THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 27-05-22

FRIDAY, MAY 27,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.20

VINLEC Fuel Surcharge Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Hotel worker changes plea Page 4

EC$1.50

Ballah in hot water Page 12

India President’s visit Page 14-19

Man makes threat at SMRC Page 28

Black Sands Resort is described as a private ocean front resort offering spectacular views and privacy in a spacious 6,100 sq. ft. villa with 3,000 sq. ft. of deck and infinity pool. (Flora Di Menna Designs)

FISH POTS GALORE IN TOBAGO CAYS The fish pots that were recently removed from the seabed in the Tobago Cays Marine Park.

by KENVILLE HORNE

NINE FISH POTS containing 145 heads of fishes were recently discovered in a prohibited

BLACK SANDS PROJECT TO RESUME IN JULY WORK ON THE BLACK SANDS Resort at Mt. Wynn/Peter’s Hope is expected to resume in July.

This according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who said on radio on Wednesday that this assurance had been given by Joseph Romano, principal of PACE Developments, developers of the project.

The assurance came during a meeting involving Dr. Gonsalves and Mr. Romano and held over the weekend.

Dr. Gonsalves also reported that the development was “60% plus completed with ten villas with five rooms each.”

He also spoke of “kicking off work on the hotel block at the same time.”

Continued on Page 3.

Lesroy Noel, Manager of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, would prefer that fishers desist from fishing in the Park rather than doing so and having to face prosecution.

area of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, and park compliance vigilance of officials are appealing to fishers to desist from such the Park will be increased. actions.

Towards ensuring Continued on Page 3.

The ten villas which the Prime Minister said were 60% complete.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . 3.

News 3 Fuel Surcharge Rate and Electricity Cost

Editor’s Note: The following is a Statement by VINLEC. It is carried verbatim.

CUSTOMERS OF ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES LIMITED are advised that although the basic rate for energy has not changed since 1989 for Domestic Customers and 2011 for Commercial and Industrial Customers, the rising cost of fuel is causing an increase in the overall cost of electricity.

Customers are reminded that the base rate for electricity includes less than five percent of the cost of the fuel used to generate electricity. Since December 2021 the average cost per gallon of fuel used by the company to generate electricity has increased by over 30 percent, resulting in a

similar change in the Fuel Surcharge rate. During this period the average cost of fuel has moved from $8.84 per gallon to $11.50 in April, while the Fuel Surcharge rate has moved from 44.71 cents per kWh to 59.48 cents per kWh. During the month of May, the company has seen further increases in the price of fuel that would lead to an even larger increase in the Fuel Surcharge Rate.

Although the Customs Service Charge (CSC) of 6 percent on the price of fuel has been removed, the company has thus far paid an average of approximately $14.20 per gallon for fuel purchased in May. This represents an increase of $2.70 per gallon over April’s cost.

This will result in a further increase in the

Administrative Headquarters of VINLEC located in Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown.

Fuel Surcharge rate on customers’ electricity bills for the month of June.

The price that

VINLEC pays for fuel to generate electricity is a reflection of the price of fuel on the international market. The company is

hopeful that this upward trend will soon be reversed. This will ultimately lead to lower price for the

Black Sands project to resume in July

Fish Pots galore in Tobago Cays

Continued from Front Page.

Continued from Front Page.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park is a 66 Square Kilometers protected area located in the Southern Grenadines.

It is a popular spot for stayover visitors, yachts persons, cruise ship visitors, divers and day trippers.

Over 80% of yachts visiting the Grenadines visit the marine park which comprises five small uninhabited cays, and one larger inhabited island located in the Sothern Grenadines.

Park Manager, Lesroy Noel in an interview with the Agency for Public Information (API), revealed that park security recently discovered and confiscated a number of (nine) fish pots — a locally made fishing device used to trap fish - in the waters of Mayreau Gardens; a place that the manager described as having one of the most beautiful reef systems within SVG. “Those 9 fish pots were placed there, we manage to retrieve them. We

fuel used to generate electricity and a consequential reduction in the Fuel Surcharge rate.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park is described as one of the world’s most awe inspiring island destinations.

haven’t arrested anybody. We found about 145 heads of fishes within the fish pots and we have to try our best to educate people so that they could understand why we are doing this, the reason why we are protecting the resources. We believe that they know what they were doing and think they could destroy what we are trying to build and what we are trying to protect,” said Noel.

Persons caught fishing in the protected areas can be sentenced to jail time or charged a fine of up to $10,000. But the Park Manager said that the authorities tend to take a softer approach preferring to put the emphasis on educating those caught on the importance of the park.

“We will obviously take the equipment’s or the fishing devices. If we find a boat there, we will obviously

walk with the police to seizure the boat but we try to educate them instead of sending them to prison or having them to pay a fine. …. I can tell you, I have been with park for 14 years and we have not imprisoned anybody,” Noel revealed, adding that after educating persons who are guilty of illegal fishing, they do not normally repeat the act.

He is, however, appealing to fishers to desist from doing so. “These fish pots are not only dangerous because they catch the fish but they also destroy the seabed, they destroy the corals which are important for us also,” said the Park Manager.

“It is important that we protect these areas so that our children and our children’s children can enjoy some of these resources,” Noel stated.

Ground was broken for the project here in 2017 and developers promised that the US$60 million Resort would be complete by 2020. The Resort was to occupy some 36 acres of land at Mt. Wynne/ Peter’s Hope (on the East coast of mainland St. Vincent) which the government sold the investors for EC$7 million.

Construction was to be effected in three phases beginning with the construction of ten five-room villas, followed by construction of a hotel block with an additional 350 rooms in the final two phases.

After fives since breaking ground, no part of the plan had been complete and the Minister of Tourism, during a sitting of parliament on May 5, cited the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors as having contributed to the slow progress on the project.

Dr. Gonsalves meanwhile, said that another meeting with the developers is scheduled for June 13, ahead of the purported resumption in July.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Hotel worker changes plea

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS THE PROSECUTION will now have to prove its case in the matter involving hotel worker Maruth Francois of Sandy bay, who is accused of stealing US$1,140 from Surinamese national Anju Sharma.

Sharma, who works at the Embassy of India in Suriname, was a member of the advance party that finalized the progamme for the visit to this country by India’ Head of State, President Ram Nath Kovind.

A trial date was set for today (Friday) at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court, before District Magistrate Bertie Pompey, after Francois, 22, changed her plea from guilty to not guilty just before she was expected to be sentenced.

Appearing at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Francoise, who said she also resides at Diamond, pleaded guilty to, that between May 14 and 19, 2022, at Villa, stole US$1,140 in cash from Anju Sharma

of Suriname.

Francoise was at the time unrepresented.

The facts as presented

by Court Clerk Sergeant Atnel Ash, showed that Sharma arrived here on May 4, made reservations at the Beachcombers Hotel in Villa and was assigned Room 27.

The Court heard that Francoise was assigned to cleaning Sharma’s room, and on May 14, sometime in the afternoon, Sharma checked her money which she had in her laptop bag. It amounted to US$1,160, and she placed the cash in a piece of paper, put it back in the laptop bag, which she secured in a clothes cupboard.

Sharma ensured she secured the cash after her mother (via telephone) advised her so to because she (Sharma) was in another country.

On May 19, Sharma, knowing that she had to accompany the President’s wife, went to the laptop bag to get some of the money. She found that there was only US$20.00 in the

bag.

Not convinced that this was the case, Sharma checked and checked again for about 20 minutes and only then was she convinced that US$1,140 was missing.

She immediately made a report to the hotel manager who relayed the information to the police, and Corporal 858 Henry Hoyte of the Calliaqua Police Station and took a statement from Francois.

Further investigations led to Francois being taken into custody.

Armed with a search warrant, Corporal Hoyte took Francois to her home where her bank book as found, and when Hoyte questioned her about a certain transaction, she said her boyfriend sent money for her.

She was taken to the Calliaqua Police Station where she was cautioned and during an interview admitted to removing US$1,140 from the laptop bag. As result, she was arrested and charged.

After the facts were read, Prosecutor Renrick

Cato made his representations, following which Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne made comments.

She then reserved her decision for Tuesday and remanded Francois pending this.

However, on Francois’ return to Court on Tuesday for sentencing, she held consultations with attorney Grant Connell and when the matter was called, Connell indicated that he was representing Francois and asked that the charge be read to her again.

The charge was read to Francois and when asked again whether she was guilty or not guilty, Francoise replied, “Not guilty.”

Connell indicated that Francoise had already spent a night on remand, and asked that she be granted bail in her own recognizance.

Prosecutor Cato did not object to bail but requested suitable surety.

The Chief Magistrate then granted bail in the sum of $5,000 with one surety on condition that

Forty-five years for shooting spree killer REDEMPTION Sharpes resident Mwata Henry is into his fifth day of a 45year prison sentence in connection with what was described as a shooting spree at the Redemption Sharpes Playing Field about four years ago, which left one person dead.

Justice Brian Cottle handed down the penalty at the High Court Criminal Assizes on Monday, on completion of a sentencing hearing.

On May 5, 2022 a 12member Jury had found Henry guilty of the January 24, 2018 murder of Jahbarry Charles, 29,

Labourer on ammo charge STILSON Harold Jr., 34year-old labourer of Penniston, will return to the Serious Offences Court, June 14, on an ammunition possession charge.

Harold has been charged with possession of two rounds of 12 guage ammunition, without a license.

This is what your Harold pleaded not typical 12 guage guilty during a brief ammunition looks like. appearance before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday), and was granted bail in the sum of $2,000 with one surety. He was unrepresented.

Harold was arrested following a police action at Penniston on May 15.

of Redemption Sharpes, but Justice Cottle had adjourned sentencing.

The facts revealed that around 8 p.m. on January 24, 2018 Charles was among a group of young men celebrating his (Charles) birthday when they were ambushed, and shot at.

Charles, who was shot in his chest, was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injury the same night.

Several others survived injuries during the attack, while others escaped unhurt.

Henry, now 29, was 25 at the time of the incident. He was represented at the trial by attorney Stephen Williams, but opted to conduct his own mitigation.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions

Mwata Henry (centre) on his way to the Serious Offences Court in March, 2018, in the company of fellow murder conspirator Dwayne Stephens, under guard of investigating officer Cpl. Biorn Duncan of the Major Crime Unit.

Karim Nelson and Crown Counsel Rose-Ann Richardson led the case for the Prosecution.

The time Henry spent on remand will be deducted from his sentence.

Henry was remanded since March 20, 2018 on the murder charge.

she surrender all her travel documents and report to the Calliaqua Police Station every Wednesday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and Francois is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or High Court.

Connell asked that Francois be allowed to keep at least one of her identification documents, as he may need it as a requirement for certain things. But the Magistrate said she would leave that bail condition as it is for the time being.

Cato informed the Court that Sharma may be leaving the country by May 25. But the Magistrate informed him that whether she leaves or not, there are certain things that could be put in place to ensure that the matter is heard.

Connell requested full disclosure, including bank statements or any other item that may have been taken. He said that

Maruth Francois will return to court today, Friday 27th May, to answer a charge of theft from a hotel guest. if the prosecution gave disclosure by Tuesday afternoon, he would be ready for trial.

The Chief Magistrate ordered disclosure within 24 hours, adjourned the matter to May 27, and transferred it to Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court, as the Chief Magistrate and Prosecutor Cato had already heard the facts of the case, and therefore, it would not be in the interest of justice for them to be involved in the trial.

From manslaughter to murder LESROY STAPLETON, one of two men who were charged with the January 29, 2022 stabbing death of 27-year-old Kevin George of Diamond, has had his charge upgraded from manslaughter to murder.

This was revealed by the investigator at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday when the Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) into the matter was slated to begin.

Following the incident Lesroy Stapleton which occurred at Diamond around midday, Tearon James, will now answer to a charge of 21, of Diamond was charged murder. with murder, while Stapleton, also of Diamond, was charged with manslaughter.

On their initial appearances before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Bowne at the Serious Offences Court, earlier this year, James was remanded, as persons are not usually granted bail on murder charges, while Stapleton was granted $30,000 bail with one surety, with conditions, on the manslaughter charge.

While James’ charge of murder did not make him eligible for bail, Stapleton’s charge did.

However, with that charge now upgraded to murder, Stapleton’s bail was revoked.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that he was informed that there were about 20 witnesses on file. The P.I has been adjourned to June 28.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will attend the ALBA Summit but not the USA-sponsored Summit of the Americas.

A DELEGATION headed by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves left the state for the Republic of Cuba on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

While there, the Prime Minister will participate in the ALBA summit and hold a series of bilateral meetings.

The Prime Minister is expected to be an active participant in activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between St Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba, established on May 26, 1992.

Among the St. Vincent and the Grenadines

ALBA Summit YES: Summit of the Americas NO

delegation are the Prime Minister’s wife - Eloise Gonsalves; Minister of Education Hon. Curtis King; Permanent Secretary Prime Minister’s Office Angie Jackson; Cultural Ambassador Rodney Small and Security Personnel Gregory Lowman.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gonsalves has given early indication that this country will not be represented at the Summit of the Americas scheduled from June 6 to June 10, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.

And in latter of May 11, he urged other CARICOM countries to follow suit on the grounds that the Summit ought to be inclusive of everyone in the Americas.

The Prime Minister was referring to the

exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela from the list of invitees to the Summit, and took umbrage with the USA who as host, he said,

“cannot unilaterally decide who to invite and who not to invite”.

There was a tone of disappointment when he spoke to the media on the subject. He felt that

CARICOM should have been firm and stuck to a position regarding the Summit being inclusive and not exclusive, this as it related to the participation of Cuba,

Nicaragua and Venezuela.

A majority of CARICOM countries have given indication that they will attend the Summit.

Sonny Williams re-elected General Bishop of PAWI BISHOP Sonny E. Williams was given a new mandate to head the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies Intl (PAWI).

He was reelected as General Bishop during Biennial General Conference of PAWI, held in Trinidad and Tobago, from May 15 — 18, 2022.

The Conference, which was General Bishop Sonny Williams will serve a new term of four years.

held under the theme: “Certainty in Uncertain Times: Progressing to Wholeness”, was the first to be held virtually, this occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The General conference, which saw a registration of over 400 participants, is the highest decision-making body of the Organization. Bishop Williams received 91% of the votes cast at the conference.

At the Conference Bishop Williams also presented the way forward for PAWI in Vision Casting as well as a Strategic Plan. The focus of the organization is on Church Health. He highlighted that the building of Healthy Churches is supported by the following seven pillars: Healthy Leaders;

Disciple Making Culture; Balancing the Supernatural Power and Strategic Planning; Reaching the Digital World; Church Planting and Missions; Building a Culture of Honour and Appreciation and Constitutional Reform.

Bishop Williams was first elected as General Bishop in the 2018 General Conference held in Tobago. He will serve a term of four years as the term of office was extended as a result of a Constitutional Review which was part of the business sessions of the Conference.

Bishop Williams is the first General Bishop of PAWI not resident in Trinidad and Tobago.

(Submitted by PAWI)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 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

Crime is more than murder IT TOOK A RECENT WAVE of murders to wake up the ‘very’ young people of this country to the fact that brutal crimes are not distant from our landscape, more so brutal crimes committed against women.

The (public) demonstration by our young people must be commended but if the truth be told, while it is important that they show concern about the deteriorating sense of safety in this country, they must recognize that if they are serious about making a change, this demonstration must translate into an action that forces the state apparatus, the status quo, to do something practical and workable to combat crime.

Young people have been known to change the world — to effect radical change to the benefit of the many. Our young people must see themselves as part and parcel of that immensely powerful demographic we call youth, and not stop at a window dressing of the real issue.

The truth is that while murder and its manifestations will always attract the attention of the population. But we must accept that it is not the only expression sum total of crime/criminal activity is this land. It may be the most horrendous, but it is part of an everexpanding web of action against society.

We must, therefore, not lose sight of the overall picture painted by crime and criminal activity here.

Week in week out, the police here make arrests for wounding… wounding with intent - meaning an action that could easily have had much more far reaching affect.

Everyday somewhere across this land men moreso that women take to settling disputes in violent ways that often leave one party maimed, to the extent that that person becomes another citizen directly dependent on the state… another able-bodied persons removed from the production line.

This expression of violence that has permeated our society some say pales against acts of murder. Stick a pin! Let us not lose sight of the fact that it is this seemingly ‘insignificant’ expression of violence as a means of resolving disputes that fuels the next step… murder. Violence breeds violence — even if it’s one step at a time.

Then there is the reality of robbery and burglar. Not even the installation of security cameras seems to deter robbery in open view and burglary of private

property.

Police will confirm instances of citizens being held up at gun point and fleeced of their of persons valuables… cellular phones the popular commodity these days.

And in a spinoff of this, there is the increasing number of cases of persons being arrested and charged for being in possession of stolen property — household appliances, food crops and livestock, the latter in whole or in part.

Those who do not slip through the dragnet of law enforcement and have been arrested and charged, is indicative of a market for stolen goods that is alive and well.

Once there exists a market for ‘hot goods’ there will always be those who would make then available.

No one, no social class, no sphere of life’s endeavours is immune from crime and/or criminal activity.

Then there is the trade in illicit drugs — narcotics. See how those who actually control the trade whether it be for transshipment purposes or otherwise have been able to avoid the police radar while young people fall prey to this trade as ‘runners’ and/or as addicted uses.

The fact is that SVG is no different from any other open society that is plagued with expressions of crime/criminal activity which impact negatively.. retarding the path to genuine, equitable development, and removing from mainstream society a large number of otherwise productive citizens.

We refer readers to a letter (page 9) in this week’s edition, in which the writer posits that there is need to begin to work seriously and consistently with communities — families, groups.

Is it something of a coincidence that crime has all but multiplied here since community, youth, non-government groups have been subtly removed from the landscape of this country?

Young people have little or no avenue for meaningful activity save and except for sports, which, even with its bandied ‘Crime Against Sport’ mantra, has not had the desired effect.

Crime is crime —whether you want to categorise it as small or large, mild or brutal. It is an act that goes contrary to the order of society and must not be ignored.

We must not raise alarm about one crime and leave another to fester.

Thanks for your kindness PLEASE ALLOW ME TO EXPRESS sincere thanks to President Maduro and the people of Venezuela for their over-the-top level of generosity. You are indeed a friend of our nation, and may your kindness bring double blessings to you and your nation. Your forgiveness of approximately $160 million in debt and your decision to sell us gas and oil at a substantial discount is greatly appreciated. Our people who are the benefactor of this gift can only hope that one day if you are ever in need of something, our national leaders will remember your kindness and step up and do the right thing.

Now let me also remind our people of another Caribbean nation, Cuba, which has always found ways to help us through the years. And let me thank our Prime Minister for being bold enough to go against the “grain” to make this happen.

Without your willingness to follow your path of nonalignment, the help we are receiving today would not have been possible. Thanks for doing what no other government in our short history has dared to do (including the previous Labour government).

Now a word of caution: We must not squander this act of kindness and spend these savings on frivolous things. While I, like most Vincentians, appreciate the government’s willingness to share these savings with us, we must use this opportunity to build some strategic reserves to stabilize the prices well into the future. It is a great headline to say we have the cheapest gas and diesel price in the region, but we all know it will not last forever, so let’s take this time to plan accordingly.

I cannot tell from the information available to the public how much is the annual savings from this loan forgiveness. I know the opposition party, the NDP, will have their suggestions on how you should spend it. So I am eagerly awaiting a lively debate of competing ideas on how we should spend these budgeted savings. However, if history is a predator of the future, I am not expecting much by way of new initiatives.

My friends, the real savings are in the discounted petroleum products (gas, diesel, and asphalt).

We must plan strategically to see long-term benefits from this deal component. How long do we anticipate these discounts to last?

What do we have to do now to make the best use of the offer? Which roads are we going to rebuild or pave? Do we have the skills and the equipment ready to capitalize on this offer? Do we have the capacity to get the other resources needed to maximize the return on this offer? If not, where are we going to get it?

Could we use some of these savings to fund incentives for solar?

Here are some thoughts of my own. Using the last year’s rolling average prices, we should calculate the value of these savings in today’s dollars. We should invest some of these savings into a road preservation program using these projected savings. While we are at it, I am again asking for consideration to be given to a gas stabilization fund to be set up by the government. We have already committed to passing on some of these savings to the consumers. So be it. This is a move I do not fully support in its current construct.

Please allow me to present a very simplistic analysis, but it will help us understand what’s possible at VINLEC. VINLEC spent about $47 million a few years ago on fuel. At a 35% discount, that’s about $16 million. What if we were to take half of that savings ($8 million) and divide it into two, a stabilization fund and a residential alternative energy incentive fund. Ok, pass the other half onto the customers, using a variable schedule based on a predetermined price index.

I would like to see the government incentivize the oil companies to double our storage capacity from three months to a sixmonth reserve over the next two years. The ultimate oil and gas reserves goal should be set at a oneyear cycle.

These are just ideas to consider, discuss and develop. No love lost if they are all rejected.

Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 9.

Letters

Getting at the root of crime I AM CERTAIN your readers, Mr. Editor, must have heard the position that if we are going to make any headway in reducing crime, we must identify the factors that give rise to crime and for many young people a life of crime.

I find, however, that this needs to be repeated especially on the heels of a spate of violent crime in our small 2 x 2 country.

You now, I have no problem with efforts by the police or government for that matter, to try to get the guns off the street, i.e. illegal guns.

And I have no problem with legal measures to deal with these guntoting criminals.

However, it seems to me that all of this is simply putting a plaster on a big sore. Crime wages on in the face of increases in the size of the police force since the ULP took power, and extended

sentences for gun possession.

Even though we were promised a government that was going to be tough on crime and the causes of crime, these measure do not get at the root causes of crime.

For what it’s worth, I want to say that many of those who chose lives of crime come from homes where they got no or very little proper parenting. There was no correction when it was necessary and very often the children, especially the males, were allowed to ‘do their own thing’.

Further, I am certain that if we did our homework, we will find out that many of those young men who feel a gun gives them power and they are not afraid to and have used it to deadly effect, that they never had a mother or father around. Many of these young people have been left to fend for

themselves and are easily influenced by the attraction of the fast life of crime.

Then there is the fact that too many of our young people are growing up in homes where there is frequent abuse and real poverty.

Very often these homes are found in crime hot spots which are known to law enforcement authorities.

If we are serious of addressing the ongoing crime in this country, especially crime among the youth, we must put measures in place to prevent young people from developing an attitude that makes them feel those who seem to be better off are their enemies, and to fight that is to become a criminal. And, let’s admit, it is easy to fall into a life of crime.

We have to spend more resources on offering guidance to

This country needs a healing 1 Chronicles 7:14 tells us, “If my people that are called by my name should humble themselves and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and would forgive their sins and heal their land.” There is no doubt that this country needs a healing.

The high rate of murder, the frequency and the types of murders that are committed are indeed evidence that this country needs deliverance. The heart of man the Bible says is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Not only the gruesome murders but other crimes that are committed show the state of this country spiritually.

We are ready to ascribe blame left, right and centre but men cannot solve these problems since it is the condition of the heart. So what we truly need is a deliverance from the bondage of sin.

I am sure that many would agree that there are far too many demonic activities in this country; far too many persons hiding under the cloak of religion and yet are controlled by the powers of darkness.

Take for example the music we listen to, the movies we watch and the tattoos our young people showoff, these are all satanic. We need a healing and deliverance. As a people we need to first of all humble ourselves before God. It is not about us, but it is about HIM. We need to honestly fall on our knees and cry to Him for and with our children. This is a world in which spirits of darkness

are rampant.

We must recognize that as a nation we must turn from our wicked ways.

Unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, malice, sexual promiscuity are just few of the many unrighteous things we do that are classified in the eyes of the Lord as wicked ways. It is for us to look inwards at ourselves and not outwards at others, and see where we have gone wrong and repent of our wicked ways.

We don’t need to be religious. We need to have a relationship with Christ. The many talk shows here are filled with so many negatives and hatred; these carry us further down the path away from God. Let us, all citizens of this blessed land turn to the Lord, repent of our sins and cry to God for mercy and for our sake and that of our children. It is only when we turn away from our wicked ways and turn to God, along with humbling ourselves, that the Lord will hear from heaven, will forgive our sins and heal our land.

I take this opportunity to offer condolences to the many mothers, children and loved ones who are grieving over the loss of loved ones.

May the God of comfort, be with you in these times.

Let us as a people turn to God and let our nation be delivered from these evils; let there be a healing. May God bless SVG and bring peace. Let the violence be stopped.

Kennard King

People are asking me⁄⁄

parents, some who are as young as the persons committing the crime.

We have an abundance of qualified people, social workers, etc. Why are we not seeing them in the ground in the communities?

I am no social worker nor am I a sociologist but I have lived in communities that would have been considered crime hot spots. I think I have the right to offer this view. Thanks, Mr. Editor.

* IF THE LADY WAS GRANTED MERCY for gun possession, why was the man who got the same sentence for the same offence not considered for mercy? * Why are members of parliament sitting on the Mercy Committee? Even if we accept that, should a MP not recuse himself when a person from his/her constituency comes up for consideration (for mercy)? * Who makes recommendations as far as mercy for convicted felon is concerned? * Who is fronting for that St. Lucia trawler that is catching all the red fish and more in our waters? * Are the Credit Unions going to encourage applicants for loans under the fishing agreement to buy those boats that the Minister of Agriculture and his friend were pushing on fisherfolk to no avail? * Why is the opposition falling short on doing serious economic analysis of certain projects, like the quarry in North Leeward? Do they not have the expertise among the membership to undertake these analyses? * Why does a certain proprietor of a radio station like to hog the show when he calls in on talk shows on the station he owns? * Is there a problem with oil spillage at Lowmans Bay? If so what is the source of this spillage?

Charles, Edinboro

Concerned Citizen

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Senator Ballah in hot water GOVERNMENT Senator and Parliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Rochard ‘Pit Bull’ Ballah has landed himself in hot water, over comments he made in response to a Facebook concerning the man-woman relationship in SVG. Annie Lavia posted on Tuesday: “One reality we must face is a lot of Vincentian men exhibit narcissistic and abusive behaviours and we excuse them because of love. Not me but I’m gonna say, “we” I am sick and tired of men controlling everything we do. We are your equals. I am sick and tired of the silence when a woman is killed”.

John’s posting came on the heels of the discovery of a body of a female in a bag just off the Richmond Hill road, Kingstown.

Ballah, in response to the post, wrote: “This is where I find a lot of people conflicted. Men and women are equal, yet women are dependent on men for everything. If women want to be equal to men, they have to be able to do everything a man does- provide for their partner financially, emotionally and physically. But in this society, women want a man to take care of them. That could never be

equal. Equal is that we go 50/50 on everything. How many women can do that? Take your time. I’ll wait”.

His comments were met with strong reaction from the public, women rights activists and even his former boss at Hot 97.1 FM, Luke Boyea.

One facebook user Melissa Fitzpatrick was quick to highlight that Ballah comments revealed another narcissistic man. “Now we know how they think. So because a man provides for a woman that means they are not equal? Thank God for the parents these days who are teaching their daughters how to be independent,” said Fitzpatrick.

Maige Williams said that Ballah missed the entire point. “So because a man provide financially means he should be abusive to his partner ?

Because he provide it means women has no say? Because he provides it means women have no control over what she can or cannot do?”

Vakeesha John, secondary school Teacher and women rights activist said, “… these kinds of messages frighten me! Boy I tired of senators like Ballah. I’m tired of men like Ballah”.

Tedra Kirby, Communications & Marketing Manager at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College wrote: “Rochard, no matter how well u dress this, it is still victimblaming. You should reevaluate your words and omit that bit...entirely.

Right here in Vincy women are educated, independent and are STILL murdered”.

Ballah comment also struck a cord with Luke Boyea, his former boss and co-host of the popular radio morning program Ahem Mayhem on Hot 97.1 FM, said the senator should have known better. “You are seeking elected office in 2022 and beyond and you making those kinds of statements?.....

Why would you put up a post like that and you are in government? If I was in government wouldn’t I be proclaiming woman empowerment? Wouldn’t I be proclaiming that women have opportunity”.

In what was an effort to do some damage control, Ballah returned with, inter alia, “Women are our mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts. They deserve utmost respect. That is one thing my mother taught me from a tender age. Women are the

SVG and India share similar institutions of government are a young nation, comprised of the original peoples–Kalinago and Garifuna– and newer arrivals, including Indians, who came during colonial times and we, too, are striving to make our way in the world.

You are the second largest nation YOUR EXCELLENCY, it is a great honour on earth by population; we are one of for me to join in welcoming you and your the smallest. Yet, you honor us by delegation to St. Vincent and the choosing to visit. This tells us that the Grenadines. I extend this welcome also differences mentioned, though on behalf of my colleagues, members of seemingly large, are in fact small the Opposition. matters in comparison with the We welcome you as the Head of common values and other things that State of your great nation, the we share.

Republic of India, and as a friend. I We share similar institutions of trust that your journey here, though government and a commitment to long, was buoyed with expectations human rights and democracy. India, about what you might see here and as the largest democracy on Earth, is who you would greet, and pray that an inspiration to us, one of the world’s over the course of your visit, those smallest. Like you, we believe that expectations would be met and, despite setbacks from time to time and indeed, that you are now enjoying the the constant and often rancorous warm hospitality of our people. noises of the process at work, democracy is still the best form of Differences and shared values government that humans have yet devised. Let us persist in that belief The differences between our and continue to work to perfect it in countries may seem vast, but what practice. matters most are the things we share We note the great economic and that bring us together, ever closer, in technological advances your country friendship and mutual cooperation. In continues to make. We are grateful for a world driven by enmity and strive– the economic, technical, and often caused by manufactured diplomatic assistance you have prejudice and exaggerated fears–we provided to us over the years and, in who get along well together must do particular, we note the timely all we can to promote peace, justice, contribution of covid-19 vaccines at and harmony in the world. the height of the pandemic. It is my We come from opposite sides of the hope and indeed my expectation that world, you from the East and we from these spheres of cooperation and the West. You are a great and ancient collaboration will expand and, civilization, interrupted by colonial inevitably, deepen our ties with one rule, but once again on a path to another. wonderful things of your own choosing and forged by your own hands. We Indian culture in SVG (Address by Leader of the Opposition the Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday to Parliament on the Occasion of the Visit of His Excellency Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, President of the Republic of India)

The contributions in the cultural sphere are no less significant.

Colonialism brought our peoples and cultures together over 160 years ago, when Indians were brought here to provide labour for the colonial economic machine. The sinews of those people, their sweat and tears helped to build this land. The hardships they endured have not been in vain, as their children and successive generations have contributed to our national development and made successful lives for themselves in SVG: your diaspora; their home.

Their arrival is celebrated every year with reverence, enjoyment, and hope. We must applaud and support the efforts of those who seek to reclaim and promote Indian culture here, e.g. the Indian Heritage Foundation– a far better approach than in the early years when assimilation and cultural annihilation were the order of the day. For after all, we must do more than simply share a common space: we must inhabit it together, shape it together, and make it a thing of joy and beauty–a light in the world.

On the lighter side, but no less significant, we share a common love of cricket. Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Tendulkar are as much our heroes as Sobers, Richards and Lara are yours.

May the friendly rivalry continue and may we always be able to appreciate each other’s accomplishments.

Conclusion Excellency, I am happy that you will see various parts of our country:

Senator Rochard ‘Pit Bull’ Ballah gatekeepers of dignity, chastity and virtue. They are the hands that rock the cradle. But in 2022, with advances of technology and access to education, women have a means to empower themselves and be freed from the antiquated patriarchal system that has subdued and oppressed them for years. …….. If we are to be equal men and women - we should all strive to develop ourselves, change our attitudes, reform our thinking and empower each other to remedy the current situation which we are faced with’.

The debates wages on. (KH)

La Soufriere volcano in its awesome splendor; and the Grenadines– specifically Canouan–in their pristine beauty. I am confident that you will enjoy the experience.

We wish you safe travels in your overseas mission. When you return home, please convey our best wishes and gratitude to your Government and people. Thank you.

Business development in SVG Only with a healthy private sector can we reduce the unemployment rate, improve living standards and sustainably develop our country. The New Democratic Party will create new jobs and opportunities for our people and sustainably develop our country.

That is part of our plan to support Vincy businesses and create new jobs.

We will create a Ministry of the Private Sector to facilitate and promote business development. It is too difficult to do business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The process needs to be streamlined and better coordinated.

Reduce costly delays at companies registry and High Court: Many tasks related to setting up, expanding or reorganizing businesses are unnecessarily complex. Simple things such as setting up a company should not take weeks but days. The Companies Registry will be made more efficient and business friendly.

There is insufficient high-level manpower at the High Court Registry.

This causes substantive delays. We will explore appointing more deputies so that matters can be dealt with more efficiently. Similarly, the land registry is in shambles. We will examine a new electronic land registry system that will offer greater accuracy and efficiency.

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

Views

No way out, but war

The Bucket List

(First published in the August 15, 2008 issue of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.)

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American Blind/Deaf Author, Lecturer, Amorist MOVIE FANS WILL BE FAMILIAR with the title of this article. It bears the name of the Warner Brothers December, 2007 production. The producers spent US$45 million on this movie. This is considered relatively insignificant when we discover that it grossed revenues of US$174 million in ticket sales in less than one year. I recently viewed this inspiring movie and, with assistance from several Internet sites, provide readers with the following summary: The movie revolves around a black, blue-collar mechanic named Carter Chambers (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) and a white billionaire hospital tycoon Edward Cole (portrayed by Jack Nicholson). The two men meet for the first time in the hospital after both have been diagnosed with cancer and are required to share the same hospital room. Cole initially objected to sharing the room with Carter but eventually accepts the hospital’s costcutting policy. They become friends as they undergo their respective treatments. Carter is a gifted amateur historian and family man whose ambition was to become a history professor but was never realized due to his lack of financial resources while growing up. Cole, on the other hand, is a corporate magnate, weird loner, four times divorced, who enjoys nothing more than upsetting others.

Both discover that they have a year or less to live. Carter secures some writing material and begins writing a “bucket list”; things to do before “he kicks the bucket.” In his frustration and anger (after hearing he has less than a year to live) Carter crumples the sheet of paper and throws it on the floor. A member of the hospital staff picks it up the following morning and reads it. Cole attentively listens to the “bucket list” and challenges Carter to include more “fun things” such as seeing the world, sky diving, etc.). Understandably, Cole explains that his lack of financial resources limit his pre-death ambitions. Cole promises to finance the trip. Cater was elated and discussed the possibilities with his wife, Virginia, during her next hospital visit. She protests. But the stubborn Carter proceeds to accept his new-found friend’s offer to “see the world”.

The friendship intensifies as the pair embarks on their around-theworld vacation. They appear to be rejuvenated as they engage in activities such as race car driving, sky diving, climbing the Pyramids, and going on lion safari in Africa.

Discussions about faith and family emerge as they continue to bond.

They share their intimate feelings

Guest Column By Chris Hedges

and expose their feelings of vulnerability. Carter admits that he has long been feeling less in love with his wife. Cole reveals his deep hurt by his estrangement with his only daughter, who disowned him after he contracted some hit men to “take care” of her abusive husband.

Cole hires a prostitute for Carter while they are in Hong Kong. Carter, who has never had sex with any other woman than his wife, declines. It is a sobering moment for him. The tempting experience unearths the reality that the love and commitment he had for his wife is still strong. He asks to return home to his wife, children and grandchildren. In appreciation for helping him, he tries to reunite Cole with his daughter although it is evident that Cole lacks the courage to face her.

Carter’s sweet family reunion is short lived. He relapses and is hurried back to the hospital. They discover that the invasive cancer has spread to his brain. Cole, who is now in complete remission, visits his friend there. They share a few happy moments together and Carter reveals the origin of Kopi Luwak; the world’s most rare coffee. The friends laugh hilariously. Carter takes his bucket list and crosses off “laugh till I cry”.

He pleads with his friend to finish the list without him. The smiling Carter then goes into surgery. However, the procedure is unsuccessful and he dies in the operating room. Cole does the emotionally charged eulogy at his friend’s funeral. He explains that he and Carter had been total strangers mere months before his death. He takes his bucket list and crosses “help a complete stranger for a common good” off the list. As the movie nears its end, we see Cole finally attempt to reconcile with his daughter. He is surprised and overjoyed to discover that she not only accepts him back into her life, but she also introduces him to the granddaughter he never knew he had. He crosses “kiss the most beautiful girl in the world” off the list.

When he finally dies he has his ashes placed inside a Chock Full o’Nuts coffee can. His pre-death instructions were that his ashes should be placed alongside Carter’s, also in the same type of can, on the top of Mount Everest; two dear friends, lying side by side on the top of the world.

Viewers of the film and readers of this article may be well tempted to consider their own “bucket list”. Cole and Carter were challenged to develop their list by focusing on two major questions: Have you found joy in your life? Have you brought joy to others?

Maybe doing our personalised list would be equally revealing and beneficial to us as it was to them.

What will you place on your bucket list?

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

THE UNITED STATES, as the vote to provide nearly $40 billion in aid to Ukraine illustrates, is trapped in the death spiral of unchecked militarism. No high-speed trains. No universal health care. No viable Covid relief program. No respite from 8.3 percent inflation. No infrastructure programs to repair decaying roads and bridges, which require $41.8 billion to fix the 43,586 structurally deficient bridges, on average 68 years old. No forgiveness of $1.7 trillion in student debt. No addressing income inequality. No program to feed the 17 million children who go to bed each night hungry. No rational gun control or curbing of the epidemic of nihilistic violence and mass shootings. No help for the 100,000 Americans who die each year of drug overdoses. No minimum wage of $15 an hour to counter 44 years of wage stagnation. No respite from gas prices that are projected to hit $6 a gallon.

The permanent war economy, implanted since the end of World War II, has destroyed the private economy, bankrupted the nation, and squandered trillions of dollars of taxpayer money.

The monopolization of capital by the military has driven the US debt to $30 trillion, $ 6 trillion more than the US GDP of $ 24 trillion. Servicing this debt costs $300 billion a year. We spent more on the military, $ 813 billion for fiscal year 2023, than the next nine countries, including China and Russia, combined.

We are paying a heavy social, political, and economic cost for our militarism. Washington watches passively as the U.S. rots, morally, politically, economically, and physically, while China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, and other countries extract themselves from the tyranny of the U.S. dollar and the international Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), a messaging network banks and other financial institutions use to send and receive information, such as money transfer instructions. Once the U.S. dollar is no longer the world’s reserve currency, once there is an alternative to SWIFT, it will precipitate an internal economic collapse. It will force the immediate contraction of the U.S. empire shuttering most of its nearly 800 overseas military installations. It will signal the death of Pax Americana.

Democrat or Republican. It does not matter. War is the raison d’état of the state. Extravagant military expenditures are justified in the name of “national security.” The nearly $40 billion allocated for Ukraine, most of it going into the hands of weapons manufacturers is only the beginning.

Military strategists, who say the war will be long and protracted, are talking about infusions of $4 or $5 billion in military aid a month to Ukraine. We face existential threats. But these do not count. The proposed budget for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in fiscal year 2023 is $10.675 billion. The proposed budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is $11.881 billion. Ukraine alone gets more than double that amount.

Pandemics and the climate emergency are afterthoughts. War is all that matters. This is a recipe for collective suicide.

In the USA, there were three restraints to the avarice and bloodlust of the permanent war economy that no longer exist. The first was the old liberal wing of the Democratic Party, led by politicians such as Senator George McGovern, Senator Eugene McCarthy, and Senator J. William Fulbright. The self-identified progressives, a pitiful minority, in Congress today, from Barbara Lee, who was the single vote in the House and the Senate opposing a broad, openended authorization allowing the president to wage war in Afghanistan or anywhere else, to Ilhan Omar now dutifully line up to fund the latest proxy war. The second restraint was an independent media and academia, including journalists such as I.F Stone

and Neil Sheehan along with scholars such as Seymour Melman, author of The Permanent War Economy and Pentagon Capitalism: The Political Economy of War. Third, and perhaps most important, was an organized antiwar movement, led by religious leaders such as Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King Jr. and Phil and Dan Berrigan as well as groups such as Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). They understood that unchecked militarism was a fatal disease.

None of these opposition forces, which did not reverse the permanent war economy but curbed its excesses, now exist. The two ruling parties have been bought by corporations, especially military contractors. The press is anaemic and obsequious to the war industry. Propagandists for permanent war, largely from right-wing think tanks lavishly funded by the war industry, along with former military and intelligence officials, are exclusively quoted or interviewed as military experts. The handful of anti-militarists and critics of empire from the left, such as Noam Chomsky, and the right, such as Ron Paul, have been declared persona non grata by a compliant media. Liberals are cheerleading the war in Ukraine. At least the inception of the war with Iraq saw them join significant street protests. Ukraine is embraced as the latest crusade for freedom and democracy against the new Hitler. There is little hope of rolling back or restraining the disasters being orchestrated on a national and global level. The neoconservatives and liberal interventionists, whose attitude to nuclear war is terrifyingly cavalier, chant in unison for war.

Since all we do is war, all proposed solutions are military. This military adventurism accelerates the decline, as the defeat in Vietnam and the squandering of $8 trillion in the futile wars in the Middle East illustrate. War and sanctions, it is believed, will cripple Russia. War, or the threat of war, will curb the growing economic and military clout of China.

These are demented and dangerous fantasies, perpetrated by a ruling class that has severed itself from reality. No longer able to salvage their own society and economy, they seek to destroy those of their global competitors, especially Russia and China. Once the militarists cripple Russia, the plan goes, they will focus military aggression on the IndoPacific, dominating what Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, referring to the Pacific, called “the American Sea.” The political class is as self-deluded as the generals. It refuses to accept the emergence of a multi-polar world and the palpable decline of American power.

It speaks in the outdated language of American exceptionalism and triumphalism, believing it has the right to impose its will as the leader of the “free world.” That they cling to this absurd hallucination is the triumph of hope over experience.

There is a deep loathing among the public for these elitist Ivy League architects of American imperialism.

Imperialism was tolerated when it was able to project power abroad and produce rising living standards at home.

It was tolerated when it restrained itself to covert interventions in countries such as Iran, Guatemala, and Indonesia. It went off the rails in Vietnam. The military defeats that followed accompanied a steady decline in living standards, wage stagnation, a crumbling infrastructure and eventually a series of economic policies and trade deals, orchestrated by the same ruling class, which deindustrialized and impoverished the country.

We are going to pay a very steep price for this burlesque.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Celebrating African Liberation Day AS WE ARE about to celebrate African Liberation Day – May 25, I am appealing that we, the blacks of SVG, take the time to do some introspection, i.e. looking at ourselves to see where we went wrong.

In this country where law and order have broken down, we need to have a ‘truce’; too many of our misguided youths are dying from knives and the barrels of guns.

from the Mighty Duke.

The legendary calypsonian asked the leading imperialist nations, “How many more must die?.....For their liberty… How many more must die before they set South Africans free?”

My Humble Plea

In my humble plea, I am politely asking: When are we going to unite as a people to bring about peace and tranquility in our nation?

I am asking the black majority: When would you free your minds from Rodney King being subservient to the white master who own In 1992 when the white jury acquitted four the Multi-National white police officers who Corporations?

And I ask the critical almost beat Rodney King The Mighty Duke to death, the people took voices: When would we hold our singers to burning, looting and accountable for I can remember when rioting in Los Angeles. spreading degenerative the white minority While Los Angeles was music through social terrorist government of in flames, Rodney King, media and on South Africa reigned and the said victim of police mainstream enforced their brutal brutality, asked white entertainment networks? apartheid system on the America, “Can we get majority black South along?”

Gruesome Murders Africans: We heard social To the predominantly commentaries from our black population of this Even with the kind of musical icons across the country I ask: When are gruesome murders Caribbean. One of the we going to stop occurring in this country, songs that stood out was murdering each other?

I haven’t heard of any

mainstream politician or know of a preacher who has spread the message of black liberation to the bamboozled, colonized blacks, or talked about the ideals and aspirations of Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

It seems we cannot depend upon our political or religious leaders to be advocates against violence.

The black preacher who studied at a white seminary would not touch on this subject, fearing backlash from the white Mother Churches in North America and Europe.

Neither our local preachers nor the crafty, subtle politicians would defy the teaching of the Scottish historian\philosopher Thomas Carlyle to keep black people in a submissive and subliminal state of

mind.

Too Many Gunslingers There are simply too many gunslingers and bandits roaming the streets of our so-called Christian country. It seems that this country’s leadership, in the broadest sense of the word, do not give a damn about the carnage and murders that are taking place in St. Vincent.

They fail to implement a genuine effort to educate the children of African origin about their history. The complacent politicians would not bring about any real constructive change for the mentally damaged people of African origin; to free them from mental slavery. It is crystal clear

that the actions of our people show that we are mentally retarded. It takes one with mental retardation to shoot his brother brutality over trivialities.

Chattel Slavery The slave masters designed chattel slavery to turn blacks into beastly creatures and savages. The construction of slavery and capitalism was to make black people into degenerate and subhumans. It’s a fact that the abnormal habits we have are learned behavior; colonized people are just as detrimental and reckless as an atomic bomb.

Carden A. Michael

Brighten the corner where you are No monkeying WE LIVE in a very beautiful country. So much so, we are called the “Gems of the Antilles.” That being the case, it means that we should be sparklingly bright.

Each of us is responsible for the area where we dwell: our home, school, church, street, neighborhood, village, and constituency.

Our job and job site should be very precious to us and the atmosphere there should smell,

sound, and look good.

The quality of our work should stand up to any test for purity, consistency, and attract praise from any auditor.

At the basic level, we should ensure that our environment is clean.

But we must go beyond this to beautifying our place. No matter where we live or work or dwell, there are things that each of us can do to enhance its beauty.

Beauty is priceless and while we may be short of

cash we are rich in time, and can spend some of it to make all things around us beautiful.

The radiance emanating from our handiwork will elucidate admiration, smiles and happiness from those who feast upon our beauty. We will feel good about ourselves and will have peace and contentment. The good thing is that how we look depends upon us and no one else can inhibit our beautification. We, as

individuals can make a big difference in how people perceive us, our home, and our country.

around please

IS OUR Ministry of Health aware of Monkeypox the latest health threat on the world scene? Is our Ministry of Health monitoring reports that there is an outbreak of this Monkeypox in the USA, Canada Anthony Stewart, PhD and the UK? Unlike neighbouring territories where Ministries of Health have already issued public health advisories, our Ministry has been dumb on Catapulted into eternity with one stroke of the threat… if there was a knife, something said then I admit I Wiped out by a bullet to the heart must be deaf.

Or beaten with fists and assaulted with I am no medical or health person so I should not be the staves, Women are victims of abuse, one to advise that this mayhem, and strife. A vicious cycle created, Monkeypox is said to be the abuse continues unabated, a nevertransmitted to humans ending circle. through close contact with This is a snippet of the life of women infected persons and/or abused, and misused, battered and bruised. animals. I also understand Objects of “so-called” love and care, they that it can be transmitted lack the will, and seeped in fear they endure, from one person to another by hoping for a better tomorrow. close contact with cuts, A dream unfulfilled; buried sorrow. bruises, fluids and droplets Where can we find the solution, and what just like the coronavirus. can be the substitution for cruelty and I understand the main savagery, symptoms are fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Against women representing wives or Now with the country lovers; caregivers and mothers, educators opening to travellers from far and partners, The queen of our homes? afield, would it not be the What can replace the ferocity and barbarity, the brutality and fury of men, who correct thing to do to begin now to take action to prevent from the days of old were admonished to this new dreaded disease from cherish and respect, be considerate and entering out shores? protect the women with whom God had Carnival is coming up and blessed Man? people are expected to come We need to go back to basics! from all over. Covid has not Where the principle of socialization is gone anywhere yet but that embedded with the Godly persuasion that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do LOVE is the cornerstone of our lives, and something about this new disease. peace and harmony will ensure our women Let us not be caught with survive. our pants down. Ministry of Then, our people will divorce from the Health, stop monkeying beastly nature of heartless and blood-thirsty around and get going on this behaviour, and value what we call LIFE! Monkeypox matter.

Gwenette Cambridge, May 2022.

James

Domestic violence

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Calder Road renamed Indian Drive

towering contributions to the this country’s development.

Dr. Gonsalves also referenced the significance of 1882, when the Indians brought here as indentured servants sort to highlight their grievances (e.g. living conditions), walked from Argyle, barefooted and in tattered clothing, some 8 miles to Government The dignitaries at the renaming exchange of House to lodge their pleasantries after the unveiling of the sign. complaints to the colonial “CONNECTED, HONOURED would be very proud. administrator.

AND RECOGNISED" are He expressed He noted, however, some of the words used by that the emotional event gratitude to the persons of Indian descent was not only for persons Government of India for as they witnessed the of Indian descent but all sharing some forty name change of Calder thousand doses of the Vincentians including Road to India Drive.

COVID-19, AstraZeneca the Kalinago and To get the historic vaccine. India taught us Garifuna who struggled event going on Thursday against genocide wrought “an important lesson in 19th May at Calder, solidarity and showed

by British colonialism; Frederick Stephenson the noblest form of the enslaved Africans Area Representative for solidarity. Not by giving and who justifiable South Windward of demand reparations from from the abundance one which Calder is part, has, but from the little the British, for native welcomed the gathering one possess." genocide and the and pinpointed that Also addressing the enslavement of Africans; Calder is home to the various ethnic nationals gathering was H.E. S. largest cluster of persons from places such as Balachandran , the of Indian descent in St. Surinam-based Indian Madeira, the Middle Vincent and the High Commissioner to East and Anglo-Saxons, Grenadines. this country. He noted through history and the Describing the day as creolization of becoming that the Indian magnificent and President’s visit came an integrated whole. significant to the during the year of the He described the civilization of India, the 161st anniversary of the unification of ethnic Caribbean and St. Indian Annual Day, June groups as a veritable Vincent and the 1. symphony, but pointed Grenadines in particular, out that like all The High Prime Minister Dr. Commissioned assessed symphonies, there are Ralph Gonsalves told the dissonances. that while the Indogathering that the nearly Vincentians were Returning to persons 2,500 spirits of the completely assimilated of Indian descent, the forebears of Indian with the main stream, Prime Minister spoke descent who crossed the about how through they retained a great dark waters as sense of pride in the hardship and adversity, indentured servants, Indian heritage and today they are making

Indian and SVG strengthen relations RELATIONS BETWEEN the Republic of India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were strengthened recently, with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries.

The MOU’s were among the highlights of the visit by

Indian’s President, His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Wednesday 18th — Friday 20th May. On Thursday, 19th May, 2022 at Government House, both countries formally signed the MOU’s, one - the Automatic Exchange of Information and Assistance on

Mrs. Aliena Baptiste, prominent businesswomen from Calder is assisted by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in unveiling the sign that displays the renaming to Indian Drive.

President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, other members of the Indian delegation and local government officials take time to pose with a cross-section of the persons of Indian descent and other at the renaming ceremony. culture.

The ambassador commended the government of SVG for recognizing the contribution made by Indo-Vincentians, by declaring June 1 as Indian Arrival Day and October 7 as Indian Heritage Day. "Today the government has gone a step further and made the dream come true by renaming the Calder Road as India Drive,” High Commissioner said, and disclosed that “the government has also agreed to consider acquiring a piece of land to build an Indian

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandy Peters-Phillips (sitting left) and Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), signing the MOU’s.

Collection of Taxes; and the other related to Refurbishment of Old Carter Community Centre.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Continued on Page 17.

cultural and archival centre."

President Ram Nath Kovind said he was pleased that Indian culture and civilization has being preserved and maintained. He called on Indians who have settled in SVG to maintain their Indian identity.

He described SVG as a democratic, plural and multi-ethnic society full of optimism and progress, lauded the economic achievement of the small but vibrant country and noted that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have transformed the island into an impressive

example of peace and prosperity in the Caribbean.

The President was glad to know persons of Indian descent “have adopted this land as their own where they live in peace and harmony with other communities, and were making rich contributions to the development of SVG.” He declared that India “wants to support building a stronger SVG,” and called on Vincentians to connect with the new India and its immense journey and rapid economic growth.

(Stories by SG)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 15.

Feature

Cocktail for Indian President – Gifts exchanged

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressed the gathering while standing next to one of the artistic works gifted to H.E. President Ram Nath Kovind and the Indian government.

FOLLOWING A MORNING TRIP by air to Canouan on Friday, May 20th where H.E. Ram Nath Kovind, President of the Republic of India, and his

delegation were greeted by students, the Indian entourage took a sightseeing tour of some of the development on the Grenadine island.

Upon returning to mainland they were hosted by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his wife at a cocktail held at La Vue Hotel.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gonsalves noted that not far from the cocktail’s venue was Indian Bay, where the first Indian Indentured Servants landed in 1861.

The majesty of the Indian civilization, the Prime Minister reflected, was embodied in human form today in the Vincentian Indian descendants.

Artists Shanique Stewart, Calvert Jones and Dinks Johnson who provided gifts for presentation to the President, the Government and people of India, were described

by Dr. Gonsalves as having extraordinary talent and sensitivity, as well as love for India which was reflected in their work.

The President reciprocated with a gift of a cricket bat to Rommel Currency, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association.

Dr. Gonsalves urged the President to return again saying, “When you have been retired from the office of the Presidency - come and visit us, spend a little bit more time with us. And being someone from the villages, we will like to drive you into the villages.”

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality received and said that he was deeply

H.E. President Ram Nath Kovind (right) presents a cricket bat to Rommel Currency, President of the SVG Cricket Association. Prime Minister Gonsalves is also pictured. touched by the friendship India and SVG in our bilateral relations.” (SG) and the kindness.

He said, “As we take back home the sweet memories of the exceptional beauty of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the lovely people here, I wish the people of this beautiful country the best health and happiness, peace, progress and prosperity, and the widening friendship and cooperation between Right: The majority of persons at the cocktail were attired in Indian wear, including businessman Martin Bollers and his wife.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 17.

Feature

IndiaÊs First Lady makes donation

First Lady of India Savita Kovind hands over ceremonial cheque (donation) to H.E. Susan Dougan, Governor General, in the company of Lady Savita’s daughter (left), Cabinet Secretary Kattiann Barnwell (2nd from right) and Principal of the SCSP-Naseem Smith (right).

Grenadines, took time out to make a generous donation of USD 25,000 to the Governor General Charitable Fund.

The handing over was made at the School for Children with Special Needs (SCSN), Kingstown, which the First Lady, her daughter and others members of the official Indian Presidential entourage visited on Thursday, 19th May. The students were all smiles and showered the delegation with hugs First Lady Savita Kovind shares a to which both the First Lady and the moment of togetherness with a Governor General reciprocated.

Special Student.

The First Lady and her daughter came bearing gifts of chocolates which FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF the students excitedly accepted.

INDIA SAVITA KOVIND, who H.E. Susan Dougan, Governor accompanied her husband President General expressed her gratitude for Ram Nath Kovind, on an official visit — the generous donation.

Wednesday, May 18th to Friday, May Principal of the SCSP-Naseem 20th - to St. Vincent and the Smith, Cabinet Secretary Kattiann

Indian and SVG strengthen relations Continued from Page 14. and Foreign Trade, Sandy Peters-Phillips signed on behalf of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), signing on behalf of the Republic of India.

Present at the signing were President Ram Nath Kovind, Governor General Dame Susan Dougan, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Members of the Indian Delegation, Minister of the Public Service Frederick Stephenson and Cabinet Secretary Kattian Barnwell.

Time was also taken during the time at Government House to discuss strengthening cooperation in the fields of Information Technology, health, education, tourism & culture and in the multilateral fora.

With that formality attended to, President Ram Nath Kovind was taken on a guided tour of the Botanical Garden. He was accompanied by Governor General Dame Susan.

The party also included members of the President’s entourage, Minister of Tourism and Culture Carlos James and Director of National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority Andrew Wilson.

In addition to inspecting many of the plant species that abound at the Gardens, the President also toured

His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, planting a tree at the Botanical Garden as a lasting memento of his official visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. the aviary which houses the National Bird, the Amazona Guildingii.

There were a number of performances that highlighted expressions of local culture — e.g. steelband and dance, for the Indian party.

To climax his tour of the Gardens, the President, like many persons of royalty and other Heads of State before him, planted a tree. He planted a Sandalwood sapling (a tree from the genus Santalum), which was brought from India especially for this purpose.

Barnwell and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Myccle Burke were among those who witnessed the handing over of the cheque.

President Ram Nath Kovind is the first Indian Head of State to visit this country. (SG)

18. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022.19.

Foreign Relations

IndiaÊs President addresses SVG parliament

President Ram Kath Kovind exists parliament in the company of (from left) Speaker of the House Rochelle Forde, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday.

HIS EXCELLENCY RAM KATH KOVIND, President of the Republic of India, addressed the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Parliament on Thursday 19th May, 2022, during a 3-day visit (May 18 – 20) to the multi-island state.

The President, the first Indian Head of State to visit this country, acknowledged common grounds of the two nations even with their differences in size and population.

He welcomed the opportunity to be at the Vincentian parliament having been a legislator.

That for him entails “a deep sense of commitment and dedication… to realise the dreams and

aspirations of our people.”

He noted historical and cultural heritage ties between India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with “shared values of democracy, inclusion, freedom and rule of law.”

President Kovind expressed satisfaction with the Bequia Market Repairs and Restoration, a Community Development Project at Glenside Village Marriaqua, describing them as symbols of deep relations. India extended assistance to both projects.

Kovind observed the impact of trans-national migration in effect since the 1900 century and

Students of the Kingstown Preparatory School were hand to offer a Vincentian welcome to the President.

exemplified by the existence of the IndoVincentian.

While transnationalisation has benefitted the people with employment, education, there have been threats to “international peace and security and supply chain disruptions,” the President cited, and called on nations to “look beyond their narrow selfinterest.”

He described multilateralism as “an instrument to promote a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth in all nation states.”

The United Nations and it appropriate bodies will have to expand. “The need of the hour is reform of global institutions with the United nations Security Council at its core to reflect the contemporary global reality,” President Kovind emphasised.

He praised St. Vincent and the Grenadiers for its role during its stint as a Non-Permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Kovind is confident that India and SVG will work together in “advancing shared objective for an inclusive world order.”

Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves welcomed the Indian President to the Parliament.

Gonsalves noted the bilateral cooperation between the nations and signalled plans of deepening the connection with the opening of a diplomatic Mission in India next year.

The Vincentian leader pointed to US $150M made available to SVG through the India’s CARICOM connection.

Gonsalves will meet with Indian Prime Minister Nahrenda Modi at the Rwanda Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in on June.

Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday welcomed the President as a friend.

He dismissed the differences among the countries and highlights: “What matters is what brings us to together.”

The Opposition leader noted the “sweat and

tears” endured by those of Indian heritage here as a result of their transfer from their homeland, but noted that the hardship is not in vain for the “children contribute to national development.”

Friday highlighted the

sport/cricket connection.

“Indian legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapel Dev and Sachin Tendulkar are loved by West Indians as Indians adore Vivian Richards, Brian Lara and Chris Gayle,” he said.

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Caught in a trap Dear George, I HAD A GREAT job offer – salary and perks were unbelievable. The job was there for the taking except one thing: In order to get the job I would have to agree for my wife to sleep with the boss for one night. I thought it was a joke but I told the boss I would arrange it.

George, my wife and I decided to teach him the lesson of his life. We went to his wife and told her everything and had her show up on the date at the time my wife was supposed to meet with her husband.

All three of them showed up at his house.

That stopped him in his tracks but not before he sent us threatening messages. These we will be taking to the police.

I just want these wicked, coldhearted businessmen to stop exploiting our women and using their positions of power and wealth to break up good families. Thank God for the kind of woman I married. Not all Vincentian women are giving it up because of hard times.

Grateful Dear Grateful, I am happy this one ended on a positive note for you. It could have easily gone another way.

The men who use their positions of power and influence to sleep around get their strength and the green light to continue doing from the silence of their victims. You did the opposite; you did not stay quiet but took a course of action that effectively brought a halt to this immoral practice. Getting the law involved to deal with these threats is the right thing to do.

Continue to keep an open line of communication in your marriage as this practice would certainly solidify the future of your relationship.

George

Conditions for marriage Dear George,

things going on but I will leave it here.

MY GIRLFRIEND and I have been discussing marriage but more often than not, the discussion ends in a quarrel.

She is demanding some rather strange conditions to our marriage: that she had her own bedroom since she is not accustomed sharing a room; no sex on her church days, i.e.

Sundays (all day), Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and no questioning her when she is going out or when she gets back.

Obviously I am concerned. I am not a very religious man and my girlfriend’s devotion to her church worries me. Also I am not in agreement with this separate bedroom business.

I do love her but I need for her to see things my way. There are other

Uneasy Dear Uneasy, The problems you are experiencing now with your girlfriend will be ten times as big should you marry her. Compromise is the key to any successful relationship but it appears there is no room for compromise in your case.

Maybe a series of premarital counselling sessions will help her to understand what marriage entails.

Should she not be open to counselling, then you should cut and find someone who is more in line with your view and understanding of marriage.

George

Hungry family needs help Dear George,

hold out.

TWICE I tried to kill myself and on each occasion my 5-year-old appeared out of nowhere to ask me what I was doing.

George, I have two young children with no father around. Things are very bad with me. I cannot find work no matter how hard I try. Those at Social Welfare do not know anything about me yet they want to pass judgement on me. The last thing I need is for people to look down on me and judge me. Those people down by the Welfare do not know what it is like to have children and being unable to feed them and yourself.

They need to do better and look after poor people.

Maybe it is better I’m not here, that way they (Welfare) would be forced to look after my children.

I am crying as I write this. I know you would have found a way to help if you were here. Please tell me what to do. We are all hungry. It is hard to

Going Down Dear Going Down, Thank you for reaching out.

Without question, it is quite something when you cannot keep your head and those of your dependents above the water line.

Give the Marion House a call immediately. Someone there should be able to help you strengthen your case to the Welfare Department.

In the meantime, remind yourself that you are not a failure … only someone who has temporarily fallen on hard times. Do not accept what others say about you in their rush to judge you and don’t ever give up, especially with your effort to get adequate help from the Welfare people.

Do keep me updated on your progress.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Minor accidents could cause trauma and major setbacks. Concern yourself with legal matters and formulating contracts rather than finalizing your objectives.

Don't settle for less than the best. You might find it difficult to control your emotions.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't put limitations on yourself.

Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. A little volleyball or other outdoor sports should be on your agenda. Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Insincere gestures of friendliness may be misleading. To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed.

Socialize with friends, but don't overspend on lavish entertainment. Don't divulge secret information.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving. Do the necessary chores and then do things that please you. Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Joint ventures might prove to be unfavorable. Dream a little this week.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Changes at home might come fast and furious. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. New hair, new outfit, new you.

You may want to sign up for courses that will encourage you to have more confidence in yourself.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely.

You're intuitive this week; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Stubborn about making changes around your home. You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. Major moves will be emotional and not necessarily to your benefit.

Minor accidents may occur if you don't concentrate on what you're doing.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) It won't take much to upset your lover.

Your personal situation is fluctuating.

Changes in your residence may be financially favorable. Your sensitivity toward those you love will capture their hearts.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may have more to do with children this week; keep an open mind. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week. It will be all around you. Think twice before you speak.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your ability to get the job done will result in added responsibility and possible promotion. You will gain valuable insight and knowledge through the experiences you have along the way. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. You need to start planning that vacation.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Strong willpower will come to your rescue. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary. Your outgoing nature will surprise others this week. Do things that involve children.

ACROSS 1. Con 5. Artist, with EI 10. Ishmael’s captain 14. Major or Minor Bear 15. Wide-eyed primate 16. Rock star with many causes 17. Watch for these when shopping 20. Nissan model 21. Relaxes, grip for example 22. US abbr.

25. Legendary Nintendo princess 26. “The New Yorker” humorist Ogden 30. Free-for-all 33. Gold Medal product 35. Prefix with –clast 36. Year in Nero’s reign 39. Bananas near the floor, perhaps 42. Lair 43. Opposite of sur 44. Supposedly sly animals 45. Kind of guitar or drum 46. Inspiring fear 47. Bangladesh city 51. Whiskies 54. Upright 57. Courage and fortitude 62. Quakers or Cheerios 65. Ticket info, maybe 66. PDF maker 67. Trompe I’___ 68. “___ Smile” (1976 hit) 69. Apply anew 70. Gym site DOWN 1. Sandwiches 2. Algonquian speaking Tribe 3. Part of N.A.A.C.P., Abbr.

4. Nascar driver, Kenseth 5. Flash of light 6. Sports judge 7. Rock music style 8. Ringlet 9. Crème-filled cookie

10. Humble 11. Suite spot 12. Put ___ to 13. _____ nova (Brazilian musical style) 18. Car accessory 19. Nod 23. Political exile 24. Poem orator 26. Can province 27. Cream ingredient 28. Scattered 29. Exclamation of bewilderment 31. Unfrequented 32. International lang.

34. Plunder 36. Elegance 37. Contender 38. Tiny, informally 40. Denial word 41. Beluga yield

47. Mortgage amounts 48. Central courtyards 49. Attractive leader 50. R & B and rap star 52. Person with a mike 53. Observe

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022.21.

55. Crow’s nest view 56. Weigh down 58. Brad Pitt epic 59. Swarm 60. Non-clerical 61. “Enchanted” girl in a 2004 film 63. Old French coin 64. SuperStation initials

22. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 23.

QueenÊs Baton Relay well received Keo Davis hands over the baton to Michael Findlay at Fort Charlotte.

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES played its part in the build-up to the hosting of the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games, when it hosted the Queen’s Baton Relay from Thursday, 19th May to Saturday, 21st May, 2022.

St Vincent and the Grenadines was the 61st of 72 countries of the Commonwealth that hosted the Baton Relay which precedes the Commonwealth Games, this time set for Birmingham, England from 28th July to 8th August.

The focus of the Queen’s Baton Relay was schools on the North Western section of the mainland.

Beginning at the Fitz Hughes Government, the Baton was then taken to the Chateaubelair Methodist, Petit Bordel Secondary, Troumaca Primary and Secondary Schools, West Wood Methodist, Central Leeward Secondary, Layou Primary, Questelles Primary and the Buccament Secondary.

In addition, the Baton was taken to the Walliabou Falls, the Botanical Gardens, Fort Charlotte, the St. George’s

(Anglican) Cathedral and the Kingstown Methodist Church.

Among the Baton bearers along the route were: Cyclist- Peter Durrant; CricketerSamantha Lynch; Squash players- Jason Doyle and Jada Ross; Swimmers - Jamie Joachim, Kennice Green, Kevern Da Silva and Zariel Nelson; Table Tennis playerstwo days of the Unica Velox, Caleb QBR, Baton Howard and Mickel Manager — Creese; Track and Field Claude athletes- Keo Davis and Bascombe Jr. Grenisha Thomas; commented: “I current sports am filled with Jules Snagg leading the Baton’s route on Mustique. administrators- Doris pride that St Mc Intosh and Vincent and the where students from the Rawlson Morgan and national Grenadines had the opportunity Mustique Primary School and sporting icon- Thaddeus Michael to host the Queen’s Baton Relay other prominent persons, took Findlay. and be part of this momentous the Baton on a short tour of the The Baton bearers were journey. Not only did it give us island, culminating with a short complemented by Change the opportunity to celebrate the ceremony at the monument of makers- Darren Morgan and spirit of St Vincent and the Lord Glenconner Colin Tennant.

Marika Baptiste, both students Grenadines but it represents the The Mustique leg thus began of the St Vincent and the coming together of communities at the Nursery to the Primary Grenadines Community College. across the whole of the School, culminating founder of Following Thursday’s tour, Commonwealth.” the island. the Queen’s Baton Relay was Bascombe Jr. also expressed Recounting the events of the taken to the island of Mustique, satisfaction that Baton was well

received on its visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

St Vincent and the Grenadines received the Baton from St Lucia, before handing it off to Bermuda, to continue its movement across the rest of the Commonwealth.

It was the fifth occasion that St Vincent and the Grenadines was hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay Spanning a journey of 294 days, the QBR’s traversed Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean, ending the opening of the Birmingham Games, when the Queen’s message will be read.

National Netball returns NATIONAL NETBALL COMPETITION returned with the opening of the Bank of SVG/FLOW Fast 5 Tournament, at the Kingstown Netball Centre last Saturday.

Players, administrators, spectators and sponsors turned out to give a warm welcome the tournament.

The last occasion that there was a completed National Club Tournament was in 2019.

And while the 2020 edition was aborted following the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic. a Fast 5 Tournament was held during the latter part of 2020.

The 2022 Fast 5 Tournament will feature ten teams in two divisions, Contesting Division One are Clinchers, On Trac X-Ceed, Maple Netball Club, Mitres and RSVG Police Sports Club.

The SVG Male Netball Team will play as a guest team, as they prepare for the inaugural Americas Male Tournament in

August/September.

Division Two will see competition among SVG General Services Maple Club, On Trac XCeed Two, Sion Hill Netball Team, Success Radio, National Properties Netters and Future Stars.

In Saturday’s opening fixture, XCeed Two beat SVG Services Maple Club 28-9 in a Division Two encounter. Then on Monday, Sion Hill Netball Team edged out Success Radio 19-18.

Maple Netball Team had a 27-25 triumph over RSVG Police and National Properties Netters defeated Clinchers, 27-22.

Matches are carded for Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

The Fast 5 format involves five positions: Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Centre, Goal Keep and

On Trac X-Ceed and SVG General Services Maple Team in action at last Saturday’s opening match.

Natasha Baptiste (right) accepts the symbolic sponsorship cheque of $30, 000 from Bank of SVG representative- Mrs Patricia John.

Goal Defence. Shooting arcs are regulated for one, two and three-point shots.

Each team has a power quarter in which shots are counted as double.

Matches are played in sixminute quarters.

President’s Message Excited about having Netball back, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball

Association- Natasha Baptiste, speaking at last Saturday’s Opening Ceremony related, “As we slowly return to our normal way of life, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association is pleased to offer to its netballers the opportunity to be back on the court of play, and to have the fans enjoying the excitement the game brings…”.

Baptiste said that the tournament could not have come at a more opportune time, when St Vincent and the Grenadines is grappling with an upsurge in violence against women and girls.

“Our society has been recently rocked by events that are uncommon to us as a people and the SVG Netball Association stands in solidarity with those who have added to the call for the end of Violence against our women and children”.

“Sports create an avenue for our people to express themselves and

creates opportunity for positive growth… As parents and as a community let us look out for each other so that we can assist in putting an end of violence against our women and children”, Baptiste suggested.

Saturday’s opening was also addressed by Minister of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports — Frederick Stephenson.

Mrs. Patricia John, a representative of Bank of SVG, made a symbolic presentation of the sponsorship cheque of EC$30,000.

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24. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Saints maintains winning ways

GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS extended their unbeaten record in the NLA/Neil Williams T20 Competition with two convincing victories in last weekend round of matches.

First they disposed of FLOW Rivals by 9 wickets at Sion Hill. Jeremy Layne 5 for 30 did Rivals in for a mere 87 from 19 overs, their best batter being Marcus Castello, 25.

Saints had a measured replay of Dave Duncan assured victory for Victors Two with breezy a 73.

87 for 1 in 10 overs, Jeremy Atticus Browne Haywood 41 not out; Jahiel showed signs of Walters 30 not out. his more Saints’ second win came youthful days against Victors Two by a 62- with a classy 90 run margin, at Sion Hill. for Victors One. Saints posted 168 for 8 from 20 overs, Layne leading with Two 47. Victors Two inched to 106 for 9 161 for Jeremy Layne (bowler) turned in an outstanding from 20 overs, Layne completing a top 4 from performance with bat and ball to help Saints stay weekend performance with 2 for 4, and 18 on a winning path.

Haywood getting 2 for 18. overs - Dave Duncan 73, Kyle Bobb 2 for 23. overs - Dillon Douglas 2 for 15, Nigel In other weekend results: Bequia beat Strike Eagles by 23 Small 3 for 12; Police Two 79 without runs at Arnos Vale. Scores: Bequia 125 loss from 4 overs - Dillon Douglas 61 Victors Two beat SVG Community from 19 overs - Orlanzo Bellingy 35, College (SVGCC) by 6 wickets at Arnos Darren John 3 for 49, Ronique Harry 3 not out.

SVGCC defeated Smashers by 1 Vale. Scores: SVG Community College for 8; Strike Eagles 102 from 18 overs wicket. Smashers 110 from 11 overs.159 from 19 overs - Marlon Williams Javid Wilson 39, Lorane Ollivierre 5 Joey Liverpool 29, Delroy Glasgow 3 41, Kishorne Shallow 4 for 34; Victors for 25. for 19, Kyle Bobb 3 for 46; SVGCC 112 FLOW Rivals earned a 44-run win for 9 from 18 overs - Coby Dabreo 27, over Victors One at Sion Hill. Scores: Kurthlan Thomas 3 for 14, Courtney Rivals 196 for 8 from 20 overs - Dean Joyette 2 for 14.

Browne 34, Luke Wilson 3 for 38; FLOW Radcliffe defeated Police One Victors One 152 for 5 from 20 overs by 8 wickets at Stubbs. Scores: Police Atticus Browne 90, Dean Browne 2 for One 52 from 12 overs. Asif Hooper 4 23. for 10, Rasheed Fredericks 3 for 2; Police Two beat Memorial Funeral Radcliffe 55 for 2 from 6 overs.

Home by 8 wickets at Stubbs.

Romano Pierre 26. Ronaldo Franklyn 2 Memorial Funeral Home 73 from 12 for 17.

TT Cadet title goes to North Leeward Devante O. Matthews, 14-year-old resident of Rose Bank and a student of the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School, North Leeward, is the winner of the first ever St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association’s (SVGTTA) Male Cadet Assessment Competition.

The Competition was held last weekend at the New Democratic Party headquarters.

Matthews rallied from one set down to beat Lamont Gregg three sets to one, 5-11/13-11/118/11-3, in the finals.

Gregg is from South Side, Bequia and attends the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Matthews booked his place in the finals with a hard fought 3 to 2 set semi-final win, 11-8/311/11-8/10-12/12-10, over Kris Ollivierre, a 14year-old resident of Green Hill who attends the West St. George Secondary School (WSGSS).

Gregg had easier passage through to the final, disposing of Joshua Simmons 3 sets to 1, 511/11-6/11-3/11-7.

Simmons, 13 years old, is also a student of the WSGSC and resides in Belair.

On completion of the Competition the following was released as the ranking among the Male Cadets: No. 1 — Devante O Matthews with 18 points; No/2 -

Lamont Gregg – runner-up

Champion Cadet Devante O. Matthews received his award from Lamont Gregg on 15 Orville Haslam OD, President of the SVGTTA. points; No. 3- Kris Ollivierre on 12.

Others listed in the ranking, in order from the top: Joshua Simmons, Noel Abbott, Kimoni Shoy, Gasron Samuel, Zayden Cyrus, Radrif Glasgow, Raj Roderigez, Devonte D Matthews and Kris Joshua Zhyon Samuel.

Ollivierre – Simmons – Awards were semi-finalist semi-finalist handed out by Orville Haslam OD, at the end of the is expected to be staged Competition. in July 2022.

The next Male Cadet Assessment Competition Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

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

Sports

Vincy Heat in real test THE SPARRING is over and its real time action in the ring as the Concacaf Nations Cup gets into full swing. The Vincentian senior national men’s team have a task of winning Group C in League B if they are to be in the final.

Their first opponent is Bahamas next Friday, June 3 in Bahamas. The Vincentians know there are no pushovers in the football arena these days.

Any team with pride and heart can create an upset anytime. Circumstances, situations, one moment of inspiration can change the course of a game.

The Vincentians will want to start positively and will have to find their rhythm quickly and ensure their tactics are apt.

Fitness will came into play as the contingent returns home for their second fixture against Nicaragua June 6 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

The squad gets a breathing space to energise themselves for another home fixture against Trinidad and Tobago at Arnos vale Friday June 10.

Monday June 13, the Vincentians play their fourth game in ten days. That will be return leg against the Soca Warriors in Trinidad and Tobago.

Teams await the second phase of the Nation’s League preliminary which ends March 27, 2023 when the Vincentians host Bahamas. Three before that, the Vincentians are scheduled to play away in Nicaragua.

There will be no shortage on the football menu in between time, as the attention shifts to the Qatar World Cup which finals comes in December.

The sporting world is finding itself having to adjust to the emerging situations. No one can dismiss the impact of the Covids 19 pandemic.

The level of uncertainty continues even as one would imagine that the severity is decreasing.

Like an opportunity, anything can take place, and once the door is ajar, there can be any kind of repercussions. We in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have our volcano to contend with.

That’s the hand we have been given and whatever the upheavals, the package redounds to our eternal benefit.

That’s why we are Vincy Heat We can turn it up anytime. And even when we might be in the blasting, don’t underestimate the dormancy. That’s when we are getting ready for the next explosion. And when that transpires, the ash goes far. Whatever the situation, we stand strong and proud.

We have plenty to be grateful for. The fact that we can contemplate returning to some semblance of normalcy is a tribute to our survival instinct.

SVG, like the rest of the Caribbean constitutes a melting pot as varies as can be. That is manifested by the visit of the India President and his delegation.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is emerging from a colonial past, a situation that many world nations have also been. We have displayed our aptitude to sport, and the Caribbean man, Indian, Chines, African or European carves out a new identity once touched by Caribbean waters, and that is the beauty of the Caribbean dispensation.

Runs galore in CWI 4-day Championship THERE WAS no want of centuries in the opening round of the continuation of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Four-day Regional Championship.

There were, in fact, seven century-makers: Brandon King, 119 for Jamaica against the Windwards; Kieran Powell, 139 for Leewards against Trinidad and Tobago; Yannic Cariah, 100 for Trinidad and Tobago against the Leewards; Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 140 and Gudakesh Motie, 110 for Guyana against Barbados; Shai Hope, 119 and Kraigg Brathwaite, 111 for Barbados against Guyana.

In addition, there were four bowlers who recorded five wickets in an innings: Marquino Mindley 5 for 20, Jamie Merchant 5 for 75 and Derval Green 5 for 46, for Jamaica against the Windwards; Jayden Seales 5 for 49 for Trinidad and Tobago against the Leewards.

At the end of the round, there were victories for Guyana, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands.

Guyana/Barbados

Tagenarine Chanderpaul crafted 140 for Guyana.

At the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, Guyana beat Barbados by 5 wickets. Scores: Guyana 490 from 157 overs Chanderpaul 140, Motie 110, Tevin Imlach 53, Akeem Jordan 3 for 108, Raymon Reifer 2 for 37 — and 71 for 5 from 12 overs - Chanderpaul 23 not out, Jordan 4 for 31.

Barbados 266 from 84 overs - Hope 119,

Brandon King hit 119 for Jamaica.

Kieran Powell stroked 139 for Leeward Islands.

Shane Dowrich 44, Veerasammy Permaul 4 for 81 — and 291 from 93 overs Brathwaite 111, Sheyne Mosely 48, Keemo Paul 4 for 90, Motie 2 for 35.

Shai Hope hit 119 for Barbados.

Jamaica/Windwards Jamaica beat Windwards by an innings and 14 runs. Scores: Windwards 137 from 51 overs - Keron Cottoy 50, Nicholson Gordon 4 for 43, Marquino Mindley 5 for 20 - and 195 from 74 overs.

Kraigg Brathwaite hit Kavem Hodge 63, Devon 111 for Barbados.

Smith 34, Cottoy 21, Derval Green 5 for 46, Jamie Merchant 5 for 75.

Jamaica 346 from 87 overs. Brandon King 119, Merchant 58, John Campbell 48, Preston McSween 4 for 96, Josh Thomas 3 for 56, Sherman Lewis 2 for 65.

Leewards/Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Yannic Cariah went under to the Leewards by 187 runs at the Diego made 100 for Trinidad and Martin Sporting Complex in Tobago.

Trinidad. Scores: Leeward Islands 357 from 95 overs - Kieran Powell 139. Kacey Amir Jangoo 58, Jeremiah Louis 42 not out, Jayden Seales 5 for 49 - and 241 for 7 declared from 47 overs - Devon Thomas 84, Powell 83, Yannic Cariah 3 for 33.

Trinidad 140 from 58 overs - Joshua DaSilva 65, Jeremiah Louis 4 for 32, Colin Archibald 4 for 27 and 271 from 80 overs. Yannic Cariah 100, Jayden Seales 33, Rahkeem Cornwall 4 Gudakesh Motie for 50, Jeremiah Louis 3 for 31. smashed 110 for I.B.A. ALLEN Guyana.

Stowe: SVG Football nearing the precipice DOMINIQUE STOWE, a former football administrator here, has followed on his earlier comments he made in March 2022, with a reiteration that football here is nearing a “precipitous fall,” given the current state of administration of the sport.

Stowe, as per a statement made available to THE VINCENTIAN, is of the view that one of the misconceptions fed to footballers, clubs, etc. is that SVG football is awash with cash.

“Yet,’ he said, “while the St. Vincent and the Grenadines football Federation (SVGFF) supposed to offer the cushioning from FIFA Annual draw down, that all Clubs rely heavily on, one need not look too far beneath the surface to uncover clubs across the country struggling to cope with the financial impact of COVID-19”.

In this situation, he advanced

that it will be critical “for club Dominique Stowe management to understand how has made another to act and to carefully consider call for football the options available to them”. administrators He further lamented, here to be more “Reduced funding for players’ forthcoming. development will directly cause a drop in quality that will Vincent, rapidly reflect on the national according to performances. The lack of Stowe, investment at the grassroots and sponsorship for club levels means that unlike in the national other regions there is no programme has dried and the possibility to rely on much being SVGFF is forced to depend on done without FIFA’s funding”. money from FIFA. Stowe pointed a finger at the He cautioned that with the likelihood of administrative cloud of uncertainty hanging over shortcomings that if there are, the administration of football they must be addressed “to stem here, “SVG will remain underthis embarrassing tide and bring prepared for football at the back some semblance of order and highest level and will perpetually leadership to the governance of be attempting to catch up to the sport.” nations with better pitches and And with the current better coaches.” administration failing to earn the confidence of corporate St. I.B.A. ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022. 27.

Classifieds

Calypsonians ready for 2022 Continued from Backpage. of love… they spend moneys on an annual basis to perform.”

He urged individuals/cultural enthusiasts and business houses to assist the Calypso Tents in whatever way possible.

Bennett announced plans for a Queen of Calypso competition to coincide with the holding of the Miss SVG Pageant in October.

Meanwhile, preliminary judging for the Junior Soca Monarch is scheduled as follows: Primary Schools - Friday, May 27 and Secondary Schools — Saturday, May 28th, both at the CDC Office, Victoria Park.

DANIEL LIONEL ROMANO SKERRITT Thursday, 26th May, 2022 6W *HRUJH¶V &DWKHdral, Kingstown Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Burial: Kingstown Cemetery

ALBAN SAMUEL KELLY a.k.a. Tod Bremo/Wet up Sunday, 22nd May, 2022 Clare Valley Seventh day Adventist Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

ISHMAEL N. GOODLUCK a.k.a. Gold

ESTALEITA BAPTISTE a.k.a. Elaine Davy

Saturday, 21st May, 2022 Calvary Baptist Church Arnos Vale Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Golden Vale Cemetery

Sunday, 22nd May, 2022 Mt Moriah S.D.A Church Bellevue Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Brighton Cemetery

Hutan Calvin Toby a.k.a. Bugz & Pappy Saturday, 21st May, 2022 New Testament Church of God Calder Viewing: 12:00 p.m.

Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Stubbs Cemetery

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FRIDAY, MAY 27,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.20

THREAT AT SCHOOL MAN IN CUSTODY MANAGEMENT, staff and students of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School were thrown into a state of shock if not trauma last Wednesday, when news broke that it appeared a man was on the school premises brandishing a firearm.

It is alleged that the man cleared with the school’s security and proceeded to a Grade 5 class in which

his daughter was enrolled, and threatened to shoot one her classmates.

THE VINCENTIAN was informed that the man had earlier entered the school compound and took a photograph of a girl in the same class as his daughter, and with whom his daughter had had an altercation.

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Whether or not a man brandishing a gun was on the compound of the St. Mary’s RC school, one teacher is known to have locked herself and her class (of students) in the classroom.

He is said to have threatened to shoot the girl and promised to return with a gun.

A report was made to the police and a senior law enforcement officer was dispatched to the school. This after the Royal SVG Police Force had issued a statement refuting “..reports being circulated on social media that state a man entered the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School Compound in Kingstown brandishing a firearm.”

It is not clear where and when the action was taken but THE VINCENTIAN was informed that the police took a man into custody. The man, it was said, had allegedly performed the action as described

earlier in this article.

When the news of a man with a gun at the school broke, primarily on social media, parents and members of the public gathered outside the school in search of information on the matter.

Recognising that there was a large number of parents of enrolled St. Mary’s children among the crowd, Principal Eula Johnny addressed them and, in an effort to allay any fears, said that the situation was under control but made no reference to a man brandishing a gun.

The Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal SVG Police Force is said to be investigating the matter.

CALYPSONIANS

READY FOR 2022 AFTER MISSING out on performing for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, calypsonian are rearing to go for Vincymas 2022.

This was clearly the intent expressed at a press briefing hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonian Association (SVGCA) last Tuesday, at the office of the Carnival Development

Last Tuesday’s SVGCA press briefing heard from (L-R): Norleen Cambridge – Graduates; Earl ‘Cabba’ Bennet – President SVGCA; Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance OnTour Calypso Tent and Shaunelle McKenzie Upstage Experience.

based Dynamite Calypso Tent will not be involved in this year’s activity.

The Graduates with its 18member cast will have their first show on June 7. On Tour, boasting 15 calypsonians, will launch on June 7. Upstage Experience, Corporation (CDC). with a cast of 18, will open on Three Calypso Tents - On June 8 and follow-up with Tour, Graduates, and Upstage another show on June 15.

Experience - will participate All of the fore-mentioned this year. The New York shows are scheduled for the

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Russell’s Auditorium.

Sandy Bay is on for treat when Upstage shifts activities to that community on Saturday June 11.

As it stands, calypsonians will have a short time to finetune their 2022 production.

Preliminary judging has been scheduled for the Russell’s Auditorium as follows: On Tour — June 14; Upstage Experience — June 15; Graduates — June 16.

Calypsonians will compete for 22 places in the semi-finals of the Calypso Monarch Competition. The semi-finals are now carded for Friday 24th June, at Victoria Park.

President of the Calypsonians Association Earl ‘Caba’ Bennett is excited about this year’s programme.

He described the efforts of the calypsonians as a “labour Continued on Page 27.

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