THE VINCENTIAN PDF-29-09-23

by KENVILLE HORNE

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES edged closer to the record number of 42 homicides recorded in 2022, with count number 39.

Mark Williams, 31, of New Montrose, became number 39. Williams, who plied his trade as a fruits vendor, operating under the covered sidewalk on Tyrell Street a short distance from the Rubis petrol station at Rose Place, Kingstown, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital after being shot in Old Montrose/Block 2000.

According to a police report, on Friday 22nd September the victim was at a shop in Old Montrose/Block 2000 when a masked assailant approached him and opened

fire on him, hitting him in the abdomen with several shots.

FRUIT VENDOR IS HOMICIDE #39

He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for medical attention and remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday 26th September.

A friend of the deceased told THE VINCENTIAN that Williams had gone to check “a mechanic” about an issue with his car.

“Late in the evening me hear them shoot him. Me a wonder if he get set up,” said the friend, adding that the truth will come to light.

Readers will recall that Williams, in 2019, was found guilty and sentenced to prison for using money from a heist at GECCU, for which Junior James was found guilty and sentenced to prison.

Police investigations into Williams and other outstanding homicide cases, are ongoing and

PSYCHIATRIST QUITS: COURT AFFECTED

responsibility of the professional assigned to the Mental Health Service here.

they are soliciting the support of persons who might have information that could advance their investigation. Information shared with the police is guaranteed the utmost confidentiality and can be relayed through the Officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department at 1784457-1211 Ext. 4856/4837; any Police Station or Police Officer with whom you are comfortable.

And while the void created by this resignation will affect Mental Health Services across the board, the shortage of professional staff and what from reports is the strenuous workload of those in place, have already had a propound effect on High Court proceedings here. Reports are that matters before the High Court here have been affected particularly as it relates to psychiatric evaluations, the preparation of which has been the

The matter of the High Court having to endure repeated noncompliance with dates for receipt of psychiatric evaluations for matters that are currently before it, has not gone down well with at least one Judge.

Justice Brian Cottle is reported to have described the situation as one that could cause the Court to grant applications made on behalf of persons who have been awaiting evaluations for extended periods.

One person so affected is Webster Woodley. A psychiatric evaluation remains outstanding for

Woodley who was twice convicted of murder but had his convictions overturned by the Appeal Court.

DESTINED to overtake if not come close to the record of 42 homicides recorded in 2022.

This as the country reportedly registered its 40th homicide with the death of Augustine Turbin Prince of Murray Village, who was found in the mountain area of Carib Village, Campden Park on Wednesday 27th September.

Contitnued on Page 3.

Augustine Turbin Prince was found dead in Carib Village, Campden Park, some distance away from his native Murray Village.

CSEC Prelim Results

Police slapped

Miss Metro’s project

Tuk Tuk vehicles Page 12 Page

Beaches- Mar. opening.

28

2023 SEEMS

Mark Williams joined the band of young men who are victims of gun fire.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESin the country have been thrown into a reverse gear of sorts with the resignation of a psychiatrist after a mere two months on the job.

The shortage of qualified Mental Health practitioners has put the High Court at a serious disadvantage.

HOMICIDE HEADING CLOSE TO RECORD

NSSPAF to make a return

by GLORIAH...

WHEN THE NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL (NSSPAF) commences on 1st November, 2023, audiences should see an increase in the involvement of secondary schools.

This is the expectation following a Department of Culture hosted twoday workshop for teachers of Theatre Arts and other teachers interested in having their students present in the upcoming festival.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, on behalf of Cultural Officer Maxine Browne, Administrative Officer Claydonna Peters encapsulated the major spin-off of the exercise, saying “To put it simply, in learning you will teach others and in teaching you will learn.”

Based on the theme, ‘Retooling to revitalize the vision’, the workshop,

held at the Peace Memorial Hall on 14th and 15th September, saw participation from some twenty-two secondary schools and one technical centre.

The training concentrated on the following areas: Performance Management- Voice, Movements and

Characterization facilitated by Duane Daniel; Directing stage plays - David Darkie Williams; Playwriting stage plays - Michael Peters; Technical Theatre- Lights and Sound - Ezra Forde; Stagecraft, Makeup and Costume - Nisha Hope; Set Design - Curtis Robinson.

For the Festival, schools will be divided into four Zones, namely Zone 1 — Leeward, Zone 2 — Windward, Zone 3 — Marriaqua and Grenadines, and Zone 4 — Kingstown.

Currently, schools are in preparation mode as they select their pieces, hold auditions for both acting and stage

management roles among students and other teachers, conduct practice sessions and finally put all the pieces together with dress rehearsals.

Coordinator of the festival, Mr. Sean Frederick, told The Vincentian about the prospect for the return of the NSSPAF.

“The Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival has been around for a very long time and we have been losing and have lost, since COVID, the whole dynamics of the festival in terms of participation, quality and interest. In order for us to get back on the scene,

with reference to the festival, we have to return with a bang!” he acknowledged.

“So, we have decided to focus on training. We have gone into the schools already and provided that exposure, interacting with teachers and coordinators and students. We have provided the development workshop for the teachers and have been sending materials and providing other necessary information to help,” Frederick added.

The NSSPRF promises to generate much enthusiasm. It will conclude on 24th November, 2023.

Updated Preliminary Results For CSEC - May/June 2023

UPDATED PRELIMINARY

RESULTSof the May/June 2023

Caribbean Examinations Council

Secondary Education Certificate

Examinations (CSEC) were received on 20 September, 2023, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This year, 2133 candidates were registered. Of these, 1486 were school candidates and 647 were private candidates.

There were 1472 school candidates from 27 secondary schools scheduled to sit papers I and II with 10,277 subject entries in 31 subject areas. Approximately 72.16% of the subject entries were awarded Grades I — III. The corresponding figure in 2022 was 66.55%. The table below shows a comparison of the pass rates for the last five years:

Year % Pass

2019 74.33%

2020 *81.86%

2021 *83.48%

2022 66.55%

2023 72.16%

*Modify Exams (Paper 1 only)

This year, 17.57% of the passes

were at Grade I level, 38.48% at Grade II and 43.95% at Grade III. The figures in 2022 were 16.96% at Grade I, 35.40% at Grade II and 47.64% at Grade III.

There were seven (7) schools which recorded percentage pass rates of 80% or more. These schools are:

Girls' High School

98.84%

St. Vincent Grammar School

93.32%

St. Martin’s Secondary School

93.17%

Thomas Saunders Secondary School

92.76%

Canouan Secondary School

89.86%

St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown

89.72%

Bequia Seventh Day Adventist School

86.73%

Seven (7) schools obtained creditable pass rates between 60 % and 80%. These are:

St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua

78.02%

North Union Secondary School

76.21%

Mountain View Adventist Academy

72.78%

Buccament Bay Secondary School

69.31%

Bishop’s College Kingstown

68.12%

St. Clair Dacon Secondary School

63.55%

Barrouallie Secondary School

63.48%

The Bequia Community High School (BCHS) and the West St. George Secondary School (WSGSS) show improvement in their performance at the 2023 CSEC examinations. In 2022, the BCHS recorded a pass rate of 27.63% and the WSGSS recorded a pass rate of 31.28%. In 2023, BCHS pass rate increased to 54.26% and the WSGSS pass rate rose to 55.22%. These figures represent an increase of 26.62% and 23.94% respectively.

The top female performer is Nailah Jack of the Girls’ High School who sat 14 subjects and obtained 11 grade ones and 3 grade twos. The top male performer is Oneil Sprott of the St. Vincent Grammar School who sat 13 subjects and obtained 10 grade ones and 3 grade twos.

Homicide heading close to record

Reports are that Prince had what appeared to be bullet holes in the upper part of his body and elbow.

Residents in Carib Village speculated that Prince might have been killed elsewhere and dumped in their community since they did not hear any loud noise like gunshots, and Prince was found face down with little blood about his body.

Meanwhile, persons in Murray Village who knew Prince moved quickly to express their sentiments.

One female resident said that they saw Prince Wednesday morning, hours before he was killed.

“Yesterday when I saw him, I shout him and say ‘Stink Tone’ (funny/derogatory term) and he say, ‘You lucky you like me mother, Ano’,” she shared.

Another resident wo recalled seeing Prince Wednesday morning, told THE VINCENTIAN, “He catch a van in Rockies to go town. I believe he was going to the same mountain in the area where they found him because he does farm up there.

Another female villager who claimed to know the deceased, said with some emphasis, “He don’t trouble people, only if he drink he could be harassing but he don’t get in things like war. This country is very frightening place to live now and like a just blood and evilness me a see.”

Facilitator Duane Daniel presents a certificate to one of the Workshop participants.

This small group of participants was tasked with figuring out costumes, makeup and other elements for characters from a selected script.

Continued from Frontpage.

Van man accused of slapping cop

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ELFORD STEPHENS, 35-year-old minibus operator of Glen, has been ‘clamped’ with multiple charges, in connection with an incident at Richmond Hill on Friday, September 22, in which Station Sergeant 444 Kenny Jones, second in command of the Police Traffic Department, and a prosecutor for traffic offenses, was

allegedly slapped in his face and pushed to the ground.

Stephens has been charged with assaulting Jones causing him actual bodily harm, resisting arrest, and damaging a wristwatch valued at US$25, belonging to Jones.

He is also charged with making use of indecent language to Jones, to wit, ‘what kind of (expletive) seat belt. Way

de (expletive) do alyo. Every (expletive) day alyo harassing people’.

Stephens is further charged with failing to produce his driver’s permit when asked to do so and driving the vehicle MVH519 without wearing a seat belt.

Media desk installed at Magistrate’s Court

Magistrate John Ballah is the latest presiding Magistrate to order that journalists who cover court matters are ‘comfortably’ accommodated during court proceedings.

MAGISTRATEJohn Ballah has demonstrated his recognition and appreciation for the role journalists play in the Court process, by ensuring that a media desk is installed at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Journalists, who turned up to cover Monday’s proceedings of that Court had for the first time in several years, at any Magistrate’s Court, somewhere specifically designated for them to sit and write.

High Court Judge Ruckie Burnett, when he was senior Magistrate, had repeatedly told police officers, who sat during Court proceeding, to give the journalists a seat when they enter, especially when the Court room was full. He had repeatedly explained that some journalists were assigned specifically to cover the Court, and therefore must be accommodated.

Several years ago, High Court

Judge Odel Adam, now deceased, was instrumental in having a media desk installed at the High Court, but unfortunately, in recent months, that desk has been removed.

The charges stemmed from an incident at Richmond Hill around 12:15pm on September 22, in which Jones had reportedly approached Stephens in relation to his seat

belt.

Stephens pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He is on station bail which will continue until the hearing of the matter scheduled for December 11.

Station Sergeant Kenny Jones was allegedly manhandled by the van man (driver) who apparently was not employing his seat belt.

POLICE ROUND-UP

Adams had underscored that journalists play a significant role in the Court process, as they carry the information to the public.

Other judges have also recognized this role, including Justices Frederick Bruce-Lyle, now deceased, Justice Brian Cottle and now Justice Burnett.

Ballah, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, took up duties as Magistrate on June 26, 2023, and presides over the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

ÂChiefmanÊ on trial for murder

UP TO PRESS TIMEThursday, the Court had already heard evidence from several prosecution witnesses in the ongoing murder trial involving Devon ‘Chiefman’ Charles of Old Montrose.

Charles is being tried for the murder of 28-yearold Kimron ‘Warlord’ Hannaway, also known as ‘Dog Man’, of the same community.

Hannaway died after being shot several times during an incident at ‘Block 2000’, Old Montrose on the morning of August 2, 2020.

Charles is also on trial for possession of a firearm with intent to commit the offense of murder on the same date. Both charges are said to have stemmed from the same incident.

Among the witnesses who have already testified for the Crown are key witnesses Paula Straker of Old Montrose, who gave evidence via video link; surgical pathologist Dr. Ronald Child; and a number of police officers, including head of the Major Crime Unit (MCU) Sergeant Casanki Quow, Crime Scene Investigator Corporal Roland Dascent of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Ballistics expert Station Sergeant Maxian Richardson of the Special Services Unit (SSU).

The trial commenced before Justice Brian Cottle at the High Court No 1 on Monday and is being heard by a 12-member jury comprised of 8 women and 4 men.

Devon ‘Chiefman’ Charles –murder accused.

Charles has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is

represented by attorney Daune Daniel.

The prosecuting team is comprised of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Tameka McKenzie, along with Crown Counsel Rose Ann Richardson and Maria Jackson-Richards.

The trial is expected to conclude by next Wednesday.

Teen granted bail, pending appeal

ORAN BUTE, an 18-year-old boy who was recently sentenced to 7 months in prison for burglary, has been granted High Court bail, pending an appeal against sentence.

Bute had pleaded guilty to entering the dwelling house of Jeanne Dunbar of Cane Garden on September 3, 2023, with intent to commit an offense, to wit, theft. He was at the time unrepresented.

The facts were read and the matter was adjourned to the following day to hear from the complainant.

On Bute’s return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate John Ballah sentenced him to 7 months in prison, despite his then lawyer Jomo Thomas having stated his concerns about his client’s mental status, and requested that the teenager be sent to the Mental Health Centre for a psychiatric evaluation before sentencing, However, there was no documentation before the Court, nor did the Magistrate request any, in relation to the boy’s mental status, and Thomas’ request was not granted.

However, THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that the youngster subsequently appealed his sentence and was granted High Court bail last week, pending the appeal.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that as part of his bail conditions, he is to attend the Mental Health Centre for a specified period for assessment. On completion of the evaluation, he will report to the Central Police Station on specified dates until the hearing of the appeal.

THE VINCENTIAN also understands that Bute is no longer represented by Jomo Thomas.

Domestic charged with child abandonment

THE POLICEhave arrested and charged Shanique Lavia, 31 years Domestic of Chateaubelair with three (3) counts of Child Abandonment. The charges which were laid on Sunday 24th September 2023 are as follows:

* Did abandon a 13-year-old student in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to his health; * Did abandon a 9-year-old student in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to his health;

* Did abandon a 2-year infant in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to his health.

The offences were allegedly committed at Chateaubelair on 18.09.23 about 9:00 a.m. Lavia appeared at the Family Court on 25.09.23. She pleaded guilty. The matters were adjourned to October 30th, 2023 for a Social Enquiry Report.

Motor vehicle destroy by fire

The Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a report of Arson made by a 45-yearold Medical Doctor of Georgetown.

According to the report, an unknown person(s) without lawful excuse destroyed one (1) grey Toyota Noah Van, Registration Plate HB-623 valued at $59,500.00ECC by setting it on fire. The incident occurred at Georgetown between 9:30 a.m. on 22.09.23. and 2:30 a.m. on 23.09.23.

Police investigate theft

The Police are investigating a theft that took place at Port Elizabeth, Bequia between 18.09.23 and 19.09.23. It was reported that an unknown person(s) entered a Motor Vehicle, Registration Number H-2234, and stole two (2) black ZTE Cellular Phone valued at $500.00ECC, three (3) Blue and Black Short Pants valued at $120.00ECC, two (2) Red T-Shirts valued at $50.00ECC, One (1) Reverse Camera valued at $400.00ECC, one (1) First Aid Kit valued at $100.00ECC, and $250.00 ECC in cash. Total value $1,420.00ECC, the property of a Taxi Operator.

Report of burglary

The Police are investigating a report of a Burglary that took place at Diamonds Village on 19.09.23. It was reported that an unknown person(s) entered a dwelling house of a resident as a trespasser and stole one (1) 48 inches Television brand valued at $2,000.00 ECC, one (1) brown Louis Vuitton Hand Bag valued at $3,250.00USD, one (1) Acer Laptop valued at $1,344.00.00ECC, one (1) silver Cannon Camera valued at $50.00ECC, one (1) silver Asus Cellular Phone valued at $1,920.00 ECC, one (1) Flashlight valued at $70.00ECC and an assortment of gold and silver jewellery valued at $10,000.00 ECC. Total value $15,384.00ECC and $3,250.00US.

North Windward residents get new houses

LIFE IS RETURNINGto normal in the Red Zone, and for some residents there is a sense of novelty about the process. That comes with the handing over of 18 houses to persons in the North Windward constituency.

The ceremony took place last Tuesday at Orange Hill where a steady breeze from the Atlantic coast crisscrossed the northern mountain range and brought a sense of relief to the humid atmosphere pervading over recent weeks.

The construction of three, two and one-room houses — 21 in total - was financed by the Mustique Charitable Trust MCT).

The MCT Chairman Roger Pritchard expressed pleasure with the completion of the housing project, and also took time to retrace his Fund’s other areas of assistance during and post the La Soufriere eruption of 2021.

These included: delivering water to mainland St. Vincent the day after the April 9 eruption; distributions of food supplies, mattresses, cots to displaced people; providing kits to farmers; and availing water pumps, tanks for water storage and generators.

Minister of Housing Orando Brewster described the handing over of the houses as “Christmas in September.”

He noted the changes in the Orange Hill area, with an initial 27 houses built with support from a Trinidad and Tobago based entity, and praised North Windward residents for their patience.

He recognised and pledged the government’s commitment to look after people’s needs.

Brewster acknowledged the Mustique Charitable Trust for their contribution to the rebuilding. He commended the collaboration between Ministries and departments in the rebuilding, and anticipates the delivery of twenty more houses in Sandy Bay.

His colleague Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Works and MP for the area, emphasized that “Having a home is what most of us look forward to.” He is hoping that the next Independence Day celebrations will be significant for another set of residents.

Daniel estimated the costs of a one-bedroom

house at $66,000, and placed on 4,000 square feet of land, the value increases to $86,000.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves reflected on his and his government’s leadership of the efforts aimed at providing houses for the population.

He was particularly excited about the delivery of the next 20 houses in Sandy Bay and the distribution of 21 Guyana-sourced prefabricated to volcanoaffected areas in SVG.

Prime Minister Gonsalves recognized the role of the Mustique Charitable Trust in helping to stabilize the situation of disruption caused by the volcanic eruptions.

Roger Pritchard, Chairman of Mustique Charitable Trust gave an indication of how his Trust responded in a time (volcanic eruption) need.

The houses that were handed over included three, two and one-bedroom units.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves takes pleasure in handing over the keys to one of the recipients.

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address:

Where is the power?

HAVE WE RESIGNED OURSELVES to being powerless? Have we accepted our powerlessness and abdicated our individual and collective voice to others?

Have we become mere receptacles of whatever is thrown at us in the name of our development?

If we are truly honest with ourselves, we would want to admit that we have sold our souls, so to speak, to politicians, talk-show hosts and political analysts, and have allowed them to reset the public discourse and engagement.

When Pope Francis addressed the US Congress in 2015, he reminded the world that each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. It was as if the Pope was calling on us to examine ourselves, to revalue our worth and fulfil our duty to be guardians of the common good.

It is always an opportune time, the period when a general election draws nigh, for all of us, the big and the small, the rich and the poor, the business leaders, church leaders, to wake up to this responsibility and take on the armory of resoluteness, resourcefulness and integrity, and lead our families, our schools and our workplaces towards what is right and just for all the people; not to follow some narrow partisan path that excludes so many of our brothers and sisters.

At this time, as we near another election, we recall the words of renowned Trinidadian labour leader, politician and Spiritual Baptist preacher, Tubal Uriah Butler, who exclaimed, “This is a cause that demands real men as leaders. Yes, a time like this demands real men as followers. A time like this demands men, real men, men of opinion, men of will, men whom the lust of office cannot kill. Yes, men with the soul of the master, the mind of the master to make sacrifices that others might enjoy a better and brighter day.”

We as the people must come to the realization that there is a determined stance by Government and Opposition, to hinder each other’s plans and ideas on the myriad of issues that relate to

our development. This is borne out in the ‘difficulty’ with which the two factions find ground on which to cooperate, e.g. no co-operation on crime; no common ground on the NIS; differing takes on the Citizen by Investment Programme, etc.

The point of Government and Opposition hindering each other’s plans was made pellucid by former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago — Basdeo Panday, during the ceremonial opening of that country’s fourth session of the 12th Parliament.

Speaking to reporters, Panday is quoted as saying: “You expect the Opposition to co-operate with the Government to win the next election, or you expect the Government to cooperate with the Opposition for them to win the next election? Surely not.”

Given the condemnation and criticism levelled on those in charge (at any given time) by their rivals even as the murder count skyrockets, we need to ask ourselves if we merely want to retain the incumbent or to replace one with the other, and not that we, for whom the bell tolls in the final analysis, have no genuine care and concern?

If replacement is the main agenda, then we (all citizens — red and yellow) need to urgently develop creative ways to get these leaders to come together and publicly announce a decision to cooperate and to put a “rope” on crime and the other challenges that cloud the pathway to our development.

Time to shake off our powerlessness, reassert our strength, our worth, our importance and demand better of those in and those who seek political office.

Let it not be a case of our politicians only on their ‘retirement’ realizing how much their selfishness, their stubbornness, their adherence to a particular agenda have cultivated a culture of disagreement between them that has permeated the society.

Are we so timid as to stand aside and allow this deliberate plan to divide to continue unabated characterize by things like a spiraling murder rate, sickening health services at our main tertiary health institution, a handout mentality that entrenches a dependence mentality?

Time to retake the power; and when we do, to speak in ways that demonstrate who is the real power.

Selecting a New Chief

LET’S LOOK EVERYWHEre for our New Chief.

Let me be clear about one thing before going any further. I was never a member of a law enforcement agency. I never wanted to be either. However, as a member of the leadership team in three cities in the USA, I found myself having to hire four police chiefs throughout my career.

My first hire was the replacement for a long-term, and liked Chief. How difficult can it be to promote the apparent successors? After all, the Chief did his job and had a welldeveloped succession plan in place. There was no controversy facing the department; everyone expected a simple promotion of the Assistant Chief. After all, isn’t that what succession planning is all about? Boy, was I wrong about that? I quickly learned how much the City Council and the community disliked the people the retiring Chief picked and prepared to be his successor. We got through it without demoralizing the entire department.

Under extreme controversy, I had to let two other chiefs go or force them to resign. I tell you this to say that the options facing the Prime Minister (PM) with this ‘retirement’ (effectively a resignation) are not as easy as they may appear. I believe SVG has never considered or selected someone from within the region as our Chief. That is, since independence. May I be bold enough to suggest that we should consider this option. I do not say this lightly, but after traveling throughout the region this year and listening to the level of dissatisfaction with the police region-wide, I think it should be considered. Some of the older folks I spoke to in these islands feel we should consider this again. Many believe this will eliminate some of the favoritism and complacency that seems to exist in various regional police departments.

Okay, this might be too radical for us, especially since Caribbean Unity only exists in some of our minds. After all, we continue to look for a regional airline even as Caribbean Airlines continues to fill the void created after the destruction of LIAT.

Still, considering that we have tried jumping ranks when we

appointed Commission Miller and the rapid ascension of the retiring Commissioner John after a stint in the DPP’s office, it’s time to try something new. Lately, it seems like we are giving preference to officers who are trained lawyers. While that may seem logical and reasonable, it is not working. The law is “black and white”, policing is not! What we need is someone well-versed in the principles of democracy, human and civil rights, and organizational and creative leadership skills.

We need someone who can build and grow better leaders. We need a leader willing to pour into others as much as they are pouring into themselves. We need a leader who does not think this appointment means they have arrived. True leaders never stop learning and sharing. Regardless of how much one has experienced or how high a rank we achieve, there is always another lesson to learn, another skill to sharpen, or new knowledge to obtain. We need a new commissioner who has earned their success. The new Commissioner must know their position was earned, not given to them. One way to achieve this is to have an open competitive process where all qualified individuals in the department are encouraged to compete. Such a process will give the successful candidates the authority to do the things needed to make the changes necessary to prepare the department for success. We need a leader willing to do continuous self-evaluation. And as a leader, they must be eager and able to mentor and develop others.

Success in policing, like all other professions, is tied to learning new things and adjusting as things change. Whether you subscribe to the theory that leaders are born, not made, experienced professionals will likely acknowledge that leaders are both born and made. Some leadership qualities come naturally to people, while others take hard work to develop.

No leader is perfect, but a strong leader intentionally brings out the best in those they lead. To accomplish this, the leader has to be in an excellent place to pour into his people effectively.

Horatio.

De new Commissioner

SO DE COMMISSIONERof

Police gone. De Comrade ha for fine a new man to head de police force. As I see it, he could look among the fellows who nex in line, and ah know he ha ah soft spot for Benjie, and he go feel safe with he, but he must be careful.

The last ting De Comrade wha foe do is to pick a man or a woman who de majority of the police them doh like. He

cyar mek de same mistake he mek with Miller and this fellow who decide he leavin’ early o’clock. And he should remember that when he mek Miller Chief, a whole set a good, good policemen retire or he transfer dem and leave the force in a sad state.

So who ever De Conrade fine to be Chief, sorry Commissioner, he betta mek sure he pick

somebody who will help to unite the officers and do well as to bring dem rogue cops in line. And de comrade must allow the Commissioner to do his/he job.

I say that de best ting De Comrade could do is look for a foreigna and out dem under contract foe a few years. During that time we could look to prepare one of the younger fellows in a top rank now to tek over.

Uniting to fight crime?

GREETINGfrom

Jamaica, Mr. Editor. I see that ‘school children’ have once again been proved correct. I, of course, refer to the ‘retirement’ of the Commissioner of Police, news of which came a good two weeks or so after the ‘school children’s’ reading of the situation.

But that is not my concern now, or not directly so. I want to briefly address the issue of ‘Uniting to fight

crime’.

Are we not fed up of the ongoing calls for the Government and Opposition to come together to fight crime? There is never going to be a coming together. The reality is that the Government is in charge and it is the Government’s job, to make sure the citizens are safe… and that peace prevails in the land.

So, now that we have established that fighting crime is the job of the

Government, we the people have to follow up with the people in charge — the Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police — about their plans to fight crime. We must demand a National Plan to Fight Crime. And we must condemn any effort to politicise crime. There is no reasoning with criminals and there should be no softening in our approach to demand of Government.

Grenada did look outside the region for a Commissioner and tings seem to improve dong in dat island. De Comrade should tek ah leaf outta that book.

Terry Sidewalk Vendor.

Reasonable expectations of our schools

The Government is in charge, it is responsible, it signed up for the job. That’s that!!! If it can’t deal with it, get out.

Response to Retired Teacher

I

WAS DRAWNin

particularly by the opinion piece carried on Page 17 of your edition of Friday, 22nd September, 2023.

I want to say, Mr. Editor, how much I share the sentiments expressed by the writer. As a retired teacher, I am certain the writer would have seen and heard it all.

Mr. Editor, we live in a world, an advanced technological world, in which children are no longer disciplined for any wrongdoings. Instead, with a shift in the ‘style of parenting’, the disappearance of parenting skills, today’s children are often let off the hook and are rarely held accountable for their actions.

And I am not heading in the direction of supporting the use of the rod.

Instead, I want to say that given what society has become, the economic and financial demands of modern society, parents are overworked and are simply too tired to teach moral values to their

children personally. Instead, children learn about right and wrong from TV shows and form their habits and mannerisms from what is shared on social media platforms. The phone is now the new teacher.

More often than not, those videos on social media are inappropriate for their age. Nor do they teach a moral lesson.

This underlines that now, more than ever, our children need guidance.

Parents must wake up to the fact that there is too much distraction around their children that can lead them astray. And parents must quickly come to the acceptance that they are guilty of cultivating some of these distractions.

Children are like sponges. They absorb everything they see or hear. And it falls on us, adults, to steer them to the right path.

It is our responsibility to provide moral

education to our children as early as possible. We must teach them now if we want them to become productive members of society.

Proverbs 22:26 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” A reminder that the values you teach your children today will determine how they will behave when they become adults.

A Parent.

Venezuela’s referendum

I LEARNEDon the weekend after reading in the piece (last week’s VINCENTIAN) about Venezuela still claiming a ‘chunk’ of Guyana and its oil deposits, that Venezuela plans on holding a referendum “to seek its citizens’ opinion” regarding its claim to Guyana territory, which actually means to seek its citizens’ support.

As far as I see it, regardless of how much our government would want us to believe how the west is making it suffer, this claim by Venezuela is nothing but a show of greed and illwill. Does it want more oil reserves? Does it not want to see Guyana develop? What threat is Guyana to Venezuela?

I understand from a friend that

children and people in general in Venezuela are taught that the Essequibo region in Guyana is actually part of Venezuela. And the Maduro administration is simply continuing this brainwashing.

When is Venezuela going to lay off of Guyana? May be the International Court of Justice would put it in its place once and for all. In the meantime, CARICOM has to condemn Venezuela for its continuing claim against one of its own. I stand corrected, but I have not heard one CARICOM leader condemn Venezuela for its threat on Guyana and its people.

Charles, Edinboro.

WE EXPECTthat all our students after sitting at the seat of learning would leave the institution with the knowledge and skills to enable them to successfully navigate the next round of their lives. Those leaving the Preschool should have a wide vocabulary, be articulate, cooperative, and ready to learn to read, write, and reason based on what they would have heard. Those leaving the Primary school should be able to read, write, right (cooperate, problem solve), and reason. Those leaving the Secondary school should have a skill that they can use to earn a living, secured passes in CSEC English and Math and at least three other subjects preferably Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. All students must be well read and have the capacity to find and organize information to enhance their capacity to learn (research skills). Schools should be within walking distance. Assistance should be provided to fund travel to the nearest school where needed. Each school must publish the results of their external exams so that the stakeholders can learn the extent to which the expected goals are being met. Where there are deficiencies, the measures and adjustments the school is making to meet the standards should be known. Schools are not babysitting places that keep students while parents are at work. In some countries nonperforming schools are closed, principals removed, and teachers retrained.

We must have accountability for our high expenditure in education. The community supports the school in all its activities. Graduation, school fairs, sports, public speaking, junior panoramas, drama festivals, and all other fundraisers are all fully supported. We deserve a comprehensive report on the performance of the school, especially in the external exams each year.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD.

To the Prime Minister of SVG

MY NAMEis I Jah Mus (Ceymour Peniston). I want to reconcile your mind.

You help to fight against marijuana and you take it away from us. But marijuana was here before you and me were born. I grew up in Penniston Village and there were four brothers who owned from mountain to sea. They came from England and used to have my people as slaves.

They had marijuana planting in their garden, but my people did not know the plant.

As time progressed, a son of one of the estate owner was caught with a ‘Land Rover jeep’ of marijuana but was never convicted. So don’t try to tell Rastafari how much marijuana we supposed to have in our possession.

The Bible tells us about the herb for the healing of the nation. So, I want you, Mr. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to go and read from the book of Psalm 18 verse 8. This shows me that the smoking of marijuana is not bad for us as Rasta man and woman.

I know you, Prime Minister, love to go to the Bible to try to make people believe that you are so righteous but this is a WARNING: BE CAREFUL HOW YOU USE THE BIBLE TO GRAB THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE.

I want you go and read from the book of 1 Samuel 16 verses 14 to 16. And I want all Rasta man and woman to rise up and fight against ‘apart I.

Paul (Roberts) - Jamaica.

Introduction

THE BOOK OF JOHN,the 3rd chapter and 11th verse tells us this, “verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witnesses”. The context of the conversation is not the immediate focus of this week’s article, instead we focus on the importance of witnesses reporting on what they know, based on what they have seen.

The track record of this government is there for all to see; hence every Vincentian can bear witness and speak confidently about what they have seen over the last 22 years under this progressive Unity Labour Party government lead by Comrade Ralph. There is currently a concerted effort targeted at the youth of this country, to try and convince them that the policies of the government that they continue to benefit from, do not exist. Assisting those peddling the BIG LIE, are foreign operatives, colluding with some local journalists who having benefitted from the policies of the ULP government, are now intent on kicking over the metaphoric bucket of milk, preventing others from benefitting the same way they have. In targeting the youth, they focus their messaging on employment, first claiming that the education revolution is irrelevant in preparing our youth for employment, and secondly falsely stating that our economy isn’t creating jobs. Both arguments form part of the BIG LIE strategy, crafted by the foreign operatives, who are desperate to get their hands on our passport to sell to the highest bidders, and the NDP has eagerly bought into this strategy. Our ULP administration however remains focused and committed to providing opportunities for our youth in training, education, entrepreneurship and employment.

Providing opportunities for the Youth to Soar

During this period of governance by ULP, young people have soared unlike any other time in the history of this country, and they continue to take advantage of available opportunities made. Let’s examine three (3) areas of where the government’s policies continue to impact young people’s lives in positive ways allowing them to soar like eagles, taking their rightful place in our society.

In the area of Education and training, we can never speak too much nor excitedly about the education revolution that has improved access to secondary, post-secondary including technical-vocational training and university education for thousands of our children and youth. Universal access to secondary education guarantees every child of that age-group a space in a secondary institution. The expansion of the A’Level college to a community college with 4 divisions, has allowed for the increase in enrollment numbers of close to 400%. Our youth are trained in various technical-vocational fields, preparing them with the skills demanded by industry, as well as academic training as nurses and teachers to carry out our health and education revolutions and as well as in general studies. Upon successful completion of their post-secondary education, every student has the guarantee of this government that no one will be denied a university education on the basis of lack of funds. The availability of national scholarships, exhibitions and bursaries, government to government scholarships, tuition grants and disadvantaged student loans, are some of the avenues our students pursue towards their university education.

The on-the-job training and internship programs of the YES, SET and ON-SITE programs continue to be heavily oversubscribed yearly, offering hundreds of young people paid internship for a period of one year. The NDP consistently spoke ill of those programs referring to the Youth Empowerment Service, as the Youth Exploitation Service, and with that, discouraged many young persons from getting involved. Today however, because of the popularity of the program, they have come full circle to try and claim credit for the program, offering to increase the amount paid as stipend. Maybe now they can openly encourage young people to register whenever the call is made.

Our government sector remains the single largest employer of Vincentians including our youths who are engaged in every productive sector. Our public service, teaching service, nurses, and police service all have significant numbers of youth, and the government continues to train more and more youth every year. The presence of young persons across the government sector can be seen at all levels, including middle management, upper management as well as in the cabinet of ministers of SVG that now has 3 female senators (2 ministers and 1 parliamentary secretary) under the age of 35.

Our growing economy sees new investments in tourism, agriculture and fisheries and entertainment, and our youth are at the forefront. One just needs to examine the recruitment by Sandals, the employment offered by Rainforest Seafood and the musical production of our young soca and ragga soca artistes during carnival, and the involvement of our young people will become very evident.

Finally, our government is investing in the entrepreneurial pursuits of youth through the implementation of the PRYME program that provided individual grants of up to $40,000 to young business owners as well as potential business owners. According to Comrade Camillo, the expectation was that approximately 500 persons may apply, and the program would award about 200 grants, but the program surpassed everyone’s most extreme expectation with more than 5000 applicants and in excess of 1300 grants awarded at a total value of more than $7,000,000. What a government! Our young people because of PRYME, were able to start and grow businesses with many of them showcasing their products at the 2022 edition of the Everything Vincy Expo. We look forward to seeing more of those PRYME businesses at the expo this year.

Conclusion

The evidence of everything mentioned in this article is there for anyone with a discerning eye to see and bare witness. The opposition however continues to peddle big lie in an effort to sway the youth, telling them that nothing is happening in SVG and worst yet, that this government doesn’t care about them. Nothing can be furthest from the truth. The NDP past has a terrible track record on youth development and the current makeup, is even more woeful. It is impossible that a party that never expressed faith in young people can now try and pass itself off as the hope of the youth. Our young people can speak what they know and testify of what they see daily, the ULP is the party of the youth. Trust your eyes, ignore their lies.

(Excerpts of the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday’s, Press Statement)

A FEW DAYS AGO,the Minister of Education, Mr. Curtis King, in a stunning admission stated that the education system has failed to address the current needs of students and the Vincentian economy; that it was fundamentally on the wrong course that was inherited from colonial times and necessary corrections must be made.

After two decades in government, you have now come to the realization at this point. Here is a quote from the Searchlight newspaper dated Tuesday 19th September 2023, of the Minister of Education making the acknowledgement. He says, “And what we need today is to recognize the new society that we are now living in, and accept that the education system which was basically formulated to deal with a past society, the old society, it is no longer, let us say, totally relevant to the developmental needs that we have identified that would transform our society and enhance persons’ living standard.”

He went on to say, “And all basically have come to the conclusion that the education system as we have it, especially in the English-speaking Caribbean, is too much based on the traditional grammar school model that was utilized in England, with a heavy emphasis on academic training and there is in fact a weakness where skills are concerned.”

This is a matter that has been ventilated publicly. The Shadow Minister of Education, Honourable Terrance Ollivierre, has spoken about it many times. I also, in an address to the nation last year on education, spoke about it.

The headline of the article that I read says, “Urgent changes needed to SVG education system–Minister”. From the pronouncements that were made on the radio, there was no acknowledgement of what needed to be done. So where is the urgency? The minister said change must come but did not indicate how and exactly where. What was the point of his public observation and admission if not to show where the system needs to go and indicate how to get there?

In my National Address on Education delivered last year, I had much to say about the misplaced focus of the curriculum and in particular the neglect of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

For too long our education system has focused on traditional academic programs that culminate with CSEC, CAPE and a university degree. Our schools should be equipped to provide and assess persons in the skills and technical aptitudes that are needed for jobs and economic development. The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) is part of the process towards achieving a cadre of certified skilled workers promoted by the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Though this CARICOM initiative was established in 2007, it was only in 2016 — almost a decade later, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was granted approval to offer Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). But while other CARICOM territories are offering

CVQ’s at levels 1 & 2 with much success in many areas at the secondary school level, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has in effect been offering limited skills training to limited numbers of out-of-school youths.

Indeed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been left behind our regional counterparts because the necessary instruments to facilitate implementation at the secondary level are not in place. Our students have been, and continue to be, left behind in technical and vocational education. So, we see why after two decades in power, Prime Minister Gonsalves would lament some months ago that there are not enough skilled tradespersons to take up jobs in our construction industry and now, his Minister of Education could lament likewise that the education system is misguided in its current focus on traditional academics and not relative lack of emphasis on TVET.

In my national address last year, I called for several urgent changes. My remarks then bear restating here, as they are relevant to provide a good starting point for serious discussion and progress. Among other things, I said that it is critically important that the following strategies be implemented immediately:

* Ensure that technical and vocational education is well-integrated within the education system so that every student has the opportunity for a comprehensive education. To earn CVQ certification, candidates must demonstrate competence in reaching CARICOM-approved occupational standards developed by industry experts and employers in a range from levels one to five.

* Ensure competency-based curricula linked to the CVQ framework to be established in all secondary schools and other suitable settings in the workplace and the wider community.

* Establish a qualification framework that enables learners to move seamlessly between academic and vocational qualifications in formal and informal educational settings. This would include apprenticeships for on-the-job.

* Revamp and expand the YES programme to provide opportunity for on-the-job training in public and private sectors, while earning a living wage paid partly by government and partly by private employers;

* Increasing opportunities for upskilling and lifelong learning through vigorous and well-managed Continuing Education programs.

We need to be bold and go much further with TVET, and I will say more about that at another time, but soon. In addition to TVET, we must teach agriculture in all primary and secondary schools. Further, to develop the whole person and promote our culture, Art, Music, Dance and other forms of cultural expression must be regarded not merely as options, but as essential components of a modern education. So, they must be taught at all levels and in all schools. I look forward to engaging in an honest, farranging national conversation about these changes we must make. It is a conversation in which we must all take part.

ULP failed to modernize Education System and develop TVET

Trust your eyes, ignore their big lies

Genius: The Fruit of Labour and Thought

“Men give me credit for some genius. All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. My mind becomes pervaded with it. Then the effort that I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought.” - Alexander Hamilton (17551804) – Nevis-born American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as Secretary of Treasury from 1789-1795.

THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY defines the noun “genius” as “a single strongly marked capacity or aptitude; extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity; a person endowed with extraordinary mental superiority – especially a person with a very high IQ.” Such individuals are often considered to be superior to most people. Societies are especially blessed when such individuals display a sense of humility. They imbibe and portray the wisdom of C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), the famous British writer, lay theologian, and literary scholar who noted that, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

The concept of genius has fascinated mankind for centuries. There have been many debates surrounding the factors that create geniuses. Many have argued that outstanding intellectual abilities and/or physical skills are inherited. Others postulate that the environment determines the emergence and growth of the mental and physical prowess that societies and cultures all over the world describe as genius. Modern research convincingly indicates that it is a combination of both — nature and nurture; heredity and the environment.

Steve Harvey’s television shows entitled “Extraordinary Kids” and “Little Big Shots” reveal that there are many children who appear to have been

“born bright” - understanding mathematical and scientific principles that many adults (including this writer) may struggle to comprehend. Many can repeat historical and geographical facts that leave many adults baffled. We marvel at child geniuses whose prowess remind us that such abilities are not confined to any specific gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, geographic space, and so on. Individuals who have not had trauma to the brain as a result of genetic defects, accidents, or the ingestion of chemical substances have the potential to excel in music, academics, sport, and many other fields. With the right encouragement, proper nutrition, and an enabling environment, geniuses can be nurtured; child prodigies can be developed.

Even in cases where individuals appear to have innate abilities in a variety of fields, it takes dedication and practice to be elevated to being categorized as a genius. We are encouraged by the outstanding musical abilities of individuals like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), the Austrian musician. He was considered to be one of the most prolific, versatile, and popular composers of all time. Gifted on the keyboard and violin, he was known to perform for European royalty at the age of five. At the time of his death at age 35 this musical genius had composed over 600 musical pieces.

In sport, the legendary Barbadian and West Indian all-round cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers (born 1936) stands out as a cricketing genius. This extraordinary left-hander played for the West Indies during the period 1954 to 1974. This exceptionally gifted cricketer would have inspired other formidable cricketers such as Sir Clive Lloyd (born 1944), Alvin Kallicharran (born 1949), Sir Vivian Richards (born 1952), Sir Richie Richardson (born 1962), Brian Lara (born 1969) and so many other

Drum Foundation looking ahead

THE NATIONAL DRUM FOUNDATIONis currently marking its 10th Anniversary.

Following on a recent drum recital at La Familia, formerly known as Dos Rios Bar, President of the Foundation - Victor ‘Mwata’ Byron — in keeping with the intention of strengthening the Foundation formed in 2013, shared some of the (Foundation’s) plans going forward.

Plans are afoot for a national programme of Training of Trainers, so as to entrench the work of the Foundation, Byron said.

A membership drive is also on the cards, in addition to a project aimed at repairing and building drums, both efforts being considered short to medium term undertakings.

And further ahead, activities include preparation for the 100th Anniversary of the crowning of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie, to be marked November 2, 2030; and the 200th Anniversary of the abolition of slavery in 2034.

stalwarts of West Indian cricket. While we recognize Sir Garfield as a cricket genius, this was obtained through rigorous training (on and off the field) and a commitment to being the best at the game. Sobers’ pleasing personality, work ethic, and commitment to excellence has made him a true cricket genius — an icon of excellence.

From the preceding examples we can conclude that talents and abilities, joined with effort and commitment, can ignite and sustain the thrust for excellence and take individuals to the pinnacle of genius. However, we would be negligent if we omitted to recognize the value of profound thought and creativity. Albert Einstein (1879-1955), the German-born theoretical physicist, is widely held to be the greatest and most influential scientist of all time. Renowned for his theory of relativity and his contributions to modern physics, this 1921 Nobel Prize Winner attributes his accomplishments to his ability to think deeply and imaginatively.

Einstein’s genius was not limited to mathematics and physics; he was a philosopher in his own right and provided ample evidence that his deep thoughts were often centred on unravelling and explaining the mysteries of the world.

Genius as the fruit of labour and thought is not confined to historical figures. The world’s challenges of global warming, pandemics, and the like, will

continue to encourage and inspire world citizens to work tirelessly and creatively as efforts are made to unleash the creative thinking needed to eliminate or reduce the various environmental challenges now impacting planet earth. Based on the foregoing, we can reflect on the fact that genius is not solely the result of innate talent; it is the fruit of labour and thought. The examples provided highlight the importance of unyielding effort and deep thinking in the pursuit of excellence and the coveted title of genius. Natural talent may provide the foundation but it is the combination of hard work, persistence, courage, and insightful thought that propels the individual to the status of genius. Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), the American author, politician, educator, and diplomat said it well when he noted that, “Genius is talent set on fire by courage.” Regardless of life’s circumstances, many have ignited the courage necessary to push beyond the mental, emotional, and physical limits that have confined others. Such men and women (boys and girls too) have rightly deserved the title “genius”.

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

All efforts and activities of the Drum Foundation are aimed at positioning and solidifying it so that it can make its contribution to national development. (WKA)

Victor ‘Mwata’ Byron, President of the National Drum Foundation, wants to ensure that the Foundation contributes to national development.

Guyana stands firm

GUYANA’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has made it known loud and clear that his government will uphold and safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and

will not be intimidated by Venezuela’s actions.

President Ali statement followed on the heels of resurgence of claims by

CARICOM in full support of Guyana

LATE LAST WEEK, Guyana was forced to respond to a number of statements issued by the Government of Venezuela and other senior functionaries in relation to Guyana’s decision to continue the bid process of its oil blocks.

The following is the full statement from CARICOM:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) notes with grave concern the contents of a Communique emanating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding the announcement made by our sister Member State, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, about its intention to open bids for certain oil blocks in the waters adjacent to Guyana’s coast.

CARICOM views the stated intention of Venezuela to “apply all the necessary measures” to prevent the operations licensed by Guyana in its waters, as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law. It is also not in keeping with the long-

standing position of the Latin American and Caribbean countries that our Region must remain a Zone of Peace.

CARICOM has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim. CARICOM expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has the jurisdiction in the case brought before it. The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law.

The Caribbean Community reiterates its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully develop the resources of its territory.

(Source:caricom.org)

Venezuela to Guyana’s territory.

Venezuela claims it owns Guyana’s Essequibo region, and a portion of the country’s exclusive economic zone that includes areas under oil exploration, but that border case is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

And in a follow-up on his official Facebook page on Saturday, President Ali assured Guyanese that the government will spare no efforts to protect Essequibo.

“So, I want to assure all Guyanese that we are going to consistently defend what is ours, Essequibo, in a strong way, in the framework of international law and peace and we’re together on this as a nation…make no mistake, Guyana is together on this,” he said.

President Ali went on to say, as reported by the Guyana Chronicle, “We as a people and a country are aware of our boundaries and we respect our neighbours, and we continue to promote living and existing in a zone of peace, and we reject totally Venezuela’s attempt to disrupt the peace within this Region and this zone.

“As you know, we have subscribed ourselves to a process which is being carried out at the ICJ [International Court of Justice] and that we have submitted ourselves not only to the process of the ICJ, but [also to] the outcome of the ICJ.”

It is for this reason that he urged Venezuela to participate in this

process and to also be respectful of the ruling of the ICJ.

“We as a neighbour remain consistent and peaceful in our approach to resolving this matter and having it concluded at the ICJ,” the Guyanese Head of State firmly asserted.

He added: “The Government of Guyana has, therefore, noted the extreme concern [of] the decision of Venezuela’s National Assembly to conduct a referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory, Essequibo, “Guyana regards this as a front [sic] to the rule of international law and the preservation of peace and security, especially since the territorial case has been brought before the International Court of Justice.” (Source: Guyana Chronicle)

Venezuela’s decision to hold a referendum to bolster its spurious claim to Essequibo evoke a stern warning by President Irfaan Ali of Guyana.

Shops at Glen handed over

facility was constructed at a cost of just under $500,000 and features six commercial ranging from barber shops to nail salons, with the owners of the businesses being PRYME recipients from the community of Glen.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Representative for East St. George said at the launch that PRYME addressed the issue of funding young entrepreneurs, however there was another challenge for most start-up businesses — a suitable location to set up.

And according to Gonsalves, that was what the new facility provided for PRYME recipients.

SIX ‘SHOPS’, LOCATED IN GLEN and appropriately referred to as ‘Shops at Glen’, were officially handed over operators on September 25.

It is the first of what has been coined a ‘PRYME Empowerment Zone’, the first of similar projects anticipated throughout the country. The first phase of the

For as low as EC$5 per month, individuals are now able to operate their business from a central and secure area within the community in which they reside.

“We are providing these locations at this low cost because we want you to succeed, but we also want you to stand as an example to other young businesspeople that you too can try and succeed,” the finance minister

said.

Changing the landscape

Gonsalves explained that the vision was to turn the area into a landmark.

After the police mobile unit was removed from the area, several individuals moved in and began erecting wooden shops, some used tarpaulin to build structures to do business, Gonsales related.

“But it became haphazard, so when you drove into Glen, you did not see order, you didn’t see beauty, you saw people who were striving, but you saw that they needed a little help,” Gonsalves said.

So, the second phase of the project will see the construction of 10 vending kiosks — 10 feet by 10 feet which will be built adjacent to the existing facility.

They will be equipped with retractable aluminum doors

and offer flexible space for whatever business the tenant desires — whether food, boutiques or barber shops, officials said.

The very individuals who operate businesses at the location will be housed in these kiosks and food and beverage will be allowed to be sold from that location.

“We are going to organize this strip and rationalize this strip, so you do not have a first class and second class on either side of the road,” said

Gonsalves.

There were a few requirements for the shop owners, and they included the tenant must operate the shop for what was indicated to the authorities; the sale of illicit items is strictly prohibited; and any tenant who locks up his or her shop for a lengthy period will lose that space Gonsalves cautioned.

“Run your business, strive, work with us and we work with you,’ the minister of finance said. (DD)

It was a buoyant and unapologetically elated Camillo Gonsalves, MP for the area, who oversaw the official handing over of the ‘Shops at Glen’.

The ‘Shops at Glen’ represent the first phase of what promises to be a makeover of the area and a step in the direction of setting Glen on a new course.

Tuk Tuk vehicles, to be designated PRYME Rides’ will become available, once they qualify, to PRYME applicants for use in the operation and advancement of their businesses.

Tuk Tuk vehicles for PRYME applicants

require a vehicle as part of their business operations.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, while speaking at the launch of the ‘Shops at Glen’ on September 25, said that from the inception of the PRYME project in 2020, there were a few applications for the grant of EC$40,000 to be used for the purchase of a vehicle.

The response then, according to Gonsalves, was that there was not enough funding to provide vehicles.

Further, the concern was, “And then the people get the vehicle and they ‘flossing’ round town and they not doing their business,” he added.

However, Gonsalves acknowledged that some of the applicants had some good ideas and good reason.

Some applicants explained that they wanted a vehicle to be able to move produce because they were involved in the agricultural sector. Others indicated that they wanted something from which to sell and/or deliver food while some pointed out that business plan required that the operated be mobile,”.

And so, in an effort to respond to this need, attention turned to a dozen ‘Tuk Tuk’ threewheeled vehicles sitting in a warehouse at Ottley Hall.

They were donated by a by a friendly government to be used as ambulances but there was no need for such vehicles to be used as

ambulances, since the country was already equipped with good ambulances.

The decision was taken to make them available for the ‘PRYME Rides’ program.

“So, if you have a business that requires you to be mobile, we are going to have about 10 of these for you businesspeople to start with to see whether or not your business can take off and your mobile business can work using these facilities,” Gonsalves said.

Beginning on October 1, the finance minister said that there will be an application window for those businesspeople who want to use a ‘PRYME Ride’ to run their mobile business.

According to Gonsalves, there were over 5,000 applications submitted when the PRYME programme began some two years ago.

To date, he said that over 1,300 grants have been given out to individuals across the country, amounting to EC$7.5 million.

“So, we are going to open at the end of this year a fresh application period for PRYME and even though people are still getting PRYME, there is going to be a fresh application window just after the PRYME Rides have been given away,” Gonsalves said.

“There will be a fresh application window in 2024 for those who still have dreams that you think PRYME can help you through,” he continued. (DD)

FROM OCTOBER 1, ‘PRYME RIDES’ will be made available to young business people.

The new initiative caters to applicants to the PRYME programme who

Hundreds bid farewell to Vaughan Toney

Toney — the long-standing president and CEO of the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers (FOCH), with operations primarily in Brooklyn, as well as in Manhattan and Staten Island — succumbed to cancer.

perpetual shine upon him.”

In his eulogy, Hamilton said, while Toney was to his surviving family a husband, a father and a son, he was to him “a brother and a friend”, and to countless others “a colleague and a confidante, a mentor, a counselor, a guide.

“He was a visionary who dared to dream, and dreamed to change the world; a patriot and a philanthropist — uncompromisingly devoted to his people.”

HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIANS, other Caribbean nationals and Americans on Saturday braved the rainy, dreary weather to bid their final farewell to Vaughan Toney, a Vincentian-born community advocate, childcare chief executive officer (CEO) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador-at-Large, who died on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 4. He was 68.

Over 1,500 mourners jammed the pews of The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew, a sprawling Episcopal (Anglican) church on Clinton Avenue in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, for the 1½-hour-long service, which began at 10:12 a.m.

The church’s rector, the Rev. Andrew Durbidge, presided over the entire service, which was graced by the presence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, who earlier on Saturday had addressed the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate.

Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Health and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Douglas Slater, Ambassador to the United Nations I. Rhonda King and United States Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh were among dignitaries at the service.

In his tribute, Prime Minister Gonsalves, who had conferred the new title of Ambassador-at-Large on Toney, exactly one year ago on Saturday, described Toney as “a titan of our Vincentian civilization, a man of deep conviction, a man who was polite to the core.

“He had no malice in him,” he said. “Goodness was at the center. He was extremely generous with his time and whatever little resources he had. He was selfless…. concerned about who he can help to make this world a better place.

“I will miss him,” the prime minister said. “….On behalf of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; on behalf of my family, including the Labour Family [Unity Labour Party — laughter], may he rest in peace and the light

Hamilton said. “He was a boy from Calliaqua [the southernmost town on mainland St. Vincent], who grew up to be a citizen of the world — an Ambassador-atLarge in every meaning of the stately title he bore so elegantly with pride and dignity. He was a man for all seasons.”

Hamilton said he first met Toney when they were both newly recruited to the staff of then New York City Council Member, Jamaican Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to New York City Council, some 30 years ago.

“Vaughan was chief-of-staff, which means he was technically my boss,” he said.

“…. We soon developed a mutually respectful professional relationship that evolved over time to become a close and lifelong bond of brotherhood. So much so that, when he first asked me, 10 years ago, to deliver the eulogy at his funeral if he should predecease me, saying ‘no’ was never an option.”

Hamilton said Toney was “a man of faith”, who “lived his life with a sense of

purpose……a man of hope, ...relentlessly optimistic and earnestly believed that ‘no’ was never the right answer if you wanted something badly enough…. a man of charity, which, in Christian thought, signifies the highest form of love, and is the foundation of all other virtues.

“And this charity, this commitment to selfless service for the love of others, has been the defining ethic of Vaughan’s entire life,” he said.

“And so, on behalf of all of

us here gathered, I close by expressing to his mother Ela, his wife Bridget, his children, grandchildren and entire family our heartfelt sorrow and sympathy for your loss,” Hamilton continued. He added, “In our moment of sorrow, we also owe it to the memory of our departed brother, Vaughan, to celebrate the life he lived, and to embrace the many moments and examples of love and kindness and happiness he shared with us.”

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

Vaughan Toney - Ambassador-at-Large

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves pays tribute to Vaughan Toney.

Hugh Hamilton eulogizes Vaughan Toney.

Widow Bridget Toney with her brother in front pew.

Vaughan Toney’s mother, Ela Toney, right, with relatives.

Family members, with children in front pew, at funeral service.

Miss Metrocint tackles the Âblack economyÊ

DENICIA BOATSWAIN - Miss Metrocint General Insurance Services Limited sponsored contestant in the Miss SVG 2023 Pageant scheduled for October 7th 2023, was given as her Community-based Project the task of highlighting the ‘black economy’.

The ‘black economy’ as explained, refers to “the part of the country’s economic activity that goes unrecorded” and is played out by activities including illegal drug activity (possession, use), illegal drugs trade (sale and trafficking), and illegal gun activity (possession, use and sales).

In interpreting the topic, Miss Boatswain chose to examine the end result of the ‘black economy’ which amounts in the main, to gun violence.

She sought, therefore, to examine the effects of gun violence in her community of Diamond with a component aimed at educating residents in her community on preventative measures as they pertain to gun violence.

“The project aims to raise awareness of the ‘black economy’ activities in Diamond and surrounding areas; to educate students on effects of committing ‘black economy’ crimes and to finds ways to reduce criminal activities,” Miss Boatswain explained.

Towards this end, Miss Boatswain’s Community-based Project was compressed into a week of activities that included:

* An Anti-Crime Fun Day on September 9;

* A road relay involving members of the Stubbs Youth

Club and the Royal SVG Police Force on September 10;

* A Community forum on ‘crime talk’ led by Police Officers and Community leaders on September 11;

* On September 12, interactive sessions at the Stubbs Government School and the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School featuring ex-prisoner Miss Shian Forde, who was convicted of murder at age 12, served time but is now free;

* Another interactive session, September 13, at the same schools this time involving Ms. Allana Hudson and Mr. Benjamin Roberts, prisoners at His Majesty’s prison;

* September 15 anticrime public speaking competition featuring participants representing different villages within Stubbs.

The activities that comprised the project, from all reports, were well

received and patronized and Miss Boatswain commented that she was pleased and satisfied with what she had chosen to do.

(L-R): Miss Denicia Boatswain (centre) and prisoners, Miss Allana Hudson and Mr. Benjamin Roberts at the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School.

Denicia Boatswain (2nd from left), with Police Officers after the community forum.

(L-R): Denicia Boatswain and exprisoner (murder convict) Shian Forde.

Left: Kelique Wyllie- member of the Stubbs Team, winners of the Road relay.

Mr. Cecil Mckie - Manager Metrocint General Insurances Ltd, (right) presents trophy to members of Road Relay, third place RSVG Police Force, in the company of Denicia Boatswain (left).

V

more sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.

unique beauty and culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For more information about the SVG Conservation Fund and its initiatives, please visit https://svgcf.org/

Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization Inc. will see its ‘unique hiking experience’ enhanced with SVGCF assistance.

by Vanburn Harry, CEO/SVGCF Photos: SVGCF Facebook

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES CONSERVATION FUND (SVGCF) has taken a significant step towards preserving the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage by disbursing over $157,000 to its grant recipients. These funds will support vital projects aimed at conservation and community development across the islands.

In total, the SVGCF has signed contracts amounting to an impressive $394,716.14, making it clear that the organization is deeply committed to its mission of environmental and cultural preservation.

Four noteworthy entities have been the most recent recipients of SVGCF funding, each with their unique projects:

Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization Inc. has received $16,007.82 as the first tranche of funds for their “Degro Educational Hiking Trail” project, which aims to enhance cultural and environmental awareness through hiking experiences.

Eco Home Garden Inc. has been granted $15,953.20 for their “Women Home Garden and Food Security Pilot Project.” This initiative seeks to empower local women and improve food security through sustainable gardening practices.

Voice of the Disabled Inc. is receiving $15,963.20 to support their “Enterprise development for persons with disabilities in VOD” project. This endeavor is dedicated to fostering economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and independence.

National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority has been allocated an impressive $109,962.24 towards their “Restoration and stabilization of the leeward and windward access trail of the La Soufriere Volcano.” This ambitious project plays a crucial role in preserving one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

The SVGCF remains dedicated to its mission of promoting sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and enhancing the quality of life for all Vincentians. As part of its ongoing efforts, the organization is actively engaging with key stakeholders for more conservation and community development agreements in the near future.

The SVGCF extends its warmest congratulations to the recent grant recipients, recognizing their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment, culture, and communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These partnerships and projects serve as a testament to the collective commitment towards a

National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority received assistance to assist with stabilization work on the trails to La Soufrière volcano.

Coup attempt foiled in Burkina Faso

A COUP attempt against Burkina Faso’s military has been thwarted by the country’s intelligence and security services, authorities said.

Burkina Faso’s military rulers said in a statement on Wednesday that army officers and others had planned to seize power and plunge the country into “chaos”.

“Officers and other alleged actors involved in this attempt at destabilisation have been arrested and others are actively sought,” a spokesman for the ruling military Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo said in a statement without providing details.

The latest coup attempt occurred on Tuesday, according to the statement.

The military government said it would seek to shed “all possible light on this plot” and that it regretted “that officers whose oath is to defend their homeland have strayed into an undertaking of this nature”.

The country’s military prosecutor later said that four people had been arrested and two were on the run. An investigation has been opened based on “credible allegations about a plot against state security implicating officers”, the prosecutor said.

Earlier this month, the military prosecutor said three soldiers had been arrested and charged with plotting against the ruling military government of Captain Ibrahim Traore who seized power in September 2022 eight months after an earlier military coup had overthrown the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore.

Bottom of Form

Burkina Faso’s capital city Ouagadougou appeared calm on Wednesday evening following the military’s announcement of an attempt to topple it.

Thousands of pro-military government demonstrators took to the streets of Ouagadougou and elsewhere on Tuesday to show their support for the country’s military rulers following a call from Traore supporters to “defend” him amid rumours of a mutiny circulated on social media.

On Monday, French news magazine Jeune Afrique was suspended from publishing what the military said was an “untruthful” article that reported tension and discontent within the armed forces.

One of a growing number of West African countries where the military has seized power, army officers in Burkina Faso have taken control amid public discontent as armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) have launched a rebellion that has destabilised the country and its neighbours in West Africa’s Sahel region.

More than two million people have been uprooted by the fighting in Burkina Faso, making it one of the worst internal displacement crises in Africa.

Last week authorities claimed nearly 192,000 internally displaced people had returned to their homes after various regions were retaken by government forces, though rebel attacks continue unabated despite claims of the military winning back territory.

More than 50 Burkinabe soldiers and volunteer fighters were killed in clashes with rebels in early September — the heaviest losses in months — the latest deaths that add to the thousands of civilians and troops that have died in rebel attacks in recent years, according to organisations monitoring the conflict. (Source: Various News Agencies)

People took to the street to show support for the Traore-led regime after the foiled coup attempt.

Burkina Faso’s military ruler Captain Ibrahim Traore (sitting) gives a news conference.

All is not lost

Dear George,

MY WIFEand I are always at it over the relationship between her and her boss. It’s only two months since she is working there but already, according to her, her boss is inviting her to his house for this function and that function.  We argued over it and she told her boss I did not want her to attend any of his functions because I’m afraid he will take her away from me.

Her boss chided me about this and said clearly that if he wanted to take her from me he could have done so in the first month she worked there. That statement still has me puzzled. What could have transpired to make him say something like that? I put the question to my wife and all she said was, “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Since that time things have really broken down. Is this something for me to worry about?

Feeling Played.

Dear Feeling Played,

The disagreements you two are having can be sorted and to be honest

there are going to be more disagreements once you remain married. The one thing you must never do however, is to take things outside of the boundaries of the marriage. By your wife discussing these things with her boss she is actually empowering him to get involved where and when he should not be.

Both of you should give each other the respect of listening to one another and doing your best not to do anything that would cause unnecessary aggravation. There could be more going on than what meets the eye in the case of your wife but there needs to be an honest conversation between you two. If you find you cannot get through to your wife then get someone who can professionally assist you in the form of a counsellor. This situation does not seem beyond repair but you have got to seriously and immediately address it.

George.

Dear George,

MY WIFEhas come up with a new excuse for not making out with me. It used to be the headache excuse, now she puts on this face mask causing her to look like a mummy. Of course, with the mask on there is no way she can be expected to make love. She did this each night for the past 2 weeks!

It has been over 6 weeks since my wife gave herself to me and she gets upset when I bring it up. George, is it safe for me to conclude that my wife is no longer

Dear George,

interested in me and probably has someone else?

I know my wife… she is a woman whose blood is hot and close to her skin and there is no way she can abstain from sex for 6 days far less 6 weeks. I need to know what to do.

Taken for a Fool.

Dear Taken for a Fool, That your wife avoiding you when it comes to bedroom business is cause for concern. Having said that, rather than judging her with the thinking that she has someone

else possibly, you may want to take a closer look to see whether there are areas which might be of importance and priority to her that you could have been simply ignoring. This can cause her to become withdrawn.

You have to articulate your concerns to her. Address this head on and maybe you might get her to open up and spill her guts. If and when that happens you will be best advised to give an attentive ear so you can finally get to hear what you failed to hear for the past 6 weeks.

George.

No attention from my wife He kicked me out

MY HUSBANDordered me to leave his house and now that I did he has issues with me going out and staying out late at night.

When he forced me out of the house, I sought refuge with a girlfriend. She has been my rock since. We go out often and for the first time in my life I am experiencing happiness and freedom. My friend has her boyfriend visiting her frequently and to be honest I have gotten sexually involved a couple of times.

My husband ordering me out of his house was a blessing in disguise for me. I am free.

George, I do not want to go back to this bully of a man but he would not leave me be. Is there a way I can free myself of him without having to

worry?

Fearful but Free.

Dear Fearful but Free,

You were not happy in your marriage and you have found a new lease on life being away from your husband, then you pretty much know what needs to be done.

You should seek legal advice regarding reporting any threats to your person by your husband to the police. Do keep in mind that it is best not to get involved with anyone until you have been legally cleared from your husband. This will prevent things from getting complicated very quickly.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Be careful disclosing information. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. The stamina you possess will be apparent in your approach to your hobbies and creative projects. Put your efforts into your work or money making ventures rather than your emotional life.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Deception and confusion regarding your status in society is likely. You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it. You will do extremely well if you get involved in competitive activities this week. Your greatest enjoyment will come through social activities and pleasure trips.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

It may not be the best day to confront employers or to present your ideas. Your personal life will still be experiencing difficulties and you are best to avoid the issues for the time being. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Tie up your personal papers or push to have legal settlements completed. Enjoy some socializing this week. You may be ill-treated if you have to deal with institutional environments. Keep a lookout for any individuals eager to confront you with unsavory situations.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Your confidence is growing and advancement is apparent. New projects may lead you into a dead end. Unexpected bills will leave you a little short. It's time to reconnect with some of the people you used to know.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You might have a problem hanging on to your money this week. Finish off old projects before starting something new. Your involvement in organizational

events could open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Your emotions have been pulled out of shape and you need to do a little backtracking. You will need to do a lot of research if you wish to get to the bottom of things. You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons. Real estate investments will payoff.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

You can expect to face opposition on the home front. Don't let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organizational function. Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Travel could include delays and other minor problems. If you're single, get out there and you'll meet someone new. Do something that will be stimulating and creative. Property deals will pay big dividends.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Control your temper by getting immersed in your work. Arguing won't help. Romance appears. You can make new friends if you get involved in group activities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

You need to spend some time pampering yourself. Read some books on selfawareness. Include the whole family or those you love. Don't be afraid to speak in defense of others.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. You're in the mood to get out and visit friends. Let others know what your intentions are and be honest in your approach. Listen, but don't make any rash decisions.

1.

6.

13.

14.

5. QBs’

Round D Town Relay: North LÊward schools dominate

NORTH LEEWARD

SCHOOLStook the top places in their respective categories of Team Athletics SVG’s Round D Town Relay, staged last Sunday, September, 2023.

The Chateaubelair Methodist won the Female and Fitz Hughes Government took the Male categories in the Primary Schools’ Division of the Team Athletics SVG event.

The Chateaubelair Methodist Team A crossed the finish line in 34:05.09, ahead of Fitz Hughes’ Team A (defending champions) and Chateaubelair Methodist Team B in that order.

Fitz Hughes Government retained in charge of the Males, with a 30:43.06 clocking. The repeat winners got home ahead of second place

Troumaca Government and third place

Chateaubelair Methodist.

The North Leeward dominance continued with the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School (TOSS) taking the Female and Male titles for secondary schools.

The TOSS’ females winning time was 40:17.35, with the males clocking 30: 04.66.

Central Leeward Secondary and the Georgetown Secondary took the second and third

places respectively among the females.

Among the males, St Martin’s, who won last year, had to settle for second with Barrouallie Secondary, third.

In the Open Female Category, High Performance won in a time of 42: 44.30, with Xceed Sports Club Teams A and B, following in that order.

And in the Male Open, Chatoyer finished first in 30:20.90, with Roses Academy second and 2022 winners -Xcel Track Club, third.

The three podium finishers in each category received cash awards.

The six-leg road relay

began and ended at the intersection of Halifax Street and South River Road.

The primary schools’ athletes ran from the starting point to Sharpe Street, then on to Bay Street, turning on Higginson Street and back to the start point.

In the case of the secondary schools and open categories, athletes headed to Sharpe Street, then on to Bay Street, before turning on Linley Street, and back to the intersection.

Last Sunday’s Round D Town Relay kicked started Team Athletics SCG’s road racing season.

UK Sailors donate to SVG Sailing

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES SAILING ASSOCIATION, together with the sailing community of the United Kingdom, have developed a truly global approach to the sustainable development of sailing in emerging nations such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It started with a chance meeting of SVG Sailing Association President, Jenny Trumble, and UK ILCA sailor Guy Noble, a regular visitor to the Caribbean. Guy explained, “Some of us are lucky enough to visit Caribbean hotels with sailing boats we can use, but we rarely see the locals sailing. I thought about all the neglected boats in my home club, Queen Mary Sailing Club (QMSC) near London, which could be given a second life. So, I approached Tony Bishop, Manager of QMSC and he immediately said he could help.”

The UK sailing network picked this up and offers of equipment came from QMSC members and from all over the UK, like Nick Harrison from Stokes Bay, Richard Butler from Covenham SC, Kean Gunton from South Cerney SC, all getting in touch. Suppliers like Rooster, SailingFast and Ovington Boats all donated equipment. And, with the very generous support of Kestrel Shipping who provided the container, 6 boats, safety equipment and spares are now on their way to St. Vincent.

Tony Bishop said, “We are happy and proud to be part of this venture. Not only is it a great cause, but giving equipment a second life aligns with our sustainability and community objectives.”

The SVG Sailing Association and QMSC are now looking to establish a long-term partnership and to

make this an annual event. Kelly Glass, VP of the SVG Sailing Association, who helped load the container, said “We are excited to build strong ties with QMSC. It’s hoped that we can give exchange opportunities for sailors and coaches to support SVGSA’s elite training programm.”

SVG Sailing Association is committed to a sailing program that teaches sailing skills within the community. The main aim is to have fun, but also to discover talent, be it to represent SVG in international competitions or to gain vocational qualifications for careers in the sailing industry.

If you would like to get involved with this initiative next year, please contact svgsailingassociation@gmail.com or Tony Bishop sailondon@queenmary.org.uk.

High Performance - Open Female Category champs

Chatoyer - Male Open winner

TOSS – first place Secondary School Females

TOSS – first place Secondary school Males

Story & Photo Source: SVG Sailing Association

Fitz Hughes Government – Male Primary School winner

Volunteers loading the container at QMSC, UK, en route to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

HKF stages National Championships

LOCAL Karatekas showed their skills when the Hairouna Karate Federation (HKF) hosted its National Championships last Sunday, September 24, at the West St. George Secondary School.

As usual, there were two categories of adjudication- the Kata and the Kumite.

In the Kata category, winning the Male

Under-10 title was Liam Bollers, with Cahya Bascombe taking the Female segment.

Aaron Mc Donald secured the Under-14 Male and Cadet titles, while Amiyah Bascombe secured the Under-14 Female title.

Taking the Junior Female title was J-Don Matthews with Terrance Providence, the Under-21 Male title.

And, rounding off the Senior Male title was Claude Bascombe Jr.

Meanwhile, in the Kumite category, the Male Under-10 title was won by Xonte O’Brien and the Under-14 Male secured by Malik McKie.

Rudino Roberts champed the Male Cadet segment, with Jamal Williams winning the Male Junior title.

The Male Under-21 Kumite winner was taken by Rishaud Roache and Claude Bascombe Jr. completed the double in the Senior Male bracket.

The championships featured two special karatekas — Donray Greaves and Desmond Cox, who for the first time exhibited Para-Karate.

Greaves performed in the Male Under-10 and Cox- the Senior Male.

Browne visits Playz Academy

SHAWN BROWNE, former national basketball player who now resides in Canada and runs a caching programme during the summer, recently shared useful knowledge about the sports and his career in basketball with basketball players of the Playaz Youth Academy.

During one of his sessions at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Browne said he was delighted to work with the players.

“I am just happy to be back home and help out

and to see the work Orlando Ferguson is doing, I just wish there could be more help and support, not just for hm, but for basketball in SVG.”

In that light, he added, “I see so must potential here and I just wish we have a hub for kids to help out situation, there is so must that could be done here, but we just need the right set of persons to get things going. I believe there are people who want to do things, but the support is just

not there. ….. I thought by now things would have been ten times better.”

By way of advice to the player, Browne offered, inter alia, “…. it doesn’t matter what you do in life you going to have us and downs, but it’s the effort you put into anything that is going to get you where you want, not just on the basketball courts, but in the classroom as well and both work together. When you play basketball, do basketball, when you in the class, do

class….”

Orlando Ferguson, head basketball coach of the Playz Academy was happy to have his former team mate pass on some useful knowledge to the players.

“It’s a blessing, in 1999 we played here in the Windward Islands championship and won, so it’s always a blessing to have Browne around.. . The knowledge he has to share with young people is a real plus,” Ferguson said.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Another century in Masters cricket

UZZAH POPEhit an unbeaten century to help Stanley Browne Stubbs Masters to a 41-run win over Vee Jays North Windward Masters in one of the weekend rounds of matches in the SVG Masters T20 Competition, played at Park Hill. Pope’s 104 not out off 68 balls helped Stubbs Masters to 179 for 3 in 20 overs, to which North Windward Masters replied with 138 for 6 in their 20 overs, Michael Charles top scoring with 37. Micah Joseph 2 for 18, Carlos Thomas 2 for 11, led for Stubbs Masters.

At Buccament, Strokes Masters

Uzzah Pope’s 104 not out in Stubbs big win was the second century in this year’s Masters T20 Competition.

defeated Sion Hill Masters by 6 wickets. Sion Hill Masters were all out for 95 in 16.3 overs, failing to negotiate Ezekiel Trimingham, 3 for 19; and Kenwyne Browne, 3 for 18. Strokes Masters raced to 97 for 4 off 8.4 overs, Orlando Lavia leading with 35.

Also, at Buccament, Budgmart Pastures Masters had the better of Cato Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters by 1 run. Pastures Masters managed 110 all out off 17 overs with Lennox Samuel getting 47. Dexter Small 3 for 1, Ezekiel Williams 3 for 18 did the damage. Glamorgan Masters got close but not close enough closing at 109 all out off 17.1 overs - McNeil Morgan 33 and Alvin Hope 3 for 22.

At Park Hill, P’tani Masters defeated Civil and Architectural Solutions Park Hill Masters by 111 runs. Score: P’tani Masters 229 for 2 off 20 oversNurlon Williams 64 not out, Lass Harry 59 and Romel Currency 58 not out; Park Hill Masters 118 for 8 off 20 overs - Elvis Browne 4 for 30.

(From left): Cahya Bascombe, Claude Bascombe Jr. and Amiyah Bascombe – all champions.

Aaron Mc Donald –took the Under-14 Male and Cadet titles.

Terrance Providence - Under-21 Male Champion.

Shawn Browne (right) and Orlando Ferguson take a break from a session with young basketball players at Arnos Vale.

Keeping people together

IF INDIAN authorities think that waging war with Pakistan presents mileage for the country, they might have to think again. It has been seen cricket is unifying force.

That is what is keeping the Caribbean together. The world is engaging in more meaningful ways because of cricket.

Sri Lanka has the similar story, and in spite of ethic and political cries, the game serves as the equalizer.

There will still be separation on the field of play and certainly beyond the boundary, there is no control on the square and usually that’s where the cores are settled.

West Indies cricket will be ruing their team’s absence from the One Day International championship. We have no one to blame. Cricket has evolved and there is no room for crybabies.

While we follow the world cup in India and all its diversions, preparations for the 2024 T/20 championship is finalizing.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be part of that spectacle. That will mark a welcome return to international cr5icket at Arnos Vale.

From its opening in 1972, the facility has established a worldwide reputation. The beauty of the ground is astounding. Commentators the world over have been overcome by awe by the magnificence of the surroundings. Improvements come regularly and gradually, the facility has created its own pedigree.

An electronic score board has become a necessity. There is a sense of urgency was it relates to completion of the renovations.

The election of a new president of the local cricket association activities in keeping with the coordination of events necessary in the staging of our segment ought to be priority.

Those concerned and engaged in the exercise have to get their act together. The negative tendencies have to be cast aside. There is no merit in trying to discredit the country for attempting to be part of the regional spectacle.

Those who feel that hosting an event of this magnitude is costing the country might be advised to think again about the price of advertising.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines have lots to gain by their hosting of the exercise.

It is a pity that the Windward Islands 50 over tournament is taking place here with two venues being used. The sad thing is that Sion Hill Playing Field is the home venue for the national team.

One wonders what the thinking is with the organizers to arrange a tournament and all the home team’s matches are fixed at Sion Hill.

Vincentian cricket fans in North Leeward have to come to Sion Hill to see their national team in action.

Cumberland Playing Field, comparable in beauty to Arnos Vale, is the venue for the other matches. So Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica will enjoy the ambience of the North Leeward zone, while the home team will be denied.

That decision might have set back the local team. For while action at Sion was abandoned, cricket was played at Cumberland. All the best to everyone at independence.

Fitz Hughes rules North L’ward football

HOME TEAMFitz Hughes defeated power house and defending champions Keartons to claim the title of 2023 North Leeward Football Champions.

A large crowd turned out to witness the final played at the Goolin Playing field in Fitz Hughs last Sunday.

It was the home team that scored first, compliments a Emroy Edwards strike in the 22nd minute. The match remained 1-0 for the first half, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Keartons, cheered on by their travelling fans, was not to be outdone and reacted early in the second half. The experienced Wendy Cuffy found the back of the net in the 67th minute to level the score which remained 1-1 well into stopping time, forcing the match to be decided on penalty kicks.

The crowd grew tense and louder with every goal from the penalty takers.

As it was, Keartons missed a penalty and the home fans needed no further invitation to take to the field in celebration.

Following the football final, there was a ceremony to recognize the Championship tournament’s best players.

The award for MVP of the Finals went to Kevin ‘Nasa’ Small; Best Goalkeeper - Samir Bristol; Best Midfielder - Jamal Creese; Top goal scorer - Kamal

NLSCO elects new executive

ELRON LEWISis the new president of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organization (NLSCO).

He was elected at the organisation’s general meeting held on September 21, 2023, at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, and replaces Noland Allen, who did not stand for reelection.

Nadichia Brown is the new Vice-President. She defeated two other contenders - Rickel Stapleton and Dennis Samuel. Dwight Roberts will continue as Treasurer after a close battle with John Williams, who will fill the position of Assistant Treasurer.

Kennica Thompson and Deshia Murray were elected unopposed to the positions of Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

Kenville Horne and Dennis Samuel were elected unopposed and will serve as Public Relations Officer and Games Secretary respectively in the new Executive. Elected Committee Members are Kesrick Williams and Romique Hooper.

Lewis in his acceptance speech, said, after congratulating the members of the new administration, “As we all are aware, we have a lot of work to do to get our organization back in the green. I am confident in this executive and I believe that we have committed and dedicated people here, and I am confident we will work together in the interest of North Leeward development at heart.”

The New NLSCO Executive will serve for the period 20232025. (KH)

Griffith.

The ceremony also included the distribution of awards and prizes to winners in the North Leeward Queen Show and the Soca Monarch Competition.

Rolanda Samuel is the reigning Miss North Leeward while the combined act of Redz, Emton and Farri won the Soca Monarch competition. (KH)

BSS students receive cycling helmets

TWENTY STUDENTSfrom the Barrouallie Secondary School (BSS) are now better protected whenever they mount their bicycles to journey to and from school, or when traversing their community.

This, after the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union last Monday, September 25, presented helmets to the students.

According to Public Relations Officer of the SVGCU- Desmarie Greenaway: “The SVG Cycling Union aims to ensure that pedal cyclists in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are better equipped

with safety gear, hence reducing the incidence of serious head injuries”.

Greenaway underscored that last Monday’s presentation was the first of several distributions which will be done between this month and December in various schools and communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Greenaway revealed that there will also be the presentation of lights, in addition to safety and traffic tips from members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Branch.

Fitz Hughes Football team – Champions of North Leeward Football.

L-R: Shanel McKie, Committee Member; Dwight Roberts, Treasurer; Kennica Thompson, Assistant Game Secretary; Kenville Horne, PRO; Elron Lewis, President; Nadichia Brown, Vice President; Deshia Murray, Secretary; Dennis Samuel, Games Secretary; Romique Hooper and Kesrick Williams, Committee members.

Students pose with their helmets, in the company of officials of the SVGCU- Sezevra Joseph (extreme right front row) and Peter Durrant (extreme left back row).

Classifieds V

Motorcyclist sustains life-threatening injuries

From Backpage.

In its appeal that accompanies the GOFUNDME appeal, the family wrote: “The family of Dario Browne is seeking medical assistance who recently was involved in an accident. He had sustained serious injuries to his brain and spine that have left him paralysed. He is unresponsive and is in a coma. We are asking for your kind donation and contribution as we are flying him out of St. Vincent to Trinidad so the doctors can perform the necessary surgery needed to restore his health. Please help us

reach our goal at the bottom by donating whatever God has laid on your heart. We would

greatly appreciate it. May God bless you as you give. Thank you ??.”

FOR SANDALS

EARLY 2024 OPENING FOR SANDALS

SANDALS RESORTS

INTERNATIONAL has projected, as per its website, that its Beaches Resorts St. Vincent Guests at Buccament will be officially opened on March 27, 2024.

However, according to Terrene Des Vignes, the Regional Project Director of Sandals International, the aim is to have most of the areas completed by February 15th, so that the Resort can host thirty-three (33) heads of state and government, along with their accompanying

delegations, who will assemble here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the formal transfer of the presidency of CELAC. And as construction continues unabated towards realizing the projected opening of the 350-room Resort, Sandals continues with its ‘Job Fairs’ towards filling positions in administration, entertainment, communications, human resources, sales, landscaping and laundry services, to name a few areas aligned to the operation that the highend Resort will demand.

The latest ‘Job Fair’, held at the Kingstown Baptist Church, will climax today, Friday 29th September.

According to Sunil Ramdeen, Regional Public Relations Manager, Sandals

Resorts, as reported elsewhere, the daily closing hour, 3pm, for the ‘Job Fair’ had to be extended to 5pm to cater to those persons who had difficulty meeting the 3pm deadline.

As happened at the previous ‘Job Fairs’ hosted by Sandals, hundreds of persons turned up to register their interest, with the hope that they will be ‘lucky’ enough to benefit from an employment opportunity with the

international hotel brand.

The expectation, as per an indication from Des Vignes, is that there will be continued employment of upwards of 800 individuals in construction, and hundreds are expected to find employment once the Resort opens in full.

Already, Sandals has recruited a number of Vincentians for positions in the Resort and some have benefited from orientation and training

attachments at other Sandals Resort in the region, and have returned to assist with the ongoing recruitment drive, as per the recent ‘Job Fair’.

Sandals Resorts International’s Beaches Resorts St. Vincent Guests at Buccament, St. Vincent, will mark the ninth Caribbean destination and 18th Sandals Resort for Sandals Resorts International (SRI).

MOTORCYCLIST SUSTAINS LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES

A ‘GOFUNDME’ appeal has been launched to assist with offsetting medical expenses for Dario Browne.

Browne, a 30-year-old VINLEC employee of South Rovers, was up to Wednesday a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and was in an unresponsive state, i.e. in a coma and paralysed.

According to sources close to his situation, Browne had suffered lifethreatening injuries to his brain, spine, limbs, and would have had unspecified internal injuries as well.

The diagnosis was that he needed highly specialised spinal surgery that was not available in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, if he was to stand any chance of being able to walk again.

Toward that end, his family has

begun the process of getting him to Trinidad and Tobago for the surgery.

Browne, a motorcyclist, according to a police press release of Monday 25th September, was involved in a vehicle collision along the San Souci public road, on Sunday 24th September, around 6:30pm.

The collision involved motor vehicle HV-443, a grey Toyota Noah nan owned and driven by Iran James, of South Rivers, motor vehicle P-9206, a grey Suzuki Escudo Jeep, owned by Delano Toney of Colonaire and driven by Lafleur France, of Chapmans Village, and a multi-coloured motorcycle, PT- 918, ridden by Dario Browne, of South Rivers, the police release said.

The release continued: “The rider of

motorcycle PT-918 sustained various injuries on his body. He was taken to the Georgetown Medical Complex for medical attention and was later transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he is currently a patient.

“Motor Vehicles HV443 and P-9206 were slightly damaged whilst PT-918 was extensively damaged. The investigation is ongoing.”

Continued on Page 23.

Dario Browne remains warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in an unresponsive state. (Facebook Photo)

The Beaches Resorts St. Vincent Guests will sit on 50 lush acres of prime real estate on mainland St. Vincent.

The recent ‘Job Fair’ hosted by Sandals attracted overwhelming interest. (Photo Source: St. Vincent Times)