THE VINCENTIAN PDF-08-07-22

FRIDAY, JULY 08,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.27

www.thevincentian.com

Port project launched Pages 2 &3

“It’s all up to you” Page 4

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, not for the first time, took both the Ragga and Power Soca Monarch titles in the same year.

Hennessy Starlift Steel Orchestra continued their record winning ways by recording their 23rd Panorama tile.

EC$1.50

Farmers co-op gets help Page 5

Homicide#23 Page 15

Recklessness in Victoria Page 24

Kemmy Christopher has finally joined the senior ranks of national title holders by taking the 2022 Road March.

Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis joins the ranks of a special club of kaisonians who have won the coveted SVG Calypso Monarch title twice.

V

2. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Government

Modern Port Project launched

THE CONSTRUCTION phase of the Kingstown Port Modernization Project – the second largest capital project in this country’s history – was launched on last Friday, July 1, 2022. In order to Isaac Solomon, facilitate the Vice President of Operations at the project, some 16 acres of land are CDB, was expected to be pleased to say that the bank was reclaimed at the more than happy section of the sea front spanning to make from the investments in Kingstown port Fisheries Complex infrastructure. to Rose Place. The Project is estimated to cost US$250 million with funding made available from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which includes a loan being allocated through the Republic of China on Taiwan. The launch marked the culmination of work that got underway back in 2010 when the Port Rationalization and Development Study was done. “Much work has been done, and much more lies ahead,” Lenski Douglas, Project Manager (Ag) Port Modernization Project said. “The preparatory heavy lifting is

now complete, we have gone past many challenges and much work has been done and an intense period lies ahead,” he continued.

Construction schedule According to Marty Harris, Executive Lead and Senior Vice President for Civil Operations at AECON Construction Group Inc., the Canadian firm contracted to undertake the actual construction, his company was presently working on complex design works, following which some more studies are expected to be conducted before they proceed with the design. “That process is expected to take up to the end of the year,” he said. Geotechnical investigations were expected to begin during the week beginning July 3, however, heavy civil construction was not expected to begin until 2023, Harris explained. Construction is projected to take over two and a half years.

Mr. Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, referred to the launch as opportunity for his government to renew its commitment to continued cooperation with the people and government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ecosystem, that can potentially lead to major and have far reaching impact by facilitating rising exports, enhance logistic services, and expand connectivity among consumption, economic exchange and markets. The project was consistent with the CDB’s strategic objective for building production resilience and was in keeping with its poverty reduction mandate, Solomon underscored. He said too, that he was pleased to see that the Government of the United Kingdom remained a committed development partner, sharing in this vision and provided financing in the amount of 27.7 million pounds.

volcano in April 2021. “You have recognized that this is a Marty Harris, transformative Executive Lead and Senior Vice project that will make the greatest President for Civil possible difference Operations at AECON for so many lives Construction in this country,” Group Inc., which he said. will undertake the And this, too, construction, was the biggest CDB’s Input project under the confirmed that the construction UK Caribbean will begin in The project is the second largest Infrastructure British interest earnest in 2023. capital project for SVG, and is the Fund H.E beneficiary of the largest loan ever Ferguson noted, adding that they were Mr. Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, disbursed by the CDB in its 52-year pleased that they will be able to look British High Commissioner to history. Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, forward to improved conditions for The institution has provided a loan said that he was pleased to see that Vincentians. of US$110 million towards the project. the government of St. Vincent and the The project was just one aspect of “We are extremely pleased to be the cooperation between the Grenadines remained focus on able to make these investments in port delivering the project, despite the Vincentian and UK Government, he infrastructure,” Solomon said. said, and it is expected to be the centre many challenges, including having to He added that improved port entry, deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and piece. as being undertaken by St Vincent and the eruption of the La Soufriere “Today is an opportunity to renew the Grenadines, is part of the trade our commitment,” he said.

Filling a transshipment port need MINISTER of Urban Senator Julian Francis Development Energy, referenced the Modern Airports, Seaports, etc., Port Project as filling a Senator Julian Francis, has vital need for another deemed the Kingstown Port trans-shipment port in Modernization Project as an the Caricom region. extremely important one. This, he said, was other to facilitate because it will fill the need for boats for travel another trans-shipment port between mainland in the region, which would St. Vincent and the reduce waiting time and Grenadines. setbacks. The new port “We need to construct a would span bigger, better wharf and approximately 16 jetty”, Francis told the official acres of reclaimed land from launch of the project on Little Tokyo to Rose Place and Friday 1st July. is funded through a loan of He added, “Those of you in US$110 million from the the shipping industry know Caribbean Development Bank, the amount of time we have to contributions of US$39 million wait because Jamaica is one of by the United Kingdom, and the main trans-shipment ports the Government of St. Vincent and in the two years that we and the Grenadines through a had, we had serious setbacks loan facility by the Republic of in St Vincent…” China on Taiwan. The modern port would Minister Francis said this encompass two jetties, an collaborative funding intraregional jetty and the arrangement is a reflection of

the confidence the parties concerned have in the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which he described as a stable government. The Minister also announced that as of July 7. the road which runs along the shore line from Little Toyo to Rose Place (i.e. the Agricultural Input Warehouse) will be completely

All vehicular traffic is now disallowed along this stretch of road that runs along the shore from Little Tokyo to the Agricultural input Warehouse. closed to vehicular traffic. According to Senator Francis, now that the Port Modernisation Project has been officially launched, Friday 1st July, the company contracted to undertake the construction Swill take possession of that piece of road.

He said that while there was a traffic plan in place which had been accepted for the most part, there were still some adjustments to be made. “There will be some traffic inconveniences, and it is not going to be what you are accustomed to,” Francis advised. (Stories DD)

V

News 3 GovÊt on top of Rose Place resettlement

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022 . 3.

Lenski Douglas, the Project Manager (Ag), spoke with satisfaction about the successful preparatory (e.g. re-settlement of residents) of the Project.

Rose Place will be transformed from the fishing community it has been for generations.

THE RE-SETTLEMENT PROCESS of the Port Modernization Project was not an easy one. So said Lenski Douglas, the Project Manager (Ag) as he provided an update on the situation as it was up until the end of June 2022. The Port Modernization Project encompassed several phases including consultations, and the relocation of residents and other persons who

earned a living in the affected area. “Significant progress has been made in ensuring that the construction site is made ready for the handing over to the contractors while addressing the needs of the project affected groups,” he said. According to Douglas, as of the end of June 2022 the project unit had negotiated compensation settlements with all the affected small shop

come forward to sign agreements, he continued, and in 2020 some 56 vendors had been compensated after they were relocated from along the sea wall. It had been noted that by the end of March 2022, some 43

SVG Red Cross to train youth by GLORIAH... THE SVG RED CROSS has indicated its commitment to align its plans and programmes with the priorities of the International Red Cross. Director General of the local Red Cross, Mrs. Dora James, recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland. While there, she attended the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), held under the theme: “Local Action: Global Reach”. Discussions focused on the development of National Societies. Upon her return to the state, the Director General has stated that the local organisation will be renewing its thrust to attract young volunteers through the establishment of Red Cross

groups in schools. She explained, “Sometimes people reach out to us, as they see us perform, they reach (out), so that’s one way we attract volunteers. Another way, we make direct appeal especially at schools. We go to schools and try to form groups in schools so that we will have those volunteers coming at a young age and that strengthens our youth base.” She reflected that sometimes the organization experiences challenges in retaining volunteers and suggest one way of counteracting that situation will be to, “continue to be current with our programmes, see what they need and see how best we would be able to expand”. She believes that with this training programmes in place, the SVG Red Cross would be better able to retain these young

operators in Rose Place. Two thirds of storage sheds owners/ occupiers have already

households were re-settled in new homes at a site at Lowman’s Bay. Persons living in odd circumstances were given rental support and allowances and, according to Douglas, all but one of the established fishing operators have signed compensation agreements for relocation of their operations away from the Rose Place beach front. (DD)

COVID-19: Before and after Carnival by GLORIAH...

Dora James, Director General of the local Red Cross, highlighted her organisation’s intent to focus on training young people. members, as there are other organisations in the process of attracting this same group of individuals. “But we continue to press on in developing these groups and giving them what tools we have because they get training from us. We train them. They have First Aid training. There are other training that they would use to be able to add to their development.”

AS OF FRIDAY 24TH JUNE, at the commencement of official carnival programming, a total of 71,501 vaccines had been administered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some 36,742 persons had received their first dose while 30,855 had taken their second dose, and 3,904 boosters had been administered. As at the same date, there was a total of 9,032 COVID-19 cases with 8,824 having recovered. The death toll stood at 111 persons: 7 cases were fully vaccinated; 1 partially vaccinated and 103 unvaccinated. Fast forward to Wednesday 6th July after the culmination of the festive season. The numbers stood as follows: 71,609 vaccines had been administered with 36,796 persons having received their first dose and 30,897 had taken their second dose. Some 3,916 boosters had been administered. From a total of 9,083 COVID-19 cases, 8,927 had recovered. The death toll which stood at 111 persons almost two weeks before, stood at 114: 8 cases were fully vaccinated; 1 partially vaccinated and 105 unvaccinated. Two fully vaccinated persons were hospitalized while 3 partially vaccinated persons were also warded at the hospital. There is evidence that the coronavirus is still making the rounds here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is more than enough reason why protocols should not be abandoned. There is still the need to safeguard one’s person and those with whom close contacts are made.

V

4. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Defendant warned: “It’s all up to you.” Bordel between June 22 and 23, and stealing EC$340 in cash, OKENO EDWARDS was EC$25.50 in coins, and a spared immediate jail time quantity of alcoholic and last week for burglary, non-alcoholic drinks. The even though he lied to the money and the drinks Court that the amounted to EC$536.50. Complainant had owed Edwards told the him EC$7,000 in cash for Court then that Nanton marijuana. owed him EC$7,000 for The 31-year-old marijuana. As a result, farmer of Petit Bordel Burnett adjourned the was sentenced to six matter to hear from months in prison, but Nanton. that sentence was The sentencing was suspended for one year. adjourned to June 27, “It’s all up to you, Mr. but as soon as Nanton Edwards,” Senior took the stand, Edwards Magistrate Rickie admitted that he had lied Burnett told the on him. defendant after imposing “You didn’t know I the suspended sentence. was going to call him On June 24, at the (Nanton)?” the Kingstown Magistrate’s Magistrate asked. Court, Edwards pleaded “What you did on guilty to entering the Friday was a terrible Liquor and Provision thing. You don’t lie on a Shop of 72-year-old man like that,” Burnett Mathias Nanton of Petit told him sternly. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Vincymas 2002 safe and peaceful COMMISSIONER of Police Colin John has lauded the public for their cooperation with the police, which ensured a peaceful Carnival. During a brief telephone conversation with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, the top cop said that except for a few minor incidents, Vincymas 2022 was generally safe and peaceful. In relation to the ‘No glass bottle policy’, John said there were some vendors who persisted with selling drinks in glass bottle, and he recalled some missile throwing incidents. He said that the police will again have to look at the ‘No glass bottle policy’ with a view to strengthening Commissioner of those areas that fell down. Police Colin John “This is something we was pleased to definitely have to clamp report that down on more next year,” Vincymas 2022 John said. was generally safe The Commissioner noted and peaceful. that one person was arrested and charged with firearm and ammunition possession. That person appeared in Court on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The top cop added that a few persons were found in possession of knives and scissors during searches conducted by the police. The Commissioner lauded the police for working tirelessly to ensure that Vincentians and visitors were safe. There was one new arrest at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday.

Edwards said he was frustrated. Burnett then stood down the matter to have issues regarding Edwards’ criminal record cleared up. When the proceedings resumed, Burnett told Edwards, “Based on your record you have seven previous convictions,” and asked him, “Why you broke into the man’s business place?” Edwards replied, “I don’t know how it happened.” But the Magistrate reminded him, “You broke into the man’s shop and you stole the items. That’s how it happened.” Prosecutor Curlene Samuel confirmed that all the items were recovered. “You damaged his door as well to gain entry, so

there should have been another charge for damage to property,” the Magistrate observed. Edwards said he had two children, ages 3 and 5. “Do you maintain those children?” the Magistrate inquired. “When me get,” Edwards replied. Responding to other questions from the Magistrate, Edwards said he dropped out of school in Form 2, some years ago. Edwards also revealed that he had gone to prison for six months on a marijuana charge, but that was not reflected on his record. “The aggravating features are that you burglarized a shop, and you told a huge lie on the virtual complainant,” the Magistrate told him.

Prosecutor Samuel told the Court, “The record is not up to date. It is not the first time he broke the shop. He broke the shop during the period of the volcanic eruption.” The Prosecutor noted the Complainant had made a report then, but did not go any further because of the circumstances at the time. The Magistrate, in highlighting the mitigating factors, noted that Edwards pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, all the items were recovered, and he appeared to show genuine remorse. “He disclosed to me that he went to prison for six months for marijuana. That’s not on record here. I am going to give you a chance to

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett made it such that a guilty defendant had another chance to clean-up his act. see what you would do with it,” the Magistrate told him.

Farmer on gun, ammo charges OMANDO MOFFORD, 27-year-old farmer of Glen, was granted $16,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court, Wednesday, on charges of firearm and ammunition possession. He is charged with possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol without license, at Kingstown, on July 4, and possession of 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, without license, at the same place, and on the same

date. Mofford is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon, to wit, one pair of black scissors and gold metal letter opener, found on his person at Bay Street on July 4. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. Mofford was represented by attorney Grant Connell.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and a dusk to dawn curfew. The Chief Magistrate agreed and as part of the bail conditions she imposed a 7pm to 6am daily curfew. Mofford was also ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of

An example of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol illegal possession of which Omando Mofford is charged. entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without permission of the Serious Offences Court or the High Court. The matter has been adjourned to September 8.

St. Lucian fined for illegal entry A ST. LUCIAN NATIONAL was on Wednesday ordered to pay the Court a total of $1,150, after pleading guilty to four charges of illegal entry committed at Layou between January 1 and June 10, 2022. Lensley Daniel was fined: $300 for knowingly and willfully allowing himself to be landed here as a prohibited immigrant; $300 for entering the state by boat other than at a port of entry; $300 for entering the state by boat and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer; and $250 for entering the state without a passport. Daniel was ordered to

pay each fine forthwith with an alternative of one month in prison. The sentences will run concurrently if the fines are not paid, and the time spent on remand would be deducted. The Court had heard earlier that Daniel was taken into custody some weeks ago after police, acting on information, caught up with him in the vicinity of the Layou public bath. He gave his address as St. Lucia, and told the police he came to SVG on a speedboat sometime last year, with the intention to plant marijuana. He was handed over to the Immigration Authorities and checks made at all ports of entry revealed no record of the

defendant. “We are glad to welcome persons to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but they must do things the correct way,” Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told Daniel after handing down the penalties. She also made a removal order for the

defendant. When Daniel initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court in early June, at the request of Prosecutor Renrick Cato he was sent to the Mental Health Centre for 14 days observation. A report from that institution stated that Daniel was fit to plea.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 5.

News

Langley Park farmers receive assistance

THIRTY FARMERS on the Langley Park Farms on Wednesday, June 27, 2022, received an assortment of agricultural inputs, intended to support their efforts to rebuild their farm enterprises affected by the eruptions of the La Soufriere Volcano in April 2021. The support was received under the Direct Aid Program (DAP), funded by the Government of Australia through its embassy in Trinidad and Tobago. The assistance was provided through a project titled, Capacity Building to Support Vegetable Production Recovery on Langley Park Farms, which has as its primary objective to support the reintegration of thirty farm families into communities severely affected by the eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. The project targets beneficiaries from two agricultural cooperatives Women in Agriculture Langley Park (WALCO) and Windward Irrigation Initiative Cooperative (WIICOOP). The project, in a specific manner, provides material and technical support for the revival and expansion of vegetable production in Langley Park. This includes the procurement and provision of seeds, fertilizers and other agrochemicals, tools and equipment, and two seedling production facilities. This will be accompanied by a

technical programme Members of to provide training in Windward governance and Irrigation leadership and Good Initiative Agricultural Practices Cooperative for the production of (WIICOOP. fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the long-term management of soils impacted by volcanic ash. Attention eill also be given to crop husbandry and encouraging sustainable farming. The project is administered by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour and the beneficiary cooperatives. Mrs. Louise Sampson President of WALCO and Mr. Alpheus Nanton of WIICOOP, received the supplies on behalf of their respective organisation at the handover ceremony. Both expressed their appreciation of the efforts of all involved in making the project a reality. The project will provide over (XCD) $80,000 dollars in supplies to the beneficiaries over the next few months. The implementation of the project commenced in April 2022 and is expected to be completed by November 2022. (Source: IICA/SVG)

Members of Women in Agriculture Langley Park (WALCO).

V

6. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Equal opportunity in Education? THIS LOOK-IN ON ‘EDUCATION’ was intended to be included in an issue following the release of the CSEC and CAPE results. It has been ‘brought forward’ in response to a recent (June 29) reminder by our Minister of Education that each year, there is a challenge with parents wanting their children to attend certain secondary schools, however, there is an “equitable distribution of resources at all schools, so you (students) should not feel disadvantaged attending one school or the other”. The Minister insisted that students are presented with equal opportunities across the board because the Government has made “a valiant effort” to make sure resources are available at all secondary schools “and that is an equitable distribution”, therefore, “parents should not have reservations about sending their child to any secondary institution in the country”. If the truth be told, we have heard this ‘guarantee’ before, yet, the same old attitude persist, i.e. “I want my child to go to the best school”. This is as profound a statement as you will ever get it. Say what you like, there is an overwhelming school of thought, a persistent perspective, that some schools are more equal than others; that there are good schools and there are better schools, then there are the best of the lot. Which parent would not want the best for his/her child? Mind you, many parents forget that the best is kept for the best…. Those who score high in the CPEA are wont to have their first choice which is often the best. In reality, therefore, the notion that there is equality of opportunity in education (for this purpose secondary education), where everyone has fair and equal access to a good quality education, and where students achieve success in education according to their efforts and ability, is often brought into question when the results of CSEC show that there is still a worrying disparity among secondary schools here, regardless of how much government would want to remind us that resources (man power and material) are distributed equally across the board. The goal of standardized testing (CPEA, CSEC) is to rank and rate children, with the assumption that the publication of test scores will encourage

educators and students to try harder and produce better results. Have we seen any real shift in the performance of schools over the last ten years or so? Testing, it seems, “is in no way a means to achieve equity. It is a means to measure inequity”. It may not be as enshrined in our Constitution as we would want it to be, but our adherence to the Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) commits us to ensuring that “everyone has the right to education”, that “education shall be free, at least in the elementary or fundamental stages” and that “education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality...”. Credit the governments past and present for making efforts toward realizing this responsibility. Sadly, while there has been visible improvement in the education plant (schools, etc.) and enhancement of the curriculum in terms of what opportunities it offers and the levels to which these are offered, the quantitative analyses of the secondary schools assessments clearly shows that many schools are lagging behind in ensuring their students achieve a minimum success level. We ought not to be assessing the success levels on mere certification because, after all, getting an education isn’t just about books and grades — it is a process that teaches how to participate fully in the life of this nation. The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The question is, though, do we accept that education is more than just books and grades? Have we, even as we put emphasis on different spheres of education, done enough to encourage a change of mindset that will translate into us accepting that our achievers are more than those who excel at CSEC and CAPE? There can be no question that education is a key ingredient in improving the lives of children, families, communities and nations. Those nations that attend to the wellbeing of their children are likely to improve their economies, their cultures and their societies over time. Those nations that fail to care for their young will experience economic stagnation, poverty and oppression. Education, in short, is a major element in economic and social development. We must not take it for granted that there is equality in what and how we deliver this education.

Time to talk about the Budget IT IS TIME TO THINK about next year’s Budget. It is not too early. While 85% of the government employees should focus on delivering last year’s goals, the others should be thinking of next year. The Budget is more than a planning document. In a system where financial accountability and audited reports are inconsistent and certainly not timely, the budget process seems like the last hope for us to incorporate a performance management tool. Every successful government needs a system to measure the performance of the various government departments, i.e., a system that places accountability where it belongs in the civil service. Our current system places too much emphasis on the role of the appointed cabinet minister, the person least qualified to manage operations. This is not by accident since most elected government officials seem to become overnight experts on their assigned Ministry/Ministries and chief spokesperson for their ministerial portfolio/portfolios. A government that holds up itself as transparent must find a way to allow citizens to quickly see without fear, if goals are being met or not. The budget process should always begin with a strategic plan, a critical componenat of the modern Budget. It is expected to identify critical issues, problems, needs, and agreed-upon goals for the year. The next critical step is a long-term financial plan. Every government needs to know where the funds to cover the operations and Capital expenditure will come from and how they will flow throughout the fiscal year. This is important because most government revenues have an uneven cash flow throughout the year. A government without an adequate Fund Balance (Reserves) may have to arrange overdraft or short-term loans. Providing information to the public builds confidence in our government and shows how our tax dollars will be collected and how they will be spent. In providing financial information to support your projections, it would be helpful if the government shared with us some historical references to justify their forecast. The revenue projections should be for at least five years. Upon completing the revenue forecast, it is time to discuss allocating funds to high-priority

areas. This is also an excellent time to evaluate program success and reaffirm the government’s commitment to these program areas. In my rough assessment, all the government departments have more needs than we can afford. Therefore, setting priorities for the budget year is an important task. Now, this is a vital political decision and an appropriate role for elected officials in this process. This overview will help citizens understand the overall strategy and how their tax dollars are spent to achieve community goals. During this process, selected “elders” from our community should be invited into the process to help articulate the community’s needs. This bottom-up approach to allocating funds and resources to the services and citizens’ initiatives is often referred to as modified zero-based budgeting. And one most often used by progressive governments of and for the people. So, I would like to see fewer longwinded speeches in parliament and more time in the community to understand the needs of our people. After twenty-something years in office, I know it is easy to think you know what the people want, and the process of grassroots engagement is too time-consuming. Something I would like to see this year is a summary of the overall Budget to include the following on the revenue side of the ledger (any revenue item greater than 5% of the total revenues), example: * Total consumption taxes (VAT, Customers, etc.). * Total Income Tax (Personal and Cooperate). * Licenses fees and permits. * Fees for service. * Fines and forfeitures and other miscellaneous revenue. Equally as important is what are the expenditures: * Total Wages and salaries, and benefits, * Building maintenance, * Operating cost per Ministry, * Fuel cost for government vehicles, * Capital cost equipment and infrastructure. * Debt service. I am anxiously awaiting a midbudget update and the opportunity to have input on the Capital Improvement Program. Horatio

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 7.

Letters

The origin and Congratulations: purpose of Community Award GHS earth and man THE EARTH was without life for a very long time (Gen. 2:5, 1:2). It was surrounded by water from whence it came, and darkness was upon the face of the wide ocean. And the spirit of the Most High moved upon the face of the ocean which caused divine energy in outer space — the sun, moon, stars and planets to come into existence. Gen. 9:1 confirm that the earth came out of water, but there was no rain, for possible thousands of years, and no man. Then came rain to irrigate earth (Gen. 6:2). Then all kinds of life came on earth — male and female, but not man. And God said let us make man (how) in our own image, after our likeness: (why) and let them have supreme authority over earth and its environment. Gen. 1:26. Man did not come from the sky/heaven. Man was made from earth and water and the first was a dead man. Then the energy of fire, water and air (God) breathed life into man and he became a living soul (Gen. 2:7). Because man did not come from heaven/sky he would not be going there. Which king would allow his subjects to sit on his throne? Jesus made this abundantly clear — ‘No man ever went to Heaven…..” John 3:13. He taught his disciples to pray this way: Our Father who live in heaven….. may your kingdom (government) come….. your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:916). The greatest teacher ever walked this earth taught us to pray for Heaven’s kingdom/government to come, and for Satan to be kicked off earth as was cast out of heaven. King David, the leading politician of his day said: The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord’s, but the earth have he given to the children of men Ps. 115:16. Stephen reminded us what the prophet Isaiah said in Isa. 66:1. “Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool”. Acts 7:49 Are you a Rasta, Muslim, Christian, Hindu or…. ? This message is for you? “How good and how pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity” Ps. 133:1. Now that we have got the origin and purpose of earth and man, our mission is to establish the kingdom/government on planet earth. The present day political and religious leaders shall be punished. Is. 24:21-22. The earth will regain its original state as was planned by our heavenly Father. (Rev. 21:3-5) Christian Democrat

I WOULD like to congratulate all of those who are graduating this year amidst so many challenges and especially the St. Vincent Girls’ High School (GHS) sisters. Please join me in congratulating, in particular, Oslyan Ollivierre, the 2022 recipient of the annual Cheryl Phills King Community Award given at GHS over the years. The community award recipients exemplify the principles of “being positive, selflessly doing

Maya John; 2018 — Rhobyn Grant; 2019 Ashantae Williams; 2020 - Paige Cadogan; 2021- Davisha Sayers; 2022 - Oslyan Ollivierre. I salute them all and wish them continued success. We love you all and are very proud of you. All the best in the future as you continue to persevere. We laud you for making a difference in the world and encourage you to strengthen your efforts in the community.

Thanks to the parents, teachers, staff and community who support our young people. Keep up the good work. Cheryl Phills King

Fireman is ÂDe ManÊ

ALLOW me the opportunity to congratulate Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper on his double monarch victory. Not for the first time, the man from North Leeward claimed both the Ragga Soca and Power Soca monarch titles. And this year he did it with less fanfare. He simply out-sang his opponents whom he left standing singing the same lines over and over, while he belted out some real lyrics, proving that you can have a lot to say even if it’s soca. The up-and-coming soca men and women have a lot to learn. One thing they must learn very, very quickly is that a competition is not judged on the road, on Facebook or on the radio. It is won on the night of

PEOPLE ARE ASKING ⁄⁄. * If the road along the waterfront from Little Tokyo to the Agriculture Warehouse is to be closed, has any thought been given to the confusion that this will cause at the Corea’s heavy hardware? * Just where are we going to relocate all the vendors that we say we will remove from their present locations including those who ply their trade under the covered sidewalks in Kingstown? * What difference does it make to say that you will put off the Junior Panorama when it is all the Juniors who play (and played) in the Senior Panorama? * Why condemn the use of Aerosol (Bop, Baygon) cans during those soca fetes and shows in the Park after

good and striving to make the world a better place by their actions.” Over the years the recipients have been: 2004 — Rachael Oliver; 2005 — Tamisha Browne; 2006 — Amber Glasgow; 2007 — Lizanna Pollard; 2008 - Ja-Len Williams; 2009 — Rose-Anne Richardson; 2010 — Lusha Lorraine; 2011 — River Providence; 2012 — Breanna Antoine; 2013 — Nikelene McLean; 2014 — Kelsie Haynes; 2015Justine Farrel; 2016Shantel Williams; 2017 -

something happens, when in fact, these should be removed immediately as they appear during a show or if possible taken away as people enter the venues? * Isn’t it hypocritical for persons ‘who know’ to be saying that calypsonian Zion I was only included in the finals to please the opposition NDP? Is this what the calypso competition has become — a battle between political parties? * Why some persons feel they can use the calypso art form to mamaguy right-thinking citizens by having two opposing members of the House of Assembly shake hands on stage when in reality this country has never been divided as much as it is today?

competition and that is where Fireman is hard to beat. He has paid his dues and knows what is required on the night of the competition. So,

instead of those young upstarts trying to beat down ‘Fireman’, they should seek him out for some advice. Congrats Fireman.

You deserved every tile that came your way. Charles, Edinboro

V

8. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Fireman Hooper’s victory over white cultural imperialism R. T. Luke V. Browne lukebrowne@yahoo.com

(Editor’s Note: This article was first published in our issue of July 12, 2013. We thought it instructive to republish in 2022, the year that “Fireman” repeated a double victory in the soca competitions.) DELROY “Fireman” Hooper strikes me as much more than a high energy soca artiste. I have been reflecting recently on the significance of the lyrics from the song with which he stormed to the soca monarch title for the seventh time two years ago. That song was popularly known as “Animal” and Fireman sent a powerful and profound sarcastic message of rebuke to people who look down on or scoff at the behaviour of carnival enthusiasts. The soca legend explained in an interview that he was inspired to write the song after he overheard a bystander contemptuously saying during the 2010 carnival period that the revelers were behaving like animals. He retaliated and scored victory with a song of defiance on behalf of soca and party animals. He gave voice to those who did not have a microphone but who expressed their approval by following his commands to “root like a hog” and “climb up like a monkey” and “kick up like a donkey.” He used his creative and composition genius to write a song through which he could assert the supreme humanity of the socalled “wild” West Indians. He paradoxically and masterfully rejected a condescending reference by

embracing it. He turned it on its head. The champion performer seems to be in tune with the wider Caribbean reality. I believe that he was able to craft those winning lines because of his historical consciousness and social awareness. After all, the men and women dancing in the street were animals in the same way that our ancestors were animals. Frantz Fanon pointed out repeatedly in The Wretched of the Earth that native Caribbean citizens were subjected to dehumanization at the hands of European colonialists and imperialists. In the minds of those Europeans, the region’s indigenous people and the “imported” Africans and Indians were reduced to the level of superior monkeys that could therefore be treated like beasts of burden and described in zoological terms. Fireman Hooper may have achieved unrivalled success in the soca monarch competition over the course of his ongoing career because he literally sings of or from our experience and generally has a remarkable ability to connect and communicate with his audience. He displays great insight and intellectual clarity in unassuming ways. Fireman used his extraordinary talent to help uplift the “bacchanalists” and the whole Caribbean by extension. He attacked the distortions of white cultural imperialism with irony, biting wit and forceful lyrics. This unlikely defender of our dignity has already secured a place in the group of outstanding Vincentian cultural exponents.

Soccer to improve! ACCORDING to press reports of April 8, 2022, the Head Coach and the SVGFF executive were very pleased with the Concacaf Nation League draw 2022. We read comments like: ‘We did our homework, according to the rules, we would be happy to play T’T, Bahamas, and Nicaragua. We already receive footage from the T’T most recent games against Barbados and Guyana’. Now the same SVG team has lost twice against T’T, so what was their analysis? What did they recognize? How many more years must our players have their abilities stifled? In almost every competition they positioned last. They are not qualifying, so they cannot show their abilities among the other nations. How much more years must our players be used as scape goats, just so that we can receive the development fund from which others benefit? Affiliates, those who elect executives, how do you feel knowing and seeing our players failing again and again while others benefit in the process? Some of them might be your family.

We need help During the T’T game, the commentator said St. Vincent needs help. That must have attracted the attention of other coaches. Then again, what help was he referring to? Help for the selectors, the coach, the coaching staff, the SVGFF Executive? I don’t really know; we all just have to

wait and see what the future brings. SVGFF is on the edge of the ‘precipice’; all our national teams could be facing relegation according to the format of the Nation League. Many thought our teams were just placed in a group A, B, and C. What they did not know is that the groups were graded. They now know that when your team loses in its group, it stands a good chance of being demoted or relegated. Let us, therefore, give all the help we can to the U-15 team so they would not come last. Please, executive, listen to our cries and give what is necessary.

Recognizing talent Every Caribbean country would like to have a trio with the abilities of Olex Anderson, Cornelius Stewart and Azinho Solomon; they are our best. What I think team SVG is lacking is ‘organization’. Experience tells you what you can do; confidence allows you to do what you can do. Organization on the field of play is needed. Two players should share this responsibility. They need to be determined then drilled as regards what and when to do what is necessary. All the players must agree and function at least 80% when it is in possession of time. It’s pressure time, it’s attacking time, it’s defending time, so they all must be able to shoot not kick from outside the eighteen yard Continued on Page 15.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 9.

Views

When nasty politics trumps good policy

Integrity

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” Dwight D. Eisenhower American military officer and statesman who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. THE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH DICTIONARY defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.” C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), the famous British writer and lay theologian, noted that, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” It is insufficient to merely know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil; we need to be citizens who imbibe the wisdom of not merely knowing and talking about integrity but most importantly by doing what we know to be right and just. Integrity must be demonstrated in our homes, neighbourhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces. When integrity is portrayed in our lives it generates a positive light throughout our communities. Robert “Bob” Marley (1945-1981), the worldfamous Jamaican reggae musician, said it well when he announced that, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” That Bob Marley quotation is pregnant with wisdom. It beckons for an expansion of the thought presented through those words. There is nothing inherently wrong with seeking wealth, power, or fame. However, we are cautioned to pursue these with clean motives (e.g., to be able to do good for mankind) and through pure, honest means. Cheating, lying, and stealing may seem to shorten the time and reduce the effort needed to obtain these but, in the end, individuals who obtain these through foul, dishonest means would regularly have to be nervously looking over their shoulders in fear of disclosure and the shame and embarrassment that accompanies such revelations. Zig Ziglar (19262012), the American author and motivational speaker, cautions us when he notes, “With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.” The print and electronic media is replete with examples of famous politicians, business persons, and church leaders who fell from grace after some of their unsavoury actions were revealed. Individuals who, in pursuit of power, wealth, and fame, compromised their principles and engaged in unwholesome activities. In some instances, much of the good that they had done vaporised with the revelations of the evil that had been a forerunner to their accomplishments or, in some instances, created and/or sustained their endeavours. Brent Esplin, writing in a blog on January 19, 2017, shared a most enlightening record of the American professional tennis player Andy Roddick (born 30th August, 1982), former world number one tennis player. Esplin noted that in May 2005 Roddick was playing Spain’s

Fernando Verdasco in the round of 16 at the Italia Masters Tennis Tournament in Rome, Italy. Roddick was at the top of his game and a strong favourite to win the match and to advance. Esplin noted that Roddick dominated the match against this formidable opponent. However, there was a most unusual occurrence when Roddick was on the verge of gaining triple match point. He struggled to return Verdasco’s powerful second serve and to keep the ball in play. The linesman called the serve out and awarded Roddick the point and the match. The crowd roared in celebration of Roddick’s outstanding victory. At the same time Verdasco, demonstrating good sportsmanship and respect, ran to the net to shake Roddick’s hand and to congratulate him on his victory. It was then that this noble sportsman revealed something that the linesman, the umpire, the elated crowd, and Verdasco did not know. The serve had not been out. It had hit the line, making it in. He informed the umpire that the ball had been in and subsequently offered to show him the mark in the clay where the ball had hit. The umpire reversed the call and awarded the point to Verdasco. Roddick could have kept quiet. He could have concealed the information and celebrated the victory. Esplin described how Verdasco made the most of his second chance. He came back to win the game, the set, and the match. In the article, Esplin noted that sportswriter Frank DeFord estimated that Roddick’s honesty cost him at least “tens of thousands of dollars.” This could have increased significantly through endorsements for advertisements had he won the tournament. However, integrity was clearly more important to Roddick than trophies, championships, winning, fame, and money. Roddick lost the championship that day but won the hearts, respect, and admiration of millions around the world. He left a legacy of sportsmanship for competitors everywhere. But his example goes beyond the sporting arena. There is a valuable life lesson here — it is always right to do what is right. The true value of our successes become magnified many times over when we have achieved this through the dint of hard work and honest pursuits. Conversely, when these victories are gained through dishonest/unethical means the accomplishment is cheapened. We are encouraged by the words of Henry Kravis (born 1944), the American businessman, inventor, and philanthropist, who reminds us that, “If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing.” It is an honour and great privilege for each of us to leave a legacy of integrity in our homes and throughout the wider community. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

CARNIVAL 2022 represents a shocking display of governmental irresponsibility. Thousands of citizens wined down Kingstown. Hundreds flocked to private parties, beaches, and bars. All of this occurred while the nation was under a medical emergency. The ten days of mas and music dubbed the ‘hottest festival in the Caribbean’ was our first carnival since 2019. In December of 2020, the government declared a medical emergency. In November of 2021, PM Gonsalves enforced the Covid mandate provisions, which economically assassinated hundreds of Vincentian teachers, police officers, nurses and sanitation workers. The Government’s jab or no job policy created a mental health crisis, unlike anything we have witnessed in this country since independence. While the dengue outbreak, Covid epidemic and the volcanic eruption were viewed as natural disasters, not in their wildest dreams did Vincentians believe their government would treat them so. The dismissal of so many workers compounded the horrific economic conditions that continue to rock our society’s foundation. Where is Simone Keizer-Beache, our Chief Medical Officer, in all of this? In light of this con-game government pulled on the population, can we ever trust the medical establishment again? Are we told the truth that no Vincentians have suffered severe adverse events or died after taking the Covid Vaccine? All these questions loom large now that we have participated in the most significant mass event since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic? The government cannot have it both ways. It cannot tell the nation that a medical emergency is in force, that Covid Vaccine mandates are necessary to protect the population, that citizens must mask up to enter public facilities, that so-called frontline employees who refuse to take the vaccine remain a menace to the vaccinated people and must be dismissed from their jobs and then allow Vincentians, jabbed and unjabbed to gather, party and make merry. Will PM Gonsalves take to the radio to announce a spike in Covid cases? During the carnival celebration, there was no announcement asking people to stay at home, exercise caution and be mindful of the social distancing and masking policy. Gonsalves, the Caribbean Ayatollah on Covid mandates, encouraged people to see the carnival as a cathartic moment to exhale; to free up themselves after two years of pent-up anxiety, frustrations and fear. At the events organised by the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) and private promoters, people understandably threw caution to the wind and enjoyed themselves. They hugged each other unlike anything seen in the last 24 months. At Carnival Escape, Color Fete, J’Ouvert and Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Vincentians demonstrated in their thousands that they were much more intelligent than the Damned Foolish Men they elected to rule them in December 2020. From daily experience, besides the engineered fear, panic and mass hysteria, they knew the Covid plandemic was never an existential threat. Thanks to social media, they could see and share the experiences of renowned doctors and scientists. They

saw with their own eyes that Covid was a danger to the very old, very sick and those with compromised immune systems. They saw that, once mass vaccination began, more and more persons died. In 2020, when there were no vaccines, only 12 Vincentians died with Covid. After the Vaccines were introduced in January/February 2021, more than 100 Vincentians died with Covid. This is the inconvenient truth. The sensible attitude of our people was always reflected in how they responded to the perceived threat. When Government announced a ‘spike’, more people wore masks. When the ‘infection’ numbers fell, people removed their masks. The governments of Antigua and Trinidad dropped their mandates in November of 2021, the same month that PM Gonsalves imposed the mandates on Vincentians. Clearly, the mandates were ill-advised because the vaccines proved leaky, ineffective and unable to stop transmission. Immediately after Gonsalves imposed the mandates, government institutions that were staffed only with vaccinated employees had to be closed because the vaccinated were testing positive repeatedly. By April 2022, the British Government, with far more scientific knowledge than us, dropped all vaccine mandates. Much of Europe has dropped their mandates. Sweden never imposed mandates. Israel, Japan, Singapore and South Africa dropped their mandates months ago. British PM Boris Johnson and PM Gonsalves are still falling ill with Covid even after taking 4 and 5 doses of the Vaccine. To show how the world has been led down a foolish path, it would defy scientific knowledge three years ago if news broke that a ‘fully vaccinated’ person had fallen ill within weeks of taking a vaccine that should have shielded him from infection. Yet national policy is made on such shoddy science. Four months ago, I penned a column entitled ‘Doubling Down on Evil.’ Some might not have seen the callous underpinnings in the Jab or lose your job policy. Does the unvaccinated remain a danger to our health and wellbeing? Hopefully, the celebration of carnival while hundreds lost their jobs and continue to suffer graphically brings the point home to the sceptics. For eight months now, hundreds of Vincentians employed by the government were thrown onto the bread line. Like hundreds more in the private sector employees, they were made to suffer because of an ill-advised, impractical, unworkable, oppressive, unscientific, and illegal policy. The Government-sponsored carnival activities ending last Tuesday prove that Gonsalves and his ministers are cynical and morally bankrupt. They are ethically challenged and deserve to be punished by the Vincentian public whenever the opportunity arises. If this government wants this nation to heal and breathe freely yet again, it must immediately remove the Covid mandates, reemploy all dismissed public employees and encourage the public sector employers to do likewise.

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

V Stop the killing of women! 10. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG is fast becoming a nation of murders. Killing has spiraled out of control. In 2016, there were 40 murders in SVG. In 2017, murders reached a record high of 42. In that year, SVG had the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the world. There is simply too much blood running in SVG. On top of the fact that there are too many murders in SVG, is the fact that so many of those murdered are women, many at the hands of their husbands, common-law husbands or boyfriends. Recently, we heard about another woman being murdered by her common-law husband. What the hell is going on in our country? Are we heading for a femicide crisis? Stop killing women! The country has plummeted to depths of moral and ethical lows. Poor governance has to be blamed for this breakdown of our society and this shows that the ULP regime is one of the worst governments in the Caribbean.

The murder rate in SVG has risen sharply under the ULP regime and the crime epidemic appears to be escalating. The virtual collapse of our economy and the resulting widespread poverty and unemployment in SVG, are significant contributing factors to the high murder rate of women. A 2014 report by UQAM’s International Clinic for the Defense of Human Rights, in collaboration with SVG’s Human Rights Association, describes there being a ‘cultural epidemic’ in SVG, because of the high levels of violence against women. The report talks about the ‘grave concern to Vincentian women’, because SVG has one of the world’s highest ratios of rape per inhabitants, and that cultural prejudices against women and the trivialisation of violence within relationships have a devastating effect on women’s rights, particularly their right to be free from violence’. The report also says, ‘The provisions of the Criminal Code define the crimes

of rape and incest in an extremely narrow manner, thereby failing to protect all women and girls. What is even more appalling, is that when the Family Court issues a protection order or an occupation order, enforcement of that order is inadequate, thereby creating a climate of impunity for perpetrators of violence’. What is wrong with the mentality of the ULP regime, whereby they have just not bothered to resolve these problems during their 20 years in government? The killing of women, the violence against women and the acts of incest against women are clearly too trivial to be dealt with by this regime. It is more important to the ULP regime to build another port in Kingstown than (to) solve these problems. Rather than focus on this so-called ‘second biggest project of our lifetime’, government should focus on a ‘project to save women’s lives’. Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes SVG

needs change. We need a new government with good financial governance and the ability to create a strong economy. Crime will always destroy a country, whereas highquality education will always build a country. We cannot continue with the financially irresponsible ULP regime, as the cost to SVG’s women — our sisters, mothers, wives, daughters is too high. Having the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the world is a clear sign that we must alter the deadly path that the ULP regime has set our country upon. We need change to stop the killing of women. Femicide is not an acceptable consequence of poor governance.

Fall out of the current war the worst and ask, “Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?” Evidence THERE IS no doubt that the current of hard times abound and can be seen high prices of food are a direct result in various sectors of the economy. The of the current war involving Russia public buildings in disrepair, the many and Ukraine. Many acknowledge that pot holes in our roads, low productivity it has been affecting us now for quite in the Agricultural Sector, the undersome years and did not just start a few performance of Tourism, the high months ago. The calypso, “Hard unemployment, and the increase of Times”, with its refrain “Eat Bread Poverty as evidenced in the Poverty and Butter”, captures the state of Report and the increased number of affairs succinctly. Our inability to persons on Poor Relief; all confirm the account for our own monies is no poor state of the economy. credit to us. In the absence of up to Additionally, it is known that date operational and financial audits; corruption and injustice are main we have no alternative but to assume contributors to Hard Times. by Anthony Stewart, PhD

Some time ago, doubts were expressed as to whether there were sufficient financial resources to pay Civil Servants and other Public Employees. The Pandemic and the Vaccine Mandate apparently provided a convenient decoy to lay off Public Workers in order to help to bring the budget in line. Because the covid vaccine neither prevents the contraction nor the spread of the Covid-19 virus, making it mandatory is not justifiable and would not stand up in court. By the time the matters go through the court followed by the expected appeal by the employers, and the hefty lawyer fees, it is hoped that sufficient breathing space would have been provided for the employers to improve the economy sufficiently to compensate the laid off workers. Many of those who were laid off were among the most qualified, and experienced. As a consequence, there would be a huge loss in productivity as already evidenced in lower performance and passes at the CPEA level. Higher fuel prices are indicators that a serious war is being fought. This translates to higher electricity bills which many cannot afford and are disconnected as a result. Many unintended casualties result from the war and it appears that destruction by the aggressor is an apparent sign of victory. Failed Policies are apparently resulting in much destruction. The use of NIS monies to construct hotels may lead to great harm being done to our Social Security system. Many are of the view that it is not a wise investment. Hotel Development is best left to private developers. Failure in shipping and the sugar industry did not teach us the lessons we should learn about wisely investing Public Resources. The Arrowroot factory,

Coconut Water bottling plant, Farine factory, Geothermal Energy, and Procuring Fishing boats all represent present and future failures. Private entrepreneurs with natural interest in the areas should be encouraged and provided with technical support for success in these areas. Depletion of Government Revenue seem to be the natural expected consequence based on past experiences. In the Public Sector, it is tantamount to war when meritocracy is not allowed to prevail. There is much loss of productivity as workers treated unfairly become demotivated. Injustice is war against the citizens. Those who feel that they are invincible, doing as they please, breaking the law at will because they think they will get away are destroyers of the society. The Policy of setting the consent age at 15 years for the Young and Reckless has opened a new frontier of war, a battle that parents and schools are losing. The only victors seem to be the people who prey on these vulnerable youngsters, and those who “pimp” them out. The war against Farmers and Fisherfolk have intensified. They constantly have to grapple with praedial larceny, and some were forced off their farms to make way for prisons, quarries, and hotels. Some Fisherfolk are being moved to dry land and away from their livelihood without knowing how they would make a new living. Farmers in the Grenadines have to cope with cows, sheep, and goats on the loose destroying their cultivation, overgrazing, and causing soil erosion. The consequence of all these is an increase in food insecurity when it is desirable to move in the other direction. The war continues.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 11.

Vincymas

ÂTajoeÊ wins second calypso monarch title a second calypso crown with a number, ‘Playing Devil’s Advocate’. And it was for him an extra special achievement as, in his own words, he overcame the obstacles of being physically displaced by the La Soufriere volcanic eruption, the uncertainty of whether there would be a carnival and the death of his father, and went on to write a song that gained the judges’ nod and impacted calypso fans the country over. It was his second Calypso Monarch title, he having his first taste in 2011. ‘Tajoe’, a member of the Graduates Calypso Tent, admitted that the death of his father may have had an impact, but it did not deter him.

“I really want to thank them for the love and support,” he said as he attached special significance to his victory as an anniversary of his first victory when he performed ‘Suzie’. And what a time to win the title! It followed on Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper’s repeat in 2022 of his double-crown victory in the Ragga and Power Soca competitions of 2014. “Everybody knows that I work along with ‘Fire’ (‘Fireman’ Hooper),” he said, adding that he has been working along with Hooper for the past five years or so to co-write some of his songs.

Writing the winning song

But overall, it was not easy getting ready for competition night A strong support network he, told THE VINCENTIAN, especially for someone living so far He told THE VINCENTIAN that away from capital Kingstown - the he has not had the time to mourn centre of official carnival activities. the loss of his father. Luckily, he said, there were According to Francis, the news several people who looked out for of his father’s passing came when him. he was rehearsing for the Calypso “If persons see me on the road, Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis enjoys his Semi-finals. they know this is the Carnival moment of glory having just been But he was grateful to his season [and] they would stop, they crowned Calypso Monarch 2022, his family, his sisters to be exact, for will ask ‘Tajoe where are you going?’ second lien on the coveted title. ensuring that he kept focus on the ” he said. task ahead — winning the crown. Some even went out of their way by DAYLE DA SILVA Francis also thanked his team — to give him a ride to Fancy because Jean Johnny Findlay, Shemron Yorke they know of his involvement in the IN WHAT WAS PRE-SHOW billed as a who has journeyed from the village of art form. ‘good night for kaiso’, Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Fancy whenever he appeared in the He also commended the principal Francis rose above his fellow competitors finals, and 2022 Ragga and Soca of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, in the 2022 National Calypso Monarch Monarch winner Delroy ‘Fireman’ Finals of Sunday 3rd July, to win himself Hooper. Continued on Page 14.

‘Tajoe’, decked in symbolic ‘devil’s attire’ and carrying the trademark fork, well into rendering his winning ‘Playing Devil’s Advocate’.

Shaunelle settles for third

It was an emotionally charged rendition by the defending monarch Shaunelle Mc Kenzie, but just enough to earn her a third place. MAXWELL ‘TAJOE’ FRANCIS worked his way from being the last competitor on stage, to become the 2022 Calypso Monarch, and in the process dethroned reigning monarch, Shaunelle Mc

Kenzie. In fact, Shaunelle had to settle for a third place from the judges for her rendition of a song entitled, ‘Lessons Learnt’. She evoked rousing applause from the patrons when she invited opposing politicians Fitzgerald Bramble and Carlos James to join her on stage, and shake hands in a show of ‘unity’. Taking second position, and so record his highest place to date in the competition, was Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts. He was one of the night’s favourites with his song ‘They don’t know St. Vincent’, which called upon SVG to wake up and recognize those who have performed yeoman service to their country, inclusive of the likes of test cricketer Michael Findlay who appeared in person on stage to support Hero’s rendition. Two-times calypso monarch Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar was adjudged 4th with his song ‘Calypso Alphabet’ in which he

apportioned appropriate names of outstanding persons to each letter of the alphabet. The much anticipated and controversial Alvin ‘Zion-I’ Dennie kicked things off with his 2022 presentation ‘Hypocrites’, and set the standard for what was to come for the remainder of the competition. He stood stoically on stage all by himself,

without the aids of props and theatrics, and delivered at times adjusted lyrics much to the sustained applause from his audience. Some of the other finalists on the night were Glenroy ‘Homie’ Delpesche with ‘Up, up, up’; Fitzroy ‘Brother Ebony’ Joseph with ‘No Horn’; former Calypso Monarch Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance with ‘Ah can’t breathe’. The 2018 Junior Calypso Monarch, Damian ‘Boney Man’ Da Souza, in his first outing in the ‘big yard’, performed commendably with his song ‘Where the PRIME Money Gone?’. Other notable performances came from Sheena Collis ‘Ain’t Easier’; Alvin ‘Zion I’ Dennie was first Gosnel ‘GC’ Cupid who paid on the night’s cast, rendered tribute to Calypso/Soca icon his ‘Hypocrites’ without any Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus with ‘extra help’, and set the bench the song, ‘Becket hold on’. mark for the night’s show.

It’s been a ‘hard road to travel’ for Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts but he turned in his best performance to date to place second. The other competitor was another pre-show favourite and former monarch Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey with ‘Who put dem so done dead’. (DD)

V

12. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Vincymas

Fireman reclaims Soca Monarch title by SHERON GARRAWAY

WITH HIS USUAL WHOLESOME support by dancers and theatrics, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper copped the Soca Monarch crown last Saturday 2nd July at Victoria Park, in a show dubbed “Lit and Ready”. Introduced by way of a big screen on which a TV presenter revealed that medical personnel from the United States would travel to SVG because ‘Fireman’, the Mad Scientist, had found a cure for covid-19, Fireman’ arrived front stage with hands outstretched. Then, he took hold of what seemed to be a vase from which he sprinkled what can be interpreted as magical dust unto the audience, as the cure for Covid-19 and to ward off any evil forces. That was the introduction to his number ‘Bad Demon’. And even when there appeared to be a setback in getting a gown flown in by a drone, the experienced entertainer

Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse with his ‘Wah Day’, 2nd Runner-up, demonstrated that he is among the leading soca artiste in SVG. was able to play it off without a glitch, cloaked himself and continued his rendition. A rendition that put his large and salivating fans ino a trance as they danced wildly, uncontrollably to his infectious melody, and welcome his chant ‘Let me out!’ as indication to get even crazier. During breaks in his

Keith ‘Grabba Finesse’ Charles, Ist Runner-up, enjoyed much ‘play’ pf his ‘Place Tun Ova’ leading up to the finals.

delivery, he instructed his obedient subjects to move to different sections of the grounds as they waved flags and rags, blazed fire from insecticide cans and danced uninhibitedly. When the performances were over and the judges tallied their score, by this time

well into the daylight Continued on Page 14. Right: Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper demonstrated that it is all about what you do on competition night that matters, not all the pre-show hype.

Fireman takes third Ragga title

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper returned to the top of the listing among Ragga Soca artiste here. HE SANG IN POSITION NUMBER 11, with only the defending title holder left to come. When the results were announced, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper was crowned 2022

Ragga Soca champion. This was his third Ragga title. The first was on his debut in that category in 2010, when he burnt the rest of the competitors with his ‘Bun Dem’ (Holy Fire). His second came in a dynamic display in 2014 when his ‘Rum Meeting’ raised enough points to intoxicate the other contenders. Healso won the Soca Monarch title that year with ‘Unruly’ which went on to win the Road March title. His 2022 Ragga Soca number, ‘Social Media Police’, examines the way social media is used to keep tabs on persons. ‘Fireman, or simply ‘Fire’ is of the view that “social media is destroying us.” ‘Fire’ is man in demand and he outlined to THE VINCENTIAN that he had been booked out “before the carnival.” He leaves the state tomorrow to fulfill engagements in places like Antigua, Anguilla, Grenada, Montreal, Toronto, England,

but added: “I can’t remember the whole list.”

who was the defending monarch into second place. Hance did the number ‘All I His 2022 success may just need’. expand his itinerary Third position was taken by Utamu ‘Bongo Prime’ Rose Asked about tributes, he who rendered one entitled said, “….the whole of St. ‘Chemistry’. Vincent and the The other contenders for Grenadines…… fans over the title were: Kamara ‘Keido’ fame.” Foster —‘Party calling’ who He prides himself as a opened the competition. He genuine Vincentian having was followed by Kevon ‘Sick-o’ been born in Petit Bordel, Shallow who did ‘My business’. North Leeward but currently Keronna ‘Keke’ Samuel residing in Georgetown, North offered a French influenced Central Windward, and “living rendition ‘La Pace Mweh’. in St. Vincent and the There were two duos in Grenadines.” Chewalee Johnson and Jamari He used the opportunity of ‘L-Pank’ Stapleton who went speaking with THE “Overboard, and Claydon VINCENTIAN, to poke ‘FUN’ ‘Dymez Roache and Elrico ‘Da at some artistes whom he Pixel’ Hunte with their contends, “don’t want to combination ‘Life in yuh’. compete, but talk about the Derron ‘Magical’ Rouse was competition in a negative attempting the double with his way.” ‘Progress’ in the Ragga And in apparent reference category, but failed to occupy to calls by some that he should space in the top bracket. resign and leave the arena to Kenville ‘Fonando’ Horne did the ‘younger artistes’, Fire ‘Pressure so’. The other declared, “I win this crown for participant was Ozarie the elders.” Matthews with ‘Sponging on Fireman beat Hance John me’. (WKA)

Hance John, defending Monarch, showed he is still one of the top Ragga Soca artiste when he took second place.

Utamu ‘Bongo Prime’ Rose, third place, came indication that there is a new contender on the block.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 13.

Vincymas

Starlift retains Panorama Champions title

1ST PLACE: Starlift Steel Orchestra. HENNESY STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRA played ‘Hairy Bank’, a Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams’ Road March winner of 2001, in this year’s Panorama and retained their championship title won in 2019, the last time the competition was held.

The rendition was arranged by Starlift’s Musical Director Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts and victory meant that the 1967, Old Montrosefounded steel orchestra, had recorded its 23rd Panorama victory. And Captain Roddy

Dowers is pleased with the band’s success this year, in light of the fact that “it was a late decision to have carnival.” Dowers pointed to Starlift as having an all year round programme, so “it was easy for us to move into the carnival mode.” Captain Dowers was especially satisfied with the performance of the younger players, who comprised the majority of the complement on competition night, Sunday 3rd July. He commended them for attendance to practice and their discipline. Starlift has a Summer Training Programme, 2022 being no exception. 3RD PLACE: Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra.

Kemmy has his first Road March MANY WOULD RECALL HIS CAMPAIGN as a junior calypsonian and many more would have followed his journey that took him into the adult realms of Ragga and Power Soca. One thing was certain: Ornade ‘Kemmy’ Christopher, a member of the renowned sports and culture Christopher family of Layou, even as he eventually settled in the USA, never separated himself from the genre of soca that today contributes in no small way to identifying Caribbean culture/music. And after knocking on the door and dropping his sobriquet ‘Man Kemmy’ but keeping himself immersed in Vincy Music all the while, his persistence has paid off. In what was

considered something of a late burst down the home stretch, Kemmy took the 2022 Road March with his ‘Da is d call’. Admittedly, though, he was always a considered to be a strong contender for the title. According to an official Carnival Development Corporation release, he squeezed passed Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper’s ‘Bad demon’ by 56 points to 54, to claim his first title as an adult calypsonian/soca artiste. Running third was a favourite in the build-up to the official festival, Keith ‘Grabba Finees’ Charles’ ‘Place tun Ove’ which followed closely with 52 points. All in all, many of those who ardently follow the Road March competition agreed that the race was an open one

Orande ‘Kemmy’ Christopher would easily be considered to have ‘paid his dues’ and therefore no one should deny him the accolades that come with a Road March title. this year, and cited “Madking’s’ number ‘Staff’ as easily being among a list of other songs that were clear contenders.

Registration is open to those nine to 99 years old, Dowers quipped. The Summer Programme, Dowers highlighted, was more than just about learning to play the pan. It had a Homework Club component that promotes the mantra ‘each one teach one’. This, Dowers reflected, has contributed to a high level of academic achievement among the trainees and young members. As many as twelve national scholarship winners appeared on stage with the band in the same year they achieved their awards, among these being Kelcia Allen, Saeed Bowman, Kelcie Dowers and Jordan Hamlett. “Music is a foundation to higher qualifications,” Dowers mused.

The Competition Starlift outpointed Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra who placed second. They played Winston Soso’s ‘I

2ND PLACE: Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra. don’t mind’ arranged Tillal Webb. With 40 players, Sion Hill showed the extent of scale improvisation and maintained a script not so different from the Frankie McIntosh’s original orchestration for Soso’s recording of the song. Third place went to National Properties Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra with Johnny Pompey’s arrangement of Hance John’s ‘Up Town Party’. Genesis Steel Orchestra, under the umbrage of the RSVG

Police Force and based at the Police Band Training Room at Largo Height, and Symphonix Steel Orchestra based in Questelles, both played Shaunelle McKenzie’s ‘Up in dat’. South East Steel Orchestra had the crowd ‘Jumping’ like the Winston Soso’s number ‘Jumping for Carnival’ which they rendered. The other band in the competition was Leaf International SVG Elite Steel Orchestra who did Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas’ ‘Wake up the party’.

V

14. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Vincymas

Fireman reclaims Soca Monarch title Pixel’ Hunte — ‘Who?’; Rayshorn ‘Mirror Dan’ hours of Sunday Franklyn — ‘Mad morning, it almost Government’; Kemuel seemed to be a foregone ‘Karbon Jamz’ Stapleton conclusion: Fireman was — ‘Hard Times’; Lornette handed his 12th lien on ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd — the Soca Monarch title. ‘Soca Planet’; Hance John — ‘Shellings’; Others who followed Sydron ‘Son Son’ Charles — ‘Riffle Whine’. Keith ‘Grabba Finesse’ Charles also brought The event was high fete energy with the tarnished crowd prancing to his popular hit, ‘Place Tun Sadly, the event was Ova’, and earned second tarnished when aerosol place. cans of insecticides being Defending monarch used as ‘flame throwers’ Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse by over exuberant took the third spot with patrons got out of hand ‘Wah Day’ to remain and burned some among the leading soca patrons. bards, and USA-based Empty cans then Kemmy Christopher became missiles as they grabbed the fourth were tossed high into the position with ‘Da is d air and from one end of call’. the crowd to the other, Other artistes who and injured more fans. It took to the Soca Monarch didn’t help that some stage were Keith drinks were being sold in Currency with ‘Chaos’; glass bottles which were Shena Collis — ‘Whinng also used as missiles, Fever’; Claydon ‘Dymez’ causing caused further Roache and Elrico ‘Da injuries. Continued from Page 12.

‘Tajoe’ wins second calypso monarch title Continued from Page 11. where he teaches, for always being understanding and allowing him time to work on his presentations. But the trick was all about balancing one’s time, he explained. “And ensuring that when you work, you work so you get the support from your team,” Francis said. The song, ‘Playing Devil’s Advocate’, he said, was started in May 2021, following the volcanic eruption. He explained that he woke up one night and wrote a verse and chorus, saying that this would be his presentation in the event there was to be a Carnival. Once it became official that Vincy Mas was given the green light, Francis said that he put together the entire song one day while at work. “I have been a writer for a while [and] I think I know when I have a good piece,” he said. And fortunately, the song was well received according to him. “I think it was a little different from what people would have expected,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. And ‘Tajoe’ will be heartened even more when he notes that together with Divine Walters, Primary Schools Calypso Monarch, and Deano Nero, Junior Soca Monarch, he has brought a triple reason for celebration to the Red Zone. Together the three have given real meaning to: Adversity breeds opportunity and opportunity is the road to success.

Reports surfacing the same evening said that 12 persons with serious injuries were rushed to the nearby Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. MC’s Rochard ‘Pitbull’ Ballah and Shevrell ‘Candy Man’ McMillan, together with Skinny

Fabulous, made appeal after appeal for calm but the recklessness continued. All in all, it was a scary experience with what seemed to be a preferred option by the authorities to protect the equipment rather than

human life. The Carnival Development Corporation CDC must reassess their ‘safety’ and law and order measures, so as to prevent a reoccurrence as these situations.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 15.

News

‘Red Rat’ is homicide 23 A FITZ HUGHES MAN who was shot in the community on Monday 27th June died four days after at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Police said, on Monday 4th July, that they were investigating the death of Roland ‘Red Rat’ Baptiste, 35, a fisherman of the North Leeward community. Baptiste died on Friday 1st July after an unknown assailant(s) shot him about his body with a shotgun, Roland ‘Red on June 27 in Fitz Hughes. Rat’ Baptiste A reliable source indicated that a dies four 16-year-old was held for questioning days after but was later released. being shot. Baptiste death is listed as the 23rd homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year. In May 2019, Baptiste was brought before Magistrate Bertie Pompey to answer to two charges: unlawful and malicious wounding of Conroy Francois; possession of an offensive weapon, to wit a cutlass, in a public place, namely the public road, without lawful excuse. Both charges were related to the same matter and he was fined a total of $800 for both charges. Police are asking people with information that can help with this investigation to contact 1-784457-121, 1-784-456-1810, or 1784-458-2229. (KH)

SVG sends 21 to Commonwealth Games 2022 ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will be represented at the 2022 Commonwealth Games set for Birmingham, England, by twenty-one athletes. The athletes will compete in five disciplines: Aquatics (Swimming), Cycling, Squash, Table Tennis and Track and Field. Those who will take to the swimming pool are Kenale Alleyne, Shane Cadogan, Bryson George, Abigail De Shong, Tia Gun Munro and Jamie Joachim. Zefal Bailey will be the lone Vincentian entry in cycling. Meanwhile, the four representing SVG in Squash are Jason Doyle, Othniel Bailey, Jules Snagg and Jada Ross, with Leah Cumberbatch, Jessica Mc Carter, Shanecia Delpesche and Unica Velox doing duty in Table Tennis. Mc Kish Compton, Handal Roban, Desroy Jordan, Javon Rawlins, Jabarri Michael- Khensu and Mikeisha Welcome are registered in Track and Field. The officials travelling with the contingent include Kyle Dougan, Mikal Quammie and Simone France for Aquatics; Emmerson Holder — Cycling; Amber Glasgow - Squash; Table Tennis - Sean Stanley and Alexandra Walrond, Chester Morgan and Godfrey Harry - Track and Field. The official Vincentian is completed by Claude Bascombe Jr., the Chef de Mission; Jacintha Ballantyne - the Team Manager; Sherian SlaterTeam Doctor; Sonja Arthur — Attache and Rohan Thomas Snr - the Press Attache. The 2022 Commonwealth Games take place from 28th July to 8th August. Members of the Vincentian contingent who are based here in St Vincent and the Grenadines are scheduled to leave for England on Sunday 24th July.

Soccer to improve!

From Page 8.

box. Therefore, if we enforce and intensify what you all have been practising to perfection, and strengthen the weak areas while you all improve your fitness, we must win our next games. The SVGFF executive need to change the way they administrate… the way teams prepare and those who prepare the teams. Losing coaches caused players, supporters, sponsors, and spectators to lose confidence. Players and coaches need to form their own organization and correspond with other organizations overseas if we want to achieve success. ‘Rollit’ Walrond

16. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 17.

People

New Area Director for Toastmasters/SVG JACQUI ENGLISH-JACOBS is the new Area Director for Toastmasters clubs in St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Area 16), for the period July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. With her installment comes jurisdiction over local Toastmasters Clubs: Achievers Toastmasters Club, Creative Thinkers Toastmasters Club, Flow (SVG) Toastmasters Club and Imperial Champions Toastmasters Club. She currently serves as the Immediate Past President of Imperial Champions Toastmasters Club. In her new capacity, English-Jacobs will be supported by an Area Council comprised of: Andrea James, Andrew Da Silva, Francesca Burnham-Onu, Janeel King, Jenieve Cato, Joanna Justin, Moureeze Franklyn, St. Clair

Stapleton and Wendie Edwards-Wilson. As an Area Director, English-Jacobs will also serve as a member of the Caribbean’s District 81 Executive Committee, the body that ensures the District and leaders are fulfilling the mission, inter alia, to build new clubs and support all clubs in their thrust towards achieving excellence. Her responsibilities in addition to serving the needs of the clubs, includes being the direct liaison between District 81 and the clubs. English-Jacobs has had a long and illuminating journey beginning with her first Toastmasters path - Effective Coaching. For eight years she traversed a stimulating Toastmasters journey, always recognizing the value of growth over comfort.

Also, she is a proud member of Leaders Beyond Borders which, according to Toastmasters International Facebook page, is ‘a chartered advanced Toastmasters club within District 81… that offers the atmosphere to cultivate and nourish LEADERS that are willing to see, accept and embrace all cultures while working Beyond all borders’. Her resume also shows that English-Jacob was ranked in the Top 10 of the Whova Leaderboard, at the 2022 District 81 Toastmasters Conference. Jacqui is employed with St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority as Digital Marketing Officer. In this capacity, she has rendered service on several committees, including: Nine Mornings Festival, National Sports Awards, Karen Hinds

Phenomenal Woman Conference, South East Steel Orchestra, and SVG National Corporate Public Speaking Championship.

About Toastmasters International Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 358,000 in more than 16,800 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International

Jacqui English-Jacobs - New Toastmasters Area Director. has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

V

18. FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Setting up my daughter Dear George, I’M 48 YEARS OLD and live with my 22year-old daughter. I am in the habit of sending her to the guy I’m seeing to collect stuff for me, when I am unable to go myself. On this particular day when I sent her, it was 7pm and she wasn’t back. I decided to go look for her. George, I cannot describe to you what I felt when I saw my only daughter riding the man I gave my heart to. All I could do was just leave heartbroken. When I asked him why, his responses was: “How could you expect me to pass up the opportunity to kill both cow and calf?” My daughter has apologised to me and is begging me to give him another chance. I do not see how that would work. It will be a long time before I could trust another man.

Feeling Like Chopped Liver Dear Feeling Like Chopped Liver, It was very poor judgement on your part to mix your daughter up in all of this. It was not the correct thing to send your daughter on such missions. As it stands, the man you are with is not material for marriage or anything else. Including being a step parent. It certainly would be wise to move on. Meanwhile, make every effort to repair the relationship with your daughter and you may need some counselling in this regard. Do not let the behaviour of this guy prevent you from seeking love.

George

No longer my type Dear George,

George, dildos have never been my thing so I went out and got the real thing, and now he is hopping mad. But, I’m done! I have told him that but he is not getting it. I do not want counselling; I just want out!

I AM MARRIED but the man I’m married is no longer my type. He was my type before marriage but as the years passed he has settled into being a beer drinking, couch potato who has no energy nor interest in Vex Vex sex. He has made it clear and plain to me that sex is not on his list Dear Vex Vex, of priorities, and I should Admittedly, in the use sex toys to satisfy my final analysis you have desires.

to know what you want. After all, you are the best judge of your situation. I would still advise, however, that you see a relationship counselor. After you have done so then you can decide if getting out is what you really want. Having said that, you still reserve the right to walk away.

George

A lesbian mother Dear George,

Dear Livid,

I HAVE a 3-year-old daughter with my ex-girlfriend. I have been supporting my daughter all the way. I’m reaching out to you for advice because my ex-girlfriend has decided to move in with another woman. I do not want that kind of negative influence on my daughter. I do not want my daughter growing up to be a lesbian. She tells me there is nothing I can do about it. Is she right?

If it’s your conviction that the lifestyle of your child’s mother would have a negative impact on her wellbeing, I advise you to take the matter to Family Court for redress. You can file a petition for sole custody but you will have to prove that your ex- girlfriend is an unfit parent. Do not let this turn into a back-and-forth, name calling and negative labelling. The Court can decide what’s best for this child.

Livid

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project. Elders may get you going this week. You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. Pleasure trips will be emotionally favorable.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. Romance is likely if you can bring yourself to go out with friends. Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home. Try to curb overindulgence this week.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavory situations. Your leadership ability will enhance your reputation. Deception is apparent. Your intellectual charm will entice mates who have common interests.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not to rely on others. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information. Good friends will give you honest answers. Do some research if you want to find information that you can apply against the opposition you face.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. You should sit down with someone you trust and work out a budget that will enable you to save a little extra. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be prepared to counteract the damage that adversaries are about to create. Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren't well organized. You are in a high cycle where travel, education, and creative endeavors are concerned. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your lover may cost you financially. Make changes that will enhance your appearance and entice potential partners. Implement your ideas into your projects at work. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Sooner or later your partner will have had enough. Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about your feelings. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. Your ability to ferret out secret information will lead you to an inside scoop on an amazing financial deal. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be on your best behavior. You may be emotional about the way an organization you belong to is handling its business. Be sure to pay attention to your financial status. You need adventure and excitement in your life. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Take time to listen to children and help them with projects that seem impossible to them. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Pleasure trips or friendly get-togethers will be satisfying and intellectually stimulating. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well. Take a trip or just spend some quality time with your mate. Loved ones may be annoyed if they feel restricted.

ACROSS 1. Extremely thrilled 5. Three Stooges prop 8. Stitch’s friend, in a Disney movie 12. “Well, ___!” 14. Tres y tres 15. Speck 16. Beginning 17. Follow closely 18. Fashionable clothing store 19. Lycopene sources 21. There’s a squeezer for it in the kitchen 22. Chemistry Nobelist Otto 23. EVOO part 24. Laser-pointer battery 27. Ceiling-hung art 30. Cart puller 33. Damsons and greengages 35. Angry 36. “Quiet, please!” 37. Legume shell 38. Green vegetable 41. Stew morsel 42. Waikiki wear 43. Film spool 44. Indy entrant 46. Round fig. 47. Author Hemingway 50. Like young Abe Lincoln 51. Van Gogh: “___ Cypresses” 52. Wood factory 54. Sweet and juicy fruits 57. Shepherd’s pie ingredients 61. Rights org. 62. Soup vegetable 64. Yes or no follower 65. Small, vocal bird 66. Rochester’s love 67. Silvery fish 68. Fortune 69. Migratory fish 70. Noted Kenyan lioness DOWN 1. Point 2. Middle part 3. Motley Crue’s genre, with rock 4. Oscar winner for “Amadeus” 5. They may be strained for a baby

6. Sundial number 7. Night school subj. 8. Tag 9. Newspaper article 10. Western wolf 11. Handwriting on the wall 13. James of jazz 14. Jotter 20. Resistance measurement 21. German song 23. Cassini of couture 24. Source of cider 25. Certain botanicals 26. Sit in on 28. Religious book 29. SEP or traditional 30. Pet protection org. 31. Coat shine 32. Tiger, for one

34. Hardware buys 39. Prefix with –nautics 40. Steeler’s Big QB 45. Unsurpassed, as in sports 48. Mirror’s partner 49. Small songbird 51. Torso 53. Lad’s love 54. Engaging bard 55. Silk color

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2022.19.

56. Baldwin brother 57. Programming language 58. Baseball’s Hershiser 59. Wrigglers 60. ___ record 62. “Enter the Dragon”star Bruce 63. Hurricane’s center

V

20. FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Gregg takes TT Cadet Assessment title

Cadet Class of players: #1. Lamont Greg - 33 points; #2. Devante O. Mathews - 31 points; #3. Kris Ollivierre - 23 points; #4. Joshua Simmons - 20 points; #5. Joshua Simmons Noel Abbott - 9 points. captured the I.B.A. ALLEN third spot.

Another karate championship held Kris Ollivierre took the second spot. Champion Lamont Gregg accepts his first prize from Orville Haslam OD, President of the SVGTTA. LAMONT GREGG emerged top player in last weekend’s Male Cadet Assessment Competition hosted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA). The Competition was played at the New Democrat Party (NDP) headquarters, Murray’s Road, Kingstown. Gregg, a 12-yesr-old resident of Bequia who attends the St. Vincent Grammar School, is a member of the

Right: Devante O. Mathews finished 4th.

Spencer’s Table Tennis Club (STTC), based at the NDP headquarters. He is a product of the developmental programme conducted by the Vincy Table Tennis Federation (VTTF) working in collaboration the SVGTTA. Gregg beat Kris Ollivierre three 3-0 (13-11, 11-8, 11-9) in the finals after disposing of Joshua Simmons by a similar margin (11-5, 11-5,11-9) in the semi-final. Ollivierre defeated Devonte Mathews 11-8, 11-4, 11-6 to

earn his berth in the final. Simmons outplayed Matthews 11-5, 11-9 in the third-place playoff. On completion of the Competition, the SVGTTA released the following ranking for the

Roban: Lone Vincy Spark at Caribbean Games

Handal Roban poses with his most recent medal.

HANDAL ROBAN was the lone Vincentian spark at the inaugural Caribbean Games, which took place in Guadeloupe from 29th June to 3rd July. The 19-year-old Roban claimed a bronze medal in the Men’s 1500m, in a time of 3:58.37. He was one of four Vincentians who competed in the Track and Field segment of the multi-discipline Games, which featured Under-23 participants. The others were Javon Rawlins, Sage Primus and Desroy Jordan. Rawlins and Primus contested the 100m with the former placing 4th in a time of 10.74s; and

Primus, 6th with a clocking of 10.83s. Jordan finished ninth in the Men’s 400, clocking 47.87s in the one lap race. Apart from Track and Field, St. Vincent and the Grenadines participated in Swimming and Netball. In Swimming, Eltonte Leonard placed 20th in the Men’s 50m Freestyle, while Kevern Da Silva was 21st in the Women’s 50m Freestyle. Kennice Greene, the other Vincentian swimmer was 14th in the Women’s 50m Freestyle and ended in 5th in the 200m Individual Medley. Meanwhile, the netballers with a solitary 70-3 victory over host

Guadeloupe finished 5th in the six-team competition. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was beaten by: Barbados 59-10; Jamaica 65-18; Trinidad and Tobago 51-5 to and St. Lucia 43-24. The first ever Caribbean Games also saw competition in Judo, 3 x 3 Basketball, Futsal and Cycling. The Caribbean Games were in the making since 2009 when Trinidad and Tobago was identified as the host. However, threats of the swine flu forced authorities to shelf the event. Another attempt was made to host the Games last year but the threats of the coronavirus forced

JAMAL WILLIAMS, Terrance Providence and Christian Joseph were in winners’ row when the Hairouna Karate Federation held another round of Male Kata and Kumite Championships last Saturday, at the West St. George Secondary School. In the Kata for karatekas in the Under-17 category, Terrence Providence won in both Kata and Kumite Christian Joseph categories and in both U17 beat Jamal and U21 divisions. Williams 24.8 points to 24.2. In the Under-21 division, Terrance Providence beat Isaiah Caesar 25.4 to 24 points in the Kata Championship. In the Kumite Championship, competing in the Under-17 division, Jamal Williams turned the tables on Christian Joseph beating him 9 points to ..., while Terrance Providence outclassed Isaiah Caesar 8 points to 2 in the Under-21 division. The Hairouna Karate Federation will resume their championships next year. I.B.A. ALLEN

a deferral, until the eventual realization in 2022. The historic first edition of the Caribbean Games is said to have attracted more than 800 U-23 athletes from 29 countries, competing across seven disciplines as referenced in the article. The Games are scheduled for every four years.

Christian Joseph – Kata champion in the U17 division.

Jamal Williams was victorious in the Kumite U17 division.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2022. 21.

Sports

All four Vincentians seeded in Junior CASA ALL FOUR Vincentians - Jayden George, Jaydon Williams, Ciara George and Nadira Morgan, who will be participating in this year’s Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships in Guyana, from 10th to 16th July; will be doing so as seeded entrants. Jayden George and Jaydon Williams are seeded Number One in the Boys Under-13 and Boys Coach- Amber Under-15, respectively. When the championships were Glasgow last held in 2019 in Trinidad and Tobago, George emerged as the winner of the Under-11 age group, while Williams took the Bronze in the Under-13 category. Ciara George who reached the quarter finals at the last hosting of the championships, will compete in the Girls Under-15 and is seeded Number Two. And Morgan is seeded Number Three in the Girls Under-17. She too reached the quarter final stage in the last outing. The four will be in action on 10th to 12th July, as they will participate only in the individual segment

of the championships. Coach of the Vincentian team — Amber Glasgow, said ahead of the team’s departure, “They are expected to perform very well because in the previous championships (2019), they have shown they are capable of competing and being in the top three.” She added, “I am very optimistic of their performance because they have been training with the senior team and been performing well and putting a lot of work into their game… We also had other coaches who have been working with them individually and collectively.” Glasgow expressed the view that the L-R: Jayden George and Vincentian players would have an Jaydon Williams. advantage of lack of restrictions to the L-R: Ciara George and use of the Squash courts during the That said, she Nadira Morgan. heightened Covid-19 period, 2020/2021. admitted that her “I must say too that we had the benefit of being players will be unknown quantities to some of their the only country whose courts were still open while rivals, and vice-versa. the others had to shut down because of Covid; The Vincentian contingent is set to return home hopefully that can work in our advantage,” she on 14th July, hopefully with titles in their grasps. reasoned.

Gordon optimistic about new selection process THEON GORDON - Technical Director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Federation - is hopeful that the new process of selecting the national teams would bear fruit. Gordon explained the process thus: “In the past, everything was centralized round a specific area (geographical) and naturally if the person lived close to the training ground, he/she had an advantage. The new approach

involves decentralizing the training over five zones. They have an advantage, so the approach we took is to have the training in five zones, Zone One being the Leeward, Zone Two Kingstown, Zone Three the Marriaqua Valley extending to Stubbs, Zone Four from Stubbs northwards, and Zone Five the Grenadines.” According to Gordon, the

U-17 Players intention is to identify a total of 110 players from the Zones, which should translate into 10 players per position. This will provide a wider pool of players from which to select national teams. These players would then be involved in zonal competitions from which a squad of 44 will be selected, to

in a training exercise in Zone Two – Sion Hill. be further reduced over time to 30. It is expected that the coaches in the zone would be rotated among the zones so that they could evaluate players outside of their zones, especially as it relates to the players’ skill levels and specific roles. Gordon emphasized that the

process will be a yearround exercise. I.B.A. ALLEN Theon Gordon - Technical Director of SVG Football Federation.

WINLOTT continues support to Windwards Cricket WINLOTT Inc. continues to support sports in the Windward Islands subregion. Once again, they are the principal partner of Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) for the hosting of the Windwards Under-19 tournament, to be held in Dominica from this week. The value of the partnership is EC$125,000.00. Chairman of the WINLOTT board Murray Bullock, and Executive Director - Allison Thomas handed over the cheque to WICB President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, on June 22, 2022. Both parties expressed excitement about the resumption of the partnership following a couple of challenging years occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. Chairman Miles Bascombe, Windward Island Cricket Board (WICB) Technical Director view the tournament as an opportunity to give each player a perspective of his game.

Bullock stated, “WINLOTT Inc. is proud of its partnership with the WICB over the past twelve (12) years, which included hosting the senior 2day and T20 tournaments, and more recently, the Under 15 and Under 19 tournaments.” He urged the public in the four Windward Islands in which WINLOTT’s Super Six is played, to continue to support the game and our youth cricketers by extension. Dr. Shallow expressed how impacting it was to have a partner like WINLOTT committed to youth development in the Windward Islands. “Their continued support through financial investment nearing two

The presentation party for the handing over of the sponsorship cheque (L-R): Chairman of WINLOTT board - Murray Bullock, and Executive Director - Allison Thomas and WICB President - Dr. Kishore Shallow.

million dollars over the years has tremendously impacted our young cricketers. WICB is most grateful to their Board and Executive management,” Dr. Shallow went on record as saying. This year’s tournament will be a 2-day format and will be used to select the Windward Islands Under-19 team to play in the West Indies tournament being hosted in St Vincent and the Grenadines during August. Windward Island Cricket Board (WICB) Technical Director, Miles SVG’s Under-19 male cricket team that will be looking to Bascombe successfully defend this country lien on the title.

said, “It is a golden opportunity for these young cricketers to play with the best of their age group across the Windwards. It gives each player a perspective of his game, with incalculable developmental value. The tournament is expected to be of a high standard, with players vying for selection on the Windwards Islands Under-19 Team.” This year’s WINLOTT/WICB Under-19 tournament will be played in Dominica from July 6 to July 13. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the defending champions. I.B.A. ALLEN

V

22. FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Living with it THE STAGE is set for the 2022 Fifa World Cup set for Qatar. But attention is also pointing to that of 2026. When the curtains come down on the Qatar event, Mexico, USA, and Canada will come into the spotlight for the following event. More teams are in that showdown and will open the trail for more members from every zone. Concacaf will relish the increase and with some home support, it must be time for a Concacaf nation to feature more prominently in the top circles. Winning a World Cup is not a task for dreamers. It entails great lengths of planning. Players have to be ready and there must be collective will by teams, administrators, business, governments, and the entire nation. There has to be coordination on and off the field, and there must be devotion and dedication to the task. In addition to players’ physical fitness, the mental aspect has to be on cue. Opportunities must be grasped but there are psychological factors that if not carefully managed can grow into huge barriers. Those factors come into play in many spheres. Our netballers must have found themselves in a quandary given their recent display in the ECCB Under-23 tournament. Persons close to the game here are lamenting the dismal performance and are appalled by the turnaround of fortunes the team has experienced. Time was when St. Vincent and the Grenadines represented themselves reasonably on that circuit. One expects some adjustments to the tables as fortunes rise and fall. But this decline is one unheralded in the history of Vincentian sport. Some people also look at other aspects of Vincentian sporting agenda and murmur at some about the same level of insufficient preparation. There are instances where experiments are the order of the day without thinking of the direct consequences. We cannot afford to be wandering in a state of complacency and allow that carefree attitude to be a way of life. We must remember that we are in an ongoing Covid-19 stage, so everything hinges around such concerns. The fall out of that situation leaves everyone in a state of limbo, and there is no question about the global repercussions. There will always be reasons to be alarmed, but the potential and ongoing effect of the crisis. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has additional concerns of which we have to be guarded. But natural elements which can be disastrous tend to be more tolerable and solving these problems comes with more spiritual implications. Caribbean people have that cynical outlook on life, [perhaps influenced by the harshness foundation upon which the region has been existing. The trend is to embrace that which the heart desires, and the needs are given a cold shoulder. There is no reason to be despondent. It takes an assessment of the conditions. Then it is up to the individual to carve out their path in the cycle. Some situations are difficult to contend with, but as life unfolds, so too should be banners that help to keep us afloat. Th3ey can be winds in our sails and all we need is to steer the ship into areas of safety.

Adams wins British Army Cycling Race NATIONAL CYCLING ELITE championCammie Adams won the REME Cycling Championships held in Lyneham, Wilsthire in England, last Thursday, June 30. Opened to all cyclists in the corps of the British Army, Adams after placing third in the prologue race (Time Trial) had to make amends in the circuit race, in order to trump the title. Outlining his route to the title, Adams explained, “I finished third in the Prologue event and was skeptical if I could have really bring it back in the race and come back to win.” Adams, though, revealed that

he knew he needed help from others in order to get the first place. “I needed someone to break up the first and second places in the Time Trial… With the help of another cyclist, I managed to create a break away forty minutes into the race , he came with me and we kept it that way until the end of the race,” Adams recalled. Adams said it was a delight winning last Thursday’s race and it comes on the heels of his success here in St Vincent and the Grenadines in June. “After winning the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union National Championships, I

Cammie Adams (right) accepting his trophy from a British Army official. am happy to achieve another title which is a testimony of my hard work and I am looking forward to more success,” Adams shared. Adams was scheduled to contest another British Army Cycling event last Wednesday.

Marriaqua Valley netball resumes NETBALLERS in the Marriaqua Valley and the surrounding areas will be gracing the court once again to display their skills, when the Valley Sports Committee opens their Netball tournament this Sunday, at the Richland Park Geshell Peters, School hard President of the court. Valley Sports The Committee. tournament which shoots off from 3:00pm will see the resumption of netball in the area following a two-year break due to

the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2022 tournament is set to run for six week. Speaking ahead of the opening of the tournament, Geshell Peters, President of the Valley Sports Committee, said, “…. we change our dates from January to July in order for us to change our protocols. We are going to do a regular competition hoping to have two divisions - a junior and a senior.” Peters explained that while she is pitching for a Junior Division involving the schools, if this does not pan out, the tournament will revert to a single division. Twelve teams are expected to participate come what may. She is not daunted by what she admits is a declining interest by young persons in the sport since

she recognises the vast talent that exists among the young girls, and she is hopeful that the presence of the senior players on court will help to revive the interest of the young people. Overall, the President is encouraged, though, by what she said was “high interest among residents,” and that “everybody is excited and ready to go.” Cash prizes will be up for grabs for the top three teams. The winning team will receive $1,500.00, the second placed team will collect $1,000.00 and third place will walk away with $700.00. The Richland Park-based High Park United are the defending champions. I.B.A. ALLEN

„SVG/ Barbados Netball series worthwhile‰ – Baptiste STAND IN Coach of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Netball team- Natasha Baptiste, is eagerly looking forward to her team’s participation in a three -match friendly series versus the Barbados Senior Team in Barbados, beginning Friday 8th July to Sunday 10th July. Baptiste noted that the matches are a win-win situation for both teams. “We are happy to have the series to give some of our players some full senior team experience, as we prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers in October in Jamaica, and it is a good outing for the Barbados team, who are preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, later this month,” Baptiste reasoned. Additionally, Baptiste advanced that the Barbadians’ choice of having her charges provide them with suitable practice ahead of the Commonwealth Games, speaks volume of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ status. “Choosing us to have the friendlies shows that we are worthy opponents and for us we are going to use the series to give a better showing than what happened in the OECS Invitational Netball Tournament in Dominica in February… We still think we are better team than the score in that match,” the Vincentian Head Coach assessed. In that invitational tournament, guest team

Barbados beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines 48-42. Fifteen players have been named to take on the Bajan Gems in the three-match series. The players selected are Mary-Ann Frederick, Shellisa Davis, Kimesha Antoine, Zanelle James, Shanice Daniel, Nerissa Delpesche, Ruthann Williams, Jeneise Lowe, Stand in Head Rosannia Stephens, Kelisha Coach- Natasha Barbour, Joseann Antoine, Jo Baptiste. Maria Quashie, Vasha Adams, Kaywanna Charles and Shamara Warner. The players are accompanied by Mrs. Joan Foster-Baynes — Manager, Ms. Natasha Baptiste — Coach and Javed Marksman — Physiotherapist/ Athletic Trainer. Friday’s match is set for 8pm, while Saturday’s second match is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m commencement. Sunday’s third and final match begins at 7p.m. Following this weekend’s matches, the training squad will intensify its preparations for the Jamaica sojourn in October.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2022. 23.

Classifieds

Police condemn Soca Monarch recklessness

From Backpage

of Tourism and Culture Carlos James weighed in attending shows that with a similarly strong they should adhere to condemnation of the rules such as: reckless behaviour of a. A person shall not some patrons at the 2022 sell beverages in glass Soca Monarch show. bottles or glass He lamented, containers, whether open “Certainly it was disappointing, we don’t or sealed; condone any forms of b. Consume any beverage in a glass bottle deviant behaviour. It is something that we have or glass container; or to look at and it is c. Possess or carry a glass bottle or glass container in the area. Persons who fail to comply with the prohibition of Regulation 3 commits an offence and are liable on summary conviction to a fine of not exceeding five hundred dollars $500. The RSVGPF appealed to citizens to act responsibly, look out for the safety of others, observe the No Bottle Policy, and desist from the dangerous practice of using Baygon Aerosol bottles as lighters.

something that the CDC office will have to look at going forward. But it’s definitely something that we consider to be one of the disappointing parts of the activity.” Minister James, though, declared that the Show was one of the best in years and that it certainly lived up to the hype after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid19 pandemic.

He added, “…. Certainly a few concerns related to safety of patrons, and we have to look at these things at this stage. ……. . But it was a real good spectacle from all of the performers and of course the crowd who came out and had the energy from night right into morning. ……. It shows Vincymas as the premier festival in the Caribbean this year.”

Minister James comments Meanwhile, Minister

There seemed to have been uncontrollable use of aerosol cans as ‘lighters’ at the Soca Monarch show (pictured) and most ‘fetes’ across the state.

SHERIL-ANN MILLINGTON Saturday, 9th July, 2022 Spring Village Methodist Church Opening Tribute: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.

NETTA ADELLA HENDRICKSON RUSSELL- PIERRE D N D ³0RWKHU 5XVVHOO¶ Thursday, 7th July, 2022 Grace Community Baptist Church, Kingstown Park Service: 12:30 p.m. ENOLE YOLANDA LAWRENCE

JOHN FRANCIS GRANT Thursday, 7th June, 2022 St James Anglican Church, Layou Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service10:00 a.m. Interment: Church Yard Cemetery

FREDERICK BAPTISTE Thursday, 7th July, 2022 Wesleyan Holiness Church Campden Park Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Lowmans Leeward

Thursday, 7th July, 2022 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral, Kingstown Tributes & Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral Cemetery

AI REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL 3 BUILDINGS ON 38,922 SQ.FT. PRICE $2,174,000.00 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com

FRIDAY, JULY 08,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.27

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

The aftermath of the Soca Monarch – a collection of aerosol cans on the grounds of Victoria Park.

An exhausted-looking Ragga and Power Soca Monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper shares an earlymorning moment with Minister Carlos James.

POLICE CONDEMN SOCA MONARCH RECKLESSNESS by SHERON GARRAWAY

With some 12 persons injured at the Ragga THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT Soca and Power Soca AND THE GRENADINES Monarch shows dubbed POLICE FORCE (RSVGPF) ‘Lit and Ready’ on has described the use of Saturday 2nd July at Aerosol in cans (e.g. Bop Victoria Park, the and Baygon) as lighters as RSVGPF has expressed “a dangerous practice and its disapproval of what it should stop immediately.”

described as some irresponsible behaviour exhibited at the event. In a press release dated Sunday 3rd July, the RSVGPF stated that it “strongly condemns the irresponsible behaviour of some patrons...for

throwing Glass Bottles, Baygon Aerosol bottles and other projectiles into the air which resulted in several persons receiving injuries.” The media release further pointed out that some patrons who were

engaged in using Baygon Aerosol bottles as lighters also caused injury to others. They described this as “a dangerous practice and should stop immediately.” The police made it

clear that Regulation 3 of the “No Bottle Policy” was still in effect, during the Carnival season, and reminded event organizers, operators of bars and all patrons

Continued on Page 23.

NEW HOSPITAL COMING:

POLE YARD RESIDENTS TO BE RELOCATED CONSTRUCTION of the state-the-art Acute Referral Hospital on the Northern side of the runway of the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport, will begin in earnest in January of 2023. The project, with a revised estimate cost of EC$82 million, is purported as a measure that will transform the delivery of health care in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as it will provide critical care in many areas currently not served or partially served, inclusive of cancer treatment, dialysis, radiation and chemotherapy. The World Bank is already committed to providing funding for the project and is expected to approve that funding by August 2022. Indications are that work on the project, including design, equipment,

and staffing requisites, have already been complete. Given the area designated for the Hospital’s construction, it is a given that the community known as Pole Yard, which runs parallel to the area designated, will have to be relocated. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in late June, gave the assurance to residents of Pole Yard that once certain technical aspects concerning the Hospital were addressed, that the relocation process should commence. He gave the residents the added assurance that they would be relocated to “facilities and houses far superior to what you… .” The Prime Minister did admit, however, that given the challenges usually associated with identifying

The community that came to be known as Pole Yard morphed in the late 90s and comprised persons who were not necessarily members of the Arnos Vale community. (Photo Source: ANN SVG) and securing land for the purpose of same area. relocating households, it could result The number of units required to in a situation that not all the satisfy the relocation needs, could well households would be relocated to the reach as high as fifty.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.