THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 02-06-23 by TheVincentian Publishing

BEACH BEACH VENDING VENDING TO BE TO BE REGULATED REGULATED

Stories by: KENVILLE HORNE

BEACH VENDING WILL SOON BEregulated here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This expectation follows on indication given by Tourism Minister Carlos James while speaking on last Sunday’s episode of the Issue at Hand programme aired on WE FM, during which he said, “The government is looking seriously at the issue.”

The regulation is necessary given that “there is nothing on the books that says that we can currently facilitate beach vending. So, for all intents and purposes, everyone who goes to the beach with an icebox, they are vending illegally,” James said.

James shared an observation that spoke to cases where sometimes there were more vendors than people using the beach; that there are persons who cannot access the beach to have a relaxing afternoon because there are so many beach chairs, a service provided by vendors.

“Government has to bring the legislation to facilitate and to regulate it (vending) in order

to bring about a balance,” James declared.

Continue on Page 3

The beaches on Mayreau and the Togabo Cays are popular locations for vendors who trade in Caribbean-styled and coloured clothing.

While there are no declared ‘Dog Friendly Beaches’ in SVG, both locals and ex-pats take joy in bringing their dogs to the beach for a run and swim with no regard for other users of the beach.

BACK TO BACK SHOOTINGS CLAIMS TWO

THE HOMICIDE RATEcontinues to climb in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

In this regard, the country recorded five homicides for the month of May, this against a record-breaking year of homicides (42) in 2022.

On Thursday 25th May, a resident of Trigger Ridge was shot and killed sometime after 7am while walking in the public road at Cocoa Gap, Redemption Sharpes.

Brian ‘Gouti’ Samuel became

the country’s 16th homicide victim for 2023, this figure excluding three deaths during police actions.

Residents reported hearing up to five gunshots before witnessing a masked man fleeing the scene. They recalled Samuel taking his last breath in the presence of Special Services Unit (SSU) who showed up about 15 minutes after.

A day later, in the neighboring community of

Green Hill, gunmen struck again, shooting and killing Jamal ‘Crusher’ Clarke.

Police confirmed the shooting death and while informing that they have already mounted an investigation into Clarke’s death, they admit having nor discerned any clear motive for the killing yet.

Clarke was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 VOLUME 117, No.22 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 Murder trial nears end Page 4 The real crime Page 6 Canouan Regatta Page 13

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Uncle Fred: An icon

more Russell bank

Ice Box vending on the beaches has increased in recent times and the Tourism Minister cites this activity as being, for all intents and purposes, illegal. Jamal Clarke became the 17th homicide victim not the result of police action. Brian ‘Gouti’ Samuel is known to have had his run-ins with the law, including being charged for possession of unlincensed firearms.

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Students welcome ASUS Chromebooks

responsibility for Information Technology, gave some features of the computers. “These computers have oncomputer storage, they also come with 100gbs of storage with Google and very long battery life.... the Apps that you get in your Google Play Store, those Apps can run on this device as well,” he shared, adding that each computer is internet ready (for connection), has two cameras, the entire Google suite of software, and integrates very well with the Google Classroom.

by: Gloriah...

A HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OFthe latest batch of Asus Chromebooks, a donation from the Government of China (Taiwan) to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, took place at Cabinet Room on May 26.

The 3,120 devices are earmarked to be handed out to about 1,300 fifthformers, 1,000 first-form students and an unspecified number of students from the SVG Community College.

Fifteen students from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and a number of students from secondary schools across the country became the first batch of students to receive their Asus Chromebooks.

Kelsey, a student from the SVG Community College Division of Technical and Vocational Education, declared, “In our second year, we’re going to be doing AutoCAD, ... designing houses online. So, I think this will help us a lot, so we can practice both at school and at home.”

Another student from the said institution was happy that the devices

will allow them to complete their work faster and submit them earlier.

A male student expressed, “I am very happy to be receiving this laptop, seeing I am enrolled in the accounting

programme and in Year Two, we have a course called ‘Computerised Accounting’. So, while I’m at home, I can practice different spreadsheets on Excel worksheets so that when I have exes and tests to do in school, I’ll be better prepared and ready to do them.”

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister

with

The handing over of the devices to students is the latest segment of the ‘One Laptop Per Child’ initiative initiated by the government several years ago.

According to Education Minister, Hon. Curtis King, some devices will be used in administration.

Education Management Information System coming

by: Gloriah...

“It is an integrated system because it contains two features: the school management system and a learning management system.”

THIS WAS A COMMENT BY Minister of Education, Hon. Curtis King, as he gave remarks at the recent handingover of Asus Chromebooks from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to students here.

Minister King used the occasion to address the issue of an Education Management Information System, intended to enhance administration in

Beach Vending to be regulated

Continued form front page.

Other beach activities

NOT TO BE LEFT OUT OF HISusual slot on the referenced WE FM Sunday programme, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made his intervention mentioning that in 1992, the New Democratic Party passed a very strong set of beach vending regulations which were never enforced. “But now, matters are coming to a head because of the direction in which the economy is moving and that is why Carlos is saying… that matter has to be addressed,” Gonsalves said.

And he warned, “You can’t have on the beach the kind of untidiness that we have and this free for all that is taking place…..those beaches are a source of wealth

for us.”

the education sector.

In addition to the referenced comment, Minister King explained that the school management system will allow his ministry “to collect very critical and important information within the education system.”

And with the Ministry aiming to provide structure in its approach towards facilitating greater involvement of parents in the education of their children, the project is poised to play a vital role.

He said that he want to see vending organized and people make good money off the vending but not in a chaotic manner which would put the people who are using the beach at real risk.

And he also weighed in on the issue of dogs on the beach saying, “This thing with people taking some big dog by the sea and want to show off that they have a big dog, what you taking a big dog on a small beach for?”

He drew a reference to the delivery of education during the COVID19 pandemic in which there was a continuity of learning; where devices for students were procured, and teachers were trained to facilitate online delivery of education but, “... as good as that effort was though, we recognize that there’s still a lot more we need to do.”

The prime minister also highlighted the issue of people playing football on beaches, to the displeasure of other beach users.

He recognized that those kinds of activities are also governed by regulations that need to be enforced, and acknowledged that where necessary the regulations will have to be amended to ensure a sense of balance.

As far as parents were concerned, Minister King added, “More than that, our parents are critical stakeholders in the process of education and one of the difficulties we had last time, never mind several of our parents

they looked at what was happening, .... because school was transferred to the homes basically, and had some input. But we want a more structured approach where we could have our parents involved.”

He was clear that this new, integrated education management information system will provide avenues for greater parent input as there is going to be a portal for parents.

The project is expected to cover preprimary up to post-secondary levels and Minister King announced that some of the computers donated by the Republic of Chine (Taiwan) will be used in the implementation.

V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02 , 2023 . 3.

Minister Camillo Gonsalves (left) and Taiwan’s Ambassador to SVG H.E Peter Sha-Li LAN exchange pleasantries at the head table of the handing over ceremony. Two student recipients from the SVG Community College Division of Technical and Vocational Education. Curtis King, Education Minister, is filled with optimism as he looks forward to rolling out an integrated Education Management Information System for SVG.

Child molester awaits sentencing

Stories:

HAYDN HUGGINS

DION BAPTISTE, 37-year-old, an unemployed man of Campden Park, is expected to return to the Family Court, July 12 for sentencing, on charges of abduction, indecent assault, and two counts of child pornography, involving a 10-year-old girl.

Baptiste pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared before the Family Court on May 30, and was remanded until July 12 for sentencing.

Baptiste is no stranger to the headlines.

On September 13, 2018, he lost one of his hands when it was severed in an apparent reprisal attack involving Alpheus Stephenson also of Campden

Park. He was hospitalised for that wound (severed hand) and also for a wound to his back through which his intestines were visible, supposedly the result of a chop.

Behaviour at sporting events worrying

CHIEF MAGISTRATERechanne Browne is not pleased with the lawlessness displayed at some community-based sporting events here.

Dion Baptiste did not waste the court’s time; he pleaded guilty to the charges as read.

This followed a September 6, 2018 incident in which Baptiste was alleged to have inflicted a number of chop wounds to Stephenson who, as a result, spent some seven days warded at the Milton Cato memorial hospital.

Montrose man charged with stabbing journalist

TWO MONTHSafter journalist Lyf Compton was stabbed, a New Montrose resident - Tevin ‘Coolie’ Ollivierre, has been charged in connection with the incident.

Ollivierre appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday after being charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Compton.

The court heard that Lyf Compton was hospitalised fior three days.

Compton who has had worked with the Searchlight newspaper for several years,

was reportedly stabbed in his back during an incident at Pauls’ Avenue, Kingstown, on April 3.

Ollivierre, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Tuesday.

Tevin ‘Coolie’ Ollivierre had his bail varied when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court.

When the Magistrate inquired as to the nature of the injury, and whether Compton was hospitalized, Court Clerk Sergeant Atnel Ash informed the Court that Compton was reportedly stabbed in the back with a knife, and was hospitalized for about three days.

Observing that Ollivierre was granted station bail in the sum of $2,500, the Magistrate said that based on the

The Magistrate voiced her feelings on Tuesday while presiding over the matter in which a Carriere residentCjay Duncan - was found in possession of an offensive weapon, to wit, a cutlass, during a sporting event at the Dauphne Playing Field on May 24.

The Magistrate lamented that the behaviour at some community-organized sporting events has degenerated so much that the police have to be always present.

“Is that what sporting events have reached to?” the Magistrate questioned, and urged, “We have to do better than that.”

Browne noted that Duncan was not even playing a sport at the time.

“You do not want to be attacked when you are playing, do not go armed to attack,” she told Duncan.

The youngster had pleaded guilty to, without lawful excuse, in a public place (the Dauphne Playing Field) had in his possession an offensive weapon, a cutlass, on May 24, 2023.

Duncan was bonded for nine months. In breach of the bond, he will have to pay the Court $1,500 forthwith or go to prison for nine months.

In the past, several persons have appeared in the law Courts charged in connection with violent offenses, or intended violent offenses at sporting events.

nature of the injury, and the type of weapon reportedly used, she was going to vary his bail. As a result, she increased bail to $3,500 with one surety on the condition that he had no contact with the virtual complainant.

The matter was adjourned to July 24 and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Double murder retrial nears completion

UP TO PRESStime yesterday

(Thursday), the Crown had taken evidence from 42 witnesses in the retrial involving the murder of Police Constable Danroy Cozier, 25, and his brother Nicholas Cozier, committed about six years ago.

The Crown is expected to call about three more witnesses before closing its case, after which the defense will open its case.

The matter is expected to conclude by next week, following closing submissions by the Crown and defense, Justice Cottle’s summation, and the Jury’s deliberation.

Schemel ‘Jacket’ Dunbar and Kendine ‘Hoody’ Douglas, both of Rillan Hill, are being tried for the second time for the murder of the brothers whose bodies were discovered at Sion Hill Bay

close to 1 p.m. on May 4, 2017. Autopsies showed they died from bullet wounds to their heads.

Dunbar and Douglas were jointly charged with Richard Francis, a former police attached to the local Coast Guard. However, during the course of the first trial, December 2022, the matter took a sharp twist when Francis pleaded guilty on both counts when the charges were read again to him at the request of his lawyer Ronald Marks. Dunbar and Douglas maintained their innocence. As a result, Justice Cottle discharged the Jury and ordered that Dunbar and Douglas be tried before a fresh Jury. Francis will be sentenced at a date to be fixed.

Several police officers were among the 42 witnesses, most of them testifying in person, while others had their evidence read at the retrial, which started on May 22.

Cont’d on Page 23

Court V 4. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne registered her concern about the worsening behaviour at sporting events here. Schemel ‘Jacket’ Dunbar Kendine ‘Hoody’ Douglas

YRM readies for 2023 hurricane season

WEATHER FORECASTERS HAVEpredicted a slightly above average storm season, but that is not the only reason for the annual pre-hurricane season communications drill conducted by the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM) on Sunday, May 28, beginning at 4:00 in the morning, while many Vincentians were either sleeping soundly or just returning from a weekend party.

The main purpose of this emergency communications drill was to physically and mentally prepare YRM volunteers for unpredictable realities that nature or manmade hazards can throw at us. This means staging exercises at odd hours, as disasters can strike at any time, day or night, whether it is a plane crash or earthquake. The YRM motto — “Maximum Participationdefines its modus of operation. In other words, YRM members and volunteers give their best, whether in training or responding to real life situations, like in Dominica following hurricane Maria in 2017, when a joint medical and emergency communications team from SVG, organized by the YRM and SVG First Responders, did a 3-week rotation in Dominica.

Part of YRM training also involves operating from remote locations, so this year part of the YRM team camped on the beach at Bachelors Hall in Canouan, where a multi-band, multi-mode HF/VHF transceiver operated from a 12-volt battery and using a broad band rapid deployment dipole antenna received from Barrett communications, was used with excellent results.

Besides making contact with local radio operators which was the principal objective of the exercise, contacts were made with Canada, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Carriacou, Jamaica, Grenada, Union Island and Guyana. Operating from the Communications Command center was Sean Patterson J88CU, with assistance from J88LE Leslie Edwards, J88EA Ronald Haynes,

J88DX Cally Gibson, J88NMB Monte Browne, J88DT Sylvester Tannis, J88DM Reni King, J88NFJ Leon Ambris and our most senior radio operator J88AA Martin Barnard.

YRM Director J88CD Donald De Riggs operated from the remote station on the beach in Canouan ably assisted by J88NIR Ian Rhynd. While in Canouan, the YRM also provided safety communications services for the maritime activities during the weekend regatta.

Other activities planned for the rest of the year include several Parks On The Air (POTA) activities which allow YRM members to demonstrate to the public how to set up and operate a remote/portable station, while giving them the opportunity to communicate with similar operations stationed at other local recreational parks. The general public will be notified when the dates for these activities are confirmed.

The RRL/YRM also uses this opportunity to thank MV Guidance and Gem Star for the transport of radio equipment to and from Canouan, as well as all volunteers, including the five secondary school students who assisted the YRM Director in setting up antennas and tent, for making the activity the success it was.

The YRM also uses this opportunity to appeal to all Vincentians: to prune trees whose branches can snap/break off and cause damage during violent storms; secure any loose galvanize with roofing screws, and repair any damaged windows, doors, gates; clear waterways and drains around your

property, anything that can lessen the impact of a hurricane; follow advice and bulletins issued by NEMO who will also be publishing an updated list

of all the emergency shelters in the state by:Donald De Riggs

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 5. V

Ian Rhynd J88NIR at the control of the portable station located on the beach in Canouan. Solar panels to recharge the 12-volt battery that powers the radio equipment.

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 real crime On the Death Penalty

THIS COLUMN IS YET TO BE CONVINCEDthat socio-economic conditions do not give rise to crime.

The research is available to support that crime breeds among the less abled socio-economic groups for a myriad of reasons, not least being that those who are poor and made to struggle in a life of poverty are prone to become foot soldiers for more organized criminals and end up being the ones whom the public brands as the criminals.

The thing is, if this is true of our situation, then we must embark on a programme, as part of the overall crime fighting programme, to warn the poor to stay clear of crime since they are the once who will pay the heaviest for it; not the real criminals who hide behind their good offices/businesses, who can retain the services of high-priced attorneys who then help to keep the real criminals out of jail.

And if it is that we accept that our burdensome socio-economic conditions are in part responsible for the crime that currently pervades Vincentian society, we must be mindful that there could well come a time when the poor, in their demand for an equitable share of the pie and to rid themselves of labels such as criminals, will fight back against the status quo, which could well mean violent manifestations (crime) as history bears witness, for example, in the French Revolution.

This is but one revolution, uprising by the poor, that took a violet path. We can avoid that route by demanding that our politicians, those who lead and those who aspire so to do, formulate policies, not empty promises laced with rhetoric, that are meant not only to enrich the nation but are biased towards narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. Are we seeing that in so doing we will erase the income inequality that causes one class to want to safeguard its dominance and another desirous of ridding itself of the stranglehold of poverty, thereby creating tension even turmoil?

Yes, we like to boast of SVG’s rising per captia GDP - the sum total of all goods and services produced by every man, woman and child in the country. This is

supposed to speak of the progress we have made and the improvements in the conditions of the population generally.

The truth is that this does not reflect the reality of say, the average four-member household. There is a large fraction of the population that does not contribute to this GDP because of their situation of joblessness and unequal opportunity, and therefore do not share in or benefit from that level of production (GDP).

If it were that each household got a share of the GDP this may not translate into wealthier households but it should bring a percentage of those who wallow in poverty out of their predicament.

The reality is that inequality lies at the very heart of our economic system. It cannot be otherwise since our is a system of unbridled capitalism that ensures that a small percentage of the upper echelons of society enjoy a more than comfortable standard of living, while the rest struggle daily to keep their noses above the water line of survival.

It follows therefore, that the GDP is a false impression of the wealth in a country. For GDP to make sense and to be representative of the true conditions of a nation, the system has to be equitable so that more citizens have the opportunity to enjoy higher standards of living. Sadly, capitalism strives on inequality.

So, are we still not convinced that once poverty abounds in our midst, not the making of those who are so stricken, crime and tendencies towards crime will find a foothold among these communities?

Crime activity will arise and that must be of primary concern to any nation. But our biggest crime is, there are too many poor people in our midst, many unable to provide for their families. That is a crime exacerbated by those who are ready and willing partners of the capitalists whose dominance they secure.

So, whether we agree or not that poverty breeds crime, we commit the more grievous sin by creating and fueling poverty in our nation. That is the real crime.

THE DEATH PENALTY, ALSO KNOWN as judicial murder/homicide, is the statesanctioned practice of killing a person as a punishment for murder. Many people, and it seems our Prime Minister is in that camp, are willing to argue the death penalty is a deterrent to criminal activity and is worth keeping as an option. I disagree.

One of the best places to test this theory is the USA. Why? Because the decision to enact the death penalty is left to the individual states.

About twenty of the fifty states still use it as an option. The most recent numbers I have seen show that States where the death penalty is practiced, have a murder rate of almost six per hundred thousand, while those without the death penalty option are less than four per hundred thousand. So, it’s reasonable to ask why the threat of death is not deterring murders in those twenty states.

Those who study human behavior tell us that the answer lies in the minds of those committing the crime. I would say that most people committing murder today are not behaving rationally, as evidenced by the number of mentally ill people in our prison system today. Substance abuse is another common reason for irrational behavior.

An analysis of the driving force behind those in prison for murder would reveal that depression and drug or alcohol use are common reasons for people’s irrational behavior. Other common trends among those engaging in criminal activity and murder are educational deficits, employment problems, and homelessness. As highlighted by the acting Superintendent of Prisons, the prison has become the dumping ground for our mentally ill population. Over fifty percent of individuals in the justice system have a mental health disorder. As I said earlier, I do not support the death penalty because when faced with above mentioned social and cognitive issues, it is difficult to ensure a fair trial for anyone accused of murder.

We all live in a society where we tacitly agree to a social contract to abide by society’s laws. One can argue that this contract is broken when a crime, like murder, is committed. However, when the playing field is not level, can we in good conscience say that such a person no longer deserves to live? I cannot.

Instead, I feel that a person who

commits murder should be removed from society until they prove (themselves) capable of rejoining the law-abiding citizens. In fact, I think this is appropriate for all crimes if we genuinely believe in rehabilitation. While a murder is a much more significant threat to society, I do not feel taking the life of a perpetrator will stop other mentally ill people from killing. It will not remove the danger. Justice should not be about vengeance. It should be about improving the world, making it safer by deterring crime. The death penalty doesn’t prevent murder. So, that leaves the death penalty as simple vengeance.

Isn’t it time we move beyond the idea of “an eye for an eye”? Why do people still think the death penalty is a good idea, even though we risk killing innocent or sick people?

For those who argue in favor of the death penalty, can you assure us that you will not kill an innocent person, an underrepresented person, a mentally ill person, or a person suffering from drug addiction? The certainty problem can’t be swept aside when it comes down to it. It’s a big enough issue to completely bury the death penalty as a viable option.

Now let’s look at some of the arguments put forward for keeping the death penalty:

Some argue that a life sentence is not truly a life sentence since some people are released for various reasons, thus creating the opportunity for a repeat offense. Another argument against a life sentence is that people in prison continue their criminal behavior in prison. The cost to taxpayers is another reason those supporting the death penalty give. The emotional argument that the death penalty is a deterrent is pretty dubious, but it gets the most attention.

Our failure as a society to address the contributing factor to criminal activity leaves most people asking for vengeance. I believe the slow wheel of justice in SVG gives rise to vigilantism.

However, I still stand against the death penalty. Taking a life, by the state, of a “sick” individual only differs by degree. It does not help the relatives of the murdered victims and has no real benefit over imprisonment.

Horatio.

6. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN Views V

Editorial

The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

From “Shakers” to Spiritual Baptists

ARE THESpiritual Baptist leaders misleading their followers? They keep celebrating their anniversary in the month of May and there is nothing on legal record to support their claim.

The first recorded Spiritual Baptist groups in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are as follows: No. 10 of 1978, the Spiritual Baptist Organization with their trustees — Japheth Stapleton, Ruben Bailey, Virginia Sandy, Sylvan Hutchinson, Herbert Huggins, and Selwyn King. This entity is currently headed by Devon Ollivierre.

The second is the Archbishop and Primate (Spiritual Baptist), known as the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese, Act No of 1983. Their trustees are as follows: Percival Dick, Conrad Sutherland, Raval Harry,

Duff Walker James, Cosmore Pompey, Joe Fernandez, James Cupid, Edmond John (Conrad Sutherland reported to the two Georges and others that he did not give permission to have his name on this Act). This entity is headed by Medford Pompey.

There are many more Baptist entities but these as referred are the leading ones.

The root of this discussion is that in 1912 the British government outlawed the Afrocentric Christian Faith and named them “Shakers”, thereby enacting the 1912 Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance No 13 of 1912. From thence, we had almost 40 years of religious persecution under British colonialism, second only to the early Concerts in Acts 8 and 9, under the Roman

Empire.

Some members escaped persecution by migrating to Trinidad, and by 1917 the British caught them practising the Faith among a other religions like Hinduism, Islam, and Shango etc., and were singled out and outlawed under the 1917 Shouterism Prohibition Ordinance passed in that country.

The British used the Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance of SVG by simply substituting Shouterism for Shakerism.

On March 30, 1951 the Shouterism Prohibition Ordinance was repealed and that group registered in Trinidad as Spiritual Baptist.

Even though the Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance wasn’t repealed until 1965, this group was registered in SVG on the 22nd May

1951 as the Christian Pilgrim Faith. By this time, Japheth Stapleton of Rose Hall had returned from Trinidad with the Spiritual Baptist drive and established a 1978 Baptist entity. Duff Walker James broke away from the Christian Pilgrim Faith and established the 1983 entity. For record sake, Conrad Sutherland told the Christian Pilgrim Faith that he never permitted James to print his name on the 1983 Ordinance in which Pompey was moved from Superintendent Minister to Archbishop, in which Sutherland was Bishop in command. Sutherland asked his council to detach. That was done and the Christian Pilgrim Faith was incorporated in the Parliament of SVG in March 2011.

Support for Sammy

I WANT to congratulate Darren Sammy on his appointment as head coach of the West Indies white ball cricket teams. Yet, after all he has done for West Indies cricket there are still fans who think that he is not suitable and qualified for the job, but they are prepared to give him a chance given the record of his predecessors.

And a chance he should have, to prove himself as a coach for others before him have failed miserably.

Furthermore, this is his first stint as coach of a West indies senior team so he must be given that extra slack so he can wet his feet and find his

ground. Sammy, a two-time ICC winning captain, is having his first stint as head coach of the Caribbean men’s senior team. I believe he has been entrusted with one of the toughest jobs in West Indies cricket.

And given what President of CWI Dr. Kishore Shallow has said about the West indies having to get back to winning, he being from a ‘small island’ like Sammy would know the pressure this expectation puts on the new coach. I am no expert but one of the deficiencies in the West Indies team that Sammy will have to rebuild is that mental toughness and a winning

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* How come not one lawyer pick up the PM when he implied that that certain lawyers get an easier time when they go before certain magistrates?

* Is it that no lawyer will go against another lawyer, except when they meet in court?

* When are we going to do something drastic about praedial larceny? Why are farmers who have lost agricultural crops and livestock saying it’s a waste of time reporting the theft to the police?

* Who is buying the livestock (meat) stolen from farmers?

* Has the hospital administrator who will run for the ULP resigned her position?

* Why does the lack of Government’s attention for Bequia smell like the same thing that used to happen under the Milton Cato-led Labour Party? Is this a case of ‘the more things change the more they remain the same’?

attitude that characterized out teams of the past.

To do this, Sammy must get into the heads of his players since no amount of sweet, pep talks seem to have worked with this new crop of West Indies players.

He also has to help his players build a mindset that says, “We are playing for pride and country not just ourselves and the money.”

I expect Sammy will bring a different approach to his training sessions with emphasis on the psychological aspect of the game.

With a clear mind as per what his programme is and his ability to sell that to his players, there is no reason why Sammy cannot return the W.I. while ball teams to winning ways.

I wish him all the best.

Thomas

Heading towards digital exams

I DON’T want to say that the recent exam leak in the CXC Math Exam is a blessing in disguise. CXC has not hidden its intention to have more if not all digital exams. This leak will be used as another push in that direction.

And by the way, who is to say that there have not been exam leaks that slipped through the system resulting in no action being taken. Who is to say that if this be the case, there are many grades handed out that are not true.

I would like to think that digital exams will: give the students peace of mind because the results will be ‘immediate’; students can take the exam anytime, anywhere; exams can be taken in more comfortable environments, with no real need to commute; this will save money and reduce stress; and disabled students will be easily accommodated. Technology is changing how we educate and how we assess how much of that education has reached the intended recipients. There is no turning back. We are either part of the Digital Age or we are not. CXC will lead the way.

William - Teacher.

Bishop Hamel Roban is the Chief Bishop for the Faith and was honoured privately for his outstanding service to the Faith for over 50 years. He has been a Justice of the Peace for over 20 years. Long live! The struggle continues for freedom.

Christian Democrat

Prepaid Electricity

THESEare modern times and those who use services should pay for them. There are too many unpaid electricity bills. Irresponsible people would not become responsible overnight. Since the technology is available, prepaid electricity meters should be deployed to selected people, who need them, at their expense. It is not fair that responsible people should pay for delinquent people. The telephone companies use mainly prepaid services. When there is no credit, no calls can be made.

Using the court to collect unpaid electricity bills did not work out for me. After going through the court system three times, the delinquent tenant refused to pay, was sentenced to one week in jail and still did not pay. Intervention of legal counsel in the matter proved expensive and totally useless. I doubt whether she spent a single night in jail. In the meantime, she sported the latest fashion high tech phone and showed signs of being a “high maintenance woman”. The rum shop is frequented by men who are delinquent in paying their bills.

If accessing government jobs and services is tied to the payment of delinquent bills there would certainly be an improvement in collection. In this festive season, many would be spreading joy using the monies that should pay the bills.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 7. Letters V

We shall not be ignoble! Citizenship is not for sale!!

Introduction

AS A SMALLdeveloping nation with many challenges to our growth, development and survival, any government of this country must be creative in its pursuit of these goals and so not destroy this nation under the guise of building it.

The virtual absence of minerals and the like from which to generate revenue for the state, dictates that the government must secure by taxes and other levies the finances to cover necessary expenditures. These spending are real as they are needed, for here we are talking of paying the cost of supporting material wellbeing from quality education to healthcare, and from job creation to physical infrastructural development, all part of ensuring what we in the ULP call decent citizenship. And, when one recalls that our small islands are the most vulnerable to exogenous shocks, and natural disasters that can devastate islands in a matter of hours, the acute need for state revenues becomes most apparent.

The ULP has demonstrated a manysided approach to generating these revenues including through efficacious use of our instruments of sovereignty and independence. In this regard we continue to form new partnerships while strengthening existing ones as part of our development thrust that ensures decent citizenship. The ULP’s development path is one of further ennobling of people and civilization, hence the selling of our passports, which in essence in the prostituting the highest office of this nation, namely that of citizen, is repugnant to us.

Rebuilding our country’s documents and reputation

When the ULP came to office in 2001, SVG’s reputation was in tatters. We were on several international “blacklists.” Further, the country’s passport was treated as very suspect in quite a few ports of entry around the world, as it had no sophistication whatsoever in terms of security features, and therefore could be very easily altered by anyone so criminally inclined. Simply put, the SVG passport could have been easily forged. And, passports were being issued by SVG overseas offices, and this presented problems including the departure from protocols and procedures for issuance. This ULP government brought this latter practice to an immediate halt, requiring that all passports be issued from the relevant office in Kingstown. The birth certificate, used as the basic document in the application for a passport, was handwritten and fraught with problems resulting from the same, from registration to issuance. This government with its philosophy of further ennobling our people and civilization, of which decent citizenship is a part set about ensuring integrity of our documents testifying to the same. It moved swiftly, and by 2007, we had machine readable passports, the world standard. The registry was modernised and issues electronic birth certificates. In 2014, this country became the region’s first to issue e-

passports, the ultimate in international standard today.

One key result of these improvement to the SVG passport, is that it is now regarded as a very secure document. This, coupled with the improved reputation of SVG globally – the result of the great work of our Prime Minister, and other Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including our distinguished diplomats – has led to Vincentian passport holders being granted visa exemptions to travel to countries within the Schengen zone and other countries. Holding an SVG passport now equals hassle-free travel in many parts of the world. Securing hassle-free migration of our people is part of this government’s philosophy of ensuring decent citizenship. It is ignoble, prostitution of our sovereignty, belittling of our civilization, the cheapening of our people’s birthright, a serious threat to the national security, and the dollarization of this nation’s decency to even entertain the disgraceful notion of selling our passports. It matters not the name -CBI, CIP- this ignoble process is called; it is plain and simple, the selling of our patrimony, of our citizenship, putting a price tag on the highest office in the land. The ULP gives the solemn commitment that this WILL NEVER happen once we are entrusted with the governance of the land.

Conclusion

The lazy approach to governance that characterises the opposition NDP is evident in the fact that they see the selling of Vincentian citizenship as a corner stone of the same. Virtually every plan they put forward depends on this sell for its financing. This government knows that this is NOT the path to securing our sustainable development. Indeed, our development is much more than raising revenues, as important as that is. The point is, being Vincentian is noble in and of itself. You don’t sell your nobility! Consequently, we shall guard the integrity and honour that the office of citizen of this land carries. We shall NEVER sell our passports. Continue to protect the integrity of our passport that this government worked hard to restore to something of pride, something of value, something respected globally. But make no mistake, the sale of our passport will feature prominently in the upcoming general elections. Your decision at the polls will determine whether we desecrate our national document through its reckless sale, or we maintain this stance that “We Shall Not be Ignoble! Our Citizenship Is Not For Sale! Next week, we would look at the NDP’s plan to put a “for sale” sign in the metaphoric shop window at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on their intention to switch diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China, to engage in selling out our patrimony. We must expose their plans to sell out SVG’s passports to the highest bidders while protecting the integrity of our principled foreign policy that will never be transactional under this ULP administration.

NDP - The Party of Hope

THE NORTHof our country is a vibrant and bustling community, home to thousands of people who work hard to make a living and raise their families. The people of North Windward and North Central are resilient and resourceful. We have a strong sense of community and work together to overcome challenges and build a brighter future for our children.

In 2020, I first stood for election in North Windward. It was the honour of my life to have the opportunity to put my name forward to represent this wonderful constituency. Over the last three years, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary ability and diversity of our proud communities.

When I was nominated, I said, “I am an educator and I am a community builder from this little village of Owia who practises what the Lord instructs through the preacher Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:10, ‘Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.’ So, whatsoever I put my hands to, I am doing it to the best of my ability to make North Windward work.

Since that time, I have worked tirelessly night and day to help build North Windward up. The annual cricket tournament has become an important part of our summer, whether it has been a road relay, speaking competition, church event, everything I do, everything I say, everything I think, is how can I do more to make our community great.

I stand here proudly as part of the team being led by our leader Dr. Friday to deliver Hope to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Yes, we hear you. We see and know how dismal things are in this country and tonight we declare that Hope is alive and we are the party of Hope for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

One of the most important aspects of life in North Windward is agriculture. The fertile soil and favourable climate make it an ideal place for growing a wide variety of crops, including bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot. Agriculture has been the backbone of the North Windward economy for generations, and it continues to be an important source of income and livelihood for many families. North Windward is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and craft markets. These businesses provide important services and support to the local community, and they are an important part of the North Windward economy.

But as well as being a wonderful part of the country, we also face significant obstacles to growth. We were at the epicentre of the volcanic eruption whose effects are still being felt today. Infrastructure remains weak and investment lags behind the rest of the country. Our famers and fisherfolk are not supported to build a sustainable sector for themselves. Crime remains rampant and there are too few facilities for our people.

I want to talk directly to the hardworking farmers who are struggling

against tremendous odds to keep their farms going and to feed our nation; to the hundreds of ambitious young people who have completed studies and are seeking employment and opportunities for further development; to the business people who are literally struggling to keep their businesses afloat in the face of a faltering economy; to the general population especially the older folks as we struggle with the various infectious and non-communicable diseases that are ravaging our people in the face of the very poor health services currently available at the district clinics and our premier health facilities. I am saying to all of us, there is hope under an NDP government.

Farmers, over the years we have become aware of your struggles. We know that you are struggling with the hot, dry conditions which seem to be getting worse each year. We know that you are struggling to get the kind of prices you deserve for your produce. We know that you are struggling to purchase fertilizers and other agricultural input necessary to maintain quality production. I want to remind you that it was the NDP that gave you an effective and functioning irrigation system that boosted your production in the past; and I say to you tonight, Hope is alive as an NDP administration will restore the irrigation system.

Let us look at the state of health care in these parts and in the country in general. It is evident that there is an increase in infectious and noncommunicable diseases across the country; and this is happening at a time when there is a deterioration in our health services. Why should patients in our hospitals be forced to purchase basic supplies for their treatment? Why should a young woman spend only three days in hospital and then be asked to pay $900? Vincentians, we cannot accept these things as the norm. These things must change! These things will change under an NDP administration. Throughout these challenges, what makes us great is our sense of community — our willingness to come together to support each other. But, this willingness to come together is not matched by the willingness of our government to step up and be counted. Too often they have simply taken our people and the community for granted, hoping that we don’t notice that they only come around at election time; hoping we don’t notice that they only deliver when pushed to do so; hoping we don’t notice that too often the decision on whether someone receives the support they need, depends on if they have a ULP card.

For that is the measure of this government, they choose to roll out services and investment not on the basis of what we do need, or where it makes the best investment or where it will help the most people. The only measure they care about it what benefits them.

(Excerpts of Senator Shevern John’s Presentation at the Hope Rally)

8. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN Views V

Acts of Kindness

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” — Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) – South African Anglican bishop and theologian known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist.

THE MERRIAM -WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY defines kindness as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” The ancient Greek culture encouraged citizens to engage in acts of kindness. In their own way, they regarded this as a demonstration of civility. Aesop (620-564 BC), the legendary ancient Greek prolific storyteller, was known to have said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” The Greek civilization must have enshrined this caring outlook in its citizens. It is therefore not surprising that another Greek philosopher, Aristotle (384-322 BC), writing many decades later, noted that, “It is the characteristic of the magnanimous man to ask no favour but to be ready to do kindness to others.”

The Greek civilization was not the only culture that encouraged acts of kindness. Confucius (551-479 BC), the Chinese politician and philosopher, listed kindness as one of the desirable virtues when he encouraged those around him, “To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” His influence on the Chinese society was strong. He helped to weave these desirable traits throughout and beyond China.

There are many acts of kindness recorded in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The one that readily comes to mind is that of Ruth and Boaz. The records appear in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman who had travelled to Israel as the widow of an Israelite man. She was accompanied by her mother-inlaw, Naomi, who was also a widow. Ruth loved Naomi and was determined to remain with her even though the older woman had sought to persuade her to do otherwise. They shared a humble dwelling place. Ruth, in an effort to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law, regularly went to the fields to glean food in the fields during the harvest. This practice of gleaning was acceptable and considered a dignified way of providing for the poor and destitute.

Boaz had owed one of the fields where Ruth visited in search of grain. He knew of her plight and told his workers to leave plenty of grain for her to discover. This act of kindness enabled her (and Naomi) to find food and to do so in a dignified manner. She was not begging. She was willing to make an effort to help herself. This was considered to be most commendable; being willing to help oneself even if in doing so the act may appear to be belittling.

The New Testament also records many examples of acts of kindness. For example, many of the early believers in Jesus Christ were experiencing extremely difficult times. This was especially evident when there was a famine in Judea. Acts 11:27-29 records how fellow believers in Jesus Christ rallied support and generated the funds needed to relieve the sufferings that had resulted from the failed crops in

that area. Such selfless giving was (and still is) admirable. Sacrificial giving is especially laudable. This is especially so when efforts are not made to publicise the act of kindness. God sees and His rewards are far greater than the recognition and praise of men. There are many more recent examples of acts of kindness that we can contemplate. We can consider relief efforts following disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, volcanic eruptions, and so on. We also recognize that there are individuals who do not wait until a disaster strikes to show that they care for others. Such civic-minded individuals support school feeding programmes, donate books and other materials to deprived children, and so on. However, kindness is not limited to the provision of material things. The following true story brings this out:

The Tokyo Summer Olympics was held in Japan during the period 23rd July to 8th August, 2020. Eleven thousand, four hundred and twenty (11,420) athletes, representing two hundred and six (206) teams participated in three hundred and thirty-nine (339) events. It was quite understandable that, following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, athletes and officials were anxious to have a successful series of events. In addition, the Japanese government and citizens, having invested heavily in preparing for the event, wanted to showcase the Olympic Games.

Hansle Parchment, a 31-year-old Jamaican track and field athlete was determined to do well in the 110-meter hurdle. However, on the day of the semi-finals he caught the bus to the wrong location. He was in a dilemma for there was limited time available for him to get to the correct stadium on time. Fortunately for the stressed-out Caribbean athlete, Trijana Stojkovic, a volunteer providing assistance at the games, came to his rescue and provided him with money to take a taxi. Parchment arrived to the semi-finals on time and was able to qualify for the finals. He eventually secured the gold medal for that event having clocked a time of 13.4 seconds. He made a concerted effort to locate Trijana before leaving Japan. He thanked her for her kindness. His success would not have been possible had this total stranger not paused to care enough to assist someone in need. That “small act of kindness” had a significant positive impact on Hansle’s career and life. It reminds us of the encouraging words of Jackie Chan (born 1954), the Hong Kong actor, martial artist, and filmmaker, when he noted that, “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.”

Harold S. Kushner (1935-2023), the American rabbi, lecturer, and author reminds us to do such acts of kindness with pure motives. He beckoned us to, “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” We grow bigger, stronger, and live happier and more fulfilling lives when we engage in acts of kindness.

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

Stop the sale of lands to foreigners

AT THE STARTof the year, a two-year ban on foreigners buying homes in Canada came into effect. The Canadian government said the ban was to help Canadians to buy a house in Canada. The ban prohibits people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents from buying residential properties, and imposes a C$10,000 fine on those who breach it.

We need a ban on foreigners buying lands in SVG. So many Vincentians are unable to buy property in SVG because prices are inflated due to foreign ownership and scarcity of land. In the recent past decades, thousands of acres of land in SVG have been sold to foreigners. SVG has been besieged by foreigners taking our land. This is outrageous and must be stopped.

Canadian Housing minister, Ahmed Hussen, said the ban is meant to discourage foreign buyers from looking at homes as commodities, instead of a place to live and grow a family.

“Through this legislation, we’re taking action to ensure that housing is owned by Canadians, for the benefit of everyone who lives in this country,” Mr. Hussen said.

In SVG, we need to take the same policy approach. We need to ensure that housing is owned by Vincentians, for the benefit of Vincentians.

Some years ago, many Vincentians expressed their deep concern about the selling of hundreds of acres of land in Peter’s Hope, Central Leeward, to foreigners. They said that this will make it harder for their children and grandchildren to buy land in SVG and that Vincentian children were being pushed out of their own country.

It is the birth-right of Vincentians to be able to buy land in their own country. However, we have lost too much land to rich foreigners and these rich foreigners are stealing the birthright of Vincentians.

New Zealand passed a similar

legislation banning foreign homebuyers in 2018 as the country grappled with its own housing affordability crisis. SVG Green Party believes that we must ban the sale of lands to foreigners, as is the case in Georgia, Cuba, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa and many other countries.

South Africa banned the sale of land to foreigners because they said, there is a need to secure the limited land for food security and address the land injustice of more than 300 years of colonialism and apartheid.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, strongly congratulates the Canadian government in taking this very important and historic decision to ban the sale of land to foreigners.

In SVG’s struggle for independence, thousands of Vincentians gave their lives fighting for our basic rights and

A walk through Kingstown

WHEN ONE WALKSaround the capital of our country today, the evidence of neglect is palpable.

While it is reasonable to lay the charge of ‘wutless’ neglect at the feet of our administrators, particularly those who had seemingly been held in high regard by the populace and had once signaled that they were disposed to take the lead in looking out for the best interest of the people; if there is no evidence that the citizens have documented their strong disapproval, of this crippling pervasive neglect of responsibility, by those who had been

so commissioned, then those citizens must also be held accountable.

We need to remind ourselves, that we have declared to the world that we are a democracy and that we submit to the authority of Jehovah the Creator who in the person of Jesus His son, dwelt among the inhabitants of the earth for over thirty years.

Those among us therefore, who have declared themselves to be servants of Jehovah the Creator and have vowed to be faithful servants and representatives of Jehovah and have assumed the role of guiding society

towards the honouring of Jehovah’s will, as was enunciated by Jesus the Christ and documented in his word the Bible, they should not be indifferent to situations in the society, which are clearly unhealthy and are negatively impacting the well-being of the society and the psyche of the younger ones. It cannot be disputed that the authorities have for several decades been neglecting their responsibility to appropriately maintain the infrastructure of society; the buildings (public), the roads, and the drains. Considering the structure of the church organizations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is my firm belief that if they had the will in leadership, they could positively impact the society and prompt the correcting of some of the factors which are crippling our society.

For example, some of the more prominent properties in Kingstown are owned by the churches. The Anglican and Roman Catholic, the Methodist, the Salvation Army, the Seventh Day Adventist, and the Gospel Hall.

Among the faithful members of those church bodies are many persons of some influence in society. It cannot be beyond the human capacity of those churches to correct the ugly exhibition of neglect which is so evident on the sidewalks and drains bordering these valuable properties.

Those congregations and their supporters could be mobilized to effect

freedoms. We should not pay back our national hero, Chatoyer, by selling our lands to foreigners and giving the country away to modern-day colonialists. We must ban the sale of land to foreigners immediately.

Our young people must inherit and own our country. A Green government will take back the land sold to foreigners and distribute it to the people of SVG. SVG must ban the sale of land to foreigners so that our land goes to our children and to ensure that we have enough good agricultural land to grow our own food.

We must stop the sale of lands to foreigners. We must stop the destruction of our beautiful country.

the enhancement, and the impact of the resulting noticeable improvement in the ambiance of the related properties may well be so impressive, that it could prompt similar action by forward-looking business houses in our capital.

Corea’s, Bonadie’s, Viera’s, Layne’s and Greaves’ are recognized as the prominent Vincentian commercial enterprises in Kingstown. It might turn out that they could influence the players in the Chamber of Industry and Commerce to adopt a similar approach.

A distinct unsatisfactory area of weakness is the obvious lack of concern for the proper maintenance of the drainage systems. Some of the larger business entities have laid concrete over drains, to facilitate vehicular access to their properties.

In several cases over ten feet of drain is covered in concrete with no allowance made for cleaning.

Where were the Kingstown Town Board and its engineers?

The system that was used at the NIS property should be adopted as the standard, where in the area of a drain covered to allow for vehicular traffic a heavy metal grill is used and is so designed to allow for easy monitoring and cleaning.

Since it is so evident that the authorities are clearly defeated in this area of sanitation, it is the duty of responsible citizens to make an attempt to remedy the situation.

Prime Minister Gonsalves in his Christmas Message to the nation in December 2022 made a seemingly sincere call for what he called, “RESPAIR”. He said that we needed to repair the situations which had been causing our citizens such agony that it was reflected on their faces.

He called for the participation of citizens in this correction, this repair, this “RESPAIR”. I had expected that by now, we would have had from Prime Minister Gonsalves, a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines as to how this “RESPAIR” was going to be effected.

Is he still too busy with XY and Z?

The tourists are not impressed!

LeRoy Providence

10. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN Views V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 11.

EDWARD ÂUNCLE/BRA FREDÊ WILLIAMS (OIIIVIERRE) A HERO/ICON/CHAMPION HAS FLOWN - WHAT A MAN!

WORDS echoed by every tribute giver; by the former and current parliamentary Reps of the Constituency of West St. George; throughout the Eulogy; by members of The Fountain Seventh Day Adventist Church and by the Presiding Pastor Ian Williams.

Edward ‘Uncle/Bra Fred’ Williams (OIIivierre) contracted Polio at a very early age, which limited his body from being able to bend from the neck downwards. But, that was his only limitation as Uncle Fred not only defied all logic, but went

on to live a very full and productive life to the age of 94 years.

Despite this severe challenge, Uncle Fred simply deflected and diverted to become a multitalented “Man of all trades” and a successful entrepreneur. These comments, offered at his

home-going/thanksgiving service on 28th May, 2023, captured his life story:

* He was born on October l5th, 1928 and lived to the fullest, up to the ripe old age of 94 years.

* He lived on his own and did all things most of his life and went beyond by preparing meals for his neighbors, friends, family and his church.

* He sired no children but had many as he adopted and parented many as if his own.

* He went to secure copio (his favorite craft material) and prepared it, put it out to dry (his neighbors would run to take them out of the rain). From this he made bags, baskets, mats, fans, trays, hats, rocking chairs and much more.

* He also specialized in making flowers from wire and colored paper and gifted bouquets to many homes.

* Uncle Fred could fix anything- broken and he would repair it.

* He sold sweets, personal and household items and he was best known for always having kerosene. “It was as if he had his own kerosene factory, when everyone else was out Uncle Fred will always have stock.”

* ‘He asked me to send hair grease to sell’, said one tribute giver and when I came home and visited, he presented me with a bank book of over $4,000.00 and told me that was for me, his was put aside differently’.

* Another tribute giver said- “this rich entrepreneurial life should be captured in book form and used as a reference and teaching moment for students”.

* So developed were his senses that he could detect a passerby from his/her footsteps and a visitor from their voice from a distance, said another.

* As he lay in bed, he would manipulate a small mirror and see his visitors as they entered the compound and would greet them by name as they neared the door, the tributes went on.

* Those who went to church to inspire and encourage Uncle Fred more often than not left more inspired and motivated by Uncle Fred.

* In his earlier years Uncle Fred would swing on his slings (walkers) from his home (ten minutes away) to the church and would be the first to arrive. He would take his seat and the children had to be orderly when they came in, said the representative of the Church.

* But not only was he present, he led worship singing and he taught Sabbath class at the Church. He had the voice of an angel on earth, were the reflections of everyone.

* He taught himself how to read from the

Bible and used the Holy Book as teaching material to young and old.

* He had the clearest voice on radio. He was a solid party man (politics). So, when he called in on his party’s station it was always a well thought out and articulated contribution, supported of course by the scriptures.

* So devoted was he to his party that he insisted on going to the polls and casting his vote, albeit having to be taken there on a stretcher.

* Uncle Fred was named an Unsung Hero in St Vincent and the Grenadines by the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank group in 2012.

So, it all came together at the celebration service- the song selection, the lively singing, the colorful tributes, the fully reflective Eulogy and then the message: “When a man dies will he live again?’. The answer was a resounding YES. Uncle Fred claimed the Good Book as his own. He learned by it, he taught by it, referred to and referenced it, worshipped by it and lived by it.

Pastor Williams labelled his namesake A CHAMPION.

Uncle Fred fought a good fight, he certainly kept the faith, lived a great life and now he has completed the course. RIP you ICON, you HERO, you CHAMPION. WOW! WHAT A MAN!

From: Mr. Cecil McKie

Tribute V 12. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Edward “Uncle Fred’ Williams (Ollivierre) defied the odds, lived to a ripe old age, all throughout caring for himself and others. Uncle Fred getting his raw material in order to begin another day’s work.

Kimonique Harry is Miss 2023 Canouan Whitsuntide Regatta

MISS KIMONIQUE HARRY, SPONSORED by Beefy Convenience Store, is the 2023 Miss Canouan Whitsuntide Regatta, which began on May 25 and climaxed on May 29.

Kimonique won from a field of five contestants in the Pageant that was held on Sunday, 28th May.

She copped the Best Career Wear and Best Interview categories of the keenly contested beauty and talent contest.

First Runner-up was Auyana Springer who won the Best Talent and Best Evening Wear. She was sponsored by King’s Consciense. Tedisha Snagg, sponsored by SVG Bakery & Restaurant, Brooklyn NY, was the Second Runner-up.

The other contestants were Sapphire Collins, Augustine Mitchell and Emma Snagg.

According to Vice President of the Canouan Regatta Committee, Ian Rhynd, the Queen Show was of a high standard and received commendation from several patrons, for being a properly organized and run show.

The Canouan Whitsuntide Regatta, now into its 25th year, has Cuthbert Williams as this year’s Commodore, the title given to the elder who oversees all the activities, especially the sailing/maritime activities.

This year also saw the traditional May Pole dancing, beer drinking competitions and the introduction of kayak racing.

One day was set aside for a fishermen competition with the winner of the fishing competition being Nick Harry, captain of the boat “Dutty Dude”. He landed a catch of 102 pounds with a count of 173 heads.

Also taking part in the Canouan Whitsuntide activities was the Junior section of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra which gave a solid performance.

Two excursions, one by the Teachers Union, also had a positive impact on the Canouan Regatta, with visiting patrons supporting the food and drink bars.

The Canouan Regatta Committee takes this opportunity to thank the following sponsors, without whose input the regatta could not have been the success it turned out. The main sponsors include KCCU, COURTS, HAIROUN Brewery and the Ministry of Tourism.

The Vice President also thanked the

members of the planning committee for their dedication and hard work to bring off another successful regatta. by: Donald De

Riggs

NAM celebrates Vincentian poets

SOME OF THE WORK OF SIXnoted

Vincentian poets were revered by the New Artiste Movement (NAM), who hosted a Night of Readings on Wednesday, May 24, at the Lecture Hall of the UWI Open Campus on Murray’s Road.

Set in two segments, readings were selected from the works of Ellsworth ‘Shake’ Keane, Owen Campbell, Cammie King, Danny Williams, Tim Daisy and Ronnie Saunders.

David ‘Darkie’ Williams, Ron Browne, Nigel Weekes, Zello Alexander, Marlon Joseph, Nandi Williams-Morgan, Anita Williams-Ralph, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, were the chosen readers.

In all, twenty poems were read, many reflecting the stance taken by the poets on social and political issues and cultural matters during the time of their writing.

But it was ‘Shake’ Keane’s witty ‘My Neighbour Plum Tree’, that evoked the loudest response from the audience.

Apart from the readings, there were

two Dramatic readings of plays, ‘WAR” and ‘Chronicles of Older Men’.

Pleased with the night’s activities, David ‘Darkie’ Williams, expressed delight in the rich litany of poetry that Vincentian poets have produced.

He noted that it was during the organisation’s research for poems of the six Vincentian poets, that he realised the amount of “unknown” work that they have produced.

Williams disclosed that during this month, NAM will again host another session of readings which will feature

The Nights of Readings form part of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of NAM, which was formed in 1973.

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, NAM, in conjunction with the Department of Culture, is hosting a series of development workshops on Drama presentations.

The staging of a live play slated for later this year would culminate NAM’s golden anniversary.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 13. V

cultural icons Alban Henry, Dr Edgar Adams and Patrick Prescod. Kimonique Harry will reign as Miss Canouan Whitsuntide Regatta for a year. The contestants in the 2023 Miss Canouan Whitsuntide Regatta Pageant (L-R) Emma Snagg, Sapphire Collins, Tedisha Snagg, Augustine Mitchel, Auyana Springer and Kimonique Harry. John Compton won the beer drinking competition for men. Party goers having fun in the “wete fete”. It was a good day for those fishers who involved themselves in some friendly rivalry. Kim Providence won the beer drinking competition for ladies. Nandi Williams-Morgan(left) and Ron Browne (right) during their dramatic reading of ‘Chronicles of Older Men’ Members of NAM show expression of satisfaction with the Night of Readings

SPOONYUSA hosts Tribute to Mothers

By Nelson A. King US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

DESPITE heavy downpours and threats of floods, friends and supporters of SPOONYUSA filled to capacity the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in

Brooklyn on May 20 in a special Tribute to Mothers.

“The large crowd was a mixture of young and old, of women and men, who came to pay tribute to women everywhere,” Stephen ‘Scombo’ John — president of SPOONYUSA, short for the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization, USA, the New York arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — told THE VINCENTIAN.

“The evening was highlighted with gospel renditions by Mrs. Clementina Bailey and steelpan melodies by steelpannist Alyssa Seales,” he added, stating that St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States, Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh and his wife, Semone, were among special guests, who also included the Brooklyn-based groups Friends of Sion Hill; St. Joseph’s Convent, Kingstown, Alumni Association of New York; and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, U.S.A., Inc. Kenneth Williams, SPOONYUSA’s acting general secretary, served as Master of Ceremonies, John said.

Williams’s immediate predecessor, Dennie Wilson, a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ United Nations Ambassador, died on Good Friday, Apr. 7, 2023, at 67, his wife Idica Wilson said.

“SPOONYUSA stuck to its agenda of making the event a community affair, with focus solely on mothers everywhere,” said John, who, in his terse remarks, defined mothers as “not only ladies who are biological mothers but ladies who would like to be mothers; ladies who would like to but have not yet become mothers; ladies who have accepted children who are not theirs; and other kind souls who have willingly played the role of mothers.”

He said SPOONYUSA presented to all mothers in attendance “a token gift.”

John noted that McIntosh was greeted with “a very loud applause”, that he was “gracious in his remarks,” and that he thanked SPOONYUSA for inviting him to the event, “thus confirming his pledge to be a representative for all Vincentians.”

McIntosh later told THE VINCENTIAN: “We could never celebrate mothers enough to justify their role in the family, society and humanity.

“A mother should be celebrated every day,” he said. “Cherish your mother and treat her like a queen.”

McIntosh confirmed that, when he entered the affair, he was greeted with “a rousing welcome.”

“My presence there was to reinforce and further commit to the promise I made at the beginning of my tenure that I am here to serve every Vincentian in the USA Diaspora, regardless of their race, creed or political affiliation,” said McIntosh, who was appointed to the position last August, succeeding Howie Prince. “I was treated with utmost respect, and I appreciate the invitation and kind gestures from the SPOONY members.

“Let me once again commend SPOONY for recognizing and celebrating mothers with their Mother’s Day event on May 20,” he added. “It was well put together, well executed, and I wish the organization all the very best.”

Photo Credit: Kamla Karina Millwood

Diaspora V 14. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Consul General Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh addresses ceremony. President Stephen ‘Scombo’ John addresses ceremony.

Registration for TVET begins

YOUTHS AND ADULTS between the ages of 17 and 45 years who are unemployed and or underemployed are invited to register for technical, vocational, education training (TVET) under Cohort 7 of the Youth and Adults Training for Employment (YATE) Programme.

Registration will commence at the YATE Recruitment Drive and Exhibition on June 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. at Heritage Square.

The recruitment drive is to sensitize the target group of the opportunity to access training for emerging jobs and offers a space for them to register early for the Cohort 7 training scheduled to commence on July 17, 2023.

Career Coaching, Financial Literacy and Introduction to Entrepreneurship will run from June 26th to 30th. These will be followed by the skills training from July 17th, 2023 for periods ranging from 12 to 16 weeks

depending on the programme.

The programmes offered are: Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Electronics: Small Appliance Repair. Welding, General Construction, Bartending, Food Preparation and Cookery, Cake Baking and Decoration, Commercial Food Preparation, Housekeeping, Garment Production, Aquaponics: Crop Production, Soft Furnishing, Motor Vehicle Repair and General Office Administration.

Skills training will take place at the Campden Park Technical Institute, Barrouallie Technical Institute, Kingstown Technical Institute, Georgetown Technical Institute and by private providers.

The Youth and Adults Training for Employment (YATE) Programme is a component of the Human Development Service Delivery Project (HDSD) which is funded by the World Bank.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 15. News V

Sagicor sponsors CBU media awards again

SAGICORis once again sponsoring the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU), Caribbean Media Awards (CMA). This is the third consecutive year that the regional financial services entity will be recognising work in the categories of financial literacy journalism and health education journalism.

The health education

journalism awards recognise journalistic work in current affairs content that focuses on and promotes an understanding of the national or regional health sectors while the financial literacy journalism awards recognise news or current affairs content that focuses on and promotes an understanding of the financial components and skills pertaining to the effective management of money and debt. Last year’s awards for financial literacy were won by Great Belize Productions Ltd. and RJR Gleaner out of Jamaica who also won for health education journalism.

Sagicor’s Vice President, Group Marketing, Communications and Brand Experience, Ingrid Card, said the role of the media is an important one.

“We are delighted to be able to use this opportunity to thank the media for the exceptional work they do. We hope that our support will show our appreciation to them for the important role that

they have in society.

CBU President, Dr Claire Grant welcomed the renewed partnership with the financial entity. She noted, “The recent developments in the global economy and regional emphasis on health and wellness both at the personal and policy levels, make these useful areas to recognize and encourage.”

For nearly three decades, the CBU has annually presented its Caribbean Media Awards to celebrate the best of content created by print, digital, television and radio media houses in the Dutch, English, French and Spanish Caribbean. The CBU’s Caribbean Media Awards Gala will be hosted on August 15th in Antigua and Barbuda, during the 54th Annual General Assembly. (Source: Sagicor)

16. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN Business V

Ingrid Card, Vice President, Group Marketing, Communications and Brand Experience. Dr. Claire Grant, President, Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 17.

An HIV+ issue

Dear George, MY BOYFRIENDowned up to me that he had sex with a coworker of his who he found out is HIV positive. She is engaged to a friend of mine.

George, I am devastated on all fronts. I have to now worry about my HIV status and that of my friend.

My boyfriend does not want me to say anything to my friend for fear that he would be implicated. He wants me to accompany him to get tested but I told him I’m done with him and his wild and reckless living.

I am just concerned with me and me alone right now. Is that being selfish? He says it is but do I care? Hurt.

Dear Hurt,

At this stage it is best for all parties directly involved to get tested at the earliest possible time. The result will inform your decisions going forward. In the meantime, you must try to calm yourself since it is obvious your emotions will be fully charged. Avoid making any major decisions until you have had time to calm yourself enough to think clearly as to the way forward. It is also worth your while to note that you have no legal or even moral obligation to stay in this relationship and as such are free to take your exit. At this juncture whoever needs to be made aware should be made aware.

George.

You have to decide

Dear George,

I MET MYhusband of 12 years stalk naked in bed with a woman who appeared to be his junior by many, many years. I gave him a choice: she or me. He chose her only for her to tell him to, “ go and meet your wife”, and opened to him that he could never satisfy her sexually. She was in it for the money only.

He is now begging me to give him another chance. I told him to take the road and leave me be. He is accusing me of being unforgiving and mean.

Still Can’t Believe

Dear Still Can’t Believe,

Your husband gambled and lost. But even so, you have to decide whether 12 years of marriage is worth abandoning or worth fighting for. Sometimes second chances can work wonders for a relationship, but at the end of the day it is you who have to decide whether or not it is worth even considering.

George.

Avoid hasty conclusions

Dear George, I HAVE NOTICEDthat

since my wife took the COVID-19 vaccine her sex drive has lessened. She used to be the aggressor now if I do not touch her she would not touch me. As I write this, our last sexual contact was roughly 10 days ago and it does not bother her.

I am wondering if it’s the COVID-19 vaccine that’s causing this lack of interest in sex or if she’s losing interest in me and has her eyes focused elsewhere. I cannot continue like this and I’ve tried time and time again explaining it to her, but to no avail. One thing I know, she better shape up or I’m gonna ship out.

Need Answers.

Dear Need Answers, I cannot conclusively

say your wife’s loss of interest in sex has anything to do with the COVID-19 vaccine. The reasons for this lack of interest may vary and you ought not to rush to your own conclusion.

Continue to share your thoughts with your wife. And while you are it, show her some more

understanding and genuinely try to fully understand what is going on with her body and psyche. That approach may go a long way in helping you to ply your way back to a healthy sex life.

George.

Advice V 18. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. Unstable relationships are likely. If you’ve taken on a lot of work, be sure to leave some time for yourself and family.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Older family members will make demands on your time. You may find yourself in an emotional fix if you interfere in other people’s problems. Snap out of it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. The answers can only come from within. You would be wise to socialize with as many people as possible. Keep tabs on your spending.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Your partner could also use some time alone with you. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives. You should put a little extra effort in at work. A new you could help your attitude.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Exaggeration or deception coupled with overindulgence might be a problem. You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. Secret activity is evident.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Don’t let your mate force you into making a decision that you aren’t ready to make. You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

You are best not to nag or criticize. You are going through a period of questioning. You will have to make some changes regarding your direction if you wish to keep on top of your career expectations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

You’d be wise to control your spending so your debts don’t get out of hand. Opportunities to get ahead are evident. Expect problems with settlements that you are trying to resolve.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

You can expect changes at your workplace. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you. You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don’t have the time.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

are shaped

7. Test 8.

4. Less 34. Biography 37. In a spooky way 39. Put up 41. Overly smooth 44. Digs in twigs 45. Whodunit board game 46. Song of praise

taxing 5. Company directive 6. Many race 47. Bake sale item 48. Unusual 49. Captain’s journal 51. Gretzky’s Milieu 52. Any ship 53. Landscaper’s need

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

Leisure V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 19.

ACROSS

Internet location

Rabble

Prayer pronoun

Tell it to the judge

December 31, e.g.

In this place

Resigned remark

Motherly

Confine

Extend, in a way

Bistros 27. Professor ___ 31. ___ message

Comes up at threshing time

Certain lesson 35. Routing word 36. Joint 38. 100% 40. Siesta 42. Gives a pink slip 43. Dude ___ 47. Exhibiting refinement 50. Peck on the lips 54. Hollywood favorite 55. Bottom line 56. Sound comeback 57. Irritable 58. Perfect score, at times 59. Ownership paper DOWN

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

18.

20.

23.

32.

33.

Relaxation center

Not in good physical shape

Hot drink

tracks

like this

Ultimatum 9.

Generation 11. Aquarium denizen 17. Plus the others

When the work is done, they may serve you for a change. Entertainment could cost you more than you expect. Such overindulgence due to emotional upset will be your downfall. Go for a dip 20. Tall grasses 21. Send 22. Brazenness 24. Flu symptom 25. Send away, formally 26. Doesn’t dash off 28. Little piggy 29. Big coffee holder 30. Remained inactive

Nester 10.

19.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You can make money if you get involved in real estate deals. Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable. Turn things around, and make sure that they do their share.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Sam and Cato: Triple Whitsuntide winners

VINCENTIAN FIELD ATHLETES-Verrol Sam and J’Aivar Cato of X- Cel Track Club and X- Ceed Sports Club respectively, were triple gold medallists at the 2023 Whitsuntide Games held in Grenada, May 27 and 28.

The duo lit up the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, with winning efforts in the Long, High and Triple Jump events.

Sam, competing in the Open Male International, won the Long Jump with a jump of 7.05m, the High Jump with 2.00m and the triple Jump with 13.96m.

Cato, in the Male Under-17 category, secured the Long Jump with a leap of 6.49m, the high jump with 1.91m (also a meet record) and the triple Jump with 13.30m.

Also pouching gold medals were Zichri Hepburn, Teia Laborde and Kyle Lawrence.

Hepburn representing High Performance (HP), won the Men’s 1500m Open, with a 4:19.44 clocking.

Laborde crossed the finish line first in the Women’s International/Open 200m in 26.22s.

Lawrence of Chatoyer joined the lot. He won the 100m for Under-20s, stopping the clock at 10.54s.

And, Kenreek K. Francois of the ROSES Academy took charge of the Under-17 Male 3000m, with a 9:56.87 clocking.

Silver medallists

There were 14 silver medallists as follows:

* Double-medalllist, Shykeima Dickson of HP in the Under-15 Females 100 and 200m;

* Double-medallist, Zekisha Kelly of Mustangs in the Under-17 Females 400m and the Open/Int’l 1500m;

* X- Ceed’s Shaquania Jacobs, in the Under-17 Females 200m;

* Kyle Lawrence, in the Under-20 Male 200m;

* Teia Laborde- Women’s Open/Int’l 100m;

* Andre Spencer of IT-DAT AcademyMale Open/Int’l Discuss, as well as:

* Alika Smith of ROSES Academy in the Female Under-17 High Jump;

* Sean Henry of SVGS in the Male Under-17 Triple Jump;

* Kiana Bailey of IT DAT Academy in the Women’s Open/International Triple Jump,

* HP’s Jaheim Williams, in the Male Under-17 Shot Putt;

* Nabia Pompey- the Women’s Open/International Javelin, * Tocorra Barbour — Women’s Open/Int’l Discus;

* Mustangs, in the Women’s Open/International 4 x100m;

* IT DAT Academy, in the Under-10 Female 4 x 100m.

Bronze medallists

There were twenty bronze medallists:

* High Performance athletes Jaheim JosephUnder-13 Male 200m); Brad Lowmans -Under-17 Male 3000m; Glenroy LayneUnder-17 Male 800m; Kesiann John - Women’s Open/International 1500m; Alia Mc Dowall - Women’s Open/Int’l Triple Jump; Kenesha Richards - Under-15 Females 200m; Damari Roberts - Under-17 Males 400m; Darren Morgan - Male Open/Int’l 100m; Akani Slater - Male Open/Int’l 200m; Zichri Hepburn - Male Open/Int’l 5000m and Male Open/Int’l 4 x400m;

* X- Ceed’s trio Nabia Pompey- Women’s Open/Int’l Discus; Colissa LewisWomen’s Open/Int’l 800m;

Jimmuah Compton- Men’s Open/Int’l Shot Put;

* Mustangs’ - Under-20 Male 4 x 100m, and Deqwan Edwards - Male Under-17 Triple Jump;

* IT- DAT’s Keo Davis - Under-20 Male 200m; Kayana John -Women’s Open/Int’l 200m;

* Roses Academy’s Henreek K. Francois - Under-17 Male 1500m;

* St. Vincent Grammar School- Under15/ U-17 Male 4 x 100m.

In all, Vincentian athletes tallied 46 medals during the two-day Games.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the Games by over 200 persons including athletes, team officials, parents and well- wishers.

Gabriel Culzac does a cycling double

HE SUCCESSFULLY TESTED THE waters in his first event on May 21 and days later, 15-year-old Gabriel Culzac made an even more telling statement when he won both races put on by the SVG Cycling Union, last weekend.

On the morning of Saturday, May 27, Culzac, powered his way to victory in the Hill Sprint, from the Sol Gas Station in Arnos Vale to the Belmont Look Out.

Culzac’s winning time in the 3.8 miles distance was 19:32.16. He finished just ahead of his father- Deptor Culzac, whose time was 20:00.53.

Completing the top three finishers was Steve Ollivierre in a time of 22:10.35.

Then, twenty hours after, on Sunday, May 28, Gabriel Culzac did the same to the field in the 19-mile race, from the Koskab Building in Arnos Vale to Diamond and back to the Arnos Vale Round About, doing so twice, before ending in front of Rent and Drive at Arnos Vale.

The younger Culzac stopped the clock

at 1:00.47.64, beating Steve Ollivierre into second place. Ollivierre’s time was 1:01.02.16. In third place was Deptor Culzac- 1:01.17.03.

Last weekend’s races were precursors to the big National Cycling Championships, slated for June 17 and 18.

V 20. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Verrol Sam – triple gold medallist. J’Aivar Cato – triple gold medallist. Kyle Lawrence – gold and silver medallist. Teia Laborde – gold and silver medallist. Kenreek K Francois –gold and bronze medallist Zichri Hepburn – gold and bronze medallist Gabriel Culzac is having a time of his life showing up the seniors. He hopes to take this home into the National Championships.

Sailing Association mapping out DNSS

WORKING towards the Development of a National Sports Structure (DNSS) is the current focus of the Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA).

As part of the process, Rob Holden, a World Sailing Coach, is holding the hands of the SVGSA in its quest to realise this objective.

Holden is currently on the ground visiting the sailing clubs on the mainland and on the Grenadine islands of Bequia, Mayreau and Canouan, as he makes an assessment of where the sport is here.

As for mapping out the course for the DNSS, Holden said it has to be done in phases.

“Our short-term plan is to develop a competition structure within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so that the children could compete in an organized structure.” he emphasized.

For this to be effective, more people have to get involved in Sailing.

“There is a small number of people sailing… We need to get more people sailing to get

Handal Roban on DeanÊs List

IN HIS FIRSTyear at Penn State University, Vincentian middle-distance athlete - Handal Roban, is displaying a balance between his prowess on the track and his academics.

The 20-year-old Roban, pursuing Liberal Arts, has made it to the Dean’s list for the Spring of 2023.

In recognition of his accomplishment, Penn State’s letter of congratulation states in part, “…. this laudable achievement has placed you among the top students of the university…This academic accomplishment reflects both your ability and your effort, and it will be noted in your official record at Penn State.”

The letter went on to commend Roban, stating: “We applaud your effort and commitment to education…We commend your dedication to excellence and trust that you will continue to be successful in your future endeavours.”

And right on cue, in addition to his academic recognition during the past week, Roban made it through to the next round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships.

In his preliminary round held in Jacksonville, Florida, last Friday, May 26, Roban clocked 1:48.99 in Heat Two of the Men’s 800m.

It is the second time for the year that he has made it past the preliminary round of the prestigious competition.

Roban is a multiple record holder for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Among them is the all-time national 800m outdoor record of 1:47.03.

more talent …. we have to create opportunities for as many children as possible …. to get involved in the sport of Sailing as well as giving opportunities to the older people involved and create a sailing culture in the dinghy and small keel boats,” Holden stated.

Just as essential to the process was a proper coaching structure, Holden stressed.

“Creating Sailing schools is another important factor, so the sport can be taught properly… We also have to develop the coaches so that they can develop sailors to become champions rather than just having them race around.” Holden shared.

Holden is cognizant of how far this country is away from effective participation in regional and hemispheric events, and proffered that getting to the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games should be the country’s main focus for the next two cycles of the Games.

“Our main goal should be for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the next

seven years and on the longer term, looking at the Pan American Games… we have to be realistic… (we) have to build the structure first,” he commented.

When his current assignment ends, Holden expects to be back in SVG in the next three months to set the DNSS in operation.

The DNSS is guided by the International Olympic Committee, which directs the respective National Olympic Committees to develop national coaching structures, via the implementation of mid-and-longterm action plans.

Football action heightens in Biabou

THE Biabou Football League, one of the most watched and intense leagues in the country, moves into its quarterfinals stage for the senior teams.

The eight teams who have advanced are: Top Strikers, Walvaroo, Pride and Joy and Marriaqua from Zone 1; Overland, Cane End, Caesar’s Real Estate Classic Eleven and Young Boys United from Zone 2.

The league, branded the Carib Beer and Village Ram Biabou League got going on April 9 with 16 senior and eight Junior teams.

Underscoring the attraction of the Biabour Football League, Brittney Shortte, PRO of the League, said, “The Biabou Football League

has always been a top league in our opinion and in most people’s opinion. I think it has to do a lot with locality, with our playing field being on the road and therefore easily accessible.

“It will only get better as we plan to do a facelift for next year’s competition… making it better for the viewing public and the teams as well.”

Addressing the need to build a youth programme, Shortte said, “The youth are the backbone of society and one way to encourage them is by giving them opportunity to display, showcase the talent … These are the children we are looking forward to

continue our tournament … to give it longevity.”

She noted that the secondary and primary schools in the area will

provide a ready pool for the youth programme.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Sports V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023. 21.

Young sailors during a mini-regatta last Sunday at Blue Lagoon. Rob Holden- World Sailing Coach Handal Roban - an outstanding allround Penn University student athlete. The Biabou Football Field is boundaried with the Windward Highway. Brittney Shortte – PRO, Biabou Football League, emphasized the need to build a youth programme.

Daren Sammy on the thin line

THERE ISthat song that speaks about the thin line between love and hate.

That’s the path newly appointed West Indies white coach Daren Sammy might find himself walking on. His elevation to the post has been greeted with skepticism from some quarters. The fact that he is not a certified coach throws the scenario into the open.

The West Indies Board is noted for its controversies. Sammy found himself in the middle of one in his career. He was appointed captain of the West Indies senior squad at the time when bickering between the West Indies Board and senior players were like “every Monday morning.”

That was the beginning of the Franchise cricket avalanche. Players were getting more money from their engagements with teams abroad, that what they could acquire from the West Indies.

That cause a shift in loyalty, and players often opted for their foreign duties at the expense of regional cricket.

It is ironic that Sammy emerged as a compromising factor in the franchise showdown. Sammy survived a period of turmoil, ridiculed for his choice as a potential rubber stamp of West Indies Cricket Board, and viewed as a traitor to the cause of players seeking justice for their skills as athletes.

Sammy endured the darts, survived as a cricketer and retained his place on the squad in weird and unusual circumstances. At one time he was seen as the public relations officer of the West Indies Cricket Board for he performed his duties in a sustained fashion.

His record speaks for itself. He was a member of three successful West Indies teams. Two of those he lifted the T/20 World cup trophies, a feat not matched by anyone.

The second time he won the T/20, it came almost as a slap in the face of the Board.

Sammy’s return to the corridors of regional cricket is a testament to his flexibility. He may be given to idiosyncrasies as all are prone to.

There is no doubt in my mind as to Sammy’s commitment to West Indies Cricket. The Board has shown its willingness to sweep everything under the bridge as far as bad blood goes.

It seems however that Sammy finds himself in the firing line, because, that post carries the attraction of all kinds of devices.

Sammy as a professional has shown a great extent of ingenuity.

He has emerged as an outstanding son of the St. Lucian soil. It will not be a surprise if he surfaces on other levels of the leadership circuit in the region. He has distinguished himself to such an extent that the stadium in St. Lucia bears his name.

Sammy is honored in Pakistan for his role in helping to bring back internti9onal cricket there.

Perhaps he is in close contact with that country’s former prime minister Imran Khan, the subject of a sever Pakistani power struggle. One hopes Sammy does find himself enduring any further episode as his career continues.

Barbados women complete double

HOT OFF of claiming a fifth Regional Women’s Super50 Championship title, the Barbados senior women’s cricketers added the 2023 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze title to their cabinet of accolades.

The T20 Blaze title was sealed with an eight-wicket win over the Leeward Islands, on the final day of the competition that was played in St. Kitts.

They entered the match at Warner Park, level with Guyana on 12 points and needing a victory to secure the title.

This they did by successfully chasing down 122 with 15 balls to spare, to complete their allimportant fourth victory of the tournament. Kycia Knights led for the Barbadians with 63 not out. Earlier, Leewards made 121 for 5 from 20 overs with Divya Saxena providing the top score of 33 not out.

In the other deciding match, since Guyana and Barbados entered the final day level on 12 points, Guyana sensationally defended a score of 39 in a nail-biting one-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana made 39 from 19 overs, Anisa Mohammed taking 4 for 5. Trinidad and Tobago were all out for 38 in 18 overs, Mondy Mongru

snaring 4 for 11.

Guyana’s victory meant that they finished level on points with Barbados but Barbados were adjudged winners of the Championship, having won the head-to-head clash by three wickets in the second round of matches.

In the other match that closed the 2023 T20 Blaze, Windward Islands beat defending champions Jamaica by 6 wickets. Scores: Jamaica 102 for 6 from 20 overs, Keneshia Ferron hit 32. Windward Islands 103 for 4 from 17 overs.

Football Coaches C License certified

TWENTY-FOURfootball coaches here are better equipped to execute their coaching regimens after successfully completing the CONCACAF C License Coaching Course.

According to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), under whose auspices the Course was conducted, “the CONCACAF C License Coaching Certificate represents a significant milestone in the professional development of coaches, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their coaching careers. This programme equips coaches with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the game, including technical proficiency, tactical awareness, player development, leadership, and effective communication”.

The SVGFF expressed gratitude to CONCACAF for providing the invaluable opportunity for professional development, and recognized that the C License Coaching Certificate has undoubtedly contributed to the growth and enhancement of coaching standards within our region.

The newly certified coachers are: Alnif Williams, Alanzo Bute, Amalis Marshall, Bishon Williams, Carlton Dennie, Chester Morgan, Cornelius Huggins, Debson Cruickshank, Dwight Baptiste, Germano Douglas, Hollester Browne, John Williams, Kelvin Yorke, Kenson Wilson, Keron Peters, Lamont Hector,

Another competition for TT players

TABLE tennis players here have another opportunity to involve themselves in competition as they look to refine and further develop their skills, not to mention another opportunity to ‘stay in form’.

All of this comes compliments the Spencer’s Table Tennis Club (STTC)as it hosts an Invitational Open

Romano Spencer is doing his bit to keep local table tennis players completion ready.

Championship scheduled for June 19 to the 24, at the Sir James F. Mitchel Auditorium, Kingstown.

Romano D. Spencer, Founder and Head Coach of the STTC, described the Championship as, “... seeking to give incentive to youngsters and adults to continue to train and compete, even those outside of being national prospects.”

Spencer is also hopeful that once the event proves successful, “and

there is no reason why it should not,” that it will attract further sponsorship and sponsorship for other similar events, Prize money up for grabs in the championship include: $1,500.00 for the winner in the Open Male component; $1,200.00 for the winner in the Open Female; and $1,000.00 for the top player in the Under-16 Boys division.

Sports V 22. FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 THE VINCENTIAN

Nicholas Ollivierre, Paul Farrell, Richard Hayde, Samora Ralph, Shadel Cyrus, Shandel Samuel, Shelley Browne and Thadius Sam. (Source: SVGFF)

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

The Barbados Women’s Cricket team – resounding winners of the 2023 edition of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze. Amalis Marshall, one of 24 successful participants, receives her CONCACAF C License Coaching Certificate from Theon Gordon – Director of Technical Matters/SVGFF.

Double murder retrial nears completion

From Page 4

The Court also heard evidence from an anonymous witness who testified on Wednesday via video link, from an undisclosed location.

When the matter was adjourned for lunch yesterday, the lead investigator, Inspector Atland Browne, was being cross-examined by attorney Carl Williams who is representing Dunbar. Attorney Grant Connell is representing Douglas. Director of Public

Prosecutor (DPP) Sejilla McDowall is leading the case for the Crown, assisted by Crown Counsel Renee Simmons and Attorney Richie

Maitland. A 12-member Jury comprised of six men and six women is hearing the matter over which Justice Cottle presides.

Classifieds V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUINE 02, 2023. 23.

NO MORE FIRST ST. VINCENT BANK

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

First St. Vincent Bank Ltd., formerly the Agricultural and Loan Bank, was established in 1908 and incorporated in 1909.

In recent times, Vincentians referred to it as ‘Russell Bank’, prompted by the perception that its major shareholder was businessman Randolph Russell.

Whatever its reference, and whatever the size of its portfolio, the First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. has been placed in Receivership as per action taken by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

As of today, June 2, depositors with up to $100,000 will do their business with the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) which uses the same core system that First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. employed. Depositors with more than that will have to deal with the Receivership to account for the excess.

In a town hall type meeting convened by the ECCB last Tuesday at Frenches House, Kingstown, Governor Timothy Antoine outlined the new arrangements and detailed the reasons for the bank going into receivership.

Antoine referred to a release from the ECCB informing the public that First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. was put into receivership from May 26, 2023.

The Governor indicated that the ECCU had been monitoring the operations of First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. for the past eight years, including daily ongoing offsite surveillance, on-site

examination in 2018, anti-money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism examination in 2019, and on-site examination May 15 to May 26.

According to the ECCB, there were “significant and sustained breaches of the Banking Act 2015, especially of capital requirements.”

There were reports of “high credit risk and low earnings performance, poor accounting and corporate governance practices and ineffective risk management systems.”

The ECCB appointed David Collins of Interpath East Caribbean as Receiver to assume control of, and secure the assets of FSVB for six months.

The Receiver will sell viable assets and wind up its affairs in an orderly manner to ensure the financial sector

Persons who turned out to the meeting included (other) bank officials, First St. Vincent Bank stakeholders and members of the public.

remains stable.

The ECCB, in the aftermath of another bank dissolution, assured the region that “the issues which warranted the closure of Fist St. Vincent Bank ltd. were very specific to the institution,” and “the banking system here remains stable.”

As for other licensed financial institutions here, “…it is business as usual,” Antoine said.

Governor Antoine was accompanied and supported by Schwabach Caines - Acting Director Financial Sector Supervision Department); Jamila Alleyne - Senior Officer Legal Services Department; and Shermalon Kirby - Acting Director Corporate Relations Department.

FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR 2023 DEVYEON MUCKETTE

Devyeon Muckette (centre) collects one of his prizes from Rainforest Representative Stephen Seymour (left), in the company of Fisheries Minister Saboto Caesar.

NB: Muckette and the crew of the boat ‘Defender’ landed the heaviest catch of 644.81 lbs., and also accounted for the heaviest single catch, an Ocean Gar that weighed 42.75 lbs. A total of 3,655.03 lbs. of fish was landed at this year’s Fisherman’s Day held at the Calliaqua Fishing Complex, Monday 29th May, 2023.

FRIDAY, JUNE 02, 2023 VOLUME 117, No.22 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.

McCarthy 6,263 sq.ft @ $9.00 p.s.f. - $56,367.00 - BB334 Revierre 26,410 sq.ft @ $4.00 P.s.f. cs. - $105,640.00 - BB193 South Union 23,502 sq.ft. - Open to offers - BB508 Ottley Hall 4 bedrm Property on 3,312 sq.ft. - $121,000.00 - H529 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431donp@vincysurf.comwhatsappcell

The First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. lone place of business displaying “CLOSED” signs.

AI REAL ESTATE

Governor of the ECCB Timothy Antoine (2nd from right) took the lead in explaining the circumstances that led to the bank being put into receivership. He was supported by (from left) Jamila Alleyne, Shermalon Kirby and Schwabach Caines.

THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 02-06-23

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FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR 2023 DEVYEON MUCKETTE