THE VINCENTIAN PDF-25-02-22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.08

School bus drivers warned Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Bus driver to appeal Page 4

Playing field saga Page 6

RICHMOND EIA STILL A MYSTERY AS THE ‘DEBATE’ on the establishment of the Richmond quarry continues to occupy centre-stage here, a local Environmental Consultant, Dr. Reynold Murray, has weighed in on the discourse.

Addressing in particular the issue of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is basic to informing a decision on development works like the quarry in question, Dr. Murray, while

speaking on last Monday’s New Times Radio Programme on Nice Radio, corroborated that his firm, the Institute for Environmental Research and Technology (InERT), had conducted an EIA in the area in 2007/08.

Responding to what emanated from certain quarters that it was this EIA that was being used or used to assess the current quarry project, Dr. Murray told New

EC$1.50

Times listeners that this should not be since, the correct thing to do, was to base a decision on a “study with more recent information.”

He explained that the company for whom he had conducted the EIA several years ago, proposed to concentrate its mining operations in rivers, with a smaller portion being on the headland in the area.

Contiued on Page 3.

Dr. Reynold Murray, renowned Vincentian Environmental Consultant, has questioned the authorities’ purported use of an EIA he conducted more than a decade ago.

Left: At least one concerned resident of Richmond Vale has questioned the likely impact quarrying and mining will have the Richmond area as a diving and hiking centre.

Icon laid to rest Page 15

Murder, arson incident Page 28

BIGGER BIGS’ WANTS RESTORATION TO MARK THE ELEVENTH YEAR (2022) since his blockmaking and mining operations at Rabacca was effectively brought to a complete halt by the state acting on SR&O No2/2011, Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel is demanding that Not one to be kept down for the ULP any length of time, Leon Government ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel moved restore his once from mining to operating a $11 million successful local food/drinks business. outlet in capital Kingstown.

Samuel made this demand on the Saturday 12th February Perseverance and Strength segment of the CTVIEW Show aired on NICE Radio, and it was significant, as he noted, that it came amidst ongoing public debate on a Memorandum of Agreement between a St. Lucia concern and the Government of SVG, which allows the St. Lucian company to lease some 58 acres of land for thirty years, for the purpose of quarrying and mining, in Richmond.

A weekly contributor to the CTVIEW show, Samuel, on that day, stated, inter alia, “Today is eleven years and one day since our business spitefully and willfully was shut down, and even though promises were made in the House of Parliament where Prime Minister Gonsalves stated he was lied to, yet still there is no reconciliation no consideration for the error as admitted by the State.”

Samuel also took the opportunity to thank persons who helped bring his plight to the public including members of the media, Environmentalists Marlon Mills and Dr. Reynold Murray, and went on to highlight the irony of some of the environmental issues that will affect the residents of North Leeward, as being the same issues used as a basis for shutting down his business.

In a related action, Samuel also posted on his Facebook page, Feb. 23, an open letter to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in which he Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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News 3 School bus drivers warned

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . 3.

Part of the ten-bus fleet that was leased to private operators.

DRIVERS OF THE GOVERNMENT owned school buses have been warned against using the vehicle for anything other

than for the transportation of students.

Minister of Transport and Works, Montgomery Daniel, while speaking

on NBS Radio’s ‘Face to Face’ programme on February 23, said there were reports coming in regarding what he

Richmond EIA still a mystery Continued from Front Page.

The EIA carried out was based specifically on the methodology that was proposed at the time, Dr. Murray said, and added that he was not privy to what methodology the new developers — Rayneau Group of Companies — was going to use and therefore, could not give a definitive determination on ‘how things would fit’.

And while he admitted that an EIA does not determine whether or not a project can be done, but rather provides information on the historic nature of the area in question, Dr. Murray asserted, “I can’t see a planning authority accepting a document that is over 12 years old; I can’t see a document that dated being accepted at this time, particularly after a catastrophic event on the island and without consultation with the people to see how their life situations have changed.”

He cautioned that if the Planning Authorities were proposing to use his 2007/08 Study, they should do so only after it has been reviewed and updated.

The Environmentalist suggested that while his study may well have baseline information that could be useful today, he expressed a professional view that “it was not an appropriate study for this time.”

He referenced a number of changes or factors that must inform a current

termed as the “use, misuse and abuse” of the said vehicles.

“The Ministry of Transport and Works cannot accept the excuses that would come in from time to time in terms of the use of the buses, particularly on the weekends when a number of buses are being seen about the country,” Daniel said.

“So…. (and) we have asked the police to assist in this regard where if a school bus is found on the streets on weekends without the approval of the Permanent Secretary (within the Ministry of

study, e.g. landscape changes occasioned by the recent volcanic eruption; population movement; farming activities; land dependence, new developments.

He described an effective EIA as one that is informed by “what is happening now, what has happened in the past and how it’s going to impact the future.”

“I don’t know what methodology these people are going to use, how they are going to do it, so I cannot say that things are the same and if it’s different, then obviously Continued from things don’t fit,” Murray Front Page. said.

News broke here some repeated his three or so weeks ago, and demand for after there were signs of restoration of / some clearing activity in the restitution for his area, that Government had mining business, entered into an agreement and went further with the St. Lucia-registered by referencing for Rayneau Group of the Prime Minister Companies, for a 30-year that what had lease at an annual rental happened to his rate of $12,000, of 58.8 acres business was of land in the Richmond played out during area, for the purpose of Black History quarrying and mining.

Month Residents in the area rose In his post he said, “… in some degree of opposition you mean to tell me, and to the proposed development tell the world you say how and government officials much you love we black were forced into revealing, people so much, but you after the fact, the details of the agreement.

Transport and Works), that the bus must be taken away and kept until the Permanent Secretary is contacted and we proceed to have other actions done.”

Back in 2017, the government handed over 10 second-hand school buses. (eight purchased with a US$300,000 donation from Taiwan and two paid for by government) to private operators, under certain terms and conditions, including that leases then were allowed to operate the bus for the transportation of members of the general

public, outside of school hours “So, I am asking the bus drivers to comply with the regulations as to the use of these buses,” Daniel said.

Daniel also alluded to staff enhancements at BRAGSA, which is responsible for servicing and repairing the buses, so as to decrease the turnaround time.

Mention was also made that Cabinet was expected to give its approval to a proposal for the purchase of two new school buses to add to what Daniel described as “an aging school bus fleet.” (DD)

Bigger Bigs’ wants restoration

Just one piece of mining related equipment that was left idle at the Rabacca Mining Operations during the time the matter of its closure was before the Court. cannot find in your heart to fix this huge wrong that

was done to me, my family and our employees?” (CD)

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Bus driver’s conviction to be appealed the Serious Offences Court, February 9, the Chief Magistrate on Wednesday, found Findlay guilty on the charges of obstruction, and failing to remove his vehicle, but not guilty of failing to give his name and address when asked to do so by a police officer.

On the obstruction charge, Findlay was fined $250 forthwith, or two weeks in prison, and for failing to remove his vehicle, he was fined $200 forthwith, or two weeks behind bars.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Findlay paid the fines.

The Magistrate gave no reasons for her decision, which she had reserved following closing submissions from Bacchus-Baptiste and Prosecutor Sergeant Kenny Jones, on February 16.

Immediately after the Magistrate handed down the decision on Wednesday, Bacchus-Baptiste gave the court notice of appeal in relation to the two charges on which her client was Ken Findlay, minibus driver, was convicted. convicted on two of three charges.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted the lawyer later for comment, she Stories by described the Magistrate’s decision as HADYN HUGGINS perverse, and went on to explain her main grounds for appeal.

ATTORNEY KAY BACCHUS-BAPTISTE, The lawyer said that the fact that legal counsel for minibus driver Ken the Magistrate found Findlay not Findlay, has given indication that she guilty of failing to give his name and intends to file an appeal against Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne’s decision address when asked to do so by a to convict Findlay on two of three traffic police officer, clearly shows that she charges, stemming from protest actions did not believe the Commissioner of on Halifax Street, Kingstown, on August Police Colin John, the Prosecutor’s lone witness, concerning the facts.

5, 2021.

Bacchus-Baptiste noted that the Findlay, a Belair resident who Commissioner, in his evidence, said he operates minibus HW661, was charged asked the defendant for his name and with: willfully allowing the vehicle to address, but Findlay failed to do so. stand in the road so as to cause “If she (Magistrate) did not believe obstruction to the free flow of traffic; the Commissioner on that charge, then failing to remove that vehicle when on what basis did she believe him on asked to do so by a police officer; and the other charges?” the lawyer failing to give his name and address when asked to do so by a police officer. questioned.

Bacchus-Baptiste pointed out that Following a trial which started at

DVD to say who took it. on the other hand, the defense had The Chief Magistrate upheld the three consistent witnesses, who all prosecution’s objection. said that Findlay could not have Bacchus-Baptiste said she found it removed his vehicle because there peculiar that the Magistrate, having were other minibuses in front and reserved her decision in the behind him, and that the road was substantive matter for one week, gave filled with protestors. There was also no reasons as to how she arrived at evidence from the defense that the the verdicts. police had already diverted traffic, so Findlay was one of about 12 there could not have been any traffic minibus drivers from the Belair area obstruction. who joined the protest actions.

The lawyer added that the defense had a video of the events which clearly showed the police action on the day and at the scene of the contention, but the showing of that video was not allowed into evidence.

Bacchus-Baptiste expressed the view that there was no proper grounds for the Magistrate to disallow the showing of that video into evidence, because A 43-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT of Kingstown who is the defense brought the accused of attempting to smuggle prohibited items maker of the video, with into Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown, will return to the original version still court May 16 for trial. on her phone, and the Farax Prescott is charged with, that on February copy that the defense 10, 2022, at Paul’s Avenue, without lawful was going to give to the authority, he attempted to introduce into Her court was made by that Majesty’s Prison, a bag containing a quantity of witness. marijuana, two cellular phones, cigarettes, phone Secondary School chargers, cigarette lighters, razor blades, an teacher Adriana King adapter, and a bottle of white substance, all being told the court in her prohibited items. testimony, on February Prescott pleaded not guilty when he appeared 16, that she took the before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnette at the video while doing a live Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was recording of the events unrepresented. for release on Facebook.

It is alleged that police intercepted Prescott as he But Prosecutor Jones attempted to throw the bag containing the items objected to the video over the prison walls at Paul’s Avenue. being shown into evidence on the grounds that there was no identification on the

Prescott charged with attempting unlawful entry

Attempted Young offender to do community service murder accused remanded

KYLE RICHARDS, a 25-year-old secondary school dropout, will spend the next three months doing community service at the craft centre in Frenches.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett made the order at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after Richards pleaded guilty to entering the Craft Centre at Frenches, between 11 and 14 February, and stealing a shell gas bottle, gas head and hose, belonging to Nkuru Dyer, an art and craft teacher with the Adult Education Department who is based at the Craft Centre in Frenches.

The Senior Magistrate’s decision came after speaking to Dyer, who was asked to take the stand.

Burnett then told Richards, “You will report to the head of that facility, and he will tell you on what days you can come, and that work would be without pay.

If you fail to go, the report will come to me, and you will go to prison for three months.”

The Redemption Sharpes youngster, was also bonded for one year in the sum of $3,000, with an alternative of 12 months behind bars.

Richards had told the court earlier, that he attended the Bethel High School but dropped out at Form 3, sometime between 2012 and 2013, and that he was unemployed.

The Magistrate inquired about why he dropped out of school, to which Richards response was that his mother was overseas, and his father, who is here, was not helping him financially.

“After you dropped out of school, what did you do?” the Magistrate asked.

“I use to sell little weed and ting,” Richards replied, and added, “I does be running from gang members.”

The Magistrate asked if he was associated with a gang. Richards said no realted that some of his friends were killed and he feared for his life.

When Burnett asked Dyer if he

knew the defendant, he said he did not know him personally, but had seen him on the compound of the craft centre before, and that the youngster seemed to be having some issues.

Dyer asked the court to structure its sentence in such a way to have Richards perform some form of community service, instead of sending him to prison.

Dyer also thanked the police for their quick action, and professionalism in handling the matter.

Richards told the court he wanted a gas bottle, and when he pushed the door he discovered it open, and saw the gas bottle inside the building.

“It’s not your door,” the Magistrate told him.

Burnett pointed out that burglary is a very serious charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Richards has other matters before the court for which he is on bail.

ROSE HALL RESIDENT JOEL STAPLETON has been remanded on an attempted murder charge.

The 43-year-old farmer is charged with the attempted murder of Vaughnley Hills, also a 43year-old farmer of the same address.

Hills reportedly sustained chop wounds to his right arm during an incident at Rose Hall on February 19, 2022.

Stapleton was not required to plead as the charge was laid indictably.

When the accused initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato objected to bail at that stage, on the basis that the victim was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Cato noted that the victim’s right hand was severed, and had to be sutured by medical authorities.

Stapleton was remanded until yesterday (Thursday) for bail review, but on Stapleton’s return to court yesterday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato informed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, that the victim was still hospitalized.

As a result, Stapleton was further remanded until March 3, when the court will again be updated on the victim’s condition, and the issue of bail further reviewed.

Attorney Jomo Thomas is representing Stapleton.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 5.

News

Buccament valley in focus

A PROJECT ENCOMPASSING the 13 communities making up the Buccament area — Rilland Hill to Buccament Bay, inclusive of Vermont — could see St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) joining the 131 countries around the world that have biosphere reserves.

‘The Holistic Management and Sustainable Development of the Buccament Valley Biosphere Reserve’ project was launched in Kingstown, on Monday, under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Janeil Henry-Rose, secretary general, SVG National Commission for UNESCO, said that the MAB programme aims to achieve a better and more sustainable future.

She said that the programme addresses challenges experienced in various ecosystems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

“It zeroes in on communities, different environments, habitats, the social issues, natural issues in the environment … the economics of the community, of the country, and the place and education of particular locale, the particular environment.

“So, it combines all these elements to improve the livelihoods of the people to safeguard and also to manage the whole ecosystem and the environment, and to have equitable sharing of the

benefits from the particular environment,” Henry-Rose detailed.

Getting the ‘UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’ designation could take between one and 10 years. “It depends on the stakeholders… It is how fast we work, how we get our stakeholders involved and how we press on with this project. So, it is up to us, basically,” Henry-Rose cautioned.

In giving an overview of the Buccament Valley watershed, Casmus A. McLeod, the local focal point to UNESCO on MAB issues, said the project would help residents to recognise the importance of the area.

“Our intention would be to get the community to realise the asset that they have because, sometimes, we do have assets and don’t realise that we have them and to realise the potential that the area has and to get great community buy-in.”

McLeod stressed that the area is home to some of the nation’s key biological species, including the national bird, the whistling warbler, the whistling frog, and the black snake, which are all endemic to SVG. Once the area is declared a biosphere reserve, it would have international recognition, McLeod said.

“The persons in the areas are going

OECS Education Ministers Meeting productive local initiatives such as the procurement and distribution of laptops and devices to students in the primary and secondary schools, along with some students at the post-secondary level.

Teaching will not be the same after COVID-19, King posited, and declared that the region must move The OECS Ministers of Education in to a better position so as to be more attendance at the 7th Meeting of the resilient in reducing the level of OECS Council Minister : Education. disruptions to learning. He pointed New Chairman Curtis King is pictured to the importance of mobilising third from left. resources among regional stakeholders, while creating a EDUCATION MINISTER OF St structure that facilitates development.

Vincent and the Grenadines and new For his part, Director General of the Chairman of the OECS Ministers of Education, Hon. Curtis King, has Organisation of Eastern Caribbean described the recently held Ministers States, OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, of Education Conference as productive while addressing the Press and useful, but cited that integration Conference, suggested that and implementation are key institutions must be reconfigured in components to the effective execution light of the COVID-19 pandemic. of their decisions.

Technical and Vocational sessions Speaking at a Press Conference, that are more practical in nature will Feb. 18, which closed the 2-day (Feb. need to cater to smaller groups while 17 -18) meeting held at the NIS academics can function better with Conference Room, Kingstown, online classes going forward, Dr. Jules Minister King pointed to ICT and the advised. neglect of integrating it into the “..It’s crucial “to take a fresh look teaching/learning experience. This at what is now required of teachers, deficiency, he stressed, was since you must go beyond chalk and highlighted during the COVID-19 talk, to embrace a new pedagogy with pandemic and he urged that more the redesigning of teaching and the preparation be put into this area. curriculum, the Director General said.

In that regard, he referenced the (Source: API)

to have a greater sense of ownership and we are going to be looking into the various resources and see how much we can create new alternative livelihood opportunities.” (Source: SVG Secretary General for UNESCO)

Janeil Henry-Rose, secretary general, SVG National Commission for UNESCO, said the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme addresses challenges experienced in various ecosystems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Playing field saga PERMISSION WAS NOT GRANTED for any event to be held at the Calliaqua Playing Field over the weekend – Sunday 20th February.

So much so authorities, in the presence of the police, shut down a football game that was in progress on that day.

According to Acting Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel as he spoke on Radio 705 on Wednesday, the application for use of the field was made late, one or two days prior to the date for the activity. It was rejected based on challenges it raised related to adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

However, despite the rejection football activity (football) ensued at the Playing Field on Sunday.

Daniel reported on air that when the daylight started to fade, the lights were turn on only after what was reported as a break-in into the light switch panel.

No permission, it appeared, was granted for use of the lights and it was after the lights went on that action was taken, by the authorities to bring an end to the activity.

But Renson Haynes, the organizer of Sunday’s activity, while speaking on the ‘New Times’ programme on February 21, said that initially, there were plans to do an East St George Community Outreach event.

Towards this end, he sought permission to use the field from the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) where he was redirected to the National Sports Council (NSC) where he was advised that given the nature

Renson Haynes, community activist, was at the centre of a dispute over use of the Calliaqua Playing Field and its facilities.

Haynes, meanwhile, said he had no knowledge of who broke into the light switch panel, although he and others to the Bascombe who confirmed that given the activity, the marking should associated with Sunday’s activity were accused of doing so. continue.

Daniel, for his part, expected that All was well with added support the police will mount an investigation from the person in charge that into the damage of the locks to the washroom facilities were available, light switch panel. and that lights were available once And in keeping with what seems to Haynes paid the prescribed fee.

Things got out of hand, Hayne said, be the norm here, the matter was ventilated in public as a political issue. when the lights were turned on and the authorities moved to turn them off. (DD)

The Calliaqua Playing Field is managed, like the majority of playing fields in SVG, by the National Sports Council. and extent of the activity proposed, he should first get permission from the Ministry of Health.

After some consideration he decided not to go ahead with the planned event and instead proposed a ‘community sweat’ for which, Haynes said, Manager of the NSC — Miles Bascombe — informed that he needed no ‘permission’.

Issues first surfaced on February 19 when, according to Haynes, he was informed that the person he had assigned to mark the field, was ordered to stop, by a party which included a police officer.

The issue was resolved after a call

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 7.

International

Russia Invades Ukraine RUSSIA’S LONG FEARED — and long expected — invasion of Ukraine was underway Thursday, officials said, according to the Associated Press, with forces crossing borders on the north, south and east in a still-evolving attack.

“The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now,” Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged on social media on Thursday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin told Ukrainian fighters to surrender in what he continued to insist, despite international condemnation, was a peacekeeping mission.

The first explosions were reportedly heard around 5 a.m. Thursday and airstrikes have since occurred in multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and the capital of Kyiv, the AP reports.

Ukrainian officials said at least 40 people had been killed in the early hours of Thursday, with several injuries in what Foreign Minister Kuleba called a “full-scale” invasion of the country, according to the AP and other reports.

“No, this is not a Russian invasion only in the east of Ukraine, but a full-scale attack from multiple directions,” Kuleba wrote on Twitter.

“No, the Ukrainian defense has not collapsed. Ukrainian army took the fight.

Ukraine stands with both feet on the ground & continues to defend itself.”

As the sun rose Thursday, Ukrainian civilians began fleeing some cities while sirens

sounded throughout the capital and a stay-at-home order was issued. Locals were advised to prepare bags with necessities and documents in case of evacuation.

“We are facing a war and horror. What could be worse?” one Kyiv resident told the AP. The invasion began shortly after Putin announced a so-called “special military operation” in the Donbas area of Ukraine, a separatist region in the eastern part of the country which he said this week should be independent – a move rejected by the U.S. and Ukraine.

In a televised address, Putin maintained that the operation was to “demilitarize” Ukraine and that Ukrainian servicemen who put down their arms will be able to safely leave the combat zone, per the AP. Putin also issued a warning to anyone who tried to intervene, saying they “must know that Russia’s answer will be immediate, and will lead to such consequences as you never experienced in your history,” according to The New York Times.

It was a barely veiled rebuke to the already mounting international response, including economic sanctions and the deployment of NATO to the surrounding area in what could become Europe’s first major armed conflict in decades.

President Joe Biden issued a statement : “The prayers of the entire

NATO forces creeping into Ukraine. (Credit: AP)

world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.”

“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

Countries committed to freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets, as an immediate response.

The exact scale and nature of such sanctions remain to be seen and not every country aligned against Russia agrees on the best punishment.

NATO, the Western alliance that has maintained the balance of power in Europe since the Cold War – and which Putin calls a security threat to Russia – is responding in force to the region around Ukraine.

“In the coming days and weeks … we will further increase our presence in the eastern part of the alliance,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a news conference in Brussels on Thursday.

“We have already deployed thousands of troops,” Stoltenberg continued.

Ukraine, which had mixed intentions of one day joining NATO, sits between the alliance’s easternmost countries and Russia and has been a flashpoint between Aftermath of Russian air strikes in Ukraine/Kharkiv them. (Source: PEOPLE - Vanessa Etienne) (Credit: Al Jazeera)

Russian military on the move into Ukraine.

(Credit: PEOPLE)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Public Service and Ethical Behaviour TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, our nation, aided and abetted by a significant portion of our resources, is still in search or demand of an understanding and acceptance of the basic principle of public service which, in the opinion of some thinkers, is the foundation for ethical behaviour.

To begin to understand obligations of public service, it would serve in good stead to reflect on a past USA President Thomas Jefferson- who enunciated the basic principle of public service thus: “When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.”

Jefferson’s urging has been rewritten many times over but one rewrite has stayed the test of time. “Public service is a public trust.”

And lest we forget or try to extricate certain groupings from this truism, let us be reminded that elected officials — including those we refer to as Constituency Representatives - are foremost among those who assume the public trust, or have the responsibility of upholding that public trust entrusted on them.

They, we must hold to the highest office of ethical behaviour. Those are the ones, foremost, that we have to demand adherence to principles of ethical behaviour, inclusive of: * Public service is a public trust, requiring persons in such position to pledge and uphold the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain. * That they shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty to the people and state. * That they shall not engage in financial transactions using non-public Government information or allow improper use of such information to further any private interest. * Except pursuant to such reasonable exceptions as are provided by regulation, (they) shall not solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value or in kind from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the Public Service and/or Government. * Avoid interests that may substantially affect the performance or nonperformance of your duties. * You shall make no unauthorized

commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government. * Your performance of duties must be characterized by an honest effort. * You shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for contract work, that conflict with your official Government duties and responsibilities. * You shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities and to the public. * You shall satisfy in good faith your obligations as citizens, including all financial obligations, especially those local taxes that are imposed by law. * You shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunities for all citizens of the country regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information and political affiliation. * You shall not use your public office for private gain. * You shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual, moreso blood relatives. * You shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that you are violating the law, and if you are found in a compromising position in this regard, must be willing to demit office, return the public trust and answer, if need be, in accordance with the law.

If we are to truly achieve a foundation for ethical behaviour, those public officers entrusted with making laws to guide and encourage a fair society, must be prepared to answer to any violations they might commit against ethics laws, and must accept that they are not above criminal or civil action by the Office of the Attorney General.

Disciplinary or adverse action against violators is integral to building ethical behaviour.

Tell us about the Richmond Quarry OK, I/WE ACCEPT your apology. You say you could have and should have done better at communicating with the farmers who currently occupy the land to be made available to a foreign company. (I mean no disrespect when I refer to a company from St. Lucia as a foreign company.) Many in opposition to this project are engaging in nativism politics to try and discredit the project’s virtues.

Those who know me know that I think of myself as a regionalist; like many Vincentians, I have friends and family in just about every Caribbean island. One Caribbean.

Please don’t get confused. I, too, would have loved to see a homegrown company leading this project. But I am just as ok with my brothers from Lucia.

I am happy to see a $30 million investment that does not have the government requesting another loan to make it happen. Last month, your detractors were arguing that “too much government borrowing would kill the country.” This month it’s “we had a different idea for development in this area.” So “Don’t Do Dat.” I will not fall for the distractions and the noise about dust, asthmatic kids, or even Tri Tri. The quarry is needed, and if this is a good source for the raw material, this is a good place for the quarry. Let’s do it.

Now having said that, we still need answers. We need more than an apology for not talking to us before the announcement, Mr. PM. So, since we cannot find the details of the agreement on our own, here are some additional questions we need you to answer: * Who pays for the infrastructure required to support the quarry?

I am talking about the roads, water, or the increased electrical capacity for the project. By the way, this could be an excellent opportunity to demand a few megawatts of alternative energy (solar) be added to our electrical grid. Just a suggestion, at least 10-acres of the land scheduled for the last phases of the project could be used for 20 years towards this goal. Ultimately an excellent location for about 15 megawatts of a solar generation when the project is over.

* How much gravel/aggregate will be provided annually?

Surely you must know that. If not, how could you decide that this was a good deal? Mr. PM if you tell us the total amount of money, we can expect annually from this land entrusted to your government, we could begin to understand the value of the deal. I know we are primarily a group of simple people, but having worked with people all my life, I am confident we can understand if you try. Most Vincentians will get it, trust me on this one. * Will there be limits on the amount of aggregate that can be mined annually?

You may ask why do people need to know that? Well, from my point of view, that’s the only way to guarantee we have locally produced building material for thirty years.

And this is one of the reasons why I support the project. * Let’s talk about the $2/ton on exported gravel, is it tied to an inflationary index?

We all know that $2 today is not the same as $2 in thirty-year. Using a conservative inflation rate of 3%, $2 will be worth 82 cents in 30-years.

Can you see why I am asking? The present value calculation of this contract is about $12 million assuming about half a million tons per year. Could this be why you do not want to talk about the value of the contract? If so, please go back to the table. A net Present Value of $2730 million is a more fair deal. * Will farmers be allowed to utilize the seaport developed to facilitate the transport of farm products?

I think I heard the company would be building a seaport to transport the finished product. Great, but I would like to know there will be coordination with the farming community to benefit from this asset.

I cannot find the details on this contract, so I am asking on behalf of my few friends in North Leeward and the Nation.

Horatio .....

V Questions on my mind

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 9.

Letters

IN THE ABSENCE OF MANABOUT-TOWN, allow me to ask a few questions: * Has anybody done an assessment of the impact of those replacement teachers some of whom might have been out of the system for a very long time? * Has anyone else noticed that our “entertainment package” to Expo 2020 in Dubai was comprised of a group of close friends, almost the same people who represents us at most overseas events? * Is this package a true representation of our culture? Is our culture not something that we all accept as

ours? * With all that’s happening in terms of foreign investment, are we paying attention to how much of what we have that we are giving away to foreigners? * Is it a case of what calypsonian Bosalt sang about some years ago that he loved his country so much that he was giving it away for all to see and enjoy? * What is wrong with us? With five homicides for the year (up to February 18, 2022) are we heading for a record year of killings in SVG? Are those who promised it going to tell us how much they have been tough on crime and the

causes of crime? * Who really controls the illegal entry of guns into this country? Have the police ever conducted a proper investigation into this?

Are their hands tied in this regard? * Could somebody please show me the law or something legal on which that Magistrate decided that a video that was streamed live while it was being recorded, could not be allowed as evidence in a certain court case? * Is this a case of the responding to messenger and not the message? * What did Bigger Biggs really do wrong that the state would see

Cjea…. A sad, sad tale

to it that his mining and block-making enterprise was closed? Did he steal anybody’s white fowl? * Is Rayneau Construction, the company that will begin mining in Richmond soon, the regional agents for Hyundai heavy duty equipment? Did a state agency here recently purchase some pieces of Hyundai heavy duty equipment?

Thomas

Our West Indies cricket team OUR WEST INDIES CRICKET TEAM continues to be a talking point. The dismal performance of the team is not anything new since we have been on a losing stretch for years now.

Times have changed and this is the age of technology where everything is documented. The weakness and strengths of each player can be readily recognised.

Teams are able to look at their opponents and analyze their strengths and weaknesses, just like the coaches can do for their players.

The question though, is: How many of our coaches use technology to work with players to correct their errors and improve their game?

Our players also need to make use of the technology…. to look at how former players

approached their game … how they bat and bowl. They can learn if they are willing.

We have heard our Head Coach say that the failure of the batsmen is not because of technical deficiencies, but rather an inability to assess the situation and play accordingly. I beg to differ.

A closer look at our batsmen will reveal many technical flaws.

Very few of our batsmen use their feet regularly and are able to get to the pitch of the ball. This has caused many of our batsmen to fall prey to spinners. Our regional first class games speak to this fact, for our spinners are the most successful bowlers. The truth is, though, that when those spinners are given the opportunity to play at the international level, they are far from effective.

Similar sentiments can be expressed about our batsmen who dominate the regional games, but cannot do the same thing at the international level.

By the way, where is our batsman SUNIL AMBRIS? The regional game is in progress and nothing is said about him. Maybe there is something we don’t need to know.

My hope is that once again our cricket will rise and we will become a fearsome team once more. And with that

hope, we need to “rally round the West Indies”.

Kennard King 4857324

FROM ALL REPORTS, Cjea Weeks, an 18-yearold motorcyclist from Argyle, died as a result of injuries he received in a police chase. I hasten to say that he did not die on the spot.

The reports said that Cjea was hospitalized with multiple injuries following an incident with the police, on Wednesday February 2nd, 2022, in Vermont. These injuries, according to newspaper and online news agencies, included a broken leg, and large bruises about his body, resulting in him being paralyzed from the chest down.

His mother is reported to have said to media people that her son had told her before he passed away, that he was run over by the police.

What bothers me in all of this is that the young man was lying on his hospital bed, was able to talk to his mother so people around him might have thought he was alright. That was not the case.

For he died right there. Did he have more serious injuries than was disclosed? Wasn’t anyone monitoring him? Where was the medical care? Did anyone tell his mother that it looked like he wouldn’t make it?

Just like how the police say they are carrying out investigation into the incident, couldn’t there be an investigation into why a young man was one minute talking to his mother and the next he was dead.

Police say they are carrying out investigation, but according to at least one report, it looks like the Commissioner has already completed that investigation because he said that based on information received, people are siding with the police version of the incident.

The irony about this whole incident is that the young man, Cjea Weeks, had just about completed an application form to join the local police force.

What a thing. The young man wanted to be one of those persons who it appeared was responsible to some measure for his death.

Sorry if I offended anyone but I needed to get this off my chest.

Charles, Edinboro

Nomination challenge constitution, ineligible for nomination to office.

To wit, I hereby challenge the nomination of Oswald Robinson for the position of President of the SVGTU, as being contrary to article 3, DEAR SIR: subsection 3.2.1 and The Elections subsection 3.2.2 of the Committee stands as a St. Vincent and the sentinel in the vanguard Grenadines Teachers to protect and uphold the Union Constitution. constitution of the Article 3 subsection SVGTU; to protect that 3.1 identifies who can which is most sacred to become members of the the life of the Union.

SVGTU. Subsection 3.2 I have observed that identifies the types of there have been (too) membership being: (i) many instances in the Full (ii) Associate and past where questions (iii) Honorary. with regard to the Subsection 3.2.1 functioning of various outlines who is a full bodies set up within this member, eligible to hold austere organization, office and the rights have brought the contained therein. functioning of the Union * A full Member is a into disrepute. member in good financial During the last standing as outlined in election cycle of the (3.2) and is entitled to all SVGTU, I was the rights and benefits of disappointed to discover union membership, that there were persons including the right to who were duly vote and to hold office. nominated and elected to * A full member must office but (who) were, be actively involved in according to the teaching, except if Editor’s Note: This is an ‘open’ letter to Mr. Kenneth Burgin, Chairman Elections Committee, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU).

employed by the Union or if he/she did not voluntarily give up his/her job as a teacher.

Subsection 3.2.2 clears up any misconceptions that may arise from subsection 3.2.1: * Associate membership may be granted to persons in the following categories former members of the Union, retired teachers, Vincentian teachers resident overseas, teachers on contract in the teaching services of St Vincent and the Grenadines. * It entitles holders to the services of the Union.

Such members shall be free to take part in Union activities. They shall be empowered to vote at meetings but cannot hold office. * Associate members shall pay the current dues.

It is my contention that Mr. Robinson is retired and his nomination is therefore, in breach of the SVGTU constitution. I further

contend that the meeting of the Elections Committee which approved of this nomination was brought into disrepute and acted ultra vires of the constitution by virtually amending the said constitution, to allow successful passage of this nomination. I further contend that the said Committee was further brought into disrepute when the members acted in the stead of the Annual General Meeting which is the ONLY meeting that can amend the constitution.

I would further contend that the Election Committee should, post haste and with immediate effect, withdraw the nomination in question and reopen nominations for further consideration or allow the other nominee, Ms. Nikeisha Williams, to be elected unopposed to the position.

Phillip Jacobs Member East Kingstown Branch February 8, 2022.

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Youth, Sports, Culture and Budget 2022 Excerpt from the 2022 Budget Presentation of Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves AS IS OUR PRACTICE, THE Government has crafted Budget 2022 as a youth budget.

Throughout the pages of our estimates, the focus on the wellbeing, advancement and opportunities for youth is self-evident.

That youth-centric approach permeates almost every initiative in Budget 2022.

While it is impossible to reiterate them all here without being accused of repetition, it is worth mentioning that youth-centred initiatives like PRYME, equipping and rehabilitating schools, TVET programmes, generous scholarships and tuition assistance, the YES, SET and LabourIntensive Agriculture programmes, upgrades to sporting facilities – both through the budget and the National Lotteries Authority – will conservatively cost over $45 million in 2022.

The jobs being created in 2022 — particularly those in the hospitality, call centre, Blue Economy and IT segments — will overwhelmingly benefit young people. In a year in which our economy is expected to grow between five and eight percent, Budget 2022 is laserfocussed on helping youth to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities. Similarly, our foundational investments in digital transformation and climate resilience will make life and business in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines more sustainable, and more enjoyable for future generations.

An important goal of Budget 2022 is the reinvigoration of the National Youth Council, an initiative that was derailed by the challenges of 2021. Similarly, relief coordination within the Ministry for Youth and Social Development negatively affected our ability to develop a revised National Youth Policy and establish a Child & Youth Development Management Committee. These initiatives will take place in 2022. The Government will build upon ongoing efforts to work with vulnerable and atrisk youth in the development of coping skills and alternative avenues for their energies and talents.

The investment in sporting infrastructure took place even while the Pandemic limited opportunities for their use. In 2021, through the National Lotteries Authority, hardcourts and playing fields were either constructed or upgraded nationwide, including Lowmans Hill, Green Hill, Glen and Evesham. That work continues this year, as increased vaccination levels portend a greater use of athletic facilities in 2022.

Budget 2022 marks the beginning of a multi-year programme of rehabilitation for the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex that will include work to repair spectator seating and install an electronic scoreboard and replay screen. A total of $1 million is allocated this year, with the procurement and installation of the electronic scoreboard timed to coincide with the opening of additional hotel rooms, which Cricket West Indies has cited as an impediment to our hosting of major matches.

Whether or not the availability of hotel rooms is applicable in an era of Pandemic-limited crowds is an open question. But we continue to work towards the maintenance and upgrade of what is one of the region’s most picturesque cricketing facilities.

Last June, World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport of athletics formerly known as the IAAF, certified the track at the Sir Vincent Beache National Stadium in

Diamond as fit for high-level track and field events. The newly-certified track is at the heart of our plans to create a first-class athletics and football facility in Diamond. Already, we are excited by the steady stream of young athletes and athletic clubs taking advantage of the track surface for training purposes.

Budget 2022 invests an additional $4.2 million in building out facilities around the track — a process that was delayed by the volcanic eruptions. This year, the stadium site will be enhanced with restrooms, parking, field irrigation, administrative offices, a roof for the existing seating, and state-of-the-art equipment. Enhancement of the grounds and spectator mound will also continue in 2022. By year’s end, the facility will be sufficiently equipped to host regional events. In 2023 we shall construct a dedicated warm-up track adjacent to the main facility, enabling it to host international events.

Within walking distance of the Sir Vincent Beache National Stadium is the Brighton Home for Football, which received a multimillion dollar upgrade this year from the SVG Football Federation. We have recently concluded negotiations with the Football Federation to ensure that the facility will receive improved spectator seating and upgraded amenities in 2022, while remaining accessible to members of the community. To have these two top-class athletic and football facilities within walking distance of each other — where only cow pastures existed before — is an eloquent example of the many positive changes taking place before our eyes, even in the midst of tremendous challenge.

When the first season of Carnival, Easterval and Bequia Regatta passed without traditional celebrations, the Government provided a small payment to cultural artistes in the fields of Calypso, Soca, steel pan, and costume design. The payment was not intended to replace lost earnings, a task beyond the capacity of the Government.

Instead, it was a recognition of the invaluable role played by our artisans, and a signal that they should hold the faith amidst our challenges.

Now that a second festival season passed under the cloud of COVID and ash, it is appropriate that the Government once again symbolically affirm our own faith in the cultural and creative industries. Budget 2022 therefore makes provision for a small token of recognition to six steel orchestras, six steel pan arrangers, 12 mas designers, 78 Soca artistes, 72 Calypsonians, and 13 cultural ambassadors resident in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Just under $120,000 is allocated for this recognition.

The Government is operating under the assumption that Carnival and other major celebrations will return in some shape or form in 2022, with proper regard to the health of performers, patrons and participants. Accordingly, Budget 2022 continues to provide resources to the Carnival Development Committee, and the National Lotteries Authority continues to set aside support for cultural events and practitioners.

Culture will not be left behind as we recover. At the same time, we celebrate those artists who have managed to continue creating and sharing their talent with audiences, and those who have embraced technology and the challenging times to produce meaningful art.

No Economic Growth! No Jobs!

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Address at the party’s 42nd Annual Convention) ECONOMIES ALL OVER THE world are emerging from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries, for example the USA, the growth in jobs has been robust.

According to the IMF, the global economy grew by 5.9% in 2021 and is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2022. In each region and country, however, the IMF says that the prospects for economic growth are tied to increasing vaccination rates and the overcoming of the pandemic.

For health and economic reasons, and based on the best scientific advice, we have accepted vaccination as the safest and quickest way to overcome the pandemic and get back to our normal lives. But, that is a choice each of us must make for ourselves. Unfortunately, the stubborn, wrong-headed approach of the ULP government is making the situation worse. It isn’t helping. Only a change of government can create the conditions for a better solution to this problem. It is our goal that will be brought about sooner rather than later.

Our economic woes preceded the pandemic. The members of the ULP government would want us to believe that our economic problems started with COVID-19 and the volcanic eruption. But this is not so; the problems were there before. Take for example, the year 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, our economy grew by a mere 0.4%, the worst in the OECS. Between 2014 and 2018, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy grew by an annual average of 1.5%. For an economy as small as ours that is really no growth at all.

The national debt and the cost of repaying has grown out of bounds.

Our national debt in 2021 was $2 billion. The ECCB set a level of 60% of GDP as a prudent rate at which the debt should be. We now have a Debt/GDP ratio of over 98.1 %. This far exceeds the guidelines of 60% set by major financial organization like the ECCB, World Bank and IMF. Before the pandemic and the volcanic eruption, it was in the mid-70s% and climbing; well above the 60% recommended top level.

The central government debt is roughly the size of the economy. It is clear that the pandemic and volcanic eruptions exposed the underlying problems of the economy and made them worse. The St Vincent and the Grenadines economy had no ability to absorb any economic shocks because we were already skating on thin ice, economically speaking. We were already stretched too thin to endure much more pressure.

Also, recall that the government’s own poverty assessment study conducted in 2018 showed that between 2008 and 2018, poverty increased in St Vincent and the Grenadines. During that period, poverty overall increased from 30.2 percent to 36.1 percent of the population and indigence (i.e. poorest of the poor) increased from 2.9 percent to 11.3 percent of the population.

While in Grenada, the poverty rate was down 13% over the same period.

The government’s study defined indigence as follows: “The Indigent/food line is based on the minimum amount of money needed to purchase some basic food bundle.

Households or persons unable to meet the cost of obtaining these basic food items are categorised as critically poor, indigent or food poor.” So over twelve thousand people in St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2018 could not buy a basic food bundle to feed themselves.

In some areas, namely Barrouallie and Northern Grenadines, the poverty rate more than doubled. Only in Colonarie did poverty decline.

Everywhere else, it got worse.

Correspondingly, the IMF found that unemployment increased in St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the life of the ULP government.

In 2017, it said the overall unemployment rate in our country was 25 percent. This was worse than it was in 2001, when the ULP came to power, when it was 20.9 percent. The youth (15-24 years) unemployment rate in 2017 was put at a staggering 46 percent. It is no doubt worse than that today. It is no wonder young people are crying out in pain and are feeling left behind in their country.

Many have left for greener pasture in other OECS countries or even further away.

When young people increasingly feel that there is no future for them in their own country, and leave to use their many talents elsewhere, then we are truly lost as a nation. This rot and decline must stop. We can and must stop it. But, clearly, some people are doing well. Their own poverty report said some are getting more than others in the meagre growth we experienced. They must have connections to be doing so well.

Tax Relief is Needed The tax burden grows. As the cost of import rises because of supply chain issues and other factors, the burden on ordinary people gets heavier. The VAT was, by different means, increased three years in a row following 2015 elections. It goes up but does not ever come down. I believe it is time for it to come down.

In the last general elections, we said that we would reduce the VAT from 16 percent to 13 percent. We believe it is necessary to reduce the VAT to reduce the impact of rising cost of living on people.

The government says they did not increase taxes in the last Budget, but they also did not provide any tax relief as, for example, was done in Grenada. If you are building a house, you know that the cost of plywood has skyrocketed; the cost of steel and cement and other building materials have gone up. Foodstuff and clothing costs have risen rapidly too.

Meanwhile, employers say they cannot increase wages. So, people are squeezed by stagnant wages and rising prices. Given the pressure people are feeling, the government must now consider cutting VAT in half to provide real relief to ordinary people.

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

Views

Fearfully and wonderfully made

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 THE BIBLE IS REPLETE with reminders about God’s wonderful creation. We often find ourselves marveling about His making of the universe, the earth, water, birds, flowers, plants, and insects. However, there are times when we also pause to consider His creation of mankind – us.

We are all fearfully and wonderfully made; even with our defects and, in some instances, our deformities.

There may be some who may wish to scrutinize the final sentence of the preceding paragraph claiming that this is a contradiction to the paragraph’s earlier content. But it is not. Even in instances where some bodily or mental functions may appear to be undeveloped or under-developed, we still see the beauty of God’s creation and recognize that He made provision for these; when one of our senses appears deficient, another seems to be heightened. For example, it is known that some blind persons appear to develop a much sharper sense of hearing.

The book “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” (ISBN 9780890660379), written

by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey, draws the reader’s attention to various features of the hearts of some of God’s wonders of creation. They note that, “A hummingbird’s heart weighs a fraction of an ounce and beats eight hundred times a minute; a blue whale’s heart weighs half a ton, beats only ten times per minute, and can be heard two miles away. In contrast to either, the human heart seems dully functional, yet it does its job, beating 100,000 times a day [6570 times a minute] with no time off for rest, to get most of us through seventy years or more.” It is quite sobering to contemplate the beauty of this organ that we so very often take for granted; sometimes only thinking of it when we engage in some form of physical exertion, experience a fearful experience, or have received a medical diagnosis that it may be defective.

Even then, we reflect on the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Social media, the Internet, print media, and the television, would periodically alert us to the efforts some individuals have made to “enhance” their physical appearance. Some rich and famous individuals appear to have no limit in relation to how much money and time they will spend to make themselves look younger and/or more handsome/beautiful. Others, not so endowed with wealth, may have to settle for enhancing beauty through hairstyles; affixing hair extensions.

Some engage in facial cosmetics, wardrobe selection, and so on. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with seeking to look our best, the beauty from within is many times more precious than the outward adorning.

That inner beauty, too, is a priceless gift from our Creator.

Sometimes (and especially during our adolescent years) we could become so preoccupied by the physical beauty of others that we may be encouraged to be super-critical of our own appearances.

We may unwisely wish for a smaller or straighter nose, or a differently shaped pair of lips, or a different shade of skin, or different hair texture. However, as our thoughts shift into those selfcriticising modes, we need to remind ourselves of the biblical truth that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.

Every last one of us. That is a sobering realisation.

Individuals can be unkind when they make derogatory comments in relation to the physical shape, size, skin

pigmentation, and appearance of others. Such behaviours can be especially damaging to the emotional wellbeing of those criticised.

This appears particularly so during such sensitive growth periods as early adulthood and adolescence. As concerned citizens, we have a role, responsibility, and privilege to condemn such behaviours. Teachers, parents, and other responsible adults are required to be particularly alert to such behaviours and, through example, encourage our wards to be more responsible and empathetic with their utterances. We must respect those who look different to ourselves. Like us, they also a need to look and feel beautiful. In addition, those persons who may be criticised as being “ugly” need to remember not to let another’s subjective view of beauty (or ugliness) become their own. We must refuse to be so easily influenced by others. This is especially so for those who unwisely judge beauty based on external factors and disregard or discredit the true value of inner loveliness (i.e., integrity, kindness, empathy, helpfulness, respect, etc.).

We have often heard it said that “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”.

That well known statement was first penned by Margaret Wolfe Hungerford in her 1878 publication entitled “Molly Bawn”. In its own way this statement reminds us that beauty is subjective; what is considered beautiful for one person may not appear to be so for another. So much depends on how we are socialised. For example, female members of the Mursi Tribe in Ethiopia, East Africa, practice stretching their ears and lips to enhance their beauty.

Additionally, the Fulani Tribe in Nigeria and Central Africa also engage in the tradition of piercing and stretching their earlobes for decorative purposes. To them, stretched ears and lips appear to be beautiful. To others, it appears repulsive. Beauty, indeed, is in the eyes of the beholder.

Regardless of the society or the culture, individuals need to feel and to be beautiful. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has embarked on campaigns to reduce the incidence of obesity around the world, Mauritania’s white Moor Arab population still encourage their young female population to gain an excessive number of pounds. This is sometimes done through force-feeding. It is speculated that over a generation ago approximately one third of the women in that country had been force-fed as children. Girls receive much more food than boys in an effort to “beautify the girls” by having them appear fat. To them, being obese is beautiful. In the long run, our perception of beauty is so very heavily dependent on our cultural upbringing.

In our own special/unique way, we are all beautiful. However, while there are limitations to the physical changes that we can make as we reflect on our need to feel and be beautiful, there are a multitude of positive changes that we can influence in our thrust to enhance the beauty beneath our skins. That is where the true beauty resides. Our attitudes, personality, habits, dispositions, etc. are more important and lasting than the surface appearance.

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

No to the fire-sale mentality VINCENTIANS NEED TO REJECT that our country is ‘a big stone heap with good soil covering it.’ If we embrace this notion of development as articulated by PM Gonsalves in his sales pitch for the disastrous lease deal he made with the St Lucian company for 58 acres of land at Richmond, our sacred land soon is destroyed environmentally, or wake up one day and realise that the vast majority of our landscape and seascape has been pawned off to foreigners.

The idea that SVG is a big stone heap with good soil is a most backward description of our country.

It smacks of a colonial mentality. This view says that this stone heap with good soil is there for the taking.

Exploit it, deplete it, and be damned with concerns about environmental sustainability.

The government leased 58 acres of beautiful St. Vincent for $1,000 per month for 30 years. It is projected that 99 percent of all mined stones will be exported. For each ton of stone harvested, we get $2.

If over 30 years a million tons of stone is sold from the Richmond quarry, SVG gets $2 million. Bulk crushed stones and gravel prices are US$10 to $50 per ton on average.

Road base costs US$18 to $30 per ton and plain pea gravel costs $28 to $45 per ton. Buying gravel in small quantities cost over $100 per ton.

The investors stand to make a pretty penny off our stone heap. But a closer look will reveal that this dance cannot pay for the light. There must be far more environmentally sustainable ways to use our natural resources. This project entails disrupting farmers’ agricultural production. In a country 18 miles long and 11 miles wide harmful dust particles from stone mining could cover the entire landmass and beyond.

The health fallout from this mining is conceivable for more than $2 million over 30 years.

This is why there is always a need for environmental, social and financial impact assessment. Apparently, an ecological study was conducted in 2008. However, Dr Reynold Murray, the consultant who led the environmental assessment study, said, I can’t see a planning authority accepting a document that is …12 years old. I cant see a document that dated being accepted at this time particularly after a catastrophic event on the island and without consultation with the people to see how their life situations have changed…I really think if they are proposing to use this document which I really think should not have been the case, it definitely needs to be updated, needs to be reviewed.’

Former Town planner and longstanding ULP supporter Bentley Browne have also questioned the decision of the Physical Planning Authority to accept the outdated Environment Impact Assessment. He noted that the planning approval system allows for all assessments to be modified, accepted or refused.

Somebody was in a hurry to get this deal done. Somebody stands to make lots of money off this deal. One thing is certain. The people of St Vincent are destined to be the losers.

The quarry decision follows a long line of anti-people initiatives various governments have made regarding national property. Remember the sweetheart deal that the NDP administration made with the Trinidadian investor who was to building houses at Diamonds estate; the 99-year lease of two-thirds of Canouan for peanuts which allows the investors to sell the leased lands; the fire sale of 36 acres of prime real estate at Mount Wynn/Peters Hope at less than $5 per square foot; and the generous Rain Forest contract that may herald the depletion of our fish, lobster, conch and Wilks stock.

The sale pitch for the Canouan giveaway was that the island was a mosquito-infested hive in need of development.

We grabbed the Blank Sands deal because no investor came knocking to develop a hotel there for decades.

Rumours abound that the project stalled because the principal investor has encountered legal and financial obstacles.

In the name of development, our leaders were willing to kill off rather than regenerate and restore the coral reef at Villa, and the indigenous people of Canouan were denied access to a beach they enjoyed for generations.

Our country is being recolonised in the name of development. An English man is now the largest landowner in SVG. Other Europeans are rapidly purchasing most of the available land.

Medical marijuana production means even more lands are being leased or purchased by foreigners.

As Lindiwe Sisulu, daughter of Walter Sisulu the iconic South African freedom fighter, said we have witnessed ‘the co-option and invitation of political powerbrokers to the dinner table, whose job is to keep the masses quiet in their sufferance while they dine caviar with colonised capital. After dinner, many things take place under and around the table. Some call it stomach politics.

The politicians take care of themselves and their families, while those who put them there go to bed hungry, waiting for crumbs from the table.’

We are all for sustainable development that brings real solutions to our people’s problems.

Anything less must be vigorously opposed and rejected.

We cannot sit back and watch as our leaders sell our precious assets and resources. More of us need to stand up and speak out. Unless we speak up for our rights and defend our patrimony, national hero Chatoyer and other freedom fighters who shed their blood and made the ultimate sacrifice will turn in their graves, and look upon us with disgust and disdain for what we have become.

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

V 20 years of the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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IT’S BEEN 20 YEARS THAT WE’VE had the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002. This Act gives the super-rich of Mustique tax and customs duty exemptions. It seems like as soon as the ULP regime came into office, they were in a rush to give away millions of dollars to the super-rich of

Mustique in tax and customs duty exemptions, before doing anything of significance for Vincentians.

The super-rich of Mustique can save millions of dollars each year with these tax and customs duty exemptions. Over the past 20 years,

the SVG Treasury has been deprived of tens of millions of dollars that the super-rich could have been paying.

We have had a generation of Vincentian children being born and growing up with the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 in existence. Many thousands of these children have grown up in poverty, often gone to bed hungry, often been unable to go to school because their parents cannot afford fees or books, and lived in households that have no mains water or electricity.

All this suffering and hardship our Vincentian children have had to endure over the past 20 years, could have been avoided if the super-rich of Mustique had behaved liked responsible citizens and paid their millions of dollars of tax every year for the past 20 years.

If that money had gone into the SVG Treasury, then poorer households could have been supported better.

Poorer households could have had mains water and electricity and our children could have had less hardship in their lives.

Shame on the super-rich of Mustique and shame on the ULP regime for letting them get away with it.

The recipients of these blanket tax and customs exemptions are using a charitable trust to socially engineer their justification for the multi-million dollar tax and customs duty exemptions. They give handouts to a small number of people, maybe because they think Vincentians are

ignorant and can’t see what is really going on.

Bearing in mind that our country is having millions leached from it, these paltry contributions are a joke and an insult. As we said before, these people are ‘urinating’ on our people and expect us to be thankful for the offering. They are simply cultivating a dependency culture to oppress the people of SVG. It is very greedy and heartless that the super-rich, migrants in Mustique watch Vincentian children suffer and still continue to not pay tax and customs duty. Do these people have souls, do they care?

As long as they can make millions in profit and live an extravagant, wealthy lifestyle, they are happy. Do they have a care for the welfare of Vincentian children?

Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, who was awarded the British Royal Air Force “MERITORIUS SERVICE MEDAL” in 1985 in recognition of his Exemplary Conduct, High Personal Standards and Professional Expertise, says it will be a great day for our people when we see the back of these super-rich of Mustique. This will help our country move forward.

We must abolish the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 and stop the super-rich of Mustique getting tax and customs duty exemptions. 20 years of the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 is 20 years too many.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 13 .

News

Rent to be paid past March FAMILIES/PERSONS WHO were displaced as a result of the eruption of La Soufriere in 2021 and are still residing in private accommodation, will have their rent payments extended beyond March, if necessary.

Speaking on radio on February 23, Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Transport and Works and Prime Minister (Ag) said that Cabinet had made the decision to continue making the payments.

Daniel recalled that families/persons who were displaced

Fire Chief: ÂDesist from making prank callsÊ SUPERINTENDENT Joel James, Head of the Fire Department of the Royal SVG Police Force, has appealed to the public to discontinue making prank calls about fires in progress.

Supt. James described such action as dangerous and was waste of resources and time of the Fire department.

His appeal came while speaking last Tuesday’s episode of ‘On the Beat’, a weekly public outreach programme hosted by the RSVGPF. “There are persons who believe that we, the Fire Department,are just sitting or lying down here with nothing to do so they will call the Fire Department as far as from the country side, as far as from Colonarie and these places, to tell you that there is a fire just over the Colonaire bridge, (when) you have just returned to base from a fire scene,” said James, adding that they in many cases they have had to contact the nearest police stations for confirmation of the information from the caller(s).

“There are a number of people who are doing this from time to time … and the fire appliances and men have to rush to these areas only to behold nothing like that. So, I am asking the general public, the persons who are doing these things, to desist from this because when you send the fire appliance on a wild chase somewhere, one of these days when you call wolf, wolf will come at work,” the Fire Head cautioned. (KH)

were accommodated in shelters, some were placed in hotels and guest houses and others in private dwelling homes that were being offered for rent.

The Ministry of Tourism, the Red Cross and the Ministry of Social Development were each charged with the responsibility of footing the bill for these persons utilizing paid for accommodations.

The Ministry of Tourism handled payments to hotels and guest houses but this will cease at the end of February, Daniel explained, as would

rental payments made by the Red Cross.

To address this fallout, Daniel disclosed, “At the Cabinet, it was agreed and approved that Social Development will continue to take care of the rental bills beyond the month of February.”

A number of families/persons remain in paid for accommodation as Pre-fabricated houses at Orange Hill they await the completion of repairs to are to be made available to ‘displaced their dwellings (by BRAGSA), while families’ by March. others will be relocated to 27 houses The occupation of the new houses is nearing completion in Orange Hill. expected to be effected by March. (DD)

V Recovery in agriculture, says Ministry 14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

News

agricultural and fisheries products, valuing EC$1.3 million were sold to 13 countries in January, according to data disseminated by the Ministry of Agriculture. It said that an inter-annual comparison to January 2021 reveals that there has been a five per cent increase in the quantity of exported products and a 38 per cent increase in the value.

“The United States was the main destination for the country’s exports in 2022, which Soon there will be an increases demand for represented a value of more seafood products like conch, to fill the than 300,000 dollars. Trinidad demand of overseas markets. and Tobago and Barbados followed in second and third ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES food place. The other ten export export increased during the first month destinations were Anguilla, Bouvet of this year according to information Island, the British Virgin Islands, from the Ministry of Agriculture; an Canada, France, Great Britain, indication of a recovery in the Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint agriculture sector, following the severe Lucia and Saint Martin,” the The impact of the La Soufriére volcano United Nations Food and Agriculture eruptions in 2021.

Organisation (FA0) in a statement.

A total of 516 753 kilos of In total, there were 42 types of

exported agricultural and fisheries products, including tubers, vegetables, fruit, spices and lobster. “It began with the first large eruption of La Soufriére on 9 April 2021, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced 32 other eruptions The agricultural sectors remains a vital economic thereafter. The pillar of St.Vincent and the grenadines. natural disaster again. forced the evacuation of some 30,000 Minister of Agriculture Saboto people from their homes, most of them Caesar spoke about the importance of farmers, given that the majority of the the support of the Inter-American land adjoining the volcano is used for Institute for Cooperation on agricultural production,” the FAO Agriculture (IICA) to rapidly revive statement said.

It said many farmers lost crops due production and guarantee food security. He said that agriculture here to the ash fall on their land, compelling the government to declare is largely in the hands of small, family farmers and the country has a food security emergency. The State approximately 8,000 and 1,500 gave economic assistance to small registered farmers and fisherfolk, farmers and hired tractors to plough respectively. (Source: MOA) the land to enable crops to be sown

V A Canouan legend laid to rest

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 15.

Tribute

Hedwige Cajetan Sandy (1947 – 2022).

in the Grenadines, water is of special significance; harvesting and storing rain water is essential for the survival of people of the Grenadines.

Having assisted in building the Roman Catholic Church in Mayreau, Sandy built the lone water catchment on that island, which will continue to serve that community for many years to come.

Along with his father, siblings and others, they built a wooden vessel‘United Knowledge’, which served as the mail boat for Daughter Shanda Sandy-Boyea The funeral/burial service was the Southern Grenadines for delivering the eulogy. graced by the presence of Roman many years.

Catholic Bishop, His Lordship During the eulogy Story and Photos by Donald De Riggs Gerard County. delivered by his daughter still vividly recalls the ACCORDING TO ONE OF HIS EMPLOYEES, Shanda Sandy-Boyea, all his major accomplishments were ‘proper cut tail’ she received, so much the Thanksgiving Service held on enumerated as well as his relationship that all of her siblings ended up crying Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the with his children. Sandy-Boyea noted too.

Canouan Hard Court, for the late that her father was a strict Following the burial, attendees were Hedwige Cajetan Sandy (August 17, disciplinarian and admitted that she treated to a lavish meal and lively 1947 – January 29, 2022), despite the music. Sandy, an accomplished sadness that usually surrounds the loss musician, loved music from South of a great builder/ contractor, was the Afrikan reggae legend Lucy Dube, so happiest funeral he attended in his entire the DJ provided a mix of Lucky Dube life. and Caribbean music, much to the This sentiment seemed to have delight of those present. echoed with support among the persons who attended the Service.

The music, the tributes, the service, the procession, even the singing during the burial, was lively and all around, the ‘mourners’ were dancing away to the pulsating musical accompaniment of the ‘Sandy Band’, of which the deceased was a founding member.

Hedwige Sandy was a renowned contractor and builder responsible for several structures in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But he will long be remembered for the many water tanks built in Canouan and Mayreau, among other places. In the absence of rivers Feting the deceased.

One of the high points during the repas was a fog horn salute by motor vessel ‘Guidance’ which came close to the shore at Bachelor’s Bay, blasting the fog horn in memory of a fallen soldier to the loud cheers from all on shore.

Another unsung hero has passed on, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of many, including his family.

Family members circled the casket during the eulogy.

(L-R): Claude and John Sandy performing for their brother.

MV Guidance giving fog horn salute to a fallen soldier.

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Cyber security upgrades lacking LESS THAN A THIRD of businesses (29%) of 1,900 businesses across the Caribbean, have had upgrades to their cyber security as a direct result of the Kyron Duncan, Head of Digicel COVID-19 Business, St. Vincent, warned that pandemic. you don’t have to be a large This is company to be a target for cyberaccording attacks. (Photo Source: ANN) to data compiled in the Digicel Business Digital Transformation Research Report and Guide, which examined the attitudes towards digital transformation and the impact the pandemic has had on businesses in this respect.

The data is alarming given that the scale and number of global cyber threats have increased significantly since the onset of COVID-19, the report said.

According to the findings, this increase was attributed directly to the fact that many companies were forced to implement remote work measures in a bid to protect their workforce from the impact of the virus. Currently, in the third year of the pandemic, many are still working remotely.

Kyron Duncan, Head of Digicel Business, St. Vincent said: “Cyber security is a hot topic globally, and it’s something that can have a devastating impact on anyone, personally or professionally, you don’t need to be a large company to be targeted.

While 77% of businesses surveyed across the Caribbean had accelerated their digital strategy because of the pandemic, the resulting growth from this digital transformation investment is at risk if cyber security isn’t upgraded accordingly.”

For organisations that have not taken the necessary precautions to protect their information, they remain vulnerable to catastrophic assaults.

Globally, it is recognized that a cyberattack happens every 39 seconds, so protecting company and customer data is imperative to keep businesses operational in the face of ever-present threats.

Duncan added: “When we decided to do this report it was because we saw an information gap in the industry with statistics specifically reflecting businesses in the Caribbean. We hope that the information in this report can serve as a guide for any entrepreneur looking at digital transformation and wondering how best to proceed.”

The report is targeted at business leaders, owners and decision makers who are looking to improve their understanding of digital transformation, and the benefits and challenges that come along with it, especially in the current climate. The report is now available, free to download, on https://www.digicelbusiness.com/vc/en.html (Source: Digicel, St. Vincent)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 17.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Experimenting with the same sex Dear George, I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT it was like to be with a woman so, I chose to be with someone who has always been after me. We had been together for 3 and a half months and I enjoyed the experience, but now that I want to go back to being with men she is standing in my way.

She got into a rage when I told her I was leaving. I reminded her I did not promise to be with her forever but she insisted she wanted to be with me.

How do I go about breaking this up politely?

Change of heart Dear Change of heart, No one ever wants to hear “it’s over between us”. You wanting to break the relationship was the trigger to her rage.

Need I remind you that you are free to leave the relationship and to choose to be with whomever? In due time your friend will get over it.

George

Need to work or…..

Dear George,

Marion House offers such resources.

Begin this new reconstruction of your life by taking baby steps forward.

I FEEL SO TRAPPED IN THIS country and its driving me insane.

George I used to live in America but got deported a few years back and my Dear George, application for a Canadian visa has I MADE A JOKE AND told been refused. my girlfriend that I’m done As it is I cannot with her and not to call me. get a job here in St. That said night she called Vincent because of me several times but I my record here. refused to answer. I just That’s another wanted to test how much story. she loved me and how George, I need to much she wanted the work or I need to relationship. leave this I decided to visit my country. I do not girlfriend the next day and want to go back to shocked out of my 32-yearmy old ways to make old skin to meet her in bed money but the way with another man. When I things are looking asked her how she could now I don’t know. that, she reminded me that What would you it was I who decided to suggest I do? break up with her, so she had to find satisfaction

Caught in my own trap

Caged

Dear Caged, Yours is a case of your past coming back to haunt you but be that as it may, it does not mean the world has ended. Yes, you may not have made the right decisions but it is never too late to turn things around.

I suggest you get a counselor to help you plan the way forward. The

elsewhere. To make matters worse she was having unprotected sex with the very man she denied ever having a relationship with!

Bad joke Dear joke not funny, You wanted to test the relationship and the love your girlfriend had for you and you got your answer.

You may not like the way you got your answer but you can be sure that it was up front.

It is now up to you to decide your next move.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You have to believe in yourself and your talents. You're best to avoid disputes. Put your efforts into being creative. Try to curb your bad habits.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. You can convince others to follow suit. Sit tight. Things aren't as bad as they appear. Take a close look at documents before signing on the dotted line.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel will promote romantic connections. Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship. Business or pleasure trips will be knowledgeable as well as highly successful. Travel for business will be advantageous.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection. Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Calm down and take a step back. You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. Deception in your home is evident. Don't beat around the bush.

You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you've picked up over the years.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can expect changes at your work place. Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. You will learn a great deal from people with different cultural backgrounds. You must avoid gossip and focus on what you have to do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Be firm when dealing with matters pertaining to your environment.

Romantic encounters will develop through colleagues. Take a trip or just spend some quality time with your mate. This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Secret intrigues could get you into trouble. Your lover may disappoint you in such a way that estrangement will follow. Accommodate others but not before you do your own thing. Do the proper safety checks before you go out.

Don't hesitate to take short trips.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Listen to the advice given by others.

Involvement with prestigious organizations will be to your advantage. Accept the inevitable. Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You are best to be accommodating for the time being. Sudden romantic infatuations won't be lasting. Heart to heart talks will clear up vague issues.

Your mate will enjoy helping out. It's time to reevaluate your motives.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Lowered vitality could affect your work.

You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. Good day for romance.

ACROSS 1. North, for one 5. Vacation location 8. Command to Fido 12. Freedom from stress 13. Serving of corn 14. Work on, as abs 15. Certain art 17. Reels’ partners 18. Severely simple 20. Curved path 23. Travel routes 26. Spore producer 27. Earth movement description 29. Winter Contagion 30. Bee’s output 31. Put into words 33. Middle Kitchen counters 35. Section of land 36. Kind of dog 37. On high 38. Give comfort to 41. Really saturate 44. Free 48. Enough, for some 49. Wine selection concern 50. Christmas decoration 51. Exigency 52. Query 53. Notary stamp DOWN 1. Caspian is one 2. Check 3. Clod 4. Hold onto

5. They can be choppy 6. Treaty 7. Main channels 8. Fishing spot 9. “___ bad!’

10. Connector 11. Proposal response, often 16. Furrow 19. Bright, as in future 20. Wide of the mark 21. Ancient artifact 22. Dense growth 24. Travolta dance 25. Winter warmer 27. Kin by marriage

28. Termination 30. Angel accessory 32. Although 34. Beat 35. Advisories 37. Inn intake 39. Breath of

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 21.

weariness 40. ___ the rules 41. Prince, e.g.

42. Till bill 43. Air Force hero 45. Exist 46. A drink with jam and bread 47. Moray, e.g.

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 23.

SVG takes OECS/ECCN Netball Series title

The SCVG National Netball team – 2022 ECCB/OECS Series winners.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG) is the new champion of the OECS/ECCB International Netball Series.

The Vincentian lasses took the 2022 title and the Gloria Ballantyne

Trophy at the conclusion of competition in Dominica last weekend.

SVG was crowned champion after a decision was made to call off the match between St. Lucia and St. Vincent, at the

end of the third quarter, due to rain.

At that point, the Vincentians led the St. Lucians 39 to 17, with the competition top goal scorer, Mary Ann Frederick, getting 32 of

her 48 attempts to lead the way for SVG. For St. Lucia, Roxanne Snyder scored 11 from 13 attempts.

As it stood at the premature end to competition, SVG was first followed

by St. Lucia, both countries on 16 points. Antigua and Barbuda occupied third position followed

by Dominica in 4th and St. Kitts and Nevis in 5th.

Barbados, who Shania Pompey – Player was a special invitee but of the Series. was not eligible for the SVG was voted the series or other awards, best shooting team while played unbeaten.

St. Lucia was adjudged SVG players also the best defending team. walked away with some Dominica was the best of the top individual team on parade while awards: Shooter Mary Barbados was the most Ann Frederick was the top goal scorer (221 from discipline team.

The OECS/ECCB 268 attempts); Joseann International Netball Antione was voted the Series was launched in Best Defender of the June 2019 with the Series; Shania Pompey Eastern Caribbean was the best Centre Central Bank (ECCB) as court player and was its title sponsor. It adjudged Player of the replaced the OECS Series.

Mary-Ann Fredericks scored the most goals in the Tournament.

Joseann Antoine – best Defender of the Tournament.

Under-23 Netball Tournament which the ECCB sponsored from 1991 to 2018.

SVG played host to the inaugural tournament which was won by Grenada.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Swimmers enhance their status THE NEXT GENERATION of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ swimmers were on show at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre from Wednesday, 17th February to Sunday, 20th February.

This, as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation (SVGSF) hosted the Gallagher Swimming Championships.

When the pool was cleared and the points tabulated, it showed Skylar Bryon of the Blue Marlins Swim Club trumping the Girls 8 with 63 points. Taj Henry, of the same

club, copped the Boys’ segment in that age group with 45 points.

Blue Marlins dominated both genders in the 9 to 10 L-R: Abigail De Shong, Dennis Sutherland, Skylar Byron and Brandon age group. Belle Adams, 108 points, Jamie Joachim took the Champions were also crowned. was the Girls’ winner and Girls 13 to 14 with 104 points Skylar Byron earned the Jadon Hamilton, 111 points, and Brandon George with 106 Girls 8 and Under Sprint title the Boys’. points, the Boys 13 to 14. and Taj Henry- the Boys 8 and Black Sands Swim Squad Abigail De Shong with 95 Under. Taking the Girls 9 to took the other six individual points secured the Girls 15 12 title was Blue Marlins’ awards. and Over and Kenale Alleyne Tayeah St Hillaire, while the Eltonique Leonard, 104 pouched the Boys 15 and Over Boys 9 to 12 Sprint Champion points, won the Girls 11 to 12; with 87 points. trophy was won by Dennis and Tyler Robinson, 82 points, Apart from the individual Sutherland of Rising Stars the Boys 11 to 12. age champions, the Sprint Swim Team of Bequia.

George.

Kennice Greene of Black Sands Swim Squad was the Girls 13 and Over champion and Kenale Alleyne was the Boys winner.

The overall winner of the championship was Black Sands Swim Squad with a Meet tally of 1559 points. Blue Marlins compiled 933 points and Rising Stars- 51 points.

V Four Vincies in NACAC indoor ranking 24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Maloney made the top 10 in the 400 and 800 meters, along with Tamara Woodley in the 400m and Mikiesha Welcome in the Triple Jump.

Maloney is ranked 9th in the 400m, after running 52.33 at the Arkansas Invitational on January 14th. The Indoor 800m record holder is ranked 7th in that event with 2:01.74, which was run at the Tyson Invitational on February Tamara Woodley – Shafiqua Maloney – 12th. ranked in the 400m ranked in the 400 and Woodley is at #19 in 800m the quarter mile, after running a personal best 54.02 at the Texas Tech THE NORTH AMERICAN, CENTRAL Shootout on February 11th.

American and Caribbean Athletic Welcome, the national Triple Jump Association (NACAC), the governing body record holder, makes the list in her of Athletics in the area, has released its event, with a jump of 13.29m, which first ranking list for the 2022 indoor puts her 11th. The University of season. The list includes four Vincentian Oklahoma Junior accomplished this at athletes. the Texas Tech Invitational on On the women’s list, Shafiqua February 12th.

Williams wins 60 Meters Dash

The lone male to make the rankings list is Kimorie Shearman, who did the double in the 200m and 400m. He’s ranked 12th, with 21.17 in the 200m, and 17th in the 400m, with 47.15.

(Submitted by: team Athletics Kimorie Shearma – ranked SVG). in the 200 and 400m.

Mikiesha Welcome – ranked in the Triple Jump

Welcome rewrites National Indoor TJ Record

MIKEISHA WELCOME, currently a junior at the University of Oklahoma, has rewritten the St Vincent and the Grenadines Women’s Indoor Triple Jump record.

Last Friday at the Arkansas Qualifier, Welcome leapt to 13.56m, beating her previous best mark of 13.40m established a year ago.

Welcome is also St Vincent and the Grenadines’ outdoor record holder, with a leap of 13.72m achieved in 2021.

In addition, Welcome, who is based in Canada, has laid claim to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Females Under-20 Triple Jump record - 13.15m achieved in 2019.

She also holds the National Indoor Long Jump record, 6.15m done in 2021.

In her first representation event for St Vincent and the Grenadines, Welcome pouched a bronze medal in the Triple Jump, at the Pan Am Junior Championships held in Costa Rica in 2019.

And, last year she returned to Costa Rica and secured a silver medal in the Under-23 Triple Jump, at the North American, Central American

SHANTEL WILLIAMS, a Vincentian national female athlete now representing the St Benedick College Mikeisha Welcome is showing in the United States, was in top form steady progress in the jumps and is when she won the USC Indoor Open in the process making it a habit of 60 meters dash on the weekend.

Shantel Williams has opened with a rewriting national records.

Williams bounced back from injury good indoor season and is hoping which hampered her participation last for similar, even better and Caribbean Athletic Association season, triumphed in a time of 7.90 performances outdoor.

(NACAC) Under-18/ Under-20/ Underseconds.

23 Championships.

She told THE VINCENTIAN she from now (March 5).

Fresh from her record-breaking was pleased with her performance but “I’m looking forward for great performance last Friday, Welcome will will continue to stay focused for the things this season,” she said. be in action this weekend at the Big track season.

12 Conference Championships in “So, in my first track meet I ran in I.B.A. ALLEN Ames, Iowa, USA. the 60 meters 8:26, and my second and third track meet I ran 8.04. My goal was to get under 8 before the end of indoor. My last COACH CORNELIUS HUGGINS and his Lee in the 11th minute, Laura indoor meet was on the National Female Football squad must be Moreno Marquez in the 35th and weekend and I ran 7:90 already hoping for improved performances Rachel Pelaez in the 74th minute. so I was very happy and and winning results in their next two Scorers for Haiti were Roseland matches.

Borgella in the 20th, 51th, 76th and excited about that time The next two outings are against British 90th minute; Sherly Jeudy in the because that was my Virgin Islands on April 6th and Honduras 22nd; Kethna Louis in the 34th; aim,” she detailed.

Milan Pierre in the 44th and 65th; She admitted to being on April 12th.

Competing in Group E, the Vincentian Maudeline Moryl in the 61th; bothered by a shin splint ladies went under to Cuba 3 goals to nil on Chelsea Surpris in the 80th and but described it as “not that bad,” and disclosed, Wednesday 16th Feb, and on Sunday 18th Roseline Eloissaint 81st.

Feb., demonstrating a very demoralized The Vincentian women are to host The least the National Female Football team can “I am working on it so spirit and lacking in intent, they took a the British Virgin Islands on April 6, that it won’t become do is keep their spirits up and go into their next hiding from Haiti, losing 11 goals to nil. and six days later, will be away serious.” matches with renewed intent.

Both matches were played in Cuba. to Honduras.

Williams’ first outdoor Cuba’s goals came courtesy of Yeranis I.B.A. ALLEN competition is 2 weeks

SVG female footballers two down

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

Sports

Barbados leads regional cricket standings

Rekindling the order WHEN THE FIRST TEST BEGINS IN Antigua, March 8, there will be a lot to focus on. The result will rekindle the debate as pundits mull over the events.

Once it is a West Indies/England clash, there is a sense of destiny. West Indians don’t know much about racism. We have had to endure too much of it to take it on. We do not complain about the effects of slavery, nor the impact of colonialism We have adapted to the changing conditions and have taken our places as independent nations. We are our own masters and shapers of our destiny. Outside that bravado, we are not out of the English wilderness.

We hold on to the British influence as an inevitable part of life. That is the language we have inculcated. There are differences, or perhaps nuances, for our have never been the precise English.

We have seen enough to know that the British have never been our friends. They will use tact, guile, and diplomacy and in the end, you will be left with the blade in your hand, while they hold the handle of the weapon in form control.

We when West Indians develop a new approach, it is branded as calypso cricket.

The British legacy haunts the Caribbean, but there is not much the region is doing about it. We are still trapped in a swirl of uncertainty and facing an identity crisis.

We are suspicious if someone else appears to be successful. We prefer everything spoils than seeing improvements top our lifestyle.

After slavery, and acts of manipulation, the colonial masters are indirectly holding on to their former colonies.

That transition period is creating a void and there is a new order. Events over the recent past call for a rekindling of the kindred spirit.

Every time the West Indies and England play scars appear. People in the Caribbean still hope that the scourges inflicted on them are corrected.

So the delayed closure of the reparation issue is real disappointment. Many persons dismiss the past as unfortunate and point to an era of individual revival.

Real history is treated as a fleeting moment of trivial inconvenience. In the meantime we continue to be treated collateral damage to an empirical power base. That is why our cricketers have to balance out the English. We have to show them that we have mastered their art and can fight fire with fire. It is just a matter of pride.

West Indians in England rely on their cricketers to show the true power of the Caribbean man. They feel a sense of dignity when the team conquers the British.

The sentiments echo worldwide for there is no doubt that the West Indies is the symbol of resistance on the global platform as it relates to cricket supremacy.

West Indians are non-racial. That is part of our condensation. We are more consumed with survival. That is why dismantling the English cricket team is our concern.

The squad for the first test reads: Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Kyle Mayers, John Campbell, Joshua DaSilva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Verasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.

John Campbell’s century will put him into consideration for the number two opening spot.

Alzarri Joseph – 7 wickethaul against Guyana will attract attention from the selectors.

out, Alzarri Joseph 5 for 95, Archibald 2 for 31.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s double century is Leewards 438 for 7 encouraging ahead of the visit by England. declared - Terance Ward 78, Kieran Powell 74, BARBADOS PRIDE, WHO 31, Imran Khan 4 for 38. Devon Thomas 72, WON the last edition of Leeward Hurricanes Montcin Hodge 71, Nial the West Indies hold down third place Smith 3 for 100, Championship in 2020, with 21.6 points after Gudakesh Motie 3 for head the standings with inflicting an innings and 119.

40 points at the end of 57 run punishment on When play resumes two rounds of the CWI Guyana Happy Eagles at in May, Guyana Happy Regional F-Day the Queen’s Park Oval in Eagles will begin in Championship.

Trinidad. fourth position with The defending Scores: Guyana 116 - 20.6, Windward champion’s position was Anthony Bramble 38, Volcanoes fifth on 9.4 due to their Colin Archibald 3 for 29, and Jamaica Scorpions comprehensive 10-wicket Daniel Doram 3 for 16; Imran Khan – leg spinner in sixth position on defeat of the Jamaica and 265 - Anthony and interim captain of the 8.4 points.

Scorpions in their second Bramble 58, T&T Red Force match, played last Chanderpaul Hemraj 50, I.B.A. ALLEN contributed to victory weekend at the Gudakesh Motie 49 not over the Windwards.

Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Scores: Barbados 521 for 8 declared - Kraigg Brathwaite hit 276; Raymond Reifer 71; Jonathan Carter 68; Patrick Harty 5 for 1, and 42 without loss.

Jamaica’s 328 came from - John Campbell 127; Paul Palmer 76; Nkruma VINCENTIAN RIGHT debuts at the Bonner 49; Raymon ARM seamer — Jannillea marquee event – Reifer 6 for 23; and 233 - Glasgow will travel as a spinner Karishma Jermaine Blackwood 61, reserve with the West Ramharack, pacer Jamie Merchant 47, Indies Female Cricket Aaliyah Alleyne, Jamal Warrican 6 for 78. team to the ICC seamer Cherry Trinidad and Tobago Jannillea Glasgow will be at Women’s World Cup Ann Fraser, allRed Force on 36.4 points the 2022 Women’s World Cup. 2022, scheduled for rounder Chinelle trail Barbados Pride, March 4 to April 3 in Henry and opening following their batter Rashada commanding innings and New Zealand.

Guyanese Kaysia Williams.

43 runs mauling of the The other members Windwards Volcanoes at Schultz and Mandy of the squad are: Mangru will also travel the Brian Lara Cricket Shemaine Campbelle, as reserves.

Stadium, Trinidad.

Shamilia Connell, Scores, Trinidad and Stafanie Taylor has Deandra Dottin, Afy Tobago 326 — Joshua Da been named captain of Silva 73; Yannic Cariah Fletcher, Kycia Knight, West Indies’ 15-player 72; Jeremy Solozano 66; Hayley Matthews, squad for the Women’s Sherman Lewis 5 for 43. World Cup. She will Chedean Nation, and Windward Volcanoes 97, have experienced off Shakera Selman.

Alick Athanaze 33.

The West Indies will spinner Anisa Anderson Phillips 4 for Mohammed as her vice- help kick off the 32, Jayden Seales 3 for tournament when they captain.

30; and 186 - Denis take on New Zealand at The squad includes Smith 65, Sherman Bay Oval on March 4. five young players who Stafanie Taylor has been Lewis 33, Bryan Charles could be making their retained as the West 2 for 55, Phillips 3 for I.B.A.ALLEN Indies Captain.

Glasgow is a travelling reserve

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

V Live Easy with Flow

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022. 27.

News/Classifieds

LUCKY FLOW CUSTOMERS have benefitted from the company’s Live Easy campaign launched back in January to help bring some relief from extraordinary bills traditionally experienced at the start of a new year.

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Jasmine Browne was the winner of grocery voucher compliments Flow.

Left: Akeia Lewis won herself a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.08

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

ÂTANKA MANÊ VICIOUSLY CHOPPED

Stories by: KENVILLE HORNE

THE USUAL PEACEFUL AND tranquil atmosphere in the North Leeward community of Rose Hall was shattered when a villager was attacked and chopped about his body by another villager.

Vaughnley ‘Tanka Man’ Hills, a 43year old farmer and resident of Rose Hall, was chopped about his body at his home in Corner Bay, Rose Hall, on Saturday 19th February.

Hill is said to have sustained injuries to his neck and shoulders and his lower right arm was seen to be dangling from a portion of shin.

He was rushed to the Chateaubelair hospital in a private vehicle but was transferred to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Kingstown, as he required immediate surgery.

Joel Stapleton, 43, also a farmer of Rose Hall, was charged with attempted murder following the incident. Stapleton is accused that, ‘intending to commit the offence of murder on Vaughnley Hills of Rose Hall, he did an act which is more than merely preparatory’.

From colleagues to enemies In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN from his hospital bed on Monday, Hills said that he and Stapleton farm in the same area and have shared responsibility of selling one another’s produce.

Towards trying to ‘rationalise Stapleton’s behaviour, he recalled that a few months ago he undertook to sell, in a neighbouring island, some EC$5,000 worth of produce for Stapleton. On his return (Fri. 11th Feb.), he gave Stapleton another EC$ 1,400, accepting that he still had $600 outstanding for the accused. Stapleton

was angry about the outstanding amount to the extent that he began threatening to kill his family.

Hills spoke of having a dispute with Stapleton’s girlfriend on that fateful Saturday. The girlfriend then telephoned her boyfriend who was at his farm in a mountainous area on the outskirts of Rose Hall.

“Me na know wha she tell de man… me left and go home. When me dey dey, me hear one a me soldier, Raymond, say look Mr Woods (accused nickname) coming with a cutlass. Me just stan up there.”

Raymond got between the two but

when he moved, “…de man (attacker) jus start to fire chop.

He chop me right a me back and Vaughnley ‘Tanka Man’ Hills was still hospitalised up to when he fire again yesterday, Thursday 24th Feb. me put me hand Interestingly, Hills told THE there, ‘casue de man was aiming for VINCENTIAN that since the incident, me neck … dat is how me right hand Stapleton has been sending messages was so seriously,” Hills related. asking him to forgive him and move Surgery performed on Hills arm on, but he is not interesting in hearing included suturing implanting pins so anything from him since he has cause that the lower arm was restored to him significant pain. some connection with the upper arm, but he admitted to be in constant pain.

(See related story on Page 4)

ARSON LEAVES ONE DEAD POLICE HERE SAY THEY HAVE mounted an investigation into what they describe as a murder and arson incident that occurred on Monday 14th February, 2022, at Cedars.

The incident, according to the police, left Ohene Kaoma Samuel/Sutherland, 41-year-old labourer of Cedars dead.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on Monday, February 14, 2022, at about 11:00 pm, an unknown person(s) caused the death of the deceased by setting fire to his 12x13 ply wood dwelling house, causing him to receive severe burns to his body. The entire house and its contents including three (3) dogs were destroyed in the process, a release from the Police stated.

Samuel was taken initially to the Georgetown Medical Complex abut was later transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) for further medical attention.

He succumbed to his injuries on The fire is said to have ‘ripped’ through the ply wood dwelling with speed Wednesday, February 16, 2022. and ferocity.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.