THURSDAY, APRIL 14,
2022
VOLUME 116, No.15
www.thevincentian.com
I Boycottting Hairoun Page 6
Marriage Act amended Page 3
EC$1.50
Rogue Security jailed Page 11
Rediscovering Annie Brewster Page 12
Accused asks for bail Page 24
“O.T - THE LITTLE MAN” PASSES
‘bour me wen ah gone.” He wanted no unnecessary spending on a funeral and burial. If you had something to say in tribute to him, say it THEOPHILIUS OLMROY Companies, and those with when he was alive. Towards this end, “O.T” MAYERS, better known as whom he swam regularly at hosted what could be “O.T The Little Man” of Indian the Indian Bay. considered his funeral Bay, originally from Lowmans From all accounts, O.T. service on the occasion of Leeward, died on the 9th Mayers was an his 70th birthday on April 2022, at the age of 76. uncomplicated man… a Sunday 18th October, He is survived by his simple man who waxed 2015, when he invited all wife, fondly referred to as simple but profound who wished to pay tribute his Queen, Lenora Myers, messages of and for life. to him to do so. 10 children, mothers of his His wisdom, gathered It was a day-long children, 2 daughters-infrom the University of the celebration — a feast of law, 7 grandchildren and 1 Streets and from the great grandchild. 2 sisters, ordinary people — the salt of sorts - an occasion befitting of a king’s life, in live and 2 brothers, 1 aunt, 2 the earth, he shared living colour. The brothers-in-law, 2 sistersequally with his children, accolades were many from in-law, many nieces, etc., as he did with nephews, cousins. whosoever would listen, and a diverse group. The next day, a service He will also be mourned there were many, many of thanksgiving was held in by the staff of O.T Group of who were all too ready to cock an ear in his direction. his honour. That was the measure of And yes, he had what Theophilius Olmroy the man who put his trust some would call Mayers, aka “O.T - The in people… ordinary people Little Man” left an indelible idiosyncrasies, one such whom he said will always being his take on his death. mark on the business pay back a little something He wanted no funeral landscape of this country. on what they owed. service that encouraged “a (Credit: The Believers lot ah people saying ting Club, SVG) Continued on Page 3.
FISHERMAN DROWNS AT LOWMANS BAY
AS IF THE MV FAIR CHANCE and the FV Glorious had not wrought enough worry, pain and grieving on the people of the Grenadines in particular, St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded another marine-related tragedy last Sunday, April 10. Reports are that Elzert ‘Southie’ Lampkin, a 36-year-old ,
a fisherman based at Lowman Bay, drowned while trying to swim ashore after his boat’s engine malfunctioned. According to his nephew who was on shore awaiting his return from what was a regular fishing trip, he saw his uncle swimming towards the shore. He was not too far away from the wharf, the nephew said, when he
went under and did not surface. The nephew immediately summoned help from other fishermen who retrieved Lampkin’s small fishing boat but when they searched the area where he had gone under, they found no trace of his body. In the meantime, the Coast Guard, which had been summoned earlier,
arrived on the scene and took Lampkin’s nephew on board to show the officers where he had last seen his uncle alive. As it was, however, the Coast Guard had no diver on board and did not commence then, any search for the missing man. They returned to base saying they would return with a diver. According to
information shared with THE VINCENTIAN, the Coast Guard did return and with the assistance of some local divers, were able to retrieve Lampkin’s body. In speaking with fishermen who, like Lampkin, use Lowmans Bay as their base of operations, he had prepared a meal enough for everyone who was on the beach the night of
‘Southie’ Lampkin died in surroundings – land and sea - that he had known for all his life. Saturday 9th April. It was after all had eaten that he went out to fish. Continued on Page 13.
2. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
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lHE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 3.
News 3 Marriage Act amended
IT HAS BEEN MADE EASIER for non-residents couples to get married in St Vincent and the Grenadines, after the amendment to the Marriage Act 236 was approved in Parliament, March 31. According to Prime Minister and Minister of Legal Affairs Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the stipulated period of three days in country and the restriction with respect to who could issue marriage licences, did not work in favour of establishing the country as a place of choice for marriage of non-residents. The amendment to the existing legislation reduces the number of days required for
visitors to be in country before they could get married from three days to one, and empowers notaries public to act on behalf of the Registrar General. “These changes are to facilitate those who would want to come to the destination and get married and move on as has happened in many countries within the Caribbean and the world,” Dr. Gonsalves noted. The amendment, he added, was recommended by hoteliers, the Ministry of Tourism and other interested parties. Tourism Minister Carlos James told the Parliament
that legal draftspersons in the Attorney General’s Chambers will also bring a supporting marriage delegation of powers notice, which allows for the Governor General, who grants licenses for marriage under the Section 23 of the Marriage Act, to delegate this particular power to district officers and revenue officers residing in the Grenadines, so that they can grant marriage licenses on her behalf. “This eliminates the process of someone having to travel to a Grenadine Island and then back to the mainland to go through the process of meeting the Registrar General, going to the AG’s office, which would
Right: The amendment to the Marriage Act would hopefully encourage the country as an increased choice for weddings like this one performed at the Bequia Beach Hotel. (Credit: perfectweddingabroad.co.uk) usually take more than one day,” James said. The Grenadines have been a leading destination for weddings, the Tourism Minister said, “but have fallen off because of these challenges that persons incurred when they chose SVG to get
married.” Dr. Gonsalves assured that the amendments to the Act in no way undermines the solemnity of holy matrimony and does not impact on marriages involving locals. (DD)
Media involved in human trafficking seminar Trafficking, on April 11. The seminar was part of a series of activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the ATIPU. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Junior Simmons, who heads the ATIPU, explained that the training seminar was geared towards raising awareness on the issue of human trafficking, ASP Junior Simmons, the smuggling of head of the ATIPU, set migrants and sexual the tone for involving offences. the media in a Human “The media is a Trafficking focused critical partner in the seminar. fight against crime, therefore it is important THE ONGOING that persons in this DEVELOPMENT of the profession are country’s tourism sufficiently product may see the knowledgeable on demand for various new matters relating to services. crime,” ASP Simmons And the probability said. that some visitors might Human trafficking, he call for such services continued, was a global gives rise to the risk of phenomenon and a instances of human brutal crime that the trafficking. world was grappling It follows therefore, with, and SVG was very that the Anti-Trafficking much a part of that in Persons Unit (ATIPU) global fight, the ATIPU would want to ensure head said. that the media “Human trafficking is understands its role in organized crime — identifying the problem traffickers are welland educating the public. organized in their intent Towards this end, the to exploit the most Unit hosted a one-day vulnerable in our society seminar on Human and to profit excessively
from their criminal networks and activities. “It would therefore, take a better organized and strategic approach by all stakeholders including the media to stop the traffickers and bring them to justice,” he said. Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Camillo Gonsalves, delivering the feature address, advanced, inter alia, that “human trafficking is a human rights issue, it is a crime issue, but it is very much a developmental issue.” The inclusion of journalists was important, Gonsalves continued, because the fight against human trafficking was also a public relations and education battle. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not presently a hot spot for the scourge due to several factors, but it is becoming and will become a threat, Gonsalves cautioned. During the event, five persons were recognized for their contribution to the establishment of the ATIPU: former Commissioner of Police, Keith Miller; former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Godfred Pompey; past head of the Gender Affairs Division Polly Oliver; Chief
The five who were recognized on the 10th Anniversary of the ATIPU (L-R): Keith Miller, Susan Clarke, Polly Oliver, Zonelle Wilkinson and Godfred Pompey.
Continued from Frontpage.
Labour Officer Susan Clarke; and Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Zonelle Wilkinson. To date, the ATIPU has investigated over 40 cases. There has been one arrest but no convictions. In October 2015, a local businessman was charged with three counts of human trafficking. He was freed on all counts. (DD)
And in keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service for ‘The Little Man’. There will be however, a public viewing of his body at the O.T. Car Park on Saturday 16th April from 10am to 1pm, followed by burial at the Lowmans Leeward cemetery at 2pm. Persons are asked to respect another of OT’s wishes: “Nah buy no pretty flowers fuh goat eat. Save aryo money.” THE VINCENTIAN, which has enjoyed a cordial relationship with O.T. Mayers and his business interests, extend sincerest condolences to his bereaved family. The people of this country were blessed to have had him labour and serve among them. (Partial Source: The Believers Club, SVG)
“O.T - THE LITTLE MAN” passes
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4. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
News
Litter Police project in schools
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society is currently engaged in an Environmental Project, aimed at preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by keeping their surroundings clean. Towards this end, the Red Cross has introduced a Litter Police Project’ in eight schools across the nation. Operations Manager at the SVG Red Cross Society - Julia Simmons, said the project morphed from an initiative of the Calliaqua Primary School. During a period when the Red Cross was implementing a project to reduce
the spread of the Zika Virus and Dengue Fever, the Public Health Department noted that generally speaking, the improper disposal of garbage was creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which transmit Zika and Dengue. However, during a visit to schools, Red Cross officials observed that the environment at the Calliaqua Anglican School was extremely clean, while other schools complained about the challenges associated with garbage disposal by their students. On inquiry, Simmons said, the Red Cross officials were informed about a Litter Police Programme which had been introduced at the Calliaqua Anglican School, and which had had a positive impact on the school’s environment. The Red Cross decided to adopt Litter Police of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School pose in their Litter Police jackets with Julia Simmons, Operations Manager at the SVG Red Cross Society (right front).
A happy gathering of Litter Police, School Staff and Red Cross officials at the Anglican Primary School. either penalized by the specially designated Litter Police, or asked to simply pick up their garbage and dispose of it properly. If the student refuses to comply, the Litter Police records the name of the student and their form or grade in a special book. The date and time are also recorded as evidence and taken to the Principal or Tribunal for decisions with respect to penalties, which vary from school to school. The Litter Police Programme Penalties include a ‘fine’ of one dollar and tasks to be performed at Litter Police are selected by the school. Principal and Teaching Staff of each Simmons emphasized that the School and are changed each term, to penalties are intended to teach allow as many students as possible an children that their actions have opportunity to serve in this capacity. consequences, e.g., that their Seven schools have already received indiscriminate disposal of trash can jackets and badges from the Red facilitate mosquito breeding. Cross, which has also provided In her estimation, Simmons said, garbage bins to ensure the desired the programme has been very effective effect is achieved. so far, in the schools where it has been Litter Police are tasked with introduced. monitoring the activities of their peers, In addition to the Litter Police to ensure the proper disposal of Programme, the Red Cross has also garbage and to deter any defacing of introduced Environmentally Friendly the school premises and/or damage to Badge and a Junior First Aid Badge furniture. programmes in schools here. (Source: According to Simmons, when SVG Red Cross Society) students are found littering, they are the programme, and expand it into additional schools. In addition to the Calliaqua Anglican School, the Litter Police programme has been implemented in the: Clare Valley Government; Kingstown Anglican; Intermediate High School; Owia Government; Troumaca Government; Thomas Saunders Secondary and Pamenos Burke Primary.
WPPÊS Orthopedic Mission 2022
(From left to right)Back row: Dr. DeWayne Johnson, Mr. Jeff Mabel, Dr. Mark Miller, Dr. TJ Lockhart, Dr. Emmalynn Sigrist, Mrs. Jill Hahn, Mrs. Kate Corbett, Ms. Atyna Harry. Front row: Mr. Sigmund Wiggins, Donna Griffin, Ph.D., Dr. Shari-Ann Davis-Andrews, Ms. Lauren McIntosh, Mr. Brad Powell.
World Pediatric Project (WPP) continued to support community-based growth in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Eastern Caribbean through specialized pediatric healthcare programs. Following the General Surgery team that was here in January 2022, WPP had its second team on island — General Orthopedics. The team consisting of nine (9) members is led by pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Miller and orthopedic fellow, Dr. Sigrist. They were accompanied by anesthesiologist, Dr. Lockhart; as well as other important auxiliary team members including Donna Griffin, Ph.D., orthopedic physical therapist. There was a total of 45 patients: thirty-seven (37) local patients and eight (8)
regional. Of this total, there were 13 surgical candidates for the mission. WPP is happy to return to some sense of normalcy following the many disruptions caused by the pandemic and is optimistic that families can expect to see more of WPP and its teams for the future. Mr. Sigmund Wiggins — SVG Program Director at WPP has said, its third mission, Scoliosis, would follow closely after the current team. The Scoliosis team is scheduled for April 23rd — 30th, led by Dr. Kuester. Mr. Wiggins has stated that WPP is committed to reaching every child needing its help, while reemphasizing the gratitude and importance of the support received from donors in enabling them to continue their long-term medical plans.
As part of the mission, WPP continues to mobilize diagnostic and surgical teams to heal children who lack access to special pediatric care through its network of partner hospitals locally, regionally and internationally. WPP also continues to extend their sincerest gratitude to sponsors and donors as their donations play a major role in the overall success of each mission and the transformation of each child’s life. WPP remains in gratitude to the media for their continued support in highlighting the work being done to aid our children and improve their quality of life. The work of WPP and its impact can be followed at www.worldpediatricproject. org or contact us at 784-4512989. (Submitted by WPP)
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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 5.
Easter Message
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council Easter Message 2022
UKE 24:5B “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
L
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Saviour! At this glorious Easter time, life is indeed the key word as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and his victory over death and the grave. Watchman Nee reminds us, “Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” The writer of Luke’s gospel tells that the women's group consisting of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others, went to the tomb on the morning after their Jewish Sabbath, in order to carry out the last acts of love to their dearly departed, and at the same time use the spices to embalm the dead body of Jesus. To their surprise, they saw that the large stone at the entrance of the tomb had already been rolled away, and on entering, no body of Jesus was found. Afterwards, two unknown persons told them that Jesus was not there but had risen; and they reminded the women of what Jesus had previously told them about himself. Jesus’ earthly ministry was punctuated by spectacular miracles, but nothing compared to the miracle of his glorious resurrection on the first Easter morning. In fact, ever since, endless numbers of persons have experienced a revolutionary change in their lives because of the risen Lord Jesus. It meant that they experienced a new history. Theologian Paul Althus said, "The resurrection proclamation could not have been maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact." The resurrected Jesus is not a figure in a book or a memory. He is a living presence, for the Christian life is not a matter of knowing about
Jesus, but knowing him.Because Jesus is alive, the experience of faith coming alive is real. For us residing in this homeland of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Easter 2022 is occurring in the current season of a widespread renewal of the landscape from the ravages caused by the eruption of La Soufriere in April 2021. At the same time though, there are some persons who still don’t have a house of their own and so have not been able to return home. Furthermore, because of unemployment or hardships of one kind or another, some have not yet returned to their regular means of income. We must be very concerned for these our brothers and sisters, for their livelihood is still a challenge.We therefore ought to continue helping themprayerfully, generously and joyfully wherever necessary. Additionally, the substantial reduction in COVID-19 infections, has enabled our Government to remove the gathering restrictions thereby permitting our worship experiences to be more populous. It is vital that we, the Church, hasten to join the Government in reminding all residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging worldwideand we should continue to heedthe protocols of wearing a face mask, social distancing, sanitising, and vaccination. The two foregoing realities have certainly reinvigorated us and our psyche has been buoyed by a lessening of the tensions and resulting mental anguish, thereby causing many to be happier and more relaxed while embracing theopportunities for our thanksgiving and interactions. At the same time, those realities have raised two questions for our consideration. Firstly, are we wholeheartedly giving thanks to Almighty God for his grace and mercy towards us over the past months?God’s love is unconditional and we ought to yield ourselves
to him, as we come to grips with the awareness that we are helpless outside of him, and thatinspite of us being sinful and rebellious, God loves us with an everlasting love. As we become grateful, and sincerely and
wholeheartedly give thanks to God, our lives are transformed, and we become rejoicing people even in adversity. Secondly, do we intend to live harmoniously with all persons? The uncontrollable volcano’s eruption and global
spread of COVID-19 infections, ought to have reminded us of the frailty of human life and our helplessness
Continued on Page 16.
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6. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 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
Easter in our politics
authority supposedly on behalf of the people. The radical message of Easter, then, is not simply that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It’s what Jesus’s resurrection EASTER IS PERHAPS the principal meant to the regime of the day and to holidays, or feasts, of Christianity, which characterizes us in a religious every regime that will follow. Each and every regime, including ours, sense. has an expiration date. They will be Easter marks the very being replaced by others whose primary and foundation of Christianity — the death, burial and Resurrection purpose must be to build institutions bias of the Christ Jesus whose life and for the bottom and a preference for the poor. teachings fulfilled prophesies of That’s the great Easter challenge of his predecessors, and set the the gospel: to imagine Jesus’ kingdom course of a new dispensation for transformed into current political the world. structures and to make it happen. For others, Easter marks the Of course, speaking about Jesus in end of the Lenten Season, a such political terms is not without its season of reflection, penitence and danger. Forgive the references to the fasting, the latter a diminishing Roman Catholic Pontiffs. Pope Francis Lenten practice. says that politics can be one of the The essence of the Easter highest forms of love because it’s in Message though, lies in Jesus’ sacrifice — the ultimate sacrifice — service of the common good. On the other hand, Pope Benedict XVI said that His life. It is that sacrifice that politics, when it pretends to be salvific, we must see and reflect even in actually becomes demonic. our daily lives, not least in our Time and again, we’ve seen political politics as idealist as it might forces on both the left and the right co-opt sound. Christianity for their own partisan That sacrifice is all about struggle and pain and that is why purposes. To bring about this Easter revolution, His Resurrection comes with an the people — Christians in our sense — obligation on our leaders’ part, should not begin with political parties especially, to lead the people out of their tribulation as summed up and ideologies and coat them with the strength of Jesus. in “these times hard foe so”. This would contradict the message of That is why on Easter Sunday, the resurrected Christ who disrupts all in particular, every time we earthly governments and political remember Jesus’ blood and agendas. sacrifice, we should remember Easter instead, must be a call to rise that we are new creatures. That up and proclaim a community that will our old perspectives are renewed outlive all governments; a state where by His love. That we understand the poor are blessed, enemies are loved, that God does not promise a new strangers are welcomed, prisoners are set world or new reality and will not hand it down by some miraculous free and where wanton murder is no more. means. Rather, God gives us a We as Christians must imitate Mary new perspective to see reality and plan for the use of the goods of the Magdalene’s posture. It was she who first earth to the benefit of all and not encountered the empty tomb and hurried horde the goods for distribution to to share the news that Christ had risen, giving a new horizon and decisive the chosen few — Pharisees and direction to our lives. That is what the likes. Easter should be about. It should be our prayer that in the midst of political and similar situations constantly fraught with uncertainty and tension, the Easter message of hope and a new reality in Jesus Christ will help to heal the heart-breaking situations around us, the most beckoning being those (situations) created by those who hold power and
I am boycotting Hairoun IT’S DONE. I no longer own a case of Hairoun empties. How tone deaf do you have to be to name your newest product “Smallie”? Or could it be that yet another foreign-owned company, the largest beer producer globally, doesn’t care about what we are going through? This, as we try to sensitize a nation to what seems to some of us an epidemic - sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Some may argue that describing our nation as being in a state of crisis related to matters affecting women and children is an overstatement. I suppose that’s a matter of opinion, and we can spend an inordinate amount of time discussing the merits of this statement. In the meantime, our women (mothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters) will continue to be sexually abused, disrespected, and trafficked right under our noses. Quite a few people might not know what I am talking about today, but on Friday, April 1st, I was accosted by some loud music and a few scantily clad women gyrating on the side of the road (both the Windward and Leeward highway). Upon enquiring, I found out that Hairoun Brewery, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch (Budwiser), launched a new product, “Smallie”. We all know what “Smallie” means in our local lexicon. Before 8 am the following day, a van driver, yes, one of those guys we love to hate, was calling into one of our many morning talk radio programs complaining about how distasteful this product launch was. For this, I applaud him. Interestingly, this exchange had the two radio personalities on air very nervous. They refuse to engage the caller in a discussion about his concerns. The radio announcers made it clear that because the Brewery was a sponsor of the radio station, they were afraid to offend them and would have to consult with management before they would share an opinion. Sad but true. The almighty dollar ruled that morning show. It was more distasteful because April 1st is the beginning of the month designated as “Sexual Assault
Awareness Month.” It is also the month that the police department marks its tenth anniversary of the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit. Yet this is the month this Company restates their callous disrespect for our young people and our children, the smallest and weakest among us. Okay, for those who want to pretend not to understand all the fuss about the word “Smallie”, those who traffic children for sexual pleasure use it as a code word. A week ago, I was at the supermarket checkout when two underage children were trying to buy an alcoholic drink, and the cashier did the right thing and refused to sell them for obvious reasons. The sad ending to this story is that an adult in the line willingly purchased it for them. As adults, we must do better. I cannot help but wonder how and where the exchange of alcohol and the repayment for the purchase was handled. It is essential to remember that it is a widely accepted fact that a single bottle of beer can make people more sociable and less inhibited when it comes to sexual engagement. Back to Hairoun, can anyone please explain why a company that sells four out of every five beers in this country needs to revert to this desperate move? Tapping into our ugly underbelly with sexual innuendo is no way for a market leader to go. If you want to grow the market, make a better beer. How about introducing a craft beer with a simple Vincentian twist. Use the power of the financial and technical resources provided by the patient’s Company to brew a uniquely Vincentian craft beer. I will not engage in the distraction I see on social media that is trying to pull me into a discussion about “other obnoxiously named products on the market.” This is another small step in desensitizing our people, thus making it more possible to abuse our children. Please join me in sending a clear message to Hairoun. Remove “Smallie” from the market. Horatio
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lHE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 7.
Views
SVG and the CCJ MR. EDITOR: Thanks for carrying the news about St. Lucia’s decision to begin putting the necessaries in place to become a full member of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which means that they will do away with the Privy Council as it final court of appeal. When they take that step, St. Lucia will become the second
Windward Island to do so, the other being Dominica. As such, therefore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is yet to accent to the CCJ as it final Court. And if we are to follow on what our Prime Minister has indicated in the past, I don’t think we can expect the Unity Labour Party government led by Dr.
Ralph Gonsalves to take this country into full membership of the CCJ. I am not sure what his arguments against the CCJ might be, but if it is has anything to do with the competence and integrity of our judges then he should ‘wheel and come again’. There is hardly any need for ordinary people like me to delve into how well respected our jurists are; how much they have shown that they are equal to those in the UK, not to mention the Commonwealth. Just to mention, it would be a good exercise for some legal studies student to research the role of Caribbean jurists in what we can describe as Anglophone Africa. I would think, that Dr. Goiinsalves is well aware of the mark out jurists have made home and abroad. And if there is any hint of our CCJ Judges
being open to influence by the politics and politicians of the region, think again! The CCJ has now being operating for close to seventeen years and during that time I have heard of no one castigating the Judges’ decision on the grounds of bias. The men and women who serve(d) on the CCJ are above that and to even hint that they are not is an affront to their integrity. And even if some in high positions should even think that they could bring their influence to bear on the CCJ, the manner in which the Judges are appointed, their terms of reference and how the CCJ is financed will eliminate any chance of interference in the dispensing of their duties. So while we might not see the light of the CCJ under the ULP, we would want to know the New Democratic Party’s position on it. I support full membership of the CCJ, do you? Thomas
A slap for all times
I IMAGINE that Oscar Awards slap Chris Rock received from Will Smith was as much a talking point in SVG as it was here in Jamaica. I can imagine that there would have been mixed reactions home as there were in JA, some siding with Rock others supporting Smith. In JA one person who supported Smith went as far as to say that Smith didn’t hit Rock hard enough. As far as that person was concerned, Rock should have been on the floor. Whatever!!! I didn’t get to watch the Oscars live but when I did get around to seeing the slap and what prompted it, I was offended by Will Smith’s action, and I am a big fan. And yes, I am also a fan of Chris Rock who in my estimation is a great comedian and actor. That said, I must fall back on what I believe, i.e., that violence cannot be condoned. Smith’s action was disappointing as much as it showed a lack of control. For a moment there, I concluded that Smith forgot that his career was built on comedy and this is what comedians do: poke fun at people, places, things and sometimes they cross the line. The ‘funny’ thing is that I thought I saw Smith laughing at the joke which he claimed offended him, just before he got up, went to the stage and let Rock have it. You know, I have heard a lot worse jokes about Smith and his wife, especially after they shared on Talk Shows in the USA about their marriage and their cheating. Smith must have forgotten all of this and how he and his wife became the butt of many jokes. One thing we must learn here is that those of us who live our choice public lives, like politicians and even religious ministers; open themselves to praise, flattery and a whole set of ridicule. Paul from Jamaica
A cautious congratulation MR. EDITOR, you of all persons know how many strong words I had for the West Indies cricket teams in recent times. I have, I will admit, beaten up on the men who have been chosen to wear the maroon and called for radical change and sticking to the hard decisions. I want now, even without taking back any thing I would have said in the past, to congratulate the West Indies cricket team for winning the third Test and the series against England. On the merit of their performance in the third test, they deserved to win. And I must offer a special congrats to captain Kraigg Brathwaite who seems to have moved easily and comfortably into his leadership role. He has led from the front with the bat and I can only hope that he continues in this vein and inspire the rest of the team. However, I am reminded that we have had a way of saying after every victory that we have turned a new corner, or something like that. I would like to caution that with one test series win we might be just getting into the corner but have not yet turned it. There is still a chance that someone could come around the corner in the opposite direction and spoil our fun. Beware. Charles - Edinboro
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8. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Repair, recovery, and respair: One year after the eruption of La Soufriere Introduction ON THE AFTERNOON of April 8, 2021 at approximately 4:30 pm, Prime Minister Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves, on the expert advice of Professor Richard Robertson, issued an evacuation order to all residents in the designated “red zone” areas on mainland Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This was in direct response to the information given by Professor Robertson and his team to the National Emergency Committee chaired by the Comrade Ralph in his capacity as Prime Minister, (that) an explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano was imminent. This announcement began the complicated and involved process of the evacuation of approximately 20,000 citizens and residents from the north western and north eastern communities in the red zone. The following day, Friday April 9, 2021 as Vincentians waited with anxious expectations, just as predicted, the La Soufriere volcano erupted explosively throwing a large plume of ash that went miles into the air that could be seen from almost anywhere in this country. Over the weeks and months immediately following the eruptions, the government of this country, supported by the local private sector, regional governments and agencies, international organisations and members of the international community was involved in a clean-up and recovery effort unlike anything ever before undertaken in the history of this country. The impacts of the eruption went beyond the displacement of residents, but also saw significant damage to infrastructure, personal property, agriculture, including livestock and forestry. The task of rebuilding would be challenging but the government moved swiftly to make resources available to begin the work of putting this country on the path to full recovery.
locations that were dangerous. The damage to crops and livestock along with the heavy ash fall that covered farms created a situation of severe loss to farmers, who had to wait for months before they could be able to plant on their lands. The government went about providing income support for many categories of workers including farmers, vendors at tourism sites, vendors at schools, and fisherfolk to provide a cushion against the loss of income from their usual activities. These payments were in addition to payments made by UN agencies and the Red Cross in partnership with the government directly to families impacted by the volcano. One year later millions of dollars in income support have been paid to families and individuals and the work of repairing homes damaged is going at full pace.
A time of respair
As we go around the country, the recovery effort following the eruption of La Soufriere, will make you marvel and is a testament to the hard work of the clean-up and construction crews from BRAGSA and the Ministry of Housing working together. Most of the individuals displaced have been back in their home communities since August 2021 with few infamies still in guest houses and some temporary shelters because of extensive damage to their homes making them uninhabitable. The ongoing repair work while significant and facing challenges of acute shortages of materials and increased cost of materials when they are available and even a shortage of contractors to do the work, is progressing well with all of the level 1 and level 2 damaged homes complete and work now being done on level 3 and 4 houses. Twentyfour houses in Orange Hill are close to being handed over and another set of Income support, repair and recovery houses set for construction in partnership with the Mustique Reflecting on the manner in which Company soon. With all the work being done, and with significant our Comrade Ralph-led ULP improvement in the infection rate and government managed the various challenges that emerged following the active cases of Covid-19, the residents of our country can claim a fresh hope eruption of La Soufriere that essentially compounded this country’s for tomorrow. Having been the recipients of the bounties of God, already challenging situation in the midst of the pandemic, we admit that provided through the leadership of this country and the proper allocation it was made to look all too easy. The of resources to enable this recovery, government was able to access we can reflect on the goodness of God resources immediately from the to have brought us through these contingencies fund (a measure challenging times. One year later as a opposed by the opposition NDP) to people we can reflect on the task that support displaced individuals in was before us following the volcano shelters and private homes through meals while the support from the UN and be inspired by the way we worked agencies and other partners was being together, caring for each other and addressing the needs that were the coordinated. The massive clean-up most critical. The work is not yet operations conducted by BRAGSA done, but we serve a merciful God, that restored access across within a elected a caring and competent relatively short period of time was government, committed to serving the remarkable. This allowed for assessors to proceed into the red zone best interest of Vincentians and together we will get through this to assess the level of damage done period and come out stronger than from ash fall and lahar flow but also paved the way for the eventual return before. During this period of respair, a concept that connects the important of temporarily displaced residents to qualities of faith made manifest their home communities. The through works and love, an ever-fixed assessment revealed millions of mark that looks on tempests and is dollars in damage to physical never shaken, we must put our best infrastructure, hundreds of homes effort forward and claim morning by damaged or destroyed and the need for relocation of some residents whose morning new mercies we see, great is thy faithfulness. houses were assessed to be in
La Soufrière eruption – One year after SATURDAY 9th April, 2022, marked the first anniversary of the beginning of the explosive phase of the La Soufrière volcano. One year after, we reflect on the challenges that we encountered during the different phases of the management of the disaster. We give thanks to the almighty that no lives were lost directly because of the eruptions, and show appreciation for the role the New Democratic Party (NDP) played during the process. It was reported that over twenty thousand people were evacuated from the danger zone. The plan for evacuation, housing and feeding people from the danger zone was said to be in place prior to the eruption. When it was time to be executed, it failed far too many of the people who moved to shelters and private homes. When the evacuation took place, people were anxious and even scared about what was to come. They were forced to adjust to living in shelters or with friends and relatives in crowded arrangements. Some of those accommodations did not have the most basic amenities: beds, enough bathrooms, and sufficient water. However, the evacuees adapted to the situation. The NDP played a critical role in assisting the evacuees during the time of crisis. For six months, the NDP provided over eight thousand (8000) food baskets and other supplies to persons who were displaced. This outreach continued after they were resettled. We also played a vital part in clearing the ash. For instance, in Owia, through an initiative of the NDP, young men and women were employed to remove ash from the homes of a number of persons
Even though Senator John focused her debate on North Windward. The situation is similar in North Leeward, especially in the agricultural sector. Farmers are finding it extremely difficult to till the soil because of the large amount of ash that was deposited on the farms during the eruptions. Also, persons whose appliances were destroyed or damaged are still waiting for them to be replaced by the government. No partisan consideration should be used to decide who gets help, when they get help and what sort of help they get. They should be given out according to need. It should not be that the best is given to some politically favoured persons and the remainder to rest of the people.
Were lives lost indirectly because of the volcanic eruption?
From the initial stage of the construction of the Georgetown Modern Medical Complex, the NDP raised concerns about its location, i.e. in the Red Zone. The volcano erupted last year and many persons who were receiving treatment at that facility for terminal illness were affected. The following is an account of an individual who loss a close relative: “One year since the last eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, many look back on this day as the start of what would be the lost of their livelihood or homes; but I look back on today as the start of the eventual loss of life for many I knew and loved. The eruption might not have resulted in any direct loss of life but I keep wondering: How many Vincentians lost their lives indirectly as a result of the eruption? The eruption saw the temporary The challenge is real closure of the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre in Georgetown. For Although most persons have anyone who had a cancer or kidney returned home, it is still challenging patient in their family at that time for them. Senator Shevern John you knew exactly what that meant. addressed the issue in her 2022 Countless trips down to Milton Cato Budget presentation. She said: Memorial Hospital, ash or no ash, “Madam Speaker, in North Windward, the effects of the eruptions only to be told treatment was not available. continue to be a major problem to Today, I remember the families, many householders. Many persons familiar or unfamiliar, who sat on lost their homes as stated in Budget 2022 and now it is time for rebuilding those benches downstairs on the male ward waiting for the doctor to give and recovery and it must be transformative. To be transformative, them some hope. Many of us have we must have the collectiveness of all since buried our loved ones without being able to access treatment. stakeholders involved. Today, I remember the doctor who Madam speaker, as it stands now, what we see are rust and ash painted had to sit there, watch all those people in their eyes, dampening what house roofs. We are having partial little hope they had as she told them repairs of roofs despite monetary treatment was still not available. I allocations for repairs that consider the future impact of existing damage. know that could not have been easy. Today, I remember the dearest It means that these homeowners will thing the eruption took from me - my be left to change the other rusted mother. Even though I know the time pieces of galvanize on their own, an would’ve come for her to go, I know added burden to the vulnerable, that with treatment I would have had elderly and disabled, single mothers a little more time with her. Her fight and the unemployed. This added would have been a little easier.” financial burden is definitely not As Vincentians marked the first acceptable and I am calling on the anniversary of the April 9 eruption of relevant authority to give the people the La Soufrière volcano, the what is rightfully theirs. Even the government is yet to complete and twenty seven (27) small houses deliver the houses at Orange Hill to donated by the Trinidadian based those needy persons; complete the group remain locked up and uninhabited. The donors saw the need repairs of homes and provide the and rushed to the assistance, but the lands that were promised to persons who have to be relocated. government still lingers.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 9.
Views
The Easter Season is Here!
Learning to question
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” — The Apostle Paul writing in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
(First published in THE VINCENTIAN OF with the April 13, 2016) progress and advances that are taking place in the lives of the people. True ‘A true patriot must be wary of every revolutionaries only have to look at dream and every nation, even his the conditions under which so many own. Perhaps his own nation more people live to be knocked into a than any other, precisely because it reality of dissatisfaction. Therefore, to was his own.’ be satisfied is conservative, Ta-Nehisi Coates, ‘Between the World reactionary even, because satisfaction and Me’. is a call for the maintenance of the status quo. And status quo is the least WHEN DID WE LOSE OUR ABILITY to revolutionary position a fighter for the question? How did this assassination of people can adopt or approve.’ our very selves occur? We all know of Only the privileged elite’ who never the brutal honesty of children. Why do understood what it meant to be we train our children or indeed deprived of basic needs such as food, ourselves to lie? clothing and shelter, or the politically We are socialized through and by jaundiced, who hold true to an the many stabilizing societal outdated notion that every institutions (courts, prisons, government policy or initiative must government leaders, legislators, be opposed, will deny the many captains of business, churches and people-centred policies of the ULP schools) to act in particular ways, government over the last fifteen most times against our individual or years. group interest once such actions put But it is equally valid that too up a good face for the society in which many government officials and we live. supporters speak as though SVG is But how do we go back to what the moving along swimmingly without a ancients taught ‘to thyself first be bother in the world. Yes, our country true? How do we stop committing has reduced indigence from 1 in every suicide by refusing to choke on our 4 Vincentians to 3 in every 100, but thoughts? How do we take the wise the harsh truth is that 30 percent of words of former Jamaican PM our people still live in poverty and Michael Manley, who instruct us ‘to with little chance of getting out. walk on our feet and not on our We celebrate the fact that SVG is knees’? very attractive to foreign direct We can get to this point of investments and may become even redemption if we embrace the wise more attractive following the words of Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates completion of the Argyle International demands we be wary of every dream. Airport, but are we at the same time To be mindful of every dream, we willing to listen to workers who have to begin interrogating complain that at Buccament Resort everything we hold dear. Coates they work long hours and frequently commands us to be wary of all fail to collect their entire pay packet nations, even our own. when it becomes due. Are we What a revolutionary and soul prepared to check the records of the searching command. We are socialized Labour Department or the Court to say our nation right or wrong. That docket to witness the grievances of is what we mean when we say we are our brothers and sisters or to listen to 100 percent Vincy as if this rock is their charges of racism meted out to better than Jamaica or Grenada. them as they honestly work for their There is no room for the other. Are we living? Are we prepared to ask for without fault and blemish? proof when opposition leaders tell us The answer is clearly no. So why the elections were fraudulent? then do we lift our leaders and our How could it be counterinstitutions and place them beyond revolutionary to critique the reproach? Why do we confuse and weaknesses or shortcomings in the conflate the views of our leaders with education, housing or health the national interest? Is it so difficult revolutions amidst the fantastic for us to conclude that our leaders progress? This is why Chris Hani could be wrong? Do we envisage a warned against complacency because possibility that there can be friendly satisfaction is a call for maintaining amendments to our views to make the status quo. And status quo is the them more valuable and beneficial to least revolutionary position a fighter our nation? for the people can adopt or approve of. Our leaders should push us away Once we engage in the high art of from second-hand answers, even self-interrogation, we will become answers they believe. They must even more convinced that a better encourage the entire society to search world is not only possible but for explanations of its own. necessary. Then we go out bravely Sometimes we may not find answers, before the world with the knowledge but in asking the question, we are as Zoe Williams says: ‘if you want to essentially going into our mind in paint a picture of a truly different search of self. way of doing things, you won’t be able We must develop the habit where to prove that it’s realistic...You cannot the desire to question becomes a fact-check the future. You cannot ritual, refining an earlier thought/ perform a five-point credibility test on question. The art of learning to a vision. If you don’t speak your question must be conceived and dreams until they’re fully costed, perceived as exploration rather than a you’ll live in someone else’s search for certainty. Our commitment nightmare.’ to questioning everything is Too many of us live the dreams of destabilizing yet revolutionary. others. It is time we dream the This is what the brilliant South dreams we can live. African revolutionary Chris Hani had in mind when he said: ‘True Send comments, criticisms & revolutionaries are never satisfied suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
THE EASTER SEASON has arrived. This is the time of year when the winds tend to be constant and relatively strong in the Eastern Caribbean. It is kite-flying time. It was really quite a treat to see the excitement on the faces of the youngsters at the Dorsectshire Hill Government School on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 as they engaged in flying their kites at the school premises. They had an ideal location. Their school is perched on a hill that overlooks the island’s capital city, Kingstown. As the trade winds move up the fertile valley in that area they provide useful updrafts for the kite flyers to display their talents as designers and flyers. These were not commercial kites; they were “homemade” and quite beautifully designed. The kites appeared to be performing aerial ballet and were of various shapes, sizes, and colours. They reminded me of my boyhood days when we designed and made a variety of these winged toys. My favourite was the “Nosey” kite that was made from “coconut pointer” (frame) and “shop paper” (covering). These were held together using “boiled starch”. We were sometimes amazed at the distances those kites travelled. Those were some good old days. It is good to know that some of today’s children still experience the thrill or sense of satisfaction from designing, making, and flying kites. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Easter is also that time of the year when the Yellow Poui (the scientific name is Tabebuia) comes out in all of its splendour. There are several prominent areas throughout SVG where these trees can be found. There is one located directly in front of the New Democratic Party Headquarters in Kingstown (near to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Girls’ High School). Two can be seen just outside the northern fence at the Arnos Vale Airport. And there is a large Yellow Poui at the Grand View Hotel at Villa Point. While we often associate the Yellow Poui with Easter we know that their impressive blooming also coincides with the dry season which, in most Caribbean countries, will run from January to May. In SVG there are a host of other things that we have traditionally associated with the Easter Season. This is the time of year when many of the bakeries will produce Hot Cross Buns. It is often amazing (and some with say “amusing”) that these buns that are often created using the same formula for “regular buns” can be sold at a significantly higher price merely by adding two strips of dough (in the shape of a cross) at the top of the bun or by merely cutting the sign of a cross on the raised surface. But at Easter the residents in many homes will feel cheated if the hot cross buns
are absent. Throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Easter Season demands a diet of fish (and the absence of meat). This is especially so on Good Friday. Some families demand menus with mackerel, salmon, smoked herring, and the like. This is also a time of year when the processed starches (e.g. rice and pasta) give way to ground provision. It is therefore not surprising that the days leading up to the Easter Weekend tend to see increases in the market prices for such items as eddoes, yams, dasheen, and sweet potatoes. The market forces of demand and supply come into play at such times of year. Sometimes these kinds of activities detract us from the real meaning of the Easter Season. Easter is that time of year when Christian societies remember the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the time of year when Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, reflect on the tremendous suffering and death of our Saviour. But we go beyond that. We remember that death could not keep Him down; He rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary. Faith in the resurrected Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul wrote that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that we was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3b-4). This is what we believe. In the not too distant past the Easter weekend was considered sacred. In my youth, for example, we were not expected to engage in sporting events or be seen to be engaging in “fun-type activities” on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Those days were considered holy; they were days when we especially reflected on the suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many of our local communities now plan sporting events on those days. And very little attention appears to be given to the reason for the season. As a society, amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, amidst the excitement, let us pause to appreciate the tremendous sacrifice and the demonstration of love, grace, and mercy that that first Easter weekend brought. Let us reflect on the fact that Jesus’ blood that was shed on Calvary’s cross over two thousand years ago still has power to save the vilest of sinners; that blood still has power to wash each of us whiter than snow. Yes, the Easter season is here ... and with it renewed hope for all those who will trust in the resurrected Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
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10. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
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People saying „fix‰ the roads! MANY PEOPLE are saying to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that the roads are terrible and need repairing (fixing). Throughout SVG, the roads are in a bad state. Many roads have not been repaired for years and the potholes are getting bigger and deeper. The poor quality of the roads is not just damaging people’s vehicles, but damaging our weak economy, too. The ULP regime may think they are being smart by not repairing the roads and not spending money on the roads, but it is a weak and short-sighted strategy to do this. People are incurring
extra, unnecessary expenses to fix their vehicles after they have been damaged by the poor quality roads. This money spent on spare parts is going to spare parts manufacturers abroad. It is more money leaving the country, rather than circulating in the country. This is money that should be going into the SVG economy and supporting SVG businesses. Having roads in such a state of disrepair is putting Vincentians’ lives and health at risk. Sometimes you need to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid a big pothole on your side (of the road). The worse the roads are, the greater the number of accidents
likely to occur on the roads. This causes unnecessary, and avoidable, injury to our people. Maintaining and repairing the roads on a regular basis create more employment in SVG and make us look better as a country. At the moment, when tourists come here they have a bad experience on our roads and they would see SVG as a destitute, rough country. This would not encourage them to come back, and they would tell their friends and family how bad an experience they had. They would discourage their friends and family from coming to SVG for a holiday. The ULP regime is too short-sighted and too
weak to run our economy to create prosperity for all. One only needs to look at the poverty and destitution around the country to realise this. Looking at the state of the roads gives you the impression that SVG is a failed state. The poor state of the roads has the potential to increase the cost of some food items in SVG. If farmers are having to spend more money to maintain the vehicles they use to bring their produce to market, because the vehicles are getting mashed up by the roads, then naturally, this could cause food prices to rise. For many years, a lot of farmers have struggled to break even with their farming.
Bad roads just make farmers’ predicament worse. SVG’s roads illustrate the neglect this country has suffered under the incompetent ULP regime. Unable to create sustainable sources of revenue, the ULP regime has let roads and other infrastructure fall into severe disrepair. It is disgraceful for the government to treat our people this way. When the ULP regime
came to power they compared SVG to Haiti. Now, it seems like the ULP regime is turning SVG into Haiti in every way possible. As people are saying, the roads in SVG need “fixing”. A Green government would properly maintain SVG’s road. The roads are important for trade and transporting people and goods around the country in a timely manner. Good roads are vital for our economy.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022. 11.
Court
Rogue Security Guard jailed RAFFIQUE PRINCE, 27-year-old Security Guard employed at the Kingstown Board, was on Tuesday, jailed for marijuana possession, just one day after he was placed on two 1-year bonds for the theft of two cellular phones. Prince, who gave his address as Rose Place, was sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of 1,710 grams of marijuana with intent to supply. He had pleaded guilty to that charge on Monday, at the Serious Offences Court, but sentencing was adjourned. The facts revealed that the marijuana was found, during a police search of Prince’s home at Rose Place around 6:30 a.m. April 8, while investigating a report of theft. A multicoloured plastic bag containing 13 taped packages were found. When cautioned, Prince told the police, “Ah somebody give me dem weed dey foe hold. Dem nah mine, but me go own dem because you find dem in my house.” Constable 124 Samuel Caesar took the defendant along with the exhibits to the Narcotics Base. They were opened in the presence of another police officer and the defendant, revealing several items, including
marijuana, two cellular phones, chargers, wrapping paper, cigarettes, lighters, high leaf and bottled drinks. On hearing the facts, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne asked Prince, “Why would you want to hold something like this for somebody?” He replied, “My Honour, I did not want to hold it, but de soldier came and tell me to hold dem, and somebody would collect them.” Prince said that when he saw how the packages were taped, he realized that it was marijuana. Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that Prince had pleaded guilty to theft of four cellular phones at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and was bonded on two of those charges, while he was expected to receive his sentences on the others at that court, on Tuesday, after he was sentenced on the marijuana charge at the Serious Offences Court. “You abused your position of trust at your work, and used it as a cover. What you did was to use that to jeopardize national security,’ Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told the defendant. The Magistrate said that Prince’s action caused one to think about how many packages like those are allowed
to get through certain facilities. “He is working at the Kingstown Board which is extremely frightening and worrying,” the Magistrate contended. “No one expects someone working at the Kingstown Board to be so devious,” she added. The prosecutor informed the Court that the facts in relation to the theft of the cellular phone(s), revealed that Prince was going around, walking up to people, and pulling away their cellular phones. Cato said that it was clear that the items which were found at Prince’s home were destined for Her Majesty’s Prisons, as they were all initiated. Prince did not deny this. “I don’t know how a man could just walk up to a security officer and say hold this for me, without a conversation,” Cato pondered. Cato said Prince abused his trust, used his position to assist in the commission of the offence, and that the defendant knew it was marijuana, by his own admission.
The Magistrate concluded that the most aggravating factor in the case was that Prince used his position as a cover in the commission of the offence. She said she found no mitigating factors in relation to the offence. Prince, however, benefitted from a one third discount on his sentence for his early guilty plea. Browne followed the sentencing guidelines, as she did her calculations to arrive at the nine-month sentence on the marijuana charge. Prince was placed on two one-year bonds at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, after pleaded guilty to two separate charges of stealing cellular phones. He had also pleaded guilty to two additional charges of stealing cellular phones, and was bonded for a year on one of those charges, and ordered to pay compensation on the other, on his return to the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Tuesday, as sentencing on those charges was adjourned from the previous day. (H.H)
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12. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Feature
Annie Catherine Brewster – The Vincentian ÂNurse OphthalmicÊ 1858 - 1902
letter which appeared in the London Daily News defending the hospital Finding the trail left against by Annie accusations that nurses were When I went last treated to harsh year to visit the Barts discipline and Health NHS Trust unduly onerous Archives and tasks with poor Museums, the skilled meals and and dedicated staff inadequate helped me to trace the consideration of path and progression of their welfare. She Annie’s nursing career was a fierce at the London defender of the Hospital, recorded in London Hospital meticulous and the nursing handwriting in thick, profession and also heavy and bound of how she and her Brewster’s grave and headstone Annie Catherine Brewster – the trail volumes of training and colleagues were was overcome by heavy growth ward records. well taken care of blazer. and fell into disrepair. One glowing and supported. Annie Brewster shared burial site reference in the has been restored and headstone IN THE 1960S, many ended there, except training Giving her life to appropriately labelled. Vincentians like my that 117 years later in service reports said own mother said 2019 a historian called that Annie was Company of Nurses and the goodbye to their Stephen Bourne, a diligent ‘a thoroughly Annie gave the London Royal British Nurses’ families to make the researcher of the presence and Association. Moving addresses satisfactory Hospital 20 years of service, journey to England with contribution of Black people in were given by the Master of probationer…. becoming much loved the aim of entering the British life, went in search of especially for her work with quick, thorough the Company of Nurses, Mrs nursing profession, in her resting place. The City of and active. She elderly patients with eye Frances Davies, and the what was then the still London Cemetery in East was a favourite problems. But Annie passed President of the Royal British young and radically with all the away unexpectedly aged 43 on London is vast and evocative — Nurses’ Association., The Rt innovative National it spreads over two hundred sisters under the morning of Tuesday 11th Hon Anne Milton. A blessing Health Service. What acres and contains over 150, whom she February 1902 on the was given by the Honorary those members of ‘the 000 gravesites in its maze of worked…and hospital’s Victor ward after Chaplain to the Company of Windrush generation’ lanes. Carefully tended lawns Nurses, The Reverend Canon equally well what was meant to be a might not have realised and huge ornate marble suited for routine operation 4 days His Excellency Charles Pickstone, himself is that a woman from memorials mix with the medical and before to remove ‘a large Cenio E. Lewis, very familiar with worshippers Saint Vincent had made fibroid’, which was not thought unmarked burial sites of High Commissioner surgical work. that same journey from Saint Vincent and the She was gentle to be malignant. She was people who passed away many Caribbean in his South for St Vincent and several generations and kind to her much mourned — her Matron’s centuries ago. The cemetery’s London parish. the Grenadines, before them, in 1870 patients and entry in the Register of Sisters administrators expressed delivered a fitting when a free and The day ended with an showed a and Nurses noting Annie’s strong doubts to Bourne that address to end a universal healthcare address by His Excellency “head” for death said: after such a long period any ceremony service in England was Cenio E. Lewis, High managing her ‘Annie Brewster, best physical indication of the not even dreamed of, organised at the Commissioner for St Vincent ward.’ However known to all her Hospital grave would remain, but after let alone the worldcemetery to mark and the Grenadines. The High as a result of friends as “Nurse searching for several hours on renowned institution it the rediscovery and my research I Commissioner noted two Ophthalmic,” spent the best that hot summer’s day, he has now become. restoration resting things. One was that Annie did have doubts and happiest years of her life found what he was looking for: Annie Catherine place. had laid a path that nurses at the London Hospital…… about how a large heavy stone cross Brewster was born in from Saint Vincent were still Annie’s skills With her quick intelligence fallen, broken and deeply Saint Vincent in 1858. following to come to England were initially valued. A she became very skilful in the buried in thick grass. At its Her father, Pharour to support, develop and different record said that treatment of eyes and her base was the memorial stone Chaderton Brewster was a enhance the NHS: in 2018-19 Annie apparently initially kindness to the poor old people bearing a dedication to the Black merchant of Bajan alone 60 Vincentian nurse failed her nursing examination who passed through her hands person buried in that spot — descent. When Annie was trainees were placed in because of her ‘lamentably during this period was instead of water he had to use twelve he took Annie, her deficient education’ rather unwearied. Hospital friends tissues and his spit to uncover hospitals in Leeds, Yorkshire. sister and the girls’ And his final point was about mourn her loss and keep her than any lack of nursing Annie’s name, but it was stepmother to live in England. vision, the field in which skills. But Annie nonetheless in affectionate remembrance.’ there. Interestingly for a while the Annie had developed her did receive a certificate to the Annie was buried on family boarded in Luton, the expertise. The High effect that her work was Valentine’s Day, 1902. No Coming together to pay Bedfordshire town where in Commissioner made the point excellent and her conduct very family were present. She was tribute the next century many that vision is about seeing in buried in a plot owned by the good. She was appointed to the Vincentians like my mother all sorts of ways: knowing hospital’s nursing staff in 1884 London Hospital, which was On Tuesday 29th March and father would also settle what is in front of us, and in 1888 gained the title of already the resting place of a 2022, a group of dignitaries and raise their families. understanding what is real ‘Nurse Ophthalmic’ not just a nurse called Mary Hannah from the English nursing and Annie’s family eventually and not real, and our belief in badge and designation of the Edwards who had passed medical professions, the moved to South London, and away 12 years before and ward she became responsible what is possible. Annie Corporation of London, and in 1881 aged twenty-three, for, but over time an whose burial, like Annie’s, was Brewster in her selfless other supporters and wellAnnie began her training as a paid for by the hospital dedication and lifelong service wishers came together at the nurse at the London Hospital expression of deep affection conferred by her colleagues. governors. certainly laid examples for us cemetery to mark the — now called The Royal Nine years later in 1890, rediscovery and restoration of all in every single one of these London. In 1893 Annie’s despite the earlier judgement In search of Annie ways. father, sister and stepmother Annie Catherine Brewster’s about her education, Annie moved again when they all resting place. The restoration Annie’s story might have Alexis Keir travelled to the United States. wrote a long and eloquent was jointly organised by the But Annie stayed behind in England and at the London Hospital.
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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 13.
News
I Chad is SVGÊs latest road fatality
CHRISTOPHER I CHAD ROBERTs, a 44 years old Maintenance man and a resident of Great House, Lowmans Leeward , was crossing the street from D-Spot Bar towards the Trotmans building in Arnos Vale, when he was hit by a vehicle on Friday 8th April. Police confirmed that he was hit motor vehicle P-6822, a Silver Toyota Corolla, driven by Esworth Joseph, 33 years old Landscaper of Choppins. The vehicle was travelling in a direction towards Kingstown. Roberts received serious injuries about his body and was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Roberts’ common-law-wife Steph — told THE VINCENTIAN that they were in Arnos Vale that day to check in on a house for which they were responsible. She recalled that they were both on the side of the D-Shop Bar when I-Chad headed across
the street to greet a friend. “Me didn’t know is I Chad until somebody tell me Rasta man dey pon the ground’,” Steph told THE VINCENTIAN. She said that she and I Chad spent much time together. “It real messed up, trust me. I don’t know what to do how,” said the heartbroken woman who understandable blurted that she will miss her boyfriend very much. Joseph, the driver of the car, is currently assisting the police with their ongoing investigations. Readers might recall that I Chad name surfaced in 2019 when his brother - Kenroy ‘Piggy’ Roberts, 40 years old at the time, was found dead with what appeared to be stab wounds. Police later arrested and charge 56-year-old Harold Goffery Roberts of Gun Hill for Christopher I Chad Roberts met his having caused ‘Piggy’s’ death. death some distance away from his (KH) community.
The fishing boat, in which …… Lampkin was accustomed going out to fish.
Fisherman drowns at Lowmans Bay Continued from Frontpage. As one observer remarked, not wanting to be facetious, “Southie literally cooked his Last Supper to usher in the Holy Week of Easter.” And in related news, The Trinidad and Tobago authorities confirmed that a body was from retrieved from the remains of the MV Fair Chance last week Thursday. The vessel, registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and with a complement (crew) of seven, overturned in rough seas just north of Macos Island in Trinidad waters. Two crew members were rescued but there was no trace of the other five. As it was up to Wednesday, those four, including Captain Dexter Chance were still missing.
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14. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Business
Smallie – Small Beer, Big fun
The launch (activity) evolved into a light, friendly atmosphere. ON FRIDAY 1ST APRIL, the St. Vincent Brewery launched its newest product (brand) Smallie- at an activity held at the container port adjacent the Geest shed on Bay Street. Smallie — a beer — sits alongside a number of product lines manufactured/bottled by the Brewery, a manufacturing entity which has been in existence since 1985. It joins, for example, the Brewery’s signature Hairoun Beer and Right: Young and old enjoying Smallie.
the world-renowned Guinness Stout, which it bottles under special licence. Commercial Manager at the Brewery, Lamont Medica, Lamont Medica, Commercial gave some insight on the new Manager at the Brewery, says product. “As a company, we the name Smallie is open to believe in diversification of the customer’s interpretation. our portfolio to meet the ever bottle and will choose this over changing and expanding needs of our consumers, and it Hairoun because it’s more comfortable in your hand. The is a great moment for us to taste is so smooth and I think present our first local it has less alcohol value on it innovation in over 10 years,” as well. I will still drink he expressed. Hairoun but this one is easier Citing Smallie as the next to go down. All in all, I’ll give step in the evolution of the it a positive rating.” The company’s product portfolio, sentiments of an under-thirty he added, “Generation Z and male. millennials especially are all A very enthusiastic young about what’s next. They love variety. We wanted to offer a lady proffered, “I would say that Smallie is way better new product with a lighter than the Hairoun because profile at a more economical Hairoun is very heavy and size.” now drinking the Smallie, it is Medica said that the name smooth. I will recommend it Smallie is one that is to anybody because it is Vincentian, fun, unique and definitely the best. I believe if open to the customers’ I had asked for a beer, this interpretation. It comes in a 250ml bottle as opposed to the would be it. The size is not bad either, it’s easier to walk 280ml Hairoun size, and at a with.” lower price. A gentleman around Brewed, crafted and seventy years old, with a mastered by local brewers to Smallie in his hand, opined: “I reflect playfulness and refreshingly light moments, it think it’s the ideal Vincy ladies’ beer. Men are drinking boasts a perfect blend: it as well and very “lighter; the liquid has a importantly; I think people premium feel with sweet want to support local. If undertones, a unique sweet you’re a Vincy to the bone, distinct after-taste that then you hold your own. The persons would enjoy no Smallie I think will go a long matter where you’re from; way; it’s the ideal alternative. overall, an easier beer to I have to congratulate the drink,” according to the Brewery. They have done Commercial Manager. their homework and I am Smallie, according to the proud!” Brewery, was crafted as a By now, retailers across St. result of feedback from Vincent and the Grenadines consumers as to what they should have their stocks of wanted to have on the Smallie intact in anticipation market… something they of eager customers. could have fun with. Patrons at the launch activity took the opportunity to give their opinion about what they were experiencing. “My first take on this Smallie is that it is a very nice initiative. I like the smaller size of the less cumbersome The women took a special liking to Smallie.
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 15.
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16. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Easter Messages
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council Easter Message 2022
Continued from Page 5.
apart from God. Let us therefore reset our lives
and continuously worship God the
Almighty and Eternal one, and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, so that our lives will be filled with love, peace, joy and hope. Let us avoid the rat race of striving for mere material acquisitions that leave us stressed, angry and insensitive to the needs of others. So then brothers and sisters, in this season of new life, we plead for love, hospitality, generosity, compassion, and a renewed embrace of community, to foster intensified goodwill and harmony. Also, in this season of Jesus’ resurrection, let us hail the power of good over evil and avail ourselves with the glorious
opportunity for spiritual connection with God in Jesus Christ, therebymotivating us to commit to living faithfully and wholesomely. May our present and future reflect the power of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A Very Happy and Holy Easter to every
man, woman, boy and girl! Bishop Gerard County, Roman Catholic Church Bishop C. Leopold Friday, Anglican Church Rev’d. Philbert S. Delaney, Methodist Church Major Ernest Gachelin,Salvation Army April 7, 2022
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 17.
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18. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Set up for the ‘kill’ Dear George, MY FRIEND’S BOYFRIEND invited me to his house to a surprise going away dinner for her. It was just going to be the three of us. When I got there he was alone and he told me he deliberately gave her a later time so I can get there well before her. He offered me a glass of orange juice and a shrimp hors d oeuvre. Not long after my head began ‘spinning’ and when I asked him what he had put in my drink, he said it was the shrimp. I was totally shocked when I woke up in his bed the next morning with him next to me. I asked what had happened and he explained I asked to lie down soon after having the snack and I begged him to lie with me. He said he was taken aback when I came on to him and eventually made out with him. When I asked about his girlfriend I was told she never turned up; she had an emergency. George, I asked his girlfriend about the dinner and she said she knew nothing about that. I did not tell her about what happened because that would ruin her relationship with him and she deserved to be happy. I have other things to worry about;
he said the condom he used broke and getting pregnant for him would ruin my own relationship with my boyfriend. My head is in a mess. I need your advice.
Feeling Used and Abused Dear Feeling Used, This guy went out of his way to lure you into his trap and blame you for what eventually happened. That said, you need not shelter his girlfriend from effects of the truth. She needs to know the type of man she is dealing with and to be saved from his kind. You should seek legal advice about filing a rape report but in the meantime, get tested for possible STDs and also do a pregnancy test. I suggest you also see a counsellor to help you sort yourself out emotionally and otherwise.
George
Whom do I believe? out the house but not before ordering me to follow her. I HAVE had this long She made it clear I distance relationship for should ignore her mother about a year and recently I decided to visit who, she said, did not like her and suggested my girlfriend and her that we elope. parents in Barbados. I am now caught Her father did not say between a rock and a much after I introduced hard place. Whom do I myself but the mother straight out told me to go believe? This woman is as pretty as they come. back to my parents and leave her daughter right How terrible can she be? there. In Love She said I look like a well bought up young man but her daughter is Dear In Love, “no good” and would give Physical appearance is me headache “day and night.” Before it seemed not and ought not to be her mother was finished, the ultimate measurement tool used my girlfriend stormed to select a lifelong
Dear George,
partner. Here you have the mother of the woman you plan to commit to for the rest of your life giving you a timely warning but you are blindsided by her beauty. You should have continued that discussion with her mother. But if it is that you think she is the one for you, the very least you should do is get to know her better. If looks is what matters most to you then go ahead and ignore her mother’s warning.
George
To sell or not to sell⁄?
Dear George,
I just broke up with my boyfriend. A couple here in St. Vincent who claim to be swingers approached my boyfriend and asked if they could get together with both of us for a night of pleasure. They offered to pay us US$1,000.00 up front. My boyfriend rejected the idea. Things are hard financially and he refuses easy money. The husband of the couple then offered to give me twice the amount if I agree to come alone. My boyfriend disapproved but I decided to go anyway and that was what caused the breakup. For the 3 years we have been together I never knew he was that stupid. I wish we could get back
together but he is not taking my calls. I need some advice please.
Hopefully Waiting Dear Hopefully Waiting, Your value systems will definitely keep you two apart. Your boyfriend took a stand based on his value system and principles, i.e. he is not going to sell his body come what may. You, on the other hand, with your value system, found no difficulty to do just that. As difficult as I see it, the only way for you two to get back together is to align your value systems.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try not to lend or borrow money this week. Your nerves are frazzled. Lovers will be demanding. You are best to sign your partner up for activities that will be tiring. Your family needs to spend some time with you, too.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your partner could also use some time alone with you. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Consider starting a small business on the side. Look for a marketable gimmick. Throw yourself into your profession. Communication must be open, precise, and honest. Watch your weight gain due to water retention.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices. Sign up for courses that will bring you more skills. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual. You will have no problem getting along with clients.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Get involved in physical activities that will stimulate you. You need time to rejuvenate. Don't let relatives get the better of you. Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can expect to have a problem with your lover. Don't put off the things that they have asked you to do. You don't like confrontations at the best of times; however, you may find them difficult to avoid.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful. Avoid getting too close to coworkers or employers. Don't let someone you work with put words in your mouth. Do your own research and be prepared.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine. You are best to tuck your money away where no one will be able to touch it, including yourself. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Make sure that you have covered yourself legally and try not to let your temper get out of hand. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. You can learn from those who have had similar experiences.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Uncertainties about your living arrangements may be unnerving. Family trips or projects should be on your mind. An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your persuasive nature will win the heart of someone you've had your eye on. Be careful that you don't overextend yourself. Be aware that joint financial ventures could fall apart. Erratic behavior may confuse others.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may be sensitive to a point of absurdity. Don't let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways. Someone close to you may need help.
ACROSS
43 ___ Star State 44. Fruit weight in EU 1. Start to function? 45. “Bravo!” 4. Steal from 49. Jason Bourne’s 7. Bar mitzvah problem highlights 54. Hard-working 12. Hosp. area bug 13. Kuwaiti, e.g. 55. Soup pod 15. Comfort 57. No ifs, ____ or 16. Calendar abbr. buts 17. Final Four org. 58. Delis 18. Patriots, e.g. 62. Corn dish 19. Food 65. Oscar nominee assortments for a song in “The 22. Table, Lord of the Rings” geographically 66. ____ gow poker 23. Legendary 67. Some are vital humanoid 68. Knights 24. ___ tai (drinks) 69. Overhead trains 27. Beasts 70. Spock 31. Top NFL QB 71. Big wine holder name 33. “La Scala di ___” 72. Alphabet trio (Rossini opera) 35. Gung-ho about DOWN 36. Check for the right pairings 1. Foreboding
atmosphere 2. Shrewdness 3. Dracula portrayer 4. Telephoned 5. Shamu, for one 6. Sheepish discussions 7. Exercise restraint 8. Corrida cries 9. Toyota SUV 10. It could be part of a deal 11. Member of Cong. 14. Newborn 15. Simmons rival 20. Lamb sire 21. Original manufactured equipment, for short 24. Little BMW 25. Feed the pot 26. Famed lab assistant 28. ___ blond 29. Jeans brand 30. Holy ones: Abbr. 32. Nada 34. Excellent 36. Pond dweller 37.Presently LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 19.
38.Masseur’s target 39. Rose Kenney’s youngest 40. Hamm who wrote “Go for the Goal” 41. Questionable marketing companies 42. Ages and ages 46. Cash, for one 47. Green-lights 48. ‘It’s cold in here!’ 50. Diamonds stud location 51. SWAT specialist 52. Worthy principles 53. Stump for 56. Strong poker hand 58. “Ta-ta!” 59. Yale or Harvard: Abbr. 60. Top model, Banks 61. Cardinal point 62. Sweetie pie 63. Dwarf in “The Hobbit” 64. “Ben-Hur” studio
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20. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
CLSS are double champions
Ajay Delpesche from the Petit Bordel Secondary set a new high jump record for the Intermediate age group.
Central Leeward Secondary School’s female team - Champions of the 2022 Inter-secondary School Athletics Championship.
The Central Leeward Secondary School’s male team – Champions of the 2022 Inter-secondary School Athletics Championship. THE CENTRAL LEEWARD SECONDARY SCHOOL (CLSS), formerly the Barrouallie Secondary School, were crowned double champions of the 2022 National Lotteries Authority Inter-Secondary School Athletics Championships, when they took both the male and female categories. The finals of the Championship was staged for the first time at the Diamond Track and Field facility, on Friday 8th April, 2022. All schools
participating, both primary and secondary, understood that the times set for the track events were to be recorded as new marks, and will not be assessed as having broken any records, since the existing records were for tack events held on grass. This did not apply to field events and
Top athletes (L-R): Gailan John – Victrix Ludorum, and Romaul James – Victor Ludorum, both of the Central Leeward Secondary Schools.
interestingly, the one record broken on Championship Day was recorded by Ajay Delpesche of the Petit Bordel Secondary School, in the Intermediate High Jump. His jump of 1.88 metres erased the 40year record of 1.87 metres set by Rohan Saunders in 1982. As it was, though, the CLSS girls were in dominant form; they accumulated a whopping 414 points to humble the Girls’ High School (GHS) into second with 211
points, and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) with 191 points. In the male category, the CLSC ran away with the title having amassed 345 points. They finished ahead of the St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) on 284 and St Martin’s Secondary (SMSS) on 159. As expected, the CLSS took home the prestigious individual awards with Romaul James being crowned Victor Ludorum and Gail-Ann John Victrix
Keo Davis was identified as someone to watch for the future. Ludorum. Not to be outdone on the day was Keo Davis of the SVGS. The young man won the 100, 200 and 400 metres in the Intermediate age group, and returned to anchor his team to victory in the 4x400 metres relay. Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN
SBPS retains Inter-Primary Athletics title
STEPHANIE BROWNE PRIMARY SCHOOL (SBPS), of Union Island, was in unstoppable form and ran away champions, once again, of the National Lottery Authorities Inter-Primary School Athletics Championships. The finals of the 2022 Championship were held, for the first time, at the Diamond Track and Field Facility on Thursday 7th April, 2022, and was returning after an absence of two years having been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBPS amassed 361 points - 210 by the boys and 151 by the girls - to successfully defend the title they won in 2019. They finished ahead of the Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS) on 270 points and
Lauders Primary School (LPS) on 237. The 210 points were enough to earn the SBPS top honours among the boys, ahead of Questelles Government School (QGS) on 128 and the CW Prescott Primary 123 points. The KPS These primary school athletes topped the female division would have relished their outing with 152 points, ahead of on the new synthetic track. LPS and SBPS on 151 points each, and Paget new marks, to begin a new Farm Government on 101 dispensation marked by use of points. a synthetic track and not grass. None of the times recorded And as far as individual on last week Thursday’s final honours were concerned, will be considered as records. Jahiem Joseph of the QPS was Instead, they will go down as adjudged Victor Ludorum and
Stephanie Browne Primary School – Champions of 2022 InterPrimary Schools Athletics. the Victrix Ludorum was shared by Katriel Bailey of the KPS and Olicia Phillips of the
Pamenous Burke Primary. I.B.A. ALLEN
V Karate installs new executive
THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 21.
Sports
THE HAIROUN KARATE FEDERATION (HKF), the governing body for the sport here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has a new Executive to administrate its affairs for the next three years. This, as the HKF held its Annual General Meeting at the Belmont Apartments Conference Event Centre, last Saturday. Given the unanimous mandate to remain as President of the HFK was Claude Bascombe Jr, with Adrian Shallow also returned unopposed as Vice President. Shernette Richards was voted the new General Secretary, similarly Monica Davis, the new Treasurer.
Davis previously held the post of Committee Member. Meanwhile, Simone Burnett remained in the position of Assistant Secretary. She was unopposed. Two new Committee Members in Seon Stronghold and Deleon Scott; they join Cecil Millington. Stronghold served as Public Relations Officer on the previous Executive. Karthina Providence, previously the General Secretary, was elected to the PRO position. Bascombe promises that his executive will focus on developing a long-term Athlete programme, as well as to encourage and develop coaches,
judges and referees. He also cited as crucial, a new drive to increase and (Standing L-R): Deleon Scott, Seon Stronghold, revitalise the Karthina Providence, Cecil Millington. (Sitting L-R): membership. Simone Burnett, Claude Bascombe Jr., Monica Davis. On that score he recalled, “Before the years.” (COVID-19) pandemic, we were in a Bascombe is realistic, admitting position of growth… We were that a full-fledged restart of Karate averaging over one hundred and fifty will be a challenging one, but assures members. As a result of COVID-19, that he and his Executive are “up to that prospect of growth went to zero, the task.” hence, we struggled over the last two
TnT, WÊwards U-19 females in T20 series TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Women’s Under-19 cricket team will play the Windward Islands Women’s Under-19s in a five-match T20 series, from April 14-19, 2022, in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The series marks the first bilateral women’s Under-19 series between the two territories, and the teams will compete for the BrowneJohn/McIntyre, named in honour of two former West Indies cricket administrators -
Ann Browne-John of Trinidad and Tobago and Nadica McIntyre of Grenada. A CWI release said that Browne-John is still actively involved in cricket administration and is currently the lead selector for West Indies women. She is also a former West Indies player. Until her passing in 2017, McIntyre was a champion and
The trophy for which TnT and SVG U-19 female cricketers will compete is named in honour of Ann Browne-John (left) and Nadica McIntyre.
administrator of women’s cricket and represented Grenada at the regional level. Browne-John said, “I am humbled by this initiative of CWI and quite honored to be
CWSA – takes Invitational Football Title CWSA CLAIMED THE TOP PRIZE in the inaugural Comsports Firms Invitational seven—a-side football competition, which ended last Sunday at the Comsports Sports Facility, Arnos Vale. A 2-nil win on penalties over Coreas Distribution, after a goalless score-line in regulation time, earned CWSA the firstplace trophy, the Challenge trophy and $750. Second place — Coreas Distribution collected a trophy and $500. In the semi-finals played on Saturday, CWSA got past RSVG Police 2-1, also on penalties, after neither team had scored in regulation time. In the other semifinal, Coreas Distribution defeated ED Laynes, 1-0. Coreas Distribution’s First winners CWSA
Jermaine Spencer was adjudged the MVP of the final. Spencer was also his team’s MVP. Others who were awarded as MVPs were: Keston Stephens- RSVG Police; Jalen Miller- CWSA; Ronald Belgraves- CK Greaves; Jamal Bishop- ED Laynes and Wayne Cupid— VINLEC. Jamal Bishop of ED Laynes was the competition’s top goal scorer with seven goals. Organisers say that the competition will be an annual one.
MVP of the FinalJermaine Spencer
recognized in this way, particularly with Nadica, who was a stalwart for women’s cricket.” The teams will be using the bilateral series as preparation for the West Indies Women’s Under-19 competition scheduled to be played in July. Matches will be played at the Arnos Vale and the Cumberland playing fields. I.B.A. ALLEN
Coach pleased with TT playersÊ prep. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is currently being represented by a four-man team at the 20th French Antilles-Guyane Table Tennis Championships in Fort De France, Martinique. The Championship got going last Wednesday, April 13, and will conclude on next Tuesday, April 19. The team, comprised of Akeil Deroche, Damian Dublin, Caleb Howard, Michel Creese and coached by Romano Spencer, is expected to compete against teams from Haiti, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Barbados, St. Lucia and host Martinique, at the Hall Des Sports Romano Spencer Pellière Donatien, in Martinique. head coach of SVG Spencer said before the team TT team that is departed that he was pleased with currently the preparation of the team. competing in He especially noted the confidence Martinique. and competition readiness that has set in among the players, since their preparation intensified. He is hopeful that the players would “transfer their confidence and form into the competition and perform at their best,” since, as he said, “there are more opportunities than just playing in the competition.” That reference was to the fact that there will be scouts at the Championship from the French Pro A League, the toptier table tennis club competition in France. I.B.A. ALLEN
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22. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Vincy in Jamaica for Carifta Games THE FOCUS in Jamaica, and the rest of the sporting circles over the April 16 to 18 period, will be the 49th edition of the Carifta Games to be staged at the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica. A Vincentian contingent is Shonte Matthias: one and two hundred meters, Zacri Sobers: 400M, Jadieme Harry: 400metres, Keo Davis 200 meters, Kodi Grant Long jump, Kyle Lawrence: 100 and 200 metre, Devonric Mack 200 metres, Grenisha Thomas 400 metre hurdles, Amal Glasgow 400 metre, Uroy Ryan Long jump /high jump, Verrol Sam high jump, pole vault, Nellie Ambriton 800 metre, and A.J. Delpesche 400m relay will be aiming to make their mark, while experienced athletes Gailann John in the Female Heptathlon, and Kirk Hamblett: Male Octathlon. Given their standing in the world order, Jamaica is expected to continue its dominance of the Games and their medal count is expected to be high. They got ready for the event with the finetuning to almost pinpoint accuracy with the staging of the Inter College Championship. St. Vincent and the Grenadines went through a similar process at the newly installed Diamond Track and Field Facility, aka Sir Vincent Beache Stadium. But those developments while registering strides on the local front, will have little impact on the Jamaican position. The presence of the new rack here at Diamond on the south eastern coast of mainland St. Vincent is a signature expansion in the prospects of facilities here. It is ironic that it took, among other things, the prompting by calypsonian Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre for the authorities to get serious about the track. There has been a revival in track and field since the track was laid down, and there is a sense of optimism that the nation will come in for more and bigger athletics events as time goes on. The arena is contributing to more sporting culture. Once youngsters are attracted to the field, it is a natural process of entrenchment. Coaches will tell you of benefits of athletic training. Those on the track or field have their agenda, and there are linkages. Time was when our National Under 20 football team stood out because the emphasis was on speed and many of those guys appeared for their schools at Interschools sports. Some athletes need not be disgruntled if they have to put extra hours on the track. That work can pay off for the other disciplines in which they are engaged. Emphasis on fitness is a priority. It does a cricketer no harm if he is fit, and there is no better approach to proper health that intense training. In any case, it adds to the athletes’ resume if he maintains a strict fitness regime. Those footballers, male or female will do well to intensify their athleticism so that the time on the field is guaranteed to be more adequately used. There are signs that athletics is on the rise in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The staging of the All Leeward Invitational Track event has the potential of sharpening the stock nationwide. Things must be done to encourage any form that enhances overall fitness, especially at the school age. But some persons intimately connected with these development programmes don’t appreciate the role they have to play on the road to nation building.
SVG swimmers leave mark on RHAC Meet ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG) was represented by the Blue Marlins Swim Club and the Black Sands Swim Squad, at the 21st edition of the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre Invitational Swim Meet in St. Lucia. Held from 6th to 9th April, Blue Marlins which featured thirteen swimmers, secured six titles. Four-year-old Raya Adam won the Girls 6 and Under title, as she accumulated 18 points. Raya’s elder sister- Belle Adams ensured that their household had another champion, as she copped the Girls 9 -10 title. Belle’s points were 81. Another Blue Marlins winner was Tru Matthias who won the Boys 7-8 age group. Matthias earned himself 44 points. Incidentally, SVG grabbed one, two and three places in that category, as Saj Caesar placed second and Taj Henry- third. Matthias added the 8 and Under Sprint Challenge title to his collection. Mean-while, Tayeah St Hillaire
Jamie Joachim trumped the Girls 11-12 title, as she registered 81 points. St Hillaire was not done, as she Tru Matthias claimed the Girls 9-12 Sprint Belle Adams Challenge trophy. The other title won by a Vincentian was secured by Jamie Joachim of the Black Sands Swim Squad. Joachim won the Girls 1314 in stand-out fashion, doing so with a tally of 90 points. In the teams’ points standings, Blue Marlins placed fourth on 642 points, while Black Sands Swin Squad was sixth on 140 points. The others who represented Blue Marlins included Rolene Sam, Caghry Williams, Malique Tayeah St Hillaire Mayers, Francille Davis, Rod Baker, Aedryon Sam and Jadon Black Sands Hamilton. Raya Adams Swim Squad at Kione De Shong was the other the Meet. swimmer who represented the
Godwyn Roban sets new Decathlon record GODWYN ROBAN has re-established the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Decathlon record. He did so last Friday and Saturday at the Osprey Open and Multi Championships, at the Stockton College in New Jersey. After competing in the ten events that comprise the Decathlon, Roban tabulated 4759 points, beating the previous SVG best mark of 4577 points, achieved by Jacques Edwards in 2019. Roban, 23, who attends the Post University in Connecticut, was first in the 100m in 11.21s, and second in the Shot Put and 400m. He flung 12.25m in the Shot Put
Godwyn Roban – the latest to enter the SVG Track and Field records listing.
and ran 52.70s in the one lap race. He also had three third places: in the Long Jump (6.26m), High Jump (1.82m) and Javelin (41.20m).
His accumulated total moved higher with fourth places in the 110 Hurdles, 21.10 sec. and the Pole Vault, 2.95m, and an eighth-place finish in the 1500, in
which he clocked 6:18.36. He fouled out in the Discus throw. Locally, Roban is a member of the X-Cel Track Club, coached by Rawlson Morgan.
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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022. 23.
Classifieds
Murder accused asks Defamatory Statements made against Rise Hairouna for bail
IT HAS COME to the attention of Rise Hairouna that several defamatory statements have been made on the social media platform, Facebook, beginning on Saturday April 2, 2022. These statements accused Rise Hairouna and its members of engaging in fraudulent activities. Rise Hairouna wishes to advise the general public that these statements are false. Several attempts have been made to the individual to cease and desist from engaging in such heinous activities and to make a public apology. Regretably, these attempts have proven futile. To this end, the organization has decided to seek legal counsel on this very serious matter and will be taking swift action. Rise Hairouna wishes to advise the general public that we are a nonprofit/grassroot organization which engages in fundraising activities to finance important projects such as our seed program in North Leeward and initiatives like our “Christmas toy drive” to dismissed civil servants. Our mission has been and will always be the betterment of the people of this blessed St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We therefore take these recent libelous statements against Rise Hairouna and our members very
seriously, and will hold those responsible accountable.
About Rise Hairoun “Justice is the indispensable companion of the truth. Accountability for crimes and gross violations, including individual accountability under criminal law, is key to reinstate public trust in justice and security institutions to rebuild the rule of law and sustainable peace.”-United Nations. Rise Hairouna is a nonpartisan citizen powered grassroots movement which envelopes equality, integrity and humanity. In the best interest of generations to come, Rise Hairouna encourages citizen power to champion St. Vincent and the Grenadines where justice is seen to be done no matter political affiliation, gender, colour, or financial status. Rise Hairouna believes in the oneness of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its ability to prosperously soar. National security, basic healthcare, human rights, violence, police brutality and extreme poverty plagues the nation with the present administration showing an unwillingness and or are incapable to effectively address.
Continued from Backpage. As a result, Master Nalini Singh granted an application for bail by Joel King, who is accused of shooting Nkosi Harrichan to death on April 15, 2014, at Hermitage Road, Belmont, The Daily Express reported. In relation to Cornelius Kennedy, a police report here said he was sent to the Mental Health Centre for psychiatric evaluation, following the December 2, 2021 incidents in Kingstown. THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain any details of that evaluation. Wilson, who was struck in the head, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on January 5, where he was a patient for just over a month.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 14,
2022
VOLUME 116, No.15
www.thevincentian.com
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MURDER ACCUSED ASKS FOR BAIL allows the time to exceed nine months before holding a IN AN UNUSUAL occurrence at the Preliminary Inquiry on murder Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, charges and, therefore, there have murder accused Cornelius Kennedy hardly been any cases in which asked the Court to grant him bail on persons have been granted bail on his own recognizance. murder charges. Kennedy, 34, of Lowmans On his return to the Serious Leeward, is charged with the Offences Court on Tuesday, Chief murder of Pauls Avenue resident Magistrate Rechanne Browne set and handyman Lance Wilson, one April 26 for a Paper Committal of three persons who were Procedure. attacked and injured at various Kennedy then left the dock, but locations in Kingstown, on while he was sitting on the December 2, 2021. The others prisoners’ bench, he shouted, “My victims survived the attack. honour, you could give me my own Since Kennedy’s first Court bail please.” appearance on January 10 this The Magistrate recalled year, he has been on remand. Kennedy to the dock, reminded Persons charged with murder him of the nature of the charge, are not usually granted bail, and that he was to return to except in certain circumstances. Court on April 26 for a Paper However, as it stands in St. Committal Procedure. Vincent and the Grenadines Kennedy returned to the persons facing murder charges are prisoners’ bench, seemingly eligible for bail at the magisterial accepting that he could not be stage, if no Preliminary Inquiry is granted bail. held within nine months. However, the state hardly ever Bail for murder charge Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
While some persons may view Kennedy’s request as humourous, what is noteworthy is that jurisdictions close to St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been looking into changing the jurisprudence (science of the Law), in relation to making bail open on murder charges. And while arguments are ongoing in certain jurisdictions, there have been successful arguments by some lawyers in this regard. According to the Daily Trinidad Express dated March 25, 2022, bail was recently granted for the first time in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, to a person charged with murder. The decision came just over a month after the Appeal Court there held that Section 5(1) of the Bail Act was unconstitutional, as it had removed the Jurisdiction of the Court to consider bail for persons accused of murder. Continued on Page 23.
QUICK ACTION AFTER FATAL STABBING JUST HOURS following the stabbing death of 43-year-old tyre repair man Jeremiah Daniel of New Grounds, police have arrested and charged a man carrying the same Christian name, in connection with the incident. Around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jeremiah Bacchus, 41-year-old labourer of New Ground, was taken before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, after being charged with Daniel’s murder. Bacchus was not required to plea to the indictable charge, and the matter was adjourned to April 19 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court, where Chief
Magistrate Rechanne Browne presides. Daniel, who is employed at a tyre repair shop at New Grounds, died from a stab wound to the chest during an incident at New Grounds around 10 p.m. last Sunday. A police release dated April 12, said that their preliminary investigations revealed that on April 10, the deceased and the Jeremiah Bacchus is charged accused were heading home with having committed this around 10pm, after attending a country’s eight homicide so far birthday party. On their way for 2022. home, an altercation ensued between the men during which The deceased was taken to the the accused used a scissor to Georgetown Hospital where he inflict a single stab wound on the succumbed to his injury. body of the deceased.
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Murder accused Cornelius Kennedy may just have been putting the system to a test when he requested bail on his own recognizance.
BAIL GRANTED IN ROSE BANK CHOPPING VICTORIA Village resident Michael Thomas was granted $7,000 bail with one surety, when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court Tuesday on two wounding charges, stemming from a chopping incident at Rose Bank, December 5, 2021. Thomas is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Jeremiah Harry of Rose Bank with intent. He is also charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Rose Bank resident Esther Crooke, who is said to be Thomas’ former girlfriend. The charge of wounding Harry with intent was laid indictable, while the other charge of simple wounding is a summary matter. However, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that both offences were connected. As a result, Thomas was not called upon to plea to both charges. Cato did not object to bail, but requested suitable conditions and surety. As part of his bail conditions, Thomas was ordered to surrender his travel documents, and report to the Stubbs Police Station on Mondays and Fridays. Stop notices are to be place at all ports of entry and exit, and he is to have no contact with the virtual complainants. Both complainants are said to have received cutlass wounds about their bodies. Thomas returns to Court on June 7.
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