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FRIDAY,

JUNE 03, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.23

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

“IDIOTIC,….MALICIOUS AND POLITICAL” Below: Attorney Kay Bacchus Browne (centre), assisted by Attorney Israel Bruce (right), subjected Prosecution’s witness Cpl. Cuthbert Morris to a thorough drilling on behalf of their client Benjamin Exeter (left).

the gun in Exeter’s waist, during an NDP THESE WERE SOME OF protest outside the THE WORDS defence House of Assembly on lawyer Kay BacchusDecember 29 last year, Browne used during her while Members of cross-examination on Parliament were Tuesday, to describe taking their oath of prosecution witness office.

Corporal Cuthbert Morris’s The Unity Labour action of running towards Party (ULP) had been New Democratic Party returned to political (NDP) candidate Benjamin office for a fourth ‘Ben’ Exeter, and pulling consecutive term, but Exeter’s licensed firearm the NDP had mounted out of the holster, which a series of protest was in Exeter’s waist. actions, claiming that According to Morris’s the elections were not evidence, he had resorted free and fair. to this action on noticing

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Shabazaah George, who are being tried together on a number of charges Bacchus-Browne and attorney Israel Bruce are stemming from the representing Exeter and December 29 action.

Exeter has been charged with being present at a public

The Charges Left: Shabazaah George is being tried together with Benjamin Exeter.

meeting outside the House of Assembly on December 29, 2015, had in his possession an offensive weapon, to wit, a firearm, otherwise than in pursuance to lawful

authority, contrary to section 14 (1) of the Public Order Act, chapter 396 of the Revised Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Continued on Page 3.

LAYOU NATIVE GUNNED DOWN IN BROOKLYN

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Benjamin Exeter is accused of assaulting a police officer while he was being escorted to the Central Police Station.

POLICE IN NEW YORK say a 46-year-old Layou father of two was fatally shot early Tuesday morning in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.

Television Station News 12 New York said Benedict ‘Benny’ Sam, a livery cab driver, who lived in the area, was killed in the shooting, Benedict ‘Benny’ Sam at about 2:00 a.m. was said to be well known in the area and Continued on Page 3. liked by many. (Facebook Photo)

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 3.

News 3 „Idiotic,⁄.malicious and political‰ Colin John, Asst.

DPP, is leading the case for the prosecution.

“I ran and I pulled it.

While pulling it, I shout out to Corporal Mayers, Exeter is also charged ‘Boy the man have a with assaulting Corporal Morris, a firearm’.”

Constable Granvil De member of the Rapid Corporal Morris Freitas causing him Response Unit (RRU), admitted that he pulled actual bodily harm, he and the only witness to the firearm from the being a police officer have testified so far, told holster which was in acting in the due the court that on the day Exeter’s waist, but execution of his duties. in question, his duty was explained that he did so In addition, he is to maintain law and because he was fearful accused of assaulting order, as the NDP was that the same way he Corporal Morris, a police staging a protest outside pulled it from Exeter’s officer acting in the due the House of Assembly, waist, other persons execution of his duties, where opposing ULP could have done the and resisting arrest. supporters had also same and used it.

George has been gathered, both factions He also admitted that charged with obstructing positioned on either side he was not sure if Exeter Morris during execution of the road separating had a licence to carry the of his duties, and that the Vegetable Market weapon. without lawful excuse, and the House of “I asked Mr. Exeter if had in his possession an Assembly. he had a licence to carry offensive weapon to wit, Morris testified that a firearm, and he didn’t ‘a zapper’. he saw Corporal Irackie respond. As a result, I The trial commenced Mayers speaking to told him that I am on Tuesday, May 30 at Exeter in what appeared arresting him on the Kingstown to be a calm manner. “I suspicion for having an Magistrate’s Court before kept them under unlicensed firearm,” Magistrate Bertie observation for about a Morris told the Court.

Pompey. The minute and a half.

He recalled that Prosecution is led by “I saw Mr. Exeter’s around that same time, Assistant Director of shirt raised, and I saw Assistant Supt of Police Public Prosecutions Colin the black handle of what Timothy Hazelwood John. appeared to be a firearm. arrived. He told Continued from Front page.

Action leading up to arrest

Hazelwood what had transpired and handed over the firearm to the senior officer, who then gave instructions to take Exeter to the nearby Central Police Station.

Morris said he held Exeter by the waist, but Exeter collared him with both hands, and Constable De Freitas had to pull away the defendant.

The officer recalled that when they were taking Exeter to the station, George positioned himself in front of them and proceeded to take photographs with a cellular phone and shouting, “Man you can’t lock up the man,” resulting in the party having to side-step him to continue their journey.

On reaching in front Jax Enterprises, Morris said Exeter pushed De Freitas onto a parked vehicle and he heard De Freitas say, “Man, you want to break my hand.”

Once at CID, Morris made a report to Corporal Colin May.

Cross examination But Bacchus-Browne, during crossexamination, told Morris, a police officer of 21 years, “I am putting it to up that it is an idiotic thing to run up to a man and pull his gun away.

You are a disgrace to the uniform.”

She also advanced that Morris’s action was dangerous, illegal, political, and malicious, with intent to harm her client.

The RRU officer denied the allegations, insisting that he was performing his duty to maintain law and order.

“I am putting it to you that Mr. Exeter said he had a licence for the firearm, and you ignored him. He pleaded with you saying, ‘Look Sergeant Samuel there, he is my firearm

trainer’,” BacchusBrowne stated.

Corporal Morris again denied what BacchusBrowne was putting to him. He also denied that he assaulted or struck Exeter, as put to him by the lawyer.

When Bruce asked Morris if he knew whether or not he was authorized to arrest someone on suspicion of having an unlicensed firearm, he said the law gives him that authority.

The matter has been adjourned to today (Friday) at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Seven more witnesses are expected to testify for the prosecution.

Layou native gunned down in Brooklyn Continued from Front page.

The shooting occurred at the intersection of St. John’s Place and Schenectady Avenue, the station said.

Family members told the station that they had heard about five gunshots.

New York Daily News reported that Sam was fatally shot following a heated dispute at a block party.

The paper said Sam was blasted in the chest.

“It’s hard, man,” Sam’s

cousin Phil Sam told the Daily News. “I can’t function. I can’t think.”

“They killed my cousin last night,” he said somberly. “They shot him dead.”

Neighbors said that a Memorial Day block party was winding down when the married father was gunned down, according to the Daily News.

“I talked to his wife,” Phil Sam said. “She’s alright. It’s my responsibility to take care of the kids now.”

A group of people were

heard yelling at each other before gunfire rang out, the Daily News said.

It said Phil Sam admitted that his cousin was arguing with someone before the shooting, but didn’t know what the spat was about.

Firefighters returning from a run happened across Sam sprawled on the ground before anyone could respond to 911 calls, officials said.

Paramedics worked on him at the scene then took him to Kings County Hospital in Central Brooklyn, where

he died about 2 a.m., the Daily News said.

It said cops were looking for the gunman Tuesday.

“We’d like to catch the person who did it,” Phil said.

Resident Luis Gomez, 38, told the Daily News that there were about 250 people partying and drinking when the shooting took place.

“There was more liquor than beer,” Gomez The victim was blasted in the chest near Schenectary Ave. and St. John’s Place in Crown Heights. (Photo: NY Daily News) said.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Georgetown farmer stabbed to death THE POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Kelson ‘ILay’ Layne, also known as Kelson ‘ILay’ McBarnette, a 60-year-old farmer of Brownstown, Georgetown.

Reports are that about 9:10 a.m. on Monday 3oth May, Layne’s body was discovered in his home, with multiple stab wounds about his body.

The reports also spoke of the man’s throat being

slashed.

The gruesome death took resdients of Brownstown by surprise and left many in total disbelief.

Layne, who sported a dreadlocked hairstyle and is said to have lived according to the tenets of the Rastafarian faith, lived alone in what a neighbour said was a “house without door or window.”

That neighbor also

described Layne as “an easy going fella who never argue with nobody, but he did like to talk politics.”

A postmortem examination is expected to be carried out on the body.

Layne’s death is officially listed as the 15th homicide for the year.

Trio charged with robbing English tourists using force to relieve Christopher Mennem THREE MEN were and his wife Sandra, remanded after being both natives of England, denied bail when they of EC$500 in cash. appeared at the Serious Lewis is charged Offences Court on separately with Monday, charged with unlawfully and the robbery of an maliciously wounding English couple. the man, while Hanson Jordon Forde, Ulric alone is charged with Hanson and Joe Lewis, assaulting his wife.

Kelson ‘ILay’ Layne was all of Mayreau, in the The husband is said to Southern Grenadines, described as ‘an easyhave received an injury are jointly charged with during the incident going fella.’ which reportedly occurred at the Tobago Cays on May 25.

The couple had reportedly arrived here on their private yacht.

Forde, Hanson and Lewis were not required and ammunition related which he consented. to plead to the charges offenses will not be During the search, the when they were taken tolerated. gun with a magazine before Chief Magistrate Sitting at the Serious containing one round of Rechanne Browne at the Offenses Court on ammunition was found.

Serious Offences Court Tuesday, Browne When cautioned, on Monday. sentenced Junior Richards said he found In objecting to bail, Richards,23, of Stubbs, the gun under a mango Senior Prosecutor to five years in prison for tree. illegal possession of a The gun was Adlophus Delpleche .380 semi-automatic subsequently tested and highlighted that police pistol, and three years found to be in working are carrying out a series for having, without condition. of investigations into licence, one round of .380 While the Chief matters of a similar ammunition.

Magistrate recognised nature, and the three The sentences will run that Richards was a accused persons are of concurrently. young man and had no interest to them.

Richards, who had no previous convictions, she Delpleche added that legal counsel, had stressed that the gun there are also further pleaded guilty to the was in working investigations to be charges. condition, and was conducted in the matter Police officers from loaded. before the court. the Rapid Response Unit Browne added that The prosecutor (RRU) nabbed Richards she also had to consider contended that, should while they were the alarming statistics patrolling the Diamond with respect to firearm the trio be granted bail, public road around related offences here. they may hinder these 12:30pm.

A Magistrate has the investigations.

They spotted him authority to impose a The men are slated to smoking a marijuana penalty of up to seven return to Court in seven cigarette, stopped the years in prison for days when the issue of transport and requested firearm or ammunition bail will be reviewed. a search of his person, to possession. (HH)

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Heavy penalty for gun, Twenty Hill killing ammo possession is homicide 16 BEFORE VINCENTIANS could come to grips with its 15th homicide for the year, they had to endure the news of a 16th.

A police release of Wednesday 1st June, reported that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of James Shappeard, a 44-year-old Trinidadian by birth, who was a naturalized Vincentian.

According to the police, residents of Twenty Hill, near Penniston in the South Leeward constituency, reported that around 9:45pm on Tuesday 31st May, they heard what they discerned to be several gunshoots, followed by a crashing sound.

When the police arrived on the scene, according to the release, they found the lifeless body of James Shappeard lying at the side of the road., with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to his head.

Motor vehicle, registered number PU419, was seen crashed into a wall at the scene.

Shappeard’s death further sharpens the focus on the rate of gun-related deaths here, amidst what Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves said is a stepped up campaign by the police to rid the streets of illegal firearms.

CHIEF MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne continues to send a clear message that firearm

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne continues to bring the heavy weight of the law down on firearm and ammunition offenders.

Eighteen years for molesting a minor A 51-YEAR-OLD MAN was on Friday 27th May sentenced to 18 years in prison for having sexual intercourse with a 7-year-old girl.

The sentence was handed down at the Criminal Assizes.

Simon Augustus Hoyte, also known as ‘Sio’, was convicted at the Criminal Assizes on March 21 this year but sentencing was adjourned pending a Social Inquiry Report on Hoyte. He was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13.

The offence was committed on January 6, 2014 when the victim was seven years old.

Attorney Ronald Marks was

appointed by the Court, under the Witness Special Measures Act 2013, for the limited purpose of crossexamining the victim.

Crown Counsel Karim Nelson led the case for the prosecution.

In passing sentence, Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo stressed the prevalence of sexually related offenses here, and that the Court has to send a strong message that these offences would not be tolerated.

Unlawful sexual intercourse carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The media is not allowed to publish the evidence in sexually related cases.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 5.

Regional - St. Lucia Feature

Dr. Anthony confident

THERE IS NO REASON why the St. Lucia Labour June 6, 2016 on the heels of having returned Party (SLP) will not be returned to government. the Labour Party with eleven of the 16 seats This is the clear indication coming from up for grabs. the party’s leader Dr Kenny Anthony, as he The UWP is being led by businessman spoke with HTS Television after filing his Allen Chastanet for the first time. nomination papers last week Wednesday.

He assured St. Lucians that the SLP was ‘R-e-d-d-y,” playing on words as he highlighted his party’s official colour.

He further assured that his ruling “Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was confident and ready for ST. LUCIA LABOUR PARTY – the June 6, 2016 general Incumbent – led by elections.”

Dr Kenny Anthony Dr. Anthony is also confident of retaining his Vieux Fort South, * Work assiduously citing that “We (constituents and to bring down the I) have a wonderful relationship.” unemployment rate by Meanwhile, the main at least 15 percent opposition United Workers Party within the next four (UWP) is also in top gear. years; And according to reports, both * construct no less parties have gone to great lengths than 2,000 new hotel to keep the political drama alive rooms in the country, both on and off the platform. which will also help In one constituency, Gros Islet, with the unemployment issue; supporters of the UWP paraded a * construct a highway linking the North with the portrait of the ruling Saint Lucia South; Labour Party Castries Central * to put more money in the pockets of Saint candidate — Stanley Felix, in a Lucians is one of the major promises the SLP is also make shift coffin complete with focused on delivering. - implement a tax reform flowers, with an inscription above strategy for Saint Lucia and plans to increase the the cutout that read “R.I.P threshold from $18,000 to $30,000. — pensioners Stanley Felix.” receive an additional deduction of $4,000 on their On the other side, a woman is personal income; reported to have showed up at a * help parents who cannot afford to pay the cost of ruling Labour Party rally in a children’s Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) wedding dress, bearing a placard examination fees, but said assistance and support with the message: “Married to will be provided based on performance; Labour!” * establish a tertiary education trust fund; Other candidates have been * transform the Sir Arthur Lewis Community hanged in effigy indicating that College (SALCC) into a university and give the their political prospects are dead, institution full degree granting status is also a practice well known to most underway; Caribbean societies. * deliver a new national theatre complex in the St. Lucians go to the polls on new administration; * introduce universal health care in Saint Lucia; * pass a law to guarantee and secure the rights for all St Lucians to get access to the beaches of this country; * ensure that Saint Lucia transitions from fossil fuel to clean energy; * build a new headquarters for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force; * make the country’s capital a duty free cruise destination; * focus on improving agriculture.

Election promises in St. Lucia

The SLP’s supporters - ‘young and boisterous. (Credit: loopslu.com) Below: Some say that Allen Chastanet of the UWP leads a new era of politics in St. Lucia.

St. Lucia completes review of Trade Licensing Regime THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs with the assistance of an independent Consultant David Jordan — a regional Trade and Economic Policy Specialist and a former Director of International Trade and Investment in Saint Lucia, concluded the Evaluation of the Saint Lucia Trade Licensing Regime 1984.

The Commerce Minister, Honourable Emma Hippolyte, who commissioned the study, formally received the copies of the Report from the Consultant on Wednesday 25th May 2016, following the acceptance of the finalized document by the Ministry officials.

The minister’s formal receipt of the Report followed deliberation over the final draft document by Ministry and public sector officials.

Commenting on the need for the review and in welcoming Mr. Jordan’s report, the Chairperson of the Trade Licence Advisory Board Dr. Alison Plummer, cited “the need to maintain a strengthened World

Trade Organisation (WTO) compliant Trade licensing Regime.”

Toward this end, she St. Lucia’s Commerce Minister, recognized “the need to Honourable Emma Hippolyte receiving revise the existing Trade Evaluation of the Saint Lucia Trade License Act and develop Licensing Regime 1984 from David supporting regulations to Jordan. allow for greater compliance with distinct “ need to include Services international trade law as well as as a trading area, given recent for improved effectiveness of its developments that has national administration, i.e. monitoring, significance which must also be data collection and dispute considered ”. settlement mechanism.”

The Report sought to clarify the The fifty ( 50) page Report, assessed other complementary and impact of the Trade Licence Regime and its relevance within the context related legislation and regulations of the modern business including the Fiscal Incentives Act environment. Consultant Jordan and the Economic Areas Reserved for Nationals and which came in for stated that therein lies the provision of a framework of critical review. recommendations on the current The Report calls for a more appropriate Investment Act in light Trade Licence Legislation, with guidance on the implementation of of recently adopted Investment the most appropriate trade Policy by the Ministry. licensing regime. (Source: Giordano The Director of Investment Associates Ltd.) Coordination in the Ministry notes that the report highlights the

UNITED WORKER PARTY – main opposition – led by Allen Chastanet * Immediately deduct the “dreaded Value Added tax (VAT),”which will eventually lead to its ultimate removal; * reduce vehicle fees by 50 percent; * double the school feeding and school transportation subsidy, and guarantee all children at least one nutritional meal per day; * implement a targeted amnesty on hospital fees at both the two main hospitals - Victoria Hospital and St. Jude Hospital; * remove personal property tax for a period of three years, within the first year in office; * make constitutional amendment that would replace Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and make the island a republic; * implement a fixed date for general elections; * change the process for selecting a Police Commissioner - candidate for Police Chief will have to go to Parliament and make his case before elected members of the house.

V Layne tops ECGC Baking Competition 6. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

JOANNE LAYNE, Chef at the Ultra Marine Villa on the Grenadine island of Mustique, has some skills that other persons would like her to pass on to them.

She expressed herself in that manner last week Thursday when she copped the title of overall winner of the East Caribbean Group of Companies 2016 National Baking Competition, and walked away with a $3,000 cash prize among others.

Layne, a native of Yambou and the proud holder of a Diploma in Catering and Gourmet Cooking, with a speciality in Cake Decorating and Sugar

Art, won the Specialty Category with her creation ‘Roasted Breadfruit Fish Pie’, which made use of Garlic and Herbs Flour, one of ECGC’s products.

Layne also put the heat on the other competitors in the Cake Category, winning with her Caramelized Banana Chocolate Cake.

Layne confident – endorses ECGC products Layne is no stranger to success in the Competition. She won the Cake Category last year, when she entered the competition for the first time.

One with 15 years baking experience, Layne expressed her satisfaction with her accomplishments. For her, it was a matter of self-belief.

“I know I can do it,” Layne outlined. She attributed her result to “hard work,” and was satisfied that it paid off.

Layne’s entry to the ECGC National Baking Competition has raised the bar. Others are agreeing with the Judges’ assessment that Layne’s cakes are a cut above the rest.

For that reason, persons keen on baking are turning to Layne for tips.

“A lot of people are

Baker extraordinaire and Overall winner Joanne Layne receives her award of distinction from Osmond Davy – CEO/ECGC. asking me to teach them,” Layne confessed.

She thinks that the National Baking Competition is “good for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” and rates products from the ECGC as “of the best.” She spoke highly of the different brands of flour, and noted that “you get it fresh all the time. …

You could use their products to do anything,” Layne outlined.

Sabrina Marks-Dasent receives her award from Osmond Davy – CEO/ECGC, for her top place in the Bread category, and her second place overall.

Other winners/competitors Sabrina MarksDasent, owner of the Plum Tree Baking Enterprise, was second in the Overall Category.

She was propelled to that position, having placed second in the Specialty Section with her ‘Plum Tree Independence’ package.

And as if to suggest that the Speciality Section carried some significance, Saverin Samuel, Chef of Palmyra, another Mustique based operation, placed third in the Overall category with a ‘Citrus Pinocolada Cake’.

In the Cake category, Kettline Williams placed second and Michelle Bacchus-Barbour took the third spot.

The Bread Category saw Sabrina MarksDasent at the top with her ‘Christmas Bread’.

She was followed by Saverin Samuel and Zoe Millington in that order.

Ricardo Gordon,

Daniel Bess, pictured receiving her award from Ms. Sylvia Sutherland, Director/ECGC, was first among the school entrants. She is the daughter of a previous Overall Winner Jessica Bess. representing Rems Bakery with a ‘Carnival Flaky Pastry’, was adjudged to have had the best entry in the Pastry Category. Janell Lavia was second.

A separate category of competition for schools saw entries from six students. Daniel Bess of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, with her ‘Breadfruit Cake’, took first place. Shania

Gumbs, Thomas Saunders Secondary, placed second, and Kenville Munroe, Georgetown Secondary, third.

Next year, 2017, marks the 40th anniversary of ECGC, and Chief Executive Officer, ECGC, Osmond Davy, is already anticipating a ‘step up’ in the competition. (WKA)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 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

Women still not running for public Office?

GIVEN THE RATIO of men to women who have contested general elections in this country since adult suffrage, it is safe to say that when women run for office, they perform, relatively speaking, as well as men. Yet, our history also shows that women remain severely under-represented in our political institutions – note political institutions as against formal positions of authority in the public service.

A number of surveys have been conducted over the course of the last three or so decades, to ascertain if certain chosen professionals lawyers, business leaders, educators, even political activists have ever considered running for public office and/or office in political parties to which they might be affiliated.

According to those conducting the surveys, professions were chosen based on what was (is) perceived as those that most typically precede a political candidacy.

One is wont to conclude, a la the surveyors, that the reason for the marked under-representations of women in public office is attributed to the ‘fact’ that they do not run for office, notwithstanding that a woman once held the position of Deputy Prime Minister of SVG, the female prime ministers who have graced the governments of Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Executive Presidency of Guyana, and many who have held the ineffective ceremonial positions as Heads of State (Governors, Governors General).

Take it or leave it, there remains an extensive gender gap in political ambition which men tend to have it, and women don’t, the result, we advance, of the differing socialization of the sexes in Caribbean society.

The data available indicate that even from the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, women are less keen than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elected office. These results hold regardless of age, partisan affiliation, income and profession, it appears.

In addition, despite whatever advancement women have made otherwise in society and what some describe as the emergence of a ‘new’ group of political leaders, overall levels of political ambition for women and men have remained fairly constant.

In SVG, it is not incorrect to say that men continue to enjoy more comfort, confidence and freedom than women when thinking about running for office.

Is it that women are less likely than men to be willing to endure the rigors of a political campaign?

Is it that they are less likely than men to be recruited to run for office?

Is it that they are less likely than men to have the freedom to reconcile work and family obligations with a political career?

Is it that they are less likely than men to think they are “qualified” to run for office?

We are, if the truth be told, very far from gender parity in our politics. There are barriers and obstacles we must still overcome in order to achieve it. Are we up to the task? Are we sincere in our call for increased female participation in the process leading to political office?

Recruiting women candidates, disseminating information about the electoral environment, and working with women to quell their anxiety about campaigning, can help narrow the gender gap in political ambition, and increase women’s numerical involvement.

So, before we open our mouths about how much progress has been made by women in society, let us be honest about the male-dominance that continues — that we perpetuate — among the leadership of our political parties and governments.

Why, we ask, are Vincentian men afraid of having and/or genuinely facilitating women’s leadership at the top of the party?

That fear was ‘lucid’ in the ULP leader’s scathing attack, an exercise in belittling of a person for mere political gain, on a woman who is brave enough to stand ‘Tall’ for what she believes.

We should never expect magnanimity to characterize our politics, given that its style has not changed effectively since the heyday of the two party entrenchment here.

The least we expect is some decency; respect for all; respect more so for women whom we herald as the custodians of our children, the voice of balance, and whom we should be inviting to sit at each and every table of discussion and decision-making.

Instead, we have been made to give credence to a vile attack against one that is magnified in impact against all our womenfolk.

So, if we are serious about gender equality, not least in the political life of this country, let us be fair and fair-minded about how we brand our women.

We will build no real, new and authentic structures and institutions that define our civilization if we continue to behave in an ‘uncivilized’ manner.

They won’t let me keep out of politics (From the Flambeau #8 September1967 and reprinted in the “Home Sweet Home” Magazine )by F.W Dowers “AT THE AGE OF THIRTY, I have never joined a political party, spoken on a political rostrum or voted in a national election. The reason is that I detest the local version of politics. In spite of all this, however, I just can’t seem to get away from politics.

In this hamlet where politics is as ubiquitous as the very air one breathes, I keep confined to my quarters for fear of being dragged into its confinement, I decided to take a short walk one evening to break the spell. I was just simply bored with my radio and magazines.

As I turned out of my gate, a passer-by called a hello. When I returned the greeting, he queried, “How things?” “Not so good”, I answered. He replied, “They won’t be until we get rid of this government”. I assured him that, that would be very soon, and hurried off before he furthered the conversation.

A little further up the road, a lady looked at me and exclaimed from her window, “Gawd bless me eyesight, it’s nice to see you strolling!” I assured her it was nice to stroll too, since I enjoyed her lovely village so much. “Just do you wuk straight and support yo government and nobody go knock yo,” she assured me. I told her I never believe in crooked work and there was no other force on this planet I revered like the present Government. She smiled happily as I bade her adieu and moved on.

At this point I decided to slip into a nearby parlor to avoid any more of this political harassing. Inside there were only two persons at the counter drinking. I chose a vacant corner table and sat. I ordered a double Old Oak with coke and plenty ice and began sipping it abstractedly.

A stranger entered the parlor, slipped a coin into the old juke box in the corner and punched a record. He looked around the room, noticed me, and headed in a bee line for my table. He said good evening and sat down without invitation.

“Drink?” I asked, my smile a thin line in a rotund face. “Sure!” he exploded, as though he was dehydrated for days. At my request the waiter served him a “double strong” with a bottle of ice water as chaser.

He emptied his glass in one swig, then: “As soon as I seed you in here I knowed which side you on”, he whispered to me, the stench of his breath inciting my stomach to eject its contents.

“How do you mean?” I asked, disgust creeping into my voice. “I mean you is a Labour”, he confided, his eyes gleaming with approval as he leaned across the table towards me.

I realized I had to get back outside, and fast, so I feigned that I had just remembered something very important to attend to at home, so I asked to be excused.

Before I could leave, however, he extracted another strong rum, squared from me, then

finally gave me clearance to depart after I promised to meet him the same place next evening.

Back on the street again, I decided to return to the safety of my flat. I had hardly covered twenty paces when a lady called from her yard, “Excuse me, sah, but can I say a word to you?” “Of course”, I answered as I walked into the yard to meet her. I felt relieved. Here now was going to be a conversation without politics for the first time since leaving home.

She led me up a flight of rickety steps which threatened to collapse with my every tread, then into an adjoining room. I sat with perspiration oozing from my pores, wondering. When she returned, she held out a box containing half a dozen new terylene shirts, with: “Only me nice PPP friends me does offer to sell these to.” I was thunderstruck. I pasted a grotesque grin on my face -it was my best smile in the circumstances- and tried to look interested in the shirts. After a minute or so perusal, I assured her that I definitely would have purchased one if they were my correct size; she believed me. She promised that a size 17 would definitely be included in her next consignment, exclusively ordered for me. As I stepped hurriedly from her yard, I accidentally bumped into a man who was crossing the gateway at the same moment.

As I apologized, I heard him grumbling: “Ah yoh Labour man doan watch wey ah yoh ah go nah”? The political fever in this area enters my office too. The other day a lady came in to clear a package from the post.

“Kindly open this parcel,” I told her. “Why?” she queried in disbelief. “For inspection and verification with the declaration”, I informed her politely. “Since yo mek me open me parcel,” she declared, “Ah turn like turtle” “Exactly what do you mean, madam?” I asked, already half suspecting the interference. “Ah done with PPP”, she answered with resolution and finality in her tone.

Two days later, a man came in to withdraw money from an account in which his name did not appear. I painstakingly explained to him the impossibility of his mission. He listened very attentively, nodding his agreement from time to time.

As he was about to leave, he said, “I knows if you coulda help me, you woulda, because all ah we is one”. He pointed to a Labour button pinned over his heart and grinned slyly as I stared in bewilderment.

If I hire a car from a ‘Mr. X’ for my official travelling, I am a Labouriteeverybody waves hello to me. When his car is down and I hire ‘Mr. Y’ — I am PPP, so nobody waves. If I buy beef from the butcher in the blue overall, I am PPP. Tired with beef, I decided to change to mutton for my Sunday meal, so I buy from the man in the Khaki clothes, and I am Labourite.

Continued on Page 12.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 9.

Letters

Get rid of the dependence THE RECENT spate of gun-related deaths led me to ponder on our situation.

Since their advent into government, ULP leadership and their mouth pieces have shouted how they were going to be ‘tough on crime and the causes of crime’. That is all well and good, but the result of this, if they were ever serious, is that crime and disorder ran wild in our multi-island state.

All over the world, you hear that the root causes of crime and disorder are poverty and hopelessness. With all the spending on the Education revolution, we are still plagued by young people killing young people. The question is: Are we doing enough?

On another level, government speaks of how much they have handed out to needy people — building materials, etc., short term employment and Poor Relief. I want to believe that there are more people on the Poor Relief than ever before in our history. This is not a good thing.

I want to say, that these measures like handouts, short term employment and Poor Relief only address the problems in the short term. In fact, I believe that they breed a terrible mentality where people become dependent on the government for everything under the sun and moon. The dangerous thing here is that when government can’t satisfy the demands of these dependent people, they, the people, turn to crime and disorder.

What we need in this country is long term, permanent employment so families that have something on which to plan their future. And this must mean employment that is secured and not based on party connections, so that you can have a job under one party in government but lose that job when another party takes power.

Yes, what we need are jobs, real jobs, not handouts and Poor Relief.

But how can we generate job? We can do so by first looking at our agriculture. You have to be blind not to see that the number of p,eople involved in agriculture has decreased while hundreds of acres of land are abandoned. We need to change our approach to agriculture — cultivate on a large scale with crops like peas, corn, potatoes and cassava. And we can also encourage livestock rearing. Of course, we have to step up action against those ‘worthless’ persons who just wait to steal your animals and crops.

This is just one suggestion. I am certain there are others that the experts can provide.

What I know is that we will continue down a path of crime and disorder if we don’t provide opportunities for our people to develop and grow.

We have to stop encouraging them to be dependent on the Government State and the politicians for their livelihood.

Steve, P

The better political leader I STRONGLY HOLD to the view that there was a ‘wind of change reverberating throughout the nation’ before and during the 2015 Election campaign. Therefore, I was extremely surprised the results revealed that the Unity Labour Party had won the General Elections…. again. I had expected a 9-6 victory in favour of the NDP. It is now left to the courts and citizens to decide whether or not the victory was secured by fair or foul means.

However, this letter is to add my voice to the discussion vis a vis, who is most suitable at this time to take the country forward. Let us look at the leaders of the two major political parties.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) is led by Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who is viewed by many as a strong, charismatic leader, while Arnhim Eustace, the political leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is characterized by many as weak and uncharismatic.

I challenge the first of those two assumptions, in relation to the leader of the NDP. Arnhim Eustace, despite not living up to the perceived

this newspaper on Friday, November 27th 2015. I asked then: Has the ULP been truthful in its proclamation of the true state of the economy, or has the Honourable Arnhim Eustace been right all along?

In a previous letter, I reminded Vincentians of the present state of affairs in our blessed land. I need not repeat them all, but will simply ask this pertinent question: Are there any signs to indicate that things will get better under this present regime and leadership?

With the exception of a privileged, politically connected few, Vincentians are living from paycheck to paycheck - barely making ends meet.

Increased taxes, including VAT on many basic items, have worsened the situation for thousands of families, particularly the very poor.

What is also worrying is that many of our government ministries are either lacking sufficient funds to function efficiently or are poorly managed. There are more square pegs in

National Child Month????

NATIONAL CHILD MONTH came to an end last Monday, May 31.

Correct me if I am wrong, but from where I stand, there wasn’t anything of significance

Encouragement for the battle OH, MIGHTY warriors, you have known much persecution, but know this: the enemies that rise up against you, Yahushua have not sent.

Yahuveh is not only an Almighty God of love, but also of war, and Yahuveh have decreed war upon His enemies, not those who believe in Him and live accordingly. .

If you are weary, remember to call upon Yahuveh. Yahuveh will renew your strength and grant you the courage and boldness to handle the evil forces that you might encounter.

Those practising evil, praying to other gods, ye shall overcome their curses.

Rebuke the enemies in the name of Yahushua. Don’t ignore them, for doing so only serves to strengthen

‘norms’ of a good leader, has shown strength and great capability. Under his leadership, the NDP has been transformed from a party barely struggling to stay alive, to one with increasing support; one which now poses a very serious challenge to the ULP. In considering which of the two leaders is most suitable to lead this country into the next decade, one should consider the question of honesty.

Honesty is a quality we all desire in our political leaders, especially as it relates to being honest about our present economic state.

This would help us to make the necessary adjustments to cope with the adversities we face.

We need a leader who will reveal to us the true state of the country’s economy; one who will make valiant efforts to chart a way forward for economic improvement and development. I will allow readers to contemplate and decide for yourselves, who you think is the more honest of the two.

Allow me, though, to repeat a question carried in my letter published in

them. Expose the enemies and all their tricks. The gates of hell shall not prevail against Yahuveh Church.

Yahushua is standing with you. Get ready, for when the enemy surrounds you, know that it’s because the enemy knows you are not of this world, but only in this world, and you are in this world to serve and do the will of Yahuveh.

Beloved, know that everything that happens is orchestrated by the master’s hands. Though it appears to be evil, Yahuveh will turn it around for good. Even Satan’s plans Yahuveh shall turn around and deliver you in such a mighty way.

Yah descendent

to highlight the purpose of the Month.

Now, as I said before, I am basing my conclusion on what I heard and observed from ‘where I stand’. Perhaps there were some activities in schools, and that is good. But what about the more community and national programmes that should sensitise us — parents, teachers and the whole nation — about our obligation to the children of our country?

For example, I didn’t hear one thing that told me or encouraged me to respect that children must be allowed to fully enjoy their lives as children, and not be robbed of their childhood and the right to make vital decisions.

I didn’t hear one thing that told parents, guardians and

caregivers, that they should desist from encouraging their children and those under their care to submit to old, hard back men, who are bent only on exploiting them.

And remember, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which this country subscribes, defines a child as any person up to the age of 18 years. So you see, even those ‘young persons’ who attend the Community College and who behave like they are adults, are to be protected as children.

Tell that to our men.

And if there was such a message during Child Month, I stand corrected about what I wrote earlier.

Cussman

round holes. Many have been appointed to positions for which they are either not qualified for or are not competent enough to effect. In addition, the country seems more divided and polarized than it has ever been since Independence; and crime and violence continue to increase at an alarming rate.

I hope always for the best for our country. Let us all work together to help bring unity, stability and prosperity to our blessed land, for all of us and our children and grandchildren.

The Watchman

* Did the National Trust or the National Treasures of SVG know about government’s plan to demolish the historic (colonial) Administrative Office? * Anybody else notice how bad the service is at some fast food places here? * Has a Chief Security Officer for the Argyle Airport been appointed? * How many local business people have taken up the offer of opening duty free shops at the Argyle Airport? * What was the real reason for the delay in sending back the body of that German man killed some time ago at Walliabou?

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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Preparing for the Hurricane Season Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim EustaceÊs Address to the nation Introduction

THIS IS THE MONTH of June and as per convention, it’s the start of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season. It’s the time too when Vincentians will focus their minds on the activities they must get involved in, as they prepare for the Hurricane season, which ends at the end of November 2016.

As a country we have been hammered several times by these Atlantic storms and hurricanes, and our country and people have suffered tremendously from time to time. The ULP administration has instituted an agency called the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) to handle matters related to weather emergencies in the State. NEMO is supported by an Act of Parliament which set out its aims and objectives, in a clear and precise manner for all to see.

Last week, NEMO held an allimportant meeting to fine-tune a number of its committees in preparation for the 2016 hurricane season. That meeting saw the presentation of a new standard operation procedure for the National Emergency Operations Centre, the NEOC. There was also an audit of the readiness of all agencies associated with NEMO, to function properly during the hurricane season.

Hurricane preparation is serious business, and good preparation could save lives, and minimise damage to property and infrastructure. It’s amazing to see the preparatory work carried out by NEMO behind the scenes. This is something that the officials at NEMO are engaged in, throughout the year. But we can’t see it, and the media does not focus on this preparation.

made for the sick and the shut-ins, and those persons with physical challenges. We must also take into account our relatives who require special medication, and we must ensure that there is an adequate supply available. Early warning is very important, since it will increase the amount of preparation time which will be at your disposal. At the same time, if your warning is late, then you won’t have enough time for proper preparation, and you might be at risk.

NEMO’s Role

NEMO has a critical role to play in the hurricane season, and this role begins long before any storm approaches the country. The officials at NEMO must ensure that all the sub-committees are functioning, and that they have the necessary tools and information to carry out their tasks effectively. Of critical importance is the need to build the resilience of the country against disasters, and while some great work has been done in this respect, there are a few outstanding matters to be addressed.

After any storm or hurricane, NEMO officials will be extremel busy.

First is the task of assessing any damage caused as a result of the storm, and the need to bring early relief to those persons who are affected. Early relief will be provided in the areas of food, shelter, water and medical attention. NEMO will also help co-ordinate any work to clear roads, clean up debris from fallen trees, and generally work with state agencies to provide disaster Playing our part assistance and relief.

Generally speaking, the ULP This year, a number of weather administration has a great record in agencies have predicted that the disaster relief and mitigation. This is Atlantic Hurricane season will be evident in the response of the state to robust, with an average of twelve hurricane Tomas and the heavy named storms, and at least three rainfall of December 2013. In relation major hurricanes of category three and above. With this information, we to the latter, the ULP administration as citizens must begin our preparation provided a bundle of relief, including the construction of new houses, and where it matters most. We need to the provision of fridges and stoves. A develop an emergency response plan lot of work has been done in relation for our homes, our schools and our to the infrastructure, particularly businesses. bridges, roads and river and sea Simple issues such as the location defences. This work will continue as of hurricane shelters, the funds become available. responsibility for keys, the storage of water and vital food items, the Conclusion provision of fuel for vehicles, the provision of first aid supplies and There are many predictions as to emergency power, could create what is likely to happen in 2016, as tremendous problems if not attended regards the Atlantic Hurricane too, as early as possible. season. But as a people, and as a What about our houses? Can they government, we cannot take any withstand hurricane force winds? Do we have possible leaks that can affect chances. We have to be extremely serious about our preparations. One us during a storm? Have we paid up website has already stated “the odds our insurance policy on our of a tropical cyclone impacts to land properties? Have we insured the contents of our houses, in the event of masses such as the Caribbean Islands and the US, are at least high as, if not any damage? What about the trees higher than normal.... as always, no and branches, telephone lines etc., which can affect us during the storm? matter what the pre-season And what are we going to do with our predictions are, if you live in a hurricane prone location, always be pets and livestock? All these are prepared in advance”. matters which must be taken into Let us take heed and be prepared account, during a hurricane. for the 2016 hurricane season.

Special arrangements must be

A GROUP OF OAS Observers attended the final count in Central Leeward and, constituting a neutral third party, had this to say in their final report dated 13th May 2016: “The OAS observers noted the following issues during the Final Count at this particular constituency: Incorrect application of seals: On several ballot boxes, while tie-locks had been placed in the required locations around the perimeter of the box and through the flap covering the slot, the seal was not placed across the slot itself.

In some cases the seal was placed on the flat part of the box cover, in a fashion similar to a sticker. In one case (CL-D) the seal was not on the box at all, but was wrapped around one of the locks. The NDP agents noted that in these cases they could not be certain that tampering had not taken place, and requested that the Returning Officer note their concerns.

Absence of Presiding Officer stamp and initials on some ballots: In two ballot boxes, which were both incorrectly sealed, a number of ballots had neither the stamp nor initial of the Presiding Officer. As this applied to the ballots for both the ULP and the NDP, and as the relevant ballots had been cut in such a way (on the slant) so that a small portion of the ballot had been removed along with the counterfoil, it appeared that the Presiding Officer had simply removed the counterfoil in such a way that his/her stamp and initial remained on the counterfoil itself. The NDP agents requested permission to view the counterfoils to confirm that the stamp and initials were present. This request was refused by the Returning Officer. Repeated appeals and objections by the NDP agents were ignored by the Returning Officer Partiality of the Returning Officer: The bias of the Returning Officer towards the ULP candidate and agents was clear. During the period witnessed by the OAS Observers, the RO routinely ignored attempts by the NDP agents to gain his attention, responded to their concerns or objections in a dismissive or exasperated fashion, or complained that they were wasting his time. On the other hand, concerns voiced by ULP agents were immediately addressed and in one particular instance converted by the Returning Officer into a new instruction for the counting process. It was notable that the instruction was revoked only after a lead ULP agent agreed that it should be.”

It is true that the OAS commented at page 17 of their final report, wherein they stated that: “Notwithstanding the concerns noted above, the OAS Observers did not discern any fraudulent or other activities at the Final Count which could have materially affected the outcome of the vote in which the ULP candidate won by 313 votes.” Consider the language used.

The fact that the OAS did not “discern” fraudulent activities means just that. It does not mean there was no fraud. The OAS has spoken to what it did in fact observe, and correctly so.

Do the disquieting activities observed by them affect the numerical result, and is that relevant? That is strictly a matter for the court to interpret on a qualitative and/or quantitative basis, using applicable legal principles. The OAS has, without doubt, pronounced sufficiently upon the illegal issues that plagued the conduct of the Central Leeward election.

The case of Gunn v Sharpe is among the authorities by which the court, on hearing the petitions, will be guided. It makes clear that dismissing the

disenfranchisement of 321 voters, in other words, voters effectively losing their say in the election, is no small matter. In that case far less voters (98) in a larger constituency were disenfranchised. The court held that the election was void. How the election is conducted is as important as the outcome. It necessarily impacts the outcome.

Further, the OAS report corroborates and therefore vindicates the affidavit evidence of Mr Exeter and his representative with respect to the improper sealing of ballot boxes, the objections to mutilated ballots, and the demonstrated impartiality of Mr Gaymes in the exercise of his duties.

The point is to be made here that the OAS was made aware by us through our contact with them about testifying, what our contentions were in the petition. And they treated specifically with precisely those concerns as raised by us. Our contact with the OAS was made a part of the public record in the affidavit of Senator Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell. While they are protected from participating in proceedings by certain immunities granted them by the government, they have sufficiently addressed our concerns in their final report.

In their concerted efforts to hide the truth of the final count from the Vincentian electorate and to prevent the public from confirming whether in fact there has been a perversion of the democratic conduct of the elections, I can only conclude that Messrs Gaymes and Robinson are wilful in their manifest non-compliance and illegalities. In their perpetration of a series of election illegalities, I say today that as the most senior elections officers, Mr Gaymes and Mrs Findlay Scrubb have acted fraudulently in conducting the elections such that the general elections of 9th December 2015 were a travesty and a sham.

In the instance of Mrs Findlay Scrubb, her attempt to change her sworn testimony in relation to the general elections further implicates the conduct of the elections. As for Mr Gaymes, he is no less accountable, for he confesses in his said affidavit sworn to the 21st December 2015 that he committed a grave election offence repeatedly.

Under Rule 40(1) of the House of Assembly Election Rules: “Any ballot paper — (a) which does not bear the official mark; shall subject to this rule be void and not counted.”

Yet at paragraphs 16 to 18 of his affidavit Mr Gaymes says: “The facts are as follows: when I opened the box CLF, I discovered that the ballots in this specific box did not have the initials of the presiding officer nor any official mark on the ballots. As a result, I stated that I was minded to reject all the votes in this specific box.

Mr Exeter and his lawyers however indicated to me that they were not objecting to the ballots and consented to all the votes in box CLF being counted.

That is the time and occasion I said ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’. I meant that Mr Exeter’s consent was the right thing to do as both candidates would receive and in fact received votes from this box. I therefore counted the ballots in box CLF...”

V Inspired by the Tina Turner

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 11.

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Experience (Pt 2) “I was very surprised and excited when Tina Turner spent a few weeks with us at Jumby Bay Resort, a small beautiful Island just off the mainland of Antigua, where all the very rich people rest, relax, and enjoy themselves. I enjoyed her company when I was there as the General Manager some years ago. Tina was one of the nicest persons I ever met.”

— Ted Isaac, Former General Manager of Jumby Bay Resort, Antigua and Barbuda

THE ESSAY that was published in the In Touch column of The Vincentian newspaper of Friday, May 13, 2016 (“Inspired by the Tina Turner Experience”) appeared to have encouraged many readers. Several readers sent me e-mail messages confirming that this was so. The quotation that was used to introduce this week’s column was extracted from one such e-mail message. Other regular readers of this column sent through comments from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Two thoughts surfaced as I reflected on the many encouraging words shared. First, I reflected on the fact that when we pause to encourage others, we receive encouragement; I sought to encourage readers (and myself) by penning that article, and was inspired as I did the necessary research and put my thoughts together. The many e-mail responses fuelled my passion for writing, and reinforced the fact that readers of this column consider the essay valuable.

The second thought that surfaced revolved around the fact that when we share information like this, we never know who will be inspired and how that inspiration will ricochet to impact others for good. It reminds me of a Dewitt Jones quotation that prompts us to consider that when we touch one part of nature, we never know where it will end – one thing leads to another, and to another, and to another. Shared thoughts are like that. Tina Turner’s private and public victories of yesteryear can help some struggling pilgrim today.

Blessed by that experience of rising from the ashes, that victorious individual then passes the baton of encouragement to another - and life’s beauties are magnified.

Permit me to return to the Ted Isaac quotation that introduced this week’s article. Having met and interacted with Tina, his testimony confirms the richness of her personality and her ability to impact lives for good. She has left an indelible positive mark on his life.

This was quite evident. Ted’s shared experiences now surface to inspire and energize others who are faced with their personal struggles, or may be encouraged to help someone who is going through their spiritual, physical, and/or emotional battering.

None of us really knows where the positive influence will end. Just a few words in a relatively short column in a local newspaper in a small Caribbean island can reverberate across the globe and touch, nay “transform”, the life of a reader. That reader, in turn, can be an encourager of positive change, or champion a

most worthy cause.

So very often, persons who have achieved fame, wealth, and/or power, make themselves unavailable to impact lives for good. We may have even interacted with some of these individuals, and hear them pronounce that they made it in life the hard way and cannot be bothered to lend a helping hand to anyone who may now be struggling to cope with life’s challenges. However, we are forever thankful to individuals like Tina Turner, who appear not to have any qualms about meeting and interacting with “simple people” like we are, or to share her experiences with the hope that it can ease the burden that others carry. Humility and genuine concern for others will allow each of us to pause from our busy schedules and seek to have a positive contribution to the lives of others. We will demonstrate empathy and, in the process, receive multiple blessings.

Like Tina, each of us has been blessed with various talents. God has given each of us gifts and skills that are unique. No two of us can boast of having exactly the same gifts. We are different. We are all blessed in some special way. Sometimes the talents and abilities may appear to be latent and underused (in some cases unused) for a relatively long time. However, today is as good a day as any to conduct a personal talent inventory and ascertain which of these we can use to further enhance ourselves and bless those around us. Knowing that we have the potential is not good enough. We each have to contemplate how we could maximize these gifts.

We must avoid the excuse of limiting ourselves because of age, gender, education level, family name, skin colour, nationality, and so on. Tina refused to allow her circumstances to hold her back. She was an eagle born to soar among the turbulence in the sky - not to grovel on the ground scratching the dirt and wishing for better days. She was proactive. She pulled herself up by her bootstraps and made something of her life regardless of the struggles and the setbacks. We can also model and mentor her to success. We can be unstoppable when we move from merely observing our potential and take that bold step to make something better of ourselves. We know that as good as we are, we can be better every last one of us. We embrace the thought that good is never good enough. We discipline ourselves to believe that good is the enemy of great. We strive for excellence in all that we do and who we are. With God’s help, we can achieve and accomplish great things, even after we have gone through tremendous hurt, disappointment, and trauma.

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

Swearing allegiance to ourselves A SIMPLE AMENDMENT in the Oaths Act was made when parliament met last Tuesday. The amendment was profoundly simple, yet at the same time simply profound. Few people may even bother with or recognize the change, but the change reflects the change in our way of thinking and the way we feel about ourselves. The change is long overdue and came not a second to soon.

In fact, it should have been made much sooner.

Until this simple amendment was made, persons who took up important positions in the state machinery solemnly and sincerely swore to ‘be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the second, her heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.’ Imagine a long time nationalist and anti colonialist swearing to the Queen of England, who in her long reign, visited SVG only twice and lives thousands of miles away. We can all be certain that Queen Elizabeth does not know the name of the speaker of our House of Assembly, and may have to search her mind to recall the name of our Prime Minister.

Yet we dutifully swear to her. In fact, there might be more than a few persons who may be fiercely opposed to this change. We may recall that in the referendum of 2009, many persons are said to have voted against the proposed constitution because of the misinformation that the referendum supporters wanted to do away with the queen and break relations with England.

How could this be happening 36 years after independence? Some may say that we are still a member of the Commonwealth, and the queen is still the sovereign head of our country.

This is true, but there are a number of countries, Australia, Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica among them that were former colonies of Britain, remain in the commonwealth, but have done away with the sworn allegiance to Queen Elizabeth of England.

Until now, there was no demand, duty or responsibility for a state official to swear allegiance to our country, its people or constitution.

With the amendment on Tuesday, persons taking the oath will ‘swear to be faithful and bear true allegiance to St Vincent and the Grenadines, uphold and defend the Constitution and the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and conscientiously and impartially discharge responsibilities to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. So help me God.’ Some may say this is nothing more than a yawn. We beg to differ. The change in the oath is so fundamental to who we are as a people, that it should have been long recognized that allegiance to the Queen, without more was really an insult to us as an independent people. To proclaim independence and not see the need to uplift ourselves and the new instruments of power which we assumed, demonstrate that these laws and other matters of formalities were relics of the colonial past. They were not intended to serve us. They were given to us and we meekly accepted them. The late recognition of this fact and the movement to change it must be commended.

One of the prime movers for this change was Camillo Gonsalves, one of the young and new breed of politicians who entered the parliament in 2013 as a senator and as of December 2015 as an elected parliamentarian. New blood, brighter insights, renewed commitment to do the people’s will. He spoke passionately about the need for change. What the amendment was and what it was not. But even the older parliamentarians were belatedly, but honourably coming to the considered opinion that there was something wrong with our oath of allegiance.

When the new parliament was sworn in on December 29, 2015, both PM Gonsalves and opposition leader Arnhim Eustace made slight adjustments to their oath and pledged both to Queen Elizabeth and to the people of SVG. The opposition boycott of parliament continues, but the gesture of Gonsalves and Eustace can be taken as demonstrating the inadequacy of the oath of allegiance to the queen, and the need for change.

Therefore, it may be logical to conclude that, had the opposition been in attendance, the amendment would have gotten bi-partisan support.

Now this change in the oath of allegiance will not make or cause a change in the material conditions of the people. Most did not know the words in the old oath, and most will still not know exactly what the new oath requires. But this change is a step in the right direction. We need to move away from that which is old, and represents an outdated order, and assume new policy positions and laws that best reflect changing times.

Currently, too many of our new laws are driven by external pressures intended to bring our laws into conformity with the international legal architecture. These demands come with the big stick. If we don’t comply within a very short period, all kind of penalties befall us. We are blacklisted or denied certain benefits.

Therefore, the passage of the amendment to the Oaths Act should be the spark that leads to a comprehensive review of our laws.

Too many of them, relics from the colonial past, are woefully out of date.

Some have not gotten attention for more than 100 years. Although our laws were last revised in 2009, what we really had was addition of legislation that was passed from 1990 up to the new edition. Few if any of the old laws were reviewed and updated. Consequently some of the laws that are on our books have long been discarded in England.

We commend the initiative to amend the Oaths Act. We hope that this will be one small step in the forward march to reclaim our patrimony. We should move to remove the queen as sovereign head of our country, and relocate our final court from England to our own shores in the Caribbean.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

National security and gun crime, a big problem in SVG ACCORDING TO RETIRED British Royal Air Force Warrant Officer, Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons.), MSc, MBA, who served for over 31 years with honourable and distinguished service, the level of gun crime and national security in SVG is a major problem. We are not safe in SVG with weak national security and high levels of gun crime.

Our people are at risk of being shot dead in SVG, at any time and any place. There is so much gun crime and killings in SVG. Guns are not manufactured in SVG, so it is clear that guns are being smuggled into the country illegally.

There is poor security at the Kingstown Port. The gate pass to enter the Kingstown Port is issued about two hundred yards away from the point of entry into the Kingstown Port. This is a point of weak national security.

Between the point of pass issue and the entry gate, the port pass can be passed to a hundred people. The system is slack, and it means there is no proper record of who goes in and who goes out. Port passes should be issued at the point of entry to the secure area, and they should be returned at that same point on the way out.

The point of entry is where you

should exchange your ID card for the gate pass. This way, passes cannot be given to all and sundry.

Also, not all barrels are checked, and at this point, guns can be brought in easily. A large x-ray machine — like that used in airports - should be used in the port to x-ray and check all barrels. This would provide a higher level of security and cut down on the amount of guns being brought into the country.

This information is given free to the incompetent SVG Minister of National Security, Gonsalves.

The very weak economy is part of the problem stoking crime in SVG. There is a strong, positive correlation between weak economies and high levels of crime. As the economy spirals downwards, the level of crime rises.

The SVG economy cannot grow without a fair tax system. The white, super-rich migrants of Mustique and Canouan have to pay tax and customs duties for our economy to become strong. Also, we must take back our fish licence from Taiwan and set up our own tuna fishing industry to create billions of dollars of revenue.

With a stronger economy, more money can be put into education and preventing gun crime. The very poor standard of education is stoking crime

in SVG too. The higher the level of education in SVG, the greater will be the reduction in crime.

Gun crime and national security is a problem, because SVG has an incompetent Minister for National Security. Gonsalves is hopeless as SVG Minister of National Security, and should resign as Minister of

National Security.

National security needs to be improved a lot, and the problem of gun crime needs to be tackled effectively.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

The lost treasure of Michael Jackson

by JULIAN C. ‘ROCKSTAR’ WILLIAMS FEBRUARY 2016 has come and gone, but during that Black History Month, Michael Jackson stood out in my mind.

I was so shocked one day in June of 2009 when one of my girlfriends came to me and relayed the news that Michael Jackson was dead. She even asked if I was going to his funeral.

I told her that Michael Jackson was not going to be buried; instead his body would be embalmed, and placed in a private museum so that posthumously, he would become the first trillionaire in the world. Elvis Presley could have been the first.

“How was that going to happen?’ my girlfriend asked. I told her that many millionaires, and billionaires would have paid several millions each, from time to time, just to see his body in a museum; that the whole of America and millions of people in the world would have paid thousands each, just to see his body. Such was the greatness and attraction of Michael Jackson.

Needless to say, my thoughts raced ahead of me. Michael Jackson could have owned several museums around the world, where his body would be put on display at certain times during a year. However, I thought, a Michael Jackson Museum would have been a state of the arts ‘archeological, computerized and musicalized fascination’. Here, on any given day, patrons customers would have been able to listen to his voluminous collection of songs, view his videos to many of those songs and his many live concerts.

I envisaged that the museum would have at least seven glass theatres, each holding about a hundred or so items. Patrons would have been able

to see into the theatres from the outside, but would hear only if they paid to enter. Of course, paraphernalia (branded items) would also have been on sale, and we know how efficient marketers are at producing new things.

And, importantly, the display would include items from his days a ‘J5 (Jackson 5).

What also would have been in place are technological booths for the sale of I-PODS, download of I-tunes and the other up-to-date gadgets from the computer bosses at APPLE, Samsung, Dell, IBM and the likes. All of this in one glass, authentic and aesthetic museum.

His body would not have to be in this museum at the time given the establishment of several museums around the world - Monaco, Cannes, India Wells and Hollywood just to mention a few places. All the museums would, however, remain open, and when his body was at any one, the price of admission we expect would not be cheap. Expect too that the museums’ authorities would make clothing changes from time to time, in keeping with the fashion icon that Michael was.

Michael Jackson’s family is a Christian family, and they buried him, for God would have wanted them so to do. God, however, besides His perfect will, also has a permissive will, for example, when Israel asked for a King, he gave them Saul as their first one, even though He himself knew that He was the King of the World.

As it stands, some business person has lost the chance to try and convince the Jacksons to keep Michael’s body in the world, to make in the trillions. His estate would have been able to bail Greece, Italy, Spain and other countries out of their financial crises.

They won’t let me keep out of politics but then, the doctors do not recommend this for good health. After six months in If I go to the dispensary and the this village, I have now come to the dispenser notices me soon and enquires conclusion that as long as one remains what I need, I am a Labour supporter. If here, no matter what he does, short of he does not see me and I am satisfied to dying, they won’t let you keep out of await my turn, I am PPP. When I go to politics”. the Anglican Church and take a seat up The foregoing was written almost front, I am a Labour Party man. If I fifty years ago when we were still a accompanied my wife to a Methodist colony. We next follow-up with the mess gathering and we sit behind because it is we have made of our country in the Age cooler there, there is no doubt that I am of Independence that was celebrated a PPP sympathizer. nearly forty years ago. The times call As I see it, the only way to escape the for a veritable political revolution and political labelling is to stop breathingsocial transformation.

Continued from Page 8.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 13.

Foreign Relations

SVG to provide goods to Venezuela THIS COUNTRY IS EXPECTED to enter into a trade arrangement with Venezuela, which will allow this country to service the debt for oil purchased from Venezuela, under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

The agreement was reached at the 16th Ministerial Council meeting of Petrocaribe which took place in Venezuela on May 27, at wich SVG was represented

by Dr. Jerrol Thompson, who has the responsibility for Special Projects including Petrocaribe.

All this and more was disclosed by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Tuesday during a Sitting of the House of Assembly.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, it was understood that St Vincent and the Grenadines will supply

Venezuela with flour, rice and toilet paper.Dr. Thompson has already started talks with members of the management teams at ECGC and the Container Corporation here, the prime minister continued, “and there are plans to proceed in these respects.

“There are still details to be worked out, but there is real prospect where the circumstances in Venezuela have created these opportunities,” Gonsalves said.

Dr. Gonsalves drove home the point that both President Nicolas Maduro and Minister of Petroleum and Mining Eulogio del Pino had reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to PetroCaribe, despite some concern expressed that since the victory of a coalition of opposition political parties in the

December 6, 2015 Elections in Venezuela, combined with ongoing economic problems, that the government there might have to end the oil alliance with many Caribbean and Latin American states.

In a related matter, Dr. Gonsalves told the Parliament that this country’s debt to Venezuela now stood at EC$175 million, up from EC$145 million some two years ago.

Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace had said that based on a document he had read, the overall debt by members of Petrocaribe amounted to EC$29.7 billion, of which this country owed EC$900 million – a figure Gonsalves denied.

He explained that the EC$175 million was

Not as many CubanVincy citizens THERE ARE ONLY TWO Cubans currently working at the international airport site at Argyle, who have Vincentian citizenship. They are a highly trained and qualified engineer and his wife.

This was the confirmation that Dr Ralph Gonsalves gave when he

addressed his Unity Labour Party (ULP) convention last Sunday, May 29.

He was, on all counts, responding to an earlier claim by Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the New Democratic Party, that some 250 Cubans had been granted Vincentian citizenship.

He told party supporters on Sunday at the convention in Campden Park that the records indicate that there are in fact 33 individuals of Cuban nationality who have ever been granted Vincentian citizenship.

Ninety percent of Cubans who had been granted Vincentian citizenship received the status before 2001 when the Unity Labour Party (ULP) came to office.

A number of the Cuban passport holders had not renewed the document and no longer live here, Dr. Gonsalves said.

Dr Gonsalves went on further to dispel the popular belief that there were a substantial number of Cubans working at the international airport construction site. According to Dr Gonsalves, there were not as many as many persons purport.

Notwithstanding, Dr Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Leader of the ULP, held out the hope that more skilled Cuban national Cuban Ambassador to SVG, H.E. Vilma Reyes would opt to remain here, Valdespino visits with Cuban workers at the because the country stood to site of the Centre of Integral Diagnosis, benefit from their Georgetown. (Photo Credit: Cuban Embassy – knowledge. (DD) SVG)

confirmed by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) consultation report.

“They simply The government of Venezuela says many queues (for basic confirmed it food items) are “artificially created” by unscrupulous because it is the businessmen. truth we have been saying all the time,” serviced from the on-going coming to service the debt flows from Petrocaribe, from the consolidated Dr. Gonsalves declared, fund,” he said. (DD) adding, “The debt is being and nothing has been

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Diaspora Committee hosts summer activity AN ACTIVITY dubbed the kick start to the summer activities

for the Vincentian community in New York, USA, was hosted on

Members of the Cultural Association of Vincentians in the United States of America (CAVUSA), including Cauldric Forbes (2nd from left) and Atiba Williams (3rd from left) at the May 14 Barbeque.

Saturday 14th May, 2016 by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York Inc. The event, a Barbeque, co-ordinated

by Atiba Williams and Tammy Kirby, was held at the compound of Standard Shippers, owned and managed by Gideon ‘Fessy’ Yorke.

Reports indicated that, despite threat of heavy rains, patrons from Michelle-Ann ‘Hibicus’ Hillocks, New Song Winner in New York, all walks of life came out entertained patrons at the Barbeque. to the event. coming together in unity to Meanwhile, the SVG Maxwell Haywood, support a common cause.”

Diaspora Committee of NY Inc Chairman of the SVG The BBQ, according to the has announced the launch of Diaspora Committee of NY host, served as a fundraiser, its official website Inc., said he was extremely but was also a major part of - www.svgdiasporacommittee.o pleased to see the committee’s public rg. “the cross relations strategy. The goals A release from the section of the were to foster goodwill in the Committee stated: “The Vincentian community through website provides a space to community collaboration from multiple update you on the work of the that came out entities in the diaspora, and to committee, provide you with to support the bring Vincentians together to insight of the Vincentian committee.” start off the summer season.

Diaspora and allow for He The summer months are engagement with our partners described the when many organizations host and individuals interested in occasion as “a fundraising activities that the development of St. Vincent powerful provide a meeting place for and the Grenadines and its example of persons in the diaspora.

Diaspora.”

Vincentians

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 15.

News

Digicel raises the Temperature “WE WERE ANXIOUSLY awaiting a Digicel Monday T-shirt Band!” “We love what Digicel is offering for Vincy Mas 2016!” “This is our T-shirt band for 2016!”

These were few of the many comments by bystanders as Digicel Temperature T-shirt Band, for the Monday Afternoon Street Jumpup of Vincy Mas 2016, paraded through the streets of Kingstown last Friday, May 27th.

The launch of Temperature, the telecommunication company’s inaugural T-

shirt band, featured a motorcade around Kingstown from 2PM, which climaxed at Heritage Square with a concert.

The parade caught the attention of hundreds of Vincentians who flocked the sidewalks, and who were enticed to journey to Heritage Square to witness the spectacular display put on by the St. Lucian male and female fire eaters.

The event also featured performances by local artistes, including Mason, Hance John,

Wetty Beatz and Digicel’s brand Ambassador- Mad Skull.

In addition to offering a number of sponsored giveaways, persons also had an opportunity to enter into Digicel’s cash vault for a chance to grab as many coupons as they could in 15 seconds; the coupons included prizes of six pack Hairoun beers, Digicel credit, cash and Digicel branded products.

According to Dionne Emtage, Digicel’s Head of Mobile Operations, Friday’s event surpassed all expectations and

served simply as a prelude of what is in store for Vincy Mas 2016.

Emtage assured that Digicel will offer revellers an experience like no other on the road, come Monday, July 4th, 2016.

No room for clashes, says CDC Chief sector/promoters, and is willing to work along with them.

However, while the CDC remains unopposed to events being organised by private investors, as the body in charge of running the festival, it also has a responsibility to the components of Vincy Mas as per the guarantee and payment Dennis Ambrose, of prize moneys, Chairman of the CDC, appearance fees, etc. said that his “We also need to make Corporation will always a dollar,” said Dennis be concerned if a Ambrose, Chairman of privately organised the CDC. show clashes with an He further stated that official Vincy Mas event. he thought that there was ample time leading THE CARNIVAL up to the Carnival DEVELOPMENT Season, following the Corporation (CDC) official launch which embraces the private takes place in May, for

private shows to take place.

His comment comes after Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves announced at the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) convention at the Bethel High School last Sunday, that the CDC ought to allow the private sector to hold events, within the framework of the law.

Ambrose, however, said that he did not want to comment directly on what the Prime Minister said on the grounds that he did not hear them first hand, but did state that if an event clashed with that organised by CDC, “we will be concerned.”

BBO Soca Masters 2 in train THE SECOND ANNUAL Soca Masters Show hosted by the Becket Benefit Organization (BBO) is in train.

A release from the BBO earlier this week, said that the second edition of the show, dubbed Soca Masters 2, is scheduled for Saturday 9th July, 2016, at the Layou Hard Court, beginning at 8:00pm.

In keeping with its name, the Show will again give top-billing to veteran Vincentian calypso/soca artistes, and organisers promise ‘a musical journey of soca throughout the ages’.

Internationally acclaimed calypso/soca superstar Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas is billed to lead

a trio of Masters, which also includes the evergreen Winston Soso and Orandi ‘Bomani’ Charles, the latter marking fifteen years in the performing/recording arena this year.

In addition to the three Soca Masters, who will each perform a forty (40) minute set, the Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas show will feature acts promises to “Wake up such as the New York based ‘Vincy Bad Boy’, de Party’ at the Soca Problem Child, up and Masters 2. coming soca sensation of principal sponsor, the Ozarie, and Junior St. Vincent Brewery.

Calypso Monarch Inaugurated last year Singing Kristy. as the organization’s K-Netik Band will major fund-raising event, also perform and do the musical backing for all of the Soca Masters Show established itself as last the artistes, with backyear’s leading show after vocals by SVG Angels.

Carnival activity.

All of this is made possible with the support

According to Ambrose, a privately organised event will get on the CDC’s official calendar of events after it has been staged successfully for five consecutive years.

(DD)

St. Lucian Fire Eaters putting on a display on the streets of Kingstown.

Below: Models displaying Digicel’s Temperature outfits.

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature - Miss SVG 2016

All is set for Miss SVG 2016

Left: Shanique Alexander - Miss Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ltd. Right: Anya Frederick - Miss VINLEC.

TOMORROW JUNE 4 will come as relief for the eight contestants in the 2016 Miss SVG Beauty pageant.

The delegates confessed, at a media briefing hosted by the Carnival Development

Corporation last Tuesday, about the sacrifices they have faced since being inducted into the hall of candidate for the prestigious title.

This year’s winner will be the 61st queen to be crowned, and she will have the burden of defending the Miss Carival crown, snatched last year by Vincentian Deyonte Myers.

The participants are: Shanique Alexander, Miss Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Anya Frederick, Miss St. Vincent Electricity Services; Vakeesha John, Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse; Zenna Lewis, Miss Lotto; Raneasha Loraine, Miss Play 4; Dahvana Providence, Miss Metrocint General Insurance Company Ltd.; Jeanetta Richards, Miss Jergens; and Nikianna Williams, Miss Flow.

They will grace the stage five times.

The first in costume will not be judged, but there will be 30 points for Interview, 25 each for Evening Wear and Swimwear, and 20 for Talent.

The judges completed their assessment of the gowns in a pre-show viewing week Thursday, as organisers finetuned for the event.

The winner gets a Scholarship, valued at $80,000, to the University of the West Indies for three years. She gets $8,000 from the Carnival Development Corporation along with gifts from business institutions. She stands to earn more money, and exposure from the Miss Carival title.

Chairperson of the Beauty Shows Committee - Cheryl Rodriquez outlined a cast of local

Vakeesha John - Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse

Zenna Lewis - Miss Lotto

Raneasha Loraine - Miss Play 4 entertainment at the show.

Continued on Page 17.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 17.

Feature - Miss SVG 2016

Dahvana Providence - Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd.

All is set for Miss SVG 2016 Continued from Page 16

Jeanetta Richards - Miss Jergens

Nikianna Williams - Miss Flow

That will be highlighted by versatile musician and singer Andy Cruickshank.

There will be slots for reigning Calypso Monarch Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams.

The Brass section of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band will unveil a spectrum of Vincy Music in tribute, and Corporal Omara Thomas will provide an interlude of music on tenor Saxophone while the ladies parade in their Evening wear.

Meanwhile, nine countries have confirmed participation for the Miss Carival extravaganza. They are Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

(WKA)

18. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 19.

News

SVG delegation meets with President Tsai ON MAY 21 in Taipei, the capital city of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sir Louis Straker led a SVG delegation that met with Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, the new president of the country.

During the meeting, Sir Louis Straker conveyed a congratulatory message to President Tsai on behalf of the people and the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Noting that this year the two countries celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral relations, Sir Louis expressed the appreciation of cooperation which benefits both countries. He further stressed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fully committed (L-R): Sen. Deborah Charles, Min. Luke Browne, Lady to the continual collaboration with Taiwan.

President Tsai welcomed the delegation led by Lynda Straker, Sir Louis Straker, President Tsai Ing-wen, Sir Louis, and congratulated him on his successful Min. David Lee - Deputy Secretary General of President Office, Amb. Harry Tseng - Director General of the Latin return to politics last December.

The President expressed Taiwan’s appreciation American and Caribbean Affairs, and Amb. Li-jey Tsao). for the solidarity and unwavering support rendered by the Vincentian people and government over strengthening the ties between the two countries.

In addition to Sir Louis, the SVG delegation that the years, especially as it concerns Taiwan’s visited Taiwan from May 18 to 22 included Lady Lynda participation of international organisations.

Straker, Senator Luke Browne - Minister of Health, She registered her delight to see that both countries Wellness, and the Environment, and Senator Deborah share a strong commitment towards building stronger and closer political, economic and cultural relations, and Charles, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs. she committed her administration to further

Dr Gonsalves not going anywhere AMIDST CALLS for his New Democratic Party counterpart to reign as leader of that party, Dr Ralph Gonsalves says that he does intend to step down as the political leader of the Unity Labour Party ahead of the next scheduled General Elections.

To much applause, he assured delegates at last Sunday’s ULP Convention held at the Campden Park Secondary School, Dr. Gonsalves said, “On the 29th of April, every six months, I do tests including blood tests … sugar alright, pressure is fine, my heart and my lung in order, I don’t have any problem with my blood, I don’t have no infectious diseases.”

However, he noted that the party needed to refresh and renew itself with personnel, ideas and policies, he continued.

Aiming a contrasting finger at the Opposition NDP, Dr. Gonsalves said the New Democratic Party (NDP) has never won an election without its founding father, Sir James Mitchell as the leader.

Whereas, the ULP, of which the former St Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party (SVLP) was a mass component, has won without its founding father.

He expressed optimism that the ULP will be returned to government under a new leader regardless, because of the party’s policies. (DD)

20. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. Your own small business on the side could ease your financial stress. Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others. Listen and formulate your course of action. You will be indecisive.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. Be careful; you may say something you'll regret later. Think about your budget before booking a trip. You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your self-confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Look into alternate means of sup porting your financial burdens. Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies.

Visit friends who have not been well.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship. Try to be patient and understanding. Your charm and generosity will bring new friends and romantic opportunities.

Deception is apparent.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. If you can include them in your plans, do so. You will meet some interesting people if you at tend promotional functions.

Things will be emotional with your mate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Stubborn about making changes around your home. Communication must be open, precise, and honest. Make sure that you make reservations early. You are best not to confront situations that deal with in-laws or relatives.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers. Don't overextend yourself in the process. Be sure that the person you're drawn to is not already involved. Offers of joint ventures are likely.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will learn valuable information if you travel this week. Expressing yourself in novel ways should lead you down new avenues. Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. Get involved in groups that are creative in nature.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Compromise may be necessary.

Emotional up and downs have caused doubts in your personal life. Your selfconfidence will attract members of the opposite sex Don't be too hard on your mate.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. You may be confused regarding your love life. Children may be difficult to deal with. Don't get involved in uncertain financial ventures. Trips will be favorable for business as well as pleasure.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. You might have a problem juggling your time. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart. You may find that someone at work hasn't been trustworthy.

ACROSS

41. Genre for “Star Trek” 1.FBI employee (hyph.) (abbr.)

44. Pilsner and 4. Actress bock Samms 47. Warsaw’s 8. Venomous country viper (abbr.)

11. Dove sound 48. Computer 12. Valid message reasoning (hyph.)

14. Beaver coat 51. Piece (out) 15. Vague 53. NJ’s ocean schedule 54. Learned info (abbr.) scholars 16.Ventriloquist’s 55. Like Abner sidekick Yokum 17. “Who __ 56. Home Kidding?” (abbr.)

(2 wds.)

57. Chef’s 18. Runs in smidgen neutral 58. Distance 13. Rides a bike 20. Computer measures 19. British game format (abbr.) partnership (hyph.) abbr.

22. Three, in DOWN 21. Took action Rome 23. Model Carol 23. Will Smith 1.Pretend 24. Storage boxing role 2. Vast Asian container 24. Like Telly desert and Yul 3. Frog’s cousin 25. Wide street 27. Heavy 4. Church (abbr.) hammers deacon 26. Golfer 31. “__ got it!”

5. Small rodent Trevino 32. Leaves out 6. Film studio 27. Bro’s sibling 34. Civil rights with a lion 28. One of monogram mascot Detroit’s Big 35. Tailor’s 7. Get ready to Three collection shoot 29. Tundra 37. Repulsive, 8. Worship animal informally from __ 30. The blue 38. New York 9. __wrestling above time (abbr.)

10. Stiffly 32. __ but 39. Boring tool proper

goodies 33. Came across 36. “ABC” followers 37. __ de France 39. “__ Irish Rose” 40. __ rarebit 41. Mast

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 21.

42. Dove’s home 43. Woes 45. Depend (on) 46. Swerve 49. Like a wet hen 50. __ Khan 52. Overhead railways

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Once bitten, twice shy In love with an said day and when she returned on the sixth day, I confronted here MY WIFE PROVIDED me with the information I with information – dates, had discovered for hotel, etc. - about a 5myself. He doubted dayconference she was everything I had to say expected to attend in Barbados. Remembering and to this day, has not revealed with whom she what had happened one stayed for those extra year ago when she days. attended another As you might guess, I conference, I decided to have begun divorce treat this information proceedings but I am differently. One year ago she went to a conference writing this just to get things off my chest. I and took a certain man with her. I forgave her and had earlier planned to do a very terrible thing to we moved on from there. my wife and to the other This time around but thank God I took unknowing to her, I advice from your reply to decided to travel to another person who had Barbados to check out things for myself. I went a similar problem to me.

I am still here today on to the hotel where the conference was to be held Mother Earth. Keep up the good work. only to hear they knew nothing about that.

Torned They had, however, booked my wife for a 2Dear Torned, day stay.

I returned home that

Dear George,

artificial lady Dear George, I FELL IN LOVE with this sexy looking chick. We had been going out for four months before my surprise discovery.

Thanks for taking the again when the time is One day we went to the beach and it was there I time to write and I must right. discovered the truth about this women. That beach also commend you for day was the first time I got to be very physically thinking twice before George with her, if you know what I mean. acting foolishly. It is During that session, I found unfortunate what out that she had a boobs job happened to you but at done, her bottom was fake and the end of the day, we her lips pumped up to look sexy. must all be accountable I flat out told her that I am not for our actions and that interested in moving with a fake includes your wife. She woman, and left her there on the will have to know what beach. she is getting into and She should have not waited there is nothing you can four months to tell me that and I do to change that.

Dear George, have to conclude that she You should, however, mislead me. I feel so stupid now go and see a counsellor MY HUSBAND left me for another for not noticing any of that fake who would be able to woman. I begged him to stay but he let stuff. Now, I am back on the help you sort your anyway. They are presently living single market looking for a good thoughts out and to plan together even though we are not woman. ahead. Maybe after you divorced. do that you will be in a As far as he is concerned, I need to get Tricked silly position to love and trust on with my life.

I heard recently that his new Dear tricked silly, companion is pregnant and that he may have contracted that dreaded disease. I Do not beat up on yourself for am n not certain about that. not noticing during those four months what you found out in The thing is though, my husband and one day at the beach. Be I together own a lot of lands together thankful you did go to the along with 3 vehicles and 2 houses. I beach. have not the slightest idea how to do Yes, she should have leveled what, if to do what, when to do what, with you from day one and given which is why I need your help. you the chance to decide whether going out with a woman who had A-XX some body work done was your thing or not. It is your right to Dear A-XX, decide whether you want such a woman.

It would appear as though your Leaving her on the beach was husband has made up his mind to end not a cool thing to do although I the marriage. It would be a good idea to understand the emotions which get some legal advice regarding the would have led you to such distribution/sharing of the property you abrupt action. both owned.

It is always a wise thing to You now need to decide what is it you declare your hand from the want to do in the light of what is beginning of the game and that happening. Your husband has made his was what your girlfriend failed to decision; now it is time for you to make do. I wish you success in your hunt for her replacement. yours.

Get on with your life

George

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 23.

News

Taking guns off the streets

THE POLICE ARE CURRENTLY engaged in a mission to rid the streets of as many illegal guns as possible.

So said Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Ralph Gonsalves, on Tuesday in Parliament.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, statistics revealed that in 2015, eleven of the 25 homicides were committed with the use illegal firearms. The count for this year was 13 of the 15 homicides committed so far.

(That number rose from 15 to 16 a day after the Prime Minister addressed the Parliament.)

The police mission has so far turned up two 9 mm weapons – one recovered in New Montrose and the other in Stubbs.

But while he said that he could not give any further details about the police activities, he warned criminals and those in possession of illicit firearms.

“This government has taken a strong position

against firearms in trying to seek them out, and we have come here (Parliament) and amended the law.

“And there are a number of persons who are discovering Of the 16 homicides committed for the year so far, 13 are said to that, who did be gun-related. not know the law, when they go before the courts, they Commissioner (of Police) alone who decides, it’s a are now learning that the penalty is much more wider committee with severe,” Gonsalves said. community interest represented on that The maximum licensing board,” sentence for conviction for being in possession of Gonsalves told those in a firearm is now 7 years, Parliament.

But there were still up from one. some complaints filtering “So I just want to make that point to those through, he admitted, “and I want to assure listening, and everyone that I have particularly the young spoken to the chairman and not so young men, who hold illicit firearms,” of the committee to make sure that for law-abiding Gonsalves said. persons, that the process As far as the process is expedited.” of obtaining licensed A shooting range and firearms was concerned, the Prime Minister said attendant services were now available to licensed that that has been refirearm holders who are visited, making it less desirous of being trained cumbersome and in the proper use of their protracted. firearms. (DD) “It is no longer the

Airline to be revealed soon VINCENTIANS have to wait until the end of June to learn the name of the United States International Air Carrier that is expected to be the first to agree to conditions for operating Vincentians will learn, all things being even, which flights in and international airline is the first to agree to fly into and out out of the of the Argyle International Airport.

Argyle International (Judith Jones-Morgan) and the Airport.

Director General of Finance and Executive Director of the SVG Planning (Maurice Edwards),” he said.

Tourism Authority had, some time The document was okay, in ago, purported that discussions were ongoing, but nearer successful closure Gonsalves’ estimation, but he wanted to get the final input of the two senior with a number of international public officials. carriers.

There were other airlines showing Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) - Dr interest in operating here, he said, including carriers from Canada, Ralph Gonsalves, confirmed last Britain and from across the region, Sunday at the party’s 22nd Convention, that the process of getting and he alluded to one charter company wanting to get involved in the process. airlines to operate here was still onA number of air service agreements going, but that negotiations had already been completed with a carrier had also been signed, including ones with Chile and Qatar. It is from the United States. anticipated that similar agreements “Before the end of June, I will be signing the agreement. In fact, I was will be entered into with the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the US and just waiting for one or two items of Turkey. (DD) feedback from the Attorney General

24. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 25.

Arts

Countrywide Karaoke climaxes ANOTHER EDITION of the popular Singing With The Stars (SWTS) Karaoke came to a

Janelle Seymour – second place – representing Casa Blanca Bar, Georgetown

fitting climax last Friday, May 27, at the Spotlight Stadium, Georgetown.

The edition was a special “Countryside Edition,” according to SWTS coordinator Georgeitha Nanton.

“It was more than we expected.

Good crowd, well-behaved, great fun, and good renditions,” Nanton said of the Final.

Sixteen persons Jolene Cato – Third competed in place – over the the Final, River Bar, Owia. representing

all seven bars and restaurants that had hosted the preliminary round, which began on April 1.

When the lights went down on the competitors last Friday at the Spotlight Stadium and the judges announced the winners, the spotlight turned on Ingrid Mars, a representative of the Tunnel Bar, Byrea.

She was a unanimous winner — both with judges and patrons — and took home the first place cash prize of $1000.00 and a case of Hairoun Beer, compliments K&L Auto Customers Brokerage Agency.

It was Mars’ debut in SWTS, obviously an experience she would cherish.

Jonelle Seymour, representing Casa Blanca

Wholesale and Retail, Georgetown, took second place and received $500 and two six-packs Hairoun Beer, compliments Flasher Bar, Grocery & Bakery.

Third placed Joleen Cato, representing Over The Ingrid Mars – First Place – River Bar, Owia, received representing the Tunnel View $300.00 and a six-pack, Bar, Byrea. compliments Casa Blanca Wholesale and Retail. for those business entities and Followers of SWTS, individuals who continue to especially those who missed support the effort, one she out on the real action, have a describes as “having national chance to view the finals on impact as we highlight a SVG TV, this Saturday, major component of our beginning 9:00 pm. culture.”

Nanton assured THE Nanton has no intention of VINCENTIAN of this even as she expressed concern that the “bringing the lights down on Singing with The Stars,” but airing of SWTS has become hopes “that it would attract “quite a challenge, given the increased support in the lack of the sponsorship.”

She was, however, grateful future.”

Resistance heartbeat celebrates 6 years THE DRUMS are rolling in celebration of the 6th anniversary of the nationally acclaimed Resistance Heartbeat Drummers Inc. Formed in June 2010, the group is an incorporated Cultural and Educational Organization, based in Kingstown Park, St. Vincent. Its motto is ‘Uplifting our Nation with a Culture Vitalization’.

The organisation’s membership of ten males and one female involve themselves in playing African and Garifuna hand drums. Their islandwide drumming sessions, married with songs and poetry, and educational sessions in communities and schools, are intended to revive interest in the cultural art forms encompassed in African and Garifuna music and dance.

With more focused purpose, the Resistance Heartbeat Organization is actively involved in a Climate Change project undertaken by the SVG Drum

Foundation. This involves drummers performing at moonlight drum circles in communities affected by the 2013 floods. The drum circles are used as vehicles to educate persons about the dangers of Climate Change can be mitigated.

Over its six years of ‘togetherness’, the Organisation has identified itself with community work at the Spa in Belair. Each year during the month of Independence, October, the Organization spearheads a full cleaning and repainting of the Spa. And in an effort to generate employment for its members and finance for the Organization, and promote healthy lifestyles, the Resistance Heartbeat Drummers have embarked on an enterprise that packages local herbal teas for sale.

A release from the organization earlier this week, says that as part of its programme of activities to mark its 6th anniversary, three main activities

will be held: the Organization’ss Annual General Meeting, a social activity and a Community work undertaking.

The Resistance Heartbeat Organization currently has a fourperson executive committee: Victor ‘Mwata’ ByronLeader; David ‘Ras Dewat’ CulzacTreasurer; Godric ‘Slim G’ Nichols — PRO; and Franklyn Resistance Heartbeat Drummers performing at the historic March 21, 2016 landing of the Kalinago War Sam — Secretary.

Canoe at Rose Place, Kingstown.

The musical director is Glenroy featuring three items: their Theme ‘Sulle’ Caesar.

Song, a song call Balliceaux and a To date, the drummers have tribute to Nelson Mandela. produced, December 2015, one CD

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26. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

The National Youth Council of SVG: A case for its revival

Godfrey Bobby Fraser

Bobby Fraser representing the Anglican Youth Movement.

JEFFREY DAISY of venerable memory Together this team of young men masterminded the idea of a National traversed the communities of Youth Council for St. Vincent and the mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Grenadines, sensitizing those youth Daisy was invited by his Grenadian who attended formal and informal counterpart, Jerry Romain, to attend a discussions, as to the need for a World Assembly of Youths, in National Youth Movement — one Jamaica, circa 1964-1965. measure that would enhance the Daisy returned to St. Vincent with development and progress of youths in renewed energy and commitment, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. confident that he could mobilise the The indefatigable work of this youth of his country towards youthful team of Vincentians would establishing a National Youth soon pay dividends.

Movement of sorts.

In May 1966, the National Youth He immediately enlisted the Council of St. Vincent was formally support of his Catholic Youth launched, with an executive that Organization’s colleague Stanley included: Methodist Minister Rev Campbell, and co-opted the energetic Keith Ray — President; James Cameron James and Oscar Allen, Francois, originally from Stubbs - First representing the Methodist Youth Vice President; Vera Ann Brereton of Fellowship, and the able Godfrey Tourism fame — Second Vice President;

by PATMOS RICHARDS

Jeffery Daisy

Stanley Campbell

Jeffery Daisy — General Secretary; Caneron James — Assistant General Secretary; Wesmore John from the Belair Methodist Youth Fellowship — Treasurer; Oscar Allen, Loren Daisy, Cynthia Mason and Stanley Campbell — Committee Members.

Thus began a national organization of Vincentian youth, committed to work on behalf of all Vincentian youth, at a time when, of the 87,000 persons in the country, 63,000 were under twenty (20) years old, and 68,320 were not yet thirty-five (35), according to the January 1966 Edition of the ‘Flambeau’.

The National Youth Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened the gateway for future leadership development in this country.

Many persons who have excelled in business, teaching, community development work, work on behalf of

Cameron James

their churches - especially in building the ecumenical movement, emerged from the bowels of the National Youth Council.

Moreover, many politicians — past and present - received tutelage in leadership development, courtesy the National Youth Council.

Given the significant contribution that the National Youth Council has made in the development of the human resource (capital) of this country, the apparent non-existence of programmes and policies that fulfil the original ideals of the organization and its founding members, leaves much to be desired.

Youth is the cradle from which future leadership of any country emerges. An independent National Youth Council can ensure that we foster plurality of views and thoughts, as we prepare another generation of youth for leadership of this country.

V Two Hampton Games gold medals for SVG THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines team returned home last Monday after participating in the May 27 – 29 International Hampton Games held in Trinidad.

The Vincentians returned with two gold and four bronze medals, after what Team Athletics SVG officials said was a commendable effort on the part of a relatively young team.

Kimorie Shearman continued his good form, taking gold in the Men’s Invitational 400m in a time of 47.43, after clocking 47.40 in an earlier heat. He also ran the 200m, but could manage only a 7th place in a time of 21.85.

The other gold medallist was Zita Vincent. She copped the

1500m in the Female Under 16 category, in a time of 5.08.95.

She also took 4th place in the 800m and competed in the 3000m as well.

Shearman and Vincent are both members of the IT DAT Academy.

Bronze medals went to: Chaunte Williams in the Female Under 1500m in a time of 5.26.90; Daria Matthias in the Female Under 18 100m, with a time of 12.27 secs; Greneish Thomas in the female Under 14 400m in a time of 62.15; and Ulanda Lewis in the Female Under 14 200m in a time of 26.27 secs.

Mathias also managed a creditable 4th place in the

Female Under 18 200m, in which she returned a time of 26.08.

Other participants included: Josh Hamilton - 4th in Men’s 100m in a time of 10.53 secs; Shahalia Lynch - 4th in Open Women Long jump with 4.96m; Mackayla Mc Dowall — 6th place in both the Female Under 14 100 and 200m; Krystal Foster 6th in Women Open discus with a throw of 31.93m and 7th in Women Open shot put with 8.92m; and McKish Compton -

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 27.

Kimorie Shearman continues to impress both locally and regionally.

Left: Zita Vincent stamped her mark as one to watch for the future.

Male Under 20 100/200m.

Of interest was the performances of Foster and Lynch, both Under 16 athletes,

but who competed in the Open Category field events.

The team was managed by Rawlson Morgan, with Chantel Legair serving as Coach/Chaperone.

Groove Street Ballers take Biabou football title brought parity to the match, to send the encounter and the title to be decided from the penalty spot.

Street Ballers prevailed 5-3 in sudden death, after both teams had missed two kicks in the first round of five.

It was S V United’s second successive defeat in a final, having lost to Walvaroo City 32, in the knock out Champion team – Hairoun Groove Street Ballers. final the previous Sunday.

HAIROUN GROOVE However, it took For taking the League STREET Ballers were penalty kicks by the newly title, Street Ballers crowned the 2016 Biabou installed winners to stop walked away with $1500, Nine A Side League last year’s winners SV champions last Sunday, at United, from taking any while SV United gained the Biabou Playing Field. piece of silverware. $1200, and third place In an Biabou Stingers- $1000. entertaining end Before reaching the to the league, final, Street Ballers got Street Ballers past Sparta FC 3-1 on took the lead in kicks from the penalty the first half spot, after both had played through Brad to a 1-1 draw in the semiRichards, but finals.

Kemron Osment On the other hand, SV equalised just United crafted a 1-0 win before the half over Biabou Stingers in time whistle. the other semi.

Shorn Browne Biabou Stingers then put SV United recorded a 5-2 triumph into the lead in over Sparta FC in the the second half, third place off.

L-R: Best Defender- Kimron but a late header Quashie of SV United and Best from Dimitri Awards list midfielder- Grad Richards of Carrington

Groove Street Ballers.

Among the individual awards dished out following last Sunday’s final, was that of Most Valuable Player, which was pouched by Groove Street Ballers’ Dimitri Carrington.

His teammate, Brad Richards, copped the Best Midfielder Award, while Deomaji Samuel of Groove Street Ballers and

Walvaroo City’s Dorian Dallaway were joint Top Goal Scorers, with eight goals each.

SV United’s Kimron Quashie won the Best Defender award and Kensley Joseph of Sparta FC, the Best Goal-keeper.

Biabou Stingers’ Deshawn Kydd was voted the Most Improved Player.

The two team awards

saw Taktikal Ballers winning the Most Disciplined Team title and Richland Park Pride and Joy- the Best Dressed Team.

Organisers of the league also presented awards of appreciation to Erdrin Keir and Rawle Caine for their years of contribution to the sport in the Biabou area.

Leeward Invaders remain undefeated in Rugby 15’s LEEWARD INVADERS closed out Town Sharks 25-20 in the latest match of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union’s 15’s League, played last Saturday at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

For Invaders, there were two tries from Philon Delpesche, with Leonard Matthews, Godfrey Matthews and Darriel Browne, registering one apiece. The unbeaten Leeward Invaders Rugby Club.

For Town Sharks, ran out 42-17 winners.

Justin Title, Gilan Comas, Brian Also, Town Sharks were winless, as Alexander and Shane Samuel, each they suffered a 30-25 defeat at the made a try. hands and feet of Country Pirates in the The win by Leeward Invaders put opening match. them top of the standings, having Canouan All Blacks, the other already beaten Country Pirates, the functional club, opted out of the other team in the competition. competition.

When both met, Leeward Invaders

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28. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG female footballers confident

THERE IS AN AIR OF CONFIDENCE about the National Female Football team as its members prepare for the defence of their Windward Islands title.

And that air of confidence is fueled by Coach Andrew Bramble.

‘The girls are working hard, putting in a lot of effort to defend their championship.

They realize from last year how sweet it is to win, and they are doing everything to repeat that this year,” Bramble told THE VINCENTIAN. “We have most of the players from last year, but the addition of Janique Browne Akeria Samuel, Captain of the National and Shandel Cyrus, who are based in the Female Football team, is expecting her United States on football scholarships, will girls to play hard. add some quality to the set up,” Bramble said, adding that Candis Franklyn, who is team is training really hard, with based in St Marten, will join the team in Dominica, the sole intention of successfully venue for this year’s Tournament. defending their championship.”

“For the past few months, the girls were involved She is aware that “the other in fitness tests and some specific drills, especially teams will be coming at us”, but going forward, and other tactical aspects of the believes that “the overseas based game,” Bramble explained. players would be a vital addition, Andrew Bramble, Coach of the National Female Football team, is “The girls were also involved in a practice match and I expect them to bring a lot to ensuring that the team addresses some of its weaker areas. against the senior male team and in, my opinion, the team.” they held their own in terms of what we wanted to “If we are going to retain the This year’s championship will be contested among achieve,” the Coach added. title, we need to go out and play hard, fight together three islands — Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent In that regard, Bramble said that there was as a team, just like what we did last year, put in and the Grenadines, from June 13 — 20. “great improvement in our positioning, covering and everything we practised over the past months,” getting back behind the ball.”

Samuel said.

I.B.A.ALLEN With respect to his expectations, the Coach admitted that he will be looking to the experienced Browne and Cyrus Bramble to help the team step up in the mid field area, noting that “our defense usually is strong.”

His concern, though, rests with the forward movement of the play, but he assured that attention will be paid to this area before the team departs the state.

“I will continue to look you are one of the well EVEN THOUGH they Akeria Samuel, Captain of the team, said, “The walked away with some talented players,” Barnet for younger players, to observed. pride after winning the look for young people to three-match limited He further pointed introduce and overs series against out, “Take for example, encouraging them into Grenada last weekend, just recently England the game. I already head coach of the sacked their captain who have a plan in place, National Female Cricket is 34 and has the best with assistance from Team, Clayton Barnet, batting record. Her coach Kentish Jacobs, in believes his team could sacking was in favor of which we’re aiming to go SEAN PALMER became the latest centurion in have done better. younger players and into the schools and the National Lotteries Authority National First “In all honesty, our that’s how I think we speak to the principals Division Cricket Championship, when he cracked team is saturated with need to go as far as and P.E teachers. As a a blistering 131 against Combined Youths. experience and talent, national selection is Palmer led a merciless attack on the hapless matter of fact, that was Clayton Barnet, Head (but) our players did not concerned,” the Coach Youth bowlers, to help his team amass a total of the approach we used to Coach of the SVG live up to their 331. Kensley Joseph chipped in with 51 and posited.

Female Cricket Team, get some of the young expectations, because I Karim Peters and Colvin King had respectable When pushed to players into the system - agrees that the focus expected us to play scores of 36 and 30 respectively. Nickie Antoine has to be on identifying, comment on the fact that bringing the awareness better cricket than we took 4 wickets but conceded 75 runs in the encouraging and SVG has none, while to them and helping did. I am still figuring process. developing the skills of Grenada has three them to understand the out what was the reason A seemingly shell-shocked Combine Youths young players. selectees to the West benefits of playing the behind our under par never really got going with any conviction, and Indies B team, a level at game,” Barnet said. showing,” Barnet told their reply closed at a paltry 185, Jeran Wyllie which the WI authorities He believes by indicates a love for the THE VINCENTIAN in topping the batting with 28 and Antoine holding seem to be giving conducting more camps, game, will help in a big an exclusive interview. his own with a knock of 24. Nickron McDowall, 5 priority to younger which can expose the way.

When asked about for 31, was just “TOO” much for the Combined players, Barnet offered: varying levels of talent Youths.

Grenada’s approach of and help determine who I.B.A.ALLEN Also on the weekend, French Verandah selecting a more youthful “Cordel Jack, Juliana Nero and Geneille Community College had the upper hand on team, the head coach, Triumph United in a low scoring game, played at who is part of the Scotia Greaves have done us proud representing the Arnos Vale One. The ‘College Boys’ mustered a Bank Kiddy Cricket West Indies in the past, less than challenging 149, but Triumph United programme here, made a mountain out of a mole hill in their reply, and while Jack and Nero described it as a good and were dismissed for 109. still offer their move in the right Cody Horne top scored for the College with 51 experience towards the direction. with the in form Tilran Harry got 36. Kenroy team’s development, I “I applaud Grenada Roberts grabbed 3 wickets for 32 runs to be believe the core of the for their move towards Triumph’s best bowler, and returned to be national team should be including a number of unbeaten on 37, when his team closed on 109 in younger players, because in keeping with the their unsuccessful chase for victory. Jerry that is the direction you direction the West Indies Haywood and Ronaldo Franklyn undid the need to go; I mean, when is heading.”

Triumph batsmen with returns of 4 for 20 and 3 you look at the structure Barnet believes a for 34 respectively. of female cricket, the concerted effort has to be In the other weekend encounter, Victors TWO moment you turn 30, made to get more players won from Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors. often times you are not into the system and Official match details were still unavailable up to looked at, even though playing the game. press time, Wednesday.

Coach Barnet thinks aloud on female cricket

Another 100 in First Division Cricket

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. 29.

Sports

Cricket in everything I AIRED MY VIEWS on radio publicly on the impact of West Indies Cricket and the echo that the Board be disbanded. I stated that politicians have no reason to be dabbling in sports. Of course they have every interest in what is taking place in the sporting arena. That is perhaps one of the most distant aspects of industrial development as far as some governments are concerned.

Sporting activities are what nations thrive on and they maintain a high level of economic sustainability through staging and facilitating major sporting events.

The government’s priority is to put policies and the framework in place so that all sporting disciplines benefit from the reservoir of natural talent in the Caribbean waters.

We in this region maintain that happy-golucky attitude, so that when we ruled the cricketing world for such a long period, we took it for granted. We rested on our laurels and went on a reverse campaign. They matched the West Indies pound for pound.

Aided and abetted by an International Cricket Council who watched with suspicion the dominance of the Caribbean Cinderellas, factors gradually condensed to put a stranglehold on West Indies’ prowess.

The WICB has to shoulder its responsibility for their part in the decline of West Indies Cricket. But continuous conflict between the Players’ Association and then the Players on their own, are not enhancing the prospects of West Indies cricket.

Whatever takes place between the players and the Board, has to be worked out in a mature way.

Fans ought not to be exposed to the flare ups and uncertainty every time a team is announced.

The Caribbean has proven time and time its value on the world stage. St. Lucia has produced two outstanding international characters. Sir William Arthur Lewis won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics 1979.

The fact that his picture appears on the Eastern Caribbean Currency Unit’s $100 bill is testimony of the respect he carries in the region.

Sir Arthur has been acknowledged globally.

Derek Walcott captured the Nobel Prize Literature prize in 1992.

Jamaica is the sprint nation of the world, and nearly every Caribbean island has produced an athlete of international calibre in one sport or the other.

Therein lies the depth and magnificence of the regional landscape. We shouldn’t be shattering and tarnishing it for any means whatsoever.

Whatever the shortcomings of the West Indies Cricket Board, they are keeping a region together. While politicians have authority on their individual territories, they are failing to present us with that common ground on which the cricketers operate.

If politicians are serious about West Indies Cricket, they will hasten their efforts at regional integration. Treaties, agreements and decisions are often arrived at, but the implementation process takes a longer time.

Inevitably, politicians take a dip at West Indies cricket if it advances their agenda. But faced with their democratic priorities, cricket becomes a cursory affair.

Once the Caribbean keeps in tune with the changes that affect the climate, not just in the Caribbean, but on the universal scale, they will realise that we must be in solidarity.

Disasters know no borders. It will be better for us as a region to link and follow the old adage: strength in numbers.

Our efforts should be consumed working together instead of tearing us apart.

Vincy Heat heading a new direction PROMPTED by a poor string of results recently, the technical team overseeing the St Vincent and the Grenadines senior men’s football team- Vincy Heat - has sought to inject fresh blood into the unit.

The inclusion of five new faces in the team which travelled to Suriname to take on that country this Saturday at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium in the Caribbean Football Union’s Cup, is one such indication.

Getting their first call up to the national senior team are Bequia United’s duo of the Mark Browne and multi- talented Cosmus Hackshaw , along with Valdo New faces from left: Nyorn Anderson of Greiggs FC, Delpesche, Seaqueam Millington, Seaqueam Millington- Sion Hill, Mark Browne, Cosmus Hackshaw, and Nyron Delpesche, who Valdo Anderson. represents Parkside Rollers.

In rationalising the moves, The other members Assistant Coach Wayde Jackson said, “We are of the official touring heading in a new direction... We have been going party are Keith year after year with a quota of guys who have not Ollivierre- Technical delivered, so it is time for a change.

Director/Head Coach, “We have to think about World Cup 2022, we Cornelius Huggins have the youngsters the exposure now... and Wesley Charles — “They are hungry and when people are hungry, Assistant Coaches, you know what they can do,” .Jackson pointed out.

Dale Browne- Trainer, Jackson added that new players have been performing in national competitions and this is the Kevin RichardsonWayde Jackson- one of chance for them to show their worth, once given the Goal Keeper Coach and Othnell Douglas - Vincy Heat’s assistant opportunity. coaches.

Dorren Hamlet who captained Vincy Heat in the Manager.

St Vincent and the earlier matches of the World Cup campaign, is Grenadines enters the among several players from that squad who have Caribbean Cup at this stage, after getting a first been overlooked for the Caribbean Cup. round bye.

However, the technical team has recalled Theon They are drawn in group five, along with St Kitts Gordon, who once served as captain, and was Vincy and Nevis.

Heat’s manager during the 2011 World Cup Suriname was set to meet St Kitts and Nevis last sojourn.

The rest of the team reads: Kevan Henry, Lemus Wednesday in St Kitts, as the group was slated to Christopher, Akeem Williams, Nazron Hoyte, Kevin kick off.

St Vincent and the Grenadines returns home on Francis, Danroy Edwards, Roy Richards, Shawn the weekend to prepare to face St Kitts and Nevis Benjamin, Theron Miller, Nazir Mc Burnette, here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, next Tuesday.

Azhino Solomon, David Pitt and Myron Samuel.

Browne’s perseverance pays off “IT WAS INDEED a joyful feeling to be named in the SVG senior team for the 2016 Windward Islands cricket tournament, since it has been a while I was out of the national set up.”

This was the sentiment expressed by fast bowler Shaquille Browne on his receipt of word that he had been included in the National Senior Cricket team, after being named a reserve for the past five years.

“The period I was in the reserves was a bit challenging. I wanted to give up, but persons encouraged me not to, which I did and now I can see the hard work that I put into my game to improve and enhance my skills has paid dividend,” Browne intimated.

“I believe I have improved on my consistency, because in the past I was bowling too short, but now I have been able to put the balls in better areas,” Browne said when asked about how he might have improved his bowling Browne recalled.

Shaquille Browne, As for his immediate goals, SVG fast bowler, the young man spoke of did not allow his wanting to impress the fives as a reserve selectors as he sets his eyes to daunt his on gaining selection to the ambitions.

Windward Islands team, and along the way, helping SVG to win the Windwards Tournament.

He recognises that “it’s a competitive world especially in sports, and (that) one has to be on top of their game.

“My main aim is to work on my game and try to improve all the time.”

The young fast bowler expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he has received from his local Victors team colleagues and others.

“They have motivated me and always believed in my ability - persons like Miles Bascombe, Denis Byam, Kishore Shallow, my manager Venold Coombs, Kenroy Peters, Deighton Butler. And I have also been getting lessons and advice from Windward Islands Head Coach Ian Allen who help me address my development and action by doing some videos of me.,” he expressed.

Browne has represented SVG and the Windward Islands at the U15 level. In 2010 he was shortlisted for a West Indies U15 team but that team didn’t play that year. He was also a member of an invitational West Indies team which toured Australia.

He graduated to representing both SVG and the Windwards at the U19 level and did so for three years.

He is now a senior level national player with his eyes set on things further afield.

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, JUNE 03, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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‘NO FRAUD...NOT AFRAID,’ DECLARES ULP LEADER year, to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh General PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Elections in February.

Gonsalves has denied any “But when I spoke to the involvement in any wrong doing wider party leadership, they during the December 9, 2015 told me that the people are General Elections. fatigued; (that) after a long He told his supporters at campaign, you get tired; but I the Unity Labour Party’s felt confident that we could (ULP) Convention last have roused the people for Sunday, May 29, 2016, held at another effort, and I intended the Campden Park Secondary to campaign in East School, that the party won the Kingstown, South Leeward, elections “fair and square,” Central Leeward and North and denied that he and any Leeward,” he told the other member of the ULP gathering of supporters clad were involved in any type of predominantly in red, the fraud. party’s colour.

“The election observers say “The point I am making,” the elections were free and Gonsalves continued, “is one fair and reflect the will of the man who does not fraid people, yet they telling you election. And any day you about this and that and this could turn on the radio and administrative mistake by this you hear that I have secured or that election officer – that the dissolution of Parliament does not affect the results,” by the Governor General. So Gonsalves said. let them go on, I might give Gonsalves, for the first them what they want.” time, revealed in a public The Elections Petitions forum that following the before the Court did not allegations made by members escape Gonsalves’ attention. of the Opposition New He said that he heard the Democratic Party (NDP) that Leader of the Opposition, the elections were not Arnhim Eustace, saying that conducted free and fair, that he (Gonsalves) did not want he (Gonsalves) saw an the petitions to be heard. opportunity before the But he said that he wanted swearing in ceremony took the petitions to be heard: “I place on December 29 last want that to happen,” and Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Political Leader of the ULP, received an expected ‘hero’s welcome when he made his entry to his party’s convention last Sunday, and spoke for the first time about wanting to return to the polls after the furore that followed the December 9 general elections. chided Eustace for using the Election Petitions as an excuse to hold on to leadership of the NDP “And if Leacock (St Clair Leacock, NDP MP for Central

Kingstown) ain’t man enough to challenge him, and Friday (Dr. Godwin Friday, NDP MP for the Northern Grenadines) too ‘fraidy fraidy’, that is their business. But there is no way

on the basis of what we have seen in the last general elections, there is no way that the NDP could defeat the ULP in a by-election,” Gonsalves said.

NDP MEMBERS STILL GETTING PAID PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves disclosed in Parliament on Tuesday that members of the Opposition are being paid, although they continue to absent themselves from Parliament.

According to Dr Gonsalves, it was now just about six months since the December 9, 2015 General Elections, “and just for the record, other than the brief appearance by members of the opposition when they took the Oath of

Allegiance and then they left, we have not seen them in the House since then.”

They were not present at Tuesday’s Sitting of the House.

He went on to say that as Minister of Finance and Leader of the House, he wanted members of the public to know that Opposition members continue to receive their salaries, and the Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, is also being paid his quarterly office allowance that is

allocated to him.

“This is what was voted for in the Estimates that he (Eustace) boycotted, some EC$153,000 for the functioning of his office,” Gonsalves said.

Members of the Opposition New Democratic Party took the decision to boycott Parliament following the December 2015 General Elections, claiming that those elections were not conducted freely and fairly, and that in fact, there were a number of irregularities suggesting

that the Unity Labour Party did not win.

The ULP government, they declared, is an illegal one.

Two Election Petitions, relating to the results in the South Leeward and North Windward constituencies were subsequently filed in the High Court, by the Opposition.

The Prime Minister had cautioned during the wrap up session of the presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure in

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

January this year, that if the Opposition opted to stay away from the House, he would make a motion for legislation that would allow for opposition members to be penalised by not being paid, when they do not turn up without having previously informed the Speaker of the House.

Arnhim Eustace, who took the Oath of Office as Leader of the Opposition, continues to receive all benefits as provided for, even in his absence from proceedings of the House.

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