FRIDAY, AUGUST
06, 2021
VOLUME 115, No.30
Bacchus: ‘Abuse of process’ Page 4
www.thevincentian.com
Operation ‘Tie back’ begins Page 6
No Women: The ECGC nears full vaccination misappropriation!! real warriors Page 18 Page 28 Page 14
FISHER FOLK STAYING PUT UNTIL… Stories by SHERON GARRAWAY
WINSBERT HARRY, President of the National Fisher Folk Association, has taken umbrage with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves. Harry has described as “disrespectful” comments made by the prime Minister, to the effect according to harry, that there were just 20 little bits of boats in Rose Place and only half a dozen owned businesses, in Rose Place. Addressing an Emancipation Rally on August 1st in Rose Place, Harry expressed the strong opinion that these remarks “were
Right: Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisher Folk Association, used the occasion of addressing a 2021 Emancipation Day Rally to restate the position of fisher folk in Rose Place as it relates to relocation.
very disrespectful,” and commented further that there was no serious effort to address the concerns of fisher folk and the persons who have their businesses on the beach.
Rose Place has been an operating base for generations of fisher folk.
Continued on Page 3.
EC$1.50
Senator Julian Francis has written off the NDPled demonstrations as lacking in numbers.
FRANCIS: ‘NDP LACKS CAPACITY TO MOBILISE’ AS FAR AS SENATOR JULIAN FRANCIS is concerned, the NDP has not mounted any protest that has attracted mass support. Francis, Government Senator and General Secretary of the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP).while speaking on Tuesday night’s ULP Speaks radio programme on Star FM on the issue of COVID-19 and its vaccination, encapsulated his view as referenced within an impassioned call for Vincentians to come together on the issues, and to avoid the politics of the opposition. “We have to come together on this matter. So to use this as...a political strong arm tactic, a big stick... this stick can’t help you, because people are not really buying into you. It’s not helping in your protest action. Do not lie to the people on the issue on what the amendment of what the medical Public Health Act is about,” he slammed. He also called on persons who organize the protest to not lie about reconciliation, as he believed that their deception only musters some 150 persons on the streets. The ULP General Secretary said that those who are using their union leadership who encourage persons to come out on the streets in an effort to bolster the New Democratic Party will fail again. As far as the Senator was concern, the NDP lacked the confidence and the capacity to mobilise any significant numbers of people into protest action. He said that persons realized that every time the NDP spoke, they were adding and fabricating Continued on Page 3.
V News 3 Ease for taxi operators
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021. 3.
NOT ALL TAXI OPERATORS will be required to vaccinate. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism and Culture, explained that officials have agreed that licenses will be issued for both tourism approved taxi operators, i.e. vaccinated, and unvaccinated taxi operators. “So, there’s no discrimination to say if you’re unvaccinated you will not be able to operate a taxi,” James said while speaking on radio on July 25. He explained that the protocols for persons entering the country via yacht include that they spend at least 48 hours in quarantine, once they are vaccinated. Since these persons would have already done the
mandatory quarantine time, they would be allowed to book any taxi for a tour. However, as it related to cruise passengers, who arrive and disembark on the same day, then the rules were different. “It’s more of a health issue/risk requirement than an economic one,” James said. “We always have to put the health requirement above anything else.” And if the officials were saying that they were welcoming passengers, and they were free to disembark on the same day, then there obviously would be tight measures in place to allow for the to the Tourism Minister, movement of these was encouraging tour passengers. Part of that, according operators, taxi drivers
Fisher folk staying put until… Continued from Front page. He was of the impression that the Port Authority was not meeting with the fisher folk and shop owners, but they were ahead on television and radio to ensure that the project got mileage among the wider population. Incensed, Harry called on the 200 fisher folk with some 53 fishing boats, as well as the 10 shop operators who provide food and drinks in Rose Place, to come together to ensure their livelihoods were protected. And he issued a stern warning, saying, “Fisher folk of Rose Place would not be moving until they have been given adequate, alternate locations from which to operate.” The Fisher Folk Association President did not disguise his view that threats have been placed on the community of Rose Place and their fishing industry, and reminded his audience, and by extension the authorities, that the 200 fisher folk and the ten shop operators in Rose Place, created food security and contributed directly to the GDP of the country. Harry was happy “for the persons who lived on the beach and who would be getting brand new homes at Lowmans Bay,” but he expressed concern over their means of making a living. The Port Development Project would be the second largest capital project in the country but, according to Harry, “it would displace many persons and their livelihoods.” Harry disclosed that the fisher folk had recommended Edinboro as an alternate location, but the people of Edinboro sent two petitions to the authorities and the recommendation went no further. He reiterated that the fisher folk would not be moving their boats before a proper alternate location was identified for their use, and called for the same degree of urgency with which the needs of the residents on the beach were addressed, to be applied to the fisher folk and shop owners. He has accused the government of separating the people and forcing people out of the fishing industry. By way of concluded his fiery speech, Harry insisted, “The fisher folk in Rose Place will not be removing our vessels and our businesses until we could have a proper facility where we can put our boats. And we will not be moving. They will have to come with a bulldozer and throw all the boats in the sea!”
and vendors to become part of a bubble. “They will have to
Taxi operators now have a choice. abide by the COVID-19 protocols which include
vaccination,” he said. (DD)
Francis: ‘NDP lacks capacity to mobilise’ Continued from Front page. things, while missing the mark on what was taking place in parliament. The NDP-led protest action last Thursday, July 29, saw a slight increase in numbers, according to some observers. Notwithstanding what Francis would have thought, in a raucous march around Kingstown and led by the NDP leadership, protestors chanted slogans such as “No Justice, No Peace!” and sang gospel tunes such as ‘I Am Warrior’, while some blew horns and knocked on pans. The police followed the march along its route and helped to direct and control vehicular traffic, in some cases having to re-direct heavy-duty trucks to take other routes. However, around 4pm, commotion erupted as a Digicel branded trailer, having been directed to turn off Back Street, proceeded on to Hillsboro Street (between Coreas City Store and the Kingstown Market) which marchers had already occupied. The driver, who was on his cell phone, attempted to make a way for his truck through the protesters and, in the process, bumped several
The Digicel-branded truck attempting to make its way through the protestor. protestors. Although no one appeared to be seriously injured, this incensed the gathering. The doors to the vehicle were hauled open with the intention, it seemed, to pull out the occupants. The police took quick action, closed the doors and quelled the protestors, and the truck was eventually allowed to go through the crowd. Some persons expressed the view that whenever they (opposition) were demonstrating, truck frequented the roads. The overall spirit of the demonstrators was charged as they called for an end to an effort to make vaccination
Quick action by the police averted any intention protestors had of taking action against the driver. mandatory, among other things. The NDP ‘mobilised another demonstration yesterday while Parliament was in session, during which an amendment to the Public health Act was down for debate.
V
4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Court
“Abuse of process”, King’s lawyers declare matter in another Court. However, Balcombe told the Court that the LAWYERS representing defence team wished to social activist Luzette make written King, who is facing submissions in which charges related to more details would be Immigration and Customs given. regulations, are seeking to “It would be unfair for have no trial of the matter. the defendant to be tried, The legal team, in the circumstances,” comprised of Kay Balcombe declared, Bacchus-Baptiste, adding that they would Ronnia Balcombe and like to expand on that in Mia Eustace, has made writing. an application to the The Chief Magistrate Court for the matter not agreed to grant the to proceed, on the opportunity for the grounds that it would be defence lawyers “to put an abuse of process for meat on,” their client to be tried on But she inquired of those charges, since she crown counsel Tameka has already been McKenzie, who is leading penalized. the case for the The application was Prosecution, whether she made before Chief had any rebuttal. Magistrate Rechanne McKenzie replied, “No, Browne on Tuesday we will wait on the when King returned to submissions”. the Serious Offences Browne ordered that Court. the written submissions Bacchus-Baptiste was be filed by August 9, the not present, as she had Prosecution to respond to deal with another Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
by August 16, and her decision handed down on August 30. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, BacchusBaptiste said, “She (King) has already suffered when they deported her. What they did was not done with due process. “I will say that it was a wilful abuse of process motivated by malice. They had her in their hands when she arrived here on January 30, 2021. If she had broken any law, they could have charged her there and then, but they deported her out of this jurisdiction, and when she returned here lawfully on February 6, they arrested her. It was an abuse of state authority motivated by partisan politics, another example of the breakdown of the administration and rule
of law in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” King has been charged with that on January 30, 2021, at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, did enter the state by air, and did not present herself in person to the nearest immigration officer. King is also charged with, that on January 20, 2021 at the AIA, failed to declare anything contained in her baggage, or anything carried on her, or produce her baggage to the customs officer on duty at the airport. She is additionally charged with, that on the same date at the AIA, prevented the carrying out of a search for anything which is liable to be forfeited, detained, seized, or removed, by not presenting herself to the customs officer.
She pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail. Shortly after King’s arrival at the AIA on January 30 when she was alleged to have committed these offences, she was deported to the United States where she is also a citizen, without being charged. Bacchus-Baptiste had told THE VINCENTIAN on February 10, 2021, that when King returned to these shores by air on February 6, 2021 the authorities sought to deport her again, but this time the plane did not take her, and it was then that they decided to take her to the Biabou Police Station and charge her. King had unsuccessfully applied for exemption from having to spend 14 days in quarantine at a hotel, as required by COVID-19 protocols. She had stated that she could not afford
Luzette King’s team of lawyers is working to have her matter not be advanced for trial. to pay for the 14 days, as she was unemployed; that she lived alone in a house which is secure, and where she could be safely quarantined, and that her doctor had placed her on special dietary requirements which she would not be able to get at a hotel.
Second person charged with Army burglary A SECOND person has been charged in connection with the recent report of burglary at the Salvation Army Headquarters at Melville Street, Kingstown, netting close to EC$13,000 in cash. On Tuesday, Jason Williams, 32 of Cemetery Hill, Kingstown, originally of Long Wall, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, charged with entering the Salvation Army building, as a trespasser, between July 7 and 8, 2021 and stealing EC$12,077 in cash, the property of the Salvation
Army. Nineteen-year-old Kyjuan Prince of no fixed aboard had pleaded guilty to the same charge when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court last week and was granted $13,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays. His matter was transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. However, when Williams was taken before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett on Tuesday, he was denied
Jason Williams bail, following strong objections has had another from Prosecutor Cornelius Tittle charge added to who noted that Wililams was on his list of bail on a burglary charge for an offence reportedly committed last offences. November, and that he had own benefit. breached his conditions of bail. On the Williams is also charged with, that Salvation on July 29, 2021, knowing or believing Army charge, he returns to Court on that one pair of blue and white adidas August 16. slippers, one pair of brown slippers, Prince will also appear at the one blue and red boxers, and one blue, Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on white and black boxers, to be stolen, August 16. he dishonesty received them for his
Investigator not aware of visit ASSISTANT Superintendent of Police (ASP) Elgin Richards, lead investigator in the ongoing trial of Prison Officer Louis Cupid, is not aware that Prime Minister Lead Dr. Ralph Gonsalves investigator and Commissioner of Assistant Police Colin John had Supervisited Her Majesty’s intendent of Prison Kingstown in Police (ASP) 2020, following the Elgin Richards second escape of claims he did murder accused not know Veron Primus in about the visit December 2020. to the prison Cupid is facing by the PM and conspiracy charges in CoP. connection with Primus’ first escape, between September 29 and October 2, 2019. ASP Richards, who heads the Major Crime Unit (MCU), is the lead investigator in both escapes, and up to press time Thursday, was under cross-
examination by Cupid’s lawyer Grant Connell. “Were you aware that in 2020 the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Police visited the prison?” Connell asked the investigator, who replied, “I am not aware of that.” “You investigated the second escape?” Connell inquired of Richards, who responded in the affirmative. “You were not aware that your crime scene had visitors? You didn’t know that the Prime Minister and the Commissioner or Police visited the crime scene?” Connell re-impressed on the investigator Who again said he was not aware of that. According to Richards, the diary for the dormitory where Primus was celled was written in, but he (Richards) did not have the chance to refresh his memory. When Connell asked where the diary was, Richards said, “I cannot tell the Court where the diary is. The diary should be at the prison. When asked whether the diary assisted him, the investigator said, “I can’t say whether it assisted me or not
present. Charles also denied that he admitted in the presence of the Prime because there is nothing on file about Minister and the Commissioner that it. I would say that it had in writing, the diaries were not kept. but I can’t recall what was in it.” Charles told the Court, “I think Connell suggested to Richards that ASP Richards removed the diary, but the then Superintendent of Prisons I cannot recall totally.” Brenton Charles, now retired, gave When Connell asked the former him the diary, to which Richards prison boss if there was any record to replied, “The Superintendent of Prison show whether the diary was removed, did not give me the diary. I was not he replied, “No, I didn’t make a dealing with the Superintendent with record.” respect to records.” Charles was unable to give a According to Richards, he was definite answer as to where that diary dealing with Senior Prison Officer is currently, except to say that “all Mathias. diaries are stored in the “I was dealing with Mathias. I did administrative office.” not remove the diary,” the investigator The retired Superintendent of said. Prisons who had given evidence Retired Superintendent of Prisons earlier at the trial, was recalled to the Brenton Charles, responding to witness stand at Connell’s request, to questions from Connell, at the trial shed light on the diary issue. last week, acknowledged that the Based on the evidence of the former Prime Minister did visit the prison prison boss last week, Connell and that they both went to the signaled his intention to make an dormitory. But he denied that the PM application to the Court to have the requested the diary. He also denied PM and the Commissioner summoned that he examined any diaries in the as witnesses. presence of the Prime Minister or the Commissioner of Police. In fact, he (More Court Stories on Page 21) said the Commissioner was not
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021. 5.
News
„Operation Tie-Back‰ on stream Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar assured residents in the Red and Orange Zones that adequate numbers of persons will be employed to ensure that the project is successful.
Stray dogs have been major menaces in the aftermath of the eruption.
Forestry and Fisheries, Hon. Saboto Caesar at a Media Briefing on Friday, 30th July. The case of stray animals roaming communities within the Red and Orange Zones has Stories by GLORIAH… become a sore point for many farmers and other residents AS OF TUESDAY, 3RD AUGUST, within those areas. “Operation Tie-Back”, a In his address, Minister programme rolled out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Caesar assured the affected residents that officials from and Fisheries, commenced in his ministry will play an the Red and Orange Zones. essential role in the project. The operation was Minister Caesar explained, conceptualized with the aim of “In the Red and Orange Zones controlling stray animal there are hundreds of cattle… within the two zones. For the next two months we The project was presented are going to have an on-theby Minister of Agriculture,
ground exercise whereby staff from the ministry will be in the Red and Orange Zones on a daily basis, to provide support to livestock farmers to ensure that the animals are controlled.” He gave indication that a discussion with the Chief Agricultural Officer revealed that several resource materials to enable a proper execution of the project will be purchased: chains, ropes and water tanks. Additionally, manpower to ensure that the animals are captured and tied will be deployed. Towards this end,
Every effort will be made to have animals still on the loose harnessed and hopefully returned to their owners. he encouraged the farmers to support the initiative by working with the Ministry of Agriculture. “We are asking all of the livestock farmers in the Red and Orange Zones for your full cooperation,” he implored. “We have several farmers who came to the ministry and they’ve requested the
assistance of the ministry. Water tanks also will be made available to several livestock farmers because when the animals are on the loose, they basically can go to the river, get the water; they’re grazing and it is very important for us to appreciate how difficult it is to lift the pedigree of the animals in your country.”
Hurricane Season: Look out for LAHARS
Dr. Eurocilla ‘Pat’ Joseph – current La Soufrière Monitoring Unit team leader – has given early warning that lahars could be triggered by heavy rains associated with the hurricane season. FROM THE VERY ONSET of the explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on 9th April, lahars posed a threat to residents living in areas prone to the passage of the phenomenon. According to The UWI
Seismic Research Center (UWI SRC) SRC, lahars are “fastmoving, dense mixture of rock, debris, ash and water originating from a volcano. Once there is heavy rainfall lahars are likely to occur. Known as ‘mudflows’ or ‘debris flows’ lahars are similar to wet concrete as they flow and can cause severe damage to rivers and valleys around the volcano.” La Soufrière Monitoring Unit team leader, volcanologist Dr. Eurocilla ‘Pat’ Joseph, has issued a warning to persons living in low-lying areas or river beds, to maintain vigilance during this year’s hurricane season. She especially warned that, “The occurrence of lahars in river valleys, around the flank of the volcano, especially during periods of heavy rainfall is the most common hazard that citizens will most likely face.” Speaking on NBC Radio’s ‘Eyeing La Soufriere’ programme on 28th July, she reasoned that a lot of the material that was deposited on
Lahar damage - one of the hazards that can continue to plaque low-lying settlements. the slopes of La Soufrière will eventually work its way down to ground level. She, therefore, implored persons to make it mandatory to access and understand the information given in the bulletins issued by The UWI Seismic Research Center (UWI SRC) and the National Emergency Management Organisation. The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season which began officially on June 01, has
already opened with devastation in the northern part of the mainland St. Vincent with Hurricane Elsa depositing torrential rains and bringing extremely high winds. The passage of the hurricane also left in it path a number of lahars. Dr. Joseph views the situation as “an area of major concern” as the possibility exists that these hazards could be ongoing “for weeks to months, possibly into years
from the lahars in certain areas that would continually destroy structures in certain parts, particularly certain river valleys especially in the Sandy Bay area.” According to www.nbc.com, “The average of all the predictions for the 2021 season is for 17 tropical storms to form, out of which eight would reach hurricane status. The normal is 14 storms a year, out of which seven become hurricanes.”
V
6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Relief
Bracing for the restart
MINISTER OF HOUSING Orando Brewster is excited about a housing programme that is set to begin. He announced plan for the revival mission at a press conference staged last Tuesday, August 3. According to Brewster, 753 units have been identified for renovations from damage caused by the impact of volcanic activity at La Soufriere. It will be $20M to do the repairs, an amount Brewster describes as daunting. “We will have to make a determination in Cabinet,” Brewster added. Also in charge of Social Development, Gender, the Family, Persons with Disabilities, and Youth, Brewster pointed out that lands had been selected for housing and rebuilding. The number of structures were not finalised but Brewster anticipates a “massive rebuilding process, in the next two weeks. That will coincide with arrival of material August 8. That shipment will complement supplies from locally run enterprises. Concentration will be in North Windward, North Central Windward, and North Leeward constituencies. The venture will be phased so as to cater for persons who are yet to return to their bases.
Brewster is happy to work along with other ministries in the restoration venture as well as coordinating with agencies and organisations local and abroad. The Minister pointed to the National Emergency management Organisation (NEMO), s an example of the response to the situation. The Ministry of Transport and Works is also engaged in the rebuilding process. Brewster pointed to efforts at relief with attention to the “vulnerable population.” Persons with Disabilities, Elderly persons, boys, and persons living on the fringes of the society have similarly been targeted. Brewster is also catering for “the needs of the poor and indigent.” $2m has been set aside to provide fror persons affected by the eruptions. Income support will extend to nonfarmers, Brewster announced. He promised Public Assistance to persons previously overlooked. The Minister is pleased with the distribution of supplies in the wake of the eruption and described the operation as smooth. “It was not an easy task,” Brewster pointed out, As far as Brewster is concerned, distribution by the World Food Programme intensified after the eruption, a task made easy by the variety of departments in his Ministry.
Brewster praised the Red Cross for their role in helping families displaced by the eruptions. Monthly assistance between $800 and $300 have been made. “The journey has just begun,” Brewster hinted. Philcol Jeffers, attached to the Ministry anchored the session. He was supported by Permanent Secretary Catherine Defreitas, and Director of Social Development Morissa Finch/Burke. Defreitas pointed to a “Return to happiness programme, Child Friendly Programme, and the Therapeutic Art session, which produced six murals. Finch/Burke is under no illusion as to the enormity of the task her Ministry faces. But she is firm that “we cannot leave anyone behind.” She echoed the chord of harmony in the relief venture with agencies on the ground including Catholic and Adventists denominations. Persons from North Leeward
Orando Brewster, Minister of Housing Social Development, Gender, the Family, Persons with Disabilities, and Youth. districts of Fitz Hughes and Chateaubelair have received hygiene and cleaning kits in addition to cash in recent weeks. (WKA)
Repairs to homes to begin soon SOME 550 homes affected by the April 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière are earmarked for repairs and rebuilding. This commitment was made on behalf of the government by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he spoke on NBC Radio, July 30. According to Dr. Gonsalves the figure was arrived at following extensive assessment by the Ministry of Transport and Works in the Red Zone. The assessment categorized the government’s response in accordance with a 4-tier system: level one minimal damage; level two - damage and in need of renovation work; level three — some structural damage and areas of the house have to be repaired; level 4 - structural integrity of the building is compromised and rebuilding or relocation is necessary. On the issue of relocation, the Prime Minister noted that there will be need to relocate some families from Sandy Bay and towards this end, government, he said, had identified 5 acres of land at Orange Hill to be bought for the construction of approximately 40 homes. Extensive cleaning, led by
In many cases, the only plausible response is relocation since some of the topography of Sandy Bay has been severely altered. BRAGSA, continues in communities of the Red Zone as people begin to move back to their homes. St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Development Plan 20132025 Re-engineering Economic Growth: Improving the Quality of Life for all Vincentians.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021. 7.
News
Culture Ministry to be guided by medical experts
The Soca Monarch is by far the most patronized show for Carnival in SVG but it is also primed to kick start another COVID-19 spike.
Vincymas in 2022. Since the emergence of the coronavirus here and the subsequent recording HAD IT NOT BEEN for the explosive of the first case of COVID-19 in March eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, 2020, mass cultural and entertainment there might have been Carnival – events, including Vincymas, the Vincymas - this year. Bequia Easter Regatta, Bequia Music Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Fest and the Union Island Easterval, the Carnival Development Corporation have been cancelled. (CDC) was working on a number of These cancellations became obvious proposals. steps in combating the spread of the These disclosures were made by COVID-19, especially after there was a Culture Minister Carlos James as he spike in the number of cases following spoke on Radio, July 25, and he also the 2020 Nine Mornings Festival. affirmed that he was privy to some of According to James, there will have the proposals on which the CDC was to be measures put in place to regulate working. any cultural activity that might be And with the prevailing uncertainty staged, and the officials within his occasioned by the COVID-19 ministry will be guided by the Chief pandemic, it was difficult to say at this Medical Officer and her team, as to point if there will be a resumption of how to operate within the confines
CDB gives US$5.3M volcano assistance THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (CDB) has pledged some US$5.3 million in emergency grant assistance to help in the recovery process, in the aftermath of the La Soufriere eruption. Dr. Gene Leon, President of the CDB gave confirmation of the bank’s pledge of US$300,000 in emergency grant assistance and US$5M for immediate action during a recent visit here. “The Bank is committed to work with the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines with a view of accelerating disbursements on all existing projects…,” Leon said at a media briefing on July 23. During the visit with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and other key government officials, Leon discussed ongoing CDB projects, including the US$13.6M schools’ rehabilitation project under the 10th cycle of the CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund, and the US$142.5M modern port project. “I think that project (port) is transformative for the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said.
President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Dr. Gene Leon (right) and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, (SVG) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, during Dr. Leon’s first official visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “The quicker we can get it going…the quicker we would be in a position to realize the benefits of that particular project,” Leon continued. The port, he said, was expected to bring access — not just from the marine side, but will also link sectors including commerce, agriculture and tourism. Part of the discussions going forward, Leon said, would be to see how to integrate all those projects and doing so in a formalized way. (Stories DD)
allowed. The Minister alluded to the CMO recently releasing protocols to be applied to staging outdoor events, one of the measures being that these activities should be opened to vaccinated persons only. Promoters had to work closely with the COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that they met the requirements, Minister James said. “Similarly, the CDC will also have to meet the requirements,” he said. Continuing on Carnival, James admitted that it was difficult to talk about Carnival at this point in time. “I do not want to say there will be a Carnival because of the way the virus
Culture Minister Carlos James seen here speaking at the launch of Nine Morning 2020 after which there was a spike in COVID-19 cases. is going,” James said. Things may change between now and July 2022 but, “We have to take into account the environment at the given time and we are guided by the CMO,” he said.
V
8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Vaccination yes! Mandatory no! LET’S AGREE on a few ‘fundamentals’ as it relates to COVID-19: * A number of drugs are being tested as treatments for people who already have the disease amidst the use of some steroidbased treatments. * Traditional/herbal remedies are a dime a dozen when it comes to ‘recommended’ treatments for the disease and already, could well be part of the self-medicating practices of many persons. * We have no other combative/preventative proven measure other than the vaccines that have been rolled out and are in use across the world. In the face of those ‘fundamentals’, it follows that even as we continue to enforce measures (e.g. masking, proper personal hygiene, etc.) to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there should be simultaneously, a national robust public education/awareness to encourage our people to accept the vaccine. And this column has, in an earlier publication suggested what and how that national programme could unfold. The aim here is to encourage our people to see why it is important that they take the vaccine; that to do so is to fulfill their civic duty. Instead of belittling someone for not taking the vaccine, we should be doing our utmost to convince that person that it is our civic duty as a people to do so; that we have a responsibility not only to protect ourselves, families, friends, neighbours, but the entire country. Government, on accessing supplies of a vaccine, advanced an intention to vaccinate fully 80% of the population. According to a release from the Coronavirus Task Force of SVG, as of July 30, 2021, 25,635 vaccines had been administered here - 15,726 had received a first dose and 9,909 two doses. Clearly, we have some distance to go. And, subject to correct, instead of intensifying the effort aimed at encouraging acceptance of the
vaccine we sense the opposite, as though officials are waiting for statutory measures that would make taking the vaccine mandatory for all adult citizens. Is government moving in this direction with the amended Public Health Bill? Some commercial entities here have already enforced certain ‘either or’ measures. This publication has from the outset supported taking the vaccine but did not conceal its abhorrence for making it mandatory. And even as the ‘talk’ of mandatory legislation is in the air’, the suggestion that citizens should be offered monetary incentives to take the vaccine has not gone away. Bribery? We seemed poised to take a leaf from Jamaica which introduced a Conditional Cash Transfer for the Vaccinated (CCTV), offering J$6 000 (approx. EC$174) to citizens over the age of 60 who took the vaccine. Or are we going to do like Antigua and Barbuda where the Gaston Browne administration offered an 8 000 sq. ft. parcel of land as a prize in a raffle for vaccinated residents? This task that we have before us should not be a case of incentivizing our citizens with some promise of a monetary handout to do what is the correct thing. Have we lost faith in our people? Why should it be that we pay someone to do what is correct for them — to take care of their own health? Have we given up on the power of conviction? Are our people so gullible? The bottom line is that we have got to do everything that we possibly can to avoid having to go the mandatory route. It is the easy route, no doubt. But by its very nature it denigrates our people to be being pawns, i.e. creations not worthy of making a choice and accepting the repercussions. The vaccine is all we have. We support its use but denounce any attempt to force its acceptance upon the citizenry.
Emancipation - getting there (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of August 8, 2009) VERY OFTEN it is the what happens on the eve of an otherwise significant event that determines to what degree it (significant event) is accepted, how impacting it is, what is made of its significance and simply just how it plays out among the people to whom it is meant to reach, if not influence. Emancipation Day, marked this year as has been the recent custom on August 1st opened in similar fashion to the said Day of 2007. It rained. And rain it did, in torrents, putting tail to the ceremony planned and staged at Heritage Square a name that is still oh so difficult to swallow far less carry any real significance, given what obtains there on a regular basis. And even if it did clear allowing for more festive and family-oriented activities spread throughout the country, the significance of Emancipation Day 2008 may well, as the opening paragraph purports, have laid in its eve, July 31st. Two events, that warrant attention, were staged on that day. The People’s Movement for Change (PCM) was, in want of a more appropriate description, launched at the Peace Memorial Hall. Amidst much anticipation, a late start (as though nothing had changed) failed to ‘put off’ the more than pleasing turnout at Peace Mo. The core members of the PCM could well be pleased, and heartened, by the turnout. No one could fault them for concluding that they had had their desired impact: “We brought them out — people see what we are saying — a change is definitely on the agenda.” Emancipation Day 1834 was to be the most significant day in the social, cultural history of those territories referred to then as the British West Indies. Emancipation Day 1834?? was to usher in change — the birth of a new politic — a whole new consciousness among a people whose self-worth and dignity had been denied them for generations. Emancipation Day 1834 was to also change the complexion of the status quo, even if its rule and regimen were not immediately altered to accept that change was inevitable. So when the PCM chooses to ‘launch’ its crusade intended to bring a ‘freshness to the social and political landscape of SVG, on the eve of Emancipation Day 2008, credit the core members with a
sense of history and an appreciation of the meaning of that history. There could not be a better Day to usher in upon a people who sages of old and more recent times speak to and about the need to ‘emancipate yourself from mental slavery’. There is a call, and one listened to, for change in 2008. There must be a notion somewhere that though we have come a long way since Emancipation Day 1838, there is still much to do to bring us to a fullness of spirit and a sense of having created our own civilization. It maybe that the few things we have done are clouded by our own selfishness — a selfishness that fails to recognize the seemingly inconspicuous things that foster real change - like the other event worthy of mention. On the eve of Emancipation Day 2008, farmers in this country, to put it euphemistically, won a new freedom for themselves when they joined the ranks, in a real way, of all other categories of workers. The Retirement/Pension Fund for Fair Trade farmers which took effect August 31st 2008, is a climax of centuries of struggle, not just to offer another benefit to farmers but to inculcate in them that they too are worthy and have a right to privileges and benefits that any other category of worker enjoys. That there will be life after farming for hundreds of farmers is just that — a new life — a new meaning to life — a conscious move into a realization that ‘we are people too’. The visionaries who would have advanced this cause, those who took it and carved it into reality must never be forgotten. For if there has been one truly significant change since Emancipation Day 1838 in the lives of the people who have carried this country on their backs, in their hands, it is the seemingly simple fact that farmers can now look to reaping much more than they sow in the bowels of the earth. And, they reap it through their own labour — they have not had it dished out to them. ‘Give a man a fish? NO! Teach him to fish? That is emancipation! SVG is still on the path to its full realization.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. 9.
Letters
The unaccounted funds DR. FRIDAY is making a bold accusation that needs to be addressed. He did not say it but if what he said is ‘gospel, and these funds remain accounted for, then it is natural to say: Someone is stealing us blind. Over five years, $95 million is unaccounted for; in my world, this is easy. Someone is either stealing from the government or is not doing their job. Either way, those responsible for the unaccounted funds should be dismissed immediately. Now let me be clear, I do not think anyone is stealing these funds, and with that blind faith I will bet that these
differences can be explained. Now I think both political parties are just playing politics, and I will not fall into that trap. If you believe, as I do, that this is a case of shoddy work let’s begin to advocate for better training and education for the employees. If you think that someone is stealing from the government, help us find them and bring them to justice; after all, you have been holding yourself as the “Justice for All” leader. Dr. Friday, I will not presume to tell you what you should follow or argue as the elected Opposition Leader. The
issue of unaccounted funds in these audits is not new (five years). The business of calling on Government Ministers to explain these missing funds is rhetorical at best. The Accounting General and his/her staff should present the missing documentation to account for all funds expended by the government to the Auditor General. If this is not done or cannot be done, the DPP and the police investigation team should be alerted. My personal opinion is if the elected officials continue to see themselves as day-to-day administrators, then they should be held
accountable. I still cannot for the life of me understand why these elected officials seem to think they have to “run” the ministries they are assigned to oversee. I will not single out anyone, but pick any four elected officials on either side of the bench and list their professional training; now tell me the ministry/portfolio they are responsible for and why? Our elected officials need to limit themselves to policy issues and leave the day-to-day operations to the professionals. Set policies, hire professionals, and hold them accountable for the outcomes. Having said that, Dr.
Friday, the significant policy issue you highlighted is a reason for concern by all of us. I would like to see you, or someone in your party aggressively pursue the violation of the administrative policy issue you raised. The government’s failure to not secure the appropriate authorization to convert the short-term overdraft into long-term debt should not be allowed to go unattended. The banks and other lending institutions need to be reminded that loans, not property authorized by Parliament, would not be honored in the event of a change in
administration. Now is the time for us to educate the public and the business community about the laws of the land, and the procedures that must be followed to establish legally binding debt obligations. Horatio
Ethics in Law Take the vaccine NDP mourns CERTAIN professions engage lawyers as a vocation. These include Law Making in legislatures, Advocacy in our Courts of law, Presiding over cases as judges and magistrates, and Governance. Practice of Law is a trusted position that is held to very high standards. Unethical behaviour may attract the disdain of the public and can lead to disbarment by vigilant Bar Associations. Willful, deliberate and habitual falsehood is unacceptable behavior. There is no such thing as a right to tell lies enshrined anywhere among our fundamental rights. Any admission to the habit of telling a little lie sometimes should be followed by repentance. Deliberate falsification should not be part of the character of any lawyer. Such behavior should be pursued until it exists no more. Rudolph Juliani was recently disbarred from practicing law in New York for his deliberate lies. Conflicts of interest arise in many situations and lawyers are encouraged to represent only one party in a dispute. However, in small societies such as ours where there is much intermingling and associations together with the family and relatives of everyone, it may be impossible to avoid conflict of interest. In such cases there should be full disclosure so that everyone can know all the ramifications. Closely related to ethics is integrity. Holders of public office must have some semblance of integrity. A man’s word is as good as gold. Lawyers have encouraged us to put agreements in formal writing and have them registered. With the advent of cell phones, a simple text message can record decisions for future reference. It has been too frequent a practice where a lawyer writes down the story of a client and proceeds to make conveyances for them without doing adequate IS FAITHFULNESS still in style? This question is research. It will be not a joke. good to heed Sir Gone are the days Vincent Beache’s when faithfulness was apparent last will and something honourable testament for our and being unfaithfulness country: “to enact was looked upon with Integrity Legislation”. much disdain. All of us will be Let us face it, culture, mindful of our society and times have behaviour both in changed. Marriages and private and public as relationships are not held we could come under in high esteem; they are scrutiny. not taken as seriously as they ought to be. Anthony Stewart, PhD Marriages are no longer
FROM WHAT I understand, those of us who opted to take the COVID-19 vaccine are in the minority. I am made to understand that we are far away from the realizing the number of vaccinated persons with which we would be pleased. That said, Mr. Editor, it cannot be, nor should it be, a situation in which we blame the government for those many people who still refuse to take the vaccine. The blame must be levelled on those uncaring citizens who continue to flaunt misinformation about the vaccine, and those who even refuse to follow the health protocols being encouraged to combat the disease. As far as I see, the onus is on all responsible citizens to take the vaccine and to promote the taking of the vaccine. It is our responsibility to us. We cannot expect others to do that for us. To those who still refuse to take the vaccine and have taken up positions against it, I encourage you to rethink your position. Do your own reading, your own research and check with your doctor for guidance. As I understand it, once we can have a certain percentage (70 to 80%) of our population vaccinated, we can begin to return our country to some level of normalcy and reopen it so that we can welcome family, friends and the tourists. Take the vaccine. I have. Retiree
Senator Conrad “Rocky” McIntosh WE ARE SAD to learn of the passing of former Senator Conrad “Rocky” McIntosh. He died on Monday, August 02nd, 2021 in Toronto, Canada, where he had gone to seek medical treatment. ‘Rocky’, as he was affectionately known, served under the James Mitchell Administration as a Senator. During the period 1998 to 2001, he served as Deputy Speaker and as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism. Out of active politics, he maintained close relationships with Sir James and other former parliamentary colleagues and with current President of the NDP and Member for Norther Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday. Former Senator McIntosh lived in Bequia. He worked in the family business, Julie’s Guest House, for many years. He also operated a retail shop in Port Elizabeth, where he interacted with friends who dropped by over the years to shop or simply to chat. We have lost a dear friend. We extend our deepest sympathy and love to his family members and other relatives. May his soul rest in peace. Lavern King PRO - The New Democratic Party
and money. The way we adorn ourselves and put pride in the way we look physically while it is seen as sacred. A closer unfaithfulness. It is no good, is a major factor in look would reveal various longer seen as sin and reasons why marriages something from which to attracting cheaters. This view I know is debatable. failed. However, many desist but instead However, relationships end something to be grasped. unfaithfulness is a because of The rate of cheating mindset. Since society unfaithfulness. makes one wonder if accepts it as norm it is no We are living in times faithfulness is still in when money seems to style. It would seem that longer seen as wrong. I guess you might say we run things. As a result being faithful is such a are living in modern cheating takes place on thing of the past that both sides. There are, persons who are faithful times and in a changing society so what was seen however, other reasons are sometimes seen as why people cheat but though they are different as bad in days gone by is that is for another time. if not wrong. You see the embraced as good. We Suffice it to say, society emphasis today is on sex are truly living in a changing world and so has widely accepted
Is faithfulness still in style?
morals and standards have changed. However, God’s word has never changed and God’s standards remain the same. Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13: 4. Let God’s word be honored above men’s philosophy. As a Christian nation let faithfulness be upheld in high esteem. Kennard King
V
10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Building back better - the red zone Introduction OVER the past months since the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, communities in the designated red zone have taken a “beating” from the elements that has resulted in much damage and destruction. While communities on the North Western (Leeward) side of the island experienced some damage, the bulk of the damage to property and infrastructure occurred primarily on the North Eastern (Windward) side of the island. The effects of the heavy ash fall from the initial explosive eruption on April 9, 2021, included the caving in of roofs under the weight of the ash, especially after rainfall that made the wet ash quite heavy. The damage suffered on the North Eastern side, in communities above the Rabacca dry river was far more extensive and not limited to the ash fall that covered the communities in the red zone. Those communities were also affected by the heavy flow of lahars, that occurred when heavy rains fell in the Soufriere mountains, causing flood like conditions of hot mud, carrying everything in its path. The dangerous mixture of hot flowing mud, huge boulders and massive tree trunks, was a constant threat to anything in its path including human lives and whatever livestock and farms survived the ash fall. The impacts of the constant lahar flow on the communities, especially Sandy Bay, include significant erosion, damage to infrastructure, and damage to houses and other property that were situated either close to river beds or on river banks.
these vital infrastructural developments a priority. While on a field visit that ended in Sandy Bay, Comrade Ralph assured residents that part of the government’s plan to address the vulnerability of affected residents in Sandy Bay is to relocate them, to much safer areas. The government has already identified lots in Orange Hill and other places where homes would be constructed to relocate families deemed to be in areas that become dangerous during flooding. This move by the government is consistent with its policy of dealing with families whose homes are either destroyed during disasters or must be relocated as was the case in communities such as Argyle for the construction of the international airport “Hollywood” in Cumberland, Rose Place and now Sandy Bay. The caring ULP government, would never allow Vincentians to be displaced and rendered homeless, but has always provided for those affected by disasters and other unfortunate events. There are also plans to relocate the Sandy Bay Clinic that is currently in need to repair as well as having a location that is not ideal, to an identified location that would be bought and with the existing building converted for such use. While this is being done, the Sandy Bay Secondary School which suffered significant The task of rebuilding damage during the period of the volcanic eruption, will be constructed As residents from Sandy Bay and as lands has also been identified on other communities above the dry river which the school would be built. In wait anxiously for the all-clear to the interim, this government is move back to their homes, the ULP constructing a facility in Mt Young administration, lead by Comrade that would temporarily house the Ralph, is implementing ways to make students of the Sandy Bay Secondary their return safe. The reality is that School, ensuring that there is no much work must be done as the disruption to their education when residents cannot return to a situation school reopens. There would be no that existed before the explosive “half-day school” under this ULP eruption of the La Soufriere volcano administration, since ample provisions since a number of safety issues that would be made for students to access were exposed need to be addressed. full classes even while their school is There has to be going forward, being constructed. Both lands building guidelines adopted that identified for the clinic and would ensure that families who are construction of the school, offer a constructing do not do so in areas much better location that removes the prone to flooding and other impacts uncertainty that was present in the from extreme weather events. The previous locations. government already has planned, a number if measures intended to Conclusion address the weaknesses in building practices by residents that created The caring ULP administration high level of vulnerability to their understands that as a country, we property. cannot abandon the communities The task of rebuilding the battered above the dry river as they are infrastructure in red zone fundamental to the historic identity of communities would be a mammoth this country. Those who are advancing one and the government is committed such a position are displaying a lack to ensuring the reconstruction of of appreciation and respect for this climate resilient public infrastructure. significance or are choosing to ignore There is currently ongoing sea defence it, this government will not adopt work in Sandy Bay that would such a position. We however realise address the rising sea levels that that as we prepare to move residents threaten the community. The damage back to red zone communities, every done to roads and bridges and the reasonable step must be taken to constant threat posed when flooding ensure that it is done in a manner occurs in areas such as Noel creates that minimises the risks to residents. additional need for the construction of These risks will be minimised, as the bridges, much like those done at Mt government focuses on the Young, Caratal and Rabacca. With reconstruction of infrastructure that every event of heavy rainfall that can withstand severe climate events occurs that results in flooding, Noel and ensures that residents adhere to and other areas where the heavy building guidelines. The task ahead is flooding cuts off communities to the a challenging one, but we are north come into sharp focus. This committed to ensuring that everything ULP administration has built more is done to protect the lives and bridges during its tenure than any livelihoods of residents in the red zone other administration and will make communities.
Where is the 95 Million Dollars? (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Presentation at a Virtual Meeting) OVER the years, we have lamented in the parliament and elsewhere the fast and loose way in which this government has managed the finances of our country; the disregard for the legal provisions that say how we are supposed to account for the finances of our country. You heard us say many times that accountability has been disregarded by this government. The primary instrument of that accountability has been the presentation of the accounts by the Accountant General and then have the Director of Audit look at them, to say whether they represent the truth about the economy of the country and/or the government finances. But, transparency has not been a watch word of the way the government functions. They will talk about it. We have pointed out over the years the many ways in which they have used and abused the various financial instruments in the country, and we are all paying the price for it. We talk about the condition that we have to endure now and the rising poverty, all of those things are connected to the way in which the government is managing our finances. We have pointed out in the past the ways in which the Special Warrants were abused; spending more money than parliament had approved in the budget. For many years, they have never brought them to the parliament for approval so that we could see for what purpose they were asking for additional money to spend that parliament had not approved. And, whether they were spending them on the things that Special Warrants are supposed to be spent for. Things that are not foreseeable, things that are urgent, these are things that they have failed to do in the past, and they only try to fix it after we had raised it in parliament and in the public domain. As of today, the reports of the Director of Audit are still far behind. The most recent one is for 2015 which means we are six years behind. We are dealing with things six years ago. It is very difficult to keep track of how the finances of the country are being managed and whether the watch dog agency, that is the Director of Audit and the Audit Department approve of the way in which the government manages the finances. Even though the reports are way behind, we still read them to see what they tell us; how the government has conducted the affairs five and six years ago, but they are important. Many queries have been raised by the Director of Audit in the past. But, I want to focus on one that is of particular importance. A serious problem that has been identified over the years and still has not been rectified and has serious consequences for our government finances and the way in which those finances are managed. I spoke in the past of how the government has abused the overdraft facility where they have exceeded the limit set by the parliament; where they have failed to clear it at the end of the year as you are supposed to do
under the law. And, how they have converted a part of that into a long term loan without the approval of parliament; they just say listen this is getting too high let us just borrow it. Also, there is the problem that the overdraft account has not been reconciled between what the bank says and what the Accountant General says, is the amount. This is a very serious problem. For example, from 2010 to 2015 according to the bank, (Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) the overdraft amount that was stated on the bank’s account was $ 58.1 million. The Accountant General, however, stated the amount of the overdraft was $44.8 million. That’s $13.3 million difference. The bank is saying somebody required the spending of $58 million in overdraft but the Accountant General in the report presented to the Director of Audit said only $44.8 million was in the overdraft balance. In 2011, the overdraft at the bank was $33.7 million. The Accountant General stated the overdraft was $16.3 million. More than half of the money in that year, the Accountant General could not present to the Director of Audit how that money was spent. In 2012, the overdraft at the bank was $ 41.6 million. The Accountant General stated the overdraft was $31.3 million, a difference of $10.3 million. In 2013, the overdraft at the bank was $ 51.1 million. The Accountant General stated the overdraft was $34. 2 million, a difference of $16.9. In 2014, it got worst. The overdraft according to the bank was $60.5 million but the Accountant General stated it was $31.2 million. $28 million was unaccounted for. And in 2015, the overdraft according at the bank was $ 60.1 million. The Accountant General stated it was $50 million, a $ 9 million discrepancy. Over the period from 2010 to 2015, there was an amount of about $95 million difference between what the bank said was withdrawn as part of its overdraft account and what the Accountant General can present to the Director of Audit as the state of the overdraft account. What this means, is not the fact that there was a discrepancy, but that that discrepancy must be explainable. When the Accountant General cannot explain that to the satisfaction to the Director of Audit, then it leads to all sort of questions. Were there inefficiencies? Were there losses? Or worse, was there misappropriation? These are questions that need to be answered. It has been the way in which the government has been managing the affairs. For example, in her report of 2009, the Director of Audit said: Because of the significance of the matters described above, and comments mentioned otherwise in this report, I am of the opinion that the financial statements presented for audit did not in all material respects fairly represents the financial position of the government.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. 11.
Views
Poise and personality
“A strong confident person can rule the room with knowledge, personal style, attitude and great posture.” Cindy Ann Peterson, My Style, My Way: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours Today THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary describes being poised as “marked by easy composure of manner or bearing.” Having poise is often associated with those who radiate an aura of confidence; individuals who are selfassured and quite comfortable with who they are and what they have achieved. Such individuals tend to have a very calm and cool demeanour even when confronted by individuals who are considered to be rude, aggressive, and/or arrogant. Poised individuals are not easily ruffled. They are not readily agitated by individuals who seem to attempt to “rattle their cages”. Leaders and managers in the service industry, and the hotel industry in particular, constantly scout for individuals whose personalities and attitudes portray warmth, confidence, and acceptance. Other business sectors also crave to have such individuals as their frontline workers (i.e. receptionists, sales persons, ushers, and so on). Many managers, leaders, and supervisors complain that such individuals are difficult to find. They seem to be in scarce supply. However, there is good news. Individuals can be trained to perform such duties portraying poise and personality once the innate desire is there to do so. So much depends on how an individual is socialised. During a visit to Chennai, India, several years ago it was truly amazing to observe how attentive the hotel staff was to meet every need of their hotel guests. Many of these hotel workers would have been members of lower castes and therefore considered poor. That being said, it is unlikely that the social graces that they exhibited were acquired in their impoverished home settings. However, this is not to imply that poverty is synonymous with poor social graces. It merely expresses the view that povertystricken homes are more likely to direct their attention to alleviating hunger and that, in so doing, developing such social skills may be considered secondary. These hotel workers would have been trained (reprogrammed) to provide excellent customer service with poise and personality. We can train individuals to develop poise. For example, we are told that female members of the royal family were previously trained to walk with poise and to stand erect by balancing books on their heads for hours. This practice resulted in them being accustomed to keeping their chins up and their gaze directly ahead of them. We do not have to be royalty to develop similar composure. In many of our Caribbean communities (and also in parts of Africa) our young people are encouraged to “carry load on their heads”. This is especially evident on the days that are designated as “market days”. Individuals from rural areas (male and female) walk relatively long distances balancing ground provision
and vegetables in neatly crafted baskets or inexpensive plastic or metal basins. In addition to encouraging self-reliance and industry, they learn to walk and stand with poise. We must abandon ideas of being hypocritical when individuals who work in the service sector are encouraged to smile and to be attentive and engaging when interacting with colleagues and guests. We understand and appreciate that there will be times when persons experience hurt and disappointment and may subsequently not be inclined to be pleasant. After all, there will be times when individuals will experience “down days”; when it is difficult to keep up an appearance of warmth and joy; when the unexpected tragedy happens. These can be expected. However, as best we can, we need to maintain a composure that generates warmth, acceptance, and confidence. However, it is imperative that every effort be made to display a pleasing personality … even when things appear to be going wrong. Employees who appear to be poised and pleasant go a long way to creating and maintaining strong, healthy relationships — attracting and retaining customers. These positive ambassadors of their respective enterprises often play a major role in attracting and retaining customers. Poise and personality are considered critical in the tourism industry in particular and life in general. Life’s spectators are encouraged and inspired when they observe such individuals who exude such a positive presence. That ability to stand erect portrays confidence (once it does not venture into the realm of arrogance). That warm smile and greeting can go a long way in creating a sense of acceptance and welcome. So much can be achieved when we portray gracefulness and temperament. As we embark on the journey to enhance our poise and personality it would serve us well to remember that we are not perfect. We all have faults and shortcomings. We will periodically lack the poise and personality that sets us apart from the average performers. We are frail humans. However, we can create an air of confidence even when we observe our foibles and may feel insecure. There is still so much good within and among us even when we may have failed. We can look more poised when we stand straight with our heads erect and our chins up. We have the capacity to remain calm and cool even when facing uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. Being positive but pragmatic helps us to be more objective and emotionally detached during the most threatening circumstances. Yes, even then, we can exhibit poise and personality. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Does Gonsalves have constitutional authority for what he is doing? THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC presents St Vincent and indeed the world with significant health and economic challenges. Across the world, over four million people are said to have died; millions more lost their jobs as economies came to a standstill. Seventeen months after the WHO’s declaration that there is a medical emergency, our government is rearranging our laws and lives in unprecedented ways, in its attempt to deal with the problems arising from this crisis. If left unchallenged, these changes will alter our constitutionally protected rights to privacy, assembly, religion, thought, conscience, and our right as all civilised beings to work to care for ourselves and our families. Are these proposed actions constitutional? Is Prime Minister Gonsalves correct in claiming that he has the law on his side in his draconian drive to deal with the health and economic situation confronting us? Does the common law and statutory law allow the government to arrange and rearrange our lives? All citizens have constitutionally protected rights but are not absolute. There are exceptions. Last week Gonsalves declared that the Public Health Act (1977) makes provision for mandatory vaccinations. Is he correct? Our constitution offers directions on how to deal with emergencies. We reproduce Section 17 in full for convenience and context: Declaration of emergency (1) The Governor-General may, by proclamation which shall be published in the Official Gazette, declare that a state of emergency exists for the purposes of this Chapter. (2) A proclamation under this section shall not be effective unless it contains a declaration that the Governor-General is satisfied: a. that a public emergency has arisen as a result to the imminence of a state of war between Saint Vincent and a foreign state; b. that a public emergency has arisen as a result of the occurrence of any volcanic eruption, earthquake, hurricane, flood, fire, outbreak of pestilence or of infectious disease, or other calamity whether similar to the foregoing or not; or c. that action has been taken or is immediately threatened by any person, of such a nature and on so extensive a scale, as to be likely to endanger the public safety or to deprive the community or any substantial portion of the community of supplies or services essential to life. (3) Every declaration of emergency shall lapse: a. in the case of a declaration made when the House is sitting, at the expiration of a period of seven days beginning with the date of publication of the declaration; and b. in any other case, at the expiration of a period of twenty-one days beginning with the date of publications of the declarations, unless it has in the meantime been approved by resolution of the House. (4) A declaration of emergency may at any time be revoked by the GovernorGeneral by proclamation, which shall be published in the Official Gazette. (5) A declaration of emergency that has been approved by resolution of the House in pursuance of subsection (2) of this section shall, subject to the provisions of subsections (3) of this section, remain in force so long as the resolution remains in force and no longer. (6) A resolution of the House passed for the purposes of this section shall remain in force for twelve months or such shorter period as may be specified therein; Provided that any such
resolution may be extended from time to time by a further such resolution, each extension not exceeding twelve months from the date of the resolution effecting the extension; and any such resolution may be revoked at any time by a further resolution. (7) A resolution of the House for the purpose of subsection(2) of this section and a resolution of the House extending any such resolution shall not be passed in the House unless it is supported by the votes of two-thirds of all the Representatives; and a resolution revoking any such resolution shall not be so passed unless it is supported by the votes of a majority of all the Representatives. (8) Any provision of this section that a declaration of emergency shall lapse or cease to be in force at any particular time is without prejudice to the making of a further such declaration, whether before or after that time. Based on these provisions, has the government followed the law as to how and when a medical emergency is declared? Are the government’s actions in keeping with Section 17 of the constitution? Is the dependent on statute sufficient to make the proposed changes? Yesterday government was expected to pass amendments to the Public Health Act and Public Officers Act. These amendments remove the section that made exceptions for child and ward and deletes the word voluntary before immunisation. An amendment to the Public Health Act gives the Chief Medical Officer sole authority to determine the medical condition of the citizens, thus stripping them of their right to privacy and choice of a medical practitioner. Another of the proposed changes lodges with the government the authority to determine whether someone’s religious objection to vaccination has a ‘good faith’ basis. In so doing, the government intends to strips away the objection based on freedom of thought. The amendments, intended to pressure public employees into taking the vaccine, change the law to remove the cost of the test from the government. In the future, public employees will have to pay $27 for each test. Public employees will be required to demonstrate that that they have a negative status every two weeks. In February 2021, Government, through Statutory Rules and Orders no. 6, declared a medical emergency. The government cannot do what it is doing without invoking section 17 of the constitution. Section 17 (2) demands that the Governor-General is satisfied ‘b. that a public emergency has arisen as a result of the occurrence of outbreak of pestilence or of infectious disease.’ Was such a proclamation ever make by Governor-General Dame Susan Dougan regarding the ‘outbreak of pestilence or of infectious disease?’ If the answer is no, what then is the constitutional authority for government high handed actions of the government? It must be understood that even where a state of emergency is declared, citizens don’t lose their rights. The government must at all times demonstrate that its actions are necessary, reasonable and proportionate. The government’s actions cannot meet constitutional muster. We are at a most dangerous point in our history. We must stop the erosion of our rights and freedoms. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
V
12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Free internet, 50% cut on water and electricity rates WHILST the country is still recovering from a weak economy, Covid-19 and the volcanic eruption of La Soufrière, government should help our people by making the internet free and cutting the price of water and electricity by at least 50%. In SVG, the internet, water and electricity prices are too expensive for poor and low-income households. It is important that all households, especially low-income ones, have access to the internet, water and electricity. Having free internet would help businesses and entrepreneurs source new customers and products to sell from abroad. Having free internet would help children of poor and lowincome families do their homework. The internet is the most powerful resource for access to information. In 2019, there were over 3.5 billion
Google searches of the internet each day. This shows that all over the world people are constantly accessing information on the internet. Businesses need as much help as possible in this continuing difficult economic climate to try to increase their sales. This is important as it would boost the weak SVG economy, increase employment and reduce poverty. If the children of the poor in SVG do not have access to the internet, then they will be left further behind children of the rich. The education of many children in SVG is already suffering, with many often dropping out of primary school or not passing the end of primary school exam. Children of the poor are disadvantaged and in order to boost their educational achievements, a Green government would provide free,
wireless internet access throughout our country. It would be funded by the millions of dollars of income from our own SVG tuna fishing and canning industry, when we take back our fish license from Taiwan. According to CWSA, for the period 2006 to 2010 the average number of households disconnected from the mains water supply per month was three hundred and sixty (360). Therefore, over these 5 years 21,600 (360 x 60 months) households had their mains water supply cut off. This clearly shows that the price of water is too expensive. The high price of water affects poorer households more and it is the children of the poor who suffer the most. The lack of fresh water would affect their health and impact their ability to study. In order to boost the health and educational attainment of the children
of the poor, a Green government would cut the price of water by 50%. CWSA can supplement their income by selling fresh, drinking water in tanker loads to foreign countries. The cost of electricity is outrageously high and using oil to produce electricity is the main reason. Many thousands of poor households probably have no mains electricity. Children of the poor cannot do their homework in the dark. The lack of access to electricity will impact on their ability to study. In order to boost the educational attainment of the children of the poor, a Green government would cut the price of electricity by 50%. Producing electricity from renewable energy would make electricity much cheaper. It is imperative that internet access is free, and the price of electricity and water is cut by 50% to help businesses, entrepreneurs and poorer households recover from these very tough times of a weak economy, Covid-19 and the volcanic eruption of La Soufriere.
Reflecting on Emancipation Day EMANCIPATION DAY should be one of the most important and memorable events on our calendar; it is a time of great significance in human history. I say this without any apology: The African Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was the worse atrocity ever that took place in human history.
Emancipation Day Emancipation Day
should be celebrated just as passionately as we do any pagan holiday by indulging ourselves by eating and drinking wantonly. The tragedies and atrocities that took place in the two World Wars, the Korean and the Vietnam wars, could not be compared to the misery and barbarism that our ancestors went through. We must be mindful of the terrorization and brutality they
experienced while slaving for the Brits, French, Spaniards, Portuguese, and AngloSaxon Americans. Mind you, it was four hundred years of cruelty, plus another 200 hundred years of colonization and neocolonialism that we had to endure.
A predominantly black country As a predominantly black country, our
children should get a comprehensive knowledge of the Atlantic Slave Trade. We should see to it that they know of the barbarity of slavery and the negative behaviors we have adapted through colonization. This kind of awareness would give them a greater appreciation of their history. This awareness could cause the otherwise self-destructive youth to put down the gun and turn from gangsterism.
collaborating with the progeny of the slave master’s children to commit ‘sin-things’, perjury, and felony. The preachers are tightlipped when it comes to speaking out against slavery, colonization, and injustice.
On this memorable occasion
The predominantly black congregants who attend the churches in Sin Vincent and across the entire Caribbean, Church bells should be singing the old On such a solemn negro spiritual on Sunday morning service; occasion, church bells should be ringing out for “Nobody knows the trials reparation and for those we the Africans have Africans who died seen, nobody knows but mercilessly on the Jesus.” But instead, the plantation, under the children of Africans eyes whips and the guns of are set fixed on the the cruel slave master. image of a white Jesus, The preachers should tell which the Pope of Rome their flock about the sanctioned Michael importance of the Angelo to create. Many of Emancipation us know the origin of Proclamation. that bogus image that the slave master imposed The Preachers on our ancestors. If the preachers are righteous, they should be Carnival condemning the This festival is derived from the Emancipation of imperialistic powers of Europe and demanding slavery. Yet, it hardly that they do the right reflects anything positive thing; and chastising the especially from the Soca politicians of the West artists that capture the Indies who are in cohort crowded mass. What I see going on in the with the imperialist of Europe and America. streets of Kingstown However, in the scheme while they celebrate carnival is madness and of things, it seems as if the preachers are decadence; by a
generation who doesn’t have a clue about their history and the origin of carnival. So the imperative is to make the clueless youth know about their history. If they do, they would be grounded and firmed, and would appreciate the arts, cultures, and sciences of Africa.
The Fictitious Jews The Jews of Europe lament the holocaust they experienced at the hand of Hitler. They recall that their ancestors were euthanized and starved to death. We, original Jews, have suffered far worse than they yet we tend to forget.
I Reiterate On such a solemn, memorable day as Emancipation Day, church bells should be ringing from as far as Timbuktu, to Brazil, to the of South of America and Central America, and throughout the entire Caribbean, where blacks were lynched, tortured, and burnt alive. Black people, Black people, Remember your history. Carden A. Michael
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021. 13.
V
14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Heritage
Women: The Real Warriors THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN being at the forefront of uprisings for change in this country has been emphasised. This was echoed extensively at the August 1st Emancipation Day Rally held at Rose Place, also known as ‘Bottom Town’. The event was hosted by the Frontline Line Movement for the 2nd year. Leader of the organisation - Luzette King - who was born on August 01, called on Vincentians to be more aware of their history and the significance of the day. She noted that it was important to honour the ancestors who fought and died for freedom some 183 years ago, by ensuring that reparations monies are not put into the hands of those who will misuse it.
The modest gathering of persons listened as freedom-themed poetry by Carden A. Michael and songs by Winston ‘IStan’ Lewis and Cecile Lil’ Bit’ Murray reverberated through the quietness of the evening. Featured speaker Historian Dr. Adrian Fraser noted that from as early as 1763 the indigenous peoples and Africans united to fight against enslavement. He emphasised that even then, many of the warriors were women, a fact that the British deliberately omitted from their publications, but was highlighted by the French archivists. Dr. Fraser noted that women continued to play an integral role in the struggle for change, throughout history, “As I reflect on the
Luzette King and Robert’ Patches’ King continue to be vanguards in the struggle for meaningful change. Left: Carden Michael, Pan Africanist/Black Awareness Advocate, shared some freedom themed readings. self-sufficient enough to face the consequences of speaking up. Taking a lead from Marcus Garvey and Dr.Adrian Fraser, almost everything Bob Marley he eminent Historian, women were in the emphasised, “We are our highlighted the role of forefront and I see today first and last line of again that women are women as being defence. We don’t have leading the struggle,” Dr. foremost in the struggle anyone else to lean on Fraser observed. for change throughout because everything that Also delivering a history. sterling exhortation was we continue to look for is already inside of us.” Gregory “Shaka Bingi struggles over the years, Ras” Edwards who Other speakers one of the things that included Ideisha Jackson pointed out that too stands out is that some from the Rastafari many have become of the leaders in the Community, Jomo dependent on the struggle were women. In establishment and not Thomas from the
Reparations Committee, Winsbert HarryPresident of the National Fisher Folk Association, Member of Parliament for Central KingstownSt. Clair Leacock. Daniel Cummings Member of Parliament for the West Kingstown in which Rose Place falls, sent an audio recorded message. Children from the community were treated with goodies as the importance of leaving a legacy for them was underscored.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021. 15.
Arts
SVGCC students showcase their art
Javanne Sam — ‘Myself as my Mother’ and THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION Rochelle Samuel with of the work of students ‘Motherhood: Unspoken engaged in the Associate Loss and Gain’. Degree in Fine Arts, Karlon McLean, spoke Design and Cultural with THE Communications at the VINCENTIAN. He SVG Community College, revealed that his was held last Friday, collection was inspired August 30. by hard work put into his The activity was life by his mother. spearheaded by “What inspired me,” he Programme Coordinator said, “was how hard my and Lecturer, Ms. mother worked to Leytisha Jack and she provide for me and my was assisted by Mr. siblings, going through Dane Jack, lecturer. many stressful situations Ms. Jack explained while still being a loving that, “The students and caring mother present their senior throughout. Even when projects to the public as I failed and disappointed professional artists. All her in my schooling, she projects take an continuously loved me academic year, roughly and pushed me to do eight months, to better.” complete and are based Rochelle Samuel also on the local Vincentian gave insights into her context.” body of work. Her Eight students each ‘Motherhood: Unspoken exhibited a collection of Loss and gain’ sought to work that captured their provide a narrative of experiences and her pregnancy aspirations. These were: experience. “It is about Kelvin Allen with ‘Scar carrying two babies: one of Loneliness’; Tansha was dead and one was George with alive, and delivering both ‘Remembrance of the of them on the same Regretful Familiar’; day,” she divulged Maleik Lewis — ‘Distant pensively. “It’s just with Society: Closing the about my experience of Void’; Myera Lewis — not knowing what was ‘Release Depression: happening, then having Link to Expression’; one of my daughters Andre Joseph — ‘Intimate coming out alive, healthy Violence on Maleness’; and well; and being a Karlon McLean — ‘The happy mother.” Repeated Love of the Ms. Samuel was Woman Who Bears’; driven to display light by GLORIAH…
Rochelle Samuel stands next to her work that is inspired by her daughter, whom she holds in her arms.
and dark contrasts, with Karlon McLean finds the dark representing inspiration for his work, the unknown, death, and which he proudly the dark, loneliness of displays, from his the experience; while mother’s resilience. full-colour indicated the on the Community goodness of a live, Colleges calendar of healthy birth. events. The Exhibition is a much anticipated event
V
16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
SVG Association of Winnipeg donates meals to shelters
One of the main course for lunch.
THANKS TO THE GENEROUS DONATIONS of Vincentians and friends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Winnipeg Inc., in the wake of the explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, April 2021, was able to provide assistance to the tune of approximately $10,000 EC, to the evacuees in four (4) shelters across mainland St. Vincent. A total of 10 days of meals (lunches and dinners) was provided to the 4 shelters. Information received said that some 200 persons were served with 400 meals in this, Phase 1 of the relief effort by the Association. This effort was made possible through the remarkable assistance of 4 caterers in St. Vincent, who did not stop at demonstrating their culinary skills in meeting the needs of the evacuees, and to add some additional smiles given the many challenges faced by the evacuees during the past months. The meals were provided to the following shelters: Cane End Government School catered by Shermyn Shallow; Lowman’s Anglican Primary
School catered by Clare Jacobs; Gomea Methodist School catered by ‘Papa’s Food Spot’/ Nimrod Providence; Evesham Government School catered by by ‘Nic’s Cakes & Catering/Shelise ‘Nicole’ Browne. Expressions of gratitude to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Winnipeg Inc and its members have been received from evacuees and shelter managers, who indicated their appreciation for choosing their shelters and for assisting in meeting dietary concerns where necessary. The executive members of the Association are President Arlene Green, Vice President Charles Henry, Treasurer and Secretary DeCris Providence, Chair of Women’s Committee Angela Cupid, Public Relations Officer
Nothing is better that this fresh salad. Margaret Lewis-John, Outreach Coordinator John Jack and Immediate Past President Dennis Cupid. The Association will continue its fundraising efforts in Winnipeg to embark on Phase 2 of its support to the restoration efforts in the Red Zone area of the island. The members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Winnipeg stand firm in their commitment to continue giving support to benefit the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as they rebuild, as our anthem says “Whatever the future brings our faith will see us through!” The executive members of the Association are: President - Arlene Green; Vice President Charles Henry; Treasurer and Secretary - DeCris Providence; Chair of Women’s Committee - Angela Cupid; Public Relations Officer - Margaret LewisJohn; Outreach Coordinator - John Jack; Immediate Past President - Dennis Cupid. (Contributed)
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021. 17.
V
18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Business
ECGC heading for 100% VACCINATIONS
the health and safety of all its valued employees, their families and their communities. While I am satisfied with the response of our employees thus far, the aim is to make the ECGC the first company ins St. Vincent & the Grenadines to achieve 100 percent vaccination among all staff.” Commencing January of 2021, the ECGC embarked on an accelerated drive toward ensuring 100% vaccinations against COVID 19. This included: * Informal group chats with company employees where they could air their concerns and receive information from senior officials; * Ongoing on-site company-wide testing for Covid-19; * Continuous conversations and education drives explaining the importance of testing to the employees; * Partnering with the Ministry of Health; * Holding five (5) vaccination days on the compound between March and August to which families and friends of employees were invited to be vaccinated’ * Continued testing of employees by the company’s Health and Safety teams. In addition, the ECGC has provided monetary incentives for persons to become ECGC employees converse with Ministry of Health nurse vaccinated including prize draws. (right) before they take the vaccination. THE EAST CARIBBEAN GROUP OF COMPANIES (ECGC) has announced that the company has achieved 86% vaccination which accounts for 158 of its employees. This remarkable feat has come as a result of a series of concerted initiatives carried out across the five companies which fall under the umbrella of ECGC. Company CEO, J Robert Cato says, that “As a company which produces and markets food and beverages, it is a priority for the company to ensure
Notwithstanding the success thus far, the CEO insists that the vaccination thrust continues. Mr. Cato said: “Now that we have achieved 86% of teams vaccinated, we can feel, that we are at a much ECGC employee is safer place. However, proud to display his there is still more work vaccination status. ahead.” He added, “The presence of unvaccinated persons within teams puts the businesses at severe risk. An outbreak can mean hospitalizations, closed plants, the loss of customers with resulting loss of sales and ultimately, difficult decisions that we may have to make.” As of August 11, the company expects all employees to be vaccinated, since the intention is to run a fully vaccinated business. Employees who are not vaccinated will be expected to show proof of a negative COVID 19 test every 72 hours in order to return to work. The CEO is optimistic that the employees would continue in their quest for all round excellence and cooperate toward the goal of making the ECGC the first fully vaccinated company in SVG.
(Submitted by ECGC)
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021. 19.
V
20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Donation
Trinity students donate to relief effort by JENNIFER MORROW THE TRINITY School of Medicine Student This mother was especially grateful for the Trinity Relief Package.
variety of items, including personal hygiene products and tools to assist with volcano cleanup efforts. Trinity’s Vice President of Student Services, Keith Hollers, expressed that he was proud of the compassion shown by the student-led initiative, saying: “This multinational donation demonstrates how meaningful the island is to our students. Even after they leave and return to the states, Trinity students continue to think of St. Vincent as a second home and they seek out ways to contribute to the community.” Student Alexandra Frazier said students were eager to help after seeing first-hand the level of destruction caused by the eruption. “It was amazing to see the community come together after a horrific natural disaster,” said Frazier. “The people of St. Vincent have opened their hearts to Trinity students and they have been nothing but kind and welcoming towards us. We want them to know just as they have helped us on our journey to becoming doctors, we will help them recover and persevere.” After a long hiatus of in-person learning due to the coronavirus pandemic and the volcano eruption, Trinity students will be returning to the island in September to resume their studies. Students and staff are excited as they prepare for the long-awaited reunion, and are looking forward to serving the people of St. Vincent through free health clinics and other This recipient (right) had her package community service activities. delivered to her doorstep.
Government Association has donated over $34,000 worth of relief items in the wake of the recent volcanic eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The funds towards the donation were raised from among the Trinity Student Government Association in both St. Vincent and the clinical programme location in Warner Robins, Georgia, U.S.A. With those funds, teams have donated in excess of 150 packages to families in need. Packages contained a
Relief packages were delivered to needy persons in their communities.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 06, 2021. 21.
Court
No bail for disrespectful defendant
A REPORT that 28-year-old Quincy Boyde had breached a curfew and reporting conditions imposed by the High Court for a burglary charged, blocked his opportunity of being granted bail on firearm and ammunition charges last Tuesday. Boyde, a resident of Ottley Hall, had pleaded not guilty at the Serious Offences Court, to possession of a glock 43, 9mm pistol without a licence, and 6 rounds of 9 mm ammunition without a licence. He was unrepresented. However, when the issue of bail arose, Prosecutor Renrick Cato indicated that Boyde was on High Court bail for burglary when he committed this offence. Cato noted that as part of the conditions of bail, the High Court ordered Boyde to report to the Questelles Police Station, and placed him on a dust to dawn curfew. But the prosecutor revealed that the records show that Boyde never reported to the Questelles Police Station, and that he was in breach of the curfew, having been met on the road around 1:20 am when he was recently arrested. “He has no respect for the High Court.” Cato stressed, and expressed the view that Boyde would not turn up at the Serious Offences Court for trial on the gun and ammunition charges. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne upheld Cato’s objection, and denied bail. Boyde will return to Court on August 10. Boyde’s recent brush with the law stems from a police action at Arnos Vale on August 1.
Bail denied on gun, ammo charges KIMRON PETERS will remain behind bars until August 10 when the issue of bail, on charges of firearm and ammunition possession, will be reviewed. Appearing at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, the 28-year-old Biabou man pleaded not guilty to possession of a semi-automatic .9mm pistol without a licence. Peters also denied having 18 rounds of .9mm ammunition without a licence. Peters was arrested following a police action at Arnos Vale on August 1. In objecting to bail, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that the police were investigating reports of two shootings of which Peters is a person of interest. The Prosecutor was of the view that if Peters was granted bail, at this stage, investigations into those shootings could be impeded. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne contended that she would not grant bail at this juncture, taking into consideration the prosecution’s concern. Peters, who was unrepresented, asked the Court to allow him the opportunity to seek the advice of a lawyer. But Browne told him that she was remanding him until August 10, when the issue of bail would be reviewed, and at that time he would have an opportunity to seek legal advice.
V
22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
My wife, my buddy and me Dear George, I CAUGHT my wife in my bed with my bosom buddy. She claimed she was drinking with him and didn’t know how she ended up in bed with him. George, my wife has refused to do certain things with/to me yet she was doing them with this guy. The only thing I asked them then was to remain in bed while I took a photograph. If I release this photo that “buddy’ of mine will lose everything, including his wife. He begged me not to release the photo and said he will do anything I asked. I asked him to allow me to sleep with his wife. I have not heard from him since but I have given him up to August 31st to make his mind up. As for my wife, I told her she has to do all those things she has been refusing to do in bed otherwise, I will expose her and end the marriage. She has until August 31st also. This approach I chose over outing both of their lights. Please give me your advice.
Heartbroken Dear Heartbroken, Getting even with your wife or the man she cheated on you with is not the way to go. What kind of relationship would you have going forward if she grants you your sexual wishes under duress? You need to decide whether your wife’s cheating is the breaker to the marriage or to give the relationship a chance to survive. Exposing that photo will hurt more people than intended and therefore needs reconsideration. I am suggesting strongly that you seek immediate relationship counseling and move forward from there.
George
This is not love Dear George,
THINGS are hard with me. I am unable to provide for my woman like I used to. Yet, she refuses to understand my situation and keeps asking for stuff she knows I cannot now afford. The last thing she suggested was that I should bring home stuff from the company I work for. I told her If I did this and got caught, I could end up doing jail time and believe it or not, she said if I happened to go to jail, it would be for a worthy cause and she will wait for me. I am appalled by all of this and want to hear from you on what I should do to satisfy my woman without risking my freedom.
More questions. Dear More questions, I will tell you how you can satisfy yourself in this case without risking your freedom: Tighten your shoe lace and run as far away from that toxic relationship as possible. Anyone who claims to love you and yet encourage you to break the law and has no issues with you going to jail, does not deserve you and does not know what is love. Do not let the hard times you are now facing cause you to end up doing ‘hard time’. Consider this hard period as temporary and keep looking for legal ways to better your situation.
George
Leisure
Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. Don’t be too eager to spend what’s left over; more unexpected expenses are evident. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving.
Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t be too quick to voice your opinion. You can’t always have your own way. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you.
Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Things at home may be somewhat rocky. One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights. You could be your own worst enemy if you overreact to something you’re told.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You have been going through a period of change that has caused problems for you with your loved ones. Hassles with in-laws could put a damper on your day. Conflicts over joint finances are likely.
Gemini (May 22-June 21) The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions when it comes to matters pertaining to work. Stay out of other people’s affairs.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals. You may get some opposition. Personal changes will be to your benefit. Concentrate on work and on making money.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it. You need activity. You can make or break your personal relationship this week. You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) You’ll be angry if those you live with aren’t pulling their weight. Investments may be misrepresented this week. It’s time to reconnect with some of the people you used to know. Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Spend a quiet day with the one you love. You are likely to reveal information unintentionally. Calm down and take a step back. You should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have.
Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Turn your present relationship around or start a new one. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money. Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your ideas may be good, but they aren’t necessarily right for everyone. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don’t push them, instead just continue working on development. Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Be careful not to lead someone on if you truly have no interest. Catch up on any correspondence you’ve neglected.
ACROSS 1. Little bear 4. Awful 7. Funny Rock 9. Drops of woe 11. Austrian city 12. Take a breath 14. Lyric tribute 15. Beaver-fashioned work 17. Baldness cover 18. Setting-sun direction 20. Gambling cube 21. Presidential denial 22. Library patron 24. Traffic-jam participants 25. Debate side 26. Comic Knotts 27. Chimney dirt 29. Fights back 3. Food box 32. Cuts (off) 4. Young Stiller 33. Ramshackle 5. Joyous sound dwelling 6. Bureau 34. Previously planted compartment 36. Unrefined metal 7. Apple drink 37. Life stage 8. Depress 38. Struggle (for) 9. Clock information 39. Far from chewy 10. Narrow cracks 42. Most cunning 11. Swear 45. Dish out 13. Self-regard 46. Hammers and 16. Broadcast chisels 19. Mexican 47. Coloring liquid specialties 48. Fellow 21. Barn-roof gauges 23. Tiny mark DOWN 24. Corn center 26. Hate 1. Macaroni partner 27. Painful areas 2. Vase cousin
28. Unsealed (parcels) 29. Floor protection 30. Beautiful 31. Of Zurich 32. Realty unit
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. 23.
33. Fabled racer 35. Woven snare 49. Like a desert 41. Holiday night 43. Woodpile item 44. “Who are _?”
V
24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Cadogan leads Vincentian effort at Olympics
Shane Cadogan did himself and his country proud.
Grenadines’ other representative in the pool at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre, Mya De Freitas, placed fourth in her Women’s 50m Freestyle heat. Her time was 28.57 seconds, which put her 59th of 81 competitors. She, like Cadogan, did not make it to the next phase. The fifteen-year-old De Freitas was unable to shave off any time from her best of 29.34 seconds. Meanwhile, the lone track athlete- Shafiqua Maloney was unable to replicate or go better The Vincentian delegation to the Tokyo Olympics. than her best of 2:01.22 in the Women’s 800m, SWIMMER SHANE His clocking placed which took place earlier CADOGAN won his heat in him 49th of the 73 Friday, Japan time. the Men’s 50m Freestyle competitors but to the Maloney, 22, finished last Friday at the 2020 consolation of the 20seventh in her heat, in a Tokyo Olympics. His 24.71 year-old, his time was his time of 2:07.89. She was seconds was not among personal best, bettering ranked 41st of the 45 the top sixteen to allow for his previous 24.73 competitors. his advance to the semiseconds. Cadogan, De Freitas finals. St Vincent and the
and Maloney, all earned universality places to attend the Olympic Games, as none was able to reach the qualifying standards. To date, Eswort Coombs has been the lone Vincentian to reach
Shafiqua Maloney will be encouraged by her PanAm ranking. SHAFIQUA MALONEY is the highest ranked Vincentian on the Pan American Sports list of athletes who are under the age of 23. The recently released rankings of 2020/2021 shows 22-year-old Maloney sitting 3rd in the Women’s 800m. During her national recording-breaking 2021 season,
occasion that St Vincent and the Grenadines was attending the quadrennial Olympics. The first appearance was in 1988 at the Seoul Games.
IT-DAT Summer Camp in train
OVER 50 TRACK AND FIELD athletes are participating in this year’s IT-DAT Academy Summer Camp that is in train at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Michael Ollivierre, Head Coach of the Academy, explained, “This year’s camp will be in two phases… the first beginners and Athletes week we look at getting the exposed to second the hurdles. week we include Right: Leo the seniors…. Frederick reminds that it The is not all younger about track. athletes Uroy Ryan sits at positioned 14th will be on the Long Jump list. exposed to basics in And Javon Rawlins is ranked track events while 23rd in the Men’s 100m. He earned some will be Aravinda Shallow that place, with a season’s best of introduced to the and Keifer Bailey, who 10.40 seconds, attained at the jumps and those are all based overseas. Jamaica National Stadium in May. under 15, they will During this year, Maloney, Leo Fredrick one of be introduced to the the senior athletes of the Welcome, Roban and Ryan all set hurdles.” new St Vincent and the Grenadines IT-DAT Academy marks. The Camp will attending the summer Maloney is the national indoor accommodate some camp noted that some of and outdoor 900m record holder, of the most the younger participants while Welcome has the Triple Jump promising young were “sky because the in her grasp,. athletes but camp is in its early Roban holds the Under-20 800 Ollivierre is stage, but most of all and 1500m recods, while Ryan is the generally pleased they are enjoying it. … Under-18 Long Jump record holder. with the number of Track is not just for The record holders all secured young athletes running so we will also medals at last month’s NACAC joining the Camp. be assisting them to be championships in Costa Rica. Maloney had gold and silver in He is also happy better persons in life”. the 800 and 400m, respectively. This to welcome back The camp is expected was the same for Roban in both to close on August 27th. some former events. Welcome took silver in the Academy members Triple Jump and Ryan won gold in I.B.A.ALLEN like Akani Slater, the Long Jump.
Maloney heads SVG’s PanAm rankings list Maloney re-established the 800m indoor record to 2:01.22 and the outdoor to 2:02.54. Maloney is 6th in the 400m, with a clocking of 51.72 seconds, while Tamara Woodley’s 53.53 puts her in 16th place. Woodley is at 22nd in the Women’s 200m with her season’s best of 23.72. Meanwhile, Darria Matthias is 23rd in the Women’s 200m at 23.99 seconds and is 24th in the 100m, her time being 11.77 seconds achieved in April of this year. In the field events, Mikeisha Welcome occupies the 4th position in the Triple Jump thanks to her best effort for 2021 of 13.72m. She is also in position 14th of the Long Jump, with a best distance of 6.15m. Among the Males, Handal Roban holds a 16th place ranking in the 800m , following his 1:49.75 timing at the NACAC Under-18/ Under-20 and Under-23 Championships last month in Costa Rica.
at least the semi-finals of the Olympics, when he did so in the Men’s 400m at the 1996 Games, held in Atlanta, USA. The Tokyo Games marked the ninth
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. 25.
Sports
Quammie nips Bailey in close Cycling finish ALBERT QUAMMIE won Category One by a fraction of a second, while Peter Durrant cantered off with Category Two and O’Jarah Mayers had no competition in Category Three, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union staged its first road race for 2021, last Sunday afternoon. Albert Quammiechampion of Category One.
And in completing all of 73.6 miles, Quammie nipped Zefal Bailey at the tape as the two, in fading light, sprinted for glory to a finish line in front of Howard’s Marine at Villa Flat. Quammie’s power and tact proved critical in the last few seconds of the race, as he won in 4:03.40.08. Bailey’s time was 4:03.40.32, while third placeMaxim Alvis clocked 4:25.36.53. The three Category One cyclists journeyed from Kingstown to Langley Park, before heading back to the Arnos Vale Roundabout. From there, they circuited the Roundabout to Diamond loop thrice, to finish at Villa Flat. Meanwhile, Durrant’s 2:27.23.63 clocking beat second place Orel George, whose time was 2:46.37.52. Third was Michael Hazel, in 3:05.50.79. This after they traversed from Kingstown to Colonaire to the Arnos Vale Roundabout, and finally to Villa Flat, a distance of 40 miles. Mayers, the lone competitor in Category three, clocked 2:42.45.09 in a
Peter Durrant once again dominated the Category Two class. ride that took him from Kingstown to Langley Park, then to the Arnos Vale Roundabout, to the finish line. He covered 46 miles. Sunday’s event was not without drop outs. Rivas Young as well as brothersMarlon and Lucky Antrobus were unable to stay the distance in Category One. Mechanical mishaps accounted for
Albert Quammie (foreground) and Zefal Bailey in a sprint to the finish line. Carlos Rivas and Martin Bollers falling by the wayside in Category Two, while Omar Baptiste, a Category Three cyclist had a spill, and had to discontinue the course.
Tennis Academy rebranded LOVE ALL TENNIS ACADEMY is the new name for the X-Cel Tennis Academy. The rebranded Academy will operate from the National Lotteries Authority facility at Richmond Hill, from where its predecessor operated for more than a decade. The rebranded Academy will embark on a mission that is more than the sport. Kebajah King holding a jersey of the Love All Tennis Academy.
Kebajah King, the man behind the renamed Academy, said that Love All was a deliberate choice. “Love All is synonymous with the sport and to love each other with the crises we have to deal with- La Soufriere, the coronavirus, the Dengue Fever, so we have to show love all round,” King philosophized. King noted that the name change was necessary as the founderSamantha Goodluck has been out of state for
some time now. It was time to create a different image and foundation, he said. Recognizing that the organisation has over the years churned out several players who have gone on to make a life not confined to the sport, King said this strengthened the need to emphasize that the aim of Love All Tennis Academy must be to prepare the members holistically. “We are not only concerned about Tennis, we are concerned about
Gordon is new SVGFF Technical Director THEON GORDON is the new full time Director of Technical Matters of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), effective August 01, 2021. According to a release from the SVGFF in which it announced the new Keith Ollivierre demits the position as Technical Director.
appointment, Gordon brings to his overview of the SVGFF Technical Committee “a strong technical background with coaching qualifications ranging from the CONCACAF B Coaching License”. He is also a CONCACAF Instructor, the CONCACAF Grassroots Coordinator for the SVGFF, a member of the Bi-Lateral Caribbean Football Development Committee and holds tertiary level qualifications in Management and Informational Technology in Sports. No stranger to the actual football field, Gordon was a former National Player, Captain and Team Manager. He has successfully managed and
directed Jebelle FC over the past nine years, serving as vice President and Coach. Gordon replaces Keith ‘Mamadilla’ Ollivierre who served the country faithfully as Technical Director since 2012, Theon Gordon - new over nine (9) years. Technical Director of SVG Football I.B.A.ALLEN Federation.
their school work, discipline and manners… Coaching Tennis is the tiniest thing to me, building character is most important…., for me it is heart first, money after,” King reasoned. He continued in this vein saying, “Pleasure is second to my duty… My contribution is not only to the sport, but to life in general, because we have life and have to be able to live it.” Love All Tennis Academy has decided on using jerseys as a means of advertising the new brand. The fronts of the jerseys are emblazoned with “four balls which are sort of inter-locking, which is in keeping with oneness, and spells the word Love… It does not have my name on it nor anything… It is just Love All Tennis Academy,” King related. All in all though, King acknowledged that Love All Tennis Academy has to be built on what was laid before. X-Cel Tennis Academy has produced several national junior champions, with many of them going on to earn Tennis scholarships to colleges and universities in the USA.
V
26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Sporting vehicle VINCENTIANS who excel in sports and reach to the point of national representation must know that their ability can ensure their sustained development. That is the message that came out of yesterday’s House of Assembly sitting. Shane Cadougan, Mia Defreitas, and Shafiqua Maloney who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, came in for praises from Orando Brewster. He thanked the youths for representing us. Brewster galvanised a trail of support that stretched across the political table. He struck a chord with his congratulations which extended to Theon Gordon and Chester Morgan. They have been elevated in different aspects of sport. Brewster, however, is looking at the longer haul and suggests that “the work has just begun for them.” Opposition parliamentarians Fitz Bramble and St. Clair Leacock expressed delight with the progress of the youngsters in their spheres. Bramble highlighted achievements of Jenella Glasgow and Japhina Joseph on the levels of West Indies Cricket. And the appointment of Samantha Lynch in the coaching network was also mentioned. Education Minister Curtis King could not have allowed events including Theon Gordon and Chester Morgan to escape him. After all he confesses to have nurtured Theon while he served as Head Master of the St. Vincent Grammar. King takes credit for recognising Gordon’s maturity from an early age, so much so that he made him captain of the Under 15 Cricket team. Gordon showed leadership skills on and off the sporting fields and is known for his all-round ability. Morgan and King locked horns for dominance of the Inter-school Athletics championship. And while King is happy to have held his ground, he was open in his respect for Morgan as a coach. Central Kingstown’s parliamentarian St. Clair Leacock vouched for Gordon’s pedigree having been involved with him at the Olympic qualifiers for this country’s football squad. Leacock is predicting a great future for the men as they grow in stature. Something of a philosopher in his own right, experienced by the variety of aspects in which he has been engaged, Leacock pointed out that a nation’s greatness or weakness can be measured by their sporting success. That was perhaps the cue for Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to make his contribution. And he spared no time in rubbing in his government’s policy that national athletes must either be working or in some type of academic institution. But there seems to have been a reluctance, or hesitancy by some sporting bodies to the establishment of this foundation. Many times, I have come across situations of national athletes complaining about the lack of employment. Individuals have to make their own representation and seek out opportunities for work when their national bodies don’t make the requests. But then, some even athletes might prefer taking matters into their own hands, rather than relying on either their sporting organisations or the government. Those are aspects of personal rights and liberties which come into conflict when the situation gets out of control. It is up to us all to ensure the continued development of this nation, and there is living proof that sport is a valuable asset to one’s overall stability.
WÊward cricketers in trial matches scorer with a total of 204, average of 51.00, highest innings 95 not out. The other Vincentian among the top batters were: Windward Volcanoes Captain Sunil Ambris who scored 135, averaging 45.00 and a top score of 95; and allrounder Asif Hooper - 121, average 24.50, top score of 66. Rounding up the top ten Desron Maloney performers in the batting were: Gilon Tyson fast bowler took scored the most Jerlarni Robinson (Dominica)the most wickets runs. 141 runs, average of 23.50 and top score of 66; Kershaski Jno Fast bowler Lewi (Dominica)- 139, average Gilon Tyson (Dominica) was the 34.75, highest 38 not out; Vincent leading wicket taker with 14 Lewis (Dominica) — 127, average wickets at an average of 13.79 25.40 highest 58; Alick Athanaze and an economy of 3.03. (Dominica) — 119, average 29.75; Leg spinner Darel Cyrus Roland Cato (Grenada) 118, (Grenada) was second highest average 23.60, top score 58; wicket taker with 13 at an Ryan John (Grenada) - 102 runs, average of 24.15 and an economy average 25.50, top score of 48; of 3.13. Left arm seamer Vincent Teddy Bishop (Grenada) — 94, Lewis and leg spinner Larry average 23.50, top score of 43. Edwards (St. Lucia) took 7 Hooper- left arm leg spinner - wickets each at an average of was also among the wickets. He 24.43 and 35.86 and an economy finished with 6 wickets along of 3.84 and 3.58 respectively. with Jamaal James (St. Lucia) Ryan John (Grenada), Preston and Josh Thomas (Grenada. McSween (Grenada) and Alick Hopper averaged 42.00 and an Athanaze completed the top ten economy of 2.62; Jamaal performers in the bowling Sunil Ambris was James and Josh Thomas had department with 4 wickets each. also among the averages of 9.00 and 27.83 leading run and economy rates of 4.10 and I.B.A.ALLEN scorers. 3.88 respectively.
THREE VINCENTIANS cricketers finished among the top ten performers in the batting and bowling departments, when the three-match series between the Windward Cricket Board and the Windward Volcanoes ended last week in Grenada. The matches were part of the Windward Volcanoes/Windwards Cricket Board joint initiative that allowed them the opportunity to see in action some of the top players from the different islands, including the contracted players in the Windwards Volcanoes. Vincentian opening batsman Desron Maloney was the top runs
Asif Hooper had a good all-round series.
Glasgow called up to second camp Glasgow’s selection may well have been on the basis of her performances and application during a CWI female camp which ended late last month. Another Vincentian, Japhina Joseph, was also part of that camp. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN since she received word of her selection, Glasgow Jenelia Glasgow is encouraged said, “I realize that I have to by her selection to a second work harder because this call-up CWI camp. is another level and stage in my development.” JENELIA GLASGOW, one of this As for her previous camp country’s leading young female exposure, she said, “The camp cricketers, has been selected to was a great experience…. I participate in a CWI camp always wanted this opportunity starting later this month and got there, and there was (August) in Antigua, as the nothing I could do but my best. regional team prepares for a Having the senior players home series against South Africa.
supporting and encouraging me every day also made me feel wanted and motivated me to put in the extra work.” She also noted the benefit of having “the coaches see what I needed to work on to become better.” She described the camp as simply “Enjoyable!” The confident all-rounder is looking to achieve her childhood objective of playing at the highest level, and is committed and resolved to make use of this second opportunity to impress and gain selection to the WI team. Glasgow leaves for the camp this weekend. I.B.A.ALLEN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021. 27.
Classifieds
AKIL KWASI BLAKE Saturday, 31st July, 2021 New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
VERONICA DABREO RICHARDS a.k.a. Tanty V
SONIA MARGARITA SIMON
Sunday, 1st August, 2021 Ebenezer S.D.A Church Bellevue Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Colonarie Cemetery
CLAUDETTE INA SEATON MARS Saturday, 31st July, 2021 Holy Trinity Church Georgetown Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Church Yard Cemetery
Saturday, 31st July, 2021 Church of Christ Brighton Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Brighton Cemetery
JUNNETTA VERNICE BAPTISTE
ANGELA CECILIA LESLIE
Sunday, 1st August, 2021 S.D.A Church Greggs Viewing: 12:00 noon. Service: 1:00 p.m. Interment: Bascombe Cemetery
Thursday, 29th July, 2021 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral, Kingstown Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral Church Yard
AI REAL ESTATE Cane Garden 18,500 sq.ft @ $40.00 p.s.f. - $740,000.00 - BB641 Arnos Vale 26,923 sq.ft @ $20.00 p.s.f. - $538,460.00 - BB127 Cane Garden 5 bedrm Property on 10,000 sq.ft. - $1,200,000.00 - BB702 Fair Hall 3 bedrm Property on 8,163 sq.ft. - Open to offers - H110 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST
06, 2021
VOLUME 115, No.30
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
NO MISAPPROPRIATION OPPOSITION CLAIMS FALSE FINANCE MINISTER Camillo Gonsalves has refuted Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday’s suggestion of misappropriation, as it relates to discrepancies between the Government overdraft facility and audited accounts. Dr. Friday, during a virtual meeting of his New Democratic Party last week Tuesday, pointed to a difference of some EC$95 million for the period 2010 to 2015, between what the bank said was drawn down as part of its (government’s) overdraft account, and what the Accountant General can present to the Director of Audit. “When the Accountant General can’t explain that to the satisfaction of the Director of Audit, then it leads to all sort of questions: Was there any inefficiency? Were there losses? Or worst, was there misappropriation?” Dr. Friday deduced. But Minister Gonsalves, in responding, declared that the allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition were false.
“Baseless and reckless” The Finance Minister described Dr. Friday’s suggestions as “baseless and reckless,” fingering Dr. Friday as following a “now-familiar pattern of maligning State institutions, officials and public servants, and attempting to shake public confidence in the fundamental pillars of our democracy and governance.” He reminded that “It is the right and responsibility of the Honourable Leader of the Opposition to convene the Public Accounts Committee, of which he is Chairman, to examine the reports of the Director of Audit.” And he ‘exposed’ the Leader of the Opposition as having “never once attempted to convene the Public Accounts Committee since assuming the post in 2016.” Given what it said was “the gravity of the allegations,” the Ministry of Finance provided a full response. It said, inter alia: “As far back as the 1999, on page 86, paragraph 2.199, the Report of the Director of Audit on the Public Accounts for that fiscal year stated thus, in respect of a difference on the overdraft account of $5,716,583.04 between the National Commercial Bank and the Treasury. “While the matter of unreconciled balances is an operational one that requires attention, it by no means supports the assertion that there is corruption, misappropriation of funds or any other nefarious activity on the part of the Government or its officials. “The differences between the bank account and the SMARTSTREAM (the financial management information system) bank account were significant during the period 2010 to 2017. However, the
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves offered an explanation that refuted Dr. Friday’s claim. Treasury staff has succeeded in resolving many transactions thus reducing the size of the difference in the balances. The work continues. “These differences were mainly due to payments/receipts/direct debits and credits processed by the bank but not cleared in SMARTSTREAM. The delays in the clearing of the transactions in SMARTSTREAM are due to: Timeframe in which daily transaction files from the Bank were sent to the Treasury; Human error (lack of understanding of the reconciliation process) resulting in incomplete/incorrect practices; Backlog of transactions from previous years that are yet to be cleared. “While the Treasury Department has not completed Bank Reconciliation Statements over the
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, had said that the unexplained, unaccounted sum of money could arouse sensitive questions. years, the Department has routinely undertaken the preliminary work towards that end. The officer responsible would check daily to ensure that the transactions recorded in the daily file submitted by the Bank are uploaded and cleared in SMARTSTREAM and errors are investigated and corrected. “The system does not provide a monthly bank reconciliation statement and we are currently working on upgrading and modifying the system to provide monthly Reconciliation Statements.” In summary, the statement concluded that the information provided by the Director-General of Finance and Planning confirmed the issue highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition “is technical and bureaucratic in nature, and unrelated to any form of misappropriation or impropriety.”
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.