THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 16-02-24

MOTHER OF SEVEN KILLED

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

FEBRUARY 14TH IS CONSIDERED the day of love (Valentine’s Day) but for one family, it is and will be from hereon in, a day of doom and gloom.

On Wednesday 14th, the bloody body of Carona Jennings, a 27-year-old vendor and mother of seven (7), was found in the yard of her Campden Park residence that she shared with some of her children and her partner, who fathered four of her children. Continued on Page

ONE-YEAR-OLD MURDERED: FAMILY CLEARS THE AIR

THE FAMILY OF THE ONE-YEAR-OLD GIRL, whose throat was slashed in Rose Hall, said that they are in a state of mourning but wanted to correct some information that has arisen since the child’s death.

The child was removed from her home and allegedly killed by a cousin on Saturday 10th February.

The family moved to make it clear that the suspect did not jump out a window as reported by some media houses.

No report to the police

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Joan Samuel, the child’s grandmother, said that she was not at home when the child was removed. She said that her daughter (the child’s mother) told her that she put the child to lie in a chair before going into the bedroom to change. When she returned, the child was gone.

Blood stains were noticeable (see arrows) in one of the two wooden structures on the compound.

Left: Tamisha Jennings, sister of the deceased, said her sister was a hard worker despite a slight physical impediment.

Carona Jennings, this country’s latest homicide victim, with one of her sons.

The house from which the child was taken.

Mother of seven killed

Continued from Frontpage.

Corona, who gave birth to a twin about three (3) months ago, was discovered lying face down in a pool of blood sometime between 10am and 11am by her eldest son, who had just returned from Kingstown.

Workers in the Campden Park Industrial area recalled seeing the son acting as if he was traumatized.

“He was shaking and acting strange after he discovered his mother and he took the two babies to someone by the sugar place, across from Alan’s Bakery,” one worker told THE VINCENTIAN after news spread about the discovery.

When this reporter visited the crime scene, he noticed a large blood stain in the yard between two structures that appear to be the combined dwelling places of the family.

Blood stains were also noticeable inside one of two houses that comprised the abode of the family. These stains led some of those on the scene to speculate that Corona possibly suffered her first attack inside the house.

Tamisha Jennings, a sister of the deceased, said that she was saddened by sister’s death but she has to stay strong for his sister’s children.

She said that she found out her sister was killed when her nephew (Corona’s eldest son) telephoned her.

“I was at work and he called me and tell me he has the two babies and his mother is in the yard lying down… he say Corona get chop up,” She related.

Tamisha said that Corona would usually tell her family about the physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her partner. “He always beating her, always cussing, they always fighting,” the sister disclosed, adding that she (Corona) did not express any concern recently.

She said that she does not know who killed her sister but she wants justice.

Corona, it was reported, sold snacks in Kingstown, particularly in front of Vee Jays Restaurant and Subway down town.

Tanisha last saw her sister about two weeks ago when she visited her following a visit to the clinic.

She described her sister as a hard worker.

“My sister walk with a limp because she foot was damage, still she work hard. She don’t deserve that,” said the sister as she fought back tears.

Tamisha said that she plans to take one of the twin babies while another sister will take responsibility for the other one. She also said that she will welcome support for the children.

The police have now launched an investigation into what is the seventh homicide for 2024, committed during the seventh week of the year.

One-year-old murdered: Family clears the air

Continued from Frontpage.

At least one (other) relative recalled seeing the accused leaving the house with the child. “He walk right in the house take the child and he walk back out,” reported the grandmother.

Reports are that the accused abducted the child, took him her to nearby area and slashed her throat.

He was arrested on Saturday night and taken to the Rose Hall Police Station where a mob of angry of residents turned up, forcing the police to fire warning shots and temporarily close the station.

“I don’t know if he was watching a devil movie or something. He bin done say he going kill the child, he bin announcing it all over Rose Hall,” said the grandmother.

Below: The bushy area some fifty yards away from the hious, where the dead child as found.

that the child’s father was not the young man who was very angry and proceeded to hit the accused man multiple times, before the police intervened and fired warning shots.

Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves visited the area on Sunday and promised to provide support to the family.

She said that her daughter was advised to report the matter to the police but she did not. “She na bin expect him to do that,” said Samuel.

Samuel related that it was on Sunday when, “… ah mine tell me … to go roun dey (where the dead child was found). When me go roun dey, me see one big long knife underneath de lemon tree and de knife handle had on blood.”

The police had gone to the same area on Saturday might but found nothing,

The child’s father

As for the “news’ about the child’s father, Samuel confirmed

She went as far as to provide the child’s birth certificate which showed the name of the child’s father and her birthday, December 9, 2022.

The grandmother went further to say the child father’s owns a business in Kingstown and was taking care of the child.

“De child father took care of the child from since she was in belly up to de time of her death. Me have some pampers that he even bought the other day,” said Samuel.

She said that she wanted to clear the air on that because of the claims people were making. She said that the man claiming to be the child father had a relationship with her daughter but he is not the child’s father.

A police report on the killing said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect stole a 1-year-old infant from her home and slashed her throat. The infant’s body was later discovered about 51 yards away from her home and pronounced deceased by a medical practitioner. The suspect is a close relative of the deceased.

The suspect is said to be undergoing both physical and psychological assessment

This is the second child/infant to have been allegedly killed by the hands of relatives.

In May 2023, a month-old infant was said to have been thrown to her death from an apartment building by an adult relative, who was said to mental health issues.

Fisherman freed of attempted murder

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

A UNION ISLANDfisherman and diver walked free from the High Court on Tuesday after being acquitted on charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, unlawful use of a firearm, and using a firearm to aid in the commission of the offense.

Caldwell Brown was on trial for the attempted murder of Anthony Franklyn, 28, also of Union Island, wounding Franklyn with intent, unlawfully discharging a firearm at Franklyn, and using a firearm with intent to commit the murder of Franklyn.

All four offenses were allegedly committed at Union Island on November 5, 2022, stemming from the same incident.

However, following a trial that lasted about a week, a nine-member jury found Brown not guilty on all counts, after deliberating for just over two hours.

Justice Richard Floyd presided over the matter which was heard at High Court 2.

The Crown’s case was that Brown and Franklyn had an infraction, and Brown shot him. Police officers who were on patrol in proximity to the scene, proceeded there and met Brown with a cutlass standing over Franklyn.

A medical report showed that Franklyn was diagnosed with a

gunshot wound to the chest. He was admitted to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for conservative management of chest trauma, secondary to a gunshot wound.

The firearm allegedly used to shoot Franklyn was never retrieved, and the projectile was never recovered from the complainant’s body.

According to the police, the accused told them that he shot Franklyn and threw the firearm into the sea.

Eleven .22 spent shells were found in the vicinity where the shooting was alleged to have occurred.

The accused did not take the stand or call any witnesses.

The defense’s case, led by attorney Grant Connell, denied any use of a firearm by his client, but admitted to the holding of a cutlass over Franklyn as an act of self-defense and warning, and that the accused had absolutely no intention to kill or even cause significant harm.

In his closing arguments, Connell said the investigations were incomplete. He pointed out that the only evidence to allege that his client used a firearm was from the complainant himself who told the Court that he looked back and saw the accused with what appeared to be a firearm, and he saw something sparking like a lighter, following which he saw the accused over him with what appeared to be a Glock

firearm, and the accused pulled the trigger, saying, “You lucky it empty”.

Connell said, “We don’t know if there was any nexus between the .22 shells recovered from the scene, and the projectile, because the projectile was never recovered from the body.

Connell noted that the accused had also made a report to the police, in relation to the same incident. He said the police entertained the report, medical forms were issued and returned, and the file was completed and submitted, but the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) instructed the police not to proceed.

“How could that be justice”? the

Caldwell Brown was acquitted on all (four) charges brought against him.

lawyer questioned rhetorically.

The crown’s case was led by Crown Counsel Alana Cumberbatch and Maria JacksonRichards.

GrandmotherÊs

home damaged

A ROSE HALLman is carded to return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on March 7, charged with damaging the property of the grandmother of the man suspected in the killing of a one-year-old baby girl around 7 p.m. last Saturday at Rose Hall.

Lenroy Robertson has been charged with damaging three 4x4 glass windows valued at EC$550 each, and one aluminum and glass door valued at EC$1,500, by chopping them with a cutlass, with intent to damage such property.

Ronald Marks. Meanwhile, up to press time Thursday no charges were laid in connection with the baby’s death.

THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that up to press time, the suspect was undergoing medical assessment, but the publication was unable to ascertain the nature of it, or where he was kept.

The property which is owned by Anesta Alexander, was reportedly damaged around 8.32 p.m. last Saturday.

THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that Robertson is not the father of the slain baby, as reported by some media outlets.

Robertson pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court this week and was granted $1,500 bail with one surety. He was represented by attorney

Police reports earlier stated that the suspect was apprehended, and was assisting the police with investigations into the infanticide.

Preliminary Investigations revealed that the suspect stole the infant from her home and slashed her throat. The body was later discovered about 51 yards from her home, and pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.

The crime scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and items of evidential value were collected, including the alleged instrument that was used to commit the offense.

Priest’s sex charges P.I. continues

WHEN the Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) into the rape and indecent case of Nigerian Roman Catholic Priest Kizito Igwebudul continues on March 7, the Prosecution is expected to continue evidence.

At the last hearing at the Family Court on February 8, the Court heard from the complainant who was ill when the P.I was scheduled to commence on January 25, resulting in the matter being adjourned to February 8.

The evidence of the formal witnesses is being taken by Paper

Nigerian Roman Catholic Priest Kizito

Committal Procedure, while the other witnesses are giving oral evidence from the stand.

Igwebudul has been charged with two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, allegedly committed against a teenage girl in the latter part of last year. He is represented by attorney Ronald Marks.

Lenroy Robertson appeared to have taken matters into his own hands.

Igwebudul.

Bans are coming

IT IS ANTICIPATED that sooner rather than soon, regulations will be introduced to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol at funerals, and cleaning fish at Buccament Bay.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is prepared to lead the move to have legislation introduced if this is what it will take to put an end to the disrespectful behavior in the case of alcohol sale and consumption at funerals, and the unsanitary practice in the case of cleaning fish at the Bay.

Gonsalves asserted, while being a guest on a ‘Morning Scoop’ episode on STAR Radio, “We are banning the practice of cleaning fish on the beach.”

Regarding the latter, as it applies to Buccament Bay, the location of Sandals, whose opening is imminent, Dr. Gonsalves convened a meeting last week with fishing boat owners, fisherfolk, vendors, and small business owners in Buccament Bay, to address pertinent matters that could impact their business operations.

The fishermen emphasized then that they were not responsible for performing the cleaning of fish. Customers that visit and purchase fish at the location often neglect to properly dispose of the fish guts, they just leave them there, they contended.

But even as he met with the interest groups in the area, Dr.

As for the sale and consumption of alcohol at funerals, the Prime Minister has already made known his disgust with the increasingly unruly attitude exhibited by certain mourners, and has committed to take action to restore order to the funeral process.

Dr. Gonsalves has been joined by many citizens in expressing

disgust with individuals consuming alcoholic beverages and engaging in exuberant behaviour reminiscent of a Carnival-like jump up, during what is meant to be a parade to honour and commemorate the life of an individual.

Towards putting an end to this “unruly behavior”, i.e. the use of alcoholic beverages during funeral processions and within cemeteries, legislative measures are anticipated to be introduced in parliament in the upcoming weeks.

Funerals in St. Vincent have become occasions for laughter, dancing and more.

A ban on cleaning fish in Buccament Bay (where Sandals is located) is expected soon.

Monitoring actions since Argyle

WASN’T IT WEwho hosted that dialogue (lots of fanfare) between Guyana and Venezuela that arrived at that 11-pount Argyle Declaration for Peace and Dialogue, to which the presidents of the respective countries affixed their ‘John Hancock’s’ (signatures)?

That Argyle Declaration could well be recorded in the annals of our history as having prevented a military action which if it unfolded, we would spend our lifetimes regretting.

Given our pivotal role, therefore, would it not be expected that we would keep and “extra eye’ to ensure that both parties adhere to the requirements of that Declaration?

Well here goes on that expectation, with a look-in on developments since Argyle, in the absence of any real followup concern by those CARICOM countries that made it their business to be up front and centre at Argyle.

As recent as last Friday, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd said that Guyana was paying attention to satellite pictures of Venezuela’s increasing expansion of its military presence near the border with Guyana.

That very day, the United Statesheadquartered Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published several satellite pictures apparently revealing that Venezuela was extending its military base at Ankoko Island and in the Punta Barima area about 43 miles from Guyana.

Should those acts by Venezuela be considered as indication that Venezuela is prepared to do one thing at home, while it postures an international front in terms of diplomacy?

Does this action by Venezuela lend credence to a suggestion that the Maduro-led administration is ‘two-faced’ in its commitment to resolve the decades-old dispute over the Essequibo region?

From reports, concerns about this military expansion was raised with Venezuela at the countries’ Joint Commission meeting, (a requirement) of the Argyle Declaration) held last month in Brasilia, Brazil. Did our Prime Minister make any mention of this concern?

If the military expansion is as Guyana claims, are we not to question Venezuela’s commitment to the 11-point Declaration for Peace and Dialogue?

Mind you, Venezuela, on the other hand, is on record as having registered deep concern about recent plans by Exon

to drill (for oil) in the sea off the disputed Essequibo region.

This, in all fairness, could be considered an act of provocation encouraged by Guyana, flying in the face of the Declaration, to which Venezuela might be justified in flexing its military muscle, under the argument that it showcases Guyana’s nonadherence to the Declaration’s tenet calling for desisting from any action that would upset the already tense equilibrium surrounding the Argyle exercise.

There is also, in late December, the diversion of the HMS Trent (a UK naval vessel) to Guyana in a show of support for that former British territory, to which Venezuela responded by mounting military exercises off its Caribbean coast.

With what appears, without any sound information to the contrary, to be provocative if not threatening actions, speak to an imbalance in responses by Guyana and Venezuela. One is left to speculate whether participation in the Argyle process represents the diplomatic carrot, while the provocative behavior acts as a stick to tilt negotiations in favour of one country over the other.

In the situation, which remains volatile regardless of what some CARICOM leaders would have us believe, attention to both the words and actions of both regimes should not be overlooked.

More specifically, Anacoco Island, Punta Barima, and likely other locations, stand out as areas to monitor, but Guyana must also be cautioned about ongoing military co-operation (exercises) with the USA.

Any escalatory behavior by either side creates opportunities for miscalculation and loss of control over events on the ground, and this is more concerning as far as Venezuela is concerned where the military needs to be placated for its pivotal role in maintaining a degree of stability in the country, from which its citizens continue to flee.

It must be that CARICOM has to police the process so as to ensure that both sides adhere to the agreement that the International Court of Justice would be the only mechanism used to resolve the dispute over the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, hat settled the land boundary with Venezuela.

All of what is discoursed here is done so mindful that the March meeting between Presidents Maduro and Ali fast approaches.

A different take on Minimum Wage

I CANNOT HELP but share my opinion on a question asked by one of your regular contributors to the newspaper a few weeks ago. The question was asked if anyone thinks the government officials listed in his compare and contrast were worth the income they are receiving. This might surprise some of you, but I do–every penny.

I do not think the best way to advocate for a higher pay level for those currently working for minimum wage for a more regular increase in their pay in SVG, is to attract those receiving reasonable compensation for their effort.

We must shift the conversation from a minimum wage discussion to a living wage. We must avoid confusing the living wage with the minimum wage. The latter is the lowest amount of money a worker can earn as mandated by law. In a high-performing economy, the minimum wage is usually reserved for apprenticeship periods and part-time workers.

Many among us, including me, argue that the minimum wage should be indexed to the cost of living and ultimately aligned to a living wage. The minimum wage does not provide enough income to survive as it doesn’t rise with inflation. We cannot rely on the government to increase the minimum wage every four or five years and think that is ok.

So, what is a living wage? A living wage is a socially acceptable level of income that provides adequate coverage for necessities such as food, shelter, child services, and healthcare. The easiest way to calculate our living wage at any time, according to international standards, is to allow for approximately 30% of your monthly earnings to cover your rent or mortgage.

Those who support the living wage concept argue that paying employees higher wages benefits the company. Employees who are satisfied with their salaries will become high performers on the job. This, in turn, allows companies to benefit from increased worker output and higher profits. The company will also experience a lower staff turnover rate, which is hardly a problem in SVG since most people spend their entire work career with one institution.

On the other hand, some people

argue that forcing companies to pay a living wage hurts the economy. Small businesses won’t be able to afford salaries and, therefore, go out of business or reduce the number of employees, thus creating higher unemployment. The government forcing the private sector to pay a set minimum wage takes the market forces out of the economy. Those willing to work for less than a prescribed “governmentset” minimum pay will be forced to work on contract, thus creating another problem for the employer and the government.

I know we are not quite ready to consider a living wage concept of pay. In the interim, I would like to propose something for the current and future governments to consider. It’s called “Earned Income Credit (EIC).” This is how the EIC will work. The government will continue to set the minimum wage. They will also calculate a living wage for the average family size, which I would put at four. They will then pay an annual EIC for everyone employed and file a tax return showing wages below the calculated living wage. For example, let’s assume a living wage for a family, my family of four, is $25,000. Everyone filing a tax return with wages below that level will not only not pay any taxes but will receive an EIC. I will leave it up to the government to decide how much they can afford. But I think it should not be less than $1,000 or five hundred dollars per child under eighteen.

I propose that we consider a phase implementation of the EIC as soon as possible. Making this happen in the short term may be difficult, but we must begin somewhere.

I also feel strongly that this economic stimulus will pay for itself. Because most, if not all, of the money in the hands of those working for less than a living wage would be spent on essential goods and services. Thus, increasing VAT tax collection and other sale-related taxes. Another unintended benefit of the EIC is it will force people into the system and out of the “shadow economy.” Thus, increasing the contribution to the NIS annually.

An unwarranted attack on KTB Warden

I LISTENED recently to an incompetent radio disc jockey who frequently makes hollow and foolish comments on matters about which he has little or no knowledge.

I am persuaded that the best and easiest way to get the facts about anything is to ask for it.

However, I was very disappointed when the Hon. Prime Minister recently used public radio to state that “shoulder can’t go above head”.

I followed the (KTB) Warden’s career before his active participation in politics, and I would put my head on the block that that thought was the furthest thing on his mind.

My investigation concerning the

memorandum sent by the Warden to a small minority of persons was related to the issue of debt relief dating several years back and up to the end of December 2023. The memorandum, I was advised, was sent to some specific persons who from the beginning of January 2024 voiced their refusal to pay the current daily and weekly fees. The memorandum was not sent to shop owners in Little Tokyo, Chinatown, the Bay Fore Shore, as well as the broad range of vendors, to advise them of the need to settle their outstanding balances. It was sent only to a very small number of vendors with stalls and vendors operating in Middle

Street.

Therefore, I would wish to state that since my investigation has brought clarity about the memorandum in question, a telephone call by others would have revealed the facts.

We are always too quick to condemn and very slow to offer praise. The current Warden of the Kingstown Board has done what many others could not do in the ongoing attempt to ‘clean up’ Kingstown. Did I hear any public statements of praise apart from a brief statement by his parliamentary representative in his budget presentation?

I know the Warden very well and I am aware that he never worries

about anything, especially when he knows he is on the right track.

I, therefore, say to you, my dear friend and former representative, that you should do whatever you have to do, especially since you are operating within the confines of the law and the policies and regulations that have been outlined to you for the performance of your duties.

On three occasions you swore to carry out your duties without fear or favour, so please continue that trend. I know you will be tested by some people who always want to do whatever they wish, but I urge you to stand firm in your decisions.

PM, itÊs time to step down

MR. EDITOR, I take off where Christian Democrat left off last week.

I write this with a heavy heart and hope that my sentiments get back to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

The escalating crime (already four homicides for the year not to mention the number of burglaries, wounding incidents) has left our communities feeling

insecure. The insecurity that has engulfed our communities is a matter of grave concern and I would want to think that the Prime Minister has come to and accepts that realization.

Then there are the daily struggles faced by a lot more people than we might think … those who do their best to manoeuvre through existences wrought by poverty, (some in abject

poverty) inequality and injustice. It seems that the overwhelming hope for SVG to develop so that the gains of that development are shared by all, is hindered or been redefined.

In light of these challenges, I believe it is time for Dr. Gonsalves to consider stepping down from his role as prime minister. I expect that he would want to reflect on a request of this nature.

Roads repairs not spread equally

THE EDITOR, I saw where you made mention in your editorial of two week ago, of some areas of our network that have been crying out for repairs, and if I read you correctly, it seems the communities concerned might have to continue crying.

From what I see, it has always been a battle to get the roads in Opposition constituencies fixed. There are some ‘opposition areas’ that have not been looked at, and God knows that they have not got a look-in from the ULP government for at least the last 15 and more years.

And worse, I recall a Minister of Works at the time threatening people if they took it upon themselves to fix certain roads, especially if the move was spearheaded by an Opposition member of parliament. I recall threats affecting some (self-help) work that was ready to be done in South Leeward.

I wonder if those in authority realise that the longer they allow

certain roads in this country to deteriorate, the money it will take to repair those roads?

Yes, there are road repair works going on all over the place but much of it is centred on the main roadways. What about the roads in residential areas like Cane Hall, Queens Drive, Cane Garden and even in areas of Redemption Sharpes which the government said it repaired some time ago?

The thing is that we all pay taxes, whether some of us pay income tax and others don’t, we all pay VAT and other duties and fees as citizens of this country. All citizens, rich and poor, should get an equal share of the national pie.

It’s time we give each man an equal share. We don’t want this situation to boil down to a question about who to bribe.

Granville Peters Kingstown

I would hope that in doing so he decides on doing the honourable thin, i.e. vacate the position, and so pave the way for new leadership that can bring fresh perspectives and solutions to our challenges. If Dr. Gonsalves is as committed to the people of this country as he says he is, then he would see the well-being of our nation and its citizens as being priority, and allow this country to set a new pathway for a brighter and secure future.

Thomas

Be fair to everyone who is doing business with the Kingstown Board to do not deviate. You have done great work in Kingstown and the majority of Vincentians at home and abroad commend you. You did what you had to do without fanfare and with profound humility.

Victor Findlay

NDP, take heed!

THE WAYI see things going, it is going to be really hard for the NDP to win the next election. You see, Mr. Editor, they have not convinced me that they can turn a 9 to 6 seats in favour of the ULP, into one in favour of themselves. If they couldn’t change an 8-7 seat in favour of the ULP into their favour, how on earth can you say with any confidence that they can change the present division of seats.

They lost the North Leeward seat by one vote. They couldn’t even keep their seven seats when the ULP had a one seat majority. I don’t think they can change a wider gap this time around.

We expect that they will name at least three new candidates for the next general elections. These will be for the North Leeward, Central Leeward and South Windward. They have already named the candidate for South Windward, so what are they waiting on to name the others? Are they waiting for the PM to announce the date for elections? They could well be caught with their pants down if they don’t get their house in order sooner than later.

(By the way, I would have liked to see Dr. Andrew Simmons as a candidate but perhaps, the NDP knows better.)

And if you ask me at this point in time, I don’t see them winning more than five seats, with them losing either the East Kingstown or the Central Leeward seat. The ULP will be returned as this country’s government whenever the elections are called if the NDP does not move quickly to revise their strategy, which seems to be a carbon copy of the one used in the last election.

Take heed, Mr. NDP, or you will end up in the opposition cemetery.

Charles, Edinboro

Communicative policing

ONE SOLUTIONthat should help the police better prevent and solve crimes is to provide them with adequate communication equipment. Modern policing depends on receiving and disseminating information. Consequently, they should be provided with the appropriate devices to facilitate this. The smart cell phone can be used to talk, take pictures, receive and send messages. It is quick and efficient.

Too many court cases are adjourned because one or more of the parties were not notified. Since most people have access to a cellphone, they can be notified via WhatsApp followed by a confirmation call.

Some suggested that satellite phones are superior because they would work even in remote areas.

Every law enforcement officer should have the appropriate electronic

device to aid their work. Police stations should have computers that should help with the general record keeping including taking, duplicating and transmission of information.

In too many cases, finance seems to be inhibiting progress. Police may use their personal devices until they are provided with official devices. They should be given an allowance in such cases.

Communities should adopt police stations in their areas and help them to acquire needed electronic equipment, one piece at a time. The work of law enforcement should be done without fear or favor. In this way confidence of the public will be gained and information will flow without inhibition and more crimes will be prevented and solved.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD.

Celebrate achievements of 795 students

THE ISSUE

ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2024, at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), 795 students who sat the 2023 Examinations for their CSEC, CAPE, and Associate Degrees each received their $500 incentive award for their commendable performances.

To be eligible for the award, the CSEC students have to get five passes (Grades I — III), including English A and Mathematics. The CAPE students are required to gain passes (Grades I — V) in at least 2 Two-Unit subjects as well as in the Single-Unit Communication Studies or Caribbean Studies in two consecutive years. Students in the various Associate Degree programmes are required to achieve at least a Grade “B” average; those in the Teacher Education programmes are required to get a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.75 – the approximate Grade Average of a “B”.’

The aggregate cost of the incentive for 2023 is $397,500. This is a relatively small sum out of the total payout of contributory NIS benefits in 2023 of $90 million.

This incentive programme has been in place for 19 years now, since 2005. The monies are paid from the National Insurance Services (NIS) as part of its social responsibility to noncontributors. Such a non-contributory social responsibility exists in all NIS entities in the Caribbean, and elsewhere, in one form or another.

Since 2005, the aggregate cost to the NIS is $6.7 million. This sum is intended to be netted from the National Provident Fund (NPF) portion of the NIS system to which contributions ceased to be made in 1987 when the NIS replaced the NPF. The simple actuarial fact is that, within seven-toeight years’ time when the potential recipients of the NPF benefits are likely to dwindle to zero, there would be an estimated $20 million to be transferred from the NPF pot of monies to the NIS system itself.

GENESIS OF THE $500 INCENTIVE PROGRAMME

As Comrade Ralph has repeatedly stated, he noted at the end of 2004 that the NPF account contained just over $54 million, and the interest payments to that Fund amounted to some $875,000 for that year. He noted, too, the relatively small annual payments to the NPF retirees/beneficiaries. Upon appropriate enquiry it was clear that a significant number of NPF contributors died without receiving contributory benefits either because they did not claim or that insufficient/inadequate documentation denied them their potential benefit.

Thus, the Comrade concluded that if Peter, Paul, and Mary died without receiving, for whatever reason, their benefits, it cannot be unreasonable if their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren receive a noncontributory incentive benefit through performance in their annual examinations.

In the earlier years of the incentive programme, the sum paid out annually was way below the interest earned on the capital sum at the NPF. Currently,

the incentive payments are more than the interest earned; in 2023, the interest amounted to over $100,000. At the end of 2023, the monies at the NPF account stood at over $30 million. The annual payout in 2023 to NPF contributory beneficiaries was $1.4 million, and declining as the beneficiaries die.

NDP INTRODUCED NON-CONTRIBUTORY BENEFIT AT NIS

The opposition NDP’s criticism of the non-contributory incentive benefit to the students is misplaced on several grounds; and it is hypocritical and opportunist. The simple fact is that in the late 1990s the NDP government introduced a Non-Contributory Aged Pension at the NIS to some 2,000 banana farmers, aged 66 and over, who were impoverished on account of their inability to meet the increasinglycompetitive requirements of the altered banana market regime in the United Kingdom consequent upon the UK’s entry into the European Single Market and Economy on January 1, 1993, and the subsequent challenges at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to the UK preferential market for our bananas.

The ULP government continued this commendable initiative from 2001 until the present time. Given the passage of time and the mortality of human beings, that original number of some 2000 has dwindled to just over 200 now. This non-contributory aged pension was fixed at $75 per fortnight; it so remains.

This reasonable question is to be asked: If it has been a commendable idea to pay impoverished farmers a non-contributory aged pension from the NIS on a fortnightly basis, how can it be wrong to pay a non-contributory incentive benefit to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of NPF contributors in the circumstances outlined above?

NIS: A GENEROUS INVESTMENT FOR WORKERS

There is no investment in SVG which provides a better and safer return to workers than the NIS. The lies and distortions by the Opposition NDP are demagogic, opportunist, antipeople, and anti-developmental. The NIS was generously designed for workers in two respects: Relatively low contribution rates; and generous benefits (pensions, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, disability benefits). Further, the ageing of the population and the maturation of the NIS mean that there are more pensioners for every contributor today than in the earlier years of the NIS. These are the fundamental facts of the NIS: the independent Actuary has so confirmed. It has been confirmed, too, that the NIS is actuarially sound. The NDP must stop its follies on the NIS.

SUMMATION

In all the circumstances, therefore, the payment of the non-contributory incentive benefit to the students is perfectly in order, and sound policy. Long may it continue!

Farmers and fisherfolk need more opportunities

PRIME MINISTER of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, is out of touch with the needs of the farmers and fisherfolk of this country.

The Prime Minister said that Sandals resort would not be purchasing produce from individual farmers and fisherfolk. Speaking on radio recently, Dr Gonsalves said that farmers and fisherfolk would have to ‘step up to the plate’ and come together if they wanted to sell to sandals. This is a shocking dereliction of his duty in failing to support farmers and fisherfolk.

President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Dr Godwin Friday said, “These comments show just how out of touch the Prime Minister is. He does not have a clue about what farmers and fisherfolk are going through in this country. Farmers and fisherfolk are working tirelessly and have been told by the government that there would be opportunities for them. The government should be working night and day to ensure local farmers, fisherfolk and businesses get the opportunity to sell to Sandals Resort, but they prefer to point fingers and blame others. Their lack of action to assist farmers and fisherfolk to position themselves to benefit from the new resort is a dereliction of duty. It shows they don’t care about the ordinary people.”

In his recent budget address, the Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves said, “New and lucrative opportunities abound for farmers and fishers, led by an increasingly vibrant private sector which has invested heavily in fisheries centres, restaurants and hotels.” But, what is the government doing to enable our people to benefit from any opportunities that come from hotel investments?

Commenting on the situation, Nigel Stephenson MP for South Leeward said, “Sandals hotel and other businesses can bring great opportunities for employment and for local businesses. But, the government has a vital role to facilitate this. This government, however, seems determined to ignore the opportunities and shirk its responsibility to act as a bridge between local businesses and the foreign investors so the local businesses could have access to the new opportunities. Instead, they are pointing fingers and making halfhearted promises. Next time they visit South Leeward, they must meet some of the farmers and fisherfolk and find out first-hand about their challenges and what they need to get ahead. And the government ministers must change their condescending attitude towards ordinary people and stop being so patronising when they talk about them.”

We need to level the playing field for local farmers and fisherfolk, we need to ensure they have access to market. The government should be working to ensure that local businesses can access these opportunities today, not some distant point in the future. An NDP government will prioritise this; we will create a National Agency to support the farmers and fisherfolk to receive market access, we will negotiate with businesses ahead of time to ensure they receive the same opportunities. Farmers can only compete if they can sell at a reasonable rate and competing against others on the same basis.

Developing SMEs

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) has totally lost sight of the needs of Vincentians. It has failed to stimulate the economy, so that Vincentians can start their own businesses. Further, there is too much red tape, which hinders the progress of starting a business. The World Bank shows that St Vincent and the Grenadines is ranked 130 among countries in the world for ease of doing business and setting up businesses. This country is far behind our regional neighbours.

The NDP believes that the private sector should be the lifeblood of our economy, which will deliver jobs and wages to create a better quality of life for Vincentians. The NDP will pay special attention to the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).There are significant benefits that can be achieved through entrepreneurship. These include, increasing the number of self-employed persons through the creation of quality jobs. This new work environment will produce new economic activities to increase the motivation and skills of the unemployed; to actively seek and create new employment opportunities within their own communities; to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth though all sectors of the national economy. This will lead to a reduction of poverty and the negative effects associated with poverty, and to empower people to trust in their own abilities and knowledge.

We will adopt measures from consultations with representative of organizations of employers and workers, to create and strengthen an enterprise culture, which favours initiatives, enterprise creation, productivity, environmental consciousness, quality, good labour, industrial relations, and adequate social practices which are equitable. We will engage in pursuing the development of entrepreneurial attitudes, through the system and programs of education, entrepreneurship and training linked to job creation needs and the attainment of economic growth and development, with particular emphasis being given to the importance of good labour relations and the multiple vocational and managerial skills needed by SMEs.

An NDP government will make it easier to set up businesses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We will start a review of business regulations that are slowing down or stopping new businesses from being established. The NDP will also establish the National Innovation Hub to promote entrepreneurship and new businesses. And, create a national innovation campus that will give new businesses a home to build and a platform for the future.

The NDP is committed to working to create an entrepreneur culture among Vincentians while developing the four pillars of the economy: agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the new economy. These initiatives will resuscitate the ailing economy of the country and address the unemployment crisis by creating more and better-paid jobs for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We fall down

“Being strong does not mean that you never fall down, but that whenever you fall, you get up again.” – Confucius (551 – 479 BC) – Chinese philosopher born Kong Qiu.

HISTORY IS REPLETEwith examples of individuals who stumbled and fell but resumed the pursuit of their noble dreams and ambitions. They realized that they had failed but were not failures. This becomes a useful and timely reminder that we are not perfect and will periodically fall down in relationships, politics, investments, work assignments, and so on. We fall down but we must be prepared to get back up and to try again. Failure is not final!

Falling is so very often accompanied by feelings of poor self-worth. The trauma could so easily destroy the lives and livelihoods of those who succumb to self-pity. However, as so often happens, there may be someone who comes alongside and provides the priceless words of encouragement. Others may be equally valuable when they provide a listening ear. In such cases, words need not be said. Being present could provide the required salving balm — the inspiration to learn from the experience and to try again at the game of life. We are forever grateful for individuals like these who become like winds beneath our wings, reminding us that our sails may be battered by the storms of life but that they can be repaired or replaced as we refocus to sail beyond the horizon. We may have failed but we are not failures.

Several examples readily come to mind as we reflect on the thoughts emerging from the preceding paragraph. Individuals who fell down but realized that failures can play a most valuable role in aiding a refocus and the revision of plans and approaches. Individuals who imbibe the wisdom of Henry Ford (1863-1947), the American industrialist and business magnate who noted that, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” He experienced failure while in his early 30s. In 1898 the young engineer designed and built a self-propelled vehicle that was the “talk of the town”. He then formed the Detroit Automobile Company in 1899. Two years later, in 1901, the company folded after it failed to repay a loan that it had secured from the Dodge brothers. Ford was not deterred. He convinced one of his partners to give him another chance. Designs were reviewed and improved. However, disagreements among the partners resulted in the abandonment of this effort. Following these two early failures, Ford was determined to try again. In 1903, at age 40, he incorporated the Ford Motor Company. His persistence paid off. He championed changes in the design and assembly of the automobiles and constantly sought to improve productivity and quality in manufacturing.

His early attempts failed miserably. However, the trauma of failing did not deflate him to the point where he gave up. He fell down but was determined to get back up … and he did. Today, the Ford name is synonymous with

automobile. Henry Ford now stands out as an example of someone who went from failure to success and shines as a beacon of hope to those who may be struggling to cope with life’s varied challenges. He provides hope to those who may fall on a personal, business, or political level. We may fall down but we do not have to stay down. We can learn from the failures and setbacks, regroup, refocus, and resume the efforts with a greater insight and a stronger determination.

Many readers and observers around the world marvel at the tremendous success that the British writer Joanne K. Rowling (born 1965) has experienced since writing the wildlypopular Harry Potter series of books. The popular series has sold over 600 million copies and has been translated into 84 languages. Her wealth is estimated to be between US$650 million and US$1 billion. Many fail to realize that she experienced a tremendous amount of trauma in her childhood as she sought to cope with a strained relationship with her father, and dealing with the illness of her mother.

In 1982, the Oxford University rejected the 17-year-old’s application to be enrolled in a Bachelor degree programme there. She subsequently applied to the University of Exeter where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in French and Classics. She was 25years-old when she commenced putting details together to write her first Harry Potter book.

She became pregnant early in her marriage and gave birth to a daughter in 1993. However, reports indicate that her marriage was tarnished by domestic abuse. The relationship disintegrated and culminated in divorce shortly thereafter. By this time, Rowling had completed the draft of three chapters of Harry Potter.

It is quite understandable that at this time she considered herself to be a major failure. She was diagnosed with clinical depression and considered to be suicidal. However, she persisted with the preparation of the Harry Potter manuscript and, in 1995, finished the manuscript for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Her trauma intensified as she then encountered the major obstacle created by the 12 major publishers as they rejected her book. However, Bloomsbury, a small literary house in London, accepted the challenge to publish her work. The book was published a year later. By 2004, Forbes reported that J.K. Rowling was the first author to become a billionaire through book writing.

Both examples remind us of the value of persistence; we can fall down but we do not have to stay down; we may fail but we are not failures. Life’s challenges can create chasms and detours as we pursue our noble dreams and ambitions. They may cause us to fall down … but they so very often have hidden value as they strengthen our resolve to do well even after we fall.

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

Deconstructing ULP’s ‘Big Things ah Gwan’ Babble

TO BABBLE IS TO TALK RAPIDLY and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way. PM Gonsalves and his clansmen have perfected this craft. They took this nonsense to a new level in their column, ‘ SVG Advancing as Never Before.’

One reads the piece and can’t help but scream, these jokers can’t be serious. On which distant planet do they reside? Are they in communion with the broad citizenry, or are they content to huddle with their dwindling band of supporters who say my party right or wrong or an even smaller sliver of the population who feed at the national trough and live it up at the expense of the rest of us?

In its survey of the national landscape, the party propagandist makes the following points:

i . The gross domestic product, or the aggregate value of all goods and services produced in a year, has grown more than three and a half times from 2001, when it assumed power, to 2023. It says we have grown from $800 million in 2001 to $2.8 billion. It also tells us more wealth has been created in SVG than ever before.

You can argue with numbers. But we can question them. We know the vast majority of our citizens have yet to see or benefit from the so-called wealth creation that has occurred. Proof of this assertion can be found by looking at the unemployment and poverty statistics. We have over 40 percent youth unemployment, and 4 out of ten Vincentians live in poverty.

ii. The party says that the nominal GDP has increased from $8,000 to $25,000 annually and that real income has more than doubled. Nominal GDP is not an accurate measurement of progress. The average person is far better off, ULP says. Seriously! Thousands of Vincentians go for an entire year without earning $800, much more $8,000 or $25,000. The ULP bigwigs and their local and foreign friends make far more than $25,000 each year, but the majority of the population eke out a living and find it increasingly difficult to keep body and soul together. GDP as a measurement of progress has long been discredited. Gonsalves and his clan need to wield and come again.

iii. Taxes on businesses have been reduced from 40 to 28 percent at the top, and at the bottom, personal income tax below $25,000 is tax-free. This tax reduction is significant for those at the top. However, employees at the bottom are continually squeezed. They spend most of their money on food and other basic purchases. Most Vincentians work for starvation wages and have to pay 16 percent VAT. These claims that they retain more of their income rings hollow.

iv. More persons are employed today than ever before. The official unemployment figures numbers have mostly stayed the same in the last two decades. Governments past and present tell us it’s just over 20 percent. There has been negligible growth in the population. So, what accounts for what the ULP says is employment growth from 30,000 in 2001 to 44,000

2023? How many of these persons are self-employed, small entrepreneurs? The roadside across SVG is littered with persons eking out a living with ice boxes and barbeque grills. Youth make up the majority of persons in SVG, and youth unemployment is more than 40 percent, so where is the growth the government brags about? Significantly, the party does not tell us our current unemployment rate. It does say, though, that unemployment is defined as persons 15 to 63 years old who can work, are looking for work, are prepared to work and cannot find work.

v. The ULP says that the Poverty level has fallen in SVG, and the war against poverty continues on all fronts. Just like with unemployment, the party refuses or fails to tell us the current poverty rate in SVG. In 2020, the government abandoned a poverty assessment report, which found that poverty consumed more than 38 percent of the population. It also discovered that there were deep pockets of poverty in every constituency. This revelation represented a drastic deterioration from previous assessments where only North Windward and the Barrouallie were identified as deeply povertystricken. Gonsalves and his clansmen said that the poverty assessment needed to be peer-reviewed. Camillo Gonsalves said it was compromised and, therefore, had to be scrapped.

vi. The party says that SVG has moved from a country with a medium level of development in 2001 to a high level of human development by 2023. One can only guess that foreign assessors look at the quality of our housing stock and the number of vehicles on the road. They need to check with the banks and credit unions to see the high number of homes that have been repossessed for non-payment of loans. They must also peruse the court docket for those persons brought there for nonpayment of small loans from Quick Cash, Fast Cash, Courts, Singer and other institutions. Without easier access to credit, the ULP claims of a ‘massive uplift’ in our people’s material life and living will plummet.

vii. ULP Says SVG is on the road to an economic recovery. This new view is a revision of its 2011 rhetoric that the country was on the ‘cusp of an economic takeoff.’ If there is an economic recovery, most citizens neither see nor feel it. With a projected growth rate of 5.5 percent in 2024, there is little or nothing for Vincentians to shout about. Sandals is ecstatic. Aacon laughs to the bank with the windfall from dredging our sand for ‘peanuts.’ Reynu is orgasmic, while Gonsalves and his clanmen remain jubilant. But as Brother Ebony reminds us, most citizens ain’t have nothing at all.

It is clear that damn fool ah tark, but nah damn fool ah listen.

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

From farming boots to hotel Sandals

IJOINEDthe programme

late on Sunday where the Prime Minister was on Radio WE FM, so I am not aware of what had been discussed before.

However, my interest was drawn when I heard the Prime Minister informing his hosts that Sandals was going to employ 900 workers and he said that if “four mouths eat a bread” that was 3600 to make the point of the spreading benefit of the employment opportunity. There was a satisfied chuckle after he had made that point.

That reminded me of a point that I have been making for several years, that is, when the ULP administration did not address with maturity the issues that had been affecting the Banana Industry, they in fact had negatively impacted the welfare of not only the 8000 farmers but also the 40,000 farm workers and the several hundred truckers and footmen, who were assured of regular weekly income while they operated from their home bases.

The ULP, led by Dr. Gonsalves had proved themselves to be distinctly untrustworthy to the promises they had made to the people of this country in 2001. They had then sincerely promised that they were going to fortify the Banana Industry; they were going to pay serious attention to the feeder roads.

Where is the Banana Industry today and what is the condition of our feeder roads? The reality represents quite likely, the most traitorous betrayal of a people by its government ever seen in the Caribbean.

The abandonment of our agriculture by our present-day politicians is at the root of the malaise of the crippling economic circumstances burdening us today.

I find it amazing that in his Christmas message of 2022, Mr. Gonsalves, Prime Minister, could have drawn our attention to the fact that too many of our citizens were walking around with agony on their faces betraying the harshness of their circumstances. He even promised, that 2023 was going to be the Season of RESPAIR. The voice of a realist! He invited everybody to play a part in that noble exercise. However, I have not as yet seen any evidence that a discernible plan had been put in place to effect this noble intent/proclamation. Yet, today he has the nerve to be saying that this country is doing well under his leadership.

Maybe he can be excused on the basis of his aging, for the noticeable inconsistencies, but it should be drawn to the notice of those who have been identifiable as significant players in

this society, that they will be held accountable for any “difficulties” this society might experience if they are found to have been indifferent to the evidence of mismanagement by Dr. Gonsalves. The sad realities in the world around us, should be sufficient to inform them, that there is the potential for serious societal disruptions if certain situations are not sincerely addressed with urgency.

I am appealing to the ODD, the Unions, the Chamber of Commerce, the Church organizations, and all those who identified with the socioeconomic activities that resulted in the replacement of the NDP with the ULP, to use their influence to correct the sad situation our nation now finds itself in. This crippling “Uelpation” has retarded us!

One is induced by the slogan “R for Ralph, R for Retrogression”. Some sociologists are suggesting that Mr. Gonsalves’s ‘dressing-down’ of some under-ling in the Town Board recently, is testimony that he is not quite happy with the state of affairs of his state, and the premonition that he will leave behind quite a number of unfinished tasks, despite his seemingly passionate pleas over the years — “Don’t let me leave behind an unfinished task”.

What will historians say? What will be the predominant element captured in a comprehensive lucid documentation of his legacy permeating his stint as the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

LeRoy Providence

Bananas, once assured of regular weekly income for a myriad of people at different levels in the society.

Resorts are now being billed as the panacea for economic sustainability.

NATIONAL FIREARMS AMNESTY 2024

Montano rekindles faith in calypso

MACHEL MONTANO, dubbed the soca king of the world, is now the Calypso Monarch of socacrazy Trinidad and Tobago.

Marrying tradition with modernity in a number entitled “Soul of Calypso”, and giving a performance exuding cultural pride, musical prowess and stagecraft of the highest order, he wooed not only the hundreds of enthusiasts who had turned out for the Calypso Monarch Competition on the night of Sunday, 11th February, but also the judges, making their choice a popular one, and thereby preventing any attack on their integrity that seemed to have become something of a regular practice.

One news agency reported that ‘his performance had the audience …. on their feet throughout, (and) was arguably the most memorable, energetic

Montano’s performance last Sunday was a demonstration of how easy it is to fuse soca and calypso, something he has tried to uphold in some of his recent work.

It was a showcase of a live and living example of blending tradition with innovation. His enrollment in a Carnival Studies Programme at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) may have, as he admitted, deepened his discovery and understanding of calypso’s roots, and inspired his “Soul of Calypso”.

Invitation to soca artistes

In the process of winning the Calypso Monarch title, he becomes the first to win his country’s Calypso Monarch, Soca Monarch, Road March, and Young Kings title.

Winston Bailey, “The Mighty Shadow” was the first to win the three major Carnival titlesCalypso Monarch, the Road March and the Soca Monarch.

The major part of Montano’s presentation featured him in typical calypso mode and appropriate garb.

Buoyed by his recent accomplishment of having successfully married calypso and soca, Montano extended an invitation to fellow soca artistes, to participate in the calypso arena.

Will he defend his Calypso crown? Machel Montano says he will defend his Calypso Monarch crown in 2025.

And one feels encouraged that Machel will cause a return to calypso by many enthusiasts and even calypsonians, who had become despondent with the turn in the art form. In the words of one potential returnee, “he has rekindled faith in the calypso.”

Running second to

Montano in the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch Competition was 2011 winner Karene Asche, who was followed by Roderick “Chuck” Gordon, who won back-toback titles in 2014 and 2015.

Mical Teja, who performed his “DNA, which was adjudged the 2024 Road March, placed fourth.

Former Monarchs Helon Francis, Kurt Allen, and Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters finished fifth, eighth, and tenth respectively.

Peters’ participation in

both the Calypso Monarch and Extempo (which he won) Competitions drew wide criticism, this predicated on the basis that he is Chairman of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago.

and highly anticipated in the competition in recent memory.”

Marrying soca and calypso

Montano, a ten-time Road March champion and six-time Soca Monarch of the twinisland republic, and with two previous appearances in the Calypso Monarch Competition (1986 at 11 years and 1991 at 16 years), now stands not only as the “head of the feting class” but also as a beacon for the preservation and growth of calypso, the birth mother of soca. His victory bears testimony that calypso and soca are one and the same thing, with one being the root of the other, and he has given a new meaning to the importance of respecting (our) cultural roots while pursuing innovation.

Caribbean integration: the musical fashion

THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES POLICE BAND deepened Caribbean integration with its participation in the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Grenada’s Independence, marked by a Parade at Grenada’s National Stadium, Independence Day February 8.

A 26-member delegation, led by Inspector Vaughn Miller, returned home last weekend from the Spice isle.

They included two lead trumpeters, three female second trumpeters, three tenor saxophonists, three alto saxophonists, three trombonists, two low bass tubas, one high bass euphonium, four side drummers, one bass drummer, a cymbalist, and Drum Major Omario Thomas.

Inspector Miller praised Thomas. “He did a wonderful job. I’m happy with his performance,” Miller told THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Miller said the Vincentian

musicians, whom he described as “energetic,” were “well-received” by the audience, some of whom were Vincentian nationals living in Grenada.

“The people showed warmth and appreciation,” Miller confided. “We were happy to be there as ambassadors for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band, and also for the rest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Vincentians merged with their Grenadian counterparts in a live road procession after the parade. Their rendition of Grenadian original numbers, including ‘Put Jab jab on my tombstone’, was well received by the Grenadians.

It wasn’t only a musical escapade for the Vincentians only. They were given an Island tour and feted with a picnic.

Miller is impressed by the patriotism of the Grenadian people. He noted the promptness with which they stand for their

national anthem and the pride their display on hearing it played.

The Vincentians left such an impression that they have been invited for the 51st anniversary. Before that however, the bonds of regional unity will grow when the Grenadian Police Band comes to SVG for the 45th Independence Anniversary ceremony scheduled for October 27, 2004.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Health Minister Jimmy Prince and Foreign Affairs Minister Keisal Peters formed the official government delegation to Grenada’s Golden Anniversary of its Independence. (WKA)

Inspector Vaughn Miller, Band Master of the RSVG Police Force band, was in high praise of the hospitality accorded his delegation by Grenadians.

Machel Montano was dubbed the ‘head of the feting class’ now he heads the ‘class of Calypsonians’.

OIL SPILL IN TOBAGO: Southern Caribbean beware!

AT LEAST 15 KILOMETERS of coastline have been affected in Tobago as emergency workers scramble to clean up a massive oil spill after a mystery vessel ran aground near the Caribbean island, around 7:20am on Wednesday, 7th February.

The official report stated a 300ft-long vessel — Gulfstream — was found overturned and leaking an oil-like substance. It is reported to have capsized some 200 metres off the coast of the Cove Eco Industrial Park, located in the island’s southwestern peninsula, and was dragged shoreward by currents.

It carried an unidentified flag and made no emergency calls. When discovered, it had no sign of life on board

and its cargo consisted of sand and wood. Authorities were poised to declare a national emergency, Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, told reporters on Saturday, after Government officials had reported that the spill had damaged a reef and Atlantic beaches, boding ill for the island’s resorts and hotels, the lifeline of the local economy during Carnival season.

A massive clean-up exercise, involving various groups and agencies, is ongoing in an attempt to contain and eradicate the spill.

Containment is as important as the eventual eradication since, according to a reliable/knowledgeable source, “the islands of

the Southern Windwards need to be aware of and prepared for possible contamination of beaches and marine assets, especially on the windward side of the island.”

Chamber chides Coast Guard

Meanwhile, Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce president Curtis Williams said the chamber’s members were disturbed by the extent of the spill. He lamented that, “Tobago was not in a position of readiness in terms of the Coast Guard, the national organisation being able to assist at a moment’s notice.”

He continued, “We’ve seen that a private vessel had to come out there and lend assistance to

Kick ‘em Jenny returns to normal

AFTER DAYS OF EARTHQUAKE

ACTIVITIES, the underwater volcano off the coast of Grenada, Kick ‘em Jenny, has returned to normal.

It was on Friday, 9th February that officials in Grenada informed of ‘increased activities’ at the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano. The activities were said to have begun around 11:14pm.

Whatever the degree to which the activities have subsided, The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center (UWI SRC) said the alert level remains at YELLOW and the situation will be monitored continuously.

The UWI SRC said it recorded 3,400 seismic activities/tremors since they began on Friday, with the largest measuring 3.3 on the Richter Scale on

Saturday.

“Since 3:00 a.m., on Sunday, 11th February, the activity subsided in magnitude and frequency and has returned to normal levels,” it said in its latest advisory late Monday.

“It should be noted that at this time, the level of activity at the Kick ‘em Jenny Submarine Volcano may either increase, decrease, or remain at normal readings. Additionally, activity levels can fluctuate,” the advisory added.

The UWI SRC said it will continue to monitor the situation around the clock and assured that the latest heightened activity at Kick ‘em Jenny did not constitute an eruption.

“The four (4) fully functional seismic stations in the north of Grenada continue to provide data on the

TEMA (Tobago Emergency Management Agency) and other agencies, private divers. We not seeing the Coast Guard being able to respond in any timely manner and get certain things done. So, we were moved by that delay in response because this falls under national security in terms of the response of the services of the Coast Guard.”

Williams said chamber members were taken aback by this.

“We further learnt that the Coast Guard was lacking resources in Tobago. No vessels, no vehicles.”

A national disaster.

He echoed Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s view that the oil spill was a national disaster, saying Tobago needed the support of the national community to help rehabilitate the island.

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association president, Alpha Lorde, meanwhile, said the oil spill has far-reaching implications for both the environment and economy.

“But largely, it will become an economic issue not just for the tourism stakeholders but anybody whose livelihood depends on the water,” he said.

“There are a lot of fisherfolk who, I think,

will be affected and their economic loss also cannot go unnoticed.”

Lorde said many people were surprised by the magnitude of the spill.

He is grateful, though, that none of the popular beaches, particularly in the western part of the island, have been affected or closed.

“But again, we still have to look at the

environmental impact largely and that is to be assessed.

I think the important thing now is getting the clean up as quickly as possible and I think all of the agencies have to work together on that.”

Lorde said members are willing to volunteer their time and resources if called upon. (Source: News 18, Newsday.co.tt)

activities at Kick ‘em Jenny on a twenty-four-hour basis,” the UWI SRC said.

The UWI SRC also advised, “The alert level for Kick ‘em-Jenny remains at YELLOW. This means that all marine interests should continue to maintain the exclusion zone of 1.5 km.”

Kick ‘em-Jenny is located about 8 km north of Grenada and is the only known ‘live’ underwater volcano in the Eastern Caribbean. It was

until an eruption in 1939 produced an ash cloud that rose 900 feet above the ocean surface. The eruption also produced a series of small tsunamis. Since then, it has erupted 14 times with the last one taking place on April 29, 2017.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) here has assured that the activities associated with Kick ‘em Jenny are in no way related to our La Soufrière volcano.

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Oil spill in Tobago. Disaster could worsen. (Getty Images)

The area of Kick ‘em Jenny that showed some activity beginning last Friday.

Cleanup efforts underway at Scarborough.

Workers removed oil-stained sand from Canoe Bay, Tobago.

Customs and Excise recognises Brenton Bailey

AS PART OF ITS WEEK OF ACTIVITIES (Jan. 22 to Jan. 27) to mark International Customs Day 2004 (Jan. 26), the Customs and Excise Department paid tribute to past Comptrolle of Customs Brenton bailey, during a staff dinner held on jan. 27.

The following is a citation delivered at that dinner:

Brenton Bailey Former Comptroller of Customs: Dedicated Leader, Visionary and Legacy Builder

Mr. Brenton Bailey was born in St. Vincent and grew up in Sion Hill, a village on the outskirts of Kingstown. Bailey began his first duties at Customs on 16th April 1968. His first posting was in the long room, where he was riented in cash collections, checking entries, etc. Over the years, Brenton worked in all areas of the Customs Department except in the Grenadines. During his tenure at Customs, he propelled his

way to Comptroller, and served in that post from 1988 but was appointed officially in 1990.

This year’s International Customs Day celebration was an opportunity for the department to show appreciation to Mr. Brenton Bailey, who performed a pivotal role in the development of the Customs Administration through his display of great organizational ability. From inception, he was instrumental in setting up a new records room. He would often represent the Customs & Excise Department at CARICOM meetings, negotiating on pertinent Customs and Trade matters.

Mr. Bailey introduced the Valuation Branch and the Central Services Section to SVG Customs. He also introduced the short entry system at the post office and other customs areas–all crucial landmarks in the Customs organization today.

Mr. Bailey’s punctuality was

exemplary. He also had a practice as Comptroller to work late at night but would habitually show up for work by 7:45 am the next day.

Over and beyond that, his strong qualities are his loyalty, dedication, and commitment to his work, resulting in his outstanding department management during his tenure. He stated, “I have been an honest and conscientious worker, and these qualities have enabled me to manage the Customs and Excise in such a manner as to achieve the goal of maximum revenue collection.”

Mr Bailey took early retirement in 2003, ending the career of a man who was Comptroller of Customs, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, General Manager of Housing & land Development Corporation and Music consultant for the Ministry of Education.

Mr Bailey continues to be a vital and productive community member, dedicating his time and passions to various activities, including Church and music.

The management and staff

of the Customs and Excise Department are pleased to show our appreciation to Mr. Brenton Bailey, a dedicated leader, visionary and legacy builder in Customs Administration.

Brenton Bailey (left) is presented with a plaque of recognition/appreciation by current Comptroller of Customs and Exercise Selwyn Da Silva.

V Toastmasters Area 16 –Speech Contest

TOASTMASTERS

in Area 16 gathered together on February 11, 2024, for the highly anticipated Annual Speech Contests, hosted virtually. Area Director Shernell Hadaway, TC5, this year’s event showcased the theme “We are soaring to new heights,” setting the stage for an inspiring display of communication and leadership prowess.

Area 16, home to three distinguished clubs — Achievers

Toastmasters Club, Creative Thinkers

Toastmasters Club, and Imperial Champions Toastmasters Club — witnessed the participation of seven talented contestants across four exciting categories: International, Humorous, Evaluation, and Table Topics.

Toastmaster Keisha Johnson claimed victory in the International Speech Contest with her compelling presentation titled “Praise Him.”

Meanwhile.

Distinguished Toastmaster St Clair Stapleton delighted the audience and took the judges’ nod in the Humorous Speech Contest.

Toastmaster Janeel King earned double accolades securing the judges’ favour in both the Evaluation Speech Contest and Table Topics Speech Contest.

The three champions will now advance to represent Area 16 in the Division C Speech Contest, scheduled to take place on March 16, 2024, via Zoom. From there, they will vie for top honors in the Caribbean District 81 Speech Contest, slated

St. Clair Stapleton –

Humorous Speech.

for May 2024 in Trinidad and Tobago. Area Director in the vote of thanks reinforced the mantra of “Soaring to New Heights” and emphasized the importance of lifting others with them.

(Source: Toastmasters)

Janeel King –Evaluation Speech and Table Topics Speech winner.

Keisha JohnsonInternational Speech winner.

winner of the

Flow opens upgraded corporate offices

(Editor’s Note: The following is a Media release from FLOW. It is carried verbatim)

FLOW, the leading telecommunications provider, recently celebrated the grand opening of its newly remodeled corporate offices at Arnos Vale.

The occasion was commemorated with a ribboncutting ceremony which took place last month, marking a significant milestone for the company.

While the retail store remains at its current location on Halifax Street, all employees who previously utilized the offices there have now been relocated to Arnos Vale.

Leroy “Zakie” Isaacs, the longest-serving employee at Flow, had the honor of cutting the ribbon alongside Wayne Hull, Country Manager, and Waldo Hooker, Vice President, South Caribbean, C&W Communications. The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of Dr. Rev. Cecil Richards, who blessed the newly renovated building.

“The opening of our remodeled corporate offices represents our ongoing commitment to our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. This modernized space reflects our dedication to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in operational efficiency and service delivery,” said Hull.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was a momentous occasion, punctuated with an exciting round of fireworks. The night’s festivities continued with the honoring of outstanding employees and long-service awards.

“We are excited to continue serving St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the highest quality of telecommunications services, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnerships and connections as we embark on this new chapter in our company’s storied history,” added Hull.

Secondary Schools’ ART competition launched

YOULOU ARTS FOUNDATION (YAF)

has launched the first ever visual arts competition for secondary school children between the ages of 12 and 16.

The hope is that it will become an annual event.

Sponsored by St. Vincent Co-operative Bank Ltd., St. Hill Insurance and the Theo Saunders Shop, the competition is being conducted under the theme “Caribbean Cultural Patterns”.

According to YAF, submissions/paintings are to be no more than 11” by 15’ and will be assessed for creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and proper use of medium.

The deadline for submissions is May 12, 2024 and students interested in entering the competition should let their art teacher know. All work must be submitted through the art teacher.

Winners will be announced in September. There will be a first prize of $500.00, $400.00 for the second place, $300.00 for third and $100.00 each for two honourable mention prizes.

In addition, work from the competition will be featured at the Youlou Art Gallery during the months of October and November.

A media release from YAF said that the competition is in keeping with the Foundation’s intent to help to nurture the creative spirit in children.

“The aim of the art competition is to empower children to create, and to feel free to pursue artistic freedom. Fostering artistic possibilities at an early age is very important,” the Foundation said in a release, adding that the mission of Youlou Arts Foundation is to bring attention to the visual arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For more information call the Youlou Art Centre: 457 4493, WhatsApp: 497 7811 or email: youlouartcentre@gmail.com

Leroy “Zakie” Isaacs, in the company of Wayne Hull, Country Manager (left), and Waldo Hooker, Vice President, South Caribbean, C&W Communications, cuts the ribbon to officially declare the upgraded offices open.

You deserve the truth

Dear George,

MY LANDLORD gave me notice to leave his house due to non-payment of rent for six months.  Things have been very hard with me.

I explained my situation to my girlfriend for the first time recently, and she told me not to worry. She said she will talk to him.

George, my landlord came to my house on the day I was supposed to get out and told me I’m lucky; that my girlfriend had settled with him which meant the eviction notice was voided.

When I asked my girlfriend what she had done, she just shrugged and told me not to worry about it. I know my girlfriend does not have the kind of money to come up with $4200 just like. Yes, I’m happy the situation is fixed but I still think I have the right to know how she fixed it. Don’t you agree?

Very Curious

Dear Very Curious,

Based on the amount of money and your girlfriend’s financial situation, I would say you deserve a better explanation.

Being totally open in a relationship is a good practice and can only improve the overall health of the relationship. Being secretive can result in doubt and suspicion which can only cloud the relationship.

Revisit the matter with her and if she insists on still being tight lipped then you are left to conclude that there is more in the mortar besides the pestle.

George

Children not mine?

Dear George,

FOR THE sixteen years

we have been married, I trusted my wife with my life. We have two children from the marriage. Now, after all that time I am finding out that the children are not mine. My wife denies the accusation but yet is unwilling to agree to have a DNA test conducted.

The man whose name is called as the father of the children is married and lives two houses down from us. I know his wife very well and this development I know

would crush her and could most likely end that marriage, but I simply do not care. I gave my wife two weeks to come clean or face the consequences which I have not told her.

I am having dark thoughts. I cannot think very clearly at all and my thoughts are screaming in my head.

Feeling Empty.

Dear Feeling Empty,

As it is, you have no concrete proof of the accusation levelled against her. You said you had no reason to

distrust her, all the more reason why you need to maintain a level head.

Insist on getting a paternity test out of the way. That will help you to make an informed decision. Getting all fired up emotionally and making rash moves will not help your cause. Let the facts do the talking and that way you will be spared from making unforced errors.

In the meantime, it will help to speak with a marriage counsellor so that you can keep your thoughts organized.

George.

Unfulfilled promises

Dear George,

MY HUSBANDmade all sorts of grandiose promises, e.g. to take me on a honeymoon cruise and to get me an upgrade to the car I now drive. It has been a few years since and I am still waiting but all I get are excuses after excuses.

I know times are hard but I am not convinced he is trying hard enough. There are two couples, friends of ours, who got married after us and they went on honeymoon cruises. They work for less money than my husband so I fail to see what his issue is.

It is somewhat embarrassing to me because I have bragged about it. I bragged because I had faith in my husband and trusted that he would keep his word.

I am beginning to wonder how interested he is in making me happy.

I think I deserve better. Not Happy.

Dear Not Happy,

What I will tell you is, your husband deserves the benefit of the doubt.

You admitted that times are hard but yet your expectations remain the same. This is the time your husband would need your full understanding and support. It could be that he already feels badly for not being able to follow through on his promises and the last thing he would need is a nagging reminder of his failure.

Quit comparing notes with others and focus on helping your husband to navigate his way through these trying times.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Look into ways that you can make extra cash. Concentrate on spending quality time with children. Time spent with family, children, or good friends will be regenerating and positive. Your questions will help you ferret out secret information.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting. You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with this week. Losses are likely if you aren't careful where you leave your valuables. For best results get out of the office and do your job en route.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. Think of joining a health club that will benefit your physical appearance. Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed. Your leadership qualities will come in handy. If you can get away for a vacation, do so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Talk to people who can give you important knowledge. You are likely to be left alone if you aren't willing to bend just a little. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Do your own thing. Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. You'll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Uncertainties about your home may cause tension. Changes in your home will be positive. You may find that you're being used. Outdoor sports events should entice you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Relationships will be erratic this week. You will have to be careful not to let others find out about your intentions. You would be best to work late in order to avoid such disharmony. You should be looking into making changes around the house.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship. You will have extra energy; put it to good use. First find out if they're married.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Financial gains can be made through wise investments. The personal problems you may be having are interfering with your productivity. Do something that will be stimulating and creative. Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged. Don't let your partner start any arguments. Passion should be redirected positively. Someone you care about may not be too well. Travel could include delays and other minor problems.

ACROSS

1. Mower

7. They provide phone service, briefly

13. Pink Floyd epic

15. Trusting

16. Change a name

17. More polished

18. Airport-counter tenant

19. Commit to flames

21. Relating to a state where conditions are very bad

23. They might give you a jump-start: Abbr.

24. They open Windows

25. Cloth for overalls

27. Electromagnetic energy units

30. Insurance-contract word

31. Warren resident

32. Connect

33. Donut-shape

34. Scanned

35. Put in

36. Meek

37. Plumeria product

38. Equal dimensionally

43. Crush

47. Designed to minimize drag

48. Wanderer

49. Immutable

51. Cooks up

52. Boat race

53. Sections of Psalms

54. Diana and Betsy DOWN

1. Pricey string instr.

2. Malibu or ‘Vette

3. Mountain monsters

4. Typical O. Henry ending

5. Sou’wester, e.g

6. Oval-shaped figure

7. Arctic ___

8. Where Yanks met Ivans

9. Ananias, e.g.

10. Palestinian of old

11. Statistics test term

12. Small rivers

14. Not tough

15. Architectural remnants

20. Autos

22. Made a higher offer

25. Gull

26. Time chunks

27. Leisurely exercise

28. Sign of things to come

29. What an orchestra tunes to

30. Outer border

32. Less likely

33. City of Israel

34. Town with a leaning tower

36. What 34 down does

39. Lipinski and Reid

40. Budget items

41. Infuriated

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

42. Pepsi and Coke, but not 7UP

44. Funds for later yrs.

45. Kind of crime

46. Isabel Allende’s “___ of My Soul”

50. Something inflatable

Fraser bewildered at SVGFF decisions

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE for the upcoming elections of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF)Marvin Fraser, sees a deliberate move to disenfranchise three clubs, and so affect his chances

at the March 21, 2024, Elective Congress of the organisation. In responding via email to Feb. 12, 2024 release from General Secretary of the SVGFF- Devron Poyer, Fraser registered his bewilderment caused by “..an email at this stage of the electoral proceedings ,: and noted that Roseans FC, System 3 and United Strikers FC, are “not allowed to participate in the upcoming Congress as members”.

In support of this, the General Secretary referenced Articles 13.2, 16.a, 16.f, and 26.1, of the SVGFF Constitution that refer to admission,

members’ obligation, and delegates and votes, respectively.

Fraser though counteracted by referring to article 79.7 of the newly adopted statutes, to wit: “..the SVGFF shall have one year as from the adoption of the statutes, to ensure that the electoral Code and the new Club licensing Regulations, the League Licensing Regulations, the new Competitions Regulations as well as any other Regulations mentioned in the statutes are brought in line with the provisions of these statutes”.

He went further by highlighting that the said clubs were allowed to vote to adopt the new Constitution on January 10, 2024.

“All these clubs that

you are now removing their voting rights were all allowed to vote to pass the adoption of the new statutes. Without their votes, there would not have been a twothirds majority to have these said statutes passed… these statutes that are now being used to place them at a disadvantage”, Fraser, a former President of the SVGFF reasoned, and contended that the Secretariat was using the statutes for manipulation. He inquired of the Executive the reason or reasons for the Secretariat tampering with the voting members

“at this stage when candidates have already began (begun) their election campaign, and it is public knowledge who

many affiliated members are supporting for the various positions”.

Fraser added, “It is also clear that all members of the current executive are campaigning for offices and members of the secretariat staff have their preferential candidates… To be using the newly adopted statutes to violate the rights of voters based on all this information, can be seen as a very unethical practice and a compromise of the integrity of the election process” as he called out the sitting President of the SVGFF- Carl Dickson and Chairman of the Statutes committeeMarlon Stephenson, on the matter.

As such, Fraser recalled, that after

Coach expects a good showing

the players, who are eager to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

This was the assurance given by Head Coach of the St.

Vincent and the Grenadines Under-20 Male Football teamWayde Jackson.

“We started preparations since in September of last year, within the zones, then at the start of January this year, we start breaking down the numbers and intensified the training, which for me went along really well,” Jackson commented.

Jackson is equally pleased with the interest shown by players from outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who came in to try out for spots.

He referenced the number of parents who had gone out of their way to facilitate their sons, born in England, Canada and the USA, to try out with the squad.

“It shows that they really want their sons to play Football at that level… This adds greater competition as

discussions FIFA, the World Governing Body for football, it was decided and agreed that all members would remain as they are and will be allowed to participate in this electoral congress.

He advised the three affected members to seek legal redress, even as he recognised that such action could result in an injunction that would mean further delay of and instability in the electoral process.

Thirty- three candidates are seeking to be elected to the posts of President, First VicePresident, Second VicePresident, Third VicePresident and the five Committee Members, when elections take place March 21, 2024.

well as opens doors for themselves and others, whilst providing a database on eligible players living in the Diaspora,” Jackson reasoned.

The team, comprised of 21 players, along with the backroom staff, leaves St. Vincent and the Grenadines next Wednesday, February 21, 2024, for Trinidad and Tobago where they will open their campaign against the host nation on February 23, in a Group D match in the CONCACAF Under-20 World Cup Qualifiers.

SVG will face off against top seed and favourites — Canada, on Sunday, February 25 and then play their final group stage match on Tuesday, February 27, versus Dominica.

Six groups are vying for spots to advance. Groups A, B and C have five teams, while Groups D, E and F, have four.

The winners of the six groups get a place in the next phase of the competition, where they will meet the USA, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

“ANY TEAM THAT WE PUT

Wayde Jackson (standing) in conversation with some of his charges last Monday at the Brighton Playing Field.

Marvin Fraser, former President of the SVGFF, has cited rent action by the Executive a being tantamount to a breech of a process agreed upon by members.

Cyclists: Ready for the Road

ANOTHER blow-out last Sunday, February 11, 2024, on the

Tarmac of the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport, prepared local riders of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union for the road.

Making of the occasion to further prep themselves for the road and the season ahead were cyclists in Category One and Category Two, who pitted their skills in three races, a 15-lap, a 3lap and a Sprint event.

In the 15- lap race, Lucky Antrobus scalped the first place in Category One, clocking 46:08.11, with Albert Quammie docking second in 46:44.05.

KIMONI SHOY and Caleb Howard were among the top performers when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA), held its first Tournament for the year, last weekend, at the West St. George Secondary School. The event was an Assessment

Taking the Category Two title was Gabriel Doyle, who completed the distance in 50:41.27, ahead of his fatherDeptor Culzac in a time of 50:45.70. Completing the podium was Martin Bollers in 51:02.15.

Meanwhile, in the 3-lap race, Quammie turned the tables on Antrobus. Quammie won in 9:55.07, while Antrobus timed 9:56.46.

Taking Category Two was Peter Durrant in 9:56.86, with Deptor Culzac second again, with a 9:59.17 clocking. Third was Gabriel Culzac — 9:59.63.

And, Lucky Antrobus ended the afternoon’s proceedings by winning the Sprint race.

All top finishers received cash prizes.

Sunday’s event was sponsored by Premium Products and Tus-T Water. The SVG Cycling Union next event will be a road race.

Shoy, Howard shine in SVGTTA Tournament

Tournament/Trials in aid of selecting players to attend two overseas events: the LQ Invitational in Grenada from the 8th to 10th March, and the St. Lucia League Competition tentatively scheduled for April.

On the actual green table, in the Under-15 Boys, Kimoni Shoy came out on top when he defeated Lamont Gregg 3 games to 2 (3/11, 11/6, 5/11, 11/9, 11/6) in the finals. This, after he had trounced Terrance Ashton (11/4, 7/11, 11/4) in a semifinal.

Caleb Howard grabbed the top spot in the Under-19 Boys, beating Zayden Cyrus 3 games to 1 (9/11, 11/7, 11/5, 11/4) in the finals. On his way to the

finals, Howards disposed of Jquan St. Hill (11/5, 11/2, 8/11, 11/7) in the quarterfinals, and Joevandy Joseph (11/9, 11/7, 11/13, 11/9) in the semifinals.

Cyrus sealed his place in the final with victories over Lamont Gregg (13/15, 15/13, 11/6, 11/30) in the quarterfinals, and Kimoni Shoy (12/10, 11/7, 11/2) in the semifinals.

Damion Dublin was the top performer among the Senior Males. He beat Caleb Howard 3 games to 1 (11/13, 11/9, 12/10, 11/6) in the final.

Caleb Howard beat Zayden Cyrus (11/7, 11/9, 11/3) to earn his place in the final.

Jessica McCarter was also in good form when she topped the Under-19 Girl after a round-robin which was

Neil Williams T20: Sunday’s round-up

JEREMY HAYWOOD and Desron Maloney stroked centuries to help their teams to comfortable victories in matches played last weekend in the Neil Williams National T20

Cricket Competition last Sunday, Feb. 11. Haywood smashed 123 (12 sixes and 8 fours) from 52 balls to help Guardian General Saints beat 007 Sports Bar Victors Two by 276 runs

at Buccament, Scores: Saints 315 for 3 from 20 overs — Haywood 123, Vincent Cupid, 97. Victors Two 39 from 11 overs - Jeremy Layne 3 for 8, Jaden Edmond 3 for 10.

Also at Buccament, Maloney hit 101 (7 sixes, 10 fours) from 53 balls as Police Two defeated Northern Stars by 7 wickets. Scores: Northern Stars 181 for 6 - Tilron Harry 47, Akeil Mason 39, Michael Joseph 36. Police Two 186 for 3 from 18 oversMaloney 101 while Dillon Douglas hit 31.

In another match played at Park Hill, FLOW Radcliffe beat GJ’s Auto Import Super Sixers by 191 runs. Scores: Radcliffe 242 for 7 — Romano Pierre 89, Deron Greaves 52, Donte Hinson 4 for

29. Super Sixers 51 all out — Asif Hooper 5 for 19.

At Stubbs, Victors One defeated Carlos Viera Rivals by 1 wicket. Scores: Rivals 140 for 9 — Atticus Browne 45. Carlos Veira Rivals 139 for 3 in 20 overs.

played among four girls - Leah Cumberbatch, Loukhya Premraj and Shanecia Delpesche. Cumberbatch turned the tables on McCarter when she played her way to victory in the Senior Female category, doing so in a round robin that involved McCarter, Premraj and Delpesche. Fifty players participated in the tournament.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Smashers inflicted an 85run beating on Strike Eagles at Stubbs last Sunday. Scores: Smasher 212 for 8 — Norlan Williams 69, Travis Cumberbatch 42. Strike Eagles 127 all out, Darren John 36, Javid Harry 4 for 22. Police One defeated

North Windward Volcanoes by 3 wickets. Scores: Volcanoes 104 all out, Kirton Lavia 31, Urnel Thomas 4 for 13. Police One 105 for 7, Selwick Caine 44, Denson Hoytwe 3 for 20.

Results in Saturday’s matches: FLOW

Radcliffe (102 for 4) beat Keagans Bequia X1 (98 all out) by 6 wickets; FLOW Rivals (141 for 8) best Smashers (109 all out) by 32 runs; Northern Stars (191 for 8) best Marriaqua (56 all out) by 135 runs. I.B.A. ALLEN

Gabriel Doyle (right) accepts his cash prize from Gail Hillocks of Tus-T Water.

Peter Durrant – the veteran notched up yet another first.

Lucky Antrobus – two wins to his credit.

Kimoni Shoy won the Boys Under-15 category.

Caleb Howard came out on top among the Under-19 Boys.

Jessica McCarter took the Under-19 for Girls.

FLOW Radcliffe’s Asif Hooper (5 for 100 turned in last Sunday best bowling return.

Jeremy Haywood smashed a 52 ball 139 to ensure victory for Saints.

Desron Maloney’s 101 from 53 balls propelled Police Two to victory.

V

From a distance

SOME FANS, readers, enthusiasts, sports lovers may have taken issue with me for my cricket bias. What about table tennis, swimming, basketball volleyball? And of course Athletics.

Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre is perhaps tired of chanting me on almost every occasion he sees me. He even threatened to deny me interviewes when the team returns from Carifta Games with medals. He is convinced that I am not giving athletics enough attention.

The same could be said about Sean Stanley. He might chide me for the scarcity of Table Tennis matters.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Swimming has advanced by leaps and bounds. And Volleyball is a sport that can and has given this country some of its greatest landmarks. There is potential for volleyball with Beach Volleyball a possible platform.

Boxing has nosedived somewhat despite the efforts of some stalwarts. That is another area that has to be revived. There is Bodybuilding with St. Vincent and the Grenadines known for its exploits on the international level.

And take nothing for granted. SVG has the capability of producing stars in any aspect of the sporting agenda. It is just a matter of putting things in place. There must be the interest and the appetite.

It is up to the administrators to inspire the generation, and then communities, schools and the nation must be attuned to the exercise.

Last week saw completion of two football tournaments with impact on the global arena, though they may be as profound as other aspects of football. With the FIFA World Cup scheduled for this hemisphere in two years, there is no doubt that interest will increase as the qualifiers intensify.

In the meantime, fans witnessed Ivory Coast’s seizure of the African Cup of Nations. They secured the final over Nigeria with a 2-1 score line.

That tournament provided its share of surprises with the big guns fusing along the path.

Qatar held on to their title with the Asia Cup, overcoming Jordan to that title.

One noteworthy aspect of the Asian Cup is the emergence of the Palestinian party. They may not have raised eyebrows as regards coming close to the championship. But their presence and resilience reflects the level of discipline and determination for which that nation is known.

Their current plight is one beyond the extreme, and even though their performance has lifted their morale and profile, the reality on the ground in Palestine is one that leaves the world bewildered as to their concern for others.

By the time column hits they eyes, Palestine could very well be closer to extinction.

But as some people will think, God is watching, whether from a distance or up close, and the situation in Gaza is one that the world has to look at.

If we don’t, we will be guilty of contributing to present day genocide. It is time that the world awakes to the crisis that that has been taking place in Palestine since 1948, continued in 1967, 1973, and has been a scourge on the world’s conscience from 1993 to the present. If you think that the war in Gaza started October 7, 2023, you have made a mistake.

Regional Cricket Four-Day Round Up Round One –First Block

DEFENDINGchampions Barbados, Windward Islands Volcanoes and West Indies Academy chalked up victories in the first block of the opening round of matches in the CWI Four-Day Regional Cricket Championships.

Windwards vs Jamaica

At Sabina Park in Jamaica, Windward Islands Volcanoes defeated host, Jamaica Scorpions by 9 wickets.

Ryan John, 5 for 43; and Shamar Springer, 3 for 53; combined to halt Jamaica at 159 in their first innings, Romaine Morris top scoring with 35.

Windwards replied with 341 with leading knocks coming from Johann Jeremiah, 80; Ryan John, 57; and Sunil Ambris, 45. Gordon Bryan, 4 for 64; and Peat Salmon 3 for 78; kept the Jamaicans in the game.

Jamaica, facing a deficit of 182, got to 234 with Morris again leading the batting, this time with 68, and Nkrumah Bonner getting

45. Darius Martin led for the Windwards with a return of 4 for 85, following which the Windwards raced to 55 for 1 wicket, to seal a rather comfortable victory.

Barbados vs CCC

At Chedwin Park in Jamaica, Barbados Pride beat Combined Campus and Colleges (CCC) by 9 wickets.

Led by 139 from Kevin Wickham and 84 from Johnathan Drakes, Barbados posted 344 for 8 declared, to which the CCC replied with 185, Jonathan Carter, 59; Shaqkere Parri, 44; with Jomal Warrican accounting for 4 CCC wickets for 29 runs.

Batting a second time, the CCC finished on 193, Shamarh Brooks, 72 and Demario Richards, 47. Chaim Holder claimed 5 for 69 and Warrican 3 for 16. Barbados eased to victory closing on 35 for 1.

WIA vs Leewards

At Warner Park in St Kitts, West Indies Academy (WIA) defeated Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 5 wickets.

Hurricanes put in a disappointing first innings performance of 137 all out, Jeremiah Louis leading with 45 and WIA Joshua James claiming 3 for 11.

WIA replied with 177, Joshua Bishop getting 48, and Mbeki Joseph, 42. Louis, showing his all-rounder ability, took 5 for 29, and Javier Spencer

SVG honours ECVA commitment

Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association (SVGVA), elected January 29, 2024, has hit the ground running.

A one-day Beach Volleyball Competition held last Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Private Mount Wynne, was the executive’s first show of its preparedness to fulfill outstanding commitments as it works to advance the sport here.

The competition’s main purpose was to select the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to this year’s Eastern Caribbean

Three teams competed in the Female segment and seven were in the Male.

3 for 43, to spearhead the bowling for the Leewards.

The Leewards fared better in their second knock putting up a total of 232, Jahmar Hamilton leading with 70 and Mikyle Louis getting 55. Joshua Bishop, 3 for 33 and Johann Layne,3 for 45, were the WIA most successful bowlers.

The WIA then closed their successful victory chase on 195 for 5 - Kadeem Alleyne, 57, Joseph, 43 not out; and Joshua James, 41 not out. Louis, 3 for 41, was again the leading Leewards bowler.

Guyana vs Trinidad and Tobago

The match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force which bowled off on January 7 at the Conaree Sports Club in St. Kitts, ended in a draw with only one side getting a chance to bat.

When the match was called off, Trinidad and Tobago had got to 215 for 4, on the back of an even 100 not out from Jason Mohammed and 50 from Tion Webster.

Ronsford Beaton and Veerasammy Premaul took 2 wickets each for 39 and 40 runs respectively.

Matches in the first block will continue at Warner Park and the Conaree Cricket Centre in St. Kitts and Nevis; and, in Jamaica at three venues: Sabina Park, Kensington Cricket Club and Chedwin Park.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Following the female round robin format, the pair of Shanadia Sylvester and Saquanna Duncan emerged winners. The two made their debut at last year’s event and will return ready to give a better showing.

The duo of Ronaldo Franklyn and Jamaar Cropper won the

male component and will be St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ representatives at the February 23 to 25, 2024 Tournament, set for Cul de Sac Bay, Castries. St. Lucia won both Male and Female titles when the tournament was held at the same venue in 2023.

THE GARY MATTHIAS-LED

Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament.

Kevin Wickham led the Barbados Pride to victory, with a solid knock of 139 against CCC.

Trinbago Red Force’s Jason Mohammed was not out on 100 in a drawn match against Guyana Harpy Eagles.

The SVG Beach Volleyball team.

Journalist robbed at home

From Backpage.

Huggins said but he had already made good his escape.

Now safely out of the house, Huggins watched from a distance and saw the individual leave the house then return and remained there for some time.

According to Huggins an attempt to solicit assistance from the Stubbs Police Station proved futile, with an officer responding that there was no available transportation at the station.

Huggins was adamant that if the police had responded on time, the

individual may have been apprehended given the length of time he spent in the house.

While noting that his home was turned upsidedown by the intruder, he confirmed that nothing else was taken.

Luckily, Huggins said, he survived the ordeal, but admitted he was frightened for his life.

“Normally when they go in your house, they go in to kill and the man came in close proximity to me,” Huggins said.

It is going to be

difficult to sleep in the house he has called home for over 20 years, he said, and he fears that he may experience a similar ordeal in the future.

Throughout the ordeal, Huggins said that he kept thinking of a way out.

“I wasn’t trying to save money, you know. I was trying to see how I could escape because I don’t know what he was going to do to me,” Huggins said.

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JOURNALIST ROBBED AT HOME

byDAYLE DA SILVA

JOURNALISTHaydn Huggins is counting himself lucky that the ordeal he endured on February 11 did not have a fatal ending.

Huggins, freelance journalist for THE VINCENTIAN and a resident of Diamond, said that he was sitting on his porch on Sunday night listening to the Calypso finals from Trinidad.

Around midnight, he decided to retire to bed since the next day was a work day.

While getting himself ready for bed, Huggins said that he heard and saw the front doorknob turning.

“I didn’t know who it was,” he said, but he questioned the individual as to why they were looking to enter his home.

That was when, Huggins said, the individual raised his head and peeped through a pane of glass fixed in the door.

The individual, identified as a male from his voice, demanded that Huggins open the door and said that he was looking for a place to sleep.

He refused to open the door at which point the individual took a piece of concrete block from Huggins’ porch and smashed a window located next to the door. He then pushed his

hand in and unlocked the front door.

The intruder moved towards Huggins who was at this time standing in the living room area. The intruder, Huggins recalled that the intruder was wearing something on his head and was armed with what appeared to be a knife in one hand and a long object resembling a piece of steel in the other.

Huggins said that he ran to his bedroom and locked the door, but the intruder forced open the door and demanded money.

“So, I gave him the wallet with all the money I had,” Huggins told THE VINCENTIAN.

The individual removed the cash, threw the wallet on the floor and demanded more money.

Huggins said that once he was in the bedroom, he started calling on his mobile phone for help, only to have the individual relieve him of the phone.

Still not satisfied, the individual insisted that Huggins had more cash and that he wanted it and made his way into the bedroom. When he turned slightly with his back to him, Huggins said that he ran out of the house.

“He shout out to me, ‘Doh run, doh run’,”

Continued on Backpage.

Haydn Huggins has now to come to grips with a lifethreatening experience.

45-YEAR-OLD MALE SHOT DEAD

THE COUNTRYwas still into the challenge of coming to grips with the chilling news of an act of infanticide in Rose Hall on Saturday 10th February, when it was rocked with news of another shooting death.

The Royal SVG Police Force confirmed in a news release on Monday 12th February, that its Major Crime Unit (MCU) was investigating a shooting incident that had killed Eyon Olando Browne aka “Dog”, a 45year-old mason of Old Montrose.

The police release said that Browne was accosted and shot by an unknown assailant about 6:40 a.m. on Monday 12th February 2024, in the vicinity of

Greg’s Auto Rentals, Old Montrose. He lay some 200 feet from his home.

Browne was reportedly on his way to work in Campden Park at the time of the tragic incident.

His shooting death is the second to have occurred in the Old Montrose district dating back to December 31, 2023.

Readers will recall that Kenroy Peters of Old Montrose was found dead in the Old Montrose public road, sometime after 11:40a.m on December 31st, 2023. His body showed signs of multiple bullet wounds.

Peters’ death was the 55th homicide for the year, a record number.

A party of police officers who were on patrol duties in the district were

alerted and promptly responded to reports of Browne lying in the public road.

The police transported Browne to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) where he was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.

A postmortem examination was expected to be carried out on the body to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The police have reached out to the citizens who might have information related to the incident, to come forward. Such information can assist with their investigations and they have assured that any and all information received would be treated with the strictest of confidentially.

Browne’s death lifted the homicide count for the year to six.

Eyon Olando Browne was gunned down while reportedly on his way to work.