THE VINCENTIAN PDF- 30-07-21

FRIDAY, JULY

30, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.30

BACOL files with CCJ Page 5

www.thevincentian.com

Veterans assist homeland Page 12

No unvaccinated vendors Page 13

Retired Superintendent of Prisons Brenton Charles was adamant he did not make certain denials in the presence of the Prime Minister and Commissioner of Police.

EC$1.50

$97m unaccounted for Page 24

Missing girl deported Page 24

Attorney Grant Connell could create precedent if he should get his way.

by HAYDN HUGGINS ATTORNEY GRANT CONNELL has given indication that he intends to make an application to the court to have Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves and Commissioner of Police Colin John appear as witnesses, as he opens his defence on behalf of suspended prison officer Louis Cupid.

When the matter against Cupid continued this week at the Serious Offences Court, retired Superintendent of Prisons Brenton Charles denied that he admitted, in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Continued on Page 3.

Left: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is no stranger to the court though he would have had his day looking in on the witness box.

Right: Commissioner of Police Colin John would have had a stint of prosecutorial practice in the court system.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Clymax band leader remembers Soso to another icon of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a man of many talents/skills, who was blessed with a rich melodic tone in his voice — Trevor Lockhart, better known as Winston Soso,” Browne, a Brooklyn, BERNARD “BONNI” BROWNE, leader of the defunct, top New York resident, told THE VINCENTIAN. Vincentian band, Clymax, has added his voice to the “On behalf of Clymax, formally Volume 5, we glowing tributes to Vincentian Cultural Ambassador celebrate the legacy of this brother, ‘Sos’”, he added.

Winston Soso.

“Special condolences to his mother, sisters, all his Soso died on Jul. 18, a few days after his 69th children, extended families, friends and fans. birthday.

“I wish I could take credit for discovering this “Today, as reality seeps in the soul, I pay tribute treasure when he became a member of the group back in ‘69, but ‘Sos’ was already crooning out soulful ballads and R&B songs at shows, while still a teenager, at Lyric Cinema (in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital), backing up that golden and powerful voice and, almost in the same breath, mesmerizing fans with his athletic skills in the day as a top-notch goalkeeper in soccer,” Browne continued.

Soso became the custodian for Kingstown-based Avenues United and Browne said he seldom missed one Avenues’ matches.

Browne said Soso was also an “excellent tailor” who made band members’ outfits.

“He had that ability to excel that gave us some togetherness and helped raise the level of musicianship,” he said. “We practised intensely and secured a gig to perform alongside the great Latinaires at the then popular Ricks Disco. We opened our set with ‘Sos’ singing ‘Wild Flower’, a ballad that had just hit the charts, not yet popular at home. “l will never forget that performance,” Browne added. “He was motivated as he made that song his own, delivered a soulful articulated rendition. The crowd responded with loud applause. We had to repeat it.

“This set the mood, as we broke into our repertoire, played with confidence, as the crowd dance/feted the night away, with a double treat — us with Latinaires to cap it off,” he continued.

Browne said Soso was dubbed the “Rolls Royce of Calypso” by the late popular Vincentian radio and ‘Sos’ performing at an honouring ceremomny television broadcaster, Ferrand “Randy D” Dopwell. hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Browne said Clymax recorded many hits, with Organization of Pennsylvania, Inc. (SVGOP)

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

Winston Soso is pictured doing a guest performing at the July 2012 Soca Monarch Competition. He was SVG’s first Soca Monarch (1996).

Soso as lead vocalist, included the hit R&B/funk “Musicland” and “Dianne” — “another big hit here in US-Caribbean circuit and in T&T (Trinidad and Tobago).”

Early in the 1980s, Browne said Soso embarked on a solo career, linking up later with Vincentianborn, Brooklyn-based musical arranger Frankie McIntosh.

“As it’s been said, ‘the rest is history’ — a merger that produced the mega hit ‘I don’t Mind’”, Browne said.

When the occasion arose, he said Soso and Clymax “displayed some memorable reunions”, such as the Vincy fundraiser for Haiti after the 2010 massive earthquake; the homecoming reunion for the 2009 Vincentian independence anniversary; a tour to Toronto, Canada for Caribana 2010; and a trip to Aruba Carnival in 1978.

“Winston put up a valiant fight when he was diagnosed with several health challenges,” Browne said. “I can testify to his journey and time spent with us. He never smoked nor drank alcohol. He was very disciplined, constantly working on his craft/skills be it soccer, sewing or his vocals.

“You can hear him singing along to songs on the radio or cassette back in the early days, when you walk by his residence, as the window was open,” he added. “All praises to the Almighty for giving his mother courage and strength, allowing her to give birth to share this unique outstanding son of our soil, Hairouna, with us all.”

Funeral arrangements for Soso are still yet to be finalized.

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News 3 Fisher folk ID cards to be issued

ALMOST TWO MONTHS after the issue of Identification Cards (ID Cards) for fishermen was highlighted by the Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisher Folk Organisation (NFO), and six years after fishermen were last issued ID cards, the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries has announced that they are resuming the programme.

Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer CruickshankHoward said the identification cards of a number of fishers had expired and they were issued with certificates of identification in the interim.

This time around, the Division is also using the opportunity to upgrade its database which will include information on other stakeholders in the

fisheries sector, such as sea food processors, workers at fisheries centres and people from whom fishers purchase gear and equipment.

“A number of persons have seen the importance of being registered” since the volcanic eruptions, Cruickshank said.

Among those showing interest for the first time are harvesters of tri tri.

The registration for and issuance of fishers’ identification cards will take place three days each week for the remainder of the year until all the fishers are covered, CruickshankHoward assured.

In an interview with Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisher Folk Organisation (NFO), he highlighted some of the benefits that can be derived from the

ID cards.

“When fisher folks used to have this ID card they could have seen their way out. Because fisher folks would use it as identification to do work, to identify themselves when they are going to lending institutions, when they are going to the credit unions, to identify themselves when they are travelling,” said Harry, who added that without the ID it was quite challenging and it was not businesses as usual.

He said that there were instances when

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 3.

Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer, assured that the process of identification will run its full course.

Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisher Folk Organisation (NFO) has welcomed the ID Cards after an inexplicable absence of six years. fishermen experienced issues at sea and the ID card would have made things better for them.

“If when Western

Union, MoneyGram and other institution asked for a second piece of identification, fisher folks could not present that second piece of identification,” Harry related.

He said the Minister of Agriculture heard the appeal and requested a meeting with his organization in early

July. He promised then to resume the issuing of ID cards for the fishermen.

“I can say I am very pleased and I think it will be a plus for the industry and I will continue to lobby for the issues that affect fisher folks in SVG,” Harry said. (KH)

PM and CoP to be summoned?

Minister Ralph Gonsalves, you admitted that those diaries were not Commissioner of Police Colin John, kept?” Connell asked the retired that the diary for the prison dormitory prison boss, who replied, “Incorrect.” where prison officer Louis Cupid “To be more precise, they were not worked during murder accused Veron kept for years?” Connell further Primus’ first escape from Her inquired of Charles, who again Majesty’s Prison Kingstown between replied, “Incorrect”.

September 29 and October 2, 2019, Charles admitted that the Prime was not kept for years.

Minister did visit the prison, and they Charles also denied that up to both went to the dormitory, but the Cupid’s arrest, in October 2019, those former prison boss denied that he diaries were not written in for years. examined the diaries in the presence The retired prison boss was of the Prime Minister or the responding to questions from Connell Commissioner of Police. at the Serious Offences Court on In fact, he said the Commissioner Monday. was not there on that occasion.

Cupid is on trial on conspiracy Connell further asked, “It was not charges in connection with the escape kept for three years, and it was as referenced. suggested by someone that it could Charles, who had given evidence at have been longer than that?” an earlier stage of the trial, was But Charles denied this, and said recalled to the witness stand at that if anyone was to say that, it Connell’s request, to shed some light would be a lie. on the issue regarding the diary, as Based on the the investigating officer, Assistant evidence of the Superintendent (ASP) of Police, Elgin retired Richards, was unable to provide Superintendent of answers, and to date, there was no Prisons, Connell disclosure of the diary, despite a Court has signaled his order. intention to make “In the presence of the Prime an application Continued from Frontpage.

four hundred and something people you known, four hundred and something prisoners.

“But let me ask you this, the ‘dormitory book’, which is to be held, when I asked for it, the equivalent of a class register, the Superintendent of Prisons told me in front of the other prison officers and the Commissioner of Police that it wasn’t kept. So I Prison staff complement asked how long it wasn’t kept for? He In a call to last Sunday’s WE FM paused and said, ‘about three years’. I Issue at Hand’ interactive programme, said, ‘Commissioner, I get the feeling Prime Minister Gonsalves said that is probably longer it wasn’t kept’.” while the prisons come under his All of this comes since the second portfolio as Minister of National escape of Primus from prison in Security, he takes responsibility but December 2020. he will not accept blame for any On that occasion Primus made the lethargy or negligence at the penal dash along with murder accused Ulric institutions.

‘Chucky’ Hanson. They were caught “I hear it said that they needed within hours of their escape. more prison officers. Is a hundred and Brenton Charles was something prison officers you have for Superintendent of Prisons at the time.

before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to have the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Police summoned as witnesses when the defence opens it case.

The matter has been adjourned to August 4 when Connell will crossexamine the investigator.

V Pompey refuses recusal application 4. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Serious Offences Court.

In response to MAGISTRATE Bertie Connell’s application, Pompey, a former deputy prosecutor at the and acting Commissioner Colonaire Magistrate’s of Police here, has turned Court, Corporal Delando down an application from Charles, expressed the attorney Grant Connell to view that Pompey, he recuse himself from being a former police hearing the case involving officer, is best suited to former police officer hear the matter.

Zackrie Latham, one of Latham is charged four charged in connection with entering the armory with the disappearance of of the Georgetown Police guns and ammunition from Station, as a trespasser the armory of the between March 31, and Georgetown Police May 1, 2021 and stealing Station. three boxes containing Connell, who is 150 rounds of .40 representing Latham, ammunition valued made the application EC$750, the property of when the accused the Government of St. appeared before Pompey Vincent and the at the Colonaire Grenadines, that Magistrate’s Court last between January 31 and week Thursday after April 1, 2021 entered the having his matter armory of the transferred from the Georgetown Police

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Station as a trespasser and stealing a box containing 50 rounds of .40mm ammunition valued EC$250.

In addition, he is charged with, between January 31 and June 17, 2021 being employed in the civil service as a member of the Police Force, and being charged with performance of duties by virtue of his employment, corruptly received property for himself, on account of an action done by him, in discharge of the duties of his office. He is also charged with, between June 2 and 17, 2021, sold at Sion Hill one magazine with 15 rounds of .40 ammunition to one ‘Pet’ of Sion Hill, without being a license firearms dealer. He is also charged with selling one glock .22 pistol to Myron Samuel of Layou, selling one magazine with 15 rounds of .40mm

ammunition to Myron Samuel of Layou on June 17, 2021, selling one glock .22 pistol to one ‘Pet’ of Sion Hill between June 2 and 17, 2021 at Sion Hill and selling one glock .22 pistol to one ‘Pet of Sion Hill between June 1 and 18, 2021.

Latham is further charged on three counts, with between June 1 and 18, 2021 at Georgetown had in his possession three glock .22 pistols, without license, and having various serial numbers. He is additionally charged with, between June 1 and 4, 2021 at Georgetown, had in his possession one M-4 rifle, serial number W877775, a prohibited weapon and at New Grounds, on June 17, 2021 was in possession of 305 rounds of ammunition. He is also charged with possession of criminal property, to with

EC$3,200.

Latham, who is out on bail, has maintained his innocence on all the charges, and his case was adjourned to a later date.

Avi King, 26, one of the four accused of Diamond Village, is into his second week of a sentence of two years and eight months, after receiving a serious of sentences at the Serious Offences Court last week, to run concurrently.

King had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of firearms, and ammunition, sale of firearms and ammunition and possession of criminal property.

Samuel, 28 who has maintained his innocence on charges of possession of one glock pistol and 15 rounds of .40 mm ammunition, as well as handling stolen goods,

Bertie Pompey returned to the Serious Offences Court on Monday, but his matters have been adjourned and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Meshack Dublin, 26, a resident of Diamond Village, also maintained his innocence on a number of charges in connection with the guns, and ammunition disappearance, but his matters were transferred from the Serious Offences Court to the Colonaire Magistrate’s Court.

Connell is representing Samuel, while attorney Jomo Thomas is representing Dublin who is also out on bail.

Another jailed for Salvation Army burglar charged gun, ammo JUST ABOUT six days after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne expressed concern about the number of persons who appear before the Serious Offences Court on firearms and ammunition charges on an almost daily basis, she had to sentence yet another person for charges of that nature.

On Monday, she sentenced 38-year-old Kenroy Cornwall of Murray’s Village to two years and 11 months for possession of one glock .22 pistol without license, and six months for having five rounds of .40 ammunition, without license. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Cornwall pleaded guilty to both charges. He was represented by attorney Grant Connell who asked for a sentence at the lower end of the scale.

He noted that Cornwall had expressed remorse, cooperated with the police, and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, after being advised by his lawyer.

Connell said that though his client had previous convictions, he had none of a similar nature.

According to the facts, presented earlier by Court Clerk Constable 754 Cekisha Harry, around 11:15 p.m on July 23, police officers attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU), acting on information received, went to a business establishment at Murray’s Village where Cornwall consented to a search of his person and belongings, during which the gun with the ammunition were found in a blue bag. (HH)

THE SALVATION ARMY, well known for activities and programmes to assist the poor and needy, reportedly suffered a loss of close to EC$13,000 in cash, after its headquarters in Kingstown was recently burglarized.

And after just about two weeks investigations into the matter, police arrested 19-year-old Kyjuan Prince of no fixed place of abode.

Prince has been charged with entering the Salvation Army building, on Melville Street, as a trespasser and stealing EC$12,077 in cash.

The offence reportedly occurred between July 7 and 8.

Prince pleaded not guilty when

he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He was granted $13,000 bail with one surety on condition that he report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays.

Prince is also charged with entering Everest Trading in Kingstown as a trespasser between July 7 and 8, and stealing $674 in cash, one gold plated chain valued $65, a computer monitor valued $400, and one large ‘boom box’ valued $120, and other items resulting in a total heist valued $2,273, all items being the property of Peng Zhang of Cane Garden.

In addition, Prince is charged with, between the same dates, without lawful excuse, damaging two sheets of plywood valued $350, two sheets of galvanize valued $290, one aluminum door valued $500, four dead bolt locks valued $160, amounting to a total value of $1,300, the property of Peng Zang of Cane garden.

Prince also pleaded not guilty to those charges and was granted $4,000 bail with one surety.

All three matters have been adjourned and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Prince was not represented by a lawyer. (HH)

31 years for murder THE JURY found him guilty of murder, from an incident at the residence where he and his common law wife Clarke occupied.

On August 13, 2017, Pedro Ashton doused Monique Clarke with gasoline and torched the 44year-old woman.

Ashton and Clarke were in a common-law relationship when the incident took place.

She died August 22 at the Milton Cato Memorial hospital upon which Ashton was charged with causing her death.

The trial ended June 25, and Justice Brian Cottle set July 23 for sentencing. He fulfilled his obligations as scheduled.

Ashton responded “no please,” when asked what

he had to say.

Cottle pointed out that Ashton, “refuses to accept responsibility for his action.”

The Justice noted that there was a history of domestic violence and abuse. He took into account, Ashton’s time on remand of three years, 11 months, ten days, hence the sentence was set at 31 years, 20 days. (KA) MORE COURT STORIES ON PAGE 17.

Pedro Ashton

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 5.

News

BACOL files application with the CCJ matter cannot go without private parties, such as policy holders, standing to affirm their right and asking the court to give as it were, an expression to what the Treaty promises,” Antoine expounded.

A strong case targets T&T To assist in its claim before the CCJ and beyond, BACOL has secured the services of an experienced legal team, including Simon Davenport Q.C of the United Kingdom, A ‘LIFELINE’ has been handed British who specialises in ‘heavy America Insurance Company (BAICO) policy holders in the Eastern Caribbean. commercial disputes, civil fraud, Simon Davenport Q.C, leading in addition to other areas of Dr Patrick Antoine President of BACOL, This with the news that an BACOL’s legal team, is confident issued a call to affected policy holders to join commercial/business law. application for special leave was filed that BACOL they will win the Davenport, addressing the (BACOL) in an effort to correct “an egregious on July 13, 2021 with the Caribbean CCJ’s approval to clear the way media conference, explained that injustice”.

Court of Justice, in pursuance of what for action against the government following the collapse of CL a team of legal luminaries says is a of Trinidad and Tobago.

“At the CCJ hearing, anticipated to strong case against the Government of Financial, the government of be a one-day hearing, BACOL will, in Trinidad and Tobago intervened the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, effect, ask the CCJ to agree that there to ensure that investors from that special leave which, once granted, aimed at recovering over EC$800 is an arguable case and that our country were compensated. would allow for commencement of million that remain unpaid to over According to Davenport, BACOL substantial legal proceedings on behalf clients should be permitted to bring 7,500 policy holders, following the this claim,” Davenport said. (DD) had a strong case and argued that the of the group. collapse of BAICO/CL Financial in 2009. No date has yet been set for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, by its partisan intervention, had CCJ hearing. breached the Treaty of Chaguaramas “Today we are depending on you; we are seeking a partnership with you by failing to protect all investors.

He explained that all Trinidadian to right what has been in the eyes of policy holders have recovered the full policy holders of which I am one, an egregious injustice that’s been done to value of their investment while nonTrinidadian investors have managed Eastern Caribbean policy holders,” to recover about 14 percent. said Dr Patrick Antoine President of “The Trinidadian government BACOL while speaking at a virtual declined to intervene to protect them media conference, Monday 26th July, (non-Trinidadian policy holders) to provide an update on the saying British American (BAICO) was proceedings. not regulated by the Trinidadian “The extent of what is still authorities,” Davenport explained. outstanding to policy holders in the CARICOM member states have Eastern Caribbean is just over EC$800 pressed the Trinidadian Government million and we are talking about thousands of individual policy holders, for years to do more. It promised to pay a fraction of the moneys owed but and when you take on board the fact has not bent entirely to either political that many of the entities themselves have clients or members…then we are pressure or moral persuasion, Davenport continued. talking about a large section of the “And it has not recognized the legal region,” he added. rights, that is why action is necessary to restore those rights,” he asserted.

BACOL leading the fight Antoine leads the group BACOL, which was formed in Grenada in 2015 with the main objective of providing British American and CLICO policy holders with an opportunity to pool their energies/resources, in an effort to correct the injustice that had been meted out upon the collapse of both companies.

He said that the matter was significant to those within the Eastern Caribbean who would have invested, in some instances, large sums of money.

“It is a matter worth fighting for not only because there is an intention on our part that the gods will smile on us and that the court will find favour with our case in awarding us what is due as policy holders, but because our CARICOM civilization really depends on us standing and saying that this

The complaints As such, the three complaints levelled against the Government of Trinidad and Tobago are: it rescued its customers but not non-Trinidadian customers; it actively harmed British American (BAICO) by ruling that the assets could only be used to CLICO and BAT (British American Trinidad); it attempted to justify its actions by the regulatory regime that only protected Trinidadian customers.

All those actions suggested that the clients from the Eastern Caribbean were discriminated against based on their nationality, which was a breach of Trinidad and Tobago’s Treaty of Chaguaramas obligations, Davenport reiterated.

The first step in advancing the case on behalf of Eastern Caribbean policy holders was to apply to the CCJ for

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

SVG-St. Lucia: Tight

of Gonslaves alongside Chastanent in St. Lucia.

One only has to recall the gaping difference of considerations between the two POLITICAL PARTIES in the on the ‘subject’ of LIAT, Windward Islands have always had summarized by Chastanet’s a certain camaraderie among rebuke, ‘Not a red St. Lucian themselves. cent for LIAT’, over which Dr. Here in SVG, the New Gonsalves held purview.

Democratic Party is known to Whatever dust characterized align with the United Workers the Gonsalves-Chastanet era is Party of St. Lucia, the New now blown away by a hearty last National Party of Grenada and laugh that Gonslaves would the Dominica Freedom Party have had consequent upon the and perhaps more recently the SLP victory.

United Workers Party of But what can we learn from Dominica. the St. Lucia political The Unity Labour Party experience? clearly has ‘rock-hard’ It is worth noting that former relationships with the St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Anthony and Labour Party and the Dominica Leader of the SLP was not Labour Party. And if one may afraid to step back from advance an uninformed guess, leadership. His presence and the ULP’s fraternal party in whatever he would have left as Grenada would have to be the challenges for the Labour Party National Democratic Congress of it was to assume government (NDC) if for the reason that that once again, in Anthony’s party parades itself as a social estimation it appears, would democratic and liberal centrehave done the party more harm left political party, something that goods at the next poll, if he with which the ‘ideologues’ of ‘stuck’ around. the ULP can identify.

So step back he did, wielding And if we recall, both major his influence quietly but political parties here have sent effectively, amounting to his representatives to activities of delight and to the thousands their fraternal partners, and who laid in waiting, an some leaders have even spoken overwhelming victory for his on political platforms and party that had just five years conferences in open support of ago been on the brink of be their ‘comrades’, as the ULP confining to the opposition will say, and ‘brothers and benches for some time. sisters’ as preferred by the NDP. That Anthony allowed his It follows, therefore, that here subordinate Philip Pierre to take in SVG there will be the lead was a manly and simultaneous celebrations and strategic move; one that has disappointment whenever there redounded in a whole new are general elections in the any pathway for the SLP, to of the sub-region’s member consolidate itself as St. Lucia’s states. government well into the future.

It would be safe to suggest In a wider sense, the lesson that the victory for the St. Lucia for the SLP and for our political Labour Party (SLP) in that entities here is that incumbency country’ general elections, is no guarantee of a sustained Monday 26th July, 2021, was a seat in government. Who would welcomed result for the ULP. have thought that Chastanet, There is no hiding the deep given all that we heard was seated personal relationship that happening in favour of economic existed between Prime Minister growth and development in St. Dr. Gonsalves and then Prime Lucia, would have been made to Minister Dr. Anthony (of the endure such a devastating SLP) that helped to solidify the defeat… a true, true slap in the relationship between their two face? parties.

The number of seats matter in Expect a cooling of what some our first past the post system observers would have described but the underpinning feelings of as ‘tension’ between Kingstown the electorate are always fluid. and Castries during the ‘reigns’ Take note.

The J.P’s story and the Elwardo Lynch’s lesson (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of August 30, 2013.)

IN OUR EARLY HISTORY, J.P’s played a large part in public life. Ideally they were, for the most part, sensible and intelligent persons who possessed horse-sense aplenty even if there was limitation as to book sense.

Particularly, on the offshore island like Bequia, the J.P’s informal rulings were accepted by the folk. As we “evolved”, formal law and lawyers progressively took over, and the JP’s role was relegated to simple duties, but their status still somehow persisted despite the loss of functions.

So that the J.P position still had much influence with the emerging politician, especially at the village level. Increasingly the J.P status carried clout and came to be seen as something to be fought for at the party-political level, even sometimes seen as the passport to local or national politics.

On the changeover from NDP to ULP in March 2001, the new Government moved with all deliberate speed, for whatever reason, to effect a wide sweep of all “NDP”.

Justices of Peace, beginning with Yvonne Francis-Gibson.

Yvonne had impressive credentials: headmistress of several elementary schools;, President of the SVUT in which capacity she had been jailed in 1975 during the Teachers’ Demonstration; the first Head of the Women’s Desk; and NDP minister of Education. She had to go simply because she had joined the NDP, having been earlier a devout supporter of the Labour Party. Her husband, Kelvin, naturally was included in her plight.

Next was Alexis Griffith whose story had a strange twist. He had been a survivor of the “NDP” PSC when ULP took over. The Chairman, this columnist, had resigned with two faithful and committed Vincentian citizens, Mike De Freitas and Erica Mac Intosh, leaving the new ULP Government to enjoy a majority with their three newly appointed members in a PSC of five.

Alexis Griffith had stayed in to complete his run of three years, and retained his JP status during the balance of his stay as PSC member. His membership was not renewed. The day he ceased being a member of the PSC, on that very day policemen seized the instruments of his office of J.P! The pattern followed in the cases of Garvin Seymour of Dickson who was peremptorily sack.

So, too, were two respectable banana farmers of Greggs in Alston Lewis and Sylvanus Joseph.

The former had reportedly been condemned for protecting and harbouring

James Mitchell, who dared run for the South Central Windward seat in the fiery election of 1974.

Urcellin Philips, ex-head teacher of Chateaubelair, had been a Justice of Peace but was visited with the same kangaroo Justice. The policeman who carried out the orders was very apologetic. He had learnt his ABC at her feet.

Imagine an ex- Assistant Commissioner of Police, Wendell Wright, suffered a similar fate, as did Patrice Reddock, Philip Lyttle, Winston Webb, George Howard, et al.

Lessons From Lynch I visited Elwardo Lynch earlier this week, still labouring with illnesses brought on by the pressures of life. I comforted him with the thought that there are many who see him as a “Martyr”. Immediately he declared in a whisper, with hope if not conviction, “I will be back.”

My thoughts settled on those wellmeaning folk who literally worshipped and danced attendance on the maximum leader and have been left deluded, dejected, and disappointed.

After Lynch there have been, among many disillusioned and dispirited folk, Otto Sam, Rollin Stapleton, Junior Bacchus and Mathew Thomas, representing the tip of the iceberg.

There are others too, groping and hoping, still in search of an elusive alternative: Luzette King. Margaret London, Anesia Baptiste, Marlon Bute and even Jomo Thomas, caught in the cross-winds between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. I do not hold out much positive hope, given our own weaknesses and mindset. At least we can caution against some negatives. Follow Lynch and beware the one encyclopaedia and eleven copy books and, in particular, fight shy of the Twin Towers of Evil.

That way, one may not be right, but certainly not wrong!

More Deaths I merely record the passing of some dear friends and acquaintances: DR Richard John of the famous four in the1950s Danny Williams, “Shake” Keane, and A.C Cyrus, the survivor; my childhood neighbour and friend, Raymond Anderson and his aunt-in-law, Winifred Anderson nee Burke; and a name-sake Mrs Anderson of Edinboro, the widow of the fisherman “Bandy- Waist”.

Still in Edinboro, we mourn the loss of Joyce Frank nee Maloney, a netball star of yore, and very good friends of mine Elta James of Biabou and Bacchus of Diamond Village. R.I.P.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 7.

Letters

A tribute to Winston Soso, the Rolls Royce AFTER A LONG and valiant battle with illness, Winston Soso, whose legal name was Trevor Lockhart, passed on Sunday morning, 18th July, 2021, at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn, New York, a few days after his 69th birthday.

One of the top soca artistes in the world, Soso, a former national football goalkeeper for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), was the composer and performer of “I Doh Mind”, one of the greatest soca hits of all time.

He had many other big hits, including “How Some Men Love Dey Women” aka “Big Bottom”, “Ah Feel To Party Tonight”, “Rude Girl Posse”, “Come Ley We Go In The Back And Fool Around”, “Congratulations”, “Don’t Throw Stones”, “Pan Yard” and “Too Much Corruption”, also the title of his debut monster album, to name a few.

Winston Soso was made a goodwill/cultural ambassador by the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines in November, 2014.

Nicknamed ‘The Rolls Royce’ by his numerous fans and many radio jocs, Winston was a dynamic performer! He performed in all of the major soca countries in the world.

On behalf of the president and members of the Becket Benefit Organization (BBO), of which Soso was one of its major contributors, and myself, our heartfelt condolences go out to his mother, Melveena Edwards, his children, family and friends, his ex-wife - Petra Waldron, girlfriend Marva and the members of Clymax band, of which Soso was an outstanding member and for whom he penned and voiced the mega hit “Dianne”. And last, but not least, the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the CDC, the calypsonian and musician fraternities of SVG and North America, and his many adoring fans throughout the world.

May the soul of Winston Soso, ‘The Rolls Royce’, rest in eternal peace!

Alston Becket Cyrus Becket Benefit Organization (BBO)

The Slow Class MANY WHO have not studied slow classes formally, persist in setting them up with the noble intention of helping the students. What happens to these students is that they are hindered from progressing and are more likely to drop out of school.

The Slow Class seems to be where students who perform poorly end up.

Some of them are there because of deviant behavior, while others never got the assistance they need to enable them to succeed. Some could be there because of boredom. In some cases, some gifted students find themselves in the Slow Class.

The class becomes an

country to some normalcy the taking of the vaccine is important.

I have heard of persons throwing away their pensions by refusing to take the vaccine but and others refusing to continue their employment. This persons throwing away their pension or denying themselves an employment - is not sensible.

More importantly, failure to be vaccinated can setback the country financially, for many tourists will not come to our shores.

Failure to be vaccinated will definitely pose a problem when traveling; for we know that if someone is not vaccinated their quarantine will be more than those who have

also be deployed.

Invariably, some students may have an interest in some practical or technical area that the school can facilitate to capture their interest and credit them for. In such cases they can research, read, write, and make presentations for credit.

Motivation is essential for learning and we must go to where the students are motivated to learn and use it to get them to do what we want them to do.

It appears to be a common practice for many schools to bunch slow learners together.

The natural consequence is for the students to become slower as a

result. Many of these students are forced to repeat. Instead of this, however, students should be given the support they need to succeed throughout the school year.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

President Moïse: A victim of our colonial legacy THE ASSASSINATION of President Moïse of Haiti is the latest dramatic reflection of the culture of murderous political violence that has typified the colonisation of the Caribbean, and whose legacy continues to speak to the devalued worth of black lives, especially in our hemisphere.

For the people of Haiti and the wider Caribbean

The Covid-19 Vaccine MANY HEALTH CARE personnel and workers here and abroad have refused to take the Covid-19 vaccine. This, of course, adds strength to those who oppose the vaccine. It also makes those who are not vaccinated but not necessarily against the vaccine, more reluctant to take it.

We have been hearing, especially from the USA, that once fully vaccinated then the wearing of mask is not mandatory. On the other hand, here in SVG we are told that even though one is fully vaccinated, wearing of masks is still required. This differing information reduces the incentive for taking the vaccine.

The thing, though, is that to return our

example of a Selffulfilling Prophesy. The students know that not much is expected of them so they do not produce much. The teachers also know that the students are slow so they may not waste their time with them. This class is more likely than the others to be left unattended.

If the problem is reading, then students should be given individual attention to enable them to learn to read, and to practise reading to the extent where they can read comfortably on their own.

YES workers and teachers with less than the recommended teaching periods can assist. Peer teaching can

been vaccinated.

So while we may have our issues with the vaccine, we need to consider the consequences of not being vaccinated and the setback it can have on our country as a whole. I trust that good sense will prevail and we would seek to look at the brighter picture. Thank you.

Kennard King

region, who have united politically for mutual survival with dignity under the banner of Caricom, this blunt and brutal execution of the democratically elected head of state foregrounds the historic savagery long fought against in our region’s struggle to forge a humane and sophisticated postcolonial Caribbean civilisation.

Political murder and social mayhem have long been the management tools used to maintain the misery and marginalisation of the Caribbean as it marches inexorably to the rendezvous of democracy.

No country in the modern world has paid as great a human and material price as Haiti in seeking to convert its rubble of bloody imperial domination into a viable democratic nation state.

In this regard, the murder of President Moïse is the latest in a legacy that includes

political leaders such as Walter Rodney and Maurice Bishop.

His political execution reflects but an element in the internal political gridlock many Caribbean societies face in their effort to detach from the colonial scaffold, with its endemic thirst for violence, and advance to a peaceful domestic democratic idealism. The University of the West Indies is dedicated to this process and transition and mourns the lost life of President Moïse.

I recall the intellectual elegance and charismatic charm of his chairmanship of the Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom

in Port-au-Prince in February 2018 when he made this statement: “I am not a graduate of The University of the West Indies, but I am an academic product of it.

As a student here in Haiti, I was raised on the scholarly output of the great University of the West Indies and I have an affinity for it.”

May his soul return in peace and its passage serve as a light to lead us out of this darkness.

Our prayers are with his widow as she continues her fight to live.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles Vice Chancellor The University of the West Indies

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Visit by the President of the United Nation General Assembly: a testimony to our global reputation

Community Centres should be used by the Community

Introduction

MOST COMMUNITY centres were constructed throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the New Democratic Party (NDP) government. They played a critical role within the communities.

They were used for: educational purposes, cultural activities, social events and other activities that involved the community. When the Unity Labour Party (ULP) gained power in 2001, they deliberately refused to repair them and systematically denied members of the communities the use of these centres.

It is said that social bonds are created at community centers. They help to build strong, safe and inclusive communities. And, afterschool programmes at these centres can help deter at-risk youth from criminal activities and can provide a constructive environment for these young people. The NDP government had the vision to construct these centres which were used extensively by youth and women in various communities.

The ULP government does not understand the importance of these community centres. Some community centres across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are either in deplorable condition or locked — out of use - while others are used for purposes for which they were not built. The ULP government has erected similar structures but they are not being utilized. Then, why were they constructed?

There is an ongoing saga with the Paget Farm community centre. The centre has been taken away from the people of Paget Farm, Bequia, by the government. It now serves as a police station and there are plans for it to house the clinic and the Magistrate Court. This has made the people of Paget Farm and the wider community of Bequia angry. And they are calling on the government for the immediate return of the centre for the community’s use. Toward this end, the residents of Paget Farm are in the process of preparing a petition to be sent to the government.

Dr. Godwin Friday, parliamentary representative for the Northern Grenadines, and Leader of the Opposition, is deeply concerned about the development in Paget Farm. He will on Thursday 29th July, during a meeting of the House, ask of the Minister of Social Development the following question: ‘The Paget Farm community center was built under the NDP government for use by members of the public for their various activities. Over the years, it has been regularly used for wedding receptions, funerals, church crusades, youth group meetings, government departments meetings, Red Cross meetings, exercise classes, community concerts and other activities. Several years ago, the ground floor was taken over for use as the police station and more recently, the main floor has been used as the Court House. Now, construction work has begun to divide the main floor into smaller sections that will make the Center no longer usable for the purposes mentioned above. Will the Minister please state: How will the remodeled Paget Farm

THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, with its 193 members, is the largest organ in the international organisation that is the United Nations.

This organ that consists of the entire membership of the organisation, is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. Every year, leaders from across the globe, gather in New York City, USA, at the headquarters of the United Nations to participate in the annual General Assembly (GA) sessions and debates where issues of national importance are presented. The GA session is presided over by its President, an individual elected for a period of one year, to coincide with the current session.

Among the list of individuals elected to preside over the General Assembly session, are three individuals from CARICOM member states, Ambassadors Samuel Rudolph Insanally from Guyana, Julian Hunte from St. Lucia, and John Ashe from Antigua and Barbuda. Even with this history of a connection with past PGA, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has never before had a visit from this high-profile UN diplomat in their official capacity. It is therefore a very significant occurrence that in 2021, the PGA of the UN who is a Turkish diplomat, chose to visit this country to hold meetings with the Prime Minister, Dr. Hon Ralph Gonsalves and conduct field visit to view the devastation in parts of our country in the aftermath of the La Soufriere eruption. Surely, SVG much like other CARICOM states has experienced natural disasters over the years, but the devastation has never prompted a visit of a sitting PGA. The question remains therefore, why the visit and why now?

throughout the entire system. The following year, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was elected to serve as one of the Vice Presidents of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the body that deals with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following year (2019), our country was able to secure our election to the Presidency of ECOSOC, where we were involved in the setting of the agenda of the council and raise a number of critical issues including addressing the impacts of climate change on Small Islands Developing States. Many states, even larger states with more resources, have never attempted much less succeeded in such an ambitious agenda as this country between 2017 and 2019. SVG wasn’t finished, the true test of the results of our work at the UN and recognition of our reputation and influence by member states lay ahead.

While serving as President of ECOSOC, SVG faced the election to the Security Council in July of 2019, the culmination of 10 years of preparation and campaigning. Our campaign, built on the excellent track record of this country, established through the solid work we had done on committees and organs over the years, would reveal just how effective our country had been. Even with noise from the unpatriotic detractors, who went as far as writing member states of the UN urging them not to support SVG’s bid, this country of ours, small, but principled and consistent in its was able to defeat El Our remarkable work at the UN 2017- positions Salvador by 185-6 votes to serve on 2021 the UNSC for the 2020-2021 period.

Over the last 5 years, Saint Vincent This victory was one, not just for SVG, but for CARICOM and for SIDS, and the Grenadines at the United reinforcing Comrade Ralph’s Nations has had a remarkable philosophy of “small island performance, that saw this country exceptionalism” and the clearest elected to serve on very prestigious expression that “while we are better organs and committees within the organisation. The reality is that what than nobody, nobody is better than has occurred over the last 5 years, is a us”. The two-year term as a nondirect result of the excellent work put permanent member of the UNSC comes to an end in December this in by our country’s diplomats who have done their part in implementing year (2021), and we can be confident that our country served well, the principled and consistent foreign representing not just our interest, but policy of the ULP administration those of SIDS in CARICOM and headed by comrade Ralph. It should elsewhere. be remembered that following the 2008 global economic meltdown, this Conclusion country’s Permanent Representative to the UN at the time Camillo As our term as a non-permanent Gonsalves was chosen by the member of the UNSC comes to an countries of the north as their end, it caps off a remarkable run by representative to co-chair a global this country internationally over the conference on the impacts of the last 5 years. Make no mistake, meltdown. It is also a good time to remind readers that SVG’s campaign securing the UNSC election was undoubtedly the most difficult of all for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, began back in 2009 the achievements, and possibly the while Comrade Camillo was strongest indication of our influence Ambassador. These and other events and reputation. The failure of Canada indicate clearly that SVG had began to secure such an election a year ago to experience and improvement in its after spending over a million dollars global reputation as more and more, including a concert by Celine Dion, our representatives distinguished tells us how difficult it can be even themselves through their work in with money to spend. It is therefore implementing the country’s foreign no coincidence that the PGA chose to policy. visit SVG at this time, as this country Towards the end of 2016 therefore, has established itself as a nation that it was no surprise that the current Permanent Representative of SVG to believes and promotes consistently the principles of the UN Charter and has the UN, H.E Inga Rhonda King was gained the respect of other countries elected to chair the financial and as a result. As Vincentians, we can be budgetary committee off the UN for the 70th session of the UNGA (2017). proud of this country, knowing that This is the committee that deals with the world respects us because of our work. the allocation of financial resources

community center be used; whether members of the public will continue to have access to the centre for their activities; and how will members of the public conduct the various activities in the community that the Center previously accommodated?’

In addition, Senator Shevern John is worried about the lack of use of the community centre in Dickson which has been undergoing repairs for a decade. Her question to the Minister of Social Development on Thursday 29th July when parliament meets: ‘The people south of the Rabacca Dry River have resettled into their communities and psychosocial support is needed in these communities to help affected persons cope. To this end, physical space is necessary to host community activities. The community centre in Dickson, North Windward, has been in need of renovation for over ten years. Will the Honourable Minister please state: if there are plans to renovate the community centre and how soon this work is expected to begin?

Parliamentary representative for South Leeward, Honourable Nigel Stephenson, is also dissatisfied with the state of the community centre in Penniston. So, on July 6 when parliament met, he asked a question of the Minister of Social Development about the centre. He asked: ‘The Penniston community centre was once utilized by the people of Penniston to enhance their quality of life. Today it is sadly in a dilapidated condition.

Will the Honourable Minister please state: when that center will be rehabilitated, and the estimated cost?’

The Minister’s reply was strange. He said that assessment of community centres across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which included the Penniston community centre, had to be halted because of the eruption of la Soufriere.

So too in South Central Windward, the centres are in a dilapidated condition. In 2019, Senator Israel Bruce asked of the Minister of Social Development: ‘The Lauders and Greiggs community centres have been in a dilapidated state for years now, making them eyesores to the residents. Are there plans in place to refurbish the Lauders and Greggs community centres so as to facilitate youth and community integration activities and, if no, would you give an undertaking to the residents of Lauders and Greggs that these centres will be refurbished soon? To this date, nothing has been done to these centres.

The ULP government continues to fail the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They have allowed the community centres to deteriorate to the extent that they cannot be used.

This action can be considered as one of spite because they were constructed by the NDP administration. Further, the government should construct the clinic, police station and Magistrate Court in Paget Farm and allow the community centre to be used by the people of the community for the purpose for which it was built.

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Transparent and vulnerable

“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu – 19101997), honoured in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE INDIVIDUALS and circumstances that invite us to compromise the truth. Some persons may even seem aggressive or assertive in having us dismantle our principles.

This is sometimes done in an effort to “hang something over our heads” having placed a skeleton in our closet. Our errors in judgement, mistakes, and foibles may reveal our imperfections.

Individuals who are not secure in themselves or who consider that such revelations may result in the loss of status and/or hurtful reprimands, may be tempted to engage in some form of denial or “cover up”. Errors make us vulnerable. However, there is a certain priceless peace of mind that is emitted when we seek to be honest anyway; when we allow truth to reign even if it creates personal disadvantages and setbacks. We are responsible and accountable for our actions and inactions. Regardless of the consequences, we are encouraged to be honest and transparent nonetheless – even when the revelations result in our vulnerability.

It can be argued that such an approach to life (i.e., being truthful and honest) is often not practical.

Such exposures in the workplace may result in individuals being reprimanded, suspended, or terminated for inappropriate behaviours. Some may contend that many marital relationships could disintegrate if “the truth be told”.

These scenarios help us to understand and appreciate the challenges that we may face in being totally transparent and vulnerable in such situations.

However, they simultaneously unearth sensitivities that are related to behaviours that need to be corrected/eradicated.

The ability to tell the truth, regardless of the consequences, is a mark of great maturity and a demonstration of integrity. Mark Twain reminds us to, “Always tell the truth. That way, you don’t have to remember what you said.” Such an approach creates and sustains a climate of transparency even though it simultaneously exposes conditions that result in our vulnerability.

Based on the foregoing commentary, we understand and appreciate that it is not always easy to tell the truth. However, being truthful is essential, even when it is perceived to be difficult (i.e., it may create pain, suffering, and embarrassment). There are some who incorrectly and unwisely conclude that it is easier or “better” to engage in lying or hiding the truth, but regardless of how individuals seek to excuse or rationalize the situation, this is wrong; it is inaccurate.

Sticking to a lie is often difficult and more challenging than telling the truth. Glen Duncan (born 1965), the Anglo-Indian author, reminds us that, “To tell the truth is a beautiful act even if the truth itself is ugly.” We are encouraged by this knowing that

when the truth is exposed we can find solutions and make decisions based on facts; on the reality of the situation.

As painful and traumatic as the exposure may be, it is likely to be much more beneficial than the efforts to disguise the truth.

We will periodically face the temptations to tell “a little lie”.

Sometimes we may “embellish the truth” in an effort to make the situation appear better than it is (e.g. magnifying our accomplishments or downplaying our foibles). In such instances the truth becomes “murky”; difficult to decipher. In such a situation, transparency is absent or grossly deficient. However, whenever we rise above the temptation we readily appreciate the courage and strength that was required to do so.

We can feel good about ourselves knowing that we have been honest; that integrity was allowed to reign.

Additionally, we can rest assured that we are not required to remember every detail of what was said as is the case when lies are uttered or efforts are made to deceive others.

Individuals who are prepared to be totally transparent will “wear their thoughts on their sleeves”. In other words, they will be prepared to express their views without feeling inhibited; to say things as they are.

They will not be afraid to raise their voices for honesty, truth, fairness, faithfulness, and compassion against injustice, lying, and greed. Such individuals are prepared to be transparent and vulnerable even in the face of hostile opposition. They can be no other way. This is who they are and what they stand for. Such individuals are considered invaluable to homes, churches, service clubs, and work places. They call a spade a spade. They are emotionally detached and objective. Justice and fairness become their hallmark. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th President of the United States of America, would describe such individuals as, “casting a straight shadow”.

We are invited to be totally transparent (i.e., honest, truthful, and forthright); to be beacons of integrity.

In doing so, we are aware that this will make us vulnerable (i.e., people will see us for who we are … and some may seek to exploit us).

However, this is who we should be — transparent and vulnerable.

Deception, deceit, and dishonesty should not be associated with our names. Our intentions and our actions should be pure. A life of purity and integrity enables us to be ideal role models and mentors. This should be the legacy that we create and leave as an inheritance for successive generations. Our homes, schools, Houses of Parliament, service clubs, and workplaces would be so much better when we accept the challenge to be transparent and vulnerable.

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

The Director of Audit needs more tools THE REVELATION BY OPPOSITION LEADER Godwin Friday that between 2010 and 2015 government failed to account for $95 million is alarmingly troubling.

Friday’s expose’ came from the Auditor’s report for 2015. The fact that the reports are five years behind schedule is equally worrisome because it means we get to discuss these matters years after they should have been tabled for full disclosure, explanation and debate.

The EC$95 million represents the difference between what the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines said was drawn down under the government’s overdraft account and the amount that the accountant general presented to the Director of Audit.

Dr Friday correctly surmised, ‘there is a discrepancy, but that discrepancy must be explainable. And when the Accountant General can’t explain that to the satisfaction of the Director of Audit, then it leads to all sorts of questions. Were there inefficiencies?

Were there losses? Or worse, was there misappropriation?’

It is a damning commentary on government operations when the Director of Audit declares, ‘I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence to provide the basis of an audit opinion. Accordingly, I do not express an opinion on the financial statements.’

Clearly, the Finance Minister has some explaining to do. He will have to lean on his father since PM Gonsalves was Finance Minister between 2010 and 2015.

He must offer reasons for the differences in the period under review.

2010, the overdraft on the bank’s account was EC$58 million. The Accountant General list the amount of the overdraft as $44 million. In 2011, the bank paid $33.7 million via the overdraft account, but the Director of Audit accounts for $16.3 million. In 2012, the bank disbursed $41.6 million, but the Account General records $31.3 million.

In 2013, the bank listed $51.1 million while the Accountant General’s account for only $34.2 million. In 2014, the bank issued $60.5 million in overdraft, and the Accountant General recorded $31 million. While in 2015, the bank’s record showed $60 million while the Account General verifies only $50 million.

These accounting issues relating to government’s financing are nothing new. On February 14, 2020, Plain Talk column entitled biggest outtake of the budget debate said: ‘The biggest story was that the government had routinely violated statutory law and the constitution by not adhering to the legal demands relating to overdraft limits. The legal limits set for government overdraft currently stands at $50 million. The government gets this authority according to the Financial Administration Act. However, over the last decade, the government borrowed way above the $50 million limit. In 2014, the government borrowed as much as $83 million.

Of critical importance is that whenever the government exceeded its overdraft limits, it never sort parliament’s approval for the excess borrowing. But that was not all. The government compounded its illegal, unconstitutional actions by engaging in another illegality. It created an Accountant General Loan at the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines and hid the entire transaction from the parliament and, by extension, the people of St Vincent and the

Grenadines.

The overdraft facility is intended to tide the government over as the national demands require. But this is to be short term, no more than 12 months.

However, when the overdraft is not paid, and the balance is turned into a loan at one of the commercial banks, the government simply and routinely exceeds its budgetary and legal limits and creates even more significant public debt problems. Fundamentally, these acts are in clear violation of the Finance Administration Act and by extension our nation’s constitution.’

The government’s response to the new claims is anticipated in the 2020 budget debate there was no denial. PM Gonsalves waxed the irrelevant story of what happened when NDP was in power. Camillo failed to explain, rationalise the law will not constrain it, apologise for or refute the charges regarding the government’s illegal actions and fiscal irresponsibility.

This is not the first time the government was found to be acting outside of the law. This is not the first time government acts as though it will not be constrained by the law. In September 2019, St. Clair Leacock asked the government to list and itemise all the Special Warrants it issued in the previous 5 years. On October 2019 Special Warrants spanning 2013 to 2018 were brought before the parliament. We learned then that the government exceeded the legal limit of $25 million in more than one instance. In that debate, PM Gonsalves acknowledged the transgression and proclaimed that exceeding the Special Warrant limit, the government ‘had not committed a hanging offence.’

Plain Talk mused then, ‘If the government could so willy nilly disregard legal requirements, are there other illegal actions that have not yet been disclosed? What other unlawful acts will it be prepared to do in the dark, quiet halls of power?

We cannot encourage or condone illegality and misbehaviour in office by any government minister or the government itself. Every five, years we go to the polls and elect a government.

Those elected swear to uphold the laws and to conduct public affairs in keeping with the laws.

Moreover, this is a government that touts law and order as a major plank of its rule. It cites Transparency International, which rates SVG high on the list of transparent government. In his address, Gonsalves told the nation that he was the lyrical master. Well, we must demand that lyrics are not selectively dropped. The lyrics of national affairs must be wholesome, truthful and legal. We must develop a democracy that is anchored in laws and not the power or guile of men.

The law requires the government to seek parliamentary approval by resolution or other legal acts. Not to do as it did by flying in the face of the requirements of good governance best practice of transparency and accountability.’

Clearly, there are lots of problems with public financing that are hidden from the public. The office of the Director of Audit must be given the necessary resources to do its job. We have to improve on our democratic best practices.

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

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Crime is very high in SVG IT WAS VERY disturbing to read in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper of 23rd July 2021, in an article titled ‘Too many guns in the town’, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne talking about a high level of gunrelated crime. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne said it was upsetting ‘to see the number of persons who come before the Court on an almost day to day basis, to be arraigned or to answer charges for possession of firearms and ammunition’.

For a long time, crime has been high and virtually out of control in SVG. The year 2017 was a very bad year for violent crime for Vincentians under the incompetent ULP regime, with murders reaching a record high of 42. At that time, SVG had the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the world.

The long-term inability of the ULP regime to competently manage SVG’s

public finances so as to create a strong economy and mass employment, has dragged our country down to this devastating situation. The murder rate in SVG has risen sharply under the ULP regime and if left unattended can easily escalate into a national crisis.

SVG’s border is far from secure, as it seems people desiring a firearm seem to have little trouble getting one.

As long ago as 2006, SVG Green Party warned that if the ULP regime didn’t change their harsh policies, then, in metaphorical language, ‘blood would run in SVG’. They haven’t changed and blood has been spilled as per the homicides here.

The ULP regime’s economic incompetence has increased poverty in SVG. Increased poverty has led to an upsurge in violent crime. Far too often we hear about murder or other violent

incidents in our country.

There is so much violence in our neighbourhoods that even a judge had to speak out saying he was fed up with all the cases of “choppings” being brought before him.

According to SVG Green Party Leader Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons.), MSc, MBA, the long-term lack of investment in education has also contributed to the high murder rate. The ULP regime has systematically cut the amount of money spent on education and the ULP regime’s failure to educate our people, has resulted in fewer people being able to get highly-paid jobs or to start their own business to support themselves financially.

According to the World Bank, high murder rates undermine economic growth and social development, and leave countries caught in a vicious circle; high murder rates cause lower

economic growth, which causes insufficient economic and employment opportunity, which cause poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment, which in turn lead to high murder rates, which cause…etc.

To stop people turning to guns and crime, we need to create reasons for them to stay on the right side of the law. We need jobs urgently to reduce unemployment and reduce poverty.

Nearly half of the people in SVG live in poverty and more than one quarter of them are extremely poor.

Poverty is closely linked to lack of income and to unemployment. We need to tax the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan to cater for the needs of our people.

We need to stop the daily procession of people appearing before the Court on firearms and ammunition charges.

⁄ the TRUTH is finally out !!!

IT IS NOW an indisputable that the corona virus with all its variants is human engineered!

This revelation followed a heated exchange between Dr. Anthony Fauci, “the accused”, and Senator Rand Paul in the US last week. The Senator

accused Fauci of lying to Congress that the US government actually, though indirectly, funded the onward study of the now deadly virus at the Wuhan University, of a study which actually began in the US but was aborted when the potential danger was discovered, i.e. how

through genetic engineering, they could increase the transmissibility of a previously nontransmissible virus, from animal to human.

According to a scientific paper quoted by Senator Paul during that congressional meeting, scientists “ took two bat

corona virus genes, bat genes, spike genes, and combined them with a SARS related backbone to create new viruses that are not found in nature. These lab created viruses were now shown to replicate in humans. These experiments combined genetic information from different corona viruses that infect animals but not humans, to create novel, artificial viruses, able to infect human cells.

We can now safely conclude that the novel virus and its variants were created by humans.

Dr. Fauci denied the NIH funded the study, but admitted that he was aware of the scientific studies involving the modified or genetically engineered virus that has killed over 4 million people so far. Dr. Fauci is also being held partly accountable for those 4 million deaths. So here in SVG we are fighting and cussing one another for not taking the jab, when what we are dealing with is trying to correct a human error — the modified virus, and another human error, the ‘gene therapy’ that is erroneously referred to as a ‘vaccine’.

Let facts dispel another lie. Medical science has now proved that the clotting in persons who took the jab and those who died from

the jab, is NOT a rare occurrence. Blood clotting has surfaced in EVERY country, (including SVG?), where the jab is given, so how can it be rare, when it is showing up everywhere!

In my opinion, the covid spell has now been broken. ‘Vaccines’ MUST be discontinued in SVG since their efficacy cannot be proven. The emphasis should now be on proper nutrition and adopting healthy lifestyles. Boosting one’s immune system is the BEST prevention against any type of virus. Yes, you will get and overcome the virus like me, but if your immune system is weak, then the virus can take a toll on you, unless you seek early treatment. There are several remedies on the market that can treat you if you contract the virus, including home remedies like lemon grass tea, coreila and others. There are several persons in SVG who got and overcame the virus, just like any other flu virus. It is the proper management of the disease once diagnosed and treated early, that really matters, not the ‘vaccine’.

I find real comfort in Psalms 124 and will like to share it with those who do not have access to a Bible because it has great significance and can be applied to this

scenario: The asterisks (*) guide readers to my interpretations which follow the verse.

King David wrote: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters* had overwhelmed us, the stream ** that had gone over our soul Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.”

Psalms 124. i. Waters*- read the millions of doses of vaccines ii. Stream** - read the viral spike proteins in your blood stream that cause clots.

Contributed by: Donald De Riggs Editor’s Note: This publication supports the Covid-19 vaccine and encourages persons to consider taking it.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 11.

Education

2021 CPEA smoothly executed again, wish all of our students all the best in this important exam.”

THE CARIBBEAN PRIMARY EXIT He explained that the exam was ASSESSMENT (CPEA), a regional important because each student will examination offered by the Caribbean guarantee their choice of secondary Examinations Council, was administered school on the basis of their here to Grade 6 students last Tuesday performance. Additionally, he 27th and Wednesday 28th July. This, in expressed that, “every single child is the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and guaranteed a place at a secondary the explosive La Soufriere eruption. school. We pursue a police here in One thousand, eight hundred and SVG of universal access to secondary ninety-five (1,895) students, education.” comprising nine hundred and sixty-one THE VINCENTIAN spoke with a (961) males and nine hundred and principal, working as Supervisor on thirty-four (934) females, turned up at Examination Day, who noted that, forty-one (41) examination centres “The Ministry of Education was fairly across the country to be tested in the well organized and executed the CPEA external component of the exam in quite well, “and that the Supervisors Mathematics, Social Studies, and invigilators were trained.

Language Arts and Science.

Additionally, he was felt that even Each of these papers consisted of under the circumstances, provision fifty (50) multiple choice items to be was made for smooth operations at all completed in one hour and fifteen centres and said of his centre: minutes per paper. These tests will “Supervisors received resource make up 60% of the final score while materials and rules packets before, but the School-Based Assessment (SBA), on Exam Day invigilators received the internal component, accounts for theirs. This went smoothly. Teachers 40% of the final score. were organized and conversant with In a previous statement, Education the requisite forms and documentation Minister Curtis King posited, “It’s all they needed to interact with, as well about the Grade 6 students, as helping to administer the exam in a throughout St. Vincent and the comfortable environment where all Grenadines..., and I just want to once anxieties and fears, as far as possible,

by GLORIAH…

CPEA students await the signal for them to enter the classrooms at the St. Martin’s Secondary School, one of many exam centres across the state. were for the better part, diminished.”

He recognized that, “Our role as invigilators was not only to ensure that the standards laid out by CXC are maintained by also to help the students to be comfortable in the environment that they are doing their exams.”

A teachers assigned to a centre felt that the administration of the exam was a “good experience despite all the

hiccoughs that happened this academic year,” and that teachers were generally happy to avail themselves of the process.

The CPEA results are expected to be released by CXC in August, allowing sufficient time for the Ministry of Education to conduct its secondary placement exercise for the new academic (2021/2022).

V Vincentian Vets forge relationship with SVGRCS 12. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Relief

operations.

However, there was overwhelming support from Vincentians across the UK and other non- Vincentian groups.

The whole experience of soliciting relief items, packing them, getting them off to SVG, was a teachable and humble experience for the members of the CVC, Richardson said.

And when it came St. Claire Richardson, one of time for deciding with the persons involved in the whom the relief items formation of the Caribbean would be sent, a rather Veterans Community (CVC). quick decision was made The first container is well packed and ready for to work with/through the PUTTING ASIDE HIS shipment to SVG. SVG Red Cross Society.

FRUSTRATION that he was not As far as the members physically on the ground in St. confined to providing relief of the CVC were concerned, Vincent and the Grenadines items only. The CVC Volunteers put their back and sweat into the two groups — CVC and when the La Soufrière volcano established established an understanding SVGRCS — shared the same erupted, April 9, 2021, Judson and operating, getting a container packed. with the two teleCupid, a Vincentian Veteran who values of honesty, the CVC has Caribbean. communications service served with the Royal Navy in transparency and reliability. it eyes focused on a President of the SVGRCS providers here. Under an the United Kingdom, reached This, they said, augured well programme in support of Bernard Morgan commended initiative funded by the Royal out to his countrymen and for a long term working displaced children. A the work of the CVC and said Naval Association, persons can colleagues, to rally support and relationship. conversation has already that he looks forward to a assistance for affected persons The first container of relief have their phones topped and begun with the SVGRCS to longstanding relationship with in some cases their data in their home country. supplies from CVV to the give meaning to this effort. the organisation. maintained, to aid in the That was the birth, SVGRCS arrived in SVG in Further, the CVC has Morgan is hopeful that CVC unofficial as it was, of what is May. A second container is continued communication broadened its membership to members will be able, in the now the Caribbean Veterans between affected persons and reported to have arrived include military colleagues near future, to extend training Community (CVC), an their relatives who are away recently. from other Caribbean to Red Cross volunteers in organisation which aims to in the military But the effort to assist nationals with a view of several areas of disaster support the unique needs of And now that it is formally during this time was not widening its outreach in the response. military personnel and their families who originate from the Caribbean, during and after serving in the UK Armed Forces.

Speaking recently to Cupid, Gideon Henry, St. Claire THE SVG SAVE THE CHILDREN Mr. Lennox Bowman of Richardson and Richard FUND (Vinsave) has been the recipient the Lions Club South of St. Dover, Vincentian-born friends of gifts/relief donations from a variety of Vincent, Mr. Browne of who played integral roles in sources, following the plight into which Coreas, Massy Stores and the birth of the CVC, together the country was pushed by the explosive the Ministry of Social shared a deep concern for eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.

Development also gave persons directly affected by One such donor was the Private and support. the eruption and the country Public Day Care services/Ministry of Vinsave which as a whole, and a commitment Social Development in Grenada, through celebrates its 58th year of to do something to help ease Grensave — Vinsave’s counterpart in operation in St. Vincent the “burden and frustration.”

Grenada. and the Grenadines, When asked about their The Childcare Workers in Grenada having started as the experience in getting the may have felt especially moved as many British Save the Children operation started, Cupid of them — and their colleagues from the Fund in 1963 and later divulged that everyone other two Windward islands (St. Lucia Canadian Save the involved, initially “dipped and Dominica)- were trained as PreChildren Fund their hands in their pockets,” school Teachers/Childcare Practitioners (CANSAVE, continues to and pooled their personal at the Vinsave Child Development offer a diversified resources.

Training Centre, Murray’s Road, programme of Child He said it was clear that Kingstown, over the years.

Development, Child they would need to seek help Ms. Dawne Cyrus who initiated the Development Training and from a wider community. donation, now National Daycare Social & Community Towards that end, Coordinator in the Ministry of Social Development. letters/emails were dispatched Development, Grenada, was one such The Agency has and to several businesses. person. continues to touch the The outreach had its fair Mrs. Marcia Sutherland and friends of lives of many and at the share of challenges, not least the USA also provided tremendous same time reaches out a being that some businesses support for distribution to the helping hand to those in were reluctant to assist, citing communities and centres where Vinsave need. (Contributed by Vinsave staff with children who were the the COVID-19 pandemic as Vinsave) works. beneficiaries of donations from friends. having adversely affected their

Vinsave receives gifts from friends

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 09, 2021. 13.

COVID

SVG welcomes return of the cruise tourism

IF EVERYTHING STAYS ON COURSE, the cruise ship Seabourn Odyssey, with 228 suites, a crew of 330, and a capacity of 450 persons is expected to dock at Port Elizabeth, Bequia, on Saturday 7th August.

And according to Tourism, Sustainable Development and Culture Minister Carlos James, that will mark the start of fortnightly visits to that destination till October this year.

Conferences

platforms aimed at reaching a wide Tourism officials cross section. Hubs here are expecting a will be set up where busy season for stakeholders can Port Kingstown. make presentations.

The local telecommunication company Flow expressed happiness in providing the “connectivity” needed for the staging of the conferences.

Manager Wayne Hull handed over a number of handsets and offer use of his company’s Tourism Channel to the Tourism Ministry for he contends, “We are in this together.”

Singer Company, represented by Simone Veira, and Finishing and Furnishing’s Maisha Johnson Minister James was will have former also contributed to the addressing the media at Bahamian Tourism conference. the Carnival Minister Vincent Here come the ships Development Vanderpool Wallace as With cruise tourists Corporation’s office, presenter. A Harvard numbering in 2020 from Victoria Park last University and Miami a record 110,000 the Tuesday, during which graduate, he is acclaimed previous year, James he outlined measures for for his expertise in the emphasised the extent of resumption of the cruise Caribbean tourism the impact of that tourism industry, among market. industry on the nation’s these being the staging Thursday’s package economy. of conferences August 4 will be led by Dr Acolla “We have a unique and 5.

Cameron/Lewis, Dean of product to offer,” James The conferences will Social Sciences at the declared and described be held under the theme: University of the West as “special” the people ‘Reconnect, rebuilding, Indies, St. Augustine. who contributed to the stronger together’.

The events will be package.

The first day’s session broadcast on a variety of Local tourism officials

NDP not vaccine mandatory

Dr. Godwin Friday and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, led the way in taking the vaccine.

“THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS COVID-19 and government has made a mess of it” That’s the sentiment of President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr. Godwin Friday.

Dr. Friday, speaking on the NDP’s Virtual Programme on Facebook said that government was talking on both sides of its mouth.

He said at first they were behaving as if the covid-19 pandemic was nothing to fear, but now they want to force people to take a vaccine.

He emphasised, “I am for vaccination but not for compulsory vaccination. As Keith Mitchell say, ‘I not for that!’ But we have to encourage our people to do

what they must to inform themselves and to take the recommendation of those persons who have the knowledge and the information, and make the right decision. And I believe that is to be vaccinated. “ Dr. Friday said that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP administration have talked around this issue and now they are at a situation where they want to force people to vaccinate.

He said that would only create a worse situation as there would be a backlash.

“We have to find a way forward in this terrible situation ...I know good people would look at it seriously and do what is right for themselves and for the nation” he counteracted. (SG)

are looking forward to a busy Cruise Season with as many as 224 calls scheduled, of which 14 are new operators. As many as 19 trips are allotted on one day.

Plans are in place for the setting up of “bubbles” to facilitate the arrival of the cruise ships.

Consultations will continue to ensure that

operators within the allocated zones observe the requirements in accordance with Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation guidelines.

James used the occasion to push for persons to be vaccinated, which he projects as part of the “reducing the risks of Covid 19. (WKA)

A bubble is to be created within which cruise ship passengers will be allowed to interact with local vendors and other service providers.

No unvaccinated vendors EVEN AS EXPECTATIONS for a busy cruise ship season are heightened, and as the Ministry of Tourism moves to create a bubble within which to engage cruise ship passengers, Tourism Minister Carlos James has made it clear that if vendors are to be included in the bubble, they must be fully vaccinated.

Speaking at a press conference last Tuesday, Minister James asserted, “Those who are not vaccinated will not be allowed to sell to the visitors.”

This amounts to a non-vaccinated vendor not being allowed into the bubble to ply her/his trade among the visitors.

And as for taxi drivers, “As of July 23, only fully vaccinated taxi drivers can operate at the Argyle International Airport,” this as the government is attempting to control their movement and also the safety of locals.

This was announced by Health Minister St. Clair Prince while speaking on radio last week.

Of the 350 registered authorized taxi drivers in the state, as of the closing of last week, only 44 were fully vaccinated — 31 on mainland St. Vincent and 11 in Bequia.

This has led to consideration of having different designation points from which taxi driver will operate — one for vaccinated drivers and the other for unvaccinated drivers.

A Ministry of Health report up to July 25, indicated that as July 25, 25,603 persons had been vaccinated, 15,711 having received a first dose, and 9,982 the second.

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

St. Lucia elections:

Pierre in! Chastanet out!

Prime Minister-Elect Philip Pierre as he appeared on a Social Media post hours after his party’s victory at the Jul 26, 2021 polls.

THE VOTERS LIST that was used in the July 26, 2021 general elections in St. Lucia is said to have listed well over 160,000 persons as being eligible to vote.

It is not official yet how many of those persons voted, but there are those who would say that is a formality since those who voted handed a resounding victory to the opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), led by Philip Joseph Pierre.

When the dust had cleared, the preliminary results showed that the SLP had won 13 of the 17 seats up for grabs, with the incumbent United Workers Party (UWP) managing to hold on to 2 seats and independents taking the remaining 2.

It was nothing short of a devastating blow for the UWP, led by Allen Chastanet, which had won the previous election with an 11-6 majority. As it stood on the night of July 26, 2021, only Chastanet and Bradly Felix of the UWP had held on to their

seats.

The SLP on the other hand, retained the six seats it had won in the 2016 general elections and added seven, including newcomer Jeremiah Norbert who took a stronghold (Micoud North) of the ULP. This victory and independent candidate Tichard Frederick’s win in Castries Central seat at the expense of UWP stalwart Sarah FloodBeaubrun, observers said, were indicative of the swing that had been predicted in some circles, and could well signal the beginning of a new era of politics in St. Lucia.

Former prime minister Stephenson King, who announced his candidacy a few hours after the date for the election was announced, romped home victor as one of the two

independent candidates, and his victory has already attracted “talk’ about his possible return to the UWP, to replace Chatanet.

When Loop News spoke with Prime Minister-Elect Philip J Pierre after the victory was clear, he said, “Here we are, we’ve won the government and I intend to be a government for the entire country, a government of inclusion, a government that will listen to people, a government of tolerance and we hope to take this country out of the mire of division and conflict that exists now.”

Pierre said the SLP administration’s first priority would be health and the youth economy.

Outgoing Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the results of Monday’s general elections

Outgoing Prime Minister Allen Chastanet cut a figure of disappointment as the result of last Monday’s elections dawned on him. have come as a “shock” but that he remained confident the policies and programmes initiated by his administration over the last five years, would put St Lucia “on the right foot to true progress.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 15.

16. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 17.

More Courts

Telemaque was seen in an adjoining plot of land.

The story is that he had given the child $10.00, and had proceeded to have sex with her resulting in three charges being laid against him — sexual intercourse with a minor, indecent assault and abduction.

Justice Cottle pointed out that the first count of sexual intercourse with an under aged girl carried a life term ranging from 50 to 80 years.

Applying sentencing guidelines he put the jail term at 18 years 11 months, two weeks.

CARL TELEMAQUE, a 44-year-old Telemaque visited the home of the victim’s Three years given for indecent assault and two man, begged for leniency when mother March 25 2019, where he met the child’s years for abduction. asked what he had to say before sister and two other guests.

The sentences will run concurrently. sentenced was passed. But Justice Carl Telemaque There was nothing strange about how the visit A bespectacled Telemaque cut a dapper figure in Brian Cottle seemed not too proceeded until sometime later that evening when the dock in a long sleeved beige jersey, brown pants impressed with Telemaque’s behaviour. the girl (victim) returned to the residence to find the and brown shoes.

The Justice noted the “significant disparity in door locked.

He appeared comfortable until he received a stern ages of the offender and the victim,” 41 and nine The mother was surprised that the child was look from the Justice when he denied having years respectively. Cottle noted that the girl had outside, according to information from the court. previous convictions. been abducted and that Telemaque “abused a relationship of trust” with the family.

Cottle recognised that there were “no previous relevant offences” as mitigating factors, even though he had to warn Telemaque that it was “not a good thing to tell the court you have no previous convictions.”

He pointed to the “strained economic circumstance,” of the victim, and that there was “no violence, except the act itself.”

Telemaque begs:

Gets 18 years in jail

3 years, 6 months for manslaughter DEFENCE lawyer Kay Bacchus-Baptiste described it as a “very unfortunate case.”

She analysed that her client- Xavier Lynch, on trial for manslaughter in which Kesroy King, aged 21, was the victim, “did what anybody would have done.”

Lynch had changed his plea to guilty of manslaughter. The Xavier Lynch prosecution accepted Lynch’s plea and Justice Brian Cottle sentenced him to three years and six months in prison.

Cottle reminded the accused that it was a criminal matter and his task was to deliver justice as the law ascribed.

He recalled the circumstances of the matter including that the two youngsters were members of rival gangs.

In arriving at his ruling, Justice Cottle assessed the sentencing guidelines and agreed that the mitigation factors outweighed the aggravating causes. The three years, ten months Lynch spent on remand were considered.

Kesroy King, aged 21, died from wounds inflicted during an incident on the streets of Kingstown around 7:35 am September 15, 2017.

CCTV footage showed Lynch chasing King with a cutlass.

Defence lawyer Bacchus/Baptiste pointed out that 20 seconds of the footage were missing.

The defence lawyer recalled a previous incident when Lynch was attacked by the deceased which resulted in his being hospitalised.

Lynch turned himself in when he learned the Police was looking for him, and originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Bacchus/Baptiste spoke of Lynch having left Secondary school at form four, and dropped out of a Technical Institute owing to economic reasons.

He sold fruits at a stall at Sion Hill and was on his way to that business that fateful morning.

Stories by KA

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My girlfriend called rape

Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND tried to pull the rape card on me thinking I would get scared and give in to her demands to pay off a loan for her.

This resulted after one of those times when we were having sex and she told me to get rough. I did. At one point she said I was too rough. I ignored her because I thought that was what she wanted, only to hear her say she was going to report me for rape.

I begged her not to and that was when she brought up the talk about paying off a $22,000 loan.

I decided not to pay any loan for her because I know no one would agree with her that I raped her, seeing it was she who initiated the whole thing. What do you think I should do?

Dear Disappointed, You need to know that, should your girlfriend report you for rape you would definitely have a case to answer. At any time during sexual intercourse she can ask you to stop and if you choose to ignore that request, any action beyond that can be considered as rape.

The fact that she wants to hold this over your head to get you to pay off her loan says one thing, i.e. she is in the relationship for reasons other than love.

You may want to consult an attorney on this one but as far as your relationship is concern, I’m not sure you have one.

George

Disappointed

Confront her!

Dear George, IT’S BEEN three years since my wife sponsored me and we are now living in the USA. Everything was ok until I got the sneaking impression she was cheating on me. I bugged her phone and got all the information I needed.

However, I am afraid to confront her because it’s gonna cause a breaking up and her family is going to say how ungrateful I am after all she has done for me.

I don’t want to cause any disturbance and end

up being sent home. As it is I feel unsure and helpless. It is hard for me to sleep with her knowing she is sleeping around. I really do not know what to do.

Sleepless nights Dear Sleepless nights, A marriage will undergo many testing moments and you need to be not only aware of this but to have the resolve to survive those moments.

You have to do the right thing and discuss your suspicions of infidelity with your wife.

Your marriage has nothing to do with her relatives. They should not stand in the way of you having that allimportant talk with your wife.

If you are prepared to accept mediocrity and infidelity from her at the beginning stage of your marriage, then that is what you will get throughout your time together.

And as for the possibility of getting sent home, get some advice from an immigration lawyer.

George

You donÊt have a wife Dear George,

marry you for reasons only she knows.

I suggest you ask her why she married you. Her answer may clear up a lot of things for you.

If after her answer you think you have an outside chance of remaining married, then you should seek the help of a counsellor.

MY WIFE has not kissed me in 6 months and when I attempt to kiss her, she gives me the cheek. Further, she has not prepared a meal for in some time except for the time when I made an issue out of it. Worse, my wife sleeps in the other room saying George that she can’t sleep with another person on the same bed.

George, can you explain to me what is happening to my wife and how I can get her to change her ways?

Disgusted and fed up Dear Disgusted and fed up, I hate to be the one telling you this but, YOU DO NOT HAVE A WIFE. You have a woman who decided to

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. Work diligently and you will get ahead this week.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with this week. You may cause a fuss if you come on too strongly in public CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need to be sure that you aren’t in your present relationship because it is convenient. You will have a tendency to put on pounds.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try to be there for someone if they need assistance. Your involvement in sports or entertainment will lead to new romances. Focus on what’s important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Make plans to attend group discussions or get together with friends who like to talk as much as you do. Make arrangements to spend quality time together.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. Real estate investments will be extremely profitable in the long run.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Hidden assets can be doubled if you play your cards correctly. Expect to have more people on your domestic scene.

Deal with in-laws this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Take on positions that offer on the job training or pay for courses related to the business. Your anger may be impossible to contain if you get into debates with family members.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don’t forget that your budget is limited right now. Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. Take a second look; difficulties with appliances, water, or electricity in your home may be evident.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Lack of funds may add stress to your already uncertain situation. Major moves will be emotional and not necessarily to your benefit.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Use your charm to get your own way.

Empty promises are evident and deception probable.

ACROSS 1. Small explosion 4. Depletes (energy) 8. Does wrong 12. Poison – 13. Way out 14. Cinematic Newman 15. Golf score 16. Shift direction 17. Ocean-surrounded locale 18. Make ecstatic 20. Drew on glass 22. Beastly creature 25. Hook attachment 27. Folk legend Seeger 28. Boxing judge 31. Singular 32. Not taut 33. Rowing tool 34. Commercials 35. Italian city 36. Hide (treasure) 37. Fabric 39. Yield 42. Prom garment 45. Tenor-delivered tune 46. Absorbed by 49. Muddy – waters 50. Clenched hand 51. Hammer target 52. Kitchen-wrap metal 53. Steeped brews 54. Fitness rooms 55. Final stage DOWN 1. Smoking item 2. Track shape

3. Egyptian tourist draws 4. Four plus three 5. Chopping implement 6. Tasty pastry 7. Trolley relative 8. Grand movies 9. Too impulsive 10. Game regulation 11. Polar vehicle 19. Day-care attendee 21. Rigorous journey 23. Halving 24. Kid playfully 25. Big serpent 26. Tally up 28. Casino wheel 29. Sense organ 30. Use a griddle

32. Bridge length 36. Soap portion 37. Beef and lamb 38. Adored people 39. Log float 40. Canadian border lake

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 19.

41. “Mona –“ 43. Calf front 44. Transmit (message) 47. Vetoing vote 48. Comic Allen

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Mercury unfazed by sacking calls win, a 3-0 win over the British Virgin Islands, but was beaten 5-0 by Curacao, 10-0 by Guatemala, 1-0 by Cuba and 6-1 by Haiti.

Mercury has taken the defeats on the chin, noting that he understands the industry, underlining that it is result oriented.

“I understand people have been calling for changes at the head coach level, because the results have not been good since we have restarted competition… The scores are not in keeping with standards which I would want and what Kendale Mercury – Vincy the nation would want, so I Heat Head Coach understand that,” Mercury stated.

KENDALE MERCURY - Head A blunt Mercury added: “I Coach of Vincy Heat, the St am not worried for people Vincent and the Grenadines calling for my head …. I am senior men’s football team - said not worried if the (SVG he is unfazed by the calls for his Football) Federation wants to sacking. make that decision that they Mercury has been under want changes at the Head fire following the heavy losses Coach level.”

Vincy Heat suffered in the Notwithstanding the call, CONCACAF World Cup Mercury, who has been in the Qualifiers and more recently, post for the past two and a the CONCACAF Gold Cup half years, said that he is Qualifiers. more concerned about the In its last five games, St state of St Vincent and the Vincent and the Grenadines Grenadines’ Football and has been able to muster one

believes he can change the course.

“I am absolutely convinced of my knowledge and commitment, qualification, know-how, relationship with players and different stakeholders that I can deliver and turn around the results,” Mercury projected.

And with confidence, he acknowledged “I have a fouryear contract with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation,” and promised, “I intend to see it (contract) all the way through and during that time, I will deliver joy to the nation.”

Retracing his sojourn as Head Coach from January, 2019, Mercury noted that no one expected him and his bunch of rookies to win the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) tournament.

He added that his charges went into the CONCACAF Nations League and performed beyond expectations, losing only to Dominica in their last match, which denied them a direct path to the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He is also encouraged that

The Vincy Heat Starting 11 that went under to Haiti, 6 goals to 1. since taking over the team, the fan base and acceptance for the senior men’s team have changed positively.

“It went from people not having the vibes to go to football, to people wanting to go to Football… It went from empty stadiums to 3000/4000 in stadiums… It went from Football never getting an accolade to being named as Sports Association of the Year,” the Head Coach analysed.

He added, “I want the people who are calling for my head to think about it… It

took myself, supported by the other stakeholders eleven months to qualify for the CONCACAF preliminaries…

In that eleven months, we have rallied Football back in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

And despite the result, Mercury insisted that there has been improvement in the senior men’s team, under his leadership.

Since assuming the post of Head Coach, Mercury’s record in full international matches are eight wins, three draws and five losses.

Futsal and Female Tournaments postponed ONE WEEK AFTER ANNOUNCING the start date of the Invitational Futsal and Female Nine — A — Side Tournaments, the Tournaments’ Committee of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) announced that it has been forced to put a halt on this plan.

The halt to the plans was occasioned by correspondence from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on 26th July, 2021, and addressed to the General Secretary of the SVGFF- Devron Poyer, outlining the main condition for the hosting of the Tournaments.

The CMO’s letter informed that “only fully vaccinated (two doses at least two weeks prior to the event) players and officials over 18 years of

age may participate”.

As such, there was no other choice for organisers, as this was never communicated to the affiliates.

The Secretariat of the SVGFF, on 9th July, received a letter from Commissioner of PoliceColin John, granting permission to host the two tournaments, under specific guidelines, but which did not include mandatory vaccination of players and officials.

John’s guidelines essentially insisted regular hand sanitising, temperature checks and the wearing of face masks by players, match officials and spectators; a limit of fifty spectators at each venue, and the verification of identity as well as the provision of contact numbers of all persons at the venues.

The Tournaments were set to kick off Friday 30th July, 2021, and hard courts at Biabou, Gomea, Calliaqua, the Sion Hill Playing Field, Arnos Vale, Layou and Barrouallie were designated venues for the Futsal Tournament.

Matches in the Futsal Competition were carded for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 5 and pm.

In the case of the Female Tournament, playing fields at Hope (Vermont), Richmond Hill, Arnos Vale Two and Sion Hill were identified for use on Saturdays only, from 1pm to 5pm.

With the new developments taking place, the SVGFF affirmed that it will “explore all possible ways of having football played

These female footballers will have to wait a little longer to show their skills in a competitive environment. in a safe environment and maintain dialogue with all stakeholders including the government, until common ground is reached”.

These two

tournaments were penciled in to provide some Football activities in light of the cancellation of the 2020/2021 National Club Championships.

Additionally, the

tournaments were to be used to test the health protocols for the proposed start of the 2021/2022 National Club Championships, which are slated to commence in early October.

V Football restructuring process in train

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 21.

Sports

THE PROCESS aimed at restructuring football in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been set in motion.

This assurance has come from Wayne Grant, 2nd Vice President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football

Top cyclists in SundayÊs Road Race AFTER SPENDING three weeks training and competing in Antigua, this country’s top cyclistsZefal Bailey and Albert Quammie, will show their wares this Sunday, as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union stages a 65-mile Road Race.

Bailey and Quammie will headline the Category One cyclists who will journey from Bentick Square in Kingstown to Langley Park.

From there, they will pedal their way to Villa Flat, then make three laps to the Diamond, before ending at Villa Flat.

Meanwhile, Category Two cyclists will ride from Bentick Square to Colonaire and end at Villa Flat, a total of 30 miles.

Cyclists had a warm-up event last Sunday at the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport Tarmac.

Taking the Category One 15-lap race was Quammie in a time of 43:7.40. Docking in second in a clocking of 45:11.41, was Lucky Antrobus.

Third place went to Marlon Antrobus in 45:12.01.

Also competing in Category One were Maxian Alvis and Rivas Young, whose times were 45:16.56 and 52:08.21 respectively.

Topping Category Two was Peter Durrant in 28:24.53, ahead of second place - Martin Bollers in 30:13.02. Carlos Rivas stopped the clock at 30:27.60 to finish third.

And, Omar Baptiste, who was the lone entrant in Category Three, registered a time of 34:02.60. Both the Category Two and Three cyclists did nine laps.

Zefal Bailey

Albert Quammie

Federation (SVGFF).

Grant, who has responsibility for overseeing the technical aspect of the development of football here, said recently, “We already started a restructuring process as it related to the technical aspect of football a few months back. We had a technical retreat under the theme, ‘Examining the past to reshape the future’, during which we basically looked back at how things have happened in the past and how we can improve going forward.”

At the end of the deliberations as they relate to technical matters, a Technical

Policy Document is to be presented by the Technical Committee/SVGFF to the Federation’s Executive.

Grant, though, took the liberty to share that one of the suggestions expected to be advanced, is to put emphasis on the degree of responsibility a club has for the development of the player.

“The SVGFF is working on creating a pathway for these players to display their talent on a more international stage rather than just playing locally, but the overall development of the player must be where the club plays a more major

Wayne Grant, 2nd Vice President of the SVG Football Federation.

(Facebook photo) role. We want them (clubs) to understand their role and function within the whole aspect of football when it relates to players’ development,” Grant elaborated.

According to Grant, “Once the clubs continue to develop these players then the SVGFF will

create the platform for them to compete at a higher level, so both the clubs and SVGFF needs to work hand in hand.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Players welcome online sessions MEMBERS of the female national youth teams here, have expressed delight with their involvement in online sessions organized by the Women’s Department of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).

The sessions, held under the theme ‘Aspire to Inspire: we teach, we learn, we grow together on and off the field of play’, were staged over a four-weekend period beginning July 03.

In addition to been enlightened as per the SVGFF Philosophy of Play, participants were exposed to Psychological and Tactical components, Technical and Physical requirements, Positions and Responsibilities, Principles of Defense and Principles of Attack.

Messrs. Andrew Bramble and Theon

Gordon were the presenters.

Among the participants were Roneika Gibson, Kyante Warren and Ketonna Campbell, who expressed their appreciation for the initiative of the SVGFF. Roneika Gibson, a student of the Bethel High School (BHS) and resident of Campdem Park said, “For me the sessions were very educating. I learn how to allow the team to switch and move to the ball into space. I believe it will help me a lot as a defender.”

Ketonna Campbell, who also attends the BHS and is a central defender, said she learned “how to cover and balance the play. I find it was good for us because we don’t learn so many things on the field, so it will help us

(From left to right) Roneika Gibson, Kyante Warren and Ketonna Campbell, three participants in the recent online training organised by the SVGFF. communicate with the team.”

Kyante Warren, a former BHS and SVG Community College student who plays on the wing said, “The sessions taught us how to keep communicating with your teammates ….., how to pressure, balance…, how to drop back and help the defense. As we

prepare for the qualifiers we will be looking to implement things that we have learned in training and transfer into matches so we can be more effective in every way, which will increase our chances to win matches.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

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22. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

If wishes were horses WHEN the second One day International against Australia was abandoned owing to a Covid incursion, I thought that the chickens had come home to roost. It so happened that things are going on in almost the same vein.

Daily reports from the Tokyo Olympics balance threats of Covid 19 with the staging of actual events which are gaining intensity as the signature events and the defining moments are etched.

I had reservations about the Games proceeding at any cost. But those who are perhaps more appreciative of the value of events ought to be commended for their steadfastness.

This is not the time for vacillation and the need fror decisiveness determines the success of many an endeavour. In the same breath, foolhardiness ought not to be channelled as platform.

There has to be a measured approach. The times call for flexibility more than ever. Constant assessment has to be the order of the day.

There are no fixed rules that can ever be implemented. If that message manages to come across, we will be on course to a greater degree of harmony among mankind.

By today, Friday July 30, the finalist for the Gold Cup will have emerged. Those in contention were Qatar and the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The traditionalists will put their money on a Mexico/USA showdown for the title. But Qatar has shown that their invitation was a welcomed wholeheartedly and they have shown that they are worthy contenders.

They have used the sojourn as a valuable training ground for the more expensive undertaking on their home turf in a few months.

Canada have come up short time after time on the big stage. They have the chance of silencing the critics and the sceptics and prove that they are capable on the big arena.

Like in sports, the outcome is derived from what happens on the field of play. And over the course of 120 minutes, anything can happen in the soccer field.

So if it boils down to a Canada/Qatar final, no one should be too surprised.

The Mexicans will be keen to maintain to maintain their pedigree and show that their ranking is justified. They have proven on the world stag that they can make an impact. There is much at stake for them.

As for the USA, it will be a catastrophe if they were to have fallen to the Qataris.

They will not be forgiven by their followers, and echoes of disillusionment will engulf the camp, just like what occurred to the English fans when they floundered in the Euro Cup against Italy.

On the local front, concentration is on taking care of humanitarian needs as a consequence of the extent and impact of the series of events as they continue.

The foundation of sporting activities has been shaken to the core and dilemma is making room for added uncertainty. So school based events where talents emerge and skills nurtured, suffer.

Students have to adjust to mental and physical interpretations to their agenda. The broad spectrum of the unfolding reality calls for the application of mature and imaginative responses.

The big issue is that the situation is so fluid and complex that finding answers can be as arduous exercise. Given the vagaries of human nature, one could expect the typical scenario. For everyone expects to play their role as it reflects on their wishes.

Matthias aims to improve AFTER what she would consider a mixed semester, Darria Matthias, a Vincentian female track and field athlete attending the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco California, is looking forward to a better season when she resumes her college sojourn in early September.

“This season started off shaky because of the pandemic where we didn’t have any access to the weight room, and where I also had to take a semester off.

“Resuming in January, with limited time to train, my first meet of the season was terrible. I ran 26 in the indoor 200 meters and like 7.8 in a 60 meters which is far from my personal bests.”

Matthias described those performances as eye openers. “I realized how important the weight room was and the importance of training during the off season,” she admitted, adding, “I didn’t get to go to indoor nationals missing out by .01 seconds which was a bit

upsetting, but at the same time I realize if I had more time my performance would have been better.”

On the positive side, she referred to her outdoor season as being better.

“I ran a personal best of 11.7 and 23.9 in the 100 and 200 meters respectively. I left nationals as an All-American top performer for the 200 in the Division Two so I was satisfied overall with my performance.”

Matthias is back home and she is using the time focusing on conditioning work in the gym.

She is determined to be in shape to break her personal best of 11.7 in the 100m and has her eye set on qualifying for the World Championship in the USA next year, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, not to mention the 2024 Olympic Games in Parris, and if it means making additional sacrifices to achieve these, Matthias is more than

Darria Matthias is confident she can improve on her personal best in both the 100 and 200 metres. ready so to do.

On the academic side of things Matthias, who is pursuing studies in Fashion disclosed, “I passed all of my courses in Visual Merchandizing and Fashion History with two A’s and two B’s, so that went well.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Female using boxing as self–defence technique IT IS A RARITY to have a female involved in the sport of Boxing here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is even more uncommon for females here to use the sport as a form of “selfdefence”.

But as far as the latter is concerned, Shannon Thomas, Campden Park resident, is doing the exact opposite.

For the past month and a half, Thomas has been learning the rudiments of Boxing under the guidance of Boxing Coach - Junior Assing, at the Bishop’s College Kingstown, as she embarks on another challenge.

Thomas, in a recent conversation, said, “Basically, I like learning new things… I am an open-minded person, and if I can learn something that will benefit me in the future, I will.”

She added, “I am doing it for self-defence and fitness… It is keeping me healthy and I am learning a new skill

and keeping me in shape as well.”

Thomas also disclosed that she was using Boxing to complement another of her self defence skills.

“Since I was a child, I liked Martial Arts… I do Taekwondo, but I am taking a break and now doing Boxing, just to level up my skills and become a better Martial Artist… If there were other Martial Arts disciplines, I would have been in them too,” Thomas said with a chuckle.

She is excited about her new venture and would like to see more females get involved (in boxing).

“It is a good thing to learn… I think more females should get into it, as here is St Vincent and the Grenadines, when it comes to females and sports, a lot of people don’t pay

Shannon Thomas (left) going through her paces with Boxing Coach - Junior Assing. attention to it and some people don’t think that females should be involved in sports,” Thomas said.

Dispelling the notion of sports taking away from one’s femininity, Thomas said, “In Taekwondo for example, there are very good females, who are as good as the boys or even better.”

She noted that St

Vincent and the Grenadines possesses a lot of natural athletic talent, however, much is stifled because of the lack of government investment in young people and sports in general.

Despite her new-found love -Boxing, Thomas stated categorically that she is not entertaining the thought of doing so competitively.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021. 23.

Classifieds

IRMA EVADINE JOHN ERRIE ERRIS GIBSON

Mt Carmel Spiritual Baptist Sunday, 25th July, 2021 Church Chester Cottage Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Seventh Day Adventist Church Paget Farm, Bequia Sunday, 25th July, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Dorsetshire Hill Evangelical Church Saturday, 24th July, 2021 Viewing: 11:00 a.m.

Service: 12:00 p.m.

KEITH JEFFERSON HAZEL S.D.A Fountain Church Sunday, 25th July, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

SHEILA NAOMI COMPTON BYNOE

SIMEON ROBERTS a.k.a. Big Ras Questelles S.D.A Church Sunday 25th July 2021 Viewing: 9:30 a.m.

Service: 10:30 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

AUGUSTINE WARNER Trinity Apostolic Church Saturday, 24th July, 2021 Lower Questelles Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

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FRIDAY, JULY

30, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.30

www.thevincentian.com

UNACCOUNTED FOR,’ SAYS DR. FRIDAY

EC$1.50

Dr. Godwin Friday displays an Audit Report which he said has not been forthcoming in recent years.

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE LEADER of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP)- Dr. Godwin Friday says that between 2010 and 2015, there is about EC$95 million difference between what the bank said was drawn down as part of its overdraft account, and what the Accountant General can present to the Director of

Director of Audit reports, referring to the 2015 report as the last officially release one.

Dr. Friday said what mattered most was not the fact that there was a discrepancy but that discrepancy ought to be explainable.

“And when the Accountant General can’t explain that to the satisfaction of the Director of Audit then it leads to all sort of questions: Were there any Audit. inefficiencies? Were there losses? Or Speaking at a virtual meeting of the worst, was there misappropriation?”

New Democratic Party on Tuesday, Friday further expounded.

Dr. Friday accused the government of Noting that the reports of the being reckless in the handling of this Director of Audit are not current, with country’s finances, and deduced that the most recent publication being for transparency has not been a watch the year 2015, the Opposition Leader word in the way this government declared that it makes it difficult to functions. deal with matters from over five years He highlighted the lack of the ago and to keep track of how

government finances have been managed and whether the Director of Audit approved of it.

“I spoke in the past about how the government has abused the overdraft facility. Where they have exceeded the limit set by parliament, where they have failed to clear it at the end of the year as you are supposed to do under the law.

“Sometimes is 50/60 million dollars still in overdraft at the end of the year and how they have converted part of that into a long term loan without the approval of parliament. ….. You are not supposed to bring new debt onto the people without the approval of parliament but they have been doing it. So over the period 2010 to 2015 an amount of about 95 million is unaccounted for,” Friday reiterated.

MISSING GIRL DEPORTED FROM GRENADA

Angel Small returned ‘home’ but under a veil of ‘suspicious’ behaviour.

ANGEL SMALL, a resident of Sion Hill who was a 13-year-old student when she was reported missing on October 9, 2020, eight days after she was last seen at her home in Sion Hill, was among a party of three females who were deported recently from neighbouring Grenada.

The others were named as Kaysany Bobb, 21 year old; and Love Collis, 22 years old.

Reports are that Grenadian Police intercepted the three female Vincentians on Friday 23rd July after they entered the country

illegally via speedboat, late in the night.

A marked increase in the number of Vincentian nationals illegally entering Grenada has not gone unnoticed by other officials there, especially health officials.

Citing reports that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still in the grips of community spread of the COVID-19 virus, Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer Shawn Charles weighed in on the issue. “Those persons that enter the state in a clandestine manner…enter the community directly

without any form of health screening. So, if they are infected then they can carry the disease directly into the community…. . if the public is not forthcoming to provide us with the information that these persons are there, it is only after we start seeing people are falling desperately ill that we discover that these are occurring,” said Charles.

Superintendent of Police Vannie Curwen, Head of the Community Relations Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force, told the media that he could not say whether or not the

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

Vincentians were tested for COVID-19.

“But I can speak for our protocol. If they are taken into custody they would be expected to be tested,” Curwen added.

He confirmed that the three females were taken before the Magistrate’s Court where an order was made for their deportation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Over half of the 24 individuals caught illegally entering Grenada between 1 January and 14 June 2021 were listed as

Superintendent of Police Vannie Curwen couldn’t confirm that the females were tested for COVID-19. individuals from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The capturing of the three females referenced will bring the number to 27.

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