THE VINCENTIAN PDF-06-05-22

FRIDAY, MAY 06,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.18

Gun retrieved Page 4

FOUR KILLED IN FOUR DAYS

www.thevincentian.com

Remembering Calder Pages 12&13

EC$1.50

Teachers overstressed Page 10

Vandyke Mayers died on the spot.

Choppins shooting takes two On Friday, April 29, 2022, several members of the Choppins United Football Team were walking along the Golden Vale Public Road after completion of a match against 1989 Hill Side Ballers Football Team.

A police report said that “at about 9:30pm, sounds of gunshots emanated from within the vicinity where members of the Choppins Football Team were walking’’.

When the gunshot ceased, and persons advanced in the direction from where the gunshots had come, they discovered Mayers and Duke with what appeared to be Kishroy Duke, held out until he gunshot wounds about their arrived at the MCMH. bodies, this according to the referred police report.

Luann Roberts – dead at 42 The police arrived promptly on years old. the scene where Mayers was pronounced dead by the District

by KENVILLE HORNE Medical Officer.

Duke died at the Milton Cato WHATEVER ACTIVITIES there were Memorial Hospital (MCMH) the to mark Workers Day over the May following day, Saturday 3th April.

Weekend here, took second place to While their investigations are a wave of murders that left four ongoing, the police did indicate persons dead, when the air had that their preliminary findings cleared. indicated that during the football Those who lost their lives at match, an argument broke out the hands of others were: between members of both teams Vandyke Mayers, a 42-year-old and threats were apparently labourer of Choppins; Kishroy made. This, according to a Duke, a 22-year-old labourer also resident of Calliaqua, was in of Choppins; Luann Roberts, a 42- keeping with what is said to be year-old Family Court Counsellor ‘bad blood’ between the two of Harmony Hall; and Keyon teams.

Phillips, a 35-year-old labourer One male suspect was taken resident in Kingstown Park but Keyon Phillips apparently liked originally from Greiggs.

Continued on Page 3. to play his music loud.

Marking Red Cross Day Page 15

Port nearing start Page 24

MANAGER CHARGED WITH KILLING EX-LOVER

by HAYDN HUGGINS REYNOLD ROBERTS, 40-yearold manager of the Magarita Ville Hotel in the Cayman Islands, is behind bars awaiting a September 1 Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of his former commonlaw wife Luann Roberts, a Counsellor attached to the family Court.

Roberts has been Reynold Roberts was charged with the said to have had a counsellor’s murder relationship with the following investigations led by deceased.

Corporal Marvin Westfield of the Major Crime Unit (MCU).

The accused who is originally of Richland Park, is said to have once lived with the Counselor at Harmony Hall.

The body of the 42-year-old woman was discovered in the back seat of her Nissan Skyline Motorcar, P6158, around 9am last Sunday. The vehicle was parked in the vicinity of the Buccament Secondary School in the Central Leeward constituency.

Information surrounding the incident has so far been sketchy, and speculation is rife as to how, when and where the killing occurred.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Movie Night at the Botanical Garden

by GLORIAH...

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN NINE NIGHTS of Lights Committee staged a Family Movie Night at the Garden last Friday, 29th April, where the movies “Peter Rabbit II” and “Encanto” were shown. The VINCENTIAN spoke with Calisha Solomon (Mrs), Chairperson of the Committee and Corlan Peters (Mrs), Administrative Officer at the Botanical Garden.

According to Solomon, “The inspiration behind it comes from the Movie Nights we have been having at our Nine Nights programme. The reception (to that) was positive with persons asking for a family movie night. When the Committee met, it was decided to put on the activity outside of the December period and, as you can see, it was well-received.”

Peters, who also has responsibility for the captivating Christmas atmosphere at the Garden, being the one who designs the lighting and ensures its installation, was quite happy with the turnout. “Seeing this was the first one outside December, we were happy with the crowd, roughly between two hundred and fifty and three hundred persons.” She believes that such an activity, concentrated on

A well-stocked concession area will be a fixture of the Movie Might and a fund-raising effort for the Nine Nights of Lights Committee.

The use of a larger screen allowed for better viewing and enhancement of the atmosphere.

Additionally, a well-stocked concession area was available to patrons with a selection of showing family-oriented movies, snacks and drinks. This, Peters encourages families to spend leisure explained, was the responsibility of the time together.

Committee which was in the process of The location, in the vicinity of the raising funds for the upcoming 2022 gazebo, boasted a large 16 x 20 feet Nine Nights of Lights. inflatable screen which, Peters To this, Committee Chairperson explained, was used to create a greater Solomon added, “We are hoping to do outdoor, cinematic atmosphere. this every month until around the “The screen used in the Christmas programme was deemed too small.

This one gives a better visual impact and utilizes the general area better.

From now on, the Nine Nights Committee will use the larger screen.”

October period. This will function as a fundraising activity for the Nine Nights of Lights. Whatever we raise here will go towards the purchase of lights for December.”

The Committee now looks forward to its next presentation of Family Movie night at the Garden and intends to step up the promotion side of the activity.

Leo Club St. Vincent celebrates 37 years

THE LEO CLUB ST. VINCENT, a youth based non-profit community service organization, was chartered on May 5th 1985 by the Lions Club of St. Vincent (now Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG).

The late Ms. Donna Young, a former Carnival Queen, was the first President of the forty-one (41) member group.

Guided by the acronym LEO which stands for Leadership, Experience and Opportunity, these young men and women between the ages 18 and 30 volunteered their time and resources to aid the less fortunate, through community service activities.

Over the years, the club has engaged and continues to participate in many community service projects throughout its Lionistic year (July-June.)

Some of these projects include: Feeding of the Homeless; an annual Christmas Party for the students of the School Children with Special Needs; a Mentorship Programme with the boys at the Liberty Lodge Boys’ Training Centre and the young ladies at the Guadalupe Home for Girls; and donations to needy families or individuals.

Benefits of being a Leo

There are many ways people can give back to their community but being a Leo is much more than just service. Leo clubs help its members to grow as individuals and develop as leaders in a global family of young people making the world a better place.

A Leo club offers a world of opportunity from developing crucial life skills and making change in communities, to building lifelong connections with likeminded individuals through the attendance of regional and international meetings and activities.

Congratulations to the

One of the most rewarding projects the Leos undertake is the Feeding of the Homeless who ‘find refuge’ on the streets of Kingstown. members of the Leo Club St. Vincent as they continue to fulfill their international mandate “We Serve’.

Handoving over farm supplies to farmers affected by the eruption of our La Soufrière volcano.

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News 3 St. Lucia to lend Bailey Bridges

THE RECENT SPATE of torrential rain was a stark reminder of the urgency which is needed in addressing the bridge situation, especially in the north eastern areas of mainland St. Vincent.

In areas where bridges had collapsed or become dysfunctional, whether under the weight of volcanic ash or heavy rains that occasioned flooding, residents were stranded on either side of rivers during the recent downpour.

It was expected that by now some measure of relief in this regard would have been provided with the erection of Bailey Bridges.

On learning that St. Lucia had Bailey Bridges in storage, a request was made by Hon. Montgomery Daniel to his counterpart, Stephenson King, in St. Lucia for the loan of at least three bridges.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed on NBC radio that he had spoken to that country’s Prime Minister Phillip Pierre on the matter, and that he, Pierre, had no problem with approving the request.

As such, therefore, it was only a matter of transporting the three Bailey Bridges from St Lucia, Gonsalves said, but he gave no estimated time of arrival here, of the Bridges.

Daniel disclosed that the decision to utilize temporary structures was agreed based on the advice from the technical persons.

“If you were to begin doing the designs for

Residents had to rely on the shill of a front end loader to get them across the Overland River in the aftermath of recent rains. (Credit: Facebook Photo) permanent bridges, it will take a much longer time and the cost,” he said.

What was needed, he stressed, was to provide some immediate relief and do so in a practicable manner. (DD) An artist’s impression of a section of the Acute Referral Hospital earmarked for construction in Arnos Vale. providing critical care in many areas including cancer treatment, dialysis, radiation and chemotherapy.

Construction start date set for Hospital WITH PRELIMINARY WORK on the project, including design, equipment, staffing already completed, construction on the stateof-the-Art Acute Referral Hospital in Arnos Vale will begin in earnest in January of 2023.

The Hospital, to be constructed on the

Northern side of the runway on the Old ET Joshua Tarmac, was originally estimated to cost $50m but that has been revised upwards to $82m.

According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, a team from the World Bank will be here within the next two

weeks to fine tune the management of the hospital. Final approval on the project from the World Bank is expected in August 2022.

The government has promised that the hospital will transform the delivery of health care in St Vincent and the Grenadines,

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . 3.

Four killed in four days Continued from Frontpage. into custody and was assisting with the investigations. He was subsequently released without charge.

Counsellor found dead in her car And while the ink on the preliminary report on the deaths of Mayers and Duke was far from dry, police, after receiving pertinent information, mounted an operation on Sunday, May 1, 2022, and discovered the body of Luann Roberts of Harmony Hall, a 42-year-old Counsellor at the Family Court, in the rear seat of her motor vehicle which was parked in the vicinity of the Buccament Bay Secondary School.

The discovery was made at about 9:15am and sources indicated that her body bore signs of several injuries.

The police operation was mounted, according to reliable sources, after a woman who claimed that a man had assaulted her, told her during the alleged assault, that he had killed Roberts and left her body in her car.

Further investigations led to Reynold Roberts, 40-year-old man of Harmony Hall, being taken into police custody for questioning in releated to the incident. He was reported to have had a relationship with the deceased.

Reynold Roberts was subsequently formally arrested and charged with Ms. Roberts’ murder.

(See Story on Page 4.)

Kingstown Park murder The fourth incident took place on Monday, May 2, 2022, at about 5:45am in the Central Kingstown community of (Upper) Kingstown Park.

A police report said that they received information that the slumped body of a male was seen on a speaker box in Kingstown Park, with what appeared to be blood running from his head.

Members of the Major Crimes Unit responded to the report and discovered the body of Keyon ‘My Boy’ Phillips, a 35-year-old labourer of Kingstown Park/Greiggs, in the positon as described.

Examination of the Phillips’ body revealed a wound to the left side of his head. Blood was still oozing from the wound when the police arrived on the scene.

The total number of homicides for 2022 now stands at 14.

Manager charged with killing ex-lover Continued from Frontpage.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain the results of the autopsy, but understands there were injuries to her body.

The accused was not required to plea when taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court, and was remanded pending the Preliminary Inquiry

slated to commence on September 1.

The Prosecution is expected to call about 15 witnesses.

Attorney Grant Connell represented the accused, during his brief appearance at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday while Crown Counsel Rene Simmonds appeared for the Crown.

The Family Court’s counsellor’s death came about two years and four months after Arianna

Taylor Israel, a Cuban national who was employed here as a Nurse, died after reportedly being shot several times on the compound of the St. Martin Secondary School.

Taylor-Israel’s former husband Mitchel ‘Mitch’ Israel, a former public servant here, is currently awaiting trial for that murder which reportedly occurred around 3pm, January 30, 2020.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Gun retrieved minutes after sentencing Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

admitted he had in is possession.

Antoine handed over the gun at LESS THAN one hour after Barry Antoine Layou, after being escorted there by a was fined $9,000 for possession of 16 team of Officers from the Rapid rounds of ammunition on Thursday, Response Unit (RRU) led by Inspector police was able to retrieve the firearm he Nolan ‘Grandpa’ Dallaway. They were accompanied by Antoine’s lawyer Grant Connell. The operation was facilitated by Prosecutor Renrick Cato, acting on instructions from Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, following a sterling mitigation plea from Connell.

Antoine, 42-year-old livestock farmer of Layou, was given the opportunity to hand over the unlicensed firearm to the police, after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne gave instructions to have the lawmen escort him to his residence at Layou, to have the gun retrieved.

Those instructions were given just before Antoine was fined $9,000 for possession of 16 rounds of 12-guage ammunition.

A firearm was recovered during the investigations, but Antoine was not charged with possession of that gun as the police did not have the evidence to lay the charge, since the gun was not found in Antoine’s possession.

However, in a statement given to the police which was read in Court on Wednesday by the arresting officer, Barry Antoine handed over the Antoine said, “I am the owner of a firearm to Inspector Nolan Dallaway shotgun, but that one is not mine,” of the RRU, in the company of RRU referring to one the police found.

Corporal - La Fleur Williams.

In a caution statement during his arrest on May 3, Antoine is quoted as saying, “The shots are mine, I buy them from a man this morning for $150.

Following Prosecutor Renrick Cato’s representations on sentencing on Wednesday, Attorney Grant Connell made representations Amicus Horai on Antoine’s behalf, he told the Court he thought the Prosecution would have asked whether Antoine could have handed over the firearm which he admitted he had.

“You want Barry’s shotgun, tell him to bring in the shotgun, save a life.

Tell Barry to bring in the firearm to any competent police officer. You have Dallaway here, who has community skills. Tell him to bring in the firearm to ‘Grandpa’,” Connell suggested, referring to popular Rapid Response Unit (RRU) officer, Inspector Nolan ‘Grandpa’ Dallaway who was sitting in the audience.

Before the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Connell said, “We have to get SVG back to where it was. Less guns on the street and saving lives.”

And the lawyer added that he was willing to assist in this regard.

“Mr. Antoine can get the firearm to the police, and I am asking the Court to consider this when sentencing,” Connell said.

Prosecutor Cato said he had no difficulty with Connell’s suggestion to have Antoine hand over the firearm.

The Chief Magistrate agreed, but said that there may be more than one firearm.

“That consideration has to be today and I am depending on you (Cato) to deal with that today. The objective is to have a safe SVG,” the Magistrate insisted, and told Cato to put things in place.

“It has to be facilitated by you (Cato). It is the police who should be going with Mr. Antoine to retrieve the firearm,” the Magistrate directed.

In handing down the penalty, Browne took all the circumstances into consideration, the sentencing guidelines, and pillars of sentencing.

She highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the 16 rounds of ammunition was found in a public place, and Antoine admitted he had a firearm. She also took in account that Antoine had previous convictions for firearm possession.

But she also highlighted the mitigating factors raised by Connell, including the fact that Antoine was a hard working livestock farmer, and the heavy losses that livestock farmers have suffered as a result of praedial larcency. She added that Antoine cooperated with the police, showed remorse and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity. After weighing the mitigating and aggravating factors, Browne fined Antoine $9,000 to the paid by August 2 with an alternative of eight months in prison.

After the penalty was handed down, she told Antoine, “The police will escort you to your place of residence where they will retrieve the firearm.

Mason to stand trial for murder HANIF FORBES, 40-year-old mason of Spring Village, Georgetown, will stand trial before Judge and Jury on five charges, in connection with the January 22, 2022 shooting death of truck driver, Joshua ‘Cabbage’ Pompey of O’Brien’s village.

At the Serious Offences Court, last week Thursday, following a Paper Committal Procedure, Forbes was committed to stand trial in the High Court trial for the murder of Pompey, and assaulting Pompey’s wife Lakeitha Harris-Pompey of O’Brien’s Village, causing her bodily harm.

He was also committed to stand trial for unlawfully discharging a loaded firearm at Pompey with intent to injure; possession of a firearm without license; and entering the home of Pompey’s wife and stealing one bottle of Gonsalves black wine valued Hanif Forbes will have to answer to a judge and jury for a charge of causing the death of Joshua ‘Cabbage’ Pompey.

at EC$30, one bottle of Pure Heaven nonalcoholic wine valued EC$25, and one bottle of Jamaican Brandy valued EC$35.

After witness statements, and Joshua other relevant ‘Cabbage’ material of the case Pompey is said were reviewed by to have the Prosecution, succumbed defence, and Chief after receiving a Magistrate single gunshot.

Rechanne Browne, the Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Forbes to stand High Court trial on all charges. He was represented by attorney Ronald Marks.

Pompey was shot around 12:05am on January 22, while his wife, an auxiliary police officer, was reportedly assaulted shortly before midnight on January 21.

The offences of burglary, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm without license, were reportedly committed around 11:40 p.m. on January 21.

All five offences are said to have occurred at O’Brien’s Village, and stemmed from the same incident.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 5.

Regional

OECS condemns abolition of BVI Parliament THE ORGANIZATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES (OECS) says it regards as “a retrograde step” the abolition of the Parliament in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) with direct rule from London.

In a statement, the leaders of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis and Montserrat said they had taken note of the position taken by the duly elected BVI government “which, while welcoming the recommendations arising from the Inquiry, rejects the intention of the British government to impose direct rule on the BVI”.

“It is clear to us that, in principle, it is ill-advised to impose direct colonial rule and the history of such imposition in the Caribbean has never delivered the desired result,” the OECS said in the statement.

On Monday, people in the BVI took to the streets outside the official residence of Governor John BVI Premier Andrew Fahie was taken into custody by Miami Law Enforcement on allegations of drug and money laundering.

(Credit: Nation News)

Rankin as they protested the recommendations of a report of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) that examined allegations of corruption and abuse of office by elected and statutory officials.

The one-man COI has outlined several recommendations including that the British Virgin Islands government cease to exist in its current format for at least two years.

The protest coincides with planned meetings involving UK Overseas Territories Minister, Amanda Milling, with local stakeholders on the COI report.

Rankin said that the commissioner had recommended: “a return to Ministerial Government and an elected House of Assembly as soon as practicable, with the Governor taking regular advice from the Advisory Council and others on the earliest practicable date on which such government can resume”.

“Secondly, the commissioner recommends an early and speedy review of the constitution with the purpose of ensuring that abuses of the type he has identified do not recur, establishing a constitution that will enable the people of the BVI to meet their aspirations including those in respect of self-government within the context of a modern democracy.”

But the OECS leaders said they agreed with the elected representatives of the people of the

BVI that “abolition of Parliament with direct rule from London represents a retrograde step in the evolution of the democratic process that is inconsistent with the United Nations Proclamation of Human Rights to be free of colonial rule”.

The leaders stressed that, “The historical responsibility for strengthening governance in the BVI must rest on the shoulders of the elected representatives and the people of the BVI themselves.

British Virgin Islanders protesting the recommendations of a report of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) that examined allegations of corruption and abuse of office by elected and statutory officials. (Credit: JTV 55 Channel)

Wednesday, Judge Alicia Otazo Reyes of the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled that Caught in a drug deal BVI Premier can be released on a All of this come amidst the arrest of $500,000 bond while he awaits trial.

The judge reportedly rejected the the BVI Premier Andrew Fahie in the United States last week on allegations prosecutors’ argument that Fahie was a flight risk if he was released from of drug and money laundering. custody pending trial but ordered that Fahie as well as the managing if bail was granted, that Fahie would director of the British Virgin Islands have to remain in monitored Ports Authority Oleanvine Pickeringconfinement in his daughters’ Maynard and her son Kadeem apartment, Maynard, have been charged with Fahie will undergo a preliminary conspiracy to import a controlled hearing on May 13. (Sources: CMC, substance and money laundering.

BVI News, bloomberglaw.com) At a pre-trial detention hearing on

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Power to the people

crime, failed to effectively evaluate the system of education especially A CONVERSATION with an elderly lady as it related to the number who fall through the crack into a world who had returned home for the of idleness and crime. funeral of a relative, threw up some And the elderly lady referenced interesting observations. the “chosen few”, the already She recalled how her children, wealthy clique who benefits from all “educated,” had to leave SVG for an association with government, in pastures afield in search of effect benefit from the poor opportunities and better lives. governance of the country. If we In time, she reluctantly gave up are not careful, we’ll create a class her homeland to join them so rich that they will not be able to overseas. spend their richness in their As she grappled with the decision to leave or not to leave, i.e. lifetime.

The unequal spread of to join or not to join her children, opportunities for young people was she said she had to admit that the especially disheartening, she SVG she knew was fast lamented.

Some pigs, she said, are disappearing into oblivion; that the always going to be more “equal” experience of living in a clean and than others. safe middle class community had These are the said people, with given way to a sense of lawlessness their chests of resources, who will and disregard for others and the come asking the people to support environment. the current model of governance, She even went as far as to say so they can continue living off the that in fact, to paraphrase, what would have been a middle class was sweat of the real people of this country. deliberately being “destroyed”, But lest we forget, there is leaving the society divided between ‘Power in the People’ and when the rich and privileged and a that power is threatened or working class struggling with the removed, it must be returned to inefficiencies of the State.

It was this overwhelming reality, the people if chaos is to be averted.

“Power to the People” was a the degradation of her community chant used by anti-war and civil that drove her to leave the shores rights protesters in the ’60s. The of her native land. SVG was fast concept behind that phrase was becoming a place she no longer recognized and falling swiftly into a that the people, not the government, are sovereign and the political abyss encouraged by a government’s power is granted to political culture that had erased it by the governed. the spirit of compromise.

That has been reversed in our Needless to say, the conversation day as government has become with the elderly lady sparked a ever more powerful, some would cavalcade of questions and a argue dictatorial, as demonstrated prolonged reflection. by restrictions on our liberties If what the lady observed was with the COVID-19 virus used as anywhere near the truth, and the excuse for certain actions readers will decide for themselves, against freedom of choice and free it begged the question: What kind expression of dissenting views. of people would have managed our The government has also country in a way that: they become expensive and remote from encouraged prejudices for political gain; dismantled or frowned on the most people.

Never thought we will find reintroduction of the efficient local wisdom in what President Ronald government structures that allowed Reagan ever had to say. But it is communities to manage their basic to he that we credit for the infrastructure; and failed to do basic ongoing maintenance of roads statement: “Government is not the and buildings, preferring instead to solution to our problem; allow them to decay and then enter government is the problem.”

Change must come, and the into mega projects and make boast power will be returned effectively of how much they have done; to the people, not the few. disregarded the real causes of

Government role in the Private Sector Economy THERE IS A REASON to debate the Government’s role in the private economy. In principle, I support limiting the Government’s role in economic development to providing infrastructure.

If done correctly, everyone benefits.

The undeclared ongoing financial crisis, economic recession, and runaway inflation are genuinely not the Government’s fault. These are legitimate justification for the Government to remain “overactive” in the economy. But at some point, we must stop the subsidies.

My concern is, our Government continues to provide (promise) millions of dollars in direct payments to selective sectors of the economy. Some may argue that the aid could have been handled differently. For example, assisting the production sector would have a more lasting economic benefit. Your position on this argument is based on which side of the political spectrum you fall.

Unfortunately for us, the two leading political parties seem to be on the same page on this issue. Therefore, we do not have a debate on an alternative approach to economic recovery. The discussion today is about who is getting the handout.

I believe that any direct payment to individuals or corporate is a bailout with minimal economic effects.

Since independence, all of our governments have made a habit of selecting sectors of our economy to subsidize. First, it was agriculture (Bananas); then, a half-hearted effort in fishing, banking, and light industries. In more recent times, we added tourism, now back to fishing and agriculture.

A better way to support any or all of these industries is by building the supporting infrastructure, not replacing the private sector activities. For example, government building the airport is good; building hotels is not in our best long-term interest.

An example of a missed opportunity in the 1980s by the Government was their lack of attention to fixing the infrastructure problem related to bananas, mangoes, and other fruits and vegetables. As a result, we lost the opportunity to export these commodities to the North American market. This resulted in the significant exporter of agricultural products Eastern Caribbean Agency (ECA), being forced out of

business. Now I am sure there were other contributing factors to this company’s failure, but no one can deny the loss of that market was a contributing factor. More importantly, our failure to address the production issues around fruits and vegetables contributes to the ‘constructive’ destruction of the business sector and that business.

It is critical to understand why bailouts and other forms of corporate welfare persist. Politicians want to be seen as doing something to create jobs to help the economy grow. Therefore, they will enact policies that give certain businesses benefits at the cost of a wider group of taxpayers. For more on corporate welfare, read Mr. Ivan O’Neal’s weekly column. Companies dependent on extended startup support from the Government tend to need those subsidies to remain a going concern.

Broad-based tax relief would improve the incentives for all businesses to invest capital and enhance productivity. There is a significant difference between government support for “Big Business” and government support for free-market.

Government bailouts invite corruption and undermine citizens’ faith in the even-handedness of Government.

Whatever short-term gains come from such arrangements, they are not, in the end, sustainable. They are obstacles to true prosperity, innovation, or economic diversity in the long term.

Economic Development centered on ill-conceived incentives is counterproductive. It is like paying people to be your friends. Many folks might surround you if you’re giving out cash, but you aren’t exactly making deep connections.

There will undeniably be a short-term boost in the economy due to these handouts. But, will it be sustainable growth? Sooner or later, we have to deal with the actual costs of these selective government-business partnerships.

Vincentians have a right to wonder if it is worth the price. Being skeptical about any cost-benefit is natural.

Experience tells us that most companies that depend on government subsidies to establish themselves are more likely to fail than one that grows out of the creative distribution and rebirth process.

Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 7.

Letters

Integrity Legislation

THE PROMISE to enact Integrity Legislation within the first 100 days of the ULP administration was not kept. The legislation would have signaled the intention of the government to be transparent, accountable, moral, just, fair, and free of corruption. While the focus should justly be put on our leaders, the rest of the citizenry should not be enablers to corruption.

The role of those in authority is to inspire, motivate, and set the right example in doing right.

The rest of us need to maintain and expect a high standard of integrity among ourselves.

Beginning with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, we need to see demonstrated efforts to be fair in ensuring that the opposition is accorded what is due to them. Motions of No Confidence must be facilitated if parliamentarians are to have the opportunity to remove a rogue regime constitutionally outside of general elections. The one time in the year when Opposition motions must take precedence should be honored.

The Police must behave in a respectable, and responsible manner. Arresting drummers and peaceful demonstrators was not helpful. Crimes should be professionally investigated and the right charges laid. Justice must be seen to be done.

Partisan politics should play no role in policing.

Criminal Justice and Forensic Science should be taught at our Community College together with Basic Policing. Advancing through the ranks must be by merit.

The Civil Service is the engine of governance and must be allowed to run the country within the policy framework of the Administrators. Members of the Police and Service Commissions should be persons invested in the integrity of meritocracy.

The focus of the Pensions and Social Security funds should be on efficient collections so that there are sufficient funds to take care of our people in retirement. Anywhere work is done, collections should be made. The Farmer, Domestic worker, Construction worker, and Fishermen should all pay in to the Retirement funds. The success of the program should result in the reduction or elimination of the Poor Relief. Those in receipt of assistance must ensure that it is the minimum amount that is needed and seek to be weaned off the program in the shortest possible time.

Students in particular must demonstrate that they value the assistance given by studying diligently to make full proof of the help received.

With respect to the environment, each individual, household, and business place and worker must ensure that the space occupied is kept sanitized and clean. We need to go further by beautifying and conserving the environment.

Students make up a large portion of the population and should play a great role in making our country look, smell, and feel good.

Funds spent educating our children should be expended fairly to ensure that all our workers gain adequate academic and practical preparation.

Wherever the auditors examine, their report should be that we are a people of integrity.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

We can reduce homicides LAST WEEKEND can be described as a weekend marked by Murder. This, of course, doesn’t speak well of our beautiful country. In Matthew 24:12 it says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” So what we are experiencing is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It displays the state of mankind and the world in which we live.

It would seem that people no longer know how to or are not prepared to solve differences without the use of a gun or some other weapon. In some cases, the killer is a product of a dysfunctional family, where no father figure is present and so the boys grow up without proper guidance and lack of love, and have low selfesteem.

There are some cases where it is a case of revenge. Not being able to forgive breeds a desire for revenge which can easily lead to killing. If we forgive and try to resolve peacefully the many issues that we encounter, we would see a reduction in murders.

We cannot deny that there is a lack of love and respect for human life that would drive someone to take another person’s life. Sometimes we ask ourselves: ‘What heart does a person have to watch someone and kill them?’ We have to realize as the Bible says that the “heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17: 9.

It is such a pity that even though hanging is still on the books, no one gets hanged. And even though someone might be sentenced to be hanged, they would appeal right up to the

Privy Council and have their death sentence revoked.

I know it would be hard to take the illegal guns off the street and from the hands of persons who have them.

An amnesty is a good idea but not effective since lots of folks would still not surrender their guns. However, it would be nice to make an effort to offer amnesty and also do searching of homes and even vehicles for ammunition. I admit, this can be very uncomfortable for many

citizens, but targeted searches can be done.

Here it is where the cooperation of citizens is needed. For this to work, citizens must have confidence in the police that their names would not be disclosed.

The most important things for us as a nation is to turn away from our wickedness and turn to God. By doing that we would see more love displayed, since there would be more clean hearts. May God help us to have a peaceful nation where the murder rate

would be reduced and we would respect the lives of others. God bless SVG. Kennard King

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Celebrating improved status of workers in SVG on Labour Day 2022 Introduction ON SUNDAY, May 1, 2022, this country like many others in the region, observed “Labour Day” in recognition of the extremely significant contribution workers make to national development. The Vincentian worker in general, but those in the state sector in particular, have been beneficiaries of a number of workercentred policies of this ULP administration since coming into office in 2001. It must never be forgotten, that the elections of 2001 that paved the way for this Comrade Ralph-led ULP government, were as a direct result of worker dissent over the general conditions of work that lead to massive protests that brought activities to a halt across this country.

Workers in the state sector had become very dissatisfied with the lack of concern for their many issues raised regarding their conditions of work including salaries and other benefits that would improve their standards of living. Locked in negotiations with the then government, the trade unions were left frustrated and disillusioned with the dismissiveness and arrogance that had become the hallmark of the then NDP government. The level of protest that occurred in 2000 where public workers abandoned their jobs and took to the streets, some in uniform, demanding better treatment by their employer, is unlike anything seen in this country since universal adult suffrage. It is against this backdrop that we can celebrate Labour Day 2022, and reflect on how this ULP administration has improved labour relations in this country through a number of progressive legislative provisions as well as through practical policy initiatives that have improved the lives of the working people. This government has implemented targeted interventions to improve the conditions of work for public officers which have made the public service the first choice of employment for Vincentians seeking work.

Specific benefits to Public Sector Workers As a small developing country, with the government as the single largest employer, there are constraints in what can be offered to employees in terms of direct financial benefits such as salary increases or allowances. This reality however doesn’t preclude the provision of other benefits to workers that have a less direct effect on government’s expenditure. It does however, require creativity in fashioning initiatives that will positively impact the living standards of workers. While in opposition, the leadership of the ULP met with the leadership of the various trade unions to hear their concerns and proposals in an effort to develop responses to many of those vexing issues that had strained the relationship between them and the government of the day. It was no surprise therefore that once elected, the ULP was able to move swiftly in putting a number of worker-centred initiatives in place that immediately saw the improvement in the working conditions of public officers and ultimately improved living standards.

Over the years, public officers have benefited from financial packages offered by the government including direct salary increases prior to the 2008 global financial crisis and also since that time. The reclassification exercise carried out in the public service also saw increased salaries for public

servants as many grades were “bumped” up and with that came increases in salaries. There has been improved regularity and consistency regarding the appointment of graduates in the public sector, and this appointment brings with it in many instances, an increase in salary and of course the yearly increments that come with the position.

Public officers also benefitted from the then government’s gradual increasing of the taxable income threshold that was $12,000 per year when the ULP came into office but has been gradually increased to its current level of $20,000 per year giving workers more disposable income. The income tax policy just outlined is also complimented by the reduction of the income tax rate that was at 40% (maximum) in 2001, but again the ULP administration has reduced over the years to its current rate of 30%. Taken together, these initiatives saw public officers making more money, and paying less taxes thus increasing their disposable income, offering them flexibility to do other things and by increasing their spending power.

The ULP is especially proud of our initiative that offered public officers the ability to pursue their dream of home ownership with the provision of 100% mortgages through the then National Commercial Bank. Although not a policy that can be quantified in dollar terms as an expenditure to government, it represents a significant benefit for public workers (and has now been extended to all workers as other lending institutions followed suit) delivered by the worker-friendly ULP administration. Many public servants can recount the embarrassments experienced previously when lending institutions repeatedly rejected their mortgage applications because their salaries were too small, or they weren’t able to acquire the necessary downpayment. Many public servants, single and married spent years living at home with parents and siblings because of the difficulty in acquiring a mortgage to build their dream home or struggled for years, with the help of neighbours to construct their house in phases that enabled them to occupy even before completion. The ULP eliminated this impediment and ushered in a new dispensation in homeownership in this country and many public servants now have their homes, financed through a 100% mortgage facility and serviced by their much increased salaries, putting the increased disposable income to good use.

Conclusion There is much that this government has done over its tenure to improve the conditions of work in this country through legislation and is leading the way by example in constantly improving the conditions of work for public employees. The labour relations environment in this country is better than it as ever been, even as some in the trade union movement seek to hijack the movement in an attempt at advancing their own agendas, political or otherwise. The government will continue to improve workers’ rights and workers benefits in recognition of the important role they play in our quest to develop a modern, competitive, manysided, post-colonial economy that is at once local, national, regional and global.

Happy Labour Day 2022 from the Unity Labour Party.

Vincentians, Say no to the North Leeward Quarry!

(Press Statement concerning the Richmond, North Leeward Quarry)

Chateaubelair - Castle of the beautiful air WHEN THE EXPLOSIONS of the Rayneau Construction quarry in North Leeward begin, will this name still be relevant?

Will it still be beautiful? What will the quality of life be like for farmers, fishers, residents in the heartland of the volcano country, on the foothills of La Soufriere, by the beautiful river of Richmond and the lush hills of Chateaubelair? What will the quality of air be like for the residents of Fitz Hughes, barely having recovered from the explosive volcanic eruptions of 2021?

We, the New Democratic Party (NDP), call on Vincentians to say NO to the approval granted to Rayneau’s quarry operation for 30 years! Mining and other extractive industries are among the most destructive activities on the planet, especially for tourism and farming communities. Is quarry mining really the best developmental option for the Chateaubelair headland? Are we in desperate need of the quarry for the purposes of the construction industry that we sell our soul in the process?

We demand that the ULP administration disclose the following to our nation: * How much stone is expected to be mined annually by the Rayneau quarry? * How much of that stone is required to meet local demand? * How much of that stone will be sold on the local market and at what rate? * What benefit will SVG derive from the quarry over the next 30 years? * How much of the funds generated will be re-directed towards the development of North Leeward, and the preservation of its natural heritage? * Why is the lease rate so much lower than the going lease rate in SVG and the rest of the East Caribbean? * Are our existing quarries owned and run by local business people not able to meet the local demand for aggregate? * Did local business people apply for quarries in the North Leeward area before and were turned down and if so, why?

The Government argues that mining brings jobs, money, and investment in infrastructure.

Residents of mining regions the world over have attested that the jobs brought by mining are few, and mostly limited to the construction phase of projects. The influx of resources promised by mining companies and governments are also few and far from what is promised.

What mining towns are left with instead is environmental wreckage and health problems.

The lease to Rayneau Construction and Industrial Equipment Ltd is for 30 years and surrenders 58.8 acres of prime land. In 30 years, what will be left at the quarry site? An excavated, gutted landscape of nothingness.

During those 30 years, shall we feel accomplished as we observe the transformation of this landscape to a wasteland?

The eruption of La Soufriere brought international attention to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. North Leeward has now become a favourite

weekend destination for many locals and visitors alike, curious to see the remains of the lava flow at Larakai, the new shape of the falls of Baleine and the newly discovered mineral falls. A landscape now overflowing with endless possibilities as an ecotourism site is about to be destroyed.

The La Soufriere National Park: Several years ago, the National Trust recommended that the La Soufriere National Park be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, as recommended by the SVG National Trust in 2012. If ever there was a time for the Government of SVG to declare La Soufriere as a national park for protection it is now.

An NDP Government would ensure the designation of La Soufriere as a national park so that this part of our patrimony will be protected for all time and be part of our eco-tourism sustainable development goals that will generate tourism revenue for SVG. It is time for La Soufriere and its surrounding landscapes to be protected, not blown to pieces by a quarrying operation approved by the ULP administration.

What conceivable reason could there be for this project to begin, with the bulldozing of roads through farmland and demolishing of mature cocoa trees and other fruit trees, without giving consideration or notice to our farmers. What was the hurry, the hurry that caused basic courtesy of our dignified farmers to be sacrificed? We hear that the farmers will be given financial compensation.

But can this compensation repair or justify destroyed livelihoods and lost dignity? Where is the public apology?

The ULP administration needs to explain to us the citizens of this country the reasons for the haste in starting this project and the disrespect levelled at our citizens with the secretive dealings.

To add insult to injury, the export of the aggregate from the quarry site requires the building of a rock pier next to the important headland known as ‘Cavali Rock.’ This promontory is special for many reasons. It is easily accessible by residents of the area by simply walking to it from Richmond beach.

From the rocks, one can cast out a fishing line and catch fish. It is such a special fishing spot that it is not only used by residents of North Leeward but also from as far south as Layou.

People of North Leeward have fished there for many generations. It is where memories were made between fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, neighbours and friends.

The rock is also a place where small vessels may pull up and drop off persons who wish to get to Richmond beach. It has served as a sort of local jetty over the years. This headland of Cavali Rock is iconic as it frames every photograph of the Chateubelair harbour and Richmond Bay. This rock must stand. It must not be destroyed and replaced with a pier of concrete or rocks as permitted by the ULP government.

Immediately off Cavali Rock is Cavali reef. This is one of the most vibrant reefs in the Richmond area and has been the favourite dive site of the Richmond Vale Academy (RVA) and others for many years. Videos from 2015 from RVA showcase the rich sea life that lies below the water at Cavali Reef. Cavali Reef must stay.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 9.

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Focused and Forward looking

“FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS, not your weaknesses. Focus on your character, not your reputation. Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.”

Robert T. Bennett (1939-2014) American attorney, CPA, and political executive who was the chairman of the Ohio Republican Party from 1988 to 2009 and again in 2012 and 2013 LIFE WILL PERIODICALLY present challenges and setbacks that can be distracting and/or discouraging. Some may even be categorized as devastating.

This may be especially evident when individuals encounter the loss of a loved one, unemployment, and misfortunes created by diseases or accidents. All of these scenarios could usher in feelings of despair. Sometimes the “wounds” can be so severe, so intense, that they seem to stop us in our tracks and suck the winds from our sail. At times like these we may be tempted to wallow in self-pity.

Sometimes, if the situation is triggered by some fault or failure on our part, we may even be burdened by guilt and/or shame.

However, it is possible for us to regroup, to refocus, in an effort to improve our situation as we concentrate more on what we still have left than on what we have lost. That renewed focus can make the difference in relation to the extent and duration of our demise. There is value in creating and sustaining a focus that is forward looking.

There is wisdom in adhering to the guidance presented in the Robert Bennett quotation that was used to introduce this essay: to focus on our strengths, character, and blessings rather than on our weaknesses, reputation, and misfortunes. This does not trivialize the value that can be derived from our introspections surrounding our failures shortcomings, or misfortunes. There is value in engaging in such self-examinations as we seek to reduce or eliminate the foibles that may have created pain, heartache, and/or calamities for ourselves and/or those dear to us.

However, we must agree that the time is much better spent when we focus on the road ahead … rather than be distracted by what has passed. As one writer, using the analogy of the driver in an automobile, reminded us that it is unwise, unproductive, and dangerous to drive forward with a constant gaze in the rear-view mirror. A periodic glance is good/desirable but a constant gaze could be disastrous.

Visionaries, individuals who are focused and forward looking, are always in demand at the leadership and management positions in the private and public sectors. These are individuals who have the ability to forecast the likelihood of events taking place and, more importantly, design and implement strategies that will position their respective enterprises to maximize the benefits to their operations; ensuring that they reduce their risks and maximize their likelihood of success. Such individuals are not averse to change. They evolve to meet the changing environment and inspire their followers to create and sustain a focus and attitude that will see them facing the challenges that confront them and/or their enterprises with confidence.

They will not cower or cringe when life’s challenges emerge. They will not be deflated when life’s circumstances threaten their dreams and ambitions.

They will not moan and groan when faced with trials and disappointments.

They are so focused and forward looking

that they see beyond the defects, detours, distractions, and disappointments to continue their pursuit of excellence.

Jack Canfield (born 1944), co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, motivational speaker, and author, reminds us that, “Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them.

They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfilment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” That ability to remain focused, even as we face challenges and obstacles, often determines whether or not we succeed in our noble pursuits.

Focus requires discipline. It is a skill that enables us to concentrate on the desired outcome; to avoid the temptations to procrastinate or to “take the easy way out”. It does not happen by chance. It is part and parcel of a disciplined life. Focus demands that we maintain our attention and effort until we achieve our goals. It insists that we fortify our determination skills and pay attention to the incremental steps that are required to enable us to meet deadlines, achieve targets, and pursue our noble goals and dreams.

In today’s fast-paced world, we can be easily distracted by the multiple situations, gadgets, and individuals.

This is as true for the student as it is for the adult in the workplace.

Distractions abound. However, by being more focused, we can engage in activities that create and sustain a clarity of thought that forever propels us to outstanding achievements. Once we are determined to excel and we have a plan to follow, we can develop methodologies and routines that enable us to maximize our potential.

An assessment of what we want to accomplish in life, and why we desire to do so, can often motivate us to develop and sustain the required focus to pursue and achieve the specific ambition. For example, a student who desires to pursue a career in her profession of choice may find it absolutely necessary to decline invitations to go partying (or clubbing) with her friends and, instead, commit to the required long hours of research and study that are necessary for outstanding academic performance.

Likewise, a teacher who desires to deliver the best possible class presentation on a particular subject matter may find it necessary to retain a focus on the work at hand as opposed to going out liming with colleagues. These two examples are not intended to convey that the individuals described in the scenarios are doomed to be “unsociable” and to live boring, selfcentred lives. Not at all. They are presented to suggest that excellence demands a disciplined (and often sacrificial) focus on delayed gratification while in pursuit of outstanding performances. We can achieve more, and do much better, when we are focused and forward looking.

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

Principles, Debt Forgiveness, Transparency and Accountability EVERY CENT OUR GOVERNMENT gets that assists our further advancement as a nation is welcomed as good news.

Therefore, the announcement that we gained permission from President Maduro of Venezuela to ‘borrow US$9 million which we owed the ALBA bank, but could not, because of the American imposed sanctions of Caracas should be applauded. Except this: it amounts to unprincipled exploitation of the generosity of our well-endowed southern neighbour. It assists the bullying tactics of the illegal sanction that the American government imposed against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Early in the revolutionary experiment unfolding in Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez launched two critically important initiatives: Bolivarian Alliance for the People of the Americas (ALBA) and PetroCaribe.

SVG became associated with both and has benefitted significantly. Over the last five years, Venezuela has forgiven loans amounting to close to EC$500 million. Last week we received debt forgiveness that wiped out all of our debt with the Bolivarian Republic. The most recent forgiveness of EC$189 million brought about a 9 percent reduction in our national debt. In addition, we received a commitment of assistance for asphalt for road construction, fertiliser and 150 prefabricated homes.

Every citizen will agree when he says, ’this is absolutely an incredible package of support.’ Those who pay close attention will know that the assistance does not flow in one direction. SVG’s support for Venezuela’s sovereignty, independence and right to choose its path to development has been unimpeachable.

Without this quality support in Caricom, led by the untiring and persuasive efforts of PM Gonsalves, the Americans’ plans for regime change in Venezuela might have succeeded.

Venezuela is a resource-rich country. It sits on the largest known reserves of oil in the world. It could and has given willingly to Caricom and other countries in the Americas. Its expenditure through the PetroCaribe initiative is estimated at over US$50 billion. But that beautiful sister nation is being choked to death. America’s plan to strangle the country has caused tremendous hardship to the people.

We, therefore, should understand the limits to their generosity. President Maduro will be hard-pressed to say No to Gonsalves’ greedy eye on the US$9 million that sits at the central bank.

‘We had paid the money there because we did not want any challenges arising with the sanctions, Gonsalves said.

Rather than comply with the illegal American sanctions, which violate international law, Gonsalves should have found creative ways to get around the sanctions and pay back the loan as it became due. In the broad scheme of things, US$9 million is small compared to the challenging economic situation in Venezuela. However, principles rather than opportunistic pragmatism should be our guiding principles.

For decades, the American government has used its economic and military might and hubris to dictate which country to target and destroy.

Its policy of ‘making the economy of a country scream’ is well known. First

used in the 1970s, which resulted in the overthrow and assassination of Salvador Allende, the policy of economic aggression has been repeated and intensified in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria and currently Russia. The policy is not guided by principle or law. Until the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration’s approach to Venezuela was to isolate, sanction and apply pressure. With the invasion by Russia, this stance has softened a bit to allow Venezuela to sell its oil. Great news for Venezuela but yet another teaching moment from which we must learn to avoid being duped and tricked

by American propaganda.

Our fisherfolks can use the Venezuelan money to buy boats to catch more fish, conch, and lobster. But wait, have we not heard this ‘road march’ before about money for our fisherfolks? How many fisherfolks were assisted in the last ten years? Are we getting the reward for our investments? Who administers the funds? Is there a proper accounting done to ensure that the money goes to those in need?

How much money do we owe to the ALBA bank? What projects did those loans finance? Have they been adequately administered?

In less than 15 years, the PetroCaribe oil facility allowed us financing of close to EC$500 million.

We received debt forgiveness for all of this money. In light of the pressing economic difficulties, Venezuela’s generosity is truly exemplary. It is international solidarity at its highest.

From a developmental standpoint, our country would be much better if the USA, the wealthiest nation on earth, could lend a helping hand. Instead, we get directives and pressures to fall in line or bear the consequences.

For these reasons, we ought to have found ways to get around the sanctions and return the US$9 million when it became due. This act of borrowing amounts to a cynical pragmatism. We should insist on transparency and accountability.

We spent EC$900 million on the Argyle International Airport.

Venezuela forgave EC$500 million in debt. In 2015, we borrowed $86 million from the Kuwaiti Fund to carry out the ‘mother of all road repairs program.’

Was all of that money spent? When, where and how? Have our roads substantially improved? Have we taken off developmentally as promised, or are we still on the cusp of an economic leap forward?

We must find ways to propel our country forward while supporting our friends like Cuba and Venezuela, who assist us in times of need. We must bravely defend the rule of law in international relations to bring an end to unilateral, illegal sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela. While we do all of this, we must demand transparency and accountability in all areas of national life. As the people say, we have to learn to walk and chew gum at the same time.

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

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Taiwan still playing with Vincentians ACCORDING to an article in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper of 29th April 2022, the Taiwan ambassador presented some ‘scholarships’ to some SVG students. The article said that a total of 524 bursaries, valued at US$120,000, were to be distributed amongst students at the primary, secondary and postsecondary schools and colleges.

On average, this amounts to only 229 dollars per award. A truly pitiful gesture!

Taiwan’s scholarship system is a gross insult to the people of SVG. Taiwan has been in SVG for over 40 years and has made billions — not millions — billions of dollars from SVG’s Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence. In return, Taiwan does not pay the taxes it is meant to into the SVG Treasury, and every so often hands out a few dollars or a fridge or motorbike to Vincentians as an act of ‘charity’, or should we say, hypocrisy.

The main reason why any child might be in need of financial

assistance to help their education, is because Taiwan is creaming off billions of dollars on our tuna fishing licence.

In the scholarship award ceremony, where the Taiwanese ambassador honoured us with the usual diplomatic platitudes, the article says the ambassador said “The intention is to support students facing challenges, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and volcanic eruptions.”

To be honest, the best thing the Taiwan ambassador could do to support students facing challenges is go back to Taiwan. If SVG used its Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence itself, we could make so much money for our people and properly support our children’s education.

The worse thing that ever happened to SVG was Taiwan arriving at our shores and staying for so long.

Taiwan’s presence has hindered our people’s and our country’s development

for over 40 years. The dreams and opportunities of two generations of Vincentians have been killed by Taiwan’s antics in SVG. At the scholarship ceremony, apparently one of the ambassador’s platitudes was ‘that education has always been the backbone of the friendship between both countries, since they understand the importance of investing in its human resources.’

Excuse me, but how many preschools has Taiwan built in SVG? How many schools has Taiwan built in SVG? How many universities has Taiwan built in SVG? It is clear to all that the backbone of the ‘friendship’ between both countries is that Taiwan skins SVG for all it can get.

You can see why since May 2016, Nicaragua, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, The Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Panama, The Dominican Republic, Burkino Faso and El Salvador - all ditched Taiwan in

favour of China. They were all tired of being used by Taiwan.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, feels that Taiwan’s arrogant display of handing out pitiful sums of money, illustrates the disdain Taiwan has for our people and country.

Taiwan is only here for SVG’s Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence.

The problems facing SVG do not take 40 years to solve. If Taiwan truly wanted to help SVG solve the problems our people face, they could have done so 20 years ago.

No matter how many children go hungry, fail to get an education or die early, it’s business as usual for Taiwan — making billions of dollars on SVG’s Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence.

Teachers are overstressed THE PSYCHOLOGICAL damage teachers have had to endure recently with the volcano relief efforts, the online classes, the vaccine mandate and termination, the loss of property and social dignity, is compounded by the mental strain they face on a daily basis. The questions is: Who is looking into the mental health and psychological wellbeing of teachers?

Teachers are tasked with a plethora of duties, some of which do not fit (directly) into their job description, and some which do not match their particular strengths. Throughout all this, teachers are expected to perform and produce top-level students. But who is looking into their mental health? Can teachers perform to their optimal best if they are not functioning well?

Editor, the issue of writing up lesson plans is one of the most taxing

and time-consuming activities borne by teachers, and one which does not often allow them the space and time for their own personal lives, mental health, respite and reflection, given the already demanding nature of the profession. Lesson planning is an overwhelming, brain draining exercise which impacts heavily on the education system because it affects teachers negatively, and this in turn creates a trickle-down effect on everything else. When the weekend is often the space and time for teachers to relax and recharge for the upcoming week, many teachers are bogged down preparing lesson plans.

So much so, teachers become disenchanted and less interested in the profession and many settle with just going through the motions, just checking the clock, or just waiting to collect their salary. Teachers may even

neglect the students and their instructional time just to complete their own work to meet a deadline, and may not care to help better the system since no one is going to change it. One may say the system is already hanged before it is sentenced.

Teachers may have to write up as many as five lesson plans, if not more, per week, and to submit them on time.

Apart from the stress it causes, this is not always realistic. And the only intervention that the teacher might have access to is further stress from the Head. Nothing in the way of understanding. Nothing in the way of helping the teacher cope with or reduce his or her mental struggles or exhausting daily schedule of life.

Editor, the Curriculum Unit can be equipped with a team of experienced (working and or retired) men and women who can and should perform this task for several reasons, but mainly for the purpose of standardization, where all schools across the nation are given the same plans, cleared and recommended by the Ministry of Education, and which would become official documents in the hands of teachers.

A plan may be tweaked here or there by a teacher but not to derail the intention set forth by the Ministry, and certainly not be left to any Tom, Dick or Harry to write up as he may arbitrarily feel or think. Teachers will be able also to send in their suggestions on the effective teaching strategies of any course which the

Curriculum Unit would store in a database for further consideration.

Also, a team delegated by the Ministry to write up lesson plans for each grade, will produce a lesson plan that is most likely of a sounder quality than what one teacher is asked to do on his or her own. Ultimately, this would provide the Ministry with more control over what is and should be administered in the classroom, vetted in line with the syllabus. Officials can then visit periodically to see that the plans are implemented according to the step-by-step procedures. These plans should have all the hopes of fully gearing up the various classes for their particular exams, as the Curriculum Unit team would be more closely associated with the syllabuses.

Teachers would now be tasked with implementing these lesson plans, with the necessary teaching aids, and will be less stressed mentally and physically and more focused on achieving the objectives set out. The Ministry will not only be the custodian of these plans but will adjust them to suit as education adapts to the climate of change. These lesson plans will also prove very useful where teachers are young and new to the profession, move to a different grade, are on sick leave or holidays, as it will eliminate the drudgery and complexity of the exercise, as well as save teachers the stress and time.

Concerned Teacher

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 11.

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YRM conducts hurricane readiness exercise MONDAY, May 02, marked the staging of an historic event for radio amateurs in SVG as it was the first time that a training exercise was conducted from the highest peaks in SVG, with support from local and regional base stations.

According to the Director of the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM) Don De Riggs, J88CD, the exercise was designed to test the operational capabilities of both base and portable stations using emergency power and antennas, as well as to test the fitness of emergency communications (emcoms) first responders.

These training activities are annual exercises intended to prepare volunteers for the storm season.

But what made this exercise unique was the fact that there were radio operators on the summits of the four highest points in SVG - “Ma Peggy’ in Bequia, Mt. Royal in Canouan, Mt. Taboi in Union Island and the active La Soufrière volcano on mainland St. Vincent.

From as early as 4am, while most Vincentians were sound asleep, volunteers were moblising their equipment and beginning to journey to the starting points before their hike to the summits.

Each group of hikers had a base camp to which they reported the progress of their trek, using both VHF and HF radios. To coordinate so many radio operators, a Master Control station was operated from Belvedere in St. Vincent, with back up Master Control from radio amateurs in Grenada. This arrangement provided the opportunity to give radio operators experience in coordinating emergency communications in case the communications control center at NEMO was rendered inoperable due to acts of nature, including earthquakes.

The team at the summit of Mt. Taboi, Union Island.

Master Control was coordinated by Vulon Layne J88NEL on HF radio, with Raquel Tannis/Scarborough J88NEX on VHF radio.

Domestic and regional contacts included radio operators in Fancy, Rose Hall, Barrouallie, Largo Heights, Biabou and all Grenadine islands, with regional contacts including Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, Montserrat, Anguilla, Tobago, Carriacou, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad Operators at the Master Control Station located in and our good friends in Grenada.

Belvedere.

Assistant controllers from Grenada included Floyd Fowden J39JX and Joy Flemming J39JF with assistance from relay stations Aaron Wildman J39HM and Ira Harris VP2EIH. A field base station was set up at Bamboo Range to provide ‘radio escort’ for first responders hiking the volcano manned by Sean Patterson J88CU and Justin Da Silva J88DA. A similar arrangement was used in Bequia with Sylvester Tannis J88DT and Rochelle Tannis J88NEY, and in Union Island by Molica Mulzac J88NMF. The hiking teams comprised in part, Lawson Byam J88NLL, Whitney Lampkin The La Soufrière team which included stalwarts Sean Patterson J88CU J88NEZ and (extreme left) and Justin Da Silva J88DA (2nd from left front).

Ulric Daniel J88NUD who The YRM Director wishes to thank: Barrett climbed the volcano, Clayton Ollivierre communications for a donation of radio equipment J88NFE and Brian Horne J88NFN who which was used for this exercise; BOSVG for operated from Ma Peggy in Bequia, Ian sponsorship of refreshment for the four teams of Rhynd J88NIR from Mt. Royal in volunteers hiking the mountains; Gem Star and Canouan and Don De Riggs J88CD from Bequia Express for complimentary travel for Mt. Taboi in Union Island. participants; the Admiralty Co. for rebate cost for Later that evening a debriefing was transporting a first responder’s vehicle. held via zoom. Volunteers discussed the Special mention must be made of wild life exercise, looking at areas that needed conservationist Roseman Adams and his team of improvement. Volunteers also wardens who also hiked Mt. Taboi. Great respect commended one another for a job well and appreciation is also in order for the many local done. radio operators who participated during this training activity.

The “Ma Peggy”, Bequia team with the The next outing is planned for the Whitsuntide likes of experienced operators Clayton weekend as radio operators continue to sharpen Ollivierre J88NFE (2nd from left front) their operational skills. and Sylvester Tannis J88DT (extreme right).

Contributed by: Donald De Riggs

The team that was positioned at the summit of Mt. Royal in Canouan.

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

ÂFoot SoldierÊ tells CalderÊs story

Calder's send-off befitted his place in the history of Vincentian politics and statesmanship.

69.

With the attendance of Opposition Leader and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr. Goodwin Friday and other opposition parliamentarians and supporters, Speaker of the House of Assembly Rochelle Forde and former North Leeward Representatives Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews and Dr. Elrias ‘Errie’ Williams Jerrol Thompson, spoke of Calder Williams Williams — who with the intimacy of a long currently serves as association. pastor at Christian Life Ministries in Cane Grove, Central

by NELSON A. KING Leeward, told mourners US CORRESPONDENT at the packed funeral naking@verizon.net service that he was ELRIAS ‘ERRIE’ WILLIAMS extremely grateful for this opportunity to tell – regarded as the “chief Calder’s story. foot soldier” who, while “My association with still a student at the St. the deceased gives me Martin’s Secondary valid reasons to share School, became the my memory of him,” said youngest member of the Chateaubelair-based New Williams, recalling that the NRM was the Rescuers Movement organization which (NRM), headed by former served as “the political Opposition Leader Calder catalyst that propelled Williams – last Friday Calder Williams into (April 29) told Calder’s electoral politics in North compelling story during his official funeral service Leeward.”

Williams said Calder, at the New Testament affectionately called ‘Mr. Church of God, a Rep’, would be Pentecostal church, in remembered as a Sharpes, Chateaubelair. cricketer, police officer, Calder Williams died teacher, community at his home in activist and, “most Chateaubelair on Mar. importantly, as a trade 29 after a period of unionist turned into a illness and prominent politician in hospitalization. He was

along with two other NRM members, the late Bennie Thompson and Giles Francois.

The struggle Thereafter, the NRM Williams said Calder’s intensified its political activities, publishing the struggles against monthly Roots injustice began in the mid-1970s while serving newspaper that was widely circulated in as a police officer, North Leeward. quoting another former police officer as saying: “Calder organized a sick- Calder the target out, where a number of them stayed in their Williams said the then rooms in the Barracks Representative of North and called in sick for Leeward allegedly wrote almost a month”. a letter to the Court Calder later resigned Registrar stating that from the local “Calder Williams was a constabulary and became man of straw and had no a school teacher. means,” which was leaked to Calder by an In 1974, Calder — along with 11 others, unidentified worker. including Amos Glasgow, Williams said Calder exposed the contents of Giles Francois, Rill Ottley and the late the letter at a public meeting, resulting in his Bennie Thompson — formed the NRM, which detention and “charged started out as a for stealing a letter from community development John’s Thompson’s office valued EC$25.00.” organization, with the Calder was refused motto: “To rescue the bail and slept on a people from rural underdevelopment”. window sill after the cell NRM would later at the Barrouallie Police develop into a political Station was deliberately organization, Williams flooded with water, said, aligning with other Williams related. He “left wing” political would be arrested again groups, such as ARWEE and placed in solitary in Diamonds and confinement on remand YOULIMO in Kingstown, in the notorious cell #24.” and that Calder’s As Calder and NRM political activism reached continued “the struggle “new heights” during the by exposing the plight of famous November 1975 the people in North Teachers Strike.

Leeward and forging He recalled that links with other political Calder’s participation in organizations in the the teachers’ strike State,” Williams said resulted in his dismissal, they “took on the fight of

St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

CALDER Williams – farmer, teacher, police officer, national cricketer, community activist, trade unionist, politician, parliamentarian and selfless human being. the poor workers” on the Richmond Vale Estate, just outside Chateaubelair, forming (WAPU) in 1977.

adjacent Fitz-Hughes village demanded that Calder be the NDP candidate, shouting “No Calder, No Key,” the symbol of the NDP. Entering electoral Calder was chosen as politics the NDP candidate and won the North Leeward Between 1977 and seat in the Dec. 5, 1979 1978, WAPU also started general elections, with organizing estate 1,448 of 3,094 valid votes workers at Belle Isle in cast, or 46.7 percent, in North Leeward, and the four-way contest, Walliabou and Keartons becoming the first NDP in the adjacent Central candidate to successfully Leeward. win an election on WAPU’s formation mainland St. Vincent. was “a key factor in the But, after Calder’s next stage of Calder’s triumph, Williams said struggles on behalf of the more pressure was people of North brought to bear on the Leeward,” with NRM people of North Leeward deciding to enter by a returned St. Vincent electoral politics and Labour Party choosing Calder, over administration.

Jim Maloney, as its He said he was the preferred candidate in first victim of the 1979 general victimization, being fired elections in St. Vincent as a teacher in February and the Grenadines, 1980, from the Petit Williams disclosed.

Bordel Secondary School, But, during the after only five months on campaign, Williams said the job. “a dramatic twist” He also said that some occurred. He said while workers at the Richmond the NDP was introducing Vale Estate, who were St. Clair Robinson as its refused pay increase, candidate for North were dismissed.

Leeward, the people of Chateaubelair and the Continued on Page 13.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 13.

Tribute

Calder leaves his mark

Calder Williams lying in state at the Parliament Building, Kingstown, April 28, 2022.

HE MADE HIS FINAL DELIVERY March 29, 2022, about two weeks short of his 69th birthday, but through the period of his existence, Calder placed himself in this country’s history books.

He was elected Parliamentary representative for the North Leeward constituency in December 1979, on a New Democratic Party (NDP) ticket. His victory was prefaced in dramatic fashion when residents, especially from Chateaubelair and Fitz Hughes, steered the newly formed NDP to accede to their wishes that Calder be declared the candidate for that general elections.

With his groundwork as a foundation member of the Workers and Peasants Union (WAPU), and the New Rescuers Movement (NRM), Calder’s alignment and association with the people of North Leeward was unshakeable. They embraced him as an affable and rounded individual.

He was laid to rest last week Friday April 29 at the Fitz Hughes Cemetery. That followed a procession through the streets of his hometown Chateaubelair to accompanying music by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band.

Mourners showed their respects in vehicles, others walked, pranced, or kept up with the action.

Tributes aplenty The funeral service was at the New

Testament Church of God, Chateaubelair, where persons, including Dr Godwin Friday, Leader of the NDP, paid tribute.

Friday spoke of Calder’s treasured place in the annals of the NDP, a privileged space created by him being the first NDP candidate to win a seat on the mainland.

Friday pointed to Williams’ humility, and noted that he (Calder) was “easy to talk to and always willing to be of service.”

If there is one person who knows the Calder Williams legacy is Elrias ‘Errie’ Williams who, as a student of the St. Martin’s Secondary School, became the youngest member of the New Rescuers Movement (NRM).

He delivered a telling tribute to Calder revealing the sacrifices Calder made as he worked to fulfil his commitment to combat the many injustices meted out to his people.

Amos Glasgow, another of Williams’ early confidants, read a tribute by Dr. Nelson King, a renowned journalist. King pointed to his coverage of events surrounding and involving Calder.

It was King who reported on an attempted assignation on Calder’s life.

Former North Leeward representative Patel Matthews highlighted Williams’ work on behalf of peasants, workers and the oppressed. Williams, he recalled, even

engineered a sick out to highlight grievances police officers faced, this while he was enlisted in the Police Force. He also had a stint as a teacher.

The final bugle Calder’s tenure in Parliament ended in the July 25 general elections of 1984.

During his struggles on behalf of those he measured as exploited, he faced some legal clashes and in one instance, paid $27,000 to avoid a bankruptcy claim.

He was a farmer at the Richmond Estate in the latter part of his career.

He left Parliament in Kingstown for the last time last week Thursday April 28 where his body was placed for viewing.

Those in attendance at the funeral service included (L-R): Nicole De Bique (Clerk of the House of Assembly), Rochelle Forde (Speaker of the House of Assembly) and Dr. Godwin Friday (Leader of the Opposition).

Those who comprised the procession to the cemetery represented a collection of a diverse cross-section of people from North Leeward and communities from across the state.

‘Foot Soldier’ tells Calder’s story his signature twice.

In the interim, Williams Parliamentarian but activist said Calder continued the struggle with workers at the At the tender age of 26, Calder Richmond Vale Estate, with as appointed Leader of the threats on his life, while on the Opposition after Mitchell lost his picket line, including gamble to contest the South assassination attempts by a Central Windward seat. Mitchell police officer, regarded as a returned to parliament via the “henchman” of the then St. by-election in June 1980, Vincent Labor Party. following the resignation of Williams said the estate Cosmos Cozier as the elected workers and Calder even took representative of the Grenadines their plight to Kingstown in a Constituency, Williams said. very strong show of solidarity, But, he said, there was strong with the newly-formed National mistrust of Calder within the Committee for the Defense of upper echelon of the NDP, with Democracy, against the “Dread?

NDP founder and leader, the late Bills of 1981, which were Sir James F. Michell, asking eventually withdrawn.

Calder to sign an “undated letter In order to increase pressure of resignation” as Leader of the on Calder’s supporters, Williams Opposition, “which he did sign,” said the government closed down Williams said. the Richmond Vale Estate, paid To avert the activation of the severance pay to “strike breakers” “undated letter of resignation” he and supporters of the said Calder wrote the Governor government, and later distributed General, stating that any letter of the lands, “at very high costs, resignation from him must have above the workers’ means, hence Continued from Page 12.

preventing most workers from acquiring the lands.”

Returning to the fold Williams said that while Calder, at one point, “threw his support behind the ULP (Unity Labor Party)”, on Sept. 7, 1997, Mitchell welcomed him back to the NDP fold at an NDP convention.

“Calder has never again left his beloved party and was chairman of the North Leeward Constituency Division up to his death,” Williams said.

In his later years, Calder lived a humble life, farming lands in Richmond and providing support to workers.

“Calder was a good man and, like all human beings, had made some mistakes for which the responsibilities must be placed solidly on his shoulders,” he added. “However, his contribution was very impactful, and many lives were improved by his work.”

V Violence against Women and Children must end 14. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

News

be heard, respected, and taken seriously.

This is basic to getting to the root of the problem but IT IS IRREFUTABLE that In St too often, this opportunity Vincent and the Grenadines, goes a begging as the women and children continue services provided to the to suffer at the hands of victims are inadequate, abusers. which is one of the reasons RedRootSVG Inc. calls on why women and children in the relevant authorities to St Vincent and the hold the perpetrators of Grenadines continue to these crimes accountable, to suffer by not reporting the full extent of the law. violent or abusive acts On May 1st, another lady against them. was allegedly murdered by While these stories fade her partner, and during the away after a few days, the year 2022, we are aware of victims’ family (children, reported and unreported parents, siblings are left to examples of acts of violence mourn the death of or deal perpetrated against women with the harm inflicted on of and children in SVG. their loved ones.

When persons who suffer Moreover, survivors of abuse go to the police, social these crimes must live with services and health clinics the trauma for the rest of for aid, we demand that they their lives, which may affect

Editor’s Note: The following is a Press Release from RedRootSVG Inc.

their mental health.

Victims and survivors of abuse need justice because they are the ones who have been harmed. Women and children who suffer abuse and violence need at the least, solace from the system.

This is a first step towards combatting if not eliminating violence against women and children NOTE: RedRootSVG Inc. is a Non-Governmental organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women and children who are victims of violence, inequality and sexual abuse in St Vincent. Service provided towards this end include workshops, empowerment sessions, counselling, and skills training.

Isle of Man opportunity for SVGCC students

by GLORIAH...

STUDENTS CURRENTLY STUDYING at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community King William’s College, Castletown, Isle of Man – where the programme will be tenable.

College are being given the unique opportunity to pursue a free, dynamic, three-week educational programme from 1st — 23rd August, 2022, in the Isle of Man under the theme: “The Art of the Possible”.

This is the inaugural staging of an initiative of the Isle of Man-St. Vincent and the Grenadines Educational Programme (ISEP), which welcomes students between the ages of 18 and 20 years, who will be graduating from the SVG Community College, to apply.

The programme will include a three-week allexpenses paid educational trip to the Isle of Man, UK at King William’s College and recreational activities and field trips. Students will take classes in a variety of teachings including “life skill” subjects that cover negotiation, presentation skills and more.

According to a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) news release, “ISEP offers a uniquely diverse experience that will benefit young persons in their personal,

educational and social development at a pivotal transitional stage of their lives.”

It stated that the programme it offers in this instance is “dedicated to supporting the overall educational growth and development of the youth in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through benefiting from partnerships with educational and other entities in the Isle of Man. The release also assures that “the Programme is fully funded and embodies the theme of the “Art of the Possible” which propounds that the possibilities are endless for young people, no matter what their personal circumstances may be.”

An application is available in a package comprising: Invitation to Apply, ISEP 2022 Application Form, and Parental or Guardian Consent form.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is May 18, 2022.

Information is available by going to svg.cc then clicking ISEP.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 15.

Red Cross Feature

World Red Cross Day – 8th May 2022 ON 8TH MAY 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC) Society joins the rest of the world in observing International Red Cross Day. May 8 is significant to the Red Cross movement as it is the birthday of its founder Henri Dunant, a Swiss national. He was born on that day in 1828.

Henri Dunant was a humanitarian, a trailblazer who, because of his dedicated service to mankind and his passionate advocacy for humanitarian work, became the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Today, the Red Cross is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching over one hundred and fifty million (150M) people each year through its one hundred and ninety-two (192) national societies. It has a membership of over ninetyseven million (97M) inclusive of volunteers, members, and staff.

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross celebrates International Red Cross Day, we do so under a shared international theme #BeHumanKIND. BeHumanKIND asks us to be humans in every sense of the word as we give service to humankind. In the song of Glen Campbell:

‘If you see your brother standing by the road, With a heavy load’……

The SVGRC is encouraged to continue its service to humankind.

The organization acts before, during and after disaster and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of affected and vulnerable people regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political affiliation. We do so guided by the seven (7) fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Independence, Neutrality, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Today, the SVGRC society reflects on the many positive responses it has made to the myriad of national challenges we faced over the last year.

As an auxiliary organization to the government, a member of the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and partners to many local, regional, and international organizations, the SVGRC society continues to mitigate against the negative impacts of Dengue, COVID19, and the effects of the volcanic eruption, Hurricane Elsa, and climate change.

Besides providing for the basic needs of the affected and vulnerable of

the population, the Society also assisted with housing, shelter management, psychosocial support, transportation, cleaning and hygiene supplies, development of child friendly spaces and the restoration of livelihoods.

Through its Community Resilience Building Project (CRB), the organization formed Community Disaster Resilience Teams (CDRT) to build these communities’ capacity to respond promptly to emergencies.

New methods of farming were also introduced in two schools. This activity was specially geared to encourage students and their teachers to practise a more climate smart agriculture towards building food security.

In keeping with the internationally observed theme #BeHumanKIND, the SVGRC will be celebrating a week of activities from Sunday 8th to Saturday 14 May,2022. All Red Cross Community groups will support the work of the National Society by showing acts of kindness to the socially challenged members in their various communities. The SVGRC invites the public to support its members and volunteers in their service to humankind. You can help by becoming a member or a volunteer.

You can also give of your time and resources to assist in alleviating

human suffering in our beautiful isle.

Show a little kindness and make this world a better place for you and me.

And as we mark another International Red Cross Day, the SVGRC thanks all its partners, volunteers, members, and staff for their sterling contributions. Without your work the Red Cross would not have been as impactful as it was.

Thank you for assisting in service to humankind. #BeHumanKIND.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Losing the game

Dear George, MY HUSBAND came home early one afternoon and caught me making out with another woman. His response surprised me; instead of getting mad he asked me to “move over” and began making out with the other woman. I tried to get involved but he only focused on her and asked me to wait my turn which never came. I eventually left the room.

When he was finished, I heard him asking her to return “tomorrow night.”

I told him he was unfair to me for completely taking over my ‘friend’. I reminded him I am his wife and my needs should come first.

As it is now, the woman I thought would have been my secret sexual partner is now challenging my position as wife. She is no longer interested in me or women on a whole and she attributed this to my husband.

How can I fix this? My husband is no longer interested in me in or out of the bedroom.

Reeling from Shock

Dear Reeling from Shock, When you take the liberty to introduce third party into your bedroom, you are inviting division and strife. Your lady friend simply changed the rules to the game you started and now you are crying foul.

Ask your husband whether or not he is interested in preserving the marriage. If the answer is ‘Yes’ then counselling would be your best bet. If he is not interested, still engage the services of a counselor to help you deal with the emotional and psychological impact this might cause.

You cannot force him to keep what he is ready to give up but once the communication line remains open, you never know what timely counselling can do.

George

There is hope!!

My bridge is about to crumble and I hope those MY STANDARD of living responsible for my present state are not has fallen drastically in the past five months and standing under it when continues to fall. No one it collapses. I have said my piece. seems to care that I cannot pay my mortgage Broken and feed my children, and bill collectors call Dear Broken, incessantly.

I’m not a criminal but A sudden change in lately I’ve been one’s standard of living entertaining very dark thoughts. It is not right can indeed cause extreme frustration and that I am in this predicament causing me depression. You need to immediately sit with a to become lesser than counselor to help you human.

Dear George,

come up with an action plan that would get you out of this financial rut and back on your feet.

The plan should involve how you can make effective use of your skill sets and how best to communicate your situation to and work out an arrangement with your creditors.

This is the time for you to dig deeper and come up with creative ways not just to survive but to live again.

George

„Tempted to touch‰ Dear George,

fantasy?

I HAVE BEEN happily married for 14 years and never once did I think I would fall asleep thinking about another man. That changed recently when a young stud from Trinidad visited my house, with a friend of mine. She informed that he was single but warned me not to step out on my husband when I told her I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

George, the man is still here in St. Vincent and will be here for 3 months. How much harm can it do to have just one sexual experience with him? In my mind I am convinced he can sure out manoeuvre my husband in bed and that is the experience I need to have.

My question: Isn’t everyone allowed to live out at least one

Straight Up Dear Straight Up, My question to you: Why would a “happily married woman” be contemplating a one night stand with a total stranger?

It is totally ill-advised to offer up 14 good years of marriage for a moment’s pleasure. What this tells me is you are not as happy with your marriage as you may think.

The beauty of marriage is that it allows you to learn to work with what you have, but also affords the time to keep trying to make it even better.

Stay in your lane!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Communicate with relatives who may need advice in order to find solutions to their existing problems. Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship.Empty promises are evident and deception probable.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Romance can surface if you get into some of those fitness programs you've been putting off. You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week. Only bite off what you can chew.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be prepared to neutralize any threats.

Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful. You will have to make some changes regarding your direction if you wish to keep on top of your career expectations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) A change is as good as a rest. Don't go looking for change. Get them to pitch in, if you need help. You can offer your mate a commitment or promise that will help stabilize your personal life.

You may find that purchases or entertainment could be expensive.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be able to pick up on future trends if you keep your eyes peeled for unique ideas. If it can make you extra cash, it will be even better. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Those you care about may oppose your ideas. Look at your options before making commitments that could jeopardize your financial position. You might find that a coworker has been two faced. Take a look at investment opportunities.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Someone you work with may be emotional. Do your own research and be prepared. You may be offered opportunities that will result in a higher earning potential. Do not sign contracts or get involved in any uncertain financial deals.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well. You may find that you are a little lucky this week. If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Travel will lead you in new directions.

You can expect to face opposition on the home front. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. It might be best to work on your own; if possible, do your job out of your home this week.

Problems with females you live or work with will try your patience and cause temper flare ups.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. You can easily wrap up overdue personal legal matters that have caused problems for you. Your charm will be captivating. Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you're not in sight. Your support and concern will help. You may come down with minor infections if you have allowed yourself to get rundown. Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas.

ACROSS

confidence 41. Spirited lass 42. Mouthed off 1. Clears (of) 45. Teutonic 5. Transpire turndown 10. Fall times, abbr.

46. Miss Piggy 14. Prefix with pronoun logical 49. News source 15. In need of 50. At this point tightening 52. Openings 16. Faucet brand 54. Fictional heroine 17. Glitz 59. Klemperer or 18. Acquired Preminger relative 19. “Domini” lead-in 60. Scent 20. Fictional heroine 61. “Lilo & Stitch” dance 23. Prosecuted 24. Get into a stew? 62. Glimpsed 63. Yields 25. CPR specialist 64. Ultimatum word 26. Compass point 65. Salinger title 27. Series ender character 31. Nebraska native 66. What all 33. “Fiddlesticks!” heroines have 35. Tear violently 67. Fishing rod 36. Flying heroine attachment 40. Words of

DOWN

subject 30. Rest atop 1. Constitution 32. “King Kong” star concern 33. Cub Scout units 2. Goof-offs 34. Docile 3. Term of affection 36. Wolfsbane and 4. English Channel monkshood feeder 37. Trunk 5. Mishmash 38. Baseball stat 6. N.Y. neighbor 7. Porter who wrote 39. Odyssey maker “Night and Day” 40. Where a zoom 8. Lexicographer’s gets you concern 43. Sometimes lazy 9. Cover over 44. Remove, as a 10. Middle-eastern coupon kingdom 46. Standard of 11. Wine measurement constituent 47. End of a threat 12. “West Side Story” 48. Kamakawiwo’ole building, etc. 51. Wee hour 13. Sounded like a 53. “—- Majesty’s horse Secret Service” 21. Consummate 55. Matter of 22. Lead-in contention to boy 56. Refrigerator or girl filler 28. Prefix 57. US abbr. with cycle 58. Wear 29. Med sch.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Batsmen dominate weekend T20

POLICE TWO WERE CLINICAL in disposing of Carlos Veira Rivals by 137 runs, in one of last weekend’d fixtures of the National Lottery Authorities Neil Williams Salvan T20 cricket competition.

L-R: Wayne Harper stroked 133 for Radcliffe, Dillon Douglas hit 81 for Police Two and Leshawn Lewis Playing at made 92 for Northern Stars. the Stubbs Playing Field Jackson was the best bowler too registered a century, 133, out. Funeral Home could only on Saturday, Police Two for Rivals with figures of 3 for to help defeat Dominic reach 70 from 14 overs. Asif posted a formidable 220 for 5 30. Rivals was a picture of Sutherland Lloyd Lewis Hooper took 2 for 4, Rasheed from 20 overs; Salvan Browne struggle in getting to 83 from Memorial Funeral Home by Fredericks 2 for 10. blasting a 64-ball 127, 9 overs. Casnel Morris took 2 182 runs. Harper’s century Carlos James MSDA Julius inclusive of 11 sixes and 8 for 14, Shamon Hopper 3 for came off 49 balls including 10 Anthony Northern Stars out fours. Browne shared in a 12, Rickford Walker 2 for 1, sixes and 12 fours as Radcliffe played Police One at the 184-run first wicket for the lawmen. compiled 251 for 3 from 20 Cumberland Playing Field. partnership with Dillon At Sion Hill Playing Field, overs. Romano Pierre added Northern Start used their Douglas who stroked 81 off 48 Flow Radcliffe’s Wayne Harper some support with a breezy 64 home advantage to beat the balls with 7 sixes and 4 fours. was not to be outdone as he while Asif Hooper hit 23 not lawmen by 10 wickets. Police Veteran leg spinner Orlanzo

Browne hit 123 for Police Two. One batted first and made 150 from 19 overs. Anthonio Sutherland top scored with 62.

Fast bowler Aleon Caesar bagged 4 for 20, Winston Samuel 2 for 31, Donald Delpesche 3 for 22. Northern Stars responded positively with 154 without loss, led by Leshawn Lewis’ unbeaten 92 and Elron Lewis 35 not out.

Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN

Sir Andy shares with W’ards bowlers

Sir Andy Roberts (3rd from left) has the attention of a contingent of Volcanoes bowlers during a recent training session in Grenada.

FAST BOWLERS AND OTHERS contracted to the Volcanoes franchise were recent recipients of professional guidance and advice from West Indian Cricket Legend Sir Andy Roberts.

Sir Andy, renowned fast bowler, was in

Grenada, home of the Volcanoes franchise, from April 27 — 30, 2022, during which time he gave of his knowledge and experience to the fast bowlers, in particular, as they prepare for the resumption of the West

Indies Regional 4-day Tournament. The exchanges included lively discussions on the theory and art of fast bowling.

WICB Technical Director, Miles Bascombe said of Sir Andy’s stint: “As we continue the efforts to zoom in on

Sir Andy Roberts (front 3rd from left) received a plaque of appreciation from Dr. Kishore Shallow (front 4th from left) in the company of Volcanoes Players who were involved in the training sessions. specific components of the game, this fastbowling engagement was timely and productive.

The experience and knowledge that Sir Andy has shared with these cricketers are invaluable and will eventually bear fruits.”

In a similar vein,

WICB Vice President Dwain Gill commented: “Hosting Sir Andy aligns with the new Windwards policy of advancing our cricketers on all fronts.

While this was primarily about developing our fast bowlers’ skills, another critical element of this activity was to allow

these young players to identify with a West Indian legend and be inspired.”

The Volcanoes travel on May 15 to Trinidad and Tobago for the final three rounds of the Regional 4-day Tournament.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 21.

Sports

Ollivierre pleased with Carifta returns MICHAEL OLLIVIERRE, one of two coaches assigned to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Carifta team to the 49th Edition of the Junior Carifta Games held in Jamaica over the 2022 Easter Weekend, is pleased with the effort of the athletes.

St. Vincent secured five medals - 2 silver and 3 bronze — the most in a single showing at the games.

“I think we are quite satisfied with the performances… five medals we must be happy…. we came pretty close to gold so we have to be thankful and based on the preparation we just deserve what we got,” Ollivierre commented recently.

“I thought everyone gave of their very best. The team was well managed ….. Chester Morgan settled in well. I am quite satisfied and will recommend that they keep this team together for the next Carifta Games

especially where most of the athletes may return,” he added.

Ollivierre commented specifically on the members of the team who live and train in Jamaica saying, “The guys who trained and live in Jamaica really demonstrated a high level of maturity and while it has also to do with the maturity of the coaches, that is what we are looking for from our local kids.

We just need to instill a little more discipline in our kids not just getting to the Carifta games. Getting there is one thing, performing at the highest is another, and I am happy we are getting there.”

The coach also referenced that the athletes themselves are recognizing the need for extra work and the coaches locally are recognizing that they can’t stop at the interschool level.

With eyes on going forward, the experienced coach expressed, “The

responsibility for success lies with the coaches, parents and to a large extend on the attitude of the athletes. The coaches’ responsibility now is to do some intelligent recruiting at the primary schools, primary school sports, to the inter-primary school sports, look for talent especially if they are near to a school and begin with summer programmes to get them affiliated with the events and begin training on a more organized basis.”

He also cautioned the coaches that “… you can’t just start two, three weeks before a championship, you have to have a preparation phase which lasts six weeks and sometimes beyond… .”

I.B.A. ALLEN

Michael Ollivierre with Keo Davis – double Carifta Games medallist.

Roban sets Penn Relays record VINCENTIAN middle-distance athlete Handal Roban ran the fastest ever split time in the High School Boys category of 4x800m, in the 126-year history of the Penn Relays.

Roban achieved the feat last Saturday, 30th April, at Franklin Field, Philadelphia, USA, clocking 1:48.12 on the second leg for his Jamaica College team. Roban was rewarded the accolade of High School Boys Most Outstanding Athlete.

In his record-setting run, Roban collected the baton from Omarion Davis who timed 1:55.08,

before handing it off to Kemarrio Bygrave on the third leg. Bygrave’s timing was 1:52.89, with anchor leg- J’ Voughnn Blake clocking 1:52.31. Jamaica College crossed the finish line in first position, in 7:28.38. It was Jamaica College’s first triumph in the event since 1999.

For the 19-year-old Roban, it was another episode of his growing achievements in Athletics.

A former student of the Georgetown Secondary School and the St. Vincent Grammar School, Roban holds the all-time St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Vincentian athletes impress at Penn Relays LEANN NICHOLAS, whose father is Vincentian, won the Women’s College Division Triple Jump title, last Friday at the Penn Relays in the USA. Nicholas, representing Albany College, leapt to 12.87m on her second jump, to cop the title, and qualify for the World Junior Championships in Cali, Colombia in August.

Reports are that Nicholas is vigorously seeking to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Championships and beyond.

Also, at the Penn Relays, Vincentian Amal Glasgow ran the lead leg for Kingston College, as his quartet took the 4 x400m for High School Boys.

Glasgow, along with Shaemar Uter, Emmanuel Rwotomiya and Marchino Rose Sage Primus took GC combined to clock 3:09.52 Foster College to a second place in the 4 x to win the event for the 200m relay.

first time since 1965.

A former Georgetown Secondary and St. Vincent Grammar School student, Glasgow took the bronze Leann Nicholas medal in the Under-20 Boys took the Female 400m at the 49th edition of College long the Junior Carifta Games, jump. held in Jamaica, 16th to 18th April.

Meanwhile, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines pair of Sage Primus and Javon Rawlins was part of the GC Foster College’s 4 x 200m team that placed second in a time of 1:23.03.

Rawlins was also part of his team’s 4 x100m team that finished fourth in 39.91s.

And, Uroy Ryan was second in the long jump with a wind-aided 7.54m (2.4m/s) to gain silver.

Ryan, before leaving for Jamaica College, was a student of the Emmanuel High School Mespo and the Thomas Saunders Secondary.

Ryan was a silver medalist in the Under-20 Boys Long Jump at the recent hosting of the Junior Carifta Games.

No schools from St. Vincent and the Grenadines attended the Penn Relays this year, however, the St. Vincent Grammar School and the Thomas Saunders Secondary, are making plans to return to the event in 2023.

record for the 800m.

His 1:48.37 timing, at the semi-finals of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, last August, stands as the SVG all-time best mark, as well as the National Male Under-20 best 800m clocking.

Roban also holds the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-20 1500m record.

Following a successful high school career, Roban is set to Handal Roban – embark on a new phase of his journey, when he enrolls in the piling up records.

University of Alabama, later this year.

V

22. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Nation’s League fever THIS COUNTRY’S NATIONAL Senior Male Football team has a chance of advancing to the second stage of the Concacaf Nation’s League, but they have to top their Group C in League B tio do so.

The fixtures against Trinidad and Tobago here June 10, and away three days later will have a bearing on the Group winner.

The Vincentians, affectionately dubbed ‘Vincy Heat’, open their campaign in the Bahamas June 3. On the face of it, one will think that Bahamas might be the least formidable contender, but results will show that football matches are played, won or lost on the field, over the stipulated period.

The Vincentians play their first home game against Nicaragua June 6. There will be lull so to speak as far as nation’s League action, but football fans will have their plate filled with World Cup action in Qatar.

The finals set of Nation’s League matches are carded for March 23 with Vincy Heat in Nicaragua with the wrap up encounter here against Bahamas March 23, 2023.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines played themselves to a point of possible direct qualification up to their final clash against Dominica. The Vincy Heat began the game as favourites but found themselves bombarded by an energised Dominica squad and suffered a one/nil loss.

The onset of the Covid pandemic altered the arrangements of the finals and the rescheduled fixture saw the Vincentians going under to Haiti.

Thereafter, Vincy Heat endured a horrid World Cup qualification process and showed little semblance of the spark that marked their nation’s League earlier display.

This outing will not be any easier.

The administrators will have to ensure adequate preparation, and there must be plans for some rigorous ‘Friendlies’ to get the team ready.

Twelve teams will filter through to the final stage. Those will be the League A winners and Runners up, along with the League B champions.

League A comprises: Mexico, Jamaica, and Suriname, in Group A, Costa Rica, Panama, and Martinique: Group, Canada, Honduras, and Curacao: Group C, and USA, Salvador, and Grenada: Group D. USA are the first Nation’s League champion which wound up in 2019.

The Nation’s League was introduced to expose Concacaf affiliates to match their skills against their more accomplished colleagues.

It has been proven that football can throw up the most unusual results.

Trinidad and Tobago will be wary of their participation having endured the shock of a goalless draw against Bahamas in the last nation’s League showdown.

That will be a lesson for every team, as the Vincentians are aware. Besides the debacle in Roseau, at the final hurdle of the last Nation’s, the Vincentians will reflect on another epic battle against Turks and Caicos Islands in 2018 when they suffered a 3:2 defeat.

The COVID-19 pandemic had repercussions worldwide, and inevitably, the sporting agenda was seriously disrupted. A sense of normalcy is gradually being accepted, but there is that air of uncertainty that surrounds the entire scenario.

Teams, countries, and individuals have to adjust to the unfolding conditions. There is room for innovation and the type of fragility that overwhelms all conditions have an impact on almost every aspect of life. Players, coaches, staff, spectators have to be flexible in their approach to the unfolding situations.

Netballers readying for Caribbean Games ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES‘ Under-23 netballers are expected to intensify their preparation as the time nears for the inaugural Caribbean Games, set for Guadeloupe, 29th June to 3rd July.

This period should see team fine-tuning their skills and tactics and bonding as a unit.

Wollis Christopher, one of the assistant coaches, informed that preparation started with some forty or so players and reduced to fifteen, from which the final twelve will be chosen.

Noting that it has been two months of hard work Christopher reflected that, “The players came in with a lot of deficiencies, but in time we have worked on their weaknesses and we have seen improvements… they have some way to go but as we intensify the sessions… by the time the tournament comes around, the players will be in a position to give a good account of themselves.”

Wollis Christopher (left) along with members of the SVG Under-23 netball team at a recent practice session at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

Notwithstanding the improvement, Christopher admitted that there were some factors impeding progress.

One of the setbacks is the availability of the Kingstown Netball Centre (KNC).

“We only practice two days per week, one day for our training and the other day we share with the senior national team… In addition, a number of the other

teams and clubs have secured the KNC for their practice sessions in preparation for the Fast Five Competition,” Christopher lamented.

In spite of everything, Christopher reiterated that the team is there to put in its best showing and pointed to the inclusion of “a few players who have senior team experience” as a benefit.

Netball is one of the seven disciplines that

will be part of the Caribbean Games, an undertaking of the Caribbean National Olympic Committees (CANOC).

The other disciplines are Track and Field, 3x3 Basketball, Swimming, Cycling, Judo and Futsal.

An estimated 800 athletes and 200 officials from 29 countries are expected to be part of the historic Caribbean Games.

Ferguson: ÂI have seen progressÊ activities of the Academy, Ferguson said, “I am very proud of the youths, their love, enthusiasm and passion for the game of Basketball, their eagerness to learn and the effort and time they put into practice. I have seen improvements in the fundamentals of the game, their confidence, discipline and sportsmanship. These qualities afforded them Members of the Academy’s the opportunity to enter the Basketball Mavrix Easter Prograame going through Basketball Tournament 15one of their 18 April 2022, drills.

ORLANDO FERGUSON, Founder and Head Coach of the Playaz Youth Academy, is happy to see the love and enthusiasm players still have for the sport, after an effective two-year absence of competitive basketball activity.

Speaking of what he has observed since starting Basketball Clinics as part of the

where they emerged the Champions.”

He added, “I encourage more youths to get involved and occupy themselves and their time doing something positive, not only through my Academy but any other throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Also, a word to parents/guardians/famili es and friends; I implore you to make time to go and watch them play, let them see your presence and hear your shouts of encouragement on the sidelines or in the stands — this helps to motivate them.”

The experienced coach is looking for more good things for basketball.

“One of my goals is to see the Sport of Basketball come alive again in SVG; there are many hidden talents out there that are being wasted. As our parents used to say “an idle brain and hands are the devil’s playground”.

Let us do our best to positively occupy the youths. I believe we may have some future NBA stars right here waiting to be discovered.”

Playaz Youth Academy is preparing to host its Annual Basketball Summer Camp as well as an Invitational Sporting Showcase.

For updates, interested persons are directed to the Academy’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

I.B.A.ALLEN Orlando Ferguson, Founder and Head Coach of Playaz Basketball Academy, is encouraged by the progress he has seen since he began basketball clinics as part of his Academy’s programme.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022. 23.

Classifieds

Contracts signed for Port Construction Continued from Backpage.

British Government and which is to be

administered through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); a US$110 million loan from the CBC; a US$62 million loan from a financial institution in Taiwan, with the government picking up part of the expenses including the provisions of homes for residents who had to be relocated from Rose Place, the community to be most affected by the project.

The extent of the work Prior to the signing as referenced, Aecon Group Inc., on April 5, announced that it had been awarded a US$170 million contract by the Government of Saint

MRS. LOUISE ADINA QUASHIE a.k.a. Cleo Sunday, 1st May, 2022 Seventh Day Adventist Church Lauders Viewing: 11:00 a.m.

Service: 12:30 p.m.

Interment: Mc Fun Cemetery

NICOLA MERLENE OLLIVIERRE Saturday, 30th April, 2022 Streams of Power Church Paget Farm, Bequia Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Paget Farm Cemetery

Vincent and the Grenadines, represented by the Ministry of Urban Development, Energy, Airports, Seaports, Grenadines Affairs and Local Government, for the design and construction of the Kingstown Port Modernisation Project Works.

The primary scope of work, according to the Canadian Company, includes designing and building a cargo port and relocating a sewer outfall line, as well as road upgrades and strengthening within the port catchment area in Kingstown.

Additional scope

includes work on the terminal area of approximately 6.5 hectares (approx. 6. 06 acres) on seaward reclaimed land; a sheet pile quay wall of 380 metres in length, as well as sheet pile walls of 130 metres in length on both sides of the reclaimed area; a container storage yard, and break-bulk vehicle storage and

maintenance areas.

Terminal buildings will include administration and customs, workshops, warehouses, and a container freight station, Aecon said.

Construction, Aecon confirmed, is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023, with an anticipated duration of two and a half years.

Less spiritual, more secular Continued from Backpage.

However, while that might be so, Rev. Davis spoke to the experience of having a lot of people saying to him that they don’t go to church but they listen and find his preaching to be very valuable and helpful.

“So there is a need for spiritual direction and guidance whether you like it or not. It still will always be true that no matter how much money you have, no matter how much education, how great or smart you are there is going to be the inadequacy of these things because we are not just physical but spiritual beings,” declared the Methodist minister.

ROSETTA JENNIFER DINA SHEPHARD Saturday, 30th April, 2022 Questelles Apostolic Church Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery ALFRED MARTIN a.k.a. Fred Gunn Saturday, 30th April, 2022 Langley Park Church of Christ Georgetown Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

DENVOR ADAMS Wednesday, 4th May, 2022 At his home in Belair Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

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FRIDAY, MAY 06,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.18

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

This artistic impression of the Kingstown Port Modernisation Project Works - Primary Cargo Port appeared on the website of Aecon Group Inc.

CONTRACTS SIGNED FOR PORT CONSTRUCTION

by DAYLE DA SILVA THE KINGSTOWN PORT MODERNISATION PROJECT WORKS - Primary Cargo Port took one step closer to reality with Government signing contracts with Aecon Group Inc, the company to construct the project, and Sellhorn, who will oversee construction.

Aecon Group Inc. is a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development with global expertise, and is recognized, according to its website, as one of the Best Employers in Canada.

Sellhorn is a consortium of independent engineers, project managers and service providers, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.

The contracts were signed on May 3 at Cabinet Room with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in attendance.

“The thing (Port Project) now has a life of its own,” Gonsalves said on May 4 while speaking on the NBC Radio’s ‘Face-to-Face’ programme.

While recognising that it was a huge project, Gonsalves disclosed that there was only one piece of the puzzle missing — that of the agreement with Taiwan for a US$62 million loan which he said still needed to be signed and then taken to Parliament to get approved for spending.

Gonsalves explained that the Port Project is expected to cost just over US$200 million with financing through a US$35 million grant by the Continued on Page 23.

LESS SPIRITUAL, MORE SECULAR around us.’”

He referenced the METHODIST Minister Reverend surge of COVID-19 as Adolf Davis needs no convincing demonstrating people’s that St. Vincent and the acceptance of human Grenadines has moved away frailty. Even people from being a spiritual society to a who could afford the more secular some. best healthcare died In an interview with THE because they were VINCENTIAN on Saturday 30th infected, Rev. Davis April, Rev. Davis said, “We have said. transferred from a very spiritual “These experiences, society to an increasingly secular which highlight the society where people felt that we inadequacy of material don’t need God, just education things, seem to make and money.” people aware that He posited that over the last there is a need for several years people have spiritual support,” the invested more in making money Minister shared. and getting an education.

All in all though, “Material things have been the Rev. Davis admitted trust of our society,” he declared. that the “big” problem However, Rev. Davis held out is that people have hope saying, “I think we are also developed a mistrust for the at a point where people are church and the traditional realizing ‘I have education, I institutions. have money, I have possessions but things just falling apart Continued on Page 23.

by KENVILLE HORNE

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

Rev. Adolf Davis (pictured doing a Scripture Reading at a recent Memorial Service for Moulton Mayers) recognizes an emphasis on things material, making the need for spiritual guidance all the more important.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.