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FRIDAY,

MARCH 01, 2019

The marijuana (covered with tarpaulin) that was seized, was lodged within the precincts of the court last Friday.

VOLUME 113, No.09

www.thevincentian.com

Right: Marvin Alexander (left) and Curton Allen (right), two of the three men charged with possession of the ganja. Missing is Mark Bristol.

The attention given to its possible legalization for medicinal MARIJUANA, CANNABIS, GANJA, and/or recreational use may have whatever name for the herb is distracted from its usual focus, i.e. preferred, has featured prominently on in the courts, the landscape of this country in the last year or so.

Continued on Page 3.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

The yacht in which the 644 lbs of ganja were allegedly found.

Grant Connell, attorney for the three men charged in the matter, rose early to dispute the value given to the quantity of marijuana seized.

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Saluting Dr. Edgar Adams THIS MOMENT which now strangles us. represented for me, an Every citizen should important O.D.D., an lend his voice to this opportunity for discussion, recognizing documentary the error we have made disappointment, that we over the last several had not been able to decades, in the recognize and utilize surrendering to persons meaningfully the whom we had resources and energy considered ‘suitably which our late Brother, qualified’ to handle our Doc Adams, embodied. affairs. Some of these I myself had distinguished persons envisioned that the turned out to be merely seemingly derelict eloquent con-artists. building in the Radio Untrustworthy men!

705 yard could have A serious appraisal of been repaired to the writings of our accommodate Doc distinguished and Adams with his respected Doc Adams Dr. Edgar Adams treasure of historical may well lead to the and cultural material. recognition that it could be put to good What a tremendous impact that could use in the development of our country. have had so near to the four secondary There is now in our land a sense of and two large primary schools in the general collapse in the traditionally area! I agonize at the seeming prominent landmarks: the St. George’s indifference of the now influential Cathedral and its clock; the Court graduates of the Grammar School, House; the Central Police Station; the relative to the advancement of our Grammar School; the Girls’ High societal interests.

School; the Calliaqua bridge; the In the evening of his years, I visited bridge near the Public Health Doc at his establishment at the Cruise Department in Kingstown; the bridge Ship Berth. He did most of the next to the St. John’s Anglican Church talking, giving historical accounts and in Belair. The obvious abandonment reciting poetry. Doc Adams was a of the clocks on the NIS and Financial high jumper and a goal-keeper in his Complex buildings tells clearly the youth. From all appearances, he degree to which the men sitting in continued to clear the bar and defend those offices can be depended on. his goal to the end.

It is to be hoped that the We have lost Doctor Adams at a conversation for the rest of the year critical time as the nation approaches will produce the environment for the forty years as an independent state, development of more men like Doctor when it is now so obvious that we Edgar Adams. May he rest in peace! need to be having serious discussions to help us to determine the way out of LeRoy Providence the pervasive socio-economic malaise

Sion Hill senior citizen feted REGINALD DAVID, popularly known as Jack, who is reported to be among the oldest male residents of Sion Hill, was feted on the occasion of his 95th birthday by his native community, last Saturday.

The pensioner, one of the community’s long standing gardeners, was given a surprise birthday bash last Saturday, compliments a group of well-wishers.

Then, on Sunday, the SVG Chapter of Friends of Sion Hill also acknowledged him and presented him with a gift basket of food and other supplies.

Jack’s weekend was crowned off with a scenic drive to the Windward side of the island, an outing he has not done for many years.

He requested that he be taken to the Argyle International Airport, to which Kelroy Webb obliged.

Jack, who has slowed over the years but still has his faculties intact, said he was well pleased with the “special” treatment he received.

Reginald David, aka Jack, accepts his gift basket from Secretary of Friends of Sion Hill SVG - Jacqueline Browne.

Reports are that the Friends of Sion Hill SVG will be continuing its recognition of more of the senior citizens of the community.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 3.

News 3

Eustace ought to be commended LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION DR GODWIN FRIDAY has lauded his predecessor, Arnhim Eustace, saying that he exhibited courage in deciding to go ahead and file the petitions objecting to the results of the 2015 General Elections.

“The courage that it took to embark on this process, when I look back on it and there are few who appreciate the decisions and I am in that position now,” Friday said on Monday on the NDP radio programme ‘New Times’.

“I have a better understanding of the courage, and there are some people who did not understand that, and

thought that we did not want to accept the result,” he continued.

But he said that Eustace received legal advice and said that he could not allow the alleged irregularities to go unnoticed or uncontested.

According to Friday, there were things that went on that came out during the 2015 petition hearing which got underway on February 11.

“It was the right decision; no matter what is the outcome, it was the right decision.”

Following the final day of cross-examination of witnesses by both sides, the opposition New

Democratic Party issued a press release.

It stated that evidence in the trial confirmed a number of things, including the admittance that the ballot boxes used were not in compliance with the rules and regulations for the electoral process.

“A Respondent’s witness also confirmed that in North Windward, all the Form 16s and also other essential notes of the Returning Officer needed to substantiate the results in North Windward, were missing and apparently could not be found. Yet, the final result of the poll was determined and declared.” Friday said.

Given the open abuse

of the process as is, the NDP called for reform of the country’s elections practices and processes, including the establishment of an independent electoral commission to oversee elections here.

“These petitions have clearly shown the urgent need for changes before the next election. We cannot go into another election, knowing that the process is seriously flawed, and that the results cannot be trusted to be the true reflection of the will of the people.

If we are to live up to the claim of being a modern democracy, we cannot fail to act,” the statement read. (DD)

Former Leader of the Opposition NDP, Arnhim Eustace is described as being courageous for having moved to file the election petitions following the 2015 General Elections.

Value of ganja questioned per pound) given by the police.

Curton Allen, 40-yearbut this has not deterred old diver, and Marvin the custodians of the law, Alexander, 42-year-old who are duty bound to boat captain/mechanic, enforce the law as it both of Union Island, as relates to ganja. well as Mark Bristol, 48And the last time we year-old mason of checked, the possession McCarthy, are charged of ganja was still a jointly with possession of criminal offence in St. the drug with intent to Vincent and the supply, possession for the Grenadines. purpose of drug Given the broadened trafficking, attempting to focus on the herb, a case export the drug, and in the courts this week agreeing with each other was followed with much to commit the offence of attention. drug trafficking The defence in that (conspiracy). case, involving the Allen and Alexander reported seizure of 644 are currently residing at pounds of marijuana at Diamond.

Fancy Point last Friday, Attorney Grant February 22, has Connell is representing challenged the estimated all the men, but Bristol street value of EC$1.73 is also represented by Dr. million, (i.e.

Linton Lewis. approximately EC$2,686 The men were not Contoinued from Front page.

required to plea to the indictable charges when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

When the issue of bail arose, Court Clerk Corporal David Wright told the Court that, based on his instructions, the marijuana is estimated to have a street value of EC$1.73 million.

But the defence lawyers challenged this, saying they did not know which jurisdiction was used to arrive at the valuation with Connell leading the question on whether that value was related to St. Vincent or another jurisdiction.

CRC corroborates defence’s position

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Connell said he heard experts from the Narcotics Unit tell the Court on previous occasions, that the value of marijuana in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is between EC$300 and EC$500 per pound.

“To say that 644 pounds is worth EC$1.73 million is incorrect. They may be using the value from another jurisdiction,” said Connell. He added that the prosecution was using the EC$1.73 million value to determine the bail amount, but the Magistrate seemed to have ignored him in relation to that.

When contacted for a comment, Head of the

Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle told THE VINCENTIAN that the basic value of marijuana in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is EC$300 per pound. He pointed out that, based on this, the 644 pounds of marijuana was hugely overvalued. He noted that at EC$300 per pound, that amount would value only EC$193,200.

The CRC Chief said his Committee had, as a matter of concern, raised the issue of the police overvaluing marijuana here, during a meeting of the Select Committee on Medicinal Marijuana.

Cottle said that the overvaluing of marijuana is disadvantageous to the traditional farmer.

Bail conditions The men charged in connection with the major haul were each granted $140,000 bail with one surety, with reporting conditions, and ordered to surrender their travel documents.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and they are not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher court.

Reports are that the ganja was seized around 2:30 a.m. during a joint exercise by the local Coast Guard and Narcotics Division. The drugs were allegedly aboard a yacht destined for a neighbouring country.

The matter has been adjourned to March 15.

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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Phillips escapes custodial sentence she had no previous convictions.

Julia Phillips Pompey also considered the changed her plea, A STERLING mitigation plea from cases highlighted by her lawyer, threw herself at the mercy of the attorney Grant Connell may have and that she repaid the money, court, and avoided a prison saved his client Julia Phillips from a though he stressed, that even sentence. custodial sentence. though the money was repaid, the The former Customs and Excise offences remain serious.

Police vs former High Court Department Supervisor, who was Registrar Tamara Gibson-Marks facing charges of theft and official Cases referenced who, he said, had a fiduciary corruption, received a suspended duty, and the quantity involved in sentence on Wednesday at the In mitigation, Connell referred this matter was significantly more. He noted that Gibsonto a number of cases of a similar Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, nature, including two High Court Marks was fined $4,500 or three after changing her plea from not months, and $6,000 or six months. cases in St. Lucia and one guilty to guilty on both charges.

Connell said that the magisterial matter in St. Vincent On each charge, Phillips was Magistrate’s Court is not an and the Grenadines. sentenced to six months In relation to St. Lucia, Connell Appellate Court onto itself, but imprisonment, with each sentence highlighted the case of the Queen the need for consistency in being suspended for one year. sentencing, coupled with the The suspended sentences are to vs Monnalyssa George, in which principle of stare decisis, given George was ordered to perform run concurrently.

100 hours of community service to the case law he submitted, coming Phillips was charged with to a logical conclusion in Phillips’ the satisfaction of the probation stealing EC$43,626.91 in cash, case should not be difficult. He the property of the Government of officer, and compensation to the noted that the Accountant virtual complainant, with an St. Vincent and the Grenadines. regularity in Phillips’ case was alternative nine-month prison She was also charged with regularized, so she was not sentence. corruptly soliciting and receiving indebted to the state.

The other St. Lucia case property, to wit EC$43,626.91 in The lawyer suggested referenced was that of the Queen cash, for herself, on account of community service or a fine, but if vs Yandel Gaston, in which anything to be afterwards done, the Court is mindful to impose a EC$108,000 was stolen from the or omitted to be done by her in custodial sentence, which in his St. Lucia Hospital Industry Credit discharge of her duties as opinion would be harsh and Supervisor of Customs and Excise Union. The accused was ordered unconscionable, that sentence to pay compensation of the Department, Bequia Branch. amount stolen, probation for three should be suspended.

Both offences were committed “Julia Phillips has erred, the years in which he had to perform between August 14 and flesh is weak. She throws herself 200 hours of community service, September 25 last year. at the mercy of the Court, and failing which he will serve three In handing down the penalties, begs for leniency,” the lawyer years in prison. He was also Magistrate Bertie Pompey ordered to keep the peace, and be submitted. highlighted the breach of trust as of good behaviour for three years.

When the suspended sentence a major aggravating factor. He, In breach, he will serve two years was imposed, Phillips thanked the however, took into account Magistrate, but interestingly, she behind bars.

Phillips’ guilty plea, although it left the Court hastily, ahead of Connell also highlighted the was not made at the earliest local case of the Commissioner of her lawyer. available opportunity, and that Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

“Hypocrisy and plantation mentality,” says Connell ATTORNEY Grant Connell has identified the recent arrest of his client Andy ‘Blacka’ Bennett for possession of 47 grams of marijuana, and seizure of his money, as an example of the hypocrisy of the spirit and intention of Parliament on the ganja issue.

Connell made the analogy at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, after Bennett, a Chateaubelair resident, pleaded guilty to possession of 47 grams of marijuana with intent to

supply.

In addition to the marijuana, Bennett was found in possession of US$5,620 and EC$2,200 when the police conducted a search of his person in Kingstown, around 2:50 p.m. on Monday. The cash was handed over to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for further investigations.

In mitigation, Connell said Bennett has been a farmer for 45 years, rearing cows and planting vegetables, and has the receipts to show

Attorney Grant Connell (left) and his client Andy ‘Blacka’ Bennett leaving the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday after Bennett was reprimanded and discharged on a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. that the money found in his possession was the proceeds from the sale of his produce.

Connell said the value of the marijuana with which his client was

found is only $51.70 and the FIU handed back $54.00 to him.

“Why we love to pressure our own?” he questioned.

Continued on Page 27.

Two cleared of murder charges TWO OF THREE men who were charged with the murder of 27year-old Carson Warner of Questelles, which occurred at Layou in August 2018, were discharged at the start of the Preliminary Inquiry Rayl Dwayne (PI) on Tuesday, after Bowens Walker Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the Prosecution was withdrawing the charges against them.

Dwayne Walker, 40-year-old farmer of Layou, and Rayl Bowens, 25-year-old mechanic of Questelles, walked free; but THE VINCENTIAN understands that the charges could be brought back, as Preliminary Inquiries cannot be dismissed.

The matter, however, started against the other defendant Phil Dover, 32-year-old labourer of Layou.

Attorney Grant Connell is representing Dover.

Two witnesses were called, following which the matter was adjourned to March 22.

Warner’s body was found at the foot of an embankment at Layou around 8:30 p.m. August 25 last year. He reportedly received injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

Ex-con charged with shooting at police ABOUT three months after Attiba Bess was released from prison here on completion of a 15-year sentence for manslaughter, the 26year-old Ottley Hall man is accused of shooting at two police officers.

Reports are that Police Constables 551 Mohammed Lavia and 700 Verrol Sam, both attached to the Special Patrol Unit (SPU), Attiba Bess were on patrol at Ottley Hall around 8:30pm February 19, and were about to approach Bess, based on suspicion, when he ran. The officers gave chase, during which Bess shot at them twice, and they returned fire. Nobody was hurt.

Bess reportedly made good his escape, but handed himself over to the police on February 21.

He was taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, after being charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm at the two officers. He was not required to plea as the charge was laid indictably. Bess was unrepresented.

The Prosecution had no objections to bail, and Bess was granted $10,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays, and surrender his travel documents. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court, or a higher court. The matter is adjourned to March 13.

Sergeant Gamal Bowens of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is leading the investigations.

At the High Court Criminal Assizes on November 2, 2012, Bess was sentenced to 20 years in prison for manslaughter, stemming from the December 3, 2008 shooting death of 23-year-old Shereen Clouden of Edinboro; but the sentence was subsequently reduced to 15 years by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

He was initially indicted for murder, but had pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Assizes on May 25, 2012, and sentencing was adjourned.

Clouden died after being shot in the head shortly after 9 p.m. December 2, 2008 in an area at Ottley Hall called ‘Fire Hill’.

Bess was 16 at the time of the incident. He was released from prison December 5 last year after completing his sentence.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 5.

Regional

Barbados bans plastics banned.

A ban on petro-based plastic bags was extended until January 1, 2020, with the exemption of those used for the packaging of pharmaceuticals/ medicines and the preservation of food.

A lifeline, though, has been extended to include the use of tetra pack straws, and Styrofoam trays used to package poultry.

The extension was granted so as to allow Minister of Maritime manufacturers to come Affairs and the Blue up with alternative Economy, Kirk ways of making plastic Humphrey, assured that bags from a bio-based the ban was the result of material that was exhaustive discussions with major stakeholders. environmentally healthy and friendly, (Photo Credit: Stabroek including consideration News) for the use of paper, THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE sugarcane and bagasse.

ONE ACT on April 1 that Plastic bottles used in will not be an April Fool’s the production of juices Day prank in Barbados. will not be subjected to That is the day the the ban, but this will ban on the importation, come in for attention retail sale and use of with expected legislation petro-based, single-use that will make it plastic will take effect in mandatory for that Caribbean island. consumers to take the The ban was bottles back to the announced late in suppliers, to be part of a January in a joint press recycling process. conference hosted Minister Humphrey

by Minister of Maritime assured that the bans Affairs and the Blue have been the result of Economy, Kirk months of consultations Humphrey, and Minister with stakeholders, of the Environment and including plastic bag National Beautification, manufacturers, persons Trevor Prescod. in the poultry industry, As of April I, 2019, the Barbados products made from Manufacturers’ petroleum, such as Association, the single-use plastic cups; Barbados Chamber of cutlery, including plastic Commerce and Industry, knives, forks and spoons; the Customs stirrers; straws; plates; Department, and egg trays (both plastic importers. and Styrofoam), and “We have said that we Styrofoam containers want to be fossil fuel free used in the culinary by 2030; we want to retail industry will be have a renewable platform; we want to be a country that when we speak to the world, we speak as an environmentally friendly country and destination ... we have made ourselves clear as to where we stand on singleuse plastic,” Barbados is the latest Humphrey said.

Caribbean country to announce (Source: LOOP a ban on plastics. (Credit: GIS – Caribbean) Barbados)

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Hairoun promotion girls and employees helped create an atmosphere at an airport and a sense of travelling.

Hairoun launches Travellers Promotion THE HAIROUN Traveller’s Promotion is back, and it is the first of several consumer-centered campaigns listed for the year.

Hairoun drinkers can look forward to receiving other rewards for their loyalty and support throughout the years, according to a press release from the St. Vincent Brewery, brewers of Hairoun Beer.

Two Fridays ago, the Hairoun Caravan set off from the Sion Hill intersection and made its way to Heritage Square, Kingstown, where a ‘massive party’ was held, fueled by Hairoun Beer on special.

The Sion Hill intersection was transformed into an airport setting, with the Hairoun promotion girls dressed as immigration officials and Brewery employees dressed as pilots or co-pilots.

Members of the public where presented with ‘Hairoun Passports’.

The ‘Hairoun Passport’ is at the centre of this promotion.

This consumer seems to have already collected his ‘passport’.

Consumers who have attained the legal drinking age can collect their Hairoun Passport free of charge at the St. Vincent Brewery Ltd offices at Campden Park, from sales trucks, participating outlets and the ‘mobile immigration office’ in and around Kingstown.

On purchasing Hairoun Beer at any of the participating outlets, a unique numbered stamp will be placed in the consumer’s ‘passport’ by the outlet operator. The consumer is free to surrender his passport for any of ten attractive prizes, equivalent to the number of stamps in their ‘passports’ at the time of surrender.

Stamps, though, must be accumulated from different outlets.

The stamps from a particular outlet will be accounted for only once.

Prizes range from beer, jackets, polo shirts, gas and supermarket vouchers, to a grand prize of a trip to Miami or $10,000.00 cash, for which only the first five persons who surrender their passport with one hundred stamps and four visa stamps will be eligible.

Marketing Coordinator at the St. Vincent Brewery, Kelvin Franklyn said that Hairoun Traveller is a consumer focused promotion that will reward Hairoun drinkers as they enjoy the nation’s number one and favorite beer, and at the same time encouraging them to travel around our beautiful and beloved islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Stories by K.H)

Fish Fest to be revived PLANS TO REVIVE the weekend Toshihiro Hiai, Japanese Fish Fest activity are about ready Volunteer, will spend the to take off. next two years assisting In fact, that effort will the fisherfolk with commence today, Friday, at the marketing their product, Kingstown Fish Market, when including identifying fisherfolk will put an array of fish- ways of adding value. based dishes on sale.

The effort to revitalize the role in providing for a activity is being spearheaded by broadened scope of activities at the Japanese Volunteer Toshihiro Hiai, annual Fisherman’s Day Celebration. who is attached to the Fisheries As it stands, Hiai will be working Division of the Ministry of closely with the National Fisherfolk Agriculture.

Organization which groups coHiai explained: “What I am doing operatives based in Barrouallie, as a Japanese volunteer is to help Kingstown, Calllaiqua and Clare with marketing. Previously they had Valley.

Fish Night or Fish Fest, but it wasn’t Hiai, who arrived here three regular, so what I am doing is try to months ago, said he will be here for hold a Fish Fest every single month the next two years, and among his between different locations in St. objectives are to see Vincentians Vincent. It will help fisherfolks to eating more fish, and to build make some revenue and also to friendships between both SVG and involve the communities in the fishing Japan. industry.”

“I just hope to contribute to the The young man also has plans to friendship between St. Vincent and have fisherfolk play an even greater the Grenadines and Japan,” said Hiai.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 7.

News Bits

Police officer inflicts beating on citizen

VINCENTIANS ARE IN AN UPROAR over what, from all accounts, is an action, played out on a video posted on social media, that showed a uniformed police officer inflicting blows on a citizen, outside the Russell’s Mall, Stoney Ground.

The video which first appeared on social media on Wednesday, clearlyshowed the police officer

inflicting blows with what appears to be his staff, to the head and back of the citizen.

The video also captured the presence of another uniform officer in close proximity to the scene of the beating. That officer was confirmed to be an auxiliary police officer by the Public Relations and Complaints Office of the RSVG Police Force.

To appeal or not to appeal FOUNDER OF THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) — Sir James Mitchell has again taken to the radio waves to issue advice to the leadership and membership of that party.

The NDP, which now sits in the opposition chairs of parliament here, has been advised

by Sir James to forget about appealing the decision of the Court hearing two election petitions, should the ruling go against the petitioners — two 2015 general election candidates of the party.

Speaking on Boom FM last Tuesday, Sir James warned that, should the NDP lodge an appeal and lose, it would be festering the sore in people’s mind that the party was all about losing.

He described the question of an appeal as being a political

consideration as against a legal one, and urged the party he founded not to forget about the people and how they would respond.

According to the elderly statesman, if the party lost in this round and they appealed and lost again, the people are going to conclude that the NDP is all about losing.

What matters, Sir James posited, is what the people on the street have to say … how they respond, and, according to him, the people are going to see a losing streak and be put off by it.

His drive to comment is believed to have come after lawyers for the petitioners and the respondents had indicated that they would appeal, should the ruling go against them.

When pushed as per whether he has been speaking to the

Sir James Mitchell continues to make the ‘wisdom of his years’ available to the NDP, albeit through indirect means. leadership of the NDP on the petitions issue, Sir James made it clear that he had no formal discussions with the party, but that he did have discussions with Kay Bacchus-Baptiste and Stanley ‘Stalkey’ John Q.C., lawyers for the petitioners.

SVG to host Film Festival ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is set to host it first Film Festival from Friday, March 22, 2019, to Saturday, March 30, 2019.

And while the organisers will in due course inform about venues, etc., word is that the festival, dubbed The Hairouna Film Festival, will be taken to the rural areas.

The Festival is expected to screen several Caribbean films, including productions from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The organisers promise that the festival will be “… a full week of outdoor film screenings,” with “…many opportunities to enjoy stories steeped in Caribbean culture on the big screen, in the language you know and love.”

In a more extenuating way, The Hairouna Film Festival is aimed not

only at bringing SVG into a movement that is occurring across the region, but, ““We hope that it will help to inspire, educate and motivate Vincentian filmmakers. An important objective of this festival is to diversify films available to the Vincentian population,” organisers say.

The Festival, according to information received, is being undertaken in collaboration with Third Horizon, a Miami-based Caribbean filmmaking collective and media company.

Admission to all screening is free.

The video also captured the voices of onlookers as they cried shame on the officer and begged him to cease his action.

By late Wednesday, the Police had issued a statement on the matter.

It read: ‘The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is aware of a video that is being circulated on social media showing an incident involving a police officer, an auxiliary police officer and a member of the public.

“The Public Relations and Complaints Office wishes to assure the

Police officer captured in the action of inflicting punishment on a member of the public. (Facebook photo) general public that this matter is currently under investigation.

“We are therefore soliciting the assistance of anyone who has information related to this incident.”

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Rigging before Election Day IT WOULD APPEAR, given what obtained over the last two weeks of hearing in the Election Petitions matter, that the general election of 2015 was like no other in recent history; and the country is still in the throes of accusations of wrongdoing, fake news, and numerous ‘I can’t recalls’.

That we are, so to speak, on the brink of another general election, might make the argument contained herein a moot point, but it is worth considering as we cast our concern way into the future. It is also instructive to those who still feel that an election is rigged or manipulated on the day of voting.

Whether or not returning officers, polling agents, roving agents, or whosoever are allowed into the counting room, are bent on misrepresenting what they have before them to ensure that their candidate wins, there is an even more overriding and, frighteningly so, an almost legal action depending on the tenets of the election laws, that allows for rigging an election long before election day. And no amount of checks and balances on election day can remove the deliberate and illconceived intentions of this act.

Gerrymandering is often mentioned in relation to elections but not always well understood, and for the majority of citizens, is not worth an ounce of attention. How wrong can we be!!

Gerrymandering is a deliberate action usually taken by the incumbent (party) to draw voting districts, what we call constituencies, so as to “guarantee” seats for their party or another. The politicians who devise these gerrymandered constituencies are often quite open that they are making a deliberate effort to ‘choose their voters’, not let ‘the voters choose the candidates’.

There will be no 2020 population census, or so we are to assume. If this is the case, then there should be no basis for re-drawing existing constituencies or drawing new ones, though it does not prevent it happening. Then again, this does not mean that there cannot be movement of electors from a ‘safe seat’ to one

that is marginal or even ‘unsafe’.

What a mockery this is of our treasured democracy!

So whether it is gerrymandering or encouraging the movement of electors, there is something fraught about either or both acts… they are both of ill-intent, and fly in the face of democracy.

That is why it is important that we pass laws that make gerrymandering illegal. It is important that we take the reordering of constituencies out of the hands of politicians. Why should we create the temptation to manipulate a given situation to redound in ill gain?

This is important because, as it stands, gerrymandering, which is seldom touched by the courts, has affected the outcome of elections just as surely as any meddling by outside or inside players, the latter made manifest by the testimonies during the recent election petitions hearing.

If we doubted that there could be mistakes — some would like to think ‘honest mistakes’ — made in the last election, what is to prevent us from concluding that there were ‘many mistakes’ made in previous elections?

As we seek to find ways to keep certain forces from playing a key role in manipulating the votes in an election, we must seek to clean up our own act by passing suitable legislation to also remove our gerrymandering.

It is not fraud by the voting public that has, over the years, changed how our elections have been impacted, but the meddling with the figures and the gerrymandering that has been fraudulent.

We have to let our current parliamentary representatives and those who would come offering their ‘holier than thou’ selves know, that we support a non-partisan committee to outline our constituencies in the future and to conduct elections in this country.

Take the authority over elections out of the hands of and far away from our politicians. We cannot, in all fairness, expect that they will not be tempted to use their authority to manipulate the outcome.

The passing of Dr. Edgar Adams and H. Afflick Haynes Edgar Adams I WAS MOVED BY THE QUALITY of the various encomia on the recent death and burial of Dr. Edgar Adams who has been a tremendous loss to SVG in several aspects of our lives.

Owing to my current illnesses, which have been terrorised by the prevailing uncertainties of the legalpolitical situation and further aggravated by Edgar’s sudden departure, I found it impossible to attend his funeral or even, until now, to put in a word concerning his death.

Fortunately, about four writers went to town on Edgar in admiration, praise and gratitude that covered almost every angle, dimension and contribution of the towering figure of the man.

Bassy superbly dealt with the young Edgar, demonstration that the child was indeed the father of the man.

Adrian Fraser swept me off my feet, first of all, with a reference that my home was the setting of his early introduction of this fabulous character that was destined to assume overtime, a historical personality.

To accomplish this, he prayed in aid much of the writing of this untrained writer, that handled expertly the bed-rock start of our cultural roots- hanging, NineMornings, our ship-building, the shaker religion etc.

In fact, Edgar entered Virgin territory to give us a kick-start for the emergence of our real history.

Nearly all was wrapped up in Blazers inspired piece, touching on Edgar’s prolific out-pact that included many poems. Indeed much had been made of Shake Keane’s poem on the eruption of the La Soufiere which was written in Edgar’s restaurant where Shake and Edgar gathered friends like Karl John and myself to philosophise at a demonstration of nature’s awesome power.

I will put my thoughts on Edgar’s passing if I am spared a propitious moment in the not-too-distant future.

H. Afflick Haynes The late Afflick Haynes has died at the age of 98. So far, it seems, none of the Adult Suffrage generation of politicians, 1957 to 1971, has made it to 100, with only Evans Morgan who, if still alive, has entered the 90s.

I mentioned Afflick Haynes some three weeks ago when commenting on the death of Her Majesty Queen Daphne Hadaway, reigning monarch in 1957 carnival under sovereignty Afflick Haynes, Minister of Social Affairs in the PPP first Government 1957.

Haynes had contested as an Independent unsuccessfully. At the time, Joshua had stated grandly that “no white plantation owner would be welcome by the Black mass”. But here was the same Haynes, an Important PPP minister in 1957!

Not only that, but Haynes again won in 1961 and was virtually Deputy to Chief Minister Ebenezer Joshua, having won the St. George seat, with Milton Cato as leader of the opposition.

Haynes joined with Slater of the PPP to jettison Josh and form part of a Labour Party government made possible by the consequential fall in a vote of No Confidence.

Haynes left the PPP but Slater did not, claiming that his constituency had forbidden him to deceive Joshua!

So Haynes was left high and dry to hang out by himself until he was defeated in the 1966 elections, which were expected to introduce statehood.

Haynes then left the country for about 40 years, returning finally around 2010, when I visited him for an interview, to lay his bones.

On second thought, my promised article on Edgar will come on the eve of the carnival celebrations of which his son Ricky is Chairman.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 9.

Letters

Glorifying gangsters MR. EDITOR, I have been wanting for some time now to say something to the media, but have also retracted

On behalf of a senior citizen who inquired of me: * Is there a stipulated period between readings of our electricity metres? * Is this period anything like 30 to 33 days for which I have been read on numerous occasions? * Is this a ploy so that government can collect as much VAT as possible? * Now that the dry season has set in, can we expect an even higher fuel surcharge, and therefore high bills and more VAT? * Does VINLEC not have some policy that would assist pensioners? The NIS pensions are going nowhere, but our electricity bill keeps getting higher and higher? Any room for some sympathy?

because I kept sayong to myself that there was no media house who would print what I have to say.

After a period of reflection, I have chosen THE VINCENTIAN through which to say what I want to say, since, I think, I stand the best chance with your newspaper, to have it printed. Here goes: On the other issue of “the media glorifying gangsters”, I want to say to the media that gangsters are not soca stars and sporting heroes. You make them famous when you highlight them, without mentioning their evil deeds.

No crisis in Venezuela DEAR EDITOR, This is your friend Paul from Jamaica, sharing a letter that was recently published in the Jamaica Observeramaica: “Nicolas Maduro claims that nothing is wrong with Venezuela that cannot be put right if the British, the Americans, and all countries in-between holding Venezuelan funds and gold, paid over such to him.

But thankfully they won’t; they have impounded it for safe keeping for the people.

I was considering something recently which I read in a comment to an article a few years ago about how well-fed Maduro looked. I suppose it is somewhat disturbing when you see

Thomas

him and, indeed, one of his most avid collaborators, Dr Ralph E Gonsalves, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ leader, looking like two barrels of lard, whilst their people are struggling to feed themselves. Both have, from time to time, worn expensive shoes and are surrounded by security as they make official and private visits. Of course, they are also good at dressing down almost to the attire of homeless people when mixing with their captive peasants and ignorant supporters.

[Just for your interest, US$5,000 today with inflation is VEF1,242,605,000 Venezuelan Bolivars, 1,240,605,000 Bolivars.]

Let’s make no mistake; people are starving in Venezuela, which can be attributed directly to the failure of the 21st century socialism, which is the name applied to Marxist Leninist communism and other forms of communism since the millennium was welcomed in 2000.

Maduro claims there is no crisis in Venezuela.

He also says that whatever is happening there has been created by the Americans.

So I had a look at what the much-esteemed Peter Binose wrote and said in the past. I went back five years and found he had a story that almost mirrors what is happening today. So

what is happening in Venezuela has been happening for yonkers. It has just got progressively worse, which Maduro denies Jolly Green.

Paul, Jamaica

West Indies sweet, again!

WITH ALL THE LICKS I and many others have given the West Indies cricketers, I am going to be the first among my group to offer congratulations in a public media, just like how I used that public media to criticise them.

Not only have our boys put a good licking on England in the recent Test series, but they just won the second of five ODIs to be played. And

as far as the ODI business goes, we are ranked #9 and England #1. Imagine what it would mean if we also beat them in the ODI series!

England would not want to be embarrassed twice, and they are going to turn up the heat. But this time, I am with my boys, and say that they are going to prevail over England in the ODIs. When the boys have

‘sweet again’. us towards returning to the top positions in world Robert cricket. I like the idea that we have two young fast bowlers, Joseph and Paul, who should be looking to take over soon from Roach and Gabriel.

And we have young batsmen like Campbell, Hetmyer and Hope, who MR. EDITOR, I came is coming into his own, across an interview with who look like they going to be the backbone of our former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, batting. in which he was paying I say. Mr. Editor, it tribute to Sir Garry looks like the West Sobers. I thought it to Indies are becoming be as profound as you could get it. I just could not keep it to myself, and I thought I would share it through your I SEE, Mr. Editor, that the Unity Labour Party medium. Thanks for has declared our full support for the Nicolas accommodating me.

Maduro administration in Venezuela. After all ““I would like to see a that that country has done for us since the days of return to the days when President Hugo Chavez, we should not have the world’s greatest expected anything different. Mind you, our position seems to be in sync with most of the cricketers do not think CARICOM Community. it is beneath them to But this is not a comment on whether you and I play in a match against support Nicolas Maduro or not. Rather it has a school team to show something to do a development in Venezuela now, the schoolboys of today’s and how similar it is to one that occurred in SCVG world what it is like to sometime ago, 1979 to be exact. bowl against the When Maduro refused to allow aid from the US greatest in the history of to enter Venezuela, it reminded me of when our the game, and that is Prime Minister, Milton Cato at the time, turned what is missing or was back a ship of emergency supplies from Cuba, missing in West Indies during the Soufriere crisis of 1979. cricket. I hope it is As far as I am concerned, aid comes into a coming back, the country — food, medicine, etc., because that commitment to West country needs it, and therefore, should be allowed in since the bottom line is that it serves those in Indies cricket and need. cricket in general, and In this case, Maduro and Cato fall into the that is what Sir Garry same boat. They turned their backs on the people represented”. Owen in most need.

Arthur.

done something good in the past, it never seemed to last. They beat teams here and there, and once in a while, but nothing consistent. In fact, the only thing that was consistent about the recent W.I. team was how often they were defeated, even by Bangladesh.

I want to stick my neck out and say that this series in the West Indies against England looks like the corner we are turning that will lead

Return to roots

Maduro and Cato

Garnet, NY

Paul, Edinboro

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Solid progress continues amidst challenges

Excerpts from the 2019 Budget Address: Part Four

(Press statement on Elections Petitions trial)

Introduction Climate Change and the Environment THE GREATEST long-term threat to the development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is climate change. The greatest immediate threat to the development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a natural disaster, caused, quickened or exacerbated by climate change. The grave and gathering menace of climate change is the inescapable, incalculable risk that looms over every forecast, plan or aspiration.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines knows well the havoc and long-term consequences of a single natural disaster. We have endured repeated battering from unseasonal weather events. The impacts are long-lasting.

This 2019 Budget contains capital expenditure for reconstruction efforts related to 2010’s Hurricane Tomas and the December 2013 floods — events that took place 6 — 9 years ago.

The loss and damage related to the repeated floods, storms, hurricanes, landslides and droughts have been significant, and measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We are thankful that we emerged from 2018 unscathed by any climaterelated disaster. Nonetheless, as sister islands Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica and others spent the entire year grappling with the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are keenly aware of the inevitability of future natural disasters. In Dominica, for example, damages and losses from Hurricane Maria are $3.5 billion, a whopping 226% of GDP. A mere two years earlier, Dominica was pummelled by Tropical Storm Erika, which caused losses and damages of $1.3 billion.

There, but for the grace of God, goes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Further, beyond the sudden and catastrophic impact of headlinegrabbing events, the inexorable destabilisation wrought by climate change continues unabated. Our seas continue to warm and rise. Our beaches continue to disappear. Our coastal infrastructure continues to be undermined. Our farmers continue to struggle in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. Our fisherfolk continue to risk their lives in pursuit of marine life that migrates further and deeper in search of cooler waters.

Our tourism stakeholders battle bad weather, coastal erosion, Sargasum seaweed and the caution of uncertain visitors scarred by regular stories of inundated islands. The inhabitants of Sandy Bay are facing an immediate existential threat from encroaching seas; as are those in the vicinity of Shipping Bay; while in Mayreau’s Saltwhistle Bay, unarguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Eastern Caribbean, a tiny sliver of rapidly-eroding land — now less than 6 feet wide, is all that stands between preservation and destruction of this major tourist attraction.

Our Plans Our Budget, and our long-term developmental plans, must squarely confront the reality of climate change.

This involves recovery and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, investing in resilience

Compelling evidence given at elections petitions trial

and adaptation, setting aside resources to prepare for natural disasters, adopting renewable energy and clean energy technologies, and strengthening our laws and practices related to environmental protection.

The 2019 Capital Budget shows a total of over $56 million allocated to the functional classification.

“Environmental Protection.” This is the second-largest capital allocation in the Budget. However, Climate Change-related adaptation, mitigation and reconstruction accounts for over $82 million, or 37% of our capital budget allocation. Within the constraints of our capital and capacity, this is a remarkable commitment to climate resilience.

Our Contingency Fund is now just over one year old. We are pleased to report that, as of December 2018, we have saved $12.6 million in this Fund for disaster-related contingencies.

Never before in the history of independent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have we managed to explicitly set aside such resources for a rainy day. In 2019, funded by an ongoing 1% disaster levy on consumption, and supplemented by the modest nightly Climate Resilience Levy on visitor accommodations, we anticipate that the Contingency Fund will receive an additional $12.5 million. While this number remains small in the face of the multi-billion potential of a major natural disaster, it is nonetheless significant. If we are blessed with continued good fortune, in the near term, the Contingency Fund will be a reliable, home-grown cushion against natural disasters. The Fund will also stand as an important signal to the international community that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is committed to playing a leading role in our own disaster preparation and recovery. This year, in anticipation of continued growth in the Contingency Fund, we will elaborate a set of rules and procedures governing the access and management of the Fund’s resources.

The Natural Disaster Management (NDM) and the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (RDVRP) are two multiyear programmes, funded in the main by the Caribbean Development Bank and the World Bank, through which we shall spend over $47 million in reconstruction, rehabilitation and resilience works this year. They are essential in our adaptation efforts to make Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stronger in the face of future climate threats.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues our strong embrace of renewable energy, rapid progress to energy independence, and our status as a “green” and carbon neutral country. Last year, the Saint Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) refurbished the Richmond and South Rivers hydro plants to the tune of $20 million, utilising automation to improve output and efficiency. A 420 kWh solar farm alongside the Argyle International Airport was also commissioned. This solar farm will save almost $500,000 in annual diesel imports, and provide enough energy to power almost 500 homes. By the end of April, the capacity of the AIA solar farm will be increased by another 180kWh.

ON FEBRUARY 11, 2019, the much anticipated and often delayed trial of the petitions challenging returns in the constituencies of Central Leeward and North Windward in the 2015 General Elections began.

The trial was held at a specially constituted courtroom located in the conference room on the third floor of the National Insurance Services (NIS) building in Kingstown. The New Democratic Party (NDP) publicly objected to the use of this venue as it restricted public access to the trial.

The presiding judge at the trial was Justice Stanley John of Trinidad and Tobago who, following the recusal of Justice Esco Henry, was specially appointed to hear the matter.

After seven days of testimony by witnesses called by the Petitioners Mr. Benjamin Exeter of Central Leeward constituency and Mr. Lauron Baptiste of North Windward constituency, and by the Respondents, the trial concluded on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Our lawyers must now prepare written submissions which are to be filed with the Court by February 28, 2019. They then return to Court on March 6, 2019 to make oral submissions to the Judge. There, they will explain clearly why the evidence and law support a decision in favour of Ben Exeter and Lauron Baptiste.

The entire nation should take note of these proceedings, and as many as can make it to the courtroom on March 6th, must do so and witness our democracy on trial.

The trial vindicated the outcry made by the NDP following the 2015 general elections. In witness statements and cross-examination testimony, compelling evidence was given by the witnesses for the Petitioners, concerning numerous serious irregularities and illegal practices that took place in the 2015 general elections. Evidence given by Respondents’ witnesses also supported the claims of irregularities and unlawful practices by election officials on Election Day and at the final count and purported final count.

For example, there was evidence showing that the ballot papers used for voting did not conform in fundamental ways to the requirements of the law, and that, when they were used at the polls, it resulted in their mutilation and in the absence or improper placement of the official mark and initials of the presiding officer on them.

When cross-examined by the Petitioners’ lawyers, Queen’s Counsel Stanley “Stalky” John and Mr. Keith Scotland, witnesses for the Respondents also gave evidence that supported the Petitioners’ claim that the Presiding Officer’s official mark and initials that were required by law to be on each ballot counted, were wrongly placed on the counterfoils and were entirely missing from ballots.

Moreover, notwithstanding this fatal flaw, those ballots were counted as though they were legal ballots.

Indeed, evidence given at the trial confirmed that in at least one polling station in Central Leeward, all the ballots did not have the official mark and initials of the presiding officer on them and were, therefore, illegal. Yet, they were counted as though they were legal ballots!

Evidence given at the trial also confirmed, among other things, that the Petitioners’ complaint that plastic

ballot boxes with plastic ties to hold the lids in place were used for voting instead of the boxes with secure locks that are required by the Representation of the People Act, our election law. A Respondent’s witness also confirmed that in North Windward all the Form 16s and also other essential notes of the Returning Officer needed to substantiate the results in North Windward were missing and apparently could not be found. Yet, the final result of the poll was determined and declared.

The NDP has consistently raised these and other serious matters concerning our elections process. The trial of the petitions has again highlighted our concerns. It has shown that the outcry we raised following the 2015 general elections was not frivolous as some in the ULP have claimed, but was serious and backed up by facts and evidence. We continue to call for immediate fresh elections and for reform of our country’s elections practices and processes. This includes the establishment of an independent electoral commission to oversee our elections. There must also be strict adherence to the election laws.

These petitions have clearly shown the urgent need for changes before the next election. We cannot go into another election, knowing that the process is seriously flawed and that the results cannot be trusted to be the true reflection of the will of the people.

If we are to live up to the claim of being a modern democracy, we cannot fail to act. The people demand it and the NDP, as always, supports the wishes of the people of SVG. In the meantime, the New Democratic Party applauds the hard work and tremendous skill of the entire legal team who represented the Petitioners. The entire nation owes them a debt of gratitude. Their work has shown us what it takes to ensure free and fair elections in SVG, and how hard we must sometimes work to get it done. We also salute the courage and fortitude of the witnesses who, despite repeated delays and various obstacles, came to court and gave their evidence for the Petitioners as their consciences dictated. This, too, is national service!

Finally, having truthfully presented their cases, the Petitioners await the decision of the Judge. They have bravely and resolutely done their part for their constituents and for the nation. Apart from highlighting certain aspects of the evidence above, the NDP has taken the official position, and has issued to all its spokespeople a directive regarding the propriety of refraining from commenting on the merits of the trial and the judicial officials, pending delivery of the judgment.

As we have done over the three years of this matter, all of us in the NDP await the decision of the Judge with vigilance and undaunted determination. While we have worked diligently and continue to hope for a favorable outcome, the decision is entirely in the hands of the Judge who presided over the trial. He has said that it will be given in Court at 10:00a.m. on March 21, 2019. We are, however, cognizant that whichever side prevails, this matter will be finally determined by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

V Done for love

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 11.

Views

“You must be the kind of man who could get things done. But to get things done, you must love the doing not the secondary consequences.”

Ayn Rand (1905-1982) -RussianAmerican writer and philosopher.

advertisements) when they give, the leadership and management of many such establishments make such contributions out of their love for THE STORY IS TOLD OF A YOUNG BOY people. These are the ones who will whose mother had asked him to clean donate funds, equipment, and/or her shoes. He was happy for the furniture to schools, hospitals, youth opportunity to do something for his kind groups, social clubs, school feeding and loving mother. He diligently programmes, and so on. These are cleaned them to the point where they the companies that encourage were spotless. His mother was employees to seek membership in pleasantly surprised at how well he had service clubs that are engaged in done the task and, to show her community-enhancement projects. appreciation, she presented him with a Some of these companies go as far as dollar note. However, later that day, as paying the annual membership fees of she sought to put the shoes on, she such members of staff. In supporting discovered that there was a wad of such efforts, they encourage the paper in the toe of one of them. She strengthening of communities through opened the ruffled paper and discovered giving and sharing - sharing time, a note that the little boy had written to talents, and treasure. They are accompany the returned dollar. It read: conscious that such individuals also “Here’s yoer dallar, Mom. I done it for play a positive role in enhancing the luv.” culture of their respective companies.

The story in the preceding This essay commenced with the paragraph may bring back fond story of a little boy who cleaned his memories to some readers who, in an mother’s shoes and refused to be paid, effort to show love to those valuable claiming that it was “done for love”. persons in their lives, would have There is another story about another performed tasks, expecting nothing in little boy and his mother that beckons return … but receiving multiple to be mentioned here. It revolves blessings for their various acts of around an eight-year-old boy who, kindness. Expressing love for others while walking home after school, through deeds like this enrich the remembered that it was his mother’s lives of the recipients and the givers birthday. He was angry at himself for too. Readers who are familiar with spending all of his break money that passages in the bible may readily day. He reflected on the thought that reflect on the passage in Acts 20:35 it would have been so good if, rather that reminds us that it is more than spending the money on snacks blessed to give than to receive. There for himself, he had bought a few are multiple joys when we give of our sweets to give his mom as a birthday time, talent, and treasure with pure gift. As he neared home, he observed motives; when we do it for love. a soursop tree growing along the There appear to be many who will roadside. He slowed his pace. He claim that our citizens have become paused beside the tree, reached up, less caring over the years; we have become more selfish. While it is true and picked several of the glossy, dark green leaves. With a smile on his to say that there appear to be many face, he presented the “gift” of the who have become increasingly selfcentred, it is equally accurate to note leaves to his waiting mom. She reacted with a warmth and words of that there are still many among us appreciation, noting that this was a who would go out of their way to most fitting gift. She explained that assist those in need. We see this reflected in the number of individuals she intended to use some of the leaves to add flavour to her breakfast who gain membership in service porridge on the following morning, clubs, in an effort to give back to and that some of the leaves would be society. They are not perturbed or distracted by those who may join such used to make her late night warm beverage (her tea). She explained organisations in order to enhance their CVs or to gain useful inroads to that the “soursop tea” would be networks that can be of personal or invaluable in lulling her off to sleep corporate benefit. We are encouraged after a long day. She was grateful for by those who engage in community her son’s invaluable birthday gift; an activities for the love of people and inexpensive gift that showed his care, love of the environment. They know his gratitude, and his love. that the value of such activities is not We may sometimes make the error what they get from serving, but what of seeking to provide services and/or they become by serving. They inspire gifts that are considered expensive. us. They encourage us. They However, as indicated in the two motivate us to follow their example of stories shared in this essay, the “little self-less giving and sharing. We have things” are often “the big things”. so many opportunities to do good and Small acts of kindness and to show love in practical ways. inexpensive gifts given with love, Many companies are now engaged often have the capacity to in activities that demonstrate their demonstrate to the recipients the love for the communities in which magnitude of positive emotions when they operate. Corporate Social things are given and/or done for love.

Responsibility (CSR) involves more In their innocence, both boys in these than simply the reallocation of marketing and/or advertising budgets stories remind us of the long-lasting positive impressions that can result to “give back” to supporting communities. While some community from simple things done for love. members may conclude that these Send comments, criticisms & firms are largely driven by “selfish suggestions to motives” (engaging in indirect julesferdinand@gmail.com

‘What shall it profit a man...’

I AM SITTING AT MY DESK Malmaison Hotel in Oxford, England, thinking about my homeland. Oxford is a thinking town, a place for deep and reflective thought.

The Malmaison is an interesting place.

For more than 300 years, until 1996, it served as a prison. For centuries, its inmates were persons who could not pay their debts. But since the turn of the century, the Malmaison has been turned into a snazzy hotel.

The Organization of American States (OAS) invited me to a conference on CyberSecurity and Strengthening the Democratic Process. Among the topics slated for discussion were: 1. Building an Open, Safe and Stable Cyberspace, 2. Threats to Election Technology, 3. OAS and the Commonwealth Experience in Electoral Cooperation 4. Digital Threats to the Democratic Process 5. The Sole of Social Media Manipulation 6. Cybersecurity Guidelines for Democratic Processes 7. Issues for Consideration in the Protection of the Democratic Process against Digital Threats.

These are very important topics from which all of the countries in the Americas could learn. Certainly, stake-holders in SVG would do well to go onto the OAS website and down load the many presentations.

But I digressed. The Malmaison did not cause me to think of the conference. It caused me to think of fear, jail, punishment, hardship, deprival and even death. Physical death and spiritual death, the loss of meaning as regards everything that is meaningful.

My mind drifted off to the Bible and the powerful refrain in the Book of Mark, 8:36: ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’

This is a serious question that has serious implications in both the religious and secular realms. For truly, what shall it profess anyone of us if we got all that we wanted, but in the end could not really be true to ourselves? Is it not true that in a real sense, our good name and character are all that we have got? And don’t we all agree with the ancients when they say, ‘To thyself be true’?

Why then do we live what WEB Dubois describes in the classic ‘The Soul of Black Folks’ as double life, or Twoness? I believe the much less recited verse Mark 8:37 offers an answer: ‘What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’

Fear of reprisal and discomfort and disapproval, fear of punishment and social isolation, and most of all fear of the ‘good life’ or aspiration to the good life, may offer revealing clues for our action and inaction, silence and acceptance of what we instinctively know to be patently wrong.

Have you ever stopped to think what you would have become, or what would become of you if you were very comfortable, had not a trouble in the world, no concern about how your rent or mortgage will be paid, or absolutely no responsibility to pay for your schooling or that of your children?

What if, what if, what if? If you

were independent of worry, would you speak up more for what is right and condemn what is wrong, irrespective of whether your stance brought you into conflict with your sibling, parents, boss, representative, political and religious leaders or the state?

Comfort by itself is not what makes one speak or remain silent.

Conscience compels us to take a stance. And in SVG,it appears that ‘dawg eat our conscience.’

We need to wake up from our slumber. These are not the days when information was hidden from us. We don’t have to depend on hearsay to form opinions about our reality. We can be and must become eyewitnesses for truth. Khalid Mahammed commanded us to terrorize our friends and neighbours with the truth. We must become evangelists for truth. Dr Martin Luther King reminded us that ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’

Will our job dictate where we stand in times of challenge and controversy?

Why place the comfort of ourselves and that of our children ahead of our own decency, or even more importantly the dignity of our nation?

Our African ancestors went through more and, as Maya Angelo proclaimed ‘and yet we rise.’ They rebelled and died so that we might live. We owe it to those who passed on and to the generations yet unborn, to stand up like men and women worthy of the name.

Charlie Houston, an American civil rights titan and founder of Howard University Law School, told the first batch of law students ‘A lawyer’s either a social engineer or he’s a parasite on society’. . . . A social engineer was a highly skilled, perceptive, sensitive lawyer who understood the Constitution and knew how to explore its uses in the solving of ‘problems of . . . local communities’ and in ‘bettering conditions of the underprivileged citizens.’

These words ring true today as they did decades ago when Houston utter them. They have application not just for lawyers, but for anyone serious about the direction of the society in which we all live. No more should we be either conceited or deceitful.

The musical genius Michael Jackson instructed us to ‘look at the man in the mirror and make that change.’ Is it not time that we listen to him? Well, we fail to listen to and heed wisdom, to our individual and collective chagrin. The legendary Bob Marley sums up our existence as good as anyone ‘Live for self we live in vain. Live for others we live again.’

It is time we answer the call of conscience.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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ULP: Not educated to move SVG forward A VINCENTIAN FARMER AND BUSINESSMAN told Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, on Friday 22 February 2019 at the market in Kingstown, that, in his opinion, the ULP regime does not have the education needed to move SVG forward.

The farmer said that there is no market for his produce and, in fact, the ULP regime has failed to find new markets for Vincentian farmers’ produce.

The farmer said that when he comes to Kingstown on Fridays, he is lucky if he makes $30.00 profit from the sale of his goods. The money he earns, overall, is not enough to properly sustain his family and pay water and light bills.

One of the problems is that the Marketing Corporation was closed down and there was nothing put in place to fill the void created by that closure. Also, to make matters worse, there’s no money circulating in the country, and people are just not buying much on market day.

Tourism and agriculture dead The agricultural industry is in such a mess that farmers come to Kingstown on Friday to sell their produce and do not sell much. They are then forced to come back to Kingstown again on Saturday and on Monday, to try to make a few dollars more, and to avoid losing a lot of their produce through spoilage.

The SVG economy is very weak.

Both tourism and agriculture are virtually dead.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, fully accepts the farmer and businessman’s grave concerns, and fully agrees with him that, the ULP regime’s track record shows they do not have the education needed to move the SVG economy from stagnation to prosperity.

The question the farmer has put to SVG Green Party is: How would SVG Green Party bring prosperity to SVG?

A Green government would bring back the Marketing Corporation, and with regard to agriculture, look to focus on import substitution. In SVG, we should eat what we grow and grow what we eat, and improve our health by producing our food organically. We would give farmers guaranteed prices, and find more markets for their produce.

Further, what SVG businesses need is a buoyant economy, and in the case of manufacturers, local and foreign markets for their products. A Green government would modernise the SVG economy and help businesses export.

There is lack of foreign investment in SVG, especially in high earning and high skilled industries. To redress this, a Green government would invest hundreds of millions annually in skills training and free, high-quality education from pre-school to university, so as to create a highly educated and highly skilled workforce.

Singapore did this, and now has one of the highest standards of living in the world.

More importantly, a Green government would enact a new, fairer taxation system to get money circulating the SVG economy, as shown in the recent SVG Green Party Budget Estimates 2019.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, calls for a new economic strategy to move our country into prosperity, which should involve cutting tax so as to stimulate economic activity in our stagnant economy.

Singapore did this, and now has an unemployment rate of less than two percent.

As highlighted by the Vincentian farmer and businessman, the ULP regime does not have the education needed to carry out the abovementioned necessary changes, to move SVG forward.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 13.

Carnival

CDC hosts Carnival Media Launch Right: Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the CDC, encourage that an economic analysis of Carnival be conducted.

Vincy Mas. Given the achievement and impact of the soca artistes, arrangers, producers, engineers and even videographers, Adams proffered that this was “a fantastic opportunity to invite people to Vincy Mas, not only to appreciate our musical talent, but also our exciting pan music, our wonderful pageantry, and also our awesome Masqueraders and our street party.”

While not forgetting Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper and Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle for their continuing contribution, Adams singled out, for special mention, Fimber ‘Fimba’ Jardine and his 2018 hit “Funky Business”, which he said, has just been adopted by Hennessey as its theme song for 2019.

And with eyes on ensuring the continuing development of the creative industries directly and indirectly related to carnival, the chairman spoke of CDC’s plan to host a symposium to which persons, Chairman Adams especially young persons, inviting participation would be invited to be exposed to the creative Speaking at the event, arts.

Chairman of CDC And as for the Miss Ricardo Adams focused SVG Pageant, Adams in great part on the said that the show has music that characterizes become a female THE SASHING BY THE SPONSORS of the six contestants in the Miss SVG 2019 Pageant formed part of last Saturday’s Media Launch of Vincy Mas 2019, hosted by the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

The six, introduced to a gathering of specially invited guests and carnival stakeholders were: Kircia Modeste (Miss Lotto) - 20 years old of Georgetown; Megan Greaves (Miss Vincentian Chocolate) 21 years old of Fountain; Sylvorn Lavia (Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd.) - 22 years old of Fancy; Sharikah Rodney (Miss Mustique Co. Ltd.) - 19 years old of Greiggs; Felica Thomas, (Miss Massy Stores (SVG) Ltd,) - 23 years old of Mesopotamia; and Sonia Delecia (Miss Flow) - 26 years old of Campden Park.

The Miss SVG Pageant 2019 is scheduled for Saturday 1st June.

Contestants in the 2019 Miss SVG Pageant (from left): Sonia Delecia, Sylvorn Lavia, Felica Thomas, Kircia Modeste, Megan Greaves and Sharikah Rodney. empowerment pageant instead of just a beauty pageant.

In reference to carnival economic impact, the Chairman raised the issue of festival tourism, saying that, “Economic analysis across the region has shown these benefits. I am pleading with Vincentians at all level to help us to do the same.”

Components recommit Also addressing last Saturday’s event was President of the SVG Calypsonian Association Earl Bennett who

disclosed that his Association will be honouring several stalwarts and organizations for their support for the calypso art form over the years; Kingsley Collis, representing the Carnival Bands Association (CBA), informed that 14 bands will vie for the 2019 Band of the Year title; YouLou Pan Movement Representative I’Sheka De Riggs promised that pan is going to be epic in 2019.

Mc Kie spoke positively about the successes that have been achieved in pan, calypso, and especially in soca. But he challenged Vincentians to fully embrace Vincy Mas and sell it.

Now that there was a product about which we were proud, the Minister challenged Vincentians, asking: “Have we individually and collectively embraced Vincy Mas as being the hottest carnival in the Caribbean? Have we adopted a posture that compares with the Embrace Vincy Mas Trinidad — the Mecca of Culture Minister Cecil carnival in the region?

Have we adopted that

Meet Sylvorn Lavia: Miss Metrocint SYLVORN LAVIA is one of this country’s emerging young talents.

She intends to pursue a career in Criminal Justice for, as a Police Officer, this would put her in a better position to fulfil her duties.

She is currently attached to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal SVG Police Force.

It is with the confidence inculcated by that background that Sylvorn decided to be a delegate in the 2019 Miss SVG Pageant. Supported by her sponsor Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., she has her eyes set on the coveted title and its top prize of a University scholarship. Additionally, Sylvorn wants to give her sponsor a 50th anniversary gift.

From the village of Fancy on the North Eastern tip of mainland St. Vincent, Sylvorn has packed a broad exposure into her 22 years.

She completed a course in Paralegal Studies at the St. Vincent and

the Grenadines Community College, was attached to the Curriculum Unit in the Ministry of Education for a time, and served as an Aviation Officer at the Argyle International Airport for a brief period.

Her next move was to the Police Force.

Now comes her debut into the realm of pageantry which she views as an experience in which the advantages far outweigh any negatives.

The training leading up to the 2019 Miss SVG Pageant on Saturday 1st June has already thrown up its degree of challenges as far as Sylvorn is concerned. But she is one of the flexible types and she is “adjusting well.”

“The challenges are there to build my personal development,” Sylvorn admitted.

She is supported by the family duo of Azuba and Zamfir Adams. Anyone

familiar with that combination will have no reason to doubt Sylvorn’s faith in accomplishing her goals. Zamfir is the reigning Calypso Monarch, and Azuba, serving as Sylvorn’s chaperone, has been the driving force behind ‘Man Zangie’s’ Sylvorn Lavia achievement as this will represent country’s only three Metrocint time consecutive General Calypso Monarch.

Insurance Co. Metrocint General Ltd. at this Insurance marked its year’s Miss Golden Anniversary SVG Pageant. in style late last year.

Such a milestone is fit for a yearlong celebration. Sylvorn wants to enhance the package with a Miss SVG award. That will be a fitting crown to the commemoration.

Minister of Culture Cecil Mc Kie challenged Vincentians to truly make Vincy Mas their own. posture to say to them you are not really the hottest, Vincy Mas is the hottest?”

“Once we have engaged all the different aspects in 2019, going forward to 2020 and beyond, Vincy Mas can step up from being the hottest carnival to undoubtedly the hottest carnival in the Caribbean,” declared McKie. Vincy Mas 2019 runs from June 28 to July 9, under the theme ‘Soca Land’. (KH)

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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Focus

Davis on Special Olympics Council CARIBBEAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS athletes now have a representative on the North American Council in Special Olympics.

That representative is Terrance Davis, a Vincentian Special Olympian, Special Olympics coach, Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors Special Olympics SVG and Special Education teacher.

His appointment was confirmed in late 2018 after nomination by the Caribbean region, including nonEnglish-speaking territories.

“It is truly an honour to be part of the North American Council in Special Olympics. It is going to speak volumes on behalf of the programmes in the Caribbean because we now have a voice to which others will now listen,” Davis said in a recent interview with THE VINCENTIAN. With respect to his role, Davis described it, inter alia, as “representing the athletes… finding out what they want and how Special Olympics can care more for their needs in terms of offering more sports, medical comfort and other areas which can assist in improving their performances.”

He added, “We in the Caribbean region are very diverse, not only in

geography but also in language, so my job is to say to the North American office and the rest of the Special Olympics Organization, that these countries are here and you need to do more things to help our athletes, even if it’s as simple as getting documents translated into French or Spanish.”

Davis is confident that he can bring “good things” to the table, given his years of involvement in Special Olympics, an involvement that dates back to the 1980s.

The still active Special Olympics coach is anticipating improved performances by Caribbean athletes, as through a seat on the American Council, they can now access training programmes.

He is especially looking forward to making known the views and aspirations of Caribbean Special athletes so as to help inform the assistance that is best suited to and necessary in the Caribbean.

All in all, Davis sees the seat on the North American Council as offering “..a sense of of belonging” to Caribbean Special Olympics athletes, as well as helping to foster greater cohesion

Terrance Davis is confident that he can use his new appointment to influence positive results for the region.

Left: Woodrow Williams (left) and Terrance Davis have formed a formidable Special Olympics coaching duo.

among Caribbean territories so that they can speak with one true voice.

Davis believes the region was rewarded with this representation because of what it has been doing over the years, especially its achievements at World Games.

“It will prove to North Americans

that having us on board would be more of an asset to the organization,” Davis touted, even as he recognized the many individuals, coaches and governments for their support in keeping the region’s athletes “focused and motivated.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Special Olympics SVG says thanks INDIVIDUALS, ORGANISATIONS and business entities who, in any way, contributed to the realisation of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Special Olympics contingent attending this month’s World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, have been thanked for their generous support.

Chairman of Special Olympics SVG- Sir Errol Allen, at a Cocktail held last Tuesday evening at the Curator’s House of the Botanic Gardens, expressed gratitude to each contributor.

“This is like a thanksgiving for the fund-raising that we

have established,” Allen echoed.

Allen’s expression of gratitude was even more compelling as it was much more difficult to realise the funds for the 2019 games, than it was four years ago, when a similar effort was undertaken.

“Four years ago, we went to Los Angeles (USA), and the effort of raising funds was not a herculean task as it is this year … We were able to raise the funds without a great deal of effort,” Allen recalled.

In rationalizing the comparison, Allen said, “But this year, it was much more

expensive to take the athletes to where they would like to be.”

According to Allen, the task of raising the funds was made more difficult because, “In our community, we don’t have enough support from corporate entities … Many of them do not Verona Jack of the SVG Association of recognise how important it is to Winnipeg, Canada (centre) hands over a cheque to Natasha Doyle, a Special Olympian. support At right is Grasita Jones of the SVG activities.”

Sir Errol Allen, Chairman Association of Winnipeg.

Allen, of Special Olympics SVG. though, is ahead to the St Vincent and undaunted, and he expressed the hope that the Grenadines’ sojourn to the Director of Special Olympics Games in Abu Dhabi, from SVG- Sezevra Joseph informed in the future, more 14th to 21st March, indicated: that this country’s Prime persons will come Minister had made a timely forward and support the “I am so pleased with the countenances of the athletes intervention by getting efforts of Special who are going forward… You officials from Dubai to finance Olympics, whenever the full airfare of the 25 they again solicit funds have done them justice, and athletes and 12 officials to get to attend another World they are going to repay us by their attendance, the efforts to the Games.

Games. and success they would have.

And, at last Tuesday’s He suggested the “I don’t wish to say (that) ceremony, there was further establishment of a you are disappointed, when support for the team’s Foundation, so that they come back on this participation in the Abu Dhabi funds can be generated occasion …The main thing is Games, as the St Vincent and for this purpose. the Grenadines Association of Notwithstanding the to be there and give their all, and their all can result in Winnipeg, Canada, and a local challenges, the medals”, he added.

Athletes and officials who comprise the SVG contingent to the 2019 Chairman, in looking group known as MRI, added Meanwhile, National World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi. their financial input.

V School Bands Showcase: Next major festival

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 15.

Youth

music as a platform for enhancing their future.

The Minister also alluded to the opportunities and the developing trend for students with musical skills to eventually take those into bands in the secular and non-secular spheres.

Vice-president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Curtis King recommitted his institution’s support for the National School Bands Showcase.

That financial institution was instrumental in staging last year’s inaugural production.

King pledged the SVGTCCU’s commitment to the event for the next three years, and to ensure that there Minister Mc Kie hands over a violin to a J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary is no dearth of musical instruments in School student. Others pictured include Curtis King (right) and persons the school system, some US$2,000 concerned with co-ordination of the Showcase. worth of musical instruments,

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY was staged last year, comes off March including a violin, guitar, bass, drum set and recorders/flutes were handed 25 at the tarmac of the CECIL MC KIE, this country’s Tourism decommissioned E. T. Joshua Airport. over to the coordinators of the event.

Rodney Small, Cultural Industries Culture and Sports Minister, has dubbed A mini fair is carded from 3 pm.

Officer in the Department of Culture the National Schools Bands Showcase Transport has been arranged, and one of the driving forces behind the “next major festival,” in St. Vincent organisers said, to ensure students the Showcase, alluded to another and the Grenadines. have little or no difficulty getting shipment of instruments expected here Mc Kie made the ‘prediction’ during home after the event.

Saturday, March 2. He expressed his address at last Monday’s launch of Mc Kie was pleased with the the 2019 National Secondary Schools participation of 18 of the 27 Secondary gratitude to Vincentians overseas for their support in this respect.

Bands Showcase. The launch was held Schools. He, however, pointed to the Small urged promoters, hoteliers at the Conference Room of the SVG shortage of musicians and the and other entrepreneurs to use the Teachers Co-operative Credit Union “scramble” for musicians at carnival Schools Bands at their functions and (SVG TCCU), Kingstown. time, and urged students to take the activities.

The Showcase, the first of which opportunity of learning and playing

Darrien Ollivierre, a music teacher at the Intermediate High School, praised the birth of the National School Bands and the Showcase, and pointed to benefits his students have derived from participation.

Ollivierre disclosed that a former student has moved to New York and is progressing in music. He envisions the event to growing into a regional exchange of School Bands.

Jabez Matthews, a fourth form Bethel High School student, confessed that the National School Bands showpiece, “made me a better performer. It helped me to do something that I really love. I was excited with last year’s event. This is one of the best things that has been done. The energy level was unbelievable. I pray that this year will be better.”

The musical instruments that were presented to schools programme, last Monday.

SMRC Peer Mentors bring cheer

Right: Peer Monitors and children of Rose Place in a meet and greet session.

Help and Restore’, peer mentors are expected to model ON THURSDAY, 14th desired behavior so as to act February, while many persons as mentors to needy peers who across St. Vincent and the are not comfortable talking to Grenadines eagerly looked out adult leaders; and to bring joy for loved ones to present them to the hearts of children in with gifts on Valentine’s Day, and around their school’s Feb. 14, twenty-one student community. members of the Peer Parents, grandparents and Mentoring Club of the St. guardians had also gathered Mary’s Roman Catholic School at the function to lend support were eagerly anticipating the and witness the affair. After conclusion of school for that prayers and choruses led by day, so they could assemble teacher Mrs. Claudia Windsor, and walk to the Catholic Soup Ms. John extended a warm Kitchen in Rose Place. welcome to Ms. Gloria Decked in their signature Williams to bring a message of tee-shirts, they were easily inspiration. identifiable on their route to In her short talk, Ms. the Soup Kitchen, where they Williams spoke of the would meet with children of Valentine’s Day of love, Rose Place, and show them reminding that in speaking of love and attention by engaging love, one must look to God, the them in a wonderful getauthor of love. She further together, and then presenting went on to say, “Love is not them with ‘shoe box gifts’. just words. Love is action, and The Peer Mentoring Club I am happy that you peer was formed at the SMRC in mentors are putting the action 2014 by teacher and school into love today.”

Counsellor, Ms. Luevene John.

Turning her focus on the Driven by the motto, ‘Model, residents of Rose Place, she

by GLORIAH…

reminded them that love is tolerant, kind and forgiving, and not directed only to those whom a person knows.

“This is the essence of love we are seeing here this afternoon,” she said. “These students are not really acquainted with you children of Rose Place; but their excitement for coming, chatting with you, sharing hugs and snacks with you, and giving you gifts is quite clear: such a great way to show love!”

Following Ms. Willimas’ address, President of the Peer Mentors Club, Fifth Grade student Sharina Browne spoke to her contemporaries.

After introducing herself and reiterating the purpose for the visit, she said, “Giving is a satisfying feeling, especially when you are making someone happy and knowing they appreciate it. We are learning from a young age that sharing and caring are important traits to have. These will help us to be better men and

women in the future. These good habits that we develop will grow with us, thus helping us to make our community and our country a better place to be.”

The activity concluded with a mix and mingle, followed by sharing of snacks and then gifts. A total of forty-eight gifts were handed out, for which the group expressed thanks to their parents, the Teachers’ Cooperative Credit Union, the Central Water and

Sewerage Authority, and the Ministry of National Mobilization.

It was an afternoon well spent, and all parties concerned were the better for it.

The Peer Mentoring Club of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School continues to provide good examples of leadership and care for others to students at the school and persons in the community.

V

16. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Ten selected for Corporate Public Speaking Semis

Trackeisha Davis

Iyande Bramble

Cavell King Jr

Delano Burke

Marla Nanton-James

Cliseena Butler

semi-finals: Trackeisha Davis representing the Argyle International Airport; Iyande Bramble and Cavell King Jr of Massy Stores; Moise Cummings and Cliseena Butler of the RSVGPF; Kyron Duncan - NTRC; Kimsha Williams - KMK Fashion/Learning for Kimsha Williams Living; Delano Burke — Metrocint ; Samanthia AND THEN, there were ten! Charles of ECGC and Six of the 16 Marla Nanton-Jamesparticipants in the XS Steel Inc. inaugural National At last Saturday’s Corporate Public event, participants spoke Speaking Competition around the topic ‘The were eliminated last Role of Social Media in Saturday when the Business’. preliminary round was Participants were held. allowed to vary from the The six were: Ryan topic, so as to highlight John and Syprian Isaacs, how social media can both representing BDO; have an adverse effect on Eustasha Walter an individual or (NTRC), Shaquille Lewis business.

(JCI); Joel Jack But the judges’ word (Metrocint General is final, says organizer Insurance) and Mikhail Arlette Miller, and now Akers (CWSA). the attention will be Those going into the

Kyron Duncan

Samanthia Charles

Moise Cummings focused on the semifinals, scheduled to take place on March 16.

“We have exceeded expectations,” Miller said and added that, based on the size of the audience at the preliminary round, they may have outgrown the Girl Guides Headquarters, and that she was negotiating for a larger venue for the next round of competition.

Miller explained that the competition was organized by Toast Masters, of which she is a member, to give members of the corporate sector in SVG the opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills.

Toastmasters International is an organization set on developing an individual’s communication and leadership skills. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 17.

Corporate

The beginning stage of installation of solar PV Panels installation.

Solar PV farm for Union Island A PHOTOVOLTAIC system will be added to the generation mix in Union Island, in keeping with a mandate by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) to increase the penetration of renewable energy in the production of electricity. The Solar PV and battery energy storage project is being funded through a grant to the government from the United Arab Emirates. The contract was signed in 2018, and preparatory works were carried out during that year. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor is Akuo Energy Solutions of the UAE. They are being supported by several local civil, electrical and mechanical subcontractors. Installation of the solar panels commenced in late January 2019 and was completed in February. The panels are mounted on the ground using driven piles, and the solar modules have been tilted at 10 degrees. Another component of the project is the installation of new 11kV switchgear.

The switchgear panels, which have already been installed, will offer protection to the solar PV and battery systems, the generator transformers and the 11kV feeders.

The next stage of the project will see the termination of cables. Once this is completed, the project will move into its final stage, which is the testing/commissioning stage. To ensure successful transition, members of staff who will be involved in the operations and maintenance of the Solar PV farm, will undergo a period of training on site. The one hundred hours (100) training session will be done by Akuo Energy Solutions.

Upon completion, the solar PV plant will generate electricity during the day to supply to the grid. It is projected that on sunny days, the solar plant will generate excess electricity than is required to supply the average day-time load on the island. The excess electricity will be stored in batteries. Once there is limited PV output, the batteries will deliver power to the load until they have been discharged. At this point, the control system will send a signal to start the diesel generators which will supply the needed load.

The diesel generators will continue to power the load until there is sufficient sunlight for the PV system to generate power and recharge the batteries.

There are also several environmental benefits that will be derived from this solar PV project. During times when the diesel generators are off line, there will be limited noise pollution and improved air quality in the area since there will be no exhaust from the diesel generators. In addition, there is the reduced probability of oil and spills and other related incidents.

The expected annual energy output is 1,025 Megawatt-hours (MWh) or 1.025 Gigawatt-hours (GWh), which is approximately 32% of the electricity generated in Union Island in 2018. This will result in approximately one-third of savings on diesel usage and cost, and also savings in other diesel generator operation and maintenance costs.

The Union Island Solar PV Plant is located to the North of the Union Island Power Station.

The total cost of the project is 3 million US dollars.

The system is expected to be functional by the end of March 2019. The Union Island Power Plant, which was commissioned in 1974, provides power to 1,242 customers. (Submitted by VINLEC)

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18. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Book review: ‘Oba’s story’ reviewed

by I. B. PUNNETT Editor’s Note: The following review was first published in December 2016 edition of African Affairs, a monthly Canadian newspaper. We reprint it here with the kind permission of the publication referred and Ras Oba. In less than two hundred pages, ‘Oba’s story’, written by George Colman and published by the African World Press, Inc., takes us on a journey into the heart, mind and soul of a man who transformed himself from “a brown, West Indian subject of the British empire to a black man, an African-in-exile, a Rastafarian and a political radical”.

Oba’s life appears as an intermittently bright thread woven into the historical fabric of the 1960s and 70s. It is a time of sweeping social change and political unrest in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Although Colman labels Oba “a political radical”, the book exposes a social activist, a man outraged by society’s apathy in the face of blatant continued injustices.

We meet a man whose seemingly outrageous appearance and behaviour expose a humanitarian conscience and a grassroots humanist approach to social change.

We experience Oba’s journey to his understanding of his place and role in human history and his realization that understanding brings challenge. We are helped to identify the prevailing and prevalent social issues that can shackle one to poverty, violence and despair. Having become a man who understands, Oba takes up the

Ras Oba soldiers on in the vanguard of the struggle for social and political justice. challenge of that understanding. We encounter one man’s unique way of effecting personal and social change in spite of being ridiculed, margainalized, physically abused and forced into poverty and social loneliness.

For those of us who have helped in forwarding the humanitarian cause in even the smallest way, it is a story of understanding and a validation of our lives and the lives of past activists.

For those of us who have never dared to take the challenge, it is a chance to explore the possibilities. Above all, it is a challenge to all those who hear, see or experience injustice, to continue the good fight.

‘Oba’s story’ is available at Gaymes Book Centre, Kingstown and on Amazon.

Getting closer to Cannabis Day WITH THE Cannabis Research and Development Unit (CRDU) established under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, the state is readying itself to consider applications for cannabis research.

Those applications, though, must be submitted through the Bureau of Standards or the Ministry of Agriculture.

The CRDU remains in effect an administrative body. Already it has a Chief Executive Officer in the person of medical doctor Jerrol Thompson, and advertisements of other positions within the Unit have been carried in the local press.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that there could well be, very soon, an application for permission to conduct

SVG is getting closer to seeing the commencement of cannabis research here, leading to establishing a medicinal cannabis industry here. research from a company comprised of locals.

Information is that a company registered here under the name Rastafari Farms, is all but ready to submit an application to conduct research.

Rastafari Farms is described as a group of Rastafarians who are established

growers/cultivators of cannabis. It’s chief spokesperson is Ajit Duncan, a self-professed long standing cultivator of the herb.

All things being even, the process for receipt,S study and consideration of applications should be in clear and chartered waters by the end of March.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01 , 2019. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG to see increased growth THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD, having concluded 2018 Article Consultations with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has forecast growth (economic) of 2.3 percent in 2019. This follows what the IMF said was 0.7 percent in 2017 and 2 percent in 2018.

The increased growth is expected to be accounted for through “increases in tourist arrivals, tourism-realted activities (including investment in hotels ansd resorts), and related local production,” the Executive Directors said.

They warned, though, that the forecast is subject to: external risks, e.g. weaker-than-expected global growth, tighter global finanacial conditions, higher oil prices; and domestic risks, e.g. more severe and frequent natural disasters, loss of correspondent banking relationships, and materialization of financial sector risks.

The Executive Directors

Things are looking up for SVG, according to the IMF. commended the authorities for “successfully reinvigorating the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy.”

They noted, however, the continuing challenges in terms of making economic growth more sustainable, reducing public debt, and increasing resilience to natuiral disasters.

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. Deception will play an important factor in relationships. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely. Try not to jump to conclusions.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace.

Concentrate on work and on making money. Don't give your heart too readily.

You may feel that someone at work is holding you back.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Your personal situation is fluctuating.

Develop some of your good ideas. You might want to spend some time by yourself in order to decide exactly how you feel.

Minor accidents could cause trauma and major setbacks.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Ferret out information that will hold them responsible. Let them know what your intentions are. Finish up any correspondence by early afternoon.

Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Do something together and you'll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make.

Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. You should get out and meet new people this week. Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Help elders get their personal papers in order. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. Secret affairs may only cause complications in your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Jealous attitudes may lead you astray.

Investments will not be as they appear this week. Sudden changes regarding your circle of friends could prove interesting and stimulating. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Look into some personal changes. You need to put some trust in others. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Put your efforts into being creative.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Don't jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend. You can meet new friends who will let you know just how valuable you are. Don't push your mate if you want to keep this union going.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Make sure that you take time to remember those you love. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Romance could develop through social activities or short trips. Tempers will mount if you're too pushy at work or at home. Put aside any decisions concerning your position at work. Unexpected bills may set you back.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. Don't say something you'll live to regret. Go out with friends who are positive and supportive.

ACROSS 1. Shakes (a tail) 5. Leopard mark 9. Relaxation resort 12. Assist (criminals) 13. Will beneficiary 14. Cut (off) 15. Count (on) 16. Leer at 17. Hot temper 18. Melancholy 20. Called 22. Urban bird 25. Billboard messages 26. From Cork 27. Catholic figures 31. Average 32. Adding result 33. Large serpent 34. Joins the military 37. Tale 39. Reclined 40. Paris hats 41. Let flow over 44. Wood chopper 45. Big success 46. Without moisture 49. “Grace” conclusion 53. Function 54. Engagement symbol 55. Shredded 56. Glasgow cap 57. Plowing harness 58. Tiff DOWN 1.Simple card game 2. Vigoda of “Barney Miller” 3. Harden 4. Current fashions 5. Proved 6. Tent fastener 7. Lubricating fluid 8. See 4‐Down

9. Meager 10. Skin feature 11. Imitated 19. Pleased cry 21. Cigarette residue 22. Water conductor 23. Tehran’s land 24. Young female 25. Commuting option 28. Reed instrument 29. Shipping city 30. Declares 32. Hog shelter 35. Needing a doctor 36. Annual income

37. Gender 38. Tasty rewards 40. Police emblem 41. Close 42. Italian destination 43. Ledger entry

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 21.

47. __ de Janeiro 48. Calligraphy liquid 50. Janitorial aid 51. Momentous period 52. Moth snare

V Practice, possession, transition 22. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Feature

by SEYMOUR ‘ROLLIT’ WALRON

FOR DECADES, footballers at practice/training

sessions warm-up by running some laps, running in, out, around and through a line of cones and ladder, do some

exercises then some drills with the ball, and spend the remaining time playing These players hardly a game among ever become tired, as themselves.

they practise/train less than an hour a week and on weekends. Most of their free time is used for purposes other than their sport.

Because practice sessions do not expose them to how to perform in certain conditions and situations, coupled with players being tired, lead our players not to focus and concentrate for a full eighty or ninety-minute game.

It also has an effect on their set plays and free kicks, as they lose track of the weight when striking the ball.

Transition needs to be practised at all levels, especially at club level.

Failing to do this has resulted in our players, even when playing for the national team, losing the ball easily or giving it away after four or five passes in their opponents’ half of the field.

Thinking two passes ahead in soccer – vision and movement. pass necessary to aid the team in taking advantage of whatever game situation that might present itself, as a result.

Presently, the average player on the field of play doesn’t know when he/she will get a pass.

Passes are made first to friends or to those who may be considered the best players. This is to ensure their selection for the next game. Moreover, passes are made to the marked players, and not to the players who are in better positions to continue the transition.

Transition is poorly supported

That our players are at the stage of losing the ball often and not constructing combination passes, tell us that our Possession provides coaches are not at the opportunity level necessary to advance the players. If Having possession you agree with my allows your team to assessment, I urge you to recognize and prepare to rub it in, and roll it in; take advantage of encourage the players to whatever game situation go to practices on time, might present itself. But regularly and to train that is if players are properly and knowledgeable about the purposefully, as ‘practice process of constructing makes permanence’. the game.

For decades, Therefore, at all practise/training sessions practices, the thinking of have maintained the the entire team must be same old routine, and that the pass must be a players expect and are continuous pass. expected to improve.

Constructing passes will Watch coverage of our be the next step. Here, local premier division players will learn how to football on VC3. A goal create space and how to kick is meant to start a position themselves to play, but our players give receive and deliver the the ball away.

If the players or team and its coaches were aware of the measuring and purpose of possession, teams would play better. Players in possession take long kicks up or down the field to whoever gets it.

They don’t prepare themselves prior to a pass, to see what (best) option is available.

Support means nothing to them.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 23.

National Netball opens in a blaze of colour THE USUAL SPECTACLE associated with the opening of the annual National Netball Tournament, was again in full effect last Sunday, when the 2019 edition got going at the Kingstown Netball Centre (KNC).

Twenty-five of the twenty-seven teams registered to participate in this year’s Tournament were part of the resplendent Opening Ceremony, which was preceded by a March Off from the Victoria Park to the KNC. Adjudicators placed the RSVG Police Elite Team above the rest in the award for Best Banner, and settled on SVG General Services Maple as the Best

Dressed Team.

Five teams are listed in Division One, nine each are in Division Two and Three, and four in Division Four.

SVGNA President’s Address Addressing the Opening Ceremony, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association- Doris Mc Intosh outlined some of her Association’s plans for 2019.

She informed that St Vincent and the Grenadines will host the OECS/ECCB Under 23 from 16th to 23rd June, and the inaugural Windward Islands Cup,

Teams making their way to the Kingstown Netball Centre, accompanied by the RSVG Police Band.

Left: President of the SVGNA- Doris Mc Intosh.

Public and Private Sectors,” Mc Intosh said.

In addition, Mc Intosh stated that a team of Vincentians from a British Naval Ship will 1st to 3rd November. play a series of matches Also carded for this against local teams year are the during their visit in Constituency October, at this country’s Tournament as well as Independence the Firms/ Industrial celebrations.

Tournament.

However, Mc Intosh “The Association is revealed that her currently making plans Executive has taken the to bring back to the table decision to skip the the Constituency Caribbean Netball Tournament involving Association Jean Pierre the various Under-16 Tournament.

Constituencies, later in “This year, we will not this year, and we will participate in the Jean also host the usual Firms Pierre Under -16 Industrial Tournament Tournament… It was involving teams from the determined that the

players in training were not ready for the competition.

But she allowed fears by disclosing that “.. a cadre of young players, some as young as twelve years, have been selected with a view to possible selection on the team which is likely to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2020 Jean Pierre Under -16 Tournament”.

And, in an effort to develop other facets of

Netball, Mc Intosh indicated that later this month, a facilitator from overseas will be here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, to conduct an umpiring workshop for local Netball umpires.

Nelson Hillocks, Director of Physical Education, and René Baptiste, Sports and Patron of the SVG Netball Association also addressed last Sunday’s Opening Ceremony.

SVG Consulate General receives SVG out front in Junior Open Squash cricket equipment

Jayden George (left) collects his Boys Under-11 trophy from Rochelle Williams of the SVG Squash Association.

THREE OF THE FOUR TITLES that were at stake at last weekend’s SVG Junior Open Squash Tournament, stayed with the host, while the other was exported to Barbados.

The tournament concluded last Sunday at the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue.

Taking the Boys’ Under-11 was Jayden George, who beat Dru Samuel 11-3, 11-1, 11-8, in the final.

But George could not complete a second title, when he contested the Under-13 final.

This title was won by fellow Vincentian — Jaydon Williams, who registered an 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 score-line over George.

SVG’s other title was secured by Jada Ross, who swept the Girls’ Under-19 by overcoming Nadira Morgan, 11-1, 116, 11-4.

Darien Benn of Jaydon Williams, Preventing the sweep Barbados, winner Boys Under-13 was Barbadian - Darien of the Boys Under- winner.

Benn who beat Jaydon Williams 11-3, 11-3, 11-4, 19.

Youth Programme, to cop the Boys Under-19. noted: “We have seen a lot of Those securing the third place improvement in the players from trophies were Roshawn Paul in since their last outing in the Boys Under-11; Dru SamuelNovember when they went to Boys Under-13, Jayden GeorgeBoys Under- 19 and Ciara George, Barbados… We expect them to continue to improve as the the Girls Under-19. national programme is ongoing.”

Jose Bacchus won the Boys The next event on the SVG Under-19 plate.

President of the St Vincent and Squash Association’s calendar is the National Junior Trials, March the Grenadines Squash 15th and 16th.

Association — Kevin Hannaway This will be used for selection expressed satisfaction in the to the St Vincent and the Tournament.

Grenadines team for the OECS Hannaway, who is also Tournament. responsible for the Association’s

KOOKABURRA CRICKET equipment valued over EC$10,000.00 was received by the Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in Northern Ireland, following a donation initiative.

The pro cricket bats, pads and wheelie carry bags Consul General Dr Christopher Stange with received are cricket equipment. through the support of Consul General Dr individuals, businesses, and supporters of SVG, Stange said: “On behalf including 3D Sports and of the Government of St. Vincent and the sporting clubs across Grenadines, thank you Northern Ireland. to everyone involved in Shipping to our country’s social and Kingstown has been sport development. We kindly arranged by Geest Line through the wish to make this an SVG High Commission ongoing donation drive.” in London and Clarkson Anyone who would like Port Services in Belfast, to contribute or explore how they may assist and country SVG, please feel free to disbursement will be contact the Consulate effected through the General directly or visit Ministry of Foreign their website: Affairs, Trade and www.svgconsulate.vc.

Regional Integration.

V

24. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGFF supports Masters Football THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation (SVGFF) is in the corner of the organisers of the SVG Over 35’s Masters Football Competition.

When the 2019 edition opened last Saturday at the Victoria Park, President of the SVGFFMarvin Fraser, reaffirmed, “The Football Federation, the Executive, the staff, will continue to work with the Over 35 Masters Committee, to ensure that this competition is a huge success.

“We will be ready and

willing, when called upon, to assist financially and otherwise to ensure that we have a very successful competition,” he added.

The SVGFF has, among other things, ensured that match officials are in place.

This gesture has been welcomed by President of the SVG Over 35’s Organisation, Glenroy Caesar.

“Over the years, we have had the problem of officiating, but the Federation (the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football

Huggins up to the challenge CORNELIUS HUGGINS is up to the challenge of his new appointment — Head coach of the National Senior Female Football Team.

Huggins, who took up his new appointment in December last year, was previously the coach of the National Senior Male Team, known as Vincy Heat.

“It’s a new challenge working with the females.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but I am looking forward to working hard to get the best out of them,” Cornelius Huggins, Huggins told THE Head coach of the VINCENTIAN in a recent National Senior chat.

Female Football Having spent some time Team. now with the squad, the coach admitted that some of the players are not at the desired or anticipated technical level.

“Our female players need to be better prepared technically at the club level, so when they come to the national set-up, they are at a certain level.

This makes it easier for the national coaches,” he assessed, adding, “When a player gets to the national level, coaches need to focus mainly on tactics and formation and developing a winning attitude as a team.”

Huggins, though, is encouraged by what he said was the responsive attitude of the females, and the fact that there is good young talent among the squad.

As it stands currently, the team is being drilled into physical shape with eyes on the Windward Islands Tournament later in the year.

And as for the direction of the SVGFF with respect to getting more females involved in the sports, the coach commended this effort, especially the ongoing programme in schools across the state.

Looking back on his previous responsibility as coach of the national male team, Huggins said that despite not having won more games, he enjoyed his stint with the team.

“I have enjoyed my time with the male team, and I am happy to have played a role in the development of the players and getting more young players in the set-up, which was one of my major achievements,” he said in closing.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Federation) has come forward this year and is helping us… So we don’t have to struggle to get officials anymore”, Caesar remarked, in his address at last Saturday’s opening.

With the issue of match officials attended to, Caesar called on players to show “respect” to them, reminding the players that “Nobody who goes out and puts on an official uniform, tells you that they are Jesus Christ… They will make mistakes.”

Fourteen teams are contesting this year’s competition, which got off in earnest immediately following the Opening Ceremony.

They are grouped as follows: Group A - Sion Hill, Barrouallie, Richmond Hill, Royal Rootz, South Leeward, Vintage Gold and Greiggs; Group B Calliaqua, Layou, COMPUTEC, Vincy Masters, Bequia, RSVG Police and Largo Height.

In the matches played,

Sion Hill beat Barrouallie 1-0, Richmond Hill had a 6-0 win over Royal Rootz, and Calliaqua won 4-0 over RSVG Police.

The competition has been put on hold until the completion of the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Senior Men’s Competition, slated for Victoria Park from 28th February to 8th March.

The provision of match officials, is one of the inputs, already made by the SVGFF.

Richmond Hill and Royal Rootz in battle in the opening fixture of the 2019 SVG Over 35’s Masters Football Competition.

Playing fields to be lit THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) is working with the Government to facilitate the installation of lights at three community playing fields.

And, it is understood that this undertaking is nearing implementation as the SVGFF, the National Sports Council and National Lotteries Authority complete the process of leading to signing an agreement.

News of this collaboration was disclosed two weekends ago at the Daphne Playing Field by Otashie Spring — First Vice-President of the SVGFF, during an address at the opening of the 2019 edition of the Corea’s Distribution/ Comsport/ X-Treme Radio Top Belair Progressive Organization (TBPO) Nine-aside Football Championship.

“We are working on several initiatives to open more opportunity to footballers, and one of the areas we are focusing on is the instillation of lights at several playing fields in

Otashie Spring – First Vice President of the SVGFF.

collaboration with the government.”

The Chili, Richmond Hill and Campden Park playing fields are earmarked for immediate consideration.

“The SVGFF is also going to rehabilitate the Brighton project …. . We’re looking to fence the facility, install a gym, rehabilitate the technical structure, resurface the playing field, as well as install lights with the funds that have already been secured to carry on the work,” Spring added.

As far as the TBPO Football Championship was concerned, Spring praised the organisers for their initiative, especially, as he

The Chili Playing Field, which was reopened in November 2016, is one of the fields earmarked to be lit. said, in light of the Federation’s inability to fund all the leagues and to do all that the SVGFF might want to do.

The TBPO Championship was in keeping with the Federation’s drive to develop football and players, Spring said. .

Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, and parliamentary representative for the area, endorsed the sentiments of the SVGFF First Vice President,when he, Mc Kie, addressed the opening ceremony.

I.B.A. ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 25.

Sports

Building a tempo IT WAS NEVER going to be easy chasing down 418 for 6 made by England. But the West Indies kept themselves in the race up to the loss of their seventh wicket.

The World Boss justified his billing with an outrageous 162 from 97 balls. Chris Gayle hit 14 sixes, and 11 fours. He shared a 176 run third wicket stand with Darren Bravo which gave the West Indies hope.

But things folded in a dramatic 48th over. The West Indies folded for 389. A win is a win, but that will represent a commendable effort by the West Indies. Their problem was the leakage towards the final stage of the England innings.

The start of the response not the ideal one.

West Indian fans will not be overly disturbed. For at least they saw some grit by their players.

The series provides that momentum towards the World Cup scheduled for late May. That tournament comes under some scrutiny at least as it surrounds one fixture.

A situation has unfolded whereby India and Pakistan have returned to that familiar battle zone, and the area of Kashmir has provided the fuel for a potentially devastating military confrontation.

One may wonder what a war has to do with sport. Indeed this one is relevant and can have some bearing on future relations. There has been tit for tat occurrence by the two Sub-Asian neighbours. There seems to be few thoughts on genuinely easing the tension, for there is an inflammable border between the two states. Their possession of nuclear weapons send shivers down the spine of those keen on the maintenance of peace.

There is a feeling of intense rivalry between these two neighbours, and there is hardly anything anyone can do to calm them down.

India has accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists, and has resumed its action aimed at stamping out terrorism as it affects them. A realistic view of the situation will conclude that the Indian manner of dealing with the Kashmiri situation is enough to make terrorists of the citizens residing there.

So that matter will have to be more closely analysed.

Another intriguing scenario is the visit of Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Bin Salman to both Pakistan and India, days before the massive escalation. It is perhaps not coincidental that anywhere Mohammed Bin Salman goes, conflict follows.

He is still trying to divert attention from the death of his compatriot Jamal Khashoggi. He died in Turkey October 2 in circumstances that the world is yet to get a grip of. And with his death continues a series of events which attempt to shroud the truth surrounding the Saudi born journalist.

While we in the Caribbean might not be too concerned about Khashoggi, our interest will be peaked with the impending vote for the President of the Cricket West Indies. That pits the tag team of Ricky Skerritt and Vincentian Dr Kishore Shallow, against the incumbent Dave Cameron and his Dominican Vice President Emmanuel Nanthan.

That is building up to be an intense battle, with shots being fired not unlike in the battle for control of, for example, the Venezuelan economy.

President Nicolas Maduro is facing a stranglehold from almost every part of the globe, and Venezuela is not far from being a pawn at the expense of its own sovereignty. But those are matters outside the sporting realm, not worthy of attention by sporting enthusiasts.

Pride bounce back to beat Volcanoes BARBADOS PRIDE defeated the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 23 runs on the fourth and final day – last Sunday - of their Regional First Class 4-Day Championship Cricket match, played here at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

At the close of play on the third day, Barbados Pride had been dismissed for 192 in their 2nd innings. Set 270 for victory, Volcanoes were on course as they ended the day on 181 for 3, with Kaveem Hodge on 65 and Roland Cato on 26.

Resuming on the final day, Hodge added just 1 run to his overnight total, and Cato followed close behind for 31. Alick Athanaze contributed 33 and Sherman Lewis 21 in a rearguard action that was all in vain, as the Windward Islands Volcanoes were bowled out for 246, losing their

last 7 wickets for 55 runs.

West Indies medium pacer Miguel Cummins took 4 for 53, and West Indies slow leftarm orthodox bowler Jomel Warrican, who had captured 8 wickets Pride and Volcanoes players exchange courtesies on in the Windward completion of their match.

Islands Volcanoes’ 1st innings, took 3 for 88 to finish with 11 wickets in the Jomel Warrican played a pivotal match. role with the ball Scores: Barbados Pride 215 in Pride’s victory. and 192; Windward Islands Volcanoes 138 and 246. time against Meanwhile the Windward Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Islands Volcanoes were in action at the main Arnos Vale Playing again beginning yesterday, Field. another 4-day encounter, this I.B.A.ALLEN

Smashers, Police, Stars taste victory SMASHERS, Police One and Northern Stars all had wins in last weekend’s round of matches in the 2019 NLA First Division Sunday League 50 Overs Cricket Competition.

Javid Harry was the standout weekend performer when he claimed 6 for Javid Harry of 34 off 8.2 overs, Smashers had bowling for the impressive Smashers returns of 6 for against a hapless Strike 34.

Eagles, at the Stubbs Playing Field. Strike Eagles took first strike and were all out in 17.2. overs for a laborious 74.

Smashers replied with 80 for 3 off 12 overs. Ozico Williams led with 26. Darren John took 2 for 21 off 5 overs.

Police One’s victory came at the expense of Combined Youths by 6 wickets at Park Hill. Combined Youths made 140 all out off 28.2 overs, Marlon Farrell topscoring with 40 and Javed Cordice getting 20. Vertil Davis picked up 4 for 41 off 9 overs and Winston Samuel- 4 for 41 off 8.2 overs. Police One responded with 143 for 4 off 21.1 overs. Gosnel Cupid hit 41 not out and Anthony Browne 33. Marlon Farrell took 2 for 53 off 8 overs.

Edward Conliffe Coreas Distribution Ltd Belfongo went

under to Julius Anthony Northern Stars by 8 wickets at Cumberland. Belfongo were reduced to 82 all out off 19.5 overs. Shaman Hooper was the top bowler with figures 4 for 22 off 6 overs; Jide John had 3 for 27 off 6. Julius Anthony Northern Stars then raced to 83 for 2 off 10.2 overs. Leshawn Lewis topscored with 40.

This Sunday, Smashers play French Verandah SVGCC at Stubbs from 10:00 am; Strike Eagles oppose Combined Youths at Sion Hill from 10:00 am; and Edward Conliffe Coreas Distribution Ltd Belfongo clash with St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan at Park Hill from 10.00am.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Attacker Girls take All-Leeward glory ATTACKER GIRLS beat Julius Anthony Northern Girls in an AllLeeward clash, in one of the opening matches of the SVGCA Women T20 Cricket Competition, played last weekend at the Cumberland Playing Field.

Julius Anthony Northern Girls made 78 off 12.2 overs with a top score of 22 by Patesha Thomas.

Kayan Charles took 3 for 8 off 2 overs and Jennifer Charles 3 for 12 off 2.2 overs.

With little or no effort, Attacker Girls responded with 82 for 3 off 9.3 overs, Sandra Samuel leading with 31, Yolande Granderson was Northern Girls’ best bowler with 2 for 21 off 2 overs.

At Park Hill, Super Strikers made light work of Radcliffe Girls as they recorded a 121-run victory. Super Strikers made160 for 5 off 15 overs, led by Nyasha Williams 38. Kendicia Barker took 2 for 21 off 3 overs and Tasheen Sutherland 2 for 38 off 3 overs. Radcliffe Girls in reply could only get to 39, Nelia Glasgow claiming 2 for 8 off 3 overs and Jessica Lavia 2 for 15 off 3 overs.

This Saturday, Radcliffe Girls will face Julius Anthony Northern Girls at Sion Hill at 1:00 pm, and Super Strikers take on United Survivors at Park Hill from 1:00 pm. On Sunday,

JG Tigress and Sons square off against Attacker Girls at Cumberland from 1:00 pm.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Thomas, Baptiste sink GÊtown Secondary A CENTURY by Sandy Bay Secondary School’s Teril Thomas and a fivewicket haul from Danwayne Baptiste proved too much for the Georgetown Secondary School, who went under to their northerly neighbours by 115 runs in a 2019 Massy InterSecondary School Limited Overs Cricket Tournament match played last week.

Thomas scored 110 as Sandy Bay Secondary, who batted first, made 190 for 3 off 25 overs.

Next best batter for Sandy

Bay was David Baptiste with 29.

Georgetown Secondary School were restricted to 75 from 13 overs. Irvin Warrican,14, one of the few batsmen to get into double figures. Danwayne Baptiste did most of the damage to finish as Sandy Bay Secondary School best bowler with figures of 5 for 9 off 4 overs, while Elvin Ashton took 3 for 12 off 4.

I.B.A.ALLEN Terril Thomas stroked 110 for Sandy Bay Secondary School.

Danwayne Baptiste took 5 for 9 from 4 overs.

26. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

‘Hypocrisy and plantation mentality”, says connell

Continued from Page 4.

“What is reasonable suspicion? Because he is not caucasian or wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase? Any black man you see with a bag on his back walking is reasonable suspicion?” the lawyer further questioned, adding, “The problem is that we have all become our own little massas and want to pressure our own people.

It’s time we get rid of that plantation mentality.”

The facts revealed that on the day in question, police officers on patrol saw Bennett standing outside a shop with a black bag on his back. He began acting suspiciously, and a police officer approached him, identified herself, and

requested a search.

Nothing illegal was found in the bag, but a search of his person turned up the marijuana and cash in his pockets.

When cautioned, he told the police, “A buy me now buy de piece a weed from somebody.”

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne took into account Bennett’s guilty plea; that he had no previous convictions of a similar nature, and that the quantity of marijuana was ‘miniscule’. She also noted that he had spent some hours in custody before being brought to Court.

Browne reprimanded and discharged Bennett, as per the recommendation Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche made earlier.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently making preparations for the establishment of a Medicinal Marijuana Industry, following the passage of the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Bill and the Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty)

Bill in Parliament December 11 last year.

However, marijuana is still illegal here, and persons are charged and brought to Court on an almost daily basis for marijuana possession, including very small amounts.

MONICA MILLER JACK

GABRIEL TERTIN DOUGLAS aka Tertin

Bethany Baptist Church Stubbs Sunday, 24th February, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

St. Bethel Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday, 24th February, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m

ANTHONY J. GRAHAM

CLAUDIUS CAIAPHAS JOHN

Cathedral of the Assumption Kingstown Saturday, 23rd February, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m

St. Olive Spiritual Baptist Church Park Hill Saturday, 23rd February, 2019 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

DAWN MARCIA GORDON Christian Life Ministries Glen Saturday 23rd February 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m Interment: Calliaqua Cemetery

ORNAN HEMAN LAVIA aka Zeff Fountain S.D.A Church Thursday, 21st February, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m Interment: Belair Cemetery

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 01, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.09

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www.thevincentian.com

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PM NOT INVOLVED IN RUNNING ELECTIONS make it plain, the government is not involved in this case (petition trial)”.

PRIME MINISTER Ralph Gonsalves said The PM, who holds the ministerial that he does not get involved in the portfolio of Electoral Affairs, management and running of elections, explained. “There is a case against the and that the government is not involved Supervisor of Elections, a petition in the election petition trial. against the Supervisor of Elections Gonsalves was responding to a who holds an independent office under question during a press conference at the constitution. … The only way the Cabinet Room on Monday, that had to government is involved is that if you do with the opening of the ballot boxes. are bringing a petition against the He made it clear that it was not the Supervisor of Elections and election government’s call for the ballot boxes officials, you join the Attorney General to be opened. because the Attorney General is the Two election petitions filed by New Chief Legal Officer of the Crown (the Democratic Party candidates Lauron state).”

The Prime Minister sought to clear Baptiste and Benjamin Exeter, are the air further by explaining that currently being heard. Baptiste and other than making available the Exeter had challenged the 2015 monies which are appropriated in the elections results in the North budget for the electoral office and for Windward and Central Leeward running of elections, his office is not constituencies respectively.

“Since this thing has started, I have involved in the conduct of a general elections. stayed away, and everybody is trying He quipped, though, “You know to get me to comment. I will have where I get involved in elections? enough time to talk when it’s done”, When I advise the Governor General Dr. Gonsalves said, adding “Let me on the dissolution of parliament, and I

by KENVILLE HORNE

advise him on the date for nomination, and I advise him on the date for election, and that’s that.”

In the matter of legal representation in the Election Petitions matter, Dr. Gonsalves said, “The Attorney General would be the one who would organise lawyers for himself, and would have lawyers organised for the Supervisor of Elections. Because I am the Minister of Legal Affairs, he would say to me that is what I am doing and I say well that seems fine to me and the bills come. People have to get paid, but Montgomery Daniel and Louis Straker, they have to make arrangements for themselves, because they are not brought into the action as ministers; they are brought in as individuals.”

In concluding, the Prime Minister told the media persons present that “I think we need to be very clear, and let me make it plain , 100 percent clear..: I don’t have nothing to do with what they do in the court.”

The judgment on the petitions is expected to be delivered by end of March.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Minister of Electoral Affairs, made it clear where his responsibilities begin and end as they relate to the running of an election.

Lessons for Âmainland peopleÊ

Bequia U-13 footballers go beyond the game

The Bequia United UNDER-13 FOOTBALL team is not only doing well in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation National Under-13 Competition, but has embarked on ensuring that where they play is also sanitary.

Last Saturday, members of the team, management and parents, armed with gloves, garbage bags and other implements, embarked on removing the garbage that had been lodged, indiscriminately or otherwise, at the Richmond Hill (formerly the Grammar School) Playing Field.

Explaining the reason for the initiative, Marlon James, one of the lead persons behind the Bequia Under-13 team, said, “We are up on the mainland about 7:30 am, and often when we get there, there is always overnight garbage, and we have to dwell there until the matches start.”

And, before they leave the Playing Field, the management of the Bequia Under-13 team ensures that the garbage that the team generates is binned.

James said that apart from Players and management of the Bequia United Under-13 team, carrying out their cleanup of the Grammar School Playing Field, last Saturday.

teaching the players football, they are grooming them to be responsible citizens.

A former St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior National Football team captain, James said that he would like other teams, especially age Bequia United Under- 13 Football team pose group teams, to instill this with garbage collected last Saturday morning sense of civic duty in their at the Grammar School Playing Field. players.

The Richmond Hill venue for persons who want to (Grammar School) Playing Field hosts recreate and carry out other activities, Zone B matches of the SVGFF hence the wanton littering.

National Under-13 Football The facility is under the jurisdiction Competition, in which Bequia United of the National Sports Council (NSC); is one of seven competing teams. however, NSC personnel assigned to Given its easy accessibility, the duties at the field do not work on playing field has become an open weekends.

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Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.