THE VINCENTIAN PDF-01-04-22

FRIDAY, APRIL 01,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.13

Disturbing times in SVG Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Red Light imports truffles Page 13

EC$1.50

Fishers not satisfied Page 17

Min. Francis apologises Page 19

KING IN COURT AGAIN ACTIVIST KENSON KING has had three charges for allegedly uttering seditious words laid against him.

The charges are said to have arisen from statements allegedly made by King on a Facebook live posting in December, 2021.

He is charged that on December 19, 2021, in SVG, he did utter seditious words, to wit: “Yo see you Mrs. Medford, you should be afraid to come out of your house right now, they playing with alyo Vincentian, they are playing with alyo, me alone can’t do it. Me alone ain’t do it because if it left to me alone and I could get what is needed. I know by today they could have been looking

Is this for real?

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to pull back them stuff dey. All like Sister Medford ah them need to just disappear”.

– “Alyo should have the foundation ah St. Vincent shaking right now and ah them wondering what’s next. Some serious anarchy should be happening in St. Vincent until we have proper decent people running SVG in the form of Dr. Friday and his team”.

–”There is no longer any peace in St. Vincent. This is war eh. This right now is war. We are in a war and in a war, there are casualties. We need to make some casualties, one way or the other because there are already

Kenson King must be thinking that his surname has attracted charges under Continued on Page 3. a sedition law in SVG that have long since disappeared in the UK. (Photo source: Facebook)

NO JETTY FOR JACKSON BAY

it,” Gonsalves said.

Word that SVG AN APPLICATION FOR Aggregate Inc. had THE CONSTRUCTION applied for the of a jetty at Jackson Bay, construction of a jetty Layou has been denied. did not go well with Prime Minister Dr residents of the Central Ralph Gonsalves said on Leeward community, NBC Radio’s ‘Face-towho staged several Face’ radio programme protests that continued on March 30, that he had up to last Sunday. been notified by the However, according to Planning Board that an the Prime Minister, the application had been application submitted received, but that it was was not a full denied. application.

“I had not known that He explained that the the Planning Board had full application would dealt with that, but they have to include an called me and told me Environmental Impact that they had dealt with Study, and a plan for the

by DAYLE DASILVA

construction of the jetty.

Neither of these were submitted, he said, adding that the application submitted to be used to solicit feedback by the planning authorities and the residents.

The process that obtains is such that the planning authorities would visit the proposed site and check to ascertain whether the conditions were suitable, Gonsalves explained.

“So this was not a full application, one was made in principle so the planning authorities

Jackson Bay will remain forever free of a jetty, the residents of Layou hope. would then put the application in the newspaper and see what the people’s reaction is

going to be,” Gonsalves said.

But despite the public outcry, Gonsalves said

that in his opinion, there was nothing wrong with Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . 3.

News 3

Disturbing times in SVG

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste got the runaround from Commissioner Colin John on a matter which she was obligated to pursue and the Commissioner to give a more appropriate response.

“DON’T CALL MY PHONE, GIRL!” That was how, according to Attorney Kay Bachis-Baptiste,

Commissioner of Police Colin John responded to her as she sought to to get information on the arrest of her client Kenson King.

King was arrested on the morning of Friday 25th March and charged with three counts of using seditious language by 4:00pm the same day.

Her client was not granted station bail as would have been the prerogative of the Commissioner of

Police, and was detained until he appeared in court on Monday, having spent 72 hours in detention.

Speaking on last Saturday’s episode of the CTVIEW Saturday Show, Bacchus-Baptiste said, “This is a very disturbing situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines perpetrated once again by the police by their wrongful vindictive political action.”

The seasoned attorney drew as reference to the action against her

King in Court again Continued from Frontpage. casualties on our side.

There are already casualties on our side, moles? Stamp out the moles ah them too”.

King appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday when he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty, following which one of his lawyers, Ronnia Durham-Balcombe,

requested the court to “permanently stay proceedings against her client.”

Durham-Balcombe told the court that she was making the request on the grounds of abuse of process.

“My client’s constitutional rights and freedoms have been violated by the state machinery. My client’s constitutional right to freedom of expression

has been offended by these charges, which are based or laid on a colonial, archaic law, which our former colonisers saw fit to repeal in their own country.”

The Court heard that King was arrested on Friday (March 25) morning and charges laid by 4pm that same day.

Efforts to obtain station bail by his lead lawyer, Kay Bacchus-

Ronnia Durham-Balcombe, attorney for King, referenced the outdated laws as ground to stay the proceeding against her client. (Photo source: facebook)

Baptiste, were met with clear indication that he would be kept until Monday.

“When a person taken into custody is retained in custody, he shall be brought before a magistrate’s court at the earliest time practicable, whether or not the police inquiries are complete, and in any event within 48 hours,” DurhamBalcome told the court.

She questioned the

No Jetty for Jackson Bay Continued from Frontpage. a company making a submission for the construction of a jetty.

He said that the persons at SVG Aggregate were not unreasonable for making the application, considering the company wanting an easier way to get the aggregate out.

“And the persons were not unreasonable in saying that there are two jetties down there, the government jetty which needs some work to be done on it and

another by CO Williams who also owns a quarry in the area,” the Prime Minister said.

client by comparing it ““NDP must suffer and die…,” as uttered by Minister of Finance Camilo Gonsalves on a political campaign stage.

She also paraphrased something attributed to the Prime Minister in which he is alleged to have he will pursue certain people to the hills until they exist no more, and also that he didn’t care care if it’s the last day in office. (CD)

The wharf in Layou that is used by a construction company which also operates a quarry in Layou.

police picking up someone on a Friday and holding them all weekend.

“This has been a violation that has been ongoing for far too long…

I inquired about my client and I was told that he would be kept there until Monday by the Commissioner of Police.

Nowhere in the law permits my client to be detained at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Police, Colin John,” the lawyer continued.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett ordered that written submissions be made by April 4 and the defence responds by April 11.

He noted that the maximum penalty as per the charges laid is five years in prison.

He set bail at EC$4,000 with one surety and adjourned the matter to April 25.

Kenson King, rose to notoriety when he was among eight activists who were charged last August with illegally organising and participating in a protest in Kingstown, earlier

that year.

Those charges were withdrawn in December.

But even before that, in May 2020, King was detained for more than 30 hours then released without charge, after he said on Facebook that man who had threatened his relatives had his licensed firearm returned to him after the alleged intervention of a politician.

King is in fact, currently on suspension from his job as a prison officer, he having been charged that he wounded a prison inmate, in June 2020.a politician had allegedly ordered the return of a licensed firearms to a man who had threatened to kill his relatives.

He is currently on suspension from his position as a prison officer awaiting his day in court to answer a charge of using force against a prison inmate in June 2020.

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Education/Health

SMSS students exposed to details of diplomacy

Over 300 students contracted COVID-19

Ministry, to highlight its main duties, and to provide information SOME twenty-eight (28) Third Form to students about career students of the St. Martin’s Secondary opportunities within the Ministry.

School paid a visit to the Ministry of There was much animated Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on discussions as per details of the Tuesday 29th March, 2022. This, to objective and additionally, Head of engage in the annual diplomacy Mission Pérez conducted an programme of the Ministry. interactive session on Venezuela’s The students were accompanied history, language, music, food, by teachers Mrs. Casandra culture and the relationship Marshall, Mrs. Lucy Theobalds, and between SVG and Venezuela.

Mr. Devon James. Present also was Teacher, Mrs. Marshall, lauded Francisco Pérez, Head of the the programme for the basic Diplomatic Mission of the concepts and information shared Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, relating to SVG’s Foreign Policy: and Andreina Bermudez, Academic diplomacy and diplomatic relations; Coordinator of the Venezuelan bilateral and multilateral relations; Institute for Culture and countries with whom SVG share Cooperation in St. Vincent and the diplomatic relations; the levels of Grenadines. diplomatic relations and reasons for The activity, held in the such; and trade, trade agreements Ministry’s Conference Room, had and reasons for trade. the following objectives: to sensitize Student, Rorlando Mornix gave students about global affairs of the his impressions as: “The activity

THREE hundred and seventy-nine pre-schoolers, primary and secondary school students tested positive for COVID-19, during the first term of the 2021/22 academic year — October to December 2021.

This (figure) was disclosed by Education Minister Curtis King as he responded to a question

by MP for the Southern Grenadines Terrance Ollivierre, during the March 24 sitting of Parliament.

The total, the Minister continued was accounted for by 52 cases among preschoolers, 186 among The Minister’s response was the first real response to a question primary that persons at large had asked. students and 141 among secondary school students.

Ollivierre had asked the Minister to indicate how many cases of COVID-19 were reported in schools among students, teachers and other members of staff as of the current period.

King responded that he was unable to provide the House with those figures, then proceeded to provide a figure for students only, for the first term.

The Education Minister assured that his Ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health was ongoing and that schools continued to adhere to the guidelines set out the Health Services Sub-Committee/ National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). (DD)

by GLORIAH...

was informative and educational.

Our foreign policy motto is ‘Friends of all, enemies of none’. It helped us to understand the countries we have alliances with and also, that we can work and study in Venezuela without a permit. I also learnt about Venezuela’s ancestors, culture, food, music and festivals. I learn too, that Venezuela provides free Spanish class for the public of SVG.” Each students received a certificate of participation at the completion of the activity.

Yesterday we visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade as part of their school’s visit programme. We took about 28 students. There were three teachers. (Ms. Theobalds, Mr. James and Mrs. Marshall) It began at 9:30 am to about 12:30 pm.

SMSS students and their teachers who visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 5.

Community

Taiwan: Putting money where the ash is

IT IS CLOSE TO A YEAR since La Soufrière volcano erupted (April 2021) causing displacement of communities and extensive damage to the housing stock, the road and drainage systems and agriculture, especially in the northern areas of mainland St. Vincent.

Many parts of North Windward are still under deposits of volcanic ash and Taiwan is lending its assistance to the people in that area, as they take on the task of removing the remaining ash and other debris amounting to an estimated volume of 82,000 cubic yards.

Toward this end, the Ministry of Transport and works and the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan on Friday 25th March, launched the final phase of a US$3 million River Cleaning and Training — Debris removal and River Defence Work Project.

At the launch held in London, Sandy Bay, resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Peter Sha-Li Lan said phases one and

Ambassador Peter Sha-Li Lan and Minister of Lands, etc, Montgomery Daniel sharing an understanding of the extent of one area to be addressed. (Credit: Taiwan Embassy Facebook) two of the Project focused on the purchase of equipment and the repair of the Rabacca Bridge at a cost of US$1.3 million.

Phase three, according to the Ambassador, will focus on cleaning and bolstering ten (10) river crossings from Orange Hill to Fancy, inclusive of Owia, Cayo, Karo, London, Sandy Bay, Overland and Noel River.

Continued on Page 16.

Residents of London/Sandy Bay came out to show their gratitude for the assistance being rendered by Taiwan. (Credit: Taiwan Embassy Facebook)

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

T&T celebrate Spiritual Baptist Day

LAST WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, was a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, given to mark the ongoing contribution of Spiritual Baptists to the twin-island Republic.

The day, officially named Spiritual Baptist Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, is celebrated annually on March 30, and commemorates the repeal on 30 March 1951 of the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance that prohibited the activities of the Spiritual Baptists are known to celebrate with Shouter or Spiritual Baptist faith.

Rowley commented that today In an address on Tuesday the entire nation commemorates leading up to the national holiday, their struggles and those Prime Minister of Trinidad and struggles and pains, he assured, Tobago — Dr. Keith Rowley, is “are now acknowledged as part of reported by Trinidad Newsday as our socio-historical matrix….” praising “…Spiritual Baptists for Another year has passed and their commitment, holding the Spiritual Baptists of the unshakeably to their beliefs, and republic are still without a always visualising beyond their cathedral, but the Prime Minister day-to-day struggles.” was optimistic that it would not The Prime Minister, the report be long before the celebrations can said, encouraged members of the be held in a cathedral, as the faith “to remain resilient and Government had granted land remember the struggles and and made assistance available efforts of those who fought to have towards building a cathedral. the Shouter Prohibition Dr. Rowley used the occasion to Ordinance repealed.” call for all citizens “to reach into

The CCJ is comprised of seven Judges, including the President.

much colour and rhythm. themselves ….find love… show tolerance and respect to those around them, individually, collectively and as a people, as a nation.”

Trinidadian believed that the Spiritual Baptists, also known as Shouters or Shakers, originated in the island of St Vincent.

Bishop Elton George Griffith (1913-1992) a Grenadian-born Baptist leader was the principal leader in Trinidad and Tobago’s fight to repeal the SHOUTERS PROHIBITION ORDINANCE, the law that forbade the practice of the Baptist faith. (Trinidad Newsday)

St. Lucia to become full member of CCJ INDICATIONS FROM ST. LUCIA are that that country will soon set a course to become a full member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

If it does become a full member, St. Lucia will be the fifth Caricom country to do so and, in the process, will do away with the London-based Privy Council as the country’s final court, accepting the CCJ instead, as its final Court of Appeal on civil and criminal matters.

St. Lucia’s acting Governor General Cyril Errol Charles, delivering the traditional Throne Speech last week at the start of a new Parliamentary term, told the law-makers that the Phillip Pierre-led St. Lucia Labour Party government will take steps toward the accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

“We are thus expected to become the fifth CARICOM member state to replace the Privy Council with the CCJ,” the Governor General enunciated.

Towards this end, the Governor General informed the Parliament, the government had appointed a committee under the chairmanship of former CCJ president, Sir Dennis Byron, to prepare the way for St. Lucia’s accession to the CCJ. “The draft legislation for the amendment of St. Lucia’s Constitution to allow for accession has been prepared and will soon be available for public scrutiny,” the Acting Governor added.

In his address, then GG told the lawmakers that the government is committed to constitutional reform, and that “The Parliamentary Committee created for this purpose will be revamped and mandated to consider specific areas such as prime ministerial term limits, a fixed date for general elections, the appointment of a Deputy Speaker, and the matter of becoming a Republic.”

All of the CARICOM countries are signatories to the Original Jurisdiction of the CCJ, which also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement.

However, only Barbados, Guyana, Belize and Dominica have signed on to the Court’s Appellate jurisdiction.

The CCJ, established in 2005, is headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (Sources: St. Lucia News Online, Barbados Today)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Ah ‘fraid de Sedition Act A FRIEND OF THE VINCENTIAN called to verify that what he had heard was far from the truth; that what he had heard about a citizen being charged with sedition was not the case, could never be the case in this 21st century.

THE VINCENTIAN could do nothing else than to confirm that what our friend had heard was indeed the fact of the matter; that a young man, an activist here, had been slapped with three charges under the Sedition laws.

When he questioned further and was told that the Sedition laws here date back to our colonial past and had not been visited, revisited or for that matter applied in any form or fashion in our modern history, he issued a sigh of pity, as though promising to say a prayer for us as we sank into a past we had chosen to invoke for a purpose that lent itself to speculation.

Our friend, being Trinidadian, did not part before reminding THE VINCENTIAN that when a certain Attorney General had given indication of applying the Sedition Act against those who had sought to question the inequality and political suppression by the ruling elite and it institutions, it took a calypsonian, Chalkdust, and his ‘Ah ‘fraid Karl, Ah ‘fraid the Sedition Act’ to force a turnaround in any intention that AG might have had.

Our reality is that we have invoked our Sedition laws, albeit still on our books and therefore available for use, against a select activist at a time when the ruling regime has come under its severest attack since its initial election in 2001.

That the activist had become the focus of attention by the state and its apparatuses is well documented. The state had found reason to withdraw a case of being an organizer of an illegal protest, against him, though he remained on suspension from his Prison Officer position awaiting his day in court having been charged with use of violence against an inmate.

What the state has not recognized is that while the young man may have at time abused the right to free speech by disregarding the responsibility to be fair and accurate in what he might have said or written on one or more social media platform, it is making a spectacle of itself by going after the jugular of the young man and those related to him, who do

not operate from a threatening position of organized political strength.

In fact, there is something comedic if not ironic in the current situation where the Sedition laws, which found their origin in faraway lands as measures to protect the King and Queens who governed over the people, who might, in their oppressed state, rise up against or encourage an uprising against the status quo, are being applied here against a King — by surname and not royal status.

There is enough precedent within the Commonwealth of Nations to lead a court of law to ignore the charges against the young King Kenson, as it fulfills its role of ensuring that we continue to exist in a modern society of meaningful laws and regulations, and not laws designed to stifle opposition and free but responsible speech.

Those who sit in authority, or is it power, are wont to interpret the laws to suit if not protect themselves. This is an almost natural consequence of the system that allows their rise to positions of authority since the role of those who oppose in a structured manner is clearly one of getting rid of them — those in authority.

There will always be, therefore, given how we practice democracy, a time when opposition to the state and state institutions like the Police Force, will be expressed in a crude and injudicious manner.

But the fullness of our democracy is not made manifest in ‘putting down’ those who oppose by force or through the application of certain laws. It is made ‘fullsome’ in how we use the art of influence to quell that opposition., not through any draconian method that brings public ridicule and even shame on citizens who are due no less than the same level of protection as any descent citizen on either side of the political fence.

We have, if the truth be told, come to a juncture in our history when many people, given what they perceive or have felt as the ‘power of the state’, live in fear of having action taken against them … made to feel diminished as far as their rights are concerned, should they take a position or make a statement on a national issue.

This being the case, we have nothing about which to be proud.

Open Letter to the Planning Board DEAR MEMBERS of the Planning Board: I urge you to reject the SVG Aggregate Inc. application to construct a Jetty in Layou in the area known as Jackson Bay. I reviewed the filing by SVG Aggregate Inc. at your office. The applicant states they are awaiting your direction on the need for an environmental assessment/impact statement. Why? I found it interesting that the document’s author noted that careful consideration should be given to some environmental issues as it is located in the middle of a residential area. Yet no way in the remainder of the document did he offer any proposals to mitigate these concerns.

He noted that the project would render about 110-feet of the beach unusable by the public. He also pointed out that the pier is seven hundred feet from the river. He did not mention the distance from the schools, church, and residents to the project. It did not tell us if the proposed jetty will be used as a transshipment point for export or would be the major operation for local consumption.

The report also noted that the applicant would provide for some improvement to the area’s recreation facilities. I assume they are referring to the Layou playing field or shade structures on the remainder of the beach. I find this demeaning to you, as a board, and the planning staff. A planning application should stand on merit and should not be considered favorably because the applicant offers some unrelated amenities. This action is an insult to your integrity and your professionalism. If SVG Aggregate Inc. would like to contribute to the development of certain recreational facilities, this should not be tied to the approval of this project. I know I don’t understand our system, as someone so aptly pointed out to me during my investigation of this project. But an unsolicited gift through a public body given in conjunction with a request for a specific action by the said public body does not seem appropriate.

The document suggests that no new roads would have to be constructed. I beg to differ. A drive on the street in question would reveal that the proposed “sleeping police” would be insufficient to control the traffic. The

company should not be allowed to use the existing road as it is inadequate.

The road was not constructed with this heavy truck traffic in mind. The turning radius on the corner will create a driving hazard to the motoring public and the school children walking to and from the area.

I find it difficult to understand how the hours of operations would not adversely affect the school and the residents in the area. The noise, dust, and restricted access to the beach for recreational and fishing activities are essential factors to consider with this application.

Another nuance I noticed on the application is that the applicant referred to the area as “Rural.” In the general context, that might be true.

However, it should be noted that they are avoiding a more rigorous standard of review by using this category. We need to view our six towns (District Center) outside the Capital Region as more than simply rural parts of our country. If the Applicant and the Planning Department treated Layou as one of three Leeward District Centers described in our National Physical Development Plan Document, this application would probably never have been accepted. As an aside, please do not equate “rural” with poor, unsophisticated, or friendless.

Chairperson, please allow me also offer a few comments on the current process in the interest of transparency. I would like to see all applications for a change in Land Use to your office include a citizen participation process. This process is beyond what we are doing today. It should require the developer to present the project to the public in the affected area. The developer should then include a report on the public reaction to the project in their planning application. They should also address any public concerns raised during this process in the application.

Again, I ask that this application be rejected and not be forward for final approval. Jackson Beach is a vital part of the community and must be protected from incursion. This is not the type of development we need in Layou.

Respectfully Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 9.

Letters

An apology for an apology IN THIS ‘dry season’ it might be flying in the face of the gods to say when it rains it pours. But figuratively speaking, it does pour when it rains in my case in that after what would have been a hiatus of well over four years, I will have with your blessings, letters to the editor in two successive editions of a newspaper.

Yes. Mr. Editor, following up on my piece last week in which I called on the British Monarchy to apologise for its role in the crimes of genocide and slavery

of African people in the Caribbean, I see where there were demonstrations in Jamaica during the visit of Prince William and his wife to that country.

Jamaica came out on to the streets calling for the same thing (apology) I had called for, and going further by calling for the removal of the Queen of Britain as the Head of State of that country.

Now that Barbados, of all the former British Colonies, has taken the most recent step in removing the Queen as

its Head of State, and given that Barbados was considered by many of its Caribbean colleagues to be a ‘Little England’ with its retention of a lot of the colonial trimmings, isn’t it a shame that more of us independent and ‘progressive’ Caricom countries are not moving in the same direction?

I understand that Prince William made something of an apology for the role of Britain in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and slavery in the Caribbean.

Come on Mr. Prince,

this is the twenty-first century. While there are still some in our islands who would fete you guys when you visit, there are quite a lot more of us who would want a more compelling apology for the role the British Monarchy played in the genocide and slavery of African people in particular.

And by the way, Mr. Editor, I must ask: Is it a must that we must move to a change of constitution as a whole, before we can say ‘bye

SINCE the passing of Glen Jackson, radio talkshow journalism in this country leaves much to be desired.

We need talk show hosts who are not afraid, who are bold and factual, with evidence, void of hatred and slander. We need talk show hosts who are informative, balanced in their views and honest in dispensing

information. Many are sensational and would feed on people’s emotion.

The passing of Glen Jackson has left a void in informative, honest and powerful presentation.

What is sad is the silence in remembering such a strong person on radio, who could bring down any government or bring into office any government. With the

exception of Kingsley DeFreitas there seems to be a silence on honoring his memory.

In general, journalists today are not investigative. Often times they would run with information that sounds juicy. Some are even too lazy to do their own research, instead they are like copycats.

That said, I must

admit that there are a few journalists who are trying to be truthful in their reporting, and would try to be balanced by gathering information from different sides of the fence.

It is my hope that the standard of journalism will be lifted in this country, to include more investigative and balanced reporting. Also, that we would see an improvement in talkshow hosts, where the talk-show hosts are responsible, honest even in criticism and informative. It is also important that the talkshow hosts do some research and gather information before hosting a programme.

We know that criticism is important but it must be void of slander and untruths. A good journalist would give information void of political mischief.

bye’ to the Queen of Britain? I can understand changing the constitution after we remove the Queen since in doing so, we might opt to become a Republic.

Thanks Bro Editor for facilitating me a second time around.

Stewart ‘Stewie’ Richards

SVG not in Talk Show Hosts and Journalists PanoGrama

The key to prosperity Prosperity Prosperity That’s what I hope for SVG Our prosperity depends on agriculture It is the way to the future Combating Malnutrition Inflation Poverty and starvation!

For a nation to prosper [adequately] It must have a strong Agro-Industry To boost the economy With a wide variety of edibles!

In times of crisis; Food security is a must!

So we got to wuk Pounding muscles!!

Sweating and toiling for the daily bread So that we won’t be dead!

In times of crisis Plant Tomato Cocoa Okra Celery Carrot Sweet pepper Cantaloupe Cabbage and potato!

In a time of crisis When food prices skyrocketed We must plant Banana Yam Cassava Pumpkin Tannia Plantain

Dasheen and Eddoes!!

In a time of crisis When food prices inflated Plant Mango Coconut Guava Sour-sop Oranges Tangerine Avocado Breadfruit and plenty fruits!

In these times of crisis When food prices burden your dollar Cultivate the land!

Cause when you plant the food No one cannot stave Belittle Or humiliate you When you plant food The tyrannical, vindictive politicians Cannot box bread out yo mouth Yeah!

Farming is a noble occupation Don’t let them tell you Agriculture is a thing of the past It is the way to the future!

To the future To the future To the future To the future Yeah To avoid future crisis We must grow what we eat And eat what they grow.

Carden A. Michael

Kennard King

IT WAS interesting to read about the virtual international steelpan competition — PanoGrama.

I had never heard about it so obviously it aroused my fancy.

I note that there are 27 pannists down to compete in the 2022 competition. I also noted, Mr. Editor, that none of those 27 is from St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). There is even participation from Belize which I didn’t know knew anything about playing the steelpan.

It was a disappointment not to see SVG included. I mean, we have been making so much noise about how our steel pan music is alive and well and could match any other steelpan playing country, I would have thought we would be the first to participate in PanoGrama.

We have pannists like Rodaey Small, Reajhaun Baptiste, Kingsley Roberts and Saeed Bowman just to name a few. Couldn’t we have got one of them in?

Maybe it is that the Youlou Pan Movement is not aware of the competition. But the competition, from what I gathered from the article, is not new so I doubt it was a question of not knowing about it. Maybe we were not invited.

That I could understand.

I suggest that we begin efforts now to ensure that we are represented in the next PanoGrama.

Our pannists need the exposure and to show that they can match pannists from any part of the world.

Charles Edinboro

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Lifting SVG higher: 21 Years of sterling leadership, prosperity and development

Twenty-one years of bad governance

Introduction

MEMBERS of the Unity Labour Party took six hours during the March 24, 2022 sitting of Parliament, to shower praises onto themselves for twenty-one years of governance.

It was unprecedented and was seen by many as an abuse of parliamentary privilege. For most Vincentians, there isn’t anything to celebrate, there isn’t anything to smile about. What we have is a country that has retrogressed under the ULP. The ULP came to power with grandeur promises. For instance, in its 2001 manifesto, ten policies were outlined to guide what the ULP promised to implement: “making job creation, especially quality jobs and sustainable economic development our main priority; being tough on crime and the causes of crime; moving resolutely against corruption in government; deepening political democracy, strengthening individuals rights and freedoms, and upholding the law and the constitution; modernizing and reforming government to better and more efficiently deliver all the services provided by the government and developing as never before in our country, sports, culture and the arts.”

After twenty-one years, Vincentians are still waiting on these policies to be implemented.

Vincentians are still waiting on the jobs that were promised. Thousands of young people are home, unemployed after graduating secondary schools, colleges and universities, and they are often referred to as lazy by members of the ULP. Where are the jobs? The ULP has failed miserably in creating jobs.

Our country is grappling with a high rate of unemployment. The worst it has ever been since conquest and settlement. In a recent IMF report stated that 46 percent among the youth (15-24 years of age) were unemployed.

We believe it is more than the figure which was stated by the IMF. The ULP government has failed to adopt the principles of good governance.

Over the years, there have been allegations of corruption in a number of government ministries. The alarming lack of accountability for the use of public resources, the construction of the Argyle International Airport, Petro Caribe and PDV SVG Ltd. The nation is yet to receive an appropriate and responsible response from the then Minister of Finance to these concerns.

And the government admitted to spending over EC$100 million without the approval of the parliament. Calls have been made repeatedly for the government to adhere to basic constitutional requirements for accounting of public monies through the channel of parliament.

There is the serious problem of the overdraft account not being able to be reconciled between what the bank says and what the Accountant General says is the amount. Over the period 2010 to 2015, there was an amount of about $95 million difference between what the bank said was withdrawn as part of its overdraft account, and what the Accountant General can present to the Director of Audit as the state of the overdraft account.

Poverty has increased under the ULP government. They have hidden the Poverty Assessment Report of 2018.

They are ashamed to publish it. But, we

ON MONDAY, March 28, 2022, the Unity Labour Party celebrated 21 years since being elected to run the affairs of this country, a feat never before achieved in our land. An accompanying and similarly remarkable achievement, was celebrated

by Comrade Ralph – that of 21 years of unbroken leadership as Prime Minister, the only such record in the whole of the independent CARICOM. Such an achievement by the ULP speaks to the quality of leadership provided over the years, and the confidence that Vincentians continue to express in that leadership.

The 21 years comprised of 5 General Elections, all won by the ULP even as this country faced challenges of the 2008 global financial crises and a 2020 Covid-19 pandemic or local natural disasters of Hurricane Tomas in 2010, the December 2013 flood, and the 2021 eruption of La Soufriere. Any of those events could have seriously disrupted and retarded the development of any country, but SVG has had to deal with the full combination of all over the period and has come out stronger and more resilient. Even the attempts at obstruction by the parliamentary opposition, that enlisted the assistance of passport-selling mind-benders who used misinformation, slander and eventually violent protests in the streets of Kingstown, couldn’t stop the ULP from achieving this remarkable milestone. As our ULP celebrates 21 years, we must of necessity reflect on the gains we’ve made despite the challenges faced and look forward with hope to where we intend to take our country. We remain committed to our solemn pledge to lift SVG higher, but implementing programmes that will improve the lives of every Vincentian and keep our country on the path to sustainable development.

previously, decided to take on a higher level of service to country and people and began this journey of transforming SVG, making it a better place for our people. Many other comrades worked hard to ensure the victory in 2001, many are alive and some have passed on, but this great party remains ever grateful to all those who believed in the vision and worked to ensure that the vision became a reality. We celebrate 21 years later with 9 seats in parliament, among which are Comrade Ralph and Comrade Gomery two members from the original 12, who continue to provide experienced guidance and leadership to the new group of future leaders who will continue the great work began in 2001.

The people’s victory

Following the elections victory, many Vincentians remarked publicly about the feeling of relief felt across the country, as if a weight had been lifted from around their necks. Truth be told, this country was being weighed down by rampant corruption, abject poverty, an education system that was failing our people, a decaying democracy that kept the meetings of the Parliament a secret, allowing draconian laws to be enacted and many other realities that kept our citizens in bondage. Since the General Elections of 1998, the people of this country tried their best to rid themselves of a regime that had clearly lost its way, as 55% of the votes cast were in favour of the ULP, but our First-Past-the-Post parliamentary type of governance was unable to accommodate this resounding response since this majority was only able to secure 7 seats in parliament. The disappointment felt by our people including the various sectors of workers who felt the stagnation in their Honouring those who started the development, was too much to bear for journey another 5 years and created serious unease in this country. It wasn’t long In 2021, when the voters of this before public sector workers, locked in country fired a corrupt and out of ideas negotiations with the government NDP, with the same action they hired a recognised that the new term brought team of competent individuals who nothing new from the same old regime, were ready and prepared for the task and something had to be done if their ahead. The job of jumpstarting a lives were to be improved. What stagnant economy, lifting our country occurred after is well known as massive out of poverty, repairing our global protests erupted with teachers, nurses, reputation that was severely battered public sector and other workers, took to and bruised and engendering a new the streets to demand more from the hope for the future among citizens was government; they wanted more, they the number one priority for the newly deserved more and were not prepared installed executive. Lead by political to accept the contempt and disrespect leader comrade Ralph. The 12 elected shown them by the NDP. representatives, victorious in It is clear as day, that since 1998, constituencies from North Leeward to the people started a movement to rid North Windward (except in East our beloved country of the NDP and Kingstown where the NDP eked out a though unsuccessful then, they narrow victory against Michael remained determined, resolute to be Hamlet) were ready to get on with the the agents of the change they sought. business of government. As we The election result in 2001 was a clear celebrate the 21st Anniversary of being statement from the people; it was the elected into office we make honourable coming alive of their dreams and hopes, mention of the 15 candidates who a new day, a new reality for all contested the 2001 General Elections: Vincentians, where the elected Comrade Ralph, Dr. Jerrol Thompson, government would work to make Sir Louis Straker, Dr. Douglas Slater, Vincentians lives better. Twenty-one Rene Baptiste, Conrad Sayers, Michael years later, we celebrate our first Hamlet (deceased), Mike Browne, electoral victory, recognising that this Girlyn Miguel, Clayton Burgin, Sir was the people’s victory, we thank the Vincent Beache (deceased), Selmon people of this country for the honour Walters, Montgomery Daniel, Cosmos and privilege given us to serve them, Cozier and Edwin Snagg. These 15 men and pledge our commitment to continue and women who had served this the great work we started 21 years ago. country in various capacities

got hold of it. It painted a damning picture of poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The report concluded that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is worse than when the ULP gained power in 2001. It stated that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines had moved from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to 36.1 % in 2018. The indigence level had moved from 2.9% to 11.3% in the country of 110,000 people.

It took less than twenty-one years for the government to destroy the agricultural sector. The ULP administration dismantled the Banana Growers Association and took full control of it, and subsequently removed the credit system from the farmers. The government refused to incorporate the established banana facilities overseas to expand the national diversification efforts; thus, creating severe hardship for the farmers. The end result was that most farmers abandoned their farms and began to seek employment elsewhere mainly as security guards.

The hard working farmers have felt the full weight of the ULP government.

And, they have failed to successfully implement the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) project.

Tourism has performed poorly. For instance, in 2006 there were 97,432 stay over visitors; by 2016 the number had declined to 75,395. In other words, we had lost over 22,000 of such visitors.

Instead of increasing the number of people in our hotels and guest houses, we lost over 22,000. Do you know how many jobs were lost as a result? Even after five years of operation of the Argyle International Airport, the number of stay over visitors remains low. When the poor performance of the tourism industry was highlighted by a young bright Vincentian, an island scholar, he was fired from his job.

Then, the cruel, evil and vindictive act by the government where it instituted its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, requiring police officers, teachers, nurses and certain other government and state entities to take the COVID-19 vaccine, as a standard of qualification for work. And, dismissed hundreds of state employees including sanitation workers who refused to be vaccinated.

The economy has been performing poorly. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is at the bottom of the OECS as it relates to economic growth. Budget deficits are the order of the day. The capital budget is stymied by the absence of counterpart funding for projects identified. The recurrent expenditure for health has been reduced, leading to serious deterioration in that sector. Less funding has been allocated to BRAGSA and the tourism sector.

The health care system has also suffered under the ULP government.

Vincentians have been complaining vehemently about the poor health service in this country. They have been complaining about the lack of basic medication at the clinics and hospitals, mal-functioning and absence of critical equipment to perform important tests at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

It has been twenty-one years of severe hardship for most Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022.11.

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The elderly among us

“You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your selfconfidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair.” – Samuel Ullman (1840-1924) – American businessman, religious leader, humanitarian, and poet. if we are not young, and we’re not glowing, and we’re not hot, that we MANY AMONG US may seem to fear the don’t matter. I refuse to let a system or thought of growing old. Some anticipate a culture or a distorted view of reality that, as they age, they may lose the tell me that I don’t matter. I know that independence to which they have grown only by owning who and what you are accustomed. They now move more can you start to step into the fullness slowly, lose posture (and experience the of life. Every year should be teaching curvature of the spine), and many of the us all something valuable. Whether tasks that they performed in their youth you get the lesson is really up to you.” now appear impossible in their postWe are encouraged by such words of youth. Additionally, they know the wisdom. These pearls of knowledge danger of falling and the perils created should assist each of us to have a more by broken bones and damaged positive outlook on the elderly among ligaments. Aging could be a frightening us and the aging population. experience for many.

Regrettably, the Internet and cable The Samuel Ullman quotation that television reveal video footage of some was used to introduce this article care givers who engage in verbal describes many of the “dichotomies of and/or physical abuse of the elderly. life” that the elderly must face: faith or Such behaviours are not only doubt; self-confidence or fear; and hope undesirable, they are cruel. The or despair. There are too many physical and emotional pain that such instances where we observe the elderly behaviours inflict cannot be excused. being burdened down by doubt, fear, Care givers (including family and/or despair. Too many encounter members) must understand that some “bad times” while in the twilight of of these individuals will have difficulty their years. Currency devaluations eat moving around and that there will be away at their savings at a time when challenges created by chronic diseases they are hardly able to generate such arthritis, diabetes, dementia, revenue or create wealth. Based on Alzheimer, and so on. In addition, the foregoing, we could empathise with some will discover that they are those who had invested heavily in unable to control their bladder or British American Insurance Company bowel movements. We can anticipate (BAICO) and Colonial Life Insurance that care givers who understand and Company (CLICO) only to see their appreciate such developments are investments appear to vanish as those likely to show greater empathy for two regional companies failed. The these valuable members of our society. elderly who had anticipated that these Kate Morton (born 1976), an “secure investments” would provide for international bestselling Australian their needs during their twilight years author, reminds us that, “One becomes now regularly mourn their loss … rather desperate for visitors, when one some still hoping that they will recover has lost the power to visit.” The elderly a portion of their investments. It is members among us are therefore likely therefore quite understandable that to appreciate visitors — especially when these traumatised elderly investors their ability to visit is curtailed. There may periodically wish to enquire about may be some who are uncomfortable or their funds and/or talk about the embarrassed to receive visitors concerns they have as a result of their (especially if they appear “lost investments”. It is “normal” for unannounced) but, in general, it is them to wish to do so. logical to conclude that many are It is interesting and encouraging to likely to appreciate such visits. This note how some cultures care for and may be especially so for retired respect their elderly citizens. For teachers who are visited by former example, in Fiji, the island country in students; elderly nurses and/or doctors Melanesia, neighbours and relatives go who are visited by former patients; out of their way to care for the aged. retired managers who receive a visit Many of the traditional nomadic tribes from former employees, elderly of Africa still have male members who politicians and statesmen whose carry the old and infirm citizens on former constituents show up to share their backs as they migrate. In some memories or simply to provide of the East Asian cultures (like Japan, reminders of their love and Singapore, and China), influenced by appreciation, and so on.

Confucian tradition, multiWe all grow old. We all advance by generational families still co-exist in 24 hours every day. We may reflect on an effort to ensure that the elderly are the “normal” fears and concerns that not abandoned … that they are cared most elderly individuals entertain as for and reminded that they are the years advance. However, as we appreciated. Some villagers in rural enter our post-youth stage of India still encourage the young to sit development it would be useful to at the feet of the elderly where they remember Samuel Ullman’s caringly caress the senior’s feet as a observation that we are as young as mark of respect. We are encouraged our faith, as old as our doubt; as young by such examples of caring for those as our self-confidence, as old as our who, due to age and disability, may be fear; and as young as our hope, as old unable to take adequate care of as our despair. May we focus on the themselves. positives as we age … and seek to Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), the inspire the elderly among us to do American talk show host, television likewise. producer, actress, author, and philanthropist, in referring to western Send comments, criticisms & societies noted that, suggestions to “We live in a youth-obsessed culture julesferdinand@gmail.com that is constantly trying to tell us that

Ralph Gonsalves’ Counter-Revolution WARNING! If we were to take the ULP leadership at its word that a revolution was initiated with its electoral triumph and ascendancy to the corridors of power in 2001, it would be equally fair to say that a virtual counter-revolution is unfolding before our eyes as Gonsalves celebrate 21 straight years as Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

You can’t make this up. It is true. It is real and quite damaging to the legacy of PM Gonsalves, who stormed into power with so much promise. One will have to judge Gonsalves’ current performance on the broadest political spectrum to maintain that he governs as the heralded progressive this nation embraced on March 28, 2001.

Only the diehard ULP loyalists, the most unabashed cynic and change agents nostalgically yearning for a star to steer by, can foolhardily claim that we got what we bargain for. It is sadly disheartening to look on as Gonsalves self-destructs before our very eyes.

The man who promised so much now presides over an increasingly undemocratic government. In 1998, Gonsalves drafted and published in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper a foreboding indictment of James Mitchell’s government entitled ‘Fear Stalks the Land’. The letter detailed the many ways in which the then governing New Democratic Party captured government machinery and despoiled the body politic.

It was a passionate and compelling manifesto for change. The people bought the message, and evolution did come. So confident was Gonsalves that when challenged, he declared, ‘we are the change.’ His use of power and authority best discloses the heart of a man. If he is not awestruck by power, say Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, he is bound to misuse it. We offer up Gonsalves as exhibit A. Rather than salve the nation’s yearning for an improved and more perfect democracy, Gonsalves punishes those who adopt his very advocacy methods to challenge what they perceive to be his misdeeds. We are guided by the maxim that while we may disagree with the stridency of your advocacy, in a democracy, we are committed to defending your right to legally enter and participate in the marketplace of ideas.

In present-day SVG, Gonsalves police snatch placards and drums from protesters, restrict the rights of citizens to protest and routinely arrest opposition activists on the most frivolous of charges, charges that are unsustainable in law and inevitably fizzle, withdrawn or are dismissed by the law courts. His police brutalize, beat, shoot and kill young men, and the administration does not bother to investigate or hold a coroner’s inquest.

Citizens report being stalked, their children taped by foreigners and the authorities turn a blind eye offering succour to suspected offenders.

The auditor discloses that over $95 million has been unaccounted for over five years. The government offered the disingenuous answer that our ‘smart stream’ computer software intended to track and trace public finance is woefully inefficient and ineffective. We are none the wiser about whether the government’s money is being misappropriated.

Increasingly, there is little or no consultation with citizens. The manner in which 59 acres of national property at Richmond was leased to foreign investors without regard for the health, safety, financial and environmental wellbeing of Vincentians is clear proof of

an uncaring government.

Fortunately, there is a growing civic consciousness, which helps people push back against strong undemocratic tendencies. The public uproar over the Richmond quarry, the denial of planning approval for the destruction of the coral reef at Villa and the construction of a jetty at Layou are positive signs of what can be achieved when the people remain vigilant.

On top of all this is Gonsalves’ approach to law-making, his response to court rulings and declarations and his interpretation of the constitution. In April 2020, Gonsalves passed the Miscellaneous Amendment Act. This act, reminiscent of the dread bills passed by the Labour Party in 1981, gives the minister the power to amend any law, including the constitution. This amounts to a veritable power grab that transforms SVG from a society governed by laws to one ruled over by the whim and fancy of men.

The total effect of this thinking is boldly reflected in how the government dealt with the Covid mandates.

Gonsalves cynically and callously declared, ‘No jab, and you lose your job!’

Hundreds of teachers, nurses, police officers and other public servants were dismissed, thus creating a financial crisis that made worse the mental health emergency which pervades the land. Once heralded as a champion of workers, Gonsalves morphed in the Caribbean ayatollah on covid matters.

The ULP government vamped on sanitation workers forcing them to be vaccinated to ramp up vaccination numbers. Last month, Health Minister Jimmy Prince declared that the government made an error because the covid mandate did not apply to sanitation workers.

When the Law Courts make declarations adverse to Gonsalves’ government, he refuses to abide by the court’s orders. Ask to pay damages and costs, he and his finance minister stand in defiant contempt of court.

This resume is not pretty, but it’s worth stating that there were points of light over these 21 years.

Let no one say that Plain Talk said Gonsalves’ tenure is bad. Gonsalves remains the policy wonk, the steading hand, the tactical and strategic genius of the ULP. He is still highly regarded by a dwindling band of supporters here and across the Caribbean.

Many change agents will remember him fondly for his government’s commitment and drive to ‘right historical wrongs,’ the training of hundreds of nurses, universal secondary education, 100 percent mortgages for public employees which allowed them to buy their own homes, scholarships and financial assistance to hundreds of disadvantage citizens for university education, his efforts in Caricom to protect and defend the sovereignty and independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from the clutches of American imperialism as well as taking the reparations cause for indigenous and African peoples for the genocide, the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, slavery and colonialism to Caricom and the world.

Over the last two decades, there has been much chatter about revolutions in health, housing and education. The evidence is now in. Most conscientious Vincentians conclude that we got less than we bargained for and that Gonsalves now presides over a counterrevolution.

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

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Quarrying and mining operation is a gross insult

incompetent and useless ULP Regime.

It is time for a change of government in SVG. Neither the poorly functioning ULP Regime nor THE QUARRYING and mining operation at large profits. mining operation at Richmond into a the useless NDP Regime has the Richmond is another example of the ULP state-owned company. This would It would make more sense, ability to create sustainable sources of regime giving away our country’s riches make more money for Vincentians and revenue and lift our country and financially, to set up a state-owned and resources to foreigners to make company to do the quarrying and the SVG Treasury. people into prosperity. them richer.

The ULP Regime is giving away so mining operation at Richmond Only a Green Government has the Leader of SVG Green Party, much money to foreigners that should financial and economic competence ourselves. Then, if the stone is Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal be going into the SVG Treasury. exported as cut-stone, it would be a needed to create mass employment BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that Super-rich, white foreigners in value-added product and would and sustainable sources of revenue. giving the quarrying and mining command a higher price on the world’s Mustique and Canouan are given We would not give our country’s operation at Richmond to foreigners is markets. hundreds of millions of dollars in tax valuable resources to foreigners. We a gross insult to our people.

At the moment, the ULP Regime is and customs exemptions, but the would abolish the tax exemptions The quarrying and mining operation willing to give the operation to black, poor and powerless population given to Taiwan and the super-rich in at Richmond should have been leased foreigners for peanuts. It is just as bad must pay tax and customs duty.

Mustique and Canouan. to a Vincentian-owned company, so as giving Taiwan our SVG Atlantic The backward economic strategy of Vincentians’ needs must be the that the financial profit from the Ocean tuna fishing rights for peanuts. the ULP Regime is creating and priority for an SVG government, not operation would go to Vincentians.

And the ULP regime cannot work out perpetuating poverty and destitution foreigners’ needs. Vincentians should That way, more wealth would stay why government revenue is down! in our country. SVG has become benefit the most from our country’s within our country and more money What a joke. another Haiti under the ULP Regime resources, not foreigners. would be in circulation.

SVG Green Party strongly objects to since 2001 - a country relying on It makes no sense to lease the the quarrying and mining operation at begging and food aid. It is a quarrying and mining operation at Richmond being given to foreigners. A national disgrace and our Richmond to a foreign company, so country is getting much worse Green Government would end the THE RECENT announcement by PAHO they can take the stone and make and poorer under the grossly lease and turn the quarrying and that herd immunity is the only effective way to combat and survive COVID-19 is more than a year late, but better late than never! The best way to achieve true herd immunity is by unmasking, beginning with those who came down done through fear of corporal THE ARCHITECTS of idleness must task, if not recognized, often cause with COVID-19 and survived, like me and punishment. Some time ago officials, note the damage that they are loss of production. Manure many others right here in sweet SVG. application, weeding, pruning, and rather than supporting principals in causing to our nation. In almost On March 27, 2021 an article titled their quest to have their students every field there is a shortage of watering on time must be done for “What is herd immunity” was published workers. There is no doubt that maximum productivity. Workers arrive on time, aided and abetted in my name. In it I chided our MOH for there is much work to be done. must read and study how to improve delinquent children by having not using their Health program to edify Finding willing, able, and productive what they do. principals disciplined for trying to do Vincentians about the ‘efficacy’ of herd workers is a major challenge for Some parents selfishly do all the the right thing. It is well known that immunity. Some critics laughed it off as home chores and making invalids of children take the path of least many employers. ridiculous, because they didn’t Farmers complain that they their children. Many go off to college resistance. When we adults disagree understand the concept and reality of the not knowing how to cook, clean, and among ourselves, the children go cannot find workers to engage in benefits of herd immunity; thank God it producing their crops. While much of wash. Some working children are not astray. was only a few of such thinkers.

Children live in the Now-for-Now the work is physical, some require allowed to learn financial I am not advocating for COVID-19 specific skills that must be learned. responsibility by contributing to the generation and punishment survivors to go coughing and sneezing in There seem to be problems with family budget. preferably should be immediate and other people’s faces to achieve herd basic work ethics. The importance of In the past some students arrived certain. In many cases corporal immunity, it is much easier and more early at school and got their work punishment seemed to be replaced arriving on time and staying on effective to just unmask and operate as with no punishment at all. normal. Catch it you will, but the state of Alternatives take time. Lack of your immune system will determine the discipline has resulted in the severity of the illness. So keep your proliferation of spoiled brats. immune system healthy and nature will They do not care about time, take care of whatever comes at it, that is refuse to eat the available how God designed us. Nothing nutritious foods, demand engineered by man can overthrow God’s designer clothes, and are creation. But that does not mean you unwilling to pull their weight. should willfully expose yourself to bad No wonder they are unable to habits and practices. So, still keep your keep a job and idle by the hands sanitized regularly especially when wayside. in public spaces.

Sometimes they land a good Grenada has officially disbanded the position through their masking protocol from April 01, and this connections but their lack of is not an April’s fools joke. What are we discipline frustrates their waiting for? For massa to say that you subordinates and cause much can now unmask? Follow the science loss of productivity. nuh!

Homes and schools need to And another worrying news for persons teach children not only what with life insurance. If death is as a direct they need to learn, but also how result of having had a COVID-19 vaccine, to learn so that they can adapt you will not be covered. So after all to the changing world. those years of paying the insurance, you Employers must use meritocracy better instruct your friends at the morgue in their hiring and promotion not to state cause of death is COV1D-19, practices if maximum otherwise your beneficiaries aint getting a productivity is to be achieved. dime!

Time to unmask!

Production and productivity

Anthony Stewart, PhD

Donald De Riggs

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 13.

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prescribed for medical patient use.

All of this is in keeping with the SVG Government’s thrust towards establishing a Modern Medicinal Wellness Industry, which has already embraced the cultivation and use of medicinal marijuana, and has since expanded to include the medical use of several psychoactive compounds, broadly classed as psychedelics.

Towards the latter Todd Shapiro, CEO/Red end, the Government, in Light Holland says his October 2020, entered company is bent on leading the way in legal into Memoranda of Psilocybin-based Understanding (MOU) consumer packaged with three companies, goods imports across one of which is Mera Life the world.

Sciences LLC (since acquired by Red Light RED LIGHT HOLLAND has Holland and renamed successfully and legally Scarlette Lillie Sciences imported the Company’s — an Ontario-based iMicrodose packs (truffles) corporation engaged in into St. Vincent and the the production, growth Grenadines (SVG). and sale (through Red Holland Light existing Smart Shops legally imported the operators and an iMicrodose packs advanced e-commerce (truffles) to SVG through platform) of a premium its licensed subsidiary brand of magic truffles.

Scarlette Lillie Sciences The other companies and Innovation Inc. are Ajori Health & The iMicrodose Wellness Ltd., SVG truffles will be lodged Biomed Inc. with Caribbean Gold Two other companies Standard Laboratory have been issued (CGS Labs) here in SVG Scientific Research Only for testing to prepare for Licences which permit further research and local research into the study, with the goal of same list of compounds, eventually being

A glimpse of a dose of what the iMicrodose packs (truffles) promises.

but do not allow commercialization, distribution, or clinical applications

Laying the groundwork

THE VINCENTIAN A breakthrough understands that during the The MOU outlined a time since the period for the Medicinal commencement Wellness Feasibility of the MOU, Study, in which the the companies parties would collaborate have worked to to examine “the key support the elements involved in objectives of the building a commercially study viable, science-based, …

(Medicinal Wellness health and wellness Feasibility Study), and ecosystem in SVG.” have engaged in different Todd Shapiro, Chief aspects of the Medicinal Executive Officer and Wellness Industry.

Director of Red Light Activities have Holland and Scarlette included the engagement Lillie, commenting on the of local and international breakthrough said, “This medical professionals, is another the evaluation and groundbreaking step for acquisition of properties the Company as we try to facilitate licensed to lead the way in legal activities, the Psilocybin-based consumer packaged goods imports across the world, with the ultimate goal of affordable and equitable access to our naturally-occurring products.

“We are extremely grateful for our collaborative relationship with the SVG Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Health who worked closely with CGS Labs and Scarlette Lillie to secure authorization to import our iMicrodose packs to SVG. We look forward to completing further analysis on our branded Psilocybin Truffles so they can hopefully be cleared for future medical patient use in SVG.” In welcoming the iMicrodose packs (truffles), Matthias Piasecki, Chief Executive Officer of CGS, said, “Everyone here at CGS Labs knows this is just the beginning of realizing the opportunity that exists in developing a Natural Wellness Industry in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States with SVG leading the effort for the region.”

Red Light Holland has made a concrete move towards further developing the parameters a Modern Medicinal Wellness Industry for SVG. recruitment of operational professionals, and the initiation of production and supply arrangements.

One of the companies has been granted permission to import a listed compound produced in another

jurisdiction for analytical testing in SVG. It is expected that the three pioneering licensees will soon begin the clinical phase of the study which will expand to include clinical trial support and medically supervised treatment facilities.

14. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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Taiwan: Putting money where the ash is

Continued from Page 5.

Ambassador Lan took the opportunity to express his Country’s “strong commitment in supporting the rehabilitation and reconstruction process of SVG after the eruptions of volcano La Soufrière,” and referenced Taiwan’s work in North Windward as also being a contribution to facilitating the return of economic activities in the North Windward area.

Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Transport, Works, Lands and Surveys, and Physical Planning, and

There has been some cleaning along major roads and pathways but there is much more ash and debris to be removed.

Parliamentary Representative for the area, was also in attendance. He alluded to the ongoing challenge of the daily removal of

sand and debris from the Rabacca River by BRAGSA, so as to ensure a free flow of water under the Rabacca Bridge.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 17.

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Rose Place fishers not satisfied

The issue of relocation of their boats is a primary concern for fishermen who store their boats in Rose Place, from where they operate. (Credit: SVG TV)

Management could give no The Kingstown Port indication of when the Modernisation Project meeting as requested includes the construction would be convened. of new cargo port facilities

Anthony Clarke, fisherman made it clear that fisher folk in Rose Place will not accept any proposal without consultation. (Credit: SVG TV) WHAT IS BEING DUBBED as the second largest infra-structural project to be undertaken in this country, i.e. the Kingstown Port Modernisation Project, continues to be plagued with one hurdle or the other.

In what one observer said should have been one of the first concerns to be addressed and addressed to finality, i.e. an amicable agreement, continues to raise its head and legitimately so.

The issue of the future of the fishers and fisher folk in general, who ply their trade from Rose Place, the primary area of Kingstown to be affected by the project, goes unattended and the persons whose livelihoods will be most affected are not allowing the issue to be swept under the carpet.

Immediately following last week Thursday’s sitting of parliament fisher folk in Rose Place took to the national TV airwaves, SVG TV, to let their umbrage with the project be known.

They were reacting and in fact, voicing their disapproval to an announcement of compensation to be paid to them, as disclosed

by Minister of Urban Development, Senator Julian Francis.

Fishermen from the community told SVG TV that no meeting was held with them to discuss the question of compensation.

One fisherman, Anthony Clarke said, unapologetically, that he felt “the fisher folk were being treated unfairly,.. since we did not have a say whether we needed compensation or repositioning of our dishing fleet or ourselves.”

He all but summarized the sentiment of the fishermen who have been operating from a base at Rose Place, one such person doing so for fifty years.

The majority clearly wanted compensation together with “a place to dock their boats,” and requested that those in authority sit with them to work out an amicable solution.

Information is that the last time any meeting was held between person representing the Project and the fisher folk in Rose place was March 2021, and

and associated access roads on reclaimed land.

It necessitates the relocation of a number of

households, especially those near the lower beach area of Rose Place. (Partial Source: SVG TV)

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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Jamaica puts Royals on notice

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attended a military parade on the final day of their tour to Jamaica.

(Credit: hellomagazine.com)

THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY faced much embarrassment this week as protests, particularly in Jamaica, disrupted Prince William and Kate Middleton’s tour of former British colonies in the Caribbean.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their week-long visit to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas March 19.

Officially, the trip was meant to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne.

Many observers say the trip was meant to persuade the three countries to keep the Queen as head of state, and not to follow Barbados, which transitioned to a republic last November. But

growing calls to cut formal ties with the Queen and campaigns for slavery reparations have ignited a reckoning with the region’s colonial past.

Jamaicans protest Prince William and Kate arrived in Jamaica, the second stop of their trip, on March 22 amidst what has been described as that country’s commencement of the process of transitioning

to a republic.

It was all in all a difficult moment for the royals in Jamaica, as the day before their arrival one hundred Jamaican academics, politicians, and cultural figures, calling themselves the Advocates Network, signed an open letter calling for the royal family and British government to apologize and pay reparations for subjecting the island to colonial rule and slavery.

The letter stated inter alia, “We are of the view an apology for British crimes against humanity, including but not limited to the exploitation of the indigenous people of Jamaica, the transatlantic trafficking of Africans, the enslavement of Africans, indentureship and colonialization is necessary to begin a process of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and compensation,” The letter also described Prince William and Kate as “direct beneficiaries of the wealth accumulated by the royal family…from the trafficking and enslavement of Africans”.

And in reference to

the Queen’s Jubilee, the letter reads: “We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, has perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”

The Advocates Network also staged a protest March 22 outside the British High Commission in Kingston, to coincide with the couple’s arrival.

The following day, Prince William stopped short of an apology, instead expressing “profound sorrow” for the “appalling atrocity of slavery” during an address to Jamaica’s prime minister March 23.

“Slavery was abhorrent and it never should have happened,” he said. “I strongly agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last

year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history.”

The Advocates Network issued a statement in response, calling the Prince’s words “unacceptable,” adding: “There was no responsibility taken! No call out of centuries of British bloody conquest and plunder.”

The sentiment in support of republicanism is not confined to Jamaica, the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean.

Calls for republicanism have intensified in across the region, especially since Barbados transition officially in November 2021 to a republic.

There were reports that recent letters to the editors of a number of newspaper in the region, in including our own THE VINCENTIAN, also made a similar call.

(Yahoo News, Jamaica News)

Jamaicans in protest in front of the British High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica, demanding an apology from British Royalty. (YouTube)

V Minister Francis apologises

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 19.

News

SENATOR Julian Francis, Minister of Urban Development. Local Government, etc. has admitted that the responsible ministry – the Ministry of Transport and Works – did not have sufficient consultation with the people, especially the farmers, with respect

to permission granted to a St. Lucian company to establish a quarry and mining operation in Richmond.

The Senator made the admission while speaking on BOOM radio last week, during which he also apologized to the farmers directly affected

and to the communities of Richmond and Chateaubelair in general.

He also clarified that while he was the Minister responsible when the project was first negotiated, he no longer holds that portfolio — Transport and Works — which is now

the preview of Montgomey Daniel.

But even as he made the admission of and apologise for the dearth of consultation on the project, Francis said that there was “no one (living) within 2,000 meters of the quarry” project, except for the long

Tax Avoiders beware THOSE BUSINESS who engage in tax avoidance practices better be on their guard and in the interest of fair play and compliance with the law, should desist from same.

The warning has Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of Inland revenue, has given an early warning to those who might want to contravene the tax laws.

come from Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) who, via TV and Radio, said that the newly established Tax-Payer Intelligence and Investigative Unit of the IRD is on watch for businesses which engage in tax avoidance practices.

The Tax-Payer Intelligence and Investigative Unit is tasked with investigating businesses to ensure all

practices are in accordance with SVG’s tax laws.

Comptroller Kelvin Pompey expressed satisfaction with the progress to date of the Unit.

And with the March 31st deadline passing for the filing of income tax returns, the Comptroller of the IRD has again expressed concern about employers who have not submitted employees pay-as-you-earn or (P.A.Y.E) deductions.

established Richmond Vale Academy, he sought to strike home the point that “all three hundred (300) acres in the area (concerned) is government owned.”

And according to the Senator, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), had been presented to the Physical Planning authority, which had given the approval for the operations to move on.

There has been much public discussion across St. Vincent and the Grenadines in recent weeks about the decision to begin quarry operations at Richmond in the North-Western section of the island of St. Vincent, by the St. Lucia registered company.

Concerns were not only expressed in relation to the impact on

Senator Julian Francis, while no longer holding the ministerial portfolio under which the Richmond Quarry Project would fall, sought to apologise for the lack of community consultation on the project. the environment and the livelihoods of people in the area, but even more concern was registered about how much and to what extent the country was going to benefit, both in the short and long term, from the operation.

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Prices rising – Shop wisely

Director of Consumer Affairs and Internal Trade, Clarence Harry, had some advice for consumes and farmers.

CONSUMERS IN THIS COUNTRY are being encouraged to shop wisely and farmers to produce more.

This advice comes from Director of Consumer Affairs and Internal TradeClarence Harry.

Harry, speaking on March 28th on the Agency for Public Information, API online show ‘Marning’, Harry said that several man made and non-man made factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine and Russia war have exacerbated market prices.

The Consumer Affairs and Internal Trade Director express the view that the various world crises were opportunities to further boost the local agriculture sector.

He said a food shortage worldwide should encourage farmers to produce more and consumers to eat local. He

was also of the view that it was vital to find markets for the export of any excess.

Harry noted that his Department promotes and provides consumer protection for both goods and services, and its Complaints Handling Unit is dedicated to addressing and investigating the grievances of consumers.

The Complaints and Handling Unit will be strengthened with the soon-tobe appointment of a tribunal, allowing for legal recourse and fairness as provided for by the Consumer Protection Act. Harry encouraged businesses as well as consumers to respect that there are controlled and non-controlled prices in the wholesale and retail markets.

There were just about 20 items under controlled pricing, such as LPG gas, rice, flour, fuel, lumber, fishing equipment, cement, imported meat and chicken, harry said.

Highlighting some of the recent increases in commodity prices, Harry referenced flour which he said had an ex-factory price of $105.00 per 100lb bag, but had increased to $120.00. The maximum wholesale price that was $115.50 is now at $131.80.

As for the retail market, he noted that in Area One (Kingstown to Arnos Vale and Kingstown to Campden Park) the price for flour had moved from $1.30 to $1.50 a pound.

This 20 cents increase holds good for the other consumer areas, Villa to Georgetown and Campden Park to Walliabou; Georgetown to Fancy and Walliabou to Richmond; and the Grenadines.

The retail price for Rice, according to Harry, had also gone up, from $1.67 to $1.70 a pound. (Source: API SVG)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Sharing me with a friend Dear George, I OVERHEARD my boyfriend trying to set his friend up to have sex with me. He did not know that his phone was open and I heard everything that was said. He told him that it was his fantasy to have another man sleep with me. He planned to get me intoxicated to make it happen. I could not believe that my boyfriend held me in such low regard, especially after he told me countless times that if he ever saw me fooling around he would be gone.

I confronted him about it and his response moved from denial to he was only joking.

After about a year of being together, I have lost confidence in the love he professed to me. Is this someone I should stay with and eventually

marry?

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, Consider it a revelation that you have found out just how much your boyfriend values you.

You deserve to be in a relationship where your partner treasures and appreciate everything about you, not a partner who wants to share you around.

Take all the time you need to make a proper evaluation and be not afraid to make the hard decisions should it come to that.

George

Red Red Wine makes me …….. admitted that red wine puts her in a “nice mood”. There is no way OF LATE, when I get she would be drinking home from work I meet my wife entertaining this red wine with this man and nothing happened male friend of hers. He between them. I trust does not work and my wife but not when neither does my wife. she has wine in her The extent of my relationship with him is head.

I talked to her about that we have engaged in the situation and she got casual conversation.

A couple of days ago I annoyed. Please explain to me what is happening met them drinking red wine which she claims he here. brought to celebrate his Looking for answers birthday. George, my wife is not a drinker and the few times he has had Dear Looking for red wine she got sexually answers, aggressive. She

Dear George,

It is highly inappropriate for your wife to be encouraging this man to visit with her during your absence.

She should take a principled position and let him know that he can only visit when you are present. This will prevent unnecessary thoughts about infidelity and close the door on any opportunity to be sexually inappropriate.

This is something that should be nipped in the bud before the worse happens.

George

Stop fooling yourself Dear George,

Dear Can’t decide,

MY GIRLFRIEND and I have been together for six months and it is only now that I am discovering things about her.

The first is that she has a full set of dentures. Another thing is that she does not want children with me because she wants her children to be tall and I am short.

The dentures is a big bother to me but this idea of not having my child is utterly crazy, and she has gone as far as to say that she may eventually have a child or two but it would involve the sperm bank or me allowing her to sleep with a man of her choice.

George, I wonder if she is ok in the head. The strange thing is I do not want to cut the relationship due to her skillful ways in the bedroom. It is a situation where I want her but don’t want her.

I am at a loss trying to come to grips with how you could be this woman for the time you have been and not tell what’s real and what’s not real. And the thing about not having your child is even worse.

I suggest you do the honorable thing and politely walk away. It makes no sense for you to continue wallowing in unhappiness by sticking around knowing that the package you now have is not what you bargained for.

Can’t decide

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Extravagance will be a problem. You need time to rejuvenate. If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side. Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize.

Family members may want you at home, when your heart is telling you to spend time with someone you recently met.

Your added discipline will help you complete the impossible at work.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. Don't let the moods of those you live with get you down. You will gain new friends if you get involved in environmental issues.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money. Tell it like it is.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. You need to pamper yourself for a change. You can get a lot done if you get your hands on the right equipment. Your emotions will be touched off concerning recent encounters with your lover.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. You may have difficulties at an emotional level with mates. Try not to attempt to do something unless you are fully intent on following through with the plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Residential moves will be in your best interest. Take care of the needs of elders in your family. Put financial speculation with family members or friends on the back burner for now. You can have a great time if you go out with the one you love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Close deals that have been up in the air and move on to new ones that appear to be profitable. Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day. You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Deep discussions may only lead to friction. Real estate should be lucrative for you. Friends may not be completely honest with you. Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Throw yourself into your work. Avoid any gossip and be careful that you aren't misinterpreted. Disputes may start because of a lack of honesty. Older relatives may be a burden.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children.

Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. Try a barbecue or a day at the beach. Changes in your residence may be financially favorable.

Secret affairs may be brought out in the open.

ACROSS 1. At the home of 5. Bound 9. Old-timer 13. Boat overhaul 15. Workplace safety org.

16. Oscar winner Paquin 17. Prudential competitor 18. Explosive, when split 19. Neeson of “Kinsy” 20. Wasp colors 23. Printers’ widths 24. Common to Nittany and Detroit 25. Aquarium fish 28. “Matrix” actor Reeves 30. Bond opponent 31. Camping need 33. French story 37. Flag colors 40. Like some questions 41. Level to the ground 42. Have glad eyes for 43. Quoted 45. Qatar coin 47. Trunks 49. Hall of Fame outfielder Roush 50. Cloud colors 57. Part of a website 58. FDA part 59. “Venice of the East” 60. Fashion designer 61. Connecticut university 62. Like a lion or horse 63. Ampersands 64. Building additions 65. Koppel and Nugent DOWN 1. Kvetch 2. Part of a shoe 3. Trade agreement 4. Brass component 5. Mortgages, for example 6. Cornerstone abbr.

7. Sailor’s call

8. Anderson on “Baywatch” 9. Pete Wentz’s band 10. Vegetable that makes you cry 11. Nibbles 12. Thanksgiving side dish 14. Selfish sort 21. Violin maker, Nicolo 22. Stood along a street, for example 25. Certain surgeon’s “patient” 26. Heels 27. Street announcers 28. Work with the hands 29. J.F.K. postings 30. Juiceless 32. Raison d’ ___ 34. Lake organism 35. Deceive

36. Shoe box marking 38. Mechanically lift 39. The out crowd 44. 60s fashion 46. Expression 47. Singer Shania 48. 1977 George Burns/John Denver silm

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 23.

49. Margins 51. Uzbek sea 52. Zero 53. Future J.D’s hurdle 54. Wind instrument 55. Squeezed 56. Physics units 57. Handheld device

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24. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Huggins upbeat about home fixture Cornelius Huggins, Head Coach, is looking for the home support to provide impetus for an improved performance by the Lady Heat.

THE NATIONAL FEMALE FOOTBALL TEAM, affectionately referred to as Lady Heat, will face off against British Virgin Islands in the teams’ next match in the Concacaf Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off on Wednesday 6 April 2022, at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field.

The event is a fully vaccinated, health protocols compliant event, and is the first live football event here since the Men’s Nations League Qualifiers in

2019.

Cornelius Huggins, Head Coach of the Lady Heat is upbeat about the home advantage.

He described the team as being in high spirits and motivated, which is quite different and encouraging when compared to the teams’ last outing.

With this mood, he expects much improvement.

“The main objective is to look for a win; getting three points will be very important,” Huggins said.

He disclosed that some changes have been made in different positions as he and his assistants identified areas like the defence, in which there is need for improvement.

“We conceded too many goals in our last outings,” the Head Coach admitted.

All in all, Huggins believes that the home support could further inspire the team.

“I just want the crowd support to be that 12th person which will make a big difference to the players, even when the player makes a mistake.

I just want them to come and rally with the girls,” Huggins said.

Following their encounter with the BVI, Lady Heat will play Honduras on 12th April, at the Francisco Morazan Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

The training squad from which the playing team will be selected is: Goal Keepers - Altica Benn, Marsha Marshall, Tishana James; Defenders - Amalis Marshall, Ashanti Douglas, Kendra Findlay, Rea Dawn Nanton, Samayaa

Connell, Shanyah Peters, Shelly Browne, Zaneke George, Zeyana Charles, Ikeya Providence, Shaielle Williams, Deandrea Barbour, Shannell Lampkin, Kanyan Douglas & Keisha Morgan; Midfielders - Ashante Browne, Denella Creese, Dionte Delpesche, Esreen Quow, Hollester Browne, Jessica Miller, Kaywana Byron, Kitanna Richards, Kristiane Wyllie & Asanteni Charles; Strikers Areka Hooper, Denel Creese, Toehsa Culzac & Sherese Cyrus.

The Team will be managed by Shevorn Trimmingham, with Head Coach Cornelius Huggins, Assistant Coach Alnif Williams and Goal-Keeping Coach Urtis Blackett.

I.B.A. ALLEN

DASGS Team One takes SVGCC’s Volleyball Title THE DIVISION OF ARTS, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) Team One took the Champion’s title, up for grabs in the 2022 SVG Community College’s Volleyball Competition, which ended last Friday afternoon at the Villa Campus hard court.

A three-sets to one triumph over the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTYE) ensured the title remained with the DASGS students.

DASGS Team One came out in a nononsense mood, wrapping up the first set 25-12. The DTVE bounced back to square things with a 25-20 second set win, but it was all DASGS Team One after that, as they won the next two sets 25-

20, 25- 13.

Prior to the finals, the DASGS Team Two needed all of five sets to dismiss the St. James School of Medicine, 3-2, to take third place.

In a dingdong battle, St. James edged to victory in the first set 26-24, before DASGS Team Two stormed back to level the game with a 25-9 second set win.

St. James took the lead once again with another exciting 25-23 3rd set victory only to see the game all square once more as the DASGS Team Two took the 4th set, 25-22.

With all to play for,

Winning unit- DASGS Team One Left: Marquis Perriera – MVP of the Competition. both teams were neck and neck in the final set until DASGS Team Two squeezed home with a 15-13 5th set win.

Marquis Perriera of DASGS Team One was adjudged Player of the Final, for his excellent setting which allowed Jamaar Cropper to score most for the team.

Perriera was also named

the MVP of the competition.

The team MVP awardees were Jamaar Cropper- DASGS Team One, Shadron DelpescheDivision of Technical and Vocational Education; Leandro White- DASGA Team Two and Victoria Timms- St. James School of Medicine.

This year’s SVG Community College’s Volleyball Competition was a return after a twoyear absence.

Grant balancing Sports and Education CODY GRANT, one of this country’s top young sportsperson is bent on balancing sports with a focus on his academics.

Already a national youth cricketer, he will represent this country at the 2022 Junior Carifta Games in Jamaica, having met the qualifying mark in the Long Jump.

The Thomas Cody Grant has already made Saunders his mark as a top sports Secondary person for his school, the School’s 5th Form Thomas Saunders Secondary student was not School. hesitant in sharing some personal insights when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him recently.

“I would say I’m better at cricket because I’ve trained all my life for that specific sport and it’s only been 3 years since I’ve started taking athletes seriously. Both sports are my passion and I feel like they both can carry me towards my goals and a stable life, but I’m not sure as yet which one I will choose.”

He was quick to add, “I balance both school and sports by putting in school work on the weekend and whenever I get spare time, I also get in on school work.”

Grant is currently challenged by his passion for both sports. He is the registered Development Player for the Grenadines Divers in the ongoing Vincy Premier League (VPL) T10 2022, and he has to continue preparation for Carifta.

“The VPL 4 is a very good experience for me and a way for me to learn from senior players. I’m still young and there is so much to learn and as a youngster, I think it is good exposure for me,” he shared, adding, “In the near future I see myself making the West Indies Under-9 World Cup Team and I’m working towards that.”

He is a right-handed Medium Fast bowler and has some batting ability to hit sixes in the lower order.

As for his going to Carifta, he embraces the opportunity as a debutant and recognizes the outing as a new environment for him. But he is up for the challenge.

“At the CARIFTA Games, I’m mostly looking forward to getting a medal for my country and myself. I can’t definitely say what are my immediate plans in athletics because I don’t know what to expect from it, but if there is a chance to go to university or a college to refine by athletics, I wouldn’t refuse,” the young man said.

I.B.A. ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 25.

Sports

Bloomers lead Female VPL Series

MONTREAL GARDENS BLOOMERS took a one-nil lead over Balliceaux Warriors after two matches in the Female VPL T10 four-match series.

The matches were played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last weekend.

The female segment of the

Tracy Byron hit an unbeaten 25 to help Bloomers’ win.

Glendeen Turtin top scored with 32 for the Warriors in the drawn game.

men’s VPL 4 is a new initiative by the organizers with the view to expose the female cricketers in the country. The female matches will be played from 9:00am before elimination matches in the men’s segment on weekends.

In the first games, the teams played to an exciting draw.

Balliceaux Warriors batted first and scored 69 for 5 from 10 overs.

Glendeen Turtin top scored with 32. Montreal Gardens Bloomers replied with 69 for 5 from 10 overs. Nyasha Williams led the runs chase with 32. Shenezia Daniel was the pick of the Nyasha Williams led the Bloomers’ run chase in the first match.

Montreal Gardens Bloomers lead the Female VPL T10 after two matches.

Balliceaux Warriors’ bowlers with figures of 2 for 14.

In game two, Montreal Gardens Bloomers dominated their opponents, beating them by a convincing 9 wickets. Balliceaux Warriors made 62 for 5 from 10 overs, batting first. Former West Indies batter Juliana Nero hit 22 and Shenezia Daniel 23 as the principal scorers. Captain Kemone Homer led the bowling with 2 for 13 with her medium pace. Montreal Gardens Bloomers raced to victory closing at 65 for 1 from 8 overs. Tracy Byron top scored with an unbeaten 25.

The teams will clash again on the weekend with two more matches at the Arnos Vale Playing field, to decide the series.

I.B.A. ALLEN

MFA host Primary Schools’ Football Competition THERE HAS not been any competitive football in the Marriaqua Valley for some time, but that is about to change.

The Marriaqua Football Association (MFA) has announced that it will host a Primary Schools’ Competition, set to begin on Monday 4th April at the Cane End Playing Field.

Initially intending to involve only the five schools located in the Mariaqua constituency, the interest quickly increased and competition was opened to schools in the South Central Windward.

The competition will now involve eleven schools namely: Argyle Primary, Belmont Primary, Cane End Government, Diamond Government, Evesham Methodist, Greiggs Primary, Lauders Government, Lowmans Windward Anglican, Marriaqua Government, Richland Park Government and Seventh Presentation of Football uniforms to the Cane End Day Adventist Primary.

President of the MFA, Yosiah Dascent Government School. Yosiah Dascent is at right and Stephen Da Silva, third from right. disclosed that the competition found its basis when it was observed at a football competition as coaches were assigned to five schools, camp in August last year, “…. that many of the and Da Silva agreeing initially to purchase Football players were not part of any club, but were in uniforms for the schools from the Marriaqua Valley. school, so the thought of having a primary schools’ Da Silva would subsequently agree to further Football Competition came to mind.” extend his benevolence and purchased uniforms for As a follow up to the camp, the MFA proceeded to those additional schools which did not possess any. hand over balls to the schools in the Marriaqua The round robin Nine- A — Side competition Valley, to encourage ongoing training. begins in earnest next Monday, with each school This gesture, Dascent said, attracted the playing one another twice. attention of Stephen Da Silva of Joseph Da Silva Sr. “Each team consists of fifteen… There must be at Memorial Funeral Home, which is Marriaqua-based. least one female player…Matches are twenty Da Silva, a Past President of the Marriaqua minutes duration, split in five minutes quarters, as Sports Association, upon viewing on Facebook we want to ensure participation of all team Dascent presenting the balls to the schools, members,” Dascent detailed. indicated a desire to have his company be part of With this competition in train, at least some the process. students will be constructively occupied for the That commitment was a spark for the Easter vacation.

Three Vincies for Jamaica Cycling Classic St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ top three Elite Cyclists - Zefal Bailey, Marlon Antrobus and Lucky Antrobus, will this weekend compete in the inaugural Jamaica International Cycling Classic.

The trio are among 150 cyclists registered for the three- stage event, which runs from 1st April to 3rd April.

Set for Montego Bay, stage one is a 56-mile event, as cyclists ride from Witter Village to Falmouth in Trelawny, make a loop and back.

On Saturday, cyclists will Zefal Bailey go from Witter Village to Discovery Bay in the parish of St Ann’s and back, a distance of 86 miles.

The final stage of the event is a 52-mile race on Sunday, beginning at Witter Village on to Duncan’s in Trelawny and back.

In total, the three stages count 194 miles.

Apart from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, cyclists from the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the USA, and Trinidad and Tobago, will join those from host Jamaica.

The three-stage event will be attended by President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Marlon Antrobus Cycling Union - Trevor Bailey, in his capacity of President of the Caribbean Cycling Federation.

Bailey and President of the Pan American Cycling Confederation, Jose Manuel Pelaez Rodriquez, will serve as monitors of the three-stage event.

Should Bailey and Rodriquez approve the event, next year’s Classic will see participants earning ranking points.

Cyclists qualify for the Pan American Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics based on points gained from ranked events.

Lucky Antrobus

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26. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Calder Williams: final delivery WHEN NEWS surfaced last Tuesday of Calder Williams’ death there was the inevitable feeling of shock not just in the North Leeward constituency, but throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He represented the senior national cricket team as a fast bowler, a feat accomplished by another of his hometown colleagues, Carl Williams. Calder was a teacher for a short stint, a Police as well, but perhaps the platform which he most enjoyed was agitating on behalf of workers on the Walliabou and Richmond estates.

He joined forces with Jim Maloney, and others to spearhead the New Rescuers Movement which took on the task of educating workers of their rights.

I was able to keep in touch with the NRM as I used their office during the lunch break while serving at the Fitz Hughes Primary School following my transfer there from the Troumaca Ontario Sercondary School in 1976.

Williams’ popularity placed him into the arms of the New Democratic Party as they launched the 1979 general elections campaign. History recalls demands from North Leeward residents for Williams’ selection. He beat the odds in that outing, becoming one of two successful constituencies for the NDP. Williams held the position of opposition leader when party founder Sir James Mitchell returned to the house in June, 1980 after the bye-election in the Grenadines caused by Cosmos Cozier’s refusal to enter parliament.

Calder teamed up with Randolph Russell later in the term of the Milton Cato led administration. The New Democratic Party swept to office in 1984 and ruled until March 28, 2001.

Calder remained a pivotal force in North Leeward. Condolences to his family. We had personal interactions.

He was one of the bowlers who dismissed me when I experienced a pair, at the hands of his Chateaubelair cricket team. That match was played at Troumaca Bay, a ground where the boundaries are mere feet from the pitch. That is another of the mystery of life in North Leeward.

For we once played two innings cricket on fields of similar sizes.

People in St. Vincent mocked North Leeward residents at some time, accusing them for being outside Vincentian practices. That is a tag the area accepts with humility and continue to feel proud of their militancy. Calder was one who instilled that tendency.

He enjoyed solidarity from my household in the 1979 elections. That year saw four political parties in rivalry, for besides the Labour Party and the NDP, Joshua flexed his People’s Political Party muscles, although the veins had become fickle and spirit and morale shattered.

There was the energetic United People’s Movement. But returns in the ballot boxes reflected the reality of representative penetration.

Subsequent events saw the phasing out of the UPM, during which era the Movement for National Unity emerged.

Calder came in for recognition in the latter stages of his career, to complement his earnings from farming he carried on at Richmond.

VINCY Premier League T10 2022 – MATCH REPORT Key: GD - Grenadines Divers; BGR - Botanical Gardens Rangers; LSH - La Soufriere Hikers; DVE – Dark View Explorers; FCS – Fort Charlotte Strikers; SPB – Salt Pond Breakers.

Match report: This is a synopsis of matches played between Thursday 24th March and Wednesday 30th March, 2022.

Thursday 24th March, 2022 First Match: FCS — 74/8 (10 Overs) — Sealroy Williams 31, Kevin Abraham 2/9: GD — 76/3 (8/5 overs) — Roland Cato 21, Asif Hooper 22 n/o, Shem Browne 20. RESULT: Result: GD won by 7 wickets.

Second Match: SPB — 81/3 (8 overs) Kadeem Alleyene 36, Kadir Nedd 21, Dean Browne 1/14; DVE — 80/4 - Alick Athanaze 33, Ryan John 2/18. (10 overs) —RESULT: SPB won by 6 wickets.

Kavem Hodge, 56, inspired Hikers win against Divers.

Miles Bascombe hit 43 to help Strikers to their first win.

Friday 25th March, 2022

runs.

First Match: BGR — 77/ (10 Overs) — Andre Fletcher 22, Salvan Browne 18, Sealroy Williams 2/6; DVE — 87/8 (10 overs) — Shammon Hooper 34, Winston Samuel 3/14. RESULT: DVE won by 10 runs.

Second Match: LSH — 60/2 (4.1 0vers) — Kavem Hodge 32; FCS — 58/10 (9.2 overs) — Miles Bascombe 21, Jeremy Layne 2/3. RESULT: LSH won by 8 wickets.

Tuesday 29th March, 2022

Saturday 26th March, 2022

Dillon Douglas, 56 not out ignited a win for Hikers over Breakers.

First Match: GD — 61/7 (10 Overs) — Shem Browne, Jomel Warrican 3/1; SPB — 64/2 (7 0vers) — Kaydeem Alleyne 36, Rickford Walker 25.

RESULT: SPB won by 8 wickets.

Second Match: DVE— 80/3 (10 0vers) — Lindon James and Shammon Hooper 24 each, Keron Cottpy 2/16; BGR — 84/2 (7.4 overs) — Keron Cottoy 32, Wayne Harper 27, Luke Wilson 2/18. RESULT: BGR won by 8 wickets.

First Match: DVE — 69/2 (8 Overs) — Lindon James 26, Shammon Hooper 22, Richie Richards 2/14; FCS — 67/5 (10 0vers) — Sealroy Williams 22, Deron Greaves 2/7. RESULT: DVE won by 8 wickets.

Second Match: SPB — 103/10 (10 overs) — Kadeem Alleyne 33, Rickford Walker 22, Geron Wyllie 2/12, Wesrick Strough 2/12; GD — 57/8 (10 overs) — Shem Browne 17, Jomel Warrican 2/2, Kadeem Alleyne 2/7. RESULT: SPB won by 46 runs.

Wednesday 30th March, 2022

Monday 28th March, 2022

I.B.A. ALLEN

First Match: FCS — 77/6 (10 Overs) — Joshua James 30, (5 bowlers with 1 wicket each); BGR — 78/3 (8.2 overs) — Wayne Harper 31 n/o, Andre Fletchers 18. RESULT: BGR won by 7 wickets.

Second Match: LSH — 117/8 (10 overs) - Gidron Pope 43, Dillon Douglas 31, Darius Martin 3/22, Luke Wilson 2/20; DVE — 113/1 (10 Overs) — Romano Pierre 51, Alick Athanaze, 44.

Footnotes: After 24 matches, Salt Pond Breakers and La Soufriere Hikers lead the standing with six Sunday 27th March, 2022 wins and 2 losses each.

Between last week Thursday and Wednesday of First Match: LSH — 124/5 (10 Overs) — Dillon Douglas 56, Kavem Hodge 25, Kadeem Alleyne 2/18; this week, 3 half centuries were registered: Dillon Douglas 56 for Hikers against Breakers; Kaveem SPB — 99/10 (9.2 overs) —Ryan John 41, Kavem Hodge 56 for Hikers versus Divers; and Romano Hodge 3/13, Dillon Douglas 3/30. RESULT: LSH Pierre 53 for Explorers against Hikers. won by 25 runs.

Jomel Warrican turned in the outstanding Second Match: GD — 81/3 (10 Overs) — Roland bowling performance, 3 for 1, for the period, and Cato 36, Asif Hooper 20; BGR — 83/3 (7.4) overs — Keron Cottoy 22, Andre Fletcher 18, Salvan Browne Kaveem Hodge accumulated the highest aggregate (runs), 156.

18. RESULT: BGR won by 7 wickets.

First Match: SPB — 89/8 (10 Overs) — Ryan John 34, Atticus Browne 18, Rasheed Frederick and Joshua Jones 2/14 each; FCS — 90/5 (9.4 overs) — Miles Bascombe 43, Atticus Browne 2/9. RESULT: FCS won by 5 wickets. .

Second Match: Second Match: LSH — 114/2 (10 overs) — Kavem Hodge 56, Gidron Pope 26; GD — 85/5 (10 overs) — Roland Cato 42, Hyron Shallow 20, Kavem Hodge 1/13. RESULT: LSH won by 28

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2022. 27.

Classifieds

GEORGE LAMBERT DASOUZA Saturday, 26th March, 2022 Gorse Apostolic Faith Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Byera Cemetery

MICHAEL DABRIEL Saturday, 26th March, 2022 6W %HQHGLFW¶V 5RPDQ Catholic Church Georgetown Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

SAMANTHA NATASHA CARRINGTON Sunday, 27th March, 2022 S.D.A. Church Kingstown Viewing: 9:30 a.m.

Service: 10:30 a.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

EMIE SYLVANIA WEEKS Saturday, 26th March, 2022 Church of God of Prophecy Shekinah Worship Center Kingstown Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

LOREN AUSTIN WYLLIE Saturday, 26th March, 2022 St Mathias Anglican Church Evesham Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Church Yard Cemetery

AI REAL ESTATE Prospect Apartment Building on 7,135 sq.ft.

- $835,430.00 - H144 Arnos Vale 6 bedrm House on 5,943 sq.ft.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 01,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.13

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

CRICKETERS BAT FOR KIDNEY PATIENT THE CRICKETERS and management of the Botanical Gardens Rangers, one of the six teams participating in the Dream 11 Vincy Premier League (VPL) T10 2022, edition 4.0, have come to the aid of Deargie Adams.

A resident of Owia, Adams is suffering from stage five kidney failure, hence needs treatment (dialysis) on a regular basis.

But it is the cost of the regular treatment beyond the reach of the family, whythey made an appeal for assistance.

Last Sunday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Kimura Adams, one of Deargie Adams’ daughters, was

presented with a sum of money, accumulated from donations made

by Rangers’ players and management.

The donation was led by the Rangers’ overseas player Grenadian Andre Fletcher, who donated all his earnings from the VPL. Other players and management then followed suit with generous donations.

Speaking at the brief handing over, Kimura remarked, “I am very thankful for it (monetary donation) and I know that my mother will be proud.”

Kimura disclosed that her mother attends the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre at Georgetown on a weekly basis.

Noting that she was initially “bashful” to venture out for help, she disclosed that it was Salvan Browne, a member of the Rangers team, who pushed her.

“It was Salvan (Browne) who said that I can’t be shy and I must go out and get help and fight for my mother,” Kimura related.

Kimura is hopeful that others will follow the lead of the Botanical Gardens Rangers cricketers and come to the aid of the family in their time of need.

IS THIS FOR REAL?

Andre Fletcher hands over donation to Kimura Adams. Also pictured (L-R): Kenneth Dember, Wayne Harper and Razine Browne.

SION HILL MAN GUNNED DOWN

by KENVILLE HORNE

AT ABOUT 2:20 am on Sunday March 29, Andy Baptiste, 35, of Walvaroo, Sion Hill, was ‘hanging’ in the vicinity of Options Supermarket/Status Nightclub, Arnos Vale, when, according to a police release, he was approached by an assailant and shot multiple times.

He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), Kingstown, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Family members of the deceased are tight lipped about the matter, save and except one relative saying that the family does not expect any justice will be served.

“You don’t see all the

people who getting kill and them family don’t get no justice. I don’t see the police solving anything,” said the family member, who alleged that Baptiste, who was once an employee with telecommunication company Digicel, received a phone call just before he was shot.

A friend of the decease who goes by the name Neica said that she knew

him when she was a student at the Thomas Saunders Secondary and he was an employee with Digicel. She remembered him as liking to talk and “make jokes.”

Baptiste is recorded as the seventh homicide so far for 2022.

And as police continue with their investigation they are as usual calling on persons with information that can assist, to come forward

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

THESE USED TYRES were recently dumped at the Sion Hill beach.

Residents in the area could not point to when the dastardly act was done and who was so illadvised commit it.

The act is an affront to our efforts to take care of our environment, to ensure that used items are properly disposed, and an attack on the many persons who have sought to ensure that the Sion Bay beach is preserved for use by persons in the neighbouring communities and beyond.

We hope that the culprits would see it fit, even if they have to do so in the dark of night, to remove the tyres and discard with them as provided for by the relevant Ministry/Department of Government.

Please let us keep SVG safe and clean. and share same. The information, the police assure, will be held in the strictest confidence.

Readers might recall that police arrested and charged Andy Baptiste with theft on February 2, 2019.

He was accused of stealing a Digicel SVG Subscriber Identity Module (sim) valued $15.00, and using it to steal EC$14,459.00 in cellular phone credit between 2016 and 2017, the property of Digicel.

Andy Baptiste, homicide #7 for 2022.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.