THE VINCENTIAN PDF-10-12-21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER

10, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.49

Prison not scaring offenders Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

Disabled exhibit talent Page 5

a public procession without THE VINCENTIAN notifying the Commissioner of on Tuesday morning, Police at least 24 hours before hours after she the procession, contrary to received from the Section 5 (1) of the Public Office of the Director Order Act, Chapter 396 of the of Public Prosecutions laws of SVG, revised edition (DPP), eight notices of 2009. nolle prosequi They were also charged (discontinuations), in separately on two counts of relation to all the charges brought under knowingly taking part in a public procession/meeting, in the Public Order Act. contravention of section 5 (2) The DPP’s decision of the Public Order Act to nolle prosequi the Chapter 396 of the laws of charges was taken SVG, revised edition 2009. pursuant to Section The charges stemmed from 67(1) of the Criminal protest actions outside the Procedure Code, House of Assembly, and chapter 172 of the demonstrations around Laws of St. Vincent Kingstown on July 29 and and the Grenadines, August 5, 2021. revised edition, 2009.

The defendants had The vindicated eight: Adriana King, a appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett teacher at the St. at the Kingstown Vincent Grammar Magistrate Court School; Kenson King, separately on different a prison officer; dates, pleaded not Tyrone James, guilty to their charges, General Secretary of and were given the opposition New various trial dates.

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste was Democratic Party They were also confident that her clients would have (NDP); Colin represented by Grahame, NDP talk beaten the charges regardless of attorneys Israel show host; which course the trial took.

Bruce and Calypsonian/musician

by HAYDN HUGGINS Shirlan Zita Robert ‘Patches’ Barnwell.

King/Knights; Rohan ATTORNEY KAY BACCHUSSimmonds of Diamonds BAPTISTE says the failure of What if there Village; John Mofford of the state to prosecute eight was no nolle Dorsetshire Hill, and Joseph persons charged with prosequi DaSilva of Mesopotamia. organizing and taking part in The eight were charged protest actions earlier this year, separately on two counts of vindicates the rights of all being concerned in organizing Vincentians to protest, and underscores the will of the (L-R): Adrianna King and Kenson King, people. two of the eight protestors against Bacchus-Baptiste, the lead whom certain matters were lawyer for all eight discontinued, will return to court to defendants, was speaking to answer to other charges.

Tribute to Sir James Pages 18&20

EC$1.50

TT Foundation reset Page 28

When asked if she thought her clients would have been acquitted if the matters were prosecuted, Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN, “I have no doubt that in a fair trial they would have been acquitted.”

The lawyer pointed out that the state did not even reach the first threshold, that of complying with the Court orders to disclose all

Some protocols amended Page 32

witness statements, and other relevant material to the cases. She noted that the deadlines given by the Court for disclosure had long gone. Bacchus-Baptiste said that even if the DPP had not taken the decision to nolle prosequi the charges, the Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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News 3 Students to receive cash awards

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

by GLORIAH...

EACH STUDENT who was successful in the external exams in 2021 is to be awarded with a sum of $500.00 by the Government.

This award scheme is now an annual affair.

According to the Ministry Education, success in these examinations is inclusive of: five or more passes including English Language and Mathematics in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC); passes in two or more subjects in the GCE A’ Level or the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CAPE) plus communication Studies or Caribbean Studies; or successful completion of an Associate Degree Programme.

Eligible students were advised to collect their awards at the Ministry of Education between 14th and 16th December, between the hours of from 9:00 am and 12:30 pm. No payments will be made after this period.

The $500.00 Award is now eagerly anticipated by students who qualify.

Activists vindicated

Rickie Burnett, Senior Magistrate, had earlier denied a request from the DPP’s Office to have the matters heard together.

Continued from Front page. matters were liable to be struck out on the basis of the state’s failure to disclose.

A misuse of office Bacchus-Baptiste expressed the view that it was clear to her that the Commissioner of Police misused his Office for political

reasons, and it was equally clear that this administration wants to stifle lawful protests and demonstrations, by using the Public Order Act to achieve their desires.

“Having analysed the Act, I said it was unconstitutional, and against all the Human Rights Charters dealing with protests, and human rights.”

The former NDP senator expressed strong indignation with any Government “who would seek to stifle the will of the people by intimidating certain social activists with the hope that others would not protest.”

The lawyer said the DPP’s decision has opened up the state to possible law suits for false arrest, and false imprisonment, Bacchus-Baptiste suggested, but when asked whether the defence would be taking legal action, she said the defendants would have to make that decision.

There are other matters pending in connection with the protest actions, the lawyer reminded. These (matters), in her view, were also political and ought to be nolle prosequie as well.

Attempt to have matters joined The decision of the DPP to nolle prosequi the charges brought under the Public Order Act came ten days after Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett had

turned down an application by Crown Counsel Rene Simmons, to have all those matter joined together and heard in one hearing, in order to save time.

Simmons argued that the charges were similar in all the matters: the prosecution witnesses were the same; the dates in relation to the charges were the same; the defendants were the same; the lawyers were the same, and there was a nexus between all the matters.

But Bacchus-Baptiste strongly objected to the application stating that it would not be in the interest of justice for all the defendants to be tried together.

She argued that the prosecution’s narrative was that all the defendants were involved in an act of organizing something, and contended that it would be unfair and prejudicial, in the circumstances, to have her clients tried together, as they were charged separately.

Bacchus-Baptiste also pointed out that the state was in contempt of Court, having failed to comply with Court orders for the disclosure of all witness statements, and relevant material to the cases.

After listening to arguments from both sides, the Senior Magistrate refused the application by the state for all the matters to be joined and heard together. The rest is now history.

New Budget Day – Jan 3 THE DATES for the presentation to Parliament of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and Budget for 2022 have been pushed back.

The original dates set were December 8 for the presentation of the Estimates and December 13 for the 2022 Budget presentation, to be followed by the usual debate.

But Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced on the WEFM ‘Issues at Hand’ programme on December 5, that because the body of former Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell will be lying in state in the Parliament on December 17, this would mean having to adjourn the December 16 proceedings early, and resume the following week, which leads into Christmas.

“Therefore, the Budget debate has been rescheduled to January 3, the first working day and the Estimates would be on the 13 (December),” Gonsalves said.

“And because we are having the debate on the 13th for the Estimates, we are having the meeting at the House of Assembly on December 10th on the Standing Committee on Finance,” he continued.

Up to the time when he made the announcement, the Prime Minister said the Estimates were still being printed but was expected to be ready by December 6 for circulation to the members of Parliament. (DD)

Reserving a ‘Nine Nights’ ticket

by GLORIAH… THE NATIONAL PARKS RIVERS and Beaches Authority’s annual Nine Nights of Lights at the Botanical Garden, will kick off on Wednesday 15th and end on Thursday 23rd December, 2021.

Among the strict COVID-19 protocols that will be enforced is that only a vaccinated adult audience of 500 will be allowed in the space, on any one night.

And to gain admission to any night’s production and performances, patrons can use a newly defined mode for entry.

A release from the Nine Nights Committee has stated that patrons may reserve their tickets for entry. There are two options. For Option One, an email must be sent to npaninenights@gmail.com.

The number of tickets required must be stated; and attached must be a scanned image of the person wishing to access the ticket(s), along with a vaccination card or vaccination card with QR code.

The information must first be verified by the Ministry of Health, after which a notification of confirmation will be sent with payment instruction.

For Option Two, one may visit the office of the National Parks at Stoney Grounds and present a COVID-19 vaccination card and National Identification (ID) Card. Once the information they provide is verified by the Ministry of Health, contact will be made concerning payment instructions.

For further information, persons should call: 784453-1623.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Trini ÂCatÊ back in Court allowed a prohibited immigrant who arrived in such vessel to be landed.

SOME SIX YEARS after Trinidadian Pavy pleaded not guilty to all four Desmond ‘Cat’ Pavy was jailed here for charges when he appeared before escaping lawful custody from the Belle Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett at Isle Correctional Facility while doing the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on time for possession of controlled drugs, Wednesday. he is again before a local Court.

His attorney Grant Connell told the Pavy was taken before the Court that Pavy had suffered a severe Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on injury to his left hand, and asked the Wednesday to answer four Court to address the matter urgently, immigration charges. so that Pavy could save his limb and He has been charged with, that on possibly his life.

November 30, 2021 at Chateaubelair, Connell said Pavy came to Court did enter the state, by boat, without a from the hospital and was expected to passport. return there.

Pavy is also charged with, that on The lawyer added that Pavy was November 30, 2021, at Chateaubelair, diabetic, and his injury would did enter the state other than at a port deteriorate if he does not return to of entry.

Trinidad to have it addressed.

He is additionally charged with that Connell said this country does not on the same date, at Chateaubelair, have the resources to address injuries did knowingly and wilfully allow of this nature, and his client could face himself to be landed as a prohibited possible loss of limb or death. immigrant.

Prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Pavy is also charged with, that on Court she had no detailed medical the same date, at Chateaubelair, being documentation in relation to the the master of a vessel, knowingly injury, but she indicated that the Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Prosecution was objecting to bail as Pavy was a non-national.

She said she had a document from Dr. Charles Woods, and her instructions were that Pavy was allowed to attend Court on Wednesday. She confirmed that he came to Court from the hospital, and had to return to the hospital.

Connell said the prosecution had not even presented a medical report to the Court, so that the Court could properly assess the situation. He asked that Dr. Woods be summoned.

He also requested that Pavy be granted bail.

The Magistrate did not grant Connell’s requests, but he adjourned the matter to today (Friday) for trial.

The local coast guard had reportedly intercepted Pavy and two others aboard a go fast vessel off Chateaubelair on November 30.

The others had previously appeared at the Serious Offences Court, and were fined on two of the charges to which they pleaded guilty.

The other two charges to which they pleaded not guilty were withdrawn. A removal order was also made in relation to both of them.

When THE VINCENTIAN later asked Connell what was wrong with Pavy’s hand, he said Pavy was reported to have been shot by police

while the lawmen were intercepting their vessel on November 30 off Chateaubelair.

Connell declined to comment further as the matter was before the Court.

Pavy had escaped from the Belle Isle Desmond ‘Cat’ Correctional Facility Pavy… in the on the morning of Vincentian February 22, 2014 court again. by climbing over the fence, after being taken out of his cell for work. He made good his escape, and subsequently returned to Trinidad and Tobago.

He was brought back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on May 13, 2015, about four months after a Trinidad Court committed him to be extradited, following his apprehension there.

On May 14, 2015, Pavy appeared before then Magistrate Carla James, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

He pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility on February 22, 2014, and was sentenced to two years in prison to run consecutively with a nine-year sentence he was at the time serving for drug-related offences, for which he was sentenced on November 17, 2011.

Prison not scaring off offenders FROM SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett’s observation, prison does not seem to be a deterrent to some offenders.

“Like prison seems to be no deterrent to them. If I am to hear about prison, I would be shaking in my boots, but they seem to have no fear at all,” Burnett said while presiding over a matter in which 22year-old Isham Penniston of Diamond pleaded guilty to wounding his stepfather Shawn Bobb, a 46-year-old Barbadian national residing at Diamond.

According to the facts presented during his appearance at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Penniston used a cutlass “to chop’ his stepfather on his right elbow.

The incident occurred around 10pm, December 6, at the rented house which Bobb occupied with Penniston’s mother and her children.

Penniston, a form 3 secondary school dropout, went for the cutlass and ‘chopped’ his stepfather, after the 46-year-old man had spoken to him about clouting his (Penniston) younger brother.

“Have you ever gone to prison before?” the Senior Magistrate asked the youngster, who replied, “No, only the barracks,” referring to the cells at the Central Police Station.

When Burnett told Penniston he was not referring to the barracks, the young man told the Court, “I never went to the other one,” referring to Her Majesty’s Prisons.

The Magistrate said he was thinking about remanding the

youngster for a week before sentencing him, but he noted that Penniston seemed not to be shaken by what the Magistrate said.

The boy’s stepfather told the Court that Penniston was disrespectful to the home and children, and was prone to become aggressive especially when he consumed alcohol.

Bobb said that despite this he had been trying hard not to have Penniston evicted, but the situation had become unbearable. Penniston no longer lives at that house.

When the Magistrate inquired of Penniston about the relationship he had with his stepfather, the youngster replied, “I love him, I wish he was my father,” Penniston said that after he dropped out of school at form 3, he went to Barbados to work for Bobb.

“Look at what you are going to get, a criminal record,” the Magistrate told him.

“You are a big man, and if you can’t live with your stepfather find your own home,” Burnett added.

Penniston had no previous convictions and benefited from his early guilty plea.

The Magistrate, though, on assessment of the defendant’s demeanor in the dock, commented, “I can’t say I have seen any remorse.”

But while be expressed displeasure with the occurrences of wounding, he opted not to send the first time offender to prison.

“I have to place him on a bond,” the Senior Magistrate concluded before bonding Penniston for one year, in the sum of $2,500, or nine months in prison.

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

Industry

The disAbled can do it too⁄

in society in as normal a way as possible.

“What we focus on is empowerment for persons with disabilities in ever changing times,” Davis declared.

He reflected on the resilience of disabled persons as being no different from abled bodied persons, especially through the period of Dengue Fever, Covid-19 and volcanic eruptions.

Davis is grateful for the help the organisation receives and declared: Andrea Ashers, NSPD President, greeting patrons “God has blessed us with some nice people.” He with information about IDPD. pointed out that up to designated by the United 260 were provided with packages during the Nations in 1992 to give The fine craft work of Gamal Antoine caught the attention of the majority of peak of the crisis focused attention to patrons to the exhibition. wrought by the volcanic promoting the rights and eruptions. well-being of persons that they have skills to the meantime, the the organisation and put Davis, himself a with disabilities in all make a living,” Davis Society “is hoping to find in on a more sustainable physically challenged spheres of society. asserted, adding that in projects that would help footing.” (WKA) person, appealed for And the Day did not more volunteers to offer escape the attention of the SVG National Society their skills, notably in the areas of sewing and of Persons with carpentry.

DisAbilities (NSPD).

The Society chose that Exhibitors day to mount an Terrence Davis, NSPD exhibition of the work of Among those with Treasurer, says the some of its members, at exhibits was Amanda Society is all about its headquarters based at empowering its the Old Anglican School Browne - hearing members. compound in Kingstown. impaired — who displayed her range of Vice President of ‘throw cushions’. She is a LAST FRIDAY, December 3, NSPD- Terrance Davis graduate of the was marked across the welcomed the United nations family of opportunity for exposing Kingstown School for Children with Special nations as International talent. He stressed the Needs.

Day of Persons with importance of making Carlisle and Disability (IDPD). sure that persons with Jacqueline Lowe both The Day was first disabilities are included have hearing difficulties, but that is not affecting their joint business operations. Combining their carpentry and sewing skills, Carlisle makes phone stands, dog houses, while Jacqueline knits the company together with her embroidered cushions.

Andrick Arthur, hearing impaired, displayed tie-dye jerseys, swim pants, aprons and Andrick Arthur’s display of his tie-dye jerseys, bags.

Gamal Antoine, also aprons, bags and more. has hearing defects but he possesses versatility as a craftsperson and displayed his talent with an array of necklaces, in particular.

Looking ahead

A variety of embroidered work and other household items – the handiwork of members of the NSPD.

And as for looking ahead, Davis is anxious to get the plan to strengthen the Computer Training Programme going, as well as to set in motion a full Home Economics component to the Society’s overall training opportunities for its members.

“We want to develop our members to a level

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Janielle Browne feels accomplished

Category in his first attempt in a competition.

He was an Electrical Inspector for 18 before he turned to teaching. He disclosed that he got hooked on poetry while teaching in Bequia.

He presented a series of poems for the Janielle Browne, winner in the Fiction Category and third in the Poetry competition and Category, accepts here awards from Roxanne Pinder-Chance, Admin. admitted feeling “over Assistant UWI Open Campus Site. the moon,” as a result of his reward. France plans Open campus. It was Head of Site- Deborah Marketing Assistanton doing a book. presided over by UWI’s Dalrymple and Ronnie Daniel. (WKA) Other winners were Afreeca Daniel, repeat winner in the Poetry Shanique category collects her award from UWI’s Head of Browne and Site- Deborah Dalrymple Kathy Badnock, second and third JANIELLE BROWNE is to be my forte.” And was respectively in overcome with a sense of more than overjoyed to the Fiction accomplishment having take third prize in the Category. won this year’s H. Nigel Poetry Category of the Forty-seven Thomas Award for Fiction, Competition.

by GLORIAH...

Forestry entries, 26 in in The UWI Open Campus That category was official holds Poetry and 21 in Annual Poetry and Fiction won by Afreeca Daniel SQUIRRELS are not dead squirrel Fiction, were Competition. who, in a repeat of last endemic to St. Vincent discovered submitted for She teaches English at year’s results, took home and the Grenadines, yet on Bequia. the 2021 the Bishop’s College the Ellsworth ‘Shake’ two of these animals (Photo Competition.

Kingstown, and loves Keane Poetry Awards. [and some say three] Credit: SVG Awards were singing, dancing, drama Afreeca is a Student Forestry handed out last were caught on the and poetry. But Janielle Nurse originally from island of Bequia last Department Tuesday, Dec. confesses: “Writing Lowmans Windward. She 07, in a week, after having been Facebook comes natural to me.” has been writing for the ceremony held spotted there by Page) Browne is especially past five years. residents. at the renovated pleased about the Award Leron France placed residents According to one person site of The UWI since she admits, “Poetry second in the Poetry spotted the squirrels and an on the island to conduct an from Bequia, some investigation. The forestry alarm was raised. offcials made their own Many persons there sitghtings and confirmed felt that the sighting was a strange one and the presence of the rodents.

The officials proceeded on the authorities should a mission to exterminate be called in. them and reports indicate Residents began that one was killed or questioning the already dead, and another circumstances under injured. which the animals The Forestry Services of had come to Bequia St. Vincent and the and the implications Grenadines, in a Facebook of their presence. post reported that, “The Some concerns animals were brought to the surfaced like: Where island without an did they come from?

What danger did they importation permit, veterinary or health pose? Could be the certificates. That beginning of an introduction was an invasion? irresponsible and illegal act.

And when the The introduction of exotic question about how animals into a new they surfaced in Bequia, some persons environment is dangerous; opined that they must these animals can bring have been brought to diseases, become pests and upset the natural balances, the island by foreigners, but no one especially on island ecosystems.” was able to provide The affair brings into evidence in that focus the porous nature of respect. our borders and moreso, the Following the ease of passage with which alarm, officials from foreigners enter through the Forestry our ports.

Department arrived

Squirrels on Bequia

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

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 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

Economic Collapse....Debt Distress FINANCE MINISTER Camillo Gonsalves is correct when he said that nowhere in the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Ceyla Pazarbasioglu blog post, was it said that this country was on the verge of ‘economic collapse’.

What was said, in very broad language characteristic of high ranking IMF and World Bank technocrats, was that ‘around 60% of the world’s poorest countries are at high risk of debt distress, or are already in it’.

The World Bank, as per a boloomberg.com article of December 2, 2021, went further and declared that 30 nations were at high risk of overall debt distress, and included St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a list of those countries.

Complication set in when the IMF was also reported as saying that thirty low-income nations, ….. were dangerously close to an economic collapse, and is purported to have included this country in that ‘select’ group.

Further confusion sets in when the World Bank, on the other hand, as per the bloomberg.com article, warned of ‘economic collapse in some low income countries (St. Vincent and the Grenadines?) unless they receive some suspension of debt-servicing obligation’.

So what we have here are statements from two world monitoring multilateral agencies: one referencing high risk of debt distress and the other economic collapse, with both oscillating between the two eventualities.

It is instructive that we differentiate between the IMF and the World Bank as we understand them to be. The IMF oversees the stability of the world’s monetary system, while the World Bank’s goal is to reduce poverty by offering assistance to middle-income and lowincome countries.

It follows, on the above, that one would expect the IMF would use expressions like ‘economic collapse’ and not the World Bank. But that is a moot point, isn’t it?

By economic collapse economists refer to a period of national or regional financial breakdown that

could last from a few years to several decades. This period typically follows a crisis, and is characterised by ‘currency volatility, social chaos and unrest, bankruptcies, low trade volumes leading, in the worst case, to breakdown of law and order’.

Debt distress is occasioned, as we understand it, by unsustainable debt, i.e. ‘where a country is unable to fulfill its financial obligations (public and publicly guaranteed debt and debt of state-owned enterprises included), and where debt restructuring and/or debt forgiveness may become necessary’.

A debt crisis, the theorists tells us, ‘can lead to steep losses for banks, undermine the stability of financial system in the debt-ridden country’ and severely affect economic growth.

If the truth be told, our Finance Minister has not put us at ease by rejecting one side of the coin … economic collapse, and not addressing the other side (predicament)…. debt distress. If we are to follow what is trending among the multilateral agencies, these economic challenges go hand in glove.

We know our country’s economic growth will experience a slowing down in 2021. That we have been prepared for that is irrefutable, since both Prime Minister and Finance Minister have referred continuously to that eventuality against a backdrop of the calamitous year we have had — dengue fever, COVID-19 and the eruption of La Soufrière.

On the flip side, we have been encouraged by forecasts from the likes of the ECCB that ‘things’ will show marked improvement in the 2022-23 period, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

All of this comes as a precursor to our 2022 National Budget which we expect would be predicated on sound economic and financial data; and would address the claims of economic collapse and debt distress, and not be one that panders to the gallery.

The world economy has been thrown into a tailspin by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our economic forecast cannot escape the lingering effect of this pandemic though we are bolstered by the gradual reopening of the world economy from which we stand to benefit. Do we really?

Building a healthy community (Pt 2) LAST WEEK, I wrote about the 20-year General Plan update and the need to get involved. This week I will offer a few more comments on the Plan’s specifics.

To start, I must congratulate the authors of the document. It covers all of the essential elements of planning from a 50,000-foot level. It provided a good description and preamble to each of the required components. This document will give a good introduction for the grant writers in the various ministries for many years. I particularly like the bold statement that says, “SVG is regarded as the second most disasterprone country in the world by land size and the fifth in relation to the size of its population.” What an opening statement for any grant request, especially when it’s a quote from an independent source.

I hope we can support that statement. It is very dramatic.

The Built and Cultural Heritage section of the Plan did a great job identifying what was needed. It, however, depends on the “Town and County Act” of 1992 as the source of all preservation information. I would have liked to see at least a mapping of all designed sites included in this document.

In general, the document is a bit short on specifics for my liking.

Throughout, the document talks about building a walkable community, yet we see no mention of sidewalk standards. It also gives us a heavy dose of cycling everywhere but does not present a standard road width to accommodate the cyclist. A few weeks spent on the ground would have told the authors that cycling in SVG is not a primary mode of transportation. This is a narrative from forty years ago. I still remember a former Prime Minister saying to me one day that while the youths in SVG aspire to own a bicycle, the young people in Barbados all wanted cars. He said this at a motivational seminar for young people. It was a statement meant to encourage us to aim higher. I will not get into how hard that gut-punch hurt.

The document did not attempt to address our circulation problem in Kingstown in any meaningful way. Nor, for that matter, the country as a whole.

No mention of the tunnel (road) under Cane Garden. It did not mention the once-popular idea of a “cross country

road”. It is as if the consultants were told to put these ideas to bed once and for all.

Public parking space in Kingstown is a premium, yet it only received a passing mention. The ‘planners’ did not attempt to set minimum parking standards, not even for new development.

In my opinion, some other things vital towards the building of a healthy community missing from the document are: 1. Building setbacks standard and lot coverage.

2. A circulation plan for each of the “District Center”.

3. No mention of the need to build institutions of higher learning.

I think the document lacks the creative courage to think big. While some would say the following elements are not required to satisfy the standards of updating the plan, I can’t help but ask why are we limiting ourselves? I would have liked to see: 1. A section on an integrated education plan.

2. An industrial development plan built around agricultural and the Airport; 3. An alternative energy plan.

4. The competing interest for our potable water for home consumption and agriculture for irrigation purposes.

After all, how will we feed ourselves and reduce the food trade deficit ($250 million) if we cannot build a system to overcome climate change? The only mention of the effects of climate change is in the context of coastal degradation.

5. The document is missing sitespecific plans for developing the “Joshua Center” and the rural centers of Georgetown and Chateaubelair.

If we are hoping to attract development in these areas, it would be helpful if investors had an idea of our general intent for these areas. To leave these details to the zoning administrator is both unfair and unreasonable. It will only open up the department to undue political pressure and make this document worthless.

Horatio

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

Letters

Going Âround in circles ANYBODY else believe the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) going ‘round in circles?

I know most of your readers will want to ask me if I gone crazy, but my opinion is that we going ‘round in circles since independence, and it has become worse in recent times.

Yes, we supposed to be in control of our own business but is like we making a mess of certain things. I will not go into history but will stick to some things that happy recently.

About eleven persons were charged with being involved in an illegal

protest, and some of them were also charged with organizing an illegal protest. Now all of a sudden, the DPP withdraw the charges and the eleven people gone home free. This after they were embarrassed when they had their homes searched and some of their personal items were taken away, not forgetting how much trauma the SSU and RRU officers who conducted the searches caused.

The office of the DPP must have been dizzy after going ‘round in circles when they laid

West Indies again!!!

LIKE THE calypsonian said, “Is me again”, Mr. Editor. And “Is me again” on the ‘great’ West Indies Test Cricket team.

It is now history that we lost another test series in Sri Lanka and lost it badly. In the face of that, we have Captain Kraigg Clairmonte Brathwaite saying, once again, like all those before him when they also lost, that we have some positives to take away from the tour.

What the captain is saying is that we have some things we can take away after being battered, yes battered not just beaten.

Well, I have some advice for the Captain, Mr. Brathwaite: Before you can take away anything from the last licking, you have to first recover from the battering that you took. How many of you who toured Sri Lanka can recover from this battering?

Imagine Brathwaite praising Jermaine Blackwood and Nkrumah Bonner for their ‘great’ performances … neither one of them made anything outstanding but he praising them.

Praise them for what? It seems we have a different set of standards than the rest of the cricketing world because it’s no way in Australia, India, even in Bangladesh that they would boast about the returns like what our batsmen had in Sri Lanka. Forty runs may be good for us because of how low we have set our standards, but it certainly is not for the rest of the world against whom we have to compete.

And talking about Brathwaite. We have to stop making excuses for him. The man occupies the creased for hours at the top of the innings, and for some that is good, but how consistent has he been in turning all those hours into meaningful scores that have set his team on the road to victory?

Something is wrong. We have to stop fooling our cricketers into believing that they are on par with the rest of the cricketing world. When is the last time we made a 500?

And in case no one else wants to say it, I will: It is time to re-think Phil Simmons as our coach.

We made him feel indispensable when we fired him and brought him back. Now he is feeling so assured that he has the CWI in his hands he thinks he can fall asleep on the job and no one would notice.

The funny thing, Mr. Editor, is that even as we continue to get ourselves battered from pillar to post, we the fans will continue to lose sleep just to follow the WI Cricket team wherever they are playing. We still deep down believe in our cricket.

Is high time the cricketers give us back something about which we can be proud once again. We waiting tooooo loooong!!

Charles, Edinboro

these charges and now that they stop going ‘round in circles they figure out that they had no case. Let us hope that when they catch themselves that they don’t reinstate the charges. A wonder if the DPP office still dizzy?

Then there is the case of Cornelius John who was shot from all that we know. We charge two

big shot government people in relation to that but the next thing we know, the DPP office can’t prove who shoot the man. The man said who he believed shot him but the DPP office, going ‘round in circles, wasn’t able to hear him properly.

May be the DPP office is only a reflection of what really going on in

the country; that the whole country going ’round in circles. The thing is when we stop or if we stop going ’round in circles, all of us going to fall on we backsides.

Who is going to pick us up?

And the country will continue on its slide.

City Dweller

Cost of illiteracy WE TAKE for granted the cost of illiteracy to our economy. Lack of knowledge by many workers in various fields is impacting our productivity. From the highest office holder to the ordinary citizen, we suffer due to the debilitating effects of illiteracy.

When our parliament disallows a Motion of No Confidence we are robbed of the opportunity to rid ourselves of bad, and unscrupulous government. History will not be kind to all those involved.

In the matter of our finances, why can’t we have proper accountability? If we could not account for $95 million in the past why can’t we put measures in place now so that this does not happen again?

How much financial literacy does this take to implement?

The Cornelius John case seemed to show up much illiteracy in the operations of our Justice System. Perhaps it is time that we require all those working in Law Enforcement to have a minimum of an Associate Degree to enter the profession. We must be able to analyze crime scenes, take proper statements, gather forensic evidence and present a reasonable case before the court.

If we find ourselves being promoted without merit, we must have the capacity to utilize the talents around us, and qualify ourselves through study. It makes no sense to pretend we know and cause our organization to stagnate.

While we enjoy

steelpan music, we must become musically literate so that we can write down those fancy compositions we have in our heads. Writing also allows us to pass knowledge unto the next set of students. Others will also be empowered to reproduce our masterpieces.

Information is the basis of analyses and citizens must have access in order that improvements can be made. As an Educator at the top of my field, I need access to the primary and secondary

school external exams.

There is no doubt that illiteracy is a major problem in our schools.

Our teachers are overworked because our students are not reading sufficiently. Although many students may be very knowledgeable, this is not reflected in their grades because of poor reading and writing habits and skills.

No matter where our station is we all should strive to improve our literacy by reading widely from the available literature. Although we are in a sea of

information, there are many who are illiterate because they refuse to read the local newspapers, access books from the library and other sources. Anyone who wants to improve in his field of practice must access and read relevant material. Our understanding and response to the Covid-19 Pandemic may be different if we read and understand the virus and the safety measures that can be taken to protect ourselves.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

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Vaccination will help put people back to work Introduction THE COVID-19 pandemic, so declared in January of 2020, has created many challenges and caused much hardship for countries across the globe. The nature of the pandemic, being caused by a strain of the coronavirus that was totally unfamiliar to scientists and medical professionals, made it very difficult for countries to respond in a coordinated manner with many adopting “knee-jerk” reactions to address the impacts of the virus.

The impact on health was immediate and tragic with many individuals becoming critically ill and dying in a matter of days as healthcare systems became overwhelmed by the rate of hospitalisation and care required. It would eventually become clear that there were other dimensions to this pandemic beside health, as it also impacted the economic, social and security situations of countries. Here in SVG, Comrade Ralph and the ULP administration recognised the potential impact of Covid-19 on these four indivisible dimensions and carefully crafted a response that provided a wholistic solution to the integrated challenges. The 267 million reported cases and 5.67 million deaths worldwide is a clear indication of the serious health challenge posed by the pandemic and with new variants constantly emerging, the threat to health remains imminent. Our Ministry of Health has reported over 5600 cases with 76 Covid-19 related deaths since the first reported case just over 18 months ago. When we contemplate that this virus has infected such a significant number of individuals and killed 76 so far, it cannot be disputed that it is the most deadly single event in our lifetime. As the reality of the impact of the pandemic on our citizens hit home, we must also develop and appreciation of the devastating impact it has and continues to have on the economy, and the consequences to life, living and production.

still trying to recover, and some may never reopen their doors. Even with the income support offered by this government, the challenges remain for hundreds of families where the bread winner lost his/her job or is receiving significantly reduced income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Getting these individuals back to work is a priority of this government as we seek to bounce back from the pandemic.

Vaccination and getting back to work

The new normal that has emerged as a direct result of the pandemic, is the growing requirement by consumers that individuals providing services to them be vaccinated. On the other hand, the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees dictates that in managing the risks posed to certain category of workers, measures be implemented to reduce the possibility of infection and transmission at the workplace. Over the last year, the public and private sector entities in SVG have suffered multiple disruptions arising from covid-19 cases in the workplace. Our government has responded by requiring frontline workers to get vaccinated to minimise that risk and provide that first layer of protection against the virus. Airlines have resumed flights to this destination and cruise ships are making calls again, but the activity generated remains relatively moderate and limited in scope and reach. The insistence of maintaining bubbles by the cruise ships means that many vendors in areas with low vaccination rates may not feel the bounce in activity. The vaccination rate in SVG remains disappointingly low with just about 23% of the population being fully vaccinated and this will continue hamper our ability to recover. The Economic slowdown and job losses to vaccination of our frontline workers is a great first step, but we need to go Once the severity of the Covid-19 beyond this and continue to move virus including its lethal effect towards achieving population especially on the elderly and those immunity so that economic activity with underlying conditions was can improve. Even as individuals who understood, countries adopted were laid off patiently Await remeasures intended to curb the spread employment, they must deal with the of the virus. Many of these measures reality that our low overall restricted people’s movements and so vaccination rate with delay their lockdowns became one of the most ability to get employment. We readily used measures by commend those frontline workers who governments globally. For many have done their part in keeping this countries this meant closure of country safe and getting us closer to borders restricting travel in and out of our goal of population immunity and those countries even for their citizens, we encourage other employees in the and airlines were grounded. At this public and private sector to get point only essential trade was vaccinated. permitted by most countries and this created even greater problems for Conclusion developing countries. For countries like ours that depend on tourism, the Comrade Ralph continues to closure of borders by our source reiterate that he doesn’t wish that any markets resulted in a grinding halt of public officer would walk away from our tourism industry. Figures from his/her job over the vaccine the OECS indicate that visitor requirement, but instead get arrivals shrunk from over 3 million in vaccinated and continue serving our 2019 to just over 165 thousand in country. The reality is, vaccination 2021 so far. The ripple effects of this will do more to get people working slowdown in tourism specifically, but again which is the intention if we all in other sectors more broadly, caused play our role showing social solidarity businesses to close temporarily in as members of a society. None is being some instances and permanently in forced to leave and it must never be others or reduce their hours of seen that way, instead we are asked operation. For the employees of those to be our brother’s keeper, as we get businesses, this meant loss of jobs or vaccinated to protect ourselves, but loss of income and across this country, also to protect each other and get our this was the fate of thousands. The economy vibrant again creating more vast majority of those who lost jobs jobs and other opportunities for fellow remain unemployed as businesses are citizens.

NDP supports the SVGTU “IN THE YEAR 2000, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) was fighting against the government. In 2021, it is the government which is fighting against the union.” Major Leacock.

The SVGTU was at the forefront of the ‘Road Block Revolution’ in 2000, which shortened the life of the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration. From the onset of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, attempts were made to dismantle the SVGTU. Some executive members were promoted to senior positions, others turned their backs on the union; while some members paid more attention to their party instead of developing the union into a stronger entity. There was a deliberate ploy by the government to silent the SVGTU which has been the most militant trade union in the country.

The teachers continue to struggle, and have been treated with contempt and utter disdain by the ULP administration. The period 2001 to 2021 can be described as the worst for industrial relations between the SVGTU and any government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During this period, the government has failed to address the critical issues that are affecting the teaching profession.

The major issue which the union is challenging at this time, is the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy by the government. The government has classified teachers as frontline workers so they are mandated to be vaccinated, and if they are not vaccinated within the time frame specified they will lose their jobs. The union is adamant that the COVID-19 vaccine should not be mandatory.

It would appear that teachers who have not taken the vaccine are likely to lose their jobs. Some teachers who have offered 25 years of service to this country, moulding and shaping young minds, will lose their jobs and all of their benefits.

The other issues that are confronting the union are the negotiation of a new collective agreement, the failure of the government to appoint teachers to their correct salary scale and the inconsistent protocols of COVID-19 in schools.

Addressing the issue of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy, Dr Friday stated: “Mandating vaccination is not the way to go. All over the world, governments that have considered such a measure as a way out of the pandemic have retreated from mandatory vaccination.

But, not in SVG. It is only through collaborative endeavours, communication, and trust that we can win this battle against COVID-19.

The ULP administration has broken the trust of the people of SVG. They have also neglected to engage with civil society and the private sector in any meaningful way over the years.

Now they have resorted to draconian measures to seek to achieve their aims, while disregarding the impact those measures are having on our public sector workers and the society. They have told teachers, nurses, police officers, other public and state entity workers to get vaccinated or lose their jobs. And, now that the policy has been implemented, workers have been made the problem.

Since when did nurses, teachers, other

public servants, and police officers become the problem in our country?

Does COVID-19 truly require this government to treat its own workers so unfairly and so harshly? No, it does not.

When did these workers with long service and valuable work experience suddenly become disposable so that they can easily be replaced with new recruits? Statements by government officials about replacing police officers, teachers, nurses, including those who have many years of service and experience in their jobs with new recruits, disrespect those affected employees. Instead of threatening them with losing their jobs, their experience and skill must be valued, and every effort made to keep them working.”

It must be repeated that when the NDP is returned to office, we will reinstate teachers and other public sector workers who have lost their jobs because of the vaccine mandate.

The SVGTU has not been able to negotiate a collective agreement with this ULP regime since 2005. And several articles of the 2005 collective agreement have been violated by the government. For instance, Article 16 of the agreement states, ‘a member of the union of at least three years standing, shall, on application, be granted leave of absence to contest national, general and local elections.

The leave shall be no-pay leave for a period not exceeding six months. If that member does not win the election, he or she shall return to his or her original post or one of equivalent status, all benefits intact’.

Based on that agreement, three teachers - Kenroy Johnson, Elvis Daniel and Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas contested the 2010 general elections for the NDP and lost. The government did not honour the agreement. The matter was challenged in court; the union won.

The benefits that the teachers are enjoying today were given to them by the NDP government. It was the NDP administration that recognized the SVGTU as the bargaining agent for teachers, after years of struggle with the former Labour Party administration. Immediately following the recognition of the union, the first collective agreement was signed between the government and the union. It was hailed as a tremendous achievement for both parties. That achievement undoubtedly laid the foundation for the great relationship between the SVGTU and the NDP government.

When teachers got pregnant, they had to resign; that was abolished by the NDP when it took office in 1984.

Teachers were granted maternity leave with pay. Also paternity leave was given to teachers, allowing fathers to spend a period of time with their wives or girlfriends after the birth of their child. In recognition of the invaluable contribution that teachers have been making to education, they were given a duty allowance, a one off payment that has been given to teachers every December.

The union continues to struggle and the government has refused to sit around the ‘bargaining table’ with the union.

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Preparing for Christmas

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord” – Isaiah 40:3

BY THE TIME THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE VINCENTIAN many of us would have concluded that we have made adequate preparation for Christmas. We would have visited the supermarket and/or grocery store, baked or purchased our Black Cake or Christmas Fruit Cake, prepared our ginger beer and sorrel, repainted the house, replaced old carpets, decorated the Christmas tree and so on. These are some of the things that many of us associate with Christmas.

However, Christmas means much more than this. There are many things that need to be done. The prophet Isaiah advised mankind to prepare for the Lord’s coming. God is asking us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christmas — the celebration of Jesus’ birth. God is not interested in the efforts we make to decorate our homes and communities. Yes, it is good to have our neighbourhoods cleaned, and our homes looking and smelling good. Unfortunately, many of us get so involved in getting these hundred-and-one-things done and forget the most important thing of all, the thing God looks at most. He wants us to prepare ourselves, our relationships with others and most importantly, our relationship with Him. It is critical that we focus on strengthening relationships especially during this time of year. Some relationships may be difficult (especially if strained through conflicts and misunderstandings), but correcting and strengthening these may be among the most important thing we can do in preparation for Christmas.

This Christmas may be a call for us to prepare ourselves, our relationship with God, and our relationships with others. When we are not right with ourselves, we will have problems with others, and if we are not right with God, we will not be right with ourselves. This is our Christmas message! This is our Christmas challenge - to be right with others and with God. All three relationships are important and critical to our wellness.

Our relationships with self, with others, and with God, are entwined — they are knotted together and influence each other. Many of us carry around heavy loads that retard all three relationships. We need to purge ourselves of all the things that hold us back from experiencing the relationships that God wants us to have, with ourselves, with Him and with others.

Christmas is a time when many individuals hurt as a result of strained or broken relationships.

Those of us who have experienced this will attest to the fact that the Christmas Season seems to have the ability to magnify the hurts. Maybe it is influenced by the giving and receiving of gifts and our awareness of being “out of the gift loop” (for whatever the reason). However, we

have the potential to make it a time when relationships heal. What a blessed Christmas this will be if broken relationships can be restored; re-energized.

A careful, objective analysis of the causes of defective relationships would reveal that many of the resentments were generated by minor, insignificant things. Many are created and sustained by unfounded, imaginary, trivial issues. Sometimes they are fuelled by uncaring, tactless or mischievous “friends” who plant a seed of resentment or distrust and allow our negative, fertile imagination to do the rest. Many of us can identify with this — we have been there. We know the pain and the torture that resentments and broken relationships bring. However, the good news is that many of us have been able to regroup and rebuild these relationships after taking corrective, healing action; sometimes taking the blame to accomplish a bigger gain (the renewal of acquaintances).

Vincentians are faced with a special challenge this Christmas Season. Many of the rifts and chasms created during the period leading up to the recently held general elections must now be bridged. Today it is our responsibility as we prepare for Christmas, to get rid of the baggage, the resentment, the hatred, the things that hold us back from experiencing the peace and the joy and the love that defines Christmas.

Each of us must look for the opportunities to give of ourselves this Christmas. God is calling us to give.

He wants us to abandon all feelings of resentment, anger, and bitterness. If we seek to hold on to these, they will keep us from experiencing, enjoying and receiving His gift - the gift of His peace, His love, and His joy. This could be a great “trade-in Christmas” for some of us — trading in anger, resentment and bitterness for love, joy and peace. We should not let anyone or anything rob us of Christmas this year.

We thank God for His gift of hope, healing, joy, and peace. We thank God for the gift of Christmas; the incredible gift of Jesus Christ who came into this world to save sinners like me. We now pause to prepare afresh, to be renewed in our minds and spirits as we make this Christmas one that is memorable. We embrace and pursue the opportunities that He will allow to pass our way to allow for the healing and/or strengthening of relationships that we hold dear. God is expecting us to act, to make a move in the right direction, to do and say the right things, as we prepare for Christmas.

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

Who was spreading the coronavirus VINCENTIANS OUGHT TO KNOW the American Federal Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed last Monday that it will now need 75 years to disclose all data connected to Pfizer’s vaccine. Three weeks ago, it ask a court to grant it 57 years to complete full disclosure. At this rate, most of us will be dead. People will not know what’s in the vaccines until 2096. To understand the absurdity of the FDA’s request, the same agency took 108 days to review all of the data so as authorize the vaccine.

As Aaron Siri, one of the lawyers fighting the freedom of information case, said, ‘If you find what you are reading difficult to believe- that is because it is dystopian for the government to give Pfizer billions, mandate Americans to take its product, prohibit Americans from suing for harm, but yet refuse to let Americans see the data underlying its licensure.’

In light of this information, PM Gonsalves, who is intent on forcing these vaccines on citizens, has a case to answer. Lack of transparency is fueling doubt and hesitancy.

Most countries have banned or grossly restricted travel by unvaccinated persons. By the time South African scientists raised the alarm about Omicron, many countries had discovered cases of the new variant.

Among the countries were Austria, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. By last Monday, the World Health Organization disclosed that the Omicron virus has a presence in 57 countries.

In fact, after South Africa was scapegoated as the country of origin of the Omicron, travel bans were immediately placed on Southern African countries, among them South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. The selective use of the travel ban was evident in the fact that travel bans have not been applied to the UK, Netherlands, Israel and other developed countries where even more omicron cases than those identified in South African and the surrounding countries were found. After the scary headlines and punitive actions of some countries, credible information revealed that the Omicron virus made an appearance in the Netherlands before South Africa.

Racists’ underpinnings and stereotypes explain the motivations to always paint Africa as the dark, wild, disease-stricken, famine ridden, corrupt continent with a dismal future. In the same way Bob Marley told us the ruling classes disbelieved that anything good could come out of Trench Town, Jamaica, we too must take the positive story of the African renaissance to the world. As the South African Health and political leadership argued, Africa was being blacklisted because of the brilliance of its scientists who saw something different in Omicron and announced the new variant to the world.

But if the unvaccinated are denied easy access to travel and, are banned from travelling; if many developed countries immediately banned travel out of Southern African countries where the vaccination rate is very low, how did Omicron cross borders to occupy the attention of the medical establishment in 57 countries?

The simple and logical answer would be to label vaccinated travellers as the major carriers of this virus. Many renowned virologists and epidemiologists are convinced that it is vaccinated who carry the virus and spurn the variants, but don’t tell that to the mainstream medical establishment.

In fact, last July, President Biden declared that the pandemic was one of the unvaccinated. Americans and, by extension, vaccinated people around the world started to scorn and blame

healthy unvaccinated people for a disease that most did not have. But alas, by August, the protocol swiftly changed. The vaccinated and unvaccinated alike were told that in light of the Delta variant, which is said to have come out of India and for which Indians seem unaffected, that they too must wear double masks.

More dramatic revelations flooded the media. People were told that vaccinated persons will be protected from contracting and transmitting the virus. The ‘science’ did not hold.

Vaccinated people began to suffer from Covid, and the medical establishment declared these infections to be ‘rare.’

This rare cover soon blew up. The American Centre for Disease Control (CDC) announced that it had stopped tracking what they called ‘breakthrough’ infections and only paid attention to vaccinated persons who required hospitalization or died. All the while, it continued to keep a record of every unvaccinated American who caught Covid. The CDC never explained the double standard, but one thing became clear: The ‘breakthrough’ infections were no longer rare. The ‘dam’ had broken, and the myth of vaccine protection was laid bare.

All of this history is important because the world is confronted with a new variant that is said to be even more transmissible than all previous variants. The good news is that no one has described Omicron as dangerous.

No deaths have been recorded from the new variant. Many scientists are of the view that the Omicron variant may be just what nature ordered. With its high degree of transmissibility and mild, non-deadly symptoms, Omicron, they think, is well placed to rapidly run through the world’s population and deliver herd immunity.

Herd immunity, through mass vaccination, has proved illusive, even in highly vaccinated countries. Israel, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Portugal, Singapore, Seychelles, Spain, and the United Kingdom all boast vaccination rates of above 80 percent. Yet, they continue to struggle with the virus.

Many of them are currently spiking with infections, hospitalization and death among the vaccinated.

By contrast, countries with far lower vaccine uptake have fared much better.

The African continent, two years after the declaration of the pandemic, with an average vaccination rate of 10 percent has not experienced the levels of infection, havoc, tragedy, and death witnessed across Europe and the United States.

So who is responsible for spreading the virus, the vaccinated or the unvaccinated? Apart from the failure of the high vaccination rate in the aforementioned countries to stem the tide of infection, hospitalization and death, the most devastating new to the vaccination narrative is the decision by Gibraltar to cancel Christmas. Gibraltar is said to be 115 percent vaccinated, yet the coronavirus continues to tighten its grip on highly vaccinated societies.

It is this reality which makes the vaccination mandates so viciously callous. If vaccinated persons are equally capable of contracting and infecting others, why threaten those who exercise their choice to refuse the vaccines? Why take people’s jobs and privileges? Having coerced the adults, why threaten their children? With all the information available, can anyone persuasively vouch for the vaccines effectiveness and long term safety?

Count on science to reveal new truths and dispel lies and misinformation.

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

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Cruise ships and Coronavirus AT THE START of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, all countries of the world banned cruise ships. The cruise ship industry has been a major catalyst in the spread of COVID-19 throughout the world. Before the ban on cruise ships in 2020, there was a number of coronavirus outbreaks on board cruise ships, most notably the Diamond Princess.

Cruise ships are floating incubators for the rapid spread of illnesses and viruses. Where you have thousands of people crammed into a small space, it is hard to control the spread of illnesses and virus transmission from people to people.

Stopping the spread of coronavirus in

SVG is important for the safety and the health of our people. However, it makes no sense for the government to call for public servants to be vaccinated, whilst cruise ships are allowed to dock in Kingstown. Having thousands of cruise ship passengers wandering around Kingstown on a regular basis is a serious risk to our people. There is a real danger they will transmit the coronavirus to Vincentians with whom they come into contact.

In the best interest of our country and our people’s health, SVG Green Party is calling on the government to ban all cruise ships with immediate effect, from docking in SVG. There is

„Unclearing‰ the slate erupted and teachers were thrust into the role of shelter workers, albeit IN APRIL 2000, there were antiuntrained. They worked tirelessly day government protests and industrial in and day out for the displaced, action which were sparked by a putting themselves at serious risk of proposal to increase pensions for catching COVID-19 which could have parliamentarians in St. Vincent and been easily spread under such tight, the Grenadines. Teachers were visibly crowded shelter conditions. Moreover, involved in these protests. some teachers were expected to teach The sustained protests resulted in while performing duties at the the Government and Opposition shelters. reaching an accord, which was aimed Teachers, however, continued to test at ending the protest by agreeing to (for COVID-19) regularly and ensured general elections before March 2001. that all safety protocols were followed.

A new government was elected on the There wasn’t an increase in COVID-19 28th March 2001 and the victorious cases. Subsequently, all teachers, party — Unity Labour Party — has without a break, were asked to begin occupied that seat for the last 20 plus teaching again and it went downhill years. from there.

In September 2021, my Prime Teacher power Minister, in an interview on the VC3 TV, stated that Cabinet had made the Teachers as a bloc of professionals decision to add teachers to the list of hold mush power. Undeniably, efforts persons classified as frontline workers. have been made to suppress this This decision was supposedly taken on power. the advice of medical authorities and My Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph those on the subcommittee of the Gonsalves, is not an ignorant man and National Emergency Management clearly understands the necessity of Organization (NEMO). controlling those who are able to rise So, teachers are now frontline up (against him). Henry Adams, workers. What does this mean? This American historian and journalist means that under the Public Health (1838 — 1918), rightly states, “A Amendment Act of 2021, teachers, and teacher affects eternity; he can never all workers classified as frontline tell where his influence stops.” This is workers, are expected to get vaccinated borne out by our teachers - - the against COVID-19. The S R & O which ‘breadfruit trees’ of St.Vincent and the followed passage of the Act, directed Grenadines — who for generations have frontline workers to be vaccinated by been mothers, fathers, counsellors, November 19th, 2021. A ten-day period nurses and financial providers for their of grace would be allowed, but any students whom they love. frontline worker who failed to be Even in circumstances of a lack of vaccinated at the end of this period, resources and support, working in was deemed to have abandoned his/her poorly maintained schools, and being job even if, as in the case of teaches, paid some of the lowest wages in the they turned up for work. entire region, teachers continue to toil To add insult to injury, teachers and have a great, positive impact in who have not taken the vaccine and the lives of our nation’s children. are “dismissed with cause”, will lose And while we alluded to the their benefits. Among these could well deliberate act of disempowering be veteran teachers who have given teachers, it myst6 be noted that this years of quality service. Is this what action exists in all areas of our public the ‘education Revolution’ is about? service. A once vibrant public service is The choice to serve the public (by these now left divided, and those who teachers) is arguably one made out of wholeheartedly wish to serve are love. To take away their benefits is the sidelined because they choose not to height of wickedness and must be “pull strings” lest they be made rectified. “puppets on a string”.

Those who do not vaccinate are not I digress. Much more can be said selfish. Public servants are not a but let us fast forward to the year threat. Teachers are not a threat.

2021, a year of many challenges Cease and desist! All efforts to especially in the area of teaching. divide and disempower our nation’s public servants must stop! A mandate A challenging year which will inevitably mean a sharp increase in an already high The school year (2020/21) was into unemployment rate and will never its second term when La Soufrière equate to going back to “normalcy”.

by CHRISTOPHER J. GRANT

very little financial gain from having cruise ships dock in SVG. Furthermore, the health of our people should be higher priority than ensuring cruise ship passengers have a lovely holiday.

At the end of November 2021, seventeen COVID-19 cases were detected among crew members and passengers on a Norwegian Cruise Liner. The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage. There were more than 3,200 individuals on board. All of the identified cases involved people without symptoms of the illness. This makes it even harder to control the spread of the virus.

Also, there were almost one and a half thousand cases of COVID-19 on cruise ships this summer, according to figures from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these cases reported, 49 required hospitalisation and 38 called for a medical evacuation from the cruise ships concerned. Despite strict testing and vaccine requirements with most cruise lines, the CDC said that “ensuring passengers are uninfected at

embarkation has proven difficult”.

Cruise liners were badly hit at the start of the pandemic in 2020 when they were dubbed “floating petri dishes” by the media, after soaring cases prevented them from docking at many ports or passengers being allowed to leave.

There are still some concerns from academics who have warned cruise ships could still be a potential source of health risks to passengers, staff and people who live near the ports where the ships dock. The international research team called for “more monitoring” after using evidence from more than 200 research papers on the health of people and the environment in different oceans and seas around the world.

For the sake of our people, and to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the government should ban cruise ships from SVG, says Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party. It will be even harder for our nation to tackle the coronavirus if there are multiple variants circulating the country.

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Tribute

Land reform among Sir JamesÊ legacy

by KENVILLE HORNE FORMER PRIME MINISTER SIR JAMES MITCHELL Passed away at his home in Mount Pleasant, Bequia on Tuesday, 24th November, surrounded by family members, five days after being discharged from the Intensive Care Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados.

He had fallen ill on October 13 and after initial treatment at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, he was transferred to the QEH. He was 90 years at the time of his passing.

Speaking on CaribUpdate programme “The Narrative”, Doris McIntosh, who was Sir James’ Private Secretary for some 12 years, said that it was an experience working for Sir James, and that by working with him you got to meet people from all walks of life.

She described Sir James as a kind boss but also very stern.

Mc Intosh said that she saw firsthand the former prime minister working tirelessly to revive the banana industry. “I remember him and Mr. Eustace going to St. Lucia and then they went off to England where they held discussion with Geest; they bought a ripening room up there and also the ships. But it was a good time for us because we knew that we would be getting bananas going back to England,” said Mc Intosh adding that it was Sir James who led the discussion with the EU on the banana industry in the OECS.

Sir James and land reform The former private secretary said that Sir James loved his country

and he wanted to do what was best for Vincentians, not least to bring some economic stability to their lives.

“He was also responsible then for what was known as the land reform programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Mc Intosh said, “and reform might have been Sir James’ greatest legacy.”

Mc Intosh recalled, “He bought the estates … several large estates on which rural people worked. He bought them, cut up the land and gave land to the people who worked or occupied land on those estates.”

So much so, Mc Intosh continued, ‘Even now you can hear people in Lauders and the Orange Hill Estate, which he bought from the Danes, praising Sir James for given them their lands so that they could have some sort of economic stability in their own lives,”

Doris Mc Intosh was strategically placed as his secretary, to know how hard Sir James worked on behalf of the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

secretary also noted that Mitchell as Premier from 1972 — 1974, secured a lot of scholarships including for students to go to Cuba. She remembered that the Labour Party government did not accept students who had studied in Cuba but when Mitchell became Prime Minister, he accepted them and found Transforming the position for those who capital and more had qualified as doctors She said that she saw and teachers.

Sir James, in an the former Prime interview this earlier Minister from time to this year, admitted that time since he left office land reform and clearing and they would usually his name during the chat. The last time she Ottley Hall Inquiry were saw him was in September when he was among his greatest at a funeral service for a legacies.

Sir James retired from former senator in his active politics in 2000 government.

McIntosh said that Sir just before the general elections of 2001, first James’ greatest election he did not challenge as Prime contest since 1966.

Minister was pursuing It would be futile to “his desire to change the contend that Sir James face of the country. He Fitz-Allen Mitchell, a would often say to me, Privy Councillor since ‘When I finish especially the capital Kingstown, it 1985, economist, should be transformed’.” agronomist and politician, was not a But, as Mc Intosh dominant figure in St. reiterated, this was a challenge not least being Vincent and the Grenadines for almost providing a Centre for three decades. May he the Performing Arts. rest in peace.

The former private

Sir James Mitchell, according to his Private Secretary, was committed to improving the economic situation for all Vincentians.

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Tribute

unsuccessful in those elections. “He also offered his assistance, because he felt I would need it.”

He said that, in one of THE BROOKLYN, New Yorkhis “valued” exchanges based St. Vincent and the with Sir James, he asked Grenadines Progressive him, “What are the Organization of New York characteristics of a good (SPOONY), the New York arm leader?” of the main opposition New “He looked sternly at Democratic Party (NDP), me and, with a deadly through its Presidentgaze, he said, ‘I will tell Stephen ‘Scombo’ John, on you this, there are many Sunday, paid tribute to characteristics of a good former Prime Minister Sir leader, but this is what James F. ‘Son’ Mitchell, who separates a good leader: died on Nov. 23. He was 90. he has to have good John told THE health.’

VINCENTIAN that he “I was not expecting was introduced to Sir that answer, but the James, the NDP founder significance of that lesson and former president, by has always remained with NDP stalwart Walcott me,” John said. “He Hillocks, in December understood and 2000, when John had appreciated his political returned home from New accomplishments but he York to seek the knew full well that he nomination of the NDP to would not have been able contest the South to achieve that success Windward constituency in without personal success. the 2001 General “He warned me that Elections. one cannot become rich by “In his usual fatherly politics,” he added. “So, to style, he welcomed me and become a financial wished me luck,” said success, one must work John, who was hard at building his own Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

personal finance. He believed that a good politician is one who enjoys personal success.”

John said Sir James was a “strong” SPOONY supporter, who “did not hesitate to offer encouragement.”

He said SPOONY was planning to honor Sir James, but the COVID-19 pandemic interceded.

“Nevertheless, he will always hold a place of honor in our hearts, and we will always remember his contribution to the success of our organization,” John said.

“Sir James F. Mitchell, the founder of our party, was a visionary, an astute thinker and a great leader,” John added. “His memory is etched in our hearts, and we painfully mourn his loss.

“The members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York extend condolences to the immediate and to the political family of Sir James,” he continued. “As his memory lives forever,

may he rest in peace.”

Sir James, a former Member of Parliament for the Northern Grenadines, died a few days after he was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in neighboring Barbados, where he was transported to after falling ill at his home in Bequia, the largest and most northern of the Grenadine islands, on Oct. 30.

Sir James Mitchell funded the New Democratic The Office of Prime Party (NDP) in 1975. SPOONY was one of its Minister Gonsalves said earliest overseas arms.

Sir James, who represented the island state’s second prime 2000. He also served as Grenadines for a total of minister, serving in that premier from 1972 to 33 years, was the multicapacity from 1984 to 1974.

Sir James had ‘profound love’ for SVG CLAUDE LEACH, the Bequia-born former general manager of the Development Corporation (DEVCO), 1987 to May 2001, says former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Sir James F. ‘Son’ Mitchell had a profound love for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and especially Bequia.

“I remember Janice B. Brand writing in the Travel and Leisure, 1983, about ‘Bequia being a tiny Caribbean Island that’s hard to get to but very easy to take’. ‘Son’ knew that well and set out to remedy this,” Leach told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive interview on Saturday.

“He increased airport development and was able to get the Bequia Airport constructed with European Union funding,” added Leach, now a retired Special Education teacher in Brooklyn, in his tribute to Michell, who died on Nov. 23. He was 90.

“He was fond of saying, ‘the problems here are not going away, and we have to organize to get our solution effected’”, said Leach, who was also a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) fellow from 1984 -1986. “He did his part.

“He knew the kind of Caribbean that he wanted; indeed, the kind of Caribbean that we should all want and, of course, the kind of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that we should strive to achieve,” added Leach, who first met Sir James in 1966, when he and his wife returned from England.

Leach said Sir James invited him to assist in setting up his library, stating that he grabbed the opportunity, “because I was an avid reader then.”

As their relationship deepened, Leach said that Mitchell told him that he was interested in elective politics “and even had the idea of forming a new political party.”

He said Mitchell began “a campaign in Bequia, speaking his idea to the residents, and I was with him.

“We travelled to areas, such as Paget

Farm, Port Elizabeth and Hamilton, areas that up to this time remain loyal to the NDP (main opposition New Democratic Party),” said Leach, stating that Clive Tannis, a member of the People’s Political Party (PPP), of late Chief Minister Ebenezer Theodore Joshua, was the Grenadines’ representative at the time.

Leach recalled that Mitchell contested and won the Grenadines seat in the 1966 general election for the St. Vincent Labor Party (SVLP), headed by the country’s late and first Prime Minister Robert Milton Cato.

Mitchell won but the SVLP failed to win the government.

“And so, ‘Son’ found himself in Parliament but in the opposition,” Leach said. “He used this opportunity to sharpen his political skills. And when the opportunity came for him to be in government with the SVLP, he was well prepared.”

Leach said Mitchell left the SVLP and contested the election as an independent candidate in 1972, again winning the Grenadines seat and becoming the premier under an arrangement with the People’s Political Party.

“He introduced a new style of politics in SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), advising the people that they should learn to eat what they grow,” Leach said.

“He became a major influence in Caribbean politics, and sought to expand and develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines with every opportunity he had. He remained in government as premier up to 1974,” he added.

Leach also said that Mitchell remained in the opposition until 1984, “when his New Democratic Party won the election.

“He became prime minister and had an opportunity to address the new style of politics in SVG and the Caribbean,” he said. “He opened relations with many governments in the region and the world at large.”

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Advice

Beginning to lose it, help!!!!

Dear George, I AM VERY depressed. Two members of my family have died from Covid and another is very sick. I am afraid that I too will get this virus and die, leaving my two young children motherless.

I am not working. Things were different when my husband was alive.

He worked and provided for all of us.

Now, many days my children and I have nothing to eat. I owe the bank, Flow, Vinlec, CWSA, and a few people. I do not have the money to pay back anybody but they call me every day for their money. I am tired of begging and being insulted. My pressure is high and I can’t even afford medication.

I feel like I am losing it. I want to work and I want to feed my children and pay my bills but none of that seem possible. George, please tell me what to do, please.

Losing my mind

Thank you for reaching out.

Despite the challenges you face you must be applauded for keeping yourself and your children afloat. You have taken the first step towards some reprieve by recognizing you need help and to ask for that help instead of suffering in silence.

As the next step, I suggest you visit the Marion House where a counsellor can begin to work with you to devise a plan of action to get you moving forward, and wiggle your way out of your depression.

Also, visiting with the Social Welfare might result in some assistance.

In the meantime, talk to your creditors; show them how you plan to get back on your feet with the support you are getting.

The bottom line is to move to a better state of mind so that you can tackle your challenges head on.

Dear Losing my mind,

George

An ex should remain an ex Dear George, MY HUSBAND got mad at me because I asked my ex-husband to help us out with October’s mortgage with which we had fallen behind. I know my ex-husband is a generous man and that he would be happy to help.

My husband is insisting I should have discussed it with him first and I should never have taken money from my ex-husband. no matter what. He is even

going as far as to imply that my ex-husband is doing this for sexual favours in return.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I think he is just overly jealous and stubborn.

Can’t believe my husband Dear Can’t believe my husband, Going to your exhusband for money without prior knowledge and consent of your husband is opening the

door for him to question your relationship with that ex, and his status as your husband.

When there are secrets of any kind in a marriage it creates the perfect atmosphere for doubts and unnecessary arguments. He deserves the right to have an opinion on such a proposition.

It is always a good idea to let your ex remain your ex so you would never have to explain WHY.

George

A holey situation Dear George, I HAVE BEEN seeing this girl on the side for just over 2 years and every time we have sex I use a condom which I bring myself.

On this occasion when we were about to have sex, I realise I had no condom. I told her and she promptly took one from her night table which she said belonged to her boyfriend. I used it after some doubt.

A few weeks after, she called to say she was pregnant. It could not be her boyfriend’s child because he has been away for over 3 months.

When we met, she told me she had told her boyfriend who informed her that whosoever used that condom, he would have used one with holes which he had made with a needle. This, he said, was to prove whether or not she was cheating.

George, I am married. Seeing that I used a condom with holes, should I be concerned about HIV? My head is spinning!!

Panicking Dear Panicking, It’s a bit late to realize you have a wife. It is always advisable to think before you sink, and you have allowed your cheating ways to get you into a hole that is greased on all sides.

You definitely need to get tested for HIV and your wife deserves to know what she is exposed to so she can take precautions of her own.

Let this experience be a lesson to you. Good luck going forward; you will need it.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Get the red tape and the unwanted paperwork out of the way. Sudden changes regarding work and colleagues are apparent. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Avoid any over indulgences. If you put your energy into physical outlets you will avoid confrontations. You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate. Don't let your health suffer because of worry. Talk to someone you trust.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You should be able to get a lot done.

You could lose a good friend because of it. You should sign up for creative courses. Concentrate on your work.

Resist secret affairs that could be detrimental to your reputation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your involvement in interest groups may bring you popularity. You can easily impress others with your generous nature. You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) So smile! Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children.

Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. You should regain some of your self-esteem if you get involved in organizational functions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Take time to listen to the problems of family members. Look into ways to better yourself through improving your dietary habits and daily routines. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) This may not be the time to lend or borrow. Go after your goals. You should not be concerned with coworkers who insist on spreading rumors. Concentrate on work or make changes to yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will learn valuable skills if you sign up for seminars this week. Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this week. You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can enhance your reputation if you treat family and friends with respect and dignity. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. Education may be the answer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't let other people meddle in your private affairs. Investments concerning your residence will be profitable. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. You can make excellent purchases this week. You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension. You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do.

Find out more, if you want to start your own business. Get out and enjoy some entertainment. Make arrangements to spend quality time together.

ACROSS 1. Stallion 5. Skin allergy 9. Painter’s fabric 12. Got down fast 14. During 15. Lacking nothing 16. NYC ball player 17. Take to the sea 19. Cold powder 20. Storage area 22. Artistic figures 26. La Scala offering 31. Class members 32. Church official 33. Mole 34. Film editor’s material 35. Pants have them 37. Contributes 41. X- or y- in geometry 42. Favoring 45. Legless undies 47. Indigenous 49. Undoubtedly 50. Ready to box, in a way 51. Gourmet’s study 52. Animal enclosures DOWN 1. Defraud 2. Domesticate 3. Complex dwelling 4. Movie format 5. Try for a political office 6. Quits stalling 7. Layer

8. Role model 10. Offensives 11. Virgina and West Virgina 12. Place for a ham 13. Dawn’s moisture 18. Belonging to something 21. Enormous 22. Relaxation locale 23. Pull 24. Gibbon, for one 25. Can material 27. Favorite 28. Pitching measure 29. 18-wheeler 30. Class “A” truck driver 32. Arriving

34. Transmit 36. “Don’t get all worked up!”

37. Workout target 38. Something to beat 39. Desperate

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021. 25.

40. Spotted 42. Golden rings count 43. Heater 44. Crimson colors 46. Winter woe 48. Outdo

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26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Sagicor adopts schools across the Caribbean

THE EVESHAM METHODIST PRIMARY is among eight primary schools across the region that will benefit from Sagicor’s Adopt-ASchool programme over the school year.

The leading Caribbean Insurance and Financial Services Company has adopted several schools across the Caribbean as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.

The announcement was made recently during a virtual media launch which included Ministry of Education officials from across the Caribbean, Principals attached to each school, teachers, students and Sagicor officials.

The programme is set to conclude in July 2022, after which a new cohort of schools will be chosen.

The adopted schools are: Mundo Nuevo Roman Catholic School in Trinidad and Tobago; St. Martin’s Mangrove and Workman’s Primary Schools in Barbados; Evesham Methodist Primary in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; St. John’s Anglican in Belize; Collegio Santa Famia in Aruba; Collegio don Sarto in Curacao; and the Victoria School for Special Education in Grenada.

The programme is underpinned by four key pillars: physical environment, health, developmental and educational programmes and safety, and will involve support in various forms including upgrades to the schools’ facilities, support of various school initiatives and overall outreach.

Schools were selected from several nominations submitted by Sagicor team members in each territory, with the final schools chosen by staff committees who conducted a period of review and shortlisting.

Sagicor’s President and CEO, Robert Trestrail said the company is pleased to be able to support the region’s students in this way and remains committed to supporting the communities in which we operate.

“Our Adopt-a-School Programme allows us to

Students of the Evesham Methodist School celebrate the news that their school has been included in the first cohort of Sagicor’s Adopt-ASchool programme. reach across Robert Trestrail, borders and Sagicor’s President impact our and CEO, students in a committed his real way. The company to support the communities – educational St. Vincent and the system Grenadines including the included - in which students, it operates. teachers and principals, needs our support now more than ever as we continue to operate in this COVID environment. Corporate social responsibility is near and dear to us at Sagicor, and we are pleased to be able to further cement our commitment to our communities with this programme.”

About Sagicor Sagicor is a leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, with more than 180 years of history, and has a growing presence as a provider of life insurance products in the United States, with over US$1.4 billion in total annual premiums. Sagicor has over 4500 employees and offers a wide range of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities, and real estate. Sagicor’s registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda, with its principal office located at Cecil F De Caires Building, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados.

(Source: Sagicor)

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28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Reset for Vincy-TT Foundation

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 pandemic, the St Vincent and the Grenadines the disruptions caused by the eruptions of Table Tennis Association and the La Soufrière volcano and the lack of hopefully more coaches and more commitment by some coaches, have players will get more committed… prompted the Vincy Table Tennis What we need is committed coaches to Foundation (VTTF) to punch the reset make at least one session a week, one button. hour with a group of six girls and Swiss Table Tennis expert - Georg boys,” Silberschmidt underscored.

And while he is disappointed he is Silberschmidt, who spearheaded the formation of the VTTF in 2016, and its not daunted by the stalling of activities. He committed himself to incorporation by an Act of Parliament making another push for the in May 2018, made this clear last revitalization of the Foundation, which Saturday, as he wound up a brief he thinks promises much for the stopover in St Vincent and the development t of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Assessing the current situation as it Grenadines’ Table Tennis.

The VTTF was set up to facilitate pertains to some of the equipment grassroots development of Table procured by the VTTF, Silberschmidt Tennis in St Vincent and the related, “We went all the way up to Georg Silberschmidt (standing) in conversation with coaches (L-R): Romano Fancy, Sandy Bay, Chateaubelair, and Grenadines, with schools and Spencer, Leighton Adams and Roxanne Williams, last Saturday at the West communities being the major it was pretty sad to see a lot of the St George Secondary School. catchments. equipment destroyed from the volcano.”

Apart from these inevitabilities, Silberschimdt said that some was destroyed by improper handling and use, and some simply went missing.

Silberschmidst, though, was happy that at the Barrouallie Secondary School the Table Tennis equipment lodged there, was fully utilized by those who took shelter at that facility.

“I was happy for that as who were living in the schools as shelters they were playing Table Tennis, but unfortunately I did not get the news or the pictures, because this would have been perfect to get more donations,” Silberschmidt noted And while he accepted the pause in social and sporting life because of the volcano, a lack of Mulabdic Samir (left) in conversation with local tennis commitment, he said, was coach Joseph Carrington.

Mulabdic Samir (left) working out with national player Damion evident among coaches, Dublin. especially those who were LOCAL TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS and condition, so they trained in January 2020. know what it takes time to become a coaches have been further exposed to could play for longer periods, which will He recounted that seventeen good player so I am implementing it the requirements for competing at the persons were trained and improve their concentration,” Samir now. Instead of playing 3 hours per highest level of the sport. certified as Level One coaches, explained. week, they will be playing 6-7 hours a but most of them have not This follows their involvement in a As to where the process and players week. The idea (regimen) is to start on fulfilled their requirements for one-week training session under the are in SVG, Samir said, “I think they January 3rd and continue into July certification. guidance of Mulabdic Samir- five times are on the right path but need to when the players (selected) will travel to “The requirements were national singles champion and national continue to have their own motivation. play qualifying games for the always to make thirty hours of It’s not so easy for them because they coach of Switzerland.

Commonwealth Games,” Haslam coaching and the Foundation was Samir is, in fact, on his third visit to don’t go abroad regularly at the explained. even offering them a stipend, but SVG. He needs no convincing about the Olympics, World Championships,… so He added, “But the idea is if you don’t I am pretty disappointed that need for continuous exposure for players it’s important they get some support perform and meet the training and only three persons made the from (persons like) me on what happens and coaches. fitness standards, you will be replaced. thirty hours, since January of at the world level in table tennis.”

“Table Tennis is a complex not so This also applies to the coaches.” last year,” Silberschmidt Orville Haslam - President of the easy sport but everyone can play at Haslam is hopeful that the lamented.

SVG Table Tennis Association and different levels.

Coaches need to teach experienced coach would have helped to “That is the biggest problem retired World Classed Table Tennis instill a sense of discipline among the here….People have no targets, no everything to the players - physical, technical, tactical and also mental skills. Player, said his executive has adopted a players and coaches, on what is needed commitments and there is no different approach to training.

It’s really important we always have to get to the top level. development… We were “I should have done this from the some exercise to target every move that proposing a four-year plan for inception of being elected president. I they do to improve their mental I.B.A.ALLEN

Top coach assists SVG Table Tennis

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Sports

Morgan achieves PBs DARREN MORGAN, in his debut representation for St Vincent and the Grenadines in Track and Field, was able to register personal bests in the two events in which he competed at the inaugural staging of the Junior Pan American Games, which concluded in Colombia last Saturday.

Morgan 19, a student of the Barrouallie Secondary School and a member of the High Performance Track Club, had his maiden outing in the 400m and the 200m.

In both events at the Estadio Pascual Guerro, he was able to Darren Morgan

better his previous best times.

In the 400m, Morgan clocked 49.13 seconds, shaving off 0.17 seconds from his personal best of 49.30 seconds.

In the 200m, Morgan was even better clocking 21.77 seconds, which represented a 4.7% improvement on his 22.80 seconds.

Despite his personal showing, Morgan was not able to go past the first round of competition in either event.

Ulanda Lewis, the other half of the duo who represented this country at the Games, was not able to match Morgan’s achievements.

Lewis, the fastest Vincentian female athlete in the 100m, timed 11.88 seconds, which saw her finishing at the back of the field, and failing to match her personal best of 11.71 seconds.

Neither was Lewis able to make amends in the 200m, as a thigh injury forced her to withdraw from

the heats, effectively ending her participation in the Games.

Interestingly, Lewis was short of competition going into the Games, as during 2021 she was nursing injury.

Coach of the teamChester Morgan reported that despite “stiffness” in her thigh, Lewis could have risked competing, but he opted for a cautious approach.

The young lady is bound for the U.S on an Ulanda Lewis Athletics Scholarship at the University of Alabama early in 2022.

TOSS Mustangs land SVGCC Netball title THE Troumaca Ontario Secondary School Mustangs (TOSS) edged out the Bethel Young Lasses by the narrowest of margins last Friday afternoon, to lay hands on the top prize of the ECGC Island Sipz Water SVG Community College Invitational Netball competition.

Two of the invited teams in the competition, lit up the Villa Campus hard court in a tense grand finale.

Mustangs led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, 9-6 at the end of the second and 12-8 at the end of the third.

A resurging Samayaa Connell – MVP of the Competition.

Bethel Young Lasses registered 4 goals but the one conversion by the Mustangs was enough for the take the title.

Mustangs got to the final, with a 17-14 win over BSS Warriors in the semi-finals, with Mustangs getting past last year’s winnersTeachers Denel Creese Combined, 26-22 in the other semis. –Best Shooter.

BSS Warriors took third place by default after Teachers Combined failed to turn up for the playoff.

Awards

Adjudged Player of the Final and Most Valuable Player of the Competition was Bethel Young Lasses’ Samayaa Connell. She was also her team’s individual MVP. Taking the Best Shooter award was Denel Creese of Mustangs; Best Defender — Shania Pompey of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE) Final Year, and Best Mid Court Player- Jenicia Jackson of Bethel Young Lasses.

Champions - TOSS Mustangs.

Copping the MVP awards for the semi-finals were Jenicia Jackson and Denel Creese.

The other team’s MVPs were Shania Pompey -DTVE Final Year, Khalia Miller- BSS Warriors, Marsha Marshall — SVGCC Freshers, Asheika Castello — Teachers Combined; Ralicia Carter- Division of Arts Science and General Studies and Kristiana Christopher- TOSS Mustangs.

Local karate now world affiliated and was unanimously supported.

Seon Stronghold- Public Relation Office (PRO) of the HKF, believes this achievement “… opens a lot of doors for karate in SVG especially when it comes to competing overseas. Now we can compete internationally.”

The PRO presented a synopsis of the Federation’s Seon Stronghold, PRO of the programme of activities going Hairouna Karate Federation, is forward: January - karate upbeat about next year’s activities workshop for judges, referees, for karate in SVG. coaches; February — awareness HAIROUNA Karate Federation (HKF) building training day and open is now a fully accredited member of session for all karate clubs; the World Karate Federation (WKF).

March - a workshop for HKF was officially inducted into the competitors and HKF AGM and WKF earlier this month. elections; May — under-7 and 13 The local Federation formally began tournaments; June - under 17 its moves for accreditation to the WKF and 21 tournaments and WKF when the President Claude Bascombe Youth Camp; July - Seniors represented the HKF at a World tournament; September 7—8 Karate event in Dubai, and where the Commonwealth Karate HKF presented itself for membership Championship; December 9-11 -

Italian Youth League Karate Championship’ January 2023 — HKF Awards Ceremony.

Like all other sporting disciplines in the country, Karate activities were severely affected by the COVID-19 and the volcanic eruption.

As it stands currently, the following dojos (Karate Clubs, Schools) have

reopened: Sensei Seon Stronghold, Shotokan-Ryu Karate in Kingstown and Seishin Claude Bascombe, Seishin Karate Club in Villa.

Seishin Perry Burke IKD Shotokan Karate Club SVG Inc. in Kingstown is scheduled to reopen for the New Year.

I.B.A.ALLEN

At least two dojos (Karate Clubs, Schools) have reopened here.

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30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

No sacrifice: No success THE REOPENING of schools to face to face learning paves the way for a gradual return to normalcy. It is at the school foundation that talent comes to the fore and once nurtured, child prodigies emerge.

It is established that the teenaged years are most appropriate to build a sporting foundation.

Of course there are exceptions, but it is accepted that fierce rivalry engenders a type of competition which is good for the expansion of the mind.

Within those ambits, youngsters carve out their reputation which shapes their lives.

The importance of coaches and other influential figures strengthen the athlete’s resolve. Those will include parents, other family members, community icons, and regional and international personalities.

There is never success without sacrifice. The will must be indisputably displayed for there is no doubt about the vitality of the sporting agenda on the school curriculum.

Schools sporting programmes need full support from those already burdened with the duties of imparting life-long skills. Sometimes, the link between sporting and academic brilliance is not obvious.

Students may be derided for grasping mundane literary matters, yet they may be gifted in ways astounding to the most intellectually gifted individual. There has to be an appreciation of the traits that shape one’s character.

Teachers have to be first scouts, and part of their duties should be identifying the talent in their reservoir. Certain communities are known to have cultivated a sporting tradition sometimes of a multi-dimensional nature. Time were when youngsters and adults took part in a range of sports.

It was not uncommon seeing persons representing the national squad at both football and cricket, and still capable in other spheres.

Persons like Mike Findlay, Fred Trimmingham, Douggie Doyle, Douglas Cambridge, Jeff Bailey, Frank Mason, Carl Glasgow, Colville Browne, Vin Phillips spring to mind. I am sure the number far exceeds those named and some will remind me.

Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre was an allrounder in cricket, and a competent footballer because of his natural speed as an athlete.

Andrew Cummings was a distinguished footballer, and his talent as a track athlete was well known. Kenneth John would have been disappointed if I did not reflect on his all-round sporting ability. And he would have provided me with the field of sporting icons in his heyday and today.

Those around must be grateful and our duty must be to ensure that our sporting tradition grows by leaps and bounds.

We are not used to the exposure of teenaged sports personality these days. Not that they are not prevalent, but existing circumstances have contributed to their invisibility.

Also youngsters tend to be technically inclined, so development on the sporting arena tend to be subdued.

We are faced with dynamic situations, enforced by the series of activities which threaten to derail global stability.

Sports play a role as a cure in those doldrums of depression that we find ourselves especially recently.

Everyone is trying to wriggle out of the dilemma. How we analyse our situation and are prepared to cope with it will determine our solution.

We are open to a range of complexities.

Managing our existence and advancement is critical to how we navigate this portion of potentially troubled times.

Hooper aiming for the top level NOT VERY OFTEN do our female footballers express aspirations about playing at the highest level of the sport.

Maybe times are changing. Arika Hooper, one of this country’s leading female youth footballers, has made it clear that she is determined to play with and against the best.

Arika hails from Petit Bordel, a community located on the northwestern coast of mainland St. Vincent.

She plays for the North Leeward Predators Football Club in local competitions and has graduated from representing the country

at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels to the Under-20 grouping.

She is known to have scored a goal while representing SVG at each of these levels.

Currently, Arika is training with the national senior female football team preparing for the FiFa World Cup Qualifiers next year.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN recently, Arika said, “I believe scoring comes naturally.

I just like to score goals but I think I can do better by put in more training.”

She chose football over the other sports “… because I love the sport and it makes me feel

happy. I would like to reach as far as I could, possibly even gaining a scholarship to further my studies.”

The North Leeward lass is enrolled at the SVG Community College pursuing a course in Physical Education.

Careful not to allow her studies to go unattended, she organizes herself so that she trains every day and finds the time to “look up different moves on YouTube.”

Arika thinks her (national) teammates need to put in the work for the benefit of the team and themselves.

“I think they could do better once they train

LUKE WILSON, one of this country’s leading young off spinners, is happy to be part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) Skills Development Training Programme.

“I think it was a great move from the SVGCA. It has been hard really being a youth cricketer

over the past two years due to COVID and its effects on everything from sports to education.

So, it’s great to know that there are plans to move back into a phase where youth cricket is being focused on,” Wilson told THE VINCENTIAN. Wilson admitted to have already seen

improvements in his skillset and knowledge of the game, and felt assured that many, if not all of his teammates who have attended the coaching sessions, would say the same.

But while he lauded the quality of coaching and focus on the player, Wilson expressed the view that “… having (only) two sessions is far from sufficient especially when it is considered that most of us haven’t been involved in the sport for over 2 years.”

He also pointed to the importance of stressing the fitness element

Arika Hooper, National Female Footballer, is aiming to play at the highest level of the sport. harder, take every session seriously and believe in themselves,” she suggested.

With her focus set far afield, Arika finds motivation by following the exploits of her role model, USA footballer Alex Morgan, and hopes one day to play at Morgan’s level.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Wilson welcomes Training Programme

Luke Wilson national under-19 off spinner.

during the sessions, though, he recognized that each player should be responsible for his own fitness.

Wilson is hopeful that there will be an Under19 regional tournament and is looking forward to earning a spot in the Windwards Uner-19 team, which will pave the way for participating in the regional tournament.

His focus lands even further. He has his eyes focused on making the Under-19 West Indies team.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021. 31.

Classifieds

Replacing teachers is a bad move Continued from Backpage.

And more persons were expected to be interviewed and hired, the Prime Minister continued. It was expected that a number close to that already hired will be recruited in a second round.

As far as the numbers of frontline workers who have been vaccinated, Dr. Gonsalves said based on information he had received, over 90 percent of those working at the prisons, the police, customs, immigration, ports, airports and nurses and doctors at the Milton Cato Memorial

Hospital and other clinics had taken the vaccine.

Among teachers in particular, Dr. Gonsalves disclosed that 85 percent

in both primary and secondary schools and around 90 percent of teachers at the Community College were vaccinated.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER

10, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.49

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

CRUISE VISITORS’ COVID PROTOCOLS AMENDED

by KENVILLE HORNE RECENT amendments to SVG’s COVID-19 protocols as they relate to cruise line visitors, are intended to boost arrivals and benefit taxi operators.

Speaking at a press conference at the CDC office at Victoria Park last Tuesday, Minister of Tourism Carlos James said that two amendments have been made to the SVG cruise visitors’ protocols, and took effect Monday 6th.

One amendment will allow for passengers to present a rapid antigen test as opposed to the PCR test that was required. The other will see cruise passenger participating in non-bubble tours once requested by the cruise line.

Acceptance of the rapid antigen test will apply to travellers whose home ports accept that test for exit screening. The requirement for a PCR test will continue for passengers whose home ports require PCR testing.

Minister James anticipates that these adjustments, even as the protocols of social distancing and wearing of Carlos James, Minister of mask remain in place, will allow Tourism, passengers to disembark and visit would be sites with greater ‘freedom’. hoping that at least one of Non-bubble tours the amendments Addressing the introduction of would non-bubble tours, Minister James address the made it clear that these will not complaints of replace the bubble tours. the taxi He referenced that, “…some of operators. the cruise ships are requesting (non-bubble tours) and we have put in place a second option where a particular cruise line might want to opt for a non-bubble tour, which means that the passengers who are coming can disembark freely and visit sights across St. Vincent and the Grenadines with limited restrictions.”

This adjustment implied increased opportunities for taxi operators with Minister James citing the new measures as being “…aimed at getting a lot of the taxi operators who may now want to take passengers to locations and sites which may not necessarily be a part of the local agents booking.. .”

He, however, appealed to those taxi operators to have an operational plan in terms of where they are taking their guests, so that the authorities can monitor what is taking place, not least being for purposes of contact tracing should a positive case of COVID-19 be discovered among their passengers.

Cruise ship passengers have been handed increased ease of entry at ports in SVG.

REPLACING TEACHERS IS A BAD MOVE during a time of crisis, to encourage persons to take away THE MOVE by government to the jobs of others because they hire persons to replace teachers refused to take a vaccine was not who opted not to get vaccinated right. against COVID-19, is a bad one.

“People know in their hearts Leader of the Opposition, Dr. that is not right,” Dr. Friday said.

Godwin Friday said on the He was responding to the December 6 edition of the New comment made by Prime Minister Times programme aired on NICE Dr. Ralph Gonsalves one day Radio, that to encourage that sort earlier on WEFM, that the slow of thing would only create movement of teachers to get division within society. vaccinated had forced officials at Dr. Friday emphasised that the Ministry of Education to hire

by DAYLE DA SILVA

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

replacements, since those unvaccinated teachers were not allowed on to their respective school compounds.

According to Gonsalves, as of December 4, 91 persons were hired.

This was in response to the advertisement that went out on November 24. Short term contracts were awarded to persons, including some retired persons.

In the case of retired persons re-entering the classroom, Dr. Gonsalves said those retired teachers will continue to receive their pension.

Continued on Page 31.

With unvaccinated teachers denied access to classroom, their places are being filled by recruits from ‘outside’ the system, including from among retired teachers.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.