THE VINCENTIAN PDF-24-09-21

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER

24, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.38

Oxygen challenge Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

No salary increase Page 6

Police update skills Page 14

EC$1.50

Promotion for Vincy Prof Page 15

Gov’t must pay Page 17

RSVGPF MOURNS LOSS OF OFFICERS TO COVID-19

Sgt. Lawrence Thomas Stories by GLORIAH… COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, Mr. Colin John, has issued the agonizing

statement that, “To lose one officer is extremely difficult, but to lose another one in a matter of two days is very devastating.”

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and its Auxiliary Forces are currently mourning the loss of two police officers to the deadly COVID-19 disease. Dead are the late Sergeant of Police, Mr. Lawrence Thomas, No. 569; and Corporal of Police, Mr. Keith Matthews, No. 584.

According to a release issued by the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the RSVGPF, Thomas who was unvaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 on 17th September. He died on 20th September after complaining of breathing difficulty. At the time of his death, he was stationed at the Calliaqua Police Station in the South Central Division.

The second officer, Keith Matthews, succumbed to complications of the illness while warded at the Intensive Care Unit of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The RSVGPF release acknowledged that Matthews was attached to the Fire Station at the

Argyle International Airport.

The RSVGPF has acknowledged the extent of the loss of the two officers to the organization. About Thomas who had enlisted in the “Force” on July 15, 1991, it stated, “Throughout his career, he worked at the Narcotics Unit, Colonaire Police Station, Sandy Bay Police Station, Central Police Station, Ottley Hall Sub-Station and the Fountain Mobile Unit.”

Matthews enlisted in the RSVGPF on 15th October, 2010. He was touted as “a hard and dedicated worker who loyally served the organization and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past ten years and eleven months.

CoP, Mr. Colin John has registered the loss by saying, “Police officers are on the frontlines every day dealing with reports and interacting with members of the public. It is imperative that we take every precaution necessary to protect Cpl. Keith Matthews ourselves, our families and the general public from the coronavirus.” by extension, to officers of all ranks of Sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of both officers, and the RSVGPF.

COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS MOUNTING

AS PER A HEALTH SERVICES Subcommittee release, “one hundred and seven (107) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from four hundred and ninety (495) samples processed on Tuesday September 21st, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 21.6%. All cases are contacts of positives or persons seeking care”.

There are currently nineteen (19) patients admitted for COVID-19 at the AIF. Eighteen (18) are unvaccinated and one (1) patient is partially vaccinated.

A further five (5) patients have been admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. All are unvaccinated and the

vaccination status of one (1) patient is awaiting verification.

The report said that “six hundred and ninety-seven (697) cases are currently active and seventeen (17) persons with COVID-19 have died. Three thousand seventyone (3071) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, three hundred and fifty-seven (2357) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.”

Daily COVID-19 reports continue to show an alarming trend in the increase in positivity rates from individuals tested. By May 2021, COVID-19 deaths had stayed at 12 until an increase

to 14 was recorded last week.

Get vaccinated!!

Meanwhile, a report dated September 22, 2020 showed that up to that date 33,077 persons had been vaccinated — 19,984 having received the first dose and 13,096 the second — across the state. .

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, in an NBC news interview this week, appealed to persons to join the fight against the disease by getting vaccinated.

“The majority of cases we are seeing in St. Vincent are for persons who are not vaccinated. The majority of persons who are ill and coming in, presenting to us with coughs and colds and fevers

are persons who are not vaccinated she intimated,” she stressed, adding, “So I really urge persons to have the vaccine…. You have a wide range and an enormous amount of vaccines.”

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Diplomatic Relations

SVG welcomes new ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador

THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS and Foreign Trade welcomed the newly accredited Resident Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Mr. Peter Shai-Li Lan. On Monday, 13th September 2021, the Ambassador presented Letters of Credence to Her Excellency, Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The following day, Ambassador Lan made his first public appearance as the newly appointed Ambassador, ROC (Taiwan) by handing over grant assistance in the sum of US$1,288,527.00 on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Grant Assistance Agreement, which was signed by this country’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, will be used for procuring equipment to be deployed by the Ministry of Transport and BRAGSA in the ongoing cleanup process, occasioned by the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.

During his brief remarks,

Ambassador Lan noted the efforts of Taiwan in providing assistance in the form of relief grants, medical equipment and humanitarian supplies, for the relief and recovery efforts after the eruption. Ambassador Lan highlighted that assistance to SVG will continue since this country is currently in the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase following the volcanic eruption.

In this regard, Taiwan is providing support for three major projects: procurement of heavy equipment; repairing of the Rabacca bridge; river cleaning and debris removal (currently under review and preparation).

In highlighting Taiwan’s assistance in recent times, the Prime Minister referenced: the provision of 40,000 surgical masks, 6 thermal imaging devices (currently in use at Argyle International Airport (AIA) for temperature checks), 30 sets of oxygen concentrators, and more toward this country’s response to the COVID-19

H.E. Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General, receives credentials from H.E. Mr. Peter Sha-li Lan, resident Ambassador of the republic of China (Taiwan).

Left: Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and H.E. Ambassador Peter Sha-Li Lan after signing the pandemic; US$300,000.00 Grant Assistance Agreement. pledged to collaborate with ABOUT AMBASSADOR LAN: the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Ambassador Lan holds a Master’s rehabilitation and the reconstruction Degree in Public Health from Harvard process post the eruption of the volcano; grant of US$1,288,527.00 that University in the United States of will be used for the procurement of the America. He has an extensive career in health and diplomacy and held the heavy equipment.

Prime Minister Gonsalves thanked post of Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in the President, the Government and People of Taiwan for their continuous Indonesia, and is a former Deputy support and generosity to this country Director-General, Department of East and noted that the friendship between Asian and Pacific Affairs within the this country and the Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROC (Taiwan). (Article Source: Ministry of (Taiwan) is an enduring friendship.

Foreign Affairs, etc.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . 3.

News 3 Oxygen supply throws up challenges

including oxygen, IV stands, beds, wheelchairs, sheets and body bags.

Concern about the availability of oxygen was paramount given the the shortages pf oxygen in countries that had seen a significant uptick in the number of new COVID-19 cases, and which had put a strain on the health system.

Dr. Gonsalves updated the situation while speaking on the ‘Face to Face’ programme on NBC Radio on September 22, saying that with the recent surge, there was even greater need to ensure that there was sufficient oxygen capacity.

According to Gonsalves, he expected to be updated on this issue A supply of oxygen for use in the delivery of health care is ever so more vital especially as it related to whether oxygen (tanks) during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. had been ordered.

But even as he said AS THIS COUNTRY availability of oxygen. of the country’s that, he indicated that GRAPPLES with a recent Prime Minister Dr health/medical supplies there were some surge in the number of Ralph Gonsalves said and equipment relevant problems in the supply COVID-19 cases, one of during a radio broadcast to the demands of chain due to the global the concerns is the on September 3 that COVID-19. capacity of the health health officials were He said then that the demand for oxygen.

“Some of these tanks system to respond, is the conducting an inventory focus was on everything

NPRBA sites temporarily closed

by GLORIAH… THE NATIONAL PARKS, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) has closed temporarily several tourist sites across St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the general public.

A September 17 media release advised the general public to refrain from visiting the Owia Salt Pond Recreation Park, Dark View Falls, La Soufriere Trail and the Bamboo Range Trail Head.

The Authority sought the cooperation of the public as restoration and rehabilitation work was being undertaken, after the impact on the sites by the recent explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

Additionally, the St. Vincent Botanical Garden was closed on 17th September with an expected 23rd September reopening. This closure was in an effort to ensure

The Botanical Gardens is temporarily closed to facilitate work by the health officials. the safety of all staff while contact tracing was being carried out in keeping with the COVID-19 protocols from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority appreciates the adherence to the COVID-19 protocols by patrons of these facilities.

they will tell you that it may arrive between 40 and 60 days because there was such a high demand for them,” Gonsalves said.

Meanwhile, the PM

assured, health officials and local suppliers are in discussion with the intention of identifying others sources of oxygen.

(DD)

Covid case urges vaccination and testing RECENTLY DIAGNOSED COVID19 case Police Sergeant Renwick Cato, who prosecutes at the Serious Offences Court, is advising his colleagues, and the public in general, to get vaccinated or tested regularly for the virus.

“Those who want Sergeant Renwick Cato, to take the who is currently a COVIDvaccination must 19 case in quarantine, fully not delay. Do so supports taking the COVIDsoonest. If you don’t 19 vaccine. want to take it, you must test regularly,” he advised during a telephone conversation on Wednesday with THE VINCENTIAN from his home, where he is quarantined.

The police officer of several years’ experience, who is attached to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), also made an appeal to persons to follow all the relevant health protocols which include proper use of face masks, regular hand sanitizing and social distancing.

Interestingly, he was scheduled to take his vaccination last Friday, but unfortunately that plan, according to Cato, had to be shelved, as he was instead tested, having come into contact with someone close to him, who was later diagnosed with COVID-19.

Cato received his results on Sunday, confirming that he too was COVID-19 positive.

Cato said that based on how soon he recovers, he would have between three to six months to take the vaccination, but he assured, “I am definitely going to take it.”

Cato was in good spirit when THE VINCENTIAN spoke to him on Wednesday.

When asked how he feels, he said, “I am doing well. I have a tasteless mouth and a cold. I am confident that I will recover within my quarantine period.”

Cato said he was grateful for the prayers and concerns expressed by his colleagues and friends.

He said that within the last four days or so, he had received numerous phone calls from well-wishers and concerned persons.

As a result of Cato being tested positive for COVID-19, the Serious Offences Court and the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court were closed on Monday and Tuesday.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Court backlog worrying been traversed, adding to the backlog.

THE BACKLOG of matters Justice Cottle told at the High Court Criminal many of the persons Assizes continues to be a arraigned on Tuesday major worry, and has that the Court would not become more problematic be able to get to their since the declaration of matters at the current the COVID-19 pandemic in sitting of the Assizes, as March 2020. there are many other Most of the 24 matters matters which were filed down for arraignment before theirs to which last Tuesday were the Court is also trying traversed to the next to attend. sitting of the Criminal The Judge said there Assizes scheduled to are many criminal begin in January 2022, matters for trial. “There’s while others were fixed a backlog, and there are for case management only two Judges, and one procedures expected to Judge could only hear be heard before the end one matter at the time”. of 2021.

The prosecuting team, Many other matters led by Director of Public from previous sittings of Prosecutions (DPP) the Assizes had already Sejilla McDowall made

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett went straight back to work after his court did not sit for two days.

“Remain safe,” Magistrate urges SENIOR MAGISTRATE Rickie Burnett is urging persons connected to the Court to be safe.

Burnett’s comments came on Wednesday at the resumption of the Kingstown Magistrate Court after that court and the Serious Offences Court did not sit on Monday and Tuesday.

The Courts were adjourned on Monday as Prosecutor Sergeant Renrick Cato, attached to the Serious Offences Court, was tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are here to work, not to be at home, but while we do our work, I trust that all of us will remain safe,” the Magistrate urged, before calling any matters.

The Serious Offences Court had also resumed sittings on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Cato, during a telephone conversation with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday assured that he was doing well, and was confident that he will recover within the quarantine period.

But persons with matters in both Courts were not pleased when they turned up on Monday and Tuesday and met the Court rooms closed, and no explanation given.

“They could at least put a notice on the door, or on the radio to say no Court today,” one woman commented.

(HH)

their appearance virtually via video link, and they complained from time to time that they were having difficulty in hearing portions of what was being said during the proceedings, resulting in some of it having to be repeated.

Justice Cottle commented, “I don’t think this will work for trials. It will work just for the arraignment.”

Many of the persons who were arraigned on Tuesday were unrepresented.

The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, and the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano from

‘Mitch’ not represented at arraignment Mitchel ‘Mitch’ Israel is expected to return to the High Court for a case management conference.

THE MATTER involving former public servant Mitchel ‘Mitch’ Israel who has been charged with the murder of his wife Arianna Taylor-Israel, was among a number of cases at Tuesday’s High Court arraignment which were fixed for case management.

This procedure is done to determine the state of readiness of those matters, and the case management conferences are likely to be held before December.

Attorney Dr. Linton Lewis represented the accused at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), heard before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court.

However, at the High Court arraignment on Tuesday, Israel was not represented.

When Justice Brian Cottle inquired of Israel on the issue, he maintained that he was represented by Dr. Lewis, and had tried to make arrangements with Lewis for the arraignment, but the lawyer was not in Court on Tuesday.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sejilla McDowall and other members of the prosecuting team appeared virtually (via

video link) for the arraignment. The DPP said that the matter will definitely be traversed to the next sitting of the Criminal Assizes scheduled to begin in January, 2022.

Justice Cottle then told Israel that he will fix a case management conference to be heard before the end of the year, which he and his lawyer could attend.

Israel pleaded not guilty to the charge when he was arraigned on Tuesday.

Taylor-Israel, a Cuban national who was employed here as a nurse, was reportedly shot several times on the compound of the St. Martin Secondary School, around 3pm on January 30 last year.

(HH)

April 9 to April 22 had affected regular High Court sitting.

Justice Cottle and Justice Angelica Teelucksingh Ramoutar presided over last Tuesday’s arraignment.

Justice Brian Cottle lamented the backlog of cases before the High Court Criminal Assizes which is served by two Justices, he included.

POLICE NEWS Ongoing investigations into burglary POLICE are investigating a report of burglary made by a 37-year-old pilot of Arnos Vale on 17th September 2021.

Preliminary investigations revealed that between 9:00 p.m on the 15th September 2021 and 10.30 a.m on the 16th September 2021 some unknown person(s) entered the dwelling house of the said pilot as a trespasser and stole one (1) Hatachi Miter chop saw valued $3,500.00EC, one (1) Makita table saw valued $4,000.00EC, one (1) electric plane valued $2,200.00EC, one (1) 1500 watt transformer valued $1,000EC, one (1) Bosch router set valued $2,700.00EC and one (1) Dewalt jigsaw valued $1,200.00EC, total value $14,600.00EC. The property of a 61-year-old retiree of Green Hill. The incident occurred at Arnos Vale.

Persons with information pertaining to this investigation are asked to contact the Assistant Commissioner in Charge of Crimes at 1784-4561339 or the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department at 1784-456-1810 or any Police Station or Police Officer you are comfortable with. All information will be treated confidentially.

Security Guard arrested & charged ON 17TH SEPTEMBER 2021, police arrested and charged Simeon McCree, 29-year-old Security Guard of Bonhomme with grievous bodily harm.

According to investigations, the accused man allegedly unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on 42 years old unemployed of the same address by stabbing him in his left eye with a knife. The incident occurred on 14th September 2021 at Bonhomme.

The accused appeared before the Calliaqua Magistrate Court on 20th September 2021 to answer to the charge and pleaded not guilty. The matter was adjourned to Monday, September 27th, 2021. Station bail was continued.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 5.

Regional

Unions reject LIAT’s offer REGIONAL trade unions representing former employees of the cashstrapped regional airline, LIAT, say they rejected the latest offer by Caribbean shareholder governments to meet their financial obligations to the laid off workers.

The airline laid off an estimated 90 per cent of its staff last year as part of a restructuring exercise and resumed operations on a much smaller scale.

President of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU),

Donald Rolle, said that the regional unions are united in seeking the millions of dollars owed to the workers and have rejected the latest offer from the shareholder governments.

“We had a meeting of regional trade unions that represent the members in the different islands and we have all concluded that we are preparing to write to the shareholder governments a joint communique that will express our position as it relates to the offer on table by the LIAT (1974) Limited is under Administration since July 24, 2020.

governments and shareholders,” Rolle said on the state-owned DBS radio.

“The offer on table which is to pay the LIAT workers, 50 per cent of their redundancy pay and there is a component that involves compensation by issuing of lands and bonds.

“But the unions around the Caribbean have sort of rejected that in its entirety, but we are in negotiations with the governments. We have a position and as it is now we are at opposite ends of the table,” Rolle said.

“I can say we are united as unions around the Caribbean…and that

gives us some sort of solidarity in moving forward. Redundancy does not come by 50 per cent, the employer has to pay the employee what is due by law”.

He said emanating from the latest round of talks among the unions, “the consensus is we are demanding the 100 per cent (and) from the union’s stand point and perspective I am very hopeful, (but) that does not make it a reality,” Rolle said.

In June last year, the shareholder governments acknowledged that the Antigua-based LIAT, owed an estimated EC$94 million (One EC

Donald Rolle, President of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU), presented the workers position to the media. (Credit: Da Vibes) dollar=US$0.37 cents) in severance and holiday payment to its staff, but the court-appointed administrator, Cleveland Seaforth, has already indicated that the company would be unable to meet that payment. (Credit: CMC)

Opposition wins Bahamas General Elections PHILLIP “Brave” Davis will be the fifth Prime Minister of The Bahamas as his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) won

the September 16, 202i general elections in that CARICOM member state.

Outgoing Prime

New Prime Minister of The Bahamas Phillip Davis, his wife and son strike a celebratory pose on Election night. (Credit: The PLP)

Minister Hubert Minnis of the Free National Movement (FNM), conceded defeat in a phone call to Davis shortly after 9 pm last Thursday, election day.

In the last general election, Minnis had led the FNM to a convincing 35-4 margin for control of the 39-seat Parliament.

Unofficial preliminary results on Thursday showed that the PLP had won 32 of the seats with seven going to the FNM. In his congratulatory speech in which he thanked all the PLP candidates and supporters for reversing the “dark days” of 2017, Davis, an attorney, told the electorate that they had voted “with brave hearts, hearts full of hope for our country. You

voted for a new day, new beginning. We are a nation and a people yearning for renewal. It is time to face our challenges and face them head-on. We will do so with humility, but also with determination.”

In a statement to the media after his concession, Minnis said: “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of Bahamians from across The Bahamas who voted for Free National Movement candidates. I also congratulate the FNM candidates who won seats in the House of Assembly.”

“Our party presented its vision for the future to Bahamians from the northern islands of Grand Bahama and

Abaco, all the way to the southern islands of MICAL. The people determined that they preferred the Progressive Liberal Party. My party and I accept that result.

We are proud of our record the past four-plus years.”

Minnis had defended his decision to call an early general election even as the country continues to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Critics, including some of the country’s foremost physicians, had expressed grave concerns that the public healthcare system will continue to teeter on the verge of collapse as they predict increased virus cases.

The elections were

Hubert Minnis, outgoing Prime Minister, conceded victory to his opponent on election night. (Credit: Tribune, Bahamas) observed by several teams including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

(Sources: Bahamas News, Caribbean News Agencies)

Antigua requires vaccine before entry FROM OCTOBER 1, all arriving passengers to Antigua and Barbuda will be required to have at least one

dose of a World Health organisationapproved vaccine.

These new protocols also apply to passengers in transit to Montserrat.

In an update to its entry protocols last Those wishing to travel to and spend time in Antigua and Barbuda must be vaccinated in order to be allowed entry to that Caribbean state.

week, the twin-island stated that all passengers including returning nationals and residents must have at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine or a single dose vaccine to be permitted entry into the country.

Children below the age of 18 are exempted from this requirement.

All arriving passengers by air must also have a PCR test taken within four days of their flight. This does not apply to children below the age of five.

Fully vaccinated passengers entering Antigua and Barbuda who can present verifiable documentation that they have received both doses of a World Health Organization (WHO) or the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE) approved

two-dose COVID 19 vaccine or one dose of a single dose COVD 19 vaccine and have a COVID-l9 RT-PCR negative test result will be allowed to stay at bio-safe/certified accommodation.

Partially vaccinated visitors will be allowed to stay at Certified Accommodation/Lodging.

Visitors are required to observe all protocols during their stay and patronize only COVID-19 certified businesses such as restaurants and excursions for the duration of their trip.

The new protocols also affect those travelling to Montserrat as Antigua and Barbuda is the only gateway for the island.

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Hard times ahead: No salary increase

Gonsalves on WE FM, Issue at Hand radio programme.

“So it is in your interest, from a salary perspective, to return to normalcy as soon as possible… so that the economy can return to growth…. as so that we can make the Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves adjustment necessary in your salary, alluded to hard times ahead but in everybody’s salary to allow you to sounded encouraged by have the same amount of money to Government’s fiscal position. buy things, because they are getting more expensive,” the Finance Minister MINISTER OF FINANCE, Camillo noted.

Gonsalves, has warned Vincentians of He told listeners that St. Vincent hard times ahead, fueled by increased and the Grenadines can only have inflation and the government’s inability “some sense of normalcy in our to give salary increase. internal economy, in our trade “Because of COVID-19, relations, and in our tourism economy, intentionally, globally there are if we get some sense of normalcy with increases in inflation….. increases in a vaccine against COVID-19. And until the cost of shipping things, increases we do that, we’re going to be in serious in the cost of delivering things to St. trouble.

Vincent. Inflation will increase, and Gonsalves said that the vaccine and until we can get some sense of the control of COVID have a very normalcy in our economy, we, the government, are not going to be able to direct relationship with salaries, the give cost of living increases.. . So you ability of the government to hire new people, and with the ability of the will find your salary paying for less private sector to retain the staff that than it paid for a year ago,” said they have now.

in 2021.

Further, last year, the government collected about EC$12 million from Stamp Duty, compared to EC$39 And while he made clear the challenges ahead, Minister Gonsalves million in the corresponding period this year. noted with some relief that Revenue As for capital expenditure, and Grants as of Aug. 31 stood at $474 million, about $72 million higher than Gonsalves said that two years ago that reached EC$35 million; it stands at last year.

EC$105 million so far this year.

A significant portion of the $474 “So we’re spending a whole lot more million was attributed to grants money than we would ordinarily spend related to the La Soufriere, he at this time of the year….. and that’s admitted. just what the accountants have “Another big boost was the Alien already brought to book. I suspect the Land Holding Licence and Stamp number is closer to $150, $160 million Duty, mostly generated from the sale already spent this year……… So while of property in Mustique,” our revenue has gone up slightly, a lot Gonsalves disclosed that around of it is due to, as I said, aid and grants this period last year the Alien Land that we received from the volcano and Holding Licence column reflected EC$4 million compared to $23 million the UN,” Gonsalves noted. (KH)

Government Revenue/Expenditure

Tablets damaged… other concerns TWO CHALLENGES have been identified as students prepare for the possible return to online instructions.

Face to face instructions are scheduled to commence on October 4, however with the ongoing trend which shows a spike in COVID-19 transmissions, many question the possibility of students being able to return to the classroom.

The other has to do with the tablets that were distributed a few months ago, to students across the school system.

And according to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, there are reports of damage to some of the tablets and further to that, he is concerned that they are being used for ‘things’ other that purposed related to education.

In making his observations during the September 19 edition of the Issues at Hand programme on WE FM, Minister Gonsalves said, “And so, we cannot assume that all the students have devices [and] that is something that we have to get a handle on.”

He further said that the authorities were trying to ascertain the number of tablets that have been damaged and need to be replaced.

And while speaking on the issued of online classes, Gonsalves said that there was some effort in trying to get from the Ministry of Education some consistency in the way education was being delivered to students remotely.

Some 17,000 tablets were expected to be rolled out to students here.

“Because some (students) are having classes all day, others are an hour or two online.”

The Finance Minister who is also responsible for the Information and Technology portfolio said, he had been informed that some teachers were recording 15-minute instructions and sending them to parents to then disseminate to the students.

“The discrepancies are wide and varied and we are trying to obviously optimally get the students back into school, but if we have to do remote learning, we have to try our best to have some standardization so that students will have some equality in what they have to do online,” Gonsalves said. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 7.

News

A look into the new La Soufrière crater – September 7, 2021. (Photo Credit: SRC UWI)

La Soufrière continues to settle down

by GLORIAH…

DR. THOMAS CHRISTOPHER. Lead Scientist monitoring the La Soufrière volcano, gave an interesting update on the status of the volcano when he spoke on Eyeing La Soufrière, a programme of NBC Radio, on Wednesday, September 15.

His report detailed that “a few small earthquakes” that “weren’t even picked up on the instruments” had occurred since his previous update.

Additionally, the rain on the mountain caused some “phreatic activity”, where hot material interacted with the water and generated steam explosions and steaming.

He referenced this by saying, “There were a few of these steam clouds in Larakai on Saturday and I’m not sure how many people saw that.

I’m guessing it would have been on a much smaller scale to what happen maybe last month, …roughly a month ago when people were thinking that the volcano was acting up.”

He referred to the Saturday, 14th August appearance of a huge, allwhite cloud in the same area where huge ash plumes had been appearing after the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.

Signs of the settling of the volcano were noted as the values of the Sulphur dioxide fluxes were just over 200 tons per day. Dr. Christopher affirmed that, “All of the data we’re seeing seems to suggest once again that things are petering out.”

The volcanologist also mentioned

the deposits in the Larakai and Walibou rivers, and cautioned that the heat present there could be dangerous.

“I’m not sure if you appreciate the volume of material that went down Larakai or even Walibou but, these river beds have been raised considerably,” he said.

‘What happens is when the rains comes and the water starts gullying into the loose material it gets down into the hotter parts,” he explained, continuing to say that despite this heat, the surface, maybe up to about six inches, cools fairly quickly over weeks.

He cautioned, however, “So if you were to walk on it, although I don’t recommend that, …. you should be ok, but if for some reason you were able to get your foot down into it then you would have a serious problem.”

This he explained was because the water is actually “excavating down into the interior of the deposits and interacting with the hot material that’s still there. If the conditions are right, you will get these steam explosions.”

He admitted that he is yet to ascend the crater since his return to SVG positing that a climb to the summit of the volcano would be more productive after the . . multi-gas equipment which was designed for a permanent installation that can be switched on and off from any computer with the correct software, is complete.

The Volcano Hazard Level has been reduced to Yellow but the La Soufrière volcano is still off limits to the general public.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

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

RSVGPF and international protocol PASTOR EZEKIEL CREESE, in his Sunday Message (September 19, 2021), was especially forthcoming with his strong colouring of the behaviour of some members of the SVG Royal Police Force, wondering aloud whether there were Tonton Macoute and Mongoose Gang type clusters operating within its rank and file.

For those who might not know, the Tonton Macoutes was a paramilitary force founded in 1959 in Haiti by then President François “Papa Doc” Duvalier. The group reported only to the president and was fully empowered to use unremitting violence to maintain “Papa Doc’s” administration, through summarily disposing of its enemies. It was disbanded in 1986.

The Mangoose Gang, established in 1967, was a notorious group pf henchmen who was known to be personal thugs of Premier of Grenada Erica Gairy. Officially, Mongoose Gang members were called Special Reserve Police (S.R.P.) or Volunteer Constables.

The gang’s main objective was to intimidate and attack those who opposed Gairy, particularly key members of the New Jewel Movement (NJM) which overthrew Gairy’s government by armed revolt in 1979, the same year the Mongoose Gang was said to have disbanded.

To his credit, the Pastor did not say there were Tonton Macoutes and/or Mangoose Gang clusters in the RSVGPL, but he sounded particularly peeved with the behaviour of the police towards the protestors, who had taken to the street to vent their opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for frontline workers, and to bring into the public purview what they claimed to be a breakdown in the rule of law.

This publication has previously found cause to raise alarm about the response of the police during and after the recent protest, and the possible repercussions.

We now raise here the question about whether our Police Force adheres to the international protocol as it relates to the use of

force and firearms, and as contained in the United Nations Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Police Expanded Pocket Book on Human Rights, 2004.

Taking a lead from that Pocket Book, we ask: Does the Force insist that it members ‘use all non-violent means’ to address a people’s protest and are made to understand, and practise, that ‘force is to be used only when strictly necessary… to be used only for lawful law enforcement purposes’?

Are ‘all officers trained in the use of non-violent means’?

That there shall be ‘no exceptions or excuses allowed for unlawful use of force’ and that ‘use of force shall always be proportional to lawful objectives’?

And are our officers taught that ‘restraint is to be exercised in the use of force’, and ‘that damage and injury are to be minimized’ if not avoided?

Is a ‘range of means for differentiated use of force’ made available to the law officers’ and are ‘all officers trained in the use of the various means for differentiated use of force’?

Is it accepted that ‘accountability for the use of force and firearms’ is a requirement and not an exception?

And is it a given that ‘all incidents of the use of force or firearms shall be reported to and reviewed by superior officials’?

And that ‘superior officials shall be held responsible for the actions of police under their command if the superior official knew or should have known of abuses but failed to take concrete action’?

In accordance with the Pocket Book, would ‘officers who refuse unlawful superior orders be given immunity’?

And as for officers ‘who commit abuses of these rules,’ are they to be excused ‘on the grounds that they were following superior orders’?

Is there an opened-minded, freethinking citizen of this country that would not suggest that it is time for some introspection on the path of the RSVG Police Force?

Healthcare practitioners deserve our thanks

by HORATIO SKEETE FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I must admit I had a strained relationship with the medical profession in SVG. You see, I partially blamed them for Suzan’s (my sister) death because of the lack of functioning diagnostic equipment and poor service, among other things. So when I heard the nurses were threatening to go out on strike over the mandatory vaccine requirements, I was ambivalent. “Let them go on strike; the people who need them will not truly miss them based on the low level of treatment they (the people) are currently receiving,” I said to my friend, based on my personal experience.

Then my friend asked me, “Is your problem with the nurses or the system?”

Forced to re-examine my position, I concluded that I was mad at everything and everyone for no good reason.

Retracting my impressions A closer look at the medical profession in the face of great uncertainty reveals that the spirit of Florence Nightingale is alive and well among the nurses; they have been providing the best services they can despite the structural shortcomings in our healthcare system.

You see, this pandemic and a kind reminder from a friend have caused me to pull back a bit and look through a more comprehensive set of lenses. Thanks, Wayne.

Nurses and other health care professionals have been advocating for living in a clean environment for as long as I can remember. Good handwashing technique is all over mainstream and social media and at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

During this pandemic, I have seen nurses struggle to deliver critical care to people in the Bahamas in some challenging conditions. I saw patients receiving oxygen under a tent in the parking lot of the Princess Margaret Hospital during a tropical storm. I know we are not at that stage in SVG and hope we never get there, but our public behavior, in general, does not give me much hope. I dread the day when the pandemic truly arrives in its full bluster.

We have had lots of chances to do the right thing. Please do so, and I strongly advocate for everyone taking the vaccine.

Doing the right thing A few weeks ago, you (healthcare

professionals) were invited to withhold your services from the general public for four days, and for the most part, you chose not to for a variety of reasons. I will not judge you or the forces that led you to that decision, but I will thank you.

Thank you for choosing service over self.

Thank you for trusting that the good you do every day is greater than the petty argument about vaccination.

I hope that the government will recognize your commitment to your profession, give you the respect you deserve, and sit down with you to work out a viable alternative to mandatory vaccination.

We have heard your cries for help to ensure safe working conditions; many of you have been asked to do what no health- care worker of this generation has been asked to do before. We also heard you loud and clear that mandatory vaccination is not the answer. So let’s work together to find an acceptable solution, and most importantly, let us begin to plan for the immediate future.

The road ahead All indications are we are about to be hit hard by the virus.

The days ahead could be rough. You will be asked to work longer hours. You will possibly have to watch people die in relatively high numbers. You could be faced with some decisions never before conceived, like what do you do when two or more patients need a ventilator and you only have one more available. You will do the best you can.

Look, the stress from this pandemic is just beginning to enter your lives as frontline professionals. Our blessing as a nation is that we have had a lot of time to get ready. Some may say, too much time has also been our curse. We have been waiting for a long time in fearful anticipation of the worst, and it has not materialized to date. If only we could continue to be lucky.

I want to offer my heartfelt thank you to our frontline health care professionals for their responsible acts of care and kindness. Thank you in advance for holding the hands of our loved ones who will die without us by their sides. Thank you for continuing to be there when we needed you, and thank you for caring.

When this is over, I hope that as a group you will still be energized enough to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead to enhance your profession, and implement some of the lessons learned.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 9.

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Hard Covid Oh no, Professor times Sir Hilary Beckles WE WOKE up this morning not knowing where our next meal was going to come from. We used to depend on the crumbs from Papa’s table but Papa himself must be experiencing hard times. Often, we would come out at nights to look for food but everywhere we searched we could not find anything. The place was squeaky clean. It appeared that they must have swept the place well. They mopped too. Furthermore, the entire place was sanitized.

We could search the business garbage to see if the shopkeepers threw away any expired goods but it appeared that they were using them all up for themselves. The next place to look was the household garbage. Here we hoped to find leftovers. However, they seemed to have washed even empty cans. We learned that some were using food scraps to compost for their kitchen gardens.

We seemed to be targeted during this Pandemic. We thought we had an important role as a host for the Coronavirus but everywhere they looked in our population no coronavirus was found. Could we not even be considered as vectors to carry the virus?

Gleanings from productive farmers was another source of food for us, but since they said that Agriculture was a thing of the past, fewer farmers were into production. This meant that less food was available. The few farmers who produced were under pressure and may have suffered great losses from praedial larceny. When we raided a farm, it was often devastating and they took drastic measures such as setting poison to kill us out.

We used to benefit from the large food waste from the tourists, but since fewer tourists were arriving, less food was available. We suspected that they were careful not to produce any food waste.

It is often said that every mouth must be fed, but at the rate we are going we, the rat population would be experiencing extreme poverty. The prognosis for our neighbours, the Roaches and Ants is not any better. We are all in danger of becoming extinct.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

YOU WILL excuse me Mr. Editor for this rather delayed response to this issue. When I first read it, I was taken aback but decided that I would allow it to pass for what it was apparently originally intended. However, as my thoughts kept returning to it, I felt incumbent to say something on the issue.

The issue to which I refer is that letter from the Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The University of the West Indies, in which, on behalf of the University, he expressed dismay and disappointed with the action that resulted in injury to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a protest in Kingstown.

The Professor condemned the action against the PM, and rightfully so, but also muddied his water and that of the University with clear partisan support of Dr. Gonsalves.

Here, inter alia, is what Dr. Beckles wrote: “The University of the West Indies is dismayed and disappointed with the development in Kingstown, St Vincent, that resulted in physical injury to the nation’s distinguished Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

“The event that featured the hurling of a missile intended to injure Dr. Gonsalves constituted an act of hooliganism against his

Is this just and ethical?

YOU PURCHASE data/credit plan from the telephone companies and you build up data over a period of time.

Then you realize you’ve lost everything and you are informed by the service provider, “In order to maintain your accumulated data, you need to buy data/credit by a certain time.”

What the heck!!! I paid for the accumulated data; it’s mine!!

This cell thing smells and it’s not just or ethical.

I feel robbed.

It smells and I feel like I now have to operate like a crackhead, having to top up (seek a fix) on time, for fear of losing the data I already paid for.

Am I the only one who has a problem with this?

citizenry to get on board the vaccination bus.

The way I see it is that in our fight against the COVID19 pandemic, our government has responded out of habit rather than with carefully thought-out plans. As a

Rally round the nurses

A Simple Man

Gray

Responses lack trust

IT IS WITHOUT question, given that to date we have just crossed the 30,000 mark as far as COVID-19 vaccinated residents are concerned, that government cannot boast of having convinced the general

Thomas

attitude has changed and I wonder what is responsible for it.

I think what is needed now is for the government and the opposition to work together in a national campaign to encourage acceptance of the vaccine. We must see this pandemic as a national concern, a national crisis and not a political issue.

We need to unite if we want to beat this COVID-19 scourge.

Mandatory vaccination alternative than to make the vaccine mandatory.

Governments are so stretched; they are going all out to safeguard the health of the nation. I understand that some OECS members are considering amending their constitutions to support laws requiring their citizens to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

It’s funny but I seem to recall that we were all enthusiastic about the vaccine. Many people voice their support for it. This

condemnation of the abuse of protestors by the police?

I do not recall Professor Sir Hilary Beckles condemning those responsible for physically removing the opposition members from this country’s parliament.

Is this not being partial?

I suppose Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has the authority to make statements on behalf of The UWI, but he ought to be sensitive about what he says so that he does not end up involving the university in something that is in so much ‘adoration’ for any one Caribbean leader.

IF THERE is one set of public sector workers that the government should make sure that they get their salaries is the nurses. As a matter of fact if it is possible they should get something extra.

I say this because the nurses are on the front line of fighting this COVID-19 disease and their lives are at risk. If people don’t realize it the nurses are the ones who prevent the death of Vincentians from this dreaded disease… and they don’t care if you are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

So while there are those outside who continue to make noise about the vaccine and whether it should be compulsory for some workers, the nurses have to do what they are trained to do and that is care for the sick and the dying.

All other public sector workers should rally around the nurses. The lives of the nurses are more at risk than any other average worker.

Public sector workers should unite around the nurses and don’t display a crab in a barrel mentality. I know it’s hard for everyone but the lives of nurses are more at risk — and that’s the truth.

WW - Cellphone Subscriber

WITH ALL the noise about mandatory vaccination for frontline workers here, it might be good if we recognize that this action by our government is no different from action in other countries.

The way I see it, Mr. Editor, is like this: the drastic increase in COVID-19 cases is due to the Delta variant and now the MU and the ongoing refusal of the majority of our people to accept the vaccine. This leaves the government with little or no

personhood and vandalism against the collective nationhood.

“The university community condemns the dastardly action and joins with the resilient and heroic people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. They have risen, time and time again, to validate the leadership of the ‘comrade’ who has provided, for decades, a model of progressive postcolonial democratic politics.

“It is cowardly for any individual, interest group, or opposition force to resort to stonethrowing… .”

Why does Professor Sir Hilary Beckles think he should take the University down such and open and unambiguous position in favour of a government?

Why could he not stop at condemning the action against Dr. Gonsalves and not extend himself to glorifying Dr. Gonsalves?

Where is Professor Sir Hilary Beckles’

result, those responses lack a spirit of trust and are unable to instill confidence in the public, leading further to the current worrying nonacceptance of the vaccine by the majority of residents.

We have got to a point in

what we would like to think as our fight against COVID19, when we sound uncertain and those with political authority have given in to being expedient by relating narratives that are not far off from making no sense.

Look at where we are: this little country of ours has been thrown into a ‘we-and-them’

conflict. Is this the result of too many instances of double standards when it comes to enforcement of COVID-19 protocols?

All is not lost. We can still rise above the rhetoric and lead this country back to some normalcy.

H. Williams

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Let’s work towards population immunity Introduction AS WE PREPARE our country to take advantage of the boost expected in travel and economic activity beyond this period of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of vaccination is becoming increasingly evident as a critical element in our preparation.

Since the declaration of the pandemic in January of 2020, the dynamic has been one of decline, stability and spike, in no particular order, with a variety of new strains of the virus being discovered. There were moments when developed countries believed that the virus was under control, only to be faced with a new strain and a significant spike in new infections, bringing with it new rounds of curfews, lockdowns or states of emergencies. Leaders in this region who adopted lockdowns as a first response to the virus, swiftly recognised that the virus would be around for a long time to come and accepted that individuals, communities, countries had to “learn to live well with COVID”. Thanks to the technologies and modern science, a number of vaccines were developed, through the normal process, including testing and certification by the various agencies, authorising them for use in the fight against the coronavirus. This welcome development in vaccine technology, was the silver lining that the world was hoping for and offered hope of a return to life, without the restrictions imposed by this deadly virus. Now the challenge that lies ahead is getting a large enough percentage of the population vaccinated so that this country can achieve population immunity.

effect or reduced transmission, hospitalisations and deaths. Countries that have been able to vaccinate a large enough section of their population have reported significant reduction in every aspect, and are returning to normal, an indication that the vaccines are effective and safe.

Getting back to normalcy

Having endured a very challenging 15 months since the declaration of a pandemic, this country like other countries around the globe is doing what it can to return things to a sense of normalcy. The Health, Economic, Social and Security (HESS) challenges that have confronted this country have been unprecedented and have created much strain on every aspect of life. The reality is, that people in key industries need to get back to work that have been on hold since last year; the tourism industry is trying to restart, schools need to be opened and the demands on the health system need to be normalised. With this country in the middle of what seems to be a spike, the encouragement from the Government is that Vincentians should get vaccinated so that we can achieve population immunity. In tourism for example, travelling individuals are more and more requesting that service providers in hotels, etc. be vaccinated and the even more general trend is for health workers, frontline workers and other workers interacting heavily with the general public to do the same. It is a Vaccines are safe and effective reality, that the longer it takes our country to achieve population The Government of Saint Vincent immunity, the longer it takes for our and the Grenadines, headed by Prime health, education, transport and Minister Gonsalves, was able to general economic systems to start secure thousands of doses of vaccines functioning in a normal way. It to begin the process of vaccinating our appears that this country has become citizens. The primary vaccine used by a victim of our own success, as the the Ministry of Health is the excellent handling of Covid-19 by the Cambridge AstraZeneca vaccine, ULP administration has so far although a much smaller number of resulted in very few deaths when doses of the Russian Sputnik V compared to infections, seen financial vaccine was also ordered. Reports so support offered to individuals whose far from the trials and active use of incomes were impacted and a general the AstraZeneca vaccine globally, reorganising of systems avoiding suggests that it has an efficacy rate of curfews, lockdowns and states of 82% after both doses. The BBC emergencies. But this should not reports that the Russian Sputnik V encourage complacency. Instead we vaccine has an efficacy rate of 92% should be encouraged to go the next after receiving both doses. This means step and get vaccinated to augment that both vaccines provide significant the previously adhered-to protocols of protection against transmission of hand hygiene, mask wearing and Covid-19, hospitalisation due to severe social distancing. The faster way back illness and death. While in some to the fully functioning society that we countries there have been reports of all long for is through population temporary stoppages in the usage of immunity by individuals taking the the AstraZeneca vaccine because of vaccine. blood clots in individuals taking the vaccine, there have been very little Conclusion evidence, if any, showing a link between the vaccine and the blood There is no shortage of conspiracy clots. In almost every instance, the theories, mis-information and disuse of the vaccines resumed and information out there that continue to millions of people around the world frustrate the vaccination drive of this are currently vaccinated with the Cambridge AstraZeneca and Sputnik country. The Ministry of Health, continues to do excellent work in V vaccines. The Government has announced that it has ordered doses of educating and informing Vincentians the Moderna vaccine that can also be of the benefits of taking the vaccines and go a step further by taking the used on younger members of our vaccine to the people making it easy population including the older for anyone to get vaccinated. The students in secondary schools.

Hundreds of millions of people around choice to get vaccinated is a personal one, so you are continually encouraged the world have taken one of the Covid-19 vaccines available, and apart to make that choice to protect yourself, your love ones, your from the stated side effects which community and your country, by have been generally mild, but getting vaccinated. Get vaccinated moderate in a small percentage of cases, they have produced the desired today!

Upsurge in COVID-19 cases: A cause for concern THE UPSURGE in the number of active COVID-19 cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is cause for serious concern.

As of 20th September, there were four hundred and eighty eight (488) active cases and sixteen (16) deaths reported.

It would appear that the policies that the government has implemented since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded, here have failed. There needs to be a more proactive approach by the government in the management of COVID-19. Toward this end, the government can involve the main opposition party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), in the management of COVID- 19, as is being done in other OECS islands.

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that government would embrace this approach.

As it stands, it is about one year and six months since our country recorded its first case of COVID-19.

Over that period, our economic situation has been affected, severely worsening an already far from favourable economic performance, and confining St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the bottom of the OECS economic ladder.

The Minister of Finance confirmed that over four hundred and twenty (420) businesses closed operation during period concerned, causing two thousand seven hundred and fifty four (2,754) persons to join the breadline.

Unemployment in the country is at its highest since St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979, with a youth unemployment rate of 46% according to the IMF. COVID-19 has also meant serious implications for the health sector.

With the limited resources and poor management of the health sector, the recent surge must be worrying for Vincentians, especially for persons in the Grenadines.

Education has also been affected.

The government was forced to move to online teaching. This created problems for teachers, students and parents. Some teachers and students lacked the resources necessary to respectively deliver and access online teaching. With schools set to reopen in October amidst the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, we await a decision from the Ministry of Education.

And then there is the issue of vaccination which is promoted as the way back to normalcy. However, this ULP government has failed miserably in implementing an effective vaccination programme. The government has failed to educate far less convince the masses about the efficacy of the vaccine. So, what have they done? About 3 o’clock in the morning of August 6th, while most people were asleep, the government rushed the passage of the Public Health (Amendment) Bill through parliament. The Bill appears to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for government frontline workers.

The NDP supports vaccination and urges Vincentians to do their own research on the importance of the vaccination and COVID-19, and make an informed decision. The NDP does not support mandatory vaccination.

The NDP is consistent in its approach to the management of COVID-19. Since last year, Dr. Friday has been offering meaningful advice to the government. Below is an article that was published in April, 2020:

Effective Leadership in Time of Crisis Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the New Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition, is providing decisive and inspiring leadership during this COVID-19 crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He has articulated a clear vision and is consistent with the measures that he has put forward to be implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In his March 21, 2021 letter to the Prime Minister, Dr. Friday outlined a number of measures that the government should adopt. These include: * Stricter social distancing controls and guidelines must be advocated publicly and enforced as best we can.

All public gatherings should be discouraged and reduced to only what are necessary to maintain essential public services and promote public health. * Ensure that water is available to all people throughout SVG so that they can comply with the recommended personal hygiene practices * Urgently enable testing for the coronavirus in SVG and begin widespread testing. Priority should be given to those who come into contact with persons who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are suspected of being infected with it. Waiting for symptoms to show before testing is a risky approach that may create more harm. * Explain to the nation what to expect in a worst-case scenario of the spread of the coronavirus in SVG and how government services (especially health services), businesses, transport services and individuals are expected to respond. The participation of seasoned medical, public health and other personnel with related expertise drawn from both civil society and the government service should be enlisted in this effort.

Further, Dr. Friday addressed the nation, during which he advocated that the borders be closed for a short period. He made it clear that our nationals should be allowed to return home.

He said, “Clearly, we are not out of the woods yet– not by a long shot.

This means we must do all we can to protect our people. This requires closing our borders for a while by suspending all arrivals at our airports and seaports, except essential travellers (including nationals) and commerce. We would then review the decision as conditions change. Taking this action now will give us the best chance of avoiding more cases of COVID-19 in SVG and of reducing the risk of an outbreak that may overburden our fragile healthcare system.”

It would appear that the government does not have a conclusive and effective plan to manage COVID-19. It has adopted a cavalier approach, and continues to send mixed messages to Vincentians.

When we look at the measures the other Caricom countries have implemented, we are moved to ask: What is wrong in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? The current approach is dangerous and can lure Vincentians into a false sense of security.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 11.

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Doing well while doing good

“There is no better feeling than doing well while you are doing good. If you really want to meet the nicest, most caring people in your field, get involved with charity work.”— Jay Samit (born 1961) - former Independent Vice Chairman of Deloitte.

enough to help someone in need.

When we do so with purity of NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES EXIST for intention, we readily discover a flood each of us to be involved in acts of of feelings of self-worth that would kindness. We continue to be not normally exist. We feel good encouraged by those among us who when we do good. regularly go out of their way to assist We do understand that there are individuals, groups, and communities. those among us who may seek to Sometimes, they pool their efforts and “show off” their acts of kindness and resources with other likeminded philanthropic initiatives; individuals individuals to meet the needs of those who embark on doing good in order to in society who are considered to be less look good. Kevin DeYoung (born fortunate.

1977), the American author and The citizens of St. Vincent and the reformed theologian, describes it well Grenadines witnessed such efforts when he notes, “I try to keep in my immediately following the April 2021 mind the simple question: Am I eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. trying to do good or make myself look Thousands of the inhabitants from good? Too many of our the northern end of the mainland responsibilities get added to our plate were ushered to evacuation camps at when we are trying to please people, the southern end of the island. impress people, prove ourselves, Individuals, service clubs, and firms acquire power, increase our prestige. immediately rushed to provide much All those motivations are about needed food items, bottled water, looking good more than doing good.” household products, mattresses, and There will always be individuals so on. Assistance also came from who engage in “visible acts of neighbouring territories and beyond. kindness” for the selfish reasons that There were so many reports of Kevin DeYoung so clearly described selfless giving of materials, time, and in the preceding paragraph. These money — reminding us that there is may be leaders and aspiring leaders still so much good that exists in our in society, in business, and in politics. world. However, we recognize that And while we seek to avoid being those selfless givers also received judgemental and/or to question such (and continue to receive) multiple motives, we must forever seek to blessings for doing so. They are develop that sense of discernment if doing well while doing good. we are to avoid being enticed to join The story captured in the forces with such individuals and preceding paragraph does not end thereby have our reputations tainted there. Most of the evacuees have now by association. returned to their homes. Many Our acts of kindness should be continue to experience the driven by pure motives and not for benevolence of a caring community. “self-aggrandizement”. Thomas Church groups, service clubs, and Brooks (1608-1680), the puritan, concerned citizens have visited some challenges us to consider that, of these locations providing food and “The best way to do ourselves good household items aimed at assisting is to be doing good to others; the best these formerly displaced nationals way to gather is to scatter.” As with their rebuilding and resettling paradoxical as it may seem, we grow efforts. In so doing, they continue to bigger and better by giving more of demonstrate acts of generosity and ourselves. It is not what we get from love and thereby remind us of how giving but what we become by giving. good it is to share what we have with We build better selves and societies others. In so many cases, they make through our acts of kindness. no public announcements. And while This is considered as good a time they may post photographs on as any for each of us to contemplate Facebook and Instagram it is which acts of kindness we should be invariably not to draw attention to pursuing. There are opportunities for themselves and their efforts but us to do so as individuals as well as rather to encourage others to do pooling our resources with others likewise — to do good while doing with the intention of embarking on well. “kindness initiatives” on a larger It sometimes becomes necessary scale. Working together we can do so for us to reflect on the fact that much more for mankind. Schools, misfortunes will periodically happen. neighbourhoods, and ecosystems can Bad things do happen to good people. benefit from our efforts. We can Tragedies will occasionally visit even brighten the corners in our though unwelcomed. These are facts communities one project at a time. In of life and living. We are often doing so we discover that we can do reminded to not merely be spectators very well while doing good. in the game of life (i.e., observing the plight of others) but to be prepared to Send comments, criticisms & take action when such interventions suggestions to are necessary. There are multiple julesferdinand@gmail.com blessings that result for our caring

Breath of fresh air IN THIS COVID ERA when workers are thrown to the wolves, an age when workers and citizens are told they will find no legal protection in the laws, not even the lofty constitution, it is a refreshing breath of fresh air to see at least one regional Judge, standing tall, asserting and defending workers rights against an onslaught from governments and private business interest.

At the opening of the 2021/20220 law term in Trinidad and Tobago, Deborah Thomas-Felix told listeners that employers are not allowed by law to unilaterally make decisions and mandate employees to subject themselves to receiving Covid-19 vaccine.

Thomas-Felix, President of the Industrial Court, warned employers that if such a decision is to be made, there must be consultation between the employer and the employees or their representative bodies, and both sides must come to an agreement.

The firmly held opinion of President Thomas-Felix, which she has often reiterated in the last year, flies in the face of contrary opinions of top legal luminaries (Rose Marie Antoine and Sir Denis Byron) and political leaders best exemplified by the strong views of Antiguan PM Gaston Brown and our Ralph Gonsalves. They have maintained that the Covid crisis allows governments and businesses to disregard the rights of citizens to free choice, and to impose mandatory vaccinations.

Justice Thomas-Felix was clear in asserting that she was not indicating citizens should not receive the vaccine as a protective measure against the virus.

However, Thomas Felix said employees had a right to choose whether or not they would be subjecting themselves to the jab.

More importantly, Justice Thomas Felix maintained that workers ‘cannot be fired from their jobs or be subjected to any adverse consequences from their employers.’

‘Can such a policy be introduced unilaterally by employers in the workplace? The short answer is no,’ she stated.

The Judge also pointed out that employers were not allowed by law to require employees to take money out of their own pockets to conduct PCR testing on themselves to prove to their bosses they are Covid-19 negative.

That is within the remit of the employers since they are the ones mandated to provide a safe working environment for their employees and members of the public, she said. The government of SVG is demanding that employees pay for their test to prove a negative status.

Justice Thomas-Felix pointed out that while the laws of Trinidad and Tobago do not directly address Covid-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, she said new vaccination policies can be achieved via collective bargaining.

‘It is settled law that an employer ought not to make any material change or alteration to a worker’s contract unilaterally. The introduction of a Covid19 vaccination policy or any new policy can amount to a material change in the terms and conditions of employment and ought not to be imposed unilaterally,’ she argued.

Thomas-Felix expressed alarm at the number of industrial relations complaints filed in the court since the Covid pandemic was declared, saying it was of great concern to her.

She noted that from March 2020 to September 14, 2021, a total of 178 Covid19 complaints had been filed, the

majority resulting from a lack of consultation between employers and employees.

Similar filings have been made here in SVG with the Labour Department.

Thomas-Felix emphasised that each individual was responsible for what goes into their bodies, and they cannot be ‘forced’ into accepting a vaccine they did not wish to have.

Had it been so simple, she said, countries worldwide would have made it mandatory for their citizens to subject themselves to the Covid-19 vaccines. But that is not the case.

Instead, the Judge said other countries were educating their populations about different vaccines, the importance of taking them and encouraging citizens to get vaccinated.

And that is as much as a government can do at this time, she said. Barbados’ Mia Mottley has maintained that her government was philosophically opposed to mandatory vaccination.

Thomas-Felix said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advocated against making vaccinations mandatory because of the distrust associated with such a decision, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has issued recommendations on the topic.

Thomas-Felix said for employers to discharge their legal duty to provide a safe work environment, steps can be taken to minimise the risk of Covid-19, such as ensuring employees wear masks, providing hand sanitiser, promoting and maintaining physical distancing, ensuring surroundings are clean and requiring employees with symptoms to stay at home and seek treatment.

The implemented measures must be case by case specific because what works at one place of work are not automatically applied to another, she added.

This is where comprehensive bilateral consultation plays a critical role, she added, pointing out that ways to address new issues at the workplace can only be taken after consultation.

‘So too should the training needs of workers, especially training and education on vaccines. If a riskassessment policy is considered and contemplated by a company, the union should be consulted at the very initial stages, and collective bargaining should commence.

If there is no union at the company, there will be a need for discussions and dialogue, not monologues, with workers.’

Thomas-Felix said, ‘I cannot overstate the importance of discussions, genuine consultations and compromise, built through social dialogue, for the effective implementation of measures to address this pandemic and its impact on the labour market.’

Thomas-Felix pointed out it was important for employers and trade unions to adjust to the new way of life ‘in a spirit of respect and compromise’ for the survival and sustainability of lives, businesses and jobs.

The Judge said she was troubled by unilateral decisions made by some employers. ‘The devastating effects (of lack of consultation) and the need to combat the spread of this pandemic assume far greater importance than the assertion of these individual rights.’

At a time when all appears to be lost, when workers seem to have been abandoned, Justice Thomas-Felix offers a glimmer of hope. As the veteran trade unionist reminded us, ‘Dare to struggle, dare to win.’

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Views

NDP, ULP: Neither can ski-lift SVG into prosperity

high-quality, knowledge-based prosperous economies with a Fiscal RETIRED British Royal Air Force Warrant Singapore and in New Zealand and the Public Finances and Economics needed Surplus, whereas SVG cannot achieve Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), clean living environment. They have a to boost the SVG economy and create a Fiscal Surplus for one year in MSc, MBA, who was awarded the Royal prosperity for our country. very high quality of housing and decades? The answer: poor quality of Air Force ‘Meritorious Service Medal’, Why are Singapore and New lifestyle, not like SVG where too many education of the members of the SVG strongly believes that neither the NDP parts of our country have been Zealand so successful in building very House of Assembly. nor ULP has upgraded their own neglected and resemble slums with education enough to ski-lift SVG into high levels of poverty and destitution. prosperity. Neither team has the relevant Also, note that both countries have education in Financial Management of free, high-quality education from Public Finances and Economics to boost preschool to their own universities, in the people.

IN (2000-2001) Renwick the Rose the SVG economy and create prosperity their own countries. Singapore and They have not been faithful to with bright petals of patriotism stood for our country.

New Zealand have created a those promises, so that today, the up in public and declared, that he The NDP and ULP are just picking university-educated generation of Banana Industry is dead and the was a representative of the ODD — up a monthly salary for being in the St younger people, qualified and skilled roads are not yet repaired. The result Vincent and the Grenadines House of to operate and prosper in a knowledge- Organization in Defence of has been the crippling of six thousand Democracy, who were taking a strand Assembly, whilst spinning top in mud based economy. In SVG, the ULP farmers and the over twenty-five then with other organisations, in and focusing on tourism. Our country regime built a new big Jail in North thousand persons who worked with protest against the government led by and economy are going downhill, Leeward and too many of our them. because the ULP and NDP do not have generation of younger people end up in James Mitchell which had been It is indisputable that the socioreturned to office less than three the education needed to eradicate there. economic climate in St. Vincent and years before. poverty and destitution in SVG. The unemployment rates in the Grenadines today, is some The protest which was prompted Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal Singapore and New Zealand are low. degrees worse than that which by the citizens’ dissatisfaction with BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA has lived in In SVG, the unemployment rate is prevailed in (2000-2001), when there the way that the NDP led by James Singapore and New Zealand and is very high. was aggressive protesting in which Mitchell seemed indifferent to the making a very strong call on the NDP It is quite obvious that we urgently the ODD played a prominent role in welfare of the people. They (NDP) and ULP leadership to pay a very need a new government in SVG with a articulating the case of the protesters. seemed to exude arrogance and this urgent visit to Singapore and New new team of Ministers who have the Given the elemental similarities of was painfully felt across several Zealand. In those countries you will education in Financial Management of circumstance which triggered the sectors of the society.

The clearly see that it was governments with Public Finances and Economics needed recent protests, to those which identifiable dissatisfaction of appropriately educated people that to boost the SVG economy and create members of those sectors, provided an prompted the protests in 2000-2001, managed to substantial grow the prosperity for our country. the recent caustic condemnations excellent opportunity for the economies of those (two) countries and Forty-two years of independence opposition led by Ralph Gonsalves, to coming from Renwick via his column create prosperity. This has led to a from the UK and look around — too in ‘The Searchlight’, in which the assert leadership. high quality lifestyle for the people of much slum and destitution and we do persons who are protesting against The farmers who were members of these countries and a good not even have a science and technology the ULP are seemingly regarded as the St. Vincent Banana Growers environment in which to live. university. It is shameful and rogues, who have made no Association were also feeling the Visit Singapore and New Zealand outrageous. The ULP regime has had contribution to the development of result of the apathy and the distinct and see how they are producing five terms in office, but still we do not their homeland. dis-inclination of the Mitchell budgets with a fiscal surplus year on have a team of Ministers who have the I am baffled by that! Therefore my administration, to address the needs year. Take a look at the housing in education in Financial Management of of the Banana Industry, including the question to the brother is, was it honourable, decent and patriotic to repairing of the vital feeder roads.

They were obviously sold on tourism protest in 2000-2001, but it is backward and roguish, bordering on and so they embarked on the selling off of our resources in the Grenadines criminality, to protest in 2021? We are under the same constitution, and and in the process, they have weakened the development potential our late brother, the learned Parnell Campbell QC, has left us with clear of our people. They were more direction — Protest needs no accommodating to expatriate rogues justification. posing as affluent investors, than Renwick Rose is a student of they were to our own citizens.

So the result of the protest in 2001, history, and would appreciate the value of the Moyne Commission of was that the Mitchell led NDP 1938 to the political development of government resigned, cutting short our people. Does Renwick Rose think, its term by almost three years. That that there would have been any decision no doubt averted serious blood-shedding and the electioneering Moyne Commission if the people had not protested in 1935, in St. Vincent began. and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Renwick Rose was a prominent It would be pitiable indeed if player and he supported the ULP’s Renwick Rose were to be regarded by cause. He promised then, as a the people at this time of our history, member of the ODD that he would as having proved unfaithful to his aggressively defend the interests of commission as he declared it on the the people, and the people believed ODD platform in 2001, and is now him. They regarded his stance as reduced to the function of offering honourable and exemplary, a true robotic acquiescence to the ‘World patriot who was fearlessly standing up and asserting his right as a citizen Boss’ which Dr. Gonsalves has proclaimed himself to be. of the land, to express his strong I seem to be seeing a picture of a disapproval of the way his country once adorable rose which has now was being governed. converted its once beautiful petals During the electioneering campaign, the ULP led by Dr. Ralph into clusters of menacing thorns which it is scattering in the paths of Gonsalves made several promises to those protesting today. One will have the people. Prominent among them to empathize with the Banana were: 1. They were going to revitalize the farmers who might well be among those protesters, if they should shout Banana Industry. to that treacherous rose.

2. They were going to pay serious “Cut that xxxx out”. attention to the feeder roads.

3. They were going to consult with LeRoy Providence

The rose, the petals, the thorns

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 13.

News

Students equipped for another journey Jai’nya Matthews receives her token.

Easing the pressure The lone male among the recipients - Jadeon Martin accepts a token from SVGTCCU’s Nekeisha Adams.

Jadeon Martin, a graduate of the St. Mary’s RC School, the students for their responded on behalf of excellence amid threats the recipients. of dengue fever and In commending the COVID-19 and the SVGTCCU for living up explosions at La to their philosophy, he Soufriere. described the assistance He urged the as “relieving the recipients to “stay pressure on parents and focussed and keep trust guardians.” in Almighty God.” Martin thanked Counselling the parents and teachers for youngsters, Findlay their support and reminded them, “What pledged that they will you do, can make or Emma Rouse, previous “stay focussed and break you,” and that scholarship recipient, continue to strive for offering some advice to their education “is excellence.” important to St. Vincent this year’s recipients.

The young man was and the Grenadines,” for accompanied by his FOUR YOUNGSTERS WILL “when you excel, and you mother Ansonia Timothy embark on another phase do well, the nation who was “thrilled” with of their academic journey, benefits.” the scholarship. “It will He urged parents to i.e. secondary schooling, go a long way,” she with some ease along that continue their support declared. for their children and path.

Jadeon placed 23rd thanked the SVGTCCU The St. Vincent and for boys and 60th in the the Grenadines Teachers for their partnership.

CPEA. Cooperative Credit Union (SVGTCCU), in its Continue the good work Other recipients quest to fulfil its Emma Rouse, a 2016 philosophy of “people Jai’nya Matthews is a recipient of a similar helping people”, handed former Georgetown over scholarships to four award and who is Government School children of members in a awaiting the CSEC student. She placed 25th ceremony staged at their results, encouraged this for girls and 44th year’s batch to continue headquarters in overall. Her favourite Kingstown, last Tuesday the “great work” they subject is Science. Her have accomplished.

September 21. mother Janessa James, But they have to keep was grateful to the The recipients were their grades up, Rouse Jai’nya Matthews, teachers, and family Jadeon Martin, Johnique reminded and advised members who students to do their Jordon and Jahzara contributed to her assignments on time, and daughter’s success.

Ollivierre. to take on extra curricula Each scholarship is Johnique Jordon valued at $1200 annually activities so as to ensure enters the Girls High a well-rounded for five years.

School on the basis of personality. her performance. The Students write their Stay focused former Barrouallie own stories and while on Government School their journey, “You have student ranked 40th in Addressing the the power to make that scholarship recipients, her gender, and 68th Acting Education Officer conclusion positive,” overall.

Rouse stressed.

Dixton Findlay praised Her mother Bethina

Johnique Jordon gladly accepts here token.

Gould/Jordan is grateful to the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union and praised teachers for their role.

Jahzara Ollivierre topped the Mayreau Government School pass list. The school attained a 100 per cent pass rate,

Nekeisha Adams hands over token to Jahzara Ollivierre.

and Jahzara was 53rd for girls and 94th overall.

Her mother Venecia Ollivierre is “honoured” that her child is one of this year’s scholarship winners.

Chairperson of the Education Committee Wendy Bynoe

encouraged the students to “make use of your time.”

Sixty-seven (67) other students are currently benefitting from the SVGTCCU scholarship support. (WKA)

V Police get training in investigation processes 14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THIS COUNTRY’S CONSTABULARY is ensuring its crime fighting techniques are up to date. The “world is changing” and “we have to adapt.”

These sentiments were expressed by Commissioner of Police Colin John last Wednesday, September 22 as he delivered the keynote address, at the closing ceremony of a Crime Scene Search, Recovery, and Classification of Fingerprint Evidence Training Course, at the Old Montrose Police Training School.

CoP John noted that criminals were finding innovative ways of carrying out crime, and suggested that there must be measures to counteract these nefarious activities.

He implored his officers to consider the field of Forensics as an opportunity for them to develop, become marketable, improve eligibility for promotion and enhance their standard of living.

The CoP also thanked the course coordinator and the instructors for their effective delivery of the training modules; and for giving their time to impart knowledge to the participants.

He lauded the contribution made by retired police officers who continue to contribute to the development of the members of the organization in tangible ways.

The training course began on Monday, September 13, 2021, and was coordinated by Station Sergeant of Police Brian Archibald, Head of the Criminal Records Office (CRO) in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

The course instructors included fingerprint experts Franklyn Williams, Retired Inspector of Police, and O’Neil Henry, Retired Sergeant of Police.

In giving an overview of the Course, he thanked Commissioner John for his forward-thinking vision for training for police officers, and the participants for equipping themselves with the knowledge to take the RSVGPF forward.

He recalled feeling re-energized

Female Police officer 596 Thomille Samuel receives certificate from CoP Colin John.

Station Sergeant Brian Archibald, Course Co-ordination, was pleased with how serious the officers were about the training and at their eagerness to learn. and a sense of excitement about what it meant to be a police officer, when the Commissioner of Police Supt. and Head of the Criminal Investigation approved the training. Department (CID), Clauston Francis, (left) hands Archibald over certificate to PC 693 Joel Williams. commended the input by former Inspector Franklyn Williams and Station Sergeant O’Neil Henry.

According to the Station Sergeant, the training course aimed to better prepare officers throughout the RSVGPF to become Crime Scene Officers in search and recovery of fingerprints on crime scenes, and he admitted being impressed by the PC Geroni John is pleased to receive his willingness of the certificate from Supt. Clauston Francis. participants to adsorb the course content. departments of the Police Force took Eighteen officers from various advantage of the training opportunity. They all successfully completed the Course and each received a certificates for their participation.

(WKA)

(Seated L-R): Station Sergeant Brian Archibald, Commissioner of Police Colin John, ASP Junior Simmons and Supt.

Clauston Francis with Course participants.

CoP Colin John has urged his officers to give serious consideration to taking the COVID-10 vaccine.

COP promoting COVID-19 vaccine “THE VACCINE is the best weapon to deal with illness or death.”

That’s the message from Commissioner of Police (CoP) Colin John as he referenced the death of Sergeant 569 Lawrence Thomas, who succumbed to COVID-19 September 20, three days after being diagnosed with the disease.

The top CoP reported that the Calliaqua Police Station, where Thomas was assigned at the time of his passing, was thrown into a state of concern and mourning.

“We are at the frontline,” John admitted, when he addressed a ceremony at the Old Montrose Police Station last Wednesday.

To his subordinates he said, “As Police, you are exposed to the most unimaginable circumstances,” and he stressed the importance of taking measures to protect themselves.

The gathering at the Old Montrose facility acknowledged one minute’s silence in Browne’s memory.

Also disclosed at the function was news of the passing of Junior Matthews, a Corporal attached to the Fire Department.

He also succumbed to COVID-19.

John disclosed that the officer was known to be a diabetic with kidney problems.

Attention to the pandemic is peaking here with increasing numbers on the list of persons contracting the virus, as well as the death toll.

Matthews’ death was the 17th COVID19 related death here. He was the fifth COVID-19 victim within the space of one week, raising fears of a deepening health concern. (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 15.

News

Professor Justin Robinson: New Pro Vice-Chancellor

Professor Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Board for Undergraduate Studies, The UWI. THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (The UWI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor C. Justin Robinson as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Board for Undergraduate Studies (BUS). Professor Robinson’s appointment took effect on August 1, 2021, beginning his threeyear term.

As Pro ViceChancellor, Professor Robinson, a Vincentian by birth, will oversee the Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies (OBUS) which is charged with responsibility for policy, quality and regionality in developing and coordinating policy initiatives to guide all aspects of undergraduate and sub-degree programming at The UWI and its regional and global affiliates. This includes articulating, implementing and managing The UWI’s academic quality assurance enhancement system; and the

preservation of the regional mandate of The UWI in its undergraduate academic delivery.

Professor Robinson has served The UWI for 24 years and continues to have an illustrious career that spans teaching, programme coordination, research, university administration and public service. He first joined the Cave Hill Campus as a Lecturer in the Department of Management Studies in 1997. In 2003, he was promoted to Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, serving in that capacity until 2007. Subsequently, he returned to teaching in Management as Senior Lecturer and then served as Head of the Department of Management for five years.

In 2012, he became Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and has held several other responsibilities at Cave

Hill, including campus representative on the University Council and the Board for Undergraduate Studies. He also served as a member of the task force, ‘Creation of an Entrepreneurial University’ in 2016, and a member of the task force for the establishment of a Faculty of Sport in 2017.

In 2020, Professor Robinson became the Head of the Department of Economics and Executive Director & CEO Ag. of

the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management. He is also Co-Chair of The UWI Corporate Investment Committee, and served on the Committee ‘Imagining The UWI for the 2020/2021 Academic Year and Beyond’.

Professor Robinson hs led the development of several BSc and MSc programmes, including the BSc and MSc Banking and Finance programmes and the BSc Management with concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business and Marketing. He has also served as supervisor to a total of 12 PhD and 15 MPhil students, to date.

Recipient of the ViceChancellor’s Award for

Excellence 2018/2019 for public service and service to the University; and Most Outstanding Research Article (Faculty of Social Sciences) Special Award on the Occasion of the Inaugural Campus Research Day (2009), Professor Robinson’s impressive publication output includes almost 30 journal articles and book chapters as well as technical reports on Finance in Barbados.

Professor Robinson has been an invited presenter at prestigious conferences around the world, as far as Qatar.

His noteworthy portfolio of public service to national, regional, and international public and scholarly bodies spans positions such as Director of the Central Bank of Barbados, First Vice President of the

Barbados Museum & Historical Society, Financial Advisor to the Barbados Co-operative Credit Union League, Financial Advisor to Windward Islands Farmers’ Association (WINFA), Chair of the Barbados National Insurance Scheme, Member of the Council of Economic Advisors, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Member of the ISSA Social Security Investments Expert Panel, and Member of the Oversight Committee on State-Owned Enterprises in Barbados.

The University of the West Indies extends congratulations to Professor Robinson on his appointment as new Pro Vice-Chancellor, Board for Undergraduate Studies. (Source: The UWI)

Vincentian gets OECS MITP scholarship

Below: Remorno Hamilton

VINCENTIAN REMORNO HAMILTON is one of this year’s recipients of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States MITP Scholarship.

Hamilton who hails from Chateaubelair was awarded the prestigious scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in International Trade Policy.

He completed his undergraduate studies at the UWI, Cave Hill Campus in Management with concentration in International Business, First Class Honours. He served as the President of the Vinsa Cave Hill 2019/2020.

Hamilton believes that the programme is important because St. Vincent and Grenadines is a part of CARICOM and CARICOM is heavily reliant on international trade. He said that the Master’s degree would shed light on the different types of international investments, the role of free trade agreements and trade policies,

the financial side of trading internationally, and the effects of internationalization at the firm and country level.

The Chateaubelair man said that with an understanding of those elements he would be able to make more meaningful contributions to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean, to navigate the global economic landscape.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a release said that on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, “we take this opportunity to wish Mr. Hamilton tremendous

success in his postgraduate studies.”

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

This MomÊs on Fire!

The cover of ‘I Can Be!’ Colouring Book, one of the two recently released titles.

SAMANTHA V. WILLIAMS, a wellknown and celebrated Vincentian author, has added two more titles to her the library of books that she has authored.

The recent titles, I Can Be! and I Can Be: Colouring Book, were co-authored by her two children, Kayla and Isaiah Williams.

The title “I Can Be!” was inspired by her niece, Kelis Durrant, and the joint publication is aimed at encouraging children to aspire to be whatever they would like to be. Toward this end, the occupations captioned in these titles capture professions such as mechanic, baker, carpenter and other TVEC professions to which much attention is not paid and to children are not encouraged to be part of their dream list.

Samantha is a celebrated author who within the past two years has now written and self-published eight titles including: “Women! We All Can Rise: We All Can Shine”; “ I Am Me”; “I Am Me, Too!”; “A to Z Positive Affirmations for Boys and

Girls”; “You Can If You Try!”; “Nah Me” and the two recent publications.

She has made Vincentian history as the first author to have represented SVG at CariFest 2020 and again at the 2021 Caribbean Literacy Conference (CARICON) as an author and panelist alongside her daughter Kayla.

Sam, as she is affectionately known, will be featured as this month’s woman of the month in the “Empow-Her-ment” section of the Echoes of Hairouna newsletter, a UWIOC SVG student guild publication, in which she is a monthly contributing author under the heading “Inspire”.

In addition to being a wonderful mother of two children who are her biggest inspiration and cheerleaders, she is also a Mentor, Motivational Coach, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist.

Her personal mantra is “yet still I rise” because she believes that we can all grow through what we go through and rise from the ashes like the

Samantha “Sam” Williams has extended her list of published works by two titles.

Phoenix.

Samantha’s feels assured that her goal empowering and aspiring others through her writing is being realized.

This mom is truly on fire.

The recent titles are available on Amazon.com, at the SVG Teacher’s Co-operative Credit Union Bookstore, Coreas City Store, Jujube Book Store and from the author.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 17.

News

Farmers and fishers urged to get vaccinated THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour this week launched a national drive to encourage all stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, to participate in the national vaccination campaign advanced by the Ministry of Health.

Saboto Ceasar, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, noted that “our workforce of farmers and fishers, if overrun by COVID-19, may well be the greatest threat to food sovereignty and security in the history of our country.”

That probability established, the Minister encouraged all farmers and fishers to “report to national duty” by ensuring that, as vital development partners, they use every opportunity to be vaccinated soonest.

The drive from the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to include a heavy presence of government personnel in many rural farming and fishing communities. At these sessions information concerning vaccination will be provided.

Further, access to medical practitioners will be provided to stakeholders who may wish to do a private consultation prior to taking the vaccine.

ÂWe need to pay for servicesÊ

SOME public sector workers have been blamed for the late payment of bills for services rendered to the government.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph The Prime Minister wants to have Gonsalves said on radio government settle certain on September outstanding payments soonest.

22 that there were outstanding payments to hoteliers, guest houses, volunteers and some other categories.

“Get the paperwork for me…lets pay these bills,” he urged.

According to Gonsalves, there were some outstanding payments to be made for services rendered by individuals to clear ash, and some other work done for which persons had not been paid in about 8 weeks.

“That is not acceptable,” he said.

There was a problem a few weeks ago for the payment to persons who provided food (during the evacuation), however, Gonsalves said that he understood that that situation had been resolved.

He was anxious to get the payments out, he said, as a lot of the businesses were running on small budgets, and they had to meet their commitments to the bank as well as cover all other expenses.

“And I am going public, let’s get these things sorted out,” he said. (DD)

The initiative will be supported by local clinics which are equipped to administer vaccines to Vincentians.

This exercise by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, comes at a time when the island is

Farmers in session with government officials. witnessing a significant daily increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. (KH)

V Two for Youth4Climate event 18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

YOUTH ADVOCATES Nafesha Richardson and Deaney Gellizeau have been selected to represent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the landmark Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition event in Milan, Italy.

This event will be convened by Italy’s Ministry of Ecological Transition and partners in Milan from September 28-30, 2021, immediately preceding the Pre-COP26 summit that will take place ahead of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is taking place from 1-12 November 2021.

The Vincentian delegates will be joining almost 400 other young climate

leaders from around the world for an unprecedented opportunity to put forward ideas and concrete proposals, on some of the most pressing issues on the climate agenda.

The Youth4Climate event will focus on developing proposals across 4 thematic areas and will feature the presence of Swedish environmental activist -Greta Thurnberg and Ugandan climate justice activistVanessa Nakete, as well as the Ministers attending PreCOP26 and COP26.

The thematic areas are: * Climate Ambition - Particular ways young people can contribute meaningfully to climate action at the

international, national and local levels. * Sustainable Recovery. - Energy transition and green jobs as well as adaptation and resilience and naturebased solutions. * Non-State Actors’ Engagement - How individuals and businesses from disparate sectors–food, entrepreneurship, sport, fashion and more–can each do their part to support the goals of the Deaney Gellizeau Nefesha Richardson Global Climate Action Agenda.

Sustainable * Building a Climate-Conscious living, and Nature Based Solutions.

Society - A reflection on the Action for Nafesha is the founder of Spark Climate Empowerment focus areas, in SVG, a youth organization aimed at particular how to raise awareness and inspiring and empowering young mobilize the public to act. people to ignite positive change. Spark SVG has five focus areas: People, About the delegates Peace, Planet, Prosperity and Partnership. She also serves as the Deaney volunteers as the Secretary Coordinator of the Commonwealth General of JCI St Vincent (Jaycees) Youth Gender & Equality Network and is an aspiring youth leader who (CYGEN), Youth Champion of the has extensive involvement in the areas Escazu Agreement, a Women Deliver of Holistic Youth Development and Young Leader 2020 and a One Young Advocacy, Climate Change, World Ambassador. (Contributed)

CXC update on release of results

Editor’s note: The following is a press release for CXC.

THIS YEAR, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®), like many other institutions, has had to modify its strategy for examinations due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following consultation with regional governments and other key stakeholders from across the region, it was agreed in May 2021 to delay the sitting of the regional examinations by a further two weeks to allow more time for candidates to prepare for their exams. Exams commenced on 28 June 2021 and were completed on 30 July 2021.

CXC® wishes to remind its stakeholders that results for the June/July 2021 examinations will be released in early to midOctober. CXC® is working assiduously to minimize the impact of the delays occasioned by the disruption of COVID-19 protocols on the logistical operations associated with the marking, grading and release of examinations results.

The release of results will be a

The release of 2021 CXC Exam results has been unavoidable later than usual. three-tiered approach: * Firstly — Release to the Ministries of Education * Secondly — Joint meeting with the Ministry of Education * Thirdly — Release to candidates on or before 15 October 2021 St Vincent and the Grenadines * Release to the Ministry of Education * Release to candidates on or before 20 October 2021 The CXC® team is in contact with regional and international higher education institutions to communicate this timing to minimize the possibility of students being disadvantaged during the matriculation process.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A real threat??

Dear George, THIS GUY that I know is going around telling everyone who would listen that by the end of September, my girlfriend would be his. I told him I disliked what he was doing and that he has no right to be meddling in my private business. He challenged me to try to stop him.

What is interesting is my girlfriend is not saying anything about it. All she ever said was at the end of September we would see what happens. To be honest I think she could be thinking of being with him. I am very uneasy right now and feeling powerless.

Nervous Dear Nervous,

The relationship between you and your girlfriend should be at the stage where you should not be bothered about any outside threat to the relationship. As a matter of fact you had no business confronting this guy.

By doing so you have let him know that you have reasons to worry.

If you cannot be confident of your girlfriend’s devotion and commitment to the relationship, then you should indeed be worried about the outcome come September 30th.

George

Married to a sex maniac Dear George,

About to Pass Out

I AM NOW discovering I am married to a sex maniac.

I have always prided myself as a man who does not run when it comes to satisfying my woman, but my wife has me thinking differently. It cannot be normal for a woman to be wanting sex 2-3 times, sometime more, a day.

She calls me at work to suggest I find an excuse to run home just to satisfy her sexual needs.

Worse, she has threatened to find satisfaction elsewhere, even with the same sex, if I fail to give in to her.

George, I am doing my best but my wife’s bedroom schedule is taking a toll on me. I need a solution and quickly.

Dear About to Pass Out, There are instances where one partner has a much larger sexual appetite than the other. There is nothing abnormal about that.

However, when things get to the point of making threats to find satisfaction elsewhere, the line ought to be drawn.

The key word here ought to be compromise and a certain degree of reason should be exhibited. I strongly suggest both of you see a sex therapist or a marriage counsellor to find practical solutions to this issue.

You can only give what you can.

George

Tables can turn Dear George,

on her to leave?

I AM WAITING on this young lady to tell her present boyfriend she wants to leave him because she has found another man, me. But she is finding it hard to tell him.

The thing is he has not done anything amiss.

She simply feels she would be better off with me.

I think I have been very convincing which is why she wants to leave.

How long should I wait

Patiently Waiting Dear Patiently Waiting, You have to keep in mind that what goes around comes around.

Since you know her present guy has no issues with her nor she with him, you really should not be encouraging her to leave

her relationship just to be with you.

The implicit message you would be sending is commitment in a relationship is not very important. Once she is with you there is nothing that would prevent her from doing the same thing, should the opportunity arise.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21­ April 20) Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving.

Don't overload your plate. Look into events that you might find interesting, and compromise by doing a few things that you both like to do.

TAURUS (Apr. 21­ May 21) Be careful not to lead someone on if you truly have no interest. Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. Problems with colleagues are likely. Use your innovative mind to surprise youngsters.

GEMINI (May 22­June 21) Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable coworkers. Acceptance will be necessary. You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice.

CANCER (June 22­July 22) Avoid being intimately involved with clients or colleagues. Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely. Be on your best behavior.

LEO (July 23­Aug 22) Your charm will be captivating. Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. This is a great day to start that new health regimen you've been talking about.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ­Sept. 23) Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs.

Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ­Oct. 23) Don't let your personal dilemmas interfere with your goals. Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ­ Nov. 22) You need to focus on yourself, not on others. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market.

You will impress others with your initiative and ability to accomplish while on short business trips.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ­Dec. 21) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush. You will get bored quickly, so make sure that you have scheduled enough activity to hold your interest.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.­ Jan. 20) Travel and communication will be lucrative for you. Debates will stifle passion and result in estrangement.

Focus on using your creative abilities in other ways.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.­ Feb. 19) Your self­esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring. Minor accidents may occur if you don't concentrate on what you're doing. Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this week.

PISCES (Feb. 20­Mar. 20) Don't lend or borrow money or belongings. Don't hesitate to visit someone who hasn't been well. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. You're in the mood to party.

ACROSS 1. Mark down 5. Deli request 8. Head parasites 12. Pitcher Hershiser 13. Mature acorn 14. African crop 15. Forever Valentine’ Day gift 17. Cordelia’s father 18. Chase scene maneuver, slangily 19. Silent one 20. Trunks 24. Do­say connection 25. Winter forecast 26. King of classical tragedy 30. Compliment 31. Edible legume 32. Arch type 34. Daytime dramas 4. Hockey­stick wood 36. Procedure 5. Femur, e.g 37. Cato’s 650 6. Godiva title 38. Employing an 7. Thanks, for short employee 8. Ice creams on sticks 39. Word with jacket 9. Big furniture retailer or boat 10. Overfeed 41. Will Ferrell comedy 11. Knack for music 43. Small BMW 16. Yes, in French 44. Repugnantly 19. Evidence collectors 49. Connecting words 20. “Shame on you!”

50. Artist’s resume 21. Responsibility 51. Military award 22. Operated a Harley 52. “’Tain’t nothin’!”

23. Seafood selection 53. BBC rival 24. Nabokov heroine 54. Cultural doings and others 25. Gemstone DOWN 27. Slippery sort 28. Tangelo 1. Winkin’, Blinkin’, and _ 29. John Lennon’s 2. “…__ quit!” youngest 3. Traditional beverage 33. Subj. including

grammar 35. Party purchase 38. Flying mystery 39. Printing prefix with “type” 40 __ china 41. Do magazine work 42. Tawny coat cat

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 21.

43. Nowadays it’s GPS based 44. Star Wars Jedi 45. Land of the brave and free 46. Geographical abbr.

47. Long crosser 48. Age abbr.

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 23.

Butler humbled by a second call

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

VINCENTIAN DEIGHTON BUTLER is grateful for the opportunity afforded him to stand as one of the on-field umpires in the recent finals of the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), featuring the St. Lucia Kings and host Deighton Butler signaling a ‘wide’ during the 2021 CPL finals. and eventual winners by three wickets, St. Looking ahead to other thank my family for the sacrifices they Kitts and Nevis tournaments this year, Butler said, “I continue to make for me to be out Patriots. will continue to prepare, physically, there umpiring; coach Peter Nero for In fact, having mentally and intellectually for the all the preparatory work leading up to been selected to Umpires Leslie St Auburn Reifer (left) and Deighton next opportunity that comes along.” the tournament; my colleagues for stand in this year’s Butler take to the field for the 2021 CPL final.

And as he looked back on where he their support, and all who continue to final accounted for has come in his new role on the cricket encourage and wish me well. May God admitted it was very demanding his second consecutive time in that field, the usually steady Butler said, “I continue to bless us all.” physically and mentally. capacity. The former left arm West will like to take the opportunity to Indies fast bowler stood in the previous edition of the competition in Trinidad between the then St. Lucia Zouks and Trinbago Knight Riders, making him the first Windward Islander/Vincentian to stand in a CPL final.

“It was a real humbling experience to be chosen for the second time in as many years to be one of the on-field umpires for the finals. I think generally the standard of officiating throughout the tournament was very high… any one of us could have been chosen to do the finals. I am happy I was chosen, and A picture of agony (Keswick Williams stooping) The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are showered in confetti after they recorded and ecstasy (Dominic Drakes in the air). (Credit: thankful that I gave a their first ever Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title. (Source: the worldnews.net) good account of myself, Facebook) representing the other Described as a bowling all Cornwall and members of our team In this year’s final, played on IN WHAT WAS AN EASTERN rounder, the young Barbadian Keemo Paul. well and making St Caribbean clash of sorts, the St September 15 at Warner Park, proceeded to belt 48 in just 24 The Kings could ask for no Vincent and the St. Kitts, the Kings, with the Kitts and Nevis Patriots deliveries. He smashed 3 fours better start to their turn with Grenadines proud. My likes of Vincentians Keswick claimed their first ever Hero and 3 sixes in his 48 and kept the ball. Big-hitting Chris goal once again was to Williams, Obed McCoy and Caribbean Premier League his cool down to the final ball, a Gayle and Evin Lewis, the (CPL) title, when they defeated Kenron Cottoy among its ranks, take it one game at a Keswick Williams delivery, leading six-hitter in the won the toss and chose to bat, the St. Lucia Kings by three time, start the which he disposed of with tournament, went early. wickets, on the final ball of the like they had done in their tournament well, set a confidence to secure a deserving Undaunted, Joshua da Silva victorious semi-final against benchmark and strive for match. and Sherfane Rutherford began maiden CPL title for the Trinbago Knight Riders.

This was the St. Lucian consistency game by Despite losing wickets at key to rebuild with Patriots but the Patriots. game,” Butler said on his franchise’s second consecutive Scores, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were soon in further stages of the game, the Kings appearance in a CPL final. return home.

Patriots 160/7 (Drakes 48*, Da trouble sinking to 95-5. were able to build a ‘decent’ They went under to the As for the Things, though, would take a Silva 37; Riaz 2/36, Chase 1/17) total of 158/7, thanks in great Trinbago Knight Riders in last tournament, Butler, beat Saint Lucia Kings 159/7 dramatic turn when Dominic measure to the batting of recognizing that it was a year’s final when they were (Cornwall 43, Chase 43; Drakes came to the wicket.

He Roston Chase (top run scorer of registered as the St. Lucia compact one with double Naseem 2/26, Fawad 2/32) by proved to be an unlikely hero the tournament), Rahkeem Zouks. headers every game day, three wickets. and winner for the Patriots.

Patriots are new CPL Champions

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

IT-DAT Summer Camp - A success IT-DAT Academy’s 10th Summer Camp concluded last week and organisers were confident that the 87 participants were in a better position after being exposed to valuable knowledge about Track and Field.

“I would like to think the camp was very successful. It should have been six weeks but we had to extend it to eight weeks because of the school situation where we had an outstanding number of people. The happier part of it to me is that most of the kids were under the age of ten and they came with their parents - a good sign for the

Aravinda Shallow, Male MVP of the Camp.

future,” said Michael Ollivierre, ItDAT’s Director and Head Coach.

Ollivierre added, “The problem I had in the past as a coach, the parenting was low, so some kids come to me with a lot of very low morals and ethics. I hope the parents continue to support their kids in this regards. We just made them happy especially when it came to relays and competition but this is preparation phase so we didn’t force too much competition on them.

They are definitely some future talent, particularly among the Under-16s.”

A number of individual awards were handed out at the closing. Aravinda Shallow was the Male MVP and Keifer Bailey the Female MPV. Kathreil Bailey was the U10 Girl’s Champ and Sharv Stewart was the U10 Boys Champ. N’Kenna London was the Junior Girls Champ and Daniel Duncan champed the Junior Boys.

Kacey Robinson romped home Intermediate Girls Champ, Khalin Ryan the Intermediate Boys Champ, Shafaa Layne the Senior Girls Champ and Kalique Tucker the Senior Boys Champ. Renaldo Ryan was the Most Improved Athlete.

Off the actual track and field, Jyarra Sandy was adjudged the Most Punctual Athlete; Shemar Phillips the Most Energized Athlete; Hasheem

Michael Ollivierre (standing) addressing participants at the closing ceremony of the 2021 IT-DAT Summer Camp.

Daniel the Most Loyal Athlete; Faith Thomas the Best Communicator.

Kiaina Bailey took the Mysterious Award; Annecia Richards and Odiesha Nanton shared the Goodbye Award.

Lau Brown claimed the Eloquence Award; Kyle Lawrence and Inglis Daniel took the Parent Award.

For their contribution to another successful IT-DAT Academy Summer Camp, organisers expressed thanks to Team Athletics SVG, National Lotteries Authority, Singer, BMC Agencies, and ‘the Mauby Man in Middle Street’ among a list of sponsors.

Keifer Bailey, Female MVP of the camp.

Another X-Ceed Camp completed

Jabari De Bique receives his certificate from Rev. Adolf Davis.

THE 10TH EDITION of the X-Ceed Sports Club’s Summer Camp came to an end earlier this week at the Richmond Hill Playing Field.

The 15-day Camp, held under the theme ‘Run, Jump, Throw, Grow and Glow’, and catering to some 48 participants, concluded with a mini competition and closing/awards

ceremony.

Each participant received a Certificate of Participation with Jabari De Bique, 5 years old, being recognized as the youngest participant, and Karissa Wyllie, 9 years old, for her assistance with setting up equipment.

Director and Head Coach Godfrey Harry was pleased with the Camp despite some challenges.

“The 2021 camp was generally successful especially in the face of a significant

amount of interruption.

We were able to make the adjustments with the coaches stepping up to set a pathway through all the interruptions,” Harry assessed, adding that the jumps had to be scratched from the programme but an allout effort was made to concentrate on “developing quality.”

As for the talent he recognized, Harry noted that some of the athletes previously identified returned this year and some new ones have emerged.

Work is Participants in the 2021 XCeed Camp proudly display their Certificates of participation.

Karissa Wyllie gets her certificate and a gift from Godfrey Harry, Head Coach. expected to continue with these athletes and Harry is hopeful that the parents will “come on board” to give their support “once the pandemic holds.”

The Camp was held in collaboration with Team Athletics St Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), the governing body for Track and Field.

Stories: I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 25.

Sports

Samuels marred by allegations MARLON SAMUELS, the talented Jamaican batsman who represented the West Indies at all levels of cricket, has found himself embroiled in a new controversy. The later one surrounds his engagement in the T/10 series in Abu Dhabi.

The Jamaican batsman, architect of West Indies World Cup victories in the 2012 and 2016 World Cup, has been charged under the International Cricket Council anti-corruption code. Samuels was part of the Karnataka Tuskers in that T/10 Tournament. He did not play a game, but four breaches have surfaced which put the batsman under the microscope.

One mentions him “failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-corruption Official, the receipt of nay gift, payment, hospitality, or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport into disrepute.”

Samuels faced other allegations, including failing to cooperate, and “obstructing or delaying investigations by concealing information that may have been relevant.”

The charges surfaced September 21 and Samuels have until October 5, to clear up the matter.

Samuels enigmatic career embraces a two year ban in 2008 when he was found guilty in relation to conversations he had by phone with a bookie.

This recent scenario adds to a roller coaster path that has decorated his history.

Cricket West Indies, the body in charge of regional cricket, was cautious with their response to the development. But with the T/20 World Cup finals high on the agenda, any matter involving any West Indian player, or any international player, will raise flags.

A number of regional cricketers also played in that tournament. Those included Evin Lewis, Kesrick Williams, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Rayad Emrit, Ravi Rampaul, Sherfane Rutherford, Sheldon Cottrel Chandrapaul Hemraj, Keiron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Chadwick Walton, and Haydyn Walsh Jr. Five years later. September 26 marks five years since the death of one of the most influential figure in my life. That is Leopold David Anthony. As much as I still strive to be my own, there is no denial on his influence on me.

After all his impact was huge, that the entire village of Troumaca came under his command one way or the other.

He was a versatile man, but his exploits on the music field perhaps distinguished him. Once you were around him, some aspect of music was bound to surface. His violin was never far away, neither was there any form of instrument. For if he did not buy, he made it himself. And he was a versatile musician, prepared to teach any aspect of the art.

He was a teacher, dabbled in farming, and was a community activist. September 15 would have been his 100th birthday, but, five years after his death, his memories remain etched his mind.

After some time, he became my most trusted confide=ante, who to resort when genuine conversation was needed. We discussed a range of activities, for he was versed on world affairs, from his days on the Lago Oil factory in Aruba. The old Anthony is credited as being the first Vincentian to bring a factory made drum to St. Vincent. That was part of his dedication to the music industry.

That information was relayed to me by Syl McIntosh, another Vincentian virtuoso and product of the McIntosh family, perhaps, the number one music family in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

When it comes to Leopold Anthony, the story never ceases.

Markers set on NACACÊs coaching programme VINCENTIAN Chester Morgan, Director of Coaches and Camps of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), has laid down the pathway for coaching in the region.

According to Morgan who took up the post just over three months ago, “The idea is to carefully craft a NACAC coaches’ pathway that is in sync with the World Plan and the strategic options of World Athletics yet fully cognisant of the nuances of our Area. NACAC has

always shown itself capable of producing elite athletes… This has been made possible by our coaches and the administrators who, by their leadership, encouraged both athletes and coaches through effective club structures.”

In outlining the means, Morgan insisted: “All programmes for the development of our sport will be athlete-centered, coach-driven and science-based.”

At the heart of the NACAC Development plan is the Kids In

SVGFFÊs affiliates get equipment donation FIFTY-EIGHT (58) affiliates of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Earl Federation (SVGFF) Bennett are earmarked to (left) receive a quantity of receives equipment. on behalf The roll out which of the Sion Hill Football League, from began last Monday, President of the SVGFF- Carl Dickson. saw the affiliates being presented with balls, ball bags, bibs, cones, polo shirts and face masks.

The initiative which is fully backed by the sport’s world governing body- FIFA, has been put at a cost of EC$270 000.

According to a release from the SVGFF, the donations are in direct response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.

The release further noted that the equipment is “toward the resumption of football in the post eruption phase of our history…We anticipate that the contributions would assist you with propelling your individual entities towards a successful restart of our beloved sport”.

President of the SVGFF- Carl Dickson, who was present at last Monday’s distribution, informed that special donations will be made to communities located in the northern part of the country, i.e. the Red and Orange Zones.

Earlier this year, affiliates were presented with HP laptops.

Athletics (KIA) Programme, Morgan informed.

“Kids In Athletics will be an important centreChester piece of the NACAC Morgan Coaches Development Matrix in Athletics Progammes,” he emphasised.

Morgan underscored the need to pay more attention to the KIA Programme as it sets down the markers for the future yields.

He reasoned that the KIA Programme essentially will assists in gender equality, develop FUNdamental Movement Skills (FMS), as well as Physical Literacy.

KIA is suitable to all shapes and sizes of participants, boosts self- esteem and most significantly, “It is FUN,” Morgan assured.

The NACAC — crafted KIA programme, involving Run Jump and Throw, and FUNdamental activities will span a period of eight weeks.

In highlighting the philosophy of NACAC’s mandate, Morgan concluded: “Better coaches will lead to better athletes.”

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021. 27.

Classifieds

ÂCompensate AnnamayÊ, says Friday

From Backpage.

Other persons are charges arising out of the protest but Bruce wondered aloud why Dr Friday was not amongst those arrested.

“But you go to those who had nothing to do with the protest.”

However, Bruce is of the belief that the others who are charged might not be as lucky as Lewis to have their charges withdrawn. He thinks they cases will be used as test pieces in the court.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER

24, 2021

Dr. Friday, Leader of the Opposition, has called for Annamay Lewis to be compensated for the burden she had had to endure.

VOLUME 115, No.38

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

‘COMPENSATE ANNAMAY,’ SAYS FRIDAY

Story by DAYLE DASILVA

Lewis’s account

LEADER of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday has called for Annamay Lewis, the woman who was charge with wounding Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on August 5, to be compensated.

Friday made the call two days after the 56-year-old resident of Layou had the charge as referenced withdrawn on September 15 at the Serious Offences Court.

Lewis was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Gonsalves by striking him with a missile on his head during the protest action organized by the New Democratic Party (NDP) along with other organizations.

She was also charged with throwing missiles to the danger of persons at White Chapel Road, Kingstown on August 5 — that matter has been however adjourned to January 2022.

But Friday, while speaking at a press conference on September 17, said that based on her ordeal she ought to be compensated.

“She lost her goods, but the other things she endured and continue to endure all because she came out to peacefully protest as so many others did,” the leader of the opposition said.

“That must be recognized and the call to make sure she gets compensated,” he continued.

And if the present Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration does not do it, then Friday said that he is prepared to do it.

Lewis, who was also present at the media briefing expressed gratitude to her lawyers, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste and Israel Bruce.

She explained that on the day of the incident, she journeyed to Kingstown to purchase some ground provisions and then decided to join the protest action which was well underway at around 1 pm.

The woman said that the only objects in her possession was a bag, mobile phone, rag and a bottle of water which she received after turning up at the protest.

After a while, Lewis said that she left to go home where she showered and went to bed.

“I was in a doze when I heard knocking,” she said.

On opening the door, she said that she was greeted by a team of police — which included just one female police officer — and the team was led by head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Superintendent Clauston Francis.

She said that Francis informed her that she was accused of hitting the Prime Minister and that she ought to make an apology.

They journeyed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) she said, where they remained a while before being informed that the Prime Minister was getting ready to leave the country to seek medical attention.

There upon, she was taken to the CID

Lawyer Israel Bruce highlighted the process to which he said the DPP should adhere. office at the Central Police Station.

According to Lewis, she was interviewed and then signed a statement before she was eventually charged.

She would spend four nights at the Questelles Police Station before she appeared at the Serious Offences Court where she was granted bail.

Annamay Lewis has another charge to which she must answer.

DPP action

process in which the DPP engages as a legal test before proceeding to charge.

Lawyer Israel Bruce, one of a two“It is a requirement that you look member legal team representing Lewis for a sufficiency of evidence and you and who was at the press conference, examine the public interest,” Bruce declared, “… we have seen a number said. of wrong being perpetrated during the If the DPP’s office are satisfied that past month and a half. they stand only a 50 percent chance of It began with persons being rounded conviction then they ought not to up and their homes being searched, proceed with the charge, Bruce and gadgets confiscated, and then reasoned. there was Lewis, he said.

Continued on Page 27.

He explained that there was a

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Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.