THE VINCENTIAN PDF-29-04-22

FRIDAY, APRIL 29,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.17

Another road fatality Page .3

www.thevincentian.com

Guilty plea for cocaine Page 4

POPULAR METHODIST MINISTER ROBBED

Royals visit Page 12&13

Bahari Dopwell, no stranger to the Courts here, will now answer to three counts of robbery.

Dopwell has been charged with, being armed with a gun, robbed Rev. Davis of one white Oneplus 6T cellular phone valued EC$800, containing one Flow Sim Card valued $EC$35, one brown leather wallet valued EC$80, containing one driver’s license valued EC$450, amounting to a total of EC$1,400 Not even his religious and EC$200 in cash, and ministerial calling could at the time of so doing, save Rev. Adolf Davis and in order to do so, put from being the target of Davis in fear of being robbery. there and then subjected to force. by HAYDN HUGGINS Dopwell is also charged with, being A 20-YEAR-OLD PAUL’S armed with a gun, AVENUE RESIDENT is robbed a school teacher, behind bars after being Daryl Franklyn, of one charged in connection blue duffle valued with the March 26, 2022 EC$60, and green armed robbery of backpack valued EC$60, Vincentian-born Methodist a pair of grey and black Minister, Rev. Adolf Davis, slippers valued EC$30, and two others, at one silver 30GB flash Richmond Hill, Kingstown. drive valued EC$80, and Bahari Dopwell was Radian B pain relief taken before the Serious spray valued EC$20, one Offences Court on black leather wallet Monday, but was not valued EC$70, one required to plea to the driver’s licence card charges as they were laid ECE100, and five white indictably.

EC$1.50

That Tokyo washroom Page 14

and green molten volley balls valued US$60, amounting to a total of EC$470, along with US$60, and EC$10 in cash, and at the time of so doing, and in order to

Roads to be widened Page 24

do so, put Franklyn in fear of being there and then subjected to force. Dopwell is additionally charged with, being Continued on Page 3.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (left) and President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela held discussions that redounded in favour of the multi-island Caribbean state. (Photo Credit: LoopNews)

VENEZUELA’S HELPING HAND TOUCHES SVG

Story on Page 3.

V News 3 Possible kidney disease after COVID

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . 3.

by GLORIAH...

ACCORDING TO A NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION (NBC) news item of 22nd April, persons who have had COVID-19, can later become susceptible to chronic non-communicable diseases like hypertension

and diabetes. The item also stated that the Ministry of Health had noticed a trend where, “some people who previously tested positive for COVID-19 are having kidney issues”. The item had Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache,

Chief Medical Officer, stating that, “We are noticing the increase in the numbers of persons who are presenting with decreased kidney function; and we are asking persons, especially persons who have had COVID, ... that if you have had COVID

even if you were asymptomatic, to seek care with your healthcare provider,” and (she) advised that, once recovered, such persons should conduct full medical checks to ensure that they are not affected by other medical issues after COVID-19.

Popular Methodist Minister robbed breached the curfew. Addressing the ‘breach of armed with a gun, robbed curfew, Dopwell’s legal Saquana Duncan of one ZTE representative - attorney Grant cellular phone valued EC$500, Connell said his client was held at containing one Flow Sim Card Arnos Vale for questioning in valued $35, amounting to a total relation to another matter, and of EC$535, and at the time of so the police held him for hours, doing, and in order to do so, put which went outside the limits of Duncan in fear of being there and his curfew. then subjected to force. Connell said that if Dopwell In objecting to bail, Crown was not held for so long, he would Counsel Allana Cumberbatch told have been home. the Court that Dopwell was on On hearing both sides, Chief bail for a similar offence when he Magistrate Rechanne Browne was held in relation to these concluded that offences. Cumberbatch added that she was not Dopwell was placed on a 7pm to considering bail, 6am curfew as one of his and remanded conditions of bail, but had Dopwell. Continued from Front Page.

Another road fatality

Below: Samuel Elijah Jack – this country’s latest road fatality.

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the circumstances surrounding a fatal accident that occurred on Saturday, April 23, 2022, along the Calder Ridge Public Road, which left Samuel Elijah Jack of Calder dead. According to investigations, on April 23, 2022, at about 4:45pm motor vehicle P.411, a silver Toyota Harrier jeep owned by Delbert Ledger of Akers and driven by Samuel Elijah-Jack , was traveling along the Calder Ridge Public Road when the deceased allegedly lost control of the vehicle and it ran off of the road. The deceased was met in the vehicle unresponsive and was pronounced dead by the District Medical Officer at the scene. Motor vehicle P.411 was extensively damaged. A post mortem examination was expected to be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death of Jack. (Source: RSVGPF)

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Dopwell has since applied to the High Court for bail. It is alleged that Davis, Franklyn and Duncan were sitting in a vehicle at Richmond Hill, Kingstown, about to leave the area, after playing volley ball at a nearby Court, when they were robbed at gunpoint around 9:30pm, March 26. A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) is slated for June 16.

She urged, “Come to a District Clinic, let nurse know ‘I had COVID, is it possible for me to have a little check-up: check my blood pressure, my kidney function, my blood sugar; because you’re seeing persons who had COVID without being known to them and they develop diabetes.” The Chief Medical Officer was adamant that persons who fall within the stated bracket should become proactive where their health is concerned. “We need to be very aggressive,” she explained, “St. Vincent went into this outbreak of COVID being one of the top countries in terms of noncommunicable diseases — that is diabetes, hypertension. We had very high rates of diabetes and

Dr. Simone KeizerBeache, Chief Medical Officer made an appeal to persons who have had COVID-19 to do full medical checks. hypertension and very high rates of people dying from diabetes and hypertension.” She was clear that if St. Vincent and the Grenadines was to be compared to the rest of the world, an increase in cases is being seen. She reiterated that early detection was the only effective was to deal with the issues but persons must submit themselves for screening. “We are urging persons to go seek healthcare early even if you’re not feeling unwell. Go get your checkup.”

Venezuela’s helping hand touches SVG

service between Venezuela and St. by DAYLE DA SILVA Vincent and the Grenadines by the PRIME MINISTER Dr. Venezuelan airline Ralph Gonsalves was in Conviasa, that while in Venezuela to address hospital there, he held a certain personal health number of meetings with related issues, but from officials, including all reports he took the President Nicolas business of the Maduro and Vice government of St. President Delcy Vincent and the Rodriguez. Grenadines with him. He said meetings And it was with a continued after his brief visible sense of hospitalization period satisfaction that he with other officials, reported, on his return to including H.E Raul La the state last Tuesday, Causta, Vice Minister for April 26, that Venezuela the Caribbean within the had agreed to write off Foreign Ministry of this country’s debt to Venezuela and President Petrocaribe. of the ALBA Bank. According to Prime In his meeting with Minister Dr Ralph Venezuelan leader Gonsalves, as much as Maduro, Gonsalves said US$70 million may still that he outlined the be owed under the oil impact of the COVID-19 alliance arrangement pandemic, the socio(with Venezuela) which economic impact of the his country signed in volcanic eruptions and 2005. Hurricane Elsa and in He said at a ceremony, return, he (Maduro) at the Argyle agreed to give 100 International Airport, percent debt relief of the which marked the remainder of this recommencement of air country’s Petrocaribe From Front Page.

debt. “Both sides are tallying to see the precise number as to that debt,” the Prime Minister said. “It may be up to US$70 million, meaning EC$189 million which would amount to 8 or 9 percent of the national debt of this country,” he continued. President Maduro further agreed to cut the debt of other OECS members who were also members of Petrocaribe. Those countries would receive a 50 percent cut in their debt.

Other Commitments The Venezuelan leader also committed to the revival of the Petrocaribe arrangement, this after supplies under the agreement were suspended to most Caribbean states in 2018, following US political pressure on Caracas and recipient countries and falling oil and gas prices. In fact, in December 2019, Maduro told participants at the

closing ceremony of the 17th ALBA Summit in Cuba of his government’s intention to relaunch Petrocaribe. The proposed revival of Petrocaribe is expected to bring about a discount of 35 percent on the price of fuel, resulting in a positive impact on consumers of electricity, the Prime Minister posited. Farmers will not be left out, as Venezuela has agreed to provide monthly shipments of urea free of cost. In addition, the Prime Minister Gonsalves noted, President Maduro agreed to provide free asphalt for repairs to roads that were damaged as a result of the eruption of La Soufrière in 2021 and bad weather. The Venezuelan leader further promised to provide up to 150 pre-fabricated homes to assist those residents of North Windward and North Leeward who lost their homes following the eruption, Gonsalves said.

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Woman pleads guilty to cocaine trafficking patrol of officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) to John’s home ZIPPORAH JOHN, 32-year-old at Union Island, to execute a warrant. housekeeper residing at Ashton, Union On arrival, John was met outside, and Island, will know her fate May 5 on Corporal Bowens identified themselves charges of cocaine possession, and drug as police officers, informed her of their trafficking. duties, and read the warrant. At the Serious Offences Court on John consented to the search, and Wednesday, John, who is originally she was asked if she had anything from Barrouallie, pleaded guilty to illegal to declare. She replied, “Ah how possession of 38,707 grams (37.7 kilos) you all find me,” and then told the of cocaine with intent to supply. She officers to “search.” also pleaded guilty to possession of the Bowens saw a blue barrel next to drug for the purpose of drug John’s bed. He opened it and noticed trafficking. three buoys inside. They were removed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne in the presence of the defendant and adjourned presentation of the facts as another officer. One package from each well as sentencing to Thursday, as buoy was cut open revealing a whitish there was no representative from the substance resembling cocaine. Office of the Director of Public When John was cautioned, she gave Prosecutions (DPP) in Court at the the alias of someone who she claimed time, due to a workshop the state gave her the things to hold. THE lawyers were attending which was VINCENTIAN has chosen not to expected to conclude on Wednesday. publish the persons/alias to whom However, on Thursday following the John referred. presentation of the facts, a mitigation Bowens continued the search of the plea from John’s attorney Grant house but nothing else illegal was Connell, and response from Prosecutor found. Renrick Cato, the Magistrate The buoys, the packages, which adjourned sentencing to May 5 to amounted to 35, and the defendant carefully consider all the were taken to the Ashton Police circumstances of the case, as well as Station. All the packages were taken representations from the defence and from the buoys and cut open revealing the prosecution. what appeared to be cocaine. The facts as presented by Court In mitigation, Connell told the Clerk, Sergeant Atnel Ash, revealed Court that John’s friend had given her that around 7:50 p.m. on April 25, the buoys with the packages to hold acting on information received, for him, after a boat he was travelling Corporal 771 Mikiel Bowens headed a on broke down. The lawyer said his Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Zipporah John client thought it was marijuana. In a statement to the police, which pleaded guilty to Connell read in Court, John said in possession/traffickpart, “Later that day the police came ing of cocaine at the by me and me tell dem whey de weed first opportunity that dey.” was presented to her John also said in the statement, but insisted to her “If me been know is dem ting dey, attorney that she had me nah would ah tek it. Me sorry me no knowledge of tek it. Me nah know ah dem ting what ‘she was given dey. Me nah dey in dem ting.” to hold’. According to Connell, given the pleaded guilty at way the buoys were sealed she would the first available opportunity. not have known what it was. It could But Prosecutor Cato, in his have fooled anybody. response, said he was concerned that Connell, however, commended the John did not communicate the issue RRU officers for their recent move regarding the boat from the beginning, towards taking the cocaine off the streets, and said that Inspector Nolan and questioned why omitted it. Cato stressed the seriousness of the Dalaway, popularly known as Grandpa offences, highlighting that the of the RRU, seems to be training them well. “They are officers who are doing quantity of the drug amounted to 37.7 kilos, and one kilo, wholesale, was well and must be commended,” valued at $30,000. That put the value Connell said. But the Magistrate told of the cocaine with which John was him that Corporal Bowens, who led found at over $1 million. that operation, has always been an In pointing out that cocaine was a excellent police officer. Class A drug, and possession with Connell requested a suspended sentence, saying that his client should intent to supply carries a maximum penalty of $500,000 and seven years in not be sent to prison to mix with prison, he again cited that the hardened criminals. defendant was charged, not only for “She is not a hardened criminal. She is not a cocaine smoker, she is not possession of cocaine with intent to a cocaine pusher, she was just used as supply, but also with the offence of drug trafficking. a convenience,” the lawyer pleaded. Cato suggested that if the Court John, according to Connell, is the was to pass a suspended sentence, it mother of three children ages 3, 10 would raise the question about what and 14 whom she has to maintain. message it would send to the mules, “She never broke the law. She walked the straight and narrow for 32 and those who take advantage of years. This is an honest hard working them. A custodial sentence would be woman,” Connell added. appropriate as John was in no position John, he continued, was remorseful, to pay a fine, Cato posited. cooperated with the police, and

Accused burglar for High Court trial A NEW MONTROSE MAN will be tried before a Judge and Jury on a charge of aggravated burglary. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, sitting at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, committed Kenroy Bibby, 22, to stand trial in the High Court. At the conclusion of a Paper Committal Procedure, the Chief Magistrate concluded that a prima facie case was made out. Bibby is alleged to have had a cutlass in his possession when he reportedly committed the act at New Montrose on August 7, 2021. A retired secondary school principal Antoinette Jardine of New Montrose was reportedly relieved of EC$3,600 cash. Bibby was 21 when he allegedly committed the offence. Attorney Israel Bruce represented Bibby at the Magistrate level. Bibby is known to have a history of infringement of the law. In October 2021, he was sentenced

Kenroy Bibby seems to be a serial burglar. to one year and eight month after being found guilty of unlawfully entering the dwelling house of Bharati Datta of New Montrose, as a trespasser, and stealing EC$1,400 in cash, and a bunch of keys valued at EC$100, the property of Bharati Datta. The act was said to have been committed in the wee hours of September. Twenty-one-year-old Kenroy Bibby will spend the next one year and eight months behind bars for a burglary which Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne described as a “home invasion,” during her summation on Monday.

Waiter charged for drug trafficking A 25-YEAR-OLD WAITER of Union Island who resides at Barrouallie was granted $15,000 bail with one surety on Wednesday, when he appeared in Court on a cocaine trafficking charge. Joul Mills has been charged with possession of 2,010 grams of cocaine, for the purpose of drug trafficking. Mills pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday. He was granted bail on condition

that he surrenders his travel documents, and reports to the Barrouallie Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or the High Court. The matter has been adjourned to May 3. The charge against Mills stemmed from a recent police action at Ashton, Union Island.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FAPRIL 29, 2022. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 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

Dabbling a bit ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is never without its share of excitement. May be it has something to do with our ‘nature’, i.e. how we apportion our levels of anticipation to things that affect us, personally or as a nation. That is why, it is always a good thing to employ the praxis of SEE, JUDGE, ACT so as to ensure that the country’s development touches every citizen in a manner that lifts him/her just that bit ‘higher’. Given the limits of this column, let’s look at just two ‘headliners’ that have obtained in recent time and try to put them into some perspective.

expense of those who live in insulated ivy towers and enjoy certain privileges.

Venezuela

Our Prime Minister left for Venezuela seeking attention for a health related issue which he said, not in as many words, had curtailed his usual robust daily routine. He did the correct thing given his age, i.e. don’t wait, get to the doctor as quick as you can. Of course the ease with which certain positioned people can access advance overseas medical care while Cocaine the majority of citizens must do with what exist locally, will always be on Anyone following the news dating the lips of ordinary folk here. back to the beginning of the year to But lest we forget, our Prime the present would have taken noted Minister is a resilient son of the soil of the ‘resurgence’ of alarmingly , who ‘puts country first’, and he large quantities of cocaine among returned from what should been a our citizenry. The truth is, it has restful week or so, with a package of never disappeared. goodies that spoke to his non-stop Since January, the police have attention to matters of state, successfully seized close to 95 kilos governance and the well-being of his of cocaine. For that, the police people. officers directly involved in this Not for the first time, Venezuela, action, and by hesitant extension the amidst all the challenges of police force, must be commended. economic/financial embargoes, That said, that the police could political isolation and fulfilling a make a haul of that extent, does it commitment to meet the expectation not speak to a probability that there of its own people, the South is more of the drug among us, much American country has reached out to of which might be earmarked for us with a hand of generosity that transshipment? the most staunch supporter of the The interesting thing about the ULP government would not have cocaine industry/trade is that it is a anticipated at this time. capital intensive one. It involves Significant debt forgiveness, those with capital who can fund the revitalization of Petrocaribe (cheaper production and ‘buy into’ if not ‘buy’ oil), pre-fabricated houses and more, the system, in such a way that they the Prime Minister could not have have their hands in at each level of asked for a better ‘bill of good society’s operational brackets. health’ than this package of ‘goodies’ That is why we must ask with which he returned home. ourselves the question: Given the Be that as it may, while we must profiles of the persons charged be grateful for and appreciative of recently for cocaine possession — the generosity of others especially sailor, nurse, housekeeper — how when we find ourselves in a many of us believe that anyone of weakened state, we must do so with the three was a major player in this our chins up, never succumbing to trade? the dictates of those who are ready That cocaine continues to flourish to hand out support seemingly in our midst bears witness to the without conditions. involvement of persons among us We must guard against who can afford to knock glasses with presenting ourselves on the those who control the origin of the proverbial platter so as to make us trade, and the machinery of states pawns to be used in arenas and that serve them. battles far removed from our reality, Little people like nurses are history and politics. ‘expendables’, mere ‘puppets’ and Thank and respect Venezuela but while they must bear the safeguard our independence of mind consequence of any illicit act they and soul. perform, this must not be at the

Agricultural Diversification ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has committed to reducing its food import bill by 25% by 2025 as part of a joint CARICOM initiative. I unambiguously support this initiative. But, as usual, this headlinecapturing slogan leaves us with lots of questions. So here I go. Are we going to increase the variety of locally grown food by 25%, or will we focus on getting us to eat more of what we already grow? Depending on which one you choose will determine the strategy. I know someone is saying, “Well, that’s obvious.” But having observed the Minister of Agriculture in action over the years, I would say this choice is not as easy as it looks. I hear from him a call for increased production coupled with crop diversification. We will undoubtedly hear a call to eat more locally-grown food in a few weeks or months. Like all things Vincentian, we do not have any sense of urgency about anything. “In-ah Time”, my friend. In this period of hyperinflation, it will be impossible to cut our food import bill by 25% over the next five years compared to today. So, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s clearly define the expectation. Please keep it simple, Mr. Minister. Rather than cutting our imported food cost by 25%, let’s settle for a 25% reduction in the volume we import. Are we targeting crop diversification, production increase, reduced export, or changing eating habits? All ways to achieve this goal. I am asking because I would like to begin holding you accountable for the outcome of this initiative. So please tell us what to expect so that we can celebrate your success. Traditional crop diversification aims to increase crop portfolio so that farmers are not dependent on a single crop to generate income. Is that what we want? When farmers only cultivate one crop type, they are at high risk from market fluctuation and climate events. We all know what a hurricane can do. We have not yet experienced the effects of a prolonged drought. If we are concerned about the agricultural trade deficit, a careful selection of a wider variety of crops could also assist with the

reduction of imported herbicides and pesticides. I am not sure what the new motivating factors behind this newfound enthusiasm for farming by the Ministry of Agriculture are, but here are some obvious benefits: 1. Increasing income to small farmers; 2. Balancing food demand - reducing or eliminating the seasonal nature of certain crops; 3. Increasing community food security; 4. Increase export and reduce food imports- higher GDP. Now, no one in their right mind could be against these noble objectives. I say this effort cannot be exclusively assigned to the Agriculture Ministry. It must be a multi-prong approach. Invariably we will be producing more food, so someone will have to lead the search for external markets. If you are going to reduce the importation of “French fries,” someone must conduct research into producing alternatives. Maybe breadfruit fries. No, I am not talking about fried breadfruit, so don’t tell me everyone knows how to do that. We need to know which of the thirty breadfruit varieties on the island is best for frying straight off the tree. We must understand how to process and store them for the off-season. Fun fact: Did you know that there are about one hundred and twenty breadfruit varieties worldwide? We must begin the education campaign in elementary school — with the children. No offense but KFC is not a synonym for fried chicken, and it is not our National Dish. Why is it practically impossible to find fried fish as a part of a fast-food meal option in Kingstown? My friends, we have a lot of work to do to meet the goal of 25% by 2025. So, let’s get going. We can do it. Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 7.

Letters

Agricultural control Apology TWO REMARKABLE things happened this week: one is the harvesting of sweet corn and the other is the destruction of pumpkin plants. About two months ago, I was provided with sweet corn seeds by Mr. Allan Williams, the nonresident Agriculture Extension Officer for Union Island. I prepared the land, planted the seeds, watered them regularly, added pen manure from sheep droppings and poultry

manure. The corn soup made by my wife was very nutritious and satisfying. The availability of water in this, the middle of our dry season, made a big difference. In these modern times we need to pay attention to the adequate provision of water in the islands of the Grenadines. It will have a great impact on food production. About a month ago, I planted pumpkin in two separate plots of fenced

lands. Stray goats broke into both places and completely destroyed the crops. Traditionally animals did not eat pumpkin and watermelon. However, these days the starving stray animals have adapted to eating plants that they did not usually eat. In times past Mano Benjamin would have served as a control by killing intruding stray animals. Jonah Jones also kept some control because he shot those

that came on to his cultivation. Now there is no control. Animals roam the island as if it was their domain. They eat much of the land plants that they can access. No one seems to be preparing pasturelands and fodder for them. Perhaps those who want to keep animals should be required to demonstrate the ability to care for them. Anthony Stewart, PhD

Respect and recognizing our senior citizens OUR SENIOR citizens deserve due respect and recognition. They have served our country well and would have been, in many instances, inspirations. While I do recognize that there are programmes in place to serve our senior citizens, there are three areas that need some urgent attention. Many of our senior citizens and younger ones, too, use mini vans regularly. While we appreciate their service, the loud music they (vans) play can be very uncomfortable. We know that some commuters like to be entertained and nothing is wrong with that. However, the loudness, especially the bass lines that shake the vehicles, can be dangerous/harmful to the ears. The sad thing is

that many of our senior citizens have to endure this. Often times if they ask to have the volume reduced, they are insulted. And then there is the type of music that the vans play … very few, for example, play gospel music. While many young people enjoy the music, the drivers and conductors have to be aware that they are serving persons of varying ages — old and young. They need to have some respect for our senior citizens… lower the volume and even have a change of music. We are living in modern times; it is the technological age; many businesses/service use technology. So, with the changing times our utility companies have gone, as

they say, ‘paperless’. This can work well for some persons, but let us recognize and remember our senior citizens. Many of them are unable to use the technology effectively. Further, many do not have internet or a smart phone and as a result cannot access their bills via email. They have to resort to old ways of written bills. In this regard the utility companies for the ease and comfort of our senior citizens, should let them use the old way. Remember, many might not have a child or grandchild living with them who can do business on their behalf. What is also noticeable is the removal of senior citizen lines in many banks and other institutions. It is not nice to see many of our senior

4:43) at the United Nations (UN) and elsewhere. After World War 2 in 1945, we see the establishment of the United Nations as a world court — an intergovernmental organization whose purpose is to maintain world peace and security. The capitalist power led by the USA-UK and companies and the communists power led by Russia and companies have been meeting at the UN regularly, strengthening their supporting power around

the world, trying to unite, but as iron and clay, will never unite (Daniel 2: 43). As the big mouthing of us sitting at the UN is the smallest country on the Un Security Council where is our voice from the World Boss? Yes, this is where we are from creation (Cain killed Abel), primitive communalism, to the four world powers, in and out of slavery by different races of people. Yes, from the transatlantic slave system, the abolition of

A CONTINGENT of National Table Tennis players was scheduled to leave here on Wednesday, 13th April at 1:45pm on an InterCaribbean Airways flight, with their final destination being Martinique. They were expected to compete in the 20th French Antilles-Guyane Table tennis Championship, from Wednesday, 13th to Tuesday, 19th April, 2022. Unfortunately for the team, the airline never came to AIA until 5:00 p.m., which meant that the team missed their connecting flights on that day. The players and coach had to find their own accommodation for two nights in Barbados, and had to purchase new tickets to their final destination, via Dominica and Guadeloupe. The team obviously arrived in Martinique almost three days late which meant they missed out on a number of the events for which they were registered. The sad thing about this whole affair is that when confronted by the manager of the team, the airlines refused to accept any responsibility whatsoever. This flies in the face of decency and proper customer relations. The least the airline can do in the circumstances is to come clean, admit their tardiness and apologise to the Table Tennis team and to the SVS Table Tennis Association. Table tennis enthusiast

citizens standing for considerable lengths of time outside in the sun and rain, waiting to be served. Every day we live we get a little older and when we become senior citizens, we would welcome some courtesy. All lives matter, whether young or old. Let us consider, respect and recognize our senior citizens. May God bless us all. Kennard King

The two political elements AFTER World War 1 (1914-18) world politics was controlled by two elements — capitalism and communism, with Islamism holding some sway in the East. Those two political elements can be identified with the feet in Daniel 2:41-43 mingling with the seed of men. This is clear evidence. Since the October 1917 communist revolution in Russia, capitalism and communism had been trying to influence, and winning support from different countries around the world (Daniel

is in order

slavery (on paper), the industrial revolution, capitalism and communism and element of false Christianity and Islamic terrorism. There is hope, the end of all man-made governments and religions is at hand, where true justice and judgement shall be executed to all people (Ex. 36: 26-27). We all will live in everlasting peace. (Is. 2:4), Micah 4:3, Zech. 14:9, Dan 2:44, 7:14). Christian Democrat

THANK YOU Dear Mr. Neehall, Re: Activities to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Anti-trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) On behalf of the Commissioner of Police and other ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), I wish to profoundly thank you and the staff of Vincentian Newspaper (including Ms. Gloria Williams) for preparing and publishing a ‘feature’ on the ATIPU’s 10th anniversary in the pages of your weekly newspaper on April 8, 2022. Your collaboration and that of the Vincentian Newspaper helped to make the commemorative events a resounding success. I look forward to continued cooperation on matters of mutual interest between our organizations. Respectfully, Junior O. Simmons, ASP Assistant Superintendent of Police Officer-in-charge Anti-trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU)

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The 2009 Referendum on Constitutional Reform: Reflections on an opportunity missed Introduction ON SATURDAY, April 23, 2022, the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The government had a full day of activities planned for the Royals, that included visits to the SVG Community College, the Arnos Vale Playing Field, the Botanic Gardens, where there was a tree planting ceremony, and a reception at Government House hosted by H.E Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General and Queen’s Representative in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prior to, and even since the visit, there have been discussions in the local media as to the relevance of the visit of the royal couple, and whether or not our government should have welcomed them to these shores. The visit must however be seen in its wider context, that is its legal and constitutional significance which is either conveniently ignored or deliberately avoided. This country’s existing constitution, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Order 1979, that has its foundation in the West Indies Act of 1967, lays out the powers of the Queen in relation to Associated States wishing to become independent. It is in this context that we must view the relevance of the visit of the royal couple since our constitution of 1979 retained Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the Head of State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This position although largely ceremonial and possessing no executive functions or significance, does bestow on members of the Royal Family (The Queen, her Heirs and Successors) certain privileges and requires of them the performance of certain duties relating to our parliamentary type government. Most of these functions are performed by the Governor General acting as the Queen’s representative on the advice of the Prime Minister, and in many instances represent a formality, primarily in the case of appointments to certain offices as specified by the constitution. What all of this means is that until we change our constitution, the highest law of the land, the Queen, or any of her representatives in the family may choose to visit this country and we would be obliged to offer the appropriate courtesies within the established protocols.

likeness capturing the diverse yet inclusiveness of the Vincentian society. An independent Constitution Review Commission that included representation from a wide crosssection of the society, was set up to coordinate the process, and was tasked with capturing the views of Vincentians regarding the fashioning of the new constitution. The consultations were extensive and at the end a very comprehensive report was compiled, which resulted in a draft proposed constitution that would be put to a referendum vote to be accepted as the new supreme law of the land. Somewhere along it became clear that the opposition NDP began to analyse the process of reform through partisan political lenses and viewed its success as a political advantage for the incumbent ULP administration. This led the opposition to initiate a vicious campaign of lies and misinformation against the proposed constitution, and with that the adoption of a “vote no” position. One of the provisions of the proposed constitution was the replacing of the Queen as the Head of State with a homegrown president, thus making Saint Vincent and the Grenadines a Republic. This provision was especially attacked with a variety of lies and suggestions intended to scare the Vincentian public into voting against the proposed constitutions by making the retention of the Queen as Head of State significant to the continued existence of our democracy. The opposition NDP, dishonestly and disgracefully promoted a narrative suggesting replacing the Queen meant that countries such as Russia, Iran, and our good and kind neighbour, Venezuela, would somehow assume some increased role in the governance of our country through the Head of State. They made a number of dubious connections and repeated baseless claims that the Prime Minister would put his head on the EC dollar or that he would install himself as president for life. Vincentians were told that once the Queen was no longer Head of State, that Vincentian nationals who lived and worked in the UK, but had retired at home, would lose their pensions and that our nationals would need visas to travel to the UK as a result. With the repeating of these The 2009 Referendum: A missed lies, intended to drive fear into the opportunity minds of Vincentians, a number of them believed, and with the In 2009, the Unity Labour Party persuasion of the opposition NDP, government lead by Comrade Ralph, voted against a progressive, relevant presented to Vincentians the and modern constitution crafted by opportunity to change the country’s Vincentians, for Vincentians. constitution and replace it with It is against this backdrop, that we something more indigenous. The examine the conversation surrounding constitution of 1979 had been essentially handed down to the newly the visit of the Royal Couple, and question what could have been had we independent former colony by the former colonial masters who offered a voted differently in 2009. To be sure, Vincentians can lay blame at the feet template-like document that resembled that of the other countries of a dishonest opposition for derailing that were gaining their independence the process of constitution reform, that would have given birth to a at the time. It is important to note here, that this process of constitution Republic with a homegrown reform began with the support of both President, twelve (12) years before Barbados. As we reflect on the events government and opposition, with the leader of the opposition seconding the on Saturday, April 23, 2022, we do so accepting that the rejection of the motion on constitutional reform that was raised in parliament by the Prime 2009 proposed constitution in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains Minister. The proposed constitution was to be a much different document, a missed opportunity in the as its contents were to reflect who we development of our ever maturing are as a people, of our image and nation.

ULP has neglected the agricultural sector THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) administration has neglected the agricultural sector and broken many of their promises in the process. They have taken the sector for granted and have failed to deliver on their promises to support this critical industry. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has a clear vision to revitalize the agricultural sector. The government’s neglect and mismanagement of the agricultural sector coupled with the imposition of ill-advised policies; such as terminating the banana credit system, and failure to expand the established banana facilities overseas to support national diversification efforts; have caused hundreds of farmers to abandon the agricultural sector, and seek employment elsewhere, mainly as security guards. The hard working farmers have felt the full weight of the ULP government. Agriculture once contributed over twenty percent of the Gross Domestic Product; now it is less than three percent. Our balance of trade in agriculture is the worst it has ever been since conquest and settlement. Key crops are in decline; many farms that were once productive are now unproductive. There has not been an agriculture census for over twenty years. The ULP government does not know where our farmers are, what they are growing, how they can help them improve their yields, or even what land is available. The government received over $37 million from the European Union to assist in the diversification of agriculture after the removal of preferential treatment of bananas. The projects are still incomplete and are yet to help farmers. And, the administration has promised to implement legislation to strengthen the penalties for persons caught stealing agricultural produce praedial larceny. To date these have not been implemented. The ULP government expects farmers to be all things: to raise their animals; to tend and care for them; and to plant their crops to harvest, transport, and market them. Farmers continue to complain about the lack of markets and the low price for agricultural produce. Think about this, one sack of manure costs $95 while a sack of dasheen is sold for $40. For the government to announce at this time, after over twenty years in power, that they are considering the reintroduction of the marketing board to market farmers’ produce, is mindboggling. It is crystal clear that the government does not have a vision for agriculture.

Plans for the agricultural sector The NDP will reverse this deteriorating situation; it will revitalize the agricultural sector, making it efficient, technologically prepared and internationally competitive. This will guarantee the food and nutrition security of our people and at the same time provide employment, income and sustainable livelihoods, while preserving the environment for present and future generations. The overall goal of the NDP’s National Agricultural Policy will be to optimize and maximize our capacity to provide for our food needs. This will be done through increasing production of a range of crops and livestock species, as well as fish and related by-

products. This will ensure a sustainable and efficient food security system that is technologically driven and competitive. The NDP will reintroduce the Credit System, making it available to all stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Proper guidelines will be instituted to ensure the system is run effectively to the benefit of all stakeholders. Livestock is a key part of farming in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A substantive amount of root crop, vegetable and tree crop farmers own livestock. The NDP will support efforts to improve the health and productivity of livestock, particularly chickens, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle by improving animal genetics and veterinary care. While it was commonplace to use chemicals indiscriminately for food production, it is now time for a new approach to farming with less chemical dependency. A registry of chemicals used in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be created and a concerted effort will be made by government to gradually decrease the use of toxins in food production. Sustainable organic farming will be considered. The NDP will encourage farmers to ensure that their methods of cultivation are not harmful to the environment. Tax and Custom Duty concessions will be made available to organic farmers. We will establish a state operated agro lab that will encourage agro processing. The agro lab will also assist small business enterprises especially those cottage industries that produce such items as pepper sauce, jams and jellies, etc. Praedial larceny is a major, ongoing concern. It appears that the ULP government is clueless as to how to solve the problem. Legislation has been enacted by the government but has failed to achieve the desired result. Rural constables were employed, but that unit has since been dismantled. The NDP is making it abundantly clear to the farmers that we will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to praedial larceny. We all are cognizant of the importance of food security. We will concentrate on ecological conservation and the use of bio-diversity; increase production to satisfy domestic consumption; place emphasis on relevant infrastructure development; conduct appropriate research and development programmes; encourage household/kitchen gardening; provide subsidies for local Agro-producers, processors and marketers; ensure effective land distribution and utilization and reduce dependency on imports. We know the importance of feeder roads to our farmers’ productivity and to access markets. We will upgrade existing roads across our farming communities and build new feeder roads to access more lands. The multiplier effects of feeder roads can never be overstated as access to and from the farm is of paramount importance. We cannot support our farmers if we cannot reach them, or they cannot get their goods easily to market. The NDP is committed to the development of the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 9.

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Relentless pursuit

“Goals live on the other side of obstacles and challenges. Be relentless in pursuit of those goals, especially in the face of obstacles. Along the way, make no excuses and place no blame. – Raymond Jean Bourque (born 1960) – Former Canadian professional ice hockey player. A NUMBER OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE thoughts emerged as the topic “Relentless Pursuit” was contemplated. In relation to the positive thoughts: consideration was given to how important it is to retain a focus on our noble dreams even as we face challenges, detours, and disappointments. With regard to the negative thoughts: the fact is, that there are some persons who would hold grudges and feelings of un-forgiveness to the extent that they may seem determined to make life uncomfortable, difficult, and miserable for others (and themselves) regardless of the opportunities that may arise to amicably resolve differences. A focus on the positive thoughts that emerge from this topic will remind us that many of our noble dreams and ambitions are achieved notwithstanding the obstacles that may emerge. We admire the heroes among us who would have struggled to accomplish outstanding feats as students, athletes, scientists, and so on. Many may have been discouraged as a result of having some form of physical, mental, or emotional disability. Others may have been dissuaded from pursuing their ambitions because of their gender, nationality, or ethnicity. However, somewhere within them there was a spark of courage that ignited a passion that propelled them onward and upward in their relentless pursuit of excellence. It may have emerged from a book or article that they read or a video that they looked at. Someone, somewhere, may have shared a thought that made the impossible seem possible and, slowly but surely, the desire to pursue excellence emerged and flourished. Steve Garvey said it well when he reminded us that, “You must be passionate, you must dedicate yourself, and you must be relentless in the pursuit of your goals. If you do, you will be successful.” We commend those individuals who dedicate the time and effort to encourage others to pursue excellence in all that is noble. We are especially grateful to those who make a special effort to inspire those persons who, for a host of reasons, may have lost hope. Those whose desires to pursue their noble dreams may have been dashed as a result of hurtful or unkind words that were uttered by persons in their immediate environment; naysayers whose predictions painted futuristic pictures of doom and gloom. And then … out of the blue … a teacher, a parent, a family member, friend, or a complete stranger, may have said something to nullify the negatives and provide ample reason to hope; sharing a story or anecdote to remind the innocent that others have been treated like this (and worse) but developed that tenacity and courage to shake off the pessimism, to keep hope alive, and to commit to making something beautiful of themselves.

We are forever grateful for such earthly angels who come to the rescue of such individuals. Decent, upstanding, citizens who inspire persons to commit to adding value to themselves and others by harnessing their God-given talents and abilities; seemingly snatching others from joining the band of societal derelicts. This discourse would be considered incomplete if we neglected to share insights in relation to those individuals who engage in relentless pursuit of the innocent and unsuspecting; those who engage in predatory, selfish, and evil activities aimed at hurting others. In some instances, they appear to be “locked on” with a determination to hurt others at all costs. We have seen this displayed in some homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. Sometimes they are fuelled by prejudices based on ethnicity, nationality, skin pigmentation, sexual preferences, and so on. Regardless of how they emerge or are sustained, they leave a trail of hurt and destruction along their path. Many innocent “by-standers” (who were not the initial targets of the perpetrator’s fury) also feel the damning impact of such undesirable behaviours. This is especially saddening when portrayed in the home. For example, a mother and father may be “at war” and generate heated exchanges where words are spewed aimed at hurting the other party. In the process, the children who overhear such conversations get burned by the “unfriendly fire”. Some of those emotional scars may last decades and, in the process, create levels of insecurity that are not easily repaired. The 1986 movie “Top Gun”, starring Tom Cruise (Maverick), Tim Robbins (Merlin), and Kelly McGillis (Charlie), contains a scene in which the pilot of a fighter plane with sophisticated technology locked on to the enemy’s aircraft prior to releasing the heat-sensing rocket destined to destroy the enemy aircraft. Once released, the rocket would pursue the enemy aircraft with great precision … regardless to how well the pilot of the targeted aircraft manoeuvred. This scene creates an interesting analogy of how some persons behave in relation to others. They can (and do) appear relentless in relation to how vigorously they pursue the physical and/or character destruction of another. It is sad when we consider that someone could engage in such relentless evil pursuits failing to realise that hurts beget more hurts and that in seeking to hurt others, they also injure themselves. The cycle of destruction can be broken if/when we realise that there is greater good in cultivating a spirit of forgiveness. That is where our focus should be: the relentless pursuit of our noble dreams and desirable attributes of kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, purity, and the like. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

SVG needs an awakening WE ARE SLEEPWALKING to an awful place. We may not recognise our slide now. The next generation would be tasked with arresting it. When they do, they will wonder aloud what got over those who came before. We will have to go back to the 1960s to revisit the political and ideological backwardness that currently pervades our country. By the late 1960s, ‘the Forum boys’ of Kenneth John, Kerwyn Morris, PR Campbell and a band of young socialists led by Caspar London, Hugh Ragguette and Glenroy Tswala Browne were beginning to stir the masses. In the 1970s and 1980s, Jim Maloney, Patches Knights, the Rose brothers - Kamara and Chivambo Oscar Allen, Ralph Gonsalves, Mike Browne, Adrian Saunders and others spread the message of anticolonialism and for independence, Caribbean unity and solidarity, economic development and socialism. There was a genuine effort to uplift and enlighten the people. The discourse was raw and often strident. A clear distinction was drawn between the old depressing, suppressing policies and habits of the colonial administrators. A budding group of activists and emerging intellectuals took the message that ‘massa day done.’ Then, the clamour was ‘let those who labour hold the reins of power.’ Currently, from a political and ideological standpoint, everything is in reverse. Consciousness is in reverse. Organisation is in reverse. Dark clouds are forming. Things could not look more bleak and dismal. Confusion and ignorance are rife. In an age when there’s information like never before in history, knowledge and wisdom are in short supply. By the 70s and 80s, there was a clear and distinct anti-colonial consciousness. Not anymore. Everything is in reverse. Leaders who convinced 43 percent of the electorate to vote for a new constitution remain stuck in the referendum politics of 2009. They refused to admit that we have only ourselves to blame for our failure. According to them, the queen is our queen and her son, Edward, is her representative. Therefore, we must show them ultimate respect rather than the most basic diplomatic niceties. All that we were taught about, the ravages caused by colonial conquest and settlement, genocide and enslavement, colonialism and underdevelopment are either lost or forgotten. How dare some of you rain on our pomp and ceremony with your demand for reparations, they shout? Where leaders have no vision, the people suffer. The organisation of the people is a casualty of the modern era. Essential civic consciousness is also in reverse. The major political parties have captured the people’s imagination. To these leaders, no other organisation matters. The ruling party blocked efforts to revive the National Youth Council. The Leader of our country brags about planting spies and moles in the trade unions. He brazenly reads word for word everything that happens in a union meeting. He promotes the division and weakening of trade unions. Consequently, union

members often vote against their interests to show solidarity and allegiance with their party of choice. Forty years ago, trade unionists imbued union members with a level of trade union consciousness. The mantra was, ‘One for all and all for one.’ Union leaders like Ebenezer Joshua inculcated in agricultural workers that their humanity must be respected no matter their station in life. Caspar London educated workers to understand that unless they become a class for themselves rather than merely a class in themselves, they will never control the economy’s commanding heights and wield it in their interest. Today, our leaders have no regard for the people. Their sole concern is to ensure that citizens are corralled during elections to either return them to power or vote them into the corridors of power. We dare either side to contradict this assertion. What SVG needs more than ever is a democratic revolution. The people need to be on the move again. Trade Unions need to be strengthened. Sell out and compromised leaders need to be replaced. It is sad commentary that trade union leaders no longer go on recruitment drives. We will have to think long and hard to remember the last time a union won recognition as the bargaining agent for workers anywhere in SVG. Workers are still being ill-treated, exploited and sexploited. Their conditions of work remain hazardous and backbreakingly challenging. Their pay is depressingly low. Apart from the Teachers and Public Service Union, no other flex their muscle in defence of workers. Civil society organisations need to be formed and encouraged. More of our people need to be taught selfreliance. Too many have developed the bad habit of relying on government or politicians for handouts. We need to return to community values to become our brothers’ keepers again. A thoroughgoing reordering of our society is urgently needed. If the political class remains unwilling to take stock and assist in turning our country around, citizens will increasingly withdraw their support. Rather than being a proper exercise in democracy, elections would become a mere formality. Politicians engage in the nasty game of political masturbation that offers no real and lasting benefits to the people. The mind is a terrible thing to waste. If we fail to nurture the minds of citizens, most of whom are young, we will manufacture criminals and misfits. They will become the new menace that threatens the basic fabric of our society. Some may be able to barricade their homes with high walls and electronic locks. However, we will no sooner realise that we can run, but we can’t hide. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

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Congratulations - China opens embassy in Nicaragua CONGRATULATIONS to China and Nicaragua from SVG Green Party. China reopened its embassy in Nicaragua in January 2022, a few weeks after the Central American country switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing. It is more than past time for SVG to follow suit and ditch the Taiwan. The Nicaragua change was a political win for China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has stepped up pressure to isolate the self-ruled island on the international stage. Taiwan has just 14 diplomatic allies remaining. Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada, speaking at a ceremony marking the reopening of the embassy, said: “You are welcome in our Nicaragua … with the certainty that both countries have ahead of us a future of successes and victories in our brotherly relations.” Nicaragua has recognised that its economy would be much better off with China as a trading partner. The same is true for SVG. The new Chinese embassy will be under the orders of Yu Bu, who inaugurated it at the ceremony with Moncada and other officials. China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing welcomes and appreciates the right decision made by

Nicaragua. SVG has made the wrong decision for over 40 years having Taiwan in our country. Our country is being ripped-off. China has spent decades encouraging Taiwan’s dwindling diplomatic allies to switch sides, including three others in Latin America in recent years — Panama, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. On 9th December 2021, the Ortega administration announced that Nicaragua was following suit. ‘The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China.’ SVG’s economy is very weak after over 4 decades of relations with Taiwan. SVG must urgently cut ties with Taiwan. The message to the Taiwan is ‘go home and stop milking SVG’. SVG’s relationship with Taiwan has been bad for Vincentians, but good for Taiwan. Taiwan is a very rich country. According to the CIA World fact book, Taiwan has reserves of foreign exchange and gold amounting to US$408.5 billion; the seventh highest in the world. Unemployment in Taiwan is only 4.2%, whereas in SVG it’s more like 50%. Taiwan was home to 312,000 millionaire (US dollars) households in 2012. They rank 8th highest in the world, with 4% of households being millionaire households. On top of that, according to forbes.com, Taiwan also has 34 billionaires (US dollars) in 2012. The contrast to SVG is vile and immoral. Taiwan imported US$268.8 billion in goods in 2012, but none of that was from SVG. Taiwan has not built one factory in SVG to help stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Taiwan continues to cream-off billions of dollars a year on our deep sea tuna

fishing licence, regardless of how many Vincentians are suffering. This exploitation is killing our children’s future. SVG must take back its deep sea fish licence from Taiwan, and operate a tuna fishing and processing industry ourselves, to create thousands of new jobs and surplus revenue to invest in science and technology universities and renewable energy. SVG must get rid of Taiwan. Taiwan

should go home — 4 decades in SVG is enough. Congratulations to China and Nicaragua. Hopefully, one day soon, SVG will do the same and ditch Taiwan.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 11.

Tribute

Shining a light on Moulton Mayers

Monty Maule spoke of a man (Mayers) whom he knew for over five decades.

Mayferne Mayers/Oliver, sister and Melissa Mayers/Morris, daughter combined to highlight his impact as an architect and his lessons on education.

2012, in recognition of his civic duties. In addition to carving out a new style of architectural design, he took time to take in traditional Caribbean values. His appointment to the Honorary Consul of

Right: Yvonne Mayers – wife, read a moving passage from scripture to honour her husband. MOULTON MAYERS’ LIFE came to light in a Memorial Celebration at the Kingstown Methodist Church, Friday April 22. Tributes from a varied group helped to personify the life and contribution of one of this country leading architects. Monty Maule, a former Speaker of the House said he knew Mayers for over 50 years. Moulton it was who designed his “dream house”, Maule said, and it was his father, Milton Mayers, who oversaw its construction. Allister Browne, current president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Institute of Architects, reflected on Moulton’s request that he persists with lobbying

Desiree Richards, Managing Director of THE VINCENTIAN, hopes that a practice of early detection of colon cancer emerges from Moulton’s death.

on the profession’s behalf. Browne is product of Moulton Mayers Architects, where he had his early foundation. The daughter and sister duo of Melissa Mayers/Morris, and Mayferne Mayers/Oliver had versions of Moulton’s impact. Mayferne recalled being driven around in her brother’s car - P579 in a father-like manner, and vouched to his having raised the bar as far as architecture was concerned. Moulton’s work ethic served as an example to Mayferne as well. Melissa sees the benefit of education that her father stressed. She works at the City College of New York, from where Moulton graduated. One son-in-law was awestruck by Moulton’s knowledge of the New York road network. “His brain was like a computer,” he outlined at the Kingstown Methodist Church. That son-in-law alluded to Moulton’s advice to “never forget where you come from.” Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar brought love on his Prime Minister’s behalf. Caesar described Moulton as a mentor, and saw him as a nation

builder. Caesar noted Moulton’s contribution to housing construction for ordinary citizens, as well as the array of commercial buildings he erected. Chairman of the Intermediate High School Board Keisha Phillips spoke of Moulton’s offer to help students from that school. As far as Desiree Richards, Managing Director of the Metrocint Group of Companies and THE VINCENTIAN declared, “Moulton’s legacy cannot be allowed to fade.” She described him as a fixture in the Richards’ family circle, and she endorsed his passion for work. Richards is hoping that a practice of early detection of colon cancer emerges from Moulton’s death. Tributes rang out in songs and other expressions. Shanelle McKenzie, Sandra Dougan, Ken Isles and Brian Maloney were among the singers, while others read scripture or poems. Moulton served his country, and was imbued with a sense of patriotic fervour. He received the Member of the Order of the British Empire in

Moulton Theophilus Mayers, MBE. the Czech Republic in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was fitting of the respect he enjoyed in diplomatic circles and was rewarded for his commitment to nation building.

Moulton Mayers passed away at the age of 70 years on the morning of Saturday, 19 February, in the United States of America. (WKA)

V Â⁄Come back stronger‰ – says Prince 12. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Royal Visit 2022 Feature

by SHERON GARRAWAY PRINCE EDWARD, Earl of Wessex, has encouraged the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to “...come back stronger.” The urging was expressed during congratulatory remarks by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, to the Gold recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, on Saturday 23rd April, at Government House. The Prince was accompanied by his wife Sophie, and their one-day visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines was part of a Caribbean tour in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Couple arrived at the Argyle International Airport on the morning of Saturday 23rd April, and were greeted by scouts, girl guides and a guard of honour. Governor General Dame Susan Dougan and acting prime minister Montgomery Daniel welcomed Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son. The Couple separated after the formalities at the airport. The Countess of Wessex visited the Community College to watch a dance performance, view exhibits of locally produced goods/items, and met two groups — Nationalm Society of Persons with DisAbilities and the Society of and for the Blind. The Countess is a global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The Countess then made her way to a private meeting with a number of influential

Ashley Stewart, student of the Argyle Primary School, was the first to greet Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan offering a special welcome to the Countess of Wessex. women. The women shared their views on and experiences of the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic eruption. The session was moderated by Shernell Hadaway and included: Michelle Forbes, Director of the National Emergency and Management Organisation (NEMO); Shafia London, As they did on a previous visit, Prince Country Head Edward and his wife Sophie planted a tree at ABI at the Botanical Gardens. Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent Girls’ High School; St. Vincent and the Sgerpoon Hazzard Joseph, Grenadines; Mrs. LaToya Farmer of North Windward; DeRoche-John, Business Ikarmola LaBorde, Head of Woman, and head of the Science at the Bethel High Business Department at the School and Keisha Ballantyne, Graduate Teacher at the Sandy Bay Secondary School. And when the couple regrouped at Government House as referenced earlier, the Prince also expressed gratitude to the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their hospitality and commended them on being resilient. Seemingly unperturbed by the call for reparations by a group of persons who were at strategic points of the tour, the Earl of Wessex praised those involved in the activities, “You have put in a brilliant effort

The Countess of Wessex in session with some important women.

Prince Edward interacts with some of the young persons who were involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Amazona Guildingii nearly knocked the Countess of Wessex’s sunglasses off during a visit to the aviary in the Botanical Gardens. (Credit: PA MEDIA)

The Prince and Countess took time to interact with the Continued on Page 13. students who lined the pathway of their tour of the Botanical Gardens.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 13.

Royal Visit 2022 Feature

ÂRoyalÊ Reparations Protest Right: Protestors at the entry way to the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Stories by SHERON GARRAWAY

HOLDING PLACARDS and chanting, “Reparations... Now...When we want it?...Now!”, local activists including Rastafarians, Pan Africanists, Reparation advocates The Royal entourage could not escape the protestors as it left the and other like-minded citizens ensured that their Arnos Vale Playing Field. voices were heard as they Their protest action Wessex and his wife arranged; and joined in the global call for was triggered as the Sophie, Countess of the Botanical reparations from Great Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, paid a one-day Gardens which the Royal Britain. (April 23) visit to St. Couple toured and where Vincent and the they planted tress. Grenadines as part of Lawyer Jomo Thomas Queen Elizabeth II who was prominent Platinum Jubilee. among the protestors The protestors were at said that he was there to strategic locations of the demand an apology and visit such as the entry compensation in some ways to: the Diamond form, for the historic Track and Field Facility, wrongs committed by the where special races were colonial powers that have organized for the Prince’s benefited financially and benefit; the Arnos Vale otherwise from slavery. Continued from Page 12. Sporting Complex where Another lawyer, Mia a cricket match was Eustace who was also on and I know it has not been easy over these past couple years.” The Prince also expressed gratitude on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, extending “A real big thanks to all the leaders and the volunteers, without you, this wouldn’t have happened. We really appreciate it...and we really hope that you come back stronger.” Hosting the event, Governor General Dame Susan Dougan also congratulated the recipients of PRINCE EDWARD, Earl and female 70 meters the Award, describing the programme for of Wessex, seemed eager dash races. youngsters aged 14-24 as valuable. to put on his track shoes The female race saw She urged the awardees to carry the mantle of Theodora Laborde of the as he met leadership with dignity, as they applied what they Commonwealth Games Mustang Track Club had learned and achieved to their everyday lives. athletes and watched taking bronze, Jolisha The Royal entourage then strolled to the Samuel of the High races held in honour of nearby 257-year-old Botanical Gardens where the Platinum Jubilee at Performance Track Club they were again greeted by students and other the Diamond Track and nipped silver, and Gold dignitaries who lined the pathway. Field Facility, Saturday was won by IT DAT The entourage congregated at the open pond Academy’s Grenisha 23rd April. and Doric temple where they were entertained by Accompanied by Thomas. traditional dance and drumming performances. Minister of Sports In the male race, This was followed by a guided tour with Director Frederick Stephenson Chatoyer Track Club of National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Andrew and other officials, the swept third and second Wilson. Prince presented medals positions through Andros Highpoints of the activity at the Gardens to winners in the male Dennie and Kyle included: a view of the offspring of the first breadfruit tree brought to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by Captain Bligh in 1793; a visit to the aviary where a number of the National Bird, the Amazona Guildingii, is housed; the planting of a tree and stop at the Pink Poui which the Royal Couple planted back in 2012, in commemoration of the then Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. They also made their way to the Curator’s House which had a display of photography and a video productions of events from the April, 2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano. Following the visual and audio review, the Earl and Countess got the opportunity to chat with the COVID-19 response team as well as the volunteers and persons affected by the eruption of La Soufrière volcano, the Royals were the Guests of Honour at a reception hosted by the Governor General, following which they departed for the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, with the teams who AIA. specially arranged women’s T10 cricket match.

‘…Come back stronger” – says Prince

the picket line, said slavery was an atrocity and was of the view that colonial powers should recompense descendants of those who were enslaved. She expressed disgust that school children, Girl Guides, Scouts and other youth fractions were involved in the welcoming of the Royals describing it as superficial. Similar demonstrations were

staged in Belize and Jamaica during earlier visits by Prince William and his wife Catherine Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Edward and his wife left St. Vincent and the Grenadines for St. Lucia and then their final stop, Antigua and Barbuda. The Grenada leg of the tour was cancelled on the advice of the Governor General of the Spice Isle.

Platinum Sports events for the Prince

Prince Edward handing out medals at the Diamond Track and Field Facility where races were organized to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Lawrence respectively, while Dominic Mapp of

were involved in a

High Performance seized first place. From Diamond Prince Edward journeyed to the Arnos Vale Sports Complex where he interacted with persons who were going through paces in a variety of sporting disciplines. But he was there to cheer on the women involved in a T10 cricket match arranged. As for the result, Montreal Gardens Bloomers defeated Balliceaux Warriors by 23 runs. Both teams were presented with medals by the Prince.

V Little Tokyo washroom needs attention 14. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

attention was when Little Tokyo was used as the judging point for the

The face basins in the male section are not in working order. SHOP OPERATORS, commuters and persons in general who use the washroom facility at Little Tokyo say they are fed up of the unsanitary and untidy facility. On the urging of persons who used the facility, THE VINCENTIAN visited to see what conditions were really like. Among the observations: two face basins in the male toilet were damaged and had no running water; there was water on the floor making walking unsafe; tiles were broken and/or missing; toilets were in need of cleaning and proper sanitizing; a constant unpleasant smell came from the facility. A shop operator with some 19 years at Little Tokyo told THE VINCENTIAN he was tired of talking about the situation. “It na make no sense talking about this again because the situation remains the same. You have to blame those in authority but also those who use it too. Yes, it need maintaining but some of the people dem too nasty,” he complained. He said that there was time when a lady was employed to hand out toilet paper to persons desirous of using the

facility. “But this was only in de morning,” he said so it wasn’t long into the day that the supply of toilet paper was exhausted. The shop operator disclosed that he had spent his money on many occasions to purchase disinfectant “to clean down the area and give people to clean as well,” but he is “done with that.” Larry Delpesche, a patron of the shops in Little Tokyo, agreed that the situation was unhealthy and suggested that the facility should be fully refurbished. He admitted, though, that we cannot remove the people from the cause of this situation. “Some people still have the outside toilet mentality; they ain’t adjust themselves to the new millennium of flush toilet…. . They ain’t flushing it but you leave it dey for somebody to flush,” said Delpesche. Maintenance officer Jimmy Ince joined with Delpesche in suggesting that the facility should be repaired. The two men were also of the single mind that persons using the facility should be made to pay a fee. Ince recalled that he last time the facility received any meaningful

Mardi Gras (Carnival) Mas Bands competition in 2017. (KH)

The ‘remains’ of a toilet – definitely not functioning.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 15.

Education

Taiwan distributes bursaries THE 2022 TAIWANESE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS winds down today April 29 when it will be the turn of the students from the Grenadines to collect their bursaries. A total of 524 bursaries, valued at US$120,000, were to be distributed amongst students at the primary, secondary and post-secondary schools and colleges. H.E Peter Sha Li-Lan, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St Vincent and the Grenadines, said at the first ceremony on April 22 at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Campus in Villa, that education has always been the backbone of the friendship between both countries, since they understand the importance of investing in its human resources. “The intention is to support students facing challenges, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and volcanic eruptions,” H.E Sha Li-Lan said. He continued saying that it was hoped that many other students who faced similar challenges will also have

the opportunity to receive assistance. But there were other challenges facing the education system, this according to Education Minister Curtis King. King said that the education system that was inherited from this country’s

Education Minister Curtis King appealed to students to grab the opportunities that are presented to them.

colonial experience left many deficits. Issues such as failure to implement early childhood education and gaps and deficits in the provision of secondary education in terms of numbers and quality existed. Granted, King added, following independence there have been attempts by successive governments to work on these deficits. And while the government stood resolute in its commitment to ensure that it provided the resources to meet the needs of the people, it was still a tall order King said. “So we welcome always partnerships with those who are inclined and in partnership with our education program,” he continued. The Taiwan scholarship programme, now in its 25th year, has allowed for the government to meet some of the needs of the education system, the education minister said. There have been some challenging times recently, with the pandemic and volcanic eruption, he added, all of which have impacted negatively (in terms of loss) on the education system.

H.E Peter Sha Li-Lan, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) highlighted that education has been the backbone of the friendship between Taiwan and SVG. He made the point that despite those difficulties, there were still opportunities available and that it was up to the students to grab them and turn them into success stories. (DD)

16. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 17 .

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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Third party virus Dear George, HAVING agreed to spruce up our marriage, my husband and I decided to invite a mutual girlfriend to become a sexual partner, with clearly defined terms and conditions. Things worked well for a while until recently she started becoming overly possessive. She admitted she had fallen for my husband and had intentions of making him hers permanently. The arrangement continues but we argue frequently about time sharing; she constantly complains she is not getting enough of him and wants to operate outside of the terms of the agreement. I want to cancel the entire arrangement but my husband doesn’t. Is this a sign that I am losing him to her? I need my husband back!

Regrets

Dear Regrets, Adding a third party to your relationship is certainly not the way to go to “spruce up” your marriage. Ways of sprucing up your marriage should be decided between two of you and no one else. What you have done is to invite a virus that can disrupt and eventually destroy what you both have worked so hard to build. So, rather than spending time in futile arguments with this woman. Spend your time getting your husband to refocus and get back on track as you both try to redouble your efforts to save your marriage.

George

A weighty problem Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND is constantly making negative comments about my weight. I tried everything to keep my weight in check but nothing seems to be good enough for him. That said, the reason I’m writing to you is that I just caught my boyfriend in bed with my friend who is about 150 pounds heavier than I am, i.e. twice my size! When I confronted him about it, he had no response and has had none to date. What should I do now?

Confused Dear Confused, Based on the discovery of your boyfriend’s infidelity, you now know it cannot be about your weight. It seems clear that he does not love you for you and it would do you well to find out from him, the reason why he is with you in the first place. Of course should you choose to just walk away at this point, that too can do you a world of good.

George

My girlfriend is old fashioned any physical activity. Despite my pleas to MY GIRLFRIEND has to her to make an effort to change her antiquated be the most boring woman ever! She hates ways, she hasn’t budged an inch. My frustration to deep kiss, despises oral sex, thinks going to is getting the better of me and I do not know the hairdresser is a complete waste of money how much longer what we have can last. and assumes only the missionary position Desperate when it comes to sex. She is quite comfortable wearing out Dear Desperate, of fashion clothing and It would appear that absolutely refuses to do both you and your

Dear George,

girlfriend want different things. Compromising is a must if a relationship is to survive. Once one party refuses to budge or give a little, it will just be a matter of time before that relationship crumbles. The question of why you two are together needs to be answered honestly before anything else.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try to address the real issues in order to turn things around. This is a turning point. Put your efforts into making changes to your domestic scene. You are going through a period of questioning.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need to spend less time daydreaming and more time accomplishing. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life. Someone you care about may not be too well.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may find yourself in the midst of a pretty good deal. You are best to work behind the scenes on projects that require detail or precision. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities. Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try not to make waves. Don't press your luck with your loved ones. Your personal life will still be experiencing difficulties and you are best to avoid the issues for the time being. You need some excitement in your life.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can avoid hassles by sticking to your work and refusing to get involved in gossip or idle chatter. Tell them to get out of the mess they are in and then you'll consider getting together with them. You can visit clients and make a big impression just by giving them some hands-on help. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. Try to calm down and listen to your partner's complaints. Compromise may be necessary. You will easily capture the interest of those you talk to.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Deception and doubts may surround your involvement with friends and relatives. Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Try to visit friends or relatives you don't get to see often. You've been a little down and you need a lift. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be diplomatic but stem when it comes to giving of yourself. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies. You may find yourself a bit frazzled if you allow someone to goad you into an unsavory debate. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. You could find yourself caught in a one sided relationship. Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship. You can enjoy short trips. An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation. You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't let your personal partner hold you back. Take time to find out all you can. Make plans to do something special with the one you love. You may be emotional and quick to judge others.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect. You will be emotional about your personal life. Concentrate on spending quality time with children.

ACROSS

“Who ___?” 24. New Testament trio 1. Maestro 27. Warren Buffett, Klemperer e.g. 5. Meas. for 30. Go up and down diamonds 33. Hardly a 8. Auctioneer’s summer house word 35. Tomato type 12. New York 36. Spanish for gold political 37. Pour down surname 41. 911 responder 14. Floral 42. Nevada county arrangement 43. Fields of locale expertise 15. In alignment 44. “Oh, yeah? ___ 16. Hotel and mall who?” features 45. “The Tempest” 17. Jock’s network king 18. Man or Emerald, 48. Aerospace e.g. educator, DeVore 19. Donovan’s “___ 49. Naval rank: abbr. Superman” 50. Intelligent bird 21. Storage area 52. Deceives 22. Form of 55. Driving dangers Japanese 59. Corn cake wrestling 60. Nil 23. N.O. Saints 62. Beholden to chant

63. Manipulative sort 64. Individually 65. Worry 66. Many wines 67. April Fool’s joke 68. Slangy assents

23. Angry outburst 24. Entangles 25. “It’s only ___!” 26. Sparkle 28. Property destruction 29. Gp. In charge of condominiums, DOWN perhaps 30. Like visiting teams, often 1. Edible roots 31. Piano kin 2. Nobelist for 32. Nova lead-in Peace 34. Oodles after Walesa 38. “___ well” 3. Wavering 39. Ref’s call 4. Exclusion 40. Recoiled 5. Job for Mason 46. Hearst’s need 6. Sugar amt., 47. E-mail address perhaps ending 7. Hill person: Abbr. 49. Wide-mouth 8. Pink-legged bird pitchers 9. Give and take a 51. Double-reed little woodwind 10. Whopper 52. Cowboy boot 11. Owner’s attachment acquisition 53. Snoop (around) 13. A state capital 54. Lacking width 14. Poison and depth 20. “As I see it,” in a 55. Jumper 56. TV’s Nick at ___ text 21. World’s 57. Crest of a hill 58. Certain NCOs second60. Veer suddenly largest country by 61. Antipollution org. area LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Junior Carifta team gets VIP welcome

Locally based athletes and officials posed with government ministers at last Thursday’s Welcome Ceremony at the AIA for the Junior Carifta team. LOCALLY BASED MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to the 2022 Junior Carifta Games in Jamaica, were given a fitting homecoming last Thursday, April 21. The athletes were feted and celebrated at the VIP lounge of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), for their performances at the

Games, where St. Vincent and the Grenadines secured five medals - two silver and three bronze. In fact, the five medals represent the most the country has ever attained at an edition of the Games, going past the four medals achieved at the 1987 Games in Trinidad and Tobago, hence, more the reason

to celebrate the 2022 team. Organised by the Ministry of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports, the athletes were met on arrival by Minister with responsibility for those portfolios, Frederick Stephenson, and his fellow ministers Saboto Caesar (Agriculture), Curtis King (Education),

as well as Permanent Secretary Raymond Ryan. In lauding the athletes’ performance, Stephenson noted: “I want to say how proud I am for you, all the athletes… I want to say a special congratulations to the athletes who won the silver and the bronze medals.” Copping the silver medals were Keo Davis and Uroy Ryan, in the Under-17 Boys 200m and the Under-20 Boys Long Jump. Davis also got a bronze in the 100m, along with Verrol Sam in the Under-20 Boys High Jump and Amal Glasgow in the Under-20 Boys 400m. Looking ahead to the 2023 Carifta Games slated for the Bahamas, Stephenson projected, “Next Carifta Games I would see more gold and silver than bronze.” Stephenson’s wishes may be fulfilled, should the proper systems be

put in place, as according to Technical Director of Team Athletics SVGChester Morgan, most of the athletes who attended the Games in Jamaica, are eligible for the next edition. “The good news is that only three persons from the team will be missing from next year, which will be Verrol Sam, Kirk Hamblett and Grenisha Thomas…We have a good bunch going forward and we have a lot of athletes in training,” Morgan assessed. Morgan, who was one of two coaches who travelled to Jamaica with the Vincentian team, underscored, “Travelling to Carifta before, we never used to make the finals… We used to go one day and finish… We are competing; our names are being called on the live stream and that is something that we have to tap into… Over the weekend our

Keo Davis- double medal winner – silver and bronze. flag was flown high.” Apart from the four who medalled, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the 49th Junior Carifta Games by Under-17 athletes: Kodi Grant, Sacri Sobers, Jahieme Harry, AJ Delpesche and Shonte Matthias, while the other Under-20 athletes included Nellie Ambriton, Kyle Lawrence, Devonric Mac and Gailann John. Sam, Glasgow, Ryan and Ambriton, are based in Jamaica. The management team also included Chantel Legair and Michael Ollivierre.

Saints opens T20 with double win

Guardian General Saints off to a winning start in the 2022 NLA/Neil Williams T20 Competition. GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS got off to a confident start with back-to-back victories in their opening fixtures, as the 2022 Edition of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association National Lottery Authorities (NLA) Neil Williams T20 Competition bowled off last weekend. Saints recorded their first

win over the SVG Community College (SVGCC) by 147 runs at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Saturday. Batting first, Saints posted 215 for 4 from 20 overs propelled by a 153-run second wicket partnership between Jaheil Walters, 87 and Jeremy Layne, 65. SVGCC replied with 68 from 15 overs. Geron Wyllie, 4 for 8, and Jeremy

Haywood, 2 for 21, undid the College students. At the same venue on Sunday, Saints eased past Victors One by 6 wickets. Victors One made 88 from 20 overs, Haywood picking up 5 for 18 and Ray Charles 3 for 17. Saints took their time getting to 89 for 4 from 13 overs; Walters, 21 and Layne, 27 leading the batting once again. Luke Wilson took 3 Saints wickets for 25 runs. In another Saturday match, played at Arnos Vale Two, Carlos James MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars beat Vee Jay’s Root Top and Bar North Windward by 31 runs. Northern Stars made 172 for 8 from 20 overs - Michael Joseph, 50 and Elron Lewis

Jeremy Haywood of Saints returned weekend figures of 7 for 39. 41. Hanif Ollivierre had 3 for 44, Lenson Spring 2 for 42. North Windward got to 41 for 8 from 20 overs in their response - Devon Williams, 51 and Mickron McDowell 21. Winston Samuel took 3 for 33, Donald Delpesche 2 for 22. At Arnos Vale Two on Sunday, SVGCC redeemed themselves when they beat Strike Eagles by 5 wickets.

Jaheil Walters of Saints recorded the weekend’s highest score, 87. Strike Eagles made 100 for 9 from 15 overs. Marcus McCoy 21. Delroy Glasgow had 4 for 21. Community College replied with 103 for 5 from 10 overs. Tshakeif Patterson top scored with 24. In the other Sunday fixture, Northern Stars won by default over Dominic Sutherland Lloyd Lewis Memorial Funeral Home. I.B.A. ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 21.

Sports

Sam resets 1965 Pole Vault record VERROL SAM made his first and only experience at the 49th edition of Junior Carifta Games a memorable one by reestablishing the national Pole Vault record that had stood since 1965. At the Games held at the Jamaica National Stadium over the Easter weekend, he eclipsed the 57-year-old Pole Vault best mark of 3.50m held by Don Winsboro, when he cleared the bar at 3.60m. This was the second Grenisha Thomas new record holder for the Under-20 Girls 400m Hurdles.

time in the year that he had entered the national record books. Earlier this year at the Anthrick Corporate Area Development Meet in Jamaica, he cleared the High Jump bar at 2.05m to claim the national Under-20 Male record as well as the all-time national. Sam was unable to replicate that height at the Carifta Games, his best height being 2.0m which earned him a bronze medal. Apart from Sam’s exploits at the Carifta Games, Amal Glasgow reset the Male Under-20 400m mark to 47.06 seconds, erasing Brandon Valentine- Parris’ mark of 47.32s. Also, Gailann John bettered her Heptathlon record, scoring 3613 points to better her previous 3213, registered last month at the SVG Carifta trials.

Swimmers pouch three Carifta medals ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES captured three medals at the XXXV Carifta Swimming Championships which took place at the Barbados Aquatic Centre Relay team – bronze medallists over the Easter – (L-R): Kennice Greene (also individual bronze medallist), weekend, Kevern Da Silva, Zariel Nelson, making it the Jamie Joachim. eight successive Championships Bronze in which the country has medallist achieved podium finishes. Brandon Among the list of George medals was a silver, attained by the quartet of Kennice Greene, Kevern Da Silva, Zariel Nelson and Jamie Joachim, in the 4 x 50m Freestyle for Girls 13-14. The Vincentians were nipped to the board by the Jamaicans. The same quartet placed fourth in the 4 x 100m Freestyle and fifth in the 4 x 100m Medley. Meanwhile, Greene secured a bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle. She was the stand out female as she qualified for four finals. Brandon George was the standout among the male swimmers, qualifying for four finals and copping a bronze medal in the Boys 13 to 14 Backstroke. Apart from the medals, ten swimmers reached finals, while there were nine St. Vincent and the Grenadines records that were reset. The other members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team were Matthew Ballah (Boys 13-1 4), Eltonique Leonard (Girls 11 -12), Kenale Alleyne, Bryson George and Eltonte Leonard (Boys 15-17) and Tia Gun-Munro (Girls 15 -17). With the Carifta Championships out of the way, local swimmers will turn their focus on the Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe in June/July, the CCCAN Championships set for Barbados in July, the Commonwealth Games in England in July/August and the FINA Junior World Championships slated for Peru in August/September.

Meanwhile, the quartet of Devonric Mac, Nellie Ambriton, Amal Glasgow and Kyle Lawrence are the new holders of the 4x 400m record when they timed 3:16.14. The previous 4 x 400m record was 3:20.19, done by Ambriton, Handal Roban, Derron Edwards and Malik Ferdinand in 2019. Also thrown into the past was the Under-20 Girls 400m Hurdles, as Grenisha Thomas beat the 2020 best mark of 1:04.29, established by Odesha John Nanton. Thomas reset the best mark to 1:03.12. Verrol Sam not only broke the longstanding national Pole Vault record but just may have rekindled interest in the event.

Coaches pleased with titles CHESTER MORGAN and Leonard Scrubb are obviously pleased with the performances of their athletes in the recently concluded Inter Primary and Secondary Schools Athletics Championship. Morgan’s Central Leeward Secondary School were champions in both male and female categories of the Secondary schools; and the Scrubb’s Stephanie Browne Primary School (SBPS) were repeat winners among the Primary schools. Scrubb commented that he was confident especially going into the finals with a commanding lead over their nearest rivals. “We have this programme that we have year-round in school but due to the Covid it was absent in the school for the last two years. But as soon as we heard of the resumption of the inter-school sports, we started keeping the athletes fit during the PE sessions. …. Given the short notice and short time to prepare I think they (athletes) performed well and I am very proud of them... .” He added, “Overall I was pleased in the way the Championship was organized but

there is always room for improvement.” For coach Morgan it was the result he expected. “It was planned for years now…. during the COVID-19 it was a bit expensive preparing the athletes but it eventually paid off for the athletes and the school. It was also a boost for the athletes who made the Carifta team.” Morgan highlighted that he made some mistakes depriving a few Leonard Scrubb – Chester Morgan, athletes of the opportunity coach of the Coach of the to make the Carifta team. Stephanie Browne Central Leeward “I take full responsibility Primary School. Secondary School. for that,” he conceded. in terms of Overall, he was pleased with having zonal school events. the way the athletes performed Morgan also spoke of a ‘Lace-itand gave thanks to the teachers, up Program’ through which parents and other coaches for athletics’ shoes (spikes) are their support. donated to clubs. From an overall perspective “The persons we have reached Morgan said. “It was heartening to see the overall talents from the out to for assistance aren’t enough, so we are urging persons primary and secondary school athletes. It’s a lot of positive going overseas to assist as the spikes here are very costly,” Morgan forward.” appealed. He repeated his urging of the Ministry of Education to adopt the I.B.A. ALLEN approach of the Leeward Schools

‘Late arrival costs SVG TT medals,’ Coach ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES won a bronze medal at the recently held 20th Antilles-Guyana Table tennis Championship held in Martinique, Michel Creese and Caleb Howard doing the honours in the Junior Doubles. But Coach of the team, Romano Spencer, based on the level of play he saw, believed that had the team arrived in Martinique as scheduled on April 13, SVG could well have come away with more medals. Spencer explained that the team arrived in Martinique almost three days into the Championship, this after the flight to take them on April 13 from AIA to Barbados, from where they were to make a connecting flight to Martinique, arrived at AIA some four or so hours late. The team, as expected, missed their connecting flight to Martinique and spent the balance of April

13, April 14 and most of April 15 in Barbados, before they were able to make alternate arrangements to get to Martinique. The team missed all Senior and Junior Teams events. In fact, according to Spencer, the team arrived in Martinique around 7:50-8:00 a.m on April 16 and headed straight for the Championship venue. Unfortunately, they had missed out on all the Senior and Junior Teams’ events. Undaunted, the team moved straight into competition that day with some members playing well up to 10:00 p.m that day. Romano Spencer – Coach of the SVG table tennis team that recently competed in a Championship in Martinique.

Continued on Page 22.

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22. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Feeling the Neil Williams vibes THE COUNTDOWN to the 2022 Neil Williams finals has begun. It continues tomorrow Saturday April 30 with three matches. Police One and Two will both in action, One at Cumberland against the Carlos James MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars, while Police Two meets Carlos Veira Rivals at Stubbs. The other match schedules Flow Radcliffe and Dominic Sutherland Lloyd Lewis Memorial Funeral Home at the Sion Hill Playing Field. Organisers will hope that no more matches end by default. That reduces the impact and sincerity of the competition. There are 15 teams in the competition. Group A comprises Guardian General Saints, SVG Community College, Flow Rivals, Keegan’s Bequia XI, Smashers, Victors One, Victors Two, and Strike Eagles in Group A. Group B Includes Police One, Police Two, Carlos James MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars, Dominic Sutherland Lloyd Lewis Memorial Funeral Home, Flow Radcliffe, Carlos Veira Rivals, and Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward. With the emphasis on T/20 cricket globally, the Neil Williams platform ought to be taken as a showpiece. Neil Williams stamped his footprint on the cricket field, appearing for Middlesex, and the Windward Islands as did his Vincentian colleague Wilfred Slack. They both distinguished themselves on the international circuit, and have something in their name to show. One will think that top Vincentians players will be on show for the Neil Williams derby. Those on parade will be keen on creating an impression. One good performance might be enough to catapult him into the spotlight. The happy birthday greeting to Arnos Vale was met with cynicism at least by one observer. The party goer is disappointed with the scant regard shown to the lady on her birthday. They say that the window dressing for the Vincy Premier League final was a cover up to the deeper wounds the heart of the Arnos Vale structure is experiencing. The deterioration is masked by the exterior decorations designed to plaster the sore and to please those viewers who followed the live streaming. With air traffic concerns out of the way, the path is clear for installation of lights so that the facility maximises its prestige. One might say that you can’t put all your eggs in one basket, and that there is work to be done at the Sir Vincent Beache Stadium, i.e. the Diamond Track and Field Facility, so that it can host regional events. There is no doubt that the establishment of that outlet contributed to the performances of our youngsters in the 2022 Carifta Games. The staging of regular meets at Diamond will increase interest in the discipline and deepen the appetite for athletics. That will boost our economic potential for a healthy nation is a productive one. There might not be ways in which the assessment could be made, but the overall impact of a strong sporting nation and a stabilised country are interchangeable. Those charged with outlining the developmental path of the nation will be on track to keep the link between sporting, educational and national growth. These are essential pillars of growth.

Four for Commonwealth Games Squash JASON DOYLE, Othniel Bailey, Jules Snagg and a lone female – Jada Ross will represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Squash at this year’s Commonwealth Games slated for Birmingham, England. The four emerged from the playoffs which ended last Sunday evening at the National Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue. After three days of intense competition, Jason Doyle the remained only unbeaten player. When the playoffs began on Friday, Doyle

defeated Quammie 11/7, 11/6, 11/5; and returned on Saturday to outlast Bailey 11/9, 11/7, 11/7. In his final hurdle on Sunday, Doyle registered a 13/11, 11/8, 3/11, 11/6 triumph over Jules Snagg. In other matches played, Bailey got the better of Mikal Quammie 11/4, 11/6, 4/11, 11/4. He also overcame Snagg 11/5, 8/11, 11/5, 11/2. Meanwhile, Snagg outlasted Quammie 11/2, 11/7, 11/2. For the lone female place up for grabs, Ross

Jason Doyle

Othneil Bailey

overcame Amber Glasgow 11/8, 14/12, 6/11, 11/4, in a competitive battle for honours. Ross thus became the debutant among the four, as Doyle, Jada Ross Jules Snagg Snagg and Bailey were Australia in 2018. part of the St. Vincent The 2022 and the Grenadines team Commonwealth Games, when the Commonwhich is the 22nd wealth Games were held edition, is scheduled for in the Gold Coast 28th July to 8th August.

Smith, Snagg aiming for the top MICHAEL SMITH Jr and Trevin ‘Omar’ Snagg are members the Playaz Youth Academy, which focuses on using basketball as a tool for the holistic development of young people here. The Academy was founded, and its programme is directed by coach and former national basketballer Orlando Ferguson. Both Smith and Snagg were happy to return to some local competition when they represented their Academy in the 2022 Mavrix Easter Basketball Tournament, Calliaqua. Snagg described the Tournament as “…fun and a bit challenging but we came out victorious. It was a very good experience for me because it was the very first competition I participated in after a few years and ended up getting the MVP of the tournament, so it was really a good outing and getting a reward for my hard work.” Smith said, “It was really rough not playing since the Covid.., this was kind of hard but when I heard we (were) going to get an

opportunity I was excited, so after three years we finally get to go on the court again and that was nice.” As it relates to his aspirations, Smith sees himself in the worldrenowned NBA with preliminary stops in China and the Australia Basketball League. “I know it will take a lot more work to achieve my goal, advice I am always getting from my coach, who preaches that by putting the work in the results will come,” he said. Snagg, who began playing basketball in his native Canouan said he took on a more serious attitude to the sport “when I came to St. Vincent and I met coach Orlando Ferguson who taught me a lot about the game and I am thankful to him.” While he has his sights on playing at the highest level he admitted, “I need to improve on my defense, which is one of the assessments I made coming out of the competition, as well as my stamina and getting fitter.” Smith and Snagg are

Michael Smith Jr (left) and Trevin ‘Omar’ Snagg were recent standout in the Calliaqua Under-21 Tournament. determined to not only enjoy playing basketball but to use it to fulfill

their dreams. I.B.A. ALLEN

ÂLate arrival costs SVG TT medalsÊ, Coach Continued from Page 21. Spencer admitted to THE VINCENTIAN, “I cannot give a full critique on the performances but some things were highlighted about where and what we can improve. Given that, I believe had we arrived on time to this event, more medals would have been won.” SVG was represented by: Romano Spencer Coach/Manager; two male seniors - Damion Dublin and Akièl De Roche; and two male juniors - Caleb Howard and Michel Creese. I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022. 23.

Classifieds

Conviasa resumes service to SVG Ramon Celestino Velasquez Ararguayan, Vice Minister of Air Transport and President of Conviasa Airlines described the service as fulfillment of former President Hugo Chavez’s vision of connecting Latin Amercia and the Caribbean.

“All of this is happening during this pandemic… this is part of the effort in order to connect our countries in the ALBA,” he continued. And so, the beginning of the new air service ought not to be viewed as an isolated Continued from Backpage. incident, the Vice And according to H.E Raul La Minister for the Caribbean said, but Causta, Vice Minister for the was a connection Caribbean, Foreign Ministry of between Latin Venezuela, the airline was America and the looking to add another connection, possibly Barbados or Caribbean which has been the vision of Cuba. “These are the things that are former leader’s, including former still in conversations but is Venezuelan leader going to give us an extremely Hugo Chavez, La important opportunity,” La Causta noted. Causta said.

CHRISTOPHER EMMANUEL ROBERTS Tuesday, 26th April, 2022 Apostolic Faith Mission Lowman Hill Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Interment: Lowmans Leeward

KENIESHA JOELLE LEWIS Sunday, 24th April, 2022 S.D.A. Church, Kingstown Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

The Conviasa airline as it touched down at the AIA on Tuesday, marking the recommencement of service that connects Caracas and Kingstown.

INA RAGGUETTE FRANCIS Tuesday, 26th April, 2022 Kingstown Methodist Church Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery ALEXANDER PATRICK SEYMOUR Sunday, 24th April, 2022 Dickson Brethren Church Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

MRS. DOLLY ISABELL THOMAS ³020´ Monday, 25th April, 2022 Our Lady of Lourdes, R.C. Church, Argyle Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment at the Roman Catholic Cemetery Argyle NOLECIA ROSANNE BROWNE Saturday, 23rd April, 2022 Questelles Evangelical Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

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FRIDAY, APRIL 29,

2022

VOLUME 116, No.17

www.thevincentian.com

CONVIASA RESUMES SERVICE TO SVG route every other Tuesday, however Vice CONVIASA AIRLINES has recommenced Minister of Air operations here with weekly flights from Transport and President Caracas, Venezuela. It previously started of Conviasa Airlines operating here in 2007. Ramon Celestino The recommencement of operations Velasquez Ararguayan officially got underway on April 26 and said that flights will in will unfold as charter flights initially. fact arrive at the Argyle International The original agreement with the Airport every Saturday, with the airline was expected to see the airline possibility of more flights to be added operating the Caracas-Kingstown per week should the capacity reach at

EC$1.50

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves returned to SVG from Venezuela on the inaugural flight, and cut the ribbon to officially declare the new service open. H.E Raul La Causta, Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Foreign Ministry of Venezuela, said the airline was looking to add another connection, possibly Barbados or Cuba.

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least 80 percent. According to the Venezuelan VP of Air Transport, the opportunity will once again afford Vincentians the

opportunity to travel to his country with connections to other destinations across the globe including the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. Football lovers were in for a treat Araguayan said, with flights scheduled to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup later this year. And it will give travellers from both Venezuela and St. Vincent and the Grenadines the opportunity to explore what both countries have to offer he said. “For us, it is an honour to fly passengers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Caracas to show the beauty of our country,” he said. The air service also further strengthened the ties between both countries, he added.

ROADS TO BE WIDENED

WHILE SOME “preliminary work” ensues on a number of roads in and around Kingstown according to Minister of Transport and Works Montgomery Daniel is of the opinion that there are certain stretches of road that have to be widened, given the increased use of those road. Speaking on the April 20 edition of the ‘Face-toFace’ programme on NBC Radio, Daniel referenced the stretch between the Girls’ High School and Haddon Hotel and the piece from the Gun-Monroe corner in Cane Garden to the Kingstown. According to Daniel, officials within his ministry were currently working on the designs and once that was done, the cost would be established. One user of the Cane Garden route into Kingstown, told THE VINCENTIAN that before

undertaking the near impossible task of widening disappeared. (See the road, the minister should look into repairing the accompanying road whose surface in parts have all but photo)

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

Part of the Long Wall road leading into Kingstown which the Minister of Works said would have to be widened.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.