THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 03-05-24

BODY DISCOVERED OFF ROSE BANK

RELATIVES OF REANSON MONTGOMERY KIRBY, known more familiarly as Reanson Montgomery Soleyn of Paul Over, whose body was discovered off the coast of

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

THE COMMUNITY OF ROSE BANKwas thrown into a state of speculation when a body was discovered off the coastline of that North Leeward community on Saturday, 27 April 2024, by villagers who were working on a boat engine.

Reports surfaced that the person might have sustained gunshot injuries, but police have since ruled out foul play and identified the deceased as Reanson Montgomery Kirby, a 34-year-old tradesman from Paul Over (Murray’s Village), who went missing two days earlier.

The police confirmed the discovery following a video posted on a social media

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Reanson Montgomery Kirby was missing for three days before his lifeless body was discovered some distance away from where he first went missing.

Left: The blurred image is that of Reanson Montgomery Kirby, floating on the water, as seen by the fishermen.

FAMILY MOURNS LOSS OF A BROTHER

Rose Bank, said they are in a state of sadness.

Kirby, 35 years old, went missing on Thursday 25th April after going for a swim at Brighton Beach. Two days later (Saturday 27th April) his body was discovered off the coast of Rose Bank. His autopsy confirmed that he died from drowning.

Catherine Soleyn, sister of the deceased, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that her family is deeply saddened by Reanson’s passing.

“He was a friendly person,

very humble, cheerful and mannerly, always smiling and fun to be around,” a grieving Catherine said, said the grieving sister, adding that her brother “loved going to the beach.”

Catherine said that her brother was working at a construction site at Brighton (Beach) and that it was a coworker who first reported him missing.

Reflecting on the last time she interacted in person with

Continued on Page 3.

The clear water of

Right:

the Brighton Beach where Reanson might have taken his last swim.

Catherine Soleyn – sister of Reanson Kirby/Soleyn said her brother loved the sea water.

V News 3

Vincymas, Cricket combine

THE LAUNCHING OF VINCYMAS 2024 will take a different format from the previous years.

Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC)

Ricardo Adams made the disclose during a press briefing on Monday, held at the office of the CDC, Victoria park.

It was, in fact, a joint press briefing involving the CDC and the Local Organising Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup, represented by its Chief of Mission and Chairman- Mike Findlay, and its Head of

Marketing- Avanell DaSilva

And with the decision to have Vincymas and ICC T20 World Cup share the spotlight this year, the fusion of these two events has been dubbed “Runs & Rhythm”.

Adams said that although it has been a tradition for Vincymas to be launched on the first Saturday in May, the decision had alreay been taken to revisit that launch period.

After considering the SVG hosting of ICC World Cup matches

during the build-up period to Vincymas, and the SVG leg of the ICC World Cup Trophy Tour set for May 15 — 17, 2024, it was decided to merge the launch of Vincymas with the Trophy Tour.

The CDC, Adams said, in making this decision, “hopes to capitalize on the attention that the Trophy Tour is expected to provide.”

“Organizing the ICC trophy tour was a great chance for us to begin the fusion of “Runs and

Body discovered off Rose Bank

definitive cause of death,” the police report added.

Rhythm”. As the whole ICC tournament and our participation in it has been tagged with this slogan, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to showcase our culture and traditions,” Adams emphasized.

Adams told the press briefing.

The local tour of the ICC T20 World Cup trophy will begin on May 15th when the Trophy will arrive at the Argyle International Airport to a welcoming ceremony.

the youth will feature steelbands, calypso and masqueraders.

site. The video showed men in a fishing boat looking on somewhat aghast, at a body of a male wearing a pair of red shorts floating on the water.

According to a police report, Kirby ‘…failed to return from a routine swimming break at Brighton Beach during his workday at nearby construction site. The last known clothing he was wearing was the red soccer pants.”

“After the discovery of the body, the SVG Coast Guard was alerted and the body was retrieved and transported to the Kingstown Mortuary. At this stage, no foul play is suspected. However, a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the

Ezra Williams, one of the Rose Bank men who discovered the body, told THE VINCENTIAN that he and some villagers were working on a boat engine sometime after 5 pm, when a water taxi operator informed them that there was a body floating on the water.

“So, when we go and check the scene, that is what we encounter. And it had some police did come ‘pon the bayside dealing with a scene so they end up and call the Coast Guard ….. So, we just bin wait awhile until them come, to show them where the body and them take up the body and stuff,” Williams told THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Brighton Beach is on the South East coast of mainland St. Vincent. Rose Bank is on the North West Coast.

“We had already planned to launch Vincymas this year in a unique way, by moving it out of Victoria Park and taking it to the streets of Kingstown. With a lot of eyes on the ICC trophy tour, we are confident that it will bring additional attention to the launch of Vincymas and help us achieve our goal of promoting our culture to the world,”

It will end on May 17, with the CDC organizing an event dubbed Vincymas Super Bowl, at Heritage Square.

There will be a Vincymas DNA Parade before the Vincymas Super Bowl.

The parade is expected to feature steelbands, masquerade troops and T-Shirt bands.

The Vincymas Super Bowl, with emphasis on

Meanwhile, Findlay highlighted ongoing extensive work at the main field at Arnos Vale, where five matches of the 2024 ICC T/20 World Cup will be staged - June 13, 14, and 16, and two Super Eight games June 22 and 24.

He acknowledged delays in the work scheduled but he anticipates that everything will be in place for the event.

The work at the main Arnos Vale field is estimated to cost $37-$38 million, potentially rising to $40 million with outstanding bills.

Family mourns loss of a brother

Continued from Frontpage.

her brother, Catherine said she last saw her brother a week before he was discovered at Rose Bank. They had got together the previous Saturday to “cut down some trees” at a property

at Sion Hill, which they were “fixing to rent.”

She said that she spoke to her brother on Thursday morning, apparently just before he went missing. “We spoke on the phone about renting the house to ah lady,” said Soleyn on the last conversation she had

with her brother.

She said that their 80year-old mother is obviously grieving.

“We are comforting her with words of encouragement at this time,” Catherine said, adding, “I am so heartbroken words cannot describe how I feel.”

Continued from Frontpage.

Adult jailed for raping minor

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

A 24-YEAR-OLD MANwho sexually abused a minor about six years ago, causing her tremendous physical and mental suffering, was sentenced to 8 years, 7 months, and 3 days in prison on Tuesday. His prison time will include two years of counselling.

In handing down the penalty at High Court 2, Justice Rickie Burnett said that because of the nature of the case he would refer to the offender as C.J and the victim as A.B. As a result, THE VINCENTIAN will not publish any names or addresses in this matter.

The accused was charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, an offense which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He was represented by attorney Jomo Thomas while Crown Counsel Alana Cumberbatch led the case for the Crown.

The offense was reportedly committed

between December 31, 2018, and December 18, 2019, when the victim was either 9 or ten at the time of the offence. It was reported to have been committed at the house where the accused lived along with the victim, and some other relatives.

A nine-member jury had found the accused guilty, but sentencing was adjourned pending a Social Inquiry Report.

The facts showed that on a day unknown between the dates in question, the victim came home from school and the accused asked her to plait his hair. Before she did, she asked a relative if she do as the accused had requested and she got the OK to do so.

When the victim finished plaiting the man’s hair, she told him that she was going upstairs.

But the accused held onto her, and although she tried to get away, he subdued her and had sex with her. She did not immediately tell anyone what happened.

High Court to sentence burglar

ARNOS VALE resident

Michael George has been committed to the High Court for sentencing on an aggravated burglary charge.

George has been charged with, that on January 20, 2024, at Arnos Vale, he entered the Beauty Café Spa, as a trespasser, and stole two white blinks motion detector cameras valued at EC$350, and EC$180 in cash, the property of Shennique Browne of Prospect, and at the time had with him a weapon of offense, to wit, a cutlass.

Aggravate burglary is an indictable charge that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Subsequently, she told a family member. The accused, according to the Social Inquiry Report, attended a local secondary school, following which he went to Antigua & Barbuda where he continued his education. He worked as a gardener, prior to his conviction, and told the case worker he smoked marijuana for asthma.

As a child, he was not known to be a troublemaker, and his father told the social worker that the accused did not live with him nor spend much time with his biological mother, and was said to have suffered from depression in the past.

One villager said the incident appeared to be

out of character, while another described the accused as disrespectful. He was also described as a frequent marijuana user.

In the victim’s impact statement, she said the physical pain she felt could not be compared to the mental suffering she had to endure following the incident. She complained of having nightmares, of not eating and losing weight. She no longer had interest in socializing, and went through physical and behavioural changes.

The Court placed the offense in Level A in terms of seriousness.

Justice Burnett stressed the abuse of trust, noting that the accused and the victim

lived in the same house, along with the victim’s relatives, and there was evidence that the victim had plaited his hair before.

The Judge started at 12 years which is 40 percent of the maximum penalty.

In relation to the aggravating factors of the offense, Burnett referencing the evidence said the victim spoke of seeing something like “snat” coming from the accused’s penis, which the Judge said was consistent with ejaculation.

In relation to the mitigating, Burnett noted there was no violence.

The Judge did not find any aggravating factors

Magistrate recuses himself from

gun case

for the offender, but, in relation to the mitigating, he pointed out that the accused was a good prospect for rehabilitation. He also highlighted his young age, and good character prior to this conviction.

The Judge expressed the view that for the offender the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating, and reduced the sentence by three years, bringing it down to nine years.

Time spent on remand was also deducted, resulting in the final sentence of eight years, seven months and three days.

The Judge also ordered two years of counselling for the accused, while in prison.

However, George, who appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, said that he wanted to plead guilty to the offense.

Senior Magistrate Colin John explained to him that as a magistrate, he did not have the power to sentence him, as it was a matter for the High Court, but there was an option in the law that if he pleads guilty at the magisterial level, the matter could be sent to the High Court for sentencing.

George agreed and maintained his guilty plea.

THE GUNand ammunition matter involving Ashano Benjamin, the son of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Benjamin, and co-accused Kemani Gould, has been transferred from the Serious Offenses Court to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. Benjamin, 26, and Gould, 27, both of Barrouallie, have been jointly charged with possession of a .40 Smith and Wesson pistol and six rounds of .40 ammunition, without licenses, stemming from a police action at Arnos Vale, between October 7 and 28, 2023.

However, when the matter which had been before the Serious Offenses Court since November 13, 2023 was called again in that Court on April 24, Senior Magistrate Colin John, before any request for recusal was made by the defence, declared that he would have to recuse himself from the matter.

His decision was made on the basis that he was Commissioner of Police when the men were charged, and one of the defendants is the son of Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin who served

under him. The matter was then transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court for a trial date to be set.

The men maintained their innocence when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and a trial date was set for June 19.

On their first appearance at the Serious Offenses Court on November 13, 2023, the men had pleaded not guilty before then Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne and were each granted $15,000 bail with one surety.

Browne had ordered the disclosure of all relevant material to the case by November 20, 2023, and the matter was adjourned to November 27 for trial.

However, on November 14, Benjamin’s lawyer Grant Connell made an application to the Court for the gun, in question, to be forensically examined for the detection of fingerprint.

But the then Chief Magistrate suggested that Connell wait until November 20 to see whether the prosecution included the forensic analysis of the gun as

part of their disclosure.

When the matter was called on November 27, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that the Prosecution was ready to proceed but the Court had received letters from Connell and Gould’s lawyer Israel Bruce requesting an adjournment. He noted that Connell said he was engaged in another matter in the High Court, while Bruce was overseas on other legal business. As a result, the matter was further adjourned to January 11.

However, there were delays of some matters since the Serious Offenses Court did not sit for several months, this occasioned by the Chief Magistrate’s appointment as acting High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (OECS) to serve from January 8 to March 31, 2024, in St. Lucia. She was elevated to High Court Judge of the OECS on April 1, 2024.

Former Commissioner of Police Colin John, who was sworn in as Senior Magistrate on December 1, 2023, and initially presided over the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, recently took up duties at the Serious

Senior Magistrate

thing and recused himself from presiding over a case the build-up to which he would have been involved in his former capacity as Commissioner of Police.

Offenses Court, triggering the resumption of that Court, while former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Tamika McKenzie, who was sworn in as Senior Magistrate on April 2, 2024, presides over the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

In relation to the matter involving Benjamin and Gould, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on November 27, “we have received disclosure, but there was no forensic report as requested by the defense, but we will maintain our request for the gun to be forensically analyzed in St. Lucia.”

Colin John did the honourable

Michael George will have his sentenced pronounced by the High Court.

TSSS students resume classes

STUDENTS ATTENDING

THOMAS SAUNDERS

SECONDARY SCHOOL

(TSSS) began to trickle back to classes on Thursday. School and Education officials expected that classes at that institution would have returned to their normal schedule on Thursday.

The disruption of classes last week at the TSSS and the neighbouring Girls’ High School was caused by an infestation of fleas.

Both schools are situated, temporarily according to government officials, at the southern

end of the runway of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport, a move occasioned by major renovations at the Girls’ High School and the still to be decided extent of work at the TSSS, both in Kingstown.

Reports are that packs of dogs roam unmolested in the area around both schools.

Students of the Girls’ High School returned to classes on Monday after it was deemed to have suffered less of an “attack” by the fleas, though, there are also

Of the two schools temporarily located at Arnos Vale, the TSSS has been the one to have borne the brunt of the flea infestation problem. (Photo Credit: St. Vincent Times)

reports, albeit unconfirmed, of a wood lice problem at that school.

Minister of Education Curtis King had expressed optimism that classes would have been able to resume by Friday last week, but that was wishful thinking given the extent of fumigation and other measures that would have had to be taken to deal with the infestation.

The Ministry of Education has

Plane with Cubans not allowed to land

The aircraft reportedly with the Cubans aboard belonged to the Turpial Airlines, a Venezuela-based airline. (planespotters.net)

A CHARTER FLIGHT, with some 60 Cubans on board and operated by Turpial Airlines, was denied landing right at the Argyle International Airport last Saturday.

Turpial Airlines is listed as a Venezuelan airline with its operating hub located at Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, in that South American republic.

Speaking on the We FM Issue at Hand progamme on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed the action by the authorities, and went on to say that the government he leads will not allow St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be used as a transit stop for individuals who want to go to other places, and pointed to the US Southern Border as the place of choice.

And while this country has no visa restriction on Cubans, the Prime Minister recognized, “…. the Cubans who come here and work, which is a relatively small number, have to get

acknowledged that a large number of dogs frequent the area because it was a place where people ate.

The problems of the stray dogs continue even in the face of pleas to dog owners in the area to either tether their animals or keep them in their yards.

“We have treated the school grounds and implemented various measures, such as constructing a fence, to decrease the number of stray dogs. There are times when difficulties continue to exist despite your best efforts,”

Minister King said.

The Ministry of

Agriculture, in a release dated April 29, appealed for the removal of all animals from schools and other government compounds with immediate effect. If they fail to do so, the relevant authorities will take the necessary action, the release stated.

work permits; that is a different story than people coming in mass; we just would not allow that.”

This recent denial of landing rights follows a similar action taken on April 7 this year, when two flights, operated by two different airlines were refused entry.

One flight, reportedly originated in Nigeria but its manifest showed that there were not many Nigerians among its 374 passengers.

The other flight, operated by a Bulgarian registered airline, was said to have originated in Dubai with a flight plan to fly to Morocco and onwards to the AIA. Its manifest included a majority number of passengers from Bangladesh, Nepal and Cameroon.

The clamp down on flights with questionable motives came after this country imposed visa restrictions on Bulgaria, Cameroon, Nepal and Bangladesh, citing national security concerns as the basis for the decision.

Help comes for Lemuel

by GLORIAH...

THIRD FORM ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL(SVGS) student, Lemuel Richards, hails from the Paget Farm community on Bequia. He is currently the VicePresident of the Bequia Police Youth Club.

This pleasant, respectful and intelligent young man has never been shy in making a contribution to his community through his duties as Vice President of the club. As such, he functions as a role model, demonstrating confidence as he constantly encourages his peers to maintain their determination for excellence.

from ‘many mothers to one mother in need’. The Parent Teachers’ Association of the SVGS has also contributed to the cause. Other benevolent Vincentians at home and some from the Diaspora have stepped up to the plate too.

About one month ago, however, Lemuel’s life was thrown into a tailspin when he had to be rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Lemuel’s mother, Mrs. Maxine Richards, recalls that her son manifested the symptoms inclusive of weakness, difficulty standing and walking, light headedness, burning eyes and blurry vision, and headaches and backache, among others. He is very distraught, having not been able to receive an immediate diagnosis for his condition.

Mrs. Richards, who stays at his side at the hospital day and night, is constantly distressed as she witnesses wave after wave of symptoms taking him over. Recently, he has been experiencing severe headaches and regularly slips in and out of consciousness. To add to this, he has over time, begun to go through periods of “seizures”.

“He would be fine at one point and then would suddenly be gripped in a seizure,” his mother told THE VINCENTIAN, “and these are not pretty episodes to watch. They are really, really painful and scary to witness.”

As the youngster’s condition continued, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital gave a working diagnosis of “Atypical Guillian Barre Syndrome”. It was

however, recommended that further medical consultation be sought to confirm this diagnosis or present another which is indicative of his symptoms.

After much consultation and planning, his case was accepted by the St. Augustine Private Hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. Towards this end, Lemuel and his mom travelled to this facility by Masa Air Ambulance last Monday.

Situations like these would require funds which the affected individuals may not readily have at their disposal. It was here that the benevolence of individuals came to the fore. Firstly, the SVGS, through a team of teachers, organised radio talks to launch a plea for financial aid from well-wishers.

Then, the “Heart-to-Heart” initiative was born within the school where parents donate funds to hand over to Mrs. Richards as a Mother’s Day gift

Additionally, the Bequia Dynamic Investors, who were witnesses firsthand to the role that Lemuel has selflessly played among his peers, organised a food sale on Saturday, 13th April, which was well supported. In the pipeline too is a Cinema Day where students will head to the Russell’s Cinema to view a movie, the proceeds of which will go to their colleague’s health cause. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. has also made their compassion felt with a donation towards this cause.

Lemuel’s case has brought to the fore, the compassion and understanding of one person to another. The song says: “Who feels it knows it” but be sure, one does not have to see or experience it, to feel it. Feelings do come from the heart and then knowing it compels action. Here’s to Lemuel’s sure and swift recovery.

Lemuel Richards, student of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Lemuel and his mom at his Grade 6 graduation in Bequia.

Committee members of Heart to Heart Initiative; (left and second from right) make a donation of funds collected thus far from students, to Lemuel and his mother.

Lemuel in one of his better days, receives a visit from his Form Teacher, Ms. Jacqueline King, and some of his classmates.

Arnos Vale on target

THE TWO MAJOR UNDERTAKING as far a upgrading of the Arnos Vale Playing Field is concerned, are the installation of lights and an electronic scoreboard.

Barring a major natural disaster, these two undertakings are expected to be completed and tested in time for the Local Organising Committee of the ICC World Cup to hand over the facility to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by June 01, to be used for staging World Cup first round matches as well as Super 8 matches.

This is the assurance given by Michael Findlay, Chief of Mission and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup, when he spoke at a press conference at the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) headquarters, Victoria Park, on Monday.

“We are on target to meet the June 01 deadline,” Findlay reported with confidence, adding that the scoreboard would also serve as a replay screen and that a smaller electronic scoreboard will also be installed between the Mike Findlay stand and the president suite.

He did admit that there was still a lot of work required but he felt confident that the work was on track, especially given that it involved working with a number of independent contractors as against a single contractor.

In addition to the lights and scoreboard which according to reports would take the majority of the budget allocated for the work, extensive work has gone into relaying the pitches.

There are now six new pitches at Arnos Vale all laid according to specifications of the ICC. Local experts think that the new pitches will add a new life to the cricket here with them offering an equal chance to bowler and batter.

Findlay disclosed that the pitches at Sion Hill and Arnos Vale 2, designated as practice venues, were also redone.

And while work continues on scaling up the accommodation offered by the existing stands and redoing the party stand with inclusion of pools and a special bar, Findlay was particularly pleased to report that the electricity requirement at Arnos Vale One will be met by generators.

“We’re not solely dependent on the power from VINLEC at all,” Findlay said, adding that that given the status of the cricket World Cup, second only to the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, the country had to be assured that the source of electrical power for Arnos Vale would be separate from the national grid.

And patrons will not be allowed to park within the Arnos Vale playing fields area.

Parking will be on the runway of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua airport.

Arnos Vale Playing Field will be transformed when the renovation and remodeling currently being undertaken there is completed.

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.

Editorial

Senior citizens ...Old People

IN WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBEDas a misguided deduction, a male of personal worth and social and learned status, in one fell swoop, dispatched all ‘senior citizens’ to their dying beds.

Our learned person was parading on our Prime Minister and not even the fact that he might have had a ‘little too much to drink’, excused him for his tirade. He insisted then that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves should give up the leadership of the country; that he should take a bow out of politics and allow a new generation of politicians to come to the fore.

His one and only reason for his tirade was that Dr. Gonsalves was too old to be in politics but, as though to appease himself, he added that Dr. Gonsalves was not the only “old person” who has over-stayed his time.

If we follow our ‘learned’ friend’s school of thought, it would be fair to conclude that he has in fact, relegated ‘old’ people/senior citizens to a shelf life — and once that (shelf) life has expired, “old people” have no value.

The weakness in our friend’s argument is that he never once advanced an age when ‘old people’ become incompetent, useless, inadequate and therefore, and rightfully so, if they are so assessed, should retreat from their spheres of endeavor, and in the case of the Prime Minister from public life.

There is no doubt that leaders under 50 are now trending both regionally and internationally, as is witnessed in our own Grenada, St. Kitts/Nevis and far afield as Singapore.

But then again, one can site as the flip side to this, the possible return of a 73-year-old Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy currently locked in general elections.

The point to which our friend should wake up to, is that people should never be judged, assessed, on the basis of their age but rather on and by their performance. That is why it makes thorough sense to have the people choose their leaders, for them to decide when their leader is a spent force not solely because of age

but more so because of performance, and not have leaders foisted upon them.

To discard an old person for a young person does not necessarily mean that is a change for good.

But our friend, with one statement, and for whatever ‘other reasons’ he might have for tearing into “old people”, the PM included in his assessment, is guilty of denigrating far too many senior, retired people who continue to live full, happy, healthy and moreover, productive lives. These are people who are able, capable, with desires to pursue new goals and dreams.

It is when they cease to be articulate, when they give unquestionable signs of failing in body and mind, that we can say it is time for time to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

We have to be careful, unlike our learned friend, that we do not relegate senior citizens to an early bed.

Let us be mindful that there are many “senior citizens/old people” making differences in various fields. They consider and make decisions as directors of boards of private and public corporations. They give extensively of their time and expertise to not-for-profit organisations and their churches.

But, to get back to our friend’s ‘take’ on the question of age, could it be that his thinking is one that says that his generation of politicians have failed the younger generation? That political leaders have overstayed their time both in terms of their chronological age and their contribution to advancing the nation’s good?

Whatever the case, it is the people with the power to do so in a given circumstance, who will determine when someone has served his time as leader. It is the people concerned who have the right and are gifted with the privilege to decide when a leader is “too old”, i.e. that he has nothing more to contribute or that he has taken the people along a path that is not in keeping with safeguarding the interest of the entity he leads.

Should age be eliminated from the factors when considering the question of leadership?

Vote and pay your taxes

LISTENING TO TALK RADIO in SVG is interesting. Sometimes you can be so stunned by what people say that you are left thinking, did he say that out loud? It’s incredible how far we have travelled only to get this far.

Over the last two weeks, I learned that some knowledgeable people and opinion-makers among us are still willing to proclaim that they have never voted proudly without explanation.

I have no insight into when we will have the next voting opportunity in SVG. Therefore, some may consider this call out to all my fellow Vincentians to vote every chance you get as too early. However, I disagree; voter education is an ongoing process that must not be restricted to “election season.”

Every election has consequences and every vote matters. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about, like quality healthcare, economic development, quality education, or whatever interest you may have that you need addressing. Your vote is your last chance and sometimes your only opportunity to let your voice be heard. When you decide not to vote, you allow others to determine what’s best for you. Do not forget how close the results of the North Leeward constituency were in the last election. I heard some friends say how happy they were that they stood in line last Election Day to ensure they registered their vote. I also heard from a few people how much they regretted their decision to stay away from the polls that day.

In short, it’s your right; when you choose not to vote, you give up your voice. Today, every Vincentians over the age of 18 has the right to vote. It is important to remember that this was not always the case. The average working person was not allowed to vote before 1951, and this right did not come without a struggle. We all pay taxes one way or another. Every five years, we are given the opportunity to decide who will spend that money on our behalf. Please exercise that right and vote. If you don’t like how much money is spent on tourism or want more money dedicated to healthcare or road repairs, vote. Voting is your only opportunity to change the course of

our country peacefully.

This is a kind reminder to begin paying attention to what’s happening around you. Note the things you like about our country’s operation. Pay attention to the things you don’t like as well and prepare yourself to challenge those asking for your vote in the next election on how they will do things differently or better. Remember, you and only you should decide who will spend your money and build your community.

Another issue that sucked up some air space last week was the Unicomer case between them and the Inland Revenue Department. And believe me, this one takes the cake, in my opinion. I also heard someone “rooting for Courts” over the Internal Revenue Department. In summary, the Caribbean Supreme Court rejected the Unicomer, Court’s parent company’s claim that they did not owe the government over $12 million in taxes. Naturally, as expected, they decided to appeal this decision to the Privy Council. That’s their right. What got me was the comment that they are routing for the “underdog.” Now, without passing any judgment, this is a multinational company with over $1.3 billion (US) in revenue in 2021–about four times the size of SVG’s annual operating budget. Unicomer is not a group of companies I will refer to as an underdog. Now, I am not taking any side in this case. That would not be very smart of me since I know nothing about the case. I am sure the argument between both sides of this case is the finer points between tax evasion and tax avoidance. I have no reason to think this company is deliberately trying to cheat the government and our people out of taxes owed. Regardless of the outcome, we will all benefit. Either the company will be ordered to pay if it fails to convince the Privy Council that its interpretation of the law is correct, and the government will collect a sizable amount of money to provide goods and services to the people of SVG. Or the government’s application of the law is incorrect. This is a significant case for both sides.

Horatio.

We dismantled the Traffic Lights

I WRITEto bring to your attention to a matter which has been a topical conversation among many citizens over the years. This is the dismantling of the traffic lights in Kingstown by the present government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines upon their accession to power.

This decision not only erases the progress made by the previous New Democratic Party administration but also poses serious implications for the safety and efficiency of our roads.

Under the leadership of the New Democratic Party, the installation of traffic lights was a proactive measure to manage the increasing vehicular population in our country. The traffic lights served as a vital tool for regulating traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian safety and reducing congestion on our streets. However, it is deeply troubling that the present government chose to dismantle these essential infrastructure assets.

It is evident that this decision was motivated by political agendas rather than the best interest of the people. By erasing the legacy of the New Democratic Party, the present government has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the wellbeing of our community and the safety of our roads. Furthermore, although the traffic lights were dismantled many years ago, this decision could not have been worse.

Presently with the vehicle population surpassing thirty thousand, our streets are becoming increasingly congested, posing challenges for both motorists and pedestrians alike. In addition, many citizens have observed over the years that the dismantling of the traffic lights only exacerbates these issues forcing more police officers to be stationed at various street junctions to manually control traffic. This not only puts a strain on police resources but also diverts officers from other crucial police duties, thereby, compromising public safety.

It is, therefore, imperative that we hold our politicians accountable for actions such as this. The dismantling of the traffic lights is a step backwards for our capital and we should advocate for the reinstatement of this vital traffic management tool.

Eric Samuel

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* How has the significant reduction in learnerdrivers being tutored on the roads correlate with the (alleged) numbers of persons acquiring licences?

* We have come to the end of the fourth month of the year — 120 days from Jan 01 to Apr 30. Can anyone say how many of those days the PM spent overseas and why and how much that overseas trip cost the treasury?

* Which Prime Minister was once known as the National Bird? Has the current Prime Minister now adopted this sobriquet?

* We are spending another $35 million to $40 million on upgrading the main Arnos Vale playing field. Have we devised any plans for future use of the facilities, after the World Cup has come and gone, that will generate income to maintain the facilities?

Uplifting each other

ON SUNDAY, May 4, 2014, the Girls’ High School Alumnae Association of New York (GHSAA-NY) celebrated 30 years of existence. This year, 2024, reminds us that 30 years ago, a group of loyal, dedicated caring past students of the Girls’ High School (GHS) got together and decided to form this association.

The collaboration with our Alma Mater was sanctioned by the then Headmistress, the late Mrs. Norma Ince Keizer, who had taught many in the group and a cooperative effort assisting our GHS sisters ensued.

On May 8, 2024, the school will celebrate its 113th anniversary. The recent 2024 Sports

In

activities brought to the fore the spirit of goodwill that is evident and the desire by former students to give back and help current students.

I want to thank those generous past members of Headmistress House for the recent initiative taken to build on uplifting current students. This drive is similar to that undertaken by the GHS Class of ‘62. It is remarkable and admirable that even though many former students have found themselves in different parts of the world, so many continue to make GHS a priority and are willing to help when a need is perceived.

To all who have been

involved in these lifechanging situations helping others, those who are still with us and those who have gone on before us we say thanks for leading the way forward and demonstrating that together we can do more. You stand out as excellent role models and mentors. Your selflessness is a shining example of love.

Thanks, also, to all of the teachers who positively impact the lives of others. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week May 6th - 10th. Let us continue to be kind and uplift each other as we keep our positive building of community spirit ever present. Not only does it

demonstrate that it takes a village but, also, that many hands make light work. Let us all strive to be the change that we would like to see wherever possible. It makes the world a better place.

memory of our loved ones

WE HAVEfond memories of our dearly departed loved ones and pride ourselves in giving them a good send-off. All want a straight-toheaven funeral at a church and a decent repass which is a modern celebration involving mainly a feast. This seems to replace the traditional wake where there is singing for

practically the whole night before the funeral. Much food and drinks are served then. Some families have opted to have both a wake and a repass.

In recent times too, the funeral procession has taken on a very celebratory mode with much singing on the way to the burial ground. This has been marred by

excessive drinking and has precipitated a ban on the use of alcohol.

There is healthy competition among the funeral homes, and it appears that many have scouts waiting to seize the dead after the last breath is taken.

However, they all fall short in helping to preserve the memories in

Cult or political party?

I TOOKin the celebration on April 7, 2024, that the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) staged to mark 23 years in office since being elected in 2001.

I wasn’t sure what I was taking in: Was it a cult meeting or a meeting of a political party?

Every Man Jack who took to the mic, included those from overseas and the guest performers, praised the Comrade Leader in ways that made me think they actually worshipped him. It hurt me to see a party that I supported in 2001 sink to such a level, that the party is nothing else now than the domain of one man — World Boss. Are we to have Great leader next, like they have in North Korea?

The sad thing is that the leader should know what this type of attitude encourages and what it means for leaders who tell

themselves that they are the answer to the people’s desires. Cato and Joshua had fallsfrom-grace that I am certain they never imagined they would have experienced in their lifetimes.

The questions are: Do we want the same kind

of leadership for our country that we have had for the last 23 years?

Can we take a chance with what is being offered as an alternative to the current ruling regime?

I don’t know.

Charles, Edinboro.

the printed page. In the first case, they all seem to print song sheets without as much as a life sketch of the deceased loved one. Also, many do not include a thank-you note in the pages of the local newspaper. Many are deserving of a well written account of their good deeds of their useful living. To crown it all, a gravestone in the local cemetery will permanently mark and preserve our loved ones’ resting place as they await their resurrection to eternal life according to God’s will. This resting place, however, must be minimal and allow room for those who would follow.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

Cheryl Phills King

Minimum wages and social solidarity

The issue

FROM MARCH1, 2024, minimum wages across employment units in SVG were increased significantly; the increases for employees in early childhood and elderlycare facilities take effect on May 1, 2024. These increases are the fourth since the Unity Labour Party (ULP) was elected to government in March 2001.

Basically, the increases in the minimum wages set the daily wage at, at least EC $50 and the monthly wage at no less than EC$1,000. Among the major beneficiaries are domestic (household) workers, employees in the distributive trades (retail and wholesale), watchmen/watchwomen and security guards, cooks and other employees in restaurants and hotels, secretaries and office attendants, and agricultural workers.

Benefits relating to working hours, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, holidays, and overtime have improved, markedly, at the minimum.

Here and there some employers have laid off one or two workers on account of these increases, but they are getting jobs elsewhere; here and there, some employers have resisted the payment of the new minimum wages; and a few employers have actually failed and/or refused to pay the increases. Several workers have complained to the Labour Department and to their parliamentary representatives and Ministers of government. The Prime Minister himself has received complaints from workers and he has addressed them promptly and successfully.

Workers are strongly advised to take all reasonable and lawful steps to ensure that they receive their due increases. It would be helpful, too, if the trade unions and civic-minded groups join in the insistence for the payment of at least the minimum wages, in accordance with law. Do not leave it to the government alone. Fundamental precept of fairness/justice

One of the limbs of the Preamble in the Constitution of SVG emphasises the fundamental precept of “just economic rewards for labour”. To be sure, market forces determine substantially the price of labour; but it must be fairly recognised that this “reward for labour” is usually below the extent of the value of that labour to the employer. Of course, the employer, in order to stay in business, has to make a profitable return on the investment that he puts into the business. Unfortunately, too many employers consider their capital investment, and attendant risks, as solely their considerations. The wise, and truly successful, employers know that without their productive labour force, their capital investments would come to naught. Thus, the wise employers ensure that their workers are fairly remunerated, properly trained, and cared for. Invariably, such employer pays above the minimum wage. The bad, unfair, and greedy employers fight down the minimum wage and treat their workers horribly and exploitatively.

As a Labour government, the ULP insists on fairness, justice, and caring for employees. At the same time, the workers ought always to perform their job optimally, honestly, and with regard for their employers. Still, it must be recognised that in the capitalist system, labour is inherently unequal to capital. Thus, the State, through the elected Labour government, is required to set certain minimum levels of earnings and conditions of work consistent with fairness and justice in all the circumstances.

Domestic workers

immemorial, domestic workers in SVG, and elsewhere, have often been doubly exploited: low wages below a livable wage; and as women – domestic workers are mainly women – including through patriarchal violence. The new minimum wage regulations address the following centrally: Raising minimum wages from EC $600 per month to $1200 for a 6-day week of 44 hours; reducing the hours worked per day from 10-to-12 hours (depending on whether you live in or not) to a flat 8 hours, including one hour for lunch; increasing maternity leave from 6 weeks to 10 weeks, minimum; and providing for paternity leave.

Householders who hire domestic workers now have the option, for example, of hiring someone for 3 days and pay $600; this would free up the domestic worker to do other work on the other days. Under the new regime, householders and domestic workers can make arrangements for flexible working hours on a daily basis; and so forth.

There have been some complaints from some householders, including some public servants, about the new regime for domestic workers. However, they are reasonable people and must realise that the old regime was unfair to the worker in many respects.

This new regime for domestic workers is in fulfillment to a pledge made by Comrade Ralph two years ago in his Independence Day speech. This is a practical blow for the further empowerment of working-class women. And the struggle continues.

Workers in the retail sector

Among exploited women have been many female workers in the retail trade (they are mainly women) in Middle Street and elsewhere. The new minimum wage regulations improve markedly the terms of employment of these female workers. Most employers have complied, but some have been recalcitrant. They maintain this recalcitrance at their own peril; the State is not powerless to respond appropriately in defence of these workers.

Unbelievably, some professionals (including some doctors and lawyers) have had to be pulled kicking and screaming to comply with the new regulations. The Labour Department is on their cases.

Agricultural workers

The farming sector in a huge number of cases has been already paying EC $50 per day for agricultural workers. Thus, this new minimum wage will push up in practice, the daily wage above $50, given the dynamics of the labour market in the agricultural sector.

Summation

The ULP has again shown that it is, and always will be, a labour government. Meanwhile, the opposition NDP has been talking out of two sides of its mouth: Claiming that the increase is not big enough and at the same time blaming the increase for the few persons whom employers have laid off. The NDP actually has no authority to speak on this subject: In its almost 17 years in government (July 1984 to March 2001) it increased minimum wages only once and by a puny amount!

As the people have been saying across SVG: “Always ULP for SVG”!

Let us celebrate and thank the working people for their tremendous contribution to the development of SVG. They deserve their increases in the minimum wages!

Sport – An integral part of the new economy

SUNDAY28th April 2024, saw the climax of a very successful Senator Shevern John’s T10 Cricket Competition in Owia. On entering politics, Senator John has demonstrated her love for sport. The people of North Windward can expect more organised sporting events and effective representation when Senator John is given the opportunity to represent them in parliament.

Senator John made the following remarks at the end of the competition: “Thank you all for a wonderful day. Didn’t all the teams play brilliantly? What a day of cricket! My friends, I am honoured to be here. The matches today showed us why we have so much to be rightly proud of in our country. We competed fiercely but we come together in a spirit of support and unity. I am so proud to be standing here today. North Windward is my home. North Windward is where I raise my family. North Winward is where my family and friends call home. North Windward is a wonderful place.

“North Windward is a place of mountains, beaches and fertile valleys. But beyond its natural beauty, North Windward is defined by the resilience of its people in the face of adversity. Time and again, the communities of this region have weathered the storms that have swept through our island. From hurricanes to economic challenges, from volcanic eruptions to global pandemics, the people of North Windward have stood tall, united in their resolve to rebuild, renew, and thrive.

“Today, as we reflect on the challenges of the past and look toward the promise of the future, let us celebrate the countless stories of resilience and perseverance that define North Windward. Let us honour the fishermen who brave the tempestuous seas to provide for their families, the farmers who toil under the hot sun to cultivate the land, and the artisans who preserve our cultural heritage through their craft.

“But our celebration must also be tempered with a commitment to addressing the pressing needs and challenges facing North Windward. As we gather here today, let us pledge to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that will empower the people of this region to unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.

“On a sporting note, we have exciting plans for a multipurpose sporting facility here in North Windward to grow and nurture our exciting sporting talent. For those of you who haven’t seen the plans, follow me on my Facebook page and I’ll post about the plans there.

“In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of unity, resilience, and progress that define North Windward and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. As we stand on the threshold of a new era of opportunity and transformation, let us march forward with courage, compassion, and determination, knowing that the best days of North Windward are yet to come.”

Our plan

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is cognizant of the importance of sport

to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is why we have listed sport as an integral part of the new economy. We have identified the new economy, agriculture, tourism, and the blue economy as the four economic pillars to reconstruct the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We recognize that achievements in sport provide opportunities for young people to achieve higher education, employment and better livelihoods.

One of our sporting programmes is the National Athlete Program. This program will be similar to the National Scholarship Program to support local athletes to reach their true potential. This program will ensure that elite and emerging athletes have financial support to reach their goals, with the knowledge that they are able to train, compete and have their best chances to win. These hard-working sportsmen and sportswomen deserve our support to achieve their goals brining joy to us all and glory for our country.

The National Athlete Development Program is also a part of our ongoing commitment to young people, and builds on the Youth Guarantee Pledge we made last year. The pledge affirms that by the end of our first term in office, every young person will have the opportunity of a job or further training or internship to help lead to a job. Programs such as these will help unlock a brighter future for young Vincentians who for too long have been neglected by the ULP government.

The NDP will also pay special attention to the development of sport facilities. We will implement a framework for upgrading and management of sports facilities at constituency and community levels. An NDP government will implement a framework, which will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded to accommodate their respective sporting disciplines. Community Sport Councils will be developed and sustained, eagerly taking ownership of the maintenance of the established facilities and supporting the programs for physical activity and sport in their respective communities. We will also develop at least one playing field in each constituency to the extent that it can accommodate regionally organized sports. These facilities will be fully lit and will have stands and changing facilities. And, develop projects to convert the surfaces of playing fields into artificial surfaces, particularly in areas where grass does not grow properly.

The sport of swimming should be at a much higher level in the competitive arena. As a result, the NDP will construct a National Aquatic Centre to attract national, regional and international competitions and to grow the sport locally. Other areas of development that the NDP will focus on include the construction of a national indoor sports complex, floored with special sport flooring materials, to accommodate sports such as basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis and squash. The NDP is committed to the development of sport which will benefit the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Views

V Professional Agility

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” – Stephen Hawking (19482018) – English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author.

INTERACTING WITH YOUNG ADULTS regularly present golden opportunities to converse about their career paths, challenges, victories, regrets, and aspirations. Several have testified of how traumatic it sometimes is to not know which career they should pursue or, in some cases, how to transition from one career to another. Some of these intelligent young adults may have initially pursued a particular profession based on the lure of “wealth” only to discover that money or material gain is not all to life and living. On reflection, they realize that true joy comes from engaging in an occupation that they are passionate about. In this regard, they could realize that individuals could have multiple talents and abilities that enable them to transit from pursuing one career path and embracing another. An individual who is passionate about teaching can refocus to become a medical doctor or the manager of a business enterprise. Professional agility enables such situations to emerge.

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti (1475-1564) was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. He demonstrated a breath of skills and went deep in each of them. His versatility allowed him to work on a wide range of projects. These included, but were not limited to, the sophisticated details of the Sistine Chapel ceiling to the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica. He stands out as a perfect example of mankind’s ability to excel in multiple areas of interest and professions. And while we encourage our wards to focus on their area of passion as they pursue their careers, we must also appreciate that they may have the skills and abilities to transition several. In other words, an accomplished surgeon could also be a brilliant mathematician, a good musician, and/or an IT specialist. Our society, and especially our education system, should encourage professional agility.

Professional agility recognizes the capability of individuals and organizations to comfortably and seamlessly adapt to changing opportunities, demands, and circumstances. With the ever-advancing development of technology (especially with the emergence and the expansion of artificial intelligence) professional agility has become increasingly vital for success. Professional agility enables individuals and teams to engage in strategic foresight; to anticipate the likely changes and to be proactive in developing strategies that will enable them and their organizations to pursue the opportunities that will arise. Such individuals champion the need to develop skills and techniques for reducing the likely impact of emerging threats. It demands the development of a range of competencies and actions that include critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, and creativity. Managers, leaders, and human resource professionals must be especially conscious of the need to encourage problem solving and critical thinking skills within their establishments. Individuals who possess such attributes can speedily adjust their goals, strategies, tactics, and actions in response to evolving

circumstances and feedback. Those in authority must therefore avoid the temptation to muzzle and/or constrain those who are open-minded, innovative, and curious to challenge the status quo. This writer is not advocating anarchy in any way or form. The advocacy advanced here is for consideration to be given to those who may advance positive changes within and beyond the workplace; individuals who will look past a crisis situation to see opportunities for growth and development. Persons whose professions may take a detour but they are not deterred. They focus on being the best that they can possibly be regardless of the circumstances.

Dr. Terri Karelle Reid, a Cubantrained Jamaican veterinarian, delivered the feature address at the opening of the Rotary 7030 District Conference in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on Thursday 17th April 2024. She shared some valuable insights in relation to how her professional agility (my description) assisted her in transitioning from veterinary science to become a leading Caribbean’s event host, a media and communications practitioner, an internationally acclaimed speaker, television personality, and author of “My Brand Compass”. The valuable insights shared reminded the audience of the importance of persistence even against great odds, the refusal to compromise principles, and the importance of character, commitment, and compassion.

Resilience is an essential aspect of professional agility. Resilient individuals have the capacity to rebound from failures, setbacks, diversions, disappointments, or adversity. They demonstrate perseverance and determination. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

A commitment to continuous learning and development must be considered critical to cultivating and maintaining professional agility. Embracing the challenge of lifelong learning is of paramount importance if we are to stay abreast with the rapidly evolving business and professional landscape. It is insufficient and dangerous to be lulled into a sense of mediocrity and being satisfied with average performance. Being good is not good enough. Good must give way to great. This calls for a commitment to constant and neverending improvement noting that as good as we are, we can be better. Such an attitude creates and sustains the professional agility needed to excel in our ever-increasing competitive world; navigating uncertainty, coping with crisis situations, and adapting to change.

Pursuing and obtaining professional agility empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and to innovate; pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Homes, schools, workplaces, and communities are enriched by those who commit to the pursuit of professional agility.

NDP’s Folly, ULP Irresponsibility

OUR GOVERNANCE STRUCTUREis rot.

The political class is bankrupt. We lack political hygiene. Mediocrity runs amok. We have to make a sharp turn away from this sad state of affairs if SVG is to chart a course that uplifts the majority of our people.

The shifting policy of the opposition New Democratic Party in China reflects political immaturity and a lack of understanding of the modern world.

The spending policy of the governing Unity Labour Party in preparations for a few matches in the upcoming ICC T20 cricket world cup is proof positive that this government is recklessly irresponsible with the nation’s finances.

Two weeks ago, the New Democratic Party, through its vice president, St Clair Leacock, offered the clearest indication yet that his party is about to renege on its 2016 decision to break relations with the Republic of China in Taiwan and establish relations with the People’s Republic of China. Leacock claimed that the decision to switch from Taipei to Beijing had hurt it.

A few months after the 2015 elections, former opposition leader Arnhim Eustace announced that his party would follow the vast majority of independent nations and adopt the one-China policy. Only 11 independent countries and the Vatican maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Five of the eleven countries are from the Caribbean: Belize, Haiti, St Kitts, St Lucia, and SVG.

Eustace’s announcement was a correct and principled policy change, although tactically questionable, coming as it did months after the 2015 elections. In 2022, following the earthquake in Taiwan, Leacock offered hints that his party was rethinking its position. The NDP statement, coming as it did from Leacock rather than from party leader Dr Godwin Friday, who shadows foreign policy in the national assembly, reflects the mental muddle plaguing the opposition.

Is the opposition leader afraid to announce the abandonment of the oneChina policy and send his rambunctious vice president with the message, or is Leacock yet again attempting to upstage his leader?

One thing is certain. Any recommitment to Taiwan is not in the best interest of our country. Such a shift will show the opposition as weak and indecisive. If they cannot make decisions and stick to them, what will happen if and when they walk the corridors of power and are confronted by hostile, domineering leaders and institutions? Will the party cave in and buckle under the pressures of governance responsibility that are sure to come?

The party seems to be in a quandary as to why it lost five elections in a row. Although the answers steer it in the face, it refused to draw the proper lessons. By 2010, the opposition had recovered all of the lost ground following its decisive defeat in 2001. Two percentage points separated it from the ULP in terms of popular support. It held 7 of the 15 seats in the national assembly. Across the Caribbean it became the poster child as the party that snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Rather than look at its weaknesses in candidate selection, poor grassroots organization, failure to know the lay of the land and a woeful inability to attract financing for its election war chest, the party comes up with the dumbing view that an announcement that no one remembers or talks about is hurting its election chances.

Rather than retreating from the

wise and forwardlooking One

China/Beijing diplomatic position, Dr Friday and a couple of top party officials should announce an aggressive diplomatic offensive with visits to Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba and Venezuela, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. The sole purpose of the diplomatic overdrive should be to convince leaders that whenever the elections are called, the NDP will form the next government. It is on the basis of confident advocacy that foreign leaders take you seriously and fund your efforts.

Going back to Taiwan shows weakness and lack of resolve and would amount to a monumental foreign policy blunder.

ULP fiscal irresponsibility

On April 15, Plain Talk boldly announced that the $35 million earmarked by the ULP government to prepare the Arnos Vale Playing Field for the ICC T20 cricket world cup in June will be overrun by about $10 million.

Last week, Michael Findley, our cricket sporting hero and one of the persons integral to our country’s preparations to host some T20 games, announced that SVG will spend about $50 million. This is $15 million more than was initially budgeted. The great Mikey was sent out with the news as a trial balloon. The government wanted to see how our people would respond to the spending.

Those who know Michael Findley know that he is a meticulous man. He is as mentally prepared as he is always neatly dressed. He is not one to make wild, uninformed statements. Therefore, we can be sure that when the Great One, as I refer to him, says that our bill is $50 million, he knows what he is speaking about.

By last Sunday, however, there was a growing buzz that we were wasting taxpayers’ money, extravagantly spending on the Cricket World Cup that would bring our country little or no reward. PM Gonsalves disclosed that rather than $50 million, the country will ‘spend $38 million. May be ah little more.’

In 2006/7, SVG spent $56 million to host some warm-up games for the World Cup. Therefore, in less than 20 years, SVG has spent close to $100 million, for which we see little or no returns.

West Indies cricket is at the bottom of world cricket rankings. It is true that we won to ICC T 20 championships in 2012 and 2016, but there are no bright spots of late. Last Year, we failed to qualify for the 50 overs version of the World Cup. Had we not been playing host, its questionable whether West Indies would qualify.

Sporting powerhouse Jamaica refused to spend the money required to sponsor games. St Kitts and Dominica took similarly wise positions. Why do our governments act like fools where angels fear to tread?

Whether it’s $38 plus or $50 million, we are wasting the people’s money. The government undoubtedly borrowed this money, thus creating yet another hook in the national gill. The time has come for our people to punish reckless fiscal irresponsibility.

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

RFHL: $1.0 billion in Half-Year Profits

THE CHAIRMANof Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Vincent Pereira, announced on April 29, 2024 that the Group recorded profit attributable to its equity holders of $1.0 billion for the sixmonth period ended March 31, 2024.

This represents an increase in profits after tax of $213 million or 27% over the $787 million reported in the corresponding period of the last financial year.

Excluding one-off losses reported in the prior period, core profits after tax and noncontrolling interest increased by $130 million or 15%. Total assets stood at $117.5 billion at March 31, 2024, an increase of $3.4 billion or 3.0% over the total assets at March 2023.

In announcing the results Mr. Pereira said, “The Republic Financial Holdings Limited Group (the Group) has delivered a strong performance for the halfyear ended March 31, 2024. Throughout this six-month period the Group continued to focus on advancing our strategic objectives, strengthening our market position across all the markets in which we operate, improving customer experience and maintaining our focus on delivering outcomes that are aligned to our sustainability commitments. This drive has resulted in enhanced performance across all the 16 countries in which the Group operates, as demonstrated by an increase of $5.5 billion or 9.4% in the Group’s total loan portfolio and the sustained performance in our investment portfolio which continues to benefit from the current high interest rate environment.”

He added, “The Group remains vigilant in monitoring the rapidly changing external operating

environment, and we continue to demonstrate agility and resilience in seizing opportunities and navigating challenges to sustain the Group’s performance.”

Based on these results, the Board of Directors has declared its second quarterly interim dividend of $0.60 per share payable on May 29, 2024 to all shareholders on record at May 10, 2024. This brings the total dividend for the period to $1.15, an increase of $0.05 or 4.5% over the total $1.10 paid in March 2023. Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) is the parent company of Republic Bank which operates a branch in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this after it acquired (Nov. 2018) Scotiabank’s banking operations in Guyana, St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean territories. (Source: RFHL)

ECGC sponsors St. Lucia Jazz Festival

EAST CARIBBEAN GROUP OF

COMPANIES(ECGC) announced here on Thursday that it had joined in the sponsorship of what it described as “the highly anticipated St. Lucia Jazz Festival 2024.”

The sponsorship will be branded in the name of ECGC flagship product, ‘Cream of the Island flour’.

Speaking on the sponsorship, ECGC CEO J Robert Cato said, “The St. Lucia Jazz Festival, renowned for its world-class performances and celebration of Caribbean music and culture, provides an ideal platform for ‘Cream of the Island flour’ to connect with diverse audiences from across the globe, staying true to its motto — ‘For life’s most genuine moments’.”

He added, that “as a leading flour brand in the region, ‘Cream of the Island’ embodies the rich flavors and traditions of the

Caribbean, making it a natural fit for such a prestigious event.”

And in addition to the sponsorship demonstrating the company’s commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and support for the vibrant arts scene of St. Lucia, and solidifying ECGC long standing relationship with St. Lucia, Cato spoke of ECGC believing “in the power of collaboration” and expressed how excited his company was “to explore new opportunities for partnership and key synergies with the local community.”

Below: Sealing the ECGC/St. Lucia Jazz Festival partnership are from left: Jasmin Millington (ECGC), Lorine Charles-St. Jules (CEO St. Lucia Tourism Authority) and Sbongile De Riggs (ECGC).

This sponsorship, the company said, “… further solidifies ECGC’s position as a key player in the region’s business landscape. Through initiatives like this, the

company continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its mission to enrich the lives of people in the communities it serves.” (Source: ECGC)

Vincent Pereira, RFHL Chairman, has overseen another recordbreaking period in RFHL operations.

Lieutenant William Theobalds of the SVG Coast Guard, wrote himself into the history of

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN RECRUITS (113) took the oath of office, signaling their official entry into the ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the

Recruits urged: Be positive role models

Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), during a PassingOut Parade held on Thursday 25th April, 2024, at Victoria Park.

It was the first course (No. 41) over which a Coast Guard Officer functioned as the Commandant of the Police Training School.

That Coast Guard Officer to be written into the annals of RSVGPF

was Lieutenant William Theobalds, whose résumé showed that he has been an instructor at the Regional Security Services for the past five years.

Addressing the Parade, Lieutenant Theobalds reflected on the decision to serve and protect, and urged those passing out to approach their duties with “integrity, professionalism and courage.”

He spoke of his expectation that the high standards of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force would be maintained, and reminded the recruits that their actions “reflect the institution even while modes of operating are changing.”

Theobalds urged the new officers to be positive role models in their

Thomas is Police Top Recruit

POLICE CONSTABLE

(PC)

JAHMAINE THOMASwas one of 113 police recruits who took the oath of office, signalling their official entry into the ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Thomas, like the other recruits, transitioned into their new roles at a Passing-Out Parade held at Victoria Park on Thursday 25th April, 2024.

Thomas was the standout recruit. He was adjudged the Best Recruit which entitled him to the Dr. A. Cecil Cyrus Trophy, Baton of Honour, and Commissioner’s Trophy.

Contributing to his overall top prize was that he was named the Best at Multi-Disciplined Subjects,

‘Best at Self Defence Male Category’, and Most Outstanding in Batch Two.

Police Constable Jahmaine Thomas, to no surprise, delivered the valedictory address. He recounted personal experiences and challenges faced during the rigorous training, highlighting the transformation from civilian to police officer. Moreover, he acknowledged the dedication of the Commandant and the training staff, and expressed thanks on behalf of the recruits, and reassured the community of the competence and preparedness of the 113 new officers to serve with honour and integrity.

Other recruits who were recognised for outstanding performance were:

* WPC Julae Stapleton — ‘Most Disciplined Recruit’;

* PC I-Dron Isaacs — ‘Best at Psychology’, ‘Best at Giving Evidence’, Best at Police Duty Subjects’;

* PC Rayan Williams — Best at Drill;

* WPC Lanique Samuel - ‘Most Improved Recruit’;

* PC Ranil CharlesBest at Physical Training for Males;

* WPC Tiwanny JohnBest at Physical Training for Females;

* WPC Zulieka Ross — Best at Defence for Females;

* WPC Caresia Lampkin — ‘Most Outstanding in Batch One’.

The parade was graced by the presence of. Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Susan Dougan and Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, and was addressed by Pastor Brent St. Jean, Youth Director for the SVG Mission of Seventh-day Adventists.

This round of training was conducted in two separate batches to accommodate the comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for the demands of police work. Batch one commenced on July 17, 2023, and concluded four and a half months later, while batch two began on December 4, 2023, and wrapped up on April 12, 2024.

communities, and encouraged them to “stand tall in the face of adversity,” and “serve with honour, distinction and integrity.”

Importance of Community Involvement

Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Enville Williams embraced the new officers and even as he admitted that a divide existed between the public and the police, he implored the new officers to be involved in community activities that create positive change and solve problems.

“Communities must have respect for you,” Williams posited but he reminded the recruits that “respect goes both ways,” and that “Discipline has to be the foundation of every police officer.”

Williams accepted that being a Police Officer was no fun and games; that it was a stressful job with many challenges and pitfalls, but this, he stressed was no excuse for resorting to alcohol and drugs use as coping

measures, and recommended exercise and rest as preferred options.

Acknowledging that police are “under public scrutiny,” the Acting CoP said that because of that, he expected his charges to be ambassadors for the nation.

“Aggressive individuals will test you or there may be exposure to hostile crowds,” he said. He appealed for calm and politeness in the circumstances. (Stories by WKA)

Enville Williams, Acting Commissioner of Police, delivered his debut address to a Police Recruits Passing-Out Parade.

Constable Jahmaine Thomas, Top Recruit (right) received the Baton of Honour from Acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams.

the RSVGPF.

Grammar School shocks Penn

Glassboro High School of New Jersey placed fourth (3:28:71).

Story and photos byNELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

IN JUST ONLY THEIR FOURTH APPEARANCEat the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival at the Franklin Field Stadium, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the St. Vincent Grammar shocked athletic fans by eclipsing their competitors in their heats.

Though the Grammar School did not place later on Saturday in the 4x100 International Finals against top teams, primarily from Jamaica, the mere fact that the team competed in the race was historic.

It was the first time that any high school from St. Vincent and the Grenadines made the 4x100 International Finals. The Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS), which has been competing in the Penn Relays for 11 years, is the other Vincentian team vying for a place in the relays.

The all-boys school, considered among the top secondary schools in the multiisland state, startled even the commentators by out-running contenders in the 4x100 and 4x400 meters on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

On Friday, the team took the upper hand against eight other high schools from Pennsylvania; Connecticut; Maryland; Colorado; New York; and Washington D.C.

With a time of 43.11 sec., the Grammar School out-ran Hatboro-Horsham of Pennsylvania, which placed second (43.48 sec.); Naugatuck of Connecticut (third, 44.27 sec.); and Norristown of

Pennsylvania (fourth, 44.51 sec.).

The Grammar School was also in winners-row on Saturday, before vociferous supporters — most of whom had traveled by bus from Brooklyn — clinching the 4x400-meter race in 3 min. 26.92 sec.

Even with a recurring leg injury to Leemore Ollivierre, who ran the first leg, eight other schools from New Jersey; New York; Maryland; and Washington, D.C. were no match for the Grammar School team, which also comprised Matthew Robinson, Jeremy Martin and Keo Davis, running in that order.

Dwight Morrow High School of New Jersey placed second (3:27:68); Goshen Central High School in New York took the third spot (3:27:71); and

“I cried on the very occasion that we won our heat,” Hugh Colin Sam, headmaster (principal) of the Grammar School, told a reception Saturday night, at the Vincentian-owned Calabash Restaurant and Lounge, in Philadelphia, for athletes from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Belize. “I’m extremely proud.”

In a subsequent interview, he told THE VINCENTIAN that “the guys put in a lot of heart.”

“They were up against very different (weather) conditions, but they did extremely well,”

Sam said.

Like the Grammar School, TSSS’s girls ensured that the school also brought home a medal and plaque from this year’s games.

TSSS’s boys were not so fortunate, as they failed to place in the 4x100 and 4x400m championship.

In the 4x100m, the boys’ starter fell early in the race. In addition, two of the better 4x400m runners were unable to secure visas to travel to the US, TSSS Head Coach Godfrey Harry told THE VINCENTIAN.

TSSS’s girls won both their 4x100 and 4x400m heats. Antoniye Haynes, Mephia Monroe, Shaquania Jacobs and Jniah Goddard competed in the 4x100m; while Olicia Phillips, Mephia Monroe,

Shaquania Jacobs and Jniah Goddard vied in the 4x400m.

Harry told the reception Saturday night that competing in the Penn Relays for the past 11 years has been “a journey”.

“We battle the odds; and, 11 years on, it seems like yesterday,” he said. “And the girls were also able to give us a plaque to go home with.

“We’re both going home with plaques,” added Harry, referring to the Grammar School. “We’ll always be back.”

He thanked members of the SVG Diaspora and the Vincentian public at home for their financial and other support, giving special recognition to James Cordice.

Cordice — the Philadelphiabased president and founder of Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) International, coordinator of the SVG and Belize Penn Relays initiative — thanked the Vincentian teams, as well as those from Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis (the latter debuted at the Penn Relays this year), for their valiant efforts.

Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh described Cordice as an “unsung hero”, adding: “It takes a lot of sweat and pain to be standing here today.”

He urged nationals to fully support the Penn Relays effort.

St. Vincent Grammar School athletes with plaque, flanked by James Cordice, center; Principal Hugh Colin Sam, second from right’ Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, right; and the coach and chaperone, second from left and left, respectively.

TSSS Head coach Godfrey Harry, right, athletes and management staff at reception at Calabash Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia.

The SVG Grammar School 4x400m team — Matthew Robinson, Jeremy Marin and Ken Davin — without Leemore Ollivierre, who sustained a recurring leg injury during Saturday’s heat.

James Cordice addresses Saturday night’s reception at the Calabash Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia.

Vincies trekked from Brooklyn to cheer on their athletes, displaying their national colors.

POLICE ROUND-UP

Baker charged

ON THE 25TH APRIL, 2024police arrested and charged Keevin Bibby, a 22-year-old baker of New Montrose with the offence of attempting to introduce prohibit articles into His Majesty Prison.

According to the investigations, the accused allegedly without lawful authority attempted to introduce thirty-six (36) grams of cannabis, one (1) blue lighter and sixty-six (66) sheets of wrapping paper - prohibited articles into His Majesty Prison. The incident occurred in Kingstown on the 25.04.24

about 10:45 a.m.

Bibby appeared before the Magistrate Court and pleaded guilty. He was fined EC$700.00 to be paid by the 03.05.24 or two (2) months in prison if he defaults on the payment. The defendant was also given a suspended sentence of eighty-four days for a period of one year.

Farmer on bodily harm charge

Police arrested and charged Eli Bowens, a 46-year-old labourer of Fancy with the offence of assault bodily harm.

Accord-

ing to the investi-gations the accused allegedly assaulted a 53-year-old vendor of Arnos Vale by striking him above his right eye with a stone. The incident occurred in Arnos Vale on the 12.04.24 at 12:30 p.m.

Bowens appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate Court on the 29.04.24 and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of EC$1000.00 with one surety. He was also ordered to have no contact with the complainant and the matter was adjourned to 17.09.24.

Burglary charge for Arnos Vale man

On 26.04.24 police arrested and charged Kerwin Mc Dowall, a 54-year-old unemployed of Arnos Vale with the offence of burglary.

Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly entered the dwelling place of a 54-year-old retiree of Arnos Vale as a trespasser, and one (1) black Samsung Galaxy S8 cellular phone, value at US$900.00. The offence was committed in Arnos Vale on the 09.04.24 between 12:00 p.m and 1:00 p.m.

Mc Dowall appeared before the Calliaqua Magistrate Court on the 29.04.24 and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of EC$3,000.00 with one surety and the matter was adjourned to the August 5th, 2024.

South Rivers farmer charged

On 26th April, 2024 police arrested and charged Zion Ashton, a 23-year-old farmer of South Rivers with the offence of assault bodily harm.

Investigations revealed that on the 26.04.24 at 9:50 a.m the accused assaulted a 38-year-old resident of the same address by striking her on the left side of her face with a cutlass. The incident occurred in South Rivers.

Ashton is expected to appear before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court to answer the charge.

Mason charged with malicious wounding

On April 28, 2024 police arrested… and charged Asdale Huggins, a 45-year-old mason of Upper Cane Hall, with the offence of wounding.

Huggins is accused of beating a 52-year-old gardener of the same address about the body with a cutlass.

Huggins is expected to appear before the Kingstown Magistrates Court to answer the charges.

Working towards constitutional change

by LUKE BROWNE lukebrowne@yahoo.com

(Editor’s Note: The following is in response to the Editorial, ‘Achieving substantial change’, as carried in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 26th April, 2024.)

Social Studies curriculum.

I AGREE THAT constitutional education must be embedded in the

I support what I interpreted to be a call from you for substantial change through a bipartisan effort that addresses fundamental issues as prescribed by Oscar Allen, and of course the first step in the process to achieving desirable change is identifying the flaws in the system that need to be corrected.

I could tell you that I have identified several flaws in our political system that need to be corrected. I would provide you with an example.

I think Vincentians believe in the Separation of Powers. However, this very important and powerful concept is not reflected in our Westminster system. We essentially have a situation of the fusion of powers in the sense that the Parliament is more or less an extension of the Cabinet.

We can change this through constitutional reform. I actually think we should adopt a political system that is similar to the American Model and have separate elections for Prime Minister and Parliament.

I also believe that we should abolish the Office of Governor General. I do not see why it is insufficient for us to have an elected head of government who is also the head of state, especially since the Governor General serves at the pleasure of the Prime Minister and can be described as a figurehead. If we abolish the role of Governor General, we would also take a decisive step in respect to addressing the legacies of slavery associated with that office. I think a natural extension of this matter has to do with converting our form of government from Constitutional Monarchy to Republic.

We would achieve a greater degree of separation of powers by adopting the recommendation of separate elections for the head of government and the legislators.

The head of government can in this scenario have the liberty to select his or her Cabinet in a manner similar to the associated process in the USA. This will give him or her a wider remit with respect to the talent pool of potential candidates for Cabinet. He or she could call into the service or our government Vincentian professionals in various fields across the world, be it a law professor, company financial officer, high ranking doctor or public health consultant or individual with expertise in a different area, to take up ministerial portfolios. This can go a long way towards curing the problem you bemoaned in the editorial of 19th April 2024 - people who are not qualified for making decisions on national issues sitting on Cabinet.

We can only achieve this type of substantial change through constitutional reform and we must set the stage for it by a programme of education in schools, homes and communities.

We are on the same page. We must try a little harder as a society to achieve outcomes that are in the best interest of our nation.

Follow your heart

Dear George,

IUSEDto date this guy. We drifted apart but now he is back on the scene and wants to renew our relationship. He is even thinking about marriage.

I told him I’m not interested in a relationship that would lead to marriage. I was married once and chose not to go down that road again. I told him we can be together but in a different level, even getting involved sexually.

It seems that this time around we both have stronger feelings for one another but I just want us to love each other but not on a level that’s too serious. I do not want to be hurt again.

The feelings I have are getting stronger. How could I control them but at the same time love this man enough to keep him interested?

Very confused

Dear Very confused,

There is no middle ground here. You either make your mind up to love wholly and solely or not at all. You cannot love halfway. If it’s a case where you have found love you just need to follow your heart… trust the process.

Getting involved always comes with the risk of getting hurt. Keep your communications on a high level and let your hearts dictate the rest.

George

Forget about him!!

Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND migrated to the USA. We agreed to stick together and that he would work so that we could be together. I believed him. Eighteen months passed and I have not heard once from him. All of his numbers were changed.

He suddenly showed up in SVG expecting to sleep with me and continuing where he left off without any plausible

explanation. I explained to him I’ve moved on; that I’ve met a guy who has serious plans to marry me and take me to the same USA with him. My so called exboyfriend is accusing me of being unfaithful and deceiving.

Keeping it real

Dear Keeping it real,

In the absence of communication you cannot be expected to operate as though all is

well with your relationship. The onus was in your boyfriend to keep you informed and updated on his end of things. To keep you hanging in the balance the way he did was very uncaring disrespectful to say the least.

You cannot be faulted for looking after your interest and your boyfriend should have no problem understanding that.

George

Sex good, other things no

Dear George,

IWOULD like to believe that the relationship I am now in is strong enough to lead to marriage.

However, there are a few concerns I have and I am wondering whether I should overlook them and move on to marriage.

First, my girl is tight with money. Twice I tried to start up a business but had to cave the idea because of lack of funds. Although she has money she never once offered me any financial support. She never discussed her financial status with me. It took one of her friends to tell me she was doing business with them and they were shocked I did not know.

Second, she visits her family regularly but is never interested in

meeting any of mine. While these things bother me, the sex with her is exceptional and because she knows this is my weakness, she is using it to excuse her other ways.

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

Once there are plans to be joined together as one there should not be any secrets, especially as it relates to finances.

Failure on the part of any one of you to make full disclosure is like building on a compromised foundation.

If your partner cannot be open with and supportive of you, it is cause for concern and enough reason for you to push the pause button.

Believe what you are being shown and be guided accordingly.

George

Leisure

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 mood 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 your 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.__ pump

5. Contains 8. Hornet’s kin

12. Romanov ruler

13. Commercials

14. “American__”

15. Italian sparkling wine

16. Golly’s kin

17. “Ooh-__” (hyph.)

18. Reporter Starr

20. Little devil

21. Famed operatic tenor

24. Sidles

27. Tall-grass cutters

32. Before Wed.

33. Toe-wiggling sounds

34. Rental units (abbr.)

35. Type of TV cabinet

37. Map part

38. Leaped (up)

40. Jaworski and Spinks

44. One who captures

48. Farm measure

49. Pierre’s friend

51. Religious ceremony

52. Shanty 53. Primary color

54. __ even keel (2 wds.)

55. Make the salad

56. Sheep’s mom

57. Amorous glance

DOWN

1.Brief try 2. Russia between 1917 and 1991 (abbr.)

3. Matching half 4. Queen’s daughter

5. Mother of Ishmael

6. Picnic beverage

7. Compass pt. 8. __ E. Coyote (cartoons) 9. Abel’s dad 10. Concert feature

11. Make arrangements

19. Prosecutors (abbr.)

20. Physician, informally

22. Theater employee

23. Bro’s female sib

24. List-ending abbr.

25. Pair

26. Four-star officer (abbr.)

28. Certain marsupial

29. “Vinyl” (abbr.)

30. Summer (Fr.)

31. Speedy jet (abbr.)

33. Swiss mountain

36. WWII org.

37. Country

lodge 39. Stage whisper

Endure

Canyon feedback

Crude minerals

43. Beatty and others

45. Bell’s sound

46. List ender (2 wds.)

47. Actress Russo

49. “Chances _”

50. Kitty talk

Football President calls for respect

IN LIGHT OF GROWING verbal and physical abuse of Football match officials, recently installed President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation- Otashie Spring is requesting respect from all parties.

Spring made the plea as he addressed the opening of the 2024 Coreas Distribution Limited Comsports Top Belair Progressive Organisation, Nine- A -

Side Football Competition, last Sunday, April 28, at the Dauphine Playing Field.

Spring lamented, “We have had an issue where there was an outbreak of violence against referees in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and it would have gone viral and it didn’t speak well for our Football here.”

He stressed that his organisation has little or no tolerance for abuse of match officials saying, “I

Rugby President welcomes assistance

DILLON DURRANT, President of the SVG Rugby Union (SVGRU), is happy to have the assistance of a regional rugby expert.

The president was referring to Trinidadian Willett Wayne Pantor - a World Rugby Educatorwho will spend the next eight months in St. Vincent and the Grenadines assisting the SVGRU in establishing a Development of a National Sports Structure (DNSS).

Of Pantor, Durrant said, “We are excited with his wealth of knowledge and experience in rugby. We will be looking to develop our youth and coaches and with respect to the latter, we expect that he will assist in moving coaches from Level One certification to Level Two.”

And while the SVGRU will continue to focus on development of both male and female and young rugby players, Durrant said the Union will be looking to engage

the more experienced players in other areas by “… encouraging them to get involved as match officials, in coaching and in the development of rugby overall.”

As far as participation in the Olympics is concerned, Pantor will help to set the pathway for this eventuality.

His focus will not be only on the actual play and preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers, but on conditioning and upgrading the competence of the coaches, since there are certain Rugby Americas North criteria that SVG must meet in order to qualify for consideration, Durrant stressed.

On a note about female participation in the sport, the President was pleased with the interest.

“So far, we have a steady involvement of females; the growth has been tremendous. We are preparing to launch the ‘Empower Her Initiative’ which will run from April to November and

want to say that the Football Federation stands firm against violence against referees… It is something that we wouldn’t accept… It is something that wouldn’t be tolerated.”

Against this warning, Spring called on all stakeholders to adhere to the proper courses of justice and be judicious in their responses to bad situations.

He appealed inter alia,

Dillon Durrant, President of the SVGRU, is happy with the course his organization has set for itself.

will not only focus on attracting females to the sport but encouraging them to become involved in other areas of the sport — first aid, coaching, officiating,” Durrant revealed.

This programme will include community outreach activities, camps and seminars.

Durrant reinforced that this country has had one female called up to a Caribbean rugby team and was happy to disclose that a team of scouts will be in the Caribbean in June on a mission that will have some focus on females.

All in all, Durrant was pleased with the progress made to date and expects even further development and achievements in the foreseeable future.

“…when you have disputes that you let proper judgement prevail and work through regulations that govern the tournament,” advised “…we don’t want to be hearing again that some player box down some kind-ah referee or kick up a referee,” and made a direct outreach to match officials to exercise efficacy when executing their duties.

Goal fest in opening encounter

Spectators at last Sunday’s opening were treated to a thriller, as defending championsGrove Street Ballers Catalans and Experience One, went toe to toe.

Catalans, trailing 1-3 at the half, clawed back to within seconds of a win, before Zamarro Mofford tied the enthralling encounter, 77.

For Catalans, Steven Pierre scored a hat trick; Najima Burgin had a brace; and Kishorn

SVGFF PresidentOtashie Spring

Durham and Curdis Olliver, one each.

Joining Mofford on the scoresheet for Experience One were Zidane Solomon who netted four, and Devonte Enville and Curlon Joseph, one each.

Of note is that Calatans have been the only champions of the competition thus far. They won the inaugural edition in 2018 and repeated in 2019. There were no competitions in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Catalans returned in 2023 to pick up where they had left off in 2019. Twenty—one teams are contesting the 2024 edition.

SVGOC installs new Executive

EACH OF THE PERSONSelected to serve on the executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC) was elected unopposed.

When the SVGOC held its Elective Annual General Meeting last Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Conference Room of Paradise Hotel, Villa, Stephen Joachim was returned as President.

Shimano Bailey was elected the new Vice-President, thus replacing his father- Trevor Bailey.

Keith Joseph, the long-standing General Secretary, likewise Jacintha Ballantyne, Treasurer, remained in their substantive posts. Taking over the portfolio of

Assistant Secretary-Treasurer was Claude Bascombe Jr., who takes over from Geshell Peters.

And, the new trustees are Amber Glasgow and Suzette Jackson. The previous trustees were LaPrise Williams and Kevin Hannaway. The Executive will serve for four years.

The new Executive of the SVGOC (from left): Suzette Jackson, Shimano Bailey, Amber Glasgow, Stephen Joachim, Jacintha Ballantyne, Claude Bascombe Jr. and Keith Joseph.

Catalans - seeking a fourth straight title

and RCTF host Tennis Camp

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESTennis Association (SVGTA), in keeping with its mandate, collaborated with the Reggae Cup Tennis Foundation (RCTF) of Mustique, to host a one-day Tennis Camp, last Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the National Tennis Centre, Villa.

The camp catered to all ages and attracted some 60

participants, who were taken through various levels of coaching by a team of nine coaches.

Secretary of the SVGTAJanelle Humphrey said, “As an organisation, we try to get the kids into playing Tennis as much as possible and we were grateful to have the additional coaches from Mustique Tennis.”

AIA

The camp, which complemented those put on by the SVGTA, would have also been a talent identification process for an upcoming

Tournament, Humphrey added.

“Saturday’s camp would have helped us to identify players who can go forward to the Junior Chatoyer Cup that will be held before the ITF (International Tennis Federation) tournament that will be held again here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in August,” the SVGTA Secretary disclosed.

And, based on the success of last Saturday’s event, others are in the pipeline, to take place before year end.

“We are going to again partner with the Mustique Tennis, but we will be going into the Windward side of the island or the Leeward side, because if we remain and the National Tennis Centre we are

going to get the same set of players coming through”, Humphrey projected.

Meanwhile, Richard Schaffer, from the RCTF, in expounding that it is to help the kids enjoy and have fun, stated… “Our second objective is to see if we can produce an athlete for the country that can represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at a higher level”.

Looking ahead with the continued partnership with the SVGTA, Schaffer said that hopefully, there will be talks with the national Tennis organisation, as there are main options available.

“We can keep doing this programme as it is. … we can provide for a Tennis

lands Seven-A-Side Football title

A SECONDhalf goal

from Jshan Bibby gave Argyle International

Airport a one-nil victory over Coreas Distribution Limited in the final of the Comsports Business Houses Seven-A-Side Competition.

That final was played last Sunday evening, April 28, 2024, at the Comsports Facility, Arnos Vale.

AIA reached the final after defeating Sunrise Ballers one-nil in the first semi-final on Friday, April 26. In the second semi-final, Coreas Distribution Limited beat E.D. Laynes one-nil

on penalties, after both drew nil-nil in regulation and extra time.

Sunrise Ballers went on to take the third place with a 2-1 win over E.D. Laynes in the third place play off that preceded the final.

AIA collected $1200, a trophy and two cases of beverage; while Coreas Distribution Limited earned $800, a trophy and one case of beverage.

In addition, AIA got a trophy for winning Group A. Likewise, Coreas Distribution Limited was rewarded for winning Group B.

And third placed Sunrise Ballers got $300, a trophy and a case of beverage.

Coreas Distribution Limited’s Jabarri Cunningham was adjudged the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

Also rewarded were the MVPs of each of the twelve teams that competed for honours in this, the third edition of the competition.

Apart from the four semi-finalists, the other Business Houses that sought glory were VINLEC, Police, HVAC,

Tournament concept where every two weeks the kids can come out and compete or we can grab these kids who are of a certain level, provide them with a daily camp where they can build”, Schaffer revealed.

Ultimately, Schaffer foresees the relationship with the SVGTA bearing much fruit and projected, “Our biggest desire is to bring into the country a professional Tennis Tournament that allows for the kids to watch as well as allow for them to compete against the best players in the world.”

The Reggae Cup Tennis Foundation was founded in 2022 and is funded by guests and owners on the island of Mustique.

CWSA, Bonadies, ECGC, Customs and CK Greaves Kingstown.

Michael John, the brainchild of the competition, related that the purpose of the activity is to bring “camaraderie” among workers, hence the emphasis on preserving the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship throughout.

The inaugural competition was won in 2022 by CWSA and in 2023, by Police.

Success for 3 young sailors in USA

THE SHORESof Clarks Hill Lake came alive last weekend, 19th to 21st April, as Augusta, USA, played host to the O’pen Skiff North American Championship.

Attracting athletes from across the globe, including Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, the event showcased the talents of 80 young sailors, aged 8 to 18, in an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship.

The Vincy Sailing Club sent three young sailors — Kai MarksDasent, 13, Lily Punnett, 10, and Joshua Weinhardt, 12, to compete after raising funds with a sponsored sail to Bequia and support from the community.

The young sailors did not disappoint as they put in outstanding performance in their debut outing.

MarksDasent placed 2nd in the

Under-15 category and 3rd overall. Punnett placed first for Under-12 girls, the team of MarksDasent and Weinhardt placed 3rd in the freestyle competition.

Braving diverse weather conditions, from gentle breezes to challenging winds, rain and 11C air temperatures, the young athletes competed in 12 races over 3 days. Unlike traditional regattas, the championship featured an exciting blend of racing and freestyle maneuvers, adding an extra layer of excitement and fun to the event.

Reflecting on their experiences, the participants shared sentiments of exhilaration, focus, and a deep sense of community fostered by the sport of sailing. MarksDasent expressed his love for sailing and the amazing bond it creates, highlighting the friendships

made on and off the open waters. And Lily Punnett shared her enthusiasm for the sport and the energy it brings, encouraging others to join in the adventure and discover the countless possibilities sailing offers.

Sabrina MarksDasent, the Vincy Sailing Team Manager, described the challenges and rewards of the long journey, emphasizing the invaluable learning opportunities and growth experienced by the young sailors amidst varying conditions.

Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship also served as a platform for fostering lifelong friendships and inspiring newcomers to explore the joys of sailing.

(Txt and Photo source: Source: Jenny Trumble, Vincy Sailing Club)

Participants along with coaches at last Saturday’s Tennis Camp.

Richard Schaffer (left) instructing Afe Lucas with the proper hand grip.

Kai, Lily and Joshua return to AIA with their prizes.

Champions - AIA

Jabarri Cunningham, MVP.

Runs and rhythm

WHAT DOES carnival and cricket have in common? Many things. The first letter for example. That’s C. Yeah. You have seen that already and it’s obvious.

There is also a cultural connection. Cricket has become part of our culture. And when it comes to carnival, that is an inseparable part of our soul. Additionally, those aspects define the Caribbean personality.

The average Caribbean resident is a cricket lover, in fact sports on a whole. And whatever genre of music, Vincentian people are attached to it.

The ICC T/20 Cricket World Cup is taking place in pour back yard. The Caribbean and the United States of America.

Forgive me if I place the United States as part of our backyard.

The typical American wouldn’t forgive me for that. They might consider me absurd. How dare you? Nowhere in the Caribbean has the pride and prestige that the USA does.

Excuse me. When it comes to cricket, America will rank a distant second when it comes to the Caribbean. But Caribbean people have an affinity with the USA. They consider it the place where the grass is greener.

Caribbean people will get a chance to enjoy as much of a Caribbean experience as can be when the World Cup matches are staged in the US. There will not be any matches involving the West Indies in the USA. But top class cricket on American soil is enough for the West Indian fan based there. Many might not even attend the games. They might prefer to watch it virtuallylive or recorded.

The American involvement provides an opportunity for other peoples who have settled there. Cricket lovers from Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Oman, Canada, New Zealand, Uganda, and Namibia will welcome the American platform. That sets the stage for return of the sport to the Olympic stage.

This T/20 is vital to the Caribbean. It is a chance to inject foreign exchange to the region. It is valuable promotion for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The benefits start even within the Trophy Tour.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the “Caribbean you have been looking for.

The World Cup Cricket affords a gate way for the rest of the world.

In one delivery, the world will get a glimpse of what St. Vincent and the Grenadines is like. There is no price tag on the benefits can come from youngsters having a firsthand impression of what hard core cricket is about.

Then the West Indies Under-19 cricketers descend on Vincentian soil for their nearly annual pilgrimage. This time, those youngsters will have the use of the improved facilities. It is the hope that more Vincentian youth will embrace the prospect of being among the next batch of West Indies senior cricketers.

Tournaments like the World Cup provide opportunities for youngster to become oriented to the prospects in front of them. We have to get used to the environment.

The settings are ideal.

Holding to CWI: „Clean up your act!‰

MICHAEL HOLDING, West Indies fast-bowling legend and former international commentator has called on Cricket West Indies (CWI) administrators and those of the various territorial boards, to “clean up their act” if they are to push the Caribbean game forward.

Holding made his call while addressing (virtually) the Caricom Regional Cricket Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, last week Thursday.

He was as passionate as he was emotional as he made a call, not for the first time, for more transparency and better practices by the regional bodies.

Holding told the gathering, which included a number of Caribbean dignitaries and important figures of West Indies cricket, both past and present, that the lack of transparency will continue to stall the progress of West Indies cricket, if it’s not nipped in the bud.

“We are just moving from one administration to the other under one system. There is the same lack of transparency. The same things keep on happening over and over,” said Holding, who also said the CWI was not responsible for all the wrongs in West Indies cricket.

The Jamaican, known for his candid and noholds-barred comments,

said he was “depressed” after reading CWI’s audited financial statements for 2022/23, as it seemed to him there were several irregularities and even fraudulent activities which were recorded in the document, which was unveiled last month.

In his own words he said, “… When I read that report and I saw what some people would say are indiscretions, questionable financial transactions, or alleged fraud, it is evident from the report that things happened which should not have taken place.”

Holding also directed his focus toward the TT Cricket Board (TTCB), which is in the midst of a legal joust with its former treasurer Kiswah Chaitoo, who was axed from his position after a motion of no-confidence against him at a special general meeting on February 28.

In December, Chaitoo revealed approximately $500,000 was allegedly misused by the TTCB over a five-year period, with signing blank cheques being one of the regular practices during that period. Chaitoo, an experienced forensic accountant, felt the need to clear his name and reported the matter to the Fraud Squad.

A TTCB employee has resigned since the incident and the TTCB has since lost sponsorship for all its youth tournaments.

Michael Holding addressed a gathering of political and cricketing luminaries with the same venom with which he approached his bowling during his cricket career.

“Come on, folks, we have to face things like that and do the right thing,” Holding asserted.

“People will say, ‘You shouldn’t wash your dirty laundry in public’,” he continued, “(but) you won’t have to wash your dirty laundry in public if there’s no dirty laundry.”

He did not hesitate to say that it was high time that we make examples of people to ensure that there is no repeat of the same things.

And he cautioned, “…unless we start to do that, it will not change.”

And as he neared his conclusion, the once feared fast bowler said, “Some genius said many years ago, ‘If you keep on doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, it’s a sign of madness.’

“What we are doing in the Caribbean is madness. We need to clean up our act. If we cannot produce on the field, we will soon die.”

The cricket conference was opened by the Prime Minister, chairman of the Caricom Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on CricketDr. Rowley.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Rowley reemphasized, “We don’t want to give up on cricket. We want to play cricket and we want to do it well. Cricket is our history. It’s our legend. It’s our legacy, before he took issue with CWI’s 50year contract with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), saying, “The lopsided contract with CPL must end.”

(Source: TT Newsday)

Lara calls for better facilities

WEST INDIESbatting legend

Brian Lara said the region will continue to fall behind in world cricket if better facilities and technology are not provided for

the players.

Speaking virtually on Day Two, last week Friday, of the Caricom Cricket Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, this is what he had to say, among other things:

“We felt that our cricketers were naturally good and the way we learnt the game was still the best way. No, it was not and if we still believe that today we are in serious trouble. The science of this beautiful game, cricket, has

significantly changed and we have to catch up. The latest technology must be used in our cricket, classrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities for our players. There are no shortcuts, this is serious business!”

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

Brian Lara, former West Indies captain, highlighted off the field shortcomings of W.I. cricket.

Chateau man accused of chopping father

A 24-YEAR-OLD CHATEAUBELAIR

MANwho has been charged with wounding his 59-year-old father with intent was granted bail on his return to Court yesterday (Thursday).

The accused, Krishna Richards, who was on remand, was charged with wounding his father, Shelford Findlay, with intent by chopping him in his face with a cutlass on April 24. He had been denied bail when he initially appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on April 25, on the grounds that the victim was a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Richards was remanded until yesterday for bail review, and when he returned to Court, Prosecutor Aliston

Stapleton informed the Court that the Prosecution was no longer objecting to bail, as the victim was discharged from the hospital.

As a result, Richards was granted $10,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he has no contact with the complainant, and reports to the Chateaubelair Police Station. He is also to prove to the Court that he has an alternative accommodation.

Richards was said to be living in the same house with his father and other family members, at Chateaubelair when the incident was reported to have occurred.

He was also fined $300 to be paid in one month, or three months in prison, after pleading guilty to assaulting his

sister Lakeitha Findlay, causing her bodily harm, by using a cutlass to strike her on the left side.

The wounding with intent matter to which Richards was not required to plea, has been adjourned to June 5. (HH)

AI REAL ESTATE

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION and/or to view memorabilia about St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation at Olympic and Commonwealth Games, then look no further?

That information can now be sourced at the Sport Information Centre and Museum which was opened last Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in the ground floor of Olympic House, Villa Point.

The Centre/Museum is an undertaking of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC).

In addition to the information that can be sourced, and the fact that facility will help in preserving artifacts in custody of the SVGOC, the facility also offers a service that allows users to connect to other Olympic organisations’ websites.

Keith Joseph, General Secretary of the SVGOC and the brainchild behind the establishment of the facility,

Keith Joseph speaking at the opening of the new facility.

while speaking at the Opening Ceremony, gave an outline of the conceptualization and operations of the new facility.

Some of the displays at the facility.

“Over the years, we have gathered a number of artefacts though small, but we will eventually have more displays. .. From time to time, we will change because we do have quite a bit of material collected over the years, memorabilia about our attendance at the Olympics the CAC Games, Commonwealth Games and their Youth versions,” Joseph stated.

Acknowledging that Physical Education and Sports has gained greater significance overtime, Joseph said that the facility can play its part even in a small way.

“We have over the years had a good relationship with the Ministry of Education…We also hope that over a period of time we will be able to assist students now that SBAs (School Based Assessments) are being done as early as the primary schools, certainly at the secondary schools and now advanced students who are doing the Sports Programme that they are able to access”, the SVGOC General Secretary projected.

And as for connectivity with regional and international bodies, Joseph assured: “We have connection with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly and their overall library access to sports information … We

are also going to be affiliated to the International Olympic Committees Olympic Studies Centre and the archives of the International Olympic Committee, likewise, Pan Am Sports and others are beginning to do their work in archiving so we will be able to access the Pan AM Sports Channel.”

The Sports Information Centre and Museum will be under the direct jurisdiction of the National Olympic Academy (NOC), the educational arm of the SVGOC.

The NOC was established in 1992 and tasked with the responsibility for all of the programmes that have to do with the understanding of the Olympic Movement, and encouraging schools, students, athletes, administrators, coaches, to be part of a broader reality.

WISHBONE DAY IS NEXT MONDAY: LEARN FROM ANDREA ASHERS SPORT INFORMATION CENTRE AND MUSEUM OPEN

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESjoins the world over in the commemoration of Wishbone Day, Monday, May 6, 2024, and to mark that show of solidarity President of the National Society for Persons with DisAbilities- Andrea Ashers, is calling Vincentians to wear yellow on that day, in support of persons suffering with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

Wishbone Day has been designated a day when people across the globe come together to raise awareness about OI. OI is a condition characterised by fragile, low mineral density bones, commonly referred to a ‘brittle bones disease’.

Considered a rare disease, Ashers has been suffering from OI since birth.

Recounting her travails, Ashers said: “Three days after my birth (I was told) that this pretty clear-skinned baby just started to turn red…Then later on I was diagnosed with having OI, but at that time it was just known as ‘brittle bones’.”

Ashers revealed that as early as four years old, she recognized that she had a problem.

“I acknowledged my problem as early as four years old… My bones will break, and I will not be able to move for weeks. Sometimes they will mend back in three weeks and another time longer,”

Ashers recalled.

Her condition worsened and Ashers, who had begun to walk, was eventually confined to a chair.

“I remembered being able to walk, but things worsened

and I had to resort to using a wheel chair as my means of getting around,” a rather effervescent Ashes related.

Her condition meant that Ashers was not able to attend regular school, hence she enrolled in the School For Children with Special Needs

“I attended that school for eight years, 1979 to 1987, which provided me with my schooling,” the NSPD President related.

However, for Ashers, her relative restrictive condition does not deter her from making positive contributions to the Vincentian society, and helping herself as much as he is able.

“I look at myself as extra special… Don’t pity me and be sorry for me, as there are plenty of you and few of me,” Ashers philosophied.

More so, Ashers is thankful

for life, “Because… it is not normal for persons suffering with OI to live beyond 25.”

The call from Ashers is to others living here with that medical condition, to come forward and make themselves known to the NSPD.

And, as a prelude to Monday’s Wishbone Day, the NSPD is welcoming the public to their Barbecue to be held on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May, during which time they can interact with members of the society and Ashers herself. The venue is the NSPD headquarters located at the Old Anglican School on Higginson Street, Kingstown.

The observance of Wishbone Day began in 2010. Yellow is the chosen colour for Wishbone Day, as it symbolizes hope and optimism.

Andrea Ashers has not allowed her condition of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) to deter her from living as full a life as possible, to include contributing to her own upkeep and the advancement of the Vincentian society.