THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 08-09-23

‘SPIRIT’ SALUTES CHIEF MAGISTRATE

it, and perhaps we have a right to, when the condition demands it. But when she makes a judgment that reflects fairness, or advances our cause, I think she ought to be complimented. I salute you Madame Magistrate.”

So said Head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) and Liaison Officer with the Medical Cannabis Authority (MA), Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, as he lauded Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne for her sentencing approach in a marijuana case on Monday (Sept. 4).

Cottle’s praise for the Chief Magistrate came while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN shortly after she fined Green Hill resident Romaul Benn $15,583 for possession of 68 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply. He was ordered to pay $5,000 forthwith or six months in prison and the balance of $10,083 by November 10 or 12 months in prison.

The Magistrate had opted not to impose a custodial sentence after hearing the facts of the case, Junior Cottle’s evidence to the Court in support of the defense’s submissions, a sterling mitigation plea from Benn’s attorney Grant Connell, and response from prosecutor Renrick Cato.

In sentencing the defendant, she used the value of $400 per pound, perhaps becoming the first Magistrate to go below the $500 per pound value set by then Commissioner of Police Keith Miller several years ago.

for traditional marijuana growers, it is a step in the right direction, in light of the changes taking place locally, regionally, and internationally in respect of marijuana.

“Thanks to the persuasive arguments of defense attorney Grant Connell, and the continued demand for justice and equality by traditional cultivators, and of course the fairness of the sitting Magistrate,” Cottle said.

According to Cottle, “Our struggle for equality and justice still has a far way to go, but the recent decision by the Chief Magistrate is an indication that we are getting there”.

Appeal to traditional formers

He took the opportunity to urge traditional (marijuana) cultivators to,

Continued on Page 3.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

“SOMETIMES WE LIKE TO BEAT UPon the Magistrate when she is a bit hard on us, and maybe sometimes she deserves

And as he singled out Chief Magistrate Browne for praise and recognition, the CRC Chief called on other Magistrates to take a leaf from her book, in exercising judicial understanding and discretion in light of the changes taking place around the world with regard to marijuana.

ANOTHER FATAL SHOOTING

A RELATIVE CALM that had prevailed over this country was broken on Thursday.

Police reported that they were called to the scene where a man lay dead in a road in the South Leeward community of Buccament.

The dead man was later identified as Jovanne Baptiste, a resident of Rose Place, who was apparently on his way to the Sandals Beaches Resort construction site, where he was employed.

A police source confirmed that the

man was the victim of multiple gunshots.

Indications are that the shooting took place just before 8:00am, in the vicinity to the Seventh-day Adventist Primary School.

Baptiste’s death brings the homicide count to 36, inclusive of three by police action, and follows on the July 19 shooting deaths of five males.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded its highest homicide count, 42, in 2022.

Magistrates have over the years been using the value of $500 to $700 per pound for marijuana.

In using $400 per pound, the value of the 68 pounds of marijuana found in Benn’s possession amounted to $27,200.

However, the Magistrate went down by $4,000, even though the Court has the power to impose a fine of three times the value, after considering that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating (ones) for the offense, as well as the offender. Benn was also granted a one-third discount for his guilty plea notwithstanding that it was not entered at the first available opportunity.

Step in the right direction

Cottle told THE VINCENTIAN that while the penalty was not a total victory

Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle of the CRC recognized Chief Magistrate Browne for exercising judicial understanding and discretion in arriving at a sentence in this marijuana case involving Romaul Benn.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne may well have set a precedent by using a value of $400.00 per pound for marijuana, in her deduction in arriving at a recent sentence.

Dismissed teachers reinstated

APPROXIMATELY 60 TEACHERS/INSTRUCTORS

who refused the Covid-19 vaccination under the government’s vaccination policy in 2021 and were dismissed, are expected to return to the school system.

This was the assurance given by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on radio last week.

The Prime Minister’s indication was corroborated by Education Minister Curtis King, as he spoke on radio last Friday.

King pointed to what he said would be a case where schools across the country will be adequately staffed when they reopen on September 4th.

However, even as dismissed teachers return to the classroom, King admitted that there remained challenges finding suitably qualified teachers for the natural

sciences.

Provision is made, according to the Education Minister, for the hiring of up to 172 relief instructors to ensure adequate coverage.

And while Prime Minister Gonsalves was pleased that there were some dismissed teachers who had decided to return to the classroom, he noted that there were others who were “dragging their feet on whether to get back into the system are not.” He described this reluctance as being unfair to those who acted as relief teachers.

An estimated 200 teachers, along with other frontline workers were dismissed or deemed to have abandoned their jobs when they refused to receive the Covid-19 vaccination in adherence with a November 19, 2021 deadline, in accordance with the

Public Health Amendment Act 2021.

Up to press time, there was no accurate information with respect to how many dismissed teachers actually returned to the classroom, for the opening day of the new school year.

This recent development comes against the backdrop of a

pending appeal by the Government against a ruling handed down on March 13, 2023 by Justice Esco Henry. That ruling, inter alia, stated that the Public Service Commission, Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police misdirected themselves and acted unlawfully, and all letters (of

interCaribbean adds an ATR

IN THE FACE OF A BARRAGE OF COMPLAINTS about its frequent flight cancellation, interruptions in schedules and nothing short of poor customer service by travellers using its service in and out of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), interCaribbean Airways has added a recently acquired ATR 72 aircraft to its service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The EW- 42-500 48-seat aircraft made its inaugural flight into the AIA last Monday evening. The flight originated at Grantley Adams Airport, Barbados.

According to a press release issued in February by the Airline, it had promised then to increase and improve its service to SVG, and other territories in its regional schedule.

One frequent flier within the region commented that, “we had to wait some six months before we saw any improvement. I hope this is not a smoke screen and that our Prime Minister would not have to scold them again.”

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, last month, had expressed his dissatisfaction with interCaribbean Service to SVG.

He described the service as “exceedingly subpar.”

interCaribbean Airways has launched its ATR42-500 aircraft on regional flights.

Meanwhile, Lyndon Gardiner, the founder of InterCaribbean, promised a series of measures to alleviate disruptions and enhance operational efficiency.

A statement issued in this regard read, “interCaribbean continues to build for the future expanding its fleet with several additional ATRs to join the fleet in the coming months as we offer more capacity, frequency, and new routes to come across the Caribbean. We hope to welcome you aboard this aircraft very soon!”

About interCaribbean Airways

According to its website, interCaribbean Airways is based at Providenciales in the Turks &

Caicos Islands. The company has been operating for the last 22 years.

It purports to operate an extensive network of flights between the Caribbean Islands, including flying to: Antigua, The Bahamas, The British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Maarten.

To service this “extensive” schedule, the Airways is served by 16 aircraft including Embraer EMB120, DHC-6 Twin Otter and Embraer ERJ 145 Jet aircraft.

Plans, according to its founder, are in train to add five more aircraft to the fleet.

All classrooms across the state were expected to be adequately staffed for the opening of the new school year.

dismissal) issued to the claimants violated the Constitution.

Justice Henry had described as a breach of natural justice, unlawful, procedurally improper,

the decisions of the Public Service Commission, Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police.

‘Spirit’ salutes Chief

Magistrate

Continued from Frontpage.

“take stock of the way things are unfolding, to pay attention to what the law says, and let this be an encouragement to register with the Medical Cannabis Authority.”

He acknowledged, “Things are hard and like everything else we have to struggle to feed our families, and for some of us we depend entirely on ‘weed’ to do so, but for God’s sake, let us not be reckless. Let us be more calculative, less we find ourselves going down a road that can only bring more pain to ourselves and our families. To prevent this we have to speak with one voice, otherwise ‘crappo (crapaud) smoke we pipe’.”

The CRC Chief, who has been in the marijuana trenches for decades, is aware that, “the struggle certainly would not give us the same justice and equality which the bigger folks enjoy, but it will make life better for ourselves, and our families within the framework of the system”.

He called on the police

to become more familiar with the law and to use their discretion when dealing with traditional cultivators.

Connell’s mitigation

Connell had told the Court, in mitigation, that the 68 pounds of marijuana which was found in taped packages during a police search of Benn’s home at Green Hill on July 1, was left there in Benn’s possession by a traditional cultivator, pending collection by the authorities for testing, in preparation for sale to an investor.

He said that in the interim, police raided Benn’s home, arrested and charged him, even though the defendant explained to them the origin of the marijuana.

The lawyer showed the Court the certificate of a traditional cultivator, purported to be the man who owned the marijuana found in Benn’s possession. He also called Cottle to the stand, in support of the defense’s submissions.

Cottle gave the street value of marijuana as $300 per pound, but noted that this could go down to $200 when there is a glut.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ATTORNEY GRANT

CONNELL thinks that the sentencing approach of Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne in a marijuana case on Monday involving his client Romaul Benn of Green Hill, showed that the Court is finally coming to grips with the damage, and corrosive effect the law is having on the poor with regard to the sentences being handed down for marijuana possession here.

The Chief Magistrate, had on Monday fined Benn $15,583 for possession of 68 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply.

Connell, reflecting on the case, told THE VINCENTIAN that, in sentencing Benn, the Magistrate used the value of $400 per pound for marijuana, and not $500 per pound, as set by the Commissioner of Police Keith Miller several years ago, and she went downwards by $4,000, after concluding that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating for both the offense and the offender, bringing the $27,200 (the value of the 68 pounds) down to $23,200.

Connell said that what was also significant was that the Magistrate did not apply any increases, though the law gives her the power to impose a fine of three times the value.

Benn was also granted a one-third discount for his guilty plea, even though it was not entered at the first available opportunity, resulting in a penalty of $15,583, after all the calculations were done.

Connell viewed the Magistrate’s decision, and her sentencing approach as a step in the right direction.

“The barriers with regard to the value of ganja are finally being crossed in the interest of our people, because the people suffer when the wrong value is used.

“The higher the value is, the higher the fines and the unlikelihood of them being paid, and therefore the likelihood of a custodial sentence is high”, he told THE VINCENTIAN.

Connell referenced the evidence of Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), and liaison officer of the Medical Cannabis

Authority (MCA) who was called to the stand by the defense to assist the Court.

Cottle had told the Court that the value of marijuana on the local market is EC$300 per pound, but it could go to EC$250 if there is a glut.

But Cottle said the investors, involved in the Medical Marijuana business, pay US$50 per pound for marijuana, which is about EC$133.

Connell explained that, “When the natives are going to benefit and profit from the herb, the value is at the lowest, but when they are going to suffer the pain of a prison sentence in Court, the value is usually between EC$500 and EC$700 per pound. It is literally five times what the investors pay of US$50 per pound. But when the product gets into the hands of the investors, once it changes hands from native to investors, the value goes up, based on whatever he does to it. So that’s where the problem”, the lawyer declared, that, “we live in ganja land. We have to be proud of it. It will forever be our underground economy”, and he is of the view

that, “all who fighting down the herb, ganja would grow on their graves.

As long as the sun shines ganja would grow”.

Of the $15,583 fine, Benn was ordered to pay $5,000 forthwith, or six months in prison, and the balance by November 10, or 12 months in prison.

Benn had been jointly charged with Columbian national, Martin Alanso Velex Valasquez. Both have pleaded not guilty when they initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on July 3. Benn was granted bail while the Columbian was remanded. However, on their return to Court on Monday, Benn pleaded guilty while the Columbian maintained his innocence. The Prosecution withdrew the charge against the Columbian.

The drug was found in taped packages during a police search of Benn’s home at Green Hill on July 1. Both were met there. Benn told the police that he was holding the drug for someone.

Enforce Praedial Larceny Act

YET ANOTHERcall

has been made by an officer of the Court for the police to charge persons under the Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act, commonly called the Praedial Larceny Act.

Magistrate

John Ballah made the call at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after ordering 20-year-old Kimroy Peters of South Rivers to pay $1,000 compensation to Dillon Barnwell.

Peters had pleaded guilty to stealing 94 oranges, valued $238, from Dillon Barnwell’s farm lands at South Rivers between September 1 and 5.

“Police need to charge under the Praedial Larceny Act so that persons could get the full brunt of the law”, the Magistrate declared,

after Peters had left the dock.

Ballah noted that Peters was charged with theft, under the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in the Magistrate’s Court, and added that he had to order compensation in this case, so that the complainant could get back something for the financial setback he suffered. Barwell had told the Court that the loss had hampered a programme on which he had embarked.

The Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act was passed in 2007, specifically to protect farmers. However, police are still not enforcing the Act.

In a matter at the Serious Offences Court dating back to August 31, 2020, involving the theft of 75 avocadoes, Court Clerk Corporal David Wright told the Court he thinks some police officers were not familiar with the relevant sections of the Act, as they are still charging persons under the Criminal Code in connection with these offenses.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, in response, said that it was up to the supervisors, and those in charge of the various

police stations to ensure that the officers are familiar with the Act.

Speaking as a friend of the Court, in relation to that matter, defense lawyer Grant Connell pointed out that the Act makes provisions for harsher penalties, gives the police the power to stop vehicles loaded with agricultural produce or livestock, and requests a certificate of purchase. Vehicles used to commit those offenses could also be seized and forfeited under the Act.

The lawyer subsequently told THE VINCENTIAN, “The Authorities have put the mechanism in place since 2007 to protect farmers, but the police are not enforcing the Act. I have no issue giving the police stations a copy of the Act”.

Former senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, during his tenure as Prosecutor, had repeatedly called on the police to charge under the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Prevention of Theft Act.

Peters has been allowed five months to compensate Barnwell, with an alternative of five months in prison. He was also bonded in the sum of $1,500, or six months in prison. (HH)

Connell, in mitigation, told the Court that a certified traditional cultivator had left the drug in Benn’s possession, pending collection by the authorities for testing in preparation for sale.

Connell showed the Court a certificate of a certified traditional cultivator, purporting to be the man who owned the marijuana found in Benn’s possession.

Lawyer impressed by Magistrate’s decision POLICE ROUND-UP

Labourer charged with wounding

ON SEPTEMBER 04, 2023 Police arrested and charged Steven Samuel, 41-year-old labourer of Questelles, with the offence of wounding.

Samuel is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a 48-year-old labourer of the same address by pushing him to the ground. The offence was committed at Questelles at about 10:35 pm on August 26, 2023.

Samuel appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on September 05 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court ordered that his station bail continue and he must not have any contact with the complainant.

The matter was adjourned to November 21, 2023 for a hearing.

Chauffeur charged with wounding

Police, on September 04, 2023, arrested and charged Mantano Anthony, a 37-year-old chauffeur of Chateaubelair with the offence of wounding.

Anthony is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a nine- year-old student of the same address by striking him on the right side of his head with a flashlight. The incident occurred on 21.01.23 at about 6 p.m. in Chateaubelair.

Anthony appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on 5.9.23 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Chateaubelair Magistrate Court for a hearing on September 20, 2023.

Farmer charged with grievous bodily harm

Police arrested and charged Randel Peters, a 32year-old farmer of Lowmans Windward with grievous bodily harm.

Peters, arrested on Oct. 21, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on a 30-year-old labourer of Lauders by striking him about his body with a cutlass. The offense was committed at Lauders at about 7:30 pm on July 05, 2023.

Peters appeared at the Calliaqua Magistrate Court on Tuesday 22.08.23 and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of $2500.00. The matter was transferred to the Biabou Magistrate Court for hearing on Friday 22nd September 2023.

Labourer charged for assaulting student

On August 21, 2023, Calroy Lavia, was arrested and charged with assault and bodily harm. Lavia, 22 years, a resident of Rillan Hill who

Romoul Benn (left) had the benefit of a discretionary Magistrate and a strong mitigation plea by his lawyer Grant Connell (right).

Magistrate John Ballah has once again, found reason to highlight the shortcomings of the police.

SHESO graduates another 41

witnessed a decline in community engagement due to unwillingness, busyness, political differences, lack of respect or indifference”.

hope pervaded the venue as the graduates gave a glimpse into the future, belting out the songs they learnt during their six weeks of training.

FORTY-ONE YOUNG

PEOPLE,between the ages of 8 and 17 years, received their certificates last Sunday, September 3,after completing six weeks of pan training offered by the Sion Hill Steel Orchestra’s (SHESO) 28th Annual Training exercise.

Sunday’s Graduation Ceremony, held at the Sion Hill Village Hard Court, had its usual pomp and inspiring speeches.

Among the speakers

were President of Youlou Pan Movement- Rodney Small; Leroy Llewelyn, who represented National Properties Limited; Mrs Dularie Malcolm, Administrative Director of the UK Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust; Fitzgerald Bramble, Parliamentary Representative of East Kingstown; and Warren Knights, Chair of the SHESO.

In his address,

Knights highlighted two vexing issues confronting the enhancement of social life in the Vincentian communities, with the steel pan artform, unfortunately, a victim.

Knight thus lamented, “We observe a shortage of dedicated community leaders who are willing and able to serve , connect, mobilize and unite people for positive causes. (Instead) Over the years we’ve

Continuing his lamentations, Knights said, “We face a shortage of dedicated pan tutors to train new players and sustain existing bands… I implore the relevant authorities to facilitate more training programme and workshops. (Also) there is a pressing need for additional steelpan tutors to be employed and attached to schools with steel bands, with hope that the National Lotteries Authority will support them with a monthly salary”.

Despite the timely observations and recommendations made by Knights, a glimmer of

Their efforts brought smiles to their tutors, Septimus Cain, Tillal Webb and Mikalla Knights.

The trio of tutors, apart from teaching the graduates the art of playing the steel pan, selected a few standouts.

Rhys Hutchinson was presented with a handset compliments FLOW, as he was adjudged the Most Outstanding graduate.

Jai- Mari John was adjudged to be the Most Disciplined graduate, with Nia Simmons was assessed to be the Most Improved.

The occasion was also used for the Sion Hill

Sports and Cultural Club to make monetary presentations to students of the SHESO Junior Band who sat CSEC and CPEA this year.

Starlift trains another youthful bunch

THE STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRA continued its Annual Training Programme with a cohort of fifty-eight for the 2023 edition.

Forty-six of the graduates were registered directly to the Starlift programme, with the other twelve referred from the Hero’s Panstastic Music Academy.

The training programme focused on the players learning to play the instruments properly, and was conducted by Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts

Reflecting on four weeks of the training, Roberts said: “ Every year it peaks because the interest is high”.

Roberts underlined that the annual training exercise, is primarily to

replenish the Starlift Junior Band.

But according to him, the process is one of screening, whereby only the bests are chosen.

“All of them want to come back… We have the saying that many are called but few are chosen, I look around and I see they are not applying themselves, they would not go forward… They will not get pick”, Roberts revealed.

Persons attending last Saturday’s Graduation Ceremony were thrilled by the performance of the graduates, as they skillfully rendered the memorable ‘Never on a Sunday’ and local folk song, ‘Moonlight’.

Prior to the performance of the graduates, the occasion

was dotted by the usual remarks, this year from Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown- Hon. St Clair Leacock , President of the Youlou Pan Movement- Rodney Small, Captain of the Starlift Steel OrchestraRoddy Dowers and Hon. Rene Baptiste.

Meanwhile, Featured Speaker- Rayshard Ambris, called on the graduates to love the pan and admitted that the pan yard is his second home.

However, he warned the new players, “Don’t use it too much that you neglect your school work”.

The afternoon was crowned off with renditions from a segment of Starlift’s senior band.

A section of the graduates performing “Liberian Girl”.

Rhys Hutchinson accepts his prize from Ms Mikalla Knights.

Below: Graduates pose with their certificates.

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,

P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Timeout on our style of politics VINLEC again

THIS COUNTRY,take it or leave it, is in election mode.

In fact, if you stretch the argument as far as it can go, one can say that given the nature of the political system and culture that characterise us, we are always in election mode, the situation being one that political activity intensifies as a prospective date for a general elections draws nigh.

Granted, there is no mass political activity, what we once referred to as public meetings that have since morphed into rallies and musical concerts. But we cannot deny that politicians are employing both subtle and covert means of reaching out to the electorate, hoping to convince a majority percentage that they offer the best representation in the circumstances; that they have the ‘answers’ to the challenges that the country faces.

What is happening is that this ‘quiet’ activity is preparing the ground for an intensification of political piccong, pointing accusing fingers at opponents, making use of incendiary language that borders on character assignation, the colouration of which treads dreadfully close to creating catastrophe, God forbid!!

And as recent history has shown, complaints about unbecoming ‘political behaviour’ made to independent monitoring bodies tasked with ensuring that basic ethics are upheld in the political campaign, when acted upon, do not meet with compliance by the waring political fractions.

After all, in our political campaigning there is no compromise and no side is prepared in the heat of battle to give ground during what it would consider to be an advanced stage on their opponents. No one wants to be made aware far less be reprimanded for statements and/or actions that violate the Code of Ethics that governs our political campaigning. Moreover, those so accused are more likely to turn their wrath on these independent monitoring bodies.

The reality is that in the ‘heat of the political campaign’, no one, no politician, regardless of which side he/she represents, would stand and be upbraided for his/her reckless gangsterlike language. On the contrary, they are wont to feel ‘proud’ of themselves.

All of this amounts to an absurd farce, completely at odds with the reality of the needs of constituents. But who cares?

All the while, intentional or not,

disharmony among an otherwise united people encroach into the campaigns, with the prospect for what, God alone knows. The casualty of it all, but for perfunctory statements, is the absence of discussion and perspective on strong and relevant adjustments in the government system that would meet the needs of communities.

Rather than bringing in a serious manner of political campaigning that would highlight the basics for a different governing structure including a form of local government, they preach a discordance that perpetuates a vision of what is needed along partisan, political lines, that will always result in ‘the winner takes all attitude’ that sets one fraction forever against another.

And then, this approach simply ignores those who stand on the sidelines but who are willing to make a contribution.

What’s more, when the approaching elections require a serious focus on issues which mean something to people, parties adopt the approach that the assured means of getting into office is to ignite the support of the tribal group with which they identify.

This scandal-laden approach is nothing short of exhibiting our inability to bring change and quality governance to the country, and it promotes continuing and increasing irrelevance of politics and political campaigning to achieve positive change.

The campaigning also casts the major political figures in a poor light. Electors who are not impressed by those persons who make voluble claims to skill or knowledge and who, in their estimation, fall dangerously close to being fraudulent, simply tune out if not off.

But, if the truth be told, for all that our politics does to ‘give us a bad name’, we cannot let us, the citizens of this country off the hook.

The major reason why the political culture of division and discord will remain seemingly immovable is because the electorate has allowed room for it to grow.

Those not blinded by partisan politics must become involved in a constructive manner so as to bring change to the orientation of the parties they support, or to look for parties which will depart from the traditional form of politicking. Institutions and individuals have the responsibility to make the change.

SAFETY RULESwhen working with electricity:

1. Never work on equipment before you unplug it from the wall.

2. Turn off a circuit breaker if you are working on a wall receptacle or a light socket.

3. Don’t stand under a tall tree if you are seeking shelter from a rainstorm accompanied by lightning.

4. Check the equipment’s maximum amperage (power) before you plug it into the wall.

5. Don’t open your VINLEC bill before you go to bed. If you do, you will not be able to fall asleep.

What is happening? I know it’s hot, but now and then it rains and fills up the rivers, so we should be getting the average amount of hydropower (about 15%, according to the system profile). In addition, we should be reaping the benefits of that discounted deal worked out last year by the Prime Minister (PM), compounded by the global reduction in oil prices. The international oil price has averaged around $75 per barrel for the year, compared with $95 in 2022.

So, let me see if I remember the big announcement last year correctly: We should be getting a 35% reduction in the market price of oil, diesel, and gas; this was when the price was above $90 per barrel. A barrel of crude oil makes approximately twenty gallons of gas, eleven gallons of diesel, four gallons of kerosene, and some other standard household products.

So, Mr. Manager, it’s time for an official explanation. Why are we still seeing these excessively high fuel charges every month? I do not need to say the obvious but to feel good, I will ask why the surcharge is higher today than a year ago. This tax is still higher than the base consumption rate.

I ask this because it hurts to keep the light on more than you will ever know. For over a year now, I have been asking for a rate study to be done. What are you waiting for? Are you afraid to do a rate study because it will reveal the actual cost of electric

production? Or will it show what else is bundled in the excessive monthly electric surcharge?

A simple lesson that all quasigovernment agencies should learn from today’s difficulty facing the NIS manager is not to put off for tomorrow what should be done today. Delaying the implementation of your obvious business responsibilities does not make the problem disappear. Some say the previous manager did not want to go on record as the manager who raised the electric rates. So, it’s now up to you to do the responsible thing. I am still confused about why we have not adjusted the per-unit charges when basic commercial and operating expenses used to produce electricity have increased. Since the last rate adjustment, we are paying twice as much for diesel and at least 20% more in wages.

By the way, when will we, the public, see the most recent audited financial reports? Indeed, you must have done an audit since 2018, when VINLCE showed a sixmillion-dollar profit.

I am asking you to include the following two items in the new rate study: a more aggressive Capital Streetlight programme; factor into the rates an incentives package for alternative energy. I would like to see more of the private sector involved in producing some of their power. We should also make a concerted effort to advocate for a solar energy programme for homeowners.

I know this may seem counterproductive to some since your primary role is a provider of fossil fuel-based electricity. And for such a bold move, some in the public will be criticized. Don’t worry. They will catch up later and thank you for it. We need to get more of our residential population on solar energy. Every new government building should have enough solar power capacity to generate 125% of its average use. It may also be helpful to retrofit some of the older buildings.

Horatio.

MR. EDITOR,greetings. I took a little break from the newspaper but now I am back.

There is so much I want to comment on: cricket, football, politics, religion, but as a return I would concentrate on the recent apparent fake news that the Commissioner of Police Colin John had decided he wanted to retire.

You reported in your front-page article that the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said he had been involved in the appointment of at least five Commissioners since he took power. If as the same article said, any prime minister would want to feel safe with the

Commissioner of Police then I can understand why the Prime Minister would make certain he was involved in the appointment of so many commissioners.

The question I have though is, if there were so many different commissioners of police since 2001 and we have had the same prime minister since then, is it that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves never truly felt safe with his appointees and kept changing until he felt safe.

That we have had so many commissioners of police in such a relatively short period of time doesn’t, in my opinion,

help with stablising things in the Police Force.

And then we have to consider, Mr. Editor, the manner in which some of these appointments were made. Keith Miller jumped over a lot of ranks and a lot of hardworking top rank officers, to be made Commissioner. This would have caused some uneasiness among the top brass and even among the lower ranks. Colin John was brought back into the police force and I am certain there would have been officers who felt that they should have been considered. The thing is that perhaps with the exception of

Seeing beyond the anti-USA rhetoric

SINCE RUSSIA invaded Ukraine in 2022, (which was in fact an intensification of a war that dates back to 2014), I have heard a return of anti-USA rhetoric. The overwhelming view of this rhetoric is that the USA is somehow the cause for this war and by extension, responsible for the negative impact it has had on the world economy. And while I am prepared to accept some of what has emerged from this recent rhetoric, I want to remind those who have taken the opportunity to return to their ‘politics’ of the 1970s, that the country which they now decry is an example of the said values that they hold dear. Values that they will not give up otherwise many of them would have long migrated to those countries that they hold in higher esteem than the USA.

Question: Where else in the world do

democracy and a system of laws work to the extent that a former president can be brought before the court to answer to a list of charges? That a former president is not above the law? That a former president can do nothing to stop or interfere with the due process of the law? Yes, former President of the USA — Donald Trump — has been mug-shot, held in jail like any other accused persons, on his way to answering before the Courts. The USA prides itself on having every man jack answer for their wrongdoings.

I might want to ‘correct’ myself to say Brazil, with all its equalities is also a country that holds firm to executing of its law. Note that President Lula did not escape a jail sentence.

So, for a moment let us perhaps take example from the USA and see to it that no office in our

William Harry, Michael Charles and Reynold Hadaway, I don’t think the other two had the kind of policing experience that would have made them comfortable when facing up to the rank and file. It must have been difficult for Miller and John in particular.

So, now that we have got to a point when whether or not it is true that Commissioner John has said he wants to

retire, if I were the Prime Minister, I would accept his request for early retirement. How can you say you want to know that you can trust and feel safe with a commissioner but have that commissioner give a hint that he wants to retire?

Accept Mr. John’s request if he makes it. It would be better for everybody concerned.

Charles, Edinboro.

Accept the CoP request Exam Examination

system of government/governance can usurp the law in their favour or in favour of an associate; that those who are accused of wrongdoing must be made to prove before the court that this was not so.

Trump was once the most powerful man in the world. Prime Ministers in our region pale in the shadow of his power. But in our case, our leaders seem to enjoy opportunities under our system of governance and laws that seemingly place them above the law. That should not be so.

Thomas

EVERY YEAR,we seem to have a problem with our examination results. It is impossible for one set of experts to know all the problems and fix them. Our failure to make the data available to all is a colossal failure, and things will not improve until that is done. This leaves the rest of us to speculate about what is wrong with the system and to find a solution.

We know that our student population has a reading problem. Many are reading below grade level. The solution is to have a comprehensive reading program for every class in every school. Libraries in every community and school and possibly every classroom are indispensable. Subscription to the local newspapers is highly recommended. We all must practise reading. Writing enables us to communicate our

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* Is it now mandatory that “an employer” who wants to access a loan from a bank, has to provide a certificates of good standing with the NIS and Inland Revenue even if that “employer” is a customer of that bank?

* How much (medicinal) cannabis has been exported to date?

* Why is it that the ATMs at the BOSVG Branch (formerly FCIB) are forever breaking down? Is there a need for more ATMs given that the banks are now discouraging face-to-face service?

* Could somebody provide information on the challenges faced in citrus farming in SVG and what is the Ministry of Agriculture doing to address those challenges? When is the last time you saw a lime in the market?

* Anyone seen how much jackfish was landed recently in Barbados? Where is the jackfish? Is fried jackfish and roasted breadfruit still our national dish?

learning with those who assess us. Daily journaling with feedback will help. Composing and answering questions will help us to do the same on test papers. Penmanship still has a place and should not be replaced with typewriting.

Speaking, debating, arguing, discussing, teaching, and explaining are all ways that we can interact with materials and hone our expression skills.

The other area where we consistently fall short is Math. The examiners have repeatedly told us that our students have difficulties with the basics of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Too many teachers have not met the minimum standard of a pass in Math at the CSEC level. They transfer their fear, hatred, and disdain for the subject to their students and make it

harder for them to make a success of it. In my estimation, our students at the primary and secondary level need a minimum of one hour of Math in every class every day. We need more and better trained Math teachers. Our tendency to blame a total systemic failure on the teachers will not help. If we give them the time, facilities, and equipment they need to teach the subject, they will succeed.

The combination of English and Math will indicate the reasoning skills of our students and affect their capacity to do the other subjects well. The exam results reflect the leadership of the Ministers of Education, the principals, the teachers, facilities, and quality of the students. Let us not blame the Examiner for our own failures.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

Strengthening the NIS through necessary reforms

Introduction

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICE (NIS) of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was established in 1987 as a replacement to the National Provident Fund (NPF) that was designed to offer some forms of social protection to citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The structured benefits that were provided by the NPF were old age benefit, death benefit to named beneficiaries and a permanent incapacitation benefit. The benefits of the NPF were deemed to be inadequate and by 1982 it was recommended that the NPF be replaced by a more comprehensive social insurance service that provided for all employees in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is noteworthy that the total cumulative contribution to the NPF back in the 1970s and 80s was 10%, the significance of this will eventually be realised through the discussion in the weeks article. The history of the NIS shows that over the years since its establishment, it has consistently conducted reviews of the operation, called actuarial review (the first of which was conducted in 1992) to determine the status of the Fund and present its findings. By 2001, the NIS had conducted its 5th Actuarial Review and it found that the Fund was sound, but also concluded that the contribution rate of 6% was adequate to finance the NIS operations until 2016. Nothing about the actuarial reviews is strange, they are necessary for the NIS to determine its “health” and plan with necessary reforms undertaken to ensure the viability of the Fund for years to come.

Necessary Reforms to Strengthen the NIS

The discussion on pension reform is one that has overtaken countries across the globe as circumstances impacting the working and retired populations continue to change. These changes in the population demographic have serious consequences on the mediumand long-term viability of social security/protection funds that can lead to Fund depletion if necessary and desirable reforms are not enacted. Across our region, it was revealed within recent years that many of our neighbors will see a depletion of their NIS fund within 6-10 years and they have moved to enact reforms to stabilize the Fund.

In Europe, France recently moved to increase their retirement age as part of the reform necessary to protect the fund’s viability, even in the face of massive protest, because the reforms are necessary.

Here in SVG, our NIS which is among the best managed in the region and the world, remains the best option for working class Vincentians to secure their retirement. The need for reform, stems from at least 3 challenges that are structural in nature that will create severe financial and actuarial sustainability challenges to the Fund if not addressed.

Firstly, the NIS was generously designed, both in the low levels of employee contribution and the generosity of the benefits paid out at retirement. At this point, the relevance of the 10% of the NPF contribution is relevant, since comparatively, the NIS had a lower contribution of 6% (2001 Actuarial Review), until it was increased much later to 8% of which the employee pays 3.5% and the employer pays 4.5%.

Even with this low contribution rate, employees can get as much as 60% of their income on retirement and similar percentages exist for payment of sick and maternity benefits. In 2021 for example, the total contribution was approximately $68.2M, compared to the total benefits paid out that was $82.2M, showing the benefits outweighing the contributions by about $14 M. The generous design of the NIS regarding the rate of contribution in relation to benefits remains one of the standout structural issues of the Fund.

Secondly, the NIS faces a demographic situation of a high scheme dependence ratio, meaning, the number of retired persons who are receiving a pension from the NIS, is growing faster than the population of individuals working and currently contributing to the NIS. Currently. There are about 40,200 registered employees (down from 43,095) with the NIS, that constitute the contributing population versus approximately 9800 pensioners (up from 9300) who receive benefits from the NIS, showing the growth trend in the retiring population.

Finally, the population ageing phenomenon: increasing longevity (people living longer), declining fertility and increasing migration of Vincentians at working age who go abroad for any number of reasons, all contribute to the financial and actuarial sustainability challenges that are facing the NIS, if the necessary reforms are not undertaken.

NIS is Still the Best Option

Even with the challenges, the NIS remains the best option available to the working class to invest in for their retirement. While it is clear that some among us are intent on undermining the confidence of workers in the security that the NIS offers for their retirement and other social protection benefits, the records will show that the company is well managed and is on solid footing. What is being proposed is a number of possible options that can reform the NIS to make it sustainable for the medium and long term. These reform options include raising the retirement age as some countries in the region and in Europe have done, including Barbados and France, increasing the rate of contribution by employees and employers, or a mixture of the two. The NIS recently held a very successful consultation session addressed by experts in various fields to inform Vincentians of the situation of the institution and lay out clearly the options and how they will impact the long-term viability of the NIS.

The lies of the opposition and their spokespersons creating mischief about “NIS money” reflects their inability to engage maturely on issues of national concern, resorting instead to lies and misinformation. This government takes the wellbeing of our citizens seriously and has a track record of being worker friendly and caring for the elderly among us, including pensioners. This ULP administration will work with the NIS to institute sensible reforms to strengthen the social protection program and make the NIS stronger than it has ever been.

We must re-engineer our Education System

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY(NDP) congratulates all the students who are successful in this year’s CAPE and CSEC exams. We also wish the teachers, students and parents well for the new academic year 2023-2024.

There is an urgent need to reengineer our education system. For too long our education system has focused on traditional academic programs that culminate with CSEC, CAPE and a university degree. Our schools should also be equipped to provide and assess students in skills and technical aptitudes needed for jobs and economic development.

The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) is part of the process of achieving certified skilled workers, promoted by the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). Though this CARICOM initiative was established in 2007, it was only in 2016, almost a decade later that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was granted approval to offer Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). While other CARICOM countries have been offering CVQ’s at levels 1 and 2 with much success at the secondary school level, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has in effect been offering limited skills training to limited numbers of out-ofschool youths. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been left behind by its regional counterparts because the necessary instruments to facilitate implementation at the secondary level are not in place.

President of the NDP and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, in a National Address on Education, outlined the following programs that his party will implement when it is elected to office:

* “Ensure that technical and vocational education is well-integrated within the education system so that every child has the opportunity for a comprehensive education.

* Ensure competency-based curricula linked to the CVQ framework in all secondary schools and other suitable settings in the workplace and the wider community.

* Establish a qualification framework that enables learners to move seamlessly between “academic” and vocational qualifications in formal and informal educational settings.

* Increase opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning through vigorous and well-managed Continuing Education programs.

* In addition to technical and vocational programs, we must teach agriculture in all primary and secondary schools.

* Develop the whole person and promote our culture, Art, Music, Dance and other forms of cultural expression must be regarded not merely as optional courses but as essential components of a modern education. So, they must be taught at all levels and in all schools.

In keeping with this and the recognized importance of shaping our unique national identity, instruction in the Garifuna language should be made widely available in our schools.

And we must do other things too: Registration fees for secondary schools are too much. At a time when families are facing pressures across the board, we believe registration fees should be eliminated. CSEC and CAPE subjects must be paid by the state. Parents and

students should not have to go begging friends and strangers for money to pay for their subjects. Having admitted all students to secondary school and encouraged them along the way, it makes good sense to complete the process by paying for their exams. For too many families, the joy of securing a place at university is dampened by the fear of expensive student loans. Our student loan rates are among the highest in the region. We have a plan to cut those rates in half to 4.5%.”

Cost-of-living crisis hurting families

The rising cost-of-living continues to hurt families. In light of the cost-ofliving crisis, and the financial burden parents have experienced in preparing their children to return to school, the following statement was released by the party:

“The New Democratic Party (NDP) is calling on the ULP government to take immediate action to tackle the cost-ofliving crisis, as families across the country are struggling to pay for their children’s educational supplies for the upcoming school year.

Children across the country are set to return to school for the academic year 2023-2024. However, most families are now faced with the challenge of paying for new schoolbooks and equipment amid a cost-of-living crisis that is burdening our country.

We call on the government to immediately put in place a tax holiday on school items ahead of the new school term, implement a broad-based policy on transportation to ease the financial burden on parents in sending their children to school and provide adequate funding for the School Feeding Program.

In June, inflation rose to 5.3 per cent — the highest it has been in fourteen (14) years, putting greater burden on Vincentians. Despite this, the government has failed to take action on tackling the cost of living crisis.

President of the NDP, Honourable Dr Godwin Friday, said, “It is shameful that our government has done nothing to help Vincentians struggling with the high cost-of-living. Only last week, during a walkabout in East St. George, a constituent was telling me his concerns about the cost of getting his children ready for the new school year.

People need support now. That is why the NDP is proposing a 5-point action plan that would provide real and tangible support to persons. Families are worried about the cost of living ahead of the coming school year.”

During this difficult period, the NDP has a clear plan to ease the burden that families are facing by building our national economy so that it can support families and parents who struggle with the costs associated with education.

The NDP’s plan includes: reducing VAT from 16% down to 13%; reducing the Customs Service Charge, ‘The Big Tax on Everything’; increasing support for lower income families; reducing the impact of the fuel surcharge on VINLEC bills; reviewing the list of VAT items with a view to increasing the number of zero-rated items. Education should not be an unaffordable burden for families.

The Integral role of Credit Unions in Agricultural development

“Agriculture is not crop production as popular belief holds – it’s the production of food and fiber from the world’s land and waters. Without agriculture it is not possible to have a city, stock market, banks, university, church, or army. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy.” –Allan Savory (born 1935) African Scientist.

CREDIT UNIONShave played, and continue to play, a significant, positive role in national development. This statement can be considered accurate in many Caribbean nations. Citizens from all walks of life, and representing all professions, have used the services of the credit union to protect and preserve their savings as well as to procure loans that have aided the development of small business, home repairs, agricultural development, and so on.

It is especially encouraging to note that several primary and secondary schools have established credit unions within their schools and now encourage students to engage in saving money via credit unions at a very early age. Such activities aid in the development of thrifty activities and establish habits aimed at developing financial acumen. In addition, it is anticipated that children who develop such skills are likely to take such disciplines throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Credit unions are becoming much more proactive in encouraging the expansion of their membership as well as advertising the varied services that they provide. They encourage financial inclusion, community engagement, localized empowerment, shared prosperity, and mutual support. Through their activities they have become indispensable allies in fostering development by providing financial support to individuals who would ordinarily lack access to affordable credit, and flexible loan terms. In addition, many credit unions now provide educational platforms aimed as assisting their members with the development of their financial skills, budgeting techniques, and risk management strategies.

It is quite noticeable that several credit unions have embarked on initiatives aimed at encouraging their members to invest in renewable energy projects. As the cost of electricity generated by fossil fuels continue to increase, homeowners have been gravitating to investments in renewable energy projects. This is especially so in relation to photovoltaic (PV) systems. Credit union members understandably gravitate to investing in such systems as they seek to benefit from relatively low interest rates on loans in anticipation that the pay-back-period will make it worth the while to do so.

The agricultural sector also continues to benefit from credit union activities. This was recently evident when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Cooperative Credit Union (SVGTCCU) teamed up with One St. Vincent Group Inc. (OSV) to put on a one-day exhibition of agricultural tools and products at the SVGTCCU’s conference room on Tuesday, 29th August 2023. Honourable Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour delivered the feature address. He recognized the presence of youth and females and commended both establishments for their continued

commitment to national development in general and the development of agriculture and the blue economy in particular.

SVGTCCU’s Loans Officer, Ms. Kenisha Belgraves, provided valuable insights in relation to the procedures to be followed when seeking the loan facilities at their financial institution. She highlighted the payment plans that are available and pointed out the key considerations when considering eligibility for the loans. The experienced loans officer informed the attendees that the credit union’s interest rate is 1.25% on the reducing balance.

Presentations by farmers Lennox Lampkin, Clive “Bishi” Bishop, Karyll Balcombe, Ruthlin Robinson, Tishorn Edwards, and others confirmed the significant positive impact that agriculture has in generating food security and disposable income.

We commend the management and administrators of the credit unions for their responsible approach to supporting initiatives that encourage the use of modern farming techniques and appropriate equipment and tools aimed at improving efficiencies and profitability at the farm and post-harvesting levels. It is now quite obvious that unless our farmers access the modern technologies and tools available, their output will remain low and the nations in our region will remain dependent on other countries to provide the food needed, thereby intensifying the region’s food insecurity. The support mechanisms provided by the credit unions and the linkages with private sector partners encourage sustainable crop and livestock farming practices and, in so doing, enhance the profitability of their respective operations. In this regard, the credit unions continue to play a major role in advancing the social and economic advancement of our citizens.

It should be noted that agriculture is often the primary source of income for rural communities. In addition, it is considered critical for the economic development and independence of women (especially single mothers) thereby becoming critical in providing priceless socio-economic stability within and throughout the community. Beyond farming, agriculture stimulates other economic activities such as agroprocessing, transportation, and marketing. In summary, agriculture is considered critical for rural development due to the significant positive impact it has on the economic, social, and environmental landscape. A thriving agricultural sector creates and sustains livelihoods and reduces poverty. Its value is therefore considered critical for economic and social stability.

Thus, the credit union’s role in supporting agricultural activities goes far beyond the agricultural sector. Their influence is much more far reaching than may be realised or appreciated. It transcends to many other ancillary services and, in doing so, has multiple positive benefits to rural and urban development.

SVG’s political horse race

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTYis readying its party machinery for an early election. Gonsalves’ pattern is to serve the full five years before elections. This year may be different.

Here’s why. Gonsalves is approaching 23 consecutive years in the prime minister’s chair. He has little to lose and even less to prove. The most he is looking for is more bragging rights. As a five-term prime minister, history already has his back. Beyond, since he has proven extraordinarily selfish throughout his career, apart from his son, he cares little for those around him.

Additionally, Gonsalves may fancy his chances if elections were called soon rather than wait for a 2025 pole. His frenzied appearances on radio, visits to construction sites, launch of the Institute for Policy and Politics under the theme ‘Creating tomorrow’s leaders Today, nomination of Benarva Browne and Shakell Bobb, reactivation of constituency councils and nomination of candidates, attempt to remake the Reparations Committee with a youthful chairman are all intended to set up a campaign of contrast: Me and my youthful team against the Grumpy old men of the opposition NDP.

It’s a brilliant strategy for a party vying for its sixth term. There is grave doubt that the public relations gimmick will work, but you can’t blame a leader for trying. One thing is certain, Gonsalves will not bow out without a fight. In fact, he seems to be spoiling for one.

Gonsalves counts on name recognition. Vincentians up to the age of 35 years know only him as the leader. ‘Big Red’ no longer glows but count on him to use and abuse state machinery and resources and buy favours with the ULP’s huge war chest.

But would all of that be enough? Only the most die-hard ULP supporter dismisses the opposition’s chances. As Man Sick said last carnival, after 5 in a row, most ULP supporters have little or nothing to show. Unemployment is plus 40 percent, and poverty is back to where it was when the ULP took power in 2001. Crime and violence, especially homicides, are alarmingly high; the police force and civil service are ramshackle, while corruption eats away at the basic fabric of our society. Kingstown has become a laundry. The economic conditions are so dismal that many employed citizens resort to a side hustle if only to make ends meet.

With the country in such a bad state, the opposition should be having a field day. Talk to its major spokespeople, and they are convinced the next elections are in the bag. Unfortunately for the NDP, that road march song, played repeatedly since 2010, never won the ‘People’s Choice’ award. NDP remains the longestserving opposition party in the Caribbean.

NDP strategists seem not to realize that in politics, as in life, perception is often reality. People can’t just believe you might win. They have to be convinced you will win. If and when a voting population becomes convinced of your chances of success, it throws caution to the wind and swells your ranks, thus guaranteeing a victory.

Grenada’s last elections prove the point. The New Democratic Congress (NDC) moved from an opposition party with no parliamentary seats to a governing party with 9 of the 15 seats.

The NDC selected a new leader. No one is calling for such a change here. Many of the old guard who stuck with the party through lean and dismal times buried their egos and power lust.

They supported educated, connected new, vibrant and young candidates who tilted the perception balance.

The NDP could do a similar transformation, but the old guard must realize that elections are about addition. Because the ULP was so battered during the last elections, PM Gonsalves represents the only safe seat for the party. The opposition must remember even though it won the majority vote, the ULP snatched another seat by one vote.

Friday’s moment may be now or never. He should pull his team together and announce that apart from himself, Leacock, Cummings, Fitz Bramble, Shevern John and Israel Bruce, all other constituencies could possibly have new and brighter prospects. Fortunately, the former candidates from North Leeward, Central Leeward and South Windward have thrown in their ‘political towels.’ Real opportunities abound. ‘One vote’ Carlos James is exceedingly vulnerable in North Leeward. Because Brewster won by more than 500 votes, some may think he is impregnable, but he is not. A national swing of between 5 to 8 percentage points spells doom for him. Plain Talk has been reliably informed that the ULP has a solid young prospect for its South Windward candidate. However, with the ULP going for a sixth term, if matched by an equally young bright challenger, the constituency won by 227 votes in 2020 should change political allegiance.

If Kay Bacchus and Wyllie want to give their party a better chance of victory, both should step aside. Anyone but Wyllie should have been the candidate in 2020. This time around, the old guard must understand that one can make serious contributions to people and country without running for elections. If they refuse and the party fails to act forcefully, they dim the party’s attraction bulbs and narrow its window of success.

Nigel Stevenson will win easily, but he should not run. It’s the NDP South Leeward election machine that wins the seat despite Mr Stevenson’s lacklustre parliamentary performance since his election in 2010. The party should run a candidate who, when elected, will help with the heavy lifting of governance. Offer him an ambassadorial post in London, Toronto or New York just as Mitchell did to Carlyle Dougan, which allowed for the emergence of Arnhim Eustace. There is no plausible reason why the polished and accomplished Lavern King should not take over in the Southern Grenadines.

This leaves Lavern Gibson-Velox. She did surprisingly well against Camillo. But so did Dickson against Gustaus, proof that the electorate has developed a solid anti-ULP gaze. Could Gibson-Velox beat Camillo? Hell Yes! Will she win the next election? No one knows for sure. For both tactical and strategic reasons, the opposition should ensure that Camillo loses his seat. He is PM Gonsalves’ choice for the next leader. Akin John will roast Camillo in East St George. Moreover, it will offer poetic justice for a son whose father, Stalky John, was out manoeuvred for the ULP leader position, mocked and defeated by Ralph Gonsalves. It’s time to break Gonsalves’ disastrous spell on our country. Is the NDP up to the task? We are about to find out.

‘Open Book of The Lion Hearted’: A Review

FACEBOOK HAS BEEN A FRIENDto Andy Linburgh, aka Dr. Chester Toney, in highlights and reviews of stellar, locally colourful, literarily accomplished poetic gems, from the catalytic ‘The Unapologetic Quest for Success’, his memoir.

The poems and the book’s essays were selectively and collectively reviewed on the Facebook pages of Gregory King and Chester Toney (and in local newspapers).

The book has been expanded and revamped, now bearing the title: ‘Open Book of The Lion Hearted’ under a new alias - Andy Linburgh, and the author’s poetic ilk has shown an ascendant maturing, poetry lovers won’t want to miss.

Take into consideration the terms ‘Pop Culture’ and genius. In his memoir, Linburgh (Toney) accounts with compassion, dignity, and diplomatic tolerance, his struggle as a minority medical scholar to establish what has become a successful practice in medicine in SVG.

What is missing from that account is this: as an expert and highly effective gynecological, obstetrics, alternative, and general physician, a stellar medical career has however imposed limits on the development of a new generic style of poetry, (his) which had Toney’s (Linburgh’s) truly been supported by the Vincentian cultural environment, would have taken off

and been realized years ago.

Pop culture lyricists like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder are genius proponents of ‘pop culture poems’ set to music.

Modern ‘serious’ poets, while achieving literary acclaim, are seldom seen in the scope and market of the lyricists mentioned.

Dr. Toney has met both objectives in his spare time.

In the poems included newly in ‘open book’, there is the ‘Hemingway effect’ sometimes simple language implicit of deep heart and soul-felt meanings and lessons’:

* a skillful use of dialect;

* a romantic guide to self-estimate in altitude, reflecting authentic experience;

* charm, idealism, tempered with perception — subjective, objective mastery of the literary device;

* clear language use and contrast in such a resolute attitude inspire values of courage.

These qualities and simple communicative language remind us of pop culture, cleverly concealing literary brilliance.

I will cite one poem as demonstration of the ambitious fervor and lyricism of the author’s pen:

Mount Jon Kaie

I peer longingly at your majestic garden

Adorned with beautiful roses

Daffodils and buttercups

All carpeted beside your main river

Forming a canopy of protection for your components

Your control tower sandwiched between living lobes

So conspicuous and breathtaking

For the naked eyes

What a special gift from Mother Nature

Your fountain squirts sporadically

Like a secret projectile

From your water table

Your fertile Great Valley

Constricts like a black boa

And your echoes are audible from miles away

Your seductive volcanic shake of your earth

Creates a cataclysmic occurrence of your land’s topography

Your mountain is explosive to say the least.

What does this poem mean to you? No doubt it got your analytical imagination intrigued — a good objective for lesser writers (of poetry) like myself in which to become engaged. In light of this it is clear (Lindburgh)

Toney has hit the mark with a successful product indeed. Contributed.

Jazz @SUNSET plus JTP excels

impress, attracting new fans and retaining its dedicated following. The passion and dedication of Jazz Tropical Project shine through, making it a must-see musical experience in St. Vincent.

by Maralyn Ballantyne LLB.Hons.

THE SEPTEMBER MUSIC

SCENEin St. Vincent kicked off with Jazz @SUNSET, hosted by Jazz Tropical Project (JTP) on September 3rd. JTP, led by Dexstar Rose, organized the event, which drew a diverse crowd of Vincentians and visitors. The show featured a wide range of music genres. JTP offers a variety: avantegarde jazz, mainstream jazz, Afro Caribbean jazz, Afro jazz, Latin jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, early jazz, jazz blues, Garifuna music, work songs, and gospel.

ECGC Zess Cola and Fan Juices kindly sponsored the event. The stage setup was impressive, with upgraded lighting that enhanced the seaside ambiance. A growing number of young enthusiasts joined the event, infusing it with energy and style. The highlight of the show was the dynamic duo of Jan and Louis on saxophone and keyboard, captivating the audience. Cleopatra Hendrickson, a Vincentian songbird, delivered soulful ballads, including a remarkable rendition of Sade’s “Your Love is King” and Etta James’ “At Last.” Samantha Pedroza, a newcomer to JTP from the USA, blended seamlessly with the talented saxophonist Bryan Ortiz. Towards the end, Juan Carlos Cepeda, the JTP keyboard maverick took the stage with energetic tunes that got the crowd dancing. The Latin rhythms added to the

magic of the JTP experience, though there was a subtle call for some Soca. The playlist included hits like “Your Song” by Elton John, “Sweet Love,” “Stand By Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Watermelon Man,” “Guantanamera,” “Jammin” and “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley.

The audience was reluctant to see the show end, a testament to JTP’s captivating performance. Even when Cleopatra sang “The Carnival is Over,” the party spirit remained. Anticipation is high for the October edition of JAZZ@SUNSET, with hopes of some Raga Soca tunes.

Reflecting on JTP’s growth, the band has shown its commitment to excellence in music through collaboration, hard work, and dedication. The group’s performances have a unique coherence, where musicians communicate silently with each other and the audience, creating a special connection.

JAZZ@SUNSET is known for surprises, such as complimentary welcome drinks and unexpected performances, like a steel pan maestro. The smooth transitions between acts without a master of ceremonies add to the show’s charm. The venue, Basil at Villa, plays a significant role in the event’s success, and JTP is grateful for the support.

In conclusion, JAZZ@SUNSET continues to evolve and

It’s a jam session time’ with - Jazz Tropical Project (JTP) featuring Jan (saxophone) and Louis (keyboard).

Bryan Ortiz, saxophonist with Jazz Tropical Project (JTP), out front and centre doing his thing.

Plans for a new airline, says Gonsalves

LAST WEEK’S news about Antigua and Barbuda’s insistence that it was going ahead with expanding its LIAT 2020 airline, followed on an even more startling disclosure from St. Vincent

and the Grenadines.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced last Tuesday that he had received a paper from the Barbados-based Caribbean Development

If it goes the way of the CDB and Dr. Gonsalves, there will be a new (to be named) regionally owned airline service in the Caribbean skies.

Bank (CDB) in Barbados, proposing a plan for the financing and operation of a (new) regional

airline, causing people across the region to speculate that LIAT (1974) Ltd. could sell be replaced two entities. The CBD had been tasked with advancing recommendations for the structure and operations of air services in light of

the cessation of service by LIAT (1974) Ltd. The CDB also stood as a major creditor of LIAT (1974) Ltd. extending a loan, guaranteed by the government shareholders of the airline, for expansion of the fleet, i.e. the acquisition of ATR aircraft from Franceeight ATRs (four 68-seat ATR 72-600 and four 48seat ATR 42-600s.

As for this new airline, Gonsalves said, “I thoroughly examined the recent document provided by Dr. Hyginus Leon, the President of the Caribbean Development Bank. The document pertains to the revival of a regional airline and outlines the corresponding procedures. However, I would refrain from discussing all the specifics encompassed within the document”.

He added, “The prospective proprietors of the airline may

potentially consist of the governments of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The involvement of the Caribbean Development Bank would also need to be considered in this endeavor”.

It is expected that a series of meetings will be held involving leaders of the OECS and the CDB since “there are still tasks that need to be completed,” Gonsalves said.

LIAT (1974) Ltd. whose major shareholders were the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, entered court-appointed administration in July 2020 as a result of growing debt. As a result of this burden and the impact of the Covid19 pandemic, it ceased flights in April 2020.

LIAT (1974) Ltd. assets to be sold

NEWS FROM ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA late last week pointed to that country’s government as confirming that arrangements are being negotiated by LIAT (2020) Limited and the courtappointed Administrator of the intra-regional airline, LIAT (1974), regarding the purchase of the assets of the bankrupt airline.

LIAT (2020 Ltd. is the airline established by the government of Antigua and Barbuda to respond in part to the travel void that resulted with the cessation of LIAT (1974) Ltd. flights across the region and its eventual declaration of bankruptcy.

David messiah, General Secretary of the Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union has kept the issue of severance pay for dismissed LIAT workers on the front burner, going as far as to take on Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne who has accused the Union of playing politics.

This confirmation came, it is reported, even as the Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union, the legal representative of dismissed LIAT (1974) Ltd. workers, said it wants the Administrator to provide

LIAT 2020 to be launched in Nov.

intention of “giving up” on the Antiguabased LIAT 2020, which will “continue to provide jobs and export aviation services to the region.”

automatically liable for LIAT 1974 Limited liabilities.

PRIME MINISTER

GASTON BROWNEof

Antigua and Barbuda says his administration is pushing ahead with plans to launch the inter-regional airline LIAT 2020 by November of this year, and he is hoping that other regional countries will join the new endeavor.

Browne stated that LIAT (2020), in which his

administration has already indicated a willingness to invest between US$15-20 million, is attempting to reach an agreement with the principals of Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline founded in 2013, “for the purpose of establishing a governing agreement between both carriers.”

Browne informed radio listeners that he has no

LIAT (1974) Ltd. was headquartered in Antigua. “We were unable to persuade the other OECS countries to join us; some speculated that…if they invested in LIAT 2020, the creditors of LIAT 1974 would go after LIAT 2020; we told them that are separate legal entities and there is absolutely no legal basis in which creditors of LIAT 1974 could pursue4 LIAT 2020 as a new limited liability company,” Browne told the media in Antigua.

He added, that he believed there was some deception within the region, as some of the heads argued that this new entity will be

“That is not the case,” Browne insisted, adding that “some of our heads are lawyers, and they know better… . LIAT 1974 is not the same as LIAT 2020. They are distinct entities. I just want to clear that up. LIAT 1974 will be liquidated, and the assets of LIAT 1974 will be purchased by LIAT 2020.

“So, after paying full market value for the assets, we intend to purchase the planes as well.”

And to those who have expressed concerned about a significant Air Peace partner who had been indicted by the US for money laundering in the procurement of planes, Browne assured that he “is not the entity that will be a director in LIAT 2020.”

His government, he committed will guarantee that the person indicted in the United States does not become a director of the new firm.

“So we’re making sure there are no governance violations,” Browne explained. (CMC)

LIAT (1974) Ltd. assets to be sold

Continued from Page 12.

the public with an update on the company’s future direction.

It is expected, as per the labour laws throughout the LIAT (!974) Ltd. jurisdiction, that settlement of severance pay for the dismissed workers will be priority as earnings from the sale of assets are apportioned to the airline’s creditors.

The union’s general secretary revealed that efforts are continuing to secure severance payments for the employees of the airline that entered into administration in July 2020 because of increased debt and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline is owned by the governments of Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent & The Grenadines.

While the Barbados and St. Lucia governments have made available funds to cover the three-year outstanding debt to the workers in their countries, this has not been the case with employees in the other states.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, is hell bent on establishing LIAT 2020 as a genuine, regular air service in the region.

Vincy Cultural Group honours two

CORRESPONDENT

naking@verizon.net

CLUB ST. VINCENT, INC., a preeminent cultural and educational organization in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday 26th August, honoured Vincentian educator Jabari Kitwana Edwards and Cultural Ambassador Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas during the group’s biennial cultural exposition at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

Edwards – creating footprints in education

Educator With the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves — who made a surprise, maiden visit to the exposition — Ancilla Friday, Club St. Vincent Inc.’s vice president, presented the Educational Leadership Award to

Edwards, Principal of Public School 346 in Brooklyn, stating that he “took advantage of every opportunity passed at him.”

Edwards, who hails from Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, told the ceremony

that he was “deeply honored and humbled to stand before you today to accept this incredible award. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to: Club St. Vincent, “for bestowing upon me this remarkable recognition”; his aunt, Verna Arthur, a former president of Club St. Vincent, Inc., for her “belief” in his potential; to other members of Club St. Vincent, Inc., as well as to his family and parents, Cornelia and Twah “Ben” Edwards, and friends for their “unwaveringly” support; to his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice; and to his wife and children for their “patience, love, and constant encouragement”.

Additionally, Edwards urged the audience to “continue to unite as a Diaspora to support the educational system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“This award symbolizes believing in our own; this award belongs to all of us”, he declared.

Edwards was born in Kingstown. He migrated to New York in the early 1980s. He holds bachelor’s degrees in childhood education and education leadership.

After several years of teaching and with his advanced certificate in educational leadership, he became a school administrator. He spent several years as an assistant principal before being promoted to elementary school principal in East New York, Brooklyn.

Thomas – ready to serve

Arthur presented Thomas — a calypsonian, former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Consul General in New York and retired public school teacher in Brooklyn — with the award after he performed some of his popular hits.

Thomas did not give an acceptance speech, but he told THE VINCENTIAN afterward that it was “indeed, a pleasure to be honored at any time, but I did not expect anything for my services.

“I feel very lucky to be called for national services whenever and wherever possible,” he said. “SVG [St. Vincent and the Grenadines] has been

very good to me and am proud to do something in return to show my appreciation.”

Despite his modesty and humility, Thomas said he served in the US Army from Jul. 26, 1969 to Jul. 25, 1971, with 11 months in Vietnam during which time he received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device; Bronze Star Medal; Sharpshooter Badge Rifle M16; and the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to the US, he finished his term of service at the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Meade, MD., and on leaving the army, Thomas enrolled in Brooklyn College, where he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science.

While in college, he said the Veterans Administration “got me a job” in the US Postal Service.

On graduation, Thomas said he took some education credits and served as a High School teacher for 18 years.

He also received an advanced certificate in educational administration and supervision from Brooklyn College; and a permanent certificate from the State of New York in School District Administration and Supervision.

Thomas served as Deputy Consul General from Oct.1, 2001 to May 31, 2011, and was appointed Cultural Ambassador of SVG, by the Gonsalvesled administration, on Nov. 23, 2014.

Thomas said he started singing calypso in public 1977, when “a great Vincentian nationalist, Mary Neverson-Morris,” gave him his first opportunity to perform before a live audience at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on her annual SVG Cultural Extravaganza.

Thomas was also a sportsman. He served as goalkeeper for SVG National Football (Soccer) Team from 1967 — 1968.

He was also Varsity Goalkeeper for Brooklyn College, Division 111 Champions 1972 and All-Star Goalkeeper for Brooklyn League in 1974.

Sandra Millington, Club St. Vincent’s president, congratulated and gave much respect to the honorees, “Whenever we sought their assistance, they were always ready and willing to help,” Millington added. “May they be forever blessed with good health and prosperity.”

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING US

Jabari Edwards with plaque, flanked by PM Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, to his immediate right; Consul General Rondy “Luta’ Mc Intosh.

Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas, seated with plaque, flanked by members of Club St. Vincent, Inc. and Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh.

A Taste of Bible Translation

DID YOU KNOWthat there is a tried and tested systematic process to Bible Translation? People

have learnt that there is “best practice” when it comes to translating The Bible, especially when you are doing so in a language group whose mother tongue is not even written as yet. This piece of writing is not a technical linguistic report but simply the observations of a layperson who is excited about people gaining a deep, life-changing understanding of The Word of God.

The process involves understanding the key words and concepts of the original text and the receptor language. There are also the matters of individual letter sounds, letter blends and how whole words are written and what words go together to convey special expressions sending a particular message in a specific context. I believe that all of us would agree that language is communication through a learned, shared code of behavior among a particular group.

Humans are social beings that agree within their group what their communication system is. Some communities have gone down the road of determining the official form that the spelling of their words

will take. Check out the standardisation of German and Mandarin for example. The Taste of Translation (ToT) Workshop tries to do two things. Firstly, get people together to work through “how they feel about their language” and “how this heart language is used”. Secondly, the workshop walks a group of twentyfive participants through a simplified step by step process of translating a portion of scripture into their own heart language. At the end of two days persons would have had “a taste of translation” providing them with a feel of what it means to be a part of a Bible Translation team. Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean, also called WBTC or Wycliffe Caribbean, is in the process of a “Caribbean S.E.A. project”. That is a Caribbean Scripture Engagement Assessment throughout the Region. The territories of Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados have been covered so far. An Online Survey (accessed at https://forms.gle/N5bbDJ 5qNoVRuDhW70 is also being carried out. We invite your participation.

Books of Esther, Jonah and Ruth published.

Another participatory Translation Workshop.

Another vehicle for ÂFiremanÊ

‘Fireman’ dominance

Since he burst onto the scene in 1999, ‘Fireman’ has been a feature at the Soca Monarch competition. This year’s title brings his tally to 12.

A vehicle has not been a regular feature in the prize of the Soca Monarch, but when it has, ‘Fireman’ has been a frequent recipient.

A SUZUKI SWIFT, licensed and insured, was accepted by business executive Mrs. Jean Johnney-Findlay, acting on behalf of reigning Soca Monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, at a ceremony staged at Victoria Park last Tuesday afternoon.

‘Fireman’ was not on hand. He was still in New York, USA, where he participated in the West Indian Carnival parade and other related activities.

The car, valued at $43,000.00, was part of the package of prizes that also included a cash prize of $23,000.00 availed to this year’s Soca Monarch.

The Carnival Development Corporation chairman Ricardo Adams and Marketing Officer Esworth ‘Ezzie’ Roberts attended the ceremony.

He began his royal journey in 1999 with ‘Firewood’. That created a platform for titles in 2000 with ‘Anaconda’, and 2001 with ‘Spiritual’.

He surfaced to the top again in 2005 with ‘Madder than you’ and proceeded to another hat trick with victories in 2006 with ‘Wukie Wukie’ and in 2007 with ‘Charge’.

Victory eluded him until 2011 when he resurfaced with ‘Animal’. ‘Unruly’ did the trick for him in 2015 and ‘Wild’ was the winning number for 2017. ‘Amen’ was enough for him to maintain the stranglehold in 2018. He was dethroned in 2019, and a period of uncertainty led to the absence of competition in 2020 and 2021.

Things returned to a level of

normalcy in 2022, and Fireman reclaimed his hold on the tile unleashing ‘Bad demons’.

He further enhanced his status and dominance, not that he needed to, by repeating victory in 2023 with ‘Madness’.

From the North Leeward district of Petit Bordel, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper now resides in the North Windward town of Georgetown.

There is no doubting his national and regional appeal.

(WKA)

Mrs. Jean Johnney-Findley (centre) accepts the keys to the vehicle from CDC Chairman Ricardo Adams, in the company of CDC Marketing Officer Esworth Roberts.

The Suzuki Swift that Fireman Hooper claimed as part of his prize for winning the 2023 Soca Monarch competition.

A state of hopelessness

Dear George,

I AM TIREDof being refused employment even though I am qualified. It makes me wonder why I bothered to go to university.

The thing is I know of a few people who got work in my field even though I am way more qualified than they are. It is clear to me that things are not fair and balanced in this my country, and I have considered leaving for America or Canada but getting the visa is another obstacle.

I honestly do not know where to turn. I have student loans to repay. I am saying this now ....if at any time you hear of a young man committing suicide it is I.

There is no hope in this country for young people like me. We have been lied to all our lives. The good life is not going to happen for us young people here in this country and I have accepted my fate. I am terribly disappointed and I feel very let down by my country.

Fallen Soldier.

Dear Fallen Soldier,

You are unquestionably going through a very rough time. I know that to you, all seems lost and you have lost faith in humanity. One thing that I am certain about is should you go immediately to The Marion House where you will find someone with whom you can talk through your current state, and state of mind. Things may not be as hopeless as they might seem. Suicide is never the answer, which is why you need to talk to a professional. Talk to the counsellor first then take it from there.

George.

My wife has no conscience

Dear George,

MY WIFEthinks I am some kind of robot. Every single night she bothers me to give her you-know=what. If she asks for it early in the morning, she wants it again later that night.

I told her many times that I cannot be having sex twice a day every day at my age. I am doing the best I can at 69 years old; she is 43. Why can’t she be satisfied with 2 to 3 times a week?

She told me outright that I have to satisfy her If I want her around much longer. She feels because she has a rocking body that any man would want her. She has been holding that over my head. I cannot stand the thought of another man going with her. We have what you will call a stalemate.

Stuck.

Dear Stuck,

For a relationship to run smoothly and remain functional there must always be that element of compromise.

I think what you are offering to your wife is more than reasonable and if there is any genuine love between you two you would never allow this issue to ruin a good thing. Maybe you should consider seeing a sex therapist who might be able to settle things for both of you. Keep an open mind and be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the sexual energy to an acceptable level.

George.

An irresponsible act

Dear George,

ABIG businessman in this country has finally gotten what he deserves.

I complained many times to his wife that her husband was after me sexually and she should talk to him. She cursed me out, vowed for her husband’s fidelity and accused me of wanting to create trouble.

Well, I decided to deal with his case and her case as well. So, see George, I was diagnosed with HIV a year ago was doing my best to keep to myself. However, I did not hesitate to give him more than what he wanted. It is high time these unscrupulous so-called big men in this country be taught a lesson. Let this be a lesson to them.

Feeling Satisfied.

Dear Feeling Satisfied,

While I can understand your position I cannot agree with your course of action. Spreading HIV deliberately is something that should never be done and it is not anything of which you should be proud. HIV is a serious disease and you could have chosen to be a spokesperson and raising the awareness about the need to practise safe sex. Find a way to send a message to this individual to get tested. In the meantime, you should see a counselor to get help in dealing with the anger that lingers deep inside you. It is not too late to become an advocate for the disease and doing the best you can to make up for what you have admitted doing.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. Don't confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people's affairs. You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. Try not to allow superiors or those in a higher position to take advantage of you. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. Your determination may make you a little overbearing when dealing with others.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Try not to be too harsh with your mate. Frustrations and limitations could cause anxiety this week. You are best not to retaliate if members of your household are trying to pick a fight. You may divulge private information without realizing it this week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with selfawareness. You must not make unnecessary changes this week. Don't let your anger consume you and don't allow important matters go unattended to. Elders may need your help.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Losses are likely if you have left your financial affairs in other people's hands. Residential moves should be considered carefully. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Romance may be likely if you travel. You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. Find ways to mellow out. You will be extremely receptive to new and progressive methods at work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Investments may not be as lucrative as you thought. Spending too much time talking to friends or relatives could easily turn into a debate that could lead to estrangement.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. Your goals will be in reach if you direct your energy wisely. Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. You may want to make plans to take a vacation together.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs. Try to be reasonable.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

If you're willing to cut loose you will find yourself in the midst of an exciting encounter. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Deception will play an important factor in relationships. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge.

1.

6.

4. Plates and bowls, etc.

5. Objective

6. Indict

7. Omits

8. “The Laughing Cavalier” artist

9. “___Follow the sun” (The Beatles)

10. Synthetic rubber

11. Fees paid to lawyers

13. Sticks

14. Former Turkish coins

15. Acceptances

19. Felt sorry for 22. Minor 25. Braggart 26. Sparkle 27. Indigence 28. Expunge 29. Covered, as with gold

31. Almost doctors

32. Effortlessly

Vincy Heat confident ahead of Belize clash

dependency, Francis, affirmed, “I really expect a positive result, especially it is neutral ground that we will be playing on, so there is no home team advantage.”

VINCY HEAT,the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football team, will tackle kindreds- Belize on neutral ground in Martinique this Friday, September 8, in Group C of the Concacaf Nations League Qualifiers.

This encounter marks the opening fixture for both teams and the Vincentians are

expecting a result in their favour.

Making this bold prediction was Vincy Heat’s Team Manager- Dr. Ronen Francis, who cited a combination of factors for his confidence.

Speaking to the VINCENTIAN last Monday, September 4, one day before heading out to the French

Francis revealed that the decision to host the match in Martinique was a joint one, as both the SVG Football Federation and the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), expressed having “flight issues” in getting to their destination for matches on September 12.

The manager added, “The guys have been in preparation for nine to ten weeks. They are in very good condition in

James is new SVGCA President

DOUGAL JAMESis the new president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA).

James was elected at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 5th September, at the Presidential Suite of the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex. He gained 49 of the 70 votes cast to brush aside former Committee Member Roland Wilkinson who got 14 votes, Courtney Joyette 4 and Roxel John 3. James, who takes over from Romel Currency who resigned as President of the

(SVGCA) in February 2023, was for many years the Treasurer of the Windward Islands Cricket Board.

A new 1st Vice President was also elected given that the incumbent, Miles Bascombe, had moved on to fill the position of Director of cricket for CWI.

In his place, Kashaka Cupid was elected with 36 votes, edging out former Committee member Dyke Cato with 33.

Newcomer Parnel Bowne edged past long serving Denis Byam 36 votes to 33, for the 2nd Vice President position.

Samuel Holder, long standing Secretary, was returned unopposed as were the Assistant SecretaryCleton Burnett and Treasurer - Jenry Ollivierre.

Elron Lewis and Samantha Lynch held their positions as committee members and they are now joined by Jerome Dick and Rawdon Bentick as the new committee members.

The Executive will serve for the next two years.

I.B.A. ALLEN

terms of their physicality and tactically they have grown, as compared to the last sojourn… I expect them to come back with three points… .”

According to Francis much of the team’s current status is based on the input of Director of Technical Matters of the St, Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation- Theon Gordon, who is serving as Head Coach in the interim.

After taking on Belize this Friday, Vincy Heat hosts Bermuda here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field next Tuesday September 12.

Then on October 13, Vincy Heat hosts French Guiana, before heading out to Cayenne to face the said opponents in

the return fixture, on October 17.

And, on November 17, Vincy Heat is away to Bermuda, before taking Belize, here on home soil.

Survivors retain Super 40 cricket title

UNITED SURVIVORSare

repeat title holders of the SVG Cricket Association’s (SVGCA) Women’s Super 40 Overs Tournament.

They retained the title with a comfortable seven-wicket win, albeit a low-scoring encounter, over Carlos James MADA Julius Anthony Northern Girls at the Arnos Vale 2 Playing Field last Saturday.

Northern Girls batted first and scored 95 from 16.3 overs. National player Nyasha Williams led the batting with 54. Cordel

Jack, former West Indies player, was the pick of the bowlers with her off spin snaring 4 for 19 and Tracy Bryan had with 3 for 23.

In reply, United Survivors made 97 for 3 from 19.4 overs, Samantha Lynch top scoring with 28. Williams backed up her batting effort taking 2 for 15 Northern Girls.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Nyasha Williams turned in a good all-round performance in Northern Girls’ losing cause.

Dr. Ronen Francis (left) in conversation with Theon Gordon- Interim Coach.

The newly elected executive of the SVG Cricket Association: (Front L-R). Jenry Ollivierre (Treasurer), Parnel Browne (2nd Vice president), Dougal James (President), Kaschaka Cupid (1st Vice President), Samuel Holder (Secretary). (Back L-R): Jerome Dick (Comm. Member) Elron Lewis (Comm. Member), Rawdon Bentick (Comm. Member), Cleton Burnett (Asst. Secretary). Missing is Samantha Lynch (Comm. Member).

Members of the Vincy Heat squad in a warm down exercise last Monday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

United Survivors, National 40 Overs Women’s Champions. Cordel Jack is pictured at extreme right.

SVG U14 Female Footballers: Setting new path

ACCORDINGto head coach Keith Ollivierre, “The tournament was an invaluable assessment of our team’s capabilities and a stepping stone toward our goal of playing competitive football. We’re setting a strong path for our future.”

Ollivierre’s comments came at the conclusion of the CFU U14 Female Challenge Series held in Antigua from August 18 to 27, in which the St.

Vincent and the Grenadines females finished second in their Tier 11 Group A, which also included their peers from Anguilla, Dominica, U.S. Virgin Islands and Grenada.

SVG kicked off their fixtures with a 3-0 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands. Stephanie Hunt was in top form scoring all three goals. The girls maintained their winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Dominica courtesy goals from Ammunique Edwards. Maintaining their momentum, SVG recorded their third consecutive win when they edged Grenada 1-0, Raydahlia Bute accounting for that single goal.

Greiggs trump MFA top prize

GREIGGS are the 2023 Marriaqua Football Association champions, after their 5-4 win over Richland Park on penalties last Sunday, August 3, at the Cane End Playing Field.

Both teams had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with Nalroy Peters netting for Richland Park and Ronaldo Andrews for Greiggs.

Before the final, Walvaroo rolled over dethroned championsDownstreet to take the third place.

Greiggs’ Keno Matthews took the best defender and the competition’s overall MVP award, with Alex Millington of Walvaroo, the Best Midfielder and top goal scorer

awardee. Millington netted seven goals.

Copping the Best Goalkeeper award was Demar Williams of Richland Park.

In the Under-13 Division, which was won by Carriere, with Greiggs — second and Glenside — third, Greiggs took most of the individual awards. Greiggs’ Andre Barker was voted Best Midfielder; Kimron Phillips- Best Goal keeper, with Keeson Durrant, the top goal scorer - seven goals.

Ronnie Isaacs of Carriere took the Best Defender accolade.

And in the Under-15 segment, Demario Robinson of Glenside was

In SVG’s next encounter, the clash of the two top teams in the group, the local girls lost 2-0 to Anguilla and had to settle for second position in the group.

Stephanie Hunt showed her prowess. She recorded a hat trick against the USVI.

I.B.A. ALLEN

adjudged the Best Goalkeeper. David Butler of Carriere secured the Best Defender award; Khalid Browne, also of Carriere- Best Midfielder.

The title of most goals was shared between Tyler Lewis of Carriere and Peter Francis of Glenside. Both netted four times.

North Windward champs All Windward

A 3-0 WIN OVER

Marriaqua, August 26, landed North Windward the Champion’s title of the Hairoun All Windward Football

Competition.

Goals from the Je Belle trio of Trezine Da Souza, Terrason Joseph and Davarno Sutton ensured that Marriaqua

did not even have a sniff of retaining the title. In getting to the final, North Windward beat Greiggs, 2-1, with strikes

from Da Souza and Akram Edwards. Osaie Delpesche netted for Greiggs.

Marriaqua required the longer journey in getting to the final, as they ousted North East 4-3 on penalties, after a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time.

North East went on to take the third place, defeating Greiggs 5-3 on penalties, as both teams were unable to score in normal time.

For winning the title, North Windward will receive $1500; Marriaqua- $1000 and North East- $500.

The other competing leagues and community were Biabou, Richland Park, Calliaqua and Diamonds. A Presentation Ceremony is planned for September 10 at a venue and time to be decided by the organisers.

Glen takes Calliaqua Football League title

GLEN CHAMPEDthe 2023 Calliaqua Football League title, with a hardfought 3-2 win over RSVG Police last Sunday, August 27, at the Calliaqua Playing Field. With police on the hunt for back-toback titles, having won in 2022, Glen had other ideas, as Karim Williams

netted twice, and Darique May netted the other for Glen. Police’s goals came from Figo Pope. Glen thus claimed the $1500 first place cash prize, the winner’s trophy

Continued on Page 22.

SVG U14 Female team gave a good account of themselves in a recent CFU outing.

Greiggs –2023 Champions of Marriaqua Football Association League.

SVG tennis players perform well

Rocking Cornwall

IT COMESlike poetic justice. Many had written off Rahkeem Cornwall. He wasn’t supposed to be on any one’s television screen, because he was too fat. Many remarks were made against him and he became a laughing stock. A series of events in the earlier part of the Caribbean Premier League did nothing to making him a major attraction.

Cornwall soldiered on. Even the television camera men enjoyed giving an extra glimpse of the big Antiguan, after he had been dismissed and he sat listlessly, even embarrassingly in the pavilion with his batting pads on.

Known as a capable enough bowler, there was a hesitancy in giving him a try. The belief was that his excessive weight was not conducive to wicket taking.

Cornwall endured that type of psychological torture and overcame the odds in a blistering display last Sunday evening to notch his first CPL century. He ranks in the top tier of speed to that landmark and cleared the boundary with such ferocity that two of his sixes, overtook the distance previously held by one of the world most devastating batters in T/20 cricket.

That highlights the impact of the big Antiguan. He retired after 48 balls, for a mammoth 103. His innings was so pulsating that it propelled his team to an eight-wicket win in a chase in which they were going after a record total. The fact that the victory was achieved with balls to spare is testimony of Cornwall’s impetus. He struck four for good measure, to show that it wasn’t not just carnage. There were elements of soft skills and finesses.

The thought could also be instilled that century of not, Cornwall has no right in proper cricket, for more T/20 where speed and agility are the order of the day.

But how often will you see someone scoring a century in 45 deliveries. I have a suspicion that Cornwall is not done yet. He may still be a liability. For with him, the idea of quick singles could be ruled out. But having the ability, willingness and ability to find the maximum at leisure, the sight of Cornwall at the striker’s end will instill some level of trepidation in bowler’s heart.

Cornwall has opened up a new dimension in the sporting template. He is proving that there ought to be some flexibility to some requirements. And that some consideration ought to be extended in special circumstances.

Those who have to make the decisions must trust their instincts. Cornwall could easily have been overlooked owing to his physique. Someone showed belief in him and stuck to their guns. Cornwall has repaid their faith in overwhelming fashion. One never judges a book by its cover. You have to read what in the pages.

There might have many reasons to make an assessment on Cornwall by just one look. That might just be the platform that allows for deceit. Cornwall is proving that action speaks louder than words. It is easy to sit by and dismiss someone because you think they don’t stand a chance.

Rahkeem Cornwall has a lesson to teach.

Nathanael Lawrence –winner in the Male 12and-Under Singles and Doubles.

PLAYERSrepresenting St. Vincent and the Grenadines were in top form in the Chatoyer Regional Invitational Tennis Tournament, played over the course of the

week beginning Monday 21st August, at the National Tennis Centre, Villa.

The tournament attracted young participants from Guyana, Grenada, and St. Kitts/Nevis.

On the court, in the Girls 10-and-under singles, debutant Zahra Hypolite from St. Vincent and the Grenadines defeated Briella Lake of St. Kitts/Nevis 4-2, 4-5, 10-8 to take that category.

In the male segment of that age group, Zion Hickerson from Guyana defeated Tzuriel Percival of St. Kitts/Nevis 2-4, 41, 10-8, to take that title.

The Girls 12-andUnder Singles title went to SVG’s Danelle

Coreas assists NSC with mower

A LEADING business entity here has come to the assistance of the National Sports Council (NSC).

On Monday 4th September, Brian George, Divisional Manager of Coreas Building Supplies handed over a Craftsman riding lawn mower, valued at approximately EC$30000, to the NSC.

On receiving the mower and thanking the benefactors for partnering with the NSC, Marvin Fraser, Facilities Manager of the NSC, shared: “The Council’s drive is to provide a more efficient level of maintenance of the many playing fields across St. Vincent and the Grenadines that the Council is responsible for. As such, this mower will

Kennedy who saw off Loukyha Premraj also of SVG, 1-4, 5-3, 5-4.

Among the 12-andUnder Males, SVG’s Nathanael Lawrence had a ‘walk-in-the-park’ 6-1, 6-0 win, over Brandon Brisbane of St. Kitts/Nevis to take the Singles title.

The 12-and-Under Girls Doubles, saw the Vincentian pair of Kennedy and Premraj beat Shreya Rawat of St Kitts/Nevis and Madissen Gonsalves of SVG, in a hard-fought 57, 6-3, 13-11 encounter.

The Vincentian pair of Lawrence and Ethan Kent defeated Brandon Brisbane of St. Kitts/Nevis and Akquin Johnson of SVG 6-1, 6-0, to take the 12-and-Under

Zara Hypolite, in what is said to be her first outing in a tennis tournament, took the Girls 10-and-Under Singles.

Male Doubles. Among the benefactors of the Tournament were, National Properties Ltd., Fuzion Tennis Academy, St. Vincent Brewery Ltd (Vita Malt) and SVG tennis Association.

definitely allow us to target more fields on a daily basis.”

I.B.A. ALLEN

Glen takes Calliaqua Football League title

From Page 21. and medals; while Police gained $1000, a trophy and medals.

Third place Roxdale earned $400 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, Police’s Jemar Pope and Frank Happy were adjudged the Best Defender and Best Goalkeeper, respectively.

Glen’s Zeddy Millington was named Best Midfielder and Chad Haynes of Sharpes copped the Most Goals Award. Haynes netted seven goals.

Seven teams contested this year’s edition of the CalliaquaFootball League.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Brian George (right) of Coreas Building Supplies hands over mower to Marvin Fraser of NSC. Julian Burgin, Acting General Manager of the NSC, is also pictured.

Newly minted champions - Glen.

POLICE ROUND-UP

From Page 4. gave his occupation as labourer, is accused of striking a 17-year-old student of Layou on his head with a cutlass and pushing him against a wall. The offence was committed in Rillan Hill at about 12:00 p.m. on 18 August, 2023.

Lavia appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, and pleaded guilty. He was fined $300.00ECC forthwith or one (1) month in prison.

Labourer charged with wounding

Sidroy Bowens was granted bail in the sum of $2000.00EC with one surety and also ordered

not to have any contact with the complaint. His matter was adjourned to Tuesday 7th November, 2023.

Bowens, a 22-year-old labourer of Lowmans Hill, was charged with wounding.

He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a 62-year-old retiree of the

same address by striking him in his face with a steel pot. The offence was committed in Lowmans Hill at about 8:30 p.m. on 11.08.23.

Bowens appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Tuesday 22nd August 2023 and pleaded not guilty.

NEW CRICKET PRESIDENT: TIME TO REDEFINE SPONSORSHIP

DOUGAL JAMES, recently elected President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) has situated sport as a vital cog in the economic development of the nation, and has called upon those directly involved and those who stand to benefit from sport and sporting activities to come on board with national sports teams.

Speaking after his election at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 5th September, James declared: “It is my view that given the operation of our international airport, the trust to develop tourism with hotels coming on steam, no national sporting teams should be leaving SVG without the sponsorship logo of the Tourism Authority or Ministry of Tourism, and large hotels that are entering (stand to benefit) from our sporting industry.”

James, a Management Consultant by profession, was emphatic in his assessment that sports men

and women “are the most effective marketers for SVG at the regional and international level. So, the cricketers are well placed to lead that challenge.”

As for his intentions now that he has assumed the helm of one national sports body, the newly elected president committed to channel his energy towards advancing cricket and sports in SVG and not for any personal gain.

“I am not in this position to profile myself nor add anything to my CV. … I am in a position to develop my country and the youth and pave a way for the continued development in SVG.

“We have to lift the game and I am prepared to contribute to that drive and I know my executive and I will do our best to develop the sport, and ensure that our youth get an opportunity to earn and have a career from cricket and sports in general.”

And as for how he sees the cricketing landscape

unfolding under his presidency, James wasted no time in declaring, “The youth is one of the nation’s greatest assets and more emphasis must be placed in that area. I think there is need for the continued development of and trust in the youth of our nation, and our way forward as an executive would be inspired by the reminded by Fya Empress, Lornette Nedd, that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

“So, it will take a village and a community to develop a raise a rounded sportsman and woman so we would be going back to the drawing board and to the community for their support.”

Of course, he acknowledged that he needed to consult with all stakeholders, as it related to both male and female cricket, towards ensuring that things are in order so as to cause a resurgence of interest in and an acceptance of the importance of cricket.

James in his post-election comments, spoke also of the importance of cricket as a contributor to the economic development of the nation.

“Cricketers and other leading athletes go overseas and ply their trade and earn substantial income. They return to SVG to develop the country, and it is my hope, working with my executive, to ensure cricket is placed in an important position where it supposed to be,” James said.

This position, as the new president sees it, included the SVGCA being on board and ready “to engage and have conversations with the office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism to join with our trust to develop cricket.”

Cricket must be the winner, he projected.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Dougal James has never been far away from local and sub-regional cricket, thigh this is the first time he has made himself available for the top local cricket administration position.

James will be counting on the support of those who voted for him and moreso those who didn’t, for his agenda for the advancement of local cricket.