THE VINCENTIAN PDF-10-09-21

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER

10, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.36

Another charge for Annamay Page 4

Joella Crichton, Toronto’s nine-time winner of the Queen of Carnival title. (Photo Credit:imdb.com)

www.thevincentian.com

NTRC My App Summer Programme Page 5

EC$1.50

SVGCF-Jones group Inc. collaborate Page 11

Numbers dwindling Page 14

Impressed Page 16

2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

news

The Official Newsletter of the British American Insurance Company Limited and CLICO Policyholders Gr Group oup

Policyholder registration re egis egistration continues across acrross o the region. re egion.

• Registration closes September 15th, 2021 • Individual and Corporate policyholders register advised to register with a Case Manager • Persons who have e received 14% ar received are also eligible to rregister egister • Lost Documentation?

Registration is still possible even without the rrequired equired documentation • CCJ expected to announce hearing soon.

The window of opportunity for registration, for registration, policyholders of British American Insurance Company Limited (BAICO) seeking financial justice closes on the of September September, err, 15th of 2021. BACOL is encouraging as many eligible policyholders and beneficiaries as possible to sign up with their local

Case Managers befor e before the deadline date.

determined by the Court.

How to Register

Doing It Without BACOL?

To register with BACOL, T o register simply contact the Case where Manager wher e you live, where or wher e your policy was registered: registered:

I Got 14%; Am I Eligible In response response to For Mor e?

More? inquiries about inquiries about whether can pursue policyholders can Policyholders who have policyholders g action themselves, legal action rreceived eceived fourteen cents legal BACOL notes that on the dollar (14%) so policyholders such policyholders far e also eligible to such far,, ar are participate in this legal (individuals and a c t i o n . I t i s w o r t h corporate entities) would r e m e m b e r i n g t h a t need to undertake a ocess that has taken process e t i t i o n i n g pr B A C O L iiss p BACOL petitioning BACOL six (6) years and d every the CCJ to awar award r e p r e s e n t e d a considerable amount of 00% o p olicyholder 1 policyholder 100% off financial and other resources to advance to their investment, plus resources g of filing g legal g the stage inter est calculated at interest action befor e the CCJ. before 6% over 10 years. years This lawsuit rrepresents epresents Lost Documents?

Policyholders and beneficiaries/survivors of deceased policyholders who have lost their documentation ar e also are e ncouraged to to register register encouraged with their Case Managers. Their rregistration egistration will only be approved after vverification, erification, a p ro c e s s process ake ssome ome w hich m ay ttake which may hich o nce ttime, ime, b ut w but which once ill c onfer c onfirmed, w confirmed, will confer ligibility to to tthem hem w ith e with eligibility rreceive eceive compe ensation compensation

the best chance that all policyholders have, of g fai receiving receiving fairr and just compensation.

The Caribbean Court of Justice is expected to make an announcement e, as to in the near futur future, when hearings will begin in the legal action filed by BACOL on behalf of policyholders in seven (7) OECS countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Montserrat, St. Grenada, Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. V incent and the Vincent Gr enadines).

Grenadines).

Antigua g and a Barbuda Kalisia Marks T:: (268) 562-1705 T 56 Dominica Heather Felix-Evans (767) 440-0816 / 6901 Jeffrey dock Jeffreyy Douglas-Murdock Do ouglas-Mur g (767) 440-0816 / 6901 Grenada enada Gr Paula Phillip 1 (473) 405 2226 Montserrat Kharl Markham (664) 491-2498 / 2848 St. Kitts and Nevis Richards Larkland Richar ds T:: (869) 465 T 46 3696 T:: (869) 469 T 46 4696 St. Lucia Paula Phillip 1 (473) 405 2226 Vincent incent and the St. V Grenadines enadines Gr Bacchus-Baptiste Kay Bacchus-Baptiste T:: (784) 457-1828 T 45 Huggins Stephen Huggins H gg T:: (784) 457-1687 T 45 Mitchell Louise Mitchell T:: (784) 453-1722 T 45

September 3r 3rd, d, 2021 • Issue 002

www.bacol.info

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . 3.

News 3 Proprietors be warned PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has again appealed to proprietors of bars and other entertainment spots to adhere to the protocols recommended

by Health officials.

Gonsalves, while speaking on the ‘Face to Face’ radio program on NBC Radio on September 8 said that the police — in his opinion — did a fair job in seeking to control the large gatherings of persons at beaches, clubs and other areas over the recent fourday weekend.

“I said fair…there were one or two spots that were not so good and I must speak about them because it does not seem as though some people are yet to understand the danger in which COVID in its recent situation represents,” Gonsalves said.

He did not identify the offenders by name, but said that there were issues with one venue located in Arnos Vale where some videos were circulating on social media.

“The police had gone to the same location on Friday night and were able

to keep the numbers down in the 20’s.”

So too, Gonsalves said that there was some activity in an area in his constituency, North Central Windward on the night of September 3.

“And the police did not do their work in the Northeastern Division in relation to that village, for reasons I did not want to explain here,” Gonsalves said.

The police were eventually able to speak to the proprietor, according to Gonsalves, in clear and unmistakable terms.

There was also an issue with an establishment in Kingstown where the police had addressed that situation where their opening hours conflicted with their type of license.

“They could not have gone the hours they went, and certain actions were taken,” the prime minister said.

He continued saying that the Commissioner of Police had indicated to him that they opposed the proprietor’s application for the required license and that he had initiated proceedings for the revocation

of the liquor license.

“I am very reluctant to do things like curfew, or states of emergency because we try to use the law as a shield, not a sword,” Gonsalves said.

There were several things that could be done: declaring a state of emergency; establish a curfew; police proceedings to pull liquor licenses.

According to the prime minister, the country was not immune to COVID-19.

On September 8, there were 66 active cases and according to Gonsalves, a few weeks ago the numbers were in the 20’s.

“So, it is spiking up.”

And with the variants, both the Delta and the Mu variant which health officials have said five cases of this variant were detected between July 19 and August 9, 2021 and another four reported among 36 samples processed on September 6, 2021.

“So I am asking persons to be completely reasonable at this point in time,” Gonsalves said. (DD)

Prime Minister Dr Hon. Ralph Gonsalves has made it clear that all proprietors must adher to the COVID protocols as set our by health officials.

Jackie King concludes remarkable tenure at WPP of our Eastern Caribbean representatives and island Dove Clubs throughout the region, helping to make WPP a household name on many islands.”

During King’s tenure, WPP’s Eastern Caribbean program has delivered more than $220,000,000 EC in medical services to more than 6,500 children across the region since 2007. WPP also celebrated the realization of the Eastern Caribbean Initiative Hub and establishment of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the Pediatric Surgical Centre of Excellence for the region.

“Jackie’s personal commitment and connection to families has been so important in King’s 14 years with WPP saw incredible growth in healing the children of delivery of medical services to the Eastern the Eastern Caribbean,” Caribbean. said Iracane. “Jackie had helped countless children WORLD PEDIATRIC Jackie,” said Sarah and families through the PROJECT has Iracane, WPP’s Chief complicated and difficult announced that the Program Officer. “With journey to health, nonprofit organization’s Jackie helping to lead providing emotional long-time Director of the way, WPP grew from support and counsel to Eastern Caribbean a handful of teams many, and always being Programs, Jackie King, servicing the children of an advocate they could is leaving service after 14 St. Vincent and the turn to. Her years with WPP’s Grenadines to a regional, contributions are too Eastern Caribbean multi-specialty program many to count, and too Initiative. spanning 7 countries and rich to put into words.”

“There are few people delivering services to “Sister King is a in the organization, past thousands of children household name for or present, who have and families each year. many in SVG and the made as profound an Jackie trained and Eastern Caribbean,” impact on WPP as fostered the development

expressed Ms. Lauren McIntosh, WPP Executive Director, Eastern Caribbean. “Her sterling service at WPP with efforts that were routinely above and beyond is certainly one to emulate. Our program is as vibrant today because of stalwarts like Jackie.”

World Pediatric Project thanks Jackie

King for her incredible dedication to the children of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Eastern Caribbean and wish her the absolute best in her future endeavors.

(Submitted)

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Prosecutor Ammo matter back in Town set for

Shamrack Pierre Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS SENIOR MAGISTRATE Rickie Burnett has welcomed Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court where he began prosecuting as of Wednesday. He is, of course, no stranger to that Court, having begun his prosecutorial

journey there.

The Magistrate advised, “When you are addressing this Court you are addressing the world because the reporters are here, and when they publish their stories, they go out to the whole world”.

But Pierre informed him, “I fully understand the media because this Court is where I started”.

Burnett said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that Pierre would be the new prosecutor in his Court. He said it would be the first time Pierre will be prosecuting in his Court, though he may have prosecuted one or two matters before him, in the past.

Pierre, a police officer of about 18 years and four months, started as Court Clerk at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court in 2011, following which he became part of the Prosecutorial Department, and was seconded to the DPP’s Office in 2017 where he has been attached for the past four years and eight months.

Before taking up duties at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Pierre was the Prosecutor at District 3 which includes the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, as well as the Leeward, and Grenadines Courts.

Interestingly, Pierre has remained acting Corporal of Police for the past four and a half years.

Another charge for Annamay ANNAMAY LEWIS, the woman who appeared in Court just over a month ago after being charged with wounding Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, made another Court appearance on Monday in connection with protest actions in Kingstown on August 5.

The 56-year-old vendor of Layou is now charged with, that on August 5, 2021, at Kingstown, in a public place, to wit, White Chapel Road, threw missiles to the danger of persons at While Chapel Road, at the time.

Lewis pleaded not guilty when she faced Senior Magistrate Rickie

Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Lewis’ attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste requested full disclosure of all relevant material to the case within two days, but the Senior Magistrate ordered disclosure by Monday, September 13, and adjourned the matter to Wednesday, September 15.

Bacchus-Baptiste informed the Court that to date, the defence had not received disclosure in the other matter involving Lewis, despite a Court order. In that matter, the defence was supposed to have

received disclosure by August 31.

Attorney Israel Bruce is also representing Lewis.

On August 9, Lewis had appeared before the same Court, after being charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Ralph Gonsalves, 75, of Old Montrose, (Dascent Cottage) by striking him on the right side of his head with an unknown object. She pleaded not guilty, and was released on $3,000 bail with one surety. That matter was also adjourned to Wednesday, September 15. She is on station bail on the other charged.

Police reports are that on August 5 while the

Annamay Lewis Prime Minister was returning to Parliament for the afternoon session, with his security entourage, protesters blocked the road leading to the Parliament building, and as the Prime Minister and his security attempted to get to Parliament, by foot, a protester threw a projectile and struck him on his head resulting in a wound.

October 18 RAQUAN ROBINSON, 32-year-old labourer of Campden Park, will return to the Serious Offences Court on October 18, on an ammunition possession charge.

Robinson is charged with having four rounds of .32 ammunition, without licence on August 2, 2021.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Thursday, August 26, and was granted $2,000 bail, with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to last Wednesday, and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

However, when Robinson appeared at the Serious Offences Court last Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne further adjourned the matter to October 18.

Robinson is also charged with escaping lawful custody at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on August 30. He pleaded not guilty during his appearance at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week Thursday, and that matter is adjourned to November 29, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Nigerian fined, ordered to be removed ADEKUNLE Jaiyeobi Oluwajana, a national of Nigerian, residing in Canada, was on Wednesday, fined $600 forthwith or one week in prison for overstaying his time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He was also ordered to be removed from the state, after paying the fine, or on completion of his sentence, if the fine is not paid.

Appearing at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, Oluwajana pleaded guilty to failing to leave the state before the expiration of his permit.

The defendant had arrived here from Canada in December 2020, and was given until July 16, 2021 to remain in the country. Upon completion of his six months visa, he applied for an extension, but was denied. He was given a week to leave, but failed to do so.

Police, acting on information received, arrested him on September 7. He was interviewed, but gave no statement.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, told the Court when questioned by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, that he was married to a Vincentian in 2015, and had a 5-year-old child with his wife. He said they were married in Nigeria, but his wife and child live here.

The Chief Magistrate told him that this country welcomes visitors to these shores, but they must comply with the law.

Oluwajana had no previous convictions.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 5.

News

Curtains come down on 2021 NTRC MyApp Summer Program

Valedictorian in the NTRC’s Summer MyApp Program Dillon Chan collects his Acer laptop from Director Apollo Knights.

BOTH EDITIONS of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) 2021 MyApp Summer program are now complete.

The first was held between August 16 and 20, 2021 in Canouan with the second event running between August 23 and 27, 2021 at the Spring Garden Resort.

Some 12 students representing schools from across the country and residing in communities such as Biabou, Spring and others participated in the week-long event which was aimed at providing the nation’s students with the opportunity of learning the basics on how to code using a micro: bit computer.

According to Cyron Cyrus, Software Engineer (NTRC) and instructor of the MyApp Summer Program, the 12 are now equipped with the basic knowledge of how programming works and how coding interacts with machines, robots and how they do what they do to perform certain tasks in our daily lives.

“Today with these skills, they can build on

and it can take them to higher heights,” Cyrus said.

There were numerous opportunities open to them, if they so choose, in the field of Information and Technology (IT).

Students like Dillon Chan, a Form 4 student at the St Clair Dacon Secondary School and Valedictorian in the just concluded MyApp Summer Program, a admitted that he was not too eager in participating in the program, saying that his IT teacher encouraged him and some fellow classmates to attend the event. “‘After all, opportunities such as the one being provided did not come along too often,’” Chan said his teachers told him.

He said that he reluctantly applied but had no regrets.

Learning to program a micro: bit computer has its challenges, Chan said, but he was able to survive and complete the task.

“I leave feeling quite accomplished, never would I have imagined myself creating a game, or even coding for that matter,” Chan said as he

Participants in the MyApp Summer Program, the second event held this year at the Spring Garden Resort. gave the Valedictorian presentation at the closing ceremony on August 27.

With the experience and knowledge gained, Chan said that he was feeling more confident in participating in the upcoming ‘icode784’ competition, which the Summer MyApp Program preempts.

Apollo Knights, Director of the NTRC said in the feature address that among other things, the MyApp Program was started in order to get students enthused about IT and creating their own content for the pursuance of ecommerce and the like.

“We are seeing the need for persons to get into software development,” Knights said.

It was a challenging area of study he cautioned, however the NTRC saw the need to fill that gap and create opportunities for young

people to become exposed to coding.

The NTRC’s Director further said that it was hoped that students will also feel comfortable after having participated in the MyApp Program to participate in other IT related competitions, namely the ‘icode784’ competition which will be

held later this year.

These activities are expected to get young IT minds adjusted to creating software that will link goods and services and people both locally and regionally and not just the usual content available from larger countries such as the United States.

The event was part sponsored by Spring Garden Resort and telecommunication companies FLOW and Digicel.

Chan, the Valedictorian also received a trophy and one Acer laptop compliments the NTRC. (DD)

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

It’s okay to brag, BRAGSA IT’S FUNNY!!! Why is it that workers employed in certain areas of state concerns and responsibility are readily showered with praises, and rightfully so, when they go beyond their terms of reference to give service to the nation, but others do not receive the same degree of gratitude and recognition?

Police officers — amid the most heightened period of complaints of police brutality — have come in and continue to come in for overwhelming praise by the current administration which has seen to the care and won the favour of the local constabulary.

VINLEC and CWSA workers, on whose shoulders essential services of electricity and water rest, deservedly are set front and centre when commendations for work effected during periods of crises cannot be disregarded by the administration.

Nurses and other health care functionaries receive their fair share of accolades especially in these times occasioned by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteer groups, who assumed much of the burden of organising and delivering relief aid necessitated by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, were also recognised but, if the truth be told, with seemingly lethargic references here and there.

Sadly, in this period of immense challenges, and we stand corrected if we err, there has been no public recognition and thanks rendered to BRAGSA, for what has been a successful undertaking of the herculean task of clearing the roads of the heavy deposit of volcanic ash, since the volcanic eruptions have ceased.

That the roads, barring those areas where rivers and streams have either developed new pathways and await constructions of bridges, the main road north of the Rabacca has been cleared and made motorable, primarily because of the back-bending, physically enduring work, albeit aided by heavy duty equipment where and when possible, so willingly accepted and effected by the staff of BRAGSA.

Think of the hazard of the ash and dust to the human work force, vital cogs in the overall undertaking.

Much has been made of the tardiness and at times, absence of BRAGSA’s involvement in projects and remedial work that fall within its portfolio; and the interference by parties with other agendas and their disregard for the principles on which BRAGSA was originally founded.

That said, this publication, having had the opportunity to see firsthand what has been accomplished by BRAGSA, and with a sense of duty and impartiality, takes this opportunity to recognize BRAGSA — its men and women so employed - for so unselfishly and without any ado, clearing the roads of tons of volcanic ash, so as to make it possible for persons to enjoy some ease as they make their return journeys to the places they call home.

And by the way, it would be instructive and put spend too much unwarranted criticism, if we were to familarise ourselves with the water system (catchment, storage, distribution), that we take for granted.

We pay little regard to the topography of mainland St. Vincent and the mammoth challenges that this poses for the CWSA crews who are always so willing and prepared to mend broken lines, redirect lines to ensure pipe borne water during and after a crisis.

Much of what the CWSA does to ensure a safe and constant supply of water is not visible to the everyday citizen; unlike in most cases the work of VINLEC whose lines run for the most part, along the main and secondary road systems.

But back to BRAGSA!! Yes there has been a recent effort to highlight the work of BRAGSA. THE VINCENTAN is pleased to assist in this effort, and invites the public to give this state agency the recognition it so rightfully deserves.

We will, at the same time, condemn any misuse of the resources and allocations of BRAGSA.

Parliament continues to act out a pantomime (Extracts from above titled article first carried in THE VINCENTIAN of Jan. 24, 2014.)

LEROY PROVIDENCE is a good friend since our Grammar School days. I welcome his thoughtful political essays in the newspaper, walking in the footsteps of his own father Leonard who wrote independently, albeit with a built—in Labour Party bias.

As a token of appreciation of our long camaraderie, I made to him, as I have done both to George Howard and Jomo Thomas, a presentation of a copy of Special Issue of Forum September 1972, inviting them to read in particular my criticism of “the Political System”, which bears over-riding contemporary significance after 40 long years!

Divisive tendencies Nobody today doubts that the island has been devastated by party politics. It has in fact become something of a cliché to say that politics has divided families, split friends, and separated communities. Labelling is the newest thing, a person is either “a dirty Labour dog” or “a stinking PPP”, or worse, “one ah dem!” Neighbours, if they happen to support opposing parties, no longer dwell on speaking terms. Gone is the live-and-let live basis of good neighbourly relations as they haul each other before the Courts every Monday morning for the most frivolous and trifling causes.

Politics has split the country right down the centre. The medical profession, the Bar Association, the civil service, the police, the business community and even the so-called down-trodden masses are divided along party lines.

In the House, the parties are engaged in a veritable life-and-death struggle. There is no let- up with the government setting about its business as if the opposition does not exist.

Government has tremendous advantages, for it can wield virtual dictatorial powers, without unduly straining the constitutional instruments. This is because the Westminster model of Government which we supposedly operate places very much formal powers in the hands of the ruling group, powers which in the metropolitan countries are cut down by a sense of restraint, a democratic attitude, and the censure of an informed and critical public opinion, including an independent press.

In St Vincent, on the other hand, the population is polarised as between support for the two established groups, and the ruling motto is: “my party right or wrong”. This sort of attitude filters down from the leadership to infect their mass following with an almost blind fanaticism that in turn inflates the ego and strengthens the hand of the leaders to do

anything.

So, in the House, the Government of the day bulldozes everything, riding rough-shod over democratic niceties.

The speaker is invariably a party politician, actual or potential who tows the line with gusto. The Council is too small to have Government backbenchers so the ruling party moves like a well-oiled steamroller crushing everything in its way. Questions by the Opposition are side-tracked and evaded, their motions struck out, their contributions omitted from the Government radio station’s newscasts. But although the Opposition kicks up a lot of noise it is not unduly bothered, for, it knows that the day will probably arrive when it will repay such actions with vengeance.

Since the problems of the country are so elemental and some of the less controversial solutions so obvious, the Opposition often finds that it must agree basically with the goals of the Government. On the other hand, the Opposition conceives its role as one of constant critic, and has therefore to compromise its position: it agrees with the Government in principle but begs to differ in practice; or it supports the end while finding fault with the means.

Politics of bossism At this point we might as well broaden this specific question to touch on the elitist concept of politics in the West Indies which we see at every turn. The political leader bosses the party executive which runs the party that dictates to the people. In such a situation politics is loosely organised and badly structured: you get the hero at the political apex and the crowd of followers at his feet. All the institutions which apparently link them- party conventions, conferences, caucuses; delegations and petitions; Town Boards and Village Councils - are a massive hypocrisy.

Here, again, a system which taught that the people’s lot was merely to do, not to reason why. Accepting the view that a man believes in the inherent goodness of his Party, he is afraid to question some of the apparently dictatorial actions lest he gives comfort to the other side. Indeed party hacks often tell their supporters that the party is not perfect, it has serious faults, but to bring them up for serious discussion is to rock the boat and enhance the chances of its rivals.

Similarly, most politicians realise that they are on to a good thing and resent the efforts of “upstarts” who attempt to break into the system and threaten to upset it by spreading education among the masses.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 7.

Letters

Conflict of interest is a real problem

IS IT ME, or do we have an ongoing problem with local leaders who do not understand “Conflict of Interest” or the appearance of a conflict of interest? As a rule, public officials need to realize that sometimes the appearance of a conflict is sufficient to cause one to recuse themselves from the decision-making process.

Why is this so difficult?

Now let me see how simple I can make this.

We all have our spheres of influence and circles of friends. The wider the circle, the greater our chance of being part of

an actual or perceived conflict of interest.

Two recent events motivated me to share my opinion on this topic.

The first is the Deputy PM selling his land in the “Red Zone” to the Government. This action by itself will always be viewed as a conflict of interest or an abuse of power. It’s too late to ask to remove these 6-acres from consideration. So, Mr. Representative, the next best thing to do is to provide the public with full disclosure of the history of the land transactions. We need to know what you paid for the land, the appraised

Who is the world boss?

WHO IS the world’s boss? Arguably, the answer is CORONAVIRUS. This virus, we recognized, will be with us for sometime. It does not appear that it will go away anytime soon which means that we have to learn to live with it.

This virus has controlled the world. Many world leaders are still struggling with managing this pandemic effectively. There have been and continues to be much discussions all over the world about the vaccines. As a result of this virus, we have seen and experienced many changes.

Many have lost jobs due to economic problems.

This, many companies and governments have no control over.

Lifestyles have changed. Social practices also have changed. Religious, business and political meetings and conferences had to make adjustments, with these events now being held online in most cases. This has caused a reduction in traveling, which naturally affects tourism and airlines. There is definitely an increase in online shopping and transaction as opposed to in-person shopping. It shows that indeed the CORONAVIRUS is the world’s boss.

This virus has now ushered in another problem beside the economic and social ones. It is where vaccines have now become the norm for many jobs and the failure to be vaccinated can result in a person loosing his/her job. In other words, the vaccine because of the CORONAVIRUS, can determine whether a person lives or dies.

Survival and taking care of the family are no longer something to be taken for granted.

Changes are required all over the world in order to cope with the virus. We may not like to accept the many changes but in most cases we have very little option. But all in all, the WORLD’S BOSS, the COVID-19, is a reminder of the importance of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

For in these challenging times only our faith can see us through.

To crown it all, the Lord is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men. He, in reality, is the WORLD’S BOSS, but COVID-19 apart from the Lord is the world’s boss. It is time to let the Lord guide our lives and to put our trust in Him. Kennard King

value, and how much was your sale price. I think you should not earn any profit from the sale of this land. It would be best if you did not benefit from any application in the land value.

In other words, the Government should have paid you your purchase price. You see, Mr. Minister, the correct ethical position is that you should never have entertained the idea of selling your land to the Government.

The next incident is the judge, a retired Deputy Police Chief who refuses to recuse himself

from a case against an ex-police officer.

According to another news feed, his reason is he does not know the exoffice in question. It is bad enough that he is now serving on the other side of justice as a judge after a career as a police officer. I understand our shortage of qualified people for some positions, but the least he can do for us is project the appearance of justice for all. While it might be true that this ex-pointer officer accused of criminal wrongdoing joined the police department long after his service ended, the

perception of a conflict is real. You cannot give thirty years of service to an organization and not sympathize with them in this embarrassing situation.

It may sometimes be challenging to recognize a conflict of interest because private and personal interests and pride can cloud our objectivity. It is easier to identify when others are conflicted than when you are, so please, gentlemen, do not take this as a personal affront on you; after all, I do not know either of you personally.

In my opinion, your

ethical responses are straightforward, get out of the situation. By doing so, you will preserve the trust essential to safeguarding your professional objectivity.

Horatio

Making a thing legal does not necessarily make it right!

IN THE DEBATE of fundamental rights and freedoms and the authority of the state to enforce certain actions to achieve stated goals, some persons have waved the flag of legislation to justify overriding of personal liberty of conscience. History is full of the evidences when both civil and church authorities have enacted laws to force their wills on the people under the justification of the “common good”. It is a common psychological practice to instil fear through threats of confiscation of property, imprisonment and death

to cower the people.

Disagreement should never be equated to rebellion!

Society seeks to quiet its own conscience by making of good lawabiding citizens, criminals and misfits in order to silence their voices of dissent. “Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad (deprive of reason).”* The Jewish leaders in order to make their case to discredit and destroy Jesus Christ stigmatized him as having “a demon and is mad.” [John 10: 20]. Jesus’ own family became convinced of this rhetoric that they went

to rescue him for they said, “He is out of his mind” [Mark 3: 20-21].

Years later, as the apostle Paul made a spirited defence of his innocence before two civil rulers, Governor Festus shouts him down, “Paul, you are beside yourself!

Much learning is driving you mad!” [Acts 26: 24] This is society’s line of argument: those who differ in opinion are not normal, and should be treated as such! They are a threat to the society, and should be eliminated by any means possible!

The irony of this whole debate is that persons are not willing to

These times are not normal shoulder to see who is listening before you say anything about far less against the government.

IT HAS BEEN a little while since I And the police look like they rule found the time to get a little one in on with their guns and bad attitudes; you your letter page. I hope this gets in. dare not question them.

I have been busy doing my bit to But the whole thing is so funny. convince people to take the vaccine. I How come they pick out certain people get nothing for doing this, while others get handsome cheques for doing to arrest and charge from among so many hundreds of protestors? Why nothing, but you know me - it’s they didn’t lock up Dr. Friday and country before self for me.

But enough about me. I see where Leacock. They were in the marches and actually at the front. So why not you and your Managing Director are look up the leaders too? the subjects of ‘sue action’ by the I remember the days of Cato and Prime Minister. I see he is hoping to the Labour Party when there was the become a millionaire just from what same kind of behaviour by the police. he hopes to collect from two of you.

Many of those who condemn the I am not getting into who is right and who is wrong in this matter since protest and even many persons in I imagine you and your boss will deal government and who support the government were on the end of police with that.

I want to say, Mr. Editor that these batons and arrest.

Sure is a strange world. The more days just don’t feel like normal times.

I have never felt so threatened in this things change the more they remain the same. land like I feel today. It seems like you have to keep looking over your Charles, Edinboro

The Editor

concede to others the same liberty they claim for themselves. They have freely chosen a certain course of action, but they now feel it an enlightened, “God-given” right to choose for others.

The struggle for freedom of thought and action is not new. It has been waged on all fronts down through the ages: the actors change and their costumes undergo some modifications but the aim is the same: inflict punishment to achieve their goal of control of the mind. And, “brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought. ……. The people need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty.”

[The Great Controversy, pp.566/67].

More often than not society makes laws to cover for its own fears, inadequacies and insecurities and not necessarily for the good of the people. Therefore, “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind”, and so let him take! [Romans 14:5] Are we not all reasonable men? Accordingly then, let us not hide under the cloak of legislation to achieve our own agendas: conformity and the silencing of dissent!

* [Greek saying quoted in “Daniel, a model for young men” 1854 by Rev. William Anderson Scott 1813-1885. Wikipedia.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Deepening democracy, advancing workers rights

Social protest is essential to democracy

Introduction

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement) (Pt.2)

THE LATEST rankings by Freedom House International that rate people’s access to civic and political liberties in 210 countries across the globe are out, and make for excellent reading for citizens and residents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The rankings that grades political rights out of 40 and civic liberties out of 60, with a total of 100, groups countries into 3 categories; free, partly free and not free. Our country gained scores of 36/40 for access to political rights and 55/60 for access to civic liberties for a total score of 91/100, and placed firmly in the category of free. This Freedom House publication of their 2021 global ranking, is merely a reinforcement of what the majority of Vincentians at home and abroad are fully aware of and boast about proudly. Even more remarkable, is that SVG is one of only 46 countries (22%) that achieved an overall score of 90 or higher, compared to the United States for example that scored 83 or Jamaica that scored 80. Such a global ranking is only possible because of the policies of the Unity Labour Party government that since its election in 2001 has consistently passed legislation that deepens democratic practices and/or repeal legislation that stifled the rights of our citizens. In doing so, citizens have enjoyed our freedoms as enshrined in our Constitution of conscience, of speech, of association and all other associated rights and freedoms. Political freedom as expressed in free and fair general elections over the last 20 years have been endorsed by various reputable regional, hemispheric and internationally organisations including CARICOM, the OAS and the Commonwealth. What we have in this country is a vibrant, growing democracy that protects the rights of citizens and a government that promotes the rights of workers.

greater information sharing on various blogs and other sites. While these platforms have been open to abuse by those who act irresponsibly in promotion of their ulterior agendas, journalists and citizens exercise their freedoms of expression and of conscience in a variety of ways. This government has never and will never seek to stifle free speech nor the work of journalists involved in the democratic processes that contribute to the openness, transparency and the good-governance objective of this ULP administration.

Championing the rights of workers

Even while serving as the parliamentary opposition, the workers of this country realised that the Comrade Ralph-lead ULP offered much more for workers in SVG. Public sector workers had become accustomed to an unresponsive and uncaring NDP government that was only concerned with their few friends who were the beneficiaries of favours and goodwill. Teachers, police officers, nurses and public servants worked under poor physical conditions, earned low salaries and were essentially muzzled from commenting on political issues affecting them. Protesting the Ministry of Education by various schools at the beginning of each school term was a norm as teachers and parents highlighted the poor conditions of our nation’s schools. The low wages significantly hampered the ability for public officers to own homes and improve their standard of living.

It is this government that increased salaries for all categories of public workers, increased the minimum wage three times since 2001, and initiated the one hundred percentage mortgage program for public workers.

Extensive work is done on an on-going basis to improve through repair and construction, schools, police stations, clinics and hospitals to ensure the Strengthening democratic structural integrity to these very institutions and practices important building.

Beyond the vast improvement in One of the foundation institutions the condition of work and improved of our parliamentary democracy benefits, this government has also remains the Parliament, where allowed for political commentary by members elected by eligible citizens public works through the repeal of meet to debate issues and pass laws legislation. The Public Officers that governs this country. The ULP Condition of Employment Act, that administration has maintained a political speech by public robust legislative agenda since coming criminalised officers was repealed by this ULP into office in 2001 that has been administration in August 2001, opened to the public through live paving the way for the level of broadcasts. This is a significantly political commentary that currently improved situation from the days of Again, a minority of public the NDP where Parliament met rarely exists. abuse this freedom, and those sittings were behind closed officers descending into commentary that is doors, with journalists unable to disrespectful, libelous and defamatory, provide live broadcasts or even erroneously touting this as free recordings of proceedings. It was speech. Even so the government during those days of the NDP that remains committed to protecting the some of the most anti-progressive of workers and maintaining a laws were passed. Journalists found it rights pro-worker agenda that advances the increasingly problematic to cover wellbeing of all workers. meetings of the House of Assembly, because of the tight reign of the Conclusion Speaker with one journalist actually threatened with arrest and The record of the ULP on the subsequently removed for attempting expansion of democracy, protection of to record parts of a meeting of the rights and freedoms and promoting Parliament. Today, Parliamentary the welfare of workers is unmatched.

Debates are heard in real time, and It is because of this reason that the citizens can listen to their attempts by many to use trade unions representatives contribute to these tools to achieve their political debates on legislation as well as policy as agendas continue to fail. Workers in questions posed to government this country will never allow ministers. to be used by political During this period of governance by themselves wolves in sheep clothing, nor will the ULP, our country has seen a Vincentians answer a baseless call to significant expansion in the media protest by those who present a clear that has contributed positively to threat to our democracy. The ULP freedom of expression and citizen remains the government of the people participation. The popularisation of by the people and will continue to social media has also allowed for govern in the best interest of all. increased social participation and

Social protests and disruptions In its report, the IACHR: “… acknowledges that in different circumstances protests cause disruption and affect the normal course of other activities, but this fact does not make these forms of expression per se illegitimate. It is based on the fact that one of the functions of protest is to channel and amplify the demands, aspirations, and grievances of different segments of the population…”.

In para 41 , the OAS report says: “It is inherent to the functioning of a democratic society that the State must continuously weigh competing or conflicting legitimate rights and interests against each other. And this weighing, under the requirement of necessity…means that at times the exercise of freedom of assembly can alter daily… routines, especially in large urban centers, and even create nuisances or affect the exercise of other rights that should be protected and guaranteed by the State, such as freedom of movement. Nevertheless, “such disruptions are part of the mechanics of a pluralistic society in which diverse and sometimes conflicting interests coexist and find the forums and channels in which to express themselves.””

“Restrictions must also be strictly “proportionate” to the legitimate aim for which they are intended, and closely tailored to the achievement of that aim, interfering as little as possible with the lawful exercise of that right. To determine the strict proportionality of the restrictive measure, it must be determined whether the sacrifice of freedom of expression it entails is exaggerated or excessive in relation to the advantages obtained through such measure.”

The right to participate in protest without prior authorization The IACHR has considered that the exercise of freedom of assembly through social protest should not be subject to government authorization or excessive requirements that make it difficult to carry out. Legal requirements underlying the prohibition or limitation of a meeting or demonstration, such as the requirement of prior permission, are not compatible with freedom of assembly or the exercise of freedom of expression in the inter-American system.

Prior notice, generally justified by States on the basis of the need to provide greater protection to a demonstration, cannot function as a covert authorization mechanism. … the requirement of prior notification must not be confused with the requirement of prior authorization granted in a discretional manner, which must not be established in the law or practice of the administrative authorities, even when it comes to public spaces.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association has been emphatic in stating that he “believes that the exercise of fundamental freedoms should not be subject to previous authorization by the authorities (…), but at the most to a prior notification procedure, whose rationale is to allow State authorities to facilitate the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to take measures to protect public safety

and order and the rights and freedoms of others.” At the same time, the existence of mechanisms requiring demonstrators to notify the authorities in advance of the place, date, and time of the protest is only compatible with Article 13 of the ACHR when States require it in order to be able to take measures to protect demonstrators and thus facilitate social protest.

Similarly, when notification procedures are very bureaucratic or intervene unnecessarily or disproportionately in determining the place, time, and manner of a protest, they have a chilling effect on the exercise of this right. With regard to the requirement of prior notice to hold a protest, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, has said that “such a notification should be subject to a proportionality assessment, not unduly bureaucratic.”

In particular, prior notification should be requested only for large gatherings or events that could cause transit disruptions in order to facilitate their conduct and protect demonstrators.

In addition, the organizers’ failure to give prior notification to the authorities should not lead to the break-up of the gathering or to the imposition of criminal or administrative penalties such as fines or deprivation of liberty against the organizers, leaders, or their associations. Under this same interpretation, the European Court of Human Rights held that the dissolution of a peaceful demonstration for failure to comply with the prior notification requirement constitutes a disproportionate restriction on the freedom of peaceful assembly.

Spontaneous demonstrations are also protected. Spontaneous gatherings should be exempt from the notification requirement and law enforcement should, to the extent possible, protect and facilitate spontaneous gatherings as they would any other such event. This Commission recommends that States take account of the fact that there are events in which it is not possible to identify the organizers and that, although announced in advance, take place in a highly improvised and spontaneous manner. The impossibility of identifying the organizers of a demonstration cannot justify the prohibition, dissolution, or repression of a demonstration. In addition, a spontaneous change in a march’s route does not negate the obligation to facilitate protest and protect demonstrators and third parties present.

The notification procedure, moreover, cannot be regarded as a binding commitment by the organizers to the time, place, and manner of a protest. Nor is it reasonable for the notification procedure to serve as a basis for the imposition of penalties for acts committed by third parties against persons or organizations that have assumed the functions of dissemination, organization, or dialogue with the State, with respect to a protest.

The duty is, to not criminalize leaders and participants in demonstrations and protests. This is very helpful guidance, given what is happening here in SVG, where people’s homes have been raided and two persons have been charged with offences stemming from their perceived roles in the recent protests in Kingstown.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 9.

Views

Difficult conversations

Workers need protection

“Difficult conversations are almost never about getting the facts right. They are about conflicting perceptions, interpretations, and values” – Douglas Stone, Co-Founder of Triad Consulting Group, and Lecturer at Harvard Law School

THERE WAS A NOTION that workers did not need trade unions. To the extent that unions existed, there needed to be a class truce in which the workers and their representatives were to enter into what was known as a Tripartite Alliance.

This alliance, purportedly intended for the national good, was between the government, the private sector and the workers and their representatives.

As we have seen since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has tightened the relationship between the business community and the government. The workers are made to feel the pain.

Many were laid off, made to accept reduced wages. Others are threatened with dismissal if they don’t take the vaccine. The government tells employers it is prepared to change the law to protect employers who take decisive action against workers.

As a consequence of this alliance, we have heard of layoffs and wage freezes, where workers go for years without an increase in wages and salaries; givebacks, where workers give up some of their contractual benefits won over long years of struggle, or simply made to honour old contractual agreements because employers and government refuse to enter good faith discussions that lead to a new contract. In the grand scheme of things, all parties are to make concessions so that society will experience social harmony, but the economy will thrive, businesses and governments will hire more people, and everyone will be satisfied.

This idealised state of existence never materialised, especially for the workers and their unions. Any union leadership that lobbies or agitates for their members is labelled antigovernment. Some leaders are harshly criticised. All the while, no one stops to think or wonder why union members are electing persons who may not support the status quo.

It is instructive that the last signed collective bargaining agreement between the St. Vincent Union of Teachers and the government is dated 2005. The PSU, which has constitutional status, has never signed a collective bargaining agreement with the government. The union, however, signed a deal with BRAGSA, National Broadcasting Corporation and the National Sports Council.

Small wonder then that workers feel so short-changed. Instead of joining unions and strengthening their fighting spirit, some workers choose to stay away because the unions are either useless or helpless.

This is always music to an employer’s ears. Keep the workers divided, and the status quo continues. Where are trade unionists in the mold of Ebenezer Joshua, Cyril Roberts, Duff Walker James, Sonny Boyce, Jerry Haywood and Caspar London, all veteran trade unionists who served our workers admirably when the people of SVG needed them most?

Many in the current batch of union leaders suck on the honeycomb of power. They will take to the airwaves and batter anyone who speaks up for workers and call for the fighting spirit of yesteryear.

While this sad situation continues, private businesses are made to pay lesser taxes. Corporate taxes have

MANY CARIBBEAN NATIONALS are socialised to avoid difficult conversations; to evade arguments and to “keep out of trouble”. However, this is not often possible. This is especially so when we are promoted to supervisory, leadership, and management positions. When in such roles it often becomes necessary to enforce rules and regulations related to punctuality, regularity, mutual respect, tidiness, and so on. Such conversations may appear to be challenging but they are absolutely essential if we are to ensure honesty, accountability, transparency, fairness, and proper control. Difficult conversations are frequently needed as in the case where guidance/caution is necessary to reprimand and/or guide someone who appears to be engaged in a socially unacceptable practice.

Conversations are considered to be “difficult” if/when the content or the context generate feelings of anger, disappointment, discomfort, resentment, and the like. Such situations may emerge when individuals have polarized differences; when participating conversationalists hold diametrically opposing views on a particular issue or event. It is often on such occasions that it becomes essential for at least one debating member to be emotionally detached and therefore more likely to be objective.

Emotionally charged settings require excellent communication skills.

Communication is an essential component in building and maintaining strong, healthy, relationships.

Communication should be clear, regular, and timely. The absence of communication could lead to mistrust, misunderstandings, and unnecessary conflicts. This is considered accurate when referring to personal/intimate relationships. But it also holds true when considering relationships in the workplace and wider community. We could so easily misunderstand each other if/when we are hurried with our judgements and/or find ourselves to be deficient as listeners. Listening with the desire to understand the other person’s views can often assist us in dismantling prejudices and gaining a clearer understanding of another’s points of view. Resolving conflicts and generating unison of thought often require difficult conversations; dialogue can go a long way towards resolving disputes or quarrels, encouraging greater responsibility, improved performance, and so on. These are often required as efforts are made to bridge the chasms of misunderstandings and get to the truth of sensitive matters.

As we communicate with others it is important that every effort be made for the participating conversationists to feel that they are heard and understood. We are likely to feel heard and understood when convinced that the other party is giving their undivided attention. This is normal. It is especially critical when individuals become emotionally charged (as is the case when we engage in difficult conversations). Seeking to understand the other person’s point of view is therefore of paramount importance.

While there may be a tendency to go on

the defensive (and hold firm to our position), the more positive approach would be to seek to understand the other individual’s opinion.

We all have a deep desire to be heard; to be accepted; to be treated with dignity. This still holds true even when the conversation is considered “hostile”. We need to know that others care enough to listen … even when the content and context of the conversation may appear to be “uncomfortable”.

Life’s varied seasons and situations may periodically result in our having to share difficult/painful experiences with others. Such revelations may appear to be so emotionally charged that conversations about these, although necessary for healing, could be deemed extremely difficult. Sometimes life’s trials and tests can be so traumatic that we find it difficult to cope with these on our own. Revelations about rape, incest, adulterous relationships, drug addiction, loss of a family member, etc. can be mentally and/or emotionally devastating. Some among us may be able to suffer and regroup silently. Others require a listening ear.

But such conversations are understandably difficult. Revelations of hurt generate such vulnerability.

And yet, phycologists, social workers, and psychiatrists attest to the value of being able to ventilate as emotional healing is sought. These are difficult, but necessary conversations.

Individuals can often ascertain our level of comfort (or discomfort) when discussions centre on topics that are sensitive or uncomfortable. This can be detected by what is said (or not said).

However, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language can often be considered useful “emotional barometers” in determining comfort levels related to the information being shared. Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), the Austrian-American educator, business consultant, and author reminds us, “The important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” While most of us are not considered experts at interpreting tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language we often know enough to ascertain that there may be some level of discomfort when engaging in some conversations. This sensitivity can enable us to demonstrate greater empathy as well as determining how best to probe or to respond to statements and questions. Here is where experience, skill, and tact become most valuable if positive results are to be achieved.

Difficult conversations can create opportunities for growth and healing.

As uncomfortable as they may often seem, they can have tremendous benefits for participating conversationalists. They can enable us to get the facts right, clarify perceptions and/or interpretations, and reinforce values. Once conducted correctly, and with mutual respect evident, difficult conversations can create opportunities for personal growth and the strengthening of relationships.

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

been reduced by 10 percent over the last 20 years as the government implemented the neo-liberal mantra that lesser taxes will spur the economy. Yet, many businesses don’t bother to pay taxes or withheld NIS payments. David Ames of Buccama Resorts was spirited out of the country owing $8 million in NIS, VINLEC and CWSA. No attempt to extradite David Ames and try him for theft and fraud. Locals who steal government revenue get swift justice in the law courts while poor citizens lose their water and electricity if they owe a few hundred dollars. The tax department estimates that there are hundreds of millions in unpaid taxes.

Indeed, it is not our daily paid workers and civil servants who owe this massive amount of due taxes.

But this is not all. Big companies, especially foreign corporations bargain for all manner of tax-free concessions. They are allowed to bring in equipment and building materials.

They even bring in foreign workers with no special skills. This illegal practice deprives citizens of a chance at meaningful employment. In the tourism sector, the racism meted out to workers is as despicable as it is widespread. We have not even factored in sexual harassment and assault, which frequently occur on the job.

Another area that cries out for attention is the Labour Department and how grievances are heard. There is a clear pro-employer bias in some staff members at the department.

Many seem more concerned about protecting the business owners than in hearing the plight of fired employees. The problems persist because there are far too many grievances for a single hearing officer.

No less than three officers will facilitate the prompt attention workers’ grievances demand. Consider a worker who files for unfair dismissal. The legal remedy apart from severance payment is reinstatement to the job. If a worker is unfairly dismissed and waits for a very long time for a hearing, this may militate against his/her seamless return to the job. If the worker is not lucky to find another job, he/she languishes, sometimes for more than a year, with no income and an uncertain future.

Workers get short-changed in other ways as well. A worker who appeals a decision from the Public Service Corporation (PSC) gets a hearing before the Public Service Board of Appeal. A cardinal point in the appeal may be a point of law. But there were no lawyers on the board of appeal. A lawyer on the board may lend legal sense to the debate regarding the weight of the case against a public servant. Clearly, workers are the faces at the bottom of the well. It is time we do more to lift them.

This piece with minor changes was first published in May of 2018.

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

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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SVG needs to earn revenue from abroad – no money circulating our economy and country wonders aimlessly without focus, direction and leadership.

A coals seller recently told the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that he can’t sell one sack of coals. He brings them into Kingstown, waits all day and cannot get a sale. He says he is losing money coming to town, rather than making money, as he has to pay a lorry driver to bring coals to Kingstown and then pay the lorry driver again at the end of the day to take them all back home.

To move SVG forward, SVG needs a new government that has the ability to generate revenue from abroad and get money circulating the country. The ULP regime’s focus on tourism has been a big mistake for 20 years. They have no idea how to create sustainable revenue and stop the recession in SVG. They should resign and go home — do the whole country a favour!

Singapore’s industrial policy in 1959 sought to promote industrialisation as a way of diversifying its economy by import substitution. In 1968, when the British started to withdraw from Singapore, import substitution was succeeded by a strategy promoting export-oriented, labour-intensive industrialisation.

SVG needs a strategy of import substitution: we should produce locally some of the goods that we import. In the economic sectors that we carry out import substitution, once we have the skills and resources to produce enough for our people, we can then increase production and export to foreign markets.

With an export-orientated economy, we could export tuna fish from our own billion-dollar tuna fishing and canning industry, fresh drinking water, and products from new Green and Science and Technology sectors of

our economy.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the ULP regime flaps about creating a lot of noise, but they have no end result.

It is as if they have no idea what the problem is. Well, in the words of former USA President Bill Clinton, “It’s the economy, stupid”.

When Gonsalves first came to office, he compared SVG to Haiti and Bangladesh — food aid countries. Now, SVG is a food aid country. Under the ULP regime, our country has gone down, not up.

SVG needs to earn revenue from abroad and get money circulating in our country. Import substitution and an export-orientated economy are the vehicles to do this. We need a new government.

not feel good.

Once after a long bout of quarrelling, she realized that the opponent was not responding. She said

by ANTHONY STEWART, PhD born.” No weapons were involved, and to herself, “she na even bothering with each person had to depend solely on me.”

SHE LIVED to over 100 years and physical strength and fighting Fighters at school were often told, held no grudges against anyone. She technique to overcome. Quarrelling that they must set a date like on a had a keen sense of fair play and seemed to be part of her bloodline, and Saturday night when they can make posited that long time, whenever there she once remarked that if she does not some money from those who wanted to was a fight, they fought “naked as we quarrel when the day comes, she does see the fight. Students arguing over a pencil, threatening to derail a wellplanned lesson, were asked to take an afterschool appointment to settle the matter. Invariably they quickly came to an amicable solution on their own.

The challenge sometimes occurred where two vicious pupils were fighting and I wondered whether we should have a bucket of water or sand at hand to throw it on them to break up the fight.

The current Public Fights need not occur. Those who are vaccinated and still contract the disease, would most likely NOT come down with the Coronavirus Disease, NOT get very sick, NOT be hospitalized, and NOT die. Those who are not vaccinated may contract Coronavirus Disease, become very ill, be hospitalized, and can die.

Both the Vaccinated and the Unvaccinated should be tested regularly, wear masks, social distance, and isolate if positive to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease. Every home should have a quarantine room.

New homes being built should plan for this. The Vaccinators should quietly go from house to house vaccinating those who want to be vaccinated. Some will not want to be vaccinated until it is too late. The most we can do is to encourage those within our sphere of influence to be vaccinated. Nature may have to take its course with some of us.

The current law that violates the Doctor/Patient confidentiality privilege cannot be allowed to stand. The last

time when I was advised to take sick leave, I told the Doctor that I cannot because I would use the time working in my garden, people would see me and say that I am not really sick. A better solution would be to pay people only when they work. Perhaps Insurance should pay workers who are absent from the job for whatever reason. The employer would then have the resources to hire temporary substitute workers.

A cussing must take place within earshot of the individuals concerned. It is ludicrous for demonstrators to be asked to go to Arnos Vale and Sion Hill. Parliament is the seat of Government and its surroundings is the appropriate place for people to vent their frustrations through peaceful protest. Rather than giving illegal instructions, protesters should be given legal instructions: 1. Wear your mask 2. Walk six feet apart 3. No weapons nor missiles allowed 4. No offensive nor obscene language 5. Use sidewalk or one side of the traffic only 6. Shout with all your might 7. Sing songs, beat drums The Authorities should take matters into their own hands: 1. Repeal the controversial laws now 2. Allow peaceful protests 3. Allow No Confidence Motions in Parliament 4. Allow the Opposition their Priority Motions according to law 5. Set up an independent Electoral Office 6. Adequately Fund Accounts and Audit departments so that the country’s money can be adequately accounted for 7. Facilitate the functioning of the Public Accounts Committee The current Fights are totally unnecessary. Do the right thing.

The ULP regime has shown since 2001 that it is hopeless and unable to revive the economy, provide enough jobs, and more importantly, earn revenue from abroad. The country mash up.

The ULP regime’s financial incompetence has weakened our economy, forced many businesses to close and created high unemployment.

Both Gonsalveses should resign. The ULP regime’s economic strategy of begging and borrowing has virtually killed our economy.

The price of many locally-grown foodstuff, such as eggs and other agricultural foods, has reduced significantly, but farmers still find it hard to get sales. This fact alone shows that there is practically no money in many households and the SVG economy is virtually dead.

No money is circulating in our country and it is clear that SVG is essentially in a prolonged recession.

Like a rudderless ship drifting at sea,

The Great Cuss Out

V SVGCF-Jones Group Inc. collaborate in initative News

by GLORIAH…

THE LA SOUFRIÈRE VOLCANO explosive eruptions which commenced on 9th April and discontinued on 22nd April, 2021, wreaked devastation across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially in the Red and Orange Zones.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF) is endeavouring to continue its response to the crises which have arisen. This time, it has partnered with the Jones Group Inc., founded and owned

by Vincentian artist Calvert Jones, to host a Post Volcano Recovery Auction and Conservation Initiative.

The initiative saw three paintings: two by Calvert Jones himself and one by his protégé Cheyenne Slater. Some of what news reports would have consistently detailed as the devastation to landscape and property, and the disruption of the steady flow of life, formed the focus of content for the pieces of art work. The auction was hosted by CharityBuzz, an international online

CEO of the SVGCF, Vanburn Harry (left), with Calvert Jones alongside one of his pieces. His other piece is shown below. auctioning platform.

A unique feature of these editions was the fusing of the actual volcanic ash with the paint medium which both artists fused used to give more life to the devastation the eruption caused, and the suffering and eminent response of a resilient people. Persons wishing to made bids for the

paintings were encouraged to visit CharityBuzz to do so.

Self-taught, visual artist Calvert Jones has developed his personal trademark style of artwork which he calls “Tropical Realism” in 2013. His iconic pieces can be described as a synergy of Impressionism, Realism, Cubism and Pop Art. It brings Caaribbean life to light with enchanting landscapes, flora and fauna and cultural activities.

Cheyenne Slater was born and raised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is a self-taught artist who has assiduously engaged in the improvement of her art. Tutored by Calvert Jones, she is Cheyenne Slater showcases her piece with CEO of realising the uniqueness of her artistic style. the SVGCF, Vanburn Harry.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 11.

V Jarrell Charles: Naturally gifted 12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Education

JARRELL CHARLES is a cool easygoing youngster, just taking matters in his stride. He placed third for boys, and fourth overall in the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment, from the list of candidates which numbered 1895.

Charles was relaxed having just gone through the graduation

exercise at his Kingstown Preparatory School when the results were announced. He expressed surprise at his position.

He had underestimated his ability and thought that he would achieve a position in the 30’s.

Nevertheless, he is grateful to Almighty God for the gift of

natural ability and is paying tribute to his parents Irma Haynes and Jeremy Charles. He also gave special praise to his Aunt Orika Collins.

Jerrell’s favourite subject is Math. He is going into secondary education with an ‘open approach.’

He is a football fan who looks to his father for guidance in the game, since he does not play with any particular squad.

(WKA)

Sister, sister

Aziel and Azriel Boston

AZIEL BOSTON is still basking in her moment – she placed 4th overall, and 2nd for her gender with an average of 95.2 percent.

The eleven-year-old is one of three students from the Sugar Mill Academy positioned in the Top 10 in the 2021 Caribbean Exit Primary Assessment (CPEA) Exams.

Selah Gonsalves: 3rd overall and 1st for gender; and Alexander Cummings: 6th overall and 4th for gender, are the other two.

With results out just over a week, Aziel Boston did not contain her joy, particularly since she was not expecting to do as well as she did.

“I feel excited…and I feel relieved,” she told THE VINCENTIAN.

Prayer and preparing for the CPEA are what she attributes to her success.

There were a number of people she also credits for her success: Mom, Bridget Gould; Dad, David Boston; Godparents, Keithlyn and Keisha Bynoe; and Leslyn Thomas and her teachers.

She lauded the accomplishment of her twin sister, Azriel Boston, who was also a candidate in the 2021 CPEA examinations. She placed 27th overall and 17th for gender.

According to Aziel, they worked on past papers and studied together, just as they would do almost everything else together.

“We are very close — we always sit together, we eat together,” Azriel Boston said.

Azriel says she feels satisfied with her performance and things have not changed between the pair.

Mom, Bridget told THE VINCENTIAN that she is impressed, not just at the performance of her daughters, but the staff at the Sugar Mill Academy; especially with the challenges associated with online learning since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. She called the online classes “superb”.

Coupled with the maturity shown by Aziel and Azriel, mom Bridget revealed that there were instances when they would be left unsupervised, but never skipping their online classes.

Today, she remains thankful for those who supported, especially those who prayed.

Both girls will be off to the Girls’ High School when the new school year commences. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 13.

News

VincentianÊs story opens Film Festival

by GLORIAH… (Photo Credit:imdb.com) LAST WEDNESDAY, 8th September, the film “Becoming a Queen” opened the 16th Annual CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF) in Toronto, as it made its Canadian premiere. Festival

Strikes which details the journey of Joella Crichton, Toronto’s ninetime winner of the Queen of Carnival title, who strives to effect an historic tenth win. Sonia Godding and Chris Strikes are writers, with stars: Joella Crichton, Kenney Coombs and LouAnn Crichton; and other cast members: Mischka Crichton, Nneka Elliot, Gerald Weekes, Marcus Eustace and Celena Suesashai, all acting as themselves. It explores issues of identity, love and family through Caribbean artistry.

Joella is the 34-year-old daughter of former Vincentian masquerader Lou-Anne Crichton.

According to CTFF, this year’s presentation showcases fifty-six films from seventeen countries. It elaborated that, “...the festival showcases an exceptional, multi-ethnic mix of films that represent diverse and shared stories and culture.”

Director Diana Webley Director Strikes, who acknowledged that the film was believes that, “Our stories the festival jury’s unanimous keep our cultures alive, choice as an opener. The film striving and evolving. Our had also made its debut stories connect to the deepest screening at the 23rd Roxbury depths of the life source within International Film Festival in us. We are seen and we see Boston in June of 2020.

“Becoming a Queen” is a 90- us”, was the catalyst behind minute documentary directed the production of the film.

by Canadian filmmaker, Chris According to Caribbean Camera, Strikes’ approaching Joella to investigate whether she had been formerly approached to present her achievements on film, produced a definitive Vincentian Kenney Coombs, a very well known costume designer and creator has designed all of Joella’s costumes.

Joella Chrichton (centre) with her mom Lou-Ann Chrichton (left) and sister Mischka Chrichton. desire to do so himself despite the fact that she reported that she was preparing to conclude her participation. The journey to “Becoming a Queen” began in 2017.

Strikes said, “When I first met Joella back in 2017, I was completely enamoured with her Carnival accomplishments.

And because I met Joella through the film world, I learned that so many of Joella’s film and theatre peers didn’t really know much about her involvement in Carnival and King and Queen at the time. Thus, it immediately dawned on me that Joella needed to have her story told.”

He recalled realizing that as “the story progressed and evolved, I quickly realized that the people around her also needed to be celebrated too for the immense contributions they make; Kenney Coombs, costume designer; Lou-Ann Crichton, Joella’s mother; and Mischka Crichton, Joella’s older sister.”

The magazine at www.sharenews.com chronicled Joella’s journey towards her achievements, showing the challenges she experienced, albeit fighting back to stay aground. Made significant note of the carriage of the “Queen” costume, pivotal for the success it explained through the words of costume designer and creator Kenney Coombs, “Those costumes are heavy and you need someone who can take the weight and proudly display it with a smile on their face…being a former

The film also stars Vincentian Nneka Elliot. competitive skater she has the leg and body strength to keep going. You just don’t show up, put on a costume and perform.

You have to physically prepare for the competition and she puts in the hard work that very few see.”

Director Strikes believes that films like “Becoming a Queen” are tremendously important for sharing “Black stories and voices in Canadian film because our stories show our presence within Canadian history.”

The programme this year is packed with award-winning films geared to make audiences laugh, cry, and learn more about the experiences of African and Caribbean people around the globe. According to www.sharenews.com, the festival includes panel discussions and talkbacks with the film’s directors and stars.

Closing night takes place on September 24th in-person at the Carlton Cinema in Toronto along with the live stream showing. There will be an award ceremony.

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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

preparing Numbers dwindling SVG for the worst THE NUMBERS continue to dwindle.

As of September 8, there were 393 persons located in 19 shelters down from 514 in 24 shelters a week prior.

And according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, it is expected that the numbers should thin out significantly over time.

The prime minister, while Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves gave an update to the nation saying that there speaking on the were now under 400 persons residing in 19 shelters.

‘Face to Face’ radio who would have to be relocated. stated that there was some program on NBC Radio on He also mentioned the plan for urgency in having persons return September 8 provided a further a program between the to their homes in order to get update on the numbers of persons government and the Red Cross to schools ready for the new school displaced following the eruption of temporarily rent homes for year scheduled to begin on the La Soufriere volcano between persons waiting for their houses October 4.

April 9 and 22 still residing in to be repaired or rebuilt.

However, at the time of his shelters.

Gonsalves said that there were commenting on the issue, he Gonsalves noted that the a few persons still living with noted that there were some housing repair program had friends or family. persons who were of the view that commenced and that 27 houses “So we have the time to do all it was better for them to remain were presently being constructed the repairs,” he said. in the shelters until their homes at Orang Hill for those individuals The prime minister had earlier were in order. (DD)

says PM “WE ARE ASKING all the departments, all the different areas to check for body bags, because you have to prepare and to make arrangements for the use of any refrigerated container.” This statement was made by Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, as he announced that SVG is preparing for the worst as the Delta Variant of COVID-19 takes hold in the Southern Caribbean.

Speaking on NBC Radio on Friday, 3rd September, Gonsalves said that health officials are checking on the country’s COVID-19 supplies and equipment to see what more would be needed.

“What are the things which are of focus for us?

Ventilators: we have to see how many we have in our possession, those which are working, and we are ordering more; Oxygen: you see that problem in Jamaica?” he acknowledged.

Dr. Gonsalves outlined that among a list that the Chief Medical Officer detailed on 31st August are: IV stands, beds, wheelchairs, trolleys, sheets, suction machines, as well as drugs, including hydrocortisone and anesthetic agents, and IV fluids. “PPEs protective equipment, more and more required; the lab — PCR and antigen supplies, and other supplies,” he added.

Continued on Page 23.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 15.

News

Home invasion leaves Campden Park mechanic dead THE COMMUNITY OF PLAN, in Campden Park has once again been thrown into a state of shock, following the murder of 39-year-old mechanic, Jason ‘Longie’ Nero in the wee hours of Friday, 3rd September.

While Nero slept in his bedroom, three masked men exited a white Corolla ‘skettel’ car: two carrying cutlasses, and one armed with a shot gun, made their way into Nero’s house through a kitchen window located at the back of the house. Nero’s girlfriend was by his side

wide awake, while her father slept in another bedroom.

The men first entered the bedroom where Nero’s father-in-law was sleeping and tired him up. They then proceeded to enter the room where Nero slept. One of the masked men turned on the bedroom light after which they began to beat Nero. In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Nero’s girlfriend reported that a tussle ensued between Nero and the men and Nero fell off the bed. At that point the men

wasted no time in tying his hands and feet together, all this while the girlfriend looked on helplessly.

Her father was then moved to the bedroom where Nero and his girlfriend were. There, the masked men demanded money, jewelry and a gun, but after their demands were not met, the men turned their attention to a flat screen television in the bedroom.

The girlfriend was requested to disconnect the television while one of the men with a cutlass

stood guard. Meanwhile, the father of two was dragged from the bedroom into the kitchen and out onto the porch before he was executed.

A relative of the mechanic who requested anonymity, told THE VINCENTIAN that she was alerted by a loud tumbling coming from Nero’s house. She said that she shouted, “Jason, you na fed up mek noise”: something she usually told him whenever he did mechanic work at ‘odd hours’ in his mechanic shop downstairs. She didn’t receive his usual response. “I hear one of them (the masked man) said come here and when he say come here he shoot Jason in his head,” the relative recalled, added that four to five shots were fired in total with about a two-second break after the first two shots.

The masked men then

Mechanic Jason ‘Longie’ Nero was murdered in an apparent home invasion last Friday. rushed into the car to make their escape, but as the car sped off it returned moments later to collect a bag that one of them had apparently left behind.

Nero’s death has left many people in the community speculating as to what could cause his demise. “The man

had so many friends and he wasn’t a troublemaker. It has to be somebody who come by he before otherwise how them go know where to enter or even turn on the bedroom light?” one person questioned.

Nero is the 28th homicide recorded in SVG for 2021. (KH)

More protest action against mandatory vaccination required for someone to be considered fully vaccinated.

Among the protestors were Radio “When I see something wrong I talk show host and Unity Labour don’t have no side,” declared Da Party (ULP) activist, Frank Da Silva, Silva. He said that the Prime who said that despite what is being Minister defied police in Jamaica said, the doses of vaccination that one when he organized and invited is required to take to be fully protesters to go around police vaccinated keeps on increasing. “How barriers, but now he wants to use the could anybody want to force anybody police to stop the protest. to take jab number one when they The organizers are promising more have no clue what this vaccine is protest action if the government does going to do to you,” said Da Silva, not change its decision. Meanwhile, adding that in Israel they are now the Prime Minister remains being required to take four jabs as convinced that the protest action will opposed to the two jabs which are not change anything.

Continued from Backpage.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Officials: Dora James, Decima Hamilton, James Bellamy, Bernard Morgan and Jemma Alexander at the distribution ceremony.

Impressed by whatÊs happening JAMES BELLAMY, attached to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent is “impressed by what is happening here.” He drew his conclusion from the distribution of 600 school kits to 245 families Friday September 3. Bellamy made it plain that the event was not the only aspect of involvement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He referred to work done to assist persons with disabilities, and those affected by the eruption.

He also mentioned support for evacuees, even “working to clear the ash.”

Bellamy shared the platform with Dora James, Director of the National Red Cross Society. She stressed the institution’s role in ensuring gender equality, avoiding discriminatory tendencies, and protecting children.

She rehashed the difficulties spurned by the upshot of recent events, crowned by the volcanic eruption. James lamented the loss of livelihoods, PGI Officer Glenda Conliffe makes donation to a destruction of homes, and recipient. the absence of face-to-face instruction at schools. the distribution of the kits as “an She outlined stages of the Red example of the changing role of the Cross’ response to people’s needs, and Red Cross.” assured that the Red Cross is Hamilton pointed to resilience “working to build our nation.” building in areas of Paget Farm, Jemma Alexander, responsible for Overland, and Buccament to reduce Child Division ascribed education as a the impact of disasters. human right which can “break the Chairman of the proceedings, cycle of poverty.”

Glenda Conliffe, (PGI) Officer She stressed the measures of gender Protection, Gender and Inclusion was promotion, equality and support for happy with the presentation of the the family. supplies including pencils, books, Alexander views the kits for the diaries, note pads, crayons, pens, as children as an incentive to their well as face masks and hand academic journey. sanitizers.

Decima Hamilton is Coordinator Additionally, the parents were with the National Society and regards refunded their transport costs. (WKA)

V MoA to host Labour Demand Survey workshop News

ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021, the Human Development Service Delivery (HDSD) Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour (MoA) will be hosting a workshop presenting the findings and conclusions of the Labour Demand Survey (LDS) 2020.

Lead consultant in the initiative and senior lecturer in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies Professor Dr Dwayne Devonish will present key findings and conclusions from Labour Demand Survey 2020 to officials of the Ministry of Labour, representative of the World Bank HDSD Project and other key stakeholders in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Labour, will deliver brief remarks.

The target population for the Labour Demand Survey 2020 included the formal private sector and statutory/state-owned enterprises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A total of 1,465 formally registered establishments were identified as the relevant target population of establishments currently operating within the country based on an available Business Register provided by the National Insurance Services. From a selected sample of 339 establishments, a sample of 315 establishments was successfully surveyed.

The Labour Demand Survey was executed from October to November 2020 to thoroughly examine and report on the diverse labour demand needs, attitudes, experiences, preferences and related employment practices of a representative sample of employers of establishments in the country.

The LDS aimed also to capture employers’ perceptions, experiences and views on labour demand (measured as job openings/vacancies), hires and separations, and top job or occupational competencies and training needs. This was done under Component 3 of the HDSD Project.

The Workshop which takes place on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, is titled “Presentation and Workshop on the key findings from Labour Demand Survey 2020” will include speakers: Hon. Saboto Caesar — Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour, Professor Dr Dwayne Devonish — Lead Consultant for the Labour Demand Survey 2020 and a representative from the Department of Labour and takes place at the Beachcombers Hotel in Villa.

About The Human Development Service Delivery (HDSD) Project The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (GoSVG) has received funding from the World Bank (WB) for the implementation of the HDSD Project. The project is designed to strengthen the quality-of-service delivery in education, improve the efficiency of social protection systems, enhance the labour legislative framework, and improve the effectiveness of labour market systems.

and ensuring effective labour market systems.

The project is structured around the following four (4) components: Component 1 - Strengthening Pedagogy for Basic and Special Needs Education Component 2 - Building Responsive Social Protection Service Delivery Systems Component 3 - Strengthening Labour Market Systems and The design of this project was Improving Skills Training of Poor and driven by areas of need and by a range Vulnerable Populations of agencies involved in the Component 4 - Project development of human capital and the Implementation, Monitoring and improvement of the delivery of social Evaluation services to vulnerable citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The The project is being managed and Project is aligned with the specific implemented by the Ministry of sectors, national strategies, and policy Finance, Economic Planning, and direction of the GoSVG in the areas of Information Technology with several education, improvements to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies delivery of social protection services as implementation partners.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Rumour has it⁄ Dear George,

DO YOU THINK my girlfriend has any right to be giving her ex-boyfriend and other suspicious males ride in her car?

This is a guy who has never accepted her leaving and vowed to me that he will get her back and she knows this. Rumour has it that they were seen parked on a lonely road late at night. I have no issue with her letting men ride in her car, but not when there is a story attached to the men she has in the car. I happened to see her one time driving with one of these men sitting next to her with his arm across her shoulder. She denied that ever happened and told me that was not what I saw. Things were better with us before she started to drive but it seems the car will be the reason for the demise of this relationship. She does not see it that way.

You and your girlfriend should be able to have a mature conversation about this without anyone losing their marbles. Once you have articulated your point of view about her closeness to her ex and the fact that he has vowed to come between you two, then common sense should prevail causing her to rightfully take a few steps backwards and away from him.

Your concerns need to be validated by her before things further deteriorate.

It would be folly to allow an ex to follow through on his pledge to destroy a good thing, unless she in fact never fully left in the first place.

About to Move

George

Dear About to Move,

Double trouble now? She is constantly asking me to tell her the reason for me leaving my last relationship. The thing is, I did not leave, I was asked to leave.

circumstances that prevail presently with her being the sister. This A GIRL I dated in the might be a deal breaker past has announced to for her but regardless, me that she is carrying she needs to have the my baby. We broke up 5 opportunity to decide on months ago. The trouble what’s next. As the is, the girl I am with now In Deep father of the child in is the half-sister of my question, you have equal Dear In Deep, old girlfriend. I never rights to the child and knew this until a few The fact that you were this can be addressed at days ago. She too is asked specifically about the family court if it pregnant for me. I am what transpired in your comes to that. Tell her afraid if I tell her about last relationship, means the whole truth and let my past she will leave that you owe it to her to the chips fall where they me and would not allow tell the truth, especially may. me to be a part of my child’s life. What do I do knowing the

Dear George,

George

So ungrateful!

Dear George, I DID SOMETHING for the good of our family and now that my husband has found out he is talking divorce. If I had never done what I did, we would have been homeless and he would not even be working where he is working now.

Things were hard for us in every way and we could not make our rent of 900 dollars monthly. My husband and I were laid off from work and things got to the point where we were 6 months behind in rent. My husband did not want to deal with the landlord and sent me to talk to him instead.

Of course, that was after we were threatened with eviction. After pleading with the landlord, who was serious about putting us out on the street, I knew that embarrassment would have been too much for me. I made a deal with him to sleep with him for 6 consecutive days for the 6 months’ rent owed and twice monthly going forward until I could begin to pay as before. He further suggested I sleep with him twice weekly on the basis that he hired my husband in his company, which he did.

It has been quite a while now since this has been going on, but my husband just got wind of it. He is crying shame on me for doing this and

is planning on divorcing me. I find him ungrateful and is allowing his jealousy to get the better of him. He walked off the job and is sitting at home like a grumpy, old man. I want to know from you if you think there is any hope for this marriage.

Caring Wife Dear Caring Wife, I am assuming you said yes to the oath of marriage to be with your husband through good times, loving him and remaining faithful and committed regardless the cost. If that was never the case or even remotely close to being the case, then it can be argued that he has no right to expect any such things from you like faithfulness, utmost devotion, open communication etc. Your actions have bruised your husband’s pride and cost you your dignity. While he is justified in seeking the divorce route, maybe you can admit to your wrong doings and not get points for your intentions, with the hope that he would be willing to put all of this behind with the help of professional counseling and agree to try once more. Referring to him as ungrateful and jealous will not help the situation and is totally ridiculous.

I hope you see this as a learning experience and hope that it’s not too expensive a lesson.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21­ April 20) Put aside any decisions concerning your position at work. You can accomplish the most if you travel for business purposes. Changes could be overwhelming.

TAURUS (Apr. 21­ May 21) Outdoor sports events should entice you. Be careful; your ideas are good but make sure that you're realistic and start off on solid ground. You will need a little competition this week. Your doubt could lead to insecurity.

GEMINI (May 22­June 21) Take some time to change your house around. It will do you some good. Be discreet with private information. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people's money or possessions this week.

CANCER (June 22­July 22) Your need to use emotional blackmail will only cause more conflict. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable.

LEO (July 23­Aug 22) Your mind is on moneymaking ventures. Don't try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Keep important information to yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ­Sept. 23) You can get ahead if you play your cards right. If you can't get ahead in the company you're with, perhaps it's time to move on. You should be looking at ways to spoil yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ­Oct. 23) Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss. Don't be alarmed. Don't let the erratic behavior of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ­ Nov. 22) Exhaustion will lead to minor injury if you don't know when to quit. If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side.

Get out and get active.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ­Dec. 21) Be sure to take care of any minor ailments. Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home.

Emotional relationships will be plentiful if you attend group activities.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.­ Jan. 20) Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. Do not get into uncertain financial deals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.­ Feb. 19) Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time.

Don't divulge secret information.

PISCES (Feb. 20­Mar. 20) Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

ACROSS 1. Seize quickly 5. Notice 8. Shipboard mop 12. Peruvian city 13. Military conflict 14. Musical quality 15. Western state 16. All people 18. Have a bite 19. Monkey cousin 20. More mature 21. Vane heading 23. Coffee: slang 24. Painting implement 26. Dad’s darling 27. Unruly crowd 30. Made by us 31. Raucous bird 32. Male admirer, quaintly 33. Willing reply 34. Achieved 35. Makes jokes 5. Plied a broom 36. Petty lie 6. Roof projection 37. Seasoned soldiers 7. Previous to, 38. Spin around poetically 41. Oily nutrient 8. Fashion trend 42. “__ your turn!”

45. Hawaiian destination 9. Carpentry material 10. Ms. Bancroft 47. Sofa or chair 11. Stadium brew 48. Huge boats 17. Hotel unit 49. Jazz great Torme 19. Shade tree 50. Norwegian 22. Horse relative metropolis 23. Elation 51. Wasp abode 24. Young fellow 52. Affectionate touch 25. Feel regret for 53. Irish dish 26. Car­floor covering 27. Least neat DOWN 28. Bran source 29. Tour vehicle 1. Adhesive liquid 31. Career 2. Dreamy Hayworth 32. Wager (on) 3. Open entrants 34. Aquatic “lung” 4. Dismissive utterance 35. Fast plane

36. Decorate (a cake) 37. Secure chamber 38. Stranger __ fiction 39. Dressed in 40. Writing fluids

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 19.

41. Canine­ bothering pest 43. Yarn 44. Pack 46. Sports judge 47. Coast Guard transmission

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

MFA launches Youth Development Programme sees the respective age group coming to the venue at a scheduled time… We are also providing them with a little meal to ensure their sustenance while they are there”, Dascent revealed.

Apart from the actual honing of the youngsters footballing skills, Dascent disclosed that part of the MFA’s objectives of the programme, is to “help with their interpersonal, personal and life skills”.

“We are also developing a body of coaches within the Marriaqua Valley, so as to ensure that the

programme has posterity, whilst giving the coaches a platform to enhance their technical abilities and their abilities to communicate effectively with others”, Dascent commented.

Cognizant too of the prevailing health challenges with the coronavirus, Dascent related that strict protocols are being adhered to.

Dascent underscored the need to have the youngsters engaged in meaningful activities in light of the down-time occasioned by the limitations caused by the pandemic.

Female participants in the MFA Programme.

THE MARRIAQUA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (MFA) has launched a Youth Development Programme, targeting males and females between the ages of 6 and 16 years.

Conducted at the Cane End Playing Field, the progamme seeks to develop a cadre of young footballers, male and female, at the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and

Under-17 levels.

President of the MFAYosiah Dascent noted that his organisation has been able to outfit the eighty participants as well as offer them something to eat.

“The programme which runs between the hours of 9am and 1pm, Some of the males who are attending the MFA Programme.

Sunday Sweaters take Six-A-Side Football Tournament SUNDAY SWEATERS won the inaugural Comsport Over40 Six — A Side Tournament, which took place at the Comsport Sporting Facility in Arnos Vale, last Sunday and Monday.

In the four-team tournament, Sunday Sweaters played unbeaten, to cop the winner’s trophy and the $400 cash prize.

Sunday Sweaters beat Sion Hill Masters 8-1, drew 0-0 with South Leeward Masters and edged out Comsport Legends 1-0.

South Leeward Masters finished second and received a trophy and $150. Sion Hill Masters and Comsport Legends ended third and

fourth respectively.

Stanley Liverpool of Sweaters won the Most Goals award, as he scored five times.

Liverpool also won his team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. The other MVPs were Sylvester Joseph — South Leeward Masters; Ezekiel Free — Sion Hill Masters and Curtis “Fame” Joseph — Comsport Legends.

Chief organiser of the event — Michael John, noted that the tournament sought to fill the gap in providing competitive football for those who are advancing in age.

John, who is the proprietor execution of the tournament, of the newly established and is planning future facility, said that he was tournaments. pleased with the overall

Champions: Sunday Sweaters Left: Most Goals awardee: Stanley Liverpool.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 21.

Sports

Rugby begins summer camps

THE NATIONAL Rugby Union has embarked on a series of SVG Rugby 7’s tournaments in an effort to get the present players up to competition standard, while exposing more players to the sport for upcoming tournaments.

In Game One, Leeward Invaders B Team beat Sharks B Team 30-10. Try scorers for Sharks were Kevin Caine and Jashorn Primus, while the try Leonard Mathews scorers for Invaders were President of the SVG Ajay Delpesche two tries; Rugby Union.

Adrian Sam, Jay Edwards, Rod Laborde and Klyvebert Browne scored one each.

In the second game Leeward Invaders B outplayed Sharks B 15-0. The Try scorers for Invaders B were Ajay Delpesche with two tries and Rod Laborde, one try.

In the A Team encounter, Leeward Invaders and Sharks played to a 20 points draw. The try scorers for Invaders A team were Jonti Bowens, two tries; Demitri Samuel and Dugal James scored one each.

For Sharks A Team, two tries were scored by Kit Horne and one each by Raydon Williams and Dellon Durrant.

The first in the series of tournaments took place at the North Union playing field last weekend and Leonard Mathews, President of the SVG Rugby

Federation believes these tournaments are timely, as they will afford the players an opportunity to improve their ability and skills in a competitive environment. “The idea and expectation behind the local 7’s tournament is to bring the youth who enjoy rugby in the islands together and then get them prepared for future international Invaders dominated the encounters in the opening series. tournaments”.

He added, “In preparation for the upcoming tournaments, the SVG Rugby Union is currently eyeing their participation in the Rugby America’s North (RAN) Super Sevens tournament in Mexico City in February in 2022. The three-day tournament, which includes senior and age-grade divisions for men and women, will also act as a qualifier for the Central Caribe Games in 2022, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, England. There are a lot of activities going to be taking place in Rugby 7’s, so these tournaments we are having is to be Shark B surely able to prepare all of our will learn from players for these 7’s the exposure. tournaments”.

Athletes getting opportunities abroad MORE LOCAL athletes will have the opportunity and exposure to different conditions geared toward enhancing their sports and academics, courtesy the efforts of athletics coach Michael Ollivierre head coach of ITDAT Academy.

Five athletes will be heading off to GC Foster College in Jamaica soon, some on full scholarship and some on half scholarship. They are Odesha Nanton, local 400 meters hurdles champion; Anessia Richards, 400 meters

champion; Sage Primus, national champion over the 100 and 200 meters; and national champion Earl Simmons from Union Island and Hasheen Daniel, both runners up in the 100 meters.

Ollivierre recognizes the importance of athletes’ development in the Caribbean and has assisted several athletes to go abroad for further development, having been a former coach in the Jamaica athletics system.

“It’s a bit more difficult to get kids in the United States

Athletes working hard to achieve their true potential.

at this point due to the coronavirus and the responsibility they will have to undergo, so I am trying to get as many of the male and female athletes in Jamaica, so we can also have an opportunity to qualify for the World Championship in the relays. I am also trying to open up the doors again to UWI and hopefully in September 2022, we should have two athletes going there once everything goes well and also at UTEC, so I am trying to utilize all the opportunities

in Jamaica and those in the United States”.

Most of these athletes came through the IT-DAT Academy and its summer camps, but athletes from other clubs are also benefitting, Ollivierrre said.

“From our academy, we have five athletes in Jamaica already and they are doing well with different responsibilities, so I am very happy that I am able to assist them by opening the doors.

Additionally, two athletes from Xcel Club are also in Jamaica and they are doing well, so

Michael Ollivierre, head coach of IT-DAT Academy. it’s spreading the love and opportunities for everyone”.

Stories by I.B.A ALLEN

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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Bishop asserts authority A YOUNGSTER from the island of Grenada has made his name on the international cricket circle.

From here, people will look forward with interest any time Teddy Bishop goes to the wicket.

Bishop, a right-handed batsman hit his first One Day International century: 133 at Beckenham County Ground last Wednesday.

Bishop shared a vital fifth wicket stand with Vice-captain Giovonte Depeiza whose 21 came off 51 balls, to steer the young Windies from 118 for 4.

Bishop fell with 12 runs need for victory. But his innings was a secure platform.

Johann Layne in his first match, finished off the game with a six to seal the victory. That was as fitting a gift for Layne, two days before his 18th birthday.

England romped to a two nil lead in the sixmatch series with a convincing 166 run win in the first match. England notched up 289 for 9 in their allotment and bundled out the Windies for 123.

The second encounter saw a thrilling one wicket win for the home team, reaching 181 for 9 in 38 overs in response to West Indies’ 180 all out in 39.3 overs. That match signalled the arrival of Bishop. He was unbeaten, three runs short of a century when the innings folded.

Bishop went the distance in the third match blasting 20 fours in his 117 ball stay at the crease. With his 15 in the first game, Bishop notched up 245 runs in his three innings thus far and will be keen to carry on the plundering.

His performance comes on the verge of the announcement of the West Indies Senior squad to defend the T/20 World Cup. Bishop will not be eligible for selection having not participated in the first place. But his progress will be monitored, and pundits will keep more than a causal interest in his progress.

After all, there have been calls for genuine batsmen to establish themselves in regional cricket. West Indian fans will be hoping that Bishop maintains his consistency and grow from strength to strength. The young Grenadian will be an easy topic of attention. His home country and title have their own pedigree. Anyone knowledgeable of Grenadian history will know of the paths carved out by the Bishops’ legacy. Two prominent names come to mind: Rupert and Maurice Bishop.

Another Bishop, by the name of Ian, distinguished himself in West Indies colours before settling for the microphone. Ian Bishop is one of the world’s top commentators. If there is any relationship, that will soon be a topical issue.

The Teddy Bishop batting display boosted the young West Indies as they become more familiar with the English conditions.

Bishop expressed happiness with his landmark especially against England who had been touted highly by their media entourage.

At any level, an England/West Indies showdown is one that creates excitement. The rivalry has rekindled the battle for supremacy so intense time after time. All the best to the young West Indies in the rest of the series.

Basketball presidents congratulate Sophia ROHAN PROVIDENCE and Wayne Williams, present and former SVG’s Basketball Association Presidents respectively, have congratulated Sophia Young-Malcolm after she was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Texas.

The ceremony which was held last Saturday at the BASE at the Extraco Events Center in the United States, was a historic one for SVG and more so, to the sport of Basketball for the twotime All-American at Baylor and three-time WNBA all-star with the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Providence said, “The SVG Basketball Federation is elated on the recognition of the stalwart performance and contribution of Sophia being inducted into the Texas Basketball Hall of Fame. We hope to honor her locally as well as a daughter of the soil.

Sophia's achievement underwrites the current and future plans of the Federation to invest heavily in female basketball here in SVG. It provides further impetus to form and

foster partnerships at all levels of society to advance the female programs in the Federation. Her achievement has shown that coming from a small island and being given an opportunity is enough to transform any Wayne Williams Rohan person’s life. It former National Providence Basketball is stories like SVG Basketball President.

Sophia's that President. further congratulations to motivates us at the Sophia Young-Malcolm Federation to seek on her latest partnerships with the achievement. We don’t government and have what it takes here Corporate Society to for athletes to achieve develop our players locally and prepare them their full potential, so we for opportunities abroad made every effort to bring them up to a that can drastically certain level so that change their lives and bring further recognition when they get the opportunity they would to our small nation be able to hold their own state.” and excel. I also credit Williams, former SVGBA President at the the late Gloria Ballantyne SVG Netball time Sophia left for the President, who at the United States is also time supported our drive happy with her to have more girls achievement. “I would participate in basketball. like to join with others Sophia represented the and extend

Sophia Young-Malcolm in the Texas Hall of Fame.

Hairoun basketball team, through Mike Reynolds and Mike Maconoty and with permission from her mother she was able to travel to the US as a guardian.

“It’s significant to note now, that Sophie is a new women's basketball coach and an Assistant AD for Player Development. We look forward to benefitting more from Sophia’s experience and expertise, so we are proud of her and what she is doing to elevate herself and indirectly promote SVG”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

National Paralympic Committee pursuing more members THE National Paralympic Committee Inc. St Vincent and the Grenadines (NPC VIN), is on a mission to have more persons involved in the organisation.

That is the revelation of the President of NPC- VINRudi Daniel.

Accordingly, Daniel told THE VINCENTIAN: “We are trying to get a few more persons involved… We are trying to get more persons with disability to realise that they can excel in sports and Rudi Daniel the other thing is to get other people interested”.

Setting specific targets within a time frame, Daniel related, “We are aiming at having three athletes in whichever sport, in training in the next eighteen months that is our target”.

Daniel acknowledged that the need to go and “hunt out” athletes, is because Paralympics is new to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We are new… We don’t have athletes of our own, so we have to depend on the various national associations”, Daniel commented.

Daniel disclosed that his organisation is working closely with the Voice of the Disabled and “we have contacted all the other associations who deal with persons with disability”.

Optimistic that there are some positive indicators of his organisation becoming more visible, Daniel informed, since swimmer- Dexroy Creese has come to the fore, there has been some interest from others. “We have a young swimmer from Central

Leeward and we also have an even younger swimmer, so from the Swimming side, we now have two hopefuls”, Daniel stated.

Daniel underscored that Creese’s exploits and national spotlight, was responsible for a 15-year-old male expressing desire to take to the pool in competitive Swimming.

Creese, an amputee competed last Sunday at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

He thus became the first Vincentian to participate at the Paralympic Games.

Happy that St Vincent and the Grenadines was able to whet its feet at the Paralympics, Daniel noted that the NPC-VIN is also looking to get a foothold in other sporting disciplines.

“We have Blind Football which is coming up in October, so we are sending three people to Barbados to a Blind Football Camp; an administrator, a player and a coach-type person”, Daniel outlined.

The three-day camp will be conducted in conjunction with the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA).

Extending their reach and have an all-round presence, Daniel said that it is also critical to have technical personnel engage in the teaching of specifics of the various sporting disciplines.

“Apart from the athletes we are looking to develop coaches too… We have to get the coaches involved, so that they can gain the knowledge of how to teach those with disabilities”. Daniel commented.

The NPC- VIN President was grateful, that while in Japan, Swimming Coach - Rickydene Alexander, who accompanied Creese, was able to get some training and technical help at the Nippon Sports Science University.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021. 23.

Classifieds

SVG preparing for the worst says PM

Continued from Page 14.

The Prime Minister said the worst could happen. However, the real problem of hospitalization and deaths can be avoided in a significant way if Vincentians take the vaccine and follow the protocols.

As of Tuesday, 7th September, the island had detected five cases of the Mu variant of the COVID-19 virus.

(KH)

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Service: 11:00 a.m.

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Interment: Troumaca Cemetery

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Friday, 3rd September, 2021 St. Philip, Mesopotamia Viewing & Tributes: 11:00 a.m.

Service: 12:00 noon Interment: Dumbarton Cemetery LORNA NOREEN COLE Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral, Kingstown Viewing & Tributes: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

PHILLIP AUGUSTUS ROBERTSON Wednesday, 8th September, 2021 Evesham Methodist Church Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Riley Cemetery

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER

10, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.36

www.thevincentian.com

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MORE PROTEST ACTION AGAINST MANDATORY VACCINATION

and the main opposition, New Democratic Party, called on their A CROWD of people took to the streets of members and supporters to join the Kingstown yesterday to protest the protest. passing of a law by the government to Days before the protest, the PSU amend the Public Health Act, making it wrote to the Commissioner of Police mandatory for frontline workers to take Colin John seeking permission to carry the COVID-19 vaccine. out the protest and while they were The law was passed in the wee given permission to protest, their hours of Friday, August 6th, after choice of venue in Kingstown was protests the previous day resulted in rejected and permission was given to Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves protest in Arnos Vale. The union held sustaining an injury to his head. a meeting in which they decided to Disappointed by the government’s defy the police order. However, the decision to passed the law, a number Police Commissioner backtracked on of unions including the Public Service his order on Wednesday 8th and Union and the SVG Teachers Union, a granted the union permission to social group dubbed Rise Hairouna protest in Kingstown.

Chants of “my body, my choice, your body, your choice” echoed throughout the protest and posters reading “ Equal rights and justice for all in SVG” and “SVG

by KENVILLE HORNE

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday addressed the crowd at the protest.

Protesters took to the streets yesterday to voice their displeasure with the amended Public Health Act among other things.

Democracy is under attack, defend our rights” were on display along with placards various different messages.

Opposition Leader, Dr. Godwin Friday was on hand to show his party’s support, along with the party’s Vice President and other members.

Friday questioned why should the people asked for permission from the police to protest. “ Why do we have to go to Arnos Vale? What is this a cricket match?” asked Friday.

He said that the police are citing laws from since 1951, even before the constitution. He assured the protesters that he will give them his support.

“Whether it is a hundred or a hundred thousand persons come out, I will be amongst them because I feel strongly about it,” assured the opposition leader.

PSU President, Elroy Boucher said that there is no need to make the vaccine mandatory, “Give the workers a choice. People are coming around to being vaccinated, but they are

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

thinking about it to make their decisions,” said the PSU president.

Despite yesterday’s protest being more peaceful than that of August 5th, a number of protesters were arrested.

Among them the husband of opposition senator, Shevern John.

A number of police officers were seen pushing some protesters from the sidewalks between the Central Market and the Police Headquarters. Some protesters pushed back, but was over powered by the lawmen and ended up inside the vegetable market. Others resorted to insulting the officers accusing them of being ungrateful to the people whose tax dollars are paying their salaries. Others stated that they are doing the bidding of one man. “Why alyo have strength for people protesting and calling out the government, but alyo can’t find the criminals who killing people?” one man questioned.

Continued on Page 15.

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