Issuu

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11,

2022

VOLUME 115, No.06

Teen dies after chase Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Annamay must wait Page 4

EC$1.50

Recognising ‘June’ Russell Page 14

Bung and FuzzyGoodbye Page 16

Quarry quarrel Page 28

Right: Rosie Hamilton, mother of the deceases, is urging young people to ‘listen to their parents’ who are their ‘best friends’. Left: As has become the norm, persons gathered at the scene of the crime and showed little regard for the physical evidence.

Renaldo Hamilton is said to have received two shots and died on the spot.

by KENVILLE HORNE A 23-YEAR-OLD MALE is this country’s fourth homicide victim for the year. Renaldo Hamilton, a resident of Stubbs who is said to have previously resided at New Montrose and Campden Park, was shot in Arnos Vale, in the area of the Bus Stop opposite Richardson’s Gas Depot, just a short distance from his mother’s workplace (The Original Rik’s Pizza), sometime around 2:30pm on Saturday 5th February. Reports are that an unknown assailant walked up to him, shot him in the head in full view of others at the bus stop, and fled the scene using the Church of Nazarene road on the opposite side. A video circulating on social media showed Hamilton’s body lying

on the sidewalk in a trail of blood. A women could be heard crying aloud, “That’s my son.”

Mother-son last encounter Rosie Hamilton, Renaldo’s mother, recalled while speaking to a colleague news agency here, the last time she was in touch with her son. She related that that Saturday morning she was already at work, 11am, when she decided to call him. “I say ‘Hi, where are you?’ and he said, ‘I am in the studio Mama. I recording a song, when I done I go come look for you’. I say okay no problem,” said Hamilton. The mother noted that her son arrived at her workplace just before 2pm, and had something to eat. When he was finished eating, as

she would have done on numerous occasions before, she put a hundred dollar bill in a money bag and asked her son to go “get some ones (change).” Rosie noted that she would normally take a look outside whenever Renaldo left but this time, having to attend to a customer, he left without her notice. Not long after, the mother said she heard “pow, pow” and rushed outside to see what the commotion was all about. “I ain’t seeing anybody and they say somebody on the ground… when I look I saw my son lying on the ground. I run up there and Continued on Page 6.

2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . 3.

News 3 Teens dies after alleged police chase

Some of the injuries Cjae Weeks suffered as a result of being knocked off his bike. She had to make some calls before a police officer came to inquire whether her son was dead or alive, she told listeners to the popular morning programme.

When asked by one of the programme’s host if she has heard from any high ranking officer, she said, that a “SP (Superintendent) had come and asked me about my son’s What transpired? wellbeing.” Natasha Weeks also And even as he was disclosed that there are “fighting for his life,” as witnesses who shared he lay warded at the similar information to MCMH, Cjea was able to what her son told her but Cjae Weeks, like many his age, enjoyed the “freedom’ that motor cycling relate what had taken they are waiting until seems to bring to riding enthusiasts. No ease up place. they hear the police According to her, on account of what took AN 18-YEAR-OLD MALE 97.1 Morning Show Am that she got a phone call the day in question he His mother recalled place, before coming DIED at the Milton Cato Mayhem on Monday 6th from a friend informing and a friend were on him saying, “Mommy, forward. Memorial Hospital February, Natasha her that he was in the their way, on their motor they wasn’t easing up on She said that in all of (MCMH) on Sunday 6th, Weeks, Cjae’s mother, hospital. Uncertain about cycles, to a tyre shop in me. They hey could have the drama, the only four days after he was said she has not yet come the information, she Questelles to return a ease up on me mommy thing the police told her allegedly chased down on to terms with her son’s called the hospital and tyre purchased the day and the way how they was that her son had got his motor cycle and run death. She is employed received confirmation before. were coming on me is into an accident but not over by a police transport. at the residence of the that her son was indeed It was while on that like when they hit the with the police. Cjae Weekes was prime Minister. admitted. journey that the boys bike the bike pitch.” Meanwhile, admitted to the Milton The irony, she alluded, When she got to the He ended up Commissioner of Police Cato Memorial Hospital was that it was not so hospital, her son was on encountered the police underneath the police Colin John has confirmed last week Wednesday, long ago that she was a bed at the Accident and who appeared to be signaling for a vehicle to vehicle on a dirt road. that an investigation has February 2, with lying next to him as he Emergency Department stop. Cjea, according to When the police been launched and so far, multiple injuries, filled out an application and she noticed he was removed him from under it appears, eye witnesses his mother, said he was including a broken spine, form to join the Royal St vomiting. which left him effectively Vincent and the After he settled down unsure if it was them or the vehicle, Cjea said he have corroborated what a black vehicle that was could hear them saying his officers have paralysed, a broken left Grenadines Police Force. and she returned to his reported. leg and multiple bruises Recounting how she bedside, she noticed that in front of them that the that they needed to get him to the hospital, Cjea would have police was signaling. about his body. found out that her son “he skin was looking “…before he dead pon turned 19 on the 18th of “I saw the police In an interview on Hot was injured, she said burned and scrappy.” transport speeding we.” February. (KH) behind us so we started to drive faster,” Cjea told his mother, who also admitted that her son knew he did not have his rider’s permit on him that morning, and did not want to get caught. The chase ended after the young man was run over in Vermont. The police transport was badly damaged in the process.

V Long wait for Annamay 4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

VINCENTIAN on Wednesday down for hearing in the High Court on Wednesday, and that when contacted following the THE MATTER INVOLVING adjournment of the matter, she was awaiting the ANNAMAY Lewis, a 56-year-old that she intended to make a disclosure of the video vendor of Layou who is charged recording from the police, in preliminary objection on with throwing missiles to the relation to Lewis’ matter. Wednesday in relation to the danger of others, at a protest matter, but she could not be Because neither the action in Kingstown, August 5, there. She however, intends to Prosecution nor the Defense 2021, will not be heard until make that objection whenever was ready to proceed on December 14. the matter is called again. Wednesday, Burnette Senior Magistrate Rickie Bacchus-Baptiste did not adjourned the matter to Burnette set the adjournment December 14. disclose the nature of the date at the Kingstown When the Magistrate told objection she intends to make. Magistrate’s Court on The charge of throwing Lewis, who was standing in Wednesday, after indication the dock, that the matter was missiles to the danger of that neither party involved adjourned to December 14, she others, in a public place, to was ready to proceed. wit, White Chapel Road, replied, “December,” with a The matter was initially look of surprised on her face. Kingstown, was one of two scheduled for hearing at the charges Lewis was facing, Burnett then explained to Kingstown Magistrate’s Court her that the Court was ready stemming from protest actions on January 4, this year, but organized by the opposition to proceed, but neither the when it was called on that New Democratic Party (NDP), Prosecution nor the Defense date, Lewis’ lead attorneyand other organizations, was ready. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, told the outside the House of After Lewis left the court, court that she was informed Assembly, and around the Magistrate pointed out, Annamay Lewis has been put into further suspense. by the Prosecution that one of “You see, when the Court set a Kingstown, August 5, 2021. their main witnesses was in date for hearing and both Lewis had also been head with an unknown object. Counsel Rene Simmonds quarantine. parties are not ready, it means charged with maliciously However, on September 15, indicated that the Prosecution Bacchus-Baptiste had also wounding Prime Minister Dr. that they are prepared to 2021, when that matter was was withdrawing that charge. indicated then that her client wait.” Ralph Gonsalves, by striking called at the Kingstown Attorney Israel Bruce is was not feeling well, and Bacchus-Baptiste told THE him on the right side of the Magistrate’s Court, Crown also representing Lewis. asked for an adjournment. She did not disclose the nature of Lewis’ illness, but the Senior Magistrate adjourned the matter to Wednesday February 9. He is also charged with unlawfully LESS THAN TEN DAYS after Hanif However, when the discharging a loaded firearm at Joshua Forbes appeared in court on charges of matter was called on murder and assault, the 40-year-old mason Pompey, with intent to injure; and Wednesday, Prosecutor of Spring Village, Georgetown, has been possession of a firearm without license, Delando Charles informed slapped with three additional charges. make and serial number unknown. the court that the Forbes was not called upon to plead, Forbes who is on remand awaiting a prosecutor who has and the matter was transferred to the Paper Committal Procedure into the conduct of the case could Serious Offences Court and adjourned to not be in court because she January 22 shooting death of 47-year-old February 22. truck driver, Joshua ‘Cabbage’ Pompey, was ill, and he indicated On his initial appearance before Chief was taken before Senior Magistrate Rickie that the Prosecution was Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Burnett, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s seeking a short Court on Friday February 4, after the new Serious Offences Court on January 25, adjournment. The Magistrate then Forbes was not required to plead to the charges were laid. said that the Court had Forbes is additionally charged with charge of murdering Pompey, and received a letter from assaulting his wife, causing her actual entering the home of Pompey’s wife Bacchus-Baptiste who was Lakeitha Harris-Pompey of O’Brien’s bodily harm. also requesting an Pompey was shot in the head around Village, and stealing one bottle of adjournment. 12:05 am on January 22, while his wife, an Gonsalves Black Wine valued at EC$30, In Bacchus-Baptiste one bottle of Pure Heaven non-alcoholic auxilliary police officer, was reportedly letter, read in Court by the wine valued at EC$25 and one bottle of assaulted shortly before midnight on Magistrate, she stated that Jamaican Brandy valued at $35. January 21. she had two civil matters The offences of burglary, The case file of murder accused Hanif unlawful discharge of a firearm, Forbes has reportedly got a little heavier. and possession of a firearm (Facebook photo) without license, were reportedly #Cabral from Court committed around 11:40 p.m. on Several witnesses January 21. Caption: testified for the All five offences are said to have URANUS CABRAL, 30prosecution, including occurred at O’Brien’s Village, and year-old labourer of Glen, the investigator, stemmed from the same incident. was on Monday Corporal Henry Hoyte, As a result, all the charges will be committed to stand trial and retired police heard in one Paper Committal in the High Court for the inspector Sherol James. Procedure at the Serious Offences August 19, 2019 murder James had started the Court on February 22. of Marcus Corridon, 48investigations but Attorney Ronald Marks who is year-old mechanic of subsequently retired, and representing Forbes, was not Belair. Corporal Hoyte present when his client returned to Following a continued the probe. court on February 4, in connection Preliminary Inquiry (PI) The charge against with the new charges, as the which started at the Corridon stemmed from lawyer was attending court in Serious Offences Court a shooting incident at Bequia. earlier this year, Chief Belair on August 19, However, on Forbes’ appearance Magistrate Rechanne 2019. at the Serious Offences Court on Browne ruled that there Cabral was arrested January 25, Marks had requested was sufficient evidence and charged in the Paper Committal Procedure, Joshua ‘Cabbage’ Pompey is said to for Cabral to stand trial. connection with the Uranus Cabral as he and his request was granted. have died as a result of a single gunshot He was unrepresented at matter on May 10, 2021. appeared on a police wound to his head. the PI. wanted poster in 2019. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

More charges for murder accused

Cabral to answer for 2019 murder

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 5.

News

Wanted Trini held in SVG suspended for one year. Senior Magistrate Rickie NEKEIVA GLASGOW, a 36-yearBurnett handed down the old national of Trinidad and penalty at the Kingstown Tobago, who is said to be Magistrate’s Court after wanted by the Homicide Glasgow pleaded guilty to the Authorities there, was yesterday charge. (Thursday) handed a suspended He was first brought before sentence for giving a false name the Court on Monday on four to the authorities here. charges of illegal entry, to Glasgow was sentenced to which he pleaded guilty. He nine months imprisonment, was fined $300 or two months but that sentence was in prison on each charge, and by HADYN HUGGINS

Long wait for Annamay Continued from Page 4. Assembly, and around Kingstown, August 5, 2021. Lewis had also been charged with maliciously wounding Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, by striking him on the right side of the head with an unknown object.

However, on September 15, 2021, when that matter was called at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, Crown Counsel Rene Simmonds indicated that the Prosecution was withdrawing that charge. Attorney Israel Bruce is also representing Lewis.

the Senior Magistrate made a removal order for him. Glasgow had told the Court on Monday, that there was a (gang) war in Trinidad, and a peace treaty was signed, following which he came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He said he was residing here for two years, worked as a landscaper and never got into any conflict with the law. The facts, as presented in Court, revealed that Glasgow had given Senior Immigration Officer Helen Harry his name as Jerome Roberts. However, during investigations by Inspector Nolan Dallaway of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and his team, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) was contacted, and it was confirmed that his name is Nekeiva Glasgow, a national of Port of Spain,

Nekeiva Glasgow will remain in police custody ubntil his return to T&T. Trinidad, who was born on August 19, 1985. Interpol enables police in its 194 member countries to work together to fight international crime. Correspondence was also received by the authorities here that Glasgow is wanted by the Homicide Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. Glasgow had paid the fines for entering this country illegally, and was at the Central Police Station

awaiting deportation when he was questioned in relation to the false name. He told the police he gave the false name because he was frightened. When Glasgow asked the Senior Magistrate how soon he would be taken back to his homeland, and whether he would be in the hands of the Immigration Authorities here until then, the Magistrate told him, “You will be in the hands of the state until you are taken back to Trinidad.”

6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Wall collapses: Two killed Monday 7th February, 2022. A third person is said to have sustained injuries to his head and limbs, and was warded at the Georgetown Hospital. Dead are Delarno Spencer of Chateaubelair, who was residing at New Adelphi, and Maxwell Seales of Businessman Ebenezer Calliaqua. Cameron Moore was Crichton wants the the other worker injured. government to ensure Reports are that the that the building laws men were employed on are enforced. the site with Fraser Construction, the two TWO CONSTRUCTION accounting for workers died after a cumulative service of retaining wall at the St three years. Vincent Distillery at Mt Project ManagerBentick, Georgetown, Sendi Haynes described collapsed on them. the men as very good and The mishap is dependable workers. reported to have occurred Haynes said that he was around 1:45 pm on not on site when the

incident took place but confirmed that the men were working on the concrete wall when it collapsed According to another local news agency, Judy Prince, Spencer’s girlfriend, could not hold back her emotions when she got to the site and beheld her boyfriend. She had to be consoled by a friend and employees of the construction firm. Popular businessman Ebenezer Crichton, who operates a shop nearby, told SVG TV that he was at his business place when he saw a lot of people running and he wondered what was happening. When he inquired, he was told that there was an accident with some

construction workers. “About 15 minutes or there about I went across and when I went across I saw like a portion of wall was lying on the ground. Then I observed that there was a dark poling (tarpaulin ) and when I inquired they said three of the fellas got damaged but two were there lying.”

Crichton commended the other workers describing them as very helpful and quick to react to the injured. The businessman expressed condolences to the family members of the deceased and said he was saddened by what happened as both men would usually stop by to support his small business. He said that there is a need for more experienced people and for the government to ensure that the building

laws are enforced that there can be a safer environment. Cauldric “Punty” Fraser, proprietor of Fraser Construction, was also on hand to provide support to the grieving family members and employees. The deaths of the two construction workers follow that of 67- yearold Lyder Corke, who fell to his death through the roof of the distillery, while he was changing galvanise on Monday, June 4, 2021. (KH)

Police move to vocer the bodies of the two men who were killed when a wall collapsed on them.

Young man murdered in broad daylight reflected. She disclosed that her son, at the said that’s my son. It was so time of his death, was not living with terrifying,” said an obviously her. He, his girlfriend and their baby emotional mother. resided at Stubbs. The well-known proprietor of The Bringing him up Original Rik’s Original Pizza said that while she is disappointed and hurt by Rosie Hamilton posited that she the way her son was portrayed on at brought up her son properly, with the least one social media site, with him support of her husband who is his showing a gun sign, she just want to stepfather, the proprietor of The avoid the noise and bury her son. Original Rik’s Pizza. “He didn’t (be)come what I wanted “He was sent to good schools, him to be, me and his stepfather,” including the Sugar Mill Academy. We whom he described as “the best father gave him everything a child would ever to my son.” need so I don’t know. …. When you She is imploring children to listen want your child to go the right way to their parents since they are “Your you always do everything it takes, but best friends.” sometimes they think they big and Police say they have launched an they have they own way,” Rosie investigation into the shooting. Continued from Frontpage.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 7.

News

Red Cross collaboration continues SOME THREE HUNDRED HAND Sanitisers and Dispensers are being installed at Schools across the country by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society (SVGRCS), in partnership with two international agencies - USAID and UNICEF. The initiative is implemented as part of the national effort to help with the fight to control the spread of Covid-9. The SVGRCS is working closely with the Ministry of Education and BRAGSA to ensure that the Sanitisers Automatic Dispensers in use at the and Dispensers are properly St. Vincent Grammar School, thanks to the installed. SVGRC and their partners. The St. Vincent Grammar School was the first school to and the Girls’ High School. receive its donation on Friday 21st The work will continue in the January. weeks ahead and it is expected that They were followed last week by there will be sufficient supplies to the School for Children with Special provide Sanitisers and Dispensers Needs, the Kingstown Anglican School in a number of communities.

Sealey is C&W Communications head C&W COMMUNICATIONS is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Sealy to the position of Senior Director, Head of Communications effective February 1, 2022. Sealy, who is based in Barbados, has held a variety of roles within company, most recently as Senior Manager, Communications, South Caribbean with responsibility for Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dutch Caribbean. In her new role, which forms part of C&W’s executive leadership team, Sealy will be responsible for leading the company’s corporate communications portfolio in over twenty markets spread across the Caribbean and Latin America. “Marilyn is passionate about our business, cares deeply for her colleagues, and brings amazing energy to everything she does. She is a savvy, results-oriented business leader and reliable team player who has grown with the company and we wish her continued success in her new role,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer, C&W Communications. Sealy is a trained behavioural and social change specialist, and has worked extensively in the field of journalism, public relations, and event management for the past twenty years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ryerson University

Marilyn Sealey in Toronto, Canada and an MA in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change with Distinction from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Sealy is currently a member of and previously served as a Past President of the Barbados Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). (Submitted by: C&W Miami)

The presentation party at the St. Vincent Grammar school.

8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

So this is we Carnival METAVERSE OR NOT, there was always going to be something of a traditional carnival this year. The powers that be dare not allow for a ‘national letting off of steam’ and provide something of a knee jerk to a struggling national economy and even worse localized economies. (Ask shopkeepers about increasing requests for credit) The citizenry needed to be ‘released’ from the strictures occasioned by the prevailing coronavirus. The bubble would burst if it were allowed to be inflated by the toxic fumes of disgruntled young people especially. Whether our 2022 carnival would mean a lessening of the number of ‘fetes’ that have come to characterize of Premiere Cultural Festival, or whether it would mean a limit to the number of Monday mas revellers and Mardi Gras masqueraders on the streets, will be determined by what the authorities hope would be a vaccination rate nearing 70% of the population. Funny how that figure, meant to create the ground for some return to the once normal, keeps changing to suit the arguments of the time, and the interpretation of the science. So, our carnival comes into focus even as we grapple with the profound problems surrounding not just what our carnival culture has morphed into, but larger problems facing the economy and the imbalance in our communities. Yes, our carnival comes into focus even as we face up to: a reality in which we have already recorded four homicides for the year; an uncanny collapse of a wall that stood for generations and in its falling took two lives; the death of a young man after what appears to be a movie-like police-assailant chase on the open but restricted road system here; open objection to the disrespectful manner in which persons directly affected learned about the lease of some 50 acres or more of our land space, to a company that will mine it for the next thirty years; what appears to be differing understanding about

who benefits from the products of that mining — we or they; the further ‘kicksin’ in our parliament by having a senator replaced and rereplaced within two weeks or so of the last sitting of the House of Assembly; an attempt to have us accept this glaring partisan act as a patriotic act — putting country before party - when even the visually challenged can see the glare of a Parliamentary Dictatorship. So we bring our carnival into focus. One would have thought, as pastoral as it sounds, that the last two years would have been seen as a ripe opportunity to host an indepth national consultation to give the Carnival much-needed revitalisation and direction. The years were tragically wasted. Instead, we spent time hastening to figure out how to perpetuate the notion that ours is the Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean, not realising that we continue to propagate a lie that it is our Premiere National Cultural festival when, in fact, it has degenerated to a combination of melody, meaning and musicality that is flimsy as it is fleeting, and we fail to recognise how our tastes and standards have been trivilaised and set on a deep decline. That our carnival should demonstrate who and what we are is undeniable but not so when it speaks to a street fete that debases the society into a ‘bottoms’ festival. We have to guard against fooling ourselves by speaking of the skill and dexterity of our composers and musical/stellband arrangers; the craft of our word sages — the guile of our calypsonians who wax literature to levels unparralled; the ingenuity of our carnival artists and artisans when, in fact, we have replaced the street theatre of the masquerade bands, a la Fizzy Knights, Lennox Scully Hunte, with a Carnival that is an “an expression of us being simpleton, frivolous and a wining and jumping people. And our leaders say that is good for our health and well-being.

Are we heading towards another war? WALKING THROUGH KINGSTOWN a few days ago, specifically looking for a location to host a “Community field of Honor,” I was drawn to the Iron Man location. I remember as a kid the World War I memorial was to the venue of a very moving Memorial Day event and much more. “The triangle” was where we arranged to meet if we ever got separated as kids from our parents. I notice the relatively poor conditions of the grassy area around the Iron Man and the surrounding green space along Bay Street. I totally agree with Senator Francis about the need to clean up Kingstown. But, back to the war memorials. While we have done a great job of keeping the outside appearance of the other monument, “Peace Mo,” we have successfully buried it in a sea of nondescript architectural buildings. We must do better. But this is not why I write today. I write because I am concerned about the possibility of another war. The war to end all wars over seventy-six years ago might have faded so far into our memory that we are about to do it again. About seventeen years ago, the Russian President for life opined that the breakup of the Soviet Union was one of the great disasters of the twentieth century. Some in the West might disagree with his categorization. But it was indeed one of the century’s major events. Some in the West eager to project western-style democracy on the world might even call it a victory for humanity. I do not think the former KGB operative Putin wants to return to the failed centralized economy of the Soviet Union. After all, those bread lines played for us in the West, as a daily event were embarrassing. In my opinion, the loss of landmass and sphere of influence is creating the current tension in Europe. When the Soviet Union crumbled under the Cold War pressure, they lost the “Eastern Bloc” including Poland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Georgia, Ukraine, and a few more. Ok, a lot more. As many in the military-industrial complex beat the drum for war, let’s consider what is at stake. First, the return of a multi-nation war in Europe (NATO vs. Russia) effectively WW III. Today, the problem is that NATO is not

united on approaching this conflict, and Russia knows it. Some in Europe, like Germany, are heavily dependent on Russia for energy and think we can talk ourselves out of a war. The Germans are more interested in an uninterrupted natural gas supply than in a war with Russia on behalf of the Ukrainians. Probably the most corrupted people/nation in Europe. The French, eager to assert themselves as the new leader in Europe, shares a similar approach for different reasons. They are still angry at the US and the British over the Australian submarine deal. The French want to distinguish themselves from their “friends.” They do not want to be seen as the aggressor. However, no one is ready to say the French are going alone, despite the notable difference between them and the USA and the British. The war-weary Americans, tired after twenty years in Afghanistan, want to conjure up as many sanctions as possible to stop what seems inevitable. A Russian invasion of Ukraine. The American empire is on the line. They cannot afford another war politically, yet they cannot let Russia march into Ukraine. What will Biden do? War in Ukraine would challenge the worldwide system of a military alliance. The forward deployment concept by the Americans and NATO is the backbone of the American economy. This logic of defense through forwarding deployment has shaped American thinking about war. This is the reason for the many foreign bases around the world. During the Cold War, the idea of a strong, large military force was all about leverage and money. If Russia learned nothing else from the Cold War era, they learned that wars are won and lost on the stock market. Not on the battlefield. America has the best-trained and best-equipped military globally, yet they lose to the Taliban after twenty years. The problem for America is that the business side of the war is not designed to win. They want to keep the fighting going. The longer the battle to more money is made. Some estimates are that of the USA’s 2.3 trillion dollars spent on the Afghan war, about 75% went to US companies. Horatio

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 9.

Letters

We can have our Cake and eat it WE WANT THE FARMS AT RICHMOND and we want the Quarry. There is no doubt that we can have both. The Environmental Impact Study would help us to decide how we can have both, and the actions we can take to mitigate against the negative effect on the environment. Our people are our greatest asset and we must consult with them and would, in all likelihood, come up with a workable solution. At Buccament, we want the hotel development and we want our farmers to produce excellent crops on the floodplains of that Bay. To accomplish this, we may have to build the hotel on the unproductive rocky lands and leave the fertile flatlands for the farmers. We hope the hotel would utilize the crops from the farming. We want the poor to have access to financial resources and develop healthy work

habits. Instead of giving handouts, we can create jobs for them. It may be necessary to contract out this program to private entities. The success is measured by the number of persons returning to the productive sector and the number that would no longer need assistance. We can keep animals and grow crops. The animals must be tied or fenced. The animal manure can be used to fertilize the crops. We can have our Biggut Water but we can sell the excess. We can acquire immunity without taking the vaccine. Those who take the vaccine will develop artificial immunity while those who come down with the virus and recover will develop a superior natural immunity. We can test the population to determine the level of immunity as indicated by the presence of antibodies.

Students can gain an excellent education in their neighborhood elementary and secondary schools. We do this by following the instructions of the teachers, diligently completing all assignments, reading the weekly newspapers, texts and other available materials on the topics under study, practicing questions, discussions with peers, writing a daily journal, and teaching someone else what was learned. We can spare the rod without spoiling the child. We must have a lot of patience, mean what we say, set clear attainable boundaries. We can balance our budget with the resources we have. It means using our talents to generate the needed income, spending judiciously, and living within our means. We can have our beaches and share them with our visitors. We should protect all

Is Mandate biblical? MANDATE IS DEFINED as an official order or commission to do something. Mandate however has choice and consequences. The Bible does support mandate. Therefore it is not unscriptural or unbiblical to have mandates. It began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve when they were told not to eat of the fruit that was in the middle of the Garden or they would surely die. That was an official order. They had a choice. They chose to disobey and were cast out of the Garden and then, death was passed upon all men. In Luke 13: 3 we are told, “I tell you, Nay; but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”. That was an order to repent or perish; the choice to repent or not to repent. Failure to repent meant a person will perish. There was no middle ground. It is either repent or perish. In John 3: 3, it is said that except a man be born again he can not see the Kingdom of God. Here, it is a mandate. The only choice a person has to enter God’s Kingdom is to be born again. There is simply no middle ground or no other choice. Romans 14:11 states, “For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.” Here again, it is compulsory to bow the knee to the Lord either now or later. Yet still man has a choice. In Philippians 2: 10 and 11, the Bible says, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the

father.” Here it is quite simple; every single person should bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. There is no option in this case; likewise there are many more scriptures that speak to the subject of mandate. In our last two references there is simply no choice, it is compulsory. Where as in some other verses that speak to the subject of mandatory, there is choice to take God’s order and do as he says, or suffer the consequences. This therefore begs the question, “Is God a Dictator?” I know we would all agree that He is not, but He gives man choices and ultimatums. It is therefore, a false concept to think that the Bible does not support mandates, but instead gives choices and that God does not gives mandates, but choices. Indeed it is true to say that God gives man choices which comes with consequences when we fail to accept his mandates, and a blessing when we accept his mandates. Romans 3: 4 tell us to let God be true and every man a liar. Therefore, let us not, as Christians, speak without understanding what the Bible says and let us follow His word. Kennard King 4857324

beaches, place washroom facilities at all of them. Hotels desiring to have private beaches may negotiate to rent them from communities for specific short-term periods. We can maintain our integrity despite the corrupting forces around us. In so many other ways we can have our cake and eat it, we may have to negotiate with people and our environment. Anthony Stewart, PhD

No time for ‘rangatang’ MR. EDITOR, if I know you the way I think I know you, you will leave the Honourable Prime Minister at the ‘foot of the cross’ to atone for his sins and ask Christ’s blessings. You are not going to go down the road of any open ‘rangatang’ with Gonsalves. You know better than to get into that. You know that all that will do is open a whole set a cracks and ‘nuff thing’ might just come out. Though, my friend, I get the funny feeling that somewhere in what the great PM had to say in his letter ‘Dear Cyp’ letter, he might just have stepped close to something which might be grounds for another fight. But we doh ha time for dat nonsense. By the time this is printed (Editor’s Note: It was submitted for possible publication in last week’s issue) I bet my last misery dollar I have that that fellow Ballah will be back in the House of Assembly as a government senator. He is up and around having ‘recovered from Covid’ and as the PM said, it wouldn’t be long before he returns to the House. You see, it’s like you say, Mr. Editor: The men and dem ju’ kicksin in parliament. The government and its one-seat majority rule things and they have shown that they can wield influence over how things operate there. I wonder how the big lady go feel when dat happen? Charles, Edinboro

V Private Sector, Investment, 10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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No Major Project for North Innovation Entrepreneurship Windward

Excerpt from the 2022 Budget Presentation of Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves Introduction AS WE CONTINUE TO EXAMINE some of the initiatives of the government for the 2022 fiscal year outlined in the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditures 2022, our focus is on the private sector and specifically the policies that are intended to foster growth. Minister of Finance Hon Camillo Gonsalves addressed the many challenges faced by the private sector during the challenging 2021 fiscal year that saw very little economic growth, but at the same time commended the stakeholders for their resilience in weathering the storms that threatened their very existence. There was support offered to the private sector, both through the introduction of the PRYME program, but also through the negotiations with financial institutions to provide a moratorium on loans to businesses. Building on the support provided to the private sector during the last year, the governments will continue to facilitate private sector growth and expansion through targeted interventions that will encourage local and foreign investments. The statement of the Honorable Minister of Finance outlining how the government intends to support private sector development over the 2022 fiscal year follows: “In 2022, the Government will establish a Business Recovery Task Force within the Ministry of Finance that will lead the process of consultation, data collection and enhancement of existing supports to the private sector. Specifically, the Task Force will provide online resources for businesses; assist in the identification of funding support for entrepreneurs and small or medium enterprises; identify sector-specific workforce retention and development needs; and address other structural barriers to business recovery. The work of the Task Force will overlap with that of the previously-established Ease of Doing Business Unit to help facilitate as robust a recovery as possible. “As the heart of economic activity in the country, our capital city of Kingstown will play an outsized role in national recovery efforts. The Government will seek to safely and sustainably reinvigorate commercial activity in Kingstown. Part of this effort will involve restarting the clean-up activities that were delayed due to concerns about moving vendors into enclosed areas during the height of the Pandemic. The Government will also invest $276,000 into creating standardised outdoor vending kiosks that will improve the orderliness and attractiveness of the visually chaotic pallet-wood stalls that cover our city streets. We believe that, in establishing the broad parameters for improved order and ambiance in Kingstown, we can safely increase foot traffic and improve economic activity for locals and visitors alike. “In recent years, Invest SVG has played a role in attracting or facilitating a number of major investments that are currently being implemented across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. At the moment, Invest SVG is leading our national participation at the World Expo in Dubai, which has already led to visits by major potential investors. With support of Compete Caribbean, and as part of a wider institutional strengthening initiative, we are in the process of drafting a fresh Investment

(Excerpts of Senator Shevern John’s Budget Presentation) Act and Investment Policy. The strengthened legislative footing will better position Invest SVG to attract and service potential foreign investors, while playing an enhanced role in improving the business and innovation climate. Budget 2022 also allocates resources to relocate the offices of Invest SVG from its maze of cubicles within the Ministry of Finance to its own building, a stone’s throw from the Argyle International Airport. Foreign Direct Investors will meet our investment professionals within moments of landing at AIA. “Small and Medium Enterprises, entrepreneurs and start-ups can look forward to increased support in 2022 from the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC).53 After reluctance by some financial institutions to embrace this regional initiative, local banks and credit unions have signed on to participate, and will receive training on delivering this product to local businesses. Under this initiative, small businesses and entrepreneurs that apply for financing at banks can have a significant portion of their loan guaranteed by the ECPCGC. This guarantee will make such entrepreneurial loans less risky for lending institutions, and thus make credit more readily-available to the private sector. “The PRYME programme has already provided grant financing of over $6 million to small entrepreneurs, primarily youth. Over 1,500 individuals have been board-approved for PRYME grants, the majority of whom have already received the tools, supplies and equipment necessary to launch or expand their business. Success stories abound. But PRYME is more than the sum of its individual recipients — its real success is in helping to foster a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and in reducing the risk of entry for young people who have a dream and a plan, but lack financing. “In Budget 2022, $1.4 million is allocated to assist another cohort of young entrepreneurs. In addition to grant financing to an estimated 150 entrepreneurs, the programme will begin construction of a second PRYME Community Business Park, which provides a physical space at low cost for young entrepreneurs to offer services from a location in the heart of their community. “The Government will also seek to ensure that all businesses are operating on a common, level playing field, regarding compliance with tax and customs laws. We have been advised that too many businesses are skirting their legal responsibilities, and thus operating with an unfair and illegal advantage relative to their competitors. Indeed, some businesses have calculated that — in the unlikely event that they are caught misleading customs officials or withholding VAT and PAYE payments — the punishment is not sufficient to deter ongoing illegality. We have heard clearly the complaints of our law-abiding businesspersons, who make up the overwhelming majority of the private sector. In 2022 we will improve enforcement and adjust penalties to ensure that there is no advantage that can be reliably gained from dishonesty at the port or in the tax office.”

THE VOLCANIC ERUPTION has caused tremendous damage to the infrastructure above the ‘Dry River’. There are many projects that were still left unattended to since the 2013 floods and which are in urgent need of rebuilding. The people above the ‘River’ literally have many rivers to cross. The Rabacca Bridge is only one aspect of development but the problem now is that there are many more rivers which create havoc on the lives and movement of people above the ‘River’, as seen whenever there is slight to heavy rainfall. These include (Savanna Gutter, Overland River, Noel, London, Bony, Owia River and Owia Bottom Town River and Fancy River). It is sad to report to the constituents that there is nothing substantial in the Budget for technical assistance or work to begin on these bridges. I cannot over emphasize the need for proper roads and foot path in the constituency to help improve the lives of the people. I do wish to see work carried out on many of our mountain roads to assist the farmers in transporting their goods, thus adding value. I eagerly await the construction of the road in Overland which was damaged since 2010 and has become very dangerous to our little children, who have to walk the area to reach to school. The government has now only made a start this project. I hope that this will bring some economic value to the people and that the people in the village will be the ones employed to work on the project. In North Windward, the effects of the eruption continue to be a major problem to many householders. Many persons lost their homes as stated in Budget 2022, and now it is time for rebuilding and recovery. It must be transformative. To be transformative, we must have the collectiveness of all stakeholders involved. As it stands now, what we see are rust and ash painted house roofs. We are having partial repairs of roofs despite monetary allocations for repairs that consider the future impact of existing damage. It means that these homeowners will be left to change the other rusted pieces of galvanise on their own, an added burden to the vulnerable, elderly, disabled, single mothers and the unemployed. This added financial burden is definitely not acceptable and I am calling on the relevant authority to give the people what is rightfully theirs. Even the 27 small houses donated by the Trinidadian based group remain locked up and uninhabited. The donors saw the need and rushed to the assistance, but the government still lingers. I’ll now look at small businesses in the North Windward area. They are faced with threats from post COVID and volcanic eruptions. In building and recovery, we hope that this government will assist the small business man to rebuild. Meet Vibert Nanton - an old entrepreneur whose business was destroyed by the

volcanic ash. According to him up to Friday last week, no one has ever come to do an assessment of the building. This is his livelihood, and he needs the assistance to get him back on his feet. There are many more like him out there. It is important to enhance the economic climate and ensure that there is sustainable growth in the small communities. Unemployment continues to plague us and when members of the communities have an entrepreneurial opportunity, we must give them the assistance they need. In the clean-up process in Owia, we were happy that there were three projects to be done and all at once, so the young men were geared up and ready to work for the period. They got the shock of their lives, as truckloads of men from a different area in the constituency were sent to Owia to shovel ash and work on the project. Not one young man form Owia was employed. The young men cried as they faced this injustice, even those to whom they outsourced felt ashamed and realized that this was total victimization. This government boasts about the increased social protection programmes administered. These programmes help to ensure that persons affected can survive, given the state of poverty that exists. The people of the red zone were in need of the money paid out as part of the social protection programme; many had outstanding utilities bill prior to the eruption, so it came in handy for many to avoid disconnection. But, we remain at the same standard of living and are faced with the same economic problem of unemployment, and we wait patiently again to get another handout to clear our utilities. Nothing to smile about and as Buju says this Budget is nothing but shine no substance, only who feels it knows, shows glamour and glitter but only “who feels it knows”…. OTR will rise from the ash because Chatoyer’s blood runs in our veins and we continue to be a resilient people. We believe that since most of the spending of 2022 will come from VEEP, these areas should lack nothing. We do hope that some diversification will also take place to avoid long travelling for our people. The health and wellness of our people is of utmost importance. We are aware of the mental stress that the people of the red zone have experienced. It is therefore of paramount importance that the health facilities in all areas be upgraded. In the capital estimates of 2022, we see allocation for the upgrade of a health facility in Sandy Bay. I remember prior to the 2020 elections this health centre was refurbished hastily and up to this day the building is still closed. I do hope that what is proposed is a modern health facility to facilitate the people above the ‘Dry River’. I am sure that people in Overland will be surprised to hear that there is no allocation for the upgrade of the health facility in their village.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 11.

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The Real McCoy

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED where the expression “the real McCoy” originated? This expression, which conjures up the need to obtain genuine, authentic, workable parts for equipment and machinery, was actually coined in the early part of this century as a result of the ingenuity of the son of ex-slaves. I learned of the origin of the expression while listening to the History Channel on television late one night. Through the help of a friend and colleague we derived more details from the Internet. I now provide you with a summary of the events leading up to this positive expression and trust that you would find it as mentally stimulating as we did: George and Emillia McCoy were former slaves who escaped from Kentucky in the United States of America and travelled to Colchester, Ontario, Canada via the now famous Underground Railroad. They gave birth to a son, Elijah, on May 2, 1844. The McCoys raised their children on their farm as free Canadian citizens and encouraged them to excel at the school for Black children in Colchester. While still a child, Elijah developed a love for mechanical devices and sought to understand how they operated. He developed an enquiring mind and commenced taking machines apart and reassembling them. His parents soon realised that he had a talent, an aptitude, for working with tools and machines and subsequently engaged in saving money to send him to school where he could learn how to design his own inventions. He left Canada and headed across the Atlantic to Edinburgh, Scotland, at the tender age of 16 to study engineering. It was there that he obtained a degree as “master mechanic and engineer”. On his return to Canada, many persons who refused to accept a Black person as a professional shunned him. Many of them had never heard of a Black engineer. McCoy found it impossible to obtain employment in his profession and settled for working as a common labourer. In an effort to improve his status and to use the knowledge and skills he had secured in Scotland, Elijah McCoy headed south to the American industrial city of Detroit in search of employment. He soon discovered that the colour prejudice he ran from in Colchester also existed in Detroit. His fruitless search for employment in the engineering field temporarily frustrated the young, energetic McCoy. Needing to secure employment, he again compromised and accepted a job as a fireman/oilman on a steam engine for the Michigan Central Railroad. This was a physically demanding, difficult and dangerous job. It consisted of constantly shovelling coal into fires burning inside the firebox at the back of the cab. He was required to work quickly to ensure that the fire did not go out and result in the train running out of steam. If this happened the train would come to a halt. He also

had the task of frequently oiling the moving parts so that the train would run smoothly on the track. As the train stopped every few miles to allow passengers to embark and disembark, McCoy had to walk the length of the train oiling the axles, bearings, and other moving parts of each car. On completing this exercise he was required to race back to the firebox in the cab to oversee the engine’s needs and to continue his shovelling of coal. McCoy spent 2 years designing a lubricating cup to improve the efficiency of his lubricating task. His design, the McCoy Cup, was patented in 1872 and enabled oil to automatically drip in the areas where the lubricant was required. By doing so he had designed the world’s first automatic lubricator. News of his invention rapidly spread. His invention was soon in large demand throughout the United States of America after engineers observed how well the “McCoy Cup” worked. It was not long before all of the train companies operating in North America wanted the McCoy Cups for their trains. As would be expected, others sought to imitate it but the engineers on the trains soon detected the inferior product and would demand the real McCoy which was of superior design and more dependable. This gave birth to the expression “the real McCoy”. The McCoy Drip Cup has since been described as the key device in perfecting the overall lubrication system used in large industries today. Millions of machines around the world have been equipped with some version of McCoy’s invention. Evidence of this can be found on naval vessels, saw mill equipment, construction machinery, mining equipment, oildrilling rigs, and even on the moonexploration vehicles. Elijah McCoy also invented the ironing board and the lawn sprinkler. During his lifetime, McCoy was awarded over 57 patents and became known as one of the most prolific Black inventors of the 19th century. He died in 1929. Through his inventions, McCoy’s voice can still be heard challenging us to strive for excellence in all that we do; to not let obstacles keep us from pursuing our desires and interests; to convert stumbling blocks to stepping stones, as we seek to make our dreams reality. Although we never met this great man and may not have heard about him prior to reading this article, he can still be an important mentor in fuelling us to model the real McCoy. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

Israel’s apartheid policies THE WORLD IS SLOWLY but surely coming to its senses on the apartheid policies of the state of Israel. Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands is a clear violation of international law. Yet, significant countries such as the USA and many in the European Union continue to support Israel’s criminal policies against the people of Palestinians. But there is movement against this connivance with evil. Many leading international organizations and personalities have begun to speak out. In 2014, Desmond Tutu, an icon in the struggle against South African Apartheid, joined the call for an international boycott of the Jewish state. He compared Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians to apartheid, in South Africa. Moreover, he made the linkage between the Jewish holocaust and Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. In April 2021, Human Rights Watch released a 213-page report, titled ‘A Threshold Crossed’, finding that ‘Israeli authorities are committing the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution. We reached this determination based on our documentation of an overarching government policy to maintain the domination by Jewish Israelis over Palestinians, coupled with grave abuses committed against Palestinians living in the occupied territory, including East Jerusalem.’ This chorus has now been joined by Amnesty International. The Human Rights organization, in a report issued on February 2, said Israel’s ‘system of oppression and domination over the Palestinians amounts to the international definition of apartheid. The report immediately prompted fury among Israeli politicians who called for it to be withdrawn. Among them was Israel’s foreign minister, Yair Lapid, who rejected the report as “divorced from reality”, saying: “Amnesty quotes lies spread by terrorist organisations.” As to be expected he accused Amnesty of antisemitism. The mildest criticism of Israeli policy is always met with the smear of antisemitism. The report was welcomed, however, by the Palestinian Authority, which said it hoped it would open the way to the prosecution of Israel at the international criminal court. ‘The state of Palestine welcomes the report by Amnesty International on Israel’s apartheid regime and racist policies and practices against the Palestinian people. Amnesty called on ‘the USA, the European Union and its member states and the UK, but also those states that are in the process of strengthening their ties — such as some Arab and African states - to recognise that Israel is committing the crime of apartheid and other international crimes.’ It asked countries to ‘use all political and diplomatic tools to ensure Israeli authorities implement the recommendations outlined in this report and review any cooperation and activities with Israel to ensure that these do not contribute to maintaining the system of apartheid.’ The 278-page report compiled over a period of four years by the Londonbased rights group means that Amnesty has joined the ranks of Human Rights Watch and the Israeli rights group B’Tselem who have also accused Israel of apartheid ‘Whether they live in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank, or Israel itself, Palestinians are treated as an inferior racial group and systematically deprived of their rights,’ Amnesty’s secretary-general, Agnès Callamard, said while introducing the report, as she rejected claims of antisemitism. ‘Israel’s cruel policies of segregation, dispossession and exclusion across all territories under its control clearly amount to apartheid.’ While in the past much of claims of Israeli apartheid have focused on

conditions in Palestinian areas seized by Israel during the six-day war in 1967, including the West Bank where dual systems of rights and legal administrations exist for Palestinians and Jewish settlers, allegations of apartheid within Israel are more controversial. A year ago, the Jewish rights group B’Tselem drew criticism from Israeli politicians when it asserted that Israeli policies had been designed to enforce ‘Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.’ The New York-based Human Rights Watch in April last year became the first significant international rights group to publicly level the allegation of apartheid, part of a growing international movement to redefine the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a struggle for equal rights rather than a territorial dispute. Those efforts have gained strength in the decade since the peace process ground to a halt, as Israel has consolidated its control over the occupied territories and soured on the idea of a Palestinian state. Israel rejects any allegation of apartheid and insists that its own Arab citizens enjoy equal rights. Complicating the issue is the different experiences of Palestinians in the occupied territories compared with Palestinian citizens of Israel. While Palestinians who remained inside Israel lived under military rule until shortly before the 1967 war, those Palestinians now have citizenship, including the right to vote, but still face widespread discrimination in areas such as the job and housing markets. Palestinians in the West Bank live — despite a degree of political autonomy — under Israeli military rule, which includes exposure to the Israeli military justice system, while Jewish settlers on the West Bank are dealt with under Israeli civil law. For their part, those living in Hamasruled Gaza — from which Israel withdrew in 2005 while keeping tight control of land and the maritime border — also face a crippling Israeli and Egyptian blockade. ‘Israel is not a state of all its citizens but rather the nation-state of the Jewish people and only them’ declared Israel’s then prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu in May 2019. Palestinians have stoutly resisted the occupation. In the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, they frequently closed their offices, shops, restaurants and schools, abandoned construction sites, and refused to report to work. They protest the continued efforts of Israel to evict, seize and steal Palestinian homes and property. Israel’s response is always aggressively disproportionate. Its military arbitrarily arrest peaceful demonstrators, threw sound and stun grenades at crowds, dispersed them with excessive force and skunk water, and fired concussion grenades at worshippers and protesters. No other country would have escaped worldwide criticism and condemnation had they treated fellow human beings as the Israeli state does. They would have been calling for humanitarian military intervention. Sadly, Israel commits worse crimes than were meted out to Jewish people during the nazi’s reign of terror and the world watches on in silence. The condemnation of Israel’s apartheid policies should continue to pick up speed until it respects the human rights of Palestinian people, return the occupied lands it stole beginning in 1948 and commit to living in peace with its Palestinian neighbours. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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11th February - International Day of Women and Girls in Science ACCORDING TO THE UNITED NATIONS, science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

Development. Women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science. In order to achieve full and equal access to, and participation in, science for women and

girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in

Science in 2015. The ULP regime has failed to bring equality for women and girls in science in SVG. In many areas of life, there is significant gender inequality in SVG. A significant gender

gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields. Gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well. To achieve science and gender equality in SVG and create equal access to, and participation in, science for women and girls, we need significant changes, such as: 1. We need free education from preschool to our own university, and that includes free books, free uniforms and no fees; 2. We need cheaper electricity, so that all households have mains electricity. We can achieve this by generating all our electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind; 3. We need free internet throughout SVG, so that poorer households have internet access. There is much discrimination within the world of science and technology against women. According to the United Nations:

· Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women; · In cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman; · Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics; · Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals and they are often passed over for promotion. Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that rather than wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on unnecessary development of Kingstown port, it would be better to invest in a science and technology university in SVG. The opportunity cost of wasting millions of dollars on a new port rather than building a university for the people of SVG will be huge. It would be another slap in the face of the young generation, and girls especially, not to. The ULP regime has failed to bring equality for women and girls in science in SVG and in other areas of life too. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org https://twitter.com/svg greenparty https://www.facebook.c om/SVG-Green-Party154937087877631/

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 13.

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Peters-Clarke takes Film Lab award

GRACE PETERS-CLARKE, writer of “Cart Man”, is the winner of the inaugural Hairouna Film Lab 2021. As winner, Grace is the recipient of a monetary award to cover the cost of producing the short film and a global lifetime membership to Soho House. On November 8, 2021, Grace was announced as a finalist in the competition alongside Christina Smith. Both participants underwent a three-week virtual residency where they were mentored on screenwriting and story development by accomplished script writers Abraham Adeyemi and Michelle Serieux. After careful consideration, Grace’s script “Cart Man” was selected as the winning script having shown the most overall development. “I have a background in writing stage plays but I’ve always wanted to start writing screenplays because I think so many of our stories translate well through the medium of film. Being a finalist in the Hairouna Film Lab scriptwriting competition gave me so much insight into my craft as a

writer. The rigor of the mentoring process was exactly what I needed to sharpen my writing for the screen. “As we move into the pre-production phase, I am really excited about bringing this story to life and the opportunity to work with a talented Vincentian cast and crew, in order to produce something that is uniquely Vincy,” Grace shared. Grace Peters-Clarke is a Vincentian teacher residing in Birmingham, United Kingdom. She has written and directed for youth and community theatre and also enjoys writing and performing poetry. A member of The Nucleus, a Vincentian women-writers’ group, her work has been featured on BOCAS Lit Fest’s Stand and Deliver event and Intersect (Antigua). At the heart of the story, “Cart Man” pays homage to an often overlooked part of Vincentian society. Grace hopes that the film resonates with Vincentians, and a wider audience, who will connect with Vince’s quest to rise above the challenges of poverty.

“Cart Man” will be further developed in the coming months and is scheduled to begin production this summer. Persons interested in auditioning for roles in the short film, “Cart Man”, are asked to email their particulars to cartmanfilmsvg@gmail.com by February 25, 2022. Hairouna Film Festival thanks Cenus Hinds, Christina K. Smith, Fabian Guerra, Grace Peters-Clarke, Jamila SosoVincent, Javed DaSouza, Jerron James, Nisha Hope and Tolga Akcayli for their participation in the first ever Hairouna Film Lab. The Festival also thanks the Grace Peters-Clarke, winner of the residency mentors, Michelle Serieux and Abraham Adeyemi, Hairouna Film Lab 2021. and the judges for their next step as screenwriters and contributions to the success of filmmakers. The inaugural talent Hairouna Film Lab 2021. incubator, initially announced on Hairouna Film Lab is designed to March 19, 2022, is the result of an support Vincentians, and nonongoing collaboration with HFF nationals residing in St. Vincent and partner Soho House. the Grenadines, looking to take the

V Seventy years in Guiding 14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Gwendoline Frances Russell Dignity, duty, and dedication GWENDOLINE “JUNE” RUSSELL would hardly have imagined, that on that fateful day in February 1951, her involvement in guiding would become a lifetime obsession, spanning seventy-one years. Spurred on by her best friend Joan Ford, daughter of O.C. Ford, founder of “The Penny Bank”, June paid her subs of 2 cents and pledged her allegiance to God and the Queen. Born Gwendoline Frances Griffith-Williams, on the 10th of June 1938 to Welshman George Griffith-Williams, Chief Justice of the Windward Islands, and Rita Gibson, a local seamstress of Scottish ancestry, at Mountain Cabbage, Sion Hill, Mrs. Russell has always exuded a tireless sense of dedication to family, business, community service and her religious faith. (L-R): Gwendoline Russell and Joan June Russell made her promise Forde: the first Vincentians to be gain as a Guide in the First St. Vincent the Queen’s Guide Badge and certificate.

ASU SVG is looking for furnished apartments to accommodate new Members of Faculty and students for the May 2022 Semester, preferably in the following areas: Belair, Sion Hill, Sion Hill Bay, Arnos Vale, Indian Bay, Villa, Glen, Ratho Mill and Prospect For more details interested homeowners can contact the University at:

Guide Company, now renamed the First Kingstown Guide Company at the Girls’ High School on the 16th of February 1951, just seven days before Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide, made her first visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She was the first Vincentian to gain the Queen’s Guide Badge and certificate in 1954. She was pack leader for the No. 5 Kingstown Preparatory School Pack for two years before becoming the leader for the First Kingstown Guide Company in 1960. She ran this Company until 1982. She was also the Gwendoline Frances “June” Russell – epitomizes an unparralled leader for the No. 8 St. Joseph’s dedication to guiding. Convent Guide Company for several years. Mrs. Russell served as District Commissioner for South Windward area of the movement and is presently and Bequia from 1971 — 1981. She the Chief Commissioner. was elected Island Commissioner in Mrs. Russell was instrumental in 1976 and became Chief Commissioner the building of the new Girl Guides on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Headquarters building at Level attaining associated membership of Garden by using some of her own the World Association of Girl Guide resources. There is no doubt that Mrs. and Girl Scouts in 1984. In that same Russell has helped to make the Girl year Mrs. Russell was presented with Guide Association of this country, a the Laurel Award from Britain, which proud and enduring institution. Her was presented to her by Lady Patient unstinting service to the association, Baden-Powell, who at that time was the community, and the development Chief Commissioner of the United of young women in this country is Kingdom and the Commonwealth. beyond extraordinary. Mrs. Russell was also instrumental in Mrs. Russell is also an accomplished ensuring that St. Vincent and the businesswoman and entrepreneur. She Grenadines attained full membership is currently the Managing Director of of the World Association of Girl Guides Westindia Development Co. Ltd, and Girl Scouts in 1987, a mere three owners of the Russell’s Mall, Russell years later. Her term of office as Chief Cinema, Tropic Breeze Hotel and Commissioner ended serves as Chairwoman of in 1991. Sentry Insurance. She is During her term the only founding member as Chief still serving on the Commissioner she Children’s Welfare Fund received the honor of Committee, which was having conferred on founded in 1971 by Sir her, the award of Rupert John, then Officer of the Order Governor of the State of of the British Empire St. Vincent, for the in 1989. While also purpose of assisting the serving as Chairman needy children of the state. of the Caribbean We salute this dedicated Link of Guiding from Vincentian. 1990 — 1997 she served at home as Left: Gwendoline Frances International Russell graces a postage Commissioner from stamp of this country. 1991 — 2004. She became the President of the Association from 2004 and she demitted office in September 2011. Mrs. Russell is a trainer and has attended several trainings: Caribbean Link Conferences, World Hemisphere Conferences and World Conferences. She Gwendoline Russell worked tirelessly to ensure that the has served in Girl Guides Association of SVG had their own every capacity and headquarters.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 15.

16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Icons

Tributes flow for Basil ÂBungÊ Cato

of another of our calypsonians and former president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soccer Federation and Calypsonians Association, Mr. Basil ‘Bung’ ‘Sukarno’ Cato, the members of the Dynamites Calypso Tent extend condolences to his family, friends, the calypso and soccer fraternities on his passing,” Calypsonian Carlos “Rejector” Providence, president of the Brooklyn-based Dynamites Calypso Tent, told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday. “‘Bung’, as he was affectionately known, will be remembered as proprietor of one of the best restaurants ever in Basil ‘Bung’ Cato – renowned Sports and Cultural St. Vincent and the Administrator. (Photo courtesy: Aisha Cato) Grenadines, ‘Bung’s Creole Kitchen’. … He, however, spent most of Story by NELSON A. KING of the soil”, who left his his life as an advocate for naking@verizon.net indentation on the calypso the calypso artform and Tributes flow for and soccer landscapes in soccer, always US CORRESPONDENT St. Vincent and the demanding that more Grenadines. respect be given to THE VINCENTIAN CALYPSO Cato died on Friday, calypsonians and and soccer fraternities in Feb. 4, in Brooklyn, his recognition of the value New York have paid daughter, Aisha Cato, of the artform. tributes to Basil “Bung” said. He was 77. “He had a very Cato, a distinguished “son “As we mourn the loss extensive period as a

calypsonian, stretching from the 1960s to the time of his passing, during which he was a prominent feature in several buy-local, Ricky Hillocks’ dragon stout, Independence and Vincy Mas calypso competitions,” he continued. Providence recalled that it was during Cato’s tenure, as president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association (1994-1996), that his “relentless efforts saw some significant success, when, for the first time, a car, for which he lobbied, was added to the prize of the calypso monarch in 1995.” That coveted prize continued to be on offer until 1997. “We pray that he will be accepted into the place of eternal peace, and may God bless his soul,” Providence said. Stanley “Luxie” Morris, a former national soccer caption and erstwhile manager of Team SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) in the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Soccer Cup,

German coach for the senior Men’s team.” Morris said 1978 could have been Cato’s “proudest moment”, when St. Vincent and the Grenadines made its “first encounter against a senior Men’s team from Trinidad and Tobago, which SVG (won) 1-0.” told THE VINCENTIAN He said Cato “worked that Cato played a “very assiduously on behalf of pivotal role in the the football fraternity in development and success multiple roles, and was of football/soccer in St. at the helm in 1992 Vincent and the during St. Vincent and Grenadines.” the Grenadines’ first He said Cato was forays into FIFA’s World elected as a member St. Cup qualification. Vincent and the Basil ‘Bung’ Cato had Grenadines Football pulled the rights strings, Federation, and served mobilized the right as assistant manager people of influence and and manager of the money, involved the Under 19/20 Boys’ team public, approached the and senior Men’s team. public sector, sought and “‘Bung’ was not only took advice from all and the manager but also the sundry, exercised cheerleader, encourager, wisdom, and didn’t take believer in the team’s no for an answer,” said ability, and those ‘traits’ Morris, adding that Cato translated into success,” had popularized the said Morris, adding that, adage, “football is the in 1977, the U19/U20 game of the people.” Boys’ team “made it to “Basil ‘Bung’ Cato, the semi-final of the you deserve a salute,” he prestigious C & W (Cable declared. “Our nation and Wireless) owes you a debt of Tournament and into the gratitude.” finals the following year.” A “Celebration of the “‘Manage’, as he was Life” of Basil “Bung” also called, would leave Cato will take place on work early on practice Saturday, Feb. 12 at days, even was a no-show Caribe Funeral Home, at work on Fridays prior 1914-1922 Utica Ave., to a game,” he continued, Brooklyn, from 4: 00 stating that Cato was p.m. to 8:00 p.m. “very, very proud when Cato’s body will be the U19/20 Team won flown to St. Vincent and Barbados, whose team the Grenadines on Feb. was coached by the 19 for interment.

‘Fuzzy Knights’ passes: ‘Muscle’ reflects Knights’ Glynn. ‘Fuzzy Knights’ passed away on January 25, 2022 in his adopted homeland, the USA, where he had been for many years the custodian for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He was 80 at the time of his passing. At the helm of a cadre of exceptionally talents artists and artisans from Paul’s Avenue, ‘Fuzzy’ impacted the Costume Band component of Carnival in the 1960s and Selwyn ‘Fuzzy Knights’ Glynn 1970s, capturing Band of the is said to have begun his Year titles in 1966 - with involvement in mas-making ‘Ocean Extravaganza’, 1968 — at the age of seven. ‘Fairy Tales’, and in 1971 with Gulliver’s Travels. CALVERT ‘MUSCLE’ Among his other impactful HECTOR lives in Paul’s presentations before he Avenue, the heart of capital migrated to the USA in 1977 city Kingstown. were ‘Colours of the Rainbow’ He has enjoyed his fair in 1969, ‘Christmas Festivity’ share of cultural activity not in 1973 and ‘African least being his first hand Splendour’ — 1974. involvement in the production Reflecting on his mentor’s of carnival costume bands, passing, ‘Muscle’ expressed under the leadership of Paul dissatisfaction with the scant Avenue’s own Selwyn ‘Fuzzy regard paid to mas makers

here. ‘Muscle’ prides himself as a close associate and product of ‘Fuzzy Knights’, even labelling himself as ‘Fuzzy’s’ second in command who, with Adonis ‘Goat’ Hector, led the group ‘Fuzzy Knights and the Geniuses’ to pick up where the great masman had left off. Muscle also spoke of his Paul’s Avenue neighbour Seymour ‘Rollit’ Waldron as contributing to filling the void left by Fuzzy. All of these enthusiasts paved the way for the eventual formation of the Nelson Bloc’ Mas Band, which emerged from Paul’s Avenue to establish itself as one of the leading mas productions units in SVG from the 1980s to the present. Muscle reflected on the

(L-R): Adonis ‘Goat’ Hector, Calvert ‘Muscle’ Hector and Selwyn ‘Fuzzy Knights’ Glynn pictured during Fuzzy’s visit home for Carnival 2016. festival during Fuzzy Knights era and pointed out: “Carnival is a whole story. Like yo bring the story to light.” Fuzzy is mourned by son -

Kelwyn Glynn; daughter Josaine Richards; two grandchildren; former wife Floy Glynn and other relatives. (WKA)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 17.

News

PM defends quarry project

Gonsalves comments on radio came after residents had expressed disappointment that they weren’t notified work was about to start. Gonsalves disclosed that there was already a number of preparations for a quarry there, together with the Environmental Social Influence Evaluation, and that in any case the planning Rayneau Gajadhar speaks authorities wouldn’t to the majority of the have given approval. aggregate being exported. He added that in North Leeward, individuals who PRIME MINISTER DR occupy state lands and RALPH Gonsalves had have cultivations in the defended his government’s field, might be decision to lease property compensated. to a St Lucian company for The prime minister a stone quarry, saying it stated: “They know in will create jobs and boost each respect we are the construction industry. going to ensure they’re Rayneau Gajadhar, a correctly compensated St Lucian businessman, and we are going to see if Principal of RG Quarry Ltd (Rayneau) of St. Lucia, told the Caribbean Media Corporation that the Gonsalves administration had leased him 58.8 acres of land for 30 years, for the operation of the quarry in Richmond in the North Leeward district of mainland ASt. Vincent. Ninety-nine percent of the aggregate produced at the quarry will be exported, according to Gajadhar, but Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, while addressing issues and criticisms surrounding the quarry project on Star Radio last Tuesday, described the project as being necessary for the nation. “The matter of the quarry – let me say upfront that we absolutely need the quarry for the purposes of the construction industry, for the state and for the private sector,” Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told listeners to Star Radio. He added, “We need for roads, we need for buildings, we need all kinds of physical infrastructure projects.”

we may discover different land elsewhere.” Senator Julian Francis, Minister of Works, for Local Government, was expected to host a media briefing on Thursday, to handle further questions on the quarry challenge in Richmond. But prior to that, government official — including Minister of Agriculture — Saboto Caesar, and MP for North Leeward — Carlos James, held discussions with farmers and residents of North Leeward over the weekend, to address their concerns and ally any fears they might have with respect to the project and how it might affect their livelihoods. Meanwhile, work continues on the quarry site with heavy duty equipment seen clearing

trees and preparing pathways.

PrimeMinister speaks of the importance of the quarry product (aggregate) to physical works in SVG.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 19.

Regional

LIAT workersÊ severance still outstanding

ONE OF THE UNIONS representing terminated LIAT workers is accusing the Barbados Government of failing to act early to settle the issue of severance pay for employees, even as a new company is about to replace the troubled Antigua-headquartered airline. Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) Patterson Thompson has also accused Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins of playing politics with the severance matter. Describing as a horror

and a nightmare, the former workers’ experience with LIAT in seeking outstanding entitlements owed since they were sent home two years ago, Thompson said the severance issue still has not been adequately addressed by any of the shareholder governments – Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica. “I maintain strongly that when the decision was made to shut down LIAT, it was the responsibility of the Barbados Government, being the majority shareholder, to have a

plan in place for the workers,” Thompson told Barbados TODAY on Wednesday. “Also, for the Honourable Minister [Lisa Cummins] to come the day before general elections [in Barbados] to somehow make my severance issue a political issue, does not go down with me or the other workers very well…. So don’t come the day before an election to say ‘well, you blaming Antigua and this is why you have not been able to solve our issue’,” he contended. Stating that it was well known that LIAT 1974 Limited was an

Case against CLICO chairman advances THE CASE FILE on former CLICO Barbados Chairman Leroy Coleridge Parris, who is accused of fraud at the now collapsed insurance company, is at an “advanced” stage. Barbados Today reported on Wednesday that Assistant Superintendent of Police Trevor Blackman gave that update to Magistrate Manila Renee on Tuesday, when Parris’ case was called. Parris, 76 years old Barbadian, has been before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court since June 2020 on multiple charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering. He has been on $1.5 million bail since his first appearance. On Tuesday, according to Barbados Today, his attorney Hal Gollop Q.C. made an application for the bail conditions to be adjusted, which was granted by the magistrate. Previously, Parris had to report to the Glebe Police Station every Monday and Friday

before noon, with valid identification. He will now report only on Fridays before 6 p.m. The former insurance executive is accused of stealing $3.33 million belonging to CLICO International Life Insurance Limited, between December 1, 2008, and April 27, 2009. It is further alleged that during that period, he conspired with other persons to defraud CLICO International Life Insurance Limited of the same amount by inducing the insurance company to pay out the money to Thompson and Associates. Parris is also charged that between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, he conspired with others to cheat the Crown and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue of Public Revenue, by failing to submit tax returns to the Commissioner or account to the said Commissioner for taxes on his income for the year ending March 31, 2010. He is also facing the

Leroy Coleridge Parris, former CLICO Barbados Chairman, is accused of stealing BDS$3.3 million of CLIOCO’s money. (Photo Source: Barbados Today) allegation that between December 1, 2008, and April 27, 2009, he engaged in money laundering where he concealed $3.33 million, the proceeds of crime. The matters are indictable and Parris is not required to plead before the Magistrates’ Court. He will make his next court appearance on October 11. (Source: Barbados Today)

insolvent company, he acknowledged that the unions understood the economic challenges faced by the governments, and while not asking them to pay all EC$120 million (US$44.4 million) in

Patterson Thompson, Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) says he has little choice than to apply for a position with the ‘new company. (Photo Credit: ABS TV/Radio) severance upfront, they were requesting a negotiated settlement

that could be undertaken Continued on Page 27.

V She’s not your friend 18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Dear George,

I HAVE BEEN BEST friends with Rachel (not her real name) for as long as I can remember. We were like twins! We went everywhere together and did a lot together too, some of which I can never talk about. Things changed when I got married. She remained unmarried while I was living the dream of a relationship. I noticed she began distancing herself more and more until I was hardly seeing her anymore. Then I overheard her telling another friend that she was jealous of me and I better hold on to my husband. All this time, I thought she had my back. Do I go on pretending I didn’t hear that conversation or should I tell her what time it is?

Can’t Believe my Ears.

Dear Can’t Believe my Ears, At least you know why your friend has been keeping her distance. This is no time pretending all is well. It is time to have that woman to woman talk with your friend and let her know that you sanction that distance that she has been keeping from you. And, you should not have to worry about what plans your friend has for your husband if you trust him and believe he is faithful.

George

Time to think about you Dear George, THIS BIG SHOT business man in Town thinks he is untouchable but I want him to know that the married young lady he plans to sleep with on Valentine’s Day, is planning on setting him up. This man has done so much nastiness to so many women, including me. I had two abortions for him. I have no sympathy for him. I want him to pay for what he has done to me. Even if he reads this he is so arrogant he will not believe that His Valentine’s date plans to

expose him big time. I want revenge for those two abortions. It’s time these men put a stop to this kind of savage behaviour.

A Word to the Wise Dear Word to the Wise, You really cannot control the behaviour of this man in question but you can surely do something about that bitterness, rage and guilt that you feel. I suggest you see

someone professionally to help you work through the pain of the past and bring you to a place where you won’t have to be bothered by this man. It’s time to begin working on you. Leave this man and his reckless ways to his own fate.

George

You’re old enough!!!! Dear George, I AM ONLY 18 YEARS OLD and three women are claiming they are pregnant for me. They threaten to take me to the Family Court if I refuse to pay child support when that time comes. I did not mean to get any of them pregnant and would like to know how to get out of this. It has given me sleepless nights. I’m tired and thoughts of suicide keep flashing in my mind.

Gloomy

Dear Gloomy,

all concerned.

George How can you say you did not mean to get any of these women pregnant yet engaged in unprotected sex? You are old enough to be aware of the possible result of unprotected sex. Suicide is not the answer and you are probably considering it because you do not see a clear path ahead. Get in touch with a counselor at Marion House. Make that call now and start working on a plan that would be acceptable to

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be careful not to let friends or peers make you look bad. You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children. Your sensitive nature will allow others to read you well. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart.

Good day for romance.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with. You need to do more things that you enjoy. Think of joining a health club that will benefit your physical appearance. You may need to make a few alterations to your living arrangements.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. Try to keep your cool; you may be a tad frazzled by all the rushing around.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Remain calm and you'll shine. Passion should be your goal. Your involvement with groups will raise your selfesteem. -Don't expect romantic encounters to be lasting. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try not to lend or borrow money this week. Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way. Put your efforts into being creative. Your practical approach to life may charm someone who has been observing you. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will be able to get good advice if you listen to close friends or relatives you respect. Your emotional partner may make you angry this week. Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. Put your efforts into making changes to your domestic scene. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs. Exaggeration or deception coupled with overindulgence might be a problem. Concentrate on your job.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Empty promises will cause confusion. Don't get involved in joint ventures. Don't overspend on children or on large purchases. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quit trivial after all.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't allow colleagues to put unreasonable pressure on you. You may find that your anger stems from lending or borrowing money. Older relatives may be a burden. Extravagance will be a problem. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Elders may need your help. You could come into extra cash. Be careful not to let friends or peers make you look bad. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. The information that you gain can be used in every aspect of your life. Try to spend some time on your own. You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Travel will be fun and entertaining. Money may slip through your fingers. You can find out important information if you listen to friends and relatives. A long discussion is in order if you wish to clear the air.

ACROSS 1. Clumsy people 5. Ball holder 8. Venue for Michael Phelps 12. Not superficial 13. “___ show time!” 14. Attractant 15. Realtor’s goal 16. Carried importance 18. “You ___” (Lionel Richie hit) 20. Clear (of) 21. Defeat utterly 24. Most extensive 28. Zenith 29. L.A. air problem 31. Respectively 32. A dog’s is 7X a human’s 33. Type of shark 35. Chipper 36. Money adviser 38. Connection 39. Tree 40. Adaptable 42. Correspond 44. Visual creations 45. Guileful 46. Influence peddler 50. Family man 54. False god 55. Imitate 56. Tool building 57. Leg up 58. Detected 59. Grid division DOWN 1. Billboard displays 2. Princess woe 3. Scaleless fish 4. Exchange ideas

5. Sprinter’s concern 6. Sorority letter 7. Female hormone 8. Allegiance avowal 9. “___ Gang” 10. It’s all in vein 11. Wielded the baton 17. Light metal 19. Take five 21. Set up 22. Big shot 23. Verdi composition 24. Deductive reasoning 25. Gung-ho 26. Keyboard exercise 27. Culinary herb

30. Amateur armies 34. Bona fide 37. Functional 41. Taste 43. Wanderer 45. Potpourri 46. Remain on the ground 47. “Hmm. That’s

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 21.

__ …” 48. Cranberrygrowing area 49. Spring area 51. Recognition response 52. Consistent with 53. Total

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 23.

Young athletes test their readiness

Athletes have been making good use of events at the Diamond Track Facility to fine-tune their readiness for the competition season. SEVERAL BUDDING ATHLETES turned up last Saturday to participate in the Second Development Meet at the Diamond Track Facility. This as they wanted to test their

readiness as the 2022 Track and Field season hit another gear. With emphasis on the sprint events, the Team Athletics SVG’s Meet catered for athletes from the Under-7

age group to Over-20. Among some of the standouts were Jadelle Hector and Kyle Lawrence in the 100m. Hector of the St Martin’s Secondary School timed 12.61

seconds in the Male Under-15 category, while Lawrence of Chatoyer clocked 10.54 in the Male 20 and Over. In other 100m events, High Performance’s Devonric Mack did 10.70 seconds in the Male Under-20, with Keo Davis of IT-DAT Academy clocking 11.32 in the Male Under-17. Among the Females, Shonte Matthias sprinted to 12.44 seconds in the Under-17 category; Teia Laborde of Mustangs did 12.49 seconds in the Under-20 age group. Meanwhile, the 400m also served up some promises. Alia Mc Dowall of High Performance did 1:03.66 in the Females Under-15; Elizabeth Solomon of High Performance clocked 1:03.49 in the Under17, while Grenisha Thomas of IT-DAT Academy returned 58.65 in the Female Under 20. The Males 400m saw Daviel Cunningham of High Performance stopping the clock at 1:15.24 in the Male Under-13; Fredrique John of St Martin’s Secondary School — 1:00.69 in the Under-15 age

group, while it was 52.12 clocking for Zacri Sobers of High Performance in the Under-17. Devonric Mack timed 48.87 in the Under-20 and Darren Morgan of High Performance — 49.80 in the Over-20 400m. Following last Saturday’s encouraging efforts which attracted several parents and friends of athletes, the attention shifts to the Relay Classic this Saturday, at the Diamond Track Facility. The highly anticipated Relay Classic caters to athletes from Under-11 to Open. The Under-11s will compete in the 4 x60m and the 4 x 80m; the Under-13s, the 4 x 100m and the 4 x 200m; with the Under-15s engaging in the 4 x 100m, the 4 x200m and the Swedish Medley. Athletes in the Under-17, Under-20 and Open will have the 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m and the Swedish Medley to show off their wares. The other event slated is the 4 x 600m, which is an Open event. Saturday’s Relay Classic runs off from 2pm.

Lawrence impresses in 100m Diamond Track Facility, when he improved substantially on his bronze medal winning time of 10.70 seconds, which he ran in the 100m at the 2021 NACAC U18/20 championships in Costa Rica. Lawrence clocked a wind assisted 10.54 secs for the 100m at last weekend’s meet, a time that is said to have been the fastest time by any Kyle Lawrence continues to show improvement since his local athlete 20121 outing at the NACA U18/20 Championship. since Marlon Martin’s 10:14 KYLE LAWRENCE, a be raised at last secs in 2002.. Chauncey resident, weekend’s Second The young sprinter caused some eyebrows to Development Meet at the

was elated with his achievement. “It’s a great feeling opening my season with such time, running 10.5 in the 100 meters which is a personal best, and a season best so far. It puts me as the fastest U20 male athlete currently in the entire country,” Lawrence said. Lawrence credited his coach Pamenos Ballantyne and Trey James for “pushing me on both good and bad days to rise above the odds.” Not to take away from what he achieved, the young man believes he is still a work in progress. “My health is still not a 100% but from calculated assessment with my coach and my physio there are areas

that need a bit of polishing and I will be good. Right now, I’ll rate my form above average. This season looks promising for me, Lawrence said. Coach Ballantyne is happy with Lawrence’s achievement and progress. “Kyle has improved a lot over the last two months…. He has already qualified for the World U20 Championship later this year in Columbia and also for the CARIFTA in Jamaica,” Ballantyne disclosed. The qualifying times for CARIFTA and the World U20 were 10.80 secs and 10.60 secs, Ballantyne informed. Ballantyne is hopeful that Lawrence will

Coach Pamenous Ballantyne is hopeful that his care will continue to improve with consistent training. continue to improve and satisfy the matriculation for a scholarship by 2023. I.B.A. ALLEN

V Coach Huggins expresses confidence 24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

THIS COUNTRY’S SENIOR FEMALE Football team will open their qualification for the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics on February 16 against Cuba, in Cuba. Four days later, February 20, the ladies will face off against Haiti, in Cuba. The Vincentians are drawn in Group E of the CONCACAF Qualifiers along with the two countries named, and Honduras and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). All the qualifiers are scheduled for Cuba, with SVG squaring off against the BVI on April 6 and Honduras on April 12. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN ahead of the Cuba outing, Coach of the team — Cornelius Huggins, while acknowledging that the group “is a tough one,” expressed confidence in the mixture of the team. “I like the mixture with the senior and the younger ones and I am looking for the senior players to lead by

Cornelius Huggins – Coach of the SVG Senior Female Football team is confident that his players will give a good account of themselves. example, not only on the field but off the field,” Huggins told THE VINCENTIAN. “From a mental perspective, I think the players are at a stage where I am satisfied with the progress they have made and are ready to compete well….. I admit it is not going to be

The National Female Football team has intensified training ahead of its first outing against Cuba. easy, so we will need to be consistent, committed and determined and play as a team,” he added. Huggins, a former national defender, also recognized that both Cuba and Haiti are ranked higher than SVG and noted that “it’s going to be competitive,” but he was convinced that “we can give a good show.”

Training has intensified as Huggins aims to “get the girls in the best possible shape,” and to ensure that they understand the system of play and are ready to execute it in the matches.” The team is expected to leave next week for Cuba. I.B.A. ALLEN

Blue Team wins Five–A–Side Football Competition Najima Burgin of the Yellow Red Team won the Team was adjudged the Most inaugural title in Outstanding Player and 2020. received the award for scoring Sunday’s the Best Goal on the day. Chad competition was Haynes of the Blue Team originally slated for scored the most goals- four. Christmas Day but Zeddy Millington of Maroon had to be postponed copped the award for the Most because the Arnos Active Player. Vale facility was Michael Ollivierre was unavailable. rewarded for being the oldest Chief organiser of player on show, with James the competitionGrant the youngest player. Dexter Walker Grant was also the winner of disclosed that whilst it the Penalty Shoot Out. was not held on the Ollivierre and Grant planned date, it was Best Active Player- Zeddy Millington (left), represented the Maroon team. all the same enjoyable. receives his award from Roy Marshall. Also recognized were the Walker noted that MVPs of the teams: Damien plans are in place for Blue Team - Champions BLUE TEAM EMERGED WINNERS Last Sunday’s competition saw a of last Sunday’s Sweaterz Five- A Side Fernandez for the Blue Team; Najima the 2022 edition and informed that names will be given to few sponsors donating the prizes. competition, played at the back of the Burgin- Yellow, Juma Gilkes- Neon Green and Zeddy Millington — Maroon. the four teams. Netball Complex at Arnos Vale. Finishing with two wins and a draw, the Blue Team was ahead of the three others in round robin play. Yellow docked in second, with neon green — third and fourth was the VINCENTIAN- SHAD Thomas has risen scored a career high 29 points - his maroon. to the top of the pile in rebounding, in sixth 20-point performance for the the National Junior Collegiate Athletic season. Association Division II Championships. Thomas’ statistics show that he has Thomas was able to nose ahead of his started in 16 matches, registering 26.4 nearest rivals when he pulled down 19 minutes per game. He has an average rebounds last Sunday night, as his of 14 assists per game. Catawba Valley Community College The Union Island native, who stands beat Bryant & Stratton College 88-69, at at 6 feet 5 inches, joined Catawba the Talton Complex, North Carolina, Valley Community College in 2021, USA. after spending two years at the Salem His rebounds tally pushed him to 12.4 Baptist Christian School (SBCS), also in per game, having played 18 matches for North Carolina. the 2021/2022 season. Thomas is ahead He left St Vincent and the of Ibrahima Athie of Edison State and Grenadines for the USA in 2019. He Sam Smith of Arkansas State of Mid was the first recipient of the Blue Chip South in rebounding. Basketball Academy It was a night of highs for Thomas scholarship programme. Shad Thomas pulling down one of who plays in the Forward position, as he Najima Burgin his trademark rebounds.

Shad Thomas is top rebounder

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 25.

Sports

Broadening the horizon BEST WISHES to the Under-23 squad as they begin their quest for a lien on the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Netball Tournament title. The championship returns after a two-year break. The Vincentians will be keen on reestablishing their dominance in a tournament started 1991. The Vincentians dominate the tournament in the years having secured 14 of the 29 titles. But their dominance has been declining over recent years with their last title in 2013. Current holder Grenada have seven championship belts in their Spice Cup, and will be anxious to narrow the gap on their Vincentian counterparts. St. Lucia at the same time, will want to catch the Grenadians on the trophy count and move from the sixth win. The other titles were taken by St Kitts. Vasha Adams, listed as coach and captain of the Vincentian squad is hoping that the team gets the better of Grenada who nipped them in the last tournament staged in 2019. But Adams is not taking any team for granted and will be going into each showdown as a genuine final. The coach is also projecting on this outing as preparations towards qualifying matches for the World Championship scheduled for October. The Netball Association is hoping that qualifiers serve as a springboard for the upcoming events. The OECS tournament comes as sporting and cultural activities are rekindled. These however must coincide with observance of strict measures. There is hesitancy, nonchalance, and indeed indifference at various levels to the ongoing conditions. We have to be guarded about how we handle the new format. Whether you are ordinary, or a diplomat, everyone has to be conscious of their own path, and wipe your feet on the floor mat, whenever you enter any building, hall, arena or stadium. There is still the spectre of live streaming, or up to date reports as has become the norm. So there will not be the problem of delayed information. How do we reconcile the need for physical distancing with the frequency of social contact? That is the dilemma that confronts sporting and social officials. It appears that an atmosphere of abandonment is sweeping the world. So it is an open ended affair. One hopes that good sense prevails and everyone is guided by their best judgment. Acts of defiance do not benefit nor can replace measures to ensure human dignity. We must be alert to our sense of duty and keep that level of respect due to everyone. It must not be a part time attraction, but attached as a full time venture aimed at broadening the horizon across which we will find room for improvement.

WI 4-day cricket gets going THE WEST INDIES REGIONAL First Class Four-Day Championship 2022 began last Wednesday, February 9, marking the return of FirstClass cricket in the region since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the match schedule for the first two rounds of the Championship as part of a five-round tournament schedule for the six professional regional franchises. The first and second rounds will be played in Barbados and Trinidad from Wednesday, February 9 to Saturday, February 12; and from Tuesday, February 15 to Friday, February 18. Defending champions, Barbados Pride who won the last edition of the West Indies Championship in 2020, will face Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the first match at Kensington Oval; home team Trinidad and Tobago Red

Force host Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad; while the newly named Guyana Harpy Eagles face Windward Islands Volcanoes at Queens Park Oval in Trinidad. Meanwhile, two Vincentians have been included in the 15member Windward Volcanoes squad for the first and second rounds of the Championship. The two contracted players are off spinner Kenneth Dember and vice-captain and leg spinning all-rounder Keron Cottoy. The squad also includes three newcomers in Grenadian leg spinner Darel Cyrus and West Indies Under19 batting pair Teddy Bishop and Ackeem Auguste. The full Windwards squad reads: Kavem Hodge (Captain), Keron Cottoy (Vice-Captain), Denis Smith, Devon Smith, Kimani Melius,

Right: Kenneth Dember - off spinner Alick Athanaze, Ryan John, Larry Edward, Kenneth Dember, Shermon Lewis, Preston McSween, Teddy Bishop, Darel Cyrus, Josh Thomas and Ackeem Auguste. The teams will again compete for the Headley Weekes Trophy named in honour of West Indies legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes. I.B.A. ALLEN Keron Cottoy - Vice captain and leg spinner

Ackeem Auguste, left hand middle order batsman

Teddy Bishop - top order right hand batsman

U19 females welcome T20 Series January 24 to 28, 2022. The tour was made possible as per an understanding between Windward Islands Cricket Board and the United States Cricket Board, with the view to expose the Geetika Kodali, Captain of the young players in USA U19 female cricket team was pleased with her team’s first different playing outing as a unit. environment. The historic ZADIA EDWARDS AND tour was a fruitful one Geetika Kodali — for both teams, more so respective captains of the USA team after they the Windward Islands won the series 3-1, and and USA U19 female captain Kodali was cricket teams — are grateful for the grateful for the exposure opportunity to play in afforded by the recent different conditions historic four-match T20 against their peers. cricket series. “I think it was a great The four-match series experience. I just really took place at the Arnos appreciated the Vale Playing Field from opportunity and I would

like to thank the organizers for it. A lot of us who came here were coming together for the first time to play together as a team, and it really helped us discover how we were doing in comparison to other Under 19 teams team around the world. So, it was a great first experience and I think we learned a lot,” Kodali said. James team said she was grateful for the opportunity to lead a regional team for the first time and was thankful for the support from everyone. She added, “Getting this trophy- the MVP for the Windward Island means a lot to me, I have been in the West Indies senior female set up for some time now, and my aim was to dominate this tournament and be

Zadia James, Captain of the Windwards U19 female cricket team was pleased with her personal performance. successful at all times.” The left-arm mediumpacer from Gros Islet, Saint Lucia was a member of the 30member West Indies Women training squad that went into a camp in Antigua in 2021. I.B.A. ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022. 27.

Classifieds

LIAT workers’ severance still outstanding expected to begin service by June. Thompson told Barbados TODAY that although he is still owed severance,

he has no choice but to reapply for a position at the new airline, because he has a mortgage to pay and a family to support. He said other former

workers would be encouraged to do likewise for similar reasons. (Source: Barbados Today)

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LIAT (1974) Ltd. is to become LIAT (2020) Ltd. up with a plan; that’s all I am asking,” the union over a three-year period. head said. “All I am asking you is The regional airline, to get together and come currently under court-

Continued from Page 19.

approved administration, has started advertising for new staff to operate what will be known as LIAT (2020) Ltd.,

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11,

2022

VOLUME 115, No.06

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

QUARRY QUARREL IN NORTH LEEWARD

just waiting for the right conditions to roll down to cause injury to him and EVEN AS PREPARATORY WORK – destroy more of his crops. removal of trees and slit - for the quarry He was never notified by anyone project in Richmond, North Leeward from the Ministry of Agriculture or the proceeded apace, farmers in the affected MP for the area of the intention to area have continued to raise concern operate a quarry in the area. about the project and how it will affect them. Waiting for a proper response Not least among the concerns was the manner in which farmers said they Both farmers said they were just were informed about the project. trying to “catch their hand” following Several of these farmers have the disruption by the eruption last vegetables growing in the area, many year, only to be “dissed” by the nearing maturity. government. Reports are that the memorandum At the time of speaking with them, of agreement between the government neither said that they had heard of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and anything about compensation for the quarry operators, RG Quarry Ltd damage to their crops and loss of (Rayneau) of St. Lucia, allows for 58.8 income, and the possibility of getting acres of land, which is almost an an alternate location to farm. entire mountain, to be mined for the On another level of concern, many next 30 years. residents claim to have heard nothing about the environmental impact study Farmers’ plight and its recommendations, which is lodged with the Ministry of Speaking on Saturday, February 05, Agriculture. 2022, Anthony Edwards, caretaker of a Just recently a proposal to remove plot of land that had been leased from coral from Indian Bay was thwarted the government, said that he planted by environmentalists, among other several citrus trees on the land. concerned citizens. He said he was approached by a Most residents from the area man who described himself as a bailiff indicated that that they were terribly who said he had come to give three disappointed with the government. weeks’ notice to vacate the land. No While they recognize that plans for the written notice was given. quarry would have been in the making To his surprise, Edwards said, for some time now, they are peeved heavy duty equipment moved in the that the project has commenced very next day and started to clear a without proper discussions with the part of the plot of which he was in stakeholders, especially the farmers in charge the area, and without discussing the Another farmer, Stephen Edwards, recommendations of the environmental who has cultivations of pimento and impact study, and without any talk of tomatoes on land within the area of relocation. the quarry site, reported that stones This, they say, is gross disrespect from the pathway being cleared above and totally unacceptable. his plot, had rolled through his plot Meanwhile, a Medical damaging several bearing plants and Cannabis operation literally a stone endangering his life. throw away from the quarry will also He is worried that there could be be affected. None of the Directors of other stones perched above his farm Story by DONALD DE RIGGS

Anthony Edwards, one of the affected farmers who has a significant amount of bearing citrus trees.

Some of the stones that destroyed part of Stephen Edwards’ crops. that facility were hitherto privy to the proposed operation of the quarry, and are also dissatisfied with the unprofessional manner the government and the Ministry of Agriculture have dealt with the issue. Indications are that the lawyer for

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

Stephen Edwards showing some of the young tomatoes destroyed. Note the size of the rocks in the furrows that could easily kill a human. that operation is currently gathering information to address the matter legally. (See more on Page 17)

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