THE VINCENTIAN PDF-03-12-21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER

03, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.48

More $$$ for SVG Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Man jailed for choking mother Page 4

EC$1.50

Friday meets teachers Page 7

Barbados is a Republic Page 15&18

Fishers wants gas rebate Page 32

Above: (L-R): Certified traditional marijuana grower Kevin ‘Janks’ Cyrus and his attorney Grant Connell, who told the court that traditional farmers are protected under the Marijuana Amnesty.

Right: Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, Liaison Officer/ MCA, described the court’s ruling as a victory for all traditional marijuana growers and called on the police to familiarize themselves with the Medicinal Marijuana and Amnesty Laws. the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), the local regulatory body for of Medicinal Marijuana,

Police blunders Rechanne Browne freed Kevin ‘Janks’ Cyrus on a charge of having 7,355 HEAD OF THE CANNABIS REVIVAL grams of marijuana with intent COMMITTEE (CRC), Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, supply, on the basis that Cyrus’ has described last Friday’s historic Court possession of the herb was not illegal. ruling, in the case of certified traditional The matter stemmed from a raid of marijuana grower, Kevin ‘Janks’ Cyrus, as Cyrus’ home at Long Wall, Kingstown, a victory for all traditional marijuana by members of the Rapid Response growers.

Unit (RRU) on March 19, 2021.

At the conclusion of a trial which Cottle was called by Cyrus’ started at the Serious Offences Court attorney- Grant Connell to testify in earlier this year, Chief Magistrate his capacity as Liaison Officer with

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Cottle said the Court ruling was the first of its kind in this country’s history, and he pointed out that for those who hold the view that traditional marijuana farmers have nothing to gain from the Medicinal Cannabis Industry, the outcome of this case has shown just the opposite, and should give the traditional cultivators more confidence in the industry and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority.

Cottle also stressed the need for the police to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Medicinal Marijuana and Amnesty laws, since, as he observed, the law officers have been making too many blunders.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 More World Bank $$$ for SVG THE WORLD BANK BOARD of Executive Directors has approved US$40 million for the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Word of this was disclosed last Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The project is also financed by a US$2 million grant from the European Union’s Caribbean Regional Resilience Building Facility, managed by the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.

In April 2021, the La Soufrière volcano experienced explosive eruptions that damaged critical services,

infrastructure, and agriculture, affecting the entire population of the island of St Vincent. The eruption also resulted in significant population displacement– approximately 22,400 people were evacuated from areas close to the volcano, many remaining in shelters for months. The natural disaster compounded the effects of COVID-19, creating financing needs estimated at US$175 million, 23 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2021.

“The people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have endured the twin shocks of the volcanic eruption

and COVID-19. The project will help the country build back better while taking into account its vulnerability to natural disasters and the growing threat of climate change,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Country Director for Caribbean Countries.

“This project will support the government’s efforts to restore infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, and assist the most vulnerable in the population, particularly women. We hope that this project will be a catalyst for growth and strengthen the country’s resilience.”

The Volcanic Eruption Emergency

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021 . 3.

The volcanic ash not only covered vegetation, housing, etc., but it was also deposited in river contaminating the water in the process.

Project will support the rapid restoration of critical infrastructure damaged by the volcanic eruptions. It will also improve the government’s capacity to respond to future emergencies, provide temporary grants to 4,000 displaced households, and be used to implement a cash-forwork program to support the labor-intensive work of ash and debris cleaning.

In April 2021, the World Bank provided US$20 million to Saint Vincent and the

Taiwan makes COVID Relief Grants TWELVE BUSINESSES owned by women across St. Vincent and the Grenadines received COVID relief grants, from the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan.

The grants were awarded to entrepreneurs who participated in the Women’s Empowerment Project funded by Taiwan through the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED). The project, an initiative entitled ‘Assisting the Economic Empowerment of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean in the Post-Pandemic of COVID-19, catered to twenty-seven (27) female entrepreneurs in two categories. It aimed at maintaining social stability by strengthening women’s economic empowerment through employment and entrepreneurship, as a prerequisite to boosting the country’s economy following the impact of the pandemic.

Under the project, twelve women entrepreneurs were selected by CED and participated in a series of business management trainings conducted

by Taiwan Technical Mission supported by CEDm, between September and October.

Head of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Peter Sha-Li Lan, presented grants of XCD$8,000 to each of the businesses at a

Grenadines to address immediate needs, and the Bank allocated a further US$50 million for budget support in June 2021. The Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project financing, which

is from the International Development Association (IDA), is interest-free with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years. (Source: World Bank)

Certified ganja farmer freed Continued from Front Page.

He noted that in the past the police went contrary to the Amnesty law and various marijuana fields were eradicated, creating economic hardships for the traditional farmers.

“Traditional farmers are fed up with these illegal actions by the police, and I am personally pissed off,” Cottle said.

Hasty police action

Recipients of the relief Grants with Ambassador Peter Sha-Li Lan, and representative of the Taiwan Technical Mission and CED. ceremony held at the Taiwanese Embassy, today. The grants will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the businesses to improve their operations.

Ambassador Lan, in his remarks, explained the overall goal of the Women’s Empowerment Project, and praised the joint effort of Taiwan Technical Mission and CED for implementing the project, and congratulated the recipients.

One of the grant awardees, fashion designer Peta Odini Sutherland, expressed gratitude to Taiwan and CED, stating that this was the first time she had been engaged in any major

business training that will benefit her business “The financial aspect with regards to receiving funding, I honestly heard it bandied about but I didn’t realise it could be of this magnitude, which was probably for the best, so it didn’t distract from the learning. But this is also so timely as I keep putting off plans to kick start new work because it is sometimes so difficult to find the necessary finances to do anything significant especially now during these times.”

Sutherland also hopes to make better use of the resources available from CED.

In his evidence to the Court last Friday, Cottle highlighted the fact that Cyrus is a certified registered traditional cultivator with the Medicinal Cannabis Authority.

Cottle told the Court that as Liaison Officer, he is responsible for facilitating the transition from an illegal to legal industry.

Cyrus, Cottle said, had informed him that he had this marijuana, and asked what he should do with it.

He said he told Cyrus to store it at his home and he (Cottle) would refer the information to the MCA, in order to have it checked and weighed, in preparation for sale to a licensed purchaser. He noted that the law makes provision for the marijuana to be stored in preparation for purchasing, but this procedure must be done through the MCA. “I know he (Cyrus) had the weed there, but before I could inform the MCA, the police went and confiscated the weed,” Cottle told the Court.

Following Cottle’s testimony, attorney Grant Connell submitted to the Court that traditional farmers under the Marijuana Amnesty, are protected by law. He noted that Cyrus was awaiting communication from the MCA to determine when the marijuana would be collected for testing.

The Magistrate upheld the lawyer’s submission, and dismissed the matter.

Connell had also asked the Court that an order be made for the exhibit to be collected for testing, in order to fulfill the purpose for which it was grown, but the lawyer’s request was denied.

The Medical Cannabis Industry Act was passed in 2018 to provide for the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Industry to regulate the cultivation, supply, possession, production, and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, and to provide for the establishment of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), and the Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Council.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Ganja farmer lauds Chief Magistrate Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS CERTIFIED traditional marijuana farmer, Kevin ‘Janks’ Cyrus has lauded Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne for her decision to dismiss the matter in which he was charged with possession of 7,335 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, on the basis that Cyrus’ possession of the herb was not illegal.

“The decision was an excellent one. I give her 100 percent. She did her job. She Kevin ‘Janks’ was on nobody’s side. She Cyrus recognized listened to all the evidence. that what we enjoy She listened to me, and she today as far as made a positive and fair marijuana is decision,” Cyrus told THE concerned, is the VINCENTIAN on Wednesday. result of years of Cyrus also sang high struggle by praises for head of the ordinary people.

Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle for the significant role he played.

Cottle, a Laison Officer with the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) with whom Cyrus is

registered, was called by Cyrus’ lawyer Grant Connell to testify in that capacity.

“Spirit played a key role in all this. Wthout him, it would have been more difficult for me,” Cyrus admitted.

He described his attorney Grant Connell as a professional, who left no stone unturned.

“Anybody who gets in trouble for marijuana, they should seek him (Connell) out for proper representation,” he advised.

But in relation to the prosecutor, Sergeant Renrick Cato, Cyrus said, “He fought this case to try to convict me, but he ended up on the other side of history.”

However, Cyrus who said he was born on Emancipation Day (August 1) and described himself as an emancipator, pointed out that while some people played key roles, this historic ruling could not have come about just like that; it took years of struggle by ordinary people like himself.

Cyrus, who is now 59, disclosed that he started smoking marijuana in 1968, when he was six years old, and began wearing dreadlocks at age 8.

But according to Cyrus, “Times have changed and we have to change with the times.”

Cyrus said he was the first to receive a medicinal cannabis certificate of training in the country, issued on February 18, 2020.

“All traditional marijuana growers should

Man jailed for choking his mother CURTIS ‘Selassie’ Joseph, a 49-year-old Sion Hill resident who choked his 71-year-old mother, Carlita Williams, and threatened to kill her, was sentenced to nine months in prison last Friday.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett handed down the penalty at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court,

Curtis Joseph, a frequent inmate of prison here, has begun another sentence. after Joseph pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, causing her bodily harm.

The facts revealed that on November 5, 2021 Joseph, who was living with his mother, arrived at her premises at around 5:45pm, seemingly intoxicated.

He proceeded to call his mother whore and bitch, and threatened to kill her. He held her by the throat and started to choke her, saying, “I will kill you, I will kill you.”

Joseph released the woman only after her grandson arrived at the scene.

The woman made a report to the police, and Joseph was subsequently arrested. He gave a statement admitting to the offence.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett was seemingly shocked to know that Joseph was still living with his mother, and causing her that level of stress.

“At age 49, you cannot be living with your mother and causing her stress, calling her whore, choking her, and telling her you are going to kill her. Find your own home.” the Senior Magistrate told Joseph who has been a regular Continued on Page 25.

organize themselves, become certified, get familiar with the laws, and get involved with the Medicinal Cannabis Authority,” he urged.

Cyrus also urged traditional famers to have a link with the Liaison Officer.

“In this time, a certified traditional farmer should have his marijuana at his premises, without being harassed by police, and that is why the outcome of this case is so important,” Cyrus suggested and explained that when the police came to his home at Long Wall, Kingstown on March 19, 2021 to seize the marijuana, he presented his certificate, but the officers told him, “That is not for this.”

He said that when the officers tried to give him back the certificate, it fell on the ground.

“So when the police feel they have powers, the Court is there to stop them,” Cyrus said.

His lawyer told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, “The winds of change are blowing, and the pressure is easing on the ganja man, slowly but surely. It’s the new green gold. I hope we don’t suffer the Dole and Chikita effect like banana. The sooner we realize that cannabis is the healing to the nation, both physically and financially, the better for us. While the ruling of the Court would be significant for the traditional ganja farmers, I hope that they would take their rightful place and benefit financially.”

POLICE ROUND-UP Man charged with attempted murder POLICE, in a release dated November 30, 2021, said that they had arrested Cyldon Cato, a 27-yearold labourer of Dickson Village, on Monday, November 29, 2021, and charged him with the offence of attempted murder.

Investigations carried out by the police revealed that Cato allegedly struck a 31-year-old labourer of Spring Village, in his face with a stone.

That incident is said to have occurred on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

Cato was expected to appear before the Serious Offences Court for arraignment.

Charged for handling stolen goods On the November 28, 2021 police arrested and charged 23-year-old Jerroy Phillips, a labourer of Redemption Sharpes, with the offence of handling stolen goods.

According to investigations, Phillips had in his possession two hundred and twenty pounds (220lbs) of beef, reasonably suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained. The incident occurred at Gun Hill on November 26.

Phillips is expected to appear before the Magistrate Court to answer the charge.

Another gun, ammo charge ACKEEM Ferdinand, a labourer of Rockies, became the latest young man to be charged with possession of an illegal firearm, ammunition and control drugs.

He was arrested on November 28.

The police reported that Ferdinand, at the time of his arrest, had in his possession one (1) 9mn Pistol without a license issued under the Firearms Act; 9 rounds of 9mm ammunition without a license issued under the Firearms Act; and five hundred and fifty two (552) grammes of Cannabis” with intent to supply it to another.

Ferdinand was down to appear before the Serious Offences Court to answer the charges.

V Omicron not of South African origin

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 5.

COVID

Omicron’s ability to spread between and cause illness within fully-vaccinated people is not yet known.

DUTCH HEALTH authorities politicians and scientists announced on Tuesday have said they feel as that they found the though they’re being new Omicron variant of punished for their the coronavirus in cases advanced COVID-19 dating back as long as 11 screening programme, days, indicating that it was which caught the variant already spreading in and enabled other Western Europe before the nations to respond first cases were identified quickly to it, but has in southern Africa. resulted in the travel The Dutch bans which largely target National Institute for southern African nations.

Public Health and the South African Environment, said it President Cyril found Omicron in Ramaphosa is on record samples dating from as saying that his November 19 and 23. country is being Those findings predate punished for detecting the positive cases found the variant and among passengers who informing global health came from South Africa authorities about it. last week and were “You do not try and tested at Amsterdam’s contain a virus through Schiphol airport. imposing (travel) bans Since the Dutch unscientifically and admission, Belgium and indiscriminately,” Germany have also said Ramaphosa said on that sample tests confirm Tuesday, adding that the variant was in those measures such as testing countries before South all travellers are the best African health officials tools for combating the alerted the world on pandemic.

November 24 to its But Omicron has now existence. spread to about 20 other countries, amid South Africa punished mounting concern that it could be significantly The fact is that South easier to pass from African officials raised person to person, and the alarm about the that it could have at heavily mutated least some resistance to variant, B.1.1.529, on current treatments and Nov. 24. Two days later, vaccines. the WHO classified it as a variant of concern and Very High Risk dubbed it Omicron.

But while South It remained unclear on African scientists have Tuesday whether the since been praised for Omicron strain makes first detecting the new people more severely ill variant and alerting than the already-wellglobal health authorities known variants, but the to it, South African WHO has warned that

South Africa is the country hardest hit by the coronavirus on the African continent. the global risk it poses is “very high” based on early evidence.

WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it could lead to surges around the world with “severe consequences.”

American epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told CBS News on Tuesday that the U.S. could be in for a rough winter if people don’t take that advice.

“People don’t realize we’re more susceptible today in this country as a whole because of the number of people who are now six, seven or eight months out who have not gotten their boosters, and who are now starting to revert back to a much higher risk,” he said.

Overnight, the CEO of vaccine maker Moderna was quoted as saying the existing vaccines may be significantly less effective against Omicron, But most scientists, including the ones who developed the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, have reserved judgement, pointing to the lack of clear information and urging people to wait until current research yields real data from experiments on the

variant.

All the major Western vaccine makers, in addition to the producers of Russia’s domestic

Sputnik vaccine, have said they are already working on, or ready to work on, tailoring their formulas specifically for

the new variant, if it should prove necessary.

(Sources include: CBS News, www.npr.org)

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Technology

It took the UISS six years to rise to the top and when it did, it did it in fine style.

Union Island dominate Âicode784Ê

THE UNION ISLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL (UISS) dominated the finals of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s (NTRC) ‘icode784’ finals, held on November 24 at the Methodist Church Hall.

The UISS Koding Kidz, UISS Study Buddies and UISS A Team walked away with the first, second and third places in the Secondary Idea Category.

The UISS Koding Kidz also enjoyed success in the Secondary Mobile Application Category, copping the second spot behind the St Vincent Girls High School’s ‘J-An Innovations’. There were only two teams who competed in this category after the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown pulled out of the competition.

And to add to their impressive showing, the contingent from Union Island also picked up the ‘Schools with the Most Entries’ award.

The team of Jia Gloster, Timara Walters, Deondre Charles and Hosea Wilson — the UISS Koding Kidz — won the Secondary Idea category with ‘Hydro Alert’, an idea for an app that allows consumers to monitor their water usage.

Gloster explained that the idea was developed back in 2020 and was borne out of their experience living on a Grenadine Island and having to conserve water.

“We wanted to get the message to those living on the mainland,” Gloster said.

Mentor Vivesha Simmons, teacher and mentor at the UISS said that the performance of the schools in this year’s competition was a “big accomplishment,” and will help to motivate other students to get involved.

The UISS last took top honors in the Idea Category of the competition in 2015.

The J-An Innovations team of Janessa Durham and Ansonique Cuffy of the Girls’ High School, presented their

This year marked the ninth time NTRC was hosting the icode784 Competition. mobile application ‘Health Cloud’, which allows persons to book appointments at any medical facility across the country.

Cuffy explained that the idea for the mobile app came about because they identified the heightened need for it occasioned by COVID-19.

Mentor Kwesi Richards said that he was proud of the team saying that they did all the work.

“I only helped to guide them,” Richards said. “I am really proud of them; they did a superb job — this is a job well done,” he continued.

Team Astra picked up where they left off in the Secondary School categories to win the Open Category.

The team of Stanislaus Gomes, Isaac Cepeda and Luke Wilson was the judges’ pick with their presentation, App-I. They also picked up the second position in the Open Category with their presentation Vintrus, with team Year 10 rounding up the third spot with their presentation Kutchements.

Members said that they were a bit intimidated coming up against adults for the first time, but were motivated by the increase in the cash prize for the winner of the category from EC$5,000 to EC$7,000.

They are already making preparations for next year’s competition.

In addition to teams winning trophies for the top three finishers in each category, teams were also awarded refreshments compliments Eastern Caribbean Bottlers Inc. and other prizes compliments FLOW. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 7.

News

Dr. Friday meets with teachers’ reps LEADER of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Opposition Dr Godwin Friday and his Vice President St. Clair Leacock met with a representative team of the executive of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, headed by President, Oswald Robinson, on Friday 26th November.

According to a release posted on the Opposition New Democratic Party’s Facebook page, the meeting discussed several issues with which teachers are confronted and which have affected their security as professionals.

Among the issues ventilated were the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and ultimatum; the inconsistent management of COVID19 in schools; and the poor physical condition in schools.

Dr. Friday is reported to have assured the teachers’ reps that the NDP is opposed to

mandatory vaccination and will reinstate teachers and other public sector workers who have lost their jobs because of the vaccine mandate, when the NDP is returned to office.

He also committed his party to highlight the issues as recorded and to work closely with the Union to advance this effort.

The teachers, for their part, welcome Dr Friday’s commitment.

The National Executive of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union in a memo to its members, vaccinated and unvaccinated, advised them of the following.

1. To continue to go to physical and online classes on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th November 2021; 2. NOT to attend face to face and online classes on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd December 2021.

Dr. Godwin Friday, Opposition Leader and President of the NDP, committed his party to full support for the teachers current struggle with the government.

Oswald Robinson, President of the SVGTU, promised to disclose to teachers the next move

by Dec. 05.

3. To continue with all normal work on Friday 3rd December 2021.

The SVGTU said it will further advise all of its members as to the next plan of action by 5th December 2021.

Tourism Authority welcomes Christmas activities THE SVG Tourism Authority is continuing to monitor developments in relation to the Covid19 pandemic, and its impact on the tourism product of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority, Glen Beache on Tuesday said the Authority is keeping an eye on the new variant which has emerged, but in the meantime welcomed the move to host some activities during the Christmas Season, with Covid-19 safety protocols in place.

Beache also welcomed the increase in the number of persons taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

He admitted, though, that “The situation with the pandemic is still very fluid, it’s hard. As you know there is a new

variant so we are looking at that closely to see what’s going on, how the protocols are changing.”

He assured, “We speak to the Ministry of Health all the time.”

Beache acknowledged that there has been an issue with flights coming out of New York since Caribbean Airline (CAL) has changed their schedule on numerous occasions.

“So the situation is still very fluid because obviously if the load for CAL and Air Canada is not good then it present a problem…. if it’s worth it to have these flights coming in. But we are doing what we could to make sure we continue to have these international flights,” said Beache.

He recognized the need for some of the Christmas activities to

Glen Beache, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority, welcomes the Christmas activities as proposed. take place and noted that Nine Mornings will be taking place obviously with some changes, the major change being that it will be staged in Victoria Park.

Beache also welcomed the Nine Nights with National Parks at the Botanical Garden. (KH)

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 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

What will Barbados trigger?

AFTER TWO CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEWS and 20 years of discussion, Barbados was ready to transition from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy under the hereditary monarch of Barbados, to a parliamentary republic.

Yes, Barbados was ready to become a Republic, with a homeappointed Head of State and the prime minister retained as the Head of Government.

So, on Sept. 16, 2021, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason told the world Barbados was removing Queen Elizabeth as its Head of State.

Barbados, one of the oldest English colonies in the West Indies dating back to the 17th century, had gained independence from the United Kingdom but kept the Queen as head of state, in 1966.

Following on the GG’s announcement, Prime Minister Mottley summed up the move to a parliamentary republic as allowing young boys and girls to not only dream about one day becoming the Head of State, but now they will be able to make it a reality.

And it came to pass that at midnight on Monday 29th November, 2021, on the stroke of its 55th Anniversary of Independence, Barbados officially began its transition to a parliamentary republic.

To be truthful, other Caribbean nations have also left the monarchy to become republics — Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago.

And with Barbados out, that leaves 15 Commonwealth countries with the Queen as their monarch, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The question arises: With Barbados, a perceived bastion of conservatism, having ditched the Queen, will this trigger calls in other Caribbean countries for a similar move?

Readers will recall the constitutional referendum that was held but defeated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on 25 November 2009.

If that constitution had been approved, it would have allowed for the abolition of the monarchy, thereby removing Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State and replacing her with a non-executive president nominated by political parties

represented in the Parliament.

In fact, if that was the case, this country would have been set on a path towards becoming a parliamentary republic.

Those who now call for ‘doing away with The Queen’ will be reminded, as the Prime Minister is wont to do, ‘You had your chance but did not take it’.

There is little doubt that Barbados’ move will provoke more debate about the future of the monarchy’s place in our country’s governance style.

But don’t expect that debate to be confined to those countries still under a parliamentary constitutional monarchy; it will raise its head in Britain itself, for it will heighten awareness of what can be and what is an alternative to the Royal Family.

Yes, Barbados’ ‘courage’ will trigger calls and ask questions like: “Is it not time that we sever the last chord of a colonial past? Are we not prepared, are we not fortified enough, are we not confident in our capabilities to achieve as a people under our own rule?

Undisputedly, Barbados, in its historic moment, is not only doing Barbadians a favour but is pointing the way forward for the other fifteen members of the Commonwealth realms who retain a constitutional monarchy.

For those who refused the opportunity to ‘go republic’, for those who wallow in what they perceive to be the ‘culture of The Queen’, Barbados now beckons: If not republic status what then?

Barbados answers one of the most common questions we hear: What’s the alternative?

Perhaps it was that the constitution presented to us in the referendum of 2009 was too overwhelming… overloaded and mired in a political partisanship that defeated the purpose.

Barbados has, not for the first time, shown us how something we could only imagine could be so easily accomplished.

Perhaps there is a way, barring, if any, the encumbrances of a constitution, that would allow us to follow suit and become a parliamentary republic.

Is that not what we want and deserve?

Building a healthy community THE PHYSICAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT is currently accepting comments on a draft 20-year National Plan. I encourage everyone with interest in the nation’s development to get involved. Yes, I know some of you will feel like your voice will not be heard because you support the opposition party. Maybe you are correct, but I do not know that for a fact. I do know if you sit on the sideline and say nothing, your voice will not be heard.

Even if your party were to take control of the Government one day, you would inherit this plan, many projects, and a development strategy that will take years to undo and redo to your liking. he time lost in that process will never be recovered.

A General Plan should include all the statutorily required elements. It is also an opportunity for big-picture thinking.

This process is a chance for us all to get engaged in planning our nation’s future, regardless of our political affiliation.

A General Plan is the cornerstone of a healthy community. It is one where its members, the environment, and the economy thrive. A healthy community promotes the well-being of its people and offers a high quality of life. Healthy communities have the following elements that contribute significantly to their ability to thrive. I hope some of the following guiding principles will be applied to this general planning process:

opportunity structure. A structure that allows its members to create and produce goods and services.

Human Development: A healthy community provides members of the community with opportunities to grow.

Individuals will be able to engage in a creative expression of skills, talent, and ability.

Environment: A healthy community understands that building a sustainable, functioning environment is the key to a healthier lifestyle.

Local Institutions: A healthy community has community-based institutions that educate, respect, and support each dimension described above.

This set of (above losted) guiding principles is just one approach to developing a General Plan. A General Plan built on these extended guidelines is usually thought of as more responsive to the community. We need to incorporate these principles into the legal elements of the state’s General Planning guidelines.

This comprehensive plan is a longrange plan. In this case, it’s has a twenty-year horizon. The plan should attempt to capture the vision of where the nation wants to go. The term comprehensive suggests it is an allinclusive approach to analyzing and evaluating the nation’s future growth. I find it disappointing that the consultant Social Networks: A healthy community has a robust social network. and the Physical Planning Unit choose not to call it a comprehensive plan. And One that offers mutual support to before someone jumps up and says, facilitate social exchange, and share “because that was outside the scope of skills, resources, and assets. this project,” I am simply asking why not?

Physical Assets: A healthy Creating an implementable community has physical assets, such as comprehensive plan takes a concerted buildings, parks, streetscapes, effort by the entire community. It is commercial, and other public spaces that are safe, clean, and comfortable. It sometimes not an easy process, but it is provides an opportunity for interaction essential for the country’s future. Why are we always taking the easy way out? and a sense of place.

I can only hope this document does not Infrastructure: A healthy community become a dust collector on the shelves of the Planning Department. provides the support structures The document, in some places, is a necessary for the district to function little too abstract for my liking. It feels aesthetically. It includes the like another ‘check the boxes’ exercise infrastructure required to deliver and maintain a healthy and safe operation. in some sections. I will offer some additional comments in another article.

Economic Opportunity: A healthy community provides a robust economic Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 9.

Letters

Hamilton’s hypocrisy TeachersÊ IN A RIVAL newspaper of the 26/11, it was reported that for the Dubai Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton had his racing helmet decorated in the colours of the LGBTQ+ community.

This, together with his support for the BLM organisation is, I feel, very praiseworthy. But does reveal, to my mind, an example of his double standards concerning human rights.

If one examines his racing suit, it will be noted that his 3 major sponsors, shown on the front of the suit, are Mercedes, Hugo Boss and Siemens Chemicals.

During the years 1933 to 1945, each of those

companies collaborated with and earned vast profits from the Nazi regime. Mercedes provided vehicles to each arm of the armed forces, Hugo Boss provided uniforms and a subsidiary of Siemens was contracted by the regime to produce the Zyklon B gas used in the death camps.

During this period there was an acute shortage of manpower in Germany - since most able bodied men were either serving in the armed forces or engaged in some other war effort.

In order to overcome this each of the above companies (and many

others) contracted a labour agreement with Himmler’s SS. In that the SS would supply labour (men, women & children) and “rent” these out to the contracting companies.

The way that this was effected was that the SS would forcibly transport men, women and children from the occupied territories to work in Germany, plus taking occupants from the labour/concentration camps for the same purpose. Overall, many, many thousands died of squalid accommodation, overwork, ill health and starvation. Including those forced to work for

each of Hamilton’s sponsors.

I find it hypocritical of him to show support to specific organisations but accept monetary sponsorship from 3 companies whose crimes far outweigh the prejudice he has complained about, that has been directed to LGBTQ+ and BLM. Surely you are against all prejudicial crimes and not just those that suit you or give you favoured publicity!!

talking about this right and that right when if we don’t vaccinated we are likely to be in the ‘dog house’ for a very long time. And in a small place like SVG, it wouldn’t take long for this thing to spread. So let’s do the right thing….

VACCINATE for your good and the good of the nation.

TEACHERS PLAY an important role in the development of any nation. But I am sure you would agree with me that teachers today are not in the same bracket as those gone by, when there was more love for and more commitment to the profession.

The ongoing saga between the teachers and the government has prompted me to add my two cents. I do agree that it is the choice of any individual, including teachers, not to be vaccinated or to be vaccinated. There have been arguments for and against what is referred to as Mandatory Vaccination. While, we respect the human rights of individuals to choose not to be vaccinated, we must bear in mind that it is a fundamental human right for every child to be given a chance to be educated. Therefore, no child should be denied his/her right to an education because of a particular teacher’s position.

In the prevailing situation, children are made to suffer and denied their basic human right to be educated. They are the ones who will suffer most, not the politicians. We are all aware that politicians on both sides of the fence have already achieved certain levels of education and should they lose their seats, would go home with pensions, while the children are left behind having been denied the opportunity to advance academically Asking the children to sacrifice their learning in support of the teachers is unfair. While children from other islands would be moving forward, our children would be forced to give up their opportunity to advance. In fact, they have no choice. Is this being fair to the children?

Let’s say that teachers receive overwhelming support for their industrial actions. As a result of the overwhelming support, the government will be forced to change its stance on the vaccination policy. This would be good for the teachers; they would have achieved their goal. And what about the students, would teachers be willing to make up for the instructional time students would have lost? Would teachers be prepared to bend over backwards to ensure that the students complete their syllabuses?

It is my wish that politics be taken out of this situation and that our love for children should take precedence. After all, teaching should be a noble profession void of politics.

Garnet, NY

Kennard King

A. W. Indupp

Vaccinate now!!

WELL, well!!! It has surely been some time since I last submitted a letter to the editor.

Much has passed under the bridge and much continues to, like the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

I lived through the height of the HIV/AIDS period up here (New York), and while that was scary nothing beats the current COVID-19 pandemic. I have had the sad experience of having to deal with the death of two very close friends to COVID, and it has not been an easy

thing to come to grips with. I won’t wish it on anyone. I am fortunate to have escaped it because I took the vaccine very early when the first one came out.

The way I see it, Mr. Editor, is like you said very early in the game, i.e. that we have nothing else but the vaccine to help us to ward off this killer disease. Many states and large corporations here have made the vaccine mandatory. Just look at the extent to which this is enforced… Kyrie Irving one of the best

basketballers in the world has not been able to play for his team (Brooklyn Nets) because the state of New York says he must take the vaccine but he refuses.

The choice before us is, in the absence of anything better, whether to take the vaccine or allow this COVID to take over and run us into the ground. I am of the firm belief that if New Yorkers had not opted to take the vaccine, the place might have been desolate by now… no me, nobody period.

This is no time to be

Sir James Mitchell: Honouring the Legacy of a Hero IN ALL OUR communities, many have made important contributions which we would like to fondly remember. In most cases, we use the important community structures.

In Union Island, we have the Mary Hutchinson Primary School, Stephanie Browne Primary, the Celina Clouden Hospital, Mulzac Square, and Span Gardenfield Park. Bequia has J F Mitchell Airport. St. Vincent has the E T Joshua Centre, Argyle International Airport (some say should be R E Gonsalves International), Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Doris McKie Centre, Louis Straker Centre, Thomas Saunders Secondary, St. Clair Dacon Secondary, J P Eustace Secondary, and C W Prescot Primary among others.

Some schools have honored past principals by naming sports houses after them. At Union Island Secondary we have Williams, Peters, and Isaacs.

Some choose scholarships to honor worthy persons. These include E G

Lynch and Glen Jackson. Others set up foundations to provide specific help in areas of their interest.

Some persons are memorialized in books, some of which may be biographies. Others like Dr. Kenneth John will be remembered for his columns in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper. Invariably many of these persons have a large collection of books and it would be a good idea to have them organized in a library named after them in their own communities.

This is the way I propose to honor the legacy of our heroes, by setting up libraries in their names. Perhaps they can be patterned after the Presidential Libraries in the USA. With the support of the family and the goodwill of so many who would like the name and work of him to live on, the James Fitz-Allan Mitchell Memorial library can be established.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

action

Congratulations: GHS Graduates 2021 CONGRATULATIONS t o all of our graduates this academic year. 2021 has been another challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its repercussions.

Please join me in congratulating, in particular, Davisha Sayers, the recipient of the Cheryl Phills King Community Award given annually at the Girls’ High School (GHS). Davisha joins the renowned group of the other previous recipients. The Community Award is

given to those who exemplify the principles of “selflessly being positive, doing good and striving to make the world a better place by their actions.”

I salute them all and wish them continued success in life.

Over the years the recipients have been: 2004-Rachael Oliver; 2005-Tamisha Browne; 2006-Amber Glasgow; 2007-Lizanna Pollard; 2008-Jai-Len Williams; 2009-Rose-Anne Richardson; 2010-Lusha Lorraine; 2011-River Providence; 2012Breanna Antoine; 2013-

Nikelene McLean; 2014Kelsie Haynes; 2015Justine Farrel; 2016Shantel Williams; 2017Maya John; 2018Rhobyn Grant; 2019Ashantae Williams; 2020-Paige Cadogan; and 2021-Davisha Sayers.

We wish them well as our communities are strengthened by their actions. Thanks to the parents, teachers, comm unity and all who are supportive of our young people. We love and are very proud of these wellrounded human beings.

Keep safe and healthy. Good job.

Cheryl Phills King

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Keeping our economy stable in challenging times Introduction SAINT VINCENT and the Grenadines, like the rest of the region and the world over, has had to endure very challenging circumstances over the last 18 months as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, unlike our regional neighbours and the rest of the world, our country suffered the additional burden of an explosive volcanic eruption that undoubtably added to the challenges already faced from the ongoing pandemic. The many consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic include the challenges of rising unemployment, supply chain blockages and rising commodity prices, and every country faces the daunting task of shielding its citizens, especially the most vulnerable from the impacts of those challenges.

Developing countries such as ours remain the most affected, as we constitute the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of the ongoing pandemic. As if the challenges arising from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic aren’t enough, our local situation was made even more challenging when in the midst of the pandemic, this country had to also deal additionally with a potentially worsened situation posed by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

The government had to counter the immediate issues of unemployment caused by the general slowdown of the economy as well as the physical and infrastructural damage resulting from the volcanic eruption. The very sudden halt of activities in our country’s tourism sector, interruption of export trade and the major overall disruption in economic activity affected other sectors such as construction due to illness and other consequences of the pandemic. The eruption of La Soufriere, caused significant destruction to our agricultural sector, further disrupting an already lagging economy under the weight of a pandemic that was already more than 14 months old by the time the eruption occurred. These events together created a perfect storm of near impossible scenarios to be addressed by our government to restore a sense of normalcy to this country and offer hope and practicable solutions to get us functioning at prepandemic levels.

Is justice only for a chosen few in SVG? Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement)

energy increased by an average of 23%. The obvious direct result for us here in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is that we have seen similar trends in prices for products over the last 3 to 4 months.

Merchants here now pay higher prices to their suppliers, and increased oil prices create additional expenses as the cost of shipping is now higher, ultimately causing local consumers to pay more for the products on shelves.

As we work towards the revival of our economy after more than 18 months of very limited activity impacting negatively the government’s revenue streams, these price increases will surely present additional challenges for the leadership of this country. Our government has so far however been holding things together by managing the affairs of this country remarkably.

Protecting the vulnerable

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our government has introduced a number of policies intended to protect those individuals whose incomes were impacted either through job losses or reduction in days/hours worked. Income support was provided for various categories of workers to supplement their wages and food packages (love boxes) were delivered to the elderly among us.

Following the eruption of La Soufriere, with many families displaced and even more individuals, specifically farmers losing income, the government expanded the categories of individuals who were offered income support. The government made it easy for individuals and organisations abroad to support the disaster relief effort at home by removing all duties from barrels for approximately 4 months following the eruption. Food packages were delivered regularly to families who had to relocate from the Red Zone, some of whom lived in private homes with relatives or friends. Even after the families resettled in their homes once the all-clear was given, the government continued to supply homes with food packages. The reduction in revenue during this Global increase in prices threaten period did not prevent the government our recovery from identifying and allocating resources to support and protect the During the peak periods of the most vulnerable among us. As we seek pandemic when our government to rebound from this period of disaster resisted loud calls to impose and the prolonged public health restrictions such as lockdowns on our emergency, even as rising prices citizens, many of the developed threaten to derail our efforts, we can countries unable to control the spread rest assured that our government of the virus imposed varying degrees would continue to manage our of restrictions from curfews, and country’s resources responsibly, lockdowns, to states of emergencies. A investing in our people. direct consequence of these restrictions was the closure of many Conclusion businesses, including factories and refineries that created shortages in The challenges ahead of us as a consumer products, including food. developing country are no different The major producing countries of the than those faced by governments and world in Asia, Europe and North peoples in developed countries. Global America started facing significant shortages, increases levels of supply chain issues as businesses unemployment, slow to no growth and slowly began to reopen. Large now increase in consumer products all economies including the G20 countries threaten to throw economies into recorded high levels of unemployment recession. Where we stand out in SVG during the pandemic and high is that we have a government that inflation rates as they focused their over the period has not defaulted on efforts on recovery. Varying increases loans, failed to pay salaries to public in inflation in these large economies sector workers, nor pensions to our resulted in their citizens paying more retirees. While countries around us for goods and services from energy, to struggle to meet their monthly food items, to gas at the pumps as the obligations, our government’s ability cost of basic items increased to keep things together isn’t because significantly. In the USA for example, of luck, it’s the result of proper the price of gasoline at the pumps management by a caring and increased by over 30 percent since competent government acting in the best interest of our citizens.

July, while in Germany the cost of

WE ARE ALL aware that on the 19th November, 2021, Magistrate Bertie Pompey acquitted Ashelle Morgan, a government Senator, and Karim Nelson, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the office of the DPP, of the criminal charges brought against them by the State arising out of the shooting of Mr. Cornelius John a private citizen, after hearing no case submissions made by their Defence Counsel.

In June 2021, Senator Morgan was charged with assaulting Mr. John with intent to commit wounding; while Karim Nelson was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding and unlawfully discharging his firearm at Mr. John.

From the outset, Mr. John’s plight stoked outrage and disbelief amongst all and sundry. In fact, the Director of Public Prosecution, Ms. Sejilla McDowall in a Media Release issued on 24th June, 2021, admitted that the matter had caused much public disquiet and wide spread alarm. It was not surprising then that members of the public had taken a keen interest in the verdict and had reacted strongly to it.

It took some two weeks before public attention was drawn to Mr. John’s shooting, as he fought to recover in physical and emotional pain. It was not until 19th May, 2021, after mounting pressure and outrage from every cross section of Vincentian society that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions requested that further investigative work be done into Mr. John’s shooting. It took a further five weeks until June 24th, before the DPP advised the Commissioner of Police to lay charges against Senator Morgan and Mr. Nelson. At no time during this process were any of the accused individuals arrested.

What’s more, the wounded Cornelius John was also slapped with two charges by the State for allegedly using threatening language to his wife, and a third charge for supposedly using threatening language against Ashelle Morgan.

Mrs. John would have no part of the charade and duly informed the Court on August (10th) that she had no desire to proceed against her husband.

The Party’s effort The New Democratic Party has unreservedly stood in solidarity with Cornelius and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in ensuring that pressure was brought to bear on the authorities, so that the investigation proceeded and charges would be laid where the evidence led.

Nine weeks after the incident and with no arrests or charges in sight, we wrote to several regional and international organizations drawing their attention to the case of Mr. John and imploring that enquiry be made into the matter to ensure that the administration of justice runs the true course and rule of law in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is adhered to. We stood in solidarity with members of the public on each and every occasion that they peacefully protested outside

the House of Parliament and on the streets of Kingstown in support of Mr. John from as early as May, 2021. As the people’s party, we stand by the tenets that there must be equal justice for all.

The conduct of this matter has left an unsavoury taste in the mouths of many. “Justice must not only be done it must also be seen to be done”. Large cross sections of the public are left with the uneasy feeling that “justice is for a chosen few, not for all”.

In the face of this ordeal and even after the outcome of this case, Cornelius John exhibits admirable faith and an indomitable spirit. I note his brief remarks after the magistrate’s decision and agree that the way this case has unfolded was not only about him but was also about the injustice being faced by so many in our nation. His faith and ours reassure us that God will see us through these challenging times.

However, while I strongly believe that faith is a cornerstone of human strength, the Bible teaches that “faith without works is dead”. As a nation, we must re-double our efforts in ensuring that Cornelius John’s case does not become the norm and that there can truly be “justice for one and justice for all”.

We have a country to build. An NDP Government will ensure there is reform of the justice system as a means of restoring faith in those who have lost faith. We wait to see what if any steps will be taken by the State arising out of the Magistrate’s decision to acquit Ms. Morgan and Mr. Nelson. We support the call for justice and equality before the law.

NDP is opposed to making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory (Cont’d).

In light of the high level of distrust of authority and the COVID-19 vaccines, it is foolhardy to proceed with the approach that it is “my way or the highway”. The ULP administration has historically done nothing more than deprecate the views of others. They have stopped listening and therefore chosen to take heavy-handed approaches when their leadership failures are laid bare for the world to see.

The poor uptake reflects the failure of the ULP Administration to listen and engage with our people. To reemphasize, the NDP does not support vaccine mandates. We believe that ethical and collaborative leadership is better and is needed here.

Our people, especially those who are directly on the receiving of the policy will suffer most. We call on the ULP administration to end its vaccine mandate and the firing of public sector workers. Stop victimizing people who have already been bearing so much pain and who have been carrying the fight against COVID-19 in many ways.

Let us instead focus on communication and collaboration. Let us shut no one out. Let us not divide our people and threat them as the enemy. COVID-19 is the enemy, not public sector workers. It will require all of us to work together to get to the other side of this pandemic.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 11.

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Is Omicron the real deal or a scariant

The Three Sisters

(First published in the May 2, 2014 issue of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.)

“Native Americans all over the U.S. and Canada use a term they call the Three Sisters to describe the Native American way of life through the gardening technique of planting corn, beans and squash together on the same mound. These Three Sisters — corn, beans and squash — supplement and complement each other. The vines of the bean plant grow up the corn stalk. The huge leaves of the squash vines keep the ground moist for all of the roots. The nutritious vitamins from each of the plants escapes into the soil so that they each benefit from one another.”

- Deborah Champlain WE CAN LEARN SO MUCH from nature ... and from the farming communities that have enhanced our civilization. The Deborah Champlain quotation that was used to introduce this week’s article is loaded with wisdom. It provides useful insights for our farming community (including the backyard framers like this writer). Many agricultural farmers throughout the Eastern Caribbean embrace this inter-cropping technique and can attest to the value of doing so.

But the experience could be very useful as an analogy too. We could learn so much about valuing individual differences and the importance of interconnectedness; working together we can help each other ... and helping ourselves in the process. There is beauty and value in cooperative effort and teamwork. And even as we expand on these thoughts, we reflect on the powerful acronym that this four-letter word “TEAM” represents and reminds us of: together, each achieves more. There is beauty and strength in creating synergies. There is wisdom in embracing the Three Sisters approach to life and living. This is as true in the home as it is in the workplace, church, neighbourhood, and the community at large.

There are times when we are required to work alone. However, more often than not, the normal requirement is for us to work along with others. It is therefore commendable that many of our teaching/learning institutions are seeking to design projects and learning experiences that revolve around group activities. And while there are some facilitators and participants (students) who may be resistant to team assignments (preferring to go it alone) we must understand and appreciate the wisdom of the team approach.

Vincent Lombardi (1913—1970) the American football coach stated it so well when he said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Many of the Asian communities have mastered the art of teamwork.

Unlike the Western societies that encourage and reward individual performance, countries like Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia train their nationals to focus on teamwork. Their reward systems are designed to highlight team performance. As a result, these societies tend to experience relatively high productivity levels. And while

there are other cultural factors that will contribute to outstanding productivity levels embracing the team approach and maximizing the synergies that teamwork creates will always be considered a significant variable.

Many education administrators, facilitators, and students complain about the unfairness that often accompany group assignments in our learning institutions. There are many instances where some team members “slack off” (and appear to be like parasites) by not making any significant contribution to the group efforts. There will always seem to be a group member who is so focused on obtaining a good grade that they proceed to do the bulk of the work even though they know that their “going beyond the call of duty” will result in some of the “lazy” and “badminded” team members getting the same grade. Over the years, teachers/facilitators have sought to devise mechanisms to counteract such undesirable behaviours. For example, some learning institutions have created peer and self assessment forms. Participating team members are then required to evaluate their performance and the performances of their team members based on a specific set of variables (e.g. research quality, time management, cooperation, etc.). However, even this is not fool proof. There have been complaints that some team members collude and agree that they will give each other top score on all the points being tested in an effort to make sure that each person gets maximum grades for the particular assignment.

This, however, is dishonest. It also defeats the purpose. Some participants rationalise the situation by claiming that they compromise in this manner “for peace’s sake”; to avoid conflict with their team mates.

However, imaginative teachers and facilitators could get around this. For example, they could encourage the respondents to send their directly (privately) to the teacher/facilitator and not through the group leader/coordinator. We must encourage more team work and group assignments. But we have to try as best we can to make sure that the participants contribute to the respective exercises. This will give the Three Sisters approach a chance to work.

The Three Sisters approach is not limited to agriculture. It can work beautifully in our homes, schools, neighbourhoods, churches, workplaces and organisations. It will not always be easy to accomplish but, knowing the value of this approach, we must not be deterred or discouraged when the various obstacles appear. We must be determined to embrace and be ready to advocate its benefits. We will accomplish more as individuals and a society when we pool our efforts, resources, skills, and talents.

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

THE REVELATION that a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) was detected in Botswana and South Africa caused an already troubled world to hop, jump, and skip attention. The warning that the spike protein on this virus allows for at least 50 mutations compared to 9 on the Delta variant helped propel the doom and gloom message that Omicron may well be the destructive devil that the entire world fears. But wait!

Covid symptoms linked to the new Omicron variant have been described as ‘extremely mild’ by the South African doctor who first raised the alarm over the new strain.

Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, told the BBC that she started to see patients around Nov.18 presenting with ‘unusual symptoms’ that differed slightly from those associated with the Delta variant, which is the most virulent strain of the virus to date and globally dominant.

‘It started with a male patient who’s around the age of 33 ... and he said to me that he’s just [been] extremely tired for the past few days, and he’s got these body aches and pains with a bit of a headache,’ Dr Coetzee told the BBC. The patient didn’t have a sore throat, she said, but more of a “scratchy throat” but no cough or loss of taste or smell – symptoms that have been associated with previous strains of the coronavirus.

Coetzee said she tested the male patient for Covid, and he was positive, as was his family, and then said she saw more patients that day presenting with the same kinds of symptoms that differed from the Delta variant. This prompted her to raise the alarm with South Africa’s vaccine advisory committee, of which she is a member.

Covid symptoms have changed since the virus first emerged in China in late 2019. The ‘Alpha’ and ‘Delta’ variants, first discovered in the U.K. and India, respectively, were seen to cause different symptoms, for example, with the latter causing more headaches, sore throat, runny nose and fever.

The US CDC has highlighted the variety of Covid symptoms that have been reported, noting ‘anyone can have mild to severe symptoms’ that may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

On the list of symptoms from the CDC are fever or chills, a cough, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhoea.

Because of the ways in which Covid has been played since the pandemic declaration in March 2019, many countries have rushed to ban travel from several southern African countries where the variant has been found. Last Friday, South Africa’s health minister slammed the ban as knee jerk and draconian. Others criticized the travel ban as discriminatory and punishment for the South Africans, whose expert work discovered the new variant.

Dr Coetzee told the BBC that countries like the U.S., U.K., Israel, and European Union were panicking unnecessarily. She said, referring to the panicky countries, ‘I think you already have it there in your country without even knowing it, so I would say at this stage not to panic. Two weeks on, maybe we will say something different.’

The variant has surfaced in the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. The good news is that there have been no reports of anyone dying as a result of being infected with Omicron.

Why then is there so much alarm and scare tactics. Why are people being told that this new variant is even more reason for people to do the vaccine dance while taking the jab? Is Omicron the new, improved and latest scariant

intended to compel the vaccine-hesitant into volunteering for the vaccine?

This is a serious matter that needs to be looked at closely. A lot of people believed the story that the coronavirus made the jump from bats to humans.

The establishment media attempted to block any discourse that questioned this view. A more persuasive reason for the presence of the coronavirus is the ‘gain of function’ research performed at topsecret labs in North Carolina, USA and Wuhan, China. Dr Anthony and Francis Collins of the National Institute of Health improperly and illegally funded this research even after President Obama advisory committee called for an end to such research.

This information is important because it means if these scientists were able to manipulate the SARs virus to create Covid-19, there is no gainsaying what they could have done regarding the lethality of this or any other virus.

Therefore, it is not far-fetched for some evil scientist to unleash a variant of this or any other virus or bacteria with a much higher infection or kill rate than anything we have seen thus far.

In response to all the jittery moves and countermoves, the WHO said while it did not like to see travel restrictions, it understood that countries needed to take precautions based on their own epidemiological situations and riskbased analysis of the current data. It also said that the Delta variant is still responsible for most of the current infections globally and, as such, was still its biggest concern.

All of these restrictions and lockdowns put more pressure on international travel. People are prevented from unimpeded travel as more and more countries demand that travellers be ‘fully vaccinated’ in order to enter.

Already, the WHO implied that the new variant developed in an area of the world where the vaccination levels are low. Consequently, it said that the Omicron variant is a welcomed ‘dress rehearsal’ for vaccine equity. This is to say that what the world needs is higher vaccination rates.

Interestingly, information is coming to light that the Omicron variant might have emerged in the Netherlands, a nation where over 70 percent of the population is vaccinated and not Botswana or South Africa. If this information is verified, where will be the argument that areas of low vaccination rates are more likely to be a fertile breeding ground for new variants?

Already there is some speculation that those who are experiencing mild symptoms were persons who might have had some immunity from an earlier bout with the virus. Therefore, the conclusion is drawn that if Omicron is causing mild disease and if, as is suspected, the booster campaign will go a long way to reduce hospitalizations and deaths, hopefully, we won’t have to live under restrictions again.

Some scientists, deemed controversial by the medical and media establishments, have noted that the jury is still out as to whether vaccination reduces hospitalization and death. They point to Israel, Portugal, Iceland, Ireland, Gibraltar and the United Kingdom where close to 50 percent or five in every 10 persons who end up in hospitals and die with Covid are ‘fully vaccinated.’ Evidently, not an encouraging storyline on which to peddle vaccine mandates.

However, as the latest scariant, Omicron may be just what those with a permanent vaccine gaze ordered.

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

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Mandatory vaccine or mandatory face mask

THE DEBATE about the effectiveness of COVID vaccines is ongoing. We know, though, that being vaccinated does not stop a person from catching COVID-19 or passing it on to other people. So, is the ULP regime’s focus on mandatory vaccines the best way forward for our people? Perhaps the focus should be on face masks and hand-washing with soap?

COVID-19 is primarily transmitted in the air through respiratory droplets that are exhaled by infected people when they cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe - and these droplets are then inhaled by somebody else. Laboratory tests have shown that wearing face masks can block up to 80% of these droplets from escaping into the air, and prevent about 50% of droplets from being inhaled.

Studies have shown that face masks can reduce transmission by about 75%.

An international report published in The Lancet (a peer-reviewed general medical journal), which analysed data from 172 studies in 16 countries, found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3% chance of catching COVID19.

Given the above data, one wonders whether it is better to call for mandatory face masks, rather than

mandatory vaccines. This is easier for people to comply with, can be done more quickly and does not conflict with people’s personal right to be in charge of what medicines go into their body.

Teachers are right to protest against mandatory vaccines.

To have any meaningful effect on reducing COVID transmission and infection rates in SVG, Government should make it mandatory to wear a face mask in public places and on public transport.

Government could make cloth face masks here in SVG — we have sewing factories — and hand out cloth face masks free of charge. Government should do this with some urgency and not let poverty — people’s inability to pay for a cloth face mask — be a factor in the spread of COVID in SVG. We know also that hand-washing can also reduce even prevent COVID transmission. However, thousands of households in SVG do not have mains water. SVG Green Party is calling again on the government to put in water standpipes in poorer areas, so that poorer households can have better access to water and be better able to wash their hands on a regular basis.

Again, Government should do this with some urgency and not let poverty

— people’s inability to pay for water — be a factor in the spread of COVID in SVG. Government could also hand out free soap and free alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

There are several different types/variants of the coronavirus that cause COVID-19. And more are emerging from time to time. There is much doubt as to whether any particular vaccine can protect our people from all the different types of

coronavirus. However, face masks will work against all of them.

According to The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, if the government is serious about reducing COVID transmission and infection rates in SVG, then it: should make it mandatory to wear a face mask in public places and on public transport; manufacture cloth face masks in SVG and hand them out free of charge; install standpipes throughout the country in poorer areas, and hand out free soap and hand sanitiser.

Partnerships among women and men to eliminate violence against women SINCE 1981, that is forty (40) years ago, women’s rights activists have observed November 25 as a day against gender-based violence.

This activism led to the United Nations Declaration in 1993 of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The objective of this Day is to work towards a life free of violence for women. However, as observed by Her Excellency the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, “…

Although there have been conversations about violence against women in TT for decades, it continues unabated, as shown by recent headlines”. The same can be said for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it is clear that men must join the conversations and be engaged to solve situations where they are both perpetrators and victims.

International Men’s Day, November 19, continues to be a missed opportunity to form partnerships for peace.

It was the Hon. Frederick Stephenson who asked the question, “Why Not 22?”, as he acknowledged the International Men’s Day (IMD) — November 19, and the sixteen days of activism commencing

November 25 and ending on December 10.

November 25 is celebrated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and December 10th is World Human Rights Day. Between these dates, three other significant dates fall: November 29 International Women Human Rights Defenders Day; December 1 - World AIDS Day; and December 6, which marks the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre when several women in their search for higher education at a previously all-male institution, were gunned down by male students who objected to their presence.

The Hon. Minister noted that IMD falling on the November 19 was an apt date to celebrate, as the concerns were heavily intertwined in the issues of the 16th days.

Twenty-two days of Activism draws men into an advocacy struggle that touches the lives of men and women, boys and girls, and impact heavily on women. It is an opportunity to catch the attention of men - a key sector of the population if we are to effect any meaningful change. The solution to women’s concerns hinge on changed behaviour

and cultural patterns on the part of both men and women.

There is an overall tolerance of violence and abuse in the society. For example, abusive language is the forerunner to physical and emotional abuse.

The AIDS Pandemic continues to affect both men and women, and many women suffer violence at the hands of men who see them as carriers of the disease.

December 1 is another opportunity to build alliances with men in the fight against AIDS and its consequences. It is the cultural belief that certain professions are for men only, which led to the massacre on December 6.

Male perpetrators must take responsibility to climb out of the culture of violence to healing and transformation. As the COVD-19 Pandemic has joined the Pandemic of Violence, men must do their part alongside women to remove the scourge of violence against women from our society. Such a commitment will give meaning to Word Human Rights Day, December 10.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator/Committee for the Development of Women (CDW)

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News

WPP donates to MCMH Paediatric Ward THE PAEDIATRIC WARD at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital was a recent beneficiary of a donation of medical supplies by World Pediatric Project (WPP).

The well-needed supplies were handed over in a brief ceremony at Maternity B (Ward), the temporary location for the Paediatric Ward, on Thursday, November 25, 2021.

The items, presented by WPP Executive Director Lauren McIntosh, were received by Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Mishka DuncanAdams and Departmental Manager Sr. Samuel.

In related news, WPP is continuing with phase two of a psycho-social support drive they began earlier this year, aimed at helping persons to cope with some of the many challenges associated with the traumatic occurrence as a result of the volcanic eruption of April 2021.

Towards this end, WPP will host healthy lifestyle road trips under the theme, ‘Positive Vibes! Positive Mind!

Positive Life!’, on Saturday, December 4th at the Sandy Bay Government for communities on the Windward side of the island, and on Saturday, December 11th at the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School for communities in North Leeward.

The healthy lifestyle road trip aims to equip persons, particularly parents, with the requisite tools to better cope with stress, parenting, and mental health-related issues.

Ms. McIntosh said the organization decided to branch off temporarily from its usual areas of service, as they realized the importance of mental health and well-being, in addition to self-care.

WPP Executive Director Lauren McIntosh p-resenting supplies to Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Mishka Duncan-Adams (right ) and Departmental Manager Sr. Samuel.

She further stated that, “In addition to our focus on providing critical paediatric care to children, we take great pride in assisting our families in time of crises, as per the opportunities afforded to us through strategic partnerships.”

WPP is able to extend the range of its scope to assist families in this way due to funding from Americares, an organization that provides disaster relief and medication to countries worldwide.

Both Americares and WPP realized the need for intervention following the volcano eruptions and were keen to join efforts on this particular initiative. (Submitted by WPP)

Salvation Army kettles are out⁄

by Gloriah…

THROUGH its 2021 Christmas Kettle Appeal, the Salvation Army here is hoping to raise some $100,000. This, according to its Commanding Officer, Army Major Ernest Gachelin.

The 2021 Christmas Kettle Appeal was launched on Friday, 12th November and is intended to wind up at the end of December 2021.

Major Gachelin has on several occasions this year, appealed to Vincentians to continue to support the effort, and he used the launch of the Kettle Appeal to make an even more passionate plea for support.

As with each year’s proceeds, this year’s funds are earmarked to finance programmes for the less fortunate.

Donations, however, have been slow in

coming.

Not only has the giving lessened, so also has the number of volunteers who have kept the bright red kettles in optimum view of passersby, whom they try to attract by the iconic sound of the bell.

Early in November, 2021, Major Gachelin reported to SVGTV that volunteers were needed and suggested that COVID-19 pandemic and all its inherent implications had played a huge role in persons not coming forward as in previous years.

He did express then, gratitude for the support provided in previous years, noting that the monies collected in 2020 aided the Army in its COVID-19 response.

Despite all this, the Salvation Army’s bright red kettles are out and persons are encouraged

Vincentians and visitors to SVG are urged to look for the red kettle, listen for the bell and give generously to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Appeal. to make their contributions as usual.

They are also encouraged to enlist as volunteers as the Army would love to place its kettles in approximately 7 locations between Kingstown and Arnos Vale.

An entire month with possibilities for giving is still on the cards. The Salvation Army could do well with our generosity.

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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Minister King lauds writer

DORNALD LENROY THOMAS, author of the book ‘Stories from our Indian Elders’, has been lauded by Curtis King, Minister of Education, for showing the other side of the historical narrative of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

King’s observation came during an address at a Zoom virtual launch of the book, on Sunday, November 28th.

The Minister posited that whereas the history of Vincentians had hitherto been mostly written by Europeans with a Euro-centric perspective, it was refreshing to see a book written by a native Vincentian that gives a more balanced view of our history.

The book features interviews with, i.e. the recollections of local Vincentian elders. These are preceded by a background of the historical situation that existed both in India and St.Vincent before the Indians embarked on their journeys to the Caribbean.

Reviews of the narratives and an analysis of available records while also looking at the current situation in St. Vincent and India and future relationship possibilities, followed.

According to the Minister, it is clear to those interested in constructing a modern, post-colonial society…….. “that we have come to recognize that a significant component of this reconstruction process must be the recording of our history, from the perspective of our people. Too much of what we know about ourselves and our country we have learnt from the European perspective, which has dominated so much of the history of the countries of the Americas.”

King reminded that as far as the Europeans were concerned, Kalinaga, Garifuna, Africans, Indians played no meaningful role in the progressive development of the colonial society. “…This is the type of distortion that we must seek to correct so that our people will get a better understanding of their past and use that understanding (of their past) to guide them on their way forward…,” the Minister said.

And as for the book in focus, King described it as “a very important piece of work…. of great value to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Indian Heritage Foundation… .”

He anticipated that the book will help secondary school and tertiary

Curtis King, Minister of Education recognized the book as a valuable resource of information.

Dornald Lenroy Thomas is a founding member of the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation. level students who are engaged in the research on the story of the Indian people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister King congratulated Thomas for “adding a valuable resource of information to the records aimed at putting together our historical story.”

Other speakers at the launch included historian and social commentator, Dr. Adrian Fraser; Hon. Consul of India to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and President of the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation, Mr. Junior Bacchus; Treasurer of the Foundation Mrs. Cheryl Rodriguez; and the author, Mr Dornald Lenroy Thomas.

The launch was facilitated by the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre, headed by Dr. Kumar Mahabir, the Ameena Gafoor Institute of London directed by Professor David Dabydeen and the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation.

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Regional

Barbados parts ways with The Queen

from Britain.

And among those in attendance were the Prince of Wales, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, and renowned Barbadian performing artiste (singer), composer, producer and fashion mogul- Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

In a parting speech, so to speak, Prince Charles acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery” the Caribbean island suffered, and referred to the new era for Barbados as putting an end to Britain’s centuries of influence, including more than 200 years when the island was On the stroke of midnight, the new republic was born to the a hub for the transatlantic cheers of hundreds of people liming on Chamberlain Bridge slave trade. in Bridgetown. (Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via Reuters) He conveyed the Queen’s republic. “warmest good wishes” for In an overnight “happiness, peace and ceremony — Monday 29th November, 2021 prosperity in the future” and that the nation holds a - in the capital, “special place” in her heart.

Bridgetown, Dame Prince Charles reiterated Sandra Mason was sworn in as president the continuing ties between of the Parliamentary the two nations despite the Republic of Barbados. constitutional status change.

To signify the official Dame Sandra change of power, a final salute Mason, 72, the was made to the British island’s governormonarchy and the Royal general since 2018, Standard flag was lowered and was named as president-elect of the replaced.

But perhaps the ceremony’s nation, following a most moving and touching vote in parliament last month. She now item was when Rihanna was replaces the Queen as introduced by Prime Minister Prime Minister Mia Mottley swears Mia Mottley, to the large the head of state. allegiance to Barbados. gathering and to the “Vessel Republic thousands home and abroad Barbados has set sail Story sources: watching the live coverage, as on her maiden voyage. May BBC, Al Jazeera, CBC the country’s newest Hero she weather all storms and Photo Credit: BBC unless Designee. land our country and citizens otherwise credited.

Rihanna was previously safely on the horizons and named an ambassador by her shores which are ahead of us,” BARBADOS HAS OFFICIALLY she said after being sworn in. home country in 2018. removed Queen Elizabeth II as Mottley said the artiste had The gala event coincided its head of state. In so doing, it commanded has become the world’s newest with Barbados’ 55th Annivsersary of Independence “the

Rihanna (centre front) is introduced by Prime Minister Mottley (left) as Barbados’ newest National Hero.

Dame Sandra Mason takes the oath of office as Barbados’ first President. imagination of the world through the pursuit of excellence with her creativity, her discipline, and above all else, her extraordinary commitment to the land of her birth.”

She added, in reference to one of Rihanna’s songs, “May you continue to Prince Charles travelled to shine like a diamond and Bridgetown as a guest of bring honour to your nation,” honour at the ceremony.

Her latest recognition makes her the 11th Barbadian for several hours. to have ever been honoured as According to one BBC a national hero. The only other analyst, the event was “a living person to have received positive and pragmatic the same award is iconic handover.” cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers, who was also present at Monday’s ceremony and hugged Rihanna.

Before her announcement about Rihanna’s new status to thunderous applause from the gathering, Prime Minister Mottley swore allegiance to The British monarch’s Royal Barbados in front of the Standard flag was taken down and new president at the replaced to mark the official ceremony, which lasted change of status.

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V PM Gonsalves congratulates Barbados 18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Region

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has penned a letter, dated Nov. 22, 2021, to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, extending his congratulations to her and the people of Barbados, on the occasion of Barbados becoming a Republic.

Barbados began its official move to becoming a parliamentary republic at midnight on Monday 29th November, when the last vestiges (Royal Standard flag) were lowered.

In the letter, some 8, 879 words long, Dr. Gonsalves said to his counterpart, inter alia: “Now, today, I celebrate with you joyously on your severing of the links, institutionally, with the British monarchy and the elevation of our home-grown Head of State. I say ‘our’ because even though I am not a citizen of Barbados, I feel a sense of belonging to the extraordinary landscape and

seascape of this blessed land, and to its people, my brothers and sisters in this our Caribbean civilisation.”

“You have led Barbados magnificently through an alive constitutionalism, in the ennobling endeavour of establishing and institutionalising a home-grown Head of State, shaped in your people’s own, image, likeness, faith, love, and hope.

In so doing, the independent Parliament of Barbados, duly elected by a free people in free and fair elections, and acting in their name, finally exorcised the last formal vestige of the incubus of colonialism.”

Dr. Gonsalves put the move to a parliamentary republic and its jhomegrown head of state into some context, telling Ms. Mottley, “In short, Barbados and Britain are entering an even more mature relationship.

Leaving colonial premises after closing

The relationship Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had with former PM of Barbados Owen Arthur has been transferred to Mia Mottley since she became Prime Minister. time does not mean an abandonment of close bonds of friendship. Barbados and Britain remain conjoined in mighty ways; moreover, they are neighbours in our global family of nations. But now, Barbados stands independent and free, mature and wise, devoid of any formal vestiges of super-ordination and subordination.

Dr. Gonsalves spent much time detailing the relationship between Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, referencing Barbados’ recent and prompt response to the special needs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as occasioned by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

He reminded his counterpart that, “Geography, history, demography, culture, politics, and economics place us together like peas in a pod. We

cannot escape each other. So, the achievement of your removal of certain colonial shackles brings us joy and hopefulness.”

And in a direct appeal to PM Mottley, Dr. Gonsalves wrote: “My dear Mia, as you continue to lead the new republic of Barbados, at this time of socio-economic dislocation consequent upon the COVID pandemic, the ravages of climate change, the challenges arising from the contemporary global political economy, the limitations amidst the possibilities of the small size of your country, the slenderness of its material resources, and the legacies of underdevelopment historical, I urge that you take comfort from the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah [Chapter 41, verses 9-10].”

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News

SVG on HFMD alert ON THE HEELS of reported cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) here, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has intensified it monitoring of the situation with the intention of stopping the spread of the disease.

HFMD is a common viral illness that targets in the main infants and children under the age of five years, but it can also occur in adults.

The disease/virus is known to spread from person to person through: close personal contact, such as hugging an infected person; the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes; contact with feces, such as changing diapers of an infected person; touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

In a press release of Dec. 01, 2021, the Ministry of Health, etc. said that HFMD ‘usually starts with fever, sore throat, reduced appetite and a feeling of being unwell. One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. They usually begin as small red spots, often in the back of the mouth that blister and can become painful. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may also develop over one or

two days as flat, red spots, sometimes with blisters. It may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area.’

The Ministry warned that a person with HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness and offered the following advice as precautionary measures: wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet, before feeding children, preparing or eating food; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces and soiled items first, with soap and water and then with disinfectant; avoid sending children to daycare and school if they are suffering from HFMD; follow safe food hygiene and water practices; avoid close contact such as kissing and hugging infected people; monitor children for early detection and symptoms and take those who have persistent fever and blisters on hands and feet to your healthcare provider for treatment.

In the October 29, 2021 issue of THE VINCENTIAN, it was reported that the Animal, Health and Production Division in

Man jailed for choking his mother From page 4 at the Serious Offences Court and the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court for several years. He has a string of convictions for theft and burglary, and has been to prison on several occasions.

Joseph told the Court on Monday, “I put my hands around her neck, but I did not choke her. I love my mother.”

But prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court that it was not the first time Joseph was doing this to his mother.

“What you have done to your mother is wrong,” Burnett told the defendant in a stern tone of voice.

the Ministry of Agriculture had put in place a strategic plan to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever into the state.

Checks with the Division as referenced, said that there has not been any indication that that disease is present in the state.

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26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A case of bad hygiene Dear George, I AM ATTRACTED to this young lady but have never mustered up the courage to approach her. I console myself believing she has more than an idea that I’m interested in her and could just be waiting on me to tell her how I feel about her.

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with her one on one. It was not an official date but we had a private moment together. It was the closest I’ve ever gotten to her physically.

At the end of the day, I was terribly disappointed. This woman, as beautiful as she is, has terrible hygiene — her body odor was unbearable and her breath was not any better. I was very turned off but forced myself to stick it out with her.

She eventually told me that she had noticed I liked her and admitted she felt the same way too. I just sort of let her know I like to take my time before

starting anything with anyone. We ended the day with her expecting to see me again but I’m just not interested. What do I do?

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, At this early stage its best you come clean and let her know where you stand; that with her hygiene problems she hasn’t got the slightest chance of being the love of your life.

True love can help you patiently work with her to correct the hygiene problem but that will clearly be your prerogative. Be up front and give her a fair chance to freshen up to an acceptable standard. Who knows, she could be that diamond in the rough.

George

Harbouring dark thoughts together discounted that thought.

I, like several of my I NEVER DREAMED my life would come to this. I colleagues, have thought of making the relevant am a teacher who has people pay for this opted not to take the wicked act they have vaccine at this time. Maybe in the near inflicted on my family.

My thoughts are very future I will, depending on the findings from my dark right now and I know something is about research.

My husband has been to go down soon. The pain my family feels now told not to go to work is real; the hatred I feel and he, like me, is in for my oppressors is also danger of losing his real. I feel helpless and I pension. Our three need relief. small children are in My children complain danger of having their that I do not make them worse Christmas ever. breakfast anymore. I am Of late, my husband not motivated not even has gotten very to get out of bed far less aggressive and I know shower. I keep asking it’s because he is myself how much longer worrying about things. can this go on for.

Just a few nights ago I thought of ending both Depressed our misery but it’s the children I’m worried Dear Depressed, about. I have not all

Dear George,

You are definitely experiencing a wave of depression and it is imperative that you do something about it immediately. It is quite natural or normal for you to experience a sea of emotions and many of these emotions will drive you to be rash in your judgement and consider committing dark deeds.

Find yourself a counselor immediately; calling Marion House will be a good start.

Your counsellor will be able to help you to calm your immediate fears and to navigate your way through this trying period. Please keep me updated as per your progress.

George

There is only one choice Dear George,

Dear Need Help,

I AM READY to settle down but I am faced with trying to decide which one of two women would make me a better bride.

One is very controlling but the sex is out of this world, while the other is very loving, will do anything for me, but knows very little when it comes to sex.

Maybe you can give me a tip or two.

Marriage is much more than good sex.

It is said that one should marry the woman who loves you and in your case, you did say one of these women would do anything for you. Why not settle with her and use the rest of your life perfecting together, the other areas that you find need attention?

It would be useful to get enough pre-marital counselling sessions in while you are at it.

Need Help

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You may have difficulties with someone close to you. Don't ruffle the feathers of those you care about most. You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover. You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Self-improvement projects should be your key concern. You may be the recipient of false information. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool.

Problems with your partner are apparent.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover. Children will keep you busy. You may interest some of them in a service you have to offer. If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Let your lover know what your personal intentions are. Talk to your emotional partner about your intentions.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing.

Travel should be on your agenda.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. You may have the energy to clear up that mound of paperwork facing you. You're in the mood to party. Get more involved in group efforts at work.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. Make sure all of your travel and driver's documents are in proper order. You need to spend some time pampering yourself.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't make large purchases or investments. You can make extra cash if you act on a hunch. Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can make a difference if you take a position of leadership. You've been a little down and you need a lift. Think twice before you speak. Do not expect others to do your work.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Red tape could be impossible to clear up this week. Channel your energy into decorating or household chores. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may be overreacting to personal problems. Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. Don't let your partner get away with spending too much of your money.

ACROSS 1. Is beneficial 5. A ___ in the dark 9. First prime 12. Sidesplitter 13. Prefix with sailing 14. Consumed 15. Just beat 16. Ground-based military force 17. “Give it ___!”

18. Highly valued person 20. External 22. Parent’s order 24. Manage 25. Not obsolete 29. Pharmacy buy 33. Pound was one 34. Receptacle 35. Maneuver slowly 36. Stick it out 37. Worldwide computer connection 39. Overly smooth 41. Cut through 42. Stopwatch, e.g.

45. Hotel posting 49. Start of long-distance dialing 50. Fix 54. Golf hazard 55. Bit of in-flight info 56. Dr. ___ (Austin Powers foe) 57. French bread 58. Relative 59. Contradict 60. Pay for the landlord DOWN 1.Make ready, briefly 2. Helper in the House 3. Quiet exercises 4. Conventional image of someone or something

5. Tub-sharing place 6. Macadam ingredient 7. Mortgage with adjustable rate 8. Southern swamp 9. This, ___ and the other 10. Something paid 11. Fragrance 19. Stable boy, or example 21. Submerged 23. Non-verbally expressed 24. Lets 25. Good times 26. Fishing trap 27. Tax that led to a party in Boston 28. Lick 30. Skedaddled 31. Deplete, with “up”

32. Understand 38. Audience 40. Equipped 42. Stay on ones ___ 43. Passionate about 44. Stand for

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 27.

46. Aligned 47. Make as a profit 48. See 51. Brink 52. Break a commandment 53. Subtle

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28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

„Scouting process going well,‰ Mercury THE ZONAL TRAINING SESSIONS and practice matches involving prospective national male footballers who are under the age of 26, have been progressing with a satisfying degree of success.

This was expressed recently by Head Coach of the senior men’s teamKendale Mercury.

For the past few months, the players have been engaging in two days of training and one day of competition, under the watchful eyes of coaches.

The sessions are

conducted in four zones at the Sion Hill Playing Field, the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field, the Chili Playing Field and the Buccament Playing Field.

“There are two coaches who are assigned to each zone and their job is to run the training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from a selected group of players and have practice matches on Saturdays,” Mercury explained.

Mercury revealed that those involved at the zonal training sessions often engage the core set

Some members of core group of the senior team, following a warm-up match Kendale Mercury - Head against a zonal team.

Coach of the national of players in the senior ‘prospective players’ will guidelines that are senior men’s football team in some practice be invited to join the core applied in the scouting team – is pleased with matches. group of the national process: attention will be the initiative with From these, it is team. paid to identifying respect to a ‘scouting expected that some of the But there are players for the various process’. on-field positions; as well as assessing the ahead of the 2030 World technical, tactical, Cup campaign,” physical and For the time being, psychological qualities of though, the scouting the players. process and preparation All in all, Mercury is focused on qualifying said that he was happy for the Concacaf Nations with the present system League, and the head All but one member of the St Elron Poyer, with Justin and suggested that in coach is hopeful that the Vincent and the Grenadines Bullock and Garth De future, “…. we should go national training squad Football Referees Association Shong coming on board to a lower age group such would be able to engage (SVGFRA), who served on the as two new faces to as Under-15, because in a series of ‘friendlies’ Executive for the 2019-2021 term complete that there is where we need ahead of the Nations were returned to office. complement. to focus on in order to get Cup, which looks likely The vote of confidence came In fact, last Monday’s a better crop of players to be held in May 2022. last Monday at the Methodist AGM voted to increase Church Hall in Kingstown, when the number of the Association held its Annual Committee Members General Meeting. from three to four.

When the voting process took Michael Williams place, only one position needed served as a Committee the use of ballots. Shesford John Member from 2019 to remained as Vice- President, 2021. defeating Garth De Shong 21-5 in Last Monday’s AGM (Seated from left) Maxian the run off. John was elected in also heard the Executive Richardson, Elron Lewis, absentia, as he was off island.

Report for that period.

Outgoing President- Elron Time was also set aside at last Mahalia Thomas, John Hinds; IT WAS A TOUGH ASK for the four young Lewis was re-elected unopposed.

Monday’s meeting to acknowledge (standing from left) Garth De Shong, Debbie Jordan, Justin Vincentian swimmers who competed in the Similarly, Maxian Richardson the work of the three Fifa inaugural Junior Pan American Games, which are remained as Secretary, Mahalia accredited match officials - Moeth Bullock, Elron Poyer. Absent from photo is Shesford John. taking place in Calli- Valle, Colombia.

Thomas — Treasurer and John Gaymes, Kenron Daniel and None of the Vincentian swimmers - Abigail De Hinds- Public Relations Officer.

Danroy Barker.

Professionalization of Shong, Bryson George, Kennice Greene and Kenale Returning as Committee The trio were hailed for their refereeing, therefore, get top Alleyne — made it beyond their firsts round events.

Members were Debbie Jordan and exemplary work in staying fit and De Shong’s time in the 100m Breaststroke was being dedicated, especially in the priority listing on his agenda of for the SVGFRA during the 1:28.50, while she timed 1:12.30 in the 100m situation in which there despite ensuing term.

Butterfly. there were no national Football In addition, Lewis wants a George clocked 1:12. 38 in the Men’s 100m competitions, national and/or facility put in place that would Breaststroke and registered a time of 1:02.85.in the local, in 2021. provide for financial assistance 100m Butterfly.

Following the installation of for national referees when in Greene clocked 1:02.97 in the 100m Freestyle, the Executive, Lewi thanked his while Alleyne stopped the clock at 55.89 seconds. need. fellow referees for their support.

In the in the 50m Freestyle, Greene’s time was He is also bent ion ensuring He expressed his view of wanting to see refereeing become that it becomes mandatory for the 28.77 and Alleyne’s mark was 25.30 seconds.

Apart from the swimmers, St Vincent and the a “profession,” so that “… when St Vincent and the Grenadines Grenadines was represented by two track athletesFootball Federation to make Three match officials recognized you are a child when he/ she Ulanda Lewis and Darren Morgan. grows up, they would say that I monthly payments to officials, (from left) - Kenron Daniel, Lewis was set to compete in the Women’s 100 want to become a Football who officiate in matches under its Moeth Gaymes and Danroy and 200m and Morgan in the Men’s 400m.

Referee.” aegis.

Barker.

New mandate for Football Referees’ Executive

Tough ask for Vincentian swimmers

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 29.

Sports

VINCENTIAN Ezra Hendrickson is the new head coach of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Chicago Fire FC. His appointment was made official last week Wednesday, November 24.

In confirming the appointment, George Heitz, Sporting Director of Chicago Fire told mlsstore.com, “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Ezra to the club as our new head coach. He is a very well-respected coach who has had a highly successful career in MLS…. I look forward to beginning our work together during what will be

an important offseason for the club.”

Hendrickson responded with: “I am immensely proud and humbled to be named the head coach of Chicago Fire FC. …. I am grateful to our owner Joe Mansueto for this incredible opportunity. It’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Georg Heitz, Sebastian Pelzer and Eddie Rock have also been supportive throughout this process, and I am excited to work alongside them as colleagues. We must be a team in order to achieve our goals.”

Hendrickson, 49, was a defender in MLS with the New York MetroStars (1997), LA Galaxy (1997-

Ezra Hendrickson, center, poses with sporting 2003), Dallas Burn director Georg Heitz (right) and technical director (2003), D.C. United Sebastian Pelzer of the Chicago Fire. (Photo (2004), Chivas USA Credit: chicago.suntime.com) (2005-06) and Columbus (2006-08).

He was a Seattle assistant with the LA Galaxy.

Sounders assistant coach from 2009The new Head Coach has his work 14, and coached Seattle Sounders 2 of cut out for him. He succeeds Frank the third tier in 2015-16 and second Klopas, who became interim coach in tier in 2017.

September, and inherits a season Henderson was an assistant coach performance of 18 losses and seven of his native Saint Vincent and the draws, meaning that Chicago Fire Grenadines during 2018 World Cup failed to make the MLS payoffs for the qualifying, and he spent 2018 as an fourth straight season.

Morgan SVGCA assist cricketer in need concerned about ranking “IT’S A STRUGGLE right now… it’s like fighting a battle that I don’t know if we will be able to win.”

Such were some of the sentiments expressed by track and field coach Rawlston Morgan as he addressed the situation here as it related to the ranking of athletes here.

Morgan, who is the full time track and field coach at the St. Vincent Grammar School and also coach of the track club Excel Track, is concerned that with the dearth of local, regional and Rawlston Morgan is international opportunities for local athletes to test aware that this where they are, “it makes country could be ranking difficult to near facing some difficulty in ranking impossible for local athletes.” its athletes.

Morgan is aware that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) now requires that athletes be ranked, and he noted that “Most of our athletes have not been going outside of SVG to compete to improve on their ranking, and even though our national championship could be used, most athletes were not running the required time to get their ranking.”

With the ranking being a prerequisite, Morgan, based on his understanding, said that it was no longer a simple case of Team Athletics SVG selecting a team for participation in some regional or hemispheric meet. Instead, the local governing body will now have to seek approval of its selectees to Pan Am and NACCA games for example.

One thing that offers some encouragement as SVG moves to rank its athletes is that there is a number of young Vincentian athletes schooling and competing in Jamaica, where there are many competitions. This can be used to our advantage, Morgan suggested.

THE St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA) has come to the aid of one this country’s cricketers, in time of great need.

In a brief ceremony last week at the SVGCA office,Arnos Vale, Oswald Soleyn was presented with an amount of money (cheque) to aid with his recovery, having lost his home and contents to fire.

Cleton Barnet, SVGCA Assistance Secretary, in handing over the cheque to Soleyn said. “The SVG Cricket Association sympathizes with you and your loss. We know that you have made significant contributions to cricket in this country and are still involved in the game. Based on that background we thought it fitting for us to make this contribution to your situation. It’s not a whole lot but we hope

and trust that it will in some meaningful way help you and your family to get back on your feet.”

In acknowledging receipt of the contribution, Soleyn said, “I just want to say I am grateful to the SVG Cricket Association for making this contribution.

I feel it will go a long way towards assisting my family and I to get back on our feet, so to speak, and get things back together. So again, thanks to the SVGCA.” Soleyn recalled briefly what happened on that ill-fated day, saying, “On Saturday, October 23rd I Cleton Barnet of the SVGCA (left) hands over received a phone call cheque to Oswald Soleyn. while at work saying that my house was on Stories: I.B.A.ALLEN them for their effort.” fire and I must come now. I rushed home and when I got there everything was already destroyed. The neighbours came out and tried to assist but they couldn’t save my home. I will also like to thank

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30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Zefal Bailey gets big league experience

Sir James

REFLECTIONS on people’s lives often form aspects of the Vineyard collection. Sometimes people question the choices. Persons with no supposed sporting links have been identified in the Vineyard to the bewilderment of readers.

The case with Sir James Mitchell will not throw any usual conflicts for he has been a force on the political landscape for nearly seventy years.

Even heading into his nineties, I was forced to comment on how healthy he appeared. Then I remembered he was a sea-faring man, enough basis on which to build his physical conditioning.

Besides, he was Minister of Agriculture, Premier, Opposition back bencher, Opposition Leader and Prime Minister. That gave him enough leverage to oversee many a sporting endeavour.

When the Arnos vale Playing became an international venue in 1972, Mitchell was in the early stage of his Premiership. Alphonso Dennie appeared as Minister of Sports at that encounter, with the nation in the throes of political imbalance following the six/six tie at the April 7 general elections. Cultural aficionados will remember Selwyn ‘Leader’ Burke’s classic: ‘First time.’

Sir James was Premier when the New Zealanders toured St. Vincent in 1972. It was scheduled to be a three-day match between New Zealand and the Windward Islands.

However, fans had to sit through two days of rain that rendered conditions unfit for play.

New Zealand had reached 70 for 3 late on the Friday afternoon, April 14 when play was abandoned. Terry Jarvis, Ross Morgan and Keith Campbell were dismissed with Vincentian wicketkeeper Mike Findlay featuring in two of the dismissals: Morgan stumped off Martial Francis, and Keith Campbell, caught off the bowling of Grenadian leg spinner Gregory Gibbs.

The following day was rained out and as compensation to the fans, a 45-over match was arranged Sunday April 16.

That was indeed the first international fixture at Arnos Vale Playing Field. The Windwards were dismissed for 162 in 41 .2 overs. Dominican Lockhart Sebastien 58, and his compatriot Irvin Shillingford 36, shared an 81-run second wicket stand, but the rest of the batting faltered. Murray Webb 3 for 18, Bevan Congdon 3 for 29, and Hedley Howarth 2 for 36 restricted the Windwards.

The Windwards picked up four wickets by the time the Kiwis reached 107, built on a 94-run third wicket stand by Keith Campbell 46 and Brian Hastings 49.

February 4, 1981 the West Indies beat England by two runs in a low-scoring encounter.

By that time, Mitchell was in the opposition along with Calder Williams. Sir James took part in four elections in the space of eight years: August 22, 1966, May 19, 1967, April 7, 1972, and December 9, 1974.

His last outing at the polls was June 15, 1998.

He was central in every poll until his death November 23, 2021.

Sir James aligned himself to sports, for he connected with people.

The second One Day International match at Arnos Vale was March 30, 1993, by which time Sir James was Prime Minister.

When Arnos Vale hosted its first Test June 20, 1997, Sir James was still at the helm.

Whatever his aliments, he remained a model of dynamism.

featured 100 cyclists, Bailey finished 71st. He, like the first 85 finishers, was given a time of 2:06.50. This as milliseconds decided the positions. Primal Audi Denver’s best showing came from Cyrus Pearo, who placed Zefal Bailey (right) during last 12th.

Sunday’s race in Panama.

Primal Audi Denver finished 10th overall after the five stages’ ZEFAL BAILEY entered the biggest results were tallied. league of his Cycling career, when Reflecting on the tour and the he teamed up with Primal Audi experience, Bailey said: “It was a Denver, a US based team, which good tour… It was a very participated in the Vuelta Internacional in Panama, last week. interesting, especially racing with the caliber of cyclists, mainly from The six-stage event ran from 24th November to 28th November. Latin and Central America.

“It was not where I should be In last Sunday’s race which

in terms of fitness, as coming from the Caribbean Cycling Championships and the Pan American Championships, because normally at this time of year, it is the end of season for us, but I gave it my all.”

He thinks that the experience will serve him in good stead going into 2022.

“Covering 359 miles in six stages, is also good preparation for me for the 2022 season,” Bailey concluded.

Apart from Bailey and Pearo, John Ryan and Forrest Howard were the other members of the Primal Audi Denver team.

Pierre in practice matches set-up STYLISH left-handed batsmanRomano Pierre and bowling allrounder- Asif Hooper have been added to Windward Islands Volcanoes set up, as they prepare for the Cricket West Indies (CWI) four-day tournament scheduled for next year.

Pierre and Hooper are expected to feature in three practice matches ahead of the selection of the final squad.

This is Pierre’s first exposure to this level and he welcomed the call with open arms.

“First I just want to say thanks to the Lord for his blessings. I was very pleased to get the call. I was training with the intention to be in a good condition for future

tournaments and this call come as a bonus to me,” he said.

Pierre, the leading run scorer in the 2021 Edition of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Premier League T10 (VPL), added, “…. This means that all the hard work I put in was not for nothing. …. Right now I am looking to push myself…. I know to myself I got what it takes to reach as far as the highest level in cricket. … My goal is to play first class cricket, but my immediate goal for those three games is to score around 200 runs overall including one hundred in any of the games.”

If he can do that, perhaps the selectors would be forced to

Romano Pierre Asif Hooper – – left-handed bowling all batsman rounder consider him when deciding on the final squad, he suggested.

Pierre and Hooper will join their fellow countrymen - Kenneth Dember, Keron Cottoy, Desron Maloney and Darius Martin as the Volcanoes contracted players for the series of practice matches starting in Grenada this weekend.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Dublin, Cumberbatch take TT titles

Damion Dublin – male champion

DAMION DUBLIN and Leah Cumberbatch took the male and female titles respectively, in last weekend’s round of the SVG Table Tennis Association’s (SVGTTA) Assessment Tournaments.

Dublin ensured his hold on the title when he beat Caleb Howard - 11/5, 11/7 /13/11 — in the final.

The two had set up the finals when, in one semi-final, Dublin had a hard-fought victory over Michel Creese - 7/11, 12/10, 11/5, 11/8.

In the other semi-final, Howard defeated Mirac Creese 6/11, 11/5, 11/5, 11/9.

Leah Cumberbatch, meanwhile, put the female title to rest when she disposed of Jessica Mc Carter 11/8, 11/3 11/8.

At the end of last weekend’s tournament, the following persons were selected to a training squad in preparation for a qualifying round of Leah Cumberbatch competition ahead of the – female champion.

Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham United Kingdom, July-August 2022: Damion Dublin, Michel Creese, Mirac Creese, Akeil De Roche, Caleb Howard, Mikael Hazelwood and the lone female Leah Cumberbatch.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. 31.

Classifieds

New Port to boost economic growth

Continued from Backpage.

British officials see the Port Modernisation Project as enhancing economic development/growth, while supporting improved livelihoods, poverty reduction, and ensuring citizens’ safety.

A second phase catering to the requirements of inter-island and regional travel is expected to complete the facility.

Some of the housing units at Lowmans Bay that will be handed over to displaces Rose Place residents.

WITTLEY GARVIN THORPE a.k.a. Rasco Sunday, 28th November, 2021 S.D.A. Church, Belmont Service: 10:30 a.m.

Interment: Belmont Cemetery

KENWICK AUGUSTINE MATTHEWS a.k.a. Turtle Saturday, 27th November, 2021 Apostolic Faith Mission Church Lower Questelles Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

KELVIN BYRON MCLEAN Friday, 26th November, 2021 Kingstown Baptist Church Viewing: 9:30 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

KENDOL DAVIS Saturday, 27th November, 2021 Glad Tidings Tabernacle Church Gomea Viewing: 9:30 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

LYSBURN STODDARD a.k.a Bomie

LEONARD CALVERT NICKIE

Sunday, 28th November, 2021 Clare Valley Seventh day Adventist Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

Saturday, 27th November, 2021 New Life Baptist Church Georgetown Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

PAULINE AGATHA ADAMS Sunday, 28th November, 2021 S.D.A Fountain Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER

03, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.48

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

FISHERS WANT REBATE ON GAS COVID and the volcano so we asking the WINSBERT HARRY, authorities if they could President of the National give fisherfolk in St. Fisherfolk Organization Vincent a rebate back on (NFO) continues to make gas, because I think the appeals on behalf of gasoline (price) is really fisherfolk in St. Vincent killing us.” and the Grenadines. This The crux of the time, he has ventilated his problem was outlined as apprehensions about the follows: “We use 26ft rising price of gasoline, boats covered by 75 which the fishers require horsepower engines. for the daily operations of These fishing vessels their crafts. burn about $75,000 a SVGTV News recently year (in gasoline). That highlighted Harry’s was reasonable, but now concerns in a telephone the gas [price] is very interview. high… fisherfolk are now “I’m calling on the burning up to one government, if they give hundred and something the fisherfolk a rebate on thousand dollars a year!” gas so we could make Harry explained. something when we risk Meeting the demands our life going out to sea,” for fish will be very he appealed. difficult if the fuel prices His appeal came as he continue to rise, since considered the impact of this could mean less time the COVID-19 pandemic at sea, and less fish. He and the La Soufriere reasoned that the time volcanic eruption on the had come for officials and lives and livelihoods of fisherfolk to meet to fisherfolk. discuss the situation and He complained, “As we to look specifically at know, the situation with offering rebates to that

by GLORIAH…

category of workers.

Failure to arrive at some form of resolution, Henry fears, will occasion a rise in the price of fish.

He was adamant that, “Rebate on gas could help us because very soon the nation will have to pay more for fish; the gas will be going up and we the fisherfolk will have to ask the nation to pay more.”

The NFP President reflected on the fact that fishermen land fish at the Kingstown Market

Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organization (NFO) warned that if gasoline prices don’t go down or there is no rebate for fishers, the price of fish will go up. almost on a daily basis, even with a greater share of their earnings now going back in gasoline.

Fish is a high priority commodity and if there is no ease, no concession with respect to the price of gasoline, the price of

fish will increase, Harry reiterated.

If there is no concession made to fisherfolk, “Very soon,” he predicted, “I do not

see the fisherfolk being able to keep up to meet the demands of the local market and the export market.”

Gasoline is a staple and costly item in the operations of fishing boats used in SVG.

NEW PORT TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH

by WILLIAM KOJAH ANTHONY

THE PORT MODERNISATION

PROJECT set for the western end of capital city Kingstown will begin to take shape early next year, when work is expected to The Rose Place community could well see some radical changes with the coming of the Port Modernisation Project.

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

begin on a cargo terminal, administrative centre, warehouses and a maintenance facility.

The project will also include the construction and upgrading of roads in the area, the provision of parking facilities, an off shore sewer line and outfall diffuser.

The relocation of residents and fisherfolk is a prerequisite for the undertaking, and government has moved to construct 47 houses at

Lowmans Bay, to accommodate the displaced families.

The Project, estimated to cost some US$185 million, is funded by a USD110 million loan from CDB; a USD32 million grant from the CDBadministered United Kingdom Infrastructure Fund; and a USD43 million contribution from the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Continued on Page 31.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.