THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 02-02-24

FATAL ACCIDENT IN TROUMACA:

‘STOP SPREADING RUMORS’

by DAYLE DASILVA

THERE WAS NO ALCOHOL,neither was Maurice Murphy guilty of reckless driving.

So declared Causilda Harry, daughter of 58-yearold Maurice Murphy of Redemption Sharpes, who died on the spot when the vehicle - a Silver Honda Civic Car, P6486 - that he was driving in the company of two other occupants, slammed into a wall in Troumaca on

January 26.

The two passengers, according to a police report, were Kenroy James, 43 years old. and Lesroy Irish, 22 years, both of redemption Sharpes.

The men were making their way to Richmond on a fishing trip and according to Harry, there were rumors being circulated that her father was drunk and that he was speeding.

“It is nothing like that,” Harry told THE VINCENTIAN.

Continued on Page 3.

TWO CHARGED IN OMNIBUS ORDEAL

by KENVILLE HORNE

A CONDUCTOR AND THE DRIVERof an omnibus that was involved in an incident in which two persons fell out of it while it was in motion, have been arrested and charged.

A video which captured the incident and which went viral was the source of a preliminary investigation by the police. It showed the omnibus leaving the bus stop at Richmond Hill and moments later, two people falling out of the vehicle.

Following their investigation, the police issued a statement which read inter alia: “In response to the video that circulated on social media over the weekend, in which two persons allegedly fell out of an omnibus, an inquiry has been begun, and

Continued on Page 3.

The two persons who fell out of the bus can be seen hanging onto the bus as it moved off from the bus stop.

Left: Maurice Murphy was the owner/manager of a well-known cleaning service here.

Right: Causilda Harry refuted rumours that her father, Maurice Murphy, was drunk when the car he was driving crashed into a wall.

Below: The state of the vehicle as it came to a halt after it crashed into a wall.

News 3

RBEC „Power to make a Difference‰: Submission date extendede

REPUBLIC BANK (EC) LIMITEDhas announced the extension of the submission deadline to January 31, 2024, for funding proposals under its “Power to Make a Difference” (PMAD) programme. The Corporate Social Responsibility programme, in its second year in the East Caribbean, has already seen great success with its first awardees and this second call for proposals is being met with even more enthusiasm.

The PMAD programme, introduced in the East Caribbean in 2022, is Republic Bank’s overarching social investment programme built on the knowledge that the Bank has the power to make a difference by empowering others to learn, help, care and succeed. It is done through collaboration with advocacy groups in the pursuit of building successful and sustainable societies.

Last year, the Bank awarded grants

to 15 partners from across the Region to finance and help champion social transformation projects. This year, under the theme ‘In the Business of Doing Good’, Republic Bank is looking for sound and well-rationalized proposals from individuals and organisations who can prove their ability to manage their initiative. Proposals must do one of the following: enhance the quality of lives of persons with disabilities, support healthcare programmes, aid youth development through sport, education, literacy, culture and the arts, foster climate action and environmental initiatives or raise the bar for community investment and entrepreneurship.

Marketing Specialist at Republic Bank (EC) Limited, Mr. Kelly Mitchell, explained the simplified process of submitting a proposal.

“Applying to the programme is simple. Visit www.republicbankec.com, select your territory and click the

PMAD banner. This will direct you to a microsite where you can access additional information and make the application. All supporting documents should then be sent to RBECPMAD@RFHL.COM.”

The Bank has already made contributions in excess of USD $300,000 to a range of projects across the East Caribbean. It continues to

Fatal accident in Troumaca:

‘Stop spreading rumors’

Continued from Frontpage.

Harry defended her father saying that he was not a heavy drinker, especially now that he was diagnosed with Diabetes.

An occupant’s account

She said that Kenroy James, a close friend of her father and one of the occupants in the car, gave her an account of what occurred on that tragic morning.

Harry said that James, who often accompanied her father on the weekly fishing trips, was sitting in the front seat of the car on that tragic morning.

According to the account given to her by James, when

they neared the area where the accident occurred, the vehicle began to swerve and Murphy attempted to apply the brakes in an effort to bring it to a halt.

“Then he say, ‘Kenroy me nah get no brakes’,” Harry said.

As the vehicle proceeded downhill, it picked up speed first hit a retaining wall on the right, and then bounced back and made impact with another wall on the left, Harry related as per what James had told her.

If anything, Murphy should be remembered as a hero for trying his best to prevent the vehicle from going over the embankment, she said.

Based on postmortem

results, Murphy sustained a broken neck, five broken ribs and a collapsed lung. James sustained a cracked hip and was expected to be discharged from the hospital today, February 2, Harry said, while Irish suffered a fractured left wrist and was treated and discharged.

About Maurice Murphy

The family is trying to cope with the loss, even as they reflect on the fact that Murphy died days before his 59th birthday. He owned a cleaning business, according to his daughter, and they were planning a birthday party for him and his employees.

Fishing was something that Harry said her father enjoyed doing, adding that her father made the trip to Richmond on a weekly basis for the past 20 plus years, and that James would often accompany him.

Therefore, he knew the terrain and he was used to driving on the country’s Western roads, Harry insisted.

She described her father as a loving and giving person.

“People need to stop the rumors, wait on the news,” Harry said.

“If you cannot say anything good, do not say anything at all,” she suggested.

invest toward a goal of USD $200,000 million by 2025 across its 14 operating territories towards achieving Sustainable Development. Republic Bank is encouraging community leaders and NGOs to submit a proposal to its “Power to Make a Difference” CSR Programme before the deadline of January 31, 2024. (Republic Bank)

Two charged in omnibus ordeal

Continued from Frontpage.

both the driver and the conductor have been arrested and prosecuted. The driver’s licence for that omnibus has been suspended pending the resolution of the case, which is now before the courts.”

Information reaching THE VINCENTIAN said the driver was charged with: driving in a manner dangerous to the public; failure to remain stationary; allowing a conductor to ride other than inside the omnibus; allowing a conductor to operate without a conductor’s licence.

The conductor was charged with riding other than inside the omnibus and acting as a conductor without a permit authorizing for that purpose.

“De conductor na even close the door yet but the driver driving off. That is something them do a lot and it needs to stop. They are putting people’s lives at risk,” commented a person after viewing the video.

POLICE ROUND-UP

Bus conductor charged

Raphael Ferguson, a 21-year-old bus conductor of Redemption Sharpes, was arrested and charged with the offence of possession of an offensive weapon.

The accused was charged that on Friday, January 26, 2024, he had in his possession one (1) cutlass without lawful excuse, in a public place to commit an offence of bodily harm against, a 23-year-old resident of Redemption Sharpes.

The incident occurred at Bentick Square, Kingstown about 7:00 p.m.

Ferguson appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Monday, January 29, 2024. He pleaded guilty to the charge. He was fined $300.00 to be paid in one (1) month or in default, he will spend three months in prison. He was also bonded for one (1) year in the sum of $1000.00 or three (3) months in prison if he breaches the bond.

Burglary charge for labourer

On Friday 26th January 2024, police arrested and charged Vivian Chin, a 37-year-old labourer of Georgetown, with the offence of burglary.

The defendant was charged that between 1st December 2023 and 25th January 2024, he entered the dwelling house of a 32-year-old chauffeur of Langley Park as a trespasser and stole items amount to a value of EC$4,559.00.

The items included: one (1) three (3) seater chair, one (1) two-seater chair, and one (1) one seater chair valued at EC$1,000.00; one (1) wooden bed frame valued EC$900.00; one (1) green and white rug valued EC$500.00; two (2) Metal Pots valued EC$550.00; one (1) Wooden Door valued EC$550. and a quantity of clothing valued at EC$1,000.

The defendant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court on Monday 29th January 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody until Thursday 01 February 2024 for sentencing.

35-Year-old charged with drug offences

On 26th January 2024, police arrested and charged Michael Roberts, 35 years unemployed of Fountain with the offence of possession of a controlled drug and drug trafficking.

Roberts was arrested at the Grenadines Wharf in Kingstown and later charged with the offences of having three thousand and thirty-two (3,032) grams of cannabis with intent to supply it to another and for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Roberts appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on 29th January 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charges. He was fined $3000.00 to be paid in two (2) months, or imprisonment for six (6) months for possession. He was reprimanded and discharged for the drug trafficking offence.

Mason charged with stealing electricity

On 27th January 2024, police arrested and charged Hancell Francis, a 53-year-old mason of Richland Park for without lawful authority, dishonestly diverted electricity from a St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) utility pole’s power lines to his house. The offence was committed on Friday, January 26, 2024 about 1:20 p.m. in Richland Park.

Francis appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Monday 29th January 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was granted bail in the sum of EC$1000.00 with one surety. The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate Court for trial on February 02, 2024.

(Source: RSVGPF)

No radio station influences the police

Frankie Joseph, Deputy Commissioner of Police, made a strong denial of any radio station here influencing the work of the RSVGPF.

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

DEPUTYCommissioner of Police Frankie Joseph has made it clear that no radio station here has any influence on the police force.

On Monday, attorney Grant Connell, while representing Candace John, a woman who pleaded guilty to illtreating her two-year-old daughter, told the Court, “A particular radio station seemingly has more influence on the police force.”

Connell made the statement, as he raised concerns about the way in which one radio station here, which he did not call by name, was reporting on the case.

“It was brought to my attention, and it is extremely sad how they delve into this case”, Connell said without detailing what he was speaking about.

But when contacted on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner told THE VINCENTIAN, “I want to state emphatically that there is no radio station in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that has any influence on the police. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in that.”

Joseph said he would like to know what radio station Connell was referencing as the police does programmes on

various radio stations, including the Monday night ‘Police on the Beat’ programme on NBC radio, and the Thursday morning ‘Cop Chat’ programme on We FM.

Candace John, 26, of Vermont, was charged with that on January 20, 2024, at Vermont, having the charge or care of a juvenile did willfully illtreat that juvenile in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

In response to Connell’s comments about the media, Senior Magistrate Colin John said that responsible journalists will know how and what to report.

Priest’s sex charges P.I. delayed

THE MATTERinvolving

Catholic Priest Kizito Igwebudul who is facing charges of rape and indecent assault, has been adjourned to Thursday, January 8 at the request of the Prosecution.

The Preliminary Inquiry (P.I.) was slated to commence at the Family Court on January 25, but the complainant was not present. The Prosecution informed the Court that she was ill, and requested an adjournment.

Igwebudul’s lawyer, Ronald Marks, did not object to the

adjournment, and Family Court PresidentColeen McDonald granted the Prosecution’s request, THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed.

THE VINCENTIAN also understands that Marks was granted an application to disclose the formal evidence in the case.

The publication understands that the evidence of the formal witnesses is expected to be taken by a Paper Committal proceeding while the other witnesses are expected to give oral evidence from the

witness stand.

Igwebudul has been charged with two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault allegedly committed against a teenage girl in the latter part of last year.

When the Priest initially appeared in Court, he did so in camera before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on October 22, 2023, and was granted $8,000 bail with one surety.

Igwebudul was not required to plea to the charges as they were laid indictably.

Youth charged with elderly manÊs murder

TWENTY-four-year-old

Raheem Da Silva is behind bars awaiting his next Court appearance on a murder charge.

The charged stemmed from the stabbing death of an elderly man in Kingstown earlier this year.

Da Silva has been charged with the January 21, 2024 murder of Rudolph Pollard, 61, of Redemption Sharpes, the first homicide recorded for the year.

Da Silva was not required to plea when he stood before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He was unrepresented.

The matter was adjourned to May 6 and transferred to the Serious Offenses Court.

Police had reported that Pollard’s body was discovered on the morning of January 21 lying on the sidewalk next to the Medical Stores Building on Tyrel Street, Kingstown. He was later pronounced dead on the scene by a medical officer, and an autopsy showed he died from a stab wound to the chest, and puncture to the lung.

Preliminary Investigation revealed that Pollard was attacked and stabbed in the stomach and head by an unknown man during an incident around 8 p.m. on January 11.

He did not seek medical attention, nor did he report the matter to the police at the time.

He eventually went to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on January 15, and was admitted to the male surgical ward. However, on January 19, he discharged himself from the hospital and was found dead two days later.

Pollard, a former dancer, is said to have taken to a life of drugs in recent years.

Kizito Igwebudul, Nigerian Catholic Priest

Raheem Da Silva is no stranger to the Court, he having had to answer charges as early as 2018.

Education

Nina Delves takes writing title

NINA DELVESis a Grade

Six student of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School. When it comes to expressing oneself in writing, Delves has the knack of it.

That was borne out last Wednesday when she took first prize in the 2024 Ministry of Education/Hodder Education Grade 6 Writing Competition.

She wrote on the topic, ‘Children should spend less time on their devices and more time outdoors’ and convinced the judges that her publication was of quality and walked away with the coveted first prize.

Delves took the ‘Persuasive’ category in the Preliminary which propelled her to the finals.

Amira Harry from Windsor Primary School took second position with her story called ‘Fire’.

Third place went to Kalicia Rodgers representing Petersville Primary School. Her story is ‘Hiding from a storm’.

The top three

The top three emerged from a group of ten finalists.

Preliminary winners in the Expository category were Javid Harry from Fitz Hughes Government School who shared the award with his North Leeward counterpart Dakota Tucker, from Westwood Methodist School.

Hadassah Ollivierre from Lower Bay Inc., and Amira Harry from Windsor shared the honours for the Descriptive Category in the preliminaries.

Faith Hutchinson, representing the Stephanie Browne Primary School, Union island, won the Narrative aspect of the Preliminary pieces.

The three other finalists were:

Quizron Williams - Dickson Methodist School; Chase Frankly - Belair Government School, and Hazel Clarke - Georgetown Government School.

The prize giving ceremony took place at Frenches House on Wednesday, January 31, following the morning’s exercise where the finalists carved out their pieces.

Fifty-two schools took part in this year’s preliminaries which began

November last year.

Aldia Dyer, Senior Education Officer (Curriculum Development Unit) highlighted the ‘power’ of the written word.

Aldia DyerSenior Education Officer (Curriculum Development) —noted the impact of digital technology on today’s affairs, and looked at the avenue of communication (writing) as sharpening “minds and wits,” and reminded the students that “the pen is mightier than the sword.”

Dyer urged the students to use their gifts as writers to bring “positive change,” emphasizing, “You can become change makers with your creativity.”

Hodder Education Sales and Marketing Officer Byron Wilson points to his company as committed to producing quality resources for education.

Chief Education Officer - Kay Martin Jack looked at the collaborative effort that made the competition possible, and the level of creativity which writing generates.

Last year’s winner Zhandra Roberts, a former Kingstown Preparatory School student, reflected on her subsequent progress. She is a Girls’ High School student. (WKA)

Winner Nina Delves (2nd from left), second placed Amira Harry (left) and third placed Kalicia Rodgers (2nd from right) with Byron Wilson Sales and Marketing Officer Hodder Education, sponsors of the Competition.

Athletics Clubs welcome timely gesture

THE FEELINGof gratitude was overwhelming last Saturday, January 27, 2024, when the Rotary Club of St Vincent South, donated EC$15,000.00 to four local clubs - IT DAT Academy, R.O.S.E.S Academy, Team Mustangs and High Performance, in a brief ceremony at the Diamond Track and Field Facility.

Chester Morgan, Head Coach of High Performance, noted that the donation was “highly commendable.

“We at High Performance are really appreciative of the donation as it will go a long way in alleviating some of the financial burden we face,” Morgan highlighted.

He noted that it was timely, as there were some pressing needs of

some athletes.

“It (the donation) could not have come at a more opportune time, as there are some athletes who are in need of specific gear and they would be sufficed immediately”, Morgan expressed.

He called on other organisations in similar positions to do likewise and come to the assistance of the Track and Field entities in the country.

“Track and Field clubs here are safe havens for young men and women as well as serve as genuine social groups, hence their value is immense and far reaching,” Morgan posited.

The funds which are distributed among the four clubs (not equally) have a specific component, whereby

assistance must go to a studentathlete from the ‘red zone’.

The donation, according to a source

from the Rotary Club of St Vincent South, integrates with its Women and Male Empowerment Project.

Athletics Club representatives with Rotary Club of St Vincent South members at last Saturday’s brief handing over. Chester Morgan is pictured 3rd from left front row.

V Stubbs, R/ Park, CP retain Nine Mornings titles

STUBBS, RICHLAND PARK and Carlton “CP” Hall were repeat winners of their respective categories, when the PrizeGiving Ceremony for the 2023 National Nine Mornings Festival took place last Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown. Retaining the accolade of

Best Nine Mornings Community was Stubbs, while Richland Park added another year on their hold of being crowned Best Christmas Community.

Considered the two leading communities in the annual celebrations, both were runners up to each other in

their categories.

Joining them as repeat winners was Carlton “CP” Hall, who again copped the Best Local Christmas Song title, as he outdid the others in airplay with rotations on the radio stations over the period.

CP’s winning song was “Pan for de Christmas”. Hall, who dedicated the song to his late brother- John Hall, revealed that he will be penning a “pan” song specially for Vincy Mas 2024. He is no stranger to Vincy Mas having been a former Calypso Monarch.

These were the three categories that were announced at the ceremony, adding to the previously declared segments.

Other Winners

Bequia’s ‘Under the Almond Tree’ won the overall VINLEC Community Lighting Competition, doing so for the first time, with Villa Top Gardens staying winners of the Best Lit Garden title.

Cores City Store copped once again the Best Lit Commercial Building award; Best Lit Private HouseJimmy Samuel of Rillan Hill; Best Nativity Scene- Rose Hall; with Uriah Lyttle continuing his reign in the Digicel Bring Yo Song and Come Contest.

Meanwhile, the Best Community on Parade at the launch of the festival on December 3, 2023 was Fitz

Hughes and Barrouallie was adjudged to have the Best Community Song.

Commendations

Addressing the Ceremony, Chairman of the Nine Mornings Committee- Orandi Charles, lauded the efforts of the 54 communities that participated in the festival, noting that the labour of love attitude, continues to thrive despite the many debilitating forces.

Expressing thanks for the efforts of all stake holders, notably the community groups, Charles emphasised: “We can never pay you what you are truly worth, but that is the aspiration. We hope that the powers that be see even more the real value of this tradition to cultural heritage, and ask that we consider putting more financial resources into this festival, Nine Mornings; one of the two largest festivals in the country, with reach in every major community, endearing cultural significance and inherent tourism potential.”

The 2023 Nine Mornings Festival got off to a rainy start, which threatened to douse the highly anticipated event, but the weather cleared after the third morning, thus allowing the rest of the

activities to go on uninterrupted.

Charles commended all who braved the inclemency of the weather, noting, “I’d like to publicly thank everyone who have played a role, large or small, in the efforts to keep this festival alive, from Owia and Fitz Hughes in the North, to Union Island in the South, and every major and minor community in between.”

Also addressing the Prize Giving Ceremony were Maxine Browne- Cultural Officer, Anthony Dennie of the National Lotteries Authority and Hon. Carlos JamesMinister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture.

The 2023 Nine Mornings Festival was held under the theme: “Our Christmas, Our Vibes”.

Just one of the well-patronized mornings of the 2023 Nine Mornings Festival.

Joan Lewis (right) accepting award on behalf of Stubbs, from Hon. Carlos James.

Danroy Ballantyne (right) receives Richland Park’s top award from Hon. Carlos James.

Carlton “CP” Hall promises to turn his attention to Vincy Mas 2024.

Jimmy Samuel (right) accepts one of his awards from Maxine Browne.

That Stubbs investigation and...

ONCE AGAIN, the local constabulary has come under the sharp gaze of the public. This time the focus comes after a woman alleged that police officers at the Stubbs Police Station inflicted a severe beating on her ten-year-old son. This apparently followed the apprehension of the boy on ‘suspicion’ that he, without permission, had removed a bicycle from another person’s place of abode.

Not only did the woman take to Facebook to vent her frustration over the alleged beating, but she would later parade her son on that platform, during which he displayed signs across his back, allegedly the results of a beating.

Not so long ago, the police were fingered for acts of questionable police action in at least two deaths: that of Cjea Weekes who died from injuries sustained in the eventual outcome of a vehicular chase with the police; and that of Seage John who died from gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers during the course of a police action in Rose Place.

We are made to understand that there were inquiries into these two deaths, inquires which cleared the police of any wrongdoing. These inquiries were conducted by personnel of the local constabulary

Now we are faced with another investigation, this time into the alleged beating of a ten-year-old boy by police officers. That investigation according to a release from the police force, is to be conducted by ‘a senior police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) — South Central Division’. The officers concerned have been suspended from duty.

The South Central Division of the Royal SVG Police Force includes police stations in Calliaqua, Biabou, Mesopotamia and Stubbs.

Therein lies the uneasiness. Already it would be fair to say that given how the citizenry of this country has been responding to police action here (refer to Choppins as the most recent demonstration of this), the police may just have lost the confidence of the citizenry.

It would not be far-fetched to conclude that a significant percentage of the citizenry are already uneasy with police-on-police investigations given their lack of transparency thereby affecting the level of fair play, honesty and justice in the eventual outcome.

The police officer assigned to the ‘Stubbs beating investigation’ could well be an officer of good standing. But the fact that he/she is currently assigned to the same Division in which the officers under investigation serve, it

Things we throw away

brings into play the expectation that this could well invalidate whatever decision is arrived at, since it would have a cloud of bias over the process. “Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done” should always be the hallmark of investigations of police officers fingered for wrongdoing and, in fact, all deliberations in which justice is demanded.

“There are three sides to any storyyours, mine and the truth”. That is the maze through which the mediator must manoeuvre.

We look forward to having the outcome of this matter presented in unambiguous fashion to the public. This will be one step towards ensuring transparency and honesty on the part of the Royal SVG Police Force, perhaps a goal towards which our Commissioner of Police can aspire, achievement of which he can leave as a positive legacy.

Road repairs

With all the talk of a million-dollar National Road Rehabilitation Programme, there appears to be a cocked eye assessment of what roadways are in need of rehabilitation. It is so skewed that some roads that are included for attention in this round are relatively new roadways.

In the wisdom of this decision, miles and miles of road, many in heavily populated areas and in dire need of repair/rehabilitation, have been excluded for attention, and in fact, according to one source, do not appear anywhere in the projected scheme of things for the foreseeable future.

Why is it, for example, that use of the roadways in Cane Garden, Queen’s Drive, Edinboro have become akin to a game of “rounders’ where instead of dodging a ball, drivers have to dodge potholes of unimaginable depths and protruding stones of varying heights and sharpness.

A resident of one of the affected areas named said to this newspaper that if he could have afforded it he would have paved the “darn road myself.” Then again he questioned himself saying, “But then again, why do I pay income tax, vehicle licence and all the other taxes?”

What he added was frightening: Perhaps you can point me to whom I can bribe to get this job done?

Now if that is not saying plenty about where we might have got to, and we are not saying we have, nothing else matters.

AN ARTICLEin one of the weekend’s newspapers highlighted one of our ongoing environmental hazards. Yes, I am speaking of the burning of used tires. It forced me to think of how far we still have to go despite the many advancements we have made in so many areas of development.

For example, we have been recycling tires in Phoenix, Arizona, since the 1960s. Tires are now regularly used in road construction throughout the USA. It is mixed with traditional asphalt to extend the life of roads. In addition to the extended life of our streets, it also reduces road noise by about 5-dB levels. Road noise at a driving speed of over 50 miles per hour is about 70 dB levels. A 5-dB level reduction is actually about a 50% noise-level reduction to the human ear. While noise might not be the most critical issue for us in SVG, the roads’ extended life cycle is worth considering. When tires are added to the asphalt mix, an adequately maintained roadway life could be extended by 5-7 years.

I say this to say we must do better and begin to recycle those used tires. It will save us money on street construction and reduce our healthcare costs by removing cancer-causing pollutants from the atmosphere by burning them.

Now, I must admit that we have done a reasonably good job of reducing the amount of plastics we use daily. But there is still room for improvement.

Have you ever stopped to think about the number of things we simply use and throw away in our lives? Frequently, these things are limited to a one-time use. Yeah, think of the many paper products we use daily and toss.

Then, there are the more oversized products that have a reasonably long life, but still, at the end of their useful life, we are left with a byproduct that must be discarded. These items are usually more cumbersome and, as a result, more difficult to toss– for example, cars, trucks, and other “white goods”. The large number of brokendown cars and trucks on the side of the roads and in people’s driveways is becoming a problem. We will have to be a bit more creative when addressing this problem. To be economical, we might have to partner with some of our sister islands, and the government will have to subsidize some of this cost. Another way to offset the costs would be to add an

environmental assessment to the annual vehicle licensing fee.

Many of us who have lived outside of SVG are aware of varying degrees of the environmental effects of recycling these products. These effects can be broken into three broad categories: Upcycling, Recycling, and Downcycling.

Upcycling is an effort to raise the quality of the product. Upcycling is undoubtedly the best of all three. It often requires that the resource/ raw material be used differently and is a way to raise the quality. An example of upcycling is using plastic bottles to make polyester clothing like shirts and pullovers. The downside to this process is that we must use a high percentage of new material (fossil fuel) to complete it. So, while taking some plastic bottles out of the landfill, we must pump more oil to complete this process. Another downside is, this new product is easier to break down, thus eventually adding more microplastics into our environment.

Recycling, technically, means using a resource in a circle. Using it again and again and again, the same material without any change. Two products that are easy to recycle are aluminum cans and copper tubes. They are easy to reprocess and easy to reenter into the system. However, when we think of recycling, we often think of plastic. One of the biggest problems with recycling plastic is separating materials. For example, when we as individuals try to do the right thing and offer our plastic bottles with caps in tack to be recycled, they end up in the landfill because the bottles and the caps are made of two different types of plastic and cannot be combined in the Recycling or Upcycling process. To re-use any material, it needs to be pure. The cost of separating the various types of plastics is often prohibitive. Another drawback is that to recycle plastic, we need about 30% of new raw material (fossil fuel).

Downcycling is precisely what you think it is. It means to use resources to make something with a lower quality out of it. The best example I can think of is processing high-quality paper into cardboard boxes or cardboard containers into toilet paper.

Despite its drawbacks, recycling is a good thing. What is best, is to try and avoid polluting our planet more than we have to. We can do better.

Horatio.

Ram Goat Judgement

JUDGEMENTfor some of

the goat thieves was swift. Since the stolen goat of ‘old year’s’ day, a solemn warning went out. “Unless you confess, repent and turn to God, your punishment would be swift and sudden.” The planned trial at Crossroad had not taken place. That one will find the goat thieves guilty and pronounce a certain sentence of hanging.

However, these daring goat thieves, like many young people today, belong to the “now-fornow” generation. They want it now. They have not learned patience. This is taught when we plant a grain of corn,

remove the first, second and third grass from around it. Molding is also required to help the plant withstand the blowing wind. Pests would need to be controlled. In some places fencing is required to prevent the crop from being eaten. The reward is great and may include green corn roasted, boiled, porridge, wangoo, wangoo pau, dumplings, bread, paymee and bun bun tea.

But this impatient thief, unwilling to work for what he wants, asks, “Why should he plant when he could jump a fence?” This young man

disappeared without a trace. Was this just judgement?

We thought that these young goat thieves had to wait for the trial before judgement was meted out to them. However, in their impatience, they refused to get a young goat and mind it for the 2 years for it to be ready. Rather, they chose to jump fences, steal other people’s goats, sell them to caterers, restaurants, patrons of goat cooks and many eaters with goat mouth. It is reported that upwards of 17 young men using the proceeds of the stolen

I told you so!!!!

WHAT DIDI say, Mr. Editor? Did I not say in my letter that you so kindly published last week, that ‘the West Indies’ Test Cricket Team currently in Australia has a good bowling attack but falls short on its batting’?

Our performance in the second test Down Under proved what I said was correct. We bowled out Australia, the strongest team in the world, twice for scores of less than 300. Which other bowling attack has done that in recent time?

All three ‘quicks’, the two Josephs and the Roach, who doesn’t seem to be getting older, performed to the maximum especially our

new star Shamar Joseph from Guyana. Not since Colin Croft has any fast bowler from Guyana impressed as much as Shamar Joseph. Mind you, there was Reno King who slipped in between Croft and Joseph but while he was quick, I don’t think he had or would have had the same impact that Joseph has already had and is heading for.

Ian Bishop has already warned about not overplaying Joseph which includes somehow keeping him away from the overdose of franchise cricket which has gobbled up a lot of our better players. Maybe it is because Roach controls the amount of cricket he

plays, why he has been able to last this long as a fast bowler. Think about it!

I must also take time out to recognise the other Joseph, Azari, who came into his own especially in the second test. Have we struck on an opening attack that can carry us far? Maybe we have but we must be mindful that while Roach has been able to keep fit and limit his cricket, he will be 36 years old this June.

Just as Chief Selector Desmond Haynes seems to have got it right this time around, maybe he already has his eyes on a replacement for Roach.

Thanks to Shamar

Joseph the hope for the

An early election, why not?

MR. EDITOR, this country is inching closer and closer to the edge of a precipice.

For some time now we have been grappling with a fire fueled by: crime, which is not far from strangling us; poverty which tightens the belts already around the stomachs of the poor and even the not-so-poor; inequality as we see favours handed out to those who are well connected, to the party and not on the basis of real merit; and injustice as has happened with the draconian action against public servants, the detention, arrest and charging of citizens exercising their democratic right to protest, not to mention the deliberate action against Bigger Bigs that destroyed his mining and block-making enterprise.

The sad thing is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP do not hear the sombre notes of the discontent that abounds in our land. They turn the proverbial deaf ear to the lamentations of the genuinely poor

and disenfranchised, preferring to listen to their supporters who have benefitted in numerous ways from the handouts of the administration.

If Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP were genuinely committed to preserving and enhancing our democracy and concerned about the well-being of all the residents of our fair land, they would listen, not just hear voice of all the people and seriously calling an early election which will bring forth a national leadership that embraces and acts guided by a commitment to progress, unity, justice and national well-being.

If it be that the ULP is returned to government by a fair and unencumbered election, one that is not stained by the use of state apparatus to influence the vote, one that is not riddled with cash handouts in return for a vote, then so be it.

Thomas

goats, bought a certain delicious, and enticing commodity from a generous fair young woman. Having nearly escaped the impending hang man’s noose at the upcoming trial at Crossroad, Ashton, Union Island, who would have thought that these upwards of 17 male goat thieves would have been sentenced to life without parole, joining the ranks of those needing various forms of AIDS.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

West Indies test team has been rekindled. We now have to pay attention to that opening pair to keep the fire burning.

Charles, Edinboro.

PLEASE ALLOWme to express my gratitude to the manager and staff of the Electoral Office.

My I.D. card was due for renewal this month (January). I went to the venue where it should be done on Monday, 22nd January. I had to obtain a new birth certificate in which I carried my deceased mother’s surname. From childhood, I carried my father’s surname, Matthews. As a result, I was unable to proceed.

I went to the Electoral Office on Tuesday, 23rd January with documents containing my surname. I thought I would be turned away.

However, the manager and staff went through the evidence and were able to process the application. I owed it to the manager and staff who were very polite,

Goat Thief? Hang them!!

IREADthe piece ‘Trial of the Goat Thief’ as written by Anthony Stewart, PhD, and carried in your issue of Friday 26tyh January, 2024. I understand Mr. Stewart PhD is from Union Island and lives and works there.

When I read his reference to praedial larceny my first thought was how could a crime like this be affecting the people of Union Island. I mean, Union Island is for all intents and purposes, a small island community where everyone knows everyone. If a crime or an offence is committed there, I would think that it would not take long to identify who the culprit is and have the police move to arrest him/her.

Unfortunately, it appears that very little if any action is taken against those who commit this ‘wutless’ act. Imagine, two or three idle young men watching a hard-working farmer ploughing his land, planting his crops, waiting for them to mature but just like that, those idle hands move in and reap before the farmer can get anything for his hard work.

How can anyone be so heartless? Can we sink any lower as a people?

I am not even going to go into any mention of the number of incidents of persons stealing others livestock. Save and except to say that sheep and goats seem to be popular among those evil ones who are ready and waiting to purchase the stolen lot.

If it is that the police/authorities are not able to effectively deal with this occurrence, then I agree with Stewart. Let us resort to the old “community hangings”; where once we have identified who the culprits are and that we “try” them in a mock trial with one verdict… guilty as charged.

Then maybe, we’ll see a lessening of this crime as we bring shame on those who are prepared to be idle but live off the sweat of others.

I wonder if those goat thieves eventually take on the smell of the goats from which they profit?

Victor - A Farmer

courteous, and helpful. We need more customer-friendly, caring staff like them in high

places.

Frank Matthews. Your Customer.

SVG advancing as never before

The issue

IT IS NOW accepted by the bulk of our population — all informed and reasonable people — that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing in peace, political stability, prosperity, and sustainable development as never before in our history.

Yet it is at this very moment that the jaundiced, self-seeking politically partisan oppositionists and their opportunistic fellow-travellers are screaming and shouting mindlessly that “nothing going on” in SVG and thus it is time for the ULP government to be removed from office by hook or by crook – mainly by crook! But “big things ah gwan”, and the ULP is on track for a sixth consecutive term in office when elections are held towards the end of next year, 2025.

Economic progress amidst challenges

The economic progress of St. Vincen and the Grenadines over the last 23 years since the ULP government has been in office is nothing short of remarkable for a country of limited resources, small size, historic legacies of underdevelopment, repeated disruptions by natural disasters, and externally-induced vulnerabilities arising from the nature and functioning of the global political economy.

Let us look at the broad macroeconomic indicators for St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the period 2001 to 2024:

(i) The nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – the aggregate value of all the goods and services produced in a year – was under EC $800 million in 2001. In 2023, the GDP was in excess of EC $2.8 billion, some 3 ½ times that of 2001. Even if one deflates the number for inflation, the real GDP has, remarkably, more than doubled since the ULP has been in office. Indeed, in CARICOM, the GDP in Purchasing Parity Power (PPP) has grown faster than any other country except Guyana which has been boosted considerably in recent years by the new oil industry. More wealth has been created in St. Vincent and the Grenadines than ever before.

(ii) Correspondingly, the nominal GDP per person, on average, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has increased from under $8,000 per year to over $25,000 per year. Real incomes, on an average, have more than doubled under the ULP government. The average person is far better off economically under the ULP government than before; his/her standard of living has improved immensely!

(iii) Personal and company taxation has fallen sharply under the ULP government. The top marginal tax rate has fallen from 40 percent in 2001 to 28 percent in 2024. At the bottom, personal income below $25,000 annually is tax free in 2024; in 2001, only the first $12,000 was tax-free. Earners of wages and salaries have more money in their pockets; businesses retain more of their income.

(iv) Far more persons are employed today in SVG than in 2001, way in excess of the increase in the population as a whole. Using the number of active registrants at the National Insurance Services (NIS) –that is the number of employed persons actually paying NIS contributions – increased from around 30,000 in 2000 to some 44,000 in 2023. The actual increase in the population in the same period is around 1,000. Take note that only

about 80 percent of employed persons pay NIS contributions. It means, therefore, that another 8,000 or so persons are employed; thus, the total number of employed persons is in the region of 3,000; an unemployed person is around 52,000 out of an estimated labour force of 55,000. Accordingly, the number of unemployed persons is in the region of 3,000; an unemployed person is defined as someone of working age (15-63 years) who is able to work, who is looking for work, who is prepared to work, and who cannot find work. Those who ignore actual NIS data and rely on bogus estimates of unemployment are way off-mark. Still, for those who are unemployed, there is an increase in opportunities for them to get work and/or to be trained/retained for the job market. The NIS data constitute the best proxy for employment in SVG.

(v) Poverty levels have fallen in SVG between 2001 and 2024 despite the loss of the preferential market for bananas, the economic depression globally of 2008 to 2010 and its knockon effects, the terrible economic disruptions of COVID-19, the volcanic eruptions, droughts, storms/Hurricane Elsa, and extreme global turmoil between 2020 to 2024. In 2001, extreme poverty (indigence or “dirt poor” poverty) was 26 percent of the population; in 2009, it had fallen to under 5 percent. A poverty study is underway. Proxy data suggest that COVID and the volcanic eruptions pushed some vulnerable persons into poverty but social support systems of the government and economic recovery since then have restored them above the poverty level. The war against poverty continues under the ULP on several fronts!

(vi) According to the Human Development Index (HDI) measurements of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) SVG has moved from a country with a “medium” level of human development in 2001 to a “high” level of human development by 2023.

(vii) All other indicators of material life and living (housing, education, health, personal effects (clothes, shoes, etc.), modern amenities – personal motor vehicles, washing machines, fridges, stoves, other household appliances, cellphones, and the like) have shown a massive uplift for the people of SVG.

Economic recovery

The people of SVG led by the ULP government managed the COVID pandemic, the volcanic, the volcanic eruptions, Hurricane Elsa, the droughts, and extreme global turmoil between 2020 — 2022 quite well. And there has been an amazing economic recovery. In 2022, the economy grew in real terms by 6 percent; in 2023, by 5.5 percent; in 2024, real economic growth is projected to be in excess of 5 percent. Only Guyana in CARICOM is recording better numbers than these.

The nominal GDP of SVG increased from EC $2.33 billion in 2020 to EC $2.87 billion in 2023, an increase of EC $550 million! Amazing! The people of SVG as a whole are benefitting from this economic recovery; indeed, an economic transformation.

[See page 848 of the 2024 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for all data in this regard.]

The Southern Grenadines deserves better

(Excerpts

of the Honourable Terrance Ollivierre’s response to Budget 2024)

Tourism

MOST OF USknow of the economic potential of the Grenadines to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Minister of Finance in his 2023 budget presentation stated, “A great deal of our recovery depends on the Grenadines returning to the top as well-oiled engines of economic growth. The Grenadines is known for its natural beauty, spectacular scenery, tranquility, prime sailing waters and friendly people. The Grenadines has gained world acclaimed.”

He also stated in his budget presentation of 2024: “The future of tourism is bright in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” He went on to say that yacht tourism is a critical part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy.

Most of the people of the Grenadines earn their livelihood from the tourism sector. You have the hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, grocery shops, souvenir shops, boats boys, water taxis and fishermen. It is vital for survival.

In his 2018 budget presentation, the Minister of Tourism stated that many have argued that St. Vincent and the Grenadines greatest natural competitive advantage in tourism lies in the yachting subsector, now it’s time to capitalize on it. He also said that his government would do more work to shed the unfortunate reputation created by some high profile yacht crimes. Then, why did St. Vincent and the Grenadines return or regain the number one position for reported crimes against ‘yachties’ in the Caribbean in 2022?

The Caribbean Safety and Security Net report for 2022 says, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines returned to its top position. The multi-island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines topped the list (26) as it has in past years with incidents (primarily theft) spread throughout its many islands.”

For instance, on 27th December 2023, a locked dinghy was stolen overnight from Chatham Bay, Union Island, while the owners slept on board. In December of 2023, at Clifton Harbour, a boat was led to a non-park mooring, high fees were demanded and refused. The boat was taken to one of the park mooring and a proper park ticket issued for payment. And in Mayreau, a fuel tank was removed from a dinghy in Salene Bay.

In recognition of this fact, in his 2024 budget presentation, the Minister of Finance stated that the Minister of Tourism would announce initiatives to improve safety and security of yachties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We have not heard anything from the minister.

We must protect our yacht visitors and vital yacht industry, which so many persons depend on throughout this country for their survival and livelihood. Not only in the Grenadines but the opportunities it creates for our marinas on mainland and the Grenadines, the potential for yacht services as well as the linkages and spill off to the vital industries, fisheries, agriculture, culture and sports.

Roads

The Road Revolution did not reach

the Southern Grenadines. I asked a number of questions over the period. It was stated that during the month of September that the roads will be fixed.

In Mayreau, the road from Munroe’s Residence to Island Paradise, from Munroe’s residence to the clinic and the clinic to the Catholic Church. In Canouan: the road from the fisheries to the main road, Grand Bay wharf to main road, and Friendship junction to Grand Bay, And in Union Island, Murrays Village road, the road from the Gospel Hall church to Quarry. Most of these roads were expected to be fixed in the month of September. No roads in the Southern Grenadines were touched during the ‘roads revolution’. When are we going to get these roads fix?

Port Development

Two issues that I have constantly dealt with on becoming the Parliamentary Representative for the Southern Grenadines, since 2001, port development particular in Canouan, then Mayreau and Union Island were dealt with later and secondly, Secondary Education for Canouan.

On December 1st 2004, I asked this question in parliament: The main Jetty at Grand Bay, Canouan is in need of repair and its constant use poses a problem to the general public: (a). Is the Minister aware of the problem; and (b.) Can the Minister indicate how soon will work commence to repair this Jetty. The late Sir Vincent Beach was the minister and his answer to the question was: “Answer to question (a) is yes, I am aware. The answer to question (b) is that we would commence work very soon. I have here, Mr. Speaker, the quotation to repair the jetty and it is from a firm IMS, Industrial and Marine Services Ltd, and the total would be in the amount $251,400.00.”

On February 28, 2005, I asked again in parliament: The main jetty at Grand Bay, Canouan is in need of repair and its constant use poses a problem to the general public. Again the late Sir Vincent Beach replied, “The Port Authority they had commissioned a study to look at all the jetties in the Grenadines and the estimate came back Madam Speaker that Canouan was estimated to cost $251,400.00, Union Island $13,450.00 and $198,375.00.”

In October 25th 2006, I asked the Honourable Clayton Burgin: Given the fact that the Canouan jetty has been deteriorating for some time and given the fact that the government has given a commitment to have the jetty repaired in 2005; Can the Minister now reassure the people of the Grenadines that this jetty will be dealt with speedily. He replied, “The Ministry of Transport and Works is unaware of any commitment made by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines about this jetty.”

The problem continues while other problems surface at other ports in the Southern Grenadines. In Mayreau, there is erosion or deterioration in front of the wharf is being undermined. There is limited docking facilities at all ports of the Southern Grenadines. There isn’t capacity to dock more than one boat at the same time.

V

The Great Disconnect

First published in the July 31, 2009 issue of The Vincentian newspaper.

“Like a beautiful flower that is colourful but has no fragrance, even wellspoken words bear no fruit in one who does not put them into practice.”Siddhartha Guatama Buddha (563–483 BC) Indian founder of Buddhism, born in Himalayan foothills, now S. Nepal; sayings of the Buddha in The Dhammapada, Pali Cannon.

WE SOMETIMES MARVEL at the wisdom that was created and preserved among the “people of the East”. Names such as Buddha and Confucius readily come to mind as individuals who developed the pillars of wisdom and knowledge in the East. While some may argue about their religious beliefs (because we hold views that differ to theirs) we should not be so naive as to disregard the significant contributions that they have made to civilization as we know it. Their thoughts live on beyond their years and periodically ricochet throughout our own minds as we seek to extract the wisdom from their writings.

The opening quotation from Guatama Buddha is pregnant with wisdom. It immediately beckons to us to practice what we preach; to avoid living duplicitous lives. The words of wisdom hit all of us square in the face. They demand our full attention. And as we seek to redirect the thoughts to others that we observe to be guilty of saying one thing and doing another, the words gently take our chins and reposition our faces so that we look in the mirror — for we have sometimes been guilty of doing the same. We see ourselves for who we really are and recommit to doing better; to avoiding the great disconnect.

Teachers, parents, guardians, managers, supervisors, sports personalities, parliamentarians, and preachers/pastors/priests play significant roles in leading people in the right direction; being models of good behaviour; living lives that shine as lights in darkness. And while we are not perfect, we must forever be conscious of the significant roles we play in providing direction to those who will follow ... especially our children.

The saying “practice what you preach” becomes a rebuttal whenever we fall short of the ideal; when we say one thing and do another. And we are conscious of the confusion this creates in followers. More importantly, we realise that those who will take the easy downward road to deviant behaviours are happy when our leaders provide an excuse by demonstrating behaviours that we advocate should be avoided. When we exhibit “deviant behaviours” they are pleased for an excuse to do what we are doing rather than follow what we are saying.

Take, for example, the parent who tells children to always be truthful but thereafter instruct them to tell an enquiring telephone caller that they are not at home (when they actually are) merely because they are not interested in conversing with the

individual at that time; or the husband who is not ill but engages his wife in “calling in sick” so that he could have some “free time” at home after previously impressing upon her that “it is never right to do wrong”; or the older sibling who encourages his brother to “pocket” chocolate bars from the supermarket shelf (so that they avoid paying for it at the checkout counter) after previously indicating that “honesty is the best policy”; or the manager who advocates “transparency and accountability” but instructs his secretary to indicate that s/he is not in office (although s/he is) if Mr. So-andso calls. While some may argue that these examples appear to be farfetched, others can readily identify with them. Maybe because they have done so in the past or been asked to cover up for someone who engaged in such practices. However, in each case we observe a chasm between what is said and what is done; between what is preached and what is practiced. We see a great disconnect.

Examples of this kind of duplicitous living are especially confusing and damaging when observed in our homes. Adults and older siblings must be especially cautious about walking the talk to positive behaviours; living the way we want our wards to follow. As imperfect as we are, we are called to be bastions of hope in the principles that chart courses to true and lasting happiness and success. Deviant practices contain recipes for disaster. Very few lies go undiscovered (as in the case when the youngster told the telephone caller “Daddy say to tell you that he is not here.” Many of the smartest thieves are exposed. The consequences are often devastating. And so, we are challenged to be mature enough to live as we talk; to avoid the great disconnect.

“Like a beautiful flower that is colourful but has no fragrance, even well-spoken words bear no fruit in one who does not put them into practice.” Our wards must not only “see the beauty of our words”; they must “taste the fruit of our actions”. And so, wherever we are, in our schools, homes, churches and communities, we are challenged to live out the principles that we so readily speak of. We are called to demonstrate honesty, kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, patience, love, hope, and so on, in our everyday lives — not merely talking about their benefits and value. What a fragrance we create when we expound the virtues of such principles and behaviours! But more importantly, what fruits we bear when onlookers see them demonstrated in our lives! When this happens, we know that we have avoided duplicitous living and the great disconnect.

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

Here’s why Gonsalves’ ULP must be defeated

TODAY MARKS 812 DAYSsince the increasingly unpopular and autocratic government of Ralph Gonsalves unleashed its dreaded vaccine mandate on the people of SVG. Hundreds of workers in the private and public sectors lost their jobs. The suffering has been unbearable. As a result of the government’s actions, workers could not make ends meet. Many lost their minds as the mental health crisis brought on by the mandate took its toll.

Yesterday, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal heard the vaccine mandate case. Following the resounding legal thrashing Gonsalves suffered when Justice Esco Henry delivered her decision on March 13th 2023, Gonsalves said the judge was wrong in fact and law and vowed to appeal. He made this declaration without having digested the court ruling.

Justice Esco Henry is an erudite and courageous judge. The intellectual rigour that undergirds her decisions is difficult to break through. The government lawyers who will be paid hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ money will have difficulty convincing the appeal panel that the decision should be overturned.

Fundamental to the government’s argument is that it should be allowed to do anything once it declares a medical emergency. State workers who refused to take the vaccine maintained that even in a medical emergency, their rights secured under the constitution had meaning and should be enforced.

It should never have come to this. Even with low vaccination rates, SVG never really had a medical emergency. Countries with many more infections and deaths never resorted to Gonsalves’ draconian policies. Our government was the only country in the region that willfully and heartlessly dismissed workers for refusing to go along with its dreaded policies.

What most Vincentians know now is what some of us knew and explained very early in the plandemic. By the time Gonsalves imposed his vaccine mandate, Antigua had dropped its policy. Reports from Israel and the UK indicated that the vaccines were neither safe nor effective. Even before the mandates were imposed here, chief medical officer Dr Simone Keizer and the government knew that the vaccines did not protect against infection, hospitalisation or death. In her affidavit, she disclosed that persons who were vaccinated were being infected, and at least one vaccinated man had died from COVID-19.

By February 2022, eight government parliamentarians, all of whom Gonsalves claimed were vaccinated tested positive for covid. Yet the government insisted and persisted with its devilish policies. Gonsalves was the only leader in the world who claimed that he wanted to vaccinate 90 percent of the population. Today, Gonsalves SVG is the only country in the world that maintains a medical emergency.

The sad reality from this very sordid vaccine affair is many in which socalled progressives abandoned their responsibility and toady up to Gonsalves’s nonsense. Following the overwhelming legal victory of the workers in March of 2023, rather than demand that Gonsalves end his madness, they allied with him, claiming that ‘everyone expected an appeal.’The 13 other leaders across Caricom never mistreated their citizens as Gonsalves did. Yet Gonsalves claimed that regional leaders encouraged him to appeal because they wanted to know how to act in an emergency. A court does not have to tell the government. Our constitutions instruct us how to act.

It was the refusal and failure of the government to act in keeping with the constitution that Justice Henry ruled

the government vaccine mandate ‘illegal, unconstitutional, ultra vires and tainted with procedurally improper.’ Gonsalves’ mistreatment of Vincentian workers offers a powerful reason why his government should be removed from power. Workers must mobilise and organise to ensure that the defeat is massive. Those younger parliamentarians who sat idly while Gonsalves’ vile, vindictive, selfish and mean-spirited policies wreaked havoc must be punished electorally.

But there are many more reasons why this government must go. Day by day, it demonstrates that it has outlived its usefulness. Nothing it does now points to a sustainable plan for the country’s development. All plans represent its attempt to hoodwink the population to retain its domination over our country.

After 23 years in government, Gonsalves and his clansmen are primarily committed to feathering their own nest at the expense of citizens. As they get fatter and more decadent, they become increasingly alienated from the people. They cannot point to one sustainable project that will place St Vincent and the Grenadines in a better place economically or socially.

Four out of every 10 Vincentians live in poverty. Another two or three out of 10 live just above the poverty level. Unemployment is over 40 percent. Underemployment is a growing problem as young people leave school and are forced to take jobs that pay a few hundred dollars monthly. Social prostitution is on the rise. The exploitation and sexploitation of workers, especially women, are on the increase. Crime, with 53 homicides recorded in 2023, its most glaring indicator, points to the government’s failure. Fear stalks the land. Hopelessness and helplessness are detected on many faces.

They claim that tourism drives our development, yet the sites that should attract tourists are poorly maintained. The roads to Dark View Falls, Fort Charlotte, Montreal Gardens, and Richmond are a disaster; the toilet facility at our volcano is a nonfunctional mess. The only thing that works is the government giveaway of our national treasures to foreign business enterprises. Reynu gets 59 acres of our lands at Richmond for a measly $1,200 a year. It bespoils the landscape, anticipating multiple orgasms only to have its joy interrupted by plenty of soil and few stones.

Justifying the giveaway and environmental degradation, our PM cluelessly likened SVG to a ‘big stone with good soil.’ As if that was not bad enough, he embarked on a useless, expensive, unsustainable $600 million port project. The contractors budgeted to spend tens of millions of dollars to import sand to fill in the Kingstown harbour. Gonsalves initially said he would collect $1, then $2, then $4.5 million for 1.17 million cubic meters of sand. Only after stout advocacy and opposition to the fire sale of our country’s resources, Gonsalves, the cunumunu, claims he demanded $20 million for the sand. Meanwhile, the profit the contractors make from dredging the sand rather than importing it remains a ‘company secret.’ Unknown is the environmental consequence of disturbing the sea bed off Argyle.

No thinking person who loves SVG can be impressed with such a dismal report card. Failure is written all over this administration. Gonsalves’ hold on our country must be broken.

Salaries and perks of our elected and nominated officials ⁄are they worth it?

LET ME FROM the outset state that I am not an accountant, but I can add, subtract, multiply and divide, and what I am about to reveal is straight out of the 2024 estimates that have now been made public.

That said, I would prefer if an independent accountant can break down all these figures to show the disparity between what these government officers are getting daily, compared to the minimum wage of $50EC per day.

It can be argued that our salaries are the lowest in the English-speaking Caribbean. When we compare what the average man or woman, who is toiling for a minimum wage of $50 per day is receiving and who has to buy the same items in the supermarket, pay the same rates for electricity and water, to what these officials ‘get’ paid, it’s a HUGE contrast and contradiction.

I will for simplicity sake, reference the income of the four of the highest ranking state and government offices here — Governor General, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Speaker of the House. These references are restricted to basic salaries and entertainment allowances. I have purposely left out travel allowances, house allowances and other perks. So the figures shown below are about roughly 80% to 90% of their take home salaries.

Descending order

I approach them in descending order.

According to this year’s estimates, the Prime Minister’s annual salary is $164,542 which translates to $13,712 per month and works out to $489 per day. The daily wage of the Prime Minister with all the other allowances, like travel, and entertainment is MORE than $500 EC per day, compared to the (national) minimum wage of $50 EC. What a huge disparity and inequality! Do you think he is worth it? And who is paying his salary …… you and I, all tax payers!

The next highest on my list is the Governor General making $130 347 per annum which translates to $10,862 per month and without allowances works out to $388 per day.

The Leader of the Opposition grosses $108,612 annually which translates to $9,051 per month or $325 per day.

The Speaker of the House, which is not an everyday job, gets a cool $92,878 per year, amounting to $7,740 per month or $276 daily.

Compare these salaries to the EC$50 minimum wage which MOST private sector employers pay their workers. This is nothing more than modern day economic slavery!!!

I will not venture to go into details about how the private sector is ripping off our workers, but since 1992 the manager of the leading communications provider was making a whopping $1000 per day, in other words, over $30,000 a month! That same year, that company made US$82 million (not EC$) in profit from Vincentians and that is after all expenses. Imagine a skilled crane operator at the hotel development at Buccament currently in progress only makes a meagre EC$100 per day. That job is worth more than US $100 per day.

I would really prefer that someone with accounting credentials come forward and show Vincentians that we can more than afford to move the minimum wage to EC$100 per day, and so lift the standard of life for the majority of Vincentians. The more spending power the average man has, the more buoyant the economy will be. The cost of living has gone up significantly since the year 2000 and all efforts by some of the more vibrant trade unions have been dampened by an insensitive government.

Vincentians, wake up and smell the coffee or do you prefer to smell something repulsive or really stink. Demand what you are worth. Tell the politicians that they are only worth the minimum wage of EC$50 per day for what they are doing.

Donald De Riggs

Digicel’s O’Brien hands over majority control

DENIS O’BRIEN

has formally handed majority control of his Digicel telecoms empire in the Caribbean to a consortium of bondholders, ending a lengthy debt restructuring process.

The consortium — led by PGIM, Contrarian Capital Management and GoldenTree Asset Management — took the controlling stake in the company after a consensual process.

Mr. O’Brien, who backed the scheme after Digicel’s debt-servicing obligations hit an unsustainable level last year, retains a 10pc stake in the business and a seat on the new nine-member board of directors. His holding could increase to 20pc based on options under the terms of the debt deal.

Last year, Digicel announced the telecoms entrepreneur, who founded the company in Jamaica in 2001, had agreed to cede his majority stake in the business in return for a debt write-down totalling $1.7bn (€1.6bn).

Crucially, in terms of cash flow the complex set of transactions has ultimately resulted in a $120m a year reduction in Digicel’s debt servicing costs. The move will also see the company raise $110m via a rights issue.

Digicel had for years been struggling to tackle the debt, which at one stage hit a peak of $7bn. The company completed a previous debt restructuring in 2020, which saw bondholders write off $1.6bn and Mr. O’Brien inject $50m to retain his ownership.

The latest restructuring was formally implemented on Monday through a bond exchange offer, Bermuda schemes of arrangement and an associated US recognition proceeding, the group said. Digicel interim group CEO Maarten Boute said it represented “good news today for our customers, our communities and all our staff with Digicel on a more solid financial footing enabling it to maintain and increase its long-standing commitments to the region”.

Mr. O’Brien is standing down as chair of Digicel as part of the restructuring, handing over to Rajeev Suri, a former CEO of global mobile telecoms operator Inmarsat, and before that Nokia.

And as far as the impact the re-structuring would have on the Caribbean region, O’Brien told the Express of Trinidad and Tobago, “No impact at all. It is business as usual. It has always been business as usual here in Trinidad and throughout the region as well. It really has not impacted the business in any way”, and assured job security for Digicel employees amid these changes. (Source: Irish Independent online)

Digicel’s founder Denis O’Brien will step down as the organisation’s chairman following a US$1.7 billion restructuring.

CW Prescod remembered

THE PRINCIPAL,staff and student body of the CW Prescod Primary School, are ensuring that the man whose name is attached to institution does not disappear into history.

Toward this end, a contingent from the school journeyed last Tuesday, January 30, 2024, to the Methodist Church Yard, Kingstown, the resting place of the late Christopher Wilberforce Prescod, for a Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

Wreaths were laid by the school’s current Principal- Suzette Abbott- King, an official of the Ministry of Education, teachers, as well as students.

Abbott-King, in her remarks, underlined the need for the school to reflect the values of Prescod.

“Today’s wreath-laying ceremony embodies the ideals championed by the person after whom our school is named. We honour not just his memory but also the enduring values he instilled within the very foundation of all educational institutions, ” the school’s principal said.

Continuing to laud the contribution of this national treasurer and a pioneer in education, King reminded those present: “Let us take a moment to remember the vision that guided our namesake, the dedication that fueled his endeavors, and the commitment to excellence that he instilled in all aspects of

our school… It is our responsibility to carry this torch forward, to uphold the principles he held dear, and to foster an environment where each student can flourish academically, morally, and socially.”

She also called for the legacy of Prescod to be preserved.

“Let this ceremony serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve the legacy of the individual who laid the cornerstone of our school’s identity,” AbbottKing stressed.

The Wreath- Laying Ceremony commemorated the life of Prescod, who died January, 28, 1980. He was 94 at the time of the death.

This was preceded by the singing of songs at the church, where Reverend Philbert Delaney, Methodist Superintendent Minister KingstownChateaubelair Circuit, gave an exhortation.

Like Abbott-King, Rev. Delaney implored the students to follow the examples of Prescod.

He implored them to make the correct choices, as Prescod did, and reminded them that it was never too late to change their pathway, if they were not going the right way.

The occasion was also graced by surviving relatives of Prescod.

Tuesday’s Wreath Laying Ceremony formed part of the activities leading to the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the school, the culmination of which is set for September 2024.

C.W. Prescod became a Head Teacher at age 22, serving in that capacity at the Georgetown Primary School and the Evesham Methodist School before becoming Inspector of Schools. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Education for

Persons attending the commemorative WreathLaying Ceremony for the late CW Prescod.

many years. This devout Methodist

Continued on Page 19.

FOCUS ON THE VISUAL ARTS:

Jeremy Payne: Evolved and still evolving

by GLORIAH...

JEREMY PAYNE is an individual who has honed his creativity into an amazing work of fine art through different media.

The very down to earth, magical being and quite complex ‘baby of the house’ of five children from two loving parents, hails from Gomea. And as far as he could remember, he started out in art knowing only that it was the one thing he wanted to do, even with being unsure of what his medium would be.

Jeremy was sure, though, that, “...I never wanted to be in a pigeon hole or become a one-trip pony, so I looked for different ways to express myself whether it be through fashion, painting, the way I dress.”

He moved from drawing as a toddler, on to CSEC success and after completing the Fine Art A Level programme at the SVG Community College, set out to craft his personal style traversing expressions through drawing, paintings and fashion design.

“I fell into fashion and understanding fashion design — not just dressing or looking the part but studying it properly in 2008 while still

in college. That took on its own life with me not expecting to be doing it for a long period of time,” he admitted.

By then he had become rooted in personal experiences, “... whether influenced by social, religious, or relationship matters or a plethora of other personal things.”

The result was that his creative impulses led him into clothing production. But two years down the road, he realized how much he had missed painting and working in fine art and so he decided to have one influence the other, thereby getting head-deep into painting on the clothing. He boasted a perspective of images and imagery that had a deeper meaning, and his art literally became his commentary, his productions becoming his niche market.

Through all of this Jeremy Payne continued to produce and exhibit his art, collaborating with like-minded artist Caroline ‘booops’ Sardine and curator Alex Grant to stage three exhibitions, ‘Inside Out’, ‘Right Side Up’ and ‘Twists and Turns’, the latest concluding in December 2023.

In the most recent exhibition, which featured his Hedonesia Series, patrons were exposed to the current stage in his artistic journey where he described his transformative time as, “...adapting to the world as it is now, making a pivot instead of just disappearing.”

Speaking about his Hedonesia Series, he called it, “... a little more abstract than what I usually do and that’s because it is just where I am now, trying to make my way through life and what is coming at me.”

He posited that the very fluid movement on canvas echoes the need at the moment where he starts, “... trusting the arm, the wrist, the paintbrush and the paint to take me on a journey and every so often I need to push or pull back just to find the little nuances on the canvas.” This, he believes, amounts to the ritual of painting.

And, out of this ritual has come favourites of the creator: ‘The Pursuit of Pleasure 1’ and ‘The Pursuit of Pleasure 2’, which came to him as

graphics for his clothing collection. There are three more pieces in this series yet to come. And, who knows where Jeremy Payne is going to go from there? He has hinted, “I definitely want to explore textile in the future and maybe find some way to merge fashion into art at Fashion is Payne, but now I am letting Fashion is Payne influence my fine art work. Usually, it’s the other way around!” Jeremy Payne has evolved and is still evolving!

‘The Pursuit of Pleasure 2’ moved from being originally a piece to be used on clothing to a full expression on canvas.

Jeremy Payne expresses his inner feelings and interpretations of the world around him through graphic designs for clothing as well as imagery on canvas.

Some items from ‘Jeremy’s Fashion in Payne’ clothing line.

Three police officers suspended

THREE MEMBERSof the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) assigned to the Stubbs Police Station have been suspended with half pay, following an allegation of physical abuse of a 10-year-old boy.

In a press release on Wednesday 31st, January, the RSVCPF said that it “wishes to notify the public that on Tuesday 30th January 2024, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Enville Williams suspended three (3) police officers from duty”.

The release further stated that “the officers include one (1) Corporal and two (2) Constables who are the subjects of interest in an allegation of the abuse of a 10-year-old boy. The officers would receive half pay pending the outcome of an investigation”.

In an earlier press release, it was said that the officers implicated in the allegation were paraded before the Acting Commissioner of Police on Monday, 29, at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Police Headquarters in Kingstown.

The action against the three officers was taken after the 10-year-old and his family members appeared on a Facebook live and made the allegations.

On Sunday Rosita Phillips, the mother of the child, appeared in a Facebook live video from outside the Stubbs Police Station, stating that her 10-yesr-old was locked up by the police after he allegedly went into someone’s yard in Diamond and took their bicycle.

When she turned up at the police station to enquire about her son, Phillips said the officers released him and told her they would investigate the matter.

She said that her son told her that he was feeling pain, after the officers beat him. “Two police officer beat my child. If you see the bruise and dem in ye back and all thing. I calling on authority who listening me now and who seeing this. I don’t satisfy. If you see the condition of my child’s back,” said the angry woman.

The boy also appeared in the ‘live’. He admitted to going into someone’s yard and removing a bicycle. The police met him riding the bike at Diamond. “They tek me and hold me by me hand and bring me by the station. Then them tell me fuh siddung

pon top the bench. Then one de corporal tek off he belt and start to beat me. Then the other fat one been going tek off he leather belt to come and beat me but dem puh down that and the thin one ge the fat one ye belt fuh beat me,” the boy explained.

The mother insisted that the police should have got in touch with her when they apprehended her son and should have questioned her son in her presence.

“I want to know if they lock up my child if they nah fuh get in touch with me as the guardian and question him in front of me. They suppose to lock up a 10-yearold child and beat him without he parents know anything way going on? … If is me beat him and chop up his back like this, they going lock me up,” the mother reasoned.

The mother said she asked an officer for the names of the police officers allegedly involved and for a medical injury report form but the officer did not comply.

“And all ah dem going in the station and leave me in the yard sit down,” said the mother, who pleaded with the officers to use the police transport to take the boy to the hospital.

“I want to know what to do this hour… I need help … This is the way that police serve and protect?” Phillips questioned.

However, the police force has indicated intent to investigate the matter. Toward this end, a senior police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) — South Central Division, which inluds the Stubbs Police Station, was assigned to conduct the investigation.

“The public is asked to bear with the police as we probe this matter. While the allegations are painful to listen to, we must strive to be fair to all parties involved. We, however, wish to reiterate that the police force is an organization that does not operate outside of the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and no officer will be tolerated if he or she chooses to do so,” the Police release added. (KH)

Continued from Page 17.

was the first teacher to be appointed a Justice of Peace and the first primary school teacher to receive the Senior Honours Certificate from the College of Preceptors, London and Pitman’s Teachers’ Certificate and Commercial

Diploma.

He put his qualification in Commercial subjects to good use when, upon retirement, he opened a ‘Commercial School’, teaching Typing, Shorthand and Bookkeeping and preparing his students for the Pitman’s Examination.

The boy who alleged he was beaten by the police was paraded on a Facebook live showing what he claimed to be indications on his back of a beating.

Regional ferry service launched

A PRIVATE SECTOR-LED regional ferry service was launched in Barbados on Tuesday 23 January aimed at increasing and improving transportation among the Caribbean countries.

Upturn Funds Caribbean in collaboration with Pleion Group Incorporated unveiled the jointventure partnership, which it said has led to the establishment of the

new private sector-led ferry company - “Connect Caribe”.

Speaking at the launch held by stakeholders, the cofounder and chief executive officer for the Caribbean region, Andre Thomas said discussions are currently ongoing between regional leaders including Trinidad and Tobago’s this country’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Guyana

and Barbados counterparts on the services offered by Caribe as well as the benefits attached.

“We are in talks with the governments...There is a significant discussion on how we can integrate and tackle this huge opportunity and problem.

I believe that where there are problems, there are opportunities…so there will be significant collaboration between

the service that will be done by the governments and our service,” Thomas said.

He said its services will be a game changer in the transportation industry. He further noted that the three proposed vessels will have the capacity to transport up to 8,000 passengers, cargo and manufactured goods and produce.

The service is

scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2024 and will offer weekly and daily round trips, linking Barbados with Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, Suriname, and Guyana.

Andre Thomas, co-founder and chief executive officer Pleion Group Inc. | Upturn Funds Caribbean/ Caribbean region, described the service to be a game change in the transportation industry in the region.

Thomas said, though, that specific focus will be placed on the Barbados-TrinidadGuyana route, and a standard fare on that route would cost US$100 plus whatever charges come from that particular government.

Trans-Caribbean shipping service

History records that a regional ferry service — passenger and cargo service from Jamaica in the north — was established in the early 1960s when the Canadian government gifted two vessels — the MV Federal Maple and MV Federal Palm - to the West Indies Federation. The vessels remained in service up until 1972 when it became unprofitable to continue the service.

Nautical Solutions

recorded that the Federal Palm was reported to have been sold to the government of Nauru in 1972, and renamed the Cenpac Rounder. It was “wrecked” on March 28th 1979, and was found to be at the breakers in Pusan on June 6th of that year.

The Federal Maple was withdrawn from service and laid up at Chaguaramas, Trinidad, from 1976 to 1980. It was involved in a protracted court battle between the West Indies Shipping Corporation, which managed the operation of the vesselsand a Taiwanese concern. It remained at anchor in Chaguaramas until 1980 when it was sold in a state of advanced deterioration for US$50,000. (Source: Loop News, Nautical Solutions)

The Federal Maple, one of two custom-built vessels, the other being the Federal Palm, given to the W.I. Federation by the Canadian government in 1961, to assist with strengthening shipping service (passenger and cargo) in the region.

Last respects paid to ÂAlexÊ Hinds

Family members in front pew among mourners.

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

HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIANS and other Caribbean nationals from all walks of life, on Friday paid their last respects to Vincentian community worker Alexander “Alex” Hinds, who suddenly went to the Great Beyond on Jan. 5. He was 72.

Mourners jammed the pews at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, on Farragut Road in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, New York in paying moving tributes to Hinds, a Brooklyn resident, described in the obituary as “the Soca King”, who “looked

forward to partaking in the festivities of mas at carnival — whether in New York or in St. Vincent (and the Grenadines).”

The obituary, read by Hinds’ younger son, Jabari, says that Hinds, who was born on Jul. 28, 1951, spent an inordinate amount of time “watching a variety of sports” and was a “freelance commentator in his free time.”

Mourners gave oral and written tributes, sang lustily, read scriptures and prayed during the two-hour-long service presided over by the church’s Belizeanborn rector, the Rev. Cannon George L. Bonner.

Hinds’s youngest brother, Gordon Hinds, read “God’s Got It…YA”, a poem he wrote, and a resolution from the Rev. Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood, pastor of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in FuquayVarina, North Carolina.

In the resolution, Rev. Wood said it was “befitting to express our sympathy and condolences to the Hinds family during the passing of Brother Joseph A. Hinds… Be it resolved that we bow in humble submission to Him, who never makes a mistake.”

Hinds’s sister, Enid, who resides in Saleem, North Carolina, said she and her brother had “a

bond,” disclosing that they had formed this bond when she was 12.

“Alex loved to sing,” she said, choking up. “We had a bond. He was a praying man. He called me up and asked for prayers.

“I’m going to miss my brother,” she added. “My heart is broken. It’s a void.”

Roslyn “Rosemond” Providence, said she and Hinds grew up together in Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown.

“On behalf of my family, although the road is rough, Jesus is always there,” she said. “I want to tell you to hold on and stay in the love God wants us to be.”

Hinds is survived by his wife, Dianne; sons, Joshua, and wife,

Dillion, Gordon and Ezekiel; and many other relatives and friends. His body was interred on Saturday at Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey.

Joseph Alexander “Alex” Hinds.

Venezuela accuses US of ÂblackmailÊ over sanctions

VENEZUELA HAS CRITICISED

Washington’s decision to reimpose oil and gas sanctions and warned it could halt deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants who are in the United States without documents.

“All of Venezuela rejects the rude and improper blackmail and ultimatum expressed by the US government,” Vice President Delcy Rodriguez wrote on X.

“If they take the wrong step of intensifying the economic aggression against Venezuela … as of February 13 repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants would be

immediately cancelled.”

The US began repatriating Venezuelan migrants on chartered flights in October, after a deal was struck between Nicolas Maduro and President Joe Biden for the “orderly, safe and legal repatriation” of undocumented Venezuelan migrants.

Rodriguez said that all other areas of cooperation would be reviewed as a countermeasure to the “deliberate attempt to strike a blow to the Venezuelan oil and gas industry”.

The rejection comes in response to the United States’s reimposition of sanctions on Caracas this week. Washington took action after Venezuela’s top court upheld a ban blocking the candidacy of the leading opposition hopeful in a presidential election later this year.

The US Department of the Treasury on Monday gave US entities until February 13 to wind down transactions with Venezuelan state-owned miner Minerven.

Meanwhile, the US Department of State said on

Tuesday that Washington does not plan to renew a licence that has allowed Venezuela’s oil to freely flow to its chosen destinations.

“Actions by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives in Venezuela, including the arrest of members of the democratic opposition and the barring of candidates from competing in this year’s presidential election, are inconsistent with the agreements signed in Barbados,” the State Department said in a statement.

“Absent progress between Maduro and his representatives and the opposition Unitary Platform … the United States will not renew the license when it expires on April 18,” the State Department said, referring to General License 44, which provides relief to Venezuela’s oil and gas sector.

The US, which first imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, had granted sanctions relief for the OPEC member country in October in recognition of a deal signed in Barbados with President

Nicolas Maduro’s administration that included releasing political prisoners, allowing international observers and setting conditions for a fair presidential election. Venezuela is prepared for any scenario including the reimposition of US sanctions on its crude and gas exports,

Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea said.

The US would also feel the effect of any reimposed energy sanctions on Venezuela, Tellechea told reporters, adding that the country would not “kneel down” just because someone tried to dictate the countries with which it can do business. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said the reimposition of sanctions was ‘rude and improper blackmail’ (File: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

You can trust the Adventist

by R. THEODORE L. V. BROWNE

AS A DEMONSTRATIONof recognition, appreciation and compassion, The

Kingstown Seventh-day Adventist Church cordially extended an invitation to me and my wife on 30th December 2023 to attend their Community Guest

Day Service. It was a most joyful and inspiring occasion. We met many good, old friends.

Based on our knowledge, the

Please see next page.

Adventists put great emphasis on Education and take quite seriously the notion that God places no premium on ignorance and in support of this view, they can cite numerous Biblical references. The Seventhday Adventist Church has great competence and research capability as is evident from the findings of their high, world ranking and famous Medical School, Loma Linda in the United States of America, as well as the global high ranking status of Andrews University where the renowned scholar and greatly admired and revered and erudite Professor Samuel Baccolhi lectured for many years and who wrote the classic book called “Divine Rest for Human Restlessness — considered by eminent apologists to be the Magnus Opus of scholarly work on the interpretation of the Sabbath.

The Adventists constitute a bright light in areas of darkness, directing the way to travel as the wise men were guided by the light of a bright shining star to the place where Jesus was found. So it was right to follow the star. In other words, the wise men in their wisdom, did what was right. They followed the star - the political and spiritual symbolism can be enlightening and persuasive. Light shows the way to go and exposes dangers, demons, devils and darkness. In fact, darkness disappears when light enters a room.

I respect the Biblical scholarship and research skills of the Adventist. They seem to know

everything by their careful research. For example, it was an eye opening, truthful and factual revelation when the following matters were exposed:

(1) That my wife and I have six children all of whom are graduates of the University of the West Indies: in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Banking and Finance.

(2) That all our children are also postgraduates with higher degrees from leading British Universities with Luke being a post graduate of Oxford University — ranked as the highest University in the world and being a first class honours graduate in law and thereafter emerging successfully with a distinction in his legal training course from the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in England, the first known Vincentian to do so.

(3) That both parents are also graduates of the University of the West Indies and also post graduates with distinction and merit from two leading British Universities —Leicester and Newcastle.

We give God thanks and we commend the Adventists for giving us the opportunity to be grateful and for helping us not to fall into the category of the 90% lepers in St Luke 17 who did not return to give thanks to Jesus after being cleansed of leprosy — that awful incurable malady with boils on the skin oozing a creamy, unpleasant smell thereby making the leper socially unfit with a noisy bell ringing clamour to draw the attention of the public to his presence or allowing them sufficient

time to escape from his approaching presence. To be delivered from that loathsome disease and its associated smell was indeed a great emancipation from physical and mental slavery. It was a time to rejoice, dance, sing and give thanks with raised hands in the air for deliverance from that bondage.

You can trust the Adventist

You can trust the competence and research capability and capacity of the Seventh-day Adventist. They expose the truth based on the discovery of the facts.

As we take a close look at the beautifully designed invitation document, we see to the left, the handsome face of Pastor Shane Franklyn and on the right, a prominent figure of a cross, clearly indicating that a personal encounter with Jesus Christ will change the Minus of One’s life into a Plus — Not a Subtraction and that is a desirable life changing objective. Old things are passed away and all things become new when we seek first or give priority to the Kingdom of God — abundant blessings will be added — not subtracted.

What a powerful sermon! I wish I could get a copy of that life changing and edifying message.

Thank you Pastor Shane Franklyn. That message should be circulated beyond the four walls of a building. The harvest is often more plenteous when the good seeds of a sermon are scattered by printing, broadcasting or by viewing it.

Internet upgrade for Police Stations and Health Facilities

THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS

REGULATORY COMMISSION (NTRC) recognizes the crucial significance of reliable internet connectivity for efficient operations at police stations and health centers. With this consideration, the Police & Health Centre project, aims to improve the internet infrastructure at these vital locations,

fostering seamless communication and the integration of advanced technologies.

This initiative involves the installation of over 200 access points across 43 police stations and 32 health centers throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines. These access points will be strategically positioned to ensure comprehensive coverage and optimal

connectivity. As part of the project, five police stations and five health centers are scheduled to receive fiber internet connections, offering high-speed and dependable connectivity to enhance communication capabilities and support data-intensive operations. All installations at these locations are anticipated

to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. The upgrade of networking equipment aims to establish a more secure network at these locations, prioritizing the utmost importance of data protection.

Having commenced with a tender in August 2022, this project is slated to extend over a five-year period. Following its commissioning, all facilities are expected to have minimum download speeds of 350Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps for the initial two years. From the third to the fifth year, download speeds are set to increase to a minimum of 500Mbps, with upload speeds reaching 100 Mbps. Ten specific locations will benefit

from fiber internet connections, including the Central Police Station, Police Training School — New Montrose, Questelles Police Station, Biabou Police Station, Georgetown Police Station, Chateaubelair Smart Hospital, Levi Latham Hospital, Stubbs Polyclinic, Buccament Polyclinic, and Georgetown Modern Medical Complex.

Upon the successful completion and commissioning of the Police & Health Centre

project, significant advantages will be realized. Police stations and health centers will enjoy improved connectivity, streamlined operations, and enhanced emergency response capabilities. This project is poised to revolutionize communication at these critical facilities, ensuring they stay at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies for the greater benefit of the communities they serve.

(Source: NTRC)

$500.00 Award to successful CSEC, CAPE students

(Editor’ Note: The following is a NOTICE from the Ministry of Education.)

ON FRIDAY,February 09, 2024, students who sat the 2023 examinations for their CSEC, CAPE and Associate Degrees will be presented with the $500.00 gift award for their outstanding performance.

To be eligible for the award, CSEC students must have gained five passes (Grades I to III) including Mathematics and English A.

CAPE students must have gained passes (Grades I to V) in at least 2 two-Unit subjects as well as in the single Unit Communication Studies (or Caribbean Studies) in two consecutive years.

Students in the various Associate Degree programmes must have gained at least a B average.

Teacher Education Programmes requires a GPA of at least 2.75.

The total number of recipients is seven hundred and ninety-five (795),

categorised in the following manner:

CSEC: 437

CAPE: 203

Associate Degrees: 124

Of the recipients who gained Associate Degrees and are identified to receive the award from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, one hundred and twenty-four (124) are from the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies and the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, and thirty-one (31) from the Division of Teacher Education.

Recipients of the award are asked to present themselves at the Villa Campus of the SVGCC at 9:00 a.m on February 09, 2024, with proof of identity bearing a photograph.

The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation acknowledges the invaluable contribution made by its stakeholders and partners to the enterprise of education.

The foregoing is the fulfillment of an obligation to reward all students whose performance meets established standards of excellence.

Carnival V

Machel back in kaiso competition

Charles, and Mark Eastman.

This year’s prize structure is $500,000 and a motor vehicle valued at $300,000 for first place, $350,000 for second place, $250,000 for third place, $175,000 for fourth and $45,000 each for fifth to twelfth places.

SOCA SUPERSTARMachel Montano haso qualified for the semifinals of the 2024 Calypso Monarch semifinals in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

The 49-year-old performed as a 12-year-old at the Dimanche Gras in 1986 before embarking on a soca career that has seen him win the Soca Monarch title six times and 10 Road March crowns in his native T&T.

Montano said previously he would not be part of this year’s Carnival as he was completing his Master’s degree in Carnival Arts at UTT.

To the surprise of most of T&T, he released his new song, “Soul of Calypso,” last week Wednesday and was selected among the 40 calypsonians qualified for the semifinals, which will take place at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on 3 February.

Mical Williams (Mical Teja), singer, songwriter, and producer, is also set to compete with his popular offering for 2024, “D.N.A” which has also captured the imagination of many stellband arrangers in T7T.

The Gonzalez, Belmont native has a breakout year in 2023 with his popular song, “Hall of Fame,” and rode that wave into 2024 by winning the Young Kings Competition held on Tuesday 30th January held at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

Teja performed his popular carnival 2024 hit DNA to take the title.

Notably absent from the Skinner Park stage this year is Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool), the Calypso Monarch with the most titles, who decided not to participate in the competition after the loss of his wife.

But the field for the Calypso semifinals includes former Calypso Monarchs Helon Francis, Karen Asche, Kurt Alleyne, Roderick Gordon, Terry Lyons, and Gypsy.

Duane Ta’zyah O’Connor, son of 2012 winner Duane O’Connor, won the 2023 title with his “Sing Hallelujah.” He is expected to defend his crown at the finals on Sunday, 11 February.

Asche was third in 2023, with Gordon in fourth, Lyons in sixth, and Francis in ninth place.

Among the qualifiers for 2024 who competed in the 2023 final include Ezekiel Yorke, Heaven

number of competitors registering for the Calypso Monarch 2024. This year 212 people registered while last year’s number was 197.

Mical Williams (Mical Teja) is making another strong impression on the calypso landscape having done so in 2023.

Machel Montano stayed out of the 2024 soca bacchanal but surprised with a late entry into the Calypso Monarch competition.

Come clean and clear

Dear George,

IJUST GOT going with this girl and I think she is the real deal.  She made me promise never to cheat on her or dump her.

The thing is, I recently got through with my US green card and I have not told her anything yet. She did not even know I was planning on not being here. I guess I was waiting to see who she was before committing to any future plans.

I am scheduled to leave SVG early in February. I know this is going to shatter her. People close to me are advising me to break all ties now.

How should I handle this situation?

Confused.

Dear Confused,

The honorable thing to do is to level with your friend. You did say she is

the real deal and if that is the case, the chances of her ruining things in your physical absence should be almost nil. The onus will be in you to stay true to your promise and commitment.

No one knows the future but with honest communication every step of the way you two should be in good stead.

You have to decide whether you want her in your future plans and if that is so, you need to make it clear to her. With that out of the way, the love for each other should be strong enough to see you through.

George.

DonÊt give up

Dear George,

FOR THE FIRSTtime in my adult life

I am down and completely out. I am unable to feed myself much less provide for my girl and her children. I am at a point where my mind is telling me to do very dark things.

Nobody cares. I have tried reaching out to my politicians, my church brothers/sisters, friends, you name it, but all I get is “check back end of month” or “we will get back to you.”

George, I do not expect you to be able to help me but I’m just letting you know when you hear of some guy doing something stupid you know it’s me and you know why.

I want to work but just cannot find any. I am skilled at numerous things, trade work, office work, gardening whatever. If anyone wants to reach

out to me, they can do so through you. Thank you, George.

Hopelessly Broke.

Dear Hopelessly Broke,

Thank you for reaching out. There’s an old saying, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” You cannot stop trying to better your situation. It’s only when you give up you will be deemed a failure and now is not the time to give up trying, especially when you have others depending on you. It might do you well to find a financial/guidance counselor who can help you plot the best route forward. You can begin this new search by contacting The Marion House.

George.

Taking issue with a dildo

George, MY BOYFRIEND

admitted that he can’t satisfy me yet does not want me to use a dildo. He is painfully small and I am not happy.

George, I love the guy but his package does not cut it. I tried to meet him halfway by suggesting the use of a dildo. I found out that his issue with the dildo is that it is too big and way bigger than him. I’m wondering if he forgot the reason why I want it.

I am tired of fighting over this and I want to bounce but he still wants to hold on. Can you blame me if I bounce?

Ready to Roll.

Dear Ready to Roll, I am not going to advise you to stay if you are convinced you will never be happy if things remain as they are. After all, you offered a compromise but unfortunately your boyfriend rejected it. It will be sad to end a good relationship over

this but both of you have got to know what you want. In this case, he cannot provide you with what you want and your counter offer was not accepted. Unless there can be a compromise, going your separate ways may well be the next best thing to do.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. You will be quite excitable this week. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Get domestic chores out of the way early. Your ideas will be well received. This week will be rather hectic on the domestic scene. Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

You need adventure and excitement in your life. You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. Romance may be better than you ever thought possible. Rely on the one you love for support and affection.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Face any emotional problems head-on to avoid situations getting out of hand. Your passionate nature may make you jealous if your mate has been too busy to take care of your needs. You can get a lot done if you get your hands on the right equipment.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Put your efforts into moneymaking ventures. You will drive your emotional partner crazy this week. Get busy putting your place in order. Don't let situations get out of control.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You will be able to get good advice if you listen to close friends or relatives you respect. Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Read between the lines before you sign your name. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Children could cost you more than you can afford. Family responsibilities are mounting. This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. Don't hesitate to take short trips.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first. You have the stamina and determination to succeed. Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. Those who have been too demanding should be put in their place or out to pasture.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

You must try to include your mate in your activities this week. Those you care about may oppose your ideas. Financial gains can be made through wise investments. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Try to spend time with those having similar interests. You can clear up important legalities and sign contracts this week. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging roman tic connections. Try not to lend or borrow money or belongings this week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Home improvement projects will enhance your residence and bring the family closer together. You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals. Don't avoid situations that may deteriorate; try to mend them. Be sure that you lay your cards on the table.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

You might find it difficult to control your emotions. Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring you greater popularity.

ACROSS

1. Many apps

6. Uniform fabric

11. Some may be used as probiotics

13. One who joins pieces of wood together

15. Inconsistent

16. Most likely to break

17. Timid tentacle marine animal

18. Newspaper extras

19. Increasing expenditures

21. Neighbor of Draco

26. Appear

32. Mischievous girl

33. Ozzy or Sharon

34. Smashed

35. Shadows

36. Solitude

37. Moves elsewhere

39. After-dinner speaker

46. Army outfit

50. Puddle-jumper

51. Gateway to central Switzerland

52. Envisioned

53. Adversaries

54. Flowering shrubs

55. Defense Agency that is developing autosteering vehicles

56. One one’s toes DOWN

1. “Enhanced,” on some menus

2. Farm units

3. “CSI” location

4. British megastar pop-rock singer

5. David’s weapon

6. Alum

7. Go backpacking

8. Cake decorator?

9. Hatching site

10. Scraps

11. Produce

12. Freezer tray output

13. Good chocolate

14. Defence Department complex

20. Miner’s load

22. Somalia-born Supermodel

23. Title river in a mystery

24. Some vending machine inserts

25. Cincinnati nine

26. Whiskey ___

27. “Peaky Blinders” character

28. Trails off

29. “Encore!”

30. Restaurant

31. Score requiring overtime

34. Taqueria offering

36. “___ Girls”

38. Freeway dividers

40. Persian royal title

41. Location

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

related

42. Stagnant and musty

43. Circus member

44. Permission to leave

45. Purges

46. Begged for

47. Kind of moth

48. Super server

49. Fill-in

Ollivierre honoured by STETHS

LEADING VINCENTIAN TRACK

AND

FIELD

Coach Michael Ollivierr was, on January 26, 2024, honored by St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Jamaica, where he served as coach for thirteen years, from 1981.

Ollivierre was honored at a special event and presented to fans at the STETHS Invitational, where it was announced that from 2025 onward, that Track and Field Invitational will be renamed in honour of Ollivierre and long-standing coach Eldemire Smith, who died last year.

The records show that Ollivierre guided STETHS to

become a force in high school sport, in particular, track and field.

In recognition of this, several of his former student athletes came to celebrate him during the January 26 event including Olympic and World Championships 400 metres hurdles runner-up Winthrop Graham, who described Ollivierre s contribution as unbelievable.

Early in Olivierre s tenure as head coach, Graham won the 1984 Boys Championships (Champs) Class One 400m and 400m Hurdles Open. He recalled that the coach had very raw facilities at his

disposal.

Right: Since returning home, Michael Ollivierre founded ITDAT (Integrated Team Developing Athletic Talent) Academy, through which he imparts his wealth of knowledge in track and field to young, aspiring athletes.

He was unbelievable, and I know sometimes when he was here, they didn t appreciate him, but he has done a lot for the youth around this side compared to some of them who had the access to and the privilege of having the facilities in Kingston. With what we had here, he made more of it than anyone else on the island, Graham said in praise of his coach.

It s a good reason to be back and show my support for them honouring him, Graham added, and showing their appreciation for what he s done for STETHS.

More ‘qualifiers’ for Carifta

KEO DAVIS AND AJAY

DELPECHE have added their names to the list of athletes qualifying for participation in the 2024 Carifta Games, scheduled for Grenada from march 30 to April 1.

Both athletes went under the qualifying standard of 21.80 for the Boys U20 200m, when they competed in the Kineke Alexander Sprints, Hurdles and Throws Classic on Saturday, January 27 at the Diamond

Track and Field facility.

Davis, a 2022 Carifta Games Silver and Bronze medalist, ran 21.63, while Delpesche went even faster, clocking 21.32.

Delpesche also ran a 10.56 100m that would have been an automatic qualification, but the wind reading was above the legal limit.

Also qualifying for the Carifta Games was Devonric

Mac, in his final year at Jamaica College. He won the U20 Boys 400m at the Queens/Grace Jackson meet in Kingston, in a time of 47.83, with the standard being 48.52.

Davis, Delpesche and Mac join Tyhra Charles in the U20 Girls 200m, and Zichri Hepburn in the Open Boys 5000m, as those who have qualified so far for the 2024 Carifta Games.

Ollivierre came to Jamaica from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to continue his studies at the University of the West Indies and later became coach at STETHS. His work made STETHS a fountain of good results and producer of track and field athletes who went on to represent Jamaica.

Olympians Dennis Blake, Anthony Wallace, Ian Weakley, and Graham, high school and college standouts Latonel Williams, Delroy Phang, Conroy Daley, and Gary Samuels were among those who came to support

their former coach in person. Olllivierre was also manager of the STETHS football team coaching alongside Wendell Donzil who became the national senior coach and Junior Bennett also a former Jamaica national coach.

One observer described Ollivierre s stint at STETHS as a period of a, friendly and progressive environment.

Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN

L-R: Keo Davis is set for the U20 200 meters; Ajay Delpeche will also compete in the U20 200 meters and Devonric Mac qualified for the U20 Boys 400 meters.

Family, former student athletes and other associates joined in recognising Michael Ollivierre (seated 6th from left) for his outstanding work with St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Jamaica.

Volleyball Association gets new Executive

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Volleyball Association has put a new Executive in place.

The Executive was installed last Monday, January 29, 2024, at an Extraordinary Meeting held at the St. Vincent Grammar School, solely for that purpose.

Heading the organisation is President - Gary Mathias, with Alicia Glasgow as Vice President, Malika Joseph is the Secretary and Gasnel Straker - Treasurer.

The Committee Members are D’Andre Quashie, Nikita Campbell and Hollyann George.

All members were elected unopposed. Only two clubs - Gremlins and Country Roots were able to participate in the electoral process, as according to the records, they were the

only clubs to have registered for the proposed National Volleyball Championships.

The new executive replaces the Eardley Martin-led executive that lasted just under two years of their constitutionally allowed four-year tenure.

Martin and his executive’s tenure ended following a spate of resignations from members of the executive.

On January 19, 2024, Martin made his resignation public, which triggered the Gremlins Club to initiate last Monday’s meeting, and the subsequent election of a new Executive.

Incoming President - Gary Mathias acknowledged that he and his Executive have their work cut out.

“We have to set an agenda… I believe we have to start with a short-

term agenda, so we have to think about what we (are) going to do in the next three months and what we are going to do in the next six months to a year… These are some of the things we going to work towards,” Matthias said in his thank you remarks.

Of immediate concern for the Mathias-led executive is the selection of teams for the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Beach Championships in St. Lucia later this month, as well as the hosting of the National Volleyball Championships.

SVGFF Elections reset to March 21

BARRINGany further unforeseen uncontrollable issues or decisions by the affiliates to the contrary, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) will have an Executive in place by Thursday, March 21, 2024, to administer its affairs for the next four years.

This is the date set aside for the protracted Elective Congress, a date made public by the Secretariat of the SVGFF, last Friday, January 26, 2024.

The March 21 date is exactly within the 45-day window as stipulated by the recently adopted Constitution of the SVGFF. It follows the hosting of the Extraordinary Congress scheduled for February 5.

However, with the set date for the Elective Congress, being a week day, reports are that affiliates may most likely vote to have the Congress on Saturday, March 23 instead.

The Road Map to the March 21 date, outlines that affiliates are to approve the Electoral Committees at an Extraordinary Congress, slated for February 5, 2024, with the Integrity Checks commencing one

day later.

Then, on February 20, 2024, candidates will be informed of the results of Integrity Checks. If necessary, candidates can make their submissions of appeal on February 23, 2024, with the outcomes of the appeals to be known by February 27, 2024.

The names of eligible candidates will be publicized on March 1, 2024, with the Formal Convocation of the Congress, set for release March 11, 2021.

General Secretary of the SVGFF- Devron Poyer in his correspondence of Friday, January 26, 2024 delineated the good governance position of the organization as demonstrated by its following of the Statutes in a wholesome manner.

“In light of the recent development and response from FIFA, which speaks to the proposed date of Congress on Saturday 27th January 2024, we are advised and reminded that in following the adoption of the Statutes on 10th January, 2023, there are several steps that must be taken to keep in line with the Statutes,” Poyer

advised.

Originally due in November 2023, the Congress had to be deferred because of a stipulation by the sport’s governing body- FIFA, mandating that any elections of the SVGF have to be in tune with the new Statutes.

Prior to the adoption

After many stops and turns the SVGFF should have a new Executive by the end of March 2024.

of the Statutes on January 10, 2024, affiliates had agreed that the elections should not be held later than January 31, 2024.

(Standing from left): D’Andre Quashie, Hollyann George, Gasnel Straker, Nikita Campbell; (Seated from left): Alicia Glasgow, Gary Mathias, Malika Joseph.

Something of a phenomenon

Two weeks ago he was a complete unknown as far as Test cricket was concerned.

After two Test matches, Shamar Joseph is the talk of the universe.

His appearance and endurance have created nothing short of a mystery. He copped the Man of the Series in the two-test showdown in Australia. The second Test ended last Sunday with one of the most outstanding feats in Test cricket.

It was the fourth day of that two-match series. Australia were 60 for 2, 156 runs short of completing a two nil series win.

Shamar Joseph was not even thinking of turning up at the Brisbane oval. He was still writhing in pain, from an injury to his right toe as he tried to carry the West Indies to a defendable total. He had to retire hurt, and his condition left the West Indies a bowler short.

Joseph had made impact in his debut appearance. He had 36 in his first appearance in a Test match. The manner in which he complied those runs spoke volumes for his character.

The Vineyard paid tribute to him. Check the January 19 edition. His second Test appeared to have almost ended his career. That toe crusher from Mitchell Starc was devastating. It ended the West Indies’ innings and gave the home team the paltry matter of making 216 for victory. Having won the first match by ten wickets, even a diehard fan like me was anticipating the West Indies would have any chance of victory.

Somewhere deep within me, I still had that flickering thread of optimism, for I know that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and it is not over ‘til it’s over.

Unfortunately, I drifted off to sleep and missed the 12 o’clock start of the match. Deep in my sleep I sense something had happened. So I had to get the update on the match. By then, the game was over. When I saw the results, I was left in a state of shock. West Indies beat Australia by eight runs.

No. That must be a mistake. I had to look again. I checked the scorecard on the Cricinfo chart. And everything came to reality. The fall out of that result has been overwhelming. It brought tears of joy from top West Indian cricketers, and it has sparked something of a controversy in Australia. Some Australian cricketers are not pleased with how their fellow citizens have reacted to the West Indies victory.

Adam Gilchrist has been taken to task for his enthusiastic embrace of West Indies batting star Brian Lara. Carl Hooper was emotionally charged by the turn of events. West Indies had not won a Test match in Australia since 1997, that was two years before Shamar Joseph was born.

Shamar figures reads 7 for 68, having bowled 71 deliveries continuous. His only respite was the tea break.

He has take4nnthe world by storm, for more reasons than one. The village he comes from is the first mystery in his career. They say it takes two days by boat to get there.

One could be forgiven for saying that Shamar comes from the last part of the world. But from a complete unknown, Shamar has hit the world like a volcano, as explosive as the one in St. Vincent which spewed ash to as far as India from the tiny island in the Caribbean.

The only connection Shamar might have had with St. Vincent and the Grenadines might have been his physiotherapist Denis Byam who encouraged him to come to the ground to support the team.

That Shamar did, and he claimed Byam treated him. Whatever it was it worked. The other Vincentian connection might be Miles Bascombe whose position in West Indies Cricket was instrumental in making Shamar part of the arrangement.

And President Kishore Shallow, also a Vincentian can perhaps smile. For Joseph’s performance has lifted West Indies cricket to a new level. There is the feeling that the Shamar Joseph story is just beginning.

Butler heads for Bangladesh

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ leading cricket umpire Deighton Butler is heading for Bangladesh, where he will officiate in that country’s Twenty20 cricket league, the Bangladesh Premier League.

Butler was expected to have left for Bangladesh yesterday, Thursday 8th February, with a return date set for March 4.

Speaking with this reporter, the former West Indies player cum umpire said, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). It is one of the top T20 leagues around the world and will provide valuable experience umpiring in different conditions. For example, the heat might be more extreme, the pitches may turn a bit more, there may be a lot more spinners in that tournament as well, so it provides some different challenges that I am looking forward to. It also has full DRS with auto no ball, so that’s going to be valuable experience and practice for future reference.”

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) attracts a number of top international players. It is equivalent to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in which Butler has officiated and he believes it’s another opportunity to gain more knowledge.

“It’s another opportunity to showcase my ability as a cricket umpire and represent the people of the Caribbean well. It will give me an opportunity to experience a different culture, form new friendships and grow as a leader”, he shared.

Butler’s assignment was made possible through CWI after Bangladesh requested an umpire from the West Indies for the BPL.

The performance of the umpires in the 2023 CPL was used as the criteria for selecting that umpire. Butler was selected based on him topping the overall decisionmaking averages with over 98% accuracy, with just one error in the tournament.

Melius to Lead Volcanoes

Championship, in January 2024 several players from throughout the Windward Islands were invited to St. Vincent to train with the Franchise players under the watchful eyes of head coach, former Windward Islands and West Indies fast bowler, Kenroy Peters.

the preparation which went pretty well, so its now up to the players to execute what they have learn from him.”

KIMANI MELIUS, who captained the West Indies’ to the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, will lead a 13-member Windward Islands Volcanoes squad in the 2024 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional First-Class Championship, which gets going on February 7, in Jamaica and St. Kitts.

The Volcanoes’ first three matches will be played in Jamaica: against the Jamaica Scorpions from February 7 to 10; Barbados Pride from February 14 to 17; and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) from February 21 to 24.

In preparation for the

As for the team’s preparation, Peters remarked, “Preparation for the upcoming championship went well despite the challenges of bad weather. We were able to get about 80% of our work done…. I was happy and privileged to have the services of a batting consultant, Harishad Dixet, during

Peters also noted, “The boys know Alick and Kavem won’t be available for the first match, so they are really working hard to be impactful on their own which obviously augurs well for us as a team. I strongly believe we will represent well.”

The full Windwards Volcanoes team reads: Kimani Melius (captain), Ryan John (Vice captain), Shadrack Descarte, Sunil Ambris, Jeremy Slolzono, Shamar Springer, Daurius Martin, Darel Cyrus,

Keron Cottoy, Shermon Lewis, Johann Jeremiah, Kenneth Dember and Tevyn Wallcott.

Compiled by I.B.A. ALLEN

Deighton Butler was a standout in the 2023 CPL for his decision-making accuracy.

Kimani Melius is no stranger to responsibility as a captain.

Kenroy Peters, Head Coach, is pleased with the team’s preparation.

Station bail in child abuse case

From Backpage.

body, and any mental derangement, is guilty of an offense and liable to, (a) upon conviction on indictment to a fine of $5,000, and imprisonment for two years, and (b) on summary conviction to a fine of $1,500 and to imprisonment for three months imprisonment’.

John, who was charged summarily, pleaded guilty when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John on Monday, and the matter was adjourned to March 4, pending a Social Inquiry Report.

THE VINCENTIAN

understands that John was charged since January 25, but was not taken to Court by the police. She was instead released on station bail the following day, and carded to appear in Court last Monday.

THE VINCENTIAN is not aware of the issues that prompted the police’s discretion to grant station bail, but

John’s attorney, Grant Connell, was seen at the Central Police Station in the company of the defendant and police officers on January 26, shortly before John was released on station bail.

While station bail is a discretion of the police, persons close to the Court process have been following the drama with keen interest, given the nature of the offense and the public interest factor.

Prosecutor Corlene Samuel accepted John’s guilty plea but requested a Social Inquiry Report before sentencing.

Connell agreed, adding, “Finally, some

wisdom in the case.”

The lawyer told the Court that the police must understand that when they charge somebody, the matter is no longer in their Jurisdiction, they (police) are duty-bound to bring them to Court. He drew the Court’s attention to the charge sheet which showed that John was charged since January 25.

Connell did not go into details but said that his client was able to get station bail, pending her appearance in Court last Monday.

Connell requested an adjournment of about

three weeks so that the Social Inquiry Report could be prepared and ready, before sentencing.

“We may not have certain facilities in place, but we have to work with what we have,” Connell said, adding that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is without a Psychiatrist.

Both the Prosecution and the defense agreed on the three-week duration, but the Senior

Magistrate said he would allow what he described as ‘elbow room’ to ensure that the report was ready and adjourned the matter to March 4.

A police release, last week, stated that the child was removed from the home by the Child Development Division, and placed into foster care, where she will receive the necessary treatment and care.

Monday, 29th January, 2024

Sunday, 28th January, 2024

Saturday, 27th January, 2024

Sunday, 28th January, 2024

Saturday, 27th January, 2024

Saturday, 27th January, 2024

Saturday, 27th January, 2024

Sunday, 28th January, 2024

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NOLA LAWRENCE OF COLONARIE

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STATION BAIL IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

by HAYDN HUGGINS

QUESTIONSsurround the granting of station bail (bail granted at the police station, at the discretion of the police) to a woman charged with physically abusing her 2-year-old daughter recently.

The charge was brought following police investigations into what the police described as a “very disturbing” video circulated on social media, showing a child being physically abused and suffocated by someone who sounded like an adult female.

A 26-year-old Vermont woman, Candace John, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, three days after she was

released on station bail at the Central Police Station (CPS).

John was charged with, that on January 20, 2024, at Vermont, having the charge or care of a juvenile, willfully ill-treated that juvenile in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering, contrary to section 8 (1) (b) of the Juvenile Act, Chapter 231 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009.

EC$1.50

There has been some concern here after Candace John (pictured) was grated station bail and not brought to court earlier that when she eventually appeared.

The section, which deals with ‘Cruelty to Juveniles’ states that ‘any person who, having attained the age of 17, and having the custody, charge, or care of any Juvenile willfully assaults, ill-treats, neglects, abandons or exposes such juvenile or causes or procures him

to be assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed, in a manner likely to cause that Juvenile unnecessary suffering or injury to health (including injury to or loss of sight, or hearing or limb or organ of the

Continued on Page 35.

JOHN NOT SIMMONS FOR SOUTH WINDWARD

favour with the constituency council of the New Democratic Party (NDP), which met to advance a candidate for the South Windward constituency.

Instead, those voting in the ‘primary’ conducted at the NDP headquarters, Kingstown, last week Thursday, gave the nod to Andrew John, a retired teacher and industrial relations officer of the St.

Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, who resdies at Argyle.

John, 59 years old and who served for 35 years as a teacher/educator, holds a certificate in teacher education (a Graduate Teacher) and a bachelor of science degree in management studies.

Simmons, a resident of Enhams, trained originally in education, holds a master’s degree in economic development and earned his doctoral degree in 2019 at De Montfort University.

But while the constituency council has decided on John as the replacement for Noel Dickson who unsuccessfully contested the South

Windward seat in 2020, their choice has to be ratified by the central executive of the party, headed by Dr. Godwin Friday.

A person close to the process told THE VINCENTIAN that the vote was surprisingly a clear one in favour of John. The person gave no details.

General elections in St.

Vincent and the Grenadines are constitutionally due by February 2026.

NDP will be working to regain the seat of government which it lost to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) in 2001 and which it has lost to in four subsequent general elections.

Frederick Stevenson of the ULP is the current parliamentary representative

his long history of involvement in the constituency, failed to impress the majority of the council.

of the South Windward constituency and has been since 2010.

The ULP is still to confirm or give any indication of its slate of candidates for the next general election.

WELL-KNOWN environmentalist and community activist Dr. Andrew Simmons did not win

Dr. Andrew Simmons, even with

Andrew John, retired teachers, has got the first nod as the NDP candidate for the South Windward constituency.

Attorney Grant Connell reminded the police that they are duty-bound to bring an accused to court.