THE VINCENTIAN PDF-03-06-22

FRIDAY, JUNE

03, 2022

VOLUME 116, No.21

Hurricane preparedness Page2

www.thevincentian.com

Hotel worker’s second chance Page 4

NSPD marks 35 years Page 14

COP, CID HEAD TO BE SUMMONED TO COURT

by Hadyn Huggins

SoP Clauston Francis, Head of the CID, is expected to be drilled about the investigation his officers mounted to support the case against Latham.

FORMER POLICE OFFICER Zackrie Latham has a longer distance to go before he reaches his final hurdle, in the case involving the disappearance of guns and ammunition from the Georgetown Police Station early last year.

In an effort to ensure that Latham crosses that hurdle freely, his lawyer, Grant

Connell, intends to call Commissioner of Police Colin John, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Superintendent of Police Clauston Francis, and the medical doctor who dealt with Latham, as witnesses, when the defence opens its case on August 30.

The matter was slated to continue on Monday, May 30, but was adjourned to August 30 after the prosecution informed the Court that Crown Counsel Maria Jackson-Richards, who is leading the case for the Prosecution, is on sick leave, and the Commissioner was not yet summoned as he was out of state.

The Court had granted Connell’s request to have those witnesses summoned under Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

All were present on Monday, except the Commissioner of Police.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that he would be back in state by Saturday, June 4.

Latham is facing charges of entering the armory of Georgetown Police Station, as a trespasser and stealing three boxes of .40mm ammunition,

EC$1.50

Soca Artistes getting on Page 15

Owia man found dead Page 28

It is not the first time that Commissioner of Police Colin John is to be summoned by attorney Grant Connell.

and entering that armory as a trespasser and stealing one box .40 ammunition, the property of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He is also charged with, being employed in the Government Service, as a member of the Police Force, corruptly obtained property for himself on account of an action done by him in discharge of the duties of his office.

Latham was initially slapped with 13 charges, but he was freed of ten of those at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on May 17, after Magistrate Zoila Ellis-Browne upheld a no case submission from Connell.

Five of those charges were for firearm possession, one for ammunition possession, two for the sale of firearms, one for the sale of a magazine with ammunition, and one for money laundering.

During the trial, a voir dire (trial within a trial) was held, during which Connell challenged: the admissibility of the notes Head of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), Superintendent Elgin Richards, lead investigator in Connell had objected on the the matter, had taken; and the grounds that his client was electronic interview the police beaten by the police. conducted with his client.

Ellis-Browne, however,

Former police officer Zackrie Latham is at the centre of a matter that promises to make for interest crossexamination by his lawyer.

overruled Connell’s objection and allowed the statements.

Continued on Page 3.

V Above-average hurricane season forecast 2. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Hurricane

Forecasters are calling for ANOTHER ABOVEAVERAGE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON, A TREND WE HAVE SEEN over the last four decades. Their numbers show 19 named storms, with nine of them becoming hurricanes and four gaining major hurricane strength.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC), Florida, USA, reported on May 9 that it was tracking the first tropical wave to come off the coast of Africa, even though it was more than three weeks until the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on June 1.

The NHC reported that the tropical wave emerged off the coast of Africa and was moving west at about 15 mph.

If this first wave were to develop into a tropical storm it would be named Alex.

The list of storm names for the

The YRM has moved to ensure that it is ready to play it part in response to any disconcerting weather during or this year’s hurricane season.

2022 Atlantic hurricane season are: Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie, Walter.

According to the NHC, Atlantic tropical storms have been named since 1953.

There are six lists of names that are used in a rotation and

recycled every six years, the NHC said. So, the 2022 list will be used again in 2028.

“The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity,” the NHC’s website stated.

C&W confirms readiness for 2022 Hurricane Season which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes Inge Smidts, Chief (Category 3, 4 or 5 with Executive Officer, C&W winds of 111mph or Communications. higher).

The increased activity C&W anticipated this COMMUNICATIONS, hurricane season is operators of the Flow, attributed to several Flow Business, C&W climate factors including Business and BTC the ongoing La Niña that brands in the Caribbean, is likely to persist is confirming all systems throughout the hurricane are in place for the start season, warmer-thanof the 2022 Atlantic average sea surface Hurricane Season which temperatures in the begins on June 1.

Atlantic Ocean and According to the Caribbean Sea, weaker National Hurricane tropical Atlantic trade Centre, the 2022 season winds and an enhanced is expected to be ‘above- west African monsoon. normal’ with a 65 “We have a long and percent chance there will proud history of be between 14 and 21 delivering reliable named storms (winds of connections across the 39mph or higher), of

Caribbean and our teams have been conducting simulation exercises and strengthening the networks, so we are once again leaving nothing to chance,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer, C&W Communications.

The company also operates a state-of-theart subsea network, which is one of the most secure subsea cable systems in the Western Hemisphere, with increased redundancy added by incorporating alternative routes for data and mobile traffic in the event of an emergency.

“We continue to invest in the redundancy capabilities of our subsea network, and we have established data

centres that are located outside of the hurricane belt, which provides an additional layer of protection for connectivity in the region,” added Smidts.

“We know that governments, schools, healthcare providers, businesses and individuals are relying on us to keep them connected and our commitment to the communities we serve has never been stronger.

While we are hopeful that no customers will be impacted during this year’s hurricane season, we must also ensure that we are ready to face that reality and we are prepared to respond to any eventuality if it comes.” (Source: C&W Communications, Miami)

YRM marks start of 2022 Hurricane Season JUNE 01 MARKS the official start of the 2022 hurricane season, and local radio operators, and in particular those who are part of the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM), have marked the occasion with the commencement of a twice daily radio network.

This is aimed at ensuring that all radio operators are aware of the latest weather conditions; that their equipment is working; and to provide opportunity for radio operators to sharpen their communication skills.

The radio networks are held primarily on the VHF 2 Meter band, with connections to a service called Echolink, through which local operators can communicate with both local and international radio operators.

Paul Lowman K9PSL, who is also a licensed Vincentian radio operator J88DF, has created an internet path called CDARIN which allows SVG to connect with the rest of the world via a radio over internet protocol (ROIP).

The first network began at 6:00 AM on June 1st with radio operator Sean Patterson — with radio callsign J88CU - conducting that network.

The stations joining that network included radio operators from St. Lucia, Montserrat, USA and SVG. Our youngest licensed radio operator Ciandra Scarborough J88NCS read the latest weather report provided by the Met Office at the Argyle International Airport.

On May 02, the YRM tested its readiness for the 2022 storm season with an outdoor fitness field exercise from the four highest hills in SVG ‘La Soufriere’, ‘Ma Peggy’ in Bequia, ‘Mt. Royal’ in Canouan and ‘Mt. Taboi’ in Union Island and, according to the Director of the YRM, Don De Rigs, that field exercise was a great success, thanks to the participation and support from both local and regional radio operators and corporate society The 2 Meter network can be monitored by persons who own scanners on the frequency 144.185 FM from 6:00AM to 6:30AM and in the evening from 8:00PM.

News release provided by: Donald De Riggs, Director/Secretary, Youlou Radio Movement — YRM.

V News 3 Child Month encourages children to S-M-I-L-E THE CHILDREN OF THIS NATION have experienced major challenges such as the Covid19 pandemic, dengue fever and the violent eruption of La Soufrière volcano, but an effort has been made to ensure youngsters smile.

The effort was an initiative of the Ministry of Education for National Child Month, May, and it focused on the acronym S-M-I-L-E which stands

for Special, Marvelous, Important, Loved and Enough.

In an address to mark the month, Minister of Education Curtis King acknowledged that over the past two years, children had experienced tremendous challenges and sadly, some children, even adults, forget to smile, as they worried about their current and future situations.

Minister of Education Curtis King with children who turned out to welcome President Ram Nath Kovind of India at the AIA on Wednesday 18th May, 2022.

He also disclosed that unfortunately, some also suffered various forms of abuse.

The Education Minister stated that the intention for the month of May was to boost the esteem and resilience of children across the nation, by reaffirming and reassuring them of

their value to society.

King opined, “The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the loss of face to face learning for many months. This caused many children especially the younger ones to be somewhat confused and sad. They

Participants in the 2022 Primary Schools’ Math Quiz with teachers, Education and Hodder Education officials. First Place Kajj Murray of the Windsor Primary School (left front): Second Place Orion John of the Fair Hall Primary School in second (2nd from left front); Third Place Julian De Freitas of the Sugar Mill Academy (4th from right front). (Photo: MOE)

Math victory for the boys IT WAS A “VICTORY OF THREE”, i.e. three boys, when the curtains came down on the 2022 Primary Schools’ Math Quiz, hosted by the Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation in partnership with Hodder Education. The boys emerged champions in the keenly contested competition of three rounds.

Kajj Murray of the Windsor Primary School came out on top, ahead of Orion John of the Fair Hall Primary School in second position and Julian DeFreitas of the Sugar Mill Academy who

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . 3.

placed third. The finals showcased a total of six boys and two girls.

In round one, the fifth graders answered short questions from four categories of Mathematics: Number Concepts, Geometry, Measurements and Data Handling. In round two, the problem-solving section, they were asked to use their Mathematical skills to build a simple structure.

The third round was the speed round in which the students were given two minutes to answer as many questions as they could.

The other schools that participated were the Kingstown

Preparatory School represented

by Julian Dowers, Dickson Methodist School – Joleah John, Colonaire Roman Catholic Primary School – Gabriella DeFreitas, Georgetown Government School – Osei Abbott and Cane End Government School – Joel LaBorde.

All eight participants received medals and trophies and the top five performers were awarded brand new gadgets, all compliments Hodder Education.

(Source:MOE)

missed being at school and with their teachers.

To help navigate children out of this difficult period, we demonstrated that children are indeed special, marvelous, important, loved and enough.”

The Education Minister also acknowledged the help received from partners in UNICIEF and the OECS Secretariat, where various strategies were rolled out to address the educational and psychological needs of children during the period of crisis.

He highlighted one of the strategies being the continuity of learning programmes, where tangible resources were designed to stimulate early childhood development.

At the primary and secondary levels, resources were put into science, numeracy, literacy and music programmes to cater for the needs of all learners, as well as for those with

special needs.

King admitted that some children were still struggling with resilience more than others, as there are still instances where some experience fear, anxiety and frustration, while others may feel they are worthless, losers or no good.

King called on all stakeholders and well wishers, including parents teachers, principles, kitchen attendants, vendors, minibus drivers, conductors and pastors to affirm and treasure children whom he referred to as heritage from God. He reiterated, “As we observe Child Month, let us truly commit ourselves to bring them joy and happiness and to do all within our power to make them smile.

After all, a smile can help a child to learn more effectively as he or she equates smiling with kindness, humour and positivity.” (SG)

CoP, CID Head to be summoned to court Continued from Front Page.

Latham is the last person before the Court on charges in connection with the disappearance of guns and ammunition from the Georgetown Police Station. The others, Avi King, Meshach Dublin, both 26, and former national footballer Myron Samuel of Layou had all received prison sentences in relation to the matter, but Samuel was released after appealing to the Mercy Committee on medical grounds.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Will ‘Ragga’ and ‘Nines’ walk free? times. The lawyers have referenced legal authorities to back up their WILL CHE ‘RAGGA’ BUTE and Azari arguments.

‘Nines’ Ash, both of Redemption Sharpes, Bacchus-Baptiste told THE be freed, or will they face a third trial for VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, “These the December 25, 2007 murder of two accused men are innocent until Redemption Sharpes resident Lloyd proven guilty. They have spent 12 ‘Lazarus’ Samuel, 27, also known as years in jail which is equivalent to a ‘Lazo’ or ‘Hawkie’. jail sentence of 18 years. We need to The men who have been behind bars get an urgent decision on the matter. since April 2010, with their fate still They have not been found guilty. This undecided, have hit the spotlight has to be an abuse of process, and is again. unconstitutional.”

Justice Brian Cottle is expected to She declared, “To try them again make a decision on the matter within would be punitive, harsh, the next two weeks, on a date to be unconstitutional, and unprecedented. fixed.

No other person in this country has Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, spent so long in jail awaiting trial. It representing Bute, and lawyer Shirlan has been four to five years since the Barwell, representing Ash, were last trial.” notified to be at the High Court on The lawyer said that the men had Wednesday, June 1 in relation to the two full length trials, and an appeal matter, and when it was called, Crown which she won, on the grounds that Counsel Rene Simmonds, holding the Judge, at the first trial, allowed papers for Assistant Director of Public too much prejudicial evidence into the Prosecutions, Karim Nelson, informed case. As a result their conviction, and the Court that an application was sentences of life imprisonment were made by the defence, and the Court set aside, and a second trial was was expected to give a decision. ordered. However, a 12-member jury Simmonds did not disclose the had failed to reach a verdict at the nature of that application. second trial on the charges of murder, Bacchus-Baptiste was not there. possession of a firearm to commit an Barnwell indicated that her colleague offence, possession of a firearm with was engaged in another matter, before intent to injure, and unlawful use of another Judge. firearm.

Justice Cottle, however, informed, All the charges stemmed from an “That decision has not yet been incident at Redemption Sharpes in prepared. That decision would be which Samuel was shot in the head, ready within the next two weeks. We while reversing his vehicle into his would fix a date”. yard at Redemption Sharpes in the The defence lawyers had made an early morning hours of December 21, application towards the end of last 2007. He died at the Milton Cato year for the matter to be thrown out, Memorial Hospital on December 25, on the grounds that to try Bute and 2007.

Ash a third time would be an abuse of After the Jury had returned process, unconstitutional, and it was undecided, at the second trial, not usual for persons to be tried three November 2017, Presiding Judge Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Brian Cottle discharged the panel, and informed the accused men that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will decide the next step.

Bacchus-Baptiste, representing Bute, indicated to the Court then that persons were not normally tried more than twice on a criminal charge. But Justice Cottle spoke of a record of about seven times.

The then DPP, Colin Williams, who led the case for the Prosecution remained silent. Carlyle Dougan QC who had represented Ash then, was not present when the verdict was delivered.

When THE VINCENTIAN L-R: Che ‘Ragga’ Bute and Azari contacted the then DPP, and asked ‘Nines’ Ash. him whether the men would be tried again for Samuel’s murder, he On May 7, 2012, almost a year after replied, ‘Why not?”

Bute and Ash were convicted, star When asked about Bacchuswitness in the matter Uroy ‘Laybay’ Baptiste’s remark that persons were Robertson had signed to a sworn not normally tried more than twice on affidavit recanting his testimony at a criminal charge, he asked, “Where is the trial. He stated in the affidavit that written?” adding, “I don’t know of that he had lied under oath because that being written anywhere.” the police promised him a passport Bute and Ash were charged on April and to send him abroad if he testified 24, 2010 with Samuel’s murder. They against Bute and Ash. The were convicted in July 2011, and each Prosecution’s case was hinged sentenced to life imprisonment in July primarily on Robertson’s testimony, in 2012. which he related that he was present They had appealed their convictions when Samuel’s murder was planned. and sentences, and on May 26, 2014, He had testified that But the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal masterminded the killing while Ash ordered a retrial after agreeing with was assigned to pull the trigger.

Bacchus-Baptiste that, “a considerable Robertson was shot dead by an body of prejudicial evidence was let in, unknown assailant while sitting in the which had no probative value, and company of two men at the roadside in therefore impacted on the fairness of Walvaroo, Sion Hill, on September 2, the trial, and the safety of the 2012, about two months after Bute and convictions”.

Ash were each sentenced to life However, at the second trial, the imprisonment, and more than a year Jury failed to reach a verdict, and up after their convictions. to press time Thursday, the men were Attorney Jomo Thomas represented still behind bars with their fate still Bute at the first trial while Dougan unknown.

QC represented Ash.

Hotel worker given second chance ATTORNEY Grant Connell has lauded Magistrate Bertie Pompey for his decision to give hotel worker Maruth Francois a second chance to get back on Magistrate Bertie track.

Pompey exacted a Pompey gave humane attachment the 22-year-old to his consideration resident of when sentencing Sandy Bay and the young lady.

Diamond that opportunity, through a suspended sentence at the Mesopotamia Magistrate Court on Friday, May 27, after she pleaded guilty to an amended charge of stealing US$1,240 from Surinamese national Anju Sharma, between May 14 and 19, 2022.

Sharma, who works at the Embassy of India in Suriname, was a member of the advance party that finalized the programme for the visit of India’s head of state, President Ram Nath Kovind, to this country.

Sharma arrived here on May 4, stayed at the Beachcombers Hotel at Villa, and Francois, an employee there, was assigned to clean Sharma’s room.

Following a sterling mitigation plea from Connell, and response from Prosecutor Delando Charles, Magistrate Pompey sentenced Francois to four months in prison, but he suspended that sentence for one year. It was the second time in five days that Francois had pleaded guilty in connection to the matter.

On May 23, at the Serious Offences Court, Francois pleaded guilty to stealing US$1,140 from Sharma between May 14 and May 19.

The facts were presented, and the matter was adjourned to May 24 for sentencing. Francois, who was at the time unrepresented, was remanded pending sentencing.

However, when Francois returned to the Serious Offences Court before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on May 24 for sentencing, the woman, who was on that occasion represented

by Connell, changed her plea to not guilty, following consultations with her lawyer. She was then granted

$5,000 bail with one surety, and the matter was adjourned to May 27, and transferred to the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court.

On Francois’ appearance at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Bertie Pompey on May 27, the Prosecution was granted a request to have the charge amended, so as to have the sum of money stolen increased from US$1,140 to US$1,240.

Connell then asked that the amended charge be read to his client, and Francois again pleaded guilty.

Connell said that Francois, a single parent, according to his instructions, was working for roughly EC$29 per day. He pointed out that his client was undergoing financial pressure, and had a 3-year-old daughter to whom she was the sole supporter.

Connell told the Court that he was reliably informed that the Virtual Complainant in this matter requested the return of her money, and indicated her willingness to forgive Francois.

The lawyer said he was informed that all the monies stolen from Sharma have now been recovered. He noted that his client was extremely remorseful, cooperated with the police,

had no previous convictions, and pleaded guilty to the amended charge at the first available opportunity.

But Prosecutor Delando Charles was of the view that Francois should be sent to prison for the Maruth Francois offence, a view will have to be also expressed by on her best Prosecutor behaviour for a Renrick Cato year. during his representations to the Court on May 23 after Francois’ first guilty plea.

While Pompey recognized the seriousness of Francois’ action, he opted to suspend the prison sentence, and give the woman a second chance to get back on track, a request Connell had made earlier.

According to the facts, Francois stole the money from Sharma’s laptop bag which she had secured in a clothes cupboard in her hotel room.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 5.

News

Gonsalves: ‘No to Summit of the Americas’ PRIME MINISTER Dr. Lopez Obrador had Ralph Gonsalves says that indicted that he was not he is still urging his attending, but that colleagues within Mexico’s Foreign CARICOM not to attend President will represent the Summit of the him.

Americas scheduled for Similarly, Gonsalves June 6 in Los Angeles. said that the President Gonsalves objected to of Argentina, Alberto the United States’ Fernandez indicated that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, failure to invite he would attend the Prime Minister of St. Venezuela, Cuba and summit, but that he Vincent and the Nicaragua to the would be going to protest Grenadines has taken summit. the decision of the US. on a lead role in the “You cannot have a And while it appeared effort to discourage summit of the Americas as though St Vincent CARICOM countries with only some people, and the Grenadines from attending the you must include would be the only Summit of the everybody,” Gonsalves CARICOM member state Americas. said on the June 1 not to attend, Gonsalves edition of the ‘Face-toexplained that regional Face’ radio programme.

Heads of Government agreed that Gonsalves made his position clear Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua stating that he would not attend if the should attend. specified countries were not invited.

“It is now the tactics that will be He wrote a series of letters, three — used,” he said. the first on May 11 which he said Gonsalves said that he had received copies were sent to the current support from several NGO’s and Chairman of CARICOM, John Briceno individuals across the region adding the Prime Minister of Belize, that the US ought to no longer uphold CARICOM Heads of State and the a 60-year-old blockade imposed on local Cabinet.

Cuba and that it had imposed Subsequent letters were also sent sanctions against Venezuela. on May 20 and 21 to CARICOM’s “You are punishing the people,” he Secretary General Dr. Carla Bennett said. and they too were circulated the prime According to Gonsalves, it was a minister said. backward move seeing that Cuba However, several regional Heads attended the Summit of the Americas had indicated that they would be in 2015 and 2017. attending Gonsalves continued.

He said that while he respected US “I am urging colleagues not to go,” President Joe Biden, he did not agree he said. with Biden’s Government on this Mexican President, Andres Manuel issue. (DD)

FishermanÊs Day returns

FISHERMAN’s Day will make its return on Monday 6th June, 2022 after a break of two years occasioned by a combination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the volcano eruption of April 2021 Not for the first time, activities to mark the climax of the Day will be held at the Calliaqua Fisheries Complex.

Randolph Medford was And though, admittedly, the celebrations are Fisherman of the Year expected to be on a smaller scale than in previous in 2019. years, Fisheries Officials and organisers of the Day’s activities are anticipating enthusiastic involvement by fishers here.

This year’s theme, Revitalisation : Collective Action for the Ocean’, is in keeping with the Fisheries Department’s intention to celebrate firshers for their invaluable contribution to Food Security and Nutrition.

The last Fisherman of the Year, in 2019, was Fisherman’s Day is usually marked by record Randolph Medford. catches by local fishers.

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Convenient way of doing business

MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union can do business without going to the offices of the institution.

They now have the use of Access 365 Mobile App which allows them to transfer funds, get cheques, letters to send to embassies, secure bank statements and pay bills.

Rohan Murray, the man in charge of the new convenience outlet at the

SVGTCCU, praised the team for making the venture a reality.

“You can conveniently do business with the Credit Union,” Murray remarked at the launch of the facility last week Friday.

He pinpointed the benefits of the services and noted that it was especially welcomed by members abroad.

Murray’s sentiments echoed Chief

Executive Officer Jasmine Daley Huggins. She welcomed the new facility and is happy that “questions (are) answered in real time.”

She emphasised the value to overseas members who can do direct business with the Credit Union.

Rhea Lewis, Consumer and Public Relations Manager at the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) traced the stages of the development and implementation of the app beginning with a NTRC inspired competition for the creation of apps by secondary schools.

Lewis welcomes the introduction of the services to the public and sees it as a “huge advancement and a welcome addition.”

Directors and Staff of the SVGTCCU and Rep. of the NTRC at launch of the Access 365 Mobile App. President of the Board of Directors Miriam Roache is overjoyed with the new facility. “I could hardly contain myself,” she exclaimed.

She notes that a “digital transformation” is taking place and points to the “ease and convenience” with which members can go about the business as a result of the new apps.

Melissa Yorke Nicholls, SVG Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Marketing Manager, projects to services from The E-Store which is part of the Credit Union’s community expansion drive. The SVG TCCU’s expansion drive come in the wake of Credit Union’s 44th anniversary.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 7.

Regional

Calls for improved school

security in St. Lucia Editor’s Note: Given a recent incident at a primary school here in Kingstown, we think the following should be instructive to our situation as well.

VALERIE ST HELENE-HENRY, President of the St. Lucia National Principals Association (NPA), has expressed concern about reactive school security measures and wants the authorities to urgently make learning institutions secure.

This call, made through the St. Lucia Times on Tuesday, followed closely on a similar call made by President of the Saint Lucia Teachers Union (SLTU), Don Howell.

St Helene-Henry also told the Times that security has constantly been on the agenda of meetings of principals, teachers, and Don Howell, education ministry officials. President of the “What has been addressed Saint Lucia are just the basics in terms Teachers Union of the calibre of — we call (SLTU), had made a them watchmen, not even similar call prior to security, at schools,” the this call by the NPA. NPA official observed.

She acknowledged that these ‘security persons’ get some training but asserted there’s a need to upgrade the calibre of individuals on duty at some schools.

“In terms of security, when you hear the word to me, it’s at a higher level,” St Helene-Henry noted.

“The watchmen we have at the schools, some of them lack training. Some of them need to be replaced — it’s a grave concern,” the NPA President told St Lucia Times.

“We don’t have too much confidence in the present persons we have at our schools. There are lots of horrific stories to tell as they relate to school security,” St Helene-Henry declared.

The NPA official also expressed concern over easy access to schoolyards due to inadequate fencing.

She explained that several schools have unstable or no fencing at all while people traverse some schoolyards to get to their homes.

As a result, St Helene-Henry called for an urgent needs assessment, adding that some more recent schools enjoy a security advantage over others that have been in existence for some time.

She lamented that over the years, when there’s

been a security issue, there are meetings with the police, and the authorities put measures in place, including patrols.

“After a while, everything dies down and we are back to the same situation,” the NPA President told St Lucia Times. (Source: St. Lucia Times)

Valerie St Helene-Henry, President of the National Principals Association (NPA), cited telling setbacks and inadequacies with school security in St. Lucia.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 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

Price hikes and domestic violence THERE IS NO WANT of complaints about the high prices for goods in the grocery, supermarket, vegetable market, the gas depot, even at the rum shop.

While there are those who are insulated, its seems, from the daily drudgery of having to put up with rising prices, there is no doubt that prices continue to rise astronomically resulting in increase in overall poverty. After all, isn’t it accurate to say that wages and salaries have not risen proportionately to the rise in prices, i.e. the cost of basic living?

The real take home basket for cost of living purposes has all but diminished in quantity and if it has remained constant, there is hardly a doubt that that same basket of goods is priced way above what it was the last time a cost of living analysis was done.

The truth is , the average worker — daily paid, weekly paid, even some monthly paid - takes home less to the dinner table.

Albeit, more persons are seeing the need and wisdom in growing their own food - food crops, livestock and poultry — but this simply adds to the strain on working class people who must still labour, many unrepresented - in the vineyards of the moneyed class.

As prices of food commodities continue to rise astronomically resulting in increase in overall poverty, experts have stated that the family may come under siege, predicting that increase in poverty will increase toxicity in homes, chip away the unity within many families and lead to increase in cases of domestic violence.

Remember we told you so.

Yes, in countries afield and even in our own land space, there have been policy responses - cash handouts, ‘love boxes’, even hastily conceived specifically purposed loan facilities.

But how structurally purposed is this ‘protection’? Are these responses going to translate into real even lasting change for those caught in the prices whirlpool?

For decades, if the truth be told, global prices of food commodities have risen at an alarming pace causing major concern in the society, because high food prices come with significant setbacks — e.g. increase in poverty, poor nutrition, social instability, insecurity and poor economic growth, among many others.

While hikes in the prices of some commodities may not affect everyone directly, it is not the same for food which is essential for survival as the most basic of human needs. Consequently, food insecurity is a major issue that affects all men and the effects cut across different spheres of life with debilitating consequences.

Families that already live below the average for existence by foregoing meals on regular basis, lack food that is nutritionally adequate, are unable to feed their children and do not know where the next meal will come from are now faced with more serious challenges. Even those who used to help with handouts, are also facing the challenge of providing enough for themselves, due to rising food prices.

While this leads to increased poverty across the board, experts have warned that this may be the least of the problems as the tension from increased poverty may lead to more cases of domestic and intimate partner violence.

This prediction, if those social welfare officers, counsellors and psychologists give their best to work with these seriously affected people, should be an honest one that says that work with family and violence is not a fallacy, and has a greater chance of becoming an immediate reality in the country.

Those professionals should be saying that cases of violence will increase. Sadly, they try to tone down the seriousness of the issue because even before food prices became this high, the poor financial situation had torn many families apart, while many others now live in tension and toxicity that affects the psychological and emotional development of the children in that family.

In many cases of domestic violence, issues of violence when we take time to find the root are usually tied to issues of finance, and now that even those that used to be average are now lamenting, it is sure that the family will be under the siege of violence even in homes that have never experienced such.

And when we talk of violence, people should know it is not only physical; we also have financial, emotional and psychological violence.

That, friends, is a ‘whole’, separate story.

Violence against young people ANOTHER SMALLIE DIED. No, wait, she was killed and thrown out like trash. Oh, that was a few weeks ago. Since then, we found another in a car next to the landfill. Next, we have a report that a parent threatens a child with violence in a school. For you, Hairoun lovers, don’t be mad at my Smallie reference. You love freedom of expression. The violence levels in SVG are as high as it has ever been and maybe higher. No, no, no, our “overall crime” rate is as low as it has ever been, according to our illustrious crime-fighting unit (the police).

We need to change something.

How do we change lives? Through Education, of course, both formal and informal. W. E. B. Du Bois said, “Education is that whole system of human training within and without the schoolhouse walls, which molds and develops men.” He was right.

Most of what I learned, especially about treating others, was on the playgrounds across SVG and community organizations.

Unfortunately, none of the organizations I grew up with are around today. I need a moment to lament the killing of those civic organizations, maybe no one killed them, but we just allowed them to die.

The Government has done a great job of keeping the slogan of the Education Revolution alive. We have achieved remarkable success in advanced Education. More people are away at universities studying in various fields than ever. An average of fifteen hundred students enter secondary school each year. I am not sure how many are finishing, but more than we had twenty years ago.

What we teach the kids is vital in our efforts to combat violence. How many hours of Math, English, History, and Geography do we teach in a week?

How about Gender Equality and Respectful Relationships? I am asking because I don’t know. I am sure those of you with kids in school today know the answer to these questions. Maybe some of these things are taught in Social sciences, you tell me. Or better yet, check for the sake of the children.

The fundamental question to you is, are you comfortable with the content and the number of hours your kids are exposed to the ideas around treating each other with respect and dignity regardless of gender or social

status? Are you comfortable with the way we treat the “Cartman” child versus the child of a Government employee in our schools?

The way I see it, is that if we are serious about controlling violence, we must shape our children’s behavior in the short and long term by letting them know violence is unacceptable.

To address violence against women, we must understand where it comes from. Violence against women comes from gender inequality and disrespectful and sexist beliefs and attitudes towards women and girls.

These include the idea that women and girls are not as good as men and boys at anything they do. Too many adults still think that some women and girls should not do certain things simply because of their gender.

Finding the right tone and ageappropriate material to challenge sexist attitudes and promote respect and gender equality is not always easy. But we can do it.

What can we do outside of school?

Be aware of the way we say things.

How often have you heard someone saying, “Don’t act like a girl” or ‘Man up” to boys? These statements reinforce the message that we expect boys to behave differently simply because of their gender. This statement may seem far-fetched, but violence against women and girls is a barrier to our progress as a nation.

Violence against women and girls perpetrates colonial stereotypes of a woman’s role. It undermines any attempt to build a robust, safe, and peaceful society. And when we as a nation do nothing or very little to protect our women, we are setting up our people to repeat the cycle of poverty resulting in more violence.

You see, as long as deprivation continues, violence will continue.

To be clear, Education is not the only thing missing from our toolbox for us to eliminate violence.

Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 9.

Letters

Action is long overdue

MayreauÊs Fish Pot

IT IS NO LONGER good enough to cry peace; we must act peace, live peace and live IN peace.

Ten years ago, the First National Congress of Women was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and produced RECOMMENDATIONS that if implemented would contribute to building a non-violent society.

While we condemn acts of violence through mass demonstrations, and pass punitive legislation, the RECOMMENDATIONS would not walk off the paper without a practical demonstration of Social Responsibility at State and individual level.

In an eight-page Statement from the Congress, forty eight articles addressed critical development issues under the sub-headings of Gender Equity; Economic Development, Peace and Security; Political Participation; Health; Indigenous Peoples; Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities; Education and General Provisions.

Several Recommendations of the Congress, quoted below, remain as relevant today: * Promote a concept of health that embodies total wellness, including health of the body and the mind, and that provides for the use of traditional methods of prevention and care. * Promote the teaching of an age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health curriculum in schools, so that children and young people are aware of themselves as sexual beings; and will develop respect for each other and avoid being victims or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape and child abuse. * Conduct leadership training and civic education among women in all sectors and at all levels, to stimulate their greater interest in moving beyond the realm of political organization and campaigning, into political representation and leadership. The low level of women’s participation at the political and policy-making level hinders their concerns from being fully addressed; * A Call to Young Women, to Respect and guard their dignity as young women, in excellence of speech, dress and achievement in their particular skills, education and career paths! * A Call to Young Men to walk beside young women in mutual respect as nation builders, promoting the attributes of the ideal Vincentian person!

It is no longer good enough to cry peace; we must act peace, live peace and live IN peace.

Will our highly qualified members of the legal, medical and other relevant fraternities face the challenges affecting women and take the opportunity to lend their skills to drawing up and implementing the legislative agenda that will bring positive change? Will the Media play its part in both exposing atrocities committed against women, and desisting from promoting harmful stereotypes of women?

Plans for the Second National Congress of Women will begin on Thursday June 30, 2022, with a review of the Statement from the First National Congress of Women.

FOR YEARS the Fish Pot provided many families with food and economic sustenance. Some of the fish was eaten, some sold, and the excess salted and dried to make “corned fish”, the local equivalent of “salt fish”. When the boundaries of then Tobago Cays Marine Park were drawn up, Mayreau fell within the Park. While a few islanders were employed by the Park, the livelihood obtained there was not sustainable.

Knowing that there is much talent in fishing among the people,

Nelcia Robinson Chair Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN) May 30, 2022 Editor’s Note: Copies of the Report of the First National Congress of Women - St. Vincent and the Grenadines, March 12 – 22, 2012, are available at the office of THE VINCENTIAN, Paul’s Avenue.

People are asking… * Why is it that there was so little if any promotion of the Pan Event that was held at the decommissioned E. T. Joshua airport last Sunday? Is that any indication of where the resources for promoting Vincymas truly lie? * And why was a certain steel orchestra the one that was featured on the Vincymas social media page and only when a certain person was playing the drums? * When are the traffic laws going to be amended to allow for the harshest punishment possible for drivers who are found texting while driving? * What is the real story about that incident at the St. Mary’s R.C. School, last week Wednesday?

Somebody needs to come forward and tell the whole truth, from the very beginning. * When can we expect Petrocaribe to be revived so that we can enjoy that promised 35% discount on the price of fuel and VINLEC can reflect this in their fuel surcharge?

Concerned Citizen

perhaps technical assistance could have been given to them to enable them to transition to deep sea fishing. The Taiwanese who fish in our waters could have been tapped to help them acquire the technology to do so.

There might be sufficient local resources to be invested in the venture. The venture is sufficiently critical to attract overseas funding for disadvantaged endangered populations.

Some have taken to growing sea moss. Salt is harvested whenever it bears perhaps every other year or so but the income generated is minimal. Others would like to do farming on land but almost all of the lands are privately owned and consequently

are not available for this.

Education could provide a way out but many students struggle to bear the cost of traveling back and forth by sea to the Union Island Secondary School.

The original plan was for there to be dormitories at the school to accommodate Mayreau students, but that never occurred. In these circumstances, the best solution might be to have a Secondary School program on Mayreau to teach the core subjects of English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

An upper floor could be added to the primary school and three teachers added to the staff. The school can have grades 1 to 11 and Multigrade teaching can take place

where appropriate. This should prevent the large dropout rates of Mayreau students and Secondary Schools in the other islands.

Enclosing Mayreau within the boundaries of the Tobago Cays Marine Park is like invading the natural habitat of the human species living there. It is not too late to do an Environmental Impact Study so that the People of Mayreau can find alternative sustainable sustenance to the Fish Pot. Anthony Stewart, PhD

Social Workers calls for action THE RECENT spate of murders across St. Vincent and the Grenadines has stoked the consciousness of Vincentians anxiety, pain and alarm over the continuous disregard for human lives. The Social Work Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SWASVG) is standing with all families affected by these murders in our country, and calls for all sectors of our society to denounce and to put into action what is needed to save our country.

As Social Workers we are at the frontline of the risks and vulnerabilities of families, and are aware of the pervasive issues in our society that break down family structures that are at the core of our societal demise.

The Vincentian population appears to be firm and fixed in an epidemic that does not get the attention that it rightfully deserves, such as expansive funding, full national support and policies that protect and defend our women. We stand with our colleagues across the region who are bewildered that our governments are not fully immersed in addressing the issues, which are affecting the safety and security of our women and children.

Over the past year, the war that has been waged against the children, women and womanhood have taken a gruesome turn that has evolved in 2022, leaving some of us in shock and numbness. Our children are growing

up thinking that the female is disposable, has no value, is powerless and is the property to the male. Where parents and guardians are taking no responsibility for their children, neglect and abuse coincide with the family breakdown.

A now identified hacked body of a 17-year-old, sexual abuse cases, murders and stalking, too many times our women seek help and are not given the sufficient attention by the institutions with the mandate to protect and safeguard Vincentians.

We need victim advocates who can offer support at all stages, especially interacting with the police so that they feel supported and confident. Our police officers need mandatory training for vulnerable populations.

The country demands a judicial system that does not fail the victims and their families. We need more safe houses with trained personnel for families who experience Domestic Violence and other aspects of violence.

The age of sexual consent makes it easier for predators to argue their innocence and there is need for stricter penalties for perpetrators are some of the major actions needed to begin to turn the tide on this vicious cycle of violence.

We are looking forward to your cooperation, collaboration and support with great thanks.

The Social Work Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SWASVG)

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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ULP has created the hardship in SVG!

“HOW VINCY HARD SO? How Vincy rough so? How Vincy tough so?” asked Karbon Jamz. The young man has captured the realities of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in song. It is a fact. Most people are experiencing severe hardship because of the mismanagement of this country’s economy and the ill-advised policies of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government.

Everything in St. Vincent and the Grenadines except salary has gone up.

For instance, cost of living has skyrocketed. Gas prices have been increasing steadily at the pumps; so, too is the ‘cooking gas’. The fuel surcharge on our electricity bills is the highest it has been. And, with the increase of transportation fares to come according to the Minister of Transport and works; one wonders, how Vincentians will survive.

The unemployment situation is the worst it has ever been since conquest and settlement. The ULP government has lifted the unemployment situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines higher.

The last figures from the International Monetary Fund showed that 46 percent of young people were unemployed and that was before COVID. Poverty has also increased under this ULP government. They have tried to hide the Poverty Assessment Report of 2018. They are ashamed to publish it.

But, we 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

the determination to build a better St. Vincent and the Grenadines for our future. We are passionate about building a country that works for everyone and where everyone who wants to work can work. Our plan will be to create better conditions which mean Vincentians are happy to stay.

We will set ambitious targets to deliver the investment resources and production we need. A strong economy and good infrastructure will bring foreign investment and increased wages for all Vincentians. Without a strong economy, we cannot afford to pay for housing, schools or hospitals.

Further, the NDP will set reasonable and effective tax rates. Lower taxes will make St. Vincent and the Grenadines more attractive for tourism and other investments, and reduce the need for investors to negotiate major tax holidays, which negatively impact on our economy. The NDP will reduce VAT and remove it from essential items to put money back in consumers’ pockets; and reform personal income tax to encourage private investment. Our taxes are too high when compared to our neighbours.

Also, in recognition of the importance of the fishing industry to our plan to grow the economy, we will create a separate Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation to manage the transformation of the sector in a The NDP has a better way sustainable way. Our goal is to move rapidly from subsistence fishing to The New Democratic Party (NDP) has thriving businesses for our fisherfolk. a better way. We have a clear plan and An NDP government will partner with existing local and international experts and stakeholders to redevelop our fishing sector to produce a 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.

Contrary to what the government wants us to believe, crime is on the rise in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) ranks 2016 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the 6th bloodiest in the world in the period 2012 to 2020. And, we have already recorded nineteen (19) homicides so far for the year. Praedial larceny is a major concern; that too has gone up. And, violence against women is at a crisis stage. Of greater concern is the administration’s refusal to acknowledge the depth of this crisis. It is evident that as Minister of National Security Dr. Gonsalves has failed to be “tough on crime and the causes of crime.”

It is extremely hard to make ends meet in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Food is all most Vincentians salaries can afford. Vincentians need jobs and incomes to support their families. The ULP government has failed miserably to improve the lives of our people. And, that is why most Vincentians have joined the chorus and are asking, why Vincy hard so?

sustainable, high-quality supply of seafood for both local and external markets. This will create economic opportunities and well-paying jobs. We will use technology such as fish finders, FADs and online markets to assist fisherfolk in their jobs. An NDP government will help to find and keep markets for our seafood and benefit our fisherfolk.

We will work with European regulatory bodies to lift the ban on our fish products. This will create more opportunity for our fisherfolk through legitimate trade in fish, conch and lobster, and gain access to markets in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and other European markets.

Moreover, our development Bank will provide low interest-rate financing for fisherfolk. This will help them to get the equipment they need for their businesses. As part of this, we will create a special regime of incentives for fishing boats and equipment, and promote the use of larger boats that can stay at sea longer and more productive.

We will develop a transparent grants program to promote high growth industry. We will develop a transparent government grants programme to promote industries with the highest identified growth potential, with clear guidelines on access and oversight to ensure the maximum value for the taxpayer dollar and job creation. And, reduce electricity costs by examining the fuel surcharge and by encouraging the use of solar energy. The NDP is committed to improve the standard of living for all Vincentians.

Declaration of the 21st Summit of Heads of State and Government of ALBA-TCP “ALBA-TCP REJECTS EXCLUSIONS AND THE DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT IN THE SO-CALLED SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS IN LOS ANGELES” The Heads of State and Government and the Heads of Delegations of the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), gathered in Havana, Cuba, on May 27, 2022, at its 21st Summit: 1. Ratify their commitment to strengthen ALBA-TCP as an instrument of union of our peoples, based on the principles of solidarity, social justice, cooperation and economic complementarity; with the genuine regional integration led by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC); and with the postulates of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.

2. Support the demands of the countries of Our America to materialize a change in the hemispheric relations, based on the Charter of the United Nations and the International Law, including the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs, non-use or threat of use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes and selfdetermination of peoples.

3. Reaffirm their support to multilateralism, as the main instrument to address multifaceted and complex global challenges through collective action.

4. Denounce the pretensions of imperialist domination over the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean to maintain the region divided according to their hegemonic interests.

5. Reject the arbitrary, ideological and politically motivated exclusion of several of our countries from the so-called Summit of the Americas, to be held in June in Los Angeles, United States.

Such unilateral decision constitutes a serious historic regression in the

hemispheric relations and an outrage to the Latin American and Caribbean peoples.

6. Support the right of all countries of the continent to be invited and to participate in said event on an equal footing and underscore that the host country of the meeting of Los Angeles has no right to impose exclusions or conditions in violation of their sovereignty and independence.

7. Denounce the discriminatory treatment by the Unites States as the host country of the so-called Summit of the Americas against numerous representatives of the genuine civil society of our continent.

8. Emphasize that this kind of exclusionary meeting, does not contribute to the solution of any of the urgent integration challenges or the global and regional threats.

9. Support and thank the courageous and dignified standing adopted by governments, social actors, organizations and the brotherly peoples of our continent, which have rejected, overwhelmingly and in different ways, the exclusions from the meeting of Los Angeles.

10.Reject the imposition of coercive unilateral measures against Venezuela and Nicaragua, and the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba in violation of the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Law. 11.Vindicate the national dignity of our peoples, based on the respect for the ideals of the national heroes and founding fathers of Latin America and the Caribbean.

12.Support the genuine efforts to foster a respectful dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence and cooperation among the countries of our Americas, without exception, in order to find effective solutions to major problems affecting our hemisphere.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022.11.

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The Seven Deadly Sins

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he to think of ourselves more highly than that soweth discord among bretheren.” we ought to. Our possessions and our – Proverbs 6:16-19 King James version accolades are fragile. They can vaporize in a moment. While there is nothing THE SIXTH CHAPTER of the Old Testament inherently wrong about appreciating book of Proverbs records vices that what we have and what we have Western religious groups now refer to as achieved, it is so very important to The Seven Deadly Sins: a proud look, a avoid the temptation to think of lying tongue, hands that shed innocent ourselves as being better than others. blood, a heart that devises wicked Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), the imaginations, feet that are swift in running American essayist, philosopher, and to mischief, a false witness that speaks abolitionist says it so well when he lies, and individuals that sow discord. reminds us that, “A great man is always Some societies refer to these as cardinal willing to be little.” sins or capital vices. Being aware of the There are many passages in the Bible debilitating impact of these vices, Western that remind us of the importance of societies encourage their citizens to avoid charity. The early chapters in the New pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, Testament book of Acts provide and sloth (laziness). numerous examples of how the early The New Testament also provides a Christians sold and/or shared their record of specific activities and possessions with those who were in behaviours that we should seek to need. John Bunyan (1628-1688), the avoid. In the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, the Galatians (Galatians 5:19-21) he reminds us of the importance of charity provides a list that is longer than the when he noted that, “You have not lived traditional seven deadly sins. He today until you have done something for identifies these as adultery, fornication, someone who can never repay you.” uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, Charity seems to beckon us to give sorcery, hatred, variance, emulations, sacrificially - expecting nothing in wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, return. This mirrors the thoughts envying, murders, drunkenness, shared by Mother Theresa (1910-1997) revelling, and such like. Some biblical when she said, “It’s not how much we scholars regard this “longer list” as give but how much love we put into “mortal sins” rather than “capital vices”. giving.” We know that there are Be that as it may, we are cautioned to multiple blessings that are shared avoid such behaviours. They weaken around by our giving — the giver and the the moral fibres of individuals and, by recipient often receive bountiful extension, erode the society’s moral blessings from such acts of kindness. moorings.

Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), the An examination of church history American poet and author, noted that, reveals that during the 6th Century, “When we give cheerfully and accept Pope Gregory I, advocated that gratefully, everyone is blessed.” followers of Christ needed to make a Chastity is still considered a priceless concerted effort to avoid these immoral virtue in our society today. While there behaviours. Saint Thomas Aquinas, are some unwise and impatient writing in the 13th century, elaborated individuals who abandon the pursuit of on these and highlighted the spiritual a chaste/pure life as a result of peer dangers of engaging in vainglory (pride), pressure or merely to experience the greed (covetousness), lust (inordinate or “pleasures of this world’, many soon illicit sexual desire), envy, gluttony, discover that the abandonment of wrath (anger) and sloth (laziness). He chastity is so often synonymous with asserted that each of these could be pain, shame, and guilt. overcome with the seven corresponding So much can be said or written about virtues of humility, charity, chastity, the need for creating and maintaining a gratitude, temperance, patience, and spirit of gratitude. Ralph Waldo diligence.

Emerson summed it up well when he Individuals, groups, and societies can beckoned us to “Cultivate the habit of be stronger when these positive and being grateful for every good thing that uplifting virtues are evident. If we use comes to you, and to give thanks the analogy of the Seven Deadly Sins continuously. And because all things seeming to be like a poisonous snake have contributed to your advancement, that bites and debilitates an individual, you should include all things in your the seven corresponding virtues can be gratitude.” There is always so much to considered as the antidote that enables be thankful for. That spirit of recovery. In our pursuit of peace and gratitude, in its own way, enables us to happiness, it would do us well to focus pursue life’s various challenges and our efforts on the pursuit of these obstacles with passion and purpose. virtues and the avoidance of the pitfalls Thoughts of temperance, patience, created by the seven deadly sins. It is and diligence remind us of how critical therefore considered useful to share these life approaches are as we seek to some thoughts in relation to Saint avoid and/or repel the negative and Thomas Aquinas’ list of seven virtues. debilitating impact of the seven deadly Rick Warren (born 1954), the sins. With God’s help, these along with author of “The Purpose Driven Life: the virtues previously expounded, can What on Earth Am I Here for?” shares enable us to swim against the strong some useful insights in relation to tides of life that periodically entice us to humility when he reminds us that, succumb to life’s varied temptations to “True humility is not thinking less of do wrong. With grit and determination, yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” we can avoid The Seven Deadly Sins.

These words are pregnant with wisdom.

Regardless of our achievements, family Send comments, criticisms & name, profession, or societal status, suggestions to each of us need to avoid the temptation julesferdinand@gmail.com

Pension Rights and Public Employees THE HIGH COURT OF GRENADA delivered a decision last month that has importance for all public workers in SVG. The pension of many public workers, including those at the port has been arbitrary changed thus resulting in much fewer benefits going to workers who have given decades of service to the Port Authority.

On 15th May 2019, the claimants filed an administrative claim for constitutional relief in which they ask for declarations and orders against the Government over what they contend is its refusal to pay pensions to public officers who joined the public service after enacting the National Insurance Act (NIS Act) on 4th April, 1983. The public officers claim that they ought to be paid in accordance with the Pensions Acts that existed prior to the commencement date of the Constitution. In response, the Government states that only public officers appointed before 22nd February 1985 are entitled to those pension benefits as contained in the Pensions Act. Counsel for the workers argued that the applicable law in respect of pension benefits for public officers entering the service after 7th February 1974 (Grenada Independence day) is the law in force on the date of commencement of the service. Whatever pension benefits one is entitled to are based on the law in force on the date upon entry into the service. For a later law to apply, it must make those benefits more, but not less favourable.

There was an interesting issue as to whether the pension rights envisaged by the constitution are similar or identical to the pension rights created by the creation of the National Insurance Service.

Justice Raulston Glasgow ruled that ‘once the law is in place, the Government cannot enact any other law that grants benefits that are less favourable to the public worker than the law which was enacted and was extant at the date that they commenced their service.

This is an important decision not just for Grenada because of its binding authority in St Vincent and other countries where the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court presides.

Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada declared that his government has no intention of appealing the decision.

Section 88 of our Constitution deals with pensions. The section labelled Pensions laws and protection of pensions rights.

88. (1) The law to be applied with respect to any pensions benefits that were granted to any person before the commencement of this Constitution shall be the law that was in force at the date on which those benefits were granted or any law in force at a later date that is no less favourable to that person.

(2) The law to be applied with respect to any pensions benefits (not being benefits to which subsection (1) of this section applies) shall in so far as those benefits are wholly in respect of a period of service as a judge or officer of the Supreme Court or a public officer or a member of the

House of Assembly that commenced before the commencement of this Constitution, be the law that was in force at such commencement; and b. in so far as those benefits are wholly or partly in respect of a period of service as a judge or officer of the Supreme Court or a public officer or a member of the House of Assembly that commenced after the commencement of this Constitution, be the law in force on the date on which that period of service commenced or any law in force at a later date that is no less favourable to that person.

(3) Where a person is entitled to exercise an option as to which of two or more laws shall apply in his case, the law for which he opts shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be more favourable to him than the other law or laws.

The law is clear, and the decision by the Grenada court has reaffirmed it. A public employee’s entitlement to pension cannot be determined or calculated to his detriment. It must be calculated according to the pension laws most favourable to him.

Therefore, when the government established the Port Authority as a statutory corporation and, among other things, allowed the board of directors to arbitrarily change the pension entitlement of port employees, it engaged in an illegality that is confirmed by the recent decision in Grenada.

As a result of the collusion of the port workers’ representative, National Workers Movement led by Noel Jackson, workers lost tens of thousands of dollars in pension benefits at retirement. In 2008, the union negotiated a contract that took employees out of the constitutionally protected pension plan. The Port Authority established a pension plan that drastically reduced the benefits to which long-standing employees were entitled.

Other public employees, apart from those working on the port may have been forced to sign on to pension schemes that strip them of their full pension benefits. All historical wrongs must be corrected.

Our constitution says that the pension scheme developed by the government or its bodies cannot be less favourable to the workers. This position is vindicated in the Grenada case.

In light of this recent binding decision, the government should heed and instruct itself and the many statutory boards and authorities to bring their pension policies in line with the constitutional requirements.

Any other posture will amount to gross injustice to workers who have given yeoman service to this nation and are now being short-changed by the government they served.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Impose a windfall tax on superrich of Mustique and Canouan IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced a windfall tax on energy firms that will raise around £5 billion. A windfall tax is economically very rational and the money will be used to help low income households, that have been catastrophically hit by the large increase in electricity prices.

All around the world, we are seeing rising costs of food, electricity, gas and other daily living requisites. The windfall tax in the UK will help poorer households that are being squeezed by the increased costs of daily living expenses.

In SVG, poorer households are facing the same financial pressures as poorer households in the UK. In SVG, we have also seen rising costs of food, electricity, gas and other staples. We need to impose a windfall

tax on the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan to help poorer households with the increased costs of daily living expenses.

For decades, Vincentians have been subsidising the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. It is the taxes of Vincentians that pay for the roads and other services the super-rich property owners of Mustique and Canouan use.

It is time to turn the tables!!!

An urgent effort should be made, with government leading the way in helping low income families get through this very difficult period.

The simplest and best way to raise money immediately is a windfall tax. A windfall tax in SVG could raise around EC$5 billion.

The super-rich migrants of Mustique and Canouan have been getting away with not paying their fair

share of tax for too long. If they really care about our country and people, they would see that a windfall tax to help our people is reasonable. It is only right and fair that the super-rich pay tax.

Taiwan has been making billions of dollars every year from our fish licence and has not paid tax. We should also impose an EC$5 billion windfall tax on Taiwan immediately to aid the recovery of our country. Money received from the windfall tax could also be used to set up an SVG tuna fishing and canning industry. This industry will bring in billions of dollars in revenue to the SVG Treasury and create thousands of new, long-term jobs.

The longer it takes for our country to impose a windfall tax on the superrich migrants of Mustique and

Canouan and Taiwan, the more likely we will see households being unable to adequately feed themselves.

Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, says that a windfall tax is a reasonable way to raise money. The recent example of the United Kingdom imposing a windfall tax on energy firms to raise around £5 billion, illustrates the path that SVG should follow.

The windfall tax in the UK of around £5 billion will help poorer UK households that are being squeezed by the rising costs of food, electricity, gas and other daily living expenses.

Similarly, we must impose a windfall tax of EC$5 billion on the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan to help poor SVG households that are being squeezed by the rising costs of food, electricity, gas and other daily living expenses.

Statement by the SVG Cuba Friendship Society friendship, business interaction and respect for the chosen development path of the respective countries.

While diplomatic TODAY, 26th May 2022, relations were St. Vincent and the established only 30 years Grenadines and the ago, actual people to Republic of Cuba people relations between commemorate 30 years of the two countries date diplomatic relations. back to the 1920s when Prime Minister Dr. Vincentians travelled as Ralph Gonsalves has migrants to Cuba to travelled to Havana for participate in the commemorative activities economic construction of as we recognize a the country. relationship which is an Descendants of many of expression of solidarity, these nationals are today Thirty (30) Years of Diplomatic Relations (SVG-Cuba) Solidarity, Friendship, and Mutual Respect

a part of the Vincentian Diaspora in Cuba.

Following this initial wave of migration to Cuba, there was little travel from St. Vincent & the Grenadines to Cuba.

However, during the decade of the 70s, the SVG Cuba Friendship Society established fraternal links with the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples while the United Peoples Movement (UPM), formed in 1979, continued to forge relations with the

Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). The 1980s, therefore, ushered in a new period, marked by Vincentian students travelling to Cuba to pursue tertiary level education; this as a result of a generous offering from the Government and People of Cuba.

The UPM yearly sent small groups of students to Cuba, while encouraging the government of the day to pursue a scholarship programme on a Stateto-State level. This finally paid off with the first group of students being sent to Cuba by the Government led by Prime Minister Milton Cato of SVG 1983, even though the two nations did not yet have formal diplomatic relations.

This tentative relationship continued until, on 26th May 1992 the administration, led by the late Sir James Mitchell, finally established formal diplomatic relations between Kingstown and Havana. During the initial years of this relationship, both nations had non-resident ambassadors, but this period was marked by a quantitative increase in the numbers of students travelling from St. Vincent & the Grenadines on scholarships offered by the Government and People of Cuba. Today, the impact on the lives of

those then students, now proud professionals, on a national scale, is very noteworthy as these graduates occupy influential positions across the nation and the region.

The relationship between both countries was taken to another level in 2005 when the Governments of SVG and Cuba decided to establish embassies in both nations with resident ambassadors. This period saw a marked increase in activities of a developmental nature with visits to Cuba by most SVG Government Ministries resulting in increased collaboration in education, sports, culture, agriculture, construction and most notably healthcare.

This period heralded the collaboration in health with the Vision Now eye programme which touched the lives of thousands of ordinary working-class persons.

More markedly, we saw the construction of the Argyle International Airport designed and built by Cuban engineers and construction workers, alongside local workers, for which Vincentians must be eternally grateful to the People and Government of Cuba.

Vincentians from all walks of life have been touched in a positive manner by the relationship between the people and Government of Cuba and the people

and Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both countries have experienced a symbiotic beneficial relationship.

Today, healthcare has advanced tremendously with the presence of Cuban medical specialists in many areas where before Vincentians would have had to travel abroad to access.

This increased contact has seen a deepened interaction on a peopleto-people level which has spurned marriages between persons from both sister nations and a growing presence of Cuban professionals living and working in SVG, bringing wellneeded skills to the service of the Vincentian nation.

As we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations there is much that our countries have to celebrate. Given the absence from the country of both P.M. Gonsalves and the Cuban Resident Ambassador, the SVG Cuba Friendship Society has decided to organize our commemorative activities in July to coincide with Cuba’s important national holiday.

Long live the bonds of solidarity, friendship, and mutual respect between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of Cuba.

Dexter Rose, Issued 25 May 2022

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 13.

Services

VINLEC taking steps to improve reliability Participants from Phases One and Two of live-line training.

THE STRATEGIC objective of improving the reliability/continuity of electricity supply in St. Vincent is about to take a giant leap at VINLEC, with the introduction of live-line maintenance work on its transmission and distribution system.

This follows a very significant step taken about two years ago when the use of Pole Trusses was introduced to reduce the number of outages linked

Staff performing live-line work during their training.

to the replacement of rotten poles.

Over the past three weeks, employees in the Transmission and Distribution Department were involved in the final phases of preparation to technically and mentally prepare themselves to undertake scheduled live-line maintenance activities.

Live Line maintenance on a power system involves the removal/replacement of: poles, transformers, capacitors, cross arms, insulators, and other auxiliary fittings on the transmission and distribution infrastructure, while maintaining the flow of electricity to customers. In the current operating mode within the company, all such activities are performed on deadlines (i.e. deenergised lines). In these cases, customers are informed well in advance of the electricity outage to facilitate scheduled maintenance work. This improvement will allow the company to continue to provide electricity to critical customers while maintenance work is underway on its transmission and distribution infrastructure. Consequently, customers are likely to see less outages for planned

maintenance activities.

Getting to this stage started some four years ago when the company introduced a structured Lineman Development Programme. Over this period, several Linemen in the Transmission and Distribution Department have been involved in self-study, classroom training, practical training and skills based assessment by certified regional experts, under the auspices of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation — CARILEC. The project to develop live-line maintenance crews in VINLEC is headed by Mr. Elrias Williams, Manager Special Projects; an exercise he commenced in his former position of Senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer.

V NSPD begins 35th Anniversary celebrations 14. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Unsung Heroes

Students of the School for Special Needs at Wednesday’s Service.

Rhea Samuel displays some of her crochet pieces at the NSPD’s Exhibition.

Held under the theme, “35 and striving higher for a brighter future”, the activities got going last Wednesday, 1st June, with a Service of THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PERSONS with DisAbilities (NSPD) has commenced Thanksgiving at the organisation’s headquarters, located at the Old its 35th Anniversary celebrations.

Anglican School on Higginson Street.

Presided by Cassian Cupid and Dr Gail Ann Cupid, the service of rejoicing and gratitude was attended by members of the NSPD, as well as well- wishers.

Vice- President of the NSPD, Terrance Davis noted that it is a more than a milestone for the organisation to reach this far.

“It is truly an amazing feat for an organisation to be around for this long as it is an organisation for persons with Elizabeth Mesen (left), Terrance Davis (right). disabilities and more so run by

persons with disabilities,” Davis remarked.

The NSPD Vice—President, in underscoring the significance of surviving thirty- five years, reasoned: “One of the many challenges is that many of our parents were told that most of us won’t live past a couple of months or years. So an organisation dealing with people with disabilities and being around this long with all the different dynamics, we are grateful.”

Davis, who also spearheads activities of the NSPD, said that one of the major accomplishments of the organisation over the years was the development of the members’ skills, thus making many of them self sufficient, “ creative and industrious.”

He referenced a three-day exhibition, currently being staged, as exemplifying what the organisation is striving to achieve.

“Our Exhibition is an example of the skills of our members and we are simple showcasing them… We have received some assistance from the

Richmond Vale Academy which augurs well for both entities.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Mesen, a Costa Rican, who is attached to the Richmond Vale Academy, and whose volunteers have worked with the members to have their exhibits reach a wider audience, said her group has enjoyed being a part of the NSPD Programme, albeit for a short stint thus far.

“We have taken pictures for them for their website… We have also taught them how to manage their social media platforms such as their Instagram and Facebook pages …It has been a nice experience with them, because we are learning from one another,” Mesen related.

Following the three -day Exhibition, the next event on the anniversary celebration is a Dinner on 25th June, at the Prime Minister’s Residence.

Davis said that other planned activities will be rolled out during the course of the year.

Nurses recognised in special ceremony OVER 50 NURSES, active and retired, were recent recipients of awards/recognition for their hard work and contribution to the Nursing Fraternity.

This, as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses’ Association held their first Award and Recognition Ceremony on Friday, 27th May 2022, at the Peace Memorial Hall.

Addressing the Ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Cuthbert Knights described the occasion as a symbol of appreciation for all the hard work they (the nurses) have done, especially during

Permanent Secretary Cuthbert Knights praised the nurses for the love and selflessness they demonstrated.

Some of the nurses who were recognised for their sterling contribution. the COVID-19 pandemic.

He went on to praise the nurses for the love and selflessness they showed to their patients and encouraged them to continue to do their best.

Also giving remarks at the ceremony, was Chief Nursing Officer Sr. Peggy Da Silva who congratulated the Association for organising and effecting

a successful event.

Sr. Da Silva referenced the nurses/awardees as “unsung heroes for they were the best of the best”, and reminded

them that Nursing “is a calling and a lifestyle that can only change you for better” and that the ceremony was only a small token of appreciation for those who stood out, throughout the years,

Sr. Peggy Da Silva, Senior Nursing officer referred to the Nurses who received awards as “unsung heroes”. even during the fight against the invisible enemy COVID-19.

The Award and recognition Ceremony formed part of the celebrations for International Nurses Week 2022.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 15.

Entertainment

Soca artistes turning over the place

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS AS WE GET CLOSER to the climax of another carnival season, one can hardly avoid consuming the rich Vincentian Culture/Music that characterizes and drives the Vincymas festival.

It’s like breadfruit season for Vincy Music no flour selling!!!

THE VINCENTIAN has been overwhelmed by the amount of new music we receive on a daily basis.

As we sift through the volume of work, we note that the internationally based artistes with their world renowned appeal are currently taking a backseat to the energies and efforts of the new, up-and-coming locally-based entertainers. This claim is substantiated by Radio Station rotation and YouTube Views.

But let’s delve into what’s happening on the ground as far as the soca artistes are concerned.

The ongoing rivalry between Keith ‘Grabba Finesse’ Charles with his ‘Place Turn Ova’ and Rayshorn ‘Mirror Dan’ Franklyn with his ‘Mad Government’ aka ‘Genna Genna’ took an unexpected twist for ‘Mirror Dan’s’ fans when ‘Place Turn Ova’ emerged as the anthem of Georgetown’s Street Jam, a fitting acceptance of ‘Grabba

listed ‘Magikal’s’ ‘Wah Dey’ as trending with its enticing taunt of ‘Skinny Fabulous’ and ‘Fireman’ Hooper.

This song is a relatively late entry into the market but from reports, it already has the endorsement of a Hot 97.1FM person.

THE VINCENTIAN also reached out to NBC Radio, WE FM, Bayhill News Network, XTREME FM and IK TV. XTREME said they too were overwhelmed and could not fairly participate, while IK TV shared that ‘Mad Government’ and ‘The Place Turn Ova’ were in high, daily rotation.

Other releases already trending include: Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams — ‘Big Road’ — 3,000 You Tube views in three weeks; Fireman Hooper — ‘Social Media Police’ - 225 You Tube views in 19 hours; ‘Luta’ — ‘Too Stiff’ - 459 You Tube views in 20 hours.

On another note, ‘Mirror Dan’ could Rayshorn ‘Mirror Dan’ Franklyn may take delight in the word from Grenada just have hit on something that will that his ‘Mad Government’ is enjoying see him performing on more than the a favour of support, as it finds itself a soca stages.

Finesse’ winning that town’s Soca Monarch title.

THE VINCENTIAN caught up with ‘Grabba’ early Sunday morning outside Pheonix Kitchen in Kingstown, but he excused himself from an interview, understandably so, for he was completely exhausted after two performances in addition to his Georgetown appearance the night before.

What’s trending

Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse is already giving indication that he will not lie down when it comes to defending his Soca Monarch title.

The VINCENTIAN also reached out to other Media Houses in an effort to avoid rash conclusions as to which songs were trending and who, albeit early in the season, seemed poised to dethrone Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse — National Soca Monarch — on July 2.

Hot 97.1 FM’s Christopher ‘Too Kool Chris’ Jones, with whom we caught up in the wee hours of Sunday morning as he left Maggie’s Hideaway in Layou after a ‘mash down’ session, listed his top three as follows: #1. ‘Eat Bread and Butter’ (‘Hard Times’) by ‘Karbon Jamz’; #2: ‘Mad Government’ (‘Genna Genna’) by ‘Mirror Dan’; #3.

Place Turn Ova by ‘Grabba Finesse’.

NICE Radio’s Cheryl ‘Spicy’ Matthews (Drive Time DJ) ranked in descending order: ‘Mirror Dan’, ‘Karbon Jamz’ and ‘Grabba Finesse’.

BOOM 106.9 DJ ‘Galaxii

by Farr” (Drive Time DJ)

Keith ‘Grabba Finesse’ Charles with 2022 title under his belt and overwhelming support for his ‘P;ace Turn Ova’ could well have his sights on a national title. part of the current campaign leading up to the June 23general elections in that country on June 23.

The heat is intensifying by the day and THE VINCENTIAN is posed to bring that ‘heat’ to our readers. Look for this page!

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Vincentian-NY family loses three members

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER, regardless of age, could be quite heartwrenching much less losing three in quick succession, within a month.

That’s the ill-fate of a close-knit Vincentian family in New York.

Brooklyn resident and Kingstown native Adonna Lewis Dudley told THE VINCENTIAN over the weekend that she lost her father, John Ethelbert Lewis, husband of Gloria Lewis her mother, a former national netball star, on April 23. Mr. Lewis, originally from Mesopotamia, was 90.

Adonna also said that her uncle, Randolph ‘Rudy’ Browne, her mother’s elder brother, died on May 9. He was 89.

Then, on May 20, her

aunt, June Lewis, also known as Norma Glenn, her mother’s youngest sister, died, at age 83.

“Aunt June — that emptiness can never be filled,” Adonna said. “She was very open and kindnatured, not judgmental.

“Uncle Rudy and Dad: two greats, who lived life to the fullest,” she added.

“They did what they wanted, sowed many seeds, and you would hate and love them at the same time.

“The death of three family members in quick succession is a lot to endure, as we are faced with caring for the remaining siblings, who are our senior saints, and are experiencing such deep grief,” Adonna continued. “We are a very close-knit family who, throughout the (height of the) pandemic, did not lose anyone.”

She disclosed that her dad and uncle were, “for years, living and dealing

with cancer,” adding, “…. he “started and managed and to lose Aunt June so a netball team, where he sudden just leaves us met his wife, Gloria.” even more broken.”

His life’s endeavours included a senior road overseer and supervisor with the government, as well as a sailor, a surveyor and an architect.

“As an architect, he could not resist building things, and was the first to notice and let you know if something was of poor workmanship,” Adonna said. “He was constantly making changes, repairing or building something, John Ethelbert Lewis making use of ideas and implementing them.”

John Ethelbert Lewis was born on Jan. 12, Randolph ‘Rudy’ Browne 1932. Adonna said he attended the then St. Vincent and the Randolph ‘Rudy’ Grenadines Boys Browne was born in Rose Grammar School, and Place, Kingstown, on Jul. represented the school 20, 1932, to Elise Glennand country in athletics Matthews and Theodore and football (soccer). He Browne, also of Rose was also a doctor.

Place. He was also a According to Adonna, national football (soccer)

Tribute to Mrs. Ettie Skeete: SOMEONE ONCE SAID, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take …”

Well, that is certainly true for the lady I call Mommy and others call Mommy Skeete.

She certainly had a way about

her. The way she looked at you when she was pleased with your performance left no doubt in your mind how she felt.

Equally, she could switch that look into a message of disappointment with minimal

effort.

She was a lady of few words, and whatever she had to say, she did not say it aloud. She used to say, “Your father is the shouter, and there is no need for both

player.

Browne worked as an electrician, and fire brigade and auxiliary police officer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before migrating to the US in 1961, Adonna said.

In the US, he explored many job opportunities in the Taxi Business and Shipping Industry, his obituary stated, adding that for many years he worked for the New York City Housing Authority in maintenance management, where he eventually retired.

“He had a big heart, with charming qualities, and made everyone around him feel special,” the obituary continued.

“He was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.”

June Lewis

June Lewis — also a Rose Place native, was born on Sept. 22, 1938.

Her funeral service takes place today, Friday, Jun. 3, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.

Ettie Skeete

parents to be shouting at the same time.” Quite honestly, whenever we were in trouble, we all preferred to hear our Dad yelling at us instead of our mom’s quiet but stern counseling. Oh yea, she would be the one to whip us in shape if she felt it was needed.

So it was a shocker to hear her speaking loudly as her hearing faded in her later years.

Mom was eighty-four when she passed away and was in complete control of her journey to the end. She did it her way and took care of every last detail along the way. She told us what she wanted to do and stayed with us until we did it. Once it was done to her satisfaction, she said goodbye. She did not linger around any longer than she needed to. For that, I am thankful.

This is when I should be saying what a wonderful person she was and begin to list all the great things she did for us, but knowing her as I do, I know she

would have none of it. She would say something like this to me, “Horatio, a good deed is only good if you did not do it for recognition.”

She raised three children of her own and helped the village with at least ten, and this was her legacy. She did it because it was the right thing to do, never expecting anything in return.

In closing, I would say to us all, let’s take a page from her book and help make a difference in someone’s life.

We can do more than we think we can. Just do it, don’t think about it, because if you do, you will find a reason not to.

Thank you, Mommy, for making us who we are today.

Horatio

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 17.

V TSSS 2nd formers donate to Liberty Lodge 18. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

STUDENTS OF FORM 2 ROOM 1 of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) last Wednesday, showed that humanity and love still exist as they handed over a donation of food items to the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center.

The donation, the culmination of a collection drive over a number of weeks, was handed over to Assistant Director of the Child Development Unit, Kenroy Boucher, during a presentation ceremony at the school on Monday 30th May. Boucher expressed gratitude to the students for their generous donations, on behalf of the Ministry of Mobilization and the Director of Child Development.

Liberty Lodge Boys

Training Center caters to boys from the age of 7 to 18, who are in need of care and protection and those who have run afoul of the law.

Boucher said that the donation would go a long way in helping the boys at the center.

“We have to buy food for the boys so this donation will go a long way in helping the boys at the center,” he said, adding that the Lodge will soon commence a poultry project where the boys will be rearing laying and meat birds.

Form teacher, Shanique Stewart, shared that she wanted her students to do and experience something “humanitarian’, alongside their

Kenroy Boucher, Assistant Director of the Child Development Unit (left), accepts donation from representatives of Form 2 Room 1 of the TSSS. education.

“I wanted then to learn how to be selfless and to development an attitude of helping a brother in need,” she said.

It was her hope that this gesture by her students “will go a long way and that it does not stop with Form) 2 Room 1… that it actually

creates a chain reaction to help the boys (at the Liberty Lodge).”

She extended thanks, on behalf of her principal, other staff members and students of the TSSS, to the Board, Staff and students of the Centre for the opportunity to partner with them. (KH)

CARI-On donate items to MOH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH recently received a quantity of items from the Toronto-based group CARI-ON SVG. According to local representative Diana Bailey, among the items donated were hand sanitizers, dialysis equipment and medical trolleys valued at over EC$200,000.

Bailey explained that the dialysis equipment was organized by Carlos Diana Bailey, local Charles, a dialysis specialist, and the representative for CARI-ON hand sanitizers SVG, hands over a quantity were donated by of medical items to Steve Shelley John, Millington, Manager of Marketing Director Medical Stores.

SVG Tourism in Toronto.

CARI-ON SVG facilitated the cost of the freight, which Bailey said amounted to CDN$4,860.

It is the second such donation to be made to the Ministry of Health by the Vincentian group operating out of Toronto.

Bailey told THE VINCENTIAN that the group worked along with other local NGO’s including the Lions Club, and it was decided that they develop a relationship with the Ministry of Health.

“It is a new relationship that we are building with the Ministry of Health… we hope that it can get stronger,” Bailey said.

Steve Millington, Manager of the Medical Stores Department within the Ministry of Health, expressed his gratitude at the official handover on May 26.

He said that the dialysis equipment would be sent to the Diagnostics Centre in Georgetown and the hand sanitizers were distributed throughout various governmental departments. (DD)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Confront the ‘cheater’ Dear George, WHAT DO YOU do when your boyfriend of 7 years has been telling your best friend how inadequate you are in bed, how he has never loved you, and plans to leave you as soon as he can get you pregnant so that it would be that much harder for you to find someone?

My friend has the proof — text message, phone conversations I cannot believe he can do such a wicked thing to me and still comes to my house begging for sex, encouraging me to get off the pill and saying he intends to marry me should I get pregnant.

I have not revealed to him what I know. What should I do with all this information?

Hurt and Mad

Dear Hurt and Mad, You have given this guy 7 years of your life with the hope that your relationship would become permanent.

This is no time for games which your boyfriend appears to be playing.

Confront him with the information you have and let his own words judge him. You would not be able to get back the 7 years you have invested in the relationship, but you sure can prevent yourself from prolonging the agony of trusting a cheater.

You have seen and heard enough to make the decision to move on.

George

More than babysitting Dear George, FOR ALMOST a year now my wife has been leaving home at 8 p.m and returning just after 8 a.m the next day to, according to her, babysit a 5-year-old child for a couple who lived in Kingstown.

She never once allowed me to drive her to work.

In due course, a reliable source informed me about a man who would be bragging at work how he practically had my wife all to himself every night, under the guise of her doing babysitting.

George, you won’t believe how much I’ve been considering outing this guy’s light. I know

him; he has been looking me in the eye all this time and sometimes asking me how things are at home.

How could a woman be so wicked? Imagine sleeping with another man, coming home and exposing me to whatever he could have given her.

I am not sure which direction this marriage is going right now but I do not think I can do this anymore.

Betrayed Dear Betrayed, Based on what you have explained, there is need for a conversation with your wife. It will be helpful to know the

reason(s) that pushed you’re her to go searching outside of the marriage.

Seeing a marriage counsellor could help in this regard and if both of you are honest who knows, a new course could be set to reignite the marriage.

On the other hand you both can discover that getting back together would not be practical, and you will know what must be done.

By the way, going after the guy will not solve anything since your wife is as much to be blamed as he for what developed between them.

George

He has to decide⁄⁄ Dear George, I WAS AT home sick like a dog and my husband suggested we call a nurse friend of his to look in on me.

This was close to 10 p.m. His friend came. She checked my temperature and blood pressure and advised that I see a doctor the next day. She told me she would hang around for a little to make sure I was ok enough for her to leave.

About 30 minutes after she left my room, I started hearing noises coming from another room. I dragged myself out of bed and found my husband and this jezebel nurse going at it. The last thing I remembered was asking them why.

I have since told him I want him out of my life and told his friend I will figure out what to do about her.

Do you think my husband seriously loves me? Should I remain married to him?

Need Answers Dear Need Answers, There is never a good time to exhibit the type of behaviour your husband did, but it surely was bad timing on his part, especially a time when you were in a state of sickness/weakness.

It is more than likely that this sexual encounter with her was not his first but choosing to disrespect you in your home like that was an all-time low.

He needs to re-examine his vows and from his reaction and attitude you will have a very good idea as to whether he is serious about wanting the marriage to work. Either which way I suggest both of you see a counsellor sooner than later.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. You need to be around friends and family. You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. Take a close look at documents before signing on the dotted line. Physical limitations are possible if you aren't careful. A trip to visit relatives should be rewarding.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can win points if you present your ideas this week. Children will want to help, too. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you this week. You should teach children some of your unique creative talents.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Deal with the needs of children. You can meet potential new mates if you socialize with friends. Those who have been too demanding should be put in their place or out to pasture. Broaden your horizons and look into programs that will teach you awareness and relaxation.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way. Social activity should be on your agenda. Your added discipline will enable you to complete some of those unfinished projects. You need to take a break with the ones you love.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Work quietly behind the scenes for best results. Chances are you split up the last time because you didn't really want to make a commitment. Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will pay off. You may be the recipient of false information.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Balance is required if you want stability.

You may be able to impart knowledge that's innovative to those searching for a new angle. Don't expect support from your mate. There will be hidden matters that you may find disturbing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Don't let your family put demands on you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand. You mustn't be so trusting. Pleasure trips will induce exciting and passion ate encounters with those of foreign extraction. Control your temper by getting immersed in your work.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You should be in business for yourself.

You can mesmerize anyone you meet with your cultured attitude and outlook.

Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate. Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. Keep an open mind when dealing with youngsters. Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't go hog wild when it comes to entertainment or you could find yourself short of funds at the end of the month.

You may need to make a choice. You will back yourself into a corner if you are baited and your stubbornness will only make matters worse.

ACROSS 1. Mexican resort 5. Prefix with dexterous 9. Fighting 14. First American in space, first name 15. Brass 16. Camera brand 17. Tear violently 18. Succulent emollient 19. Interlaced a chair 20. Connection enabler 23. Booze 24. Monies owed 25. Bread roll 28. “The Bridge on the River ___” 31. Fashion designer McCartney 33. Hobgoblin 36. Made a grand grander 39. Jello frame 40. Emergency action 44. Idle of “Monty Python” 45. “Butterfield 8” author 46. Compass point 47. Helen Hunt Jackson heroine 50. Reindeer herder, probably 52. Certain camera, for short 53. “House” actor Omar 56. West Indian island 60. Power carriers 64. Scoped out 66. Cognizant of 67. Emerald isle 68. Newsman Roger 69. “Hop ___!”

70. Jorja’s “CSI” role 71. Fine thread 72. Leavings 73. Comparison word DOWN 1. “Who ___?”

2. The voice of Amazon 3. African language 4. Waiting, in a way 5. Turkish V.I.P.s 6. French Sudan, today 7. Bank deposit?

8. Graff of “Mr. Belvedere” 9. “Jo’s Boys” author 10. Shred 11. Tousled, perhaps 12. Expert pilot 13. Cool, in the 80s 21. Unfamiliar with 22. Media outlet 26. Wrench type 27. Latin American priest 29. “___ Wiedersehen” 30. Poop 32. Rock music style 33. Anatomical passages 34. Big picture 35. Flowers on a proverbial path 37. Numerical suffix 38. East Indian lentil sauce 41. One with a

chevron: Abbr.

42. Baseball stat 43. Thread companion 49. Interest rate 51. Reverend or rabbi 54. Camera output 55. Spanish “Sir” 57. Dickens’s Heep 58. Three-time American

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022.21.

League M.V.P. 59. Geo-political org.

61. Obscure 62. Plugging away 63. A detective connects them 64. USMC rank 65. “Wheel of Fortune” purchase

22. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 23.

28 medals for SVG at BASA Invitational Jamie Joachim - BSSS

Belle Adams - Blue Marlins

Caghry Williams - Blue Marlins

Jadon Hamilton - Blue Marlins

TWENTY-EIGHT MEDALS were secured by five swimmers, as two Vincentians Swim Clubs – Blue Marlins Swim Club and the Black Sands Swim Squad - competed at the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) Invitational which took place at the Barbados Aquatic Centre from Friday, 27th to Sunday, 29th May.

Hamilton. Swimming in the Boys 9 to 10 class, he took gold in the 50m Butterfly, silvers in 200 Individual Medley, 50m Breaststroke, 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle and bronze in the 50m Backstroke.

Also, in the Boys 9 to 10 age category, Caghry Williams won gold in the 50m Breaststroke and bronze in the 50m and 100m Freestyle.

Blue Marlins’ other medal, a silver, was won

by Belle Adams in the 200m Freestyle for Girls

200m Individual Medley, 50m and 100m Freestyle, the 50m and 100m Butterfly; 3 silver - 50m Backstroke, 200m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke; 2 bronze 50m Breaststroke and 100m Backstroke.

Accounting for BSSS’ Black Sands Swim other 7 medals was Squad Jamie Joachim in the Meanwhile, the Black Girls 13 to 14; gold medals in the 50m, 100m Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) accounted for the and 200m Backstroke; silver medals in the other 17 medals.

Kennice Greene, in the 200m Individual Medley, 100 Freestyle, 50m and 13 to 14 age group, led 100m Butterfly. the way with 5 gold -

Blue Marlins Swim Club Blue Marlins secured 11 medals led by Jadon

9 to 10.

Other Blue Marlins competitors represented were Jod Barker, Saj Caesar, Taj Henry, Tru Matthias, Malique Mayers and Tayeah St Hillaire.

Kennice Greene - BSSS

Kentreal Kydd - BSSS (para swimmer)

BSSS was also represented by Kione De Shong and para swimmer, Kentreal Kydd, 15 years old, who was making his debut at the regional level.

Individual medley, lowering the record to 2:41.21, from 2:41.23, she achieved at this year’s Carifta Championships.

Two other national records fell by the wayside.

Jamie Joachim’s 1:03.01 in the 100m Backstroke lowered the 1.03.32 she did at the 2022 Carifta Championships.

And Jadon Hamilton broke Eltonte Leonard’s 50m Backstroke record of 39.44s, lowering the mark to 39.20s.

National Records reset Kennice Greene was able to lower the 100m Freestyle from 1:02.03, which she set in April at the Carifta Swimming Championships, to 1:01.93.

Greene also reestablished the 200m

Two golds for SVG at Friendship Games SHAQUANA JACOBS and Zichri Hepburn copped gold medals at the Friendship Invitational Games in Martinique.

The one-day event was held on Saturday, May 28 at the Stade Territorial Louis Achille.

Jacobs of Thomas Saunders Secondary School and X-Ceed Sports Club won the 200m for Under-17 Girls, turning in a personal best of 25.15 sec. in what was her first outing for her country.

Hepburn of the Barroaullie Secondary School and High Performance Track Club, took gold in the Under17 Boys 800m, in a time of his middle distance dominance regionally, when he won the U17

Boys 800m in 2:01.07s.

Also travelling to Martinique were Jadiesha Samuel and J’mar Saunders. Samuel, a Girls’ High School and High Performance sprinter was 3rd in her Under-17 Girls 200m heat and 7th overall with a time of 26.08.

Saunders of the IT DAT Academy and the St. Martin’s Secondary School was 5th in the U17 Boys 200m in 22.93.

Neither athlete advanced any further.

The athletes were accompanied by Coach — Rawlson Morgan and Chaperone/Manager Alexandra Walrond.

Jacobs’s personal coach- Godfrey Harry, expressed delight with her performance.

“It was a stepping

stone for her ….. she just stepped up to show the potential that was shown for two years competing at the national level against the senior athletes. …. “It’s just a matter of time before she makes the next step. She is also a good prospect for us for Carifta next year.”

Team woes The success of Jacobs and Hepburn was recompense for the travails of the team.

The team had to depart SVG last Thursday without Trish Henson, who tested positive for Covid-19.

When the team got to Barbados, Andros Dennie could not travel any further, as he too tested

SVG Team to the Friendship Invitational Games in Martinique (L-R): gold medallists Zichri Hepburn and Shaquana Jacobs, and J’mar Saunders and Jadiesha Samuel. positive for Covid-19.

Dennie is on a compulsory 10-day quarantine on the island.

More woes were to hit the Vincentians on arrival in St Lucia on Friday. Their same-day flight to Martinique was

cancelled resulting in them having to travel (to Martinique) on Saturday.

This meant that the team missed out on the early events.

Guadeloupe emerged the most successful team with a total of 15 gold,

two silver and four bronze, ahead of Martinique with 6 gold, twelve silver and twelve bronze. Antigua and Barbuda was third with 5 gold and seven silver medals.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

NLA/Neil Williams T20 round-up

LAST Sunday’s round of matches in the NLA/Neil Williams T20 2022 Competition recorded victories for Flow Rivals, Keegan’s Bequia X1,

Carlos James MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars (Northern Stars), and Police One. Flow Rivals won by 118 runs over SVG

Community College (SVGCC), in a Group A match at Stubbs Playing Field. Flow Rivals: 180/9 in 20 overs — Javed Williams 56, Jomo Toney 31, Kimron Strough 3/32; SVGCC: 62 all out in 16.5 overs — Zevron Bobb 18, (only batsman in double figures), Kody Grant 3/9.

Keegan’s Bequia XI trumped Smashers by 6 wickets in a Group A match witnessed during the morning at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

Smashers: 129 in 20 overs — Rawdon Bentick 19, Jenry Ollivierre 3/11; Bequia: 116/4 in 15.5 overs —Ollivierre 59, Joseph Francois 28,

Norlan Williams 2/21.

Carlos Veira Rivals went under to Northern Stars Won by 4 wickets in an afternoon, Group B encounter played at the Hill Playing Field.

Carlos Veira Rivals: 129 in 20 0vers — Anson Latchman 32, Donald Delpesche 3/22; North Leeward: 131/6 in 18.3 overs — Leshawn Lewis 40, Delpesche 27, Kissinger McLean 2/21.

In a group B match played at the Stubbs Playing Field, Police One were too much for Vee Jay’s Roof Top & Bar North Windward, beating them by 2 wickets.

North Windward: 131 all out in 15.5 overs,

Jenry Ollivierre of Keegan’s Bequia X1 was the standout performer in last Sunday’s matches, with a half century and 3 wickets to ensure victory for his team.

Mickron McDowell 26, Elmore Alexandar 3/19; Police One: 132/8 in 17.4 overs - Antonell Browne 31, Elmore Alexandar 30, Razine Browne 2/19.

Two other matches Strike Eagles vs Guardian General Saints and Victors One vs Victors Two were scheduled for last Sunday. Details of those matches were still unavailable up to press I.B.A. ALLEN time.

Three Kumite titles decided

Ethan Gibson impressed the selectors with an unbeaten century.

Gibson hits century in U19 trials

THREE TITLES were decided last Saturday, 28th May, at the Belmont Apartments Conference Event Centre (BACE), when the Hairoun Karate Federation hosted its 7and-Under, and 13-andUnder Kumite Championships.

Winning the 7 and Under Girls title was Cahya Bascombe who beat Azalea Cox 14-7, in the final.

Another title was taken by the Bascombes when Amiyah had a 16-

11 win over Mowriyah Dallaway, to take the 13 and Under Girls accolade.

Johnathan Wood took the 13 and Under Boys title when he disposed of Mc Quinn Mockett 13-9, in the final.

Wood’s journey to the title saw him defeating Rudino Roberts 14-10 in the preliminary round, outpointing a spirited Levi Burnett 18-10 in the semi-finals. Burnett had advanced to the semifinals after ousting Zakeel Morgan 13-5, in the preliminary round.

Meanwhile, Mocket,

who got a bye to the semi-finals, had a comfortable 8-0 win at the expense of Darius Humphrey, before falling to Wood in the final.

Humphrey had set up the meeting with Mockett, following his 18-7 downing of Evan

ALL-ROUNDER Ethan Gibson, born in Canada to Vincentian parents, gave the national selectors here something to chew on when he cracked a century in the first trial match, as St Vincent and the Grenadines prepares for the upcoming Windward Islands Under-19 Tournament to be held in Dominica in July.

Gibson, a left-handed batsman who bowls right arm medium pace and who represented Canada in the recently held ICC Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean, hit an unbeaten 107 which included 7 sixes and 10 fours. He shared in a 102-runs 4th wicket partnership with Ian Gonsalves, who stroked a breezy 66, as Reshawn Lewis’ team compiled 230 for 6.

Left arm medium pacer Elron Glasgow with 2 for 39 and leg spinner Jordan Charles 2 for 32 were the best bowlers for the other team led by Luke Wilson.

In response, the Luke Wilson team turned in a poor batting display, closing at 99 all out. Captain Wilson was the best batter with a patient 49 not out. Medium pacers Kirtney Franklyn and Embeki Samuel picked up 2 for 17 and 2 for 14 respectively, while off spinner Kevin Joseph took 2 for 3.

The next trial match is scheduled for the Arnos Vale Playing Field this Saturday.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Cahya Bascombe – 7 and Under champ.

Amiyah Bascombe – 13 and Under champ.

Johnathan Wood (right) on the attack against Mc Quinn Mockett in the Boys 13 and Under final.

Scott.

Next to take to the mats in competition will be the Under-17 karatekas.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 25.

Sports

Bouncing around LATER this evening, June 3, the Vincentians will know the results of the Nations League clash between Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadiers. Their Group contenders - Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago - will also be vying for the top spot, for only the winner advances to the final rounds.

That will be the opening salvo in a pattern where the local Federation seems to have adopted a distant approach to dealing with national issues. The low-keyed manner towards this tournament gives one the impression that the St. Vincent and the Grenadiers Football Federation is not taking the business of football development seriously.

There has to be coordination between the various bodies, and there ought to be a system where training and fitness are given priority.

Preparation is vital to any sporting outfit, especially football, so measures have to be deepened to ensure a robust fitness programme.

There must be harmony in all aspects of national development. And there is no doubt about the role sports play in this regard. So those engaged in the sphere have to be sure as to where their commitments are.

Steps have to be taken to ensure that players benefit as much as is possible, and that they are given every opportunity to advance at all levels.

National players must be encouraged to latch on to programmes that guarantee lifelong sustainability. It isn’t worth it putting one’s life out for a nation for you to hobble through the latter stages of your life with little support, to tide over the troubles of a wrecked physique.

We have seen it in living colour, where our champions of the not too distant era, struggling to get around, riddled with the effects of their physical output.

There must be a deliberate effort to ensure the success of our generations to come. That is our civic duties.

One hopes that the home matches generate sufficient interest to rekindle that sense of national fervour. But the sense of malaise which seems to have overtaken some sectors of our society signals an attitude of resignation.

That’s not the real Vincentian, for we are known to be capable of overcoming all odds.

That trend of distancing oneself from any and many a requirement adds to that move towards stagnation. And that feeds into a spiral of downward transition.

We have to be active and make sure that we shrug off the feeling towards being complacent.

There is work to do to ensure not just one’s survival, but we have to go further to make progress a natural part of our agenda.

If we persist with a feeling of self-pity, selfaggrandisement and self-worshipping, we will find ourselves wallowing in uncertainty.

The onus is on us to take responsibility of our actions and do all we can to ensure the weight of good judgement overweight those of evil.

There are difficulties that confront us sometimes more frequently than others. But there must be ways we resort to maintain one’s sanity. That for the individual to accomplish.

More centuries in Regional Cricket WITH THE exception of Tagenarine an 11-wicket match Chanderpaul- 184 haul by Rahkeem for Guyana Cornwall, batters dominated with five more centuries being served up in Round 4 of the Cricket West Indies Four-Day Championship, which continued last weekend in Trinidad.

Defending champions Barbados Pride convincingly defeated Trinidad & Tobago Red Force by an innings and 22 runs, to stay top of the table heading into the final round of matches.

There was also a win for the Leeward over the Windwards by 228 runs, with Jamaica and Guyana playing to a draw.

Barbados vs T&T

Vishaul Singh100 not out for Guyana

Trinidad and Tobago: 133 Joshua Da Silva 23, Imran Khan 29, Terrance Hinds 25, Jamel Warrican 3 for 21, Akeem Jordan 2 for 17; and 139 - Keagan Simmons 31, Yannic Cariah 35 not out, Jordon 3 for 32, Justin Greaves 3 for 27, Roston Chase 3 for 26.

Rahkeem Cornwall- 11-wicket match haul for the Leewards.

Barbados: 294 - Raymon Reifer 79, Justin Greves 50, Jonathan Carter 41, Terrance Hinds 5 for 32, Imran Khan 2 for 60.

Leewards vs Windwards Leewards: 333 - Colin Archibald 106, Jahmar Hamilton 52, Preston McSween 5 for 95; and 252 for 8 declared - Devon Thomas 5, Ross Powell 40, Rahkeem Cornwall 38, Darius Martin 3 for 94, Kenneth Dember 3 for 62.

Windwatds: 173 - Keron Cottoy 73, Devon Smith 35, Rahkeem Cornwall 5 for 61; and 184 - Kimani Melius 51, Kavem Hodge 43. Cornwall 6 for 45.

Jamaica vs Guyana

Jermaine Blackwood- 114 for Jamaica

Jamaica 393 - Jermaine Blackwood 114, Aldane Thomas 100, Alwyn Williams 51, Veerasammy Permaul 3 for 96, Gudakesh Motie 2 for 39 and 271 for 6 declared - John Campbell 98, Leroy Lugg 67, Motie 2 for 73, Veerasammy Permaul 3 for 61.

Guyana 584 - Tagenarine Chanderpaul 184, Vishaul Singh 100 not out, Tevin Imlach 79, Chanderpaul Hemraj 78, Leon Johnson 57, Nicholson Gordon 4 for 122.

Colin Archibald106 for Leewards

Aldane Thomas100 for Jamaica

I.B.A. ALLEN

Three seniors in U23 netball team THREE PLAYERS with senior team experience have been named in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-23 Netball team for the inaugural CANOC Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe, June 25 to July 5, 2022.

The trio of Shania Pompey, Zanique Vincent and Khylia Miller was part of the winning St. Vincent and the Grenadines unit at the ECCB/OECS International Netball series, staged in Dominica, in February of this year.

In fact, Pompey, who is the Under-23 Vice-

Captain, was the standout player in Dominica, as she was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, the Best Centre Court player and the MVP for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Named as captain is Kristiana Christopher will captain the Under23 team that also includes Kayjuanna Bacchus, Shainaya Clement, Annicia Dallaway, Aaliyah Jordan, Monelle Lavia, Nyia Miller, Sherrisa Yorke and Yanneisha Scipio. serving as trainer/physio The team’s head coach and Sylonne Lewisis Janet Christopher, Harry, Manager. with Woodrow Williams

From left: Khylia Miller, Shania Pompey and Zanique Vincent.

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2022. 27.

Classifieds

MARLON TIMOTHY BILLY

ANDREW ANTONY ELLIS a.k.a. Kojack

BRENSLEY JAMES

Saturday, 21st May, 2022 Gorse Apostolic Faith Church Viewing: 11:00 a.m.

Service: 12:00 noon Interment: Byera Cemetery

Sunday, 29th May, 2022 St. Malachi Spiritual Baptist Church Redemption Sharpes Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

CURTIS ALEXIS SELBY a.k.a. Kahizah

MISS GLADYS EILEEN JACK

JOAN CECELIA COREA EMMONS

Saturday, 28th May, 2022 Questelles Evangelical Church Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

Saturday, 28th May, 2022 New Testament Church of God, Belair Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 9:30 a.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

Saturday, 28th May, 2022 Georgetown Gospel Chapel Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Georgetown Cemetery

Sunday, 29th May, 2022 Questelles S.D.A Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

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FRIDAY, JUNE

03, 2022

VOLUME 116, No.21

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

OWIA MAN FOUND DEAD IN EDINBORO

by KENVILLE HORNE AN OWIA man was discovered dead in a pool of blood on the outer steps of a shop in Edinboro on Wednesday Morning.

Calvin ‘Satty’ Jordan, 46 years old of Owia was found lying on the ground in front of the shop, with an injury to his forehead. He was decked in a white T-shirt and short pants at the time of his death.

A cousin of the deceased told THE VINCENTIAN that he Jordan was living with a girl in Campden Park but the relationship ended. He said he was unsure how Jordon ended up in Edinboro but he was told that his cousin was seeing a lady in the area.

“He does be all over the place. About two weeks ago he bin ah Owia for foodstuff to sell,” said the man adding that this was the last time he saw the deceased.

He disclosed that his cousin had spent 10 years in jail for a sexual offense and was arrested for drugs sometime after.

“His Daddy dead and his mother is in a home.

Three of his brothers died one after one. One dead after picking up a

sickness in prison, another one dead when they were building the (Fisheries) complex in Owia and one dead after getting sick,” said the cousin as he sought to explain that his cousin had little family support.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jordon’s death.

According to a police press release, “Preliminary investigations revealed that members of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to a report of an unresponsive body lying at a shop in Edinboro. Upon arrival on the scene, the deceased was met lying at ‘Speedy Shop’ with what appeared to be an injury to his forehead.

The District Medical Officer (DMO) later pronounced Jordan dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding his death are unknown at the moment.”

Jordan’s death marks the twentieth homicide reported for 2022.

The police is seeking the assistance of the public with their investigation. Persons

with information are directed to contact the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Crimes at 1784-457-1211 or the Officer in charge of the Criminal Investigations

Department/Major Crimes Unit at 1784-4561810; or any police Station, or any Police Officer with whom they are comfortable speaking.

The steps leading to a door of the shop on which the lifeless body of Calvin ‘Satty’ Jordan was found.

LAWYER LAUDS MAGISTRATE regard for the Magistrate’s decision.

SPEAKING with THE “Magistrate Bertie VINCENTIAN on Pompey exhibited good Monday after Magistrate judicial wisdom. What Bertie Pompey had she (Francois) did was handed down a wrong, but it would have suspended sentence on been harsh and his client — Maruth unconscionable to jail Francois, attorney Grant her. We have found Connell expressed high ourselves in the abyss of lawlessness as a society, and we cannot sentence our way out of it. We have to return to the pillars of society, if we have any hope,” Connell said.

Connell posited that perhaps it’s time to broaden the options of sentencing for matters of this nature which seems to be bombarding the Court these days, and may be a reflection of the times.

“Magistrate Pompey Bertie Pompey rose to saw the wisdom of not the position of Deputy filling the jail with Commissioner of people who commit this Police before being type of offence. The jury sworn in as a is out as to whether she Magistrate in April, (Francois) would have 2016.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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

still been in society had she been sentenced to another court,” Connell told THE VINCENTIAN. “As a Magistrate, you have to have your feet on the ground. You cannot disconnect from reality, as a Magistrate.

The jails are filled.

Obviously, filling our jails is not having the desired effect,” he added.

In his mitigation plea at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court on May 27, Connell quoted India’s lawyer, anticolonial nationalist, and political ethicist, Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi, as saying, “The weak can never forgive.

Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”.

Connell also quoted India’s Justice Ashok Bhushan, as saying “Justice must be tempered with mercy, but justice cannot be substituted for mercy”.

The lawyer contended that “we are but

Attorney Grant Connell who has quite a resume of court appearances across this country, was moved to commend Magistrate Bertie Pompey for his ‘judicial wisdom’. spiritual beings, having a human experience. We are flesh, and the flesh is weak. She (Francois) erred.”

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.