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FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 5, 2014

VOLUME 108, No. 49

www.thevincentian.com

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ÂTHE DPP SHOULD RESIGN,Ê SAYS QC

bad.”

Dougan thinks that the DPP’s office has done a great disservice and injustice to his client, Sheon Veira, who was acquitted of six criminal charges, including a murder

by HAYDN HUGGINS charge, last week Thursday, November 28, at the Criminal QUEEN’S COUNSEL CARLYLE Assizes, after Justice Kathy DOUGAN has called for the Ann Latchoo upheld a no case resignation of Director of Public submission by Dougan.

Prosecutions (DPP) Colin He was assisted at the trial Williams, and for Assistant DPP by lawyer Grant Connell and Colin John to be appointed DPP. law student Evelyn StewartDougan, a former Attorney John.

General here, issued the call Veira, 42, also known as while speaking to THE ‘Scobie’, originally of Lowmans VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. He Windward, had been charged expressed the view that John with the June 22, 2010 seems to have a more balanced murder of 37-year-old approach to criminal justice.

Venezuelan businessman, According to him, while Juan Carlos Cuauro Chirinos, Williams is at times good in and unlawfully and his functions as DPP, maliciously wounding with sometimes he is “drastically Carlyle Dougan QC has described the DPP as sometimes being ‘drastically bad’.

Stabbing death in Cane Hall MURDER INVESTIGATIONS into the death of 23year-old Sylvanus ‘Joey’ Porter, a labourer of Campden Park, continued yesterday, Thursday.

According to Police, Porter died after he sustained multiple stab wounds about his body, following an altercation with his girlfriend, around 8 pm Wednesday, in the Upper Cane Hall area.

Post mortem results are expected today, after which police will determine whether and on whom charges would be laid.

Police sources have also confirmed that the number of murders for the year now stands at 35.

Sylvanus Porter reportedly died after being stabbed numerous times.

intent Chirinos’ brother, 34year-old Douglas Efren Cuauro Chirinos, also of Venezuela.

He was also charged on two counts of unlawful use of a firearm and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

All the charges stemmed from the same incident.

Veira was charged jointly with Otricia ‘One Eye’ Smart, 29, originally of Greiggs, who was acquitted on November 24, after Justice Latchoo upheld Smart’s lawyer Patina Knights’ application in objection to the admission in evidence of three caution statements Smart had given to the police, as well as any utterances she made at the crime scene.

Smart was initially listed as

a key witness in the matter, but at a Preliminary Inquiry which had commenced at the Serious Offences Court on December 24, 2010. The prosecution withdrew the charges against Veira on January 4, 2011, after Smart refused to testify against him.

She was then arrested and charged with the crimes, and Veira was subsequently recharged in connection with the matter.

Both Veira and Smart remained in custody for close to four years in connection with the charges. The matter had been traversed several times at the Criminal Assizes.

Dougan told THE VINCENTIAN that he would be writing to Government seeking compensation for false imprisonment of his client, the violation of his client’s constitutional rights and the rights enshrined in the International Convention for Human Rights. He lamented that his client had lost about four years of his life.

Colin Williams was appointed DPP amidst protest from some members of the legal fraternity.

attached to Douglas Chirinos’ deposition evidence,” the veteran lawyer explained.

“The prosecution must never forget that its role as the proverbial minister of justice is a public duty. They must never seek a conviction, but always endeavour to introduce credible evidence in the interest of justice,” he continued. “The role of the prosecutor, as it has long been established, excludes any notion of winning or losing. An accused has an absolute right to a fair trial,” he underscored.

In the no case submission, Dougan stressed that the prosecution relied heavily on the deposition of Douglas Chirinos, as he did not turn up to testify at the trial, and he argued that the prosecution failed to diligently search for him.

The QC also pointed out No evidence that Chirinos had given a written statement to the police Dougan is of the view that on July 25, 2010, in which he the DPP was aware that the said a dark slim man shot prosecution’s prospect of him, and another man, stout success in this case was and clear in complexion, minimal and the risk of fought with his brother just injustice to Veira was before his brother was shot substantial, but proceeded to and killed. trial.

But according to the “There was no forensic deposition which was read in evidence against him (Veira), and the identification evidence evidence, Chirinos did not mention anything about a was very poor and dark, slim man at the uncorroborated.

Preliminary Inquiry.

“We concluded, as part of the no case submission, that Continued on Page 3. little value whatever could be

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Fashion forward

FORWARD’ promises to provide garments which THE TRENDY ‘FASHIONISTA’, are bound to make their the innovative out-of-the-box wearers stand out. dresser, and even the Designer and show fashion simpleton can all organizer, Kimsha have their fancies tickled Williams, told THE and their dreams realized VINCENTIAN about the this weekend, at the 2014 inspiration behind this edition of ‘Fashion year’s production. “We FORWARD’, a fashion want everyone to envision extravaganza put on by all those things they’ve KMK Fashion. grown to appreciate: Dubbed “a unique and simplicity, creativity, exciting presentation of style, colour, class, beauty, multiple collections of fine, sophistication, neatness, classy and trendy perfect fit, excellent finish, designs,” - ‘Fashion affordability, and Stories by GLORIAH…

elegance. Now, imagine all these combined with couture, accessories, models, dance, drama, stage, lights, food, and friends!”

She promises that patrons to ‘Fashion FORWARD’ could expect a wonderful surprise. There is also the promise of something brand new from the readyto-wear collection — something, Williams said, will be perfect to wear over the Christmas season.

Fashions from KMK Fashion on display at the 2013 Film, Fine Art and Fashion (FFAF) exhibition.

‘Fashion FORWARD’ Buccament. It is will be held this Saturday, scheduled to begin at 7:30 December 6th, at the NIS pm. Previews could be Golden Years Activity Centre in Cane Grove,

seen at www.mykmkfashion.com.

Palmyra awards influential women

THE PALMYRA RESTAURANT AND BAR in Pembroke has recognized the contribution of several young women here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a number of fields.

The inaugural activity, which was dubbed ‘Influential Women Awards’, took place at Palmyra last Saturday, 29th November.

Five Vincentian women received awards. They were Stacy Balcombe, Naticia Lewis, Kimya Glasgow, Alana Morris and Jamisha Wright.

According to Monifa Walker, the representative of the management of Palmyra, , her organization saw the need to host such an event because not very often, within the Vincentian society, is the good done by young women recognized and highlighted.

Awardees Stacy Balcombe, a lecturer at the SVG Community College, was selected for her contribution to social art and cultural movement. Stacy is the co-owner of the Carnival Monday t-shirt band ‘SVG Network’.

Naticia Lewis, lab technician and event planner, is a young socialite who was recognized for her contribution to the entertainment industry. She is the co-owner of Amgine Entertainment, a company which organizes events like the yearend ‘Hypnosis’ and the popular AM Breakfast Party held in Bequia during the Easter weekend.

Fashion Designer, Kimya Glasgow has contributed significantly to the fashion industry here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and was recognized for this. She is the founder and owner of Kimya Glasgow Design Inc. Alana Morris is the founder of Lana’s Kitchen, a catering service which she currently operates from her home. She aspires to own her own restaurant. She was awarded for her contribution to local cuisine.

Jamisha Wright is a broadcast journalist. She received her award for her outstanding sense of style.

Jamisha, along with Leroy Rose, won the award for the best dressed couple at the 2012 Hypnosis function, and in 2014 was named the individual with the most popular outfit at the Slippery When Wet activity.

According to Monifa Walker, these awards are expected to serve as an incentive for young women to continue to strive to be exceptional.

She also expressed the desire to make the event an annual one.

(L-R): Stacy Balcombe, Alana Morris, Jamisha Wright, Naticia Lewis were recognized for their contribution to nation-building. Kimya Glasgow is absent.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 3.

News 3 Charles wants justice

by DAYLE DA SILVA

FORMER MANAGER of the National Sports Council (NSC), Cecil Charles, says that he is seeking justice for having been unjustly removed from the position.

Charles told THE VINCENTIAN that he believes the decision that was taken last Friday, November 28, to terminate his services, stemmed from a series of events which preceded the most recent one.

He proffered that he was terminated primarily because of the decision he took to store a container of items that belonged to Team Athletics SVG (TASVG), and decision that was interpreted to mean that he was building an office for the President of TASVG, Keith Joseph, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

“There are issues I know that have been there and they were waiting for something to come up,” Charles told THE VINCENTIAN. “To use that to say that I am building an office for Keith Joseph is really masking the whole thing,” he continued.

Charles contended that he was not willing to compromise his integrity, and that he intended to stand up for what was right.

“And I think what I did was right,” he said.

“If the board felt slighted, I am sorry; but my God given conscience tells me that I did what was just and what was

right.”

Reaching out to affiliates Upon taking up the position as manager of the NSC just over two years ago, Charles said that one of the things that he became aware of was that the various sporting associations were all affiliates of the NSC. “And they pay annual dues, so from time to time, these associations would look to the Council for support at varying times,” Charles explained.

He went on further, saying that he had made some room to store some items for the Cricket Association at the double decker stand.

Space was also provided for items belonging to table tennis and taekwondo.

There was already a container, mounted on four blocks, belonging to the cricket association, and he said that TASVG sought permission for a container of items from that organisation’s parent body, to be stored at the Arnios vale Sporting Complex.

He admitted to granting permission, and that ramps were being constructed on which to place the container, and to allow for any items that could withstand the elements, to be stored underneath.

“That was basically it.

‘The DPP should resign,’ says QC Continued from Front Page.

He instead, identified the accused who is clear in complexion, as the person who shot and killed his brother and seemingly the same person who shot him. According to the deposition, under crossexamination, he said he never knew the accused before the incident. “They came to the hotel to rob,” he said.

Juan Carlos Chirinos was shot and killed around midnight, June 22, 2010, at Dacon’s Apartments, Ratho Mill. Douglas received gunshot injuries to fingers on the left hand during the incident.

I saw it as an administrative matter, not in any way trying to be disrespectful to the Board or anybody,” Charles said.

VINCENTIAN.

Minister implicated

He further stated that he believed that the Board was manipulated by higher authorities Board reaction within the Ministry of He said that, following Sport. the series of Charles spoke of some international cricket events which led up to matches that were his eventual dismissal. played recently at the The first instance was Arnos Vale Playing Field, when he was seeking he left the state for five funding to purchase weeks and upon his much needed equipment return, he was issued a for the NSC. letter from the board in According to Charles, which members the National Olympic expressed Committee (NOC), of disappointment and which Keith Joseph is shock.

General Secretary, Charles said that he offered assistance of was instructed to submit US$5,000. However, he a report ,in which he also was instructed by the expressed surprise and Minister, Cecil Mc Kie, to shock that they had refuse the “generous chosen to react in a offering.” manner without seeking Charles said that he clarity on the issue. disobeyed the There were three instruction, accepted the subsequent meetings, funds and purchased toone of which Charles some equipment. said he was invited.

Another incident he “I was never given the detailed was his refusal opportunity to defend to clear a quantity of items that included myself or explain anything except in the uniforms for the Police cricket team and two report,” he told THE

Cecil Charles cited three incidents which he believes are major contributing reasons for his dismissal. football clubs here.

He said that he made the request for duty free concessions — which was granted — and then he later received a call from the Minister in which he was told that the NSC should clear the items.

He refused, on the grounds that the items did not belong to the NSC, and that the organisation should not have to use its limited resources in this manner.

And the third event Charles says he believes led to his eventual termination, was when, he charged, that the Minister brought in a quantity of items under Charles’ name, in care of the NSC. “He brought in stuff in the country without my permission and knowledge.

“So when I received a

Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Sport, is implicated, according to Charles, in the real reasons behind his removal from the National Sports Council. call from the PS saying that the Minister brought in items, I made it clear that it was a fraudulent activity, and I can take legal action,” Charles said.

“So those are issues I know have been there, and they were waiting for something to come up,” he continued.

“The public may hear a lot of negative things,” Charles said, but they will not hear the good work he did during his tenure at the helm of the NSC. He prides himself as having overseen an improved faith and respect for the Council.

“There was a far level of transparency and accountability that never existed (before) at the Council,” Charles concluded.

Police Caroling Contest gets sponsorship THE 2014 ANNUAL POLICE CHRISTMAS Caroling Contest is, for another year, being funded by the Police Cooperative Credit Union Limited.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, the Cooperative handed over a cheque in the sum of $ 7,350.00 to the Royal St, Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force towards that purpose.

In making brief remarks at the ceremony, President of the Police Cooperative Credit Union, Junior Simmons, stated that over the past four years, the Police Credit Union has been the major sponsor of the Police Christmas Caroling Contest, and has so far donated over $ 30,000.00 to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in sponsorship monies.

Simmons noted that the Police Credit Union is an offspring of the Police Force, therefore, it is more than happy to give back to the Police Force.

He also urged Police Officers and members of public who are

Persons at the handing over ceremony included (from left) ASP Jonathan Nichols, Subrina Richards (Cashier), Seymonde Mulcaire (Manager), Cecil Straker (Secretary), Commander Brenton Cain, Junior Simmons (President) and & Bro Collin May (Vice President). not yet members of the Police Credit Union, to become members.

In accepting the cheque on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Commander Brenton Caine of the RVSG Coast Guard thanked the Police Credit Union for the donation. He said that the

Annual Police Caroling is a community policing tool that is used by the Police Force to foster a better relationship with the public. He was pleased that the Police Credit Union continues to sponsor the event.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Union Island man wants rent money

by HAYDN HUGGINS UNION ISLAND resident Silmore Alexander claims that the state owes him about six years rent for the upstairs of a two-storey building, used for housing of the Union Island Magistrate’s Court.

Alexander told THE VINCENTIAN that his deceased mother had owned the building. The upstairs, he said, had been rented by his family to the state for several years, and he is currently in charge of the property.

Because he was not paid, Alexander locked the building sometime in October, preventing the court from sitting.

However, according to Alexander, a court official, whom he identified by name, asked him to reopen the building for the court to sit, and promised to

assist in having the issue dealt with.

Alexander said he reopened the facility, but intended to lock it again yesterday (Thursday) if he was not paid by then.

He said the last thing he heard was that the state was going to move the court to another location.

“I don’t know what is happening; something is wrong. I don’t know what is going on.” he pondered.

Alexander said that he was seeking legal advice on the matter from his lawyer Nicole Sylvester.

When contacted on Tuesday, Sylvester told THE VINCENTIAN, “I am deeply concerned that there is a citizen who is dependent on the state for his livelihood, and despite several repeated promises, to date, his rent remains unpaid for years.”

Sylvester said Alexander is extremely frustrated by the lack of concern for his situation.

“It would be considered high-handed and oppressive if the state moves the court to another location, holds court and leaves my client unpaid. This certainly cannot be the type of justice we offer in SVG. It is a terrible reflection of the overall administration of justice in the state,” Sylvester contended.

She had advised her client not to hand over whatever facilities are used in the building for court sittings, until he is paid.

A reliable source, who preferred not to be identified by name, told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that the state had stopped paying rent

for the building, following a court ruling in 2009, but assured that Alexander would be paid.

The VINCENTIAN’S examination of the court ruling, showed that Vulgina Alexander, the mother of Silmore, had sued Nollie Alexander, the son of her husband Sylvester Alexander, for a declaration that she owned half of the property, and she got the declaration.

When Vulgina’s husband died in 2000, Nollie wanted to get Vulgina out of the property, and she took the matter to court.

According to the source, the case took about four years, and in 2005, Justice Gertel Thom ruled that Vulgina was entitled to half share in the property, and in another ruling by Justice

Frederick Bruce-Lyle in December 2009, Vulgina was granted an injunction against Nollie from collecting rent for the property.

The source said that it was after this ruling, the state stopped paying rent because they were not sure to whom the rent should be paid.

THE VINCENTIAN ascertained that after Vulgina died in 2011, Silmore Alexander, the representative of the estate, wanted to collect the rent.

The source said that on a review of the matter by the Attorney General’s Chambers about a month ago, it was decided that the rent would be paid to Silmore, seeing that the court ordered Nollie to account for all the rents he collected, and ordered

Attorney Nicole Sylvester has advised her client, Silmore Alexander, not to hand over whatever facilities are used in the building for court sittings. that he does not collect any more rent. “So the payments to Silmore is in the pipeline; but like everything else, the beaureacy takes a little while, but he will be paid,” the source assured.

„DPP doing a good job,‰ says assistant John declared while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on ASSISTANT Director of Public Wednesday.

Prosecutions Colin John He was responding to a call thinks DPP Colin Williams is by Carlyle Dougan QC for the doing “a good job”.

DPP to resign, and for John to “He is extremely be appointed DPP. Dougan knowledgable, and I am had also expressed the view prepared to be guided by him,” that John seemed to have a

in dealing with the matter.

He disclosed that a ticket was bought for the prosecution’s main witness, Douglas Chirinos, and accommodation was booked for him to facilitate his return to give evidence.

John said the Venezuelan was supposed to arrive in the state on November 14 this year, and the

by DAYLE DA SILVA trial was scheduled to begin on LEON ‘BIGGER BIGGS’ SAMUEL was on November 17.

Wednesday, ordered to pay a total of $800 in However, on fines related to traffic offences, after Magistrate November 14, (Ag) Carla James found him guilty of three of Chirinos four traffic offences. communicated to He was found guilty on the charges of being the prosecution, via the driver of vehicle PR382 and failing to the Venezuelan comply with a ‘No Parking’ road sign and Embassy, that a unlawfully allowing the said vehicle to stand in personal issue had such a way as to cause unnecessary obstruction arisen, and he was to the free flow of traffic. unable to board the In relation to the charge of failing to comply flight. The with the ‘No Parking’ sign, Samuel was ordered to pay the fine of $300 in two weeks. For prosecution causing obstruction, he was fined $300 payable proceeded with the December 31. A fine of $200 to be paid by matter.

January 5, 2015 was imposed for causing At the inconvenience to the public in the exercise of Leon “Bigger Biggs’ Samuel (right) gets a hand of commencement of their common rights. support from Environmentalist Marlon Mills (left), the trial, there were He was found not guilty of failing to remove after being found guilty on three traffic charges. legal arguments when told to do so by a uniformed police officer. Stanley John QC is pictured between the two. between Dougan Legal counsel, Stanley ‘Stalky’ John Q.C and John as to mitigated on his client’s behalf, saying that with the authorities,” the legal counsel said. whether Chirinos’ Samuel was not a criminal or deviant citizen but a He compared Samuel’s actions to that of the deposition role model. present administration who took to the streets containing his “But he has transgressed,” John said. during the so called ‘road block revolution’. evidence at the He continued, saying that during the course of “Who is Leon Samuel and why did he find it Preliminary Inquiry the trial, Samuel was ‘frank’ and honest with the necessary to take the action he did?” John asked at the Serious court when he outlined what motivated him from the court.

Offences Court, moving from his usual characteristic good conduct.

He stated that his client was in an emotional should be admitted According to John, Samuel testified that on the state. in evidence. day, he wanted to get the attention of the Attorney Samuel was arrested on September 15 while Justice Kathy General, as a result of a personal dire financial picketing the area of the Attorney General’s Ann Latchoo ruled situation. chambers on Granby Street, and received four that the deposition “His conduct was non-violent and cooperative charges.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

more balanced approach to Criminal Justice. (SEE FRONT PAGE STORY).

The Assistant DPP, who led the prosecution in the case referred in the front page article, told THE VINCENTIAN the prosecution did what they could have done

Biggs fined $800 for traffic offences

Colin John, Assistant DPP has high regard for his boss, DPP Colin Williams. should be admitted.

During the trial, Dougan raised certain inconsistencies with respect to the deposition and the initial statement Chirinos gave to the police, and when the prosecution rested its case on November 25, he made a no case submission.

“There was sufficient evidence to support and sustain the charges, but the judge ruled in the no case submission that the inconsistencies between the deposition and Chirinos’ initial statement needed to be cleared up. But because Chirinos was not present to have them cleared up, she concluded that Veira would not receive a fair trial,” the assistant DPP explained.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 5.

Regional

LIAT pilots threaten industrial action

THE LEEWARD ISLANDS AIRLINE Pilots’ Association, (LIALPA) has decided to end its threat of industrial action, of which it had given notice if certain demands were not met by December 10.

According to reports from Antigua last Wednesday, the decision by LIALPA, arose out of a meeting between LIALPA and LIAT’s management.

Antigua’s Minister of Labour, Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin, who was present at yesterday’s negotiations, told the OBSERVER newspaper that all parties involved acted responsibly and in the best interest of the region.

He declined to give any specific details about the negotiations save and except to say, “I believe that we left on a very friendly note….. I believe we were able to address some the issues facing both parties, … I believe there will be peace and good working relationships going forward.”

LIAT Pilots told the Antigua

Daily OBSERVER newspaper last week, that they were ‘feeling abused and taken advantage of’.

They said a letter with the demands was presented last week to the company and ‘they are giving the LIAT management two weeks to address the issues’.

The pilots’ claim is that the airline has failed to meet their demands, and gave notice of industrial action if these demands were not met by December 10, 2014.

Among the concerns of the pilots are a continued deferral of salaries and the recent dismissal of two pilots.

They also want the implementation of a 2010 arbitration tribunal award and a new contract to fly the ATR aircraft being operated by LIAT. According to newspaper reports, LIALPA is calling for an independent investigation into LIAT’s dismissal of two pilots for damaging an aircraft during the passage of Tropical Storm

The 166th ordinary meeting of OPEC held on November 21, 2014 in Vienna, decided against cutting oil production.

No easy way out for Venezuela

VENEZUELA had made its desire clear going into the November 27th, 2014 meeting of OPEC in Vienna. The South American oil giant wanted oil prices to return to $100 a barrel. It was going to be disappointed.

The Vienna meeting agreed not to cut production so as to drive the already declining price of oil upwards.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Chairman In the wake of the decision, of LIAT Shareholder Brent crude oil prices hit a Governments, made no mention four-year low, dropping to as of pending industrial action by President Nicolas slow as US$68.08 before any of LIAT’s staff.

Maduro says the settling at US$70.2 by last price falls will not weekend.

Gonzalo, in October. harm Venezuela’s The price of Brent crude Meanwhile, both Chairman of has now fallen by more than a economy or its the shareholder governments, third since June, with sluggish social spending Prime Minister of St. Vincent and global demand and rising plans; but others the Grenadines Dr. Ralph production from the US being strongly disagree.

Gonsalves, and management of blamed for the decline.

LIAT were at pains late last week What this means for to allay fears of retrenchment Venezuela, which single-handedly supports the LIAT pilots want a new arising out of a policy decision to PetroCaribe agreement that makes oil available to a contract to fly the ATR number of Caribbean and Latin American countries cut operating costs, aircraft that will soon become under concessionary arrangements, is that it now Dr. Gonsalves made no the only type of aircraft in has to face up to its commitments and its own mention of this last week when he LIAT’s fleet. economic challenges, without the help of higher oil spoke at length about his and prices. other shareholders’ endorsement By its own admission, Venezuela needs the of a policy decision to ‘deal with average price for oil to be at about US$85.00 per LIAT’s high cost of operations’. barrel in order to pay for imports, fund its extensive He said then that he was social programmes, keep up on its debt repayment unaware of the details regarding and commitments under PetroCaribe and those any possible retrenchment of within the broader framework of ALBA. employees, but made no mention Some observers believe though, that Venezuela of knowing that the pilots had really needs a price of US$120.00 per barrel to threatened industrial action. successfully turn around its current economic meltdown.

Responding to the OPEC decision, President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, said he will keep seeking a cut in oil production until prices rebound to $100 per barrel.

NOVEMBER 2014 proved to “We’re going to be in permanent be a month of heightened contact within the [Organization of the change for three major Petroleum Exporting Countries] OPEC,” Canadian banks operating in Maduro said on Thursday night. the Caribbean.

He reiterated that Venezuela, which Two weeks ago, sits on the world’s largest crude reserves, Scotiabank (Bank of Nova considers $100 a barrel a fair price for oil.

Scotia) announced a plan to “We have not succeeded yet, but… we close up to 35 branches will continue to try until prices return to across the region. No CIBC FirstCaribbean is the latest to give notice of major where they should be, at around $100 per information has been changes in its operations. barrel,” he added, and insisted the forthcoming with respect to current oil price falls will not harm which territories will be that it is going to outsource statement said such changes Venezuela’s economy or its social affected.

Mark St. Hill, CIBC, said all lending, account and will be deemed to have been spending plans.

Late last week, Royal the Bank reserves the client information from all its unequivocally accepted by “The price of oil will hit its floor and it Bank of Canada (RBC right to change its fees banks in the region, to third customers. will rise again. Venezuela will continue trading as RBTT in the structure any time in the parties in another country In the referred letter with its social plans,” he said. “Venezuela region) disclosed that it will future. who will now be processing it. (above) signed by Mark St will move forward.” close its Caribbean wealth In addition, the bank said Hill, Managing Director, However, in as much as President management divisions and cheques actually came into Retail and Business Banking, Maduro would want to assure his people cut jobs as it severs ties with it wanted to change all the effect there since November contractual arrangements the bank said, when it came about Venezuela’s capacity to withstand its under-performing 1, 2014. that clients originally signed, to fees, “The bank may the slide in oil prices, he took the first Caribbean divisions. This Indications are that a to allow the bank to change applicable fees, step towards some measure of austerity follows RBC’s sale of its number of other increases or charges, overdraft limits at by announcing the creation of a jamacia operation earlier this “unilaterally change any of changes will come into effect the terms of the account any time in the future and committee to formulate a proposal for a year at a loss. on December 1, 2014, across notify (you) by any means of “substantial reduction” in spending, Now, it’s the turn of CIBC opening agreement or any the region.

These are public or private beginning by revising pay for heads of FirstCaribbean International other of its agreements expected to affect minimum applicable to interest rates, notification.” government ministries and state-run Bank. balances for regular savings Confirmation from companies, a move he said would set an CIBC/FCIB has notified its fees, charges, or overdraft accounts, foreign currency Antigua and Barbuda is that (Source: BBC, Caribbean News customers, in correspondence limits at any time in the exchange, wire transfers and example. future.” fee increases or changes on Now) dated November 02, 2014, more.

Further, the bank draft orders, and foreign

CIBC makes big changes

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Visitor arrivals down

by KENVILLE HORNE

STATISTICS for the period ending October 2014 have shown a downward trend in visitor arrivals to this country, but the Tourism Authority is hopeful that there will be slight improvement by the end of the year.

Stay Over visitors declined by 1.7 percent over the corresponding period last year.

Additionally, Same Day visitors were down 23.7 percent and Cruise Ship arrivals down by 1 percent.

In contrast, arrivals by yacht showed a 5 percent increase.

CEO of St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Tourism Authority, Glen Beache, admitted that two major areas of concern are the stay over visitors and the yachting business — one to increase and the other to build on.

Beache told a press conference on Tuesday at the NIS headquarters, that the number of Stay Over visitors is becoming

Glen Beache, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, is hopeful that visitor arrivals would show an increase by the end of the year.

Cruise Ship arrivals were down for the period ending October 2014.

America and Europe. “So this is something we have to talk to them about,” he promised.

Beache also admitted a problem, and it is that it was difficult going something that Tourism into this season, saying, Authority needs to look “The off season is never at especially as it relates easy, but with the to air service into SVG. financial crisis that is “LIAT is changing up the taking place since 2008, schedule again, which I it’s up and down.” don’t think is to our The Tourisms benefit, “said Beach.

Authority CEO assured The CEO expressed that they were concern with this recontinuing to monitor the scheduling especially as situation and were it related to connections hopeful, given that the coming out of North international airport was

expected to come on stream soon, that the upcoming budget would allocate increased funding for the Tourism Authority’s ongoing marketing efforts.

Beach said that markets in Europe are improving and he opined that by the end of December, Stay Over visitors would be up. “I think we would be about .5 percent up in the Cruise Ship by the end of December, and I know that the Yachting would continue to do well.”

Arnhim wrong about oil debt THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION Arnhim Eustace has gotten the figure owed to Venezuela for oil under the Petrocaribe arrangement wrong.

So said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on Tuesday, at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Bailey Bridges at Chateaubelair.

Eustace said on the New Opposition leader Times radio programme last Arnhim Eustace week, as was reported in THE got the figure owed VINCENTIAN of November to Venezuela for oil 28, 2014, that, based on a wrong, according to report he had seen, St PM Dr. Ralph Vincent and the Grenadines Gonsalves. had owed EC$900 million, or 3 percent of the total EC$29.7 billion jointly owed to Venezuela by those signed on to the agreement.

But according to Gonsalves, this country’s bill is currently $140 million.

“We are up to date on our payments with all our short and long term debt,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained that, once the price of oil reaches a particular level, the government pays 60 percent of the amount owed upfront, and credits the remaining 40 percent.

“And that is 25 years at 2 percent interest — so that if I get twenty something million dollars a year, it means that I am getting a loan that year for 25 years at 2 percent,” he explained.

“You would have to be a fool not to take it,” Gonsalves continued.

What it also does, he said, was that it saves the government from having to borrow that money at a higher rate of interest, for a shorter number of years.

(L-R): Patina Knights, Meisha Cruickshank, Israel Bruce, Shirlan Barnwell and Kezi Francis provided pro bono legal services as part of activities to mark the Annual Law Week.

Lawyers offer free legal advice offered advice on administration of estates and matrimonial and land MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC received issues, as well as a criminal matter. free legal consultation on Wednesday, Meisha Cruickshank, an ordinary dubbed Pro Bono Day, as part of member of the Association, who was activities by the SVG Bar Association admitted to the local bar last week to mark its annual law week.

Friday, dealt with the administration Lawyers from the private and of estates and a family matter. public bar offered free legal “This is just our corporate, social consultation on any matter. responsibility where the Bar “There is a consultation fee when Association extends its service to the persons go to the lawyers’ offices for community,” Barnwell explained. legal advice, but the legal advice today Knights described the activity as is free on any matter,” executive successful, so far. member Shirlan Barnwell explained to “We have had about 30 or 40 THE VINCENTIAN. persons by 1 pm, and it started at 9 When THE VINCENTIAN visited am and will go to 3 p.m. the activity, held at the Peace “The public has been very Memorial Hall, at about 1 pm, the appreciative, and they mentioned that lawyers had already dealt with a they were waiting on it,” Knights said. range of matters.

The lawyers explained that lawyers Barnwell said that so far she had in Chambers also do Pro Bono dealt with a land matter and a simple periodically, but the Bar Association contract matter. would be seeking to have it done on a Treasurer Patina Knights said she regular basis.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 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 Liat will always be in the news WITH THE EXCEPTION of the West Indies cricket team, a current sorry impression of our legacy in that great sport, there is no other ‘institution’ that touches the lives of all English-speaking people of the Caribbean.

Unlike cricket, which appeals to the emotions, LIAT touches the people in a direct, physical way; it physically moves perhaps the largest number of people within the Anglophone Caribbean.

It follows therefore, that this regional airline will be subject equally to the praise and abuse of those it serves and those on whom it depends for its very survival.

LIAT, in essence, is a ‘state-owned’ entity operating in a service area that is otherwise the domain of private enterprise.

Therein lies the fundamental issue/problem with the airline.

It is an entity with a split personality; it is schizophrenic. It must, ‘smile’ and service routes that are far from being able to turn even an operating profit, and cringe while absorbing the fallout that comes because of its government owners’ (read ‘politician owners’) need to satisfy its citizens (read voters). In other words, it must sacrifice the need to turn a profit on the anvil of providing a service which is important to the people, as it is to those politicians who depend on LIAT for some degree of their survival.

Worse, LIAT can hardly take corrective measure at its base of operation — Antigua — because of how any fallout might hurt that country’s already fledging economy, and because if it did and those corrective measures had serious repercussions on staff movements outward, LIAT stands to lose heavily at its already strainer-like pockets, especially if it is dragged before the Industrial Court in Antigua. (By the way, what is the status of the pension fund for LIAT’s pilots?)

So, when we hear, not for the first time, that LIAT is examining ways to scale back its operation towards some position of feasibility, there is no secret that this would mean a number of (obvious) things: streamlining the size of its fleet (which it has already undertaken with the ‘purchase of the ATR’s and the phasing out of the Dash 8s); remove some routes from its current service, preferably those that do not turn anything close to an operating breakeven situation (as it has done by discontinuing its service to the Dominican Republic, and its plans to rationalize its service to SVG); decrease its aircraft staff — pilots, mechanics, in cabin crew ( which it will do as it comes to the end of its contract arrangements with those pilots, etc, who were contracted to fly the Dash 8s before their withdrawal from the fleet); rationalization of its staff requirements at its island stations (which we understand has already begun ); and an all-round rationalization of its personnel needs — a case of how can LIAT get optimum service from less (staff).

Contrary to what some would want us to believe, there has been no radical re-organizing, rationalization, restructuring of any ‘large or medium size entity, in manufacturing or services, that has not occasioned the retrenchment of workers. This is the twenty-first century … we are not the isolated, so called third world country locked away from the realities of this world.

We note that, while Chairman of LIAT’s Shareholder Governments, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, alluded to not being made aware of any plan to retrench workers, he did confirm that the Board of Directors and Management of LIAT were under obligation to act in accordance with a policy decision to do all that is necessary to curb the high, unmanageable operating expenses of the airline.

By any means necessary; wise but desperate words - words of last resort.

Maybe the politician shareholders have seen the wisdom of the world of business in which LIAT operates first and foremost, and are prepared to endure the political fallout should there be a decision to retrench workers across LIAT’s network?

Notwithstanding, are we to be faulted for describing this ‘change of heart’ as being a case of ‘a little too late’?

There can be no real, no genuine and meaningful reordering of LIAT unless it involves decreasing its overburdening work force. This is simply mathematics, so to speak, and our politician-shareholders should level with their constituents and admit this.

When and where the ‘real’ retrenchment will begin is anyone’s guess.

And just like the LIAT pilots who seem not prepared to take the state of affairs lying down, don’t expect Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua to ‘lie down and play dead’ in the midst of any re-structuring of LIAT.

which the leading NDP cannot afford to risk at this juncture.

The Addison “Bash’ Thomas’ incident has a LAST WEEK, I jumped in at the deep end of the precedent which offers comic relief. In the midnext election process to predict that there will be 1960s, an Independent Alban Radix of St. George a change of Government from the ULP to the thought he might challenge the NDP, which will give the ULP at least a 6 for a 9, constituency result, on discovering that he received a solitary thus ensuring a comfortable NDP victory. vote in his own polling division, until his wife I had written that the NDP will confirm their admitted that she had voted for Milton hold on each of their current seven seats and add sheepishly to the constituencies of East St George and North Cato.

There is also a tale of Marriaqua involving me.

Windward.

After being routed in the 1974 elections, the DFM Of course, it is a rather bold suggestion to including Eddie Griffith, Parnel Campbell, John speak of the NDP capturing East St George which -Cato and myself - carried the fight to the people is one of the key issues around which the next bright and early in 1975 to show we meant election will be fought. Camillo Gonsalves, son of business.

So we held a meeting at Mespo right on the PM, is the ULP candidate, obvious heir the tail of Xmas cum New Year festivities. apparent, who is new to politics but makes his Not only that nobody seemed to pick our play from the nominated Senate, of height, but at the end of the meeting, a Da Silva, which his experience will be less than two years a forbear of one of the prospective when the bell is rung, and none at all at the level clearly candidates of today, embraced me saying words to of an elected member!. this effect, “Young man, why waste your time?

And he faces Linton Lewis, a born and bred Especially on a Sunday afternoon you should be Calliaqua man who possesses perhaps the finest driving out your wife and children. Don’t you record of any candidate in present-day SVG. He know that we Valley People suck from one was born poor. Never attended secondary school, breast!” (meaning Labour). but academically can boast a string of degrees As to the last Windward seat, West St George, that include Ph.D in Law and a Master’s in I fancy Dr. Jules Ferdinand’s chance of taking the Accounts and Economics. His track record of same for several reasons which I could tabulate in scholarship is simply stunning. future articles. At least, this point must be He also shone in extra-curricular events: a Of all persons, De Comrade himself calypsonian, a songster, a footballer, a Windward appreciated. had invited Jules to join the ULP with a promise Islands cricketer who in 1982 cracked a century of his becoming Deputy-Leader of the Party, and in Barbados against the mighty Bajans, to ULP candidate for Central Kingstown against spearhead the Windwards as champions of our Leacock whom De Comrade loves to hate!.

Caribbean cricket.

Some ten years ago, I had written in “This But in politics, he has so far made a Week” column that the naming of the Learning disappointing show, being thrice defeated in Resource Centre in West St George after Mrs national elections, once in West St George and Doris Mc kie instead of, say, Yvonne Francistwice in East St George where he persists in Gibson or Viola John, was mainly to pave the way running. the entry of her son Cess Mc Kie into formal I believe that his time has come, following the for politics! exemplary trail of Dr. Gonsalves who put away a ULP I deem the two Grenadines seats and the three similar trio of defeats to become the Prime Kingstown constituencies as sacred NDP ground.

Minister of this country, to which Linton Lewis I half-expect Arnhim to take East Kingstown by a also legitimately aspires. margin than Ralph establishes in North They say that Linton is arrogant, stressing in wider Central Windward! particular his doctorate. I wonder if that is the Given a national swing to the NDP, I should reason that his supporters in Glen have painted add Central Leeward to its score, as well as North on the streets “Vote for D.R. Lewis! D full stop R and South Leeward which are to be watched for full stop. political violence. All these constituencies will be The other sure seat to go is North Windward treated in more detail later. For now, I want to in the usual party swings of “ins” and “out” over touch on the selection of candidates. the years. Montgomery Daniel’s personal Last week, I wrote of the old-time failures which have been a microcosm of the “charismatic” leaders who, along with their ULP’s, faces Lauron Baptiste, a bright new followers, that the Government was peculiarly entrant who symbolises the change that the NDP their own felt and, consequently, election candidates will bring to the table. were the personal choices of “the boss-man”.

There is one interesting feature of In 1958, the PPP settled on two candidates Montgomery’s situation in politics. His father had who had been defeated in their election victory of been defended in North Windward on a Labour 1957, Maurice Browne and George King, to run in Party ticket, yet secured his job in the teaching the Federal Elections. Lo and behold, the actual profession by the James Mitchell Alliance candidates were Alpheus “Son” Allen and Leroy Government 1972-74!

Adams, Papa Josh’s personal choices!

Today when Maths teachers are in short In Jamaica of 1962, the JLP held a convention, supply, Elvis Daniel with a first class honours in during which the leader Bustamante got vibes the subject, simply failed to move the PM, a group of “independents” wanted to take supported by Montgomery, to re-employ him after that over the leadership, so, he boldly cancelled the his defeat at the polls. They hark back to the and issued from his home a list of original Laws that were challenged at the time of meeting executives which were his personal choices. the celebrated Teachers’ March in 1975 and the There could be a carry-over of this trait by the new ULP Government pretended to accept in a dying brood of “charismatic” leaders. Ralph and new agreement now deemed ineffective, only Julian were present at Biabou, when Glen Beache “aspirational” by a signatory to the document! the nod over Fitz Patrick for candidacy of To move on to the other Windward seats. The got South Windward, amid confusion in the tally of Prime Minister’s bastion of North Central votes. Something was amiss when Jerrol Windward remains as safe as a bank, moreso Thompson beat Hugh Wyllie for North Leeward in than the former NCB! For the constituents, his 2005, and definite namby-pamby in the figures charisma is wearing thin, but not completely that returned Elvis Charles instead of Beresford eroded.

Phillips in the elections for an ULP candidate for There is a spill-over in South Central where Kingstown in 2010! It so happens that Saboto Caesar holds steady, despite demonstrated Central PM favoured the winners in all three failure in his Agriculture Ministry. The apple-cart the disputes, but family affair is nobody’s could possibly be upset if Israel Bruce replaces thoroughfare. After all, Phillips and Charles are Addison “Bash” Thomas as the NDP candidate. now great friends, scratching each other’s back, in Some brainy NDPite can probably convince failed Housing Scheme at Clare Valley!

Arnhim Eustace that the much advertised picture theNext week, how about Jomo at centre stage to of Bash’s wife with Ralph at a ULP convention open the appetite for a sumptuous Christmas could disqualify “Bash” as a candidate, but only meal. because that mischief could create a distraction

Real-Politik SVG’s style

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 9.

Views

Mrs Miguel should ride into the sunset

Traffic problems

THE THOUGHT of Mrs. Girlyn Miguel, a senior politician here who was reported to be on her way out, changing her mind and looking to represent the constituency of Marriaqua in the next general election, raises certain critical issues.

Why would Mrs. Miguel, a leader in politics and other areas for so long, not want to demit office while she can still ride off on her white horse into the sunset? She would have achieved all that she could reasonably expect to, Deputy Prime Minister, so one wonders about what sensible ambition(s) she could have at this point in her political career.

Could it be a question of political power, especially over the Marriaqua constituency, why she wants to hold on for as long as she could? Could it be that she feels she stands to lose too much by relinquishing her position as MP? Then again, there is the question of the future of the party. I take it that as a senior politician of long standing, Mrs Miguel would have exercised some influence in the past. But now that the party (ULP) is entering a new phase in which it is looking to identify a new leadership, wouldn’t Mrs. Miguel’s sticking around not create impediments if not divisions in terms of loyalty to that new leadership?

Would her ‘hanging around’ not be a disservice to the party?

There is no doubt that there will be supporters who would want to keep Mrs. Miguel. They must realise that this is no time to be looking back. As Dr. Gonsalves reminds us, ‘there is much yet to be done,’ clearly pointing to the future and not the past.

Mrs Girlyn Miguel has served her time at a given period during the life of our party and country.

This is a new beginning. She must step aside and allow new blood to flow through the veins of the ULP, especially in Marriaqua.

And the party too needs to stop dragging its feet on the matter of a new candidate for Marriaqua, for fear that it might just play into the hands of the opposition.

I READ with interest the article carried on page 4 of last week’s issue of your newspaper. The article was headlined: Traffic department constrained.

Now I fully understood what the Chief and Head of Traffic were trying to say. I fully support them with their effort to have the traffic laws revised, because now that people know how constrained they are because of some old laws, they might just have more fights on their hands at the court.

But overall, Mr. Editor, I am concerned about what the authorities are doing as far as the traffic problems in our capital are concerned.

Anyone with eyes can see, and even the blind for that matter, that the traffic problem is increasing day by day, which is going to be much more dangerous for the lives of citizens.

Traffic problems in our city make such hazards that they are quite difficult to solve by ordinary people.

Road accidents are increasing day by day. More and more traffic jams can be seen, which is making the situation more critical. Parking is a BIG

EB

Pretty little bird Sing a sweet song for me Pretty Little Bird The sweetest song to be heard You sit there grooming your feathers carefully I’ll be here when you’ve finished your creativity.

Your plumage so beautiful purple and gold And an array of many other colours never been told Where were you all this time my Pretty Little One? You add more splendour to this most beautiful land.

Sing a sweet song for me music and words Comes only from you Pretty Little Bird Let the music echo through the trees And the melody swing with the tropical breeze Our Island noted for its beauty and hospitality Pretty Little Bird you brighten up the scenery Pretty Little Bird you add more colour to our domain

Tell me please, when will I see you again?

When you’re gone remember me I’ll miss your pretty little company I’ll be thinking about you my Pretty Little Bird And the sweetest song I’ve ever heard.

Josiah Bobb

Elizabeth, C.

A whole set ah ‘caving in’ SO A ROAD near to the international airport just ups (or downs) and decide to ‘cave in’. At least that is what I conclude from all that I heard on radio and read in the newspapers. For sure, no NDP persons dig up the road. If that was the case, those persons done get lock up long time. Thank God! It seems that we going through a period of ‘caving in’. I mean, this road that just ups (or downs) and ‘cave in’ just after a house at Clare Valley decide it standing too long on two bony feet, and decide to ‘cave in’. Now that was a real ‘cave in’, so much so that before another one ‘cave in’, the authorities getting ready to mash down that one.

And hear nah. Didn’t we hear about some ‘caving in’ on the runway at Argyle long before the caving in of

the road? And what about the ‘caving in’ at the top of the Argyle runway?

I don’t want to say it, but the next thing you know, the whole of SVG might just ‘cave in’. Ah mean, with all the fighting and fussing and going back and forth by the government, as though it is a bunch of busy bodies doing nothing , and all the hardship weighting down on people shoulders and backs, the load might just be too much for this country to take, and because of that, it might just ‘cave in’.

Something about this country ain’t right, and it just might be the fellows who say they in charge. Prayer does fight the devil, but when you catch him, you have to beat him out ah de place. Enough is really enough.

Paul

Cheated!!!

PERHAPS someone out there can help me with a concern I have.

My recent visit to KFC here

Does a vote really matter?

DID I VOTE in the last general elections? What does it really matter?

I am aware voting in a general election is not a panacea to our problems. Voting, it seems, accomplishes nothing of significance other than changing the names on the maze of government ministers. So when we complain about whom we get in office, blame no one but ourselves; for when we vote, we are condoning a system based not on policy and ‘an ‘all-for-one, one-for-all policy’, but one based on deals, favours and manoeuvring.

As far as I am concerned, both of the major political parties in SVG are the same. Real change can only come in the streets, as Dr. Gonsalves realised when he resorted to that ‘road block’ strategy following the elections of 1998.

When we go around displaying o certain party’s bumper sticker, we are simply appeasing our guilty consciences for relinquishing our responsibilities as citizens of a sovereign country.

Tim Mason Residing overseas

PROBLEM! Pedestrians face a lot of trouble in crossing roads, especially where there are no crossings. And even where there are crossings, unless there is a traffic police on duty, crapuad smoke your pipe when you try to cross.

Further, drivers seem to be getting used to breaking the traffic rules, like not signalling and pulling aside and stopping wherever they please (especially the mini buses), making it dangerous for others.

Then there is the problem of noise pollution with all the fancy cars around, especially in sensitive areas like around the hospitals, parks and schools. I thought there was a law against loud music in vehicles, and those loud mufflers, especially on the bikes.

It is my humble request to the concerned authorities to take immediate action so that we can give each and every one who use our roads an equal chance.

has left me wondering what I am really paying for. I order a certain meal, and to my astonishment, I am served the meal less one of the items advertised, but I pay the same price as if I got the full meal. Is that right?

Worse, recent visits there have served up only ‘drum sticks’.

I understand the KFC to be an international franchise which provides a certain basic service the world over. I am left to think that KFC is failing in its missions to ensure that its franchise holders live up to their contractual arrangements.

Now I am certain there are those who will frown on what I have to say, advising me that if I don’t like what I get, I can always refuse it. But that is not the point.

For too long we, as consumers, have allowed ourselves to be cheated… to be short-changed.

I wonder if the Consumer

MAN-ABOUT-TOWN would like to know: * If we didn’t have the flood last Christmas, and if we didn’t get all that free money for rehab, would the PM have been opening all them roads and bridges? * Is there something amiss with NIS deductions and contributions with a certain construction company in Bequia? * Is the Park and Beaches Commission part of the investigation into a fire that destroyed all the beach chairs of a local operator in Bequia? * Is Camillo Gonsalves prepared to make a solemn and public promise to the people of SVG that he wouldn’t pull a Glen Beache on us?

Affairs Department is aware of how often Vincentians have been cheated and continue to be treated.

A recent report to that Department (not made by me but another) seems to have failed to wake up that Department from their slumber.

If we staged a boycott of KFC, I wonder how those who invested in it would feel?

Consumer

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Victimization in Mayreau ON FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER, 2014, several residents of Mayreau left the comfort of their homes on Mayreau and travelled to Union Island to the Tobago Cays Marine Park’s office located at Clifton, Union Island, to mount a protest against what, in their view, was unfair and high-handed treatment meted out to a young entrepreneur and his employees. The residents perceived the actions handed down by the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) authorities to be a threat to the livelihood of the people who reside on the island.

Mr. Herman Belmar, Chairman of the TCMP Board, travelled from Bequia to Mayreau to deliver the decision to an employee of the owner of the moorings. The letter stated inter alia, that “the Tobago Cays Marine Park is in the process of upgrading and regularizing all moorings within the boundaries of the Park.”

The correspondence, dated 17th November 2014, referred to the fact that they recognized that several moorings “are being operated within the Salt Whistle Bay area,” which, they said, fall within the immediate area for upgrade.

However, what seems unreasonable is that the Tobago Cays Marine Park asked for complete removal of the moorings within a short time frame. It stated: “We are, therefore, advising you to make immediate efforts to remove your property before November 28, 2014, in order to facilitate our work and have a smooth transition.”

As a result of this action. one resident indicated that they are obstructed from peacefully earning a living from the resources around them, as their means of legitimately earning a livelihood have not only been threatened but have been taken away.

In view of the fact that no alternative sustainable means of earning a source of income or revenue have been offered, the residents are at a loss as to how they should sustain their families and operate successful businesses. What is even more frightening and worrisome, is the fact that the TCMP Board does not seem to have the wherewithal or means to methodically and effectively deal with the loss of livelihood of the people of Mayreau. This is borne out by one of the placards carried during the protest, which read: ‘First it was our livelihood by fishing. Now, you’re taking from us our livelihood by moorings. How are we to survive?’

How are the people of Mayreau to survive if the authorities don’t provide alternative sustainable measures?

In the midst of all of this, the question must be asked: What is the reason for such high-handed and undemocratic action against the owner and operators of the moorings located at Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau?

Certainly, if as stated in the letter, Mayreau falls within the boundaries of the TCMP, then why were there no consultations with the people about such upgrade and regularization? Obviously, the TCMP board must recognize that the livelihood of the residents of Mayreau must be affected by the actions taken.

If the truth be told, the residents of

The ULP...Building momentum to the next general election The Issue

Mayreau have not only been resourceful in finding the means to create employment and so earn a livelihood, but they have also contributed to the protection, preservation and security of the means by which they live. In actual fact, the earnings from the moorings located at Salt Whistle Bay have not only been a source of revenue to employer and employees, but they also contribute to the security in and around Mayreau.

Additionally, it is not the first time that the issue of security in and around Mayreau has come to the fore.

The Parliamentary Representative, Terrance Ollivierre, during a Sitting of the House of Assembly on May 29th, 2014, posed the following question to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance: “The yachting sector is of paramount importance to the livelihood of the people of Mayreau and the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines: a. Will the minister please explain why security personnel in Mayreau are left without a patrol boat to provide adequate and effective security on the water, in and around Mayreau and environs? b. Why two patrol boats at Saline Bay are left to rot on the beach? c. Will the minister give the assurance that these boats will be repaired soon so as to provide the security necessary to ensure that Mayreau and environs remain safe and welcoming to the yachting community?

The main gist of the response from the Prime Minister was that security can be provided in ways and in different forms, and that, “a very fast substantial vessel, well equipped with modern facilities is located at the Coast Guard Base in Canouan, patrols on an ongoing basis.”

However, the residents and business community recognized that this service was not adequate, and have been providing the additional security needed to protect their livelihood. What is even more surprising is that, instead of providing the necessary assistance to the people who have been working so hard to enhance and protect our tourism product on the island of Mayreau, the TCMP took away their means of survival.

It is hoped that good sense will prevail, and that the TCMP board and management team will meet with the people of Mayreau towards establishing a meaningful partnership. It is also expected that management will consult on an ongoing basis, not only with the operator of the moorings and the people of Mayreau, but with all stakeholders who use the Park to earn a livelihood. Such consultations should give up to date information to those concerned, about the regularization and upgrading measures for the smooth operation of the TCMP.

The next general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is constitutionally due by March 2016, just over a year away, although under the constitution, the Prime Minister and leader of the Unity Labour Party, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, can call the election anytime. Speculation is that Dr. Gonsalves will go to the polls sometime in 2015, perhaps towards the end of the year. Speculation is also rife that he wants to complete the international airport project at Argyle before he calls the next general election.

Whatever the case, with a period of fifteen months to play with, any prudent leader will begin to put the pieces in place, and to put their respective political party in a state of advance preparation. The ULP is a modern day progressive political party, and so the General Secretary, Julian Francis, has already begun to put the party’s machinery in place, oiled and ready for the elections. This involves meetings of the key committees, including the candidate selection committees and the national council.

The other political party, the opposition NDP, has already named its candidates over eighteen months ago, to the point where they are having second thoughts about at least two of them. The NDP hierarchy now wish they could find new candidates for the constituencies of North Windward and Central Leeward, since they are now discovering serious flaws in the named candidates. This shows an error of judgement on the part of the NDP. On the contrary, the ULP has engaged in a process of serious examination of the prospective individuals, in terms of their educational qualifications, their leadership skills, their popularity in the respective constituency, their understanding and support for the philosophy and vision of the ULP, and their general deportment and character.

completes its selection process before the end of January.

One key factor that must be mentioned, is the quality of the new candidates being offered to the electorate on the ULP slate. The likes of Jomo Thomas, Carlos James, Camillo Gonsalves and Luke Browne, are all brilliant and intelligent, possessed with strong leadership skills and foresight, in love with the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and with a burning desire to see current development pathway under the ULP, continue and flourish even more.

A proud record to defend

The ULP certainly has a proud record to defend, and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are aware of this. During his town hall meeting in New York in November, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves illustrated a scenario that shows how far we have come. Before 2001, many of our young people and school leavers, when asked what they wanted to do in the future, generally said they wanted to go abroad, to get out of the country, because of the conditions at the time.

Today, the story is different. Our young people will respond to that question by indicating that they are going to further their education. They will then tell you what they are going to study, where they want to go, and in some cases, how the studies will be financed. All this is possible because of the success of the education revolution.

All this because Comrade Ralph has said to our young people “soar like eagles with your wings unclipped”.

And all this is so, because the ULP administration has provided a strong platform, backed up by financial resources, to make this happen.

As more candidates are selected, it is clear that the ULP is offering The ULP candidates continuity and consolidation. The sound policies that have brought us Over the last ten days or so, the this far, that have allowed our nation ULP completed candidate selection to flourish in the wake of a global processes in four constituencies. First financial and economic crisis, and came the nomination and approval of natural and manmade disasters, will Cecil McKie in West St. George, followed by Camillo Gonsalves in East be consolidated and enhanced further.

The continuity factor enhances the St. George, Saboto Caesar in South Windward, and Frederick Stephenson issue of change within the party, in that the new faces will be surrounded in South Windward. The process was by a cadre of experienced politicians, smooth and orderly. The important who will provide guidance and factor was the overwhelming support support. each candidate received in their Truly, our country has undergone constituency. The ULP supporters came to the individual events in their tremendous progress over the last numbers, full of love and appreciation thirteen years under the ULP administration. The salaries of our for the respective candidates, and public servants have increased by an ready to go to work to ensure that their beloved party gets a fourth term average of thirty percent. New schools, clinics and police stations have been in office. In at least one constituency, built; new policies have been fashioned known NDP supporters were seen in to reduce poverty; over ten thousand “red” t-shirts, clearly showing that they had shifted their allegiance to the jobs have been created; the private sector has grown and has expanded, as ULP, based on the quality of the can be seen in the explosion of new candidate. businesses in the Arnos Vale area; and These four candidates join the quality of life of all Vincentians, Comrades Jomo Thomas in South have improved immeasurably.

Leeward and Carlos James in North All looks good for a fourth term for Leeward, as the six candidates already the ULP administration, but we must confirmed by the ULP. Interest will centre next year on the constituencies continue the hard work, and there must be no slacking along the way. of Marriaqua, West Kingstown and Central Kingstown, as the party

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 11.

Views

Magnified misery “It is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.” - Sir Roger L’Estrange (1616-1704) English journalist & Royalist pamphleteer; Æsop’s Fables, Reflection.

The desire to write this article emerged after a dear friend shared a most interesting e-mail with me. The story in the e-mail was entitled “Curtain Rods”. It was intended to be humorous, but portrayed some “nonlaughing tragedies of life”. I now pause to share the contents of the email with you: The writer commenced by describing a lonely man sitting in the living room of his house, after having packed all of his belongings in boxes, crates and suitcases. The writer described the arrangements he made to move the remainder of his life’s possessions in preparation for his divorce settlement, and the likelihood that his ex-wife would be moving in with her new boyfriend. The writer continued by describing his final meal and the pains he took to make sure that the house was well cleaned. But, before leaving, he made sure that he had deposited some half eaten shrimps (fish) products into the hollow centre of the curtain rods (not to be confused with our thin wire rods with the small screws at the end). He did this in every room throughout the house. And then he left.

The storyteller then proceeded to describe the wife’s enjoyment as she and her new boyfriend moved in to occupy the property. Then, slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything; cleaning, mopping, and airing out the place. They hung air fresheners everywhere. But the smell of decaying flesh remained. They just could not get rid of the stench. The couple eventually moved out. They then decided to put the house up for sale. However, the real estate agents found it impossible to sell the “stinky house”. Its value dropped.

Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, the couple decided to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.

The ex-husband then called the woman and asked how things were going. She told him the saga of the rotting house. He listened politely and said that he missed his old home terribly and would be willing to reduce his divorce settlement in exchange for having the house.

Knowing he could have no idea how bad the smell really was, she agreed on a price that was only 1/10th of what the house had been worth ... but only if he would sign the papers that very day. He agreed, and within two hours her lawyers delivered the completed paperwork.

A week later, the woman and her boyfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home ... and to spite the ex-husband, they even took the curtain rods!

The great William Shakespeare once said, “Where there is tragedy there is humour.” There are so many

tragic aspects of this humorous story.

Sometimes persons can become so bent on tricking others, that they never notice that they are tricking themselves. There are occasions, too, when persons can be so focused on making another person’s life a misery, that they never realise how much unhappiness they create for themselves. Life is too short and too precious to spend it focused on making other persons miserable. It simply magnifies our own misery.

We, you and I, must forever focus on minimising the negatives in our lives. And while we cannot control the efforts that others may make in an effort to derail and upset us, we can control our thoughts. We can control our actions and reactions.

Our thoughts determine how we direct our emotions. We determine whether someone gets “under our skin” or if we would allow the situation to be “like water on a duck’s back”. We would be naive if we were to assume that everyone would like or appreciate us and/or our efforts.

There will always be individuals in our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and even in our church assemblies that would seek to upset our “mango cart”, (some would say “apple cart” but we are more comfortable localising the expression).

But we are the ones who determine how successful they are in such a pursuit. We do not have to react to every criticism or sarcastic remark.

We do not have to respond to every negative comment or action. We do not have to seek our “pound of flesh” every time someone takes a stab at us. When we do, we run the risk of magnifying the misery.

Be assured that the thoughts expressed in the foregoing paragraph should not allow us to conclude that we run away from every possible conflict that will emerge. There are some battles that we must fight, and some foes that we must confront.

However, we need to develop a spirit of discernment. We need to imbibe the wisdom of the great Chinese strategist, Sun Tzu, and know that it is not every battle that should be fought. Some situations are meant to be left alone. Some individuals should be avoided. Some battlefields should be abandoned. We are to fortify our thoughts against falling prey to the negative thoughts that will suck us down the miry pits of misery and despair, remembering that it is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.

May God give us the wisdom and sensitivity to see misery in the making, and the courage and discipline to resist the temptation to embrace and/or magnify it.

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

Caribbean needs frank, open and honest talk ONE YEAR AGO, St. Lucia’s PM Dr Kenny Anthony called on regional leaders to engage the people of the region in a big conversation on the current state of affairs confronting the Caribbean. We agreed with his call, and still await the big conversation.

PM Anthony accused some Caribbean countries of refusing to face up to the impact of the global economic crisis. “The tragedy of the times is that we are in the throes of a major crisis the Caribbean has never ever experienced before; but we are refusing to face the reality that confronts us, and all of us are engaged in one form or another of self —denial.”

Addressing the theme Education in the Caribbean - Challenges and Opportunities Facing Small Developing States, PM Anthony challenged his regional colleagues “to be honest about the hard and unusual decisions that must be made because of difficult global economic conditions.”

‘It is a costly business to tell your people that things are hard, things are difficult and precisely because things are hard and things are difficult, that you have to take unusual measures to deal with it. But it is necessary that we do so.’

Dr Anthony did not speak to the unusual measures the region needs to take. I want to suggest some. First among these is the notion that we must tell no lies and claim no easy victories. Another is for us to rethink our thoughts on what are the sources of our difficulties and how we can get out of the difficulties, the region and the world currently face.

Dr Anthony’s view that our leaders close their ears and minds to frank and honest talk is evident. And for emphasis, he charges us all with ‘We don’t like frank talk. We don’t like open talk. We don’t like honest talk.”

Some may explain this failure on the part of our elected officials by pointing to the parliamentary pressures and demands of periodic elections. Truth telling may spell certain electoral defeat. Better cannot be expected from the opposition because, instead of looking at the systemic difficulties, they lay all of the blame for the country’s woes on the government.

This reality does not assist citizens in gaining a true understanding of the realities they face. The failure to speak openly, frankly and honestly, partly explains the level of false expectations that has taken hold among the people. It is no wonder as Dr Anthony says that voters increasingly demand some form of economic reward for their votes.

PM Anthony said that we are going through a global economic crisis, the likes of which we have never seen.

Yet, in most of the discourse, people are told that the international economic crisis is not the main reason for the difficulties they face daily.

PM Anthony expressed frustration that countries are busy looking inward; each occupied with its own agenda, rather than pursue a Caribbean solution to the economic crisis. But we have to look deeper.

Regional integration that will allow

for a singular approach to the outside world, is definitely superior to the individualized responses we currently have; but let’s not fool ourselves.

The countries of Europe are banded together in the European Union; the United States, Canada and Mexico by the trade pact, NAFTA. These are some of the most developed and powerful countries in the world. Yet, they are encountering enormous problems that are having hurtful and harmful impact on their populations.

Therefore, solutions to our problems are not to be found simply or solely by a regional approach.

We have to do a better job of explaining the problems and difficulties to our people. We have to demand sacrifice from everyone. And most of all, we have to admit that these societies are not possessed with the resources to solve all of the problems which our countries face.

The task then is to fight to make the countries more equitable. We have to break down class and racial barriers, and give more people a stake in the countries in which they live.

There is no doubt that we have studied our problems. Institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have made numerous recommendations as to how we can solve our problems. We have adopted most, if not all, of these suggestions.

But to no avail.

I am reminded of a 1993 interview by former PM James Mitchell to the New York Times. In it, Mitchell expressed frustration over the fact that his government and others in the region adopt literally every EU, World Bank and IMF prescription. We are yet to realize the promised relief from these measures.

In the last 30 years, we have adopted a raft of neo-liberal policies that calls for selling off of state assets.

Everything must be privatized, the market must be ‘freed up’ for our economies to function well. But our region and population remain mostly mired in poverty and underdevelopment.

Therefore, the big conversation Dr Anthony called for cannot simply be a recipe that settles the crisis on the backs of the poor and most vulnerable in our society. It must include an indepth discussion of all of the strategies for economic development.

Unless we are prepared to place everything on the agenda, including the thinking that ungirds the current international financial and economic architecture, which dominate discourse on development, we are in essence refusing to have the big conversation called for by the esteemed brother prime minister of St Lucia.

This is a reworded version of a piece that first appeared November 16, 2013.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Taiwan Ambassador – pack your bags and go home!

Taiwanese had been invested in SVG, Vincentians would be much better off. SVG could have had free pre-schools 30 years ago, then Vincentian children would have a much better education. SVG could have had its own university 30 years ago, then tens of thousands of Vincentian children would be graduates and be able to get high-paid, long-term jobs anywhere in the world. SVG could have had its Editor’s Note: The view expressed below are those of deprives Vincentians of jobs. The Taiwan own tuna fishing industry 30 years ago, and this the SVG Green Party. ambassador should pack his bags and go home.

Taiwan has been in SVG for over 30 years, and According to the Taipei Times, a Taiwan national would have sprouted secondary industries, and there would have been mass employment now in its presence here has seriously inhibited SVG’s newspaper, Taiwanese boats can catch 20,000 development. Taiwan has been benefiting from its tonnes of tuna a year. In 2012, a 269kg (593lb) blue- SVG. The Taiwanese are selfish. They have stolen the relations with our nation for over 3 decades, while fin tuna was sold in Tokyo for EC$1,987,200. The future of a generation of Vincentian children. the lives of a generation of Vincentians have been total price translates to EC$7,387 per kilogram or A Green government will deport the Taiwan blighted.

EC$7,387,000 per tonne. A 20,000 tonnes catch ambassador. We will cut ties with the Taiwanese Taiwan claims to be in SVG to help our translates to EC$147,740,000,000. and establish ties with China. Taiwan’s presence in agriculture industry. Well, 30 years ago when they The Taiwanese are literally eating our fish and SVG is an economic delusion, and perpetuates came here, agriculture was booming and was the throwing us the bones by way of their miserly poverty and squalor. pride of the nation. Now, agriculture is dead, so donations. For every 1 dollar Taiwan gives SVG, A Green government will set up a SVG tuna what use have the Taiwanese been to us?

Taiwan creams-off about 500 dollars.

Taiwan is here to use our SVG tuna fishing On top of making billions of dollars from our SVG fishing and canning industry which will provide jobs for thousands of Vincentians. The billions of dollars licence. Under the International Commission for the tuna fishing licence, the Taiwanese pay no tax to that we will make from the tuna industry will be Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), SVG is one the SVG Treasury, as it is meant to do. used to build our own SVG University, improve of the small number of countries that have the right The Taiwanese are making billions of dollars hospitals and other health facilities in SVG, provide to fish for tuna in the Atlantic. This licence is from our tuna fishing licence. All the billions of free education from preschool to university, and hugely valuable, but both the NDP and ULP dollars that have been made from our tuna fishing connect every house to mains water and electricity. regimes foolishly allow the Taiwanese to use our licence by the Taiwanese over the past 30 years, In order to create a strong economy and ensure licence. should have been used to improve Vincentians’ lives. prosperity and jobs for our people, Taiwan has to go.

The Taiwanese ships fly the SVG flag, and their Instead, Taiwan uses this money for its people, and ships should land their fish catch in SVG. However, Vincentians go without.

SVG Green Party the Taiwanese choose not to do this, and this If all the billions of dollars made by the www.svggreenparty.org

Fancy farmers better equipped FARMERS in Fancy will soon be able to practise innovative techniques in crop and livestock production.

On Wednesday 26th November, thirteen farmers from Fancy Vegetable Farmers Co-operative in Agricultural Region Three on the windward side of the island, were taken on a field tour to Agricultural Region 1 on the leeward side.

During the tour, farmers visited, among other operations, Alvier Stevens’ Pineapple farm, the livestock production centre in Belmont, and the Richmond Vale Academy.

The farmers took note of the technologies being used in crop and livestock production, observed the use of organic methods such as composting, were enlightened about climate change, and were exposed to practical and innovative techniques to harvest rain water for various uses.

The tour was made possible with

the assistance of Agricultural Officers Noel Samuel and Leroy Jackson.

The Fancy Co-op Over the years, farmers in Fancy have been facing increasing difficulties in acquiring seedlings for their vegetable production. This was due, among other factors, to the distance of the community from the major supply points in Georgetown and Kingstown.

Towards addressing this problem, a number of vegetable farmers formed themselves into the producer group, Fancy Vegetable Farmers Cooperative (FAVFCO). Among the group’s primary objectives is to facilitate a sustained supply of vegetable seedlings at an affordable cost to farmers in Fancy.

Work has begun to establish a greenhouse nursery in Fancy, on a site volunteered by Marsha Williams, President of the Co-op.

The Fancy farmers took special note of techniques involved in the cultivation of pineapples.

Fancy farmers interact with persons at the Richmond Vale Academy.

Temporary ban on UK poultry products A TEMPORARY ban has been placed on the importation of all poultry products from the United Kingdom.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Industry on Thursday, November 27 disclosed that the ban was put into effect as part of measures to prevent the entry of the Avian Influenza Virus, commonly referred to as Bird Flu, into St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ban was imposed after receipt of information from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom, confirming that the country recently experienced an outbreak of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The importation ban took immediate effect and will remain in effect until further notice.

It is applied to all poultry, poultry

meat products and processed internal Birds showing signs of organs of having come down poultry with Avian Influenza raised, Virus. slaughtered or processed in the United Kingdom, from two weeks prior to the start date of the outbreak, which was confirmed on November 14.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus — referred to as HPAI H5N1, and sometimes shortened to H5N1 — is a virus that occurs mainly in birds, is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly to them, especially domestic poultry. Though relatively rare, sporadic human infections with this virus have occurred and caused serious illness and death.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 13.

Diaspora

Dr. Vijaypal Arya

Vaughan Toney

Zita Adams

Ruby Wood

Nelson King

Robert McBarnett, founder of St. Matthias Charities, Inc.

Major charity honours outstanding 5 THE VINCENTIAN US Correspondent.

During the ceremony which took place during the group’s third annual fundraising Prayer A MAJOR VINCENTIAN Breakfast at the Friends charity group in New York of Crown Heights has honoured four Educational Center, outstanding nationals and Robert McBarnett, a Brooklyn-based founder of St. Matthias physician for their Charities, Inc., exemplary service to the highlighted, Mrs. Ruby community and the Wood, who immediately organization. supported me and is a The Bronx-based St. tremendous help with Matthias Charities, Inc. our shipping needs; Mr. on Nov. 22, honoured: Vaughan Toney, for Dr. Vijaypal Arya, an allowing us the use of his Indian-born facility to host events to gastroenterologist at help with our Wycoff Medical Center; fundraisers; Ms. Zita Vaughan Toney, chief Adams for her executive officer and continuous support in president of the bringing out the folks to Brooklyn-based Friends support St. Matthias of Crown Heights Charities, Inc.; Dr. Arya, Educational Center, Inc.; for his large donation of Ruby Wood, chief an Endoscope machine executive officer of that we denoted to the Square Deal Shippers Milton Cato Memorial and Movers; public Hospital on our second school educator Zita trip to St. Vincent and Adams; and Nelson King, the Grenadines (SVG); Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net. neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

and, of course, to Mr. King, for reporting on the organization so that the Vincentian community is made aware of what we are doing to help the people of SVG.”

The Honourees Dr. Arya, 52, Director of Endoscopy, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, is an active member of various academic and honorary societies and organizations.

Renowned for his generosity and humility, Dr. Arya selflessly assists many in need through the Vikalp Foundation which he established.

Since 2001, Calliaqua native Toney has presided over the largest expansion of Early Childhood Education services in the history of the 39-year-old Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

teaching, Adams began her own giving ministry, supporting a “very worthy cause for the less fortunate” at the Louis Punnett’s Home and the Mental Hospital in St. With a current Vincent and the network of 19 full-service Grenadines. centers in Brooklyn, She has received Manhattan and Staten several awards for public Island, the center, under service, including an Toney’s tenure, has award for “Mother of the become one of the larger Year” from St. providers of child care Augustine’s Episcopal. and early education, Mt. Pleasant, Argyle including Universal pre- area, native Wood is coK and after-school founder of the Brooklynprograms, in New York based Square Deal City.

Shippers & Movers, Inc. Adams, who hails from She founded the popular Georgetown and holds a shipping company in bachelor’s degree in 1979 with her late Early Childhood Education and a master’s husband Egerton ‘Creech’ Wood. degree in Early She studied at St. Childhood and Joseph’s Convent Elementary Education, Kingstown; worked in private and public schools, as well as Kingsborough Community College in in day care centers in Brooklyn; and Adelphi New York City, under University. the auspices of Toney Over the years, Mrs. and former New York Wood has made City Councilwoman exceptional contributions Jamaican-born Una to her homeland and to Clarke, the first the Caribbean Caribbean-born woman community in the to hold elective office in Diaspora, through her the city. support for numerous In conjunction with educational, health,

sports, cultural and church organizations throughout the Caribbean, and is the recipient of many awards, including a New York City Council Proclamation.

In addition to being a journalist of high repute for well over four decades, King holds, among many degrees, a LL.B (Hons.) and LL.M from the University of Huddersfield School of Law (United Kingdom) and St. John’s University School of Law, Queens, New York, respectively.

Dr. Arya spoke on behalf of the other honorees when he thanked McBarnett and his group for their gesture and for the “admirable” work in helping Vincentians.

In recent years, the St. Matthias Charities, Inc. has been donating medical and other supplies to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in and other hospitals and clinics throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as to various communities and individuals.

Vincies in Montreal donate to relief effort

donation will be utilised in the ongoing Housing Programme undertaken REHABILITATION AND Grenadines Red Cross RELIEF WORK is Society, Bernard Morgan. by his Society, and thanked the Vincentians ongoing in SVG following The cheque, in an the floods of December amount of Cdn$3,200.00, in Montreal for their generosity and for 2013, and Vincentians follows previous resident abroad continue donations of supplies the having chosen the Red Cross through which to to provide assistance to Association made channel assistance to this effort. through NEMO, persons in need.

Last Friday, immediately following The SVG Association November 28, Vice the floods . of Montreal is one of the President of the St. Ms. Ryan explained oldest organizations of Vincent and the that the amount was Vincentians outside of Grenadines Association raised by and from SVG. In fact, the of Montreal Inc., Ms. among the membership Association is well into Rosmond Ryan, handed of her Association. refining plans for over a cheque to Mr. Morgan assured marking its 50th President of the St. Ms. Ryan and her anniversary next year.

Vincent and the Association that the Among its many

undertakings is the role that the Association plays in organizing and hosting the annual 1000 Island Picnic.

The SVG Association of Montreal is headed by Alfred ‘Jack’ Dear (President), and his executive includes Rosmond Ryan — Vice President; Monica Homer — Secretary; Jackie Parris — Asst.

Secretary; Gordon Weekes — PRO; Leo St. Hillaire, Natalie Cumberbatch and Abigail Dick — Members at Large.

Rosmond Ryan (left) hands over cheque, on behalf of the SVG Association of Montreal, to Bernard Morgan of the Red Cross.

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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Business Feature

Ju-C operation officially opened pursue protection rights from the Council for GOVERNMENT HAS Trade and Economic THROWN its support Development (COTED), behind the newly formed for a number of Eastern Caribbean commodities, including Bottlers Incorporated aerated drinks and (ECBI) – the makers of the water. local soft drink ‘Ju-C’.

“If I can’t help you Prime Minister Dr one way, I have to look Ralph Gonsalves, made at the rules to see how the announcement we can help you in during last week’s official another way,” Gonsalves opening ceremony of the said. first phase of the He continued, saying operation, at the facility’s that the project had plant in Campden Park. taken some time, but He announced that that he was contented to Cabinet had agreed to see that the company

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Ju-C production is now in full swing having commenced since mid- October.

had finally re-opened its doors.

The Prime Minister also said that the government was very active in supporting the venture.

“Everyone knows the former woes of the company; it had a lot of financial difficulties, and their bankers closed in on them.

“That happens when businesses run into difficulties,” he explained.

But to get to the reopening was no easy task — this according to Osmond Davy, Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC), parent company of ECBI. According to Davy, it took a while to convince the Board of ECGC that the company was not moving away from its core.

“After much persuasion and convincing, we got the Board to agree,” Davy said.

The project also proved to be one of the most challenging to be undertaken by ECGC. With phase one on stream, the CEO stated

SVG has deficit soda trade said.

And while this THIS COUNTRY HAS country has exported IMPORTED 21.5 million and has continued to pounds of soda (soft export aerated drinks, drinks), valued at $25.6 there is a serious deficit, million between 2008 the prime minister said. and 2013.

During the last five This according to years, this country statistics made available exported $6 million from the Minister of worth of soft drinks, but Trade, Camillo imported $25 million.

Gonsalves.

“It is clear that many The statistics were regional companies have released to the public at gotten quite wealthy last week’s opening of feeding the soft drink the Eastern Caribbean habit in St Vincent and Bottlers Incorporated the Grenadines,” Dr. (ECBI), the new makers Gonsalves said. of Ju-C. Trinidadian According to Prime companies have Minister Dr Ralph capitalised on this, he Gonsalves, a total of said.

45.5 million pounds of Over the last five soda was imported over years, this country the last 20 years, at a imported $5.5 million value of $50 million. worth of soda from “If you do the Math, Trinidad and Tobago that is about 2.2 million and $12 million from St pounds per year,” he Lucia, where the

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Trinidadian company S.M Jaleel operates an OECS subsidiary, the Prime Minister explained.

“So, from what you get from Trinidad and St Lucia is two thirds the import bill right there,” he said.

The data provided was encouraging to the new aerated company, Dr. Gonsalves said, adding, “Bottlers clearly has a market to supply locally and regionally.”

The previous manufacturers of Ju-C, Bottlers (St. Vincent) Ltd., exported to St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and St. Kitts, and the local brewery exports beer, stout and malt to Barbados and the OECS. “So you have to take them on, that’s the name of the game. ….

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves challenged the new makers of Ju-C to trade both locally and regionally.

You have a market to supply here and the region, I am sure that you are going to establish the business on sound footing,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

Ormond Davy, CEO/ECGC, described Ju-C as a source of pride for Vincentians, which his company intends to rekindle. that under phase two, ECBI will be adding bottled water and fruit juices, and returning ‘Village Ram’ to the local market.

Davy described Ju-C as drink that was a source of pride for locals, and he was sure that his company made the right decision to purchase the manufacturing operation.

“It is nostalgic — our children will now be able to enjoy the taste,” he continued. “We bought back Ju-C for you.”

Audrey Veira-De Freitas, Chairperson of the Board of ECGC, reiterated that the decision to purchase the

Audrey Veira-De Freitas, Chairperson of the ECGC Board of Directors, described the investment as one that has moved ECGC away from its core business. company was not an easy one to make.

“It meant moving away from our core business, entering unchartered waters,” she said.

And while there was some cause for concern, she lauded Davy and his team for comprehensively convincing the Board that the acquisition of the company will not only add to the portfolio, but to the overall building of the economy.

“We are now set on bringing a quality product,” she said.

Court to decide on Bottlers’ severance list FORMER EMPLOYEES of Bottlers (St. Vincent) Ltd., who are entitled to receive severance pay, will be determined through the court.

This is the latest in the saga regarding the nonpayment of severance to employees of the former producers of Ju-C and franchised bottlers of the world famous Pepsi Cola.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, speaking at last week Thursday’s opening ceremony of East Caribbean Bottlers Incorporated (ECBI), the new manufacturers of Ju-C, disclosed that he has held discussions with the legal team representing the receivers.

“The problem has been the list of the workers — the list has apparently grown a little,” Gonsalves explained.

And he said that he has been told that the lawyers representing the receivers have been instructed to go to court to have the list formally approved.

He added that he had also spoken with Burns Bonadie of the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU), representative of the former workers, and another individual, who are both aware of the individuals who previously worked at the plant and are entitled to severance.

“It (no severance) has dragged on for too long,” Gonsalves lamented.

“And it pains me greatly, but I want the workers to know though, it is not my juridical responsibility; (but) clearly I can’t have a number of workers who are to get severance pay and cannot get severance pay,” he said.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 15.

Service

Lions Club of Kingstown SVG on the move

THE LIONS CLUB KINGSTOWN SVG, headquartered at Frenches Gate, and headed by President Lion Monica Glasgow, has swung into heightened outreach activity, as it moves to fulfil its new ‘Lionistic Year, 2014 -15, under the theme ‘Reach Out and Touch’.

Chartered to programme within an area that stretches from Calliaqua in the south to Chateaubelair in the north, the Club’s activities commenced with hosting a five-member team from Agape Samaritan International on a visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, November 8 — 23, as part of their 2014 Operation NINGO (Nations In Need GO) project.

The team, comprising persons from the United States and Canada, was headed by Nurse Elizabeth Ashwn, and included Dr. Ama de Graft-Johnson, Nurses Helen Mc Lennon and Terrie Russell and Pharmacist Candace Essel.

They visited the Division of Technical & Vocational Education and the Dr. J.P Eustace Memorial Secondary School where, in addition to administering blood

Members of the Lions Club family and Agape Samaritan International are all smiles after blood pressure testings at the Kingstown Market.

A teacher gets her blood sugar tested by nurse Helen Mc Lennon when the team visited the J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School. sugar and blood pressure checks for staff, Dr. Ama addressed the students on the importance of setting and working towards achieving their goals.

The team, along with members of the Lions Club of Kingstown SVG, also conducted the Club’s biannual public blood sugar and blood pressure checks at the Kingstown Vegetable Market, Saturday 15th November.

Over 125 persons were tested and advised on the areas of nutrition; others were referred for further examinations by their doctors.

To close off the visit, the Lions Club and the Agape Mission handed over a quantity of supplies

Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown SVG ensuring that patrons at the event were fed.

to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, the Chateaubelair Hospital and several clinics on the Leeward side of the island.

The Agape team left the state on Thursday 20th November.

President Monica Glasgow said the Lions Club Kingstown SVG was happy to host the Agape Mission, and thanked them for their support and partnership. Plans are afoot to make the mission a biennial event.

Activity for the elderly Separate from hosting and organizing for the visit by the Agape team, the Club also hosted an activity day for 60 elderly members of communities on the Leeward side of St. Vincent.

Held at the Golden Years Activity Centre at Cane Grove, November 21, in conjunction with the National Insurance Services, the activity was described as an initiative of President Monica Glasgow.

It opened with a praise and worship session followed by lunch, after which the members of the communities shared stories, songs and poems

with members of the Club, and expressed their gratitude for the visit and meal.

The Club also treated each of the persons in attendance to a gift bag and a take away snack box of dessert niceties.

In her remarks at the closing of the activity,

President Lion Glasgow expressed her thanks to the National Insurance Services for their provision of transportation services for pick up and drop off of the community members, and the use of the Activity Centre.

She intimated that the activity was one way of

reaching out to older members of the community who were sometimes forgotten. She was particularly pleased that there were four persons over the age of 90 years in attendance, and that they were able to share in the fellowship.

V

16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Community College experience ‘No fun Alone’

by GLORIAH… THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Community College Performing Arts Society delivered their production in the 2014 Drama Festival last weekend, at the Peace Memorial Hall. The play, entitled ‘No Fun Alone’, attempted to show this group’s opinion of issues of abuse, neglect, and misunderstood ambition, among others.

The play After a song done front curtain, bearing the play’s title, the presentation opened with the main character, Jay telling his story. The play’s director cleverly chose to do some of this ‘telling’ in sit down scenes with a psychologist, and also to use recorded voice as flashbacks. These were very informative for the audience and, thus, carried the story. Apart from this, the play action unraveled the story.

Jay’s dilemma came about because he was gifted as a musician, and members of his family had two different opinions about this issue.

As a result, each side felt the other should take the opposite approach to the matter. Throughout this build-up, major issues arose, and it also highlighted Jay’s frustration with the case, having seen it from his own juvenile viewpoint.

Having received a lucky break, however, Jay journeyed to the United States, where he got the opportunity to perform in trendy

locations. It was there he met Sheila, and she became his wife and lived in St. Vincent with him, to her abject boredom and resultant frustration. Jay chose to use this situation to cheat on her. She ultimately learned of it and hanged herself.

The presentation ‘No Fun Alone’ did several things for the SVGCC Performing Arts Society. Firstly, it registered an improvement on previous productions. Secondly, it showed that the group still needs a great amount of assistance to combine with the wealth of talent they possess, to deliver a presentation par excellence.

The epitome of excellent characterization was seen through Sheila, who, from her shy blushes upon recognizing Jay’s advances, began to give hints of her character; and who tenaciously held true to it throughout the play.

She was fascinating!

The single-most distracting aspect of the entire presentation was the constant fragmentation of scenes.

Not only was the play divided into many segments, but the segments were often too short. This made proper character development and story building difficult. As a result, the flow of the play proved confusing to many among the audience.

The integration of models into the play was

Jay taking his frustration out on Sheila.

a welcome segment, but the fit could have been smoother. Although it was ‘supposed’ to be part of a New York Fashion Week show, it came over as a disjointed element in the play.

Be that as it may, the crowning glory in this 2014 presentation was

the all-female and allmale choirs who came front curtain and sang their hearts out, ‘acapella style’, to give strength to the story.

Their renditions left many in awe Goosebumps and all.

The group should look to expanding this area.

The final straw for Sheila. She hangs herself after this.

All in all, the play was a good audience experience, and the SVGCC PAS must be

given the thumbs-up for good effort. Maybe, next year will see just the absolute right touch.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 17.

Culture

Nine Mornings launched Chairman (Ag) of the National Christmas Nine Mornings Committee, THE 2014 EDITION of Nine Mornings was it was selected with regard for the launched last Sunday with the usual devastating floods that took place on parade around the town and Christmas December 24, 2013. concert at Heritage Square.

“We know it is going to be difficult This year’s festival is being held for a lot of people, but we want you to under the theme, ‘Shining a light’, and take time and think about those who according to Lennox Bowman, lost property and lives,” Bowman said.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Another large crowd turned out for the official launch of the Nine Mornings Festival.

One of the choirs which performed at the launch.

A large crowd gathered at the venue, particularly the little ones looking for their usual treats during the concert.

Minister of Culture Cecil McKie commended those in attendance for continuing to support this unique festival, in their large numbers.

“Indeed, we have moved this festival from a dying festival some 16 years ago, to one of the major festivals in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” McKie said.

“No longer is Nine Mornings just about going out and taking early morning walks or an early morning sea bath or going to church or coming in the street,” he continued.

McKie spoke of how the festival had expanded so that cultural artistes were now being given the opportunity to showcase their talents at the various events throughout the country.

Nine Mornings brings together all sectors in the society, and was attracting more and more people, he proffered.

“We are now bringing over 10,000

people during the month of December.

We have also captured the attention of the regional and international media,” he said. “It means that we are Cecil Mc Kie, moving forward.”

Minister of And with the Culture, alluded anticipation of the to the Festival commissioning of being revived the international from a state of airport, the Minister near death. of Culture said that he expected that the festival would attract more people.

As has happened in previous years, Nine Mornings activities will be staged, not only in Kingstown, but in many communities throughout the state.

Carierre and Sion Hill will be the first two communities to kick things off, next Friday, December 12.

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18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Police constable to be ordained REV’D HANIF JOHNSON, a member of the local constabulary, will be ordained an Anglican priest next Monday, December 8, celebrated as the feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

His ordination to the Holy Order of Priests within the Anglican Archdeaconry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will take place at the St. George’s Cathedral, Kingstown, at 5:00pm, and will be administered by Bishop of the Windward Islands, His Lordship the Right Reverend Bishop C. Leopold Friday.

Deacon Johnson is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Barbados, from which he holds a Bachelor in Theology; he also holds a Second Class honours in Associate of Science Degree from the UWI Open Campus, SVG. Since his ordination to the Diaconate, he has been serving in the Archdeaconry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, under the supervision of the rector of the parish of St. Paul’s, Calliaqua with St. John, Belair.

Upon his Ordination on Monday, The Rev’d Fr. Hanif Johnson will continue to serve in the Archdeaconry of St. Vincent

and the Grenadines.

Hanif Johnson is the son of Dalton and Valgina Johnson of Greiggs, and is married to Camille Johnson nee Mc Intosh.

A former Greiggs resident, he is a past student of the Emmanuel High School, Mesopotamia, and was Valedictorian when he graduated in 1992.

He is a Constable of the RSVGPF, having worked in several departments and at present Hanif describes himself as a ‘farmer. “I enjoy farming — I rear cattle and grow crops,” he said, and credits the Royal SVG Police Force for instilling in him discipline and obedience.

He sees life as a gift from God, living in obedience, and being of service to God. He explained, “Being a priest is full of challenges. My hope is in the Lord who brought me through all my difficulties. I have learnt that we are frail human beings who need the Almighty, for He is our strength.”

Hanif hopes to enter full time ministry of the Church.

The newly ordained priest will celebrate his First Mass on

Rev’d Hanif Johnson, a police officer, will accept the sacrament of Holy Orders next Monday.

Wednesday, December 10th, at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Greiggs, at 6:00 pm.

THE VINCENTIAN wishes Rev’d Hanif Johnson God’s richest blessing as he moves forward in service to his God and people.

No paper bills fees from LIME LIME will not implement the paper bill fees, as previously advised.

Leslie Jack, General Manager, LIME St. Vincent and Grenadines, said, “I’m pleased to announce that we will continue free paper bills beyond January 1, for those who prefer this traditional method.”

Jack reassured customers that “LIME is a customer-focused Leslie Jack, company that listens to feedback, General and although a number of people Manager, LIME are in favour of online e-Bill St. Vincent and payment, some customers still Grenadines, prefer their paper bill by post. We while will aim to satisfy the request of announcing both groups.” retraction on Notwithstanding, LIME is paper bills encouraging customers to sign up fees, for eBilling which remains a part encouraged of the company’s Christmas promotion which was launched on greater use of electronic November 17, 2014.

LIME is also readying itself to billing. reward those who sign up to electronic bills.

“LIME has upgraded its eBilling system and is inviting customers to choose this environmentally friendly method of receiving their bills. We want customers to sign up to electronic bills, and our team in store can provide assistance to persons wishing to do so; however there will be no charge,” Jack said.

Receiving bills by email is a growing industry trend that LIME hopes it will be able to adopt with greater broadband penetration in the future.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 19.

News

CRD Holdings assist with medical expenses Roache, a Landscaping Employee with CCA Ltd, is one of the latest THE CANOUAN RESORT persons to be at the Development Holding Ltd. receiving end of the (CRD) continues to company’s generous demonstrate that they are spirit. not only a good Young Richards was constructing company, but experiencing recurring also a good and caring bouts of vomiting over an corporate citizen. eight month period and KeAndre Richards, the was advised to have a one-year-old son of Andre Barium Swallow Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

procedure. The procedure was completed at the Caribbean Imaging Center, with finance from CRD Holding Ltd. Destiny Thomas was suffering from an ailment that could have resulted in her losing her vision. She needed medical attention in Barbados to correct her

The Royal SVG Police Force Band, pictured on duty during the opening of a Law Term, helps to bring citizens and the police together.

Police Band to jazz it up

THE ROYAL SVG POLICE Force Band will, this year, incorporate a jazz format into many of their musical pieces they will perform at their Annual Christmas Concerts.

Patrons to these concerts, will hear, among other things, reinterpretations of some of the traditional Christmas carols.

Inspector Bernard Haynes, Band Master of the Police Band since 2010, made the disclosure during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, last Monday.

Haynes, who has been with the Police Band for over 34 years now, said that this year‘s Christmas Carols will be played in a Jazz format instead of the regular pattern, but assured that “Our Repertoire will feature a wide range of music such as, calypso, reggae, gospel,

ballad and soca.”

The Band Master said that each year, the band tries to go to places they have not gone in a while, but he outlined some reason why persons might not see the police band performing in their communities. “Space, shelter and sometimes people don’t want to give you hook up (provide electricity),” he explained.

Local entertainers will also be invited to perform with the band, during the series of concert. In areas where there are steel orchestras, these too will be invited to perform.

Additionally, children would get a chance to perform in various Carol contests, in which the audience will be the judge. Winners would be given a token, according to Band Master Haynes.

The police band was

Inspector Bernard Haynes, Band Master of the Royal SVG Police Force Band, assures that patrons to the Christmas concerts can expect some injection of jazz in the bands renditions. founded in 1951, and each year and for the last 60 years, it has been hosting a series of concert in different communities throughout the country.

In the early years, the band performed with wind instruments only; but as of 1995, it has also featured steel pan, electronic instruments and even frontline vocalists.

deficiency, and CRD Holdings came to her need by providing plane tickets for Destiny and her mother to travel to Barbados. Reports are that Destiny has shown tremendous improvement, and her future looks much brighter.

Additionally, Michael Richards of St. Vincent received a contribution towards therapy, after having come down with ‘the Bends’, that he required.

Ten-year-old Juliana Doyle, who was born with Teachers-Collins Syndrome - characterized by craniofacial deformities such as absent cheekbones —received assistance towards medical attention in the USA. Public Relations Officer for CCA, Camille Crichton, commenting on

(L-R): Rosana Richards, baby DeAndre Richards and Camille Crichton, PRO of CCA. CRD Holdings’ generosity, said the company believes in giving back.

Rosana Richards, KeAndre’s mother, said she was grateful for the CRD Holdings’ assistance. “I didn’t know where I would get the money from to do his test,” she said.

KeAndre’s father spoke with a representative from the

company willingly provided him with the assistance, Rosana explained.

The total assistance given by CRD Holdings to the four individuals amounted to EC$5000.

CRD Holdings also partners with the World Pediatric Project (WPP) to provide urgent tertiary medical care for young Vincentians.

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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Some friend⁄ him. My husband even told me how she keeps wishing that I could drop I WANTED to ask you this dead so she could have question for some time now, but never was able to him.

George, this is a muster up the courage.

My husband confessed woman who shares her to me that a good friend food with me from time to time. My question is: of mine wanted him to Do you think I ought to leave me and be with her. He said he does not continue eating from have anything going with her? her, but confessed that Unsure they had sex just one time when she took Dear Unsure, advantage of him, after he had a few drinks too You are in the many. fortunate position of This friend of mine would be listening to my having the information, but the important thing problems that I have is what you do with it. with my husband, and You need to sort was even advising me to things out with your leave him and find husband and get down to someone else. Now I the real reason why he know her true motives had to open himself to be for telling me to leave

Dear George,

in the position where her bed was his final destination. He has to clearly and openly let this woman and others know that he is committed to you, and act accordingly.

It would be best to let your ‘friend’ know you are in on her games, and it would be best for her to keep a safe distance from you and your

husband. You can tell her this when she comes around pretending to be so interested in your well-being. This would stop her dead in her tracks.

You must also keep in mind that eating with or from those who conspire against you is not a healthy idea.

Your choice, Bro. Dear George,

MY MOTHER-IN-LAW publicly scolded me about my relationship with her daughter, and when I responded in kind, my wife wants to get on my case for doing so. She too has completely turned on me and has begun telling me things that I cannot forget about or live down. In doing what she did, George she put our marriage at risk of going down the drain. Right now, I do not know what can make me want to be with her again.

My wife and I had an argument in the hallway of the venue where we Dear George, attended a dinner. I had just found I FEEL STUCK! I am forty-three years old and without a man in out that she had been making out with a visiting gentleman in the my life for 10 years. I finally decided to give this guy a chance, and begged him not to do what the last guy did to me that caused bathroom of the very building. I confronted her, and she could not me not to want to fall in love again. He promised faithfully that he wouldn’t, and now today, I have lived to see him do exactly the deny it. In the middle of the argument, I raised my hand to hit same thing. her, and her mother walked in on us I asked him to leave two weeks ago, but now the loneliness is at the very moment, and started to killing me, George, and I am fearful verbally abuse me. That was when that I will remain an old maid. After she told me I did not deserve her all, I do not have very many energetic daughter. I responded by saying that years left, and it is a bother to me.

To be truthful with you, George, I am she was right, seeing that she (her even willing to consider my girlfriend’s daughter) was a whore, and she must have gotten that quality from her proposition of going both ways, if it mother. I said it and have no regrets comes down to that. At least that will saying it. be better than living alone and feeling As for my wife, I told her she could terribly lonely all the time. What do go and be with the man she was you think? making out with in the bathroom, which I found out might not have Sticky situation been the first time.

George, right now, I cannot be Dear Sticky Situation, bothered, and I am tired of my wife lying to me, and her deceptive ways.

The most likely time that bad and regrettable decisions are made is when I just want my freedom, that is all. you get to the place where you feel Tired stuck and all is lost. This is when desperation sets in and can lead you to Dear Tired, believe that it is crunch time and therefore, you must do something now, Your mother-in-law may not have good or bad. deserved to hear the things you said This is exactly the time to take a to her, and you have to consider that step back and look at yourself and the she walked in on you when you situation that you are in. It is were about to physically abuse her important to remind yourself of the daughter. person that you are and the qualities Any form of violence is not OK and that are included in the package that should not be something that you you carry. There is a man somewhere resort to when you cannot get the who is looking for a woman with your answers you seek to a particular qualities and of your stature. It is problem. You can choose to remain better to experience a short burst of with your wife and get some loneliness now than to rush yourself into situations with someone, be it male professional help to iron out the issues that you believe are hampering or female, and regret that decision the free flow of love and trust in the later. relationship or, you can make a clean There is nothing wrong with being cut and send her back to her mother. alone, and as for the loneliness you mentioned, it is OK as long as you have The choice is yours to make in the end. an active plan to snap out of it.

You can get unstuck

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music this week. Do not sign contracts or get involved in any uncertain financial deals. You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you. You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Your personal life will still be experiencing difficulties and you are best to avoid the issues for the time being.

Don’t make any rash decisions that may affect friendships. Deception is probable if you don’t use discrimination. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You might be a tad overindulgent this week. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects. This is not the time to lend or borrow money or possessions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Problems with large corporations or institutions are apparent. Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling well lately. Do not get upset over trivial matters. You will have some problems with children, but if you are patient you will win their favor.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Quarrels will erupt if you get into philosophical debates with friends.

Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you. Tempers may flare if you haven’t been completely honest about your intentions or your whereabouts. Family get-togethers will be interesting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Limitations will set in if you haven’t followed the rules. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection.

Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You can make money if you are wise in your choices. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship. Make any necessary changes to your insurance policy. Don’t let opposition from those envious of your talents daunt your progress.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Sudden romantic encounters will set your head spinning. Don’t let any small misunderstandings get in the way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Don’t give out any personal information that you don’t want spread around. Go out with friends or family. Listen to the complaints of others. Travel will be in your best interest.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Social activities or travel should be in your plans. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Don’t spend too much in order to impress others. You can expect to have some problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven’t taken proper care of them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Offers of joint ventures are likely. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Focus on your own domestic problems. Sit tight. Things aren’t as bad as they appear.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You should be putting your cash into long-term investments like real estate.

Spend a quiet day with the one you love.

Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive.

ACROSS

capital 40. Start an 1.Flying saucer uprising (abbr.)

43. Rescue 4. Scent worker 8. Aerobics (abbr.) instructor’s 44. Lyric poem workplace 45. Borden 11. “__ in animal Black” (film) 49. Psychic’s 12. Fang skill (abbr.) injection 52. Cruet 14. Fish eggs liquid 15. Teacher’s 53. Person on __ the other 16. Actress team Verdugo 54. Actress 17. Alias abbr.

Charlotte 18. That girl __ 20. Apply, as 55. Actorperfume director (2 wds.)

Brooks 10. Average 22. Rolling 56. Loafers 13. “__ Stone 57. Plant Bovary” Richards seeds 19. One (Ger.) 24. Make a 21.Physicians’ hasty DOWN gp. departure 22. Actress 25. Host 1.Strike caller Sedgwick Seacrest 2. Doctor’s 23. Rings of 26. Like charge light perfume 3. Being 24.

Slow train shops televised 25. Apt. 31. Hospital (3 wds.) divisions diagnostic 4. Not subtle 27.18-wheeler tool (abbr.)

5. Biden’s 32. Carve home state 28. Tornadoes 29. Jot 33. Affliction (abbr.)

30. Third 34. New York 6. Singleton letter racetrack 7. Harry 32. Less fresh 36.Fisherman’s Potter’s 35.Veneration hope pal 36.Hammering 37. Used to be 8. Yank 38. Tibetan 9. __ Ono sound

39. Blister sites 40. Hotel offering 41.Entertainer Adams 42. Steeple ringer 46. Ad __

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 21.

(improvise) 47. “Law & Order: __” 48. “__ Woman” (2 wds.)

50. __ Miguel 51.Congregant’s spot

V Digicel welcomes intervention by the CTU 22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Digicel and LIME are fierce competitors in the mobile phone service industry in the English-speaking Caribbean.

DIGICEL HAS WELCOMED the confirmation by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (‘CTU’) that it intends to involve itself fully, with immediate effect, in the proposed acquisition of Columbus International Inc. (‘Columbus’)

by UK-based Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (‘CWC’).

A November 6, 2014 statement had disclosed CWC’s intention to acquire Columbus, a privately owned fibre-based telecoms company serving the Caribbean, Central America and Andean regions, for a purported US$1.85 billion.

The CTU has moved quickly to convene a meeting, December 10 and 11, of its Member States and of the National and Regional Regulatory Authorities to

consider the implications of this proposed deal. This meeting will be held in Trinidad during a two-day meeting of the CTU on 10th and 11th December.

While recognising that the CTU intends to conduct its important business in an open and transparent manner, Digicel is hopeful that a full opportunity will be provided to all stakeholders (including Digicel) to fully present their views relating to the proposed acquisition.

Describing the proposed acquisition of Columbus by CWC as the single most important development in the telecommunications section in the Caribbean since liberalisation, Digicel noted that “there has been a concerted effort to confuse the

clear issues presented in this deal by misleading references to the highly competitive mobile market.”

According to Digicel, “the real concern in this proposed deal is not the mobile market; but rather this blatant attempt to establish virtual monopolies right across the region in the markets for fixed broadband access, fixed line services, international connectivity/submarine fibre access and subscription cable TV services. It is the consolidation of the specific markets in which LIME and FLOW used to compete which is of clear concern to the CTU.” Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, stated that Digicel was “pleased that the CTU has

taken such a proactive stance in terms of seeking to assess properly the potential impact of this hugely significant deal on the telecommunications industry and wider economy right across the Caribbean region.”

He, however, conjectured, “If there are those that believe that this acquisition is a positive thing, then we at Digicel would ask why it is that these same parties are so vehemently opposed to proper regulatory analysis being conducted, and why they are seeking to impose deadlines on the work that needs to be properly engaged in and carried out in every relevant market. Talking about the mobile market, which remains highly competitive, or seeking

to make disparaging remarks about other industry players does not address the fundamental issues presented here.”

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1989 by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ministers responsible for telecommunications, and is mandated to facilitate multistakeholder cooperation in the formulation of policies for the Caribbean information and telecommunications sector and engages in capacity building activities for administrators, regulators and other stakeholders.

V White boards for two schools

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2012. 23.

Education

However, in coming to St.Vincent, when we are THE CLARE VALLEY on the field as part of our GOVERNMENT School and duties in the commercial the Langley Park area, we would have Government School are passed many areas happy recipients of six where school children new white boards (chalk congregate, and he said free) each, compliments to me that he would like the CEO of the St.Vincent to make a personal Brewery, Bernard Novic. contribution, because he Regional and loves to see the kids, and Commercial Manager at they look so happy.” the St. Vincent Brewery Norvic asked her to Ltd, Shafia London investigate what might —Williams, speaking on be the areas of need of behalf of Mr. Novic, at a the children, and that of handing over ceremony the Ministry of at the Brewery in Education. On Campden Park, last investigating, she Wednesday, said the realized that there were Brewery was happy to many needs. “And as a contribute. country, the Government Disclosing how the cannot do everything. sponsorship came about, This is where the private London said that Mr. sector comes in,” Norvic has made several explained Londontrips to St.Vincent. “Most Williams. of those trips have been The Regional and business related.

Commercial Manager

by KENVILLE HORNE

noted that there have been numerous discussions on whether or not chalkboards lead to health problems. She said, that based on the discussion about the health risks and the extent to which they were prevalent, the Brewery decided that this was an area for assistance.

Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education with responsibility for primary schools, Joycelyn Blake-Browne, expressed thanks on behalf of the Ministry for the donation.

“The donation of the white boards will certainly enhance the learning environment, by supporting the teaching, learning activities,” said Blake-Browne.

“The donation is

(L-R): Principal of Clare Valley Godfrey James; Principal of Langley Park, Elva Springer; Shafia London-Williams, Senior Education Officer/Inspection and Supervision Keith Glasgow; Senior Education Officer/Primary Schools Joycelyn Blake-Browne, at the handing over ceremony. certainly timely and a wise choice,” she added.

Principal of the Langley Park Government School, Elva Springer, said when she was informed by Ms. London-Williams that Mr. Norvic was interested in assisting the school, she was unsure as to what was requested since the needs were so great. “We had indicated to her what we would like to have, which was not the white board, because we didn’t think of that one. I am really impressed with the focus of the Brewery that led them to decide on the white boards.”

She expressed thanks

and explained that with the aid of the white board, the children’s learning would be enhanced. “I know it’s going to make a difference in the classroom,” she assured.

Principal of the Clare Valley Government School, Godfrey James, also expressed thanks on behalf of the students, parents and staff to Mr. Norvic, for his generous gesture. He said he was surprised by the gesture.

“I feel privileged to be here to receive the donation of white boards which we never even dreamed would have been be donated to us,” said James.

He said that many persons in the community are choosing to send their children to different schools outside of the community and he is hoping that the donation, along with the school’s vibrant literacy programme would encourage parents to send their children to the school.

The 12 White Boards are valued at just over USD15,000, and LondonWilliams is hoping that more businesses would join the effort and assist the ministry in the transformation of making the students and teachers safer.

Digicel winner to share her prize ANTONIA ROBERTSON, an Arnos Vale resident who teaches at the Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS), won herself $10,000 in the ongoing Digicel’s ‘Together we make Christmas Better’ promotion, and she intends to share some of her winnings.

Antonia said on Friday 28th November, when she was the lucky winner at a draw at the Sunrise Supermarket in Arnos Vale, that she will give one tenth of her winnings to her church, Hope for Life Restoration Ministries, and put some towards costs for a programme of study she is pursuing at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.

“I’m very excited; words can’t explain how I feel, seeing that I did not think that I would win. … I would like to say thank you to Digicel”, she said, on being declared the lucky winner.

Apart from winning the EC$10,000, Antonia also won three cases of Hairoun drinks, and when she was asked to choose someone in the supermarket to hand over the drinks to, she selected Zonell Wilkinson of Calder.

And Antonia, the second winner in the ‘Together we make Christmas Better’ promotion, is not a first time

winner with Digicel. She won a PlayStation 3 and a smartphone in an earlier Digicel promotion.

The other contestants in last week Friday’s promotion were: Digicel prepaid customer Kenroy Williams, a teacher at the Georgetown Secondary School, who won two bottles of Johnny Walker whiskey; Leslie Glasgow, a teacher at the Georgetown Primary School, who won a ham and a bottle of wine; and Lavern Jackson, a farmer from Georgetown, who took home EC$500 worth of groceries.

On the day to decide the second winner, four items were placed in the supermarket on different shelves. Each item was marked with a red ‘Santa’ hat and an envelope. Four Digicel customers were selected from a random draw during the week, and made to search the supermarket shelves for the out of place items.

One of the envelopes attached to the items (eventually found by Robertson), contained a piece of paper marked EC$10,000.

Persons are entered in the random draws for Digicel’s ‘Together we make Christmas Better’ promotion, when they top up EC$15 or more; pay

their post-paid bill in full and on time; sign up for a seven day 4G data plan or higher; or purchase a 4G smartphone.

Persons also qualify when they join the Digicel family by purchasing a SIM card, and customers are also entered in the draw when they receive a top of US$20 or more from overseas.

The third promotion winner will be decided today, Friday, December 5.

Antonia Robertson (2nd from left) and her daughter Mia with Digicel’s Other winners will Juno de Roche (2nd from right) and Digicel models at last week take home cash on Friday’s draw.

Friday, December On Christmas Eve, a lucky EC$20,000 in the final day of 12th and Friday, December 19th. person will take home the competition.

Partial tax free bonus for Christmas PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves announced on Tuesday that he has put the relevant provisions in place so that this year’s Christmas bonuses, up to $250, year will be tax free.

He said that he consulted the Comptroller of Inland Revenue Kelvin Pompey on the matter.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also encouraged the private sector to give a lot of bonuses this Christmas.

And with respect to increasing money in circulation in the local economy, Dr. Gonsalves said, “Our government is doing its part,”, adding that they had spent $3.5 million on cleaning

the roads throughout the country, and making reference to the South Leeward highway currently in construction. “…. and I want to encourage them (private sector) to give their worker bonuses, and I am encouraging them in this way,” he said.

V NLA introduces Play 4 24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

as $200 to a grand prize of $50,000. A player can THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES also place their bet for as AUTHORITY has increased much as 10 draws. the options to customers, With the introduction with the introduction of a of Play 4, there are now new game, Play 4. five games available Product Development from the NLA, the others Officer at NLA Anthony being the Lotto, Super Dennie, on Thursday Six, 3D and Scratchy.

27th November, Meanwhile, Dougal introduced the game to James, one of the the public, and it was Directors of the National activated on December 1. Lotteries Authority, in The tag line for the responding to a question game is ‘Win Even More’, whether the spending and according to Dennie, power of Vincentians can “….there are a lot of assure continuing exciting ways to play this feasibility for the NLA, game and a lot of prizes said, “The Play 4 game available through this has an average of 50-54 new initiative from the percent pay out, while NLA.” The game is currently the 3D game is about 6575. … If even there was being drawn/aired on SVGTV from Monday to a shift in players’ expenditure, the bottom Saturday at 9 pm, with line I think would be one draw taking place greater, and would afford each day.

Play4 offers the same us much more to plug back into the economy of structure as the 3D Game, with inline bets, SVG, into sports, culture mixed bets and back-up and education.” bets.

As has been its Players can bet from custom, the NLA will $1 - $10 and win as low run a series of Christmas

by KENVILLE HORNE

promotions. Customers purchasing $6 worth of 3D, Lotto or Super Six on the same ticket, have the opportunity to win a bottle of liquor or a ham.

Win or lose, all such customers will be entered in the grand prize draw scheduled for December 31. The grand prizes are: first prize of $1500 per month for the entire year of 2015; second prize of $1000 per month; and a third prize of $500 per month.

(L-R): Dougal James and Anthony Dennie introduced the new game, Play 4, to the Vincentian public.

Timely blood donation CAMILLE LAKHRAM, Senior Administrative Assistant at the Open Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), described last week Thursday’s Sir Frank Worrell Blood Drive, as timely.

A number of persons registered at the UWI Open Campus here on their way to becoming

blood donors for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

There was no active handing over at the UWI, but persons had their names forwarded to the hospital and some went directly to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital to build up the Blood Bank.

Lakhram noted that there was a “critical need” for blood at the medical institution, and regarded Friday’s event as “a timely intervention,” given especially that on the day of the drive, Thursday 27th November, there were three patients of the MCMH in need of blood, including the son of a student of the Open Campus.

The UWI focus on blood donation sharpened in 2009 when that institution established the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee to drive that initiative. This was in respect of Sir Frank’s own death from leukaemia, a blood

Mike Browne (left), former Member of Parliament, in conversation with Laboratory Staff regarding whether he could be a donor or not.

explained.

Staff from the Laboratory of the MCMH and the Planned SVG Parenthood Association worked jointly to make the day one with special interest to citizens.

Kiesha Williams Franklyn, Medical Technologist, and Rachel Greaves Nurse, Phlebotomist, echoed the need for blood at the Hospital. “We need more persons to come in to donate,” Franklyn appealed, and reminded persons that they did not have to wait until a family member was in need to get themselves on the list.

“Every day, people need blood,” she pointed out.

Lakhram was grateful for the support the drive got from the media here, and to Subway who provided a light snack for donors and assistants to the A potential donor (left) has his vitals checked in order to cause. (WKA) confirm that his state of health allows him to donate blood. disorder, and in remembrance of Sir Frank’s gesture when he was the first player from either side to donate blood to Nari Contractor, when he, captain of the touring Indian team, received a career-ending head injury from a bouncer bowled by West Indies fast bowler Charlie Griffith, February 3, 1962.

Each year, since 2010, a different Open Campus hosts the drive, and this year was the turn of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Lakhram

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 25.

News

The graduates presented in drama and song.

Vinsave trainees graduate THE VINSAVE CHILD DEVELOPMENT Training Centre held its Graduation Ceremony on November 19 for Early Childhood Caregivers who completed training in Early Childhood Education in 2013-2014.

Sixteen (16) young women received Certificates of Satisfactory Completion of the Course.

The Training Programme was funded by the Mustique Charitable Trust in the sum of $34,000.00.

Awards were given to Ms. Sherry-Ann Ollivierre of the Little Learners Preschool, for the Most Outstanding Student; and Ms. Susan Joseph of the Salvation Army Preschool, for the Most Improved Student.

Feature Speaker, Mr. Fitz Jones, Labour Commissioner, speaking on the theme ‘Uplifting the Children of Tomorrow;, urged the graduates to “be role models for tomorrow’s children, as the present determines the future.”

He also encouraged them to inculcate in the children” what they themselves have learnt from their own lives.

Mrs. Lavinia Gunn, Administrator of the Mustique Charitable Trust; Senior Education

Officer/Early Childhood Development Mrs. Gwenneth Cambridge; Executive Director of Vinsave Mrs. Janice Fraser, all brought Remarks at the Ceremony.

The Course Report was presented by Mrs. Jacqueline RobinsonMassiah, Mrs. Lavinia Gunn Training Administrator of the Mustique Coordinator.

Charitable Trust (centre) The graduates received a token of presented in appreciation. drama and song.

In related work ethics and personal news, six (6) young women development. completed a course of The young women were study in Childcare and also exposed to sessions by Development at the the SVG Coast Guard on Vinsave Child Safety on the Beaches and Development Centre, in in Swimming Pools, while preparation for work on the Red Cross Society Mustique, with the conducted training in children of guests to the First Aid and CPR. Island.

Vinsave said that the The course focussed comprehensive, yet short mainly on the practical course of study has aspects of childcare and exposed the young women development, and saw the to various aspects of young women interacting Childcare and with young children at Development as well as Vinsave, developing Personal Development. materials and being The course which is exposed to other aspects of offered yearly was funded child development. They by the Mustique also got a general Company. understanding of work,

Digicel launches video promotion DIGICEL IS ENSURING that Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ with its launch of its “Christmas Together” Facebook campaign today, Friday December 5th.

Explaining the Facebook Campaign, at Digicel ,Danielle Cupid, explained the campaign invites Disgicel subscribers to film 15 second videos, using the 12 days of Christmas as a theme to show how coming together is what makes Christmas extraordinary.

“Each day between December 1 to 12, customers will be provided with a theme like family, sharing, love, joy, peace and friendship, around which to base their mini-video which they can then upload to our Facebook page via an app on the page, to be viewed and voted on by the wider Digicel family”, said Cupid.

Subscribers who submit videos that

are approved, will receive Digicel credit.

Other prizes, including smartphones, are up for grabs.

Moreover, there is a chance for subscribers to have their video submissions featured as part of, “an extra special Christmas commercial which Digicel will create from the user-generated content and broadcast, as a special feature on Christmas Day on TV and via social media,” Cupid added.

According to Cupid, “Christmas is a time of togetherness, so we (Digicel) wanted to do something that would bring people together and make them smile at this special time of year.”

To see the campaign in action, persons can go to the Digicel app on www.facebook.com/digicelSVG.

NOTICE SALE FOR WEDNESDAY 17TH DECEMBER, 2014 NOTICE is hereby given that by order of FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED formerly CIBC CARIBBEAN LIMITED and in exercise of the Power of Sale contained in a certain Mortgage dated the 4th day of March 1999 made between FRANLYN JAMES and PETRA JAMES of the one part and FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED formerly CIBC CARIBBEAN LIMITED of the other part and registered in the Registry of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines bearing registration number 740 of 1999 the undersigned will offer for sale by Public Auction at their Chambers, 114 Granby Street, Kingstown on Wednesday the 17th day of December, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. the following: ALL THAT Lot piece or parcel of land situate at Lauders in the Parish of Charlotte in the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines containing by admeasurement Eight Thousand and Six (8,006) square feet and butted and bounded on two sides by a Road on the other two sides by remaining lands of the Vendor or as the same is delineated on a Drawing Number C1165 together with all ways waters watercourses rights lights liberties privileges and all other easements and appurtenances thereto belonging or usually held used occupied or enjoyed therewith or reputed to belong or be appurtenant thereto.

Dated the 21st day of November, 2014

Conditions of Sale may be inspected at Cardinal Law Firm

26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 27.

Windwards and Barbados continue rivalry

batsmen Lockhart Sebastien, the current Windwards team THE WINDWARD ISLANDS return manager, and Lance John, to the Arnos Vale Playing Field, who is now a member of the the scene of one of their most Windwards selection panel; memorable triumphs against and off spinner Stanley Hinds, their upcoming opponents now a cricket commentator.

Barbados.

Barbados, who were still Thirty-one years after the smarting from their shock Norbert Phillip-led defeat the year before, boasted Windwards, then the the irrepressible Malcom underdogs of West Indies Marshall (deceased), the pacey cricket, defeated the much Wayne Daniel and the world fancied Barbados a year after renowned West Indies humbling them at the Mecca- opening pair of captain Gordon the Kensington Oval, the Greenidge and Desmond teams meet in the fourth Haynes. round of the Professional But when the match ended, Cricket League, in a match it was the Windwards who that begins today, December 5. were celebrating a hard fought The Windwards team back four-wicket victory after John then included batsmen Wilf had scored a century in their Slack and Shane Julien, and first innings, with Thelson all-rounder Neil Williams, all Payne doing likewise for now deceased; fast bowler Barbados.

Winston Davis, who is now Since that time, the teams wheelchair bound; opening

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

have had some memorable encounters, with the Barbadians having the better of the results, including dismissing the Windwards twice in one day to beat them by an innings, despite only scoring 212.

The teams will meet in what will be the 34th first class match at the Arnos Playing Field, which gained first class status in 1972.

Barbados are coming off a sensational three-run win over table-topping Guyana, whom they dismissed for 65 after setting them a meagre 68 runs for victory, with Dwayne Smith grabbing 5/20 to set up the victory .

The Windwards, on the other hand, recorded a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the Leewards, with captain Liam Sebastien

Sebastien, Smith script Volcanoes win

by IAN ALLEN

LIAM SEBASTIEN AND DEVON SMITH scripted a deserving win for the Windwards Volcanoes over the Leewards Hurricanes, in a round three game of the 2014 West Indies Professional Cricket League, played in Grenada.

The Windwards secured victory by 9 wickets.

Sebastien, captain of the Volcanoes, was in top bowling form as he took 5 for 39 and 5 for 50, to record his first 10wicket career haul.

Smith celebrated his recall to the West Indies senior team for the 2014/15 tour to South Africa, with a solid first innings 145 off 254 balls. His innings spanned 356 minutes

and included nine fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Romel Currency, 50 not out, Johnson Charles 40 and Sunil Ambris 33, as the Volcanoes declared their innings at 309 for 5 in reply to Leewards Hurricane first innings of 109.

The Hurricanes had won the toss and elected to bat first.

Facing a deficit of 199 runs, the Hurricanes registered an improved batting performance, reaching 334 at their close. All-rounder Orlando Peters led the charge with 104, his maiden century.

Set 136 to win on the final day, the Volcanoes coasted to their target, reaching 138 for 1, to win by 9 wickets. Devon

Smith hit 25, but it was opener Tyrone Theophile, 62 not out, and Johnson Charles, 46 not out, who led the successful runs chase.

The Windwards Volcanoes’ next match will be against Barbados at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, beginning today Friday, December 5th.

At the end of three rounds of matches, the points table reads as follows: Guyana 39 points (2 wins, 1 loss); Jamaica 34 points (2 wins, 1 draw); Barbados 27 points (1 win, 2 draws); Trinidad and Tobago 23 points (1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw); Windwards 22 points (1 win, 2 losses); Leewards 7 points (2 losses).

Norbert Phillips will have a long tale to tell his grandchildren how he led the Windwards to victory over the mighty Barbadians.

Winston Davis always commanded the respect of regional batsmen, not least the Barbadians.

taking the Man of the Match award with a ten wicket match haul, while opener Devon Smith struck his 24th first class century.

Set what could have been a tricky 136 for victory, the Windwards cruised to the target, despite losing Smith, 25, early with his opening partner Tyrone Theophile hitting Devon Smith continued an unbeaten halfa fine run of form with century, to see his an innings of 142. team home, 45 minutes after lunch at the Grenada National Stadium.

Theophile topscored with 62, while West Indies limited overs batsman Johnson Charles, finished unbeaten on 46.

The pair put on 90 for the second wicket, to enable the Windwards, who had suffered defeats at the Liam Sebastien hands of Guyana recorded his first ever and Jamaica in 19-wicket match haul. their two previous

Lance John pulverised the Barbadian bowling and caused the region to look up to the Windwards.

Stanley ‘Gunny’ Hinds carries on the rivalry with his bouts with Barbadian cricket commentator Andrew Mason. matches, to register their first win.

Smith has since been called up to replace an injured Chris Gayle in the West Indies team in South Africa.

V

28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGCA new constitution in final stages

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE PROCESS of getting the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) a new constitution moved one step closer, with the adoption of the Draft document by members, at a Special General meeting last Saturday, November 29.

The votes showed 19 yes votes with two dissenting voices, signifying that members clearly desired to improve the governing rules, which last had some attention just over two decades ago.

While the document presented by First Vicepresident Elson Crick includes many of the sections from the current constitution, with a few minor adjustments, there are some sections which are totally new, and these generated some level of discussion.

One such section had to do with the number of consecutive terms a person can serve in the position of president.

While previously there was no limit on the number of terms a president was allowed to serve, this has now been limited to three consecutive two-year terms.

Section 7 (1) reads: ‘The president shall hold office for two (2) years or until his successor has been elected and shall be eligible for re-election.

Venold Coombs, longstanding cricket manager, does not support a term limit for the presidency of the SVGCA.

He shall be eligible for re-election but shall not be eligible to serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms, that is six consecutive years.

Provided that a person who has served for three (3) consecutive terms, that is six consecutive years, shall be eligible to serve as president after the expiration of two (2) years since he last served.”

Venold Coombs, a long-serving manager of a top premier division club, who was absent from the meeting owing to other important engagements, when asked about the term limit, responded by saying, “I am absolutely opposed to it.

“I will never have supported anything like that because other people were allowed to serve term after term, so why is it so important now to put a limit on the time the president can serve?

If you are not doing a good job, people will get rid of you, and that should be left entirely in the hands of the membership…not through regulations.”

Coombs appears not the only one who is not in support of the above highlighted section. One executive member reportedly expressed his disagreement with it.

Other additions to the constitution will see the setting up of a Cricket Development Committee; a Commercial and Finance Committee; a change in the

First VP Elson Crick presenting document of one of the new sections of the constitution.

composition of the Selection Panel, with the coach now becoming a selector.

The document also includes Section 17 which requires representatives at Windwards Board meetings to submit a

Members discussing the draft constitution. report to the local ruling body, within two weeks of attending that meeting.

The issue of the Disciplinary Committee sparked some discussion

as well, with delegates objecting to the clause: ‘Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall be binding on all parties’. After much discussion, it was agreed

that things must be put in place to facilitate an Appeals process.

The membership will meet in the next few weeks to make the document final.

Owia Young Strikers boss Greiggs Softball OWIA YOUNG STRIKERS reinforced their authority over Softball Cricket in Greiggs when, last Sunday afternoon, they repeated as champions in the Sea Operations/ Hairoun Beer/ Courtesy Sports/ KCCU/ Greiggs Development Organisation Competition, at the Greiggs Central Playing Field.

Undaunted by facing the home team Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem, Young Strikers were pumped up from the first ball,and their travelling band of supporters added impetus.

Nar Fren Dem chose to bat first on winning the toss, and made a brisk start that Owia Young Strikers, champions for a second seemed to justify their consecutive year. decision.

However, some incisive and scored 119 runs. bowling by Young Strikers, aided by some Novice’s Elton Williams was injudicious shots, saw Nar Frem Dem struggling to the leading run scorer with 237, 107 for 7 in their 20 overs. while his younger brother, Keno Matthews laced two fours and three sixes Renrick Williams, was adjudged in his breezy knock of 33, while Shamic Roberts to have taken the best catch in contributed 24 and Damron Prince chipped in with the competition.

21 not out.

Nar Fren Dem’s Jamal John Young Strikers’ trump card with the ball, took the best wicket-keeper prize Rolando Wright, snapped up 3 for 15, and Marcus for his five catches and three Keno Hackshaw collected 2 for 17. stumpings.

Matthews, In workman like fashion, Young Strikers replied Dr Thomas Injectors was Player of the with 110 for 6 in 15.1 overs. Rohan Lavia struck selected as the most disciplined Series.

33, which included five sixes, to send his team’s team and Fully Loaded the best supporters in a frenzy. dressed team.

The next best was Shawn Harry with 20, as Nar Twenty teams participated in this year’s Fren Dem choked for yet another year in the title competition. match.

Keno Matthews had figures of 2 for 21, as his team failed to get over the hurdle.

Rohan Lavia for his belligerent knock for Young Strikers was named Player of the Final.

The win earned Young Strikers another $2500 purse, with Nar Fren Dem getting $1500.

Docking in third was CGM Novice who received $1000.

Keno Matthews was named the Man of the Series, as he was the best all rounder and the top wicket taker. He scalped 18 wickets Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem, losing finalists again.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. 29.

Sports

Brahimi is BBC WIFA to introduce African footballer womenÊs tournament of the year

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation President, Venold Coombs is serving another stint as President of the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA), following a meeting of the regional sub grouping convened in St. Vincent & the Grenadines on the weekend.

A release from the WIFA said that Coombs, who has been in football administration for more than three decades, received the blessings of his colleagues in president of the St Lucia Football Association Lindon Cooper, president of the Dominica Football Association Glen Etienne and Grenada’s Cheney Joseph.

According to the release, Coombs, who was instrumental in seeing the reintroduction of the WIFA Tournament, was reelected to head the body made up of Dominica, Grenada St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Coombs, appreciating the confidence shown in him by his fellow Windward Island colleagues, was quoted as saying, “this is very good that my fellow colleagues have shown confidence in my tenure, and we are determined to do much more in the coming years.

“We are ready to develop football in the Windward Islands, and that is exactly what we shall do in the next few years,” he added.

Among the major decisions taken at the meeting were to make Women’s and Youth Football part of WIFA Calendar in the next year or so.

“Our desire in carrying women’s football forward, we would have the first tournament in St Vincent in 2015,” Coombs explained.

Yoland London, SVG’s point person for Women’s football, was appointed Windward Island Football Association (WIFA) Women Committee Chairperson.

The decision of WIFA Presidents to introduce a Women’s version of the WIFA Senior Men’s tournament was identified as a need for greater participation of teams in regional and international tournaments.

With regard to the Youth aspect, Coombs said, “We took the decision that we are going to have a Windwards Under-14 tournament ... Under-14 because we want to keep in line with international obligations at the youth level.

“We are going to introduce youth football

Editor’s Note: While we present our articles with the intention of reaching all age groups of readers, the inclusion of this piece comes as a direct request from a group of young readers. We hope that it proves instructive to them and to all our readers.

Venold Coombs (left) is credited with energising especially, the National Club Championship here in SVG.

Glen Etienne of the Dominca Football Association will serve as Coombs’ Vice President.

Cheney Joseph, President of the Grenada Football Association.

Lindon Cooper, President of the St. Lucia Football Association.

Windward Islands must by 2016 amongst our associations, and this, we see the importance of our initiative,” he added. hope, will lay the “I believe the time has foundation for future come for governments in success. However, the our sub region to engage governments of the us in a serious dialogue about the development of the game,” the WIFA president ended.

Log Enterprises relinquishes title LOGS Enterprises Kingstown are out of the running for honours in this year’s SVG Masters Cricket Competition.

The defending champions went under to North East last Sunday at Park Hill, putting an end to whatever ambitions they may have had of retaining the title.

LOGS put up a dismal performance, 94 all out, in reply to North East’s 150 for 5. On the basis of this victory, North East earned a place in the semi-final.

Sion Hill, though, are through to the last four after recoding a commanding 6-wicket

win over Bequia, in a match also played at Park Hill. Bequia chalked up a decent 150 in 18.2 overs, with Ashley Cordice contributing 79. Sion Hill raced to 153 for 4 on the back of 44 from Kenyon Jack and 40 not out from Sylvester Vanloo.

Also through to the semi-finals are North Leeward who, after closing at 154 for 6, managed to hold P’tani to 116 for 9. Top scorer in the match was North Leeward’s Walliston Stapleton with 45.

RSVG Police took the

final sport in the last four when they got the better of Stanley Browne Stubbs. Dawnley Joseph top scored with 39, but he would have known that his team’s total of 138 for 3 was going to be difficult to defend.

Police chase was a rather comfortable one, reaching 139 for 3.

Parnel Browne, who had taken 3 wickets top scored for the Police with 54 not out.

The semi-finals, scheduled for December 13, will pit Police against North East and North Leeward against Sion Hill.

YACINE BRAHIMI is the BBC’s 2014 African Footballer of the Year.

After a record number of votes were submitted from fans in 207 countries, Paris-born Brahimi won the coveted award ahead of Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama, Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ivory Coast duo Gervinho and Yaya Toure, the Manchester City midfielder who took the prize in 2013.

Born on February 8, 1990, Brahimi is the first Algerian to win the award, which is chosen by members of the public, after a fine year for his Portuguese Club FC Porto and country.

“It’s a big honour for me to receive this wonderful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and to all the people who voted for me,” Brahimi told BBC Sport.

“It’s also a trophy for the whole of Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I am really very happy.

“This trophy is going to give me more strength, more desire to work, to get better, to learn so that I can keep having great performances.”

Brahimi impressed for Algeria at the World Cup, scoring his first international goal in the group stage against South Korea, as the team reached the last 16 for the first time.

The 24-year-old had started the year at Spanish club Granada, where his strong performances earned him a move to Porto ahead of the current campaign.

Brahimi has scored six goals in 15 appearances for the Portuguese club, including a hat-trick against Bate Borisov in the Champions League.

“First I won the award because of the people who voted for me. So once again I need to thank them,” he added.

“Then it’s thanks for FC Porto — they allowed me to play in the Champions League, to play in big games and to have great performances.

“The club has allowed me to express myself and to perform well on the pitch.”

Brahimi switched his international allegiance to Algeria in February 2013 and made his debut for them a month later. (Source: BBC , The National) Yacine Brahimi is described as an attacking and technically gifted midfielder and winger.

30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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“DECISION MADE ON SOUND INSPECTION,” SAYS PM

by DAYLE DA SILVA

GOVERNMENT was informed by credible sources, including members of the public, when it took the decision to shut down Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel’s mining operations at Rabacca.

So said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as he addressed the media last week Tuesday.

He said that the advice came from three sources, and that they were all accepted as being right.

Engineer and others to conduct their own investigations, in order that he could get a clearer understanding of what was taking place at the Rabacca site.

“I can’t be seeking to protect the environment on the one hand, and ignore advice in relation to the degradation of the environment,” he explained.

‘Biggs’ counters

Acting on advice

Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel’s team of experts claimed that the mining operation at Rabacca did no wrong.

The Prime Minister’s response followed questions According to the Prime which surfaced at a press Minister, he received conference held by Samuel on information in writing, on November 12. some of the issues of During that media briefing, environmental degradation a team of experts representing raised by members of the Samuel posed the question public who lived in close who and for what reasons proximity to the mining site. were allegations brought These issues were brought against the businessman, to light during public leading to a revocation of his consultations which were held. mining licence and the “This is before Cabinet subsequent closure of the acted,” Gonsalves said, and mining operations at Rabacca. before he instructed the Chief The team, which included

former Chief Agricultural Officer Philmore Isaacs, engineer Glenford Stewart and agronomist/agricultural scientist Clive ‘Bish-I’ Bishop, presented counter-evidence stating that, contrary to what was included in the report as reasons for shutting the operations down, no wrong was being done on the site.

Isaacs further charged that nowhere in the Town and Planning Act did it indicate that Cabinet was required to give permission, as was stated in the letter sent to Samuel on October 7 informing him of the conditions he needed to adhere to, in order to have his mining licence reinstated.

Minister’s responsibility Gonsalves stated that Cabinet took its decision under the law.

“People confuse two things when they say Cabinet has nothing to do with giving permission.”

Gonsalves explained that,

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves explained that the Minister responsible can take action in matters which relate to environmental degradation. while Cabinet has nothing to do with granting permission for land use, under the law, the (relevant) minister is authorized to do certain things, once there is evidence of environmental degradation — particularly of the kind that was being spoken about and which they were advised upon.

Vincentians among criminals nabbed in US

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT THE UNITED STATES Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were among 35 “criminal aliens”, fugitives and other immigration violators arrested by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers across Pennsylvania, during recent multi-city enforcement operations.

ICE did not identify the nationals involved in the immigration sweep, but said

that they were also from Ireland, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Iraq, Tanzania, Poland, El Salvador, Ecuador and Belarus.

The operations targeted enforcement in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and York areas, from the last week in October through the first week in November.

ICE said it was the latest effort by ERO Philadelphia “to prioritize the removal of criminal aliens and egregious immigration violators.”

“The arrest and removal of these criminal aliens is important for the safety and security of our communities,” said ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Tom Decker.

“We will continue to hunt out and deport criminals who think they can find refuge in this country.”

Of the 35 taken into custody, 22 had previous convictions including terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another; assault and battery; larceny, and distribution of cocaine.

In fiscal 2014, ICE said the Philadelphia Field Operation Teams arrested more than 1,100 individuals and removed nearly 3,800.

The immigration agency said it is “focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that targets serious criminal aliens who present the greatest risk to

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the security of our communities, such as those charged with or convicted of homicide, rape, robbery, kidnapping, major drug offenses and threats to national security.

“ICE also prioritizes the arrest and removal of those who game the immigration system, including immigration fugitives or aliens, who have been previously deported and illegally re-entered the country,” it said.

Tom Decker, ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director, said his agency will continue to hunt out and deport criminals.

The ERO reported that 22 of the 35 persons arrested had previous convictions.

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