THE VINCENTIAN PDF-18-02-22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18,

2022

VOLUME 115, No.07

Pfizer vaccine warning Page 3

Belair, who operates minibus HW.661, is charged with failing to remove that vehicle when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform, when (vehicle) placed in a position likely to cause obstruction to traffic.

Findlay is also charged with willfully allowing the vehicle to stand in such a road so as to cause obstruction to the free flow of traffic, and failing to give his name and address when asked to do so by a police officer.

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Journalist relieved Page 4

Bacchus-Baptiste objects

But Bacchus-Baptiste pointed out that, “This is not the prosecution trying to prove its case. This is my defense,” and went on to accuse the Magistrate of protecting Commissioner of Police Colin John, during his testimony at the start of the trial, at the Serious Offences Court last week.

“They are afraid of the video,” Bacchus-Baptiste opined loudly.

“She (King) has the original on her phone. She has her computer, and I am making an application for it (video) to be shown,” the visibly upset The heat is on lawyer shouted.

“No, that is not how it is Tempers flared done,” the Magistrate replied. after the Chief “Your honour, you give me Magistrate agreed trouble in this case with Prosecutor throughout,” the lawyer Sergeant Kenny responded, as the verbal Jones, that there was exchange intensified. nothing before the At this point, the Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne Court to show that Magistrate made her feelings ruled to disallow entry of a video as school teacher Adriana clear. evidence, much to the consternation King had taken a “I don’t like the suggestion of the defence laywer. video of what allegedly that I am fettering your case. I transpired during the do not like it at all. I do not

by HAYDN HUGGINS protest. like your tone. I do not like King who had testified for what you are suggesting, and CHIEF MAGISTRATE RECHANNE the defense, told the Court you know how I operate in BROWNE, on Wednesday, voiced that she took the video while here,” she told the lawyer. strong displeasure with attorney doing a live recording of the But the lawyer continued, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste’s events for release on “This was shown live on suggestion that the Magistrate Facebook.

Facebook. The whole world was “fettering” her case. knows about it.”

But Prosecutor Jones Bacchus-Baptiste levelled objected to the video being the accusation, at the Serious shown in evidence, on the Witness says what she saw Offences Court, during the grounds that there was no trial of minibus driver Ken Bacchus-Baptiste insisted identification on the DVD, to Findlay, who is facing three that the Court did not need show that it was King who charges in connection with an took it. anybody to verify the alleged road block at Halifax The Magistrate agreed, and authenticity of the video Street, Kingstown, during a because she (King) said she indicated that she was going protest action on August 5, was the one who made it. to uphold the prosecution’s 2021.

“This is not something that objection.

Findlay, a resident of

Still at the back Page 9

EC$1.50

Another centenarian Page 14

Diamond shooting Page 28

was taken from a third party. This is the actual maker herself,” BacchusBaptiste said.

The Magistrate upheld the prosecution’s objection.

In her evidence, King said, “I observed a commotion and I went over. When I got to the van, I observed the Commissioner of Police and other officers (senior and junior). The Commissioner of Police was speaking to the van driver, and at one point he pulled him (van driver)) by the hand, and at one point he scuffled him by the collar. I did hear him telling an officer to take him around. That officer did not move, but other officers took him Defence Attorney Kay Bacchusto the station.”

Baptiste cited the video as being King said there essential to her case but her request were other vans in front of him (Findlay). to have it shown was denied.

“I was video-taping this,” she said. According to her, police had already diverted the traffic.

“Are you aware that there was a major obstruction to the traffic where the defendant was parked,” Prosecutor Jones asked King, who replied, “No, I am not aware of that.”

About 12 minibuses from the Belair area had reportedly joined the protest that day.

Adriana King focused on describing the actions of Commissioner of Police Colin King during the incident that surrounds the court matter.

2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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News 3 CARPHA issues Pfizer vaccine warning

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . 3.

Dr. Rian Extavour, Programme Manager, CARPHA Caribbean Regulatory System (CARPHA-CRS), led the advice about being cautuious about administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5 to 11 years of age.

EVEN AS IT URGES MINISTRIES OF HEALTH across its jurisdiction to continue the rollout of their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning against the use of any adult formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years of age.

Dr. Rian Extavour, Programme Manager, CARPHA Caribbean Regulatory System (CARPHA-CRS) issued the warning a week or so ago, pointing out that there is an absence of information on testing of

the phosphate-buffered saline formulation in children 5-11 years.

Dr Extavour also raised concerned about increased possibility of errors in administration with drawing up smaller volumes than 0.3mL which is the adult dose, from the adult formulation.

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Joy St. John added, “Errors in administration of fractionated doses can make vaccination of children aged 5-11 years with adult vaccines a risky practice. We are awaiting the WHO Emergency Use Listing

Magistrate peeved with legal counsel SENIOR MAGISTRATE RICKIE BURNETT, who presides at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, has expressed concern that legal counsel were not informing the Court that they would be out of state when cases they have before the Court are down for hearing.

Burnett described such behaviour as inconsiderate and said it wasted the court’s time.

He noted that that Rickie Burnett, Senior some legal counsel just do Magistrate, not for the not show up, their cases first time, has found are called and their grounds on which to clients have no raise concern about representation the hindrance of He advised that a operations at the simple letter informing Kingstown the court of their absence Magistrate’s Court. would be courteous.

Magistrate Brunett also took umbrage with some of the office operations in the Magistrate’s Court.

He observed that simple paper errors were hindering the smooth operation of the Court and called on the workers in the court system to be more meticulous in their preparation of paper work. (SG)

before we recommend use of the U. S. FDA approved vaccine developed specifically for children 5-11 years age.”

At this time, CARPHA-CRS has not yet recommended the paediatric formulation due to the absence of confirmation of the new formulation by the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification team under the

relevant Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

The CARPHA officials assured that they were “awaiting the WHO Emergency Use Listing before we recommend use of the U. S. FDA approved vaccine developed specifically for children 5-11 years of age.”

All in all, though, Dr. Extavour and CARPHA recognize that uptake of

the vaccine is critical to achieving maximum protection from severe disease and death in the Region.

However, Dr. St. John advised, “Unless otherwise specified, Member States should continue adherence to recommendations for

approved vaccines. This will help to ensure favourable benefits to individuals and communities.” (Carib News)

Red Cross continues Resilience Project THE SVG RED CROSS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PROJECT handed over a quantity of emergency response equipment to members of the Overland/Magum Community Disaster Response Team (CDRT).

The handing over took place Friday 11th February in the Overland Community.

Members of the Overland/Magum CDRT were on hand to receive the equipment valued at XCD $6,000.00, which

Members of the Overland/Magum CDRT were on hand to receive the equipment. (Photo Credit: SVGRC) was handed over by the Director General of the SVG Red Cross, Dora James. The Director encouraged the recipients to be good custodians of the equipment and wished them well in their

future endeavors. The fifteen member strong CDRT has received their personal emergency equipment previously and members were presented with the opportunity to be trained in emergency response.

The core areas of training provided to the Overland/Magum CDRTs to respond to community emergencies included but is not limited to Shelter Management, Health in Emergencies, Fire and Light Search and Rescue, Psychosocial Support, Gender and Child Protection and Community Engagement and Responsibility.

Principal of the Touroma Primary School Ruth Woods was on hand to witness the handover of the equipment. (Submitted by SVG Red Cross) Director General of the SVG Red Cross and representatives of the Overland/Magum CDRT sign off on the equipment delivered and received. (Photo Credit: SVGFC)

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Decision reserve in Road Block matter presentation by referencing the Inter American Commission on Human MINIBUS DRIVER KEN Findlay, who is Rights, which she said dealt with the facing three traffic charges in connection right to protest, and which underscores with an alleged road block during a that the right to protest is protected by protest action ion Kingstown on August the right to freedom of expression in 5, 2021, will know his fate on February the Constitution.

23.

Bacchus-Baptiste described the On Wednesday, the Court heard matter at hand, as one of the weakest closing submissions from Prosecutor cases she knew of, and said it would be Kenny Jones and Attorney Kay an uphill battle for the prosecution to Bacchus-Baptiste, who represented prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Findlay, following which the The lawyer noted that the Magistrate reserved her decision. prosecution boasted that there were Findlay, a resident of Belair, is several officers around when they listed as the driver of minibus HW.661, arrested Findlay, but could not bring a one of about 12 minibuses from the single officer to support the Belair area that participated in the Commissioner’s story. protest.

She added that there were no The prosecution called two photographs, no video evidence, and no witnesses, Commissioner of Police witnesses.

Colin John and Sergeant Wendell Corridon of the Traffic Department.

Secondary School teacher Adriana King and Findlay’s sister Odet John testified for the defense.

Jones submitted that, “The question is what was Mr. Findlay’s intention on KENROY BIBBY, A 21-year old that day. There are other places around Kingstown where he could have Labourer of New Montrose, is into the first month of a nine-month jail parked legally without obstructing traffic, but he chose to park his vehicle sentence, having been found guilty of on Halifax Street in a public place, in a criminal trespass on the property of street that takes most of the traffic out Sheron Garraway of New Montrose.

Senior Magistrate Rickie of Kingstown.”

Burnett handed down the sentence on Sergeant Jones said the Thursday 3rd February after the Commissioner approached Findlay, matter had been adjourned from pointed out the offense of obstruction, Monday 31st January 2022, at the and asked him to remove his vehicle, Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. but he failed to do so. Jones said he Garraway, a 42-year-old journalist, was also asked to give his name and testified that on Sunday 23rd May, address and he refused.

“Most persons used Halifax Street as 2021 she was awakened around 1:30am by voices and tapping sounds their main route out of Kingstown.

This offense occurred around 5pm. For coming from outside her bedroom window. more than two hours, he allowed his vehicle to stand in a position in Upon rising and approaching the Kingstown to obstruct the major flow of living room, she saw a shadow of a traffic. This is unacceptable,” Jones person through the window in the argued. porch.

Bacchus-Baptiste began her closing She shouted for the person to leave

by HADYN HUGGINS

Bacchus-Baptiste said Findlay’s sister - Odet John, who was called as a defense witness, told the Court that the Commissioner never asked Findlay his name, and that the Commissioner knew Findlay’s name because they picnicked together.

The lawyer noted that the Commissioner in his evidence, admitted that he and John picnicked together, but that did not mean that he could remember the name of everybody with whom he picnicked.

Bacchus-Baptiste said there was no traffic through that street at the time because the police had already diverted traffic, and the Commissioner himself said traffic was diverted in three different places.

According to her, there are a number of things that the Commissioner said

Protest action continued through Aug. and Sept. and led to the arrest of a select number of protestors. that were not true. “The video showed the Commissioner assaulting Ken Findlay, scuffling him up by the neck. I see the reason why they did not want to show it (video), because the whole Court would have got angry here today,” Bacchus-Baptiste said.

She recounted that the defendant said in his evidence, that the Commissioner struck him in his chest twice.

“Dismiss these three charges, based on the fact that the police did not satisfy you beyond reasonable doubt,” Bacchus-Baptiste requested.

Journalist relieved: Man sentenced for trespassing her premises and warned that she was calling the police.

Garraway told the court that she went closer to the window, turned on her front porch light, and was astonished to see someone with a cutlass squeezing into a corner of the porch.

Not knowing if the trespasser had a pistol, she backed away and shouted again for the perpetrator to leave her dwelling house.

To hear astonishment, as per her evidence, the media practitioner testified that the perpetrator then said, “I want tell you something; I have something to tell you”.

She shouted to the perpetrator that he could not have something to tell her at 1:30 in the morning and informed him that she had called the police.

The figure then briskly moved from the porch and when Garraway looked

through the window, she realized that she knew the perpetrator as Bibby.

She admitted that she was Sheron Garraway astounded to see that in addition to having a cutlass in one hand, he had a hammer in the other.

The police arrived on the scene within ten minutes of the call, took a statement and scouted the premises.

Corporal Chevron Laborde told the court that his team of officers went to Bibby’s home. His mother informed them that he was not there and in fact, he had not been there for some time.

Corporal Nikeisha Andrews, who was also part of the investigation, highlighted that Garraway was able to clearly identify Bibby at the police station when he was apprehended.

When Prosecutor Corlene Samuel questioned Bibby as to his

by Hadyn Huggins discharged the three rounds of revealed that around 1am on January whereabouts that early morning, he ammunition in the air, he replaced the 31, Davis parked his vehicle next to a insisted that he was home all night.

DAMIAN GLASGOW, A 33-year-old gun with the remaining 28 bullets. bar at Calder and exited, leaving his Magistrate Burnett directed the mechanic of Glen who unlawfully A Justice of the Peace, who is licensed firearm under the driver’s seat. discharged his friend Carl Davis’ familiar with Glasgow and was called as defendant Bibby to respond to the As Davis was leaving the vehicle testimony made by Garraway but licensed firearm in the air three times, a character witness, said that Glasgow Glasgow, who was in the area, greeted Bibby seemed detached as he was was fined a total of $11,500 on Monday was a quiet individual. him with a friendly lift. Glasgow then delayed in his reply. for his action.

But Prosecutor Cato recommended a went to Davis’ vehicle, removed the gun, The Magistrate asked Bibby if he Glasgow was fined $9,500 for prison sentence of 21 months. and fired three shots in the air, then was feeling alright, to which Bibby possession of the gun, a 9mm pistol, He pointed out that Glasgow was replaced it. He was said to be seen by a said he was “thinking plenty” and that without license. He was ordered to pay intoxicated, and endangered his own police officer on duty in the area. he didn’t feel good. $2,000 of that forthwith, or three The gun was loaded with 31 rounds of life, as well as the lives of others. He Magistrate Burnett then adjourned months in prison, and the balance by noted that the gun was loaded with 31 ammunition, but Glasgow was not August 1, or eight months behind bars. rounds of ammunition, of which Glasgow the hearing to Thursday 3rd February charged with possession of the bullets.

For unlawfully discharging the loaded fired three rounds. The prosecutor added when, before being sentenced, Bibby In mitigation, Connell asked the firearm, Glasgow was fined $2,000 that police officers were on patrol in the denied that he trespassed on Court to impose a fine. He noted that Garraway’s property. forthwith, or three months in prison. area at the time, and one officer said he Glasgow had no previous conviction, The evidence showed otherwise and Glasgow had pleaded guilty to both saw Glasgow with the gun in his hand, pleaded guilty at the first available Burnett handed down his sentence. charges when he initially appeared at opportunity, was remorseful, cooperated and heard what appeared to be the Bibby is no stranger to the law the Serious Offences Court on Thursday with the police, and that he was a man sound of gunshots. having been charged in August 2021 February 10, but Chief Magistrate Cato also stressed the prevalence of of good character. with Aggravated Burglary and Rechanne Browne adjourned sentencing, Connell told the Court that his client firearm related offences here.

Intimidation, this after he allegedly following a mitigation plea from his, The Chief Magistrate imposed the said he took the firearm from the front entered the dwelling house of a 61lawyer Grant Connell, and fines after weighing the mitigating and seat of the vehicle, and from under the year-old retired Principal of New recommendation on sentencing from aggravating factors, and applying seat as the facts stated.

Montrose as a trespasser, while being Prosecutor Renrick Cato.

The lawyer added that his client was sentencing guidelines. armed with a cutlass, and stole some The facts as presented in Court at the time intoxicated, and after he EC$3,600. (SG)

Trigger happy mechanic fined

V New Dean of News

Teacher Education/ SVGCC

MS. S. MARISE BUTLER HAS BEEN appointed Dean of the Division of Teacher Education (DTE) - SVGCC, effective January 2022.

Ms. Butler has over 30 years’ experience as an educator, 12 of which she has spent at the St. Ms. S. Marise Vincent & the Grenadines Butler Community College.

A current PhD candidate, she possesses a Bachelor of Arts - English Language, Bachelor of Education - Intermediate Education and a Masters of Education — Literacy.

Her publications include: “Teachers Who Teach Writing: Practices of Teaching in the Writing Classroom in Caribbean Curriculum” Vol. 26, 2018/2019, 153-177- The University of the West Indies - St. Augustine Campus; “Strategies for Fostering Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education” (pages 346-366) in Handbook of Research on Critical Thinking and Teacher Education Pedagogy - IGI Global, 2019.

She has been instrumental in the creation of several national standardised language tests, including being a developer of the Common Entrance English test, and has served as a Course Coordinator for FOUN 1001 - English for Academic Purposes at the University of the West Indies.

Her extensive resume also includes previous appointments as Curriculum Officer - Department Language, Literacy and Communication — Ministry of Education, as well as being an English teacher at Mountain View Adventist Academy, North Union Secondary School, Georgetown Secondary School, and the St. Vincent Grammar School, where she also served as Literacy Coordinator.

Ms. Butler is committed to pilot the growth and expansion of the DTE.

Statement by St. Vincent Distillers Ltd Editor’s Note: The following is a statement – verbatim –by the St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. on the accident at the premises on February 7th, 2022.

“ON FEBRUARY 7TH, 2022, there was an accident at a construction site on the premises of the St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. Two persons died and a third person was hospitalized.

The management of St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. expresses its most sincere condolences to the families of Delano “Scrapie” Spencer and Maxwell Seales and wishes Cameron Moore a full and speedy recovery.

We take this opportunity to reassure the public that St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. observes strict occupational health and safety rules on our premises for all employees and visitors. Since assuming control of the operations in 1996, St.Vincent Distillers Ltd has maintained an unblemished organizational health and safety record. We acknowledge that accidents do happen, and whereas we advocate for the same high level of care and diligence from our independent contractors we are however mindful that the conduct of works undertaken by contractors is beyond the scope of our authority.

On the day in question, the deceased and the injured were a part of a work team hired by an independent contractor to demolish and reconstruct one of the buildings at St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. in Georgetown. They were not employed by the St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. Immediately after the incident occurred in the absence of the contractor’s senior staff, the management of the Distillery offered assistance to the injured person and ensured that he was properly managed and transported to the hospital. The construction site has since been closed by the contractor.

We are aware that the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is conducting investigations in - to the incident, and we await the outcome of these investigations.” (Submitted by SVDL)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

Ms. Anesta Rodney accepts a token of appreciation from Kenville Horne on behalf of the Kenville Horne Sports Academy.

Anesta Rodney MBE passes

by KENVILLE HORNE MY HEART ACHES. Anesta Rodney MBE, my cousin and counsellor, one of the most distinguished persons from the constituency of North Leeward, has died.

‘Nesta’ or ‘Ms. Rodney, as she was affectionately known, passed away this morning — February 17, 2022, at her home in Rose Hall.

Originally from Rose Hall, ‘Ms. Rodney’ was a former School Principal, President of the National Council of Women, a community activist and much more, including being ‘mother’ to many, many young people in her community and even beyond.

She was one of the primary persons who worked selflessly to see the construction and guide the use of the Rose Hall Community Center. She never ceased to tell stories of how much the residents of Rose Hall themselves, contributed to making their Centre a reality.

Additionally, ‘Ms Rodney’ was facilitator/coordinator for many of the developmental programmes — income-generating ventures and skills training — that were forged for the benefit the people of North Leeward.

For her outstanding contribution to community and country, Anesta Rodney was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) Award in 2009. This added to a collection of plaques and awards that adorned her home, in recognition of her numerous efforts especially as it related to the upliftment of women.

The Kenville Horne Sports Academy would not have been a reality without her support and input.

She provided me - the Academy’s founder and coordinator — Kenville Horne — with a place to stay and to store equipment to ensure that the programme for boys in Rose hall was sustained.

When the going got rough, it was ‘Ms Rodney’ who pushed me and encouraged me not to give up.

The people of North Leeward, in particular the community of Rose Hall, owe Anesta Rodney a world of gratitude for the material, cultural and moral upliftment that currently prevails among them.

You were a queen and a lifesaver to many. Rest in peace, ‘Nesta’.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 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

Patrimony PATRIMONY SPEAKS TO, according to the experts, valued things passed down from previous generations. It relates to heritage – natural and cultural heritage.

Heritage, on its own, is defined as ‘a heterogeneous ensemble of environmental and cultural elements -material or not- that are transmitted from generation to generation, creating the grounds on which every person builds and orientates his identity and his vision of the world’.

It forms, in short, who and what we are and is inherited from past generations, used and maintained in the present, for purposes of development of the common good, and bestowed for the benefit of future generations through conservation and vigilance.

It follows, therefore, that when we speak of heritage we speak one and at the same time about patrimony; that which is ours to safeguard for future generations; to do all so that we are not ‘bribed’ and/or unduly influenced into ‘selling our patrimony’ (who we are, what we have, what we own) by the highest bidder, an action that benefits only a few usually an elite group who has by means apportioned to them, an obligation to act on the people’s behalf.

And it is just that - the whole question of patrimony and protecting what is ours - that the ongoing contentious matter of a 30-year lease, at $12,000 per year, of 58.8 acres of lands at Richmond, for the purpose of mining and related activities, brings into focus.

Those entrusted with making decisions on our behalf — those to whom we have accorded the title of Government which in our system of parliamentary dictatorship means that body that lauds over the masses, ought to be mindful that when they accept to serve and are bestowed with our trust, they also accept to protect to their dying breath the patrimony of all the people —who they are, what they own and have a right to own and use for generations to come.

So when a memorandum of agreement governing the lease of lands at Richmond, albeit an agenda item, or so we are now told

with any real detail, that dates back some ten or so years, is deliberately imposed on an us unwitting people; when a matter of a foreign investor in an area that has a rich heritage of ownership of land whether though lease arrangement, inheritance or purchase by families and households who have occupied the area for generations; when it becomes so farcical as to have MP’s and Government Ministers trying their best (relative of course) to sugarcoat the agreement signed between this investor and the custodians of our patrimony, we have to question the motive(s) of this sudden ‘panacea’ and speculate as to who are the initial beneficiaries and who are the ‘gifted’ ones who will continue to benefit in ways not known or visible to the people.

And speaking of having sold a piece of our patrimony once again to foreign interest with “foreign’ agendas’ and resources enough to influence decisions in their favour, the difference of interpretation as per how much of the gains (aggregate) of this investment will remain for local use, is worrying to say the least.

Correct us if we concluded that given what has been purported by either side of the agreement, that we are still to be assured that this country’s infra-structural development needs will be met by this new investment. Or is it, as the investor purports, that the vast majority of the output of this mining enterprise will be exported?

If it is a situation of not being able by lawful means to reverse the agreement, and we have to accept that another piece of our patrimony has been placed at the disposal of foreign interests, then the least we demand is knowing exactly and in real terms, how this country stands to benefit from an investment that at the top, does not speak to any meaningful direct return for this country’s treasury.

Foreign investment has the power to deliver significant earnings as well as to give economic value to cultural heritage. It is, however, how we manage our patrimony that matters.

Covid and Carnival WE ARE STILL NOT TAKING COVID-19 seriously. Case numbers are again falling, and we continue to pretend not to know why. Something that continues to bother me is that half of the available hospital beds remain unoccupied, and the average time between testing positive and death for the relatively low number of patients is so short. I don’t understand how people go from presenting with symptoms to death in days. Ok, it’s been more than a year since I was actively engaged, but this pattern is not what I remember. Maybe this has something to do with our general lack of confidence in our healthcare system. Or our culture of thinking time will heal all wounds. So we are not presenting ourselves for care at early signs of ailment.

I will not repeat the same tired arguments for why we should all get vaccinated. I will leave that to my creative and learned friends in leadership positions, especially in the government.

We have all heard them. And if you have not yet taken the jab, you will not until you need something that demands (that) you trade for a jab.

Now, allow me a moment to pay tribute to another of my childhood friends and neighbors who died some weeks ago after succumbing to “the virus.” Rest In Peace, Pollyanna (Primus) Taylor.

At my age, I am beginning to accept that I am entering a stage in life when I will now be attending as many funerals of people I grew up with, as I do those I respected as elders. So in that context, it’s not a big deal. But this one was different.

Another sister and friend gone too soon. I will cherish the memories we shared as the younger sister of my friends Anthony and Susan.

She was the fourth member of her

family to succumb to the coronavirus. As another close friend said to me, “This shit is real,” and for those, who say “it’s not that dangerous,” I have a friend you can talk to about that.

So, in the context of friends dying and announcing that we are ready for Carnival 2022, I am again breaking my silence on this Covid-19 thing. Not wanting to be outdone by our island neighbours, we plan a carnival this summer. Of course, it is much too early for the Ministry of Culture to stake out a clear position. So today, it’s conditioned on reaching an impossible goal. With less than thirty percent of our population fully vaccinated, somebody, please tell me what’s the pathway to a seventy percent vaccination in the next two months. That ain’t happening! So, tell us now exactly what we can expect for the Carnival. It might be helpful for the PM and the Minister of Culture to get on the same page. The Minister wants to have a virtual festival, oops, a carnival in the metaverse, while the PM wants to get back to the traditional.

I would like to see a bit of both. I hope the CEO of the CDC is working on ways to help the mas-makers and the pannists market their craft. For too long, those who participate in these aspects of the Carnival are reduced to “doing it for the love of the craft.” We need time; we need to know now, so pick a more reasonable expectation for vaccination level and let us go. Speaking with my friends in the computer development world, I can only hope we have been working on the metaverse thing for a while, if we wish to pull it off this year.

So as I reflect on my friend’s life, I cannot help but feel like learning to live with Covid is like travelling through a tunnel. Every now and then, you see some daylight then back underground again. So what the heck? Let’s have Carnival, but be prepared for a spike. Expect a few more friends, neighbours, and family to die an untimely death later this summer.

Enjoy.

Horatio

V Still at the Back of the Bus

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 9.

Letters

SO MANY YEARS after Rosa Parks refused to sit at the back of the bus, why are so many of us still there? From the cradle to the grave, it is clear that many are left behind.

A child deserves to have both parents’ names entered on the birth certificate. Denial of inheritance and many years of searching for their identity, loss of selfesteem and financial support plague some children in search of their fathers. Their secure future is doubtful

as a result.

Many students are left behind despite the fact that those in authority know what their future holds. Educators have the capacity to see in a child’s future and guide accordingly. Our future fishermen, mechanics, farmers, computer repairmen, cooks, construction workers, sailors, shoemakers, teachers, doctors, and civil servants all have one thing in common: They need an education that would prepare them

Cruise ship debacle CRYSTAL CRUISES is shutting its US offices and has terminated employees days after 2 ships were seized in the Bahamas, Bloomberg reported, citing a person with knowledge of the matter.

The news comes days after two of its ships were seized in the Bahamas over unpaid fuel bills.

Parent company - Genting Hong Kong has filed to wind up.

GENTING, a Malaysia/Hong Kong/Singapore group owns RESORTS CASINOS. Some people just do not lose.

for the jobs they plan to do and for future studies.

Many who have prepared well through training and study are still languishing at their current posts, with little prospects of promotion due to lack of meritocracy and absence of clear promotion policies. Some have even lost their jobs because they refused to take a vaccine that neither prevents contraction nor spread of the Coronavirus.

Despite the expenditure of much of the country’s resources in fishing, our fishermen are less equipped and are apparently earning substantially much less than those in neighboring Grenada.

Additionally, many are being asked to remove their boats from the beach at Rose Place, even though that area does not affect the construction of the new wharf.

Our Parliamentary Opposition is being thrown in a position where they can neither be seen nor heard. They are not invited nor allowed to speak and further, their presence is not even acknowledged at official events held in

their constituency. At a time when practically the entire Cabinet were ill with Covid, the Opposition Parliamentarians were kept out of Parliament and their voice silenced denying us the opportunity to hear them debate the budget.

Although they were given the mandate to represent the interest of the majority of the population, apparently, their views are not considered in the spending of the country’s resources. They are not given any say, not even in a token Constituency Development Fund. In other Western Democracies, when Governments misgovern, they can be removed by Parliamentary Vote of no Confidence. It appears that this is not allowed here. Additionally, when there is a belief that elections are unfair and petitions are filed in court, the matters apparently are not dealt with expeditiously as in other jurisdictions.

Seemingly unfair seizure and acquisition of private citizen’s lands apparently will find no redress in our courts. Is this so because there is an apparent ultimate sole arbiter and

PC

Mitchell-Gonsalves continued WE CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION about the ‘reigns’ of Mitchell and Gonsalves, after seeing how far ahead Maurice Bishop leaped in four years and Gonsalves over twenty years. Is Gonsalves still playing catch-up on Bishop?

Gonsalves, who was one of the heads (leaders) of the threeheaded beast party- the United People’s Movement — UPM (with PR Campbell and Renwick Rose as the other heads), lost to the Labour Party in 1979.

Soon after, he left the UPM and established his Movement for The police, Mitchell and National Unity (MNU) in 1982.

Gonsalves The 1994 general election saw an opposition alliance of the As leader of Hairoun and its opposing faces of the Labour chain islands, Mitchell would Party and the MNU, ending up walk the streets of Kingstown with the reduction of NDP’s 15 without police protection. seats to 12, with the alliance that Gonsalves dare not go to the would become the Unity Labour washroom without police Party taking 3 seats under the protection. When Gonsalves was leadership of Vincent Beache. much younger, he wanted to join The 1998 general election Mitchell’s NDP. Mitchell told polling result gave the ULP him that it’s possible, but he has (under Beache), four more seats to ignore his communist in parliament, and the NDP a philosophy and a period of silence one-seat majority rule. on that matter. Mitchell took in Beache however, resigned as some youths, including Burton leader of the ULP, and Gonsalves Williams, Allan Cruickshank and was elected in his place. others, and put the Labour Party In 1999, there was the Road out of compliance in 1984, at the Block Revolution led by second election after Gonsalves, who claimed that independence.

Mitchell was greedy to have By 1989, Mitchell and his NDP parliament approval of new took all 15 seats in Parliament. pension and gratuities for

parliamentarians after two terms in office, something Gonsalves would implement as Prime Minister. The same thing that was wrong for Mitchell, was right for Gonsalves.

Hence the Grand Beach Accord in Grenada, where Mitchell and Gonsalves decided to have general elections more than two years ahead of the constitutional deadline.

Mitchell resigned in May 2000 and Eustace became the third PM in SVG. Eustace led the NDP into defeat in the 2001 general election, with Gonsalves and the ULP taking 12 seats and 3 to the NDP. Gonsalves was sworn in on All Fools Day, April 1st.

The major difference between Mitchell and Gonsalves is that Mitchell believed in and acted on national ownership and control of tourism and agriculture production, while Gonsalves believes and practices foreign and state ownership and control of our national resources.

Christian Democrat Tel: 432-2562

dispenser of justice or injustice?

The apparent bulldozing of farmlands at Richmond, and the apparent running over of a motorcyclist seem to be the most recent indicators that some black people are still at the back of the bus.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

All lives matter RECENTLY, we have been greeted with sad news of death and possibly human trafficking. These cases we know involve both males - mainly murder, and females - human trafficking.

The homicide number thus far is indeed cause for concern. It speaks to the Bible: ‘.. the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked’ (Jeremiah 17:9).

The influence of music and technology, in particular movies, has played a part in promoting gun violence as a means of solving problems. Efforts must be made to get the guns off the street; offer a gun amnesty followed by searching of homes and vehicles for guns.

Poor parental guidance, especially in situations where a father figure is absent, result in children being left on their own and technology easily becomes their friend and influence. No longer do parents sit and spend quality time with their children to discuss problems and show love and respect.

The presence of role models in the home is crucial and parents have to watch how they set priorities….. where money and materials things seem to be more important than content and love.

Long ago communities use to help raise children. It is no longer so, instead it’s a case of ‘to each his own’. This

has spilled over in the way we treat each other, i.e. disrespect for the fact that all lives matter, which eventually results in a lack of community togetherness and trust.

Human trafficking is a clear act of having putting their own financial needs over respect for the lives of others.

The collapse of a wall at Georgetown, where two persons died and another seriously injured, has brought pain to many families. Their lives like the others do matter. A proper investigation should be done and compensation given to the affected families. I suppose some persons might be considering legal action.

Going forward, it is important that proper inspection be done when construction is carried out. The Physical Planning Unit must play a part in ensuring that construction and maintenance are done correctly.

Strange, protestors came out to show their disgust with the sexual abuse of the four-year-old child and shooting of Mr. Cornelius John, but they are silent on the human trafficking matter. I guess because it is not political. Is it that we protest but pretend to love the victims? Let us be reminded that all lives matter.

Kennard King 4857324

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Tourism and Budget 2022

NDP – The Vehicle for Hope and Dreams

Excerpt from the 2022 Budget Presentation of Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Address at the party’s 42nd Annual Convention)

Introduction UNDER BUDGET 2022, WE PLAN to spend $43.4 million this year on the construction of two hotels in Diamond and Mt. Wynne.

The Holiday Inn Express at Diamond is already underway. Civil works, including drainage and access roads, were completed in 2021. Construction of the hotel building itself will begin in the first quarter. Crucially, the Holiday Inn Express will not serve as simply an airport and business hotel, or as a venue for visiting athletes to utilise our world-class track, but it will also serve as an important teaching institution, given its across-thestreet proximality to the Hospitality Training Institute at Diamond.

The commencement of civil works on the Marriot Resort in Mt. Wynne was also scheduled for 2021, but was delayed by both COVID and necessary redesigns. This Honourable House will recall that the Government obtained a US$50 million soft loan from Taiwan to fund the construction of the resort.

However, costings of the original design provided by the project architects were too far in excess of our funding, particularly in light of increased postPandemic construction costs. As such, we requested that the project be redesigned to reduce costs. That redesign, in turn, was delayed by the Pandemic, and the inability of our international architects to visit the site.

Thankfully, those issues are being resolved.

The Holiday Inn Express and the Marriott Resort will add a much-needed 342 rooms to our hotel capacity. The hotels will not only help to attract more tourists and airlift to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but they will continue to draw more private investment to the country, as the hospitality sector recognises the seriousness with which the Government views tourism growth and expanding room stock.

One of the major private sector investments set for construction work in 2022 is the Beaches Resort at Buccament, Today, we have an agreement with Sandals Resorts for the construction of a 350-room resort. We have built new houses and provided new farmland for persons who lived on the land earmarked for the resort, and we are compensating other property owners. We have settled outstanding claims with hundreds of former condo and villa owners, and we auctioned property this year to provide previous employees of the resort with a substantial ex gratia payment.

Sandals has designed the resort, demolished unwanted buildings on site, and hired their main contractor. I was just informed by Sandals officials that the contractor began mobilisation today.

Construction work begins in earnest next month, and will hit full steam around mid-March. At peak, over 600 Vincentians will be directly employed by Sandals in the construction of the Resort.

Beaches Saint Vincent represents an investment of well over US$150 million, at a time when COVID has had a chilling effect on large hospitality expenditure. The aggressive construction timeline of the project, which is slated for opening in mid-2023, means that Beaches Saint Vincent will provide a concentrated shot in the arm for the local economy, employment and the construction sector.

The boutique LaVue Hotel and restaurants has just completed a $20 million makeover, and has just hired its full staff complement. Already, they have started the next stage of their expansion, which will double the size of the hotel, and add fresh attractions to

the facility.

Construction on LaVue’s companion Royal Mill luxury resort and residences is rebounding well after COVID-related delays. Not only did work slow considerably during the Pandemic, but the investors have twice had to halt construction temporarily due to COVID infections among workers. However, today, over 100 local workers are employed on site, and the pace of construction is increasing on the $160 million development. Investors expect that the luxury residences will be complete by the end of 2022, with the tower hotel completed the following year.

In Union Island, private developers are constructing the boutique Secret Garden Resort, which already has 30 employees in its early stages of a planned $40 million development. The Government is currently finalising an agreement for a multimillion-dollar investment in the Southern Grenadines that should also commence work in 2022. We are excited about the potential of this investment to drive job growth and development in the Grenadines.

Local investors are also sharing our optimism in the future of the hospitality sector in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. For example, Jewels Caribbean Apartments opened in 2021 and now boasts full occupancy of returning medical students. The $10 million Myah’s Luxury Suites will be completed in mid-2022, representing an important expansion of services available to business travellers.

Paradise Beach Hotel is adding a new spa and expanding dining facilities, and many other hoteliers and bed-andbreakfast facilities have similar growth plans.

As such, 2022 will see at least 875 hotel rooms under active construction on mainland Saint Vincent, with well over $500 million slated to be spent by private investors and the Government over the next 12 months. This is a phenomenal level of post-Pandemic, post-volcano investment.

Beyond hotel construction, Budget 2022 makes significant investments in maintaining and expanding our tourism product. Over $8 million will be spent on maintenance works at our airports in Argyle, Bequia and Canouan. At the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Bequia, capital allocations of $1.3 million will begin restoring the facility’s functionality to a condition befitting the name and legacy of the late Prime Minister, whose name adorns its terminal.

While there is a $1.7 million allocation in Budget 2022 for a CDBfunded rehabilitation of the Canouan Airport runway, the current condition of the runway cannot await the studies and designs contemplated by that project. As such, additional resources are allocated for temporary works to ensure that the airport remains able to accommodate the increasing numbers of large private jets whose owners are scheduled to enjoy the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the Soho Beach House, or the Sandy Lane Yacht Club and Residences in Canouan.

Other expenditure on the maintenance or renovation of signage, existing tourism sites and cultural facilities collectively add another $1.4 million to Budget 2022. Of particular note is our commitment to improve and expand the Joseph Chatoyer National Park at Rabacca. As curiosity about our recently-erupting volcano will drive more tourists northward, the Chatoyer National Park can become an increasingly-important part of our tourism and cultural offerings.

NO ONE SHOULD, THEREFORE, underestimate what the NDP means to our nation. It is not just a longstanding political party founded

by James F. Mitchell and his early fellow travellers in 1975; it is that and much more. It is the vehicle for hope, dreams and efforts of all those who wish to see a brighter day in our country.

Sir James Passing Last year on November 23rd, we lost our founder and first leader Sir James F. Mitchell. That was a hard blow for us. All through the years, since the founding of the NDP in 1975, he was always present, in one way or another. This is the first convention that our great party is having that Sir James did not organize or was present at or followed from at home or elsewhere.

Thankfully, Sir James had a vision for the NDP as a lasting institution for doing good in our country. He did not create the NDP to be his personal soapbox to be taken away with him when he left the stage. No, he made sure that this great party would survive him and thrive with him and after him. Because it was not essentially about him; it was about the people and the country. If in the NDP, he could create a lasting force for good, he would have served the people well and that service would continue long after he had departed the stage, and after Eustace and Dr. Friday and their contemporaries have also passed the baton to others.

In my tribute to him delivered at his funeral in Kingstown on December 18th, among other things, I said this: “Sir James was a visionary of great ability and courage. So much of the political work that he did in those early years before he had an organization to support him depended on his determination and on his skill in motivating people to join his cause.

He travelled to every village across the country… with trusted friends and fellow dreamers. Those efforts laid the political foundation upon which he stood for many years after.”

Today, we stand proudly on the legacy he built with the NDP in and out of government. We will protect that legacy because it is important for our party and for our country. We must long remember how he served and built this nation for it is only in doing so that we truly honour that service and properly write our history.

We will not let others define it for us.

More importantly, we will not let anyone misrepresent or tarnish it for their own petty ends.

Hon. Arnhim Eustace I say a special welcome to the Honourable Arnhim Eustace, our esteemed and beloved immediate past leader. Arnhim, your hard work and devotion to the NDP and to your country are praiseworthy and beyond question. I am proud to be standing on your shoulders today, to be carrying the baton you carried so well for us for so many years. We are grateful to you, my friend and colleague, for your example of selfless service and love of country.

Living with COVID COVID-19 remains the biggest problem for the country. The government has mishandled it from the start. First, they gave the impression it was nothing too serious and would soon pass. They scoffed at the precautions being taken in neighbouring countries and at proven methods of reducing spread of COVID-19 disease. Then, all of a sudden, they adopted draconian measures that unjustly stigmatised and penalized segments of the workforce in the public service, nurses, and police.

Hardworking teachers, public servants and police officers who have served this country for 10, 15, 30 years were treated like disposable beings, of no great value to their organizations. How can you replace a worker of such great experience and skill by someone with little training and no experience and the places of work not suffer?

The country lost valuable workers, the people they served lost their valuable skills. But the government did not care. It was their way or the highway. People are still on the bread line because they would not obey the government dictate that would force them to vaccinate or lose their jobs.

How heartless and cruel can they be?

Do they really believe that anyone would casually risk illness and death from COVID-19 by choosing to not vaccinate if they were not seriously concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine?

It is time for this government to do an about face on this matter. Admit they were wrong and allow the people who were fired or forced into retirement to return to work with all their benefits intact. The longer this unbearable state of affairs continue the greater the injustice becomes. All over the world, governments and businesses have retreated from the policy of making workers choose between their jobs and vaccination.

The government in SVG, forever out of step with common practice and conventional wisdom, continues to persecute the unvaccinated and make them scapegoats for the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is required to help us to get out of this pandemic is proper information and discussion based on science and trust. Unfortunately, the people of this country do not trust the ULP government. Without trust, they resort to threats and to mandating vaccination.

How ironic it is that the ULP leaders and political acolytes were preaching lies against the NDP during the last election by trying to frighten public servants into believing their lies about the NDP cutting jobs when now we see that it is the ULP government that is taking away jobs.

However, I have said it before and will say it again; an NDP government will correct this injustice and ensure the people penalized and victimized by the heartless no-vaccine, no-job policy will get back their jobs and benefits, as they choose.

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Peace and Reconciliation

“Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones is not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong.” – Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) - South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1984 FOR MANY, the words “peace and reconciliation” appear to be synonymous with “Desmond Tutu”. He was a major architect and administrator of the peace and reconciliation initiative that followed the formal abandonment of apartheid in South Africa. He, along with President Nelson Mandela (19182013), and many others (including enlightened whites) championed the cause for the abolition of the apartheid system in South Africa. The system was eventually dismantled in the 1990s. In its aftermath, many who were disadvantaged and abused during the apartheid era demanded revenge.

Amidst their clamouring there was the cry for peace and reconciliation.

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial discrimination that permeated the nations of South Africa and South West Africa (now renamed Namibia) from 1948 through to 1991. The societal systems and structures guaranteed that the minority white populations in these countries dominated the social, economic, and political landscape.

The white minority crafted laws that sought to suppress and humiliate the black population while simultaneously creating and sustaining their wealth and power. Apartheid was characterized by rigid political and legal systems based on baasskap; boss-hood or boss-ship. The Population Registration Act of 1950 became the basis for most apartheid legislation. This was preceded by the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949 and the Immorality Act of 1950.

Together, these laws prohibited most South Africans from having interracial marriages or inter-racial sexual relationships.

Many South African blacks were tortured and murdered during the apartheid period (1948-1991). It was therefore normal for individuals to anticipate that the injustices meted out to the black South Africans during the “apartheid reign of terror” would result in a cry for justice; for revenge.

However, when the first non-racial government was established in 1994 following that country’s multiracial elections, the new, enlightened leadership called for peace and reconciliation. They disregarded the cries and clamour for revenge, for the exacting of justice, for the many atrocities that were meted out to the non-white population. Many would consider this a “tall order”. Mothers who had seen their sons soaked with gasoline and then lit as human torches were asked to forgive the perpetrators. Teachers who had witnessed their students run over by vehicles, mutilated and killed, were asked to forgive the apartheid government for treating these

‘Whose law is it anyway?’

Where is the economic reconciliation?

The law pervades every aspect of our lives, including the allocation of wealth and poverty. We are all too familiar with the history of land theft in South Africa that began in 1652. The infamous 1913 Natives Land Act that just took from Africans has merely been a legalisation and legitimisation of this scandalous process. Its disastrous effect has had a very long life. More than a century later, the very same Africans are unable to take back what belongs to them. They have been co-opted in patches to work against the interest of their own, trapped in the politics of meaningless language, political crap and stupor.

In 1913 those who took from Africans were not conflicted in what they wanted to do. Politicians in Parliament are called lawgivers. They make the law.

During colonialism and apartheid, the lawgivers were purposeful. Their purpose was rooted in the philosophy of white supremacy and entitlement to everything, including the bodies of those they falsely believed to be inferior. It was simply to take , colonise, and defend for kith and kin. It was about power. Economic power, political power, military power, and social power.

Today, the language of the law has done little to really change anything.

The stark reality is that if you don’t have land, you don’t have a country.

That is why an overwhelming majority of wars in history have been fought over land and territory. In South Africa, 8% of the population control 80% of the land and its resources. So, who are the real owners of the country? Meanwhile, 80% of the majority in the country control less than 10% of the market capitalisation at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Who is fooling who?

Meanwhile, our black politicians have become black assets for colonised capital.

The most dangerous African today is the mentally colonised African. When you put them in leadership positions or as interpreters of the law, they are worse than your oppressor. They have no African or pan-African inspired ideological grounding. Some are confused by foreign belief systems.

When it comes to crucial economic issues and property matters, the same African cosies up with their elitist colleagues to sing from the same hymn book, spouting the Roman-Dutch law of property.

But where is the indigenous law? It has been reduced to a footnote in our law schools. Where are the African value systems and customs of land, wealth and property?

Today, in the high echelons of our judicial system are these mentally colonised Africans, who have settled with the worldview and mindset of those who have dispossessed their ancestors. The lack of confidence that permeates their rulings against their own speaks very loudly, while others, secure in their agenda, clap behind closed doors.

There is a need for an overhaul of a justice system that does not work for Africa and Africans. If the law does not sufficiently address the issue of the food fight, the law will fail and inevitably it will play out in the streets. We have a neoliberal constitution with foreign inspiration, but who are the interpreters? And where is the African value system of this constitution and the rule of law? If the law does not work for Africans in Africa, then what is the use of the rule of law?

The land is where it all begins. And the law of the land makes or breaks.

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

Guest column by Lindiwe Sisulu, South Africa’s tourism minister

valuable citizens as though they were less than human. Those who witnessed the Sharpeville massacre of 1961 and the atrocities evident during the Soweto rising in 1976 were asked to forgive the perpetrators of the heinous acts that occurred then. The call for peace and reconciliation magnified the love of country and love for people demonstrated by advocates like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. They knew that their beloved people and country could have been utterly destroyed if they had yielded to the more basic human instinct to exact revenge. Peace and reconciliation were like salve for the pain and suffering caused by the apartheid system.

In our societies, far removed from South Africa, we sometimes encounter situations that magnify multiple injustices. We may see these in our neighbourhoods and workplaces.

Political victimization, racial discrimination, gender inequality, and a host of other “injustices” readily come to mind. When these occur, it is “normal” to expect the “victims” to want to exact their pound of flesh; to want justice; to want to get back; to get even. However, such aspirations may be the recipe for further hurt and for prolonging the initial pain. We are stronger when we do not yield to the temptation to get even. Even in cases like this, where we may have been badly hurt, peace and reconciliation will usually provide a better outcome. Such an approach is not a sign of weakness. Conversely, it is a sign of strength. It takes individuals of strong character (like Tutu and Mandela) to advocate peace and reconciliation even after being badly hurt and/or abused. It takes strength of character to resist the urge to get even.

Individuals who are followers of Christ (i.e., Christians) understand and appreciate the value of peace and reconciliation in relation to God’s grace and mercy being extended to the greatest of sinners. His love looks and moves beyond the sins (infractions) of mankind to reconcile individuals to Him. Regardless of the extent and frequency of our sins, He is ready and willing to forgive. The guilt that would normally accompany those instances when we engage in sinful behaviours can seem to vaporize when we accept His forgiveness; when we are reconciled to Him. The emotional burden that would often accompany feelings of guilt can be lifted and replaced by the feelings of peace, forgiveness, and acceptance that so often accompany reconciliation with God. Repentance, and a commitment to turn away from the sins that can so easily beset us, can usher in warm feelings of peace and reconciliation.

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

APARTHEID was ‘legal’. Jim Crow laws in the US were ‘legal’. Slavery was ‘legal’.

Colonialism was ‘legal’. Even the Nazis were ‘legal’. So, what does it mean to have the rule of law? And whose law is it anyway?

The South African constitution in 1994 and the rule of law took on a new lofty meaning after the deck had been heavily stacked against the victims of the ‘rule of law’. It was a new dispensation of justice after centuries of vicious oppression of Africans by invaders. But what has this beautiful Constitution done for the victims except as a palliative?

If we look around, we see a sea of African poverty.

Let’s not fool ourselves: the primary motivation for the evils of colonialism was and still is economic. It is organised crime; the robbery of other people’s land and resources; the exploitation and despiteful use of their labour. It is also about the reduction of these people to mass consumers and exclusion from the ownership of the factors of production and wealth creation.

But it seems today we have legitimised wrongdoing under the umbrella of the rule of law. Many years down the line, Africans manage poverty while others manage wealth. Talk about transformation is just a buzzword? We don’t hear about economic reconciliation.

The late Sampie Terreblanche, renowned economist and fighter for justice, kept insisting on a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission focusing on economic justice. But his voice, like other voices calling for economic justice, economic restoration, and economic reparations as essential for reconciliation, has been consistently ignored by those with the power actually to give effect to these calls.

That demand should be made with greater urgency now than ever before.

We should insist and not give up until they are met.

What we have instead witnessed under a supreme Constitution and the rule of law since 1994 has been the cooption and invitation of political powerbrokers to the dinner table, whose job is to keep the masses quiet in their sufferance while they dine caviar with colonised capital. After dinner, many things take place under and around the table. Some call it stomach politics. The politicians take care of themselves and their families, while those who put them there go to bed hungry, waiting for crumbs from the table.

What else explains the sudden astronomical wealth of so-called ‘liberators’ over such a short time? How did some become multimillionaires and billionaires overnight while a third of their fellow citizens languish on social grants? Like Mzansi magic, we have some socialism-spouting ‘liberators’ draped in flags, transformed and coopted into the capitalist class and leafy suburbs.

In 1994 they struggled to put petrol in their cars. Some didn’t even own one.

And yet when it is election time, you will hear them spouting: ‘Our people, our people.’ Surely, this was not the vision of the real liberators, those whom we revere as the ‘struggle stalwarts’?

They have gone to their graves, with a dream deferred, their life’s work besmirched, and their sacrifices spat upon. What happened to us?

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Neither the NDP nor ULP has the ability to move SVG into prosperity

individuals (and immediate family members) if they make a specified and quantifiable financial investment in a country.

Citizenship by Investment is a bad idea and the type of thing someone would suggest who has no proper economic strategy, and no idea about how to move our country forward and create prosperity for our people.

WARRANT OFFICER IVAN BERTIE O’NEAL, NDP and ULP governments have Citizenship by Investment is not The journey taken by SVG since 2001 who spent three years at Oxford Brookes sustainable, because once you sell off introduced and upheld laws and policies - under the ULP regime - has been University, England, reading for his BSc the country, nothing is left. We must that favour the super-rich, white nothing short of a remarkable level of (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and protect and preserve our country for our foreigners in SVG, and discriminate incompetence and poor leadership.

Economics, very strongly contends that children and grandchildren. Beware of against the indigenous people of SVG. There are so many more and bigger neither the NDP nor ULP Regimes have the NDP’s plan for Citizenship by Our country’s black majority has been challenges confronting our people and the education, training or ability in Investment in SVG. It is dangerous for controlled by laws that propagate white country, because of the acute Accounting and Finance to move our wealth and black poverty, white vulnerabilities we are exposed to, due to our people and country - very country out of deep poverty and dangerous! economic supremacy and black the high levels of poverty, crime and destitution, and into prosperity.

A Green economy is the only solution destitution. unemployment.

If you carry out an analysis of fortyto create mass employment in SVG and The ULP Regime is giving away SVG is in such a bad state that we three years of independence from the more revenue in tax and customs duty face exceptional circumstances, and so, give our people jobs. Unemployment United Kingdom, you will see that no stands unacceptably high at about 50%. exemptions to the white super-rich in need different and better leadership if political party in SVG has been able to For many people it is hard to get a job, Mustique and Canouan and to Taiwan we are to overcome. Since 2001, we produce an Annual Budget with a fiscal on Fish tax, than the ULP Regime puts have had leadership that has lacked simply because there are few jobs surplus. They have been borrowing very into the Treasury. Read the Mustique around. vision, creativity, innovation and a large sums of money to pay Public Debt Act No 48 of 2002 and the SVG High A Green government would create willingness to deviate from tourism, - essentially, we have had 43 years of thousands of new jobs in new factories, Sea Fish Act 2001 for further which is pulling our country down. governments digging a hole to fill a in renewable energy industries, in the information. Tax and Customs Duty The ULP regime has failed young hole. construction of our own university, in Exemptions for the super-rich should be people. All they have to offer young For decades, successive white-led the operation of a deep sea tuna fishing discontinued immediately. people is a jail or a life of and fish processing industry, building unemployment. pre-schools, in a water exporting Opposition leader Friday has industry, and create vibrant small suggested that, if NDP get into business and manufacturing sectors and government, they would allow other areas of the new Green economy.

Citizenship by Investment in SVG. Citizenship by Investment is the SVG Green Party granting of citizenship status to

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 13 .

Diaspora

Hundreds mourn Basil ‘Bung’ Cato Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIAN and other Caribbean nationals in New York on Saturday evening paid their final respects to former Vincentian calypso and soccer icon Basil ‘Bung’ Cato, who died in Brooklyn on Feb. 4. He was 77.

Mourners at the twohour funeral service at Caribe Funeral Home, on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn — paid glowing tributes to Cato, an erstwhile president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football (Soccer) Association.

Among those paying tributes were members of the calypso and soccer fraternities, as well as former members of the Bridge Boys, a sociallyinteractive group that gathered “on the bridge on lower Back Street, Kingstown, to lime, chat, and exchange ideas and views about practically everything under the sun,” according to the obituary.

“We’re here to lift up, to strengthen and to comfort his children and grandchildren,” said Deacon Earl Cato, ‘Bung’s’ young brother, who flew in for the from Florida to conduct the service.

Deacon Cato described his brother as the type of person you would come to when you needed an opinion.”

Bernard Hewitt, a member of the Bridge Boys, said the group “discussed everything — sports, politics.

“Basil had a large and expansive personality,” he added. “He was also a serious thinker. We played football for Eagles Club.

He also played carnival in many of the Bridge Boys’ productions. Basil made Bridge Boys a good organization.”

Hewitt also read a tribute from Raymond England, a former Bridge Boy, who currently resides in Toronto, Canada and who recalled, “There was never a dull moment when ‘Bung’ was around.”

Rudolph “Rudy” Boucher, a former national soccer captain, said Cato was his good friend.

“I’ll always remember him,” said Boucher, noting that Cato was a leading official in soccer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1979, when the national team made nationals proud by its

outstanding performance in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) championship.

Desmond Morris, who played on the national youth soccer team from 1977-79, when Cato was a top official of the association, said “Bung Creole Cato” was “an entertainer, an ambassador, a leader, a manager, a father, an inspirer, a motivator, a creator, a mentor, a brother.

Morris’s elder brother, Stanley ‘Luxie’ Morris, a former national soccer captain and ex-manager of Team SVG in the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Soccer Cup, was out of town.

He, however, submitted a tribute to the family, which was made available to THE VINCENTIAN. The elder Morris said Cato was “one of my best friends within and outside the football/soccer fraternity.

“’Bung’ was a very confidential individual,” he said. “He was an affable character, very kind, witty, loquacious and someone who believed that the sky was the limit to what he could achieve.”

Carlos ‘Rejector’ Providence, two-times (1992 and 1996) Calypso Monarch in SVG was among calypsonians who paid their last respects to Cato.

Providence said he and Cato became friends in

1981 “because of his passion for calypso.

“From that time, we began talking about calypso,” he said. “We were always pushing for calypso. ‘Bung’ did a lot for calypso in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Providence added, “We have lost a good friend.”

Cato’s body will be flown to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Feb. 19 for interment at the Kingstown Cemetery.

Basil ‘Bing’ Cato – renowned Sports and Cultural Administrator, Calypsonian, Senior Civil Servant, Auctioneer, Entrepreneur, Carnival Band Organizer, Sportsman, Father, Grandfather.

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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Drucilla Primus is 100 years old DRUCILLA PRIMUS, AFFECTIONATELY referred to a ‘Mms Primus’, has to endure occasional aches and pains, but she thanks God for life.

“Thank God because I pass 100 years and started a new day today, so I have plenty to thank God for,” Primus told THE VINCENTIAN. The Paul’s Avenue resident celebrated her 100th birthday on February 15 surrounded by close relatives, friends, invited guests and members of her church at the Salvation Army.

Despite her other complications which include a bad knee, hypertension and the fact that she is partially blind, Primus said that she is grateful.

“I live my life for God and I live my life with God.” Primus was born and spent her days as a child in Richland Park where she worked in agriculture as a

youngster growing up.

As a young adult, she moved to Kingstown and although she was never married, she gave birth to two sons — Owen (deceased) and Stanley — and has seven grandchildren.

She made a living doing domestic work but her life has been dedicated to serving God, she said, and she has been doing so for a very long time.

In fact, she told the story of the day she did just that saying that she and a friend were doing some shopping and walking around the town.

“We reach right up by Billingy store and we turn back,” she said.

They then came upon the Salvation Army and she remembered there was a sign which read ‘Come give your heart to God’.

Her friend tried to discourage her, she recalled, saying that her friend said “Don’t go, that is for old people.”

“I told her, look, this little one going

Driculla ‘Ms Primus’ Primus celebrated her 100th birthday giving praise to her God for her long life. to burying ground, old one going down — give your life to God.” And although her friend kept trying to dissuade her, she was persistent and has never looked back since.

That friend was now deceased, Primus told THE VINCENTIAN, and she was still here.

Looking back over her life, she said that times were better when she was a young girl.

There was not as many acts of violent crime, she said.

“These days you have to be careful, they will take what in your pocket,

but they go want to damage you still,” she said adding that a lot of young people no longer had time for God. Son Stanley Primus commented saying that his mom has been very supportive and that she raised him and his brother in the church.

He described her as a giving and kind person.

“She worries if she does not have anything to give,” Stanley Primus said.

Her life is centred around God and according to her son, she loves and lives for her grandchildren. (DD)

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

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 15.

16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Mr. Ormond Cyril “OC” Forde was responsible for two major significant financial institutions in St. Vincent: The St Vincent Co-operative Bank Limited and St. Vincent Building and Loan Association.

Above left: The St. Vincent Cooperative Bank aka the ‘Penny Bank’, is counting 77 and looking to the future with renewed commitment to service and increasing its loyalty base.

by DAYLE DA SILVA THE ST VINCENT COOPERATIVE BANK (SVCB), commonly referred to as ‘Penny Bank’, celebrated 77 years of service to the Vincentian public on February 1, 2022.

And although the 77th year of existence might not usually be referred to as a milestone birthday, that is not the case with the SVCB, which will mark its 77th year with much pride and elevated service.

Melissia Bailey, Loans Manager at SVCB, cites quality customer service as a priority intention of her tenure, in keeping with the bank’s founding principles.

Founding principles live on Years have passed, and times have changed, however, the core values of

the SVCB have remained constant —ensuring a true customer experience. In fact, the vision of the bank’s founders back in 1945 remain the guiding, operating principles today.

“We started when the international banks were giving locals a difficult time to do business, and that was the reason for our existence,” Melissia Bailey, Loans Manager at SVCB said.

Bailey has been employed at SVCB for over 18 years and has spent most of her years at the bank working in the Loans Department.

She said that of all her accomplishments, ensuring quality customer service is on top.

“We were founded to assist our fellow Vincentians; to afford them an opportunity with a local institution,” she continued.

All it took then was one penny to open an account, Bailey said.

And up to today, the financial institution has helped several people to achieve their goals and to accumulate wealth.

“What we strive for is more than just customer service but customer experience, because experience is more than customer service…the experience is forever,” said Bailey.

And customer service has resulted in customer loyalty. In fact, Bailey boasted that they have received a number of referrals through loyal customers.

“So that is what we are about…. providing the customer with an experience to become loyal to us,” she said.

Shadia Joseph, Loans Officer and who has been employed at the SVCB Continued on Page 17.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 17.

St. Vincent Cooperative Bank (SVCB) Feature

ÂPenny BankÊ celebrates 77

of existence, the SVCB recognizes that change is inevitable… that the institution must change.

Bailey and Joseph commented on the bank’s move to becoming commercialized and more automated as recognition of the need to change… to adjust to the demands of the time.

Notwithstanding the new challenges, Bailey noted that the financial institution did not want to lose “the old-time tradition” upon which it Shadia Joseph, Loans was founded. That is the Officer, is driven by challenge that the SVCB seeing customers is prepared to face head “come and grow’ with on. and because of the And according to the bank. bank’s Marketing Consultant, Juno Continued from Page 16. DeRoche, the financial institution is looking to for the past 15 years, extend its social said that she values the responsibility to the Bank’s way of dealing community. with its customers.

On February 15, the “I take pride in going bank pledged its above and beyond,” commitment to Joseph said, adding, “It supporting the Girls’ is comforting to see a High School’s annual customer come and grow sporting activity for the with us.” next three years, and on February 18, members of Looking beyond 77 staff will venture to the community of Fancy to As it nears 100 years

History SVBC Marketing Consultant, Juno DeRoche highlighted the benevolent nature of the bank when it comes to social responsibility. distribute some tokens to one of the pre-schools there, and to continue its outreach to persons affected by the 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

“There are many things that we will be doing. We are reaching out and giving back because that is our mantra… to give back to the community,” DeRoche said.

other bank in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The Bank’s first President was Mr. Alfred G. Hazell who together with “O.C.” were pioneers in developing the Bank.

In honour of their sterling contribution to the Bank’s foundation and growth, photographs of these two distinguished gentlemen are displayed on the

Bank’s walls.

When “O.C.” retired in 1974, he was succeeded by Mr. Kenneth E. Forde who successfully managed and grew the bank for 34 years until his THE ST. VINCENT CO-OPERATIVE retirement on October 31, 2007. Mr. Kenneth E. Forde was succeeded by BANK has provided 77 years of Mrs. Laverne Velox. Mrs. Velox quality service to the people of St. faithfully served and successfully Vincent and the Grenadines. The managed the bank for over 10 years Bank was incorporated on October until her retirement on May 31st 18, 1944 and officially opened for 2017. She was succeeded by Mrs. business on February 1, 1945.

The Bank was founded by the late Champa Rampersad-Barnes. The Ormond Cyril “O.C.” Forde who also Bank is currently under the management of Executive Director served as its first Manager. “O.C.” Mr. Albert Porter was a visionary who saw an From the outset, the Bank’s opportunity in the 1940’s to service willingness to open accounts with a the credit needs of the majority of penny caused it to be affectionately Vincentians who at that time faced known as “Penny Bank”. The Bank difficulties in obtaining loans and has always been a place where banking services from the international Banks operating in St. anyone can open an account with a small sum of money. It is a peoples Vincent & the Grenadines. Only a Bank and one which has benefited privileged few qualified for such services while a large market existed tremendously from the loyalty of its customers. This loyalty has passed on for the banking needs of the many. from generation to generation thus The St. Vincent Cooperative bank ensuring the continuity and growth was therefore created to meet the of the Bank. needs of the many and the niche The Bank’s operations have filled by the Bank became so large historically been primarily of a over time that the Bank now has Savings and Loans nature. more savings accounts than any

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

V Blackout in Trinidad

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 19.

Regional

Businesses and government offices soon began to close and as people drove home even as the non-functional traffic lights presented another challenge. Police officers were deployed to the streets in many areas to guard again collisions and to keep order.

The Police Service further stated that the Traffic Management Branch would continue to assess the situation when power was restored Police officers direct traffic on the Priority Bus Route and the across the Croisee intersection in San Juan during the nationwide black country.

When at out, on Tuesday. (Photo Source: Trinidad Guardian) 3.20 pm More than a million people were February, the lights went out T&TEC without electricity from just at 12.52 pm and within issued an before 1 pm on Tuesday 15th minutes it became clear that update, it February, as oil-rich Trinidad was the problem was vast as said: “The hit by an island wide power thousands took to social media Independent outage. stating that they had lost Power The situation continued for electricity from various parts Producers up to 12 hours in several of the island.

(IPPs) are districts with a domino effect “Customers are advised currently on the nation’s water supply that we are experiencing a restarting the as 107 of WASA’s booster major disturbance on the generators to stations were affected, and system and are working to allow a police were forced to restore supply within the gradual implement an overnight shortest possible time,” restoration of emergency plan to ensure Trinidad and Tobago supply. This safety on the roads and to Electricity Company (T&TEC) process will prevent opportunities for said on its Facebook page take criminals. around 2 pm, confirming at approximately According to the Trinidad the same time that sister 2-3 hours,” it Guardian of Wednesday 16th island Tobago was unaffected.

Baby dies in T&T Coast Guard interception

coast guard ship TTS Scarborough that was involved in the interception that proved fatal.

(Credit: Loop News) LOOP CARIBBEAN NEWS, as per information it said it received from relevant authorities, reported on Feb. 07, 2022 that a baby died in her mother’s arms after the Trinidad and Tobago coast guard fired on a boat carrying migrants from Venezuela on Feb 06.

The story as it unfolded disclosed that on Sunday 6th February, coast guard ship TTS Scarborough attempted to intercept a boat that had illegally entered the country’s

territorial waters from Venezuela, on Saturday a little before midnight.

The official report said that the TTS Scarborough hailed the other vessel ordering it to stop and fired warning shots when it did not.

Coast Guard officials told Loop News that the unknown vessel “continued with aggressive manoeuvres, first coming into contact with the ship’s boat and then making attempts to ram it”.

Fearing for their lives, coast guard personnel fired on the engines of the boat to shut them

down.

When the boat did stop and was boarded by Coast Guard offices, illegal migrants were discovered on board, the statement said, including a woman who was bleeding and holding a baby.

“The injured female was subsequently stabilised” and taken to hospital, the statement added.

“Regrettably, the infant was found to be unresponsive,” it said.

(Source: Loop News)

said.

Limited restoration started at approximately 5.00 p.m, T&TEC reported. That too, proved ambitious as most of the country remained dark and at 6.22 pm, even though the Commission reported that some areas were in fact starting to get back supply.

“The process of restarting the generators requires time and is very gradual.

Unfortunately, in this

instance, the process is taking longer than anticipated and it will be a few more hours before all customers are back on supply,” a T&TEC statement read.

But by 1 am (Wednesday) more than 12 hours after it went, many were reporting that electricity had finally been restored in their districts. (Source: Trinidad Guardian)

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

I will survive!!!!

Dear George,

I KNEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE been depressed to the point of contemplating suicide but I never thought know that I would sit in their seat one day. I see now how easy it is to slip into depression and the only thing you want to do is end your life.

I had just lost my job, house then my husband. I was devastated. To me, it made no sense continuing to live until one day I read the answer you gave to someone who was slightly worse off than I. It was real hard but I got the counselling that I needed and today I am still alive.

It is very hard for a single mother to survive in this country. I still do not know where tomorrow’s meal is coming from but I am trying to hold on.

Dear Struggling, You are a living testament to the fact that counselling does work. It is never good to bottle your pain and emotions inside as that can only yield catastrophic results.

It will take a daily commitment to stay with the guidelines set out by your counsellor. Where’s there is life there is always hope and you are encouraged to keep hope alive. Thank you for your letter and I wish you the best going forward.

George

Struggling but alive

Seeking help

Dear George, Dear George, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME IF there is anywhere I can take my 15year-old daughter to get some help?

I know something is wrong with her…. she laughs for no reason and acts as though she does not care about anything. Her grades have dropped considerably. Because of her irrational behaviour, I am afraid to leave her alone at home.

I am very worried and I need your guidance.

Something is definitely happening that needs professional attention. My advice is that you to book an appointment with a counsellor immediately so as to get some guidance as to how to handle it.

In the meantime, try to be as supportive as possible because things can seem even more confusing and overwhelming to your daughter.

Concerned Dad

George

Recognise the signs, man

The writing of your relationship is on the wall.

Recognise it!!!

Giving your gift to another person in itself a sure indication that all is not well and now you have Dear George, two choices: try to salvage what’s left or move on. To be honest, though, the I CANNOT BELIEVE my girlfriend signs tell me that you should move on took the birthday gift of a wrist watch, and find someone who can love you matching chain and nose ring I gave unconditionally and who can value her and gave it to a co-worker. you and the gifts you offer.

The co-worker actually came to me and asked me to thank my girl for the George gift. She did not know I didn’t know anything about it.

When I asked my girlfriend why she gave the gift to someone else and why that particular girl, she just walked off on me. It has been some days now that she has not contacted me by phone and I’m not sure what to do.

Confused Dear Confused,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Secret affairs will come back to haunt you. Expect problems with settlements that you are trying to resolve. The battle continues. Your talents are likely to be discovered.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) It's time to reevaluate your motives.

Renovations or purchases made for your home will payoff. Friends may not be completely honest with you. You have the ability to motivate others.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Educational courses will be stimulating and successful. You need activity. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you. This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make financial deals, but it may be best if you're not using your own cash. You may need help with your financial situation. Tempers will mount if you're too pushy at work or at home. You're on to something tangible and need to act fast

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension. If they don't like the plan, suggest that they con tribute a little. Attend trade shows that will allow you to look at new products. Let others know what your intentions are and be honest in your approach.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren't well organized. Delve into your work if you can't make amends at home. Your mate may be distressed if you refuse to make a commitment.

Invite friends over.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will want to complain about the in justice that is going on, Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. You will benefit by taking care of other people's concerns.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart. Listen to the complaints of others. Your ability to visualize will help you convince others of the possibilities. You are best to keep your cash in a safe place.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) this week is not the day to try to comer people by giving them ultimatums. Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event. Don't reveal any personal details. Arguments with employers or colleagues will be to your detriment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to address the real issues in order to turn things around. Your ability to be practical in business will help.

Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship.

Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be innovative. You may need to make a few alterations to your living arrangements. Expect to pay more than anticipated for entertainment or other purchases. Try to curb overindulgence this week.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your leadership ability will enhance your reputation. Someone close to you will get upset easily if you are insensitive to their needs. You need time to make things better. Real estate investments could be to your advantage.

ACROSS 1. ”My bad!”

5. Where to pamper oneself 8. Hot stuff 12. Break down 13. Bath receptacle 14. Large-scale 15. Liberties 17. Board place 18. Some children’s show characters 20. Green Italian sauce 23. Bro’s daughter 26. Peck at 27. NFL pass 29. Any NFL player 30. Clipper 31. Tout’s offering 33. Candidate 35. Expected time to be here 36. Argot 37. Drawn 39. Cook’s tour stop 42. With the exception of that 45. Qualified 49. Place 50. Seek a seat 51. Server’s need 52. Store 53. Joined 54. Herb in stuffing DOWN 1. Away from duty 2. Canoe equipment 3. Peach or rhubarb 4. Wasn’t vigilant 5. “Halt!”

6. Low-cut shoe

7. One not attending 8. Smaller amount 9. King Kong, for one 10. Using 11. It’s the law 16. Batman is part of one 19. Seating section 20. Coaches pre game talk 21. Makes a living 22. It’s used to reach the top shelf 24. Provide outside food service 25. Exclusive 27. Lasting for

many years 28. Esteem 30. Subcompact 32. Digs 34. Face creator 37. Chair part 38. Condos, e.g.

40. Crossword feature

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 21.

41. Pointer 42. Lodge member 43. It can be white 44. Take in 46. Sports ___ 47. Interval 48. Potato bud

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

VPL T10 4 Bowls Off

over 100 local players and a cadre of regional firstclass players where that development player must play at least one game. The tournament will also see the return of one mandatory oversea player and should a team need, an additional oversea player will be the responsibility of that team.

Safe Vibes tournament a fully La Soufriere Hikers will be looking to defend their title. vaccinated events promises to be the THE 4TH EDITION of the Vincy Premier biggest edition yet as teams contend League (VPL), dubbed Safe Vibes is set to for the coveted championship and a bowl off next month with six Franchise first-place prize money of XCD$ competing for the title.

25,000.00 and increase from last year’s Defending champions La Soufriere tournament. The SVGCA Inc. has Hikers, will seeking to retain their always sought to create the best title when they come up against Salt opportunity for our male and female Pond Breakers, Dark View Explorers, local cricketers to enhance and display Fort Charlotte Strikers, Grenadines their cricketing skills; so, as an added Divers, and the Botanical Garden feature, two specially selected female Rangers. This year’s Edition will also teams will also engage in a three-game see different addition where teams will series on selected days during the select 14 players including a VPL. development player from a group of

During the draft held last week at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Romel Currency President of the SVG Cricket Association said it’s pleasing to see the return of the tournament.

“VPL 4.0 Safe Vibes is indeed a saft vibes as we going into the fourth edition. We are always excited to be associated with Dream Eleven and our local sponsors here as well as ITFX where they have shown the world the qualify what SVG has to offer. We have seen a number of players entering the draft and we are hearted by the over 100 vaccinated players, we have also have the reintroduction of the reginal players and that in itself should add quite a bit of excitement and quality to the VPL 4.0.” Currency is also grateful for the coaches and managers for the ongoing interest and the players…started on March 19th to April 3rd at the Arnos Vale playing field.

Kishore shallow tournament director sees this as another opportunity for the players to display their skills. “It’s another exciting opportunity for us and it’s quite pleasing to see how this tournament has grown since its inception starting from a simple concept with our local talent being espouse and certainly it has grown

High Performance champs Relay Classic HIGH PERFORMANCE, with victory in eighteen events, all but dominated last last Saturday’s Relay Classic held at the Diamond Track Facility, as Team Athletics SVG’s 2022 calendar got into high gear.

Showing all round efforts, High Performance bossed six of the 4 x100m races, namely the Under-13 Boys, Under-15 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and the Girls Under20.

Most of the Sprint Medleys were also taken by High Performance, as they secured first places in the Under-15 Boys, Under-17 Boys and Girls and Under-

20 Girls.

In the 4 x 200m relays, High Performance led the way in the Under15 Boys and Girls, as well as the Under-13 Boys.

And the 4 x 400m was a similar outcome with the Club took the Under-17 Boys and Girls, the Under-20 Boys and Girls and the Male Over-20.

As far a High Performance – 2022 champions of the Relay Classic. accolades were concerned, following High Performance two wins - the Under -20 School, the St Martin’s albeit some distance Boys 4 x 100m and the Secondary, Roses Academy behind, was Chatoyer with Boys Under-20 Sprint and X-Ceed Sports Club.

Medley.

Apart from the relays, Recording one win each Team Athletics SVG also were IT- DAT Academy, X- used the occasion to have Cel Track Club and competition in the High Mustangs. IT-DAT took the Jump.

Distance Medley, while XIn those events, Isaiah Cel took the Men’s Patterson of the St Vincent Distance Relay and Grammar School won the Mustangs pouched the Boys Under-15, with J’ Under-15 Girls Sprint Aviar Cato of X- Ceed Medley.

Sports Club, trumping the Also competing at the Boys Under-17., and last Saturday’s Relay Joshua Bennett of X- Cel Classic were teams from Track Club winning in the IT- DAT Academy on their way to taking the Male the St Vincent Grammar Boys Under-20.

Distance Medley.

Kishore Shallow tournament director and Romel Currency President of the SVG Cricket Association during the VPL draft. beyond expectation and it thinks it is safe to say the VPL is well anticipated tournament globally.”

I.B.A. ALLEN

Vincentian on NFL teams’ radar

VINCENTIAN BORN Jevon Cottoy is heavily tipped to land a National Football League (NFL) contract soon.

Cottoy, 25, from Prospect here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, is currently playing as a Wide Receiver Jevon Cottoy is attracting interest from the NFL. with the British Columbia Lions, in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

However, the 6 foot 5 inches Cottoy is being chased by several units in the NFL. To date, he has had training experience with the Pittsburg Steelers, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers among others.

Last year, Cottoy played 14 matches for the Lions, catching 39 passes for 519 yards.

He also registered three touchdowns. His achievements in 2021 saw him ranked seventh in the CFL, after accumulating 255 yards.

Cottoy began to show his prowess nationally when in 2019, he was nominated for his team’s ‘Most Outstanding Rookie’.

That season he had 38 catches and covered 386 yards in 16 matches.

Before entering the senior league, Cottoy played for the Langley Rams in the Canadian Junior Football League.

V Bailey, Ollivierre rule Cycling weekend

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022. 25.

Sports

THE SPOTLIGHT SHONE ON Zefal Bailey and Steve Ollivierre last weekend as they stood tall in the two races staged by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union.

On Saturday morning, Bailey took the Elite Category of the Arnos Vale to Belmont Sprint, in a time of 17:58.44, ahead of second place- Marlon Antrobus, whose clocking was 18:10.78.

Behind the elder Antrobus, was his younger brother- Lucky, who timed 18:28.17, in the four-mile race.

In the Masters Category, Ollivierre was the first to reach the summit at the Belmont Look Out, leaving Martin Bollers and Peter

Durrant to trail.

Ollivierre’s winning time was 20:55.52, while Bollers did 22:2872 and Durrant- 23:53.72.

Then on Sunday morning, in the 19-mile race, Bailey stopped the clock at 1:05. 57. Antonio Richardson was second in 1:07.24 and third was Lucky Antrobus in 1:07.38, to complete the three podium finishers in the Elite Category.

Meanwhile, Ollivierre again had some breathing space, after he covered the distance in 1:13.26. He was followed by Durrant some four minutes later in 1:13.26. Bollers was third in 1:22.56.

Sunday’s event saw the cyclists riding off at the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport and heading to Bridgetown, Biabou. They then rode to Calder, before finishing at Belmont.

Zefal Bailey The next event is set for 12th March.

SVG Netballers off to winning start Steve Ollivierre.

ST VINCENT AND THE Grenadines kicked off their campaign in the 2022

Martin returns to head Volleyball

Eardley Martin, Daryl Franklyn, Tenecia Wallace, Devon Williams, Deseree Laborde, Asmond Franklyn, Ankiah Forbes EARDLEY MARTIN HAS returned as President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association (SVGVA), replacing Suzanna Leigertwood- Ollivierre.

Martin, who lost the presidency in 2013 when he was defeated by Alana Mc Master, gained the nod of affiliates at last Saturday’s general meeting, held at the Xpert Computer Centre Conference Room, Kingstown.

In the presidential race, Martin gained 11 votes while his contender- Daryl Franklyn got 4.

Franklyn, who had no

challenger, was installed as Vice- President. This set the tone for the rest of the elections, as all other positions were uncontested.

Taking over the post of Secretary General is Ankiah Forbes, while Tenecia Wallace is the new Treasurer.

The Committee Members are Asmond Franklyn, Devon Williams and Deseree Laborde.

Last Saturday’s meeting also heard the Executive Report and the Financial Report for the period of the outgoing Executive.

Martin, who in 2016 declined from serving as

OECS/ECCB International Netball Series on a winning note, as they made light work of St Kitts and Nevis in the opening match of the tournament Sunday at the Windsor Park, and followed that up on Monday with victory over Dominica.

On Sunday, the Vincy ladies crushed St. Kitts and Nevis 62-33, after leading in all quarters.

Mary-Ann Frederick, GoalShoot, converted 52 shots from 60 attempts on her way to having the game’s outstanding individual performance. Goal Attack Shellisa Davis added 10 from 16 attempts.

Meantime for St Kitts,

Rochella Challenger shot an impressive 23 from 25 attempts and Aaliyah Gordon made 9 from 19.

On Monday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines continued in the vein in which they had left off on Sunday, when they mauled Dominica 74-23; quarter scores being 19-11, 37-16, 59-19, and 74-23.

Mary-Ann Frederick in fine form, netted 58 out of 64 attempts, Zannelle James 3 of 9 attempts, Joseann Antoine 6 of 9 attempts, and Shellisa Davis 7 out of 11 attempts.

For Dominica, Lisa James scored 16 of 19 attempts, Kyla Winston 6 of 9 attempts, and Melissa Williams 1 of 2 attempts.

I.B.A. ALLEN

interim President following a successful vote of No Confidence against Mc Master, said after Saturday’s election that he was ready to resume making his contribution to the sport from an administrative standpoint.

The newly elected President shared that he was approached by several persons involved in the sport, to “come back.”

Martin admitted: “There is a lot of work to be done, but it will not be easy, but it has to be done”.

There has been little Volleyball activities Action in the St. Kitts and Nevis versus St. Vincent and the since 2019.

Grenadines match.

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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Regional cricketers on show THE WEST INDIES FOUR DAY CHAMPIONSHIP moves into the third round next week. Besides the bid for national pride, individuals will be watching those spots on the West Indies team, especially with the English tour around the corner.

Selectors will be tempted to go for the in-form players. Given the state of performances, it is easy for an ambitious player to graft his way into the squad.

Our batsmen are not maintaining a level of consistency to give the team a fighting chance.

Time was when Caribbean batsmen carved their niche on the international arena with their flair.

They did not have the benefit of updated coaching manuals.

It was instincts, hand/eye coordination and a willingness to defend one’s dignity. Sledging is nothing new, neither is racism.

Some cynics will say that batting is not the only problem. Bowlers have not proven themselves to be incapable a t times, and there are questions as to the standard of fielding.

I could feel you saying that the whole squad needs revamping. But things don’t happen so.

There has to be a systematic approach to solving the problem, and it must involve some personal responsibilty. Players have to know what they are getting into and be prepared to work to produce the goods. There is no room for complacency, or finding someone to blame.

There is no doubt about our ability to rebound, or create shock anytime.

Time was when the captain hand to have been a white man. It took the Frankie Worrall doctrine to forecast the variety of West Indies Cricket.

When Worrell’s prophecy came to pass, there was a reaction and low level friction lingers between territories.

Regional cricket development is not based on the size of the country one comes from. Or Skerritt might not have been president, neither his side kick Kishore Shallow.

West Indies cricket is a source of therapy, or in some instance a fountain of agony. But no one will want to tamper with development.

When certain things happen, what is left to ponder what happens behind closed doors? The matter of Sunil Ambris is one I am anxious to unravel. There is a code of ethics. I will rely on the familiar Caribbean tale that “everything will come in the wash.

There is a pattern of pampering to the nationalist ideals, and coverage on cricket events centre on the persons with whom certain persons are familiar with.

It was hard on the Windwards to lose their match against Guyana. The game produced some extremes. Last wicket partnerships are the most vital in any stage of a game. The Windwards might have felt buoyed by the heroics of their last pair in the first innings. At 215 for 9, Guyana imagined that 225 would have been extending the inevitable.

When the day ended at 279 for 9, the feeling was for an early wrap on the second morning.

Preston McSween 86, and Shermon Lewis 31, put on 124.

The Windwards grabbed the first innings lead thanks to a burst by Vincentian off spinner Kenneth Dember. His 4 for 36 restricted the Guyanese to 327. The 12 run lead proved insufficient with the Windwards squandering the initiative and collapsing for 190 in their second outing.

Guyana had the formality of a 202 victory target. They achieved their target thanks to a last wicket stand. That was not as huge as the Windwards, but from 189 for 9, anything could have happened. But Dember’s five wicket haul in this innings could not thwart the Guyana bid.

Regional 4-Day Cricket Round-up: Victories for Barbados, T&T, Guyana

Leewards veteran Devon Thomas was in top form scoring 110 and 58 albeit in a losing cause.

BARBADOS PRIDE, TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force and Guyana Happy Eagles recorded victories in the first round matches of the 2022 West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship, which got going on February 9 and continued into February 18.

Barbados beat Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 4 wickets at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. Scores: Barbados 324 - Shane Dowrich 86, Shamar Springer 91, Rahkeem Cornwall 4 for 99; and 195 for 6 - Jonathan Carter 71 not out, Jeremiah Louis 4 for 50.

Leeward Islands 172 for 9 declared - Devon Thomas 58, Keon Harding 4 for 42; and 346 - Kacey Carty 55, Devon Thomas 110, Ramon Simmonds 4 for 64, Kraigg Brathwaite 2 for 7.

At the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated Jamaica Scorpions by 3 wickets.

Scores: Trinidad and Tobago 273 - Yanic Cariah 72, Isaiah Rajah 65, Marquino Mindley 5 for 70, Nicholson Gordon 4 for 65; and 81 for 7 Keagan Simmons 38, Mindley 2 for 3, Jamie Merchant 3 for 18.

Jamaica: 141, Jermaine Blackwood 44, Bryan Charles 6 for 48, Jayden Seales 2 for 17; and 212 - Campbell 45, Anderson Phillip 5 for 82, Bryan Charles 2 for 49, Imran Khan 3 for 46.

Guyana had the better of the Windwards Volcanoes by 1 wicket at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad. Scores:

Kenneth Dember, Volcanoes off spinner, took match figures of 9 for 116 in a losing cause.

Guyana 327 Vishaul Singh 93, Keemo Paul 73, Sherman Lewis 4 for 59, Kenneth Dember 4 for 36; 203 for 9, Chanderpaul Hemraj 60, Singh 24, Kenneth Dember 5 for 80.

Windwards: 339 Preston McSween 86, Alick Anthanaze 68, Devon Smith 52, Gudakesh Motie 4 for 62, Keemo Paul 3 for 84,

Former West Indies batsman Jonathan Carter hit an unbeaten 71 not out to help Barbados to victory.

Veerasammy Permaul 3 for 88; and 190 - Anthanaze 58, Larry Edwards 43, Permaul 5 for 53.

I.B.A.ALLEN Brian Charles, Trinidad and Tobago, took 8 for 97 to help TNT win.

V

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18,

2022

VOLUME 115, No.07

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

STOLEN VINCENTIAN ARTEFACTS RETURNED

Story by: SHERON GARRAWAY

ARTEFACTS BELONGING TO THIS country were among items of cultural and historical interest and value recovered during a raid which was conducted in 2014, at the home of a 91-year-old missionary Donald C. Miller, in Indiana, USA. And on Thursday 20 January 2022, representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) returned some of those stolen Vincentian artefacts to the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Washington D.C, USA. According to a press release on the SVG High Commission Facebook page and dated 14 February 2022, the raid revealed that Miller possessed tens of thousands of rare artefacts, which the FBI suspected may have been obtained in violation of antiquities laws.

The release acknowledged that it was not certain how and when Miller came into possession of the artefacts, but it is believed that he ‘acquired’ them during a visit he made to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1995.

The artefacts from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines which were recovered were described as tools

Some of the artefacts returned to the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Washington D.C, USA.

Part of the expansive collection of believed to be used by the indigenous through all of the people. objects. Aspects such Donald C. Miller The return of the artefacts was done as their legality, at the Embassy in downtown where and when they uncovered by the FBI. Washington D.C. and was received by were purchased will Minister Counsellor/Deputy also have to Permanent Representative, Omari determined.

Seitu Williams on behalf of the Reports are that some of the Government of Saint Vincent and the artefacts have already been Grenadines. repatriated to countries such as Provisions are being made for them Colombia, Canada, Ecuador, New to be returned to the country.

Zealand, Spain and China.

Given the quantity of the artefacts The collection, which was displayed, recovered in the raid from places included a dugout canoe that had throughout the world, experts foresee travelled down the Amazon River and that it could take decades to sort about 2,000 human bones believed to be taken from ancient Native American burial sites.

According to a 4 April 2014 article in the Daily News, laws Indications are that in regarding the removal the wee hours of Valentine’s or collection of cultural Day — Feb. 14, 2022, gun artefacts are extremely shots rang out in Diamond. complex. Much When the smoke cleared, depends on whether one woman was left dead objects are considered and another injured. stolen or were Dead is Ella Cordice, imported with a 55yrs Farmer of Barrouallie license, and dead. Jennifer King, 47yrs international treaties Farmer of Diamond, is said dating back as far as to be currently warded at 1987 come into play. the Milton Cato Memorial The United States Hospital (MCMH) with has various multiple gunshot wounds agreements with 15 about her body. countries that prohibit According to a police importation of items Jennifer King is recovering report, on Sunday, that were illegally from multiple bullet wounds.

February 13, 2022, Cordice acquired. For example, and King reportedly went to some nations such as sleep. They were awakened It is believed that the Egypt forbids the sometime in the wee hours of assailant shot the women export of any cultural Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) by through a bedroom window. objects that were dug the sound of gunshots.

(KH) from the ground.

SVG Minister Counsellor/Deputy Permanent Representative, Omari Seitu Williams (left front) with FBI officials at the handover of the artefacts.

FATAL SHOOTING IN DIAMOND

Ella Cordice is counted as homicide #5 for the year.

THE POLICE SAY THEY are conducting investigations the shooting death of a woman in Diamond.

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

Donald C. Miller stands proudly in front of part of his collection of “stolen” artefacts.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.