a prison earlier this month.

(Credit: Odelyn Joseph/AP)

objected to this as they pursue their goal of setting up a structure that would ensure them a pivotal place in Haiti’s governance going forward.

The Council, once established, is to be tasked with the authority to appoint an interim prime minister for a transitional period leading up to elections in Haiti.

There has been no response from gang leader Jimmy Chérizier to this proposal, but indications are that it will not be acceptable to him and his gangs since it would exclude him from any role in government going forward.

A plan to send about 1,000 police officers from Kenya to bolster Haiti’s beleaguered security forces and an international force that would include representation from some Caribbean countries, have been put on hold following Henry’s resignation.

The Gangs’ influence Gangs have grown to become “a power unto themselves” Robert Fatton,

professor of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia said, adding that the autonomy of the gangs in Haiti has reached a critical point.

“For the last three years, the gangs started to gain autonomy, and now they are a power unto themselves,” he told The Associated Press, likening them to a “mini-Mafia state”.

Continued on Page 15.

An armed member of the G9 and Family gang patrols a roadblock in Port-au-Prince on Monday. (Credit: Odelyn Joseph/AP)

All Athletes Inc. forges UK partnership

All Athletes Inc. (AAI) SVG, formally known as Athletes in Action SVG, has forged a Partnership with the UK Student Sport Company, aimed at empowering student athletes and the youth in the Caribbean.

A release from AAI said that the UK Student Sport Company was established to help sport-minded students from all around the globe. They now provide free advice to prospective university applicants from over 100 different countries each year.

As part of this service, they help international applicants to identify opportunities that best meet their particular academic interests and sporting ambitions. Their staff help students to build a shortlist of potential study destinations, connect with UK university coaches and complete their course applications.

The AAI - UK Student Sport Company Partnership

AAI said, “The collaboration between The Student Sport Company and All Athletes Inc. represents a powerful union of shared values, as both organizations are deeply passionate about using sports as a catalyst for personal growth, education, and community development. The partnership aims to create a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes globally while fostering a sense of empowerment and opportunity for the youth in the Caribbean.”

The two organizations aim to enhance access to UK university education, scholarships and sporting opportunities. The collaboration will include a series of in-person sporting events, informational webinars and access to one-to-one counselling for students and families who need advice relating to their university options.

“We are excited about the possibilities that this partnership brings,” said Harry Newton, Director

at The Student Sport Company. “We know there are so many talented student-athletes located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean. In recent years we have been assisting applicants from the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is our hope that with this partnership with All Athletes Inc., will help more talented undergraduate and postgraduate athletes to consider studying in the UK and connecting with the wide range of scholarship opportunities that are available to them.”

“Solomon Bascombe, Director at All Athletes Inc., sharing his sentiments, said, “The Student Sport Company is a like-minded institution that continues

to show dedication to its tasks and interest in bringing its expertise to the Caribbean region. Unlocking the potential of our athletes, on and off the field, is the paramount task of AAI. Our new partner’s network and knowledge of the United Kingdom’s university system will assist AAI with this task by providing the resources and opportunities our talented people deserve to make their dreams a worthwhile reality.”

In addition, AAI admitted to being excited by this new partnership that will help to make more athletes throughout St. Vincent and the wider Caribbean aware of the opportunities that they have to compete, while pursuing their university education in the UK. (Source AAI)

The members of All Athletes Inc. (AAI) are excited by the new partnership forged with a UK Company.

Focus on the Visual Arts

Mya Pope- Artist at heart

Degree in 2022. Over time, she gravitated towards an interest in the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and has used her studies of and inspiration gathered from his work as the basis for her approach to teaching her students.

And she has extended her avenues of expression by painting murals on the walls of the Greiggs Primary School and around her community of Greiggs. From realism to postimpressionism

by GLORIAH...

TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD

VINCENTIAN MYA POPE teaches art at the Greiggs Primary School. She was a featured artist in the Youlou Art Foundation’s art exhibition held in March, to commemorate the work of women artists here in SVG.

Mya was born into a family of artists. At a young age, her mother indulged her in crafting flowers from plastic bags and cardboard. Later, her older sister taught her to draw portraits of celebrities. By age ten she entered her first art competition and won first place with a portrait of Nikki Minaj, Trinidadian-born rapper, singer and songwriter Thereafter, on entering secondary school, she immersed herself in visual arts and continued same through to the SVG Community College from where she earned a Fine Arts

With paintings that show a vibrant interest in realism, much of Mya’s creations are of seascapes and still life, the results of a process of work that moves from observing, recording through photograph and combining scenes to the finished product.

She, however, intends to branch out into postimpressionism.

“I want to continue to use my vibrant colours [and] geometric forms to express my feelings and emotions.,” she told THE VINCENTIAN , adding that she will expand her interest in this category of art by following on her impressions of Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh.

And as for Mya’s advice to young artist, she advises to “never give up!”

She believes that even though art is still an area that is not given much

appreciation and value, artists should persist in continuing in

their endeavours to produce whatever comes to

the fore. She was adamant in saying, “... and you will get there, because art is life; meaning you could see it around us every day. You could even hear it in music, see it in fashion and architectural design and so on..”

She admonished the visual artist who rejects his/her calling simply because the art did not attract a buyer. Rather, she encouraged him/her to step out into another branch of art, using their skill as a foundation.

Who knows, maybe Mya is poised to become that next Vincentian great in the field of visual art. And as she continues to follow her passion, THE VINCENTIAN gives her a standing ovation.

Mya Pope – Artist and Art Teacher

Mya’s “A Bowl of Fruit”

Above and Right: Mya’s murals at the Greiggs Primary School.

Mya’s representations of our “Independence”

The “Row Boat”

Cannabis update

EVEN THOUGHthis country now has the legislative foundation – i.e. The Medicinal Cannabis Industry Bill 2018 and The Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty) Bill 2018 – on which to pursue medical and economic benefits from the cannabis plant, the cultivation and possession of cannabis for purposes other than what

is referenced in the legislation, remain illegal, although possession of up to two ounces has been decriminalized.

By January 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS country to export medical cannabis when a shipment of 100 pounds left here for Germany.

Notwithstanding the opportunities that are availed under the legislation for legal involvement in the cultivation/possession of medical cannabis, law enforcement officers here have not been hesitant in arresting and bringing charges as it relates to the cultivation and possession of cannabis

for purposes other than those addressed in the legislation.

The follows examples are but two of the more recent cases involving the illegal possession of cannabis that have passed through our courts, and in no way are meant to ‘smooth over’ the abundance of similar cases that have been taken through the same route, since the passage of legislation to support the medical cannabis programme.

Cannabis is widely cultivated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines both for use in the medical cannabis programme and in an ongoing illegal trade.

Chauffeur fined for drug trafficking

Daren Barker, a 37year-old Chauffeur of Cane Garden, was fined EC$2,000 to be paid in two (2) months after he pleaded guilty at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on March 07, 2024, to having 1,682 grammes of Cannabis in his possession, for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Barker was ordered to pay the fine in two (2) months or spend six (6) months in prison if he defaulted on payment.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to having 1,682 grammes of Cannabis in his possession with intent to supply it to another. He was reprimanded and discharged for the offense.

These offenses were committed on Tuesday 5th March 2024 about 10:33 p.m. in Kingstown. The charges were laid against the defendant on Wednesday 6th March 2024. (Source: RSVGPF)

Domestic worker fine for drug trafficking

Kyasha Williams, a 25-year-old Domestic Worker of Green Hill was arrested and charged on Wednesday 6th March 2024 with the offenses of possession of 643 grammes of Cannabis with the intent to supply it to another and, possession of 643 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of drug trafficking.

The offences were committed on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at the Grenadines Wharf in Kingstown at about 11:30 a.m.

The accused appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Thursday 7th March 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charges. She was fined EC$500 for the drug trafficking offense to be paid in one (1) month or three (3) months in prison if she defaulted on payment.

Williams was reprimanded and discharged for possession with intent to supply the controlled drug to another person.

(Source: RSVGPF)

HaitiÊs PM resigns amid crisis

From Page 10.

“Those who created the gangs created a monster, and now the monster may not be totally in charge, but it has the capacity to block any kindof solution,” he assessed.

Meanwhile, gang members have been attacking state institutions such as police stations, government administrative buildings and prisons, leaving dead bodies reportedly lying in the streets, and forcing the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

“Criminals have now taken over the country. There is no government, it is becoming a failed state,” said Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo prior to Monday’s emergency CARICOM meeting.

All of this comes amid the declaration of a state of emergency and night curfew around the capital Port-au-Prince.

According to reports, however, police are now barely visible and are more or less tolerating pillaging and vigilantism. Now, Germany, the EU, the US and other countries have recalled embassy staff for fear of their safety.

And, as clashes continue between heavily armed gang members and a police force, the consensus is that the police are fast losing the battle.

(Sources: CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, CMC)

Charred vehicles remain as gang violence escalates in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 9, 2024. (Credit: Clarens Siffroy/AFP)

People flee from violence in Port-au-Prince on March 9, 2024. (Credit: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)

Common-law wife butting me

Dear George,

IAM ABOUTto leave my family – i.e. my common law wife and her two children. The children are good children - 6 and 9 years old.  Their fathers are not in their lives.

George, she has been butting me hands down and each time I confront her about it she would eat fire that she is not doing so. But my friends tell me about the kind of men they see her with and it is very embarrassing to say the least. She refuses to have sex with me and now I know why.

This woman is ungrateful and insist I can never leave her because of the great sex she gives me. She just not getting it.

Should I tell her I’m leaving or should I just bus’ it one time?

Need to Know and Go.

Dear Need to Know and Go,

You cannot be forced to remain in a situation that is causing worry and grief. However, leaving without a conversation with her is not the way to go. You also would want to consider the children, and arrange things in such a way that cushions the negative impact of your leaving.

It would not be a bad idea if you consult a Family Law attorney to advise you accordingly.

Yet, there could be room for fixing this only after a conversation with her and getting her to agree for both of you to see a counsellor. Give this lady a shot at this option. How you take it from there will depend on her response.

George.

She doesnÊt love me

Dear George,

I HAVE been seeing this girl for two months now and she has never told me she loves me. Whenever I say “I love you,” she replies, “Thank you.”

She keeps asking me for money and things and when I say to her that I’m getting the feeling that she does not really love me like I love her, she gets all upset and says things like I should be lucky she’s even talking to me.

We have never kissed on the lips or got physically involved. I don’t know what to make of this but I’m still looking to see if things would change. Do you think I’m doing the right

thing?

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

The evidence is staring you straight in the face!!! How can you not acknowledge it? You may be in love with her but clearly she is not in love with you. She is definitely not on the same page as you.

Find yourself someone who is willing to return the love you give. You need to move on.

George

Snoring causes a barrier

Dear George,

MY HUSBANDsleeps in another bedroom and his excuse is that I snore. I think he is doing so because he is not into me anymore, and I suspect he is seeing other people.

So what if I snore? Is that any reason to move out from the bedroom?

Suspicious

Dear Suspicious,

If there was no suspicion of cheating, would you have reacted differently to his complaint about your snoring? Where there is a lack of trust there is

always the tendency to create mountains out of molehills.

I suggest you deal with the suspicion of him cheating discussing it maturely. Should you get past this barrier, then the snoring would become less of an issue.

George

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money. Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible. Anger might lead to carelessness and minor Injuries. You can write beautiful love letters this week.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Try to satisfy both of your needs. Put your energy into self-improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you. Accept the inevitable. Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Time spent with family, children, or good friends will be regenerating and positive. If you're already in a relationship, use this added energy passionately.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Don't gamble unless you can afford to lose. You will be ready to jump on anyone who gets in the way of your progress this week. Don't overspend on friends or children. Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Don't make any unreasonable promises.

Make love, not war, and all will be fine. Include the whole family or those you love. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging roman tic connections. Lack of funds may add stress to your already uncertain situation. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Move forward if you want to turn your life around. You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner. Your talents are likely to be discovered. You need to be around friends and family.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Realize that you don't have to do everything yourself. Make changes in your domestic scene. Either way, you're up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Travel will also entice you. Deceit around you is evident. You can pick up information that will give you an edge.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Comfort is a necessity. Check your motives. Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline. Get involved in competitive sports. Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Be sure to double-check the house on your way out. You will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to the bottom of things. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Others may want to steal your thunder when they realize your ideas are pretty solid. Family responsibilities are escalating. Don't let others know about your private affairs. Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices.

ACROSS

1. Barbecues badly

6. Peter, to Jesus

12. Mended

15. Payback

16. Stick out

17. Like some fat pets

18. Drive crazy

19. Sellers

20. Candied item

22. Some circus performers

28. Goes before

34. Place to enjoy floats

35. “1984” superpower

36. Vaccine target

37. San Andreas Fault phenomena

38. Workout class

39. Theater seating choice

41. Performs much better than in sports

48. Prize seeker

53. Native place

54. Astronomers’ subjects

55. Arise

56. John Lennon

57. Basketball arbiter

58. English maritime county

59. Silly little guy

DOWN

1. Belief set

2. Sorceress

3. Latin twinklers

4. Televised again

5. Went for the pitch

5. Real estate speculator

7. Equally divided

8. “Big Bang Theory” type

9. Data, briefly

10. Bavarian river

11. Many wines

13. Skirt

14. Quite far offshore

15. Generic pooch name

21. “Independence Day” assailants, for short

23. Post-WWII grp.

24. Latch onto

25. “The ___ Love” (Gershwin song)

26. Cabinet dept since 1979

27. “The Untouchables” hero

28. Chilean mint product

29. Confession participant, perhaps

30. “Tears in Heaven” singer Clapton

31. Moola

32. Salinger’s “For ______-With Love and Squalor”

33. Not sounding right

36. Plato, to Aristotle

38. Paul’s singing

partner

40. Recipient of one-onone teaching

42. Shiny fabric

43. Sailor’s back?

44. Muscle-tobone cord

45. Express amazement

46. Fire-___ (carnival performer)

47. Like many San

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

Francisco streets

48. City near Tulsa

49. Toon fish of filmdom

50. It could give you a lift

51. Shag and throw

52. “I Just Can’t Live __”: Carrie Underwood song

Davis does 200m double feat

KEO DAVISwas the standout performer at last Sunday’s (Mar. 10, 2024) Carifta Games Trials held at the Diamond Track Facility.

He clocked 20.87s to eclipse the Under-20 Male 200m record of 21.18s listed by Jabari Michael Khensu, who did so in 2017 in the USA.

Apart from attaining the national record, Davis, representing IT DAT Academy, also qualified for World Athletics Under-20 Championships slated for Peru August 27 to 31, 2024. The standard for the men’s 200m is 21.35s.

Davis joined Thyra Charles and Devonric Mack as other Vincentians who have achieved the minimum standards for the global championships in Peru.

The trio have also qualified for the Carifta Games, with Davis doing so in the 100m and 200m; Charles, the 100m, 200m and 400m; and Mack in the 200m and 400m.

Charles is based in St. Kitts and Mack in Jamaica.

The trio was joined by others who were part of the local trials held last Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10.

AJ Delpesche of Team

Mustangs, who had already made Team Athletics SVG standards in the Under-20 Male 200, added qualification in the 100m and 400m.

Also, in the Under20 age group, Timothy Williams (Biomechanics) and Jamaar Saunders (Unattached), qualified for the 200m and 100m, respectively.

Also qualifying were Jahieme Williams of High Performance and IT DAT Academy’s Matthew Robinson in the Under-20 Male Decathlon, and Henree K Francois, the Under-20 Male 5000m.

Francois’ club mate- Zichri Hepburn, prior to last Sunday, had qualified for the 5000m and last weekend also made the B standard for the 1500m.

Others who reached the standards at the Trials were the High Performance duo of Shykeima Dickson-Francis, Under-17 Female 200m; and Kesiann John, who met the B standard in the Under-17 Females 1500m.

Locally based athletes had another opportunity to meet the qualifying standards, and put their names up for selection for Carifta, as the

heats for the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships were set for Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 13, also at the Diamond Track Facility. March 19 is the deadline for the final entries for the 2024 Carifta Games set for the Kirani Athletics Stadium, Grenada, March 30 to April 1, 2024.

Last weekend’s Carifta Trials saw participation of

thirty athletes from Barbados, who used the occasion to attain their standards, because of the unavailability of their synthetics surfaces in the country.

SVG dominate Grenada TT Tournament

Victories

In this, the third edition of the Tournament, it was the first time that SVG won the Under-13 and 15 girls

and the Under-15 boys.

Missing from this year’s SVG contingent was champion Shanecia Delplesche who was unable to defend

SVG TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS walked away with all but one of the titles at the LQ Sports Classic Invitational Junior Tournament in Grenada, last weekend — March 8-10.

for the SVG teams came from: Loukhya Premraj — Under-13 and 15 Girls; Jessica Mc Carter - Under 19 Girls; Lamont Gregg - Under 15 Boys, Caleb Howard — Under-19 Boys; Jessica McCarter and Leah CumberbatchGirls Doubles; Macahlie Hazelwood

and Lamont Greg- Boys Doubles title.

her title due to an injury picked up during the SVG Table Tennis Association’s first Assessment Tournament, in February.

Loukhya Premraj

Jessica McCarter and Leah Cumberbatch.

Macahlie Hazelwood and Lamont Gregg.

Caleb Howard

Jahieme Williams (left), Matthew Robinson (right).

Keo Davis

Henree K. Francois Jamaar Saunders

Shykeima Dickson-Francis

Lighting Brighton Playing Field begins

WITHIN the next two months, the Brighton Playing Field should have 300 lux of lights installed on the facility.

This, as the EC$750,000 project has been taken a step further, with the excavation work for the lighting towers started.

Through the instrumentality of current President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), - Carl Dickson, the organisation was able to attain the funding, through FIFA Foundation.

Delighted that the project is brightening up, Dickson told the VINCENTIAN, “Over the years, many presidents before me have promised to light a Football field so that our competitions, national teams and other Football activities can take place at nights, but I am the first to deliver.”

With the earth works in full throttle, Dickson envisages that the lights will be erected by the end of April.

“All lighting implements are on the

ground here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and logistics are in place to see the completion of, and commissioning of the lights in the next two months,” Dickson assured.

He noted that the provisions of light at the Brighton Playing Field is another fulfilment of the ten-point plan he crafted for accomplishment in his first term, 2019—2023 term as president.

“This is just another manifestation and fulfillment of the promises I made to affiliates when I approached them back in 2019, seeking to become their President,” Dickson remarked.

Apart from the lighting of the Brighton Playing Field, Dickson disclosed that the mega project, The Home for Football, which will be constructed at Cane Grove, will also be taken further within the upcoming months.

Citing the Home for Football as a massive accomplishment for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Football,

SVG to host Curators Workshops

AS PREPARATIONS

continue for the hosting of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the ninth edition, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will be one of the countries that will host one of a series of workshops for pitch and outfield personnel.

All curators and other members of the ground staff who will be responsible for the venues and facilities across the region, are expected to be involved in the workshops.

Over 50 staff members in the six host nations in the West Indies will

benefit from the knowledge and expertise of International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) officials, when the workshops and developmental courses are conducted from 6 to 27 March.

Roland Holder, CWI Manager of Cricket Operations and Head of Cricket for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, outlined the reasons behind the series of workshops.

“The upcoming series is crafted by CWI and designed to upskill existing curators across

the region by exposing them to international best practices for pitch preparation and applicable maintenance, while simultaneously expanding the cadre of

Dickson informed, “I have been able to secure the funding for Phase One, I look forward to work diligently to make this exceptional goal, the Home for Football, a reality.”

It was under the Dickson-led Executive that the SVGFF secured EC$2.4 million through the FIFA Forward programme that allowed the organsiation to purchase five acres of prime land, located at Cane Grove on the leeward side of the mainland, for the ‘Mega Project’.

“My tenure in the sport has demonstrated a strong drive commitment to break with traditional infrastructural barriers and I look forward to the commencement of the Home for Football Stadium, scheduled to break ground on 1st May this year,” Dickson promised.

curators by identifying new talent with the appropriate combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, to lend further expertise to match venues as we seek to deliver a worldclass event in June,”

Holder said.

The SVG leg of the series of workshops will run from March 14-15 at the Arnos Vale playing field.

The others are scheduled as follows: Antigua and Barbuda on

March 6, 2024; St. Lucia, March 9 — 13, 2024; Barbados, March 16 — 20, 2024; Guyana, March 20 — 23; Trinidad and Tobago, March 23 — 27, 2024.

I.B.A. ALLEN

NPC sends trio for Regional Training

THE NATIONAL Paralympic Committee of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be part of a Regional Training Programme in Kingston, Jamaica, March 13 to 16, 2024.

Two coaches - Romique Hooper and Karl Woodrow Williams, along with athlete - Deshaun Roberts, make up the Vincentian trio.

Hooper attends the Para Athlete Coach component, while

Williams will be part of the World Boccia National Referee Course.

Meanwhile, Roberts attends the Para Athlete Training Camp, and will compete at the Velocity Fest on Sunday, March 16, 2024.

Roberts gained some much-needed experience last Saturday and Sunday, March 9 to 10, as he participated in the Carifta Trials put on by Team Athletics SVG, at the Diamond Track Facility.

Excited about travelling and competing, Roberts told the VINCENTIAN: “I am happy to travel and compete…I have never competed in any competition like what I am going in Jamaica, so I am hoping to do my best.”

Chair of the NPC of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rudi Daniel, said he is delighted to have the three attending the training in Jamaica.

“We are happy from an organizational standpoint, where we are building the framework… We are getting more persons involved and that only augurs well for the Paralympic movement here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Daniel stated.

He is also calling on others, coaches and athletes included, to be part of the movement as they endeavour to expand and become more visible in the Vincentian society.

The Regional Sport Training is part of the NPC Development Programme (NPCDP), supported by the International Paralympic Committee IPC’s worldwide Paralympic partner Toyota, and will be delivered by the IPC in collaboration with Paralympic Committee of Jamaica, with valuable support of World Para Athletics (WPA) and World Boccia.

SVGFF PresidentCarl Dickson (left) with Davon Cato of NTech at the Brighton Playing Field, as excavation work goes on in the background.

The pitches at Arnos Vale One have undergone reconstruction in accordance with new specifications from the ICC and CWI.

Roland Holder, CWI Manager of Cricket Operations.

Para athlete - Deshaun Roberts (center), flanked by Karl Williams (left) and Romique Hooper (right).

Baptiste to continue the good work

RE-ELECTEDPresident of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association - Natasha Baptiste, promises to continue the work she began in her 2022 - 2024 tenure as head of the organisation.

That was the commitment she made after her re-election at the SVGNA Annual General Meeting of March 11, 2024, at the Peace Memorial Hall.

In her acceptance address, Baptiste proffered, “I believe the drive to change the face of the sport and also to bring more of the international flavor to the local arena, are what the prompted affiliates to have me here unopposed… They have the confidence that I can continue to lead the

organisation to change the whole scope of Netball not just locally but in the region.”

Continuing in that vein, she said, “One of the greatest highlights we had in the previous term is the marketing of the sport… I think that is the biggest thing for any organisation to show that its marketing strategy and campaign so that the sport is in the face of the public, we will continue.”

Baptiste underscored the need to capitalize on the networking and partnerships with global Netball entities so as to make good of opportunities in coaching and umpiring.

Baptiste’s team for this new tenure which ends in 2026, includes:

First Vice President -

Sylvorn Harry; Second Vice PresidentSharlene Wyllie (reelected); TreasurerJacintha Ballantyne (reelected); SecretaryKerry-Ann Small; Assistant Secretary Treasurer - Neketo Quammie; Games Secretarty - Thelma Foster; Public Relations Officer — Sean Frederick (re-elected); Committee Members - Akeil Matthews and O’Neil Cockburn.

Apart from the elections, the AGM heard the various reports.

Frederick expecting the best

Pierre

Under16 Netball Tournament i s slated for April 310 in St. Lucia and Mary-Ann Frederick, head coach of the SVG National Under-16 team, is naturally expecting the best from the unit.

“We haven’t taken part in the Under-16 for about 2 or 3 years now but I expect nothing but the best from the girls. They all have potential and I am happy that they can represent and show their talent outside of SVG so I expect them to do their best,” Frederick said recently.

As for the team’s preparation, which

initially involved once a week training every Saturday but has expanded to include sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Frederick described the training as “going great,” with “the girls attending regularly and putting in the work.”

Provisional U19 squad announced

Luke Wilson has been retained as the captain of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines U19 Cricket team.

THE NATIONALselectors have announced a 19member squad to continue training with the view of gaining selection to the team that will represent SVG in this year’s Windward Islands Under-19 Cricket Championship.

And as for what it will take to win the tournament, Frederick said, “It will take a lot of hard work for us to win. I always say, no team is an easy beat. We haven’t seen any of them (opponents) play before so we have to go into the tournament with a fighting attitude and determination to win. It would mean a lot for netball and the country, knowing they haven’t participated for some time… being the top team would definitely say a lot for the girls and netball.”

Windward Islands offspinner, Luke Wilson, will lead the team. He will have fast bowler Solomon Bascombe as his deputy in a team to be selected from among: Kirtney Franklyn, Watson Seaton, Joe Williams, Devonte McDowall, Javon Richardson, Kodi Grant, Elron Glasgow, Reynolly Hillocks, Kevin Shallow, Jawayne

Kevin Joseph, Jorden Charles, Ramon Johnson, Damali Phillips, Dexter Baynes, Ian Gonsalves, Reshawn Lewis.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Frederick took the time to extend thanks and appreciation for the support she has received from Natasha Baptiste, Sharlene Wylie and Akiel Matthews.

“They have been supportive… assisting with the preparation of these young ladies and I really appreciate them for their contribution towards that,” Frederick said.

THE2024 Jean

Regional

Adams,

(Seated from left): Thelma Foster, Sharlene Wyllie, Natasha Baptiste and Sylvorn Harry. (Standing from left): Akeil Matthews, Neteko Quammie, Jacintha Ballantyne, Kerry-Ann Small. Not in photo are Sean Frederick and O’Neil Cockburn.

Mary-Ann Frederick, Head Coach of the National Under-16 Netball team.

VERBIN JAHAZEL NOEL a.k.a. Skipper & Shorty

Saturday, 9th March, 2024

Anglican Church

Port Elizabeth

Bequia

Viewing: 11:00 a.m.

Service: 12:00 noon

Interment: Port Elizabeth Cemetery

ERLENE CORNICE MALCOLM

Sunday, 10th March, 2024

Church

Vermont Viewing: 12:00 noon

Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment:

VERRAL FELIX BOWMAN a.k.a. Wrecker

Sunday, 10th March, 2024 Richland Park

Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Richland Park Cemetery

VERTHYLIN ROSIE GILL

Sunday, 10th February, 2024 Church of God Worldwide Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Fitz

Sunday, 10th March, 2024

Layou Grace &

Viewing: 12:00 noon

Service: 100 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

Sunday, 10th February, 2024

St. Bethel

Spiritual

Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Cedars 3 bedrm Property on 7,955 sq.ft. - $325,000.00 - H130

Twenty Hill 7,720 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $115,800.00 - BB676

Revierre 26,410 sq.ft @ $4.00 p.s.f. - $105,640.00 - BB193

McKies Hill 5 bedrm Property on 4,026 sq.ft. - $450,000.00 - H403

(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431donp@vincysurf.comwhatsappcell

EC$1.50

THREE GRENADIANS ESCAPEES CHARGED WITH MURDER

The couple is believed to have been thrown overboard after which the suspects sailed northwards to St. Vincent, where they were arrested.

Police said the suspects hijacked a catamaran, Simplicity, owned by an American couple, Ralph Henry and Kathy Brandel, while they were aboard.

Ralph Henry and Kathy Brandel are presumed dead. They were spending the winter in the Caribbean.

Ron Mitchel, 30, Atiba Stanislaus, 25, and Trevon Robertson, 23, were each charged with capital murder, escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, robbery and kidnapping by authorities in Grenada. Stanislaus is also facing rape charges.

Police said the trio escaped prison on 18 February before hijacking the US couple’s catamaran and sailing 80 miles (128 kilometres) to St Vincent, where they were arrested on 21 February.

Grenada police commissioner Don McKenzie said at a news conference last week that the suspects allegedly committed “several criminal acts including bodily harm to the couple”.

Reports from Grenada said that the three men made their first court appearance on Thursday, March 7. They were placed on remand to await the beginning of a preliminary inquiry on March 27.

According to reports from the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF), the

couple’s boat, Simplicity, was found anchored and abandoned at Cumberland Bay, on the north-west coast of mainland St. Vincent. The men are said to have used a dingy from the yacht to come ashore at Petit Bordel, where they took refuge. They a were later apprehended by local law enforcement officers.

The yacht, according to the SVGPF, displayed signs of “apparent violence”, but the couple was not aboard.

Up to press time on Wednesday, the bodies of the American couple had not been recovered, but the couple’s family have resigned themselves into accepting that Henry and Brandel are dead.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, of which the American couple were long-time members, said that the

DROWNING AT INDIAN BAY BEACH

NEWS of a drowning at Indian Bay Beach on Saturday 9th March, 2024 was met with both surprise and disbelief by persons acquainted with that beach.

Indian Bay Beach is one of the more popular sea-bathing venues on mainland St. Vincent, enjoyed by both Vincentians and visitors alike.

It is known, according to a resident of Indian Bay, to be generally calm and “not threatening to sea-bathers.”

That is why when news broke of the drowning, speculation was that there

must have been underlying health issue that caused the fatality.

The Royal SVG Police Force confirmed in a release dated March 9, 2024, that “..police in the Calliaqua district are investigating the circumstances surrounding a suspected drowning that occurred on Saturday 9th March 2024 at Indian Bay Beach, which claimed the life of Wesley Dick, a 49-year-old labourer of South Wood/Belmont.”

The police release went on to say, “According to

preliminary investigations, the deceased and some of his friends arrived at Indian Bay Beach about 2:00 p.m. Moments after getting in, he was seen floating on the water. He was reportedly pulled ashore by other sea bathers. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was performed on Dick but he remained unresponsive.”

Officers from the Calliaqua Police Station, on receipt of the news, responded promptly, visited the scene and interviewed witnesses.

Dick was later pronounced

couple were spending the winter cruising the Eastern Caribbean. They had spent 10 years living on their boat after selling their home in Alexandria, Virginia, close to Washington DC.

dead at the scene by a medical practitioner. A post-mortem examination

was expected to be conducted on the body to ascertain the cause of death.

THREE ESCAPED prison inmates from Grenada have been charged with the murder of a US couple who went missing in late February.

Atiba Stanislaus –murder and rape accused.

Indian Bay Beach is one of the more accessible beaches on mainland St. Vincent.

Trevon Robertson –murder accused.

Ron Mitchell – murder accused.