THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 09-02-24

John’s candidacy ratified Page 3

Fine for stealing ganja Page 4

Challenge for position Page 13

FATAL SHOOTING IN GREEN HILL

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

KHALIQUE ‘BRINKS’ ROCK, a 27-year-old labourer, was gunned down at about 7:28 p.m. on Wednesday 7th February 2024, outside his home in Green Hill. His death brought the homicide count for the year to four.

Reports said are that Rock was ‘hanging out’

with some friends not far from his home, when he was fired upon several times by two assailants. He ran towards his home, located in an area referred to as ‘Gulley’, in an attempt to escape but was cornered by the gunmen. In the milieu, he was shot multiple times about his body and was later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner at the scene.

Antigua to buy aircraft Page 19

Prison horrifies teen Page 28

Unconfirmed reports said that another person was injured in the attack.

Mother had her concerns

“He got shot where a mango tree was and he jump in his yard after he get the first shot and another guy came from behind the house and finished him off in front his front door,” said a close friend of the Rock family.

The friend said that the Rock family was concerned about Kelique’s life ever since the shooting death of his close friend, who was shot and killed in Murray Village in 2023.

“His mom was worried a long time now; is like she suspected his time was coming and she tried to warn him. Right now she is taking it on a lot,” said the friend who did not want to be identified.

Rock’s mother was at church when her son was killed. She was overcome by grief and had to be comforted by family members as she arrived on the crime scene, which is her residence as well.

THE VINCENTIAN was told that Rock also leaves to mourn a young daughter.

The deceased was not unknown to the law here. He

A DIPLOMAT FOR A DAY

THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION to St Vincent and the

Geoffrey Patton,

British

to SVG, will be giving up his job for one day, March 8, 2024.

Grenadines (SVG) in partnership with the DMVSVG Mutual Aid Relief is giving a Vincentian female between the ages 18 and 25, the opportunity to be the Resident British Commissioner for a day, on International Women’s

Day, March 8.

The British High Commission recently launched the Resident British Commissioner (RBC) for a Day initiative with the aim of providing

Continued on Page 3.

was arrested and charged in April 2019 with attempted murder following an incident in which a barrage of bullets was opened on a 32-year-old farmer, Kemanie Spencer of Green Hill. Rock was granted EC$30,000 bail in the matter, which is yet to be brought to some closure.

Continued on Page 3.

Resident

Commissioner

Khalique ‘Brinks’ Rock had a murder charge hanging over his head.

Jenson Aubrey Hamilton escaped being fatally shot in January only to fall victim in similar fashion less than a month after.

Fatal shooting in Green Hill

Continued from Frontpage.

Homicide three

Rock’s death followed the shooting death of Jenson Aubrey Hamilton, a 55-year-old fruit vendor of Gibson Corner.

Hamilton was gunned down in his community at about 7:20 p.m. on Saturday 3rd February.

“Preliminary information revealed that Hamilton was on his way home from Kingstown when he was accosted by an assailant(s) and shot multiple times about his body. The police were alerted and promptly proceeded to the scene,” said a press release by the RSVGPF.

Hamilton survived an attempt on his life in January.

A police report on January 24 on that matter, noted that Police had launched an investigation into the shooting of a 54-year-old resident of Gibson Corner, in which the victim was shot at about 11:30am, Tuesday 22nd, January 2024, in Gibson Corner.

Information then revealed that the victim and the assailant were engaged in an argument when the assailant shot him in the left leg and on the left side of his chest.

“One male suspect is in custody, assisting with the investigation,” said the police release, concerning Hamilton’s shooting in January.

Homicide One and Two

The first homicide for the year was that of Redemption Sharpes resident — Rudolph Pollard, 61. He was found on Tyrell Street, Kingstown, after discharging himself on January 15 from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he was being treated for stab wounds about his abdomen and head. He was found dead two days later.

Raheem Da Silva, 24 years old, has since been charged with the murder of Pollard.

And on Wednesday January 31, police were called out to the West Kingstown community of Ottley Hall, where they found the body of Keith ‘Engine Head’ Davis in an unfished house. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

A police report said that Davis appeared to have bullet wounds about his body.

Davis’s death was counted as the second homicide for 2024. Investigations continue into the circumstances surround his death.

3

John gets NDP ratification

BARRING ANY UNFORESEEN DEVELOPMENTS, Andrew John will be the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the South Windward constituency in the next general election due by February 2026.

This as word from a source in the NDP, confirmed that the Central Executive of the party ratified John’s candidacy when it met last weekend.

John, 59, a retired educator and Industrial Relations Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, defeated renowned environmentalist Dr. Andrew Simmons in a primary conducted by the South Windward Constituency Council of the party on February 01.

Indications are that John will resign his position with the SVGTU so as to avoid any undue focus on the work of

A diplomat for a day

Continued from Frontpage.

exposure to Vincentian women desirous of gaining hands-on career experience in the field of diplomatic relations.

To be successful, female candidates between the ages of 18 and 25 must submit a two to three-minute video explaining why they want to be the RBC for a day.

What are they hoping to achieve as a RBC for a day? How will being a RBC for a day help in your future aspirations? And, recommend one way to address gender-based violence against women?

Candidates must also like and follow both the UK in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean and DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief’s Facebook pages.

Submission of videos must be send to dmvsvgrelief@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m. on February 16, 2024, along with the applicant’s full name and contact information.

Resident British Commissioner to SVG, Geoffrey Patton in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, said the winner of the competition will do his job, on International Day March 8th.

“That is the reason why we are

sticking with just female entrants on this occasion. We are hoping that we geta good standard of entry, which I am sure we will. The idea of doing my job for the day, it will give individuals who have an interest in international affairs and perhaps becoming a diplomat themselves further down the road, an opportunity to see what a resident British Commissioner actually does, day to day, and hopefully give them an insight into international and diplomatic relations,” said Patton, adding that he is confident that the initiative will be a great success.

There is every chance that the initiative will focus on men, in a year’ time’s, Commissioner Patton said.

Patton noted that among the reasons for the age range from 18 to 25, is the need for the potential winner to be independent minded, void of parental constraints and to attract those persons within the age to complete college.

The RBC for a Day initiative is supported by DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief, a US-based organisation which seeks to address the needs of Vincentian women, children, and families through their programmes and initiatives.

Andrew John is expected to resign his position with the SVG Teachers Union.

the Union.

John’s aim will be to return the seat to the NDP. The NDP lost the seat in 1994 when Sir Vincent Beache, who had given up his stronghold on the North Central Windward seat to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, disposed of ex-NDP representative for South Windward — Burton Williams, and Alfred Bynoe who contested for the NDP.

The South Windward constituency has been represented, since 2010, by the Unity Labour Party’s Frederick Stephenson.

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

AQUESTELLESman, who pushed his cousin to the ground shortly after his cousin refused to buy him a Hairoun beer, will have to pay for his action.

Appearing at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Stephen Samuel, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding his cousin, Asquith John, of the same address.

Samuel was fined $500 to be paid in one month or six months in prison. He was also

Questelles man to compensate cousin Ganja thief fined for possession

ordered to compensate John in the sum of $1,000 to be paid in one month or six months in prison.

In addition, he was bonded for one year in the sum of $500 or three months behind bars.

In handing down the penalties, Senior Magistrate Colin John told Samuel he needed to behave himself. He noted that when Samuel pushed John, causing him to fall on his face, it could have resulted in a more serious situation.

In presenting the facts earlier, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel told the

Court that the men were known to hang out together, but because of Samuel’s behavior this was discontinued, but they remained on speaking terms.

Around 10:45 p.m. on August 26, 2023, John went to a shop at Questelles to buy some ice. Samuel, who was at the shop at that time, asked John to buy him a Hairoun beer to which John replied, “You done drunk, why you want a Hairoun beer?”

Both men eventually left the shop, but on reaching the last step before the road Samuel

pushed John, causing him to fall to the ground.

In the process, John sustained injuries to the right side of his face.

When John was called to the stand, he told the Court, “I collected my ice. When I got on the steps he (Samuel) gave me a push and I dropped on my face.”

Samuel told the Court that John usually walks through his yard, but John said that the place he walks is a road that everybody uses.

The Senior Magistrate told Samuel to, “avoid any confrontation with Mr. John or anyone else,”

saying this was for his own liberty and freedom.

Before the Magistrate made the order for compensation, he advised John that he could either accept compensation from his court, or he could file a civil action which may take a longer process.

John opted to accept compensation from that Court, but when the Magistrate ordered that he be compensated in the sum of $500, he said, “I took four stitches, I think $500 is not enough. I couldn’t go to work. I lost my job,”

Stephen Samuel seen here leaving the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, was ordered to compensate his cousin for damages he sustained when he as pushed.

As a result, the Magistrate increased the amount to $1,000.

A 35-YEAR-OLD VENDORof Campden Park has been allowed four months to pay the Court $13,000 for possession of a quantity of stolen medicinal marijuana, with intent to supply.

If the offender, Andy Acosta, fails to pay the fine, he will go to prison for one year.

Acosta pleaded guilty to possession of 18 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin

John, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The facts showed that around 3:34 a.m. on December 31, 2023, Corporal 615 Lafleur Williams, acting on information, headed a party of police officers from the Chateaubelair Police Station and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) to Long Line, Rose Hall, where they met a car, suspected of being involved in illegal activities.

The driver of the vehicle seemed to have

recognized the police transport and sped off, heading in the direction of Coulls Hill.

The police gave chase, but because of the distance of the car and the speed with which it was travelling, the officers fired shots in the air, resulting in the driver of the car immediately stopping the vehicle.

When Corporal Williams and the other police officers approached the car, they observed the strong odor of marijuana emanating

from the vehicle. She identified herself and the others as police officers and asked the driver of the car for his name and address, which he gave as Andy Acosta, a 35year-old vendor of Campden Park. When Williams asked him if he had anything illegal in the car, he replied, “Officer ah some weed dey in the trunk of the car, and me now thief them from a man”. Williams requested a search of his person and vehicle, to which Acosta consented.

Nothing illegal was found on him but during a search of the car several freshly chopped mature marijuana trees were found. She pointed out the offense to Acosta and cautioned him in the presence of PC487 Glasgow. Acosta replied, “Ah thief me thief them”. Appearing in the same Court on Monday, Acosta was fined and ordered to pay compensation for the theft of the marijuana.

(See related story on this page.)

Vendor fined for stealing legal marijuana

ANDY ACOSTA, a 35-year-old vendor of Campden Park, was fined $2,000 on Monday for stealing 18 pounds of medicinal marijuana, valued at EC$6,000, from a farm at Long Line, Rose Hall.

Acosta was allowed four months to pay the fine, with an alternative of one year in prison.

He was also allowed four months to pay EC$6,000 compensation to the owner of the farm, or go to prison for

one year.

Senior Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalty after Acosta, who had initially pleaded not guilty at the Serious Offenses Court on January 2, changed his plea to guilty.

In presenting the facts, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel told the Court that around 3 a.m. on December 31, 2023, one of the workmen on the farm was awoken by the dogs barking, made checks, and saw three men on the

farm. The intruders told the workmen, “We have guns, whey the weed dey?”

One of the workmen replied, “Is me and Brian does operate here, nothing inside here”.

The intruders left and went into the marijuana field.

Around 7:45 a.m. that day, the workmen went to the field and discovered several mature marijuana trees were freshly chopped out, and missing. They estimated the quantity

as being 18 pounds, and informed the owner of the farm, who reported the matter to the police.

Police officers visited the scene, statements were recorded and investigations led to the arrest of Acosta.

Acosta was initially charged with stealing 20 pounds, but Prosecutor Samuel was granted an application on Monday to have the amount amended to 18 pounds.

Andy Acosta – fined for stealing and possession of marijuana.

In support of Condom Week

INTERNATIONAL CONDOM WEEKwill take place from 7th - 14th February, 2024, with World Condom Day being marked, as usual, on February 13.

The global campaign that comes with the Week, marked this year under the theme, ‘Do You Have a Condom?’, aims to promote sexual health awareness education and access to contraception.

More specifically, given that World Condom Day is marked a day before Valentine’s Day, many view the Day as a tongue-in-cheek way of reminding people to practice safety when being intimate with their partners.

The Day was set up as a way to remind people that condoms are one of the best ways to protect themselves, not only from unwanted pregnancies but also to reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (S.T.D.s), e.g. gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS, among others.

And the ST. Vincent Planned Parenthood Association (SVPPA) , the only local non-governmental organization (NGO) devoted to family planning and sexual and reproductive health, is taking the lead in promoting the Week’s aims.

The Association, in recent correspondence to the media, said it supports International Condom Week, especially “in today’s society, where sexual health education remains a critical issue and access to

contraceptives can be limited for many individuals, initiatives like International Condom Week play a vital role in addressing these challenges.”

The SVPPA recognized that the campaign implicit in the Week’s theme, aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe sex practices and provide information about contraceptive options that can inform decisions about sexual health.

In an attendant media release, the SVPPA expressed the hope that “this year’s celebration not only promotes the use of condoms but also sparks conversations about accessibility, affordability, and education.”

Towards that end, the Association invited Vincentians to engage in open and honest conversations about sexual health, saying, “Let us work together to break down stigmas, provide access to resources, and empower individuals to make choices that contribute to their overall well-being.”

The SVPPA also took the opportunity of spearheading Condom Week here, to underscore that “…. sex education is essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their sexual health.,” and to reiterate its commitment to promoting sexual health, education, and empowerment across all

The condom is the cheapest and most accessible form of contraception and as far as HIV transmission is concerned, wearing a condom is said to make sex 10,000 times safer.

communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

ECGC assists school feeding programme

THEZero Hunger Trust Fund has lauded the ECGC’s School Feeding Programme at a handing over ceremony held on January 26th at the East Caribbean Group of Companies. The Fund, called the ECGC donation a “beacon of hope” in its mission to eradicate hunger.

Rekah Gooding, an official from the Fund, said that with the donation, the entity has been able to continue implementing its ongoing School Feeding Programme, which spans 12 schools from the most vulnerable communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, feeding 50% - 100% of the schools’ population daily.

The ECGC donation will help to offset the Feeding Programme’s expenses for six months.

Ms. Gooding highlighted that the school feeding programme ensures that approximately 1,600 students have access to at least one (1) safe and nutritious meal daily, thus contributing to improved nutrition, enhanced concentration and academic performance, and increased school attendance.

This handing over ceremony marked the culmination of an ECGC

initiative, dubbed The ECGC Culinary Cook-off, aimed at encouraging and exciting its customers and consumers toward cooking with ECGC’s CariGold brand of flour products.

The Cook-off, organized in collaboration with other entities, involved the exclusive use of CariGold Flour to raise awareness about the brand and spur creativity using the range of speciality flour, which included CariGold Rye, Multigrain and Herb & Garlic, all produced by East Caribbean Flour Mills.

This ECGC donation was in keeping with its partnership with the Beauty Shows Committee to support the further development of women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines through a collaboration designed to positively impact communities, reconfirming ECGC’s investment in enabling food security through availability, and improving the overall livelihood of children and people across St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The Zero Hunger Trust Fund was selected by the winners of the Culinary Cook-off through beverages and grain portfolios. (Source: ECGC)

Left-Right: Dimitri Jocelyn – Accountant, Zero Hunger Trust Fund; Rekah Gooding – Project Officer/ Zero Hunger Trust Fund; Arena Foy – Miss SVG 2023 & representative of Team CariGold Rye; Kelvin Franklyn – Regional Category Manager – Beverages, ECGC; Sbongile De Riggs – Regional Category Manager - Flour & Rice, ECGC.

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday: Same Day

FEBRUARY 14, 2024 is Ash Wednesday. And if by chance anyone among our readers needs a reminder, it also to be Valentine’s Day.

Live Wire’s research, through timeanddate.com, says that Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are sharing the same date for the first time since 2018. According to that research, this happened three other times in the last century – 1923, 1934 and 1945. It is happening again in 2024 and will do so in 2029, but that will be it for this century.

This is, therefore, as good a time as any, to connect these two Days, or for that matter, to contrast the two Days.

Ash Wednesday as we know it, marks the start of Lent, observed by Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, and Roman Catholic traditions of Christianity, across the English-speaking Caribbean.

Many of the followers of the forenamed denominations typically fast all day, i.e. on Ash Wednesday, and abstain from meat and whatever else they’re giving up for the next 40 days, referred to as Lent. It is not uncommon to hear these followers speak of even giving up sex for Lent.

On Ash Wednesday, Roman Catholics and Anglicans wear a marking of the cross in ash on their foreheads. The ashes symbolize our mortality — “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)

And yes, there’s a unique contrast between these two Days.

Valentine’s Day relates to excess: cheesy love songs, candy, chocolates, over-the-top romance, exchange of elaborate gifts, romantic dinners of lavish proportions and other forms of expressions of intimacy, if not love.

Ash Wednesday on the other hand, focuses on moderation and the abstinence from vices for 40 days.

Would it be asking too much of those who would want to ‘wine and dine’ their ‘Valentines’, please do so on the Tuesday before, i.e. February 13th, since that day is Mardi Gras, ‘Fat Tuesday’, Carnival Tuesday, a perfect day to feast and celebrate as per the licentiousness not unlike what obtained in the pagan empires of Rome and Greece?

And yet, within it all, there is one point of connection between these two

Growing old gracefully

days. As corny as it might sound, that connection is LOVE.

While Valentine’s Day revolves around romantic love, Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of sacrificial love… of Christ dying on the cross for our Redemption. That may not be the most theological explanation, but we can leave that stuff to the learned religious leaders and pastors.

So instead of keeping the two seemingly ‘opposites’ away from each other, this Day of dual significance could well be an opportunity to connect the two events.

Instead of encouraging their parishioners to give up something for Lent, churches could work with couples to help them improve if not mend their relationships. There are many couple under the noses of their priests and pastors who are struggling to keep their relationships intact.

For those churches who have recognized the ‘wisdom’ of using social media platforms to extend their reach, and individuals who make daily use of these platforms, they can post quotes about love to let people know they care, then post a few verses of scripture referring to Ash Wednesday.

People can reach out to lonely neighbours and friends and shut-insthose who may not feel loved — and let them know that someone cares.

This dual-purposed day can be used to encourage married couples to give up the extravagance of Valentine’s Day. Instead of romantic dinners, maybe they could consider partaking in a service project. Instead of flowers and gifts, maybe they could donate to a charity they support.

In reality, Ash Wednesday is an event some within the church know. For others, it is a tradition that’s at least vaguely familiar. However, it is safe to say that it is not something that many outside the church know at all.

When it boils down to understanding what confronts us with this rare occurrence, we must recognise that Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent are about intentional sacrifice, giving something up, doing something not on your usual agenda, so you can learn to better appreciate it.

Ash Wednesday last fell on February 14 in 2018. It will happen again in 2029. There is much we can do to change the mindset during the interim.

I READ AN ARTICLEon ageism in America a few weeks ago, and it inspired these thoughts. Why do some people think no one else can do it better? In the USA, for example, one of the Houses of Representatives at eighty-three from California, Nancy Pelosi, declared she would run again for the nineteenth time. And what is strange about it is that she is an example of the rule, not the exception. Once a politician gets elected anywhere, this country, any country, it seems they cannot find a way to walk away.

I find it disappointing that so many of my fellow Vincentians find it so easy to attack the NIS and the government for adding some senior citizens to receive a monthly stipend, dare I say, hardly enough to pay the light bill. Don’t get me wrong, I firmly believe the government should contribute to the NIS to make these payments. I have said quite a bit on that issue in the past. But sometimes I feel the attack on these seniors has nothing to do with the fact that we did not have a system for them to contribute towards a pension but rather, because they are old.

We need to revise our systems that deal with our aging population. While the country focuses on tourism, agriculture, and fishing, we cannot forget about our senior citizens. Too many of them are left to “fend for themselves.”

Today, with the improvements in and accessibility to medical services, one of the challenges our people face is being able to afford prescription drugs. It does no one any good to be able to go to the free clinic (modern medical centers) with an ailment and then not be able to afford the prescription ordered by the doctor.

It is depressing to listen to the number of horror stories from our seniors about choosing between paying their light bills or buying medication or food. The truth is, ageism is alive and well in our country and in our world in general. So, it isn’t surprising that people are scared to grow old or feel old even when young. In fact, despite the many attacks on some of our seniors for collecting more in retirement than when they were

employed, the poorest segment of our society is our seniors.

At my age, I have to deal with many losses, and the death of loved ones is high on that list. A few Saturdays ago, my wife said to me, “I did not know our neighbour was a Seventh-day Adventist.” I had to remind her at our age, dressing up in a suit on a Saturday could also mean he was going to a loved one’s funeral, which is what he was doing. An older friend recently told me he was going to a “poor people” reunion. Noticing the puzzled look on my face, he told me he was going home for a funeral. It dawned on me that he was correct on reflection.

So today, when someone asks how I’m doing, I say things like, “I’m great, blessed, and highly favored” instead of focusing on what’s not right in my life. No one wants to hear my sorry story anyway. So, I am content with counting my blessings and encouraging others to feel thankful for what they have. These days, I am more focused on how few things I need to make me happy. I am satisfied with an early morning walk, a mid-afternoon nap, and going to the beach almost anytime. I am delighted to return to a simple life. Today, I am grateful for the wisdom that came with my age.

I’m also grateful that I still feel young enough to do most of what comes to my mind. I have the spirit of youth but do not live in that delusional space that tells me I know how you feel as a young person. I still have many dreams and things I want to do to improve our world, and I will continue trying to find new ways to realize them. Our world would be better if we consciously found ways to honor our seniors and include them in building our nation.

Maybe if we did, they would not feel the need to stay on in top leadership positions into their twilight years. As for me, I will continue to invest in my health, do what I enjoy, and share some nuggets from my experiences with those who want to listen. I encourage you, my friends, to do the same.

Horatio.

Goat mouth ainÊt good

INOTICEDthat the peas in my garden were being picked regularly and could not figure out who the thief was. Then one day, I caught him red handed. It was the neighbor’s young goat. He was finding or creating small holes in the fence to enter. He carefully lowered the branches and picked the pigeon peas neatly from the trees. When I caught him, I threw him over into the owner’s fence.

All hell broke loose as I was given a good “cussing”. While he was comfortable having his goat destroying my crop, his own goat destroying his crop was unacceptable. I felt very satisfied that justice was done.

Recently I had to take extreme measures to protect my young fruit trees from my own young goats. They were just kids and too small to be tied like their mothers, but they were very destructive. They ate the young sweet tamarind, sapodilla and even the guava. The guava is thought to be too bitter to be eaten but it is said that some plants are eaten as medicine.

The goat is the new agent of erosion as they will eat the vegetation off the land to such an extent that they leave it bare. When it rains, the topsoil is washed away. Anyone flying over Hispaniola could see the stark demarcation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic - rich luscious vegetation on the Dominican Republic side and desert-like appearance on the Haitian side. Was this caused in part by untethered goats? The Grenadines and Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent can be very productive with adequate management of the land, if the goats would allow.

There is also the theory that plants bitten by goats have a lesser chance of survival than those bitten by other animals. Then there are people with goat mouths, eating stolen goats without thinking of the poor family that is being economically deprived. Indeed, goat mouth ain’t good.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

The failings of FLOW

FLOWprovides me with internet, landline and a set number of TV channels, for which I pay them on a regular monthly basis.

For some time now, at least 4 weeks if not more, I have been unable to view the total number of channels that I pay for. This has been happening on an almost daily basis: the picture distorts/mutilates, the sound goes and then the channel goes off the air completely. This is not confined to one particular channel for when this happens a number of channels all cease transmission. ln some extreme case, ALL channels are not viewable.

ln order to

clarify/solve this problem l telephoned FLOW three times to try and discuss this matter with a customer service representative. This proved to be impossible, as it seems that their automated switchboard has been programmed in such a way as to make it impossible to speak to a real person. I, therefore, sent them an email, giving them in detail the problem and making the point that as l was not receiving all the channels I was paying for, I expected a deduction or discount against my next (Feb) payment.

After a day or so, I received from FLOW a one-line email asking for

my name and account number, which l passed onto them. I was somewhat surprised to receive their reply, as l had signed my email and expected them to be able to find this information within their accounts system without reference to me.

I heard nothing more from FLOW and for the next week or so the situation remained the same. Some 7 days later l emailed FLOW again, repeating my problem and again saying that I expected a reduction in my monthly account, to compensate me for this situation.

At least another 7 days have expired since the sending of this

A Âthank youÊ to P.M. Gonsalves

WE WANT to thank the outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves , who closes an era that began with E.T Joshua, through Cato, Mitchell and Eustace. P.M Gonsalves declared in the 2015 Manifesto on P.6: “These are the last general elections that I am offering myself as the political leader of the ULP…” Now, in 2024, he is still there and

Use the Death Penalty

THE DEATHPenalty is a part of our laws. As far as I am aware it has never been removed. What this means is that the state has the right to execute anyone found guilty of murder or any other heinous crime.

While we are in the midst of a period of rising crime and a record number of murders in 2023, it has not been the practice of the state, or so it appear in recent time, to request the death penalty for anyone found guilty of murder. In fact, the last execution by the state was on February 13, 1995 when Douglas Hamlett, David Collins and Franklyn Thomas were hanged. The hesitation by the State to request the death penalty in the cases of persons found guilty of murder might just have something to do with the Privy Council (our final Court of Appeal) turning over the sentences from the death penalty to life in prison for some persons here, e.g. Daniel “Dick” Trimmingham, also known as

“Compay”, Patrick Lovelace and Shorn Samuel.

Let us face it, for the last decade or so, crime, including murder, has been at an all-time high. I am of the opinion that the reintroduction of the death penalty will serve as a major deterrent to crime, especially murder.

I have the suspicion that there are many more citizens like me who are in support of the death penalty and the use of it. After all, what’s the use of having something if we are not prepared to use it?

WE, the citizens of this country, have the right to feel safe and protected in our home and in public. Towards that end, we need a plan to combat the wave of crime in this small country. And this should mean a commitment to use the death penalty where and when our system of justice finds it fit.

Joshua, L

seems willing to carry on mainly because his son Camillo is not ready and will never be ready to take over from him.

To the PM we say many thanks for the Argyle International Airport, and the Essequibo Accord between Venezuela and Guyana.

But we must also thank him for: being anti-working class and appealing the ruling of the judgement on behalf of the working class for standing up for their human rights on the COVID-19 vaccination; the brainwashed education revolution which failed to have the state stand the expenses for school uniforms, books, transportation, hot lunches in schools; failing to institute the Garifuna language, music, and drama in schools; not acquiring or reaching for Balliceaux; failing to ensure that the traditional/indigenous ganja growers and their children get a fair share of the legal, competitive global market for medicinal ganja; breaking the national economic backbone of our nation — agriculture, failing to educate skilled workers.

second email and, as yet, no reply whatsoever has been forthcoming from FLOW. From this l can only assume that they intend to ignore my requests and expect me to make remittance for certain services that they are not providing, which amounts to commercial theft.

I do not know or care what the acronym FLOW stands for, but whatever it is, given how FLOW has responded, it should be changed to Fraudulent Larcenous O utstanding Wastrels.

A very unsatisfied customer (one of many I assume).

And we haven’t touched on structural developments, human natural developments and national unity.

Thank you P.M. and we wish you the best in your retirement as it is nearing.

Mr. Editor, general elections are around the corner. The question is: Who will be the next leader of the ULP and if that party wins, who will be the next Prime Minister, Camillo, who does not have the national bird on his birth certificate, has failed the test. Saboto is a ‘no’, and Daniel, deputy P.M. is also outgoing. So, like the PPP, so will the ULP disappear to history?

Is Friday and the NDP ready to take government? Is any 3rd party ready? Are the believers ready to take the government upon their shoulders and implement the heavenly

laws? (Isa. 9:6-7, Lk. 22: 24-30, Dan. 7:27, Rev. 5:9-10).

Our nation needs the healing of Divine intervention led by those of us who understand that we were created to govern the planet and not to go up to heaven to live or holiday. (John 3:13, Gen. 1:25).

Truly this is the time to lift Hairouna higher for the kingdom of peace and not World War 3.

Thank you once more, Dr. Gonsalves for the good and the bad that you did to our people and country, as you are about to leave us soon.

Christian Democrat.

Small but mighty

(Excerpt)

THE ISSUE

LATE LAST YEAR, a commentary in The Monocle, a journal from South Africa, pronounced that, under the leadership of Comrade Ralph, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was a “small but mighty nation”. The commentary related to Comrade Ralph’s initiative in bringing the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela, the leadership of CARICOM and CELAC together to fashion a pact for peace between Venezuela and Guyana in the “Declaration of Argyle”.

The author of the commentary, Gregory Scruggs, reaffirmed what objective observers across the world had been asserting for quite some time now: That SVG under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government had been “punching above its weight” globally.

ROLE OF FOREIGN POLICY

In its 2001 Election Manifesto, the ULP emphasized that, for a small nation like SVG, foreign policy was of even greater significance than for a “selfsufficient” large country. The ULP Manifesto averred then, and subsequently, that the central purpose of our foreign policy is to engage most efficaciously with the challenging external environment in such a manner so as to enhance our country’s capacity to advance our people’s humanisation, peace, justice, security, and prosperity for all, globally. Imperialists and hegemons find our foreign policy problematic, but the bulk of the world does not.

The ULP has always emphasised that our foreign policy must be linked integrally with our nation’s domestic policy; both bundles of policies constitute a harmonious whole. We thus set out to elaborate a foreign policy grounded on the fundamental precepts of the Charter of the United Nations within the frame of “foreign policy coordination” in CARICOM, consonant with our people’s interest. Our foreign policy has been at once principled, independent, fearless, non-aligned to any big power or hegemon, wise, and mature. We raised our banner: “Friends of all; we strive for a better world”. Never is our foreign policy transactional or opportunistic.

Meanwhile, the ULP government restructured the administrative and institutional arrangements in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to execute effectively our foreign policy, led by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

STERLING RECORD

Let us summarise some highlights of the sterling record of the ULP government in the area of foreign policy:

(i) Very early in our administration, we signalled that despite our small size and limited resources/facilities, we could host significant global gatherings. So, in 2003, SVG successfully hosted the Meeting of Ministers of Legal Affairs and Attorneys-General of the 54-member Commonwealth.

(ii) SVG repeatedly hosted successfully Heads of Government Conferences of both the OECS and CARICOM, and other high -level regional gatherings.

(iii) As Chair of CARICOM in 2007, Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves led CARICOM in its bilateral engagement with President George E. Bush of the USA, in Washington.

(iv) In 2009, when Camillo was SVG’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he was selected by the Global

South at the UN General Assembly to be the Rapporteur to negotiate the final “Outcome Document” with the representative of the Global North (the Dutch representative) of the Special High-Level Session of the UN on the 2008-2009 Global Economic Depression.

(v) Our UN Permanent Representative, Rhonda King, chalked up the distinction of becoming the Chair of the UN Fifth Committee on the UN Budget and Administration.

(vi) In 2018-2019, SVG became the second CARICOM country, and the smallest country ever, to hold the Presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the major organs of the UN. ECOSOC has the oversight of all the economic and social programmes of the UN.

(vii) In June 2019, SVG was elected as the smallest country ever to serve as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council. SVG defeated El Salvador by a vote of 185 to 6, with two abstentions at the UN General Assembly. El Salvador was strongly supported by the US government – the Trump Administration.

(viii) In January 2023, SVG was elected as the Pro Tempore President of CELAC. It was the smallest country ever to do so, and the first CARICOM country ever. SVG led CELAC at its Summit with the European Union and with engagements with our regional blocs including the African Union. SVG has led CELAC magnificently in the process of mature regionalism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

(ix) In 2013-2014, SVG led the initiative at CARICOM to establish a CARICOM Reparations Commission and to push for reparations for Native Genocide and the Enslavement of African bodies.

(x) In 2014, SVG initiated the CARICOM Commission on Marijuana which has led to the de-penalisation of possession of small quantities of marijuana and for medical cannabis.

(xi) SVG expanded diplomatic relations to dozens of other countries. It also established permanent missions in Cuba, Venezuela, and Taiwan. It has appointed persons to the office of Honorary Consul to numerous countries.

(xii) The ULP government established the office of Consul General in New York to look after the consular interests of Vincentians in the USA.

(xiii) The ULP government has signed numerous relevant agreements it dozens of countries to advance our interests.

(xiv) SVG became a member of ALBA.

(xv) SVG joined the Non-Aligned Movement.

(xvi) SVG has been participating actively in the Non-Aligned Movement.

(xvii) SVG has strengthened immeasurably its relations with divers countries/organisations: the African Union, the European Union, UNESCO, FAO, CELAC, Association of Caribbean States, Taiwan, Japan, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Honduras, Colombia, Argentina, the Vatican, Austria, France, Portugal, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Unite Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, USA, UK, Canada, India, Singapore, Qatar, Morocco, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, among others.

(xviii) SVG has built out a splendid core of diplomats, including at the United Nations, with structures to math.

(xix) Hosting of CELAC Summit on March 1, 2024 – most important hosting ever.

(xx) Ample delivery of benefits to SVG from our foreign policy initiatives.

Agriculture- an essential pillar of the economy

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) believes that in order to develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines we must have a vibrant economy. We have identified agriculture as a key pillar, which will build the economy and create more and better-paid jobs for the people.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government has presided over the decline of the agricultural sector. The deplorable condition of feeder roads, lack of market for agriculture produce, meagre allocation of funds of the national budget to the agricultural sector and negative statements from officials of the ULP such as ‘agriculture is a thing of the past’ have all contributed to the decline of the agricultural sector.

Agriculture once contributed over twenty percent of the Gross Domestic Product, now it is less than three percent. Our balance of trade in agriculture is the worst it has ever been. While many key crops are in decline, many farms that were once productive are now unproductive. Further, there has not been an agriculture census for over twenty-five (25) years, so the ULP government does not know where our farmers are, what they are growing, how they can help them improve their yields, or even what land is available. After twenty-three (23) years in power, they are now promising to do an agricultural census.

Moreover, the ULP government has failed to effectively implement the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) program. The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines received over $37 million from the European Union to assist in the diversification of agriculture after the removal of preferential treatment of bananas. The overall objective of the BAM program was to reduce the levels of poverty in St Vincent and the Grenadines through increased production, investment, exports and employment in the agricultural sector. Was that achieved? Instead, there was a significant increase in poverty. The poverty report which the government has refused to publish showed that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is worse than when the ULP gained power in 2001. It stated that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines had moved from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to 36.1 % in 2018. And the indigence level had moved from 2.9% to 11.3% in the country of 110,000 people.)

Also, the following projects were to be implemented through the BAM program: the construction of an abattoir, the building of a greenhouse park at Montreal, construction of a probiotics lab at Rabacca and the renovation of the Langley Park Palletization Centre. Were those projects implemented? They may argue that the green house park at Montreal was completed. But, is it functioning? It is a shame to see the condition of the green house park at Montreal as they exist. Undoubtedly, the ULP does have not plan for the development of the agricultural sector.

Our Plan

The NDP has a plan to develop the agricultural sector. We will reverse the deteriorating situation in agriculture by revitalizing the sector,

making it efficient, technologically prepared and internationally competitive. This will guarantee the food and nutrition security of our people and at the same time provide employment, income and sustainable livelihoods, while preserving the environment for present and future generations.

The overall goal of the NDP’s National Agricultural Policy will be to optimize and maximize our capacity to provide for our food needs. This will be done through increasing production of a range of crops and livestock species. This will ensure a sustainable and efficient food security system that is technologically driven. Food security will be a priority. This is necessary to reduce our food import bill, encourage healthier eating and support local farmers and our plan for agroprocessing.

Under the previous NDP administration, we had proper marketing boards so that our farmers could be farmers focusing on what they do well we will reintroduce the marketing boards. This means that marketing produce, getting the best price and best transport will no longer be the individual farmer’s responsibility. They will be structured in a co-operative model to ensure that our farmers keep the proceeds, meaning more money in their hands

Livestock is a key part of farming in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A substantive amount of root crop, vegetable and tree crop farmers own livestock. The NDP will support efforts to improve the health and productivity of livestock, particularly chickens, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle by improving animal genetics and veterinary care.

Praedial larceny has become a major problem in the country, and the government is clueless as to how to tackle the problem. We will adopt a zero tolerance approach to praedial larceny. Our zero-tolerance approach to combat praedial larceny will include a system where special hearings will be held to deal swiftly with crimes of praedial larceny. We will also ensure that a system is in place to compensate farmers for their losses, within a reasonable time.

Feeder roads are essential to improve farmers’ productivity and to access markets. We will upgrade existing roads across our farming communities and build new feeder roads to access more lands. The multiplier effects of feeder roads can never be overstated as access to and from the farm is of paramount importance. We cannot support our farmers if we cannot reach them, or they cannot get their goods easily to market. And, establish a marketing agency to assist in the marketing of farm produce.

We will also support agroprocessing to add value to our farm produce, which will create new jobs, Construct a processing plant and modernizing the agro lab.

The NDP is committed to developing agriculture, which is one of the four pillars of the economy. The others are tourism, the blue economy and the new economy. The development of these sectors will bring tremendous economic benefit to the country and create more and betterpaid jobs for Vincentians.

The Ripple Effect

“Our personal ripple effect is the power of one generating hope and change in others for a better world. Like ripples radiating across the surface of a pond when a pebble is tossed in, kindness is powerful and has far-reaching, positive ramifications that bring about a tremendous sense of joy.” Laurie Buchanan, PhD

WE ALL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE of showing acts of kindness on a daily basis. Many opportunities will arise throughout the day to enable us to be kind and courteous to others. Many seemingly simple acts of kindness can brighten the corner in someone’s life and renew their confidence in the goodness that often surrounds them. These recipients invariably convey their appreciation by conferring acts of kindness to others … and the cycle continues as we all benefit from the ripple effects of a single good deed. As we brighten the corner where we are, we soon discover that someone takes the “kindness light” and passes the baton on to brighten another corner. Every deed of kindness, regardless of how small or insignificant it may appear, has the potential to illuminate lives across distance and time. Mohith Agadi (born 1991), the author, entertainment journalist, independent film producer and entrepreneur reminds us that, “When you do some good work and if it inspires others, then you have just created the ripple effect.”

The ripple effect is an extremely powerful metaphor that reminds us of how our words and actions can create and sustain reactions that reverberate throughout time and space to impact others for good and bad. Just as a pebble thrown into a pond creates ever expanding circles, our thoughts and actions generate waves that impact individuals and society for good or evil.

When examined on an individual level, the ripple effect reminds us of the priceless privilege that is ours to influence others for good. It demonstrates personal responsibility. Our decisions, regardless of how small they may appear, reverberate through our lives and invariably influence those around us. Even the “casual observer” can be encouraged by the things we say and do.

The ripple effect is also evident on a personal level. Positive choices very often contribute to beneficial outcomes. Alternatively, negative decisions may trigger a series of event that contribute to a downward spiral of bad fortunes. For example, an individual may unwisely decide to drive a vehicle while intoxicated and discover that this extremely poor choice results in an accident that culminates in injury to self and/or others.

At the community level, it is relatively easy to observe how the ripple effect could cascade a series of outcomes that could enhance or retard social systems and eco systems. Communities where citizens act responsibly in disposing their garbage are likely to observe ecosystems that are healthy and flourishing. Conversely, those communities where citizens behave in an irresponsible manner as they rid themselves of garbage may readily discover that disease-carrying pathogens thrive causing havoc to the residents within and beyond their geographic space.

Our choices, our behaviours, often create and sustain ripple effects that transcend space and time. Dr. Lucas D. Shallua, President of Mount Eagle College and University, reminds us that, “Choices are like stones cast into the waters of life, creating ripples that extend far beyond what we can see.”

Understanding the ripple effect encourages greater awareness and responsibility. By recognizing the likely repercussions of our actions, our enlightened consciousness propels us to be more proactive in championing behaviours and actions that are likely to generate positive outcomes. Additionally, we are more likely to avoid thoughts and actions that result in personal or societal degradation. Such a heightened awareness of cause and effect will encourage us to better navigate life so that the ripple effect that we create moves us and others in a positive direction and away from situations that hurt others and our fragile environment.

Discourse on such a topic (The Ripple Effect) will be incomplete if we neglected to consider the ripple effect of global warming. While emerging economies like ours have not contributed significantly to global warming (when compared to the industrialized world where the majority of greenhouse gas emissions occur) we are expected to face the brunt of the negative effects as icecaps melt and sea levels rise. In addition, it is known that rising temperatures contribute to more frequent and intense heatwaves, hurricanes, storms, floods, and droughts. Such events impact our ecosystems as they disrupt habitats and threaten ecosystems. Human populations and a variety of wildlife habitats become increasingly exposed and vulnerable.

We commend the faculty, staff, and students at the University of the West Indies who constantly focus on taking the necessary proactive steps to stem the likely negative impact of global warming. For example, the Centre for Biodiversity Studies at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Barbados, has embarked on programmes aimed at tackling the multidimensional issues that threaten the region’s biological ecosystems. They are aware of the ripple effect this could have on the region’s health, environment, and climate.

As the Caribbean region becomes more focused on food security programmes, the ripple effect of global warming on agricultural productivity has become more obvious. It is therefore not surprising that a concerted effort appears to be made in relation to improving food security programmes for expanding the local production of food. The relevance of Sir James Mitchell’s mantra, “Grow what you eat and eat what you grow”, reverberates throughout and beyond St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We trust that this, too, will have a ripple effect as efforts are made to promote resilience in both natural and human systems.

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

Five things Liberals say to avoid taking a real position on Gaza

‘YOU HAVE TO READ, but you have to avoid reading stupidness.’ Elma Francois

Here are five noises Western liberals often make to avoid having to take a real position on Gaza:

1. ‘It’s heartbreaking!’

2. ‘It’s complicated!’

3. ‘BUT TRUMP!’

4. ‘I really hope there can be peace there someday!’

5. ‘I support a two-state solution!’

Let’s talk about these a bit.

‘It’s heartbreaking!’

Liberals love talking about how ‘sad’ and ‘heartbreaking’ what’s happening in Gaza is like it’s some kind of natural disaster, some tragically tragic tragedy that their government has been passively witnessing instead of actively facilitating. It lets them express their progressive humanitarian feelings without actually taking a meaningful political position against what’s being done in their name with their tax dollars and with their tacit consent.

In reality, the genocide in Gaza is not sad or heartbreaking or tragic; those are words you use for diseases and accidents. When someone is murdered with malicious intent, we don’t heave a heavy sigh and shed a tear and move on?–?we prosecute their murderer. It isn’t raining bombs in Gaza because that’s just the unfortunate weather there today. Those bombs are being dropped by Israel with genocidal intent with the full backing of the United States and its allies. This is a crime which requires outrage and punishment, not empty crocodile tears.

‘It’s complicated!’

No, it isn’t. An apartheid regime has been oppressing and abusing an ethnic group which doesn’t receive the same rights and treatment as others, and now they’re dropping bombs on a population trapped in a giant concentration camp. If it was Jewish people enclosed in Gaza while any other ethnicity rained military explosives on them for four months, no liberal in the world would have trouble recognizing what they’re seeing and calling it what it is.

‘BUT TRUMP!’

Push a Biden supporter hard enough on what their president is doing in Gaza, and eventually, they’ll start babbling about how bad Donald Trump is. As though Trump being bad somehow negates the depravity of backing an active genocide. Or, as though backing an active genocide is an excusable offence if it means a little more student debt forgiveness or something.

Democrats have no way to reconcile Gaza with what they believe about themselves and what values they supposedly hold, so when confronted with the horrifying reality of what their president is doing in the Middle East, they’re left with no option but to plunge their heads into the sand and scream ‘TRUMP!!!’ as loud as they can. Nothing has exposed the true nature of the Democratic Party like a Democrat president running for re-election during a US-backed genocide.

‘I really hope there can be peace there someday!’

Like ‘It’s tragic!,’ this one replaces a meaningful political position with empty emotional fluff to create the false impression that the liberal has said something relevant which aligns

with their stated values and ideology.

By saying you want peace but refusing to say how you want the peace to come about, the ‘peace’ you purport to support could mean anything. If Israel bombs Gaza into rubble and drives survivors into refugee camps in the Sinai desert, they could call that ‘peace’ because there won’t be a war anymore. If Israel murders everyone in Gaza, they can call that ‘peace’ because the bombs are no longer falling. Even going back to the status quo of October 6 wouldn’t be ‘peace’, it would just be returning to the abusive conditions which gave rise to October 7.

Saying you want ‘peace’ without talking about immediate ceasefires and negotiated agreements is just saying you want Israel to keep doing what it’s doing until it decides it’s done enough.

‘I support a two-state solution!’

The ‘two-state solution’ is functionally just a psychological box that liberals mentally tick off so they can pretend they have a real position on Israel-Palestine. Israeli leaders publicly spit on the notion of a Palestinian state with its own military and national sovereignty, and there is no political wherewithal to make such a thing happen. It’s nothing more than a conceptual construct which lets liberals feel nice about their personal politics without actually taking a stand against the Western-backed tyrannical power structure that is the state of Israel.

In reality, there cannot be peace until Israel ceases to be an abusive apartheid ethnostate, until it and its allies pay massive reparations to the Palestinians, and until all the wrongs of the past are made right. This is entirely possible, but it would be a massive, massive effort toward a goal that would make the current status quo of Israel-Palestine completely unrecognizable from what it currently is. Merely flicking an intellectual thumbs-up to empty notions about a ‘two-state solution’ is just more liberal babble.

Other popular noises liberals make to avoid taking a real position on Gaza include ‘Something something antisemitism!’ and ‘It’s just Netanyahu and a few far-right jerks making things bad!’The specific words don’t matter much, because liberals will make whatever noises they need to make to avoid the crushing weight of cognitive dissonance and resist the increasingly loud demands from reality that they dramatically restructure their worldview.

In this world of misinformation and disinformation, there is a deliberate attempt to fog people’s minds. There are a few journalists who attempt to clear the fog and get us to see clearly what’s happening in our world.

If you seriously want to understand the world we live in, the best advice is to turn off your TV sets and look for writers who are not stenographers of the empire. Caitlin Johnstone has written dozens of probing articles on Israel’s war on Palestinians since October 7. Other writers worth reading are Chris Hedges and Patrick Lawrence.

Read, pay close attention because what you don’t know can kill you.

Guest Column by Caitlin Johnstone

Minimum wage

In Proverbs 30, Agur the son of Jakeh, reasoning with his friends Ithiel and Ucal stated in verses 7 to 9; “Two things I have required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain”. Words of WISDOM, from a man who is spiritually satisfied.

I ask a few questions; What are the criteria for determining the minimum wage? What is a minimum wage designed to accomplish? How often

must the minimum wage be reviewed?

And who came up with the figure of EC$50 per day?

The minimum wage should be categorized according to skillset, qualification and experience based on the present day cost of living index, because the minimum wage for a mechanic will be different from the minimum wage for a pilot, as would be the minimum wage for a chef, architect, nurse, teacher, police or sanitation worker. However, each worker’s contribution to society is invaluable.

No one can reasonably argue that the work of a sanitation worker is less important than a doctor, because if the

sanitation worker does not get rid of the garbage and filth society creates, society, including the doctors, judges and politicians will get sick. So, how do we come up with a fair minimum wage when we all have to pay the same rate for electricity, the same rate for water consumption, the same prices at the supermarket and grocery stores?

Why should the majority of Vincentians be struggling to pay electricity bills, property taxes, rent, daily bus fares, water bills and only be able to afford bread, most times without a daub of butter? How can our children learn properly when they don’t have balanced nutritional meals on a daily basis? For those of us who go to the vegetable market, almost every product is now $5. Last weekend, I bought a heap of small sweet potatoes for $6, when I counted the potatoes, it worked out to $1 per potato. So, think again, how can EC$50 per day for the lowest-class worker provide for a family of five!!!

Some of our present crop of politicians started off as scientific socialists, nothing wrong with that, because the ethos of socialism is the equitable distribution of wealth among the working population, as what Chavez and Fidel almost achieved before they passed on. But as soon as they get into a position of leadership, they are now the leading opportunistic capitalists with the facts and figures to support my reporting. The anticapitalist and anti-imperialist rhetoric used prior to taking office was only used to woo unsuspecting voters to

gain political office.

Once in office, they become autistic. Let me explain. Autistic persons, despite displaying highly personalized skills and abilities, don’t like surprises and tend to live secluded lives. So, you have an autistic member in your family, they need to be informed in advance when a visitor intends to come to the home, whether it is a relative, plumber, electrician, doctor or priest. When politicians want your vote, they’re in your house eating your bread without butter, or your pelau with back and neck, but as soon as they get in office, you have to make appointment to see them, making four or five trips to their office, each time having to pay a bus fare before you can have your needs addressed, if at all. That is the reality of our current crop of politrickans, ‘autistic’ bunch to say the least.

So back to the minimum wage. If the minimum wage is appropriate for the ordinary worker, why can’t our PM and GG also get the minimum wage … since they don’t have to pay rent or electricity or property taxes; they are driven around, so don’t really need transport allowance; their salaries are way above the minimum wage, so why should Vincentians be paying these officials of a post and neo colonial era vast sums including entertainment allowances at the expense of the majority of our citizens. This inequality MUST stop. More can be said, but you be the judge. Vincentians open your eyes!!!

Contributed by: Donald De Riggs

Workers

SVGTU President to face challenge

WHETHERor not the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) gets a new president will be determined when teachers vote for a new executive on February 27 and 28.

Incumbent President, Oswald Robinson, who was re-elected to the top position at the last election in

2022, will face off against his incumbent First Vice President, Nicole Martindale.

Having decided to vie for the top position, Martindale clears the way for a two-way fight between Vanrick Williams and Abdon Whyte for the First Vice President post.

Williams was defeated by Martindale in 2022 in the First Vice President race, while Whyte will be looking to jump one step up in the pecking order as he vacates his Second Vice President post to contest a higher office.

Lesha Benjamin and Yokann BlughHolder will compete, according to the official slate of candidates disclosed by the Union.

The incumbent General Secretary, Ketty Kydd-Rhynd, meanwhile, will seek re-election in a race against Andrea Durrant.

And eligible voters will decide on two Committee Members from a field of: Shakeena Barbour-Simmons, Anthony Compton, Samantha Cordice, Reba Cozier, Attika James and Florence Samuel.

Three posts are unopposed allowing for the return of the following: Meriah Samuel as Treasurer; Tishanna ReidAssistant General Secretary; Fiona Charles - Public Relations Officer.

SVGTU related news

In a related matter, The Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of the appeal in the vaccine mandate case.

The matter, which was scheduled for hearing on Thursday, February 01, was called off but Justice of Appeal Mario Michel informed counsel for both sides that one of the members of the panel designated to hear and decide on the matter, was unable to sit on that day.

Justice Michel assured the lawyers involved in the matter that the chief registrar would be asked to find the first available date convenient to all parties involved.

The matter down for hearing is an appeal lodged by the government against a March 13, 2023 ruling by High Court judge, Justice Esco Henry, who ruled that the dismissal of public sector workers under the government’s COVID-19 Vaccine mandate, as per the ruling, the government was ordered to pay the workers all wages and benefits retroactive to the ‘time’ of their dismissals.

The government of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves appealed the decision of the

court and applied successfully for a stay of execution of the order.

The suit against the government was sponsored by the Public Service Union, SVG Teachers Union and the Police Welfare Association, and filed against the Minister of Health and the Environment, the Public Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General and the Police Service Commission.

Oswald Robinson, from reports, goes into the election confident that he will be returned as President.

Nicole Martindale will seek to dislodge Oswald Robinson from his post as President.

Police Youth Clubs host Youth Symposium

Inset: (L-R): Mrs. Karen George-Nero –MC, Mrs. Merissa Finch-BurkePermanent Secretary, Sergeant Stephen Billy - National Coordinator/PYC of Police Youth Clubs; ASP Junior Simmons – Officer-in-charge of Police Youth Clubs.

WHEN THE STUBBS/DIAMOND POLICE

YOUTH CLUBS hosted their first Annual Youth Symposium at the Hospitality Management and Tourism Institute (HMTI) in Diamond, on Saturday 3rd February, 2024, some fifty-three (53) members of Police Youth Clubs (PYC) from across mainland St. Vincent were in attendance.

Forty (40) of the participants were from the Stubbs/Diamond PYC, while the other thirteen (13) were from the Calliaqua, Mesopotamia, Layou, Richland Park, and Georgetown Youth Clubs.

The symposium, held under the theme “Investing in our Youths Today for a Safer Tomorrow”, had as its objectives:

1. To provide a safe space where

young people can openly share their experiences and build a network with their peers;

2. To provide an avenue where new learning can take place with the aim of contributing to individual positive engagement and ultimately positive behavioral change;

3. To equip young people with tools and skills that will help them navigate challenging situations by making positive decisions.

Accordingly, participants were sensitised to issues such as Teenage Sexuality, Savings and Money Management, The Rights of a Child,

Achieving Excellence in Academic and Skills-based Studies and Employment, Youth’s Role in reducing Crime and Violence, and Creating Personal Vision Boards.

The day’s activity commenced with an opening ceremony that heard remarks from Hon. Frederick Stevenson - Parliamentary Representative of South Windward and Minister of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports; Mrs. Merissa Finch-Burke - Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of National Mobilization, Youth, etc.; Superintendent of Police Mr. Junior Simmons - Officer in charge of Police Youth Clubs; Sergeant of Police, Mr. Stephen Billy - National Coordinator of Police Youth Clubs; Mr. Osborne Bowens - Dean of the Technical College and Ms. Yoland London, one of the Coordinators of the Stubbs/Diamond Police Youth Clubs.

The presenters were: Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police - Mr. Trevor Bailey; Ms. Roselle SolomonSocial Worker; Ms. Candace SealeyPublic Relations Officer/SVG Building and Loan Association; Mr. Osborne Bowens and Yoland London.

The symposium was supported financially by the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association, National Properties Limited, and Government Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU). Other support came from the Government Printery, His Majesty’s Prison, The Royal St. Vincent

and the Grenadines Police Force, The St. Vincent Community College and the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Youths, etc.

According to coordinator London, “The symposium met its expectations and realized its objectives. It was a resounding success and could not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and supporters and for that again we say Thank you.”

The next event on the clubs’ agenda will be the launching of their Femaleto-Female Mentorship Programme on 8th March 2024, International Women’s Day.

The participants in the inaugural Youth Symposium hosted by the Stubbs/Diamond Police Youth Clubs.

Symposium participants give their attention to one of the presenters.

Ms. Roselle Solomon - Social Worker, one of the presenters.

These participants were happy to pose for this special record of their attendance.

Mr. Trevor Bailey, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, making his presentation.

AiA welcomes first signing

ATHLETES IN ACTION W.I.

(AIA)marked a historic milestone when it welcomed Saviola Blake, an exceptionally talented Vincentian footballer, as its first signing under a partnership with Venture Sports USA.

Saviola, a rising star hailing from Diamonds Village, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has earned numerous accolades throughout his impressive career, including being part of the All Mannings Team

in 2022 at Jamaica College and winning the Best Midfielder Award with Sparta FC in 2022. The young has demonstrated outstanding ability in both defensive and offensive play, and says

Vincymas promotion in Trinidad

(Editor’s Note: We are pleased to carry this Carnival Development Corporation Media Release verbatim.)

THE CARNIVAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONhas embarked on a series of marketing & promotional activities in Trinidad during the peak period of their Carnival celebrations for 2024.

Mr. Esworth ‘Ezzie’ Roberts, Marketing Coordinator and Mr. Rodney Small, President of the Youlou Pan Movement are the two main persons that are representing the CDC in this venture.

To kick start the campaign, an interview will be done on the ‘Breaking Dawn’ morning program on Friday 9th February.

of himself:

“I am currently specializing in midfield responsibilities, requiring delaying, channelization, acting as the 1st and 2nd defender, tackling and counterattacking. I am skilled in techniques such as passing, dribbling, off-the-ball movement to support teammates, goal scoring from inside and outside the box, heading, slide tackling and shielding. I am skilled with both right and left feet, a high-intensity player with excellent timing and anticipation, positioning and a deep understanding of the game.”

And his exceptional leadership qualities make Saviola an invaluable addition to any team. As part of the CFU U14-winning Vincentian national team in 2018 and contributing to Jamaica College’s Manning Cup and Champions Cup victories in 2022, Saviola has consistently demonstrated a take-

charge mentality. This collaboration with Venture Sports USA opens doors for Saviola to explore scholarship opportunities in the United States and showcase the immense potential and talent that abound among Vincentian athletes. Athletes in Action W.I. aims to support more aspiring athletes like Saviola on their journey to success. Towards this end, corporate entities and sponsors are invited to join (AiA) in supporting the dreams

AiA Links:

of young athletes like Saviola Blake.

According to AiA, “Your partnership will not only impact the lives of these individuals but also contribute to the growth and development of sports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Athletes in Action W.I. is committed to empowering the next generation of athletes, and with your support, we can achieve even greater heights.”

(Source: AiA)

Website: www.athletesinactionwi.org

Instagram: @athletesinactionsvg

LinkedIn: Athletes In Action SVG

Facebook: Athletes In Action SVG

A Vincymas branded booth on the famous entertainment strip, Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain, Trinidad, during that country’s 2023 carnival celebrations.

Other interviews would be done on various radio and television stations. A Vincymas booth would be in operation at the Brunch on Soca event where Vincymas branded paraphernalia would be distributed and set up at the venue. This event will be hosted for the second time in Trinidad and is scheduled to take place on Sunday 11th February in Chaguaramas. The CDC would like to take this opportunity to extend gratitude to Hova’s Marketing team for allowing us to promote the Vincymas brand at their event.

On Carnival Monday and Tuesday (February 12th & 13th) a Vincymas branded Cabana will be erected outside Synergy Tv’s compound on

Ariapita Avenue, in the area popularly known as the ‘Synergy Stage.’

LED Screens would also be in place to promote Vincymas and interviews would be done and broadcasted live on their television station. Persons who visit the cabana would be given Vincymas paraphernalia, they’d be able to scan and use the Vincymas QR code which would grant them access to Vincymas’ website, Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, promotions for the ICC World Cup Cricket will be done since it would be taking place in St. Vincent during the month of June and the aim is to get visitors to come and stay over for Vincymas. Other activities that

would be done as part of the marketing & promotion campaign in Trinidad are publications of an article each in the Guardian Newspaper, and on the Loop TT news Vlog.

At the end of the marketing and promotion campaign in Trinidad two half hour Vincymas sponsored carnival coverage videos would be

released. These would be published on One Caribbean News television station and on other networks throughout the Caribbean region, USA, Canada and the UK. Roku and Apple TV are two international streaming platforms that were selected to air this coverage as well.

A new Vincymas

television commercial was created and is currently on rotation on Synergy TV and this will soon be on rotation on local television stations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincymas 2024 would commence on Friday 28th June and culminate on Tuesday 9th June.

Graphic depicting Saviola Blake’s signing to Venture Sports USA facilitated by Athletes in Action SVG.

Saviola Blake (centre) at his Contract Signing Day with SVGFF Technical Director Theon Gordon (left) and AiA Advisory Director Jayden Kalonda.

First Quarter profit for RFHL

THE CHAIRMAN OF REPUBLIC FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED (RFHL), Vincent Pereira, announced on February 02, 2024, that the Group recorded profit attributable to its equity holders of US$75 million for the threemonth period ended December 31, 2023.

Excluding one-off losses reported in the prior period, core profits after tax and non-controlling interest increased by US$5 million or 6.9 percent, while reported profits increased by US$15 million or 26 percent over the US$60 million reported in the corresponding period of the last financial year.

Total assets stood at US$17.2 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of US$246 million or 1.46 percent over the total assets at December 2022. This increase was fuelled by growth in the loans and investments portfolios across all subsidiaries.

In announcing the results Mr. Pereira said, “The Group’s first quarter results reflect the impact of this strong growth in loans and investments, combined with the continued strong interest rate environment for our US$ denominated subsidiaries. All subsidiaries recorded strong performances despite the ongoing economic challenges in some environments. The overall performance continues to highlight the value of the Group’s international diversification strategy and the resilience of our operations.”

He added, “Based on these results, the Board of Directors has declared its first ever quarterly interim dividend of US$0.08 per share payable on February 29, 2024 to all shareholders on record at February 15, 2024. The Group continues to work on improving its employee engagement, customer focus and digital strategy to continue adding value to our customers, staff and stakeholders. While challenges persist, we believe that we are well positioned to navigate the continued global economic uncertainties.”

In closing Mr. Pereira said, “I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all the members of the RFHL Team and our customers for their commitment and unwavering support as we continue to serve our clients and communities with excellence.” (Source: RBEC)

Vincent Pereira, Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL).

Antigua offers to buy LIAT aircraft

THERE APPEARSto be no stopping the Gaston Browne-led Government of Antigua and Barbuda from pursuing the establishing of LIAT 2020, an entity to replace the defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd.

The latest measure taken by Prime Minister Browne in this regard is the opening of talks with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the purchase of three aircraft formerly part of the LIAT (1974) Ltd. fleet, and which the CBD rightfully confiscated in lieu of LIAT’s inability to service a CDB loan for the purchase of those aircraft.

Indications are that the Gaston Browne government was in discussion with CDB officials up to the first week in February, but there has been no disclosure regarding the purchase price, operational costs, and revenue projections.

And while the region awaits word on these discussions, it is clear that the aircraft, if purchased by the Antigua and Barbuda, are destined to form the basis of the LIAT 2020 fleet.

Meanwhile, there is much concern about the partnership between the

government of Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace, the Nigerian Airline which is supposed to become the major shareholder in the new LIAT entity,

Word is that Air Peace will hold 70 percent of the shares in the new LIAT 2020, while the remaining 30 percent is controlled by Antigua and Barbuda — to be divided among itself and other shareholders.

In the latter regard, Prime Minister Browne is still holding out hope, perhaps encouraged by an indication of interest form Dominica, that other OECS governments would come on board as shareholders, even as he is cognizant that LIAT 1974’s demise was partly due to disagreements among shareholder governments.

Further, it would not be unjustified to say that what clearly looks like dominance by Air Peace could raise concerns about fair competition and regional ownership within the venture, thereby causing trepidation on the part of regional governments to get involved.

The popular view among regional financial experts is that striking a

balance between utilizing Air Peace’s perceived strengths, and ensuring regional stakeholder involvement, is crucial if Prime Minister Browne is to attract support from his colleagues in the region.

Whether or not there is a favourable response by regional governments, Antigua and Barbuda government is committed to seeing the formalization of LIAT 2020, and has budgeted an estimated EC$30 million in 2024 to ensure LIAT 2020 Ltd “has all the necessary aircraft and arrangements in place for the safe and efficient delivery of services to the region,” this according to the Budget Presentation of December 2023.

And amidst all the fervour driving the creation of a new regional air service, LIAT 2020, Antigua and Barbuda’s Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle continues to call, not only for information about the deal struck with Air Peace, but also for the Administration to address the matter of severance and other entitlements

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, is not easing up on his plan to establish LIAT 2020 as a replacement for the defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd.

for the former LIAT (1974) Ltd. workers.

On that score, only the Barbados and St. Lucia governments have come good on a commitment to LIAT works in their jurisdictions.

LIAT (1974) Ltd., jointly owned by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, took to the skies for the last time on January 22, 2024, after 50 years’ service to the Caribbean, and formally cease operations on January 24, 2024.

Gaston Browne,

A misdirected voice note

Dear George,

ONE MONTHinto my marriage, I received a voice note from my husband which was intended for a good friend of mine and the planner of our wedding.  He obviously accidentally sent the voice note to me.

I asked him about it and he lied, saying it was meant for me but couldn’t explain then why he called her name in the message. In the message he was telling her how it was she he should have married and he will always love her.

George, I am shattered and do not know what to do. I am this close to throwing in the towel. I have come to the conclusion that my husband does not really love me and I am at a loss to know why he married me. I have not spoken to him since I confronted him.

Crossroad.

Dear Crossroad,

There needs to be a serious conversation between you two. You need to get an honest answer to the question of why he married you and at the same time, get to know from him the honest reason for that voice note. You do not want him to feel trapped in a marriage he is now regretting. I strongly suggest that you get immediate help from a marriage counsellor. Maybe there is a good chance yet to find a resolution to this seemingly impassable point.

George.

Uncle stole my girlfriend

Dear George,

MY UNCLEhas taken my girlfriend from me and has the guts to tell me, “The best man won.”

From the time he met her, he has not let up on making passes at her. He showered her with money and gifts and now I understand she sometimes sleeps at his house. She denied having anything to do with him but he showed me a video of both of

them getting intimate. I love her but cannot stand the idea of her sleeping with him. I am wondering if I should try to win her back. She says she is not with him. Do you think she will ever be mine again and mine only?

Feeling Low.

Dear Feeling Low,

This is not a case of your uncle taking your girlfriend away from you

but rather, one of her deciding to mess with him although she knows you are seriously into her.

You should now know, from the experience, the calibre of your ‘girlfriend’, i.e. the stuff she’s made of. It is for you to figure out if this is what you want or whether you deserve someone who can and is willing to commit to you and you alone.

George.

My wife and her boss

Dear George,

I WALKEDin on my wife and her boss kissing. I had entered the office without knocking to let her know I would be waiting for her outside the building.

On catching them in a deep kiss, I simply excused myself and left. Her boss, George, was another female.

I am now messed up and not certain what to do next. Lots of ugly stuff keep running through my mind. Peeved.

Dear Peeved,

Take all the time you need to calm yourself down and properly process what you saw at that office. Surely, your wife has some explaining to do and you have a decision to make but do not rush into making a decision you might later regret.

Talk to someone about this and see whether the marriage can still be salvaged.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You could be your own worst enemy if you overreact to something you’re told. You’ll find it easy to meet new people. Don’t press your luck with your loved ones. Your best gains will come through helping others emotionally.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Spend a quiet day with the one you love. The distance may make you both appreciate each other more. Talk to someone you trust if you need advice about broaching the subject. You would be wise to socialize with as many people as possible.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Try and avoid getting involved in idle chatter or gossip that might get you in trouble. You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments. Opportunities to get together with friends will be enlightening and entertaining.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Be sure that the person you’re drawn to is not already involved. You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile causes. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Older family members may take advantage of you by making you feel guilty. The personal problems you may be having are interfering with your productivity. Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavory situations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You’re likely to encounter new partners if you take short trips. Social events will be favorable. Your emotions may get the better of you. You need to pamper yourself for a change.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Be discreet with private information. Pleasure trips will promote romance. Chances to express your ideas and beliefs can bring popularity as long as you’re not arrogant. Deception will play an important factor in relationships.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Make sure that you have all the pertinent information before any reprisals or making any moves. Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. You should get out and enjoy social events where you are likely to meet new potential mates; however, don’t over spend.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. Try to take care of the needs of those you love. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week. Problems with your mate will develop if you don’t let them have their way.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Empty promises are evident. Your communication skills are at an all-time high. Take a different approach; make an offer they just can’t refuse. Spending too much time talking to friends or relatives could easily turn into a debate that could lead to estrangement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful. Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. Unstable relationships are likely.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Romantic opportunities will flourish through travel or communication. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn’t been well. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance.

ACROSS

1. Garlic sausage

7. Rate or rib

12. Congeresque

14. Like some olives

16. Followed

17. Creamy dessert

18. Recital numbers

19. An annual publication giving general information

20. Makes a patsy of

21. Raison d’ ___

23. Diplomacy

24. Tiny openings

26. Young fellows

27. Years and years

28. “The Biggest ____” show

30. Spun

32. Photography pioneer

34. White ant

37. Olympic logo shapes

41. Caen’s river

42. Bird sanctuary

44. Addresses for kings

46. Football move

47. Salad cheese

48. “Sesame Street” veterinarian

49. Conifer exudation

51. Woven cottons

54. Hot, in Vegas

55. Unfolds

56. Bootlicking

57. Brimming

58. Chesapeake Bay occupation

59. Coffees

1. Establishes

2. Kind of can

3. South American cowboy

4. Assumed names

5. “Looney Tunes” composer, Franklin

6. Big furniture retailer

7. Salon service

8. Knock

9. Period

10. Imperiled

11. Orders

13. Bygone auto

14. State of being famous

15. Guiding light

22. Most acidic

25. Feel as if

29. Drops from above

31. Cuckoos

33. Spire

34. Neophyte

35. Tangle up

36. There may be money in it

38. Spice seeds

39. Suffers

40. “Keystone Cops”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

producers

41. Counter

43. Law enforcement device

45. Talks back

50. “Bon ___”

52. Declare

53. “___ the mornin’!”

Fifty receive CCCP Level One credentials

FIFTY STUDENTSfrom the

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), last

Tuesday February 6, 2024, received their certificates after completing the Caribbean Coaching Certification Level One Programme (CCCP).

This number represents the third cohort of the programme, which began two and a half years ago, and was drawn from the Applied Associates Degree in Sports Science Programme of the SVGCC.

They are all full-time students of the SVGCC.

Supported by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC), the CCCP essentially seeks to introduce students to a variety of sporting disciplines, that is basic to the holistic approach to coaching.

General Secretary of the SVGOC- Keith Joseph, who spoke at the Tuesday’s presentation at the Students Union Building at the Villa Campus, implored the recipients to make full

use of the knowledge gained.

Joseph commented, “You have an opportunity to make a lot more of yourselves. I hope and pray that whatever you have learned over the last programme, you utilise it to better your relationships, ultimately to become better persons; use sports to develop yourselves.”

Joseph, who is also the President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), pointed to more opportunities being opened up by the changing landscape of sports.

“We need Sports specialists… We need Sports Psychologists… We need sport researchers,” Joseph advised.

Nigel Scott, Director of the SVGCC, expressed similar sentiments, urging the students to embrace the exposure they got from being engaged in the CCCP, as well as the Applied Sports Science

Added secrecy for SVGFF Elections

THE ELECTORAL CODEthat governs the elections of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024, will feature procedure and regulations akin to national general election.

Among the features will be a polling booth, similar to what obtains at national elections.

This dictates that delegates will vote individually, instead of the ballots being handed out and delegates vote collectively.

Accordingly, the chairperson of the Electoral Committee

Programme.

“Beyond the certificate you get from the SVGCC, you have a certificate that you can take anywhere in the region and beyond, that says look, I am a Level One, a Level Two coach in this area… That’s something very useful when you leave here,” Scott declared.

The Director further called on the cohort to make the world their home.

“I am not going to fool myself. All of you are not going to stay here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, because

there are so many opportunities that are available throughout the region and throughout the world… So, as you go, I want you to go with as much certification as possible, skills as possible, so that you can make a living, earn a living wherever you go and enjoy what you are doing,” he emphasised.

The Applied Associates Degree in Sports Science Programme was written by Roxell John, Sports Co-ordinator of the SVGCC, and CoOrdinator of the Programme.

John, among other things, told Tuesday’s gathering, “The students are now prepared to start their journey of coaching in any field of sports. Other higher and specialized sports certification must be completed going forward,

but the foundation has been established. The aim is to give the students a very strong foundation ahead of their various pathways.”

He disclosed that the next intake should be about seventy students.

Glasgow to lead SVG Women Team

Voting in the 2024 elections for a new Executive of the SVGFF will be done according to strict protocol.

shall call in turn each delegate of the Member (Affiliate) present and eligible to vote to move to the front of the Congress Hall and, after signing receipt of the ballot paper form, receive ballot paper.

As outlined by the Electoral Code, “Once called the relevant delegate shall then complete his/her ballot paper in the polling booth designated for this purpose. Polling booth shall be placed in a visible spot, but still allow the delegate to cast his vote secretly”.

Once the delegate

completes his/her voting, he/she shall deposit the ballot paper in the ballot box, sign the electoral register and return to his/her seat.

Like that of national elections, “No mobile phones, cameras or any other devices shall be allowed in the polling booth”.

The procedure/regulations were mapped up last Monday, February 5, 2024.

This, as affiliates approved a four-member Electoral Committee, as well as a three-member Appeals Committee.

The Electoral

Committee is now tasked with making background Integrity Checks on the thirty- three candidates who have indicated their intentions to contest the elections.

These checks are to be completed by February 20, 2024. A five-day window, February 23-27, is allowed for appeals.

Thereafter, all eligible candidates will be made known by March, 1, 2024, and the Formal Convocation of the Congress released March 11, 2024.

The incoming Executive will serve for the next quadrennial.

WEST INDIES PLAYER Jannillea

Glasgow will lead a 14member squad to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the 2024 edition of the WINLOTT Windward Islands Senior Women’s 50 and T20 cricket tournaments, to be held in Grenada from February 10 to 18.

Host Grenada are the defending T20 champions while St. Lucia claims that accolade in the 50 Overs format.

SVG, having failed to make the finals of either format in 2023, will be looking to improve on that performance, so said captain Glasgow.

Glasgow, a right-arm fast medium bowler who bats left, is determined to lead that improvement with a team that comprises: Kimone Homer (vicecaptain); Tracy Byron, Nyasha Williams, Areka Hooper, Vanessa Bushay (wicket-keeper), Denella Creese, Shannel Mackie, Zavian Stephen, Isha Williams, Shema Wright-Quashie, Delita Bentick, Annica Westfield and Jenna Frederick. Reserves are Crystal McMillan, Suenella Pope, Kacy Johnson and Tomeshia Deane.

Jannillea Glasgow is looking for improvement from her team.

Students display their certificates at last Tuesday’s ceremony. Seated second from left are Dr. Karen Thomas - Deputy Director of the SVGCC, Nigel Scott- Director, Keith Joseph- General Secretary of SVGOC, Chester Morgan- Lecturer in the Athletics component and Roxell John – Sports Co-ordinator at the SVGCC.

SVG in Group F of WC Qualifiers

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has been drawn in Group F alongside El Salvador, Suriname, Puerto Rico and the winner of the Play off between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Anguilla of the Concacaf World Cup play-offs.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines outfit which has already begun local preparations, will be part of the Second Round of the Qualifiers.

The Second Round runs between June 2024 and June 2025 where 30 countries will vie for spots in the final round which will be played between September and November 2025 for five spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Concacaf teams Mexico, USA and Canada.

The rest of the draws shows Group

A, comprising Honduras, Antigua/Barbuda, Cuba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands; Group B- Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts/Nevis, Grenada, Bahamas; Group C is made up of Haiti, Curacao, St. Lucia, Barbados and Aruba.

In Group D are Panama, Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat, Belize and Group E- Jamaica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Dominica and the winner of a playoff between the BVI and the US Virgin Islands.

Like the other teams, the Vincentians will play a single roundrobin format within the group, i.e. two home matches and two away matches.

The group winners and their runners up will then be placed in three

groups of four, which will constitute the Final Round.

A separate draw will be convened to determine the groups in the Final Round. Teams in the Final Round will play Home and Away.

At the conclusion of the Final Round, the three group winners advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026,

joining hosts USA, Mexico and Canada.

But it is not done for the Concacaf teams, as the two best runners- up from the Final Round will go to the FIFA Play Off Tournament. At this Play Off Tournament, another two Concacaf can earn berths to the World Cup Final.

Son following in fatherÊs footsteps

the son of former St. Vincent and

the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) Technical DirectorSammy Carrington, has gained a major Football (Soccer) assignment in the USA.

The younger Carrington, 23, has been appointed to the Yale University Women’s Soccer coaching staff as an Assistant Coach.

Marcus, who was born in the USA and whose mother is Trinidadian, heads to Yale after serving as an assistant coach at Fairfield University for the last two years.

During that period, his main function was the recruitment, training, and development of goalkeepers. He added to his resume with service as the Director of Goalkeeping at Inter Connecticut Football Club. His primary responsibility there was to oversee the development of goalkeepers from the Under-11 to the Under-19 age categories. He earned his undergraduate degree in sports management from the University of Bridgeport in 2022 where he was a member of the men’s soccer programme.

Soccer wishes for 2024

EACH NEW YEAR ‘WISHES’ are sent out to one and all. I join in, in wishing all a happy and prosperous New Year 2024.

But moreso, I wish that the footballers and coaches would form respective organizations so they can become more knowledgeable about how to improve the SVG Football federation (SVGFF.) There is a need for an executive who is honest, experienced, and knowledgeable about the development process that football requires.

If my wish comes true, such an executive will see to it that club administrators and their technical staff become educated and or knowledgeable; are informed about FIFA; that affiliates are updated on development techniques; and referees are equipped to pass

knowledge to the young and new performers.

Only then will soccer start showing improvements. It will also see more spectators coming to games and more assistance from contributors, and our national teams will qualify to play higher-ranked countries.

Fans, spectators, and clubs start getting your flags and colours ready. The senior national team is placed in 2026 World Cup Group F. By early February we will know which country we will be playing first, when, and where. Group F includes Suriname. Let’s bring forward the memory of 2/30-81992, when coaches Elliot ‘Mori’ Millington and Seymour ‘Rollit’ Walrond prepared team SVG which drew 0-0 in Suriname and won at Arnos Vale, 2-1. Jubilation!!!

Proud that his son is following in his footsteps, the senior Carrington believed that “it came naturally,” adding, “He grew up in a house seeing me going to practice daily, therefore he lived it all his life, so it was easy for him to slip into coaching.”

The elder Carrington got an added smile from his son’s pathway.

“I had coached with about twenty guys and all of them have sons and none has gone the way of coaching

Then in 1996, SVG beat Puerto Rico 2-1 in Puerto Rico, and in the return game at Arnos Vale (12/5/96) SVG scored 7 goals, the most ever to qualify. The team was prepared by coaches Fred Trimmingham and Seymour Walrond. Jubilation again!!

Our coaches have the experience; they have participated in the last three World Cup qualifiers and Windward Island tournaments. But we must encourage our players to pay attention to their fitness. If not they will not be able to carry out the tactical plans throughout a full game.

The call is for all Vincentians to come out in your numbers. (Do you remember that calypso?) Let’s celebrate in 2024.

SVG and St. Lucia have the easier passages to qualify.

Rollit Walrond.

like Marcus has,” Sammy Carrington highlighted.

The senior Carrington has been in and out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Football between the late 1990s to 2010, serving as Head Coach of the senior men’s team, Head Coach of the National Under-20 outfit and as Technical Director of the SVGFF.

In addition, he was the Head Coach of St. Francis College, New York, in his adopted USA home, for thirteen years.

MARCUS CARRINGTON,

The Concacaf nations welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup to their jurisdiction.

Marcus Carrington

Sammy Carrington

Generating discussion

THE TIMEwill come, or perhaps it already has, for the road races to be routed to void the traffic that has built up. Coaches tend to use the natural terrain in preparation for events as they unfold over the season.

The Vineyard pointed to the danger that goes along with youngsters revving on the streets. It is understandable their quest for success. Last Tuesday brought home the potential for injury. That was during staging of the Grammar School relay. That event is a symbol of authority as far as the athletic calendar goes.

It was heartening to see the yellow flag flying behind the Police outrider, with the other three Houses, Reeves, Crick and Millar filling the order.

I reflected on my own taste of Road Relay rampage, that was in the seventies, for the very Loopy House. I ran the first leg from Argyle to Mt Pleasant. It was indeed a pleasing exercise for me, and having handed over the baton first to my team mate, it was plain sailing for Lopey.

The following day, I turned up at Victoria Park to play a cricket match for Combined Schools. I remember Leroy Mulraine, commenting on the composition of the Combined Schools squad, with several players who had taken part in that relay. That is top tell you that I value the importance of sport in every aspect of the citizen’s life.

I know of efforts by conscientious Police officers to address the situation of athletes on the road. Day by day, the congestion increases, thereby making it more harmful to the runners.

A decision will have to be taken to control the extent of such activities. Designated areas have to be used, and things must proceed in a controlled environment.

Rural districts could find themselves with the maintenance of the luxury of road running, because of the reduced flow of automobile travel. Still, there is no guarantee that everything will be fine. The necessary precautionary measures must be taken.

The West Indies have returned to a familiar plight, soon after the euphoria of the Shamar Joseph induced destruction of the Australian morale and bravado.

It will be so elevating if we can salvage some momentum in the T/20 showpiece. We have to be ready for the World Cup at home. It’s time West Indian fans get some charity. That for us is lifting the trophy, for our cup of sorrows have long overflowed, so it’s time to bring something home.

The conditions are rife for us. No other team is as familiar with the conditions as we are. We have to use our home court advantage. That will include full support for the squad.

This is another platform for the Caribbean to showcase the region as the idyllic setting for peaceful settlement.

The ingredients are there; the atmosphere is serene. Everything pure and clean. The Vincentian aspect must be well wrapped. Decent enough to put the nation on the map. Keeping the vibes of the whole region, one hemispheric vibration, cricket: the unifying force, one of the region’s most cherished resource.

Windwards coach confident

THE WINDWARDS VOLCANOES are well into their first match in the 2024 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Four-day Regional First-Class Championship.

They are currently engaged in their opening match (Feb. 7—10) against Jamaica Scorpions, being played in Jamaica where they will play their first three matches.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Jamaica, Head Coach Kenroy Peters said that he was pleased with the team’s preparation which entailed a month (January) or so of training in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The preparation leading up this four-day championship, I am very pleased with it as head coach and the players are quite satisfied with the work they have put in as well. … The players will be involved in a format in which they are comfortable and I am confident that they are ready to compete,” Peters said.

As for the preparation, the head coach disclosed that it allowed for work to be done with individual players, to fine-tune

Windwards Volcanoes will be looking for improvement in their performance in the fourday format.

their skills and technique.

“As a result, we saw a lot of improvements by the players especially in the practise games in which our batters were able to score 50 plus consistently and our bowlers were able to hit some good areas,” Peters added.

And, as far as what he expects from his players, the coach said:

“I want them to be confident in their ability and have a good season. I have urged all the players to consider themselves as future West Indies players as they are putting themselves in positions where performance is being judged... The overall team goal can be achieved if they hit their personal goals and targets.”

All in all, it was “… a really good off-season preparation,” Peters commented, before he

recognised the invaluable contributions of batting consultant Harishad Dixet, trainer Dominque Walters and physiotherapist Shian Ollivierre.

BlueChip leads in SVGCC Basketball

BlueChip Academy leads the fiveteam St. Vincent Community College Invitational Basketball Competition.

They, like Sports Sciences Ballers, are on 6 points from 3 matches but lead the pack with a superior goal difference, having accumulated a total of 158 baskets.

Sports Sciences Ballers have 102 baskets to their credit.

Playaz Academy has secured 3 points from two matches with 74 baskets in their favour. DASGS

are also on 3 points but from 3 matches and have recorded 69 baskets. DTVE Combined have not disturbed the points table after 3 matches and has scored 35 baskets.

Defending Champions BlueChip Academy and Sport Sciences Ballers remained unbeaten at the end of Day Four of the Competition.

BlueChip Academy outlasted Playaz Academy 63-33 in one of three matches played. Not much separated the teams in the early

stages with BlueChip Academy holding on to slim leads: 15-9 after the first quarter and 28- 21 at the mid-way point. The defending champions pulled away to sit comfortably: 45-27 and 6333 by the end of the next two periods. Keagan Hackshaw led the way for BlueChip Academy with 18 baskets and Marques Thomas added 15. Aquando Henry was the leading scorer for Playaz Academy with 15 baskets.

In another encounter, Sports Sciences Ballers easily defeated DTVE Combined 52-15. The interval scores read 16-2, 34-6, 44-9 before ending 52-15. Adrian Sam sunk 38 baskets for Sport Sciences Ballers. Match Three on Day Four ended in favor of DASGS over DTVE Combined 34-16. DASGS led 6-4, 14-4, 20-12 before completing the 3416 victory. Alex Chahda and Temal Gopaul scored 10 baskets each for DASGS while Gadiel Joseph was the spark for DTVE Combined with 13.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

BlueChip looks likely to make a successful defence of their SVGCC Basketball title.

Kenroy Peters, head coach, spoke of the preparation allowing for work with individual players.

Prison life horrifies teen

From Backpage.

in the future, at least in the capacity of a defendant,” the Magistrate warned.

John called the Deputy Principal to the stand and told him that the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has issued sentencing guidelines as to how to deal with offenders in Culzac’s age group, noting that a prison sentence was to be considered only as a last resort.

“He (Culzac) seemed to have learned his lesson, so I will reprimand and discharge him and place him on a bond, so he doesn’t come back before the Court in this capacity,” the Magistrate said.

Culzac was reprimanded and discharged on all the charges. He was also bonded for one year in the sum of $500, or six months in prison.

“I hope that you don’t come back before the Court again in that capacity,” the Magistrate warned Culzac before he left the dock.

The incident

Culzac was charged with entering the compound of the Central Leeward Secondary School as a trespasser with intent to intimidate; having an offensive weapon, without lawful excuse, to wit, a pair of scissors; assaulting Raffique Durham of Barrouallie with intent to commit an offense, to wit, wounding; and assaulting with intent to commit an offense, to wit, bodily harm.

All four offenses were committed at the School on February 2.

In presenting the facts, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel told the Court that on February 2, Raffique

Durham, the Deputy Principal, was in charge of the school as the Principal Michael Scott was absent.

The bell had just rung for lunch break when Durham was en route to the Principal’s office. While descending a flight of stairs towards the Form 1 section, he met Culzac at the bottom steps, dressed in a black t-shirt and blue jeans.

Durham asked him if he was a student of the school and Culzac said ‘no’. Durham then asked him to leave the compound but Culzac kept walking along the Form 1 corridor until he reached a ‘dead end’. Durham took a photograph of him with his cellular phone, and Culzac asked the Deputy Principal to delete it. He then walked towards Durham, pulled a pair of scissors from his pants back pocket , and threatened to stab the Deputy Principal.

Culzac swung the scissors several times at Durham, resulting in Durham having to back away

to avoid getting hurt. He also took up a chair and swung it several times at Durham.

Durham was able to escape and take refuge inside the Principal’s office from where he contacted the Barrouallie Police Station and reported the matter.

Police officers were dispatched and they were informed that Culzac was at this time outside the school compound. The police approached him and requested a search of his person to which he consented.

Nothing illegal was found on him, but he later took the police to an area behind a wooden shed where the pair of scissors was recovered from under some bushes.

Durham had told the Court on Monday after the facts were read, that after he went to the Principal’s office to contact the police, Culzac came towards the office and threatened to deal with him (Durham) in the road.

Friday, 9th February, 2024

Anglican Church

Belair

Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, 4th February, 2024

Chauncey Cemetery Viewing: 2:30 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

Saturday, 10th February, 2024

Anglican Church Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment:

MELFORD PATRICK

Saturday, 3rd February, 2024

Cathedral of the

Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment:

Monday, 5th February, 2024

Cheba

Evangelical Church

Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment:

Saturday, 3

February, 2024

Georgetown

Church Service: 1:00 p.m.

YVONNE JOHN

CLEMENT BAPTISTE

RUDOLPH MONTGOMERY POLLARD

WINSTON CURTIS HUTCHINSON

LENOX SEIGEFORD BROWNE

AI REAL ESTATE

Ratho Mill 10,186 sq.ft @ $35.00 p.s.f. - $355,510.00 - BB394

Twenty Hill 7,720 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $115,800.00 - BB676

Victoria Village 21,791 sq.ft. - $250,596.50 - BB402

Dumbarton 9,305 sq.ft @ $7.00 p.s.f. - $65,135.00 - BB214

(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431donp@vincysurf.comwhatsappcell

EC$1.50

PRISON LIFE HORRIFIES TEEN

by HAYDN HUGGINS

A TEENAGEoffender who tasted prison life for a brief period this week, told the Court on Wednesday that it was his worst experience ever.

Senior Magistrate Colin John had remanded 18-year-old Vennol Culzac for three days to experience the prison system, after Culzac appeared in Court on Monday on four charges in connection with an incident at the Central Leeward Secondary School, Peter’s Hope, Barrouallie, during which he brandished a sharp weapon

should

FIRE DESTROYS TWO DWELLING HOUSES

POLICEat the Questelles Police Station in the Central Division have opened an investigation into the circumstances that led to the destruction of two (2) wooden dwelling houses and their contents by fire, in the community of Questelles.

The fire took place on Saturday 3rd February 2024.

One of the houses destroyed was a 20x30 structure made from plywood and covered with galvanized sheeting. It was occupied by Jason Samuel, 29-year-old Truck Conductor of Questelles, his common-law wife, and their four (4) children.

The other house was a 10x15 plywood structure covered with galvanized sheeting. It was owned and occupied by Samuel’s brother, David Perry, a 44year-old Truck Conductor of the same address.

Neither Samuel not his brother was at home when the fire destroyed the houses.

The neighbours were alerted and used buckets of water in a failed attempt to put out the fire.

and threatened to stab the school’s Deputy Principal, Raffique Durham.

Culzac, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charges, following which Prosecutor Corlene Samuel read the facts.

The Court heard from the boy’s mother and the school’s Deputy Principal, after which John remanded the youngster until Wednesday, before making a decision on his fate.

“You will go to prison until Wednesday, and when you come back, you will tell me if you like round there (prison), so I can know if to send you back,” the Magistrate told the Central Leeward Secondary School Form 2 dropout.

At this point, Culzac asked the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court to allow him to stay at the ‘barracks’ (Central Police Station) until Wednesday, but

the Magistrate replied, “Barracks different”.

Reprimanded and discharged

On Culzac’s return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, the Magistrate asked him, “How was your stay?” to which Culzac replied, “It was the worst experience of my life, and I would not like to go back up there it’s not good.”

John told the youngster that it was a serious offense to go onto a school compound and disrespect the students and teachers and for that matter, he should never disrespect anyone.

“You have been taught a lesson. I hope that you learned a lesson. I hope that you don’t come before the Court

Continued on Page 27.

Once alerted, the police officers from the Questelles Police Station responded and assisted in trying to extinguish the fire.

Officers from the Fire Department later arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire.

Both families were relocated to the Questelles Learning Resource Centre.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined up to press time.

Members of the public who have information that can assist with the investigation are encouraged to call 999/911 or contact the Questelles Police Station at 1-784-456-1750. All calls will be treated confidentially. Investigations are ongoing.

Nothing of the original structures nor contents remained after this fire had engulfed two houses in Questelles. (Photo Credit: St. Vincent Times)

Senior Magistrate Colin John could well have been suggesting to Vennol Culzac (pictured) that he

learn from the proverb, “Once bitten, twice shy’.