FRIDAY, MAY
07, 2021
VOLUME 115, No.18
Higher electricity bills Page 3
www.thevincentian.com
Children, elderly abandoned Page 4
ECGC pledges $1m Page 11
FORMER TRACK ATHLETE SHOT DEAD McFee, known to his family and friends as Lopez, is said to have been running from his assailants when he was shot several times. Persons who were either ‘liming’ and others who were casually making their way along the street outside the National Lotteries Authority headquarters, spoke of hearing sounds of rapid gunfire that caused panic. According to reliable
information, Lopez was in the vicinity of the Bishop College Kingstown, apparently waiting for transportation to his current abode in Redemption Sharpes, when a white minivan pulled up and two men alighted and opened fire in Lopez’s direction. He tried to escape the hail of bullets by running away from his Continued on Page 3.
Curtis Lopez McFee – though still unconfirmed by police, looks likely to be entered into the record books as this country’s 13th homicide victim so far for 2021. by KENVILLE HORNE A FORMER TRACK ATHLETE added to this country’s homicide count for the year when he was gunned down in Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, just before 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 5. Curtis Lopez
EC$1.50
A crowd of quickly surrounded Lopez’s body as it lay on the street in a pool of blood, long before the police arrived on the scene.
Lennox Scully Hunte Page 12&13
Rastas assist Rastas Page 24
FAMILY WANTS ANSWERS by SHERON GARRAWAY THE FAMILY OF 22-YEAR OLD Vincentian Romario Morgan, who was found dead in a hotel in Canada, wants answers. Reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) revealed that Morgan was discovered Romario Morgan did not live unresponsive to even begin to fulfill his contract as a fruit picker. and flat on his back on April 29th, in a Mississauga hotel where he was in quarantine, in accordance with the mandatory 14day isolation required for persons entering Canada. According to Morgan’s older sister, Roshina Jack, Morgan had received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in early March before he left the country. He was in Ontario to pick fruits and his cousin had gone with him. Jack, still in shock from the news, said the family would like answers. The family doesn’t know when Morgan left St. Vincent and when he arrived in Canada, but family members know he left after the La Soufrière erupted on April 9. They were told he took a cruise ship to Grenada and then travelled on to Canada. His cousin, Jack said, was isolating in the same hotel and when he realized that Morgan was not responding to messages (telephone), he asked another worker to check on him. That worker found him dead. “He was just lying there. There was no blood, nothing,” Jack said the cousin reported. The company that had employed Morgan called his mother to let her know an autopsy was scheduled for last Friday. The family awaits the results. Jack said she did not know the name of his employer. CBC reported that a police investigation has been launched to determine the death of Morgan. There is also word that the activist group Justice for Migrant Workers is monitoring investigations by the police, but has also called for an independent investigation into Morgan’s death, to determine if there is a connection to his work.
2. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
V News 3 Delayed reading: Higher electricity bills
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 3.
Thornley Myers, CEO-VINLEC attributed the ‘unusual’ reading on the April electricity bills, to the disruption in the regular meter reading cycle, caused by the eruption of La Soufrière.
A DELAY IN THE METER READING CYCLE during the month of April occasioned by the explosive eruption of La Soufrière, has been blamed for the increased consumption and resulting increase in amounts owing, on the bills of some consumers. This delay was attributed to the company’s inability to complete the meter reading process, Thornley Myers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VINLEC said in a virtual press briefing on April 30. According to Myers, 15,000 consumers would have received bills with the billing period ranging between 34 and 43 days, when typically billing periods range between 30 and 33 days. There were 20,000 customers who received bills where the billing cycle ranged between 30 and 33 days. A further 6,000 consumers would have had their consumption estimated and an amount arrived at for April. The unusually higher amounts on some Bills was further attributed to a higher fuel surcharge in the month of April, the CEO added. “We want to assure our customers that this is nothing unusual about the electricity business,” Myers said.
Meter reading challenges CEO Myers informed that VINLEC
has 46,000 customers and that there are nine-meter readers assigned to conduct meter reading throughout the country. This process begins on the first working day of the month and, according to the VINLEC’s CEO, there are between 17 to 18 working days in which these meter readers have to complete their tasks. During the month of April, meter reading commenced on April 1, but there was a break beginning April 2 to April 5 for the Easter weekend. And shortly after meter reading recommenced on April 6, there was the beginning of the series of explosive eruptions from April 9. Meter reading resumed the week after the first set of explosive eruptions began, but it became extremely difficult for meter readers to traverse the country to conduct their business, Myers explained. “That created a significant delay, so what is the result of that delay?” Myers said that every effort was made to resume meter reading, however very little meters were read following the eruptions in keeping with the usual billing cycles. But once there was the delay, it meant that when meter reading recommenced, there was going to be the situation where customers’ billing periods would exceed the usual 30 to
New VINLEC list for suspended accounts THE ORIGINAL LIST OF COMMUNITIES on mainland St. Vincent where VINLEC customers will receive a suspension in their electricity bills has been revised. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VINLEC, Thornley Myers, described the revised list as excluding some from the original list and including new ones. The new list covered communities on the Northeastern (Windward) portion from Mount Young Northwards, and the Northwestern (Leeward) section, from Belle Isle upwards. Belle Isle and Gordon Yard and others have been added to the list for the Leeward side of the island, while Park Hill, South Rivers, Chester, Gorse and Grand Sable were taken off the list for those on the Windward. According to Myers, consumers in the Red and some within the Orange Zones had not been using electricity
since the evacuation order was made on April 8. “We are not going to burden them any further at this point,” Myers said, and “have decided to suspend billing to several areas, those where persons have been evacuated although there was a period when they did consume electricity, that is not our concern at this time.” While customers in the affected areas are getting a temporary suspension on their electric bills, Myers said that VINLEC will not be offering the same to those in the area, who are living in their homes and using electricity. He reasoned that it was not in their best interest to have a suspension, because when the meter is eventually read there may be a significant amount of energy consumed up to that point, and the customer may end up with a large bill. (DD)
33 days, with some customers receiving Bills with billing periods reaching as high as 43 days. VINLEC’s CEO said that despite efforts to conduct a rapid meter reading exercise once it had recommenced, this task proved to be a challenging one and they were then forced to do estimate of consumption for some consumers. The estimate reading were arrived at by looking at a consumers consumption over a three-month period from which an average daily consumption was determined. This was then factored in against the number of billing days within the cycle.
Lower amounts to come And while many consumers saw a larger electric bill than usual, for April, Myers explained that in
instances where persons’ billing cycles reached 40 and over, they could expect to see a lesser billing period on their next Bill, and hence a lower overall electric bill. For those consumers who received an estimated amount, once meter reading recommenced in May, they would know for certain the amount of electricity consumed. “The guarantee s that when the meter is read, then you will then receive an accurate Bill,” Myers said. “In this company, there is no desire, wish to do what is not right, and customers need to know that we are not involved in unsavory practices,” Myers asserted. (DD)
Former track athlete shot dead
Academy where he honed his athletic skills. That Academy issued Continued from Front It was also noticeable a statement on its Facebook page, soon Page. that the police moved after his death was late to extend the police confirmed. The post assailants in the caution tape to the area read: “Tonight we are direction of National closer to the Bishop deeply saddened by the Lotteries Authority College. Spent bullet news of Lopez McFee’s (NLA) headquarters, but shells and paraphernal passing. Our thoughts the men gave chase, of the deceased were continuing to firing seen strewed and open to and prayers are with the gunshots at him. ‘contamination’ along the family. Continue to sleep in peace, Lopez; you will Lopez took his last roadway in that area. be missed by many.” breath on the street in Amidst grieving by A representative of front of the Metrocint family and friends, it the Academy told THE General Insurance could not escape the VINCENTIAN that building, across from the attention of bystanders Lopez was a very NLA headquarters in that it took an talented athlete who Paul’s Avenue. inordinately long time, may have failed to build Following the given the proximity of on that talent. shooting, police cordoned the Milton Cato He represented the off the area where McFee Memorial Hospital to the Academy at least once at lay dead. scene of the crime, for a the Barbados relays. This came, Medical Practitioner to The representative unfortunately, even arrive on the scene. described Lopez as “a though the Central nice guy who had his Police headquarters is a flaws.” ‘trot’ away from Paul’s Who was Lopez? A police source noted Avenue, long after a that Lopez was taken in crowd had gathered over Curtis Lopez McFee for questioning and around Lopez’s body was a former student of regarding a murder in as it lay on the ground, the Kingstown December but was never and he was apparently Government School stripped of whatever (Stoney Ground) and the charged. He is the only child jewelry he had on at that St. Vincent Grammar time, supposedly in safe- School, where he excelled for his mother, and the son of former national keeping for his family, as a track athlete. one person was The deceased was also footballer Curtis ‘Fame’ Joseph. overheard saying. a member of IT-DAT
V Children, Elderly abandoned at Shelters 4. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
News
responded to the inquiry with: “We have children A MOST GUT-WRENCHING of primary school age DISCLOSURE was made being left alone for quite during a discussion some time; teenagers between Prime Minister being abandoned; people Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and going back home and just Director of the National leaving them there in the Emergency Management emergency shelters and Organisation (NEMO), not even indicating to the Michelle Forbes, as they shelter managers that spoke on NBC’s Eyeing La you’re stepping out or Soufriere last Monday, going to be ‘where’. So May 03. you have all of these The Prime Minister unattended children reported that there were sometimes within the issues which “have come emergency shelters.” to my attention which I The Prime Minister wish to speak on questioned about an ….[which are] in danger estimated number of of breaking our social unattended children and solidarity, and they are received the response of, extremely disturbing.” “We have about He began by enquiring fifty…both teenagers and of Ms. Forbes about the young children.” situation of the Ms. Forbes explained abandonment of some further that the adults in children in emergency question often claimed shelters. that they are returning The NEMO Director home to clean up. They by GLORIAH…
have not been keeping in contact with the shelter managers and were never be seen again for “a couple of days.” The issue of abandonment of elderly persons in shelters also came up, to which the Prime Minister interjected with alarm, “You can’t leave your elderly folk like that!” It was revealed that persons brought their elderly relatives to shelters and some just simply left them (elderly) there. In a related matter, Forbes informed that NEMO has provided two emergency shelters to house persons who have mobility issues and/or are bed-ridden. She said that there were 30 persons in the shelters with one of the shelters
currently housing 22 people. She described these Shelters as basically “functioning like a hospice where we have home helpers going and taking care of them.” The Ministry of Health has provided support by way of ‘hospital beds’ for those people that NEMO has at the two shelters, Forbes said. Notwithstanding action taken, PM Gonsalves felt that there was a necessity to appeal to the caring instincts of such people, and pleaded to those involved to “be honest with the people in the shelter” about their whereabouts and their other commitments, and encouraged them to make a visit every now and again.
Temporary schools for E.T. Joshua runway
Michelle Forbes, Director. NEMO, substantiated the claims of the practice of abandoning children and elderly persons at the Shelters.
Almost at a loss for words, the Prime Minister made a strong appeal to persons practising such abandonment. “I’m just appealing to persons,” he charged. “You know what you have to do. You know it is wrong to leave your elderly like that, at the mercy of
other people. Even though people are helping to take care of them, you can’t also abandon your children; come on!” He pleaded that the matter be conducted in a pleasing and civilized manner as, despite the challenges which exist, “all of us are together in this thing.”
Massive operation to feed evacuees
by GLORIAH… A GRADUAL RETURN TO INTERACTIONS between teachers and students here has been mounted by the Ministry of Education (MOE). A MOE release indicated that psychosocial support and some l formal instruction have commenced with students housed in shelters. This is a precursor to the return of formal instruction, beginning with Form 5 and Grade 6 students on May 17, to be followed on dates to be announced for Form 4 and Grade 5 students, and then for all others. The return to face-to-face learning amidst the use of schools as emergency shelters, demands that alternate space to house students will be identified. And even though a possibility exists where persons from the Orange Zone could be given the all-clear to return home as the volcano’s explosive activity has diminished, meaning that some schools might be ‘freed up’, there would still be need for alternate space. Towards this end, Prime Minister Hon. Ralph Gonsalves announced a plan for government to construct temporary school buildings at the E.T Joshua runway/tarmac, while extensive rehabilitation takes place on other schools. This plan was revealed as he made a visit to the World Food Programme storage facility located at
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves asserted that ‘we have to do better’ than abandoning our children and elderly at the Shelters.
While the terminal building at the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport has taken on a modified use, the runway and its fringes remain for all intents, open for use. the E.T Joshua Tarmac. “On the second half of the runway, we going to build two, maybe three temporary schools,” he assured, “because there are nine schools which we had to [build] before the volcano. We were going to do two, we have to do now a third one.” He said that the other temporary schools were built while extensive rebuilding was taking place. He explained that one school to be rebuilt was in Sandy Bay but it is preferable to construct a school on the tarmac instead to cater to the numbers of students in shelters. He was clear that, in light of the possibility of cessation of explosive activity by the La Soufrière volcano, operations should have been underway to readily engage students in schools. “We want to be ready, if anything, to start the process shortly in relation to the temporary schools,” the PM stated.
THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been spending a significant amount of money to provide meals to evacuees who are in Emergency Shelters and private homes. According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he addressed the issue on NBC Radio ‘Eyeing La Soufrière’ programme on Monday, the government has spent EC$2.1 million to feed persons housed at Emergency Shelters and private homes. . “We have to provide everyday 21,000 meals in the shelters - 7,000 breakfast, 7,000 lunches, 7,000 dinners. Then there are thousands of boxes which have already been distributed by NEMO/ Social Development to homes in which evacuees are staying and also in orange areas where people didn’t move but they are finding it difficult to cope,” Dr. Gonslaves said. Describing the undertaking, the first of its kind magnitude, as a “a massive operation,” the Prime Minister highlighted the need for monetary support and referenced the Disaster Account to which, he said, persons here and abroad can send money. He also referred would be benefactors to the various Mission Accounts. The Prime Minister repeated his call for persons to work with the national authorities in making contributions to the relief effort, so that there won’t be any duplication.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 5.
News
STARLIFT adopts SJCK Shelter
And towards fulfilling its commitment, a team of fourteen THE MONTROSE-BASED Hennessy Starlift members, comprising mothers, Steel Orchestra has shown exemplary fathers, cooks and those with community spirit following the eruption exceptional organizational skills, has of the La Soufrière volcano. been turning up at the shelter to The Orchestra, which prides itself facilitate the provision of Saturday on ‘being much more than a steel lunch or dinner. orchestra’, chose to adopt the The initial provision by Starlift was emergency shelter at the St. Joseph’s on April 17, when dinner was prepared Convent Kingstown. for the residents. In the main, the Steel Orchestra Indications are that serious has committed to providing home-style planning went into each day’s meal meals on Saturdays to the seventywith each menu planned a week ahead seven shelter residents, who hail from of scheduled, and specific roles the communities of Fitz Hughes, assigned to members to ensure a Sandy Bay and Georgetown. smooth operation. The shelter is managed by Ms. Attention was also paid to preparing Aquila Malcolm. a menu/meals that took into consideration the dietary requirements of diabetics, hypertensives and vegan/vegetarians. Band members expressed delight in being able to create a home-awayfrom-home atmosphere through the preparation and serving of meals, and reported that the feedback has been “great.” Special mention was made of the skill of ‘Carib’, a professional baker who is in the shelter, and who assisted in baking fresh dough boy and bread. The steel orchestra believes that it is playing its “part to help our brothers Starlift members (l-r) ‘Kenno’, ‘Yellow’ and sisters who are displaced. We know it’s not easy being away from and ‘Zoops’ preparing vegetables to your home so this is just our way of enhance the meal. by GLORIAH…
New protocols for shelters expected DETAILS of a new set of protocols related to emergency evacuation shelters were expected to be released this week. As it stands, access has been restricted to at least two shelters where there have been reports of cases of COVID-19. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on radio on May 2 that he had been informed by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), of reported of cases of COVID-19 at a shelter in Biabou, this being in addition to the first reported cases at a shelter in Stubbs. THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that as of May 5, there were 32 cases of COVID-19 recorded at shelters. On May 2, NEMO issued a release that of the 18 cases recorded, 16 cases were evacuees in emergency shelters — 14 cases from government shelters and two from persons staying in private homes — based on tests done on April 30. “People at the shelters, I am urging you first of Public access to emergency shelters could well see some added controls.
all, be tested. Do not oppose the testing,” Gonsalves said. He had been making the call for some time since the explosive eruptions at La Soufrière started last month and on radio interviews on a few occasions, pinted to persons refusing to be tested for COVID-19. “If we have an outbreak at the shelters, old people and persons with co-morbidities will have to be either hospitalized or die,” the Prime Minister warned. “There are strong and healthy reasons for being tested and taking the vaccine,” he continued. According to Gonsalves then, officials within the Ministry of Health were expected to outline new protocols for the shelters. He also indicated then that he had seen a draft of the document. (DD)
Members of Starlift Steel Orchestra assembled at the SJCK. giving comfort with whatever resources have,” Janine Sandy, a leading member of Starlift and facilitator of the Starlift Facebook page, told THE VINCENTIAN. Given that there is a stellband/panyard at the school, Sandy
said, “We would very much like to engage the youngsters and maybe some of the older ones in learning the instrument.” Starlift is certainly demonstrating that it is ‘much more than a steel orchestra’.
Volcanic alert now ORANGE
THE GOVERNMENT of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has lowered the volcanic alert level at La Soufrière to ORANGE based on recommendation from The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC). UWI-SRC/MVO Lahars – like this one in Sandy Bay - continue to be Volcano-seismologist dangerous threats to the river valleys surrounding and current Scientific the volcano. (Phot Credit: The UWI – SRC) Team Lead, Roderick Stewart made the boulders up to 5m (15 feet) in recommendation to the Cabinet on diameter. Scientists also observed Tuesday May 4, during his update steaming flows, which are likely due on the current activity at the volcano. to contact with and incorporation of Mr. Stewart indicated that the hot volcanic deposits. recommendation was being made Lahars can cause damage to given that there have been no property and serious injury to explosions at the volcano since April persons in their path. Access to the 22, and the number RED volcanic hazard zone should be of volcanic earthquakes recorded limited to government approved has also decreased significantly. essential work only. Conditions At alert level ORANGE, the remain hazardous and the potential volcano may resume explosions with for injury also remains. less than twenty-four hours of notice. The National Emergency Lahars (mudflows) continue to pose Management Organisation (NEMO) a dangerous threat to the river and The UWI-SRC continue to be the valleys surrounding the volcano authoritative sources of information including Wallibou and on the eruption of La Soufrière Rabacca. Mudflows observed over volcano in Saint Vincent. (Source: The the past several days have contained UWI-SRC)
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6. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 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
Entitlement and Abuse
A recent headline-grabbing incident here has many dimensions to what unfolded and why. One of those that surfaced is the question of entitlement, or better yet, a sense of entitlement that is assumed rather than bestowed. That said, we must, as we reflect on the incident involving a Member of Parliament — this country’s highest law-making body — and an Officer of the Court — an essential cog of the judiciary that protects the right of every citizen to a fair and unfettered trail - that a sense of entitlement plays a significant role in abuse. A sense of entitlement leads abusers to consider their ‘abusive behaviour’ as not only acceptable but justified – both as a right and as a privilege. People of this ilk, when they inflict punishment of one kind or the other on persons they deem to be ‘below them’, feel they are entitled so to do. Whether it is to inflict bodily harm on that person or to make life-threatening promises, the person holding the gun feel the/she has the right to act in that manner. It is as though, because of this sense … in fact a false sense of entitlement, the abusers’ mindset tells them that they have a right to do as they see fit. Put another way, the abusers feel an underlying sense of entitlement to behave this way. The action - infliction of a bullet wound and a promise to inflict further harm - has taken the issue of entitlement to the level of abuse of power which, if the truth be told, is a warped impression of what the perpetrators might see as entitlement. One thing is dead certain: Constant in abuse is an entitlement mentality — a feeling that you are entitled to establish who is in authority, without regard for any other party or circumstance. And yet, in the face of wanton
abuse, of open and unadulterated misuse of ‘power’ is the rationalization that an entitlement is reasonable because of the culture and society in which we live. If that be the case, then it is reasonable to assume that those who are entrusted with the ‘power’ of law-making and those who enforce those laws are entitled to ‘take advantage’ of those on whose very behalf they make and enforce those laws. Our culture, sadly, does not have a uniform and rational approach to determining ‘reasonable entitlement’. It nurtures the misguided perception that entitlement comes with office, especially if that office is one within the state hierarchy. You are an officer of the State but fail to accept that you are an officer of the people; you are instead reconditioned into believing you are all powerful and important; that you are a member of the few who are entitled to laude over the many. Yes, this society has become one where the supreme law states: ‘All animals (pigs) are equal, but some animals (pigs) are more equal than others.’ We have become a society that encourages a ‘class’ of people who feel they are entitled to jump to the front of the queue, wherever, whenever and regardless of the length of the line. Whether this sense of entitlement is bred by the party that has ruled ‘supreme’ over us for the last twenty years, or whether we assume such countenance when we are appointed to certain state positions, it is a sad day when any one person or group of persons feels that they have carte blanche right to laude their ‘authority’ over others. No political or state appointment entitles anyone to any more right over another than is accorded by the laws of decency and respect.
Since Adult Suffrage (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 5th June, 2015.) IT IS JUST POSSIBLE that I misheard Bing Joseph in his recent interview with Sir James Mitchell. Bing praised him for being the only politician so far that led a team in 1989 that licked the platter clean taking all fifteen elected seats. I will have Mr. Bing know that in the very first election under the universal franchise, the Eighth Army of Liberation won all 8 elected seats in October 1951, 35 years ahead of Mitchell’s feat with the NDP in 1989. True, the 8th Army victory was short lived, to within a few months of their historic victory, the Administration splitting the group in halves, four members who sided with the administration and conservative interests - George Charles, Herman Young, Evans Morgan and Clive Tannis; and a relatively radical wing led by Ebenezer Joshua, backed up by the two Baynes brothers, Rudolph and Julian, and Samuel Eric Slater. One thing leads to another. I mentioned the Baynes brothers in this fight. Over the years there have been many other examples, like the Joshua brothers in the 1954 election. Ebenezer and Joseph Joshua, of whom Joshua declared, using their symbols to telling effect, the cricket wicket and the ball, ‘the game is in our hands’. Later on, in 1994 we had as many as three brothers running for different parties: Stanley ‘Stalky’ John (Labour), Linton Lewis (NDP) and another for an apology of a party! Then there is the father and son teams, of which the current Prime Minister and his son, Camillo, are a striking pair running in the same elections at that! Of course, we have witnessed this twosome in different elections John Thompson and son Jerrol, and Young’s team of Layou, of father Herman Fraser Young and son Herbert Young. And there are Hubert Dailsey and his son Lennox contesting for Labour and the NDP after a break of 40 years. And Alphonso Dennie and Olin Dennie in North Leeward before. And before them were the father and sons team ofDaniel and his son Montgomery, the current minister of Agriculture in North Windward. George Charles and his son Kenneth Williams providing the comic
relief of this category. I note that the brothers Ken and Julian ‘Bucky’ Boyea also tried their luck on behalf of Labour and NDP at different times. On one occasion. “Bruds” Gonsalves ran on an NDP ticket for the constituency now held by brother, Ralph! Also, there have been the brothers Alpheus “Son” and Gordon Allen contesting in local elections on behalf of the PPP, with elder “Son” having a shot at the higher federal level. Little known is that Nigel “Nature” Stephenson is the son of Brinsky Nickie, who contested turbulent elections for the WPP way back when. There have also been two or three avuncular relationships at the top level. For what it is worth we have to mention Milton Cato and his nephew Burns Bonadie, who contested in turn for Labour and the NDP respectively; and Cyril Mitchell, uncle of “Son”, who once contested against each other. The family is a most interesting institution especially where it projects into national politics for good and evil in equal measure. Readers will note that so far women do not feature much in politics. Their time cannot be far off. In Present-Day SVG there is torrid debate as to which of the political leaders commanded the loyalty of the masses longest. The argument is largely meaningless but nonetheless attractive. Joshua lasted for all of 28 unbroken years, 19511979. Mitchell was active from 19662001, about 34 years, including a brief ½ year period when he had not even his own seat. And Gonsalves now approaches the crest with successful political activism 19942015, 21 years and continuing, say a further 5 years for keeping North Central Windward safe ULP. All told 26 years a figure hovering around the 24 years of 1961 1985 Cato, plus another two associated with the Federal Government. In terms of years of political leadership, Mitchell remains first, with Joshua runnerup and Cato and Gonsalves bring up the rear, after a manner of speaking.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 7.
Letters
CXC unfair Women, be honest I THINK it is unfair that our students should have to write the CSEC and CAPE exams under the same conditions as the students from the rest of the region. While I understand the stress that student from the other islands had as a result of COVID-19 in particular, our students were stressed out by COVID and more. Yes, no other set of students in the Caribbean had to face up to a volcanic eruption that turned the entire country upside down. Thousands of people, including students had to leave their homes and find accommodation in open shelters or at homes of relatives and friends. Regardless of how well they might have been treated, those students could never say it was home and therefore may have been very unsettled. Would any of you like to be doing online classes in those conditions? Yes, our students have not had face-to-face lessons in a long time and I wonder how many of the syllabuses have been complete. Yes, Mr. CXC, if you are human at all you will have some special regards for our students who have to deal with dengue, COVID-19, a volcano erupting and recent torrential rains. Not only are the homes of some of these students destroyed but the infrastructure in their communities have all been ruined in many cases. For a start may be CXC could do away with the SBA’s and resort to the multiple exams if at all out students have to do the exams this year. A concerned parent
La Soufriere Volcano - My side of the story by Mida Mason Here I stand, over four thousand feet in altitude I have tried my best to enjoy my solitude But you keep coming up to provoke me, why? You swam across my crater when there was water I dried up the water, built a dome Yet for some reason, you wouldn’t leave me alone. Every year I noticed you got braver and braver Hundreds ascended, boasting that there was no danger Some even built huts on my mountain Thinking I did not know what they were planting The blood of my sons cried out loud to me When you burned them in coal pits, you think I didn’t see. For forty-two years, you said I was sleeping But I sat quietly, observing everything. So here I am, SVG displaying my beautiful fury High up in the sky, for you and your neighbors to see I rained down ash on you so thick You can’t figure out what to do with it. I am angrier than in seventy-nine Show me respect; this mountain is mine My crater is not holding back its lava flow Jesus loves you and wants your attention you know So humble yourselves, repent and confess your sins Until further notice I leave you to think on these things.
I AM A SINGLE mother and I am proud to be a woman as much as all those fancy-talking women feel they are. Now tell me, if any of these smart high-classed women had to live in a shelter, would they walk around scantily dressed? No!! That is not there culture so we won’t expect to see them parading themselves scantily dressed for all to see. Furthermore, it should be understood that when you go to stay with someone or somewhere that is not your home, regardless of if you’re poor, rich or somewhere in between, you have to dress decently. In the case of the shelters, they are open
places for all intents and purposes, so you have to be even more careful about how you dress. If as what I hear is true, that steps are now in place to control the movement of people in and out the shelters, then that is a good. All of us want to close our eyes and ears to another side of the shelters — the sex and sexual exploitation that takes place in some of them . I worked on a camp in 1979 and I had women and men cuss me when I tried to discourage all the sex that others were encouraging, and you wouldn’t want to believe some of the men who were encouraging this. That is why I am in
full support of the police for saying what they said about scantily dressed women at the shelters. They have all right to try to control the behaviour at the shelters and this is one way they can do that. So to all those highclassed women and women’s groups who condemn the police, stop the darn hypocrisy and try to persuade the women in the camps to be more respectful of themselves and others. They are not home and you high-classed women must stop all this politricking and admit to the truth and act accordingly. I know that there are many women out there who will cuss me out for
what I have said. But even if they do, I will encourage them to find out why the police would have made the appeal that they did. You could still cuss me but I have no problem accepting the truth. Pamela, Kingstown
Reflecting amid the eruption THE ERUPTION of the La Soufrière volcano after 42 years of slumber caused me to reflect on a few things. Those reflections might have no connection to one another, but they are thoughts that have occupied me during this period of national distress. 1. After the last general election, in which we renewed a sacred trust in our politicians even if we spoke in a particular way, my expectation was that that by agreeing to disagree we would find a way to work together towards one goal, i.e. the progress of our nation. Sadly we have yet to some to that stage in our
maturity. 2. I took this reflection a step further and came to a realization that we seem to be going nowhere, and that those in whom we had placed our trust and who commanded the attention of the public and all forms of the media, seem so much more concerned with their personal images and enrichment, rather than national development. 3. I came out of the period of intense eruption of the volcano hoping that my people would see that their survival and any widespread meaningful development of our country are impossible
without an adequate water supply and efficient transportation. We can, because of in whose hands it is entrusted, speak with some direction to the water system but given the openness of the transport system, we seem helpless. 4. And while reflecting on water and transportation, somehow it threw me back to an era when the Kingstown Town Board (KTB) was responsible for doing minor but ongoing repairs to all roads in the geographical area known as Kingstown back then. Can Central Government not see to it that whatever is left of the KTB that they have
funds to attend to this, and that the workers there are trained to undertake the tasks? 5. There should be no room in how we do things for politicians to disrespect our population, leaders and public officers. If they feel that this will bring them popularity as the media gives coverage to their shortcomings, they should be warned that that popularity could well be notoriety — being popular for all the wrong reasons. There ends my reflection encouraged by the might and wrath of a greater power - La Soufrière. Thomas
Let us take a look beyond the mirror Editor’s Note: This letter was submitted for publication last week but when it was received, the Letter Page had already been closed.
recognize their contribution. They will see themselves as business and not worker. To change this mindset, it will take a mammoth task of educating and informing, however, it can be done, but this THE TIME is here again. What is something in which all have to time am I speaking about? play a role to ensure it is International Labour Day or achieved. Workers’ Day. Why the emphasis Another area that needs to be on this? This day is when workers looked at is the use by and impact show their solidarity and of technology on workers and the appreciation to all workers in the working environment. This area is world, regardless of status, colour, very dynamic. Its boundary seems religions, sex or creed. infinite and the workplace, station All workers have a right to and tools are boundless and know their rights - whether they imaginative. are self—employed or employed in Now this is an area in which the private sector, by NGO’s or the (ILO) International Labour Government. Organization and Labour Most self-employeds in the Agencies have to be creative, lower echelons of society do not innovative, and methodical in
adopting laws and standards to protect and guide workers in this new dispensation. Without quick and assertive intervention, workers will be at the mercy of the developer, owner and investor of this new work order. The dynamic even suggests a virtual world supervised by robots and machines. Contracts, retrenching, downsizing, subletting and severance will become the order of the day. There may be no need for workers as it stands today. Let’s take a look beyond the mirror. It’s no longer a reflection that is required. It’s visions and focus. So long. Man on de go
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8. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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Great distrust of government throughout the country
(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement)
The Eruption of La Soufriere THE EXPLOSIVE eruption of La Soufrière which began on the morning of Friday, April 9, 2021, has brought physical destruction, dislocation of our people, and great uncertainty into our lives. I have seen the effects first-hand; in communities in the north, e.g. Sandy Bay in North Windward and Chateaubelair on the Leeward side. The eruption of La Soufrière has turned our already struggling country upside down. Approximately 14,000 people have been displaced from their homes to avoid the dangers of the explosive eruptions. They have left their houses, their
livestock, and their familiar surroundings behind in North Windward and North Leeward, and have accepted temporary shelter with one another in schools, Learning Resource Centres, church halls and in the homes of friends and relatives in the safe zones. This is a very anxious and difficult time for them. They must adjust to new living conditions in a communal setting in shelters or in sometimes crowded spaces in private homes. Some have rented accommodations not knowing how they will afford them if the evacuation continues for much longer, as it clearly will. In some of those accommodations, many still lack basic things– beds, regular food supplies, clothing, etc.
that might make them comfortable and give them some peace of mind. Having been away from them for nearly 3 weeks now, they worry increasingly about the state of their homes and other property. The natural urge to go to see how they are and even to begin to clean up grows daily, but for personal safety must be suppressed. Having left their household and farm animals behind, they worry about them. Are their animals being fed? Have their livestock fallen prey to dogs that in the absence of their owners fend for themselves by killing sheep, pigs, and goats for food? Why were these animals not removed to safety before the eruption as the owners and the rest of us were
told would have been done or as otherwise planned?
The Distrust There is great distrust of government throughout the country and in our diaspora. It has revealed itself in many ways: notably in the last election when more people voted for the NDP than for the party that is in government; in the clear reluctance among our people to take the COVID- 19 vaccine despite its obvious utility and the eventual urgings, enticements, and even threats of representatives of the government; the concern expressed by many about the use or misuse of resources collected by government for volcano eruption relief. I have heard many complaints and reports about the failure to provide foodstuff and beds for evacuees. Nearly three weeks after their evacuation, they still have not received food packages from NEMO and rely on private contributions. This situation is unacceptable and must be remedied without further delay. Thankfully, many private donors have filled the gaps and I urge them to continue to help. There are reports also of political partisanship being used to distribute aid to volcano victims. That is to say, persons who are known to be NDP supporter have been overlooked or delayed in getting assistance while ULP supporters have received aid.
homes. Many of the people I have spoken with are hopeful for better but nevertheless seem to accept this fate. It is not too early to start to think about how we move forward in the short and medium term. There are effective measures that can be put in place right now to help our people from the evacuated areas in the North, to cope with the economic effects of the eruptions. VINLEC and CWSA have said they will suspend bills in communities in the worst hit areas. I want to urge them to go further and cancel bills for homeowners and businesses in the communities in the danger zone. Give locals the cleanup jobs: When the time comes to safely clean up the affected areas, we must ensure that local villagers/contractors are given the jobs to remove the ash and repair Rebuilding damage to public We must be committed property. Pay them with the recovery money or to rebuilding when the other funds designated volcano returns to rest for disaster relief and the and it is safe again to rebuilding of the affected return to the danger areas. This will give jobs areas. Having seen the to people who have lost devastation in the their livelihood as a communities closest to the volcano, it is clear to result of the eruption and also as a result of me that, even if there the extended COVID-19 were no more explosive crisis. eruptions, it will take a We recognize that this long time to remove the ash, fix broken roofs and disaster, as is generally the case with such return people to their events, brings not only destruction but also opportunities. (Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining). There needs to be a national task force to plan reconstruction and recovery. This is a national project. It must be broad-based and inclusive. Rebuilding must be guided by principles that promote resilience and sustainability. Also, a comprehensive environmental assessment must be done to assess damage to habitats, animal, and fauna. Given our recent history in which such was the case in giving out flood and hurricane relief, these reports must be taken seriously and must be investigated fully. Where they are found to be well-founded, steps must be taken to remove persons causing the problem and to ensure equity and transparency in the dispensing of aid. This is not a party matter or party resources. The aid is donated by governments, regional and international organizations, local businesses and charities, and numerous individuals. It is given to help the people most affected by the volcano disaster and must be distributed only on the basis of need. No partisan consideration must be permitted to determine who get and when they get.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 9.
Views
Beyond the Horizon
Do as I say, not as I do
“You cannot discover distant lands by remaining on shore.” Jesus R. Pazos (born 1942) – Former Chief Executive Officer of Neal & Massy, Trinidad and Tobago.
‘Justice should not only be done but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.’
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has magnified how fragile life’s situations can be. Many individuals have died as a result of having contracted the virus. Several businesses have closed and, in some instances, will never reopen. Numerous industries continue to struggle as they seek to weather the storms and powerful economic tectonic movements created by this ravishing pandemic. It is therefore quite understandable that many individuals (especially those who have lost their jobs) are depressed, struggling to keep hope alive, and trusting that life will return to normal sooner rather than later thereby providing them an opportunity to meet their obligations to provide for themselves and their respective families. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the episodes of the volcanic eruptions that commenced on 9th April, 2021, and the resulting devastations of the villages and towns closest to the onemile-wide crater generated fear among most inhabitants on the relatively small island; a landmass that is just eighteen miles long and eleven miles wide at their furthest points. In so small a geographic space every square inch can be considered unsafe. However, as the residents of the most northerly villages and towns were evacuated and relocated to “safe areas” in the south, the fragility of nature and life are again magnified. The dreams of many of these citizens turned to nightmares in a matter of hours. The comfort of home was replaced by the inconvenience and discomfort of living in an evacuation shelter. In such situations it becomes quite challenging to look beyond the horizon with hope, confidence, and aspiration as the immediacy of the dangers and distresses take centre stage. Sometimes we can so easily succumb to fear when life’s misfortunes visit. It is tantamount to being on a stormy sea and feeling helplessly adrift. The storm-tossed situations may cause us to panic, embrace self-pity, and invite depression, as we face the uncertainty of where our lives are heading. But it is possible to restore the confidence and rekindle the aspirations that may have existed before the tragedy. It is possible to mentally and physical regroup and rebuild if we are willing to try. We have to be prepared to pull up the anchor of despair and set sails for new possibilities beyond the horizon. To cope with and recover from such stresses it becomes so very important to focus, as best we can, on life beyond the trauma. While there is value in mourning what we have lost, it is also important that we retain thankfulness and appreciation for what we still have left. In the whole scheme of things, there is still a lot to be grateful for. Whatever the situation, it could have been a lot worse. And while there is life, there is a strong possibility that regrowth and repossession can occur. Some citizens may respond to the ideas presented here by claiming that “this is easier said than done”. Others may chime in with the added comment that, “so much depends on the magnitude of the loss.” Both comments are quite understandable. However, our will to proceed, our ability to keep hope alive, will often determine how well and how speedily we heal. That ability to see beyond our dire circumstances so very often makes the difference in
relation to how well we recover from life’s setbacks. We have to see beyond the horizon of our circumstances and chart a new course to success. Moving from our comfort zone and venturing into new areas of activity can sometimes be very daunting. However, as the old people would remind us, “Nothing ventured; nothing gained.” We should programme ourselves to take calculated risks. This is as true for the individual who is pursuing a new career as it is for the individual who contemplates whether to engage in a new relationship. It is certainly true in relation to gaining (or regaining) physical assets. Our commitment to the effort very often determines how well we proceed and how successful we are in achieving the desired end. History records that there was a period when sailors thought that the world was flat and that if they went beyond the horizon their vessels would fall off. It was then quite understandable that the fears generated by such thoughts would have inhibited many of them from venturing beyond the skyline. However, once that misinformation was debunked, ships ventured across oceans and other masses of water to discover new lands. New trade routes were established. Business opportunities were pursued and, in so many cases, opportunities for wealth creation or expansion mushroomed. The spirit of adventure was encouraged and the world appeared to expand. Many inventions evolved following aspects of trepidation and doubt. Some discoveries are now so ubiquitous that it is hard to imagine modern life without them. However, during the early days of development many of the inventors would have had self-doubt and, in some cases, would have been scorned and ridiculed. Thomas Edison’s 19thcentury creation of the light bulb would have been one of these. Alexander Graham Bell’s 1876 discovery of the telephone earned him the name of “The Father of Modern Communication”. John Logi Baird’s 1925 public demonstration of a working television in London resulted in many proclaiming the device a commercial and financial failure. We could readily expand our examples to include automobiles, airplanes, washing machines, cell phones, personal computers and the like. However, the message is clear — when visionary individuals and communities pursue their dreams with passion they take societies beyond the horizon to new heights of accomplishment. Personal and communal challenges will continue to present obstacles to many individuals and communities. However, even as the dangers lurk and the setbacks appear to be magnified, there is wisdom in nurturing the resolve to be overcomers. New opportunities await us beyond the horizons but we must nurture the tenacity and courage to pursue them. We, you and I, must create and sustain the proactive stance to take calculated risk noting that we cannot discover distant lands by remaining on shore. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
THESE WORDS, uttered by Lord Chief Justice John Hewart nearly 100 years ago, echo throughout the common law world and beyond. They sustain an ethical requirement that judges and decisionmakers cannot hear a case if, from the perspective of a reasonable and informed observer, their impartiality might reasonably appear to be compromised. Matters involving prominent persons in our society always arouse speculation that nothing will come of the charge. For the citizenry to gain confidence in the legal system, state actors must ensure that justice is perceived to have been done. Our understanding of this societal reality prompted us to declare more than once that Justice has two faces in SVG, one for the rich, connected and powerful and the other for everyone else. However, we have consistently cautioned against a rush to judgment and demanded due process for those accused of wrongdoing. SVG is a scandal-ridden paradise. In 2008 when a female member of PM Gonsalves security detail accused him of rape, we insisted on ‘Justice for Gonsalves and his Accusers.’ Ten years later, when the Camillo/Yugge Farrell affair flared, we argued that without more, we saw no criminal wrongdoing and maintained that this was an issue between Camillo, his wife, Karen and Yugge. This scandal involves Ashell Morgan, a ULP senator who currently sits as the Deputy Speaker. Karim Nelson, an Assistant Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), is also implicated. Cornelius John of Diamond accused Senator Morgan of threatening to shoot him in the mouth following an incident he alleges occurred on April 13, 2021. John said two men and a woman came to his home uninvited, a man kicked him about his body and shot him in the leg. These are serious charges, but we are reminded of journalist Jeff Greenwald’s wise words ‘Just as the accusers should not be presumed to be truthful, the same is true of the accused. Sometimes accusers lie, and sometimes wrongdoers falsely deny wrongdoing. The point is that some convincing evidence is required before it is fair and just to destroy someone’s reputation and treat them as guilty.’ Plain Talk understands that Mr Nelson is on leave due to the incident. The accusation levelled at Mr Nelson came as a surprise to all those in the legal fraternity who knows Nelson well. He is a young, knowledgeable and skilful prosecutor. The claim directed at him is completely out of character. He is known to possess and has demonstrated a profound sense of justice. He conducts his trials with an eye for fairness to all sides, society, the victim, his family and the accused. If these accusations were to hold, it will seriously tarnish, retard or possibly derail the legal trajectory of this budding, accomplished legal profession. Ms Morgan is an up and coming lawyer who distinguishes herself for taking novel cases to the Court of Appeal. She has a bright future as a legal professional. She may have fasttracked her climb up the societal ladder in accepting the ULP offer to sit as a senator following the 2020 elections. In parliament, she poses as deputy speaker with weighty responsibilities to which she pledged to do her best according to
law. Both legal professionals would hope that this episode in their lives will be speed bumps they quickly put behind them. Until Gonsalves spoke on the issue, the wise choice would have been for both to hire competent counsel for the legal challenges ahead. Less is known about the accuser. He described himself as a self-employed man, now impaired because of the shot to his leg and cannot currently work or meet his basic need. One hopes he quickly recovers and returns to his daily routine, which will allow him to care for himself. Surely, he is also looking for his day in court. Sadly, the intrusion of the corrosive voice of PM Gonsalves may put this in doubt. Gonsalves implored listeners to pay attention to how carefully and responsibly he was speaking. His comments were anything but. If he intended to clear the air, he ‘muddied the waters’ around the case. ‘This thing has been making the rounds about Senator Morgan and the Assistant DPP; how does anyone expect the Prime Minister to make a public comment about allegations made by someone else, which is the subject of a police investigation?’ Gonsalves asked. Gonsalves went on to express confidence in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Office of the Commissioner of Police, whose offices he said will ‘work properly and independently in the highest traditions in this matter.’ Gonsalves, who called on citizens to be calm and patient, disregarded his advice and, in essence, said I alone must be allowed to talk on the issue. Anyone else who speaks must be careful they don’t run afoul of the defamation laws. ‘Don’t believe and accept as fact some of the outlandish things you have heard about senator Morgan...From what I have been told, keep your mouth shut. Then he went off the rail. ‘Partisan politics is a helluva thing. If the shoe was on the other foot. If it was an NDP woman, NDP parliamentarian or high party official, you know how this would have spin?’ In law, it is said he who frames the argument wins the case. Gonsalves comments are intended to do just that. He offers up a theory of the case. He claimed he was ‘not pronouncing on something under investigation, and I will be irresponsible to do so.’ Yet goes on to pronounce: ‘There are two women. In this country, there is a lot of violence against woman. Is a good thing to see somebody standing up to defend women. But no, it becomes all kind of pejorative words being used to describe somebody.’ Essentially, Gonsalves framed the case before the investigation is completed as one about the defence of women, resisting violence against women. The defence of another is a classic defence. It’s closely related to self-defence. What else is left for the police and the office of the DPP to investigate? Will it ever get to the court after Gonsalves, the Mighty Explainer, improperly injected himself? All that is left for the accused is to maintain a ‘dignified silence.’ Gonsalves’ attempt to wraps a protective shield around Morgan may cause her to lose the battle for public opinion as Camillo did three years ago. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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10. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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Substantial changes needed to create prosperity
EVEN BEFORE the eruption of La Soufrière, our country was in an economic mess and not far from collapse. Now, after the volcano eruption, it is even more apparent that we must make substantial changes in our country, in order to move forward and create a strong economy and prosperity for all. We need to build at least 5 new factories to do agro-processing, fish processing and canning, among other manufacturing endeavours, so as to create thousands of new jobs. SVG should be exporting products such as organic tea, organic baby food, organic fruit juices, organic honey, organic dried fruits, organic vacuumpacked vegetables, organic bottled coconut water, smoked fish and numerous other products. When studying for his Masters in Business Administration at Leicester University, England, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA met a number of students from the Seychelles who told him how the Seychelles deep sea fishing and canning industry substantially
strengthened the Seychelles economy, and changed the country from poverty to prosperity. It resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of life and standard of living for the people of Seychelles. SVG must become an exporting country. The ULP have failed and the only factory they have built is a begging factory. Also, we need more security of ownership of our country. We must operate like Cuba and Singapore and bring in a ban on the sale of land to non-Vincentians, i.e., people who are not Vincentian by birth or descent. This is an important policy and is in the best interests of future generations of Vincentians. Our country should urgently repossess islands that have fallen into the hands of super-rich foreigners, such as we see in Mustique and Petit St. Vincent. Tourism could never be a successful economic variable in SVG. Tourism keeps our people poor and perpetuates generational poverty. Our people are ‘enslaved’ in subordinate scenarios, to
only cook the food, serve the food, wash the plates, make the beds, cut the grass and be the security guards. Tourism offers no net benefit to SVG. SVG should follow the economic strategy of Sweden, Switzerland and Singapore and create a strong knowledge-based economy. This will attract foreign investment in skilled service industries. For this to happen, though, we need a world-class education system. We need free, high quality education from pre-school to our own science and technology university. Sadly, the Labour Party Government had no vision from 1979 to 1984 and did not create free, high quality education from pre-school to our own science university. Similarly, the New Democratic Party from 1984 to 2001 had no vision and did not create free, high quality education from pre-school to our own science and technology university. Also, the Unity Labour party from 2001 to 2021 has failed to provide free, high quality education — opting instead to focus on locking our children up in their big jail
in North Leeward. In contrast, Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, built three science and technology universities and two poly-technics, and provided free, high quality education from preschool to Singapore universities for every child in Singapore, in the first few years of their independence. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal lived in Singapore with his wife and three children from 1963 to 1965 and witnessed the start of Singapore’s transformation from poverty to wealth. Singapore is an economic success story and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. It has a knowledge-based economy. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (hons), MSc, MBA, who served for over 31 years as an engineer with the British Royal Air Force and was awarded the “Meritorious Service Medal”, strongly believes that SVG urgently needs substantial changes in order to move forward and create a strong economy and prosperity for all.
The ash-fall of mismanagement stifling SVG NO MATTER how somber the exhibition of deep-rooted pain by our Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, as he attempts to make a case for the support of the international community, with respect to addressing the devastation of our land by the
eruption of the La Soufriere, it will indeed be difficult when one examines all the facts, not to come to the conclusion that governmental mismanagement over the last twenty years has been more negatively impacting, than the eruption has
burdened us so far. The era 2001-2020 represents an historic traitorous betrayal of the Vincentian people. When in 2001 the people considered that James Mitchell and his NDP had become indifferent and arrogant, they booted them out, and elevated Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP to government with a twelve to three majority. And what did Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP faithfully pledge to do when they had sought the people’s authority? 1. They were going to revive agriculture. 2. They were going to fortify the banana industry. 3. They were going to aggressively address feeder roads. Those issues were vital to the wellbeing of the society which is traditionally agriculture-based, so the ULP were elected. Today, twenty years and more later, the feeder roads are in the worst condition that they have ever been in. The banana industry is dead despite several pronounced restorative plans, all of which came to naught. So, we do not ship bananas to the U.K. We thus lost the opportunity to earn hundreds of millions of dollars. Little wonder then, that the ULP authorities today, seem reluctant to publish information related to the level of poverty in the land, for it is their crippling of the Banana Growers Association which had provided reliable weekly income for over 2,500 Vincentians, which is at the root of the strangled economy now prevailing in
St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some people have expressed the view, that the crippling of the farming community is a deliberate ploy to enhance the party’s predominance and influence. They have unmistakably demonstrated that they are not of the maturity, they do not have what it takes to manage our societal development and progress. They are no doubt at the end of their days and their tenure has resulted in our retrogression on many fronts. The project for which I had given them creditable mention, was the Rabacca Bridge. But I had quite early said, that the design did not allow for a great enough flow of water under the bridge. I had said then, “Time and the river will tell”. Time has now come and the river has told us! The people’s resources have been wasted by Ralph Gonsalves and his team! The locating of the hospital in Red Zone testifies. The brother Renwick Rose ought to be one of the strong voices today, chiding the present administrators for the obvious mismanagement of the people’s business. Did he not promise in 2001, that he and the ODD were determined to defend the interest of the “PEOPLE” to the fullest extent? He needs to counter the impression that he had played a significant role in the traitorous crippling of the St. Vincent Banana Growers Association the largest farmers’ organization in the land, the resulting economic “ashfall” of which, is still stifling us today. LeRoy Providence
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 11.
Business
ECGC commits $1Million to recovery in SVG
EAST CARIBBEAN GROUP OF COMPANIES (ECGC), St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ biggest exporter, has pledged EC$1Million to assist with the volcano relief effort across the nation. In collaboration with its shareholder Maple Leaf in Canada, and some of its customers and suppliers, ECGC will provide support to its home market, which is currently grappling with the uncertainty of continued volcanic eruptions while thousands of Vincentians remain displaced from their homes in the red zone, in the north. ECGC, the premier producer of flour, rice, animal feeds and beverages in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, has committed to provide ongoing assistance to recovery processes across the country over the next two and a half years. Immediate relief will go toward supplies for displaced families and feed distribution for farm animals in the agricultural sector. In the medium term, the company will support farmers by ensuring affordable costs for animal feed while maintaining relief to displaced families.
J Robert Cato – C.E.O, ECGC, (right) pumps elbow with Caromo Browne, a farmer from the Leeward side of the island, during a discussion about ECGC’s Relief Programme. (Photo Credit: ECGC) Long-term relief support will run into 2023 with the establishment of a sustained school feeding program along with increased support for farmers and other businesses affected by the disaster. Chief Executive Officer of ECGC, J. Robert Cato said, “We are going to do everything possible to assist our country with the long-term rebuilding effort. Our pledge to this country is Excellence Through Teamwork, and we are committed to the recovery process. The
farming community and many businesses and families we supply have been badly affected and over the next two years we will continue to give support.” He further stressed that “the Board of Directors, Management and staff of the East Caribbean Group of Companies stand in solidarity with the Government and people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, as we face this challenging time together.” (Source: ECGC)
Republic Bank Brings Relief to SVG
Below: Gregory Bardouille, Country Manager SVG (centre) presenting to NEMO.
AS AN INDIGENOUS CARIBBEAN financial institution who cares about our people, Republic Bank took a collective approach from the get-go to respond to the needs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. Within a matter of days after the first eruption of April 9, 20-foot container of drinking water arrived in St. Vincent, thanks to the steadfastness of the bank’s Country Manager in St. Kitts and Nevis — Mrs. Pamela Herbert Daniel who worked closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to make it happen. It did not stop there. The bank’s Trinidad team was right behind with another shipment, this time a 40 ft container with a wider range of relief and essential supplies to include more water, water tanks, can foods, toiletries, bedding, personal care and more. St. Lucia, Republic Bank’s headquarters for the Eastern Caribbean, also mobilized to ensure that the staff members and their families were taken care of during these trying period.
It was an all-hands-on deck approach whereby all of Republic Bank subsidiaries in the region immediately set up relief accounts and encouraged persons to donate via branch notices, social media, and digital channels. In addition, team Republic worked closely with the Government of St. Vincent to facilitate an E-Commerce website: www.helpstvincent.com.
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12. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Tribute
TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND AND MAS COLLEAGUE SCULLY.. Bklyn in 1972, first VINCI to bring a mas band on the parkway,... Skully joined me for Labour Day 1974. He even lived at my home on Van Buren St, Bklyn., where we limed 2 sisters one, Delores, whom he married. They have a son Christopher. That year, he designed the costumes for our production KABUKI.. We formed an organization CARIBBEAN FESTIVE ASSOCIATES; I was the band leader. Our QUEEN - METAMORPHOSIS - won Queen of the Bands.. The masquerader wasn’t even West Indian but she moved the costume incredibly well. METAMORPHOSIS was a butterfly coming out of a caterpillar 15 feet tall, 15 feet wide and about 12 feet long. We shook up the Labour Day Carnival establishment and dazzled them. Our MAS connection lasted till 1976 when the carnival thing got too big for us. On another journey Scully’s mother migrated to England in 1958 and he was never able to see her again. He Lennox Scully Hunte pictured here in April 2017 addressing a grew up with his aunt and forum for mas makers in SVG. cousins (Ken and Betty). He Writer’s Note: This is not an Eastman made the sheet steel eventually connected with his sister in England sometime in attempt at a BIO; it’s a crowns for my 1959 band PERSONAL recollection of our ‘Vikings and their Mythology’. the 80s. She was born there. In the early 80s he attended association since 1957. the illustrious Cooper Union Impacting SVG and NY College for the Advancement of TWENTY-SOMETHING YEARS AGO, I did a tribute to ROY (The My illustrious MAS comrade Science and Art, but was forced to move to North Carolina Dragon) RALPH, an icon in VINCI Lennox (Scully) Hunte (aka before he was able to graduate. mas making, and here I go again Pastor Michael NichollsAt the end of the 80s, after a for Lennox (Scully) Hunte, both of Seventh Day Adventist pastor) painful divorce when things them protégés of mine getting passed away on Tues. 13th weren’t going too well with him their first taste of MAS in my April, 2021. mas camp in FRENCHES. He battled a great battle and in Bklyn, he moved back to SVG and after a short while Scully’s introduction to mas a long fight after his massive was my mas camp (Frenches) stroke early January 2020 that literally found himself, and knew what he wanted to do and his mother DORIS left him in a virtual coma for and what he wanted to become. HUNTE (as we knew her) was 15 months... He immersed himself in his one of TWO seamstresses who We (SVG) have lost another religion and went to the sewed for my band in 1958 giant in the ART WORLD (not (Tribute to Ramsee 2nd). Scully just MAS making), and like so Seventh-Day Adventist (S.D.A.) would have been 12 then and I many, He was NOT recognized Caribbean Union College (S.D.A. seminary), Trinidad, for am 4 years older. (I’m Jan during his lifetime for his 4 years, and became a 1st and he is Jan 5th, both massive artistic and cultural PASTOR in the that Church. Capricorn hence the symbiotic contributions. On his graduation he was friendship). They lived SCULLY honed his mas posted to Barbados by the opposite me in Frenches…. skills with Winston (Sammo) S.D.A. There he ministered for Must mention his partner Samuel and by 1966 both he about 12 years. Around that EDISON SHEGGY JOHN also. and the DRAGON busted out time he remarried and had 3 Big up. on their own. I think his band Roy came via Mr Eastman, a SHENSI won band of the year children with his new wife. Reconnecting with his master metal worker with that year. He followed with culture whom he was an apprentice several more wins ‘til 1974. While in New York on and was his adopted son. Mr I started VINCI MAS in holiday in 1995, we again
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 13.
Tribute
Lennox Scully Hunte accepted an award for as part of a National Heroes Day activity hosted by Chef/Proprietor Wran Gould.
Lennox Scully Hunte took an individual interest in everything he designed and/or built.
‘Kabuki’ was Scully’s first full mas band design for Labour Day, USA. subject because I am an agnostic), CULTURAL HERITAGE. I think I put him at ease when I explained that “You don’t have to surrender that gave him a connection in your cultural heritage to be Trinidad while going through religious.” seminary. He never abandoned his This Labour Day was the CULTURE. He dabbled in first to be televised in New costume design, painting and York so we saw everything on in MAS up to the end. the tiny TV in the hospital… His design won King of the our MAS band coming down Bands in Vinci Mas 2015, and the parkway and right behind as recent as Vinci Mas 2019, my steelband -DESPERS his work copped the Queen of USA…. Over the years, we had great the Bands title. Both costumes were made by another great intellectual conversations OXLEY (Giddy) LOCKHART.) about ART, MUSIC, ETHNIC IDENTITY, MAS, RELIGION Among the greats of this (we even argued on that
A more formal Lennox Scully Hunte befitting of his pastoral responsibilities. reconnected helping out in Wesley Millington’s mas camp. Ming Rogers, Scully and I worked on the King of the Band, and that Friday I went into SLOAN KETTERING MEMORIAL HOSPITAL for cancer surgery. (A radical prostatectomy, saved my life). On Monday (Labour Day) in the middle of the carnival, Scully turned up at the hospital in Manhattan to visit. There he met my uncle Osmond from Trinidad, and they struck up a friendship
world Scully was not just a MAS designer and CARNIVAL MAKER or a PREACHER, but a craft maker and abstract painter of high caliber. Had he lived in Europe 100 years ago, he would have been hailed as one of the masters. If Picasso is hailed as great then so is Scully. My friend JIM LOCKHART sent me a photo of a giant mural in a 3 part collage he liked and bought from Scully about 50 years ago. That is a masterpiece by any standards. It’s hanging in JIM’s living room in Florida. (See photo
The mural – a one-of-a-kind piece - by the Artist Lennox Hunte. supplied) By the way, the apple does not fall too far from the tree. His son CHRISTOPHER (Oakland California) is a graphic artist and runs an online magazine UMBER, for which SCULLY designed the LOGO. Scully also had a short musical career on guitar.
Failing to recognize greatness One gets the impression the Vincentians who get recognized by our POLITICAL, CULTURAL and SOCIAL institutions, including the Ministry of CULTURE, must have Doctor or
Lennox Hunte (right) always had time for those to whom he felt close, e.g. (L-R): Sam De Bique, Paddy Corea and Vin De Bique.
A glimpse of Scully’s first full mas band production, Shensi, in SVG, 1966.
His last winning design for carnival in SVG – the 2019 Queen of the bands.
Lawyer as titles or be of a certain class or clique in the social order. Is it possible also that our people suffer from GENERATIONAL AMNESIA… one generation not knowing what the previous generations achieved? IGNORENCE IS NO EXCUSE!! Here is a man who
contributed more than most to the enrichment, enhancement, uplifting, and advancement of VINCI cultural heritage on many platforms and different genres, and never a mention by the powers that be in recognizing him. They wait until we are dead to voice empty, meaningless epithets. That’s unacceptable to me ..KEEP IT! I could name quite a few who have been ignored over the last 75 years. Both in Barbados and Trinidad his work has been recognized but in SVG??? We, as a tiny insignificant nation are CULTURALLY POORER for this....A people who don’t know their HISTORY is an empty people. In the DRAGON and SCULLY’S league there are no others....What a LEGACY they leave. We and the entire VINCI ART and MAS world will miss you my friend. We mourn your passing and it’s our nation’s loss. I have the last recording of SCULLYS voice hailing me on January 2nd 2020 to wish me happy birthday and happy New Year and God bless....R.I.E.P, my friend. E.J. Paddy Corea.
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14. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Commentary
Our response
There was also an apt reminder that, over the years, the CWSA has demonstrated a growing level of system AS I WRITE TO SHARE A FEW resilience when faced with THOUGHTS on the on-going annual adversities: from recovery, permit me to express profound gratitude on behalf of regular landslides and mudflows in its rivers and the CWSA team to those navigating the drought of members of the public who found the time to recognize and 2010, to the floods and system devastation in 2011 and 2013, appreciate the efforts of the to the historic drought of 2020 CWSA employees in restoring the county’s water supply, in the and now the explosive volcanic eruptions; each time, a proud, aftermath of the volcanic motivated and committed eruptions. This especially staff, brought the system and includes the kind words service back in more than expressed by a writer in your reasonable time. last week’s edition. The writer also recognized Your contributor presented the need for this staff to be tacit recognition of the reality kept motivated in the face of that, while the industry’s sometimes unfair criticism water utility worker in many aimed at them, even while countries is expected to they are actively engaged in perform duties under steady restoring the service to the conditions, because of our very quarters from which this topography, green system ire is emanating. design and exposure to climate Thankfully, the CWSA is change related disasters, the not all defense and recovery CWSA worker’s remit goes far and for the other eleven beyond routine operations and months of each year, it discharges its obligations in maintenance into consistent relative obscurity, while its fire-fighting and disaster engineers and planners utilize recovery. by GARTH SAUNDERS, CEO of CWSA
data captured by its competent and trained technicians of its new water resource and GIS departments in building its system resilience. This reality is seen in the current simultaneous implementation of no fewer than three developmental projects at Francois, Mt. Wynne and Kelburney, all aimed at reducing any water deficits occasioned by the many drought and climate related natural events. Of course, CWSA is not the only responder deserving of recognition and praise. There are many who in spite of adversity and personal loss, continue to provide much needed support to NEMO and indeed the CWSA in the recovery process. This also includes local, regional and international contributors who have extended and pledged vital support. We must also recognize the role of the expert volcanologists and their application of science and technology in providing the necessary forewarning to our
Garth Saunders, CEO of CWSA Government and also in regularly communicating vital information. Of equal importance is the recognition of the essential role of the media, supported by the VINLEC and the telecommunications companies in enabling consistent communications so vital for timely decision-making and the efficient responses of the main actors. Finally, let us be fair and appreciate that NEMO is no FEMA of the USA, nor is it supported by an Army Corps or even a local Defense Force endowed with engineering, management and logistics professionals. NEMO is in fact an embryonic organization depending largely on borrowed skills and the volunteerism of many patriotic individuals, government employees and service organizations. NEMO also finds itself functioning within a developing structure and framework in a county with scarce resources, beset with chronic, costly climate related events and continuing increasing demands.
Surely, the time will come for every responder and stakeholder to analyze and evaluate its preparedness and response to this disaster, all in acknowledgement of the fact that in planning and preparation, every crack and crevice will not be covered; now is however not that time. There is still much need for continuing vigilance, love, unity and hard work, recognizing that this “recovery” phase is still enveloped in uncertainty, and will be further complicated by an imminent active hurricane season.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 15.
Relief
“Church of Jesus Christ” lends helping hand LATTER-DAY CHARITIES, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has donated to several organizations in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines in response to the La Soufrière volcanic eruption. In addition, the church meetinghouse in
Kingstown has been designated a shelter and 46 evacuees from the red zone, including members, are safely residing at the building. Members worked tirelessly to buy and package 200 food hampers which were handed over to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). Some of the food hampers that were provided as part of a wider expression of assistance by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bahamas/Jamaica brings relief to SVG
These packages included crackers, cocoa, pasta, spaghetti, milk, sausage, canned beef, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, paper towel, cooking oil, peas, rice, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, peanut butter, and toiletries. NEMO also received 450 cases of water. Additionally, 1000 hygiene kits and personal care items have been purchased by the church and prepared by both Rotary Club members and church members in Grenada. A
monetary donation was made to the Salvation Army to distribute food and water to the communities. Two containers with tents, blankets, flashlights, towels, water, rice, and other food supplies arrived last week from Puerto Rico, and these supplies will be distributed among members of the church and other refugees. Ten wheelchairs and three nebulizers are also part of the donations of the church. Moreover, members
volunteered to install more portable toilets and showers for the people in the shelter. A series of age-appropriate activities and programmes for children, youth and adults have been implemented. Though families are unable to attend their local church services, online devotionals are being held each night to provide emotional and spiritual support for the residents of the shelter. (Source: Church of Jesus Christ)
BVI reciprocate in time of SVG need
RELIEF ITEMS, the result of a coordinated effort to mobilise support for volcano-ravaged St. Vincent and the Grenadines by a number of civic organisations in the British Virgin Islands, arrived here on Tuesday 27th IN A SHOW of solidarity for St their vessel. Minister Caesar said we April. Vincent and the Grenadines, the are one region, one people. He The combined effort involved the Governments of Jamaica and the extended gratitude to the Government Lions Club of Tortola on Tortola, the Bahamas joined forces to bring relief and People of Jamaica for their hard Valley Sound Lions Club on Virgin supplies to St. Vincent and the work and assistance. Gorda, the BVI Rotary Family, BVI A section of the items from the BVI. Grenadines. The Commanding Officer of the Red Cross, the St. Vincent and the (Photo Credit: API SVG) The Bahamian vessel HMBS HMBS Lawrence Major, Omarv Grenadines Association (SVG Sergeant Sean McCall noted the Lawrence Major, a Bahamian Defence Saunders, said it was a pleasure and Association), the Department of parties involved in putting together Force vessel, arrived here on Tuesday privilege to assist in any way they can Disaster Management (DDM), the the donation describing it as “all 27th April with relief supplies from in the recovery efforts. Adventist Development and Relief coming together to lend a helping Jamaica. “After Hurricane Dorian we were Agency (ADRA), Tree of Hands the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. assisted by our Caribbean brothers so BVI Police Force and the Government hand.” He also acknowledged the solidarity Saboto Caesar; Minister of Tourism we know what it is to require help and of the Virgin Islands. that “you showed to us back in 2017 and Area Representative for North to get help from our Caribbean Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto with Hurricanes Irma and Maria.” Leeward, Hon. Carlos James; and brothers,” the Lieutenant Commander Caesar was on hand to accept the Sergeant McCall alluded to another Honourary Consul of Jamaica to St. stated. donations and to welcome Sergeant Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Honourary Consul of Jamaica to St. Sean McCall, Public Relations Officer vessel en route to this country from the BVI, “to share the BVI love and Morine Williams were present to Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. of the Caribbean Federation of Police reach out a helping hand.” (Source: welcome the contingent and accept the Morine Williams promised that this “is Welfare Associations. API SVG) various donations. the first of other donations to come.” Minister Caesar Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Items donated included portable extended thanks to the Caesar thanked the Government and toilets, cots, blankets, food items, Government and People People of the Bahamas for the use of water, veterinary supplies, and of the BVI for their love children’s activity “sent to us in our time of books, among others. great need.” (Source: API SVG) He recalled his visit to the BVI in the aftermath J2 RETAIL MANAGEMENT INC., Canada-based, has made a significant donation of 28000 items of of Hurricanes Irma and Some of the items (see Maria, noting that it was clothing to help the people of St Vincent and the portable toilets to the Grenadines, after the island was devastated by a “really good to see the right) that arrived from series of volcanic eruptions. return of solidarity. Jamaica via a “The economy of Saint Vincent and the Public Relations Grenadines has already been devastated by Bahamian vessel, to Officer of the Caribbean COVID-19 and now the effects of these eruptions,” aid in the relief of Federation of Police said Brian LeSaux, Vice President J2 Retail displaced persons. Welfare Associations Management Inc. (Photo Credit: API SVG) He added, “After learning of the devastation to this beautiful island, my business partner Jodie Wolfe and I felt compelled to act. We feel very sad that this is happening and we feel for the children who had to leave the comfort of their homes. We PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS (PWC) in the captive insurance company hope that this donation will help to lend some Caribbean and the PwC Charitable Foundation for the comfort to the people of St Vincent and the have collectively donated $100,000 to disaster relief PricewaterhouseCoopers Grenadines especially the children.” and recovery efforts in St. Vincent and the network of firms. “We are so grateful for the generosity of J2 Grenadines, following the eruption of the La The funds are being Retail Management Inc. for this donation to the Soufrière volcano there. donated to local and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” said PwC firms operating in the Caribbean international organisations Fitzgerald Huggins, SVG Consul General to contributed a total of $60,000. The funds were including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Canada. raised by the partners and staff of PwC firms in The Management Agency. “The donation of 28000 items of clothing for Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Frazer Lindsay, CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers children and adults valued at Canadian $1.5M is Islands, East Caribbean (Barbados and St. Lucia), Caribbean Region Ltd., said: “We stand in solidarity quite overwhelming. I can assure you that these Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. with the people of St. Vincent and everyone affected items will reach the persons who were displaced In addition, The PwC Charitable Foundation by La Soufriere’s eruption. As we have done in the and they will be gracious recipients,” Huggins approved a grant of $30,000 to the St. Vincent and past with natural disasters in our region, our people said. the Grenadines Red Cross, through the American have rallied quickly to demonstrate our support for The items donated includes clothing for children Red Cross. And a donation of $10,000 was made by those most in need and we thank them for their and adults, toys and learning aids for children. L&F Indemnity Limited (L&F), the Bermuda-based tremendous efforts.” (Source: PwC Caribbean)
Canadian firm donates clothing
PwC donates $100,000 to SVG relief
16. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 17.
Diaspora
SVG Relief Committee USA, Inc. volunteers, L-R: Terrance Edwards, Verna Arthur (chairperson), Annette Stowe, Ancilla Friday, Elitha John, Viona Homer and Julie Williams. Sandra Williams is in foreground.
Vincies in US remain ‘resolute’ in relief efforts Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT The Brooklyn, New York-based SVG Relief Committee, USA., Inc. says Vincentian nationals in the United States remain “resolute” in their efforts to provide much-needed relief aid to their volcanoravaged homeland. Verna Arthur, chairperson of the Committee, told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that her compatriots are leaving no stones unturned in assisting in the relief efforts. “Another container was packed in preparation for shipment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said the Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown native. “That continued enthusiasm and team spirit to help our brothers and sisters in SVG during these trying times, is resolute,” she added, stating that “there are enough items at Friends of Crown Heights (Educational Center in Brooklyn) to pack another container. “However, we are crossing our fingers and toes on receiving the military plane,” continued Arthur, alluding to a recent request by New York Democratic Congressional Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Gregory Meeks to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to secure aircraft to airlift disaster relief supplies procured from private citizens from New York City (NYC) to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In addition to the standard shipping arrangements by sea, Vaughan Toney, the Vincentian-born president and chief executive officer of the Friends of Crown Heights Education Center, and a member of the SVG Relief Committee, USA, Inc. told a recent handing-over ceremony, of a container of relief supplies by New York City Mayor Bill de SVG Relief Committee, USA. Inc. volunteers unload relief supplies at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.
Blasio, that the Committee was “making every effort to secure a military transport aircraft to expedite the delivery of these supplies to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” New York City Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo — who represents the 35th Council District, which includes the communities of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and parts of Crown Heights and BedfordStuyvesant in Brooklyn — also disclosed, at the same ceremony, that she and the City Council were working with Congresswoman Clarke, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, and Jeffries “to get (military) transport to get supplies there (to St. Vincent and the Grenadines).” Arthur said, if the military aircraft does not materialize, “we will revert to option B (the container).” “Nevertheless, items are still being collected in preparation of the next move,” Arthur said. “We are now focusing on items which will help facilitate the clean-up effort, e.g. power wash, scrubbing brooms, shovels, etc. “(And) the monetary drive is still on-going, and I urge persons to give generously in this regard,” continued Arthur, disclosing that the Committee received a US$10,000.00 cheque to aid in the relief efforts, from Pastor Louis Straker, Jr., son of former St. Vincent and a US$1,000.00 cheque from Jermaine Cameron, the Jamaicanborn principal of the Eagle Academy in Staten Island.
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18. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
The child is not mine but… Dear George, Dear Bad timing,
MY HUSBAND claims he just found out he has a 6-year-old child and wants that child to live with us. George, we have been married for 3 years and have no children. We have been trying. His explanation was that a woman he messed around with brought the child to him saying she (the woman) was critically ill and wanted her child to be with his father. He said she never told him about her pregnancy because she was still hurt and wanted nothing to do with him. My husband said he will carry out a DNA test. George, I believe my husband knew of this child and deliberately kept it from me, fearing I would break up with him. Why can’t he have the child’s grandparents or other relatives of the child’s mother take care of him? My position is we have our own life to live and I never signed up to take care of another woman’s child.
A very important thing to keep in mind is that both you and your husband have got a past, and it is very possible that you can be reminded of it when least expected. Accepting to marry your husband means you accepted him as is - with baggage and positives. It is possible that his story checks out and he was just as surprised as you were when told the news of his child. You do not want to force him to choose between you and his child. It is better to support his decision to be there for his child. Now is not the time to oppose his decision. Maybe this child is the answer to your prayers for a child. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to show your worth as a wife and mother. It would be useful for you to get some counselling re-parenting.
Bad timing
George
Man, woman…. still cheating Dear George, I HAVE been seeing this girl on the side for as long as I have been married.
The problem is she has just started working at my husband’s work place, and I am worried she would tell my husband about my
Do the right thing Dear George, MY UNCLE is begging me to lend him a large sum of money to aid in a major medical procedure. I refused and my wife thinks I am wicked and heartless. She says this, even though she knows that this very uncle refused to lend me money when I was at university, on the grounds that my father, his brother, was never kind to him. Now that he has run into hard times he wants my help, but I know he does not have the capacity to repay me. Yes, I can afford to lend him the money, but he is not getting one dime out of me. I just do not know how to get my wife to understand my position.
Hard to forget Dear Hard to forget, Your uncle, in times past, could have been classified as mean-spirited. This is no reason for you to carry on such a legacy. It seems you have passed through the worse and have made something of yourself. Do not poison yourself with hatred and being unforgiving. Be the bigger man; take the higher road and do the right thing. Do not cause your wife to change her opinion of the man she fell in love with and married. Be kind to your uncle. In the end it could do more good that you imagine.
George
involvement with her. My husband hasn’t a clue I’m into women. I love my husband and cannot afford to lose him. My question to you George: Is it considered cheating if I go with a woman instead of a man? I think there is a difference.
Married and adventurous Dear Married and Adventurous, Involvement with this female or any other is cheating!! Any stepping out of the marriage/ relationship to be with another, male or female, is a betrayal of your husband’s trust and will eventually cause an erosion of the foundation of your marriage. You need to make up your mind i.e. whom you want to be with and whether you want to remain married. You cannot have it both ways. If you loved your husband like you said, then you will have no problem forsaking all others and giving him your undivided love and attention.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Don’t waste this exciting day by sitting at home. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don’t let your partner get you going. You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars. Your ability to be a self starter will help get things done and motivate others. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will not be able to trust someone you work with. You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. If you’re willing to cut loose you will find yourself in the midst of an exciting encounter. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don’t hesitate to take short trips. Be careful what you say. Be careful disclosing information. Family talks may get a little combative. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. You may have a problem dealing with elders. Your interest in religion and philosophy may lead you to specific destinations. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try to bend to their wishes if you want to avoid conflict. Travel, although enticing, will cost more than you expect. Business trips might prove unproductive.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Enjoy taking courses or lecturing others. You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing. You have to know what your boss wants if you expect to do your job correctly. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. You are best to deal with those outside your family. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Problems on the home front might be a little disconcerting. Go after your goals. Situations in your personal life are moving a little fast lately. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Compromise will be necessary. You’re best to channel your energy into work. Your communication skills may win you points. Don’t overspend on children or on large purchases. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Secret affairs may be brought out in the open. You’ll need to exercise control. Renovations to your domestic scene will pay high rewards. Do something constructive outside.
ACROSS 1. Moved gracefully 5. Restless desire 9. Tube lid 12. Snug harbor 13. No more than 14. Combat flyer 15. Mouth-related 16. Worshiped one 17. Devilish kid 18. Lease party 20. Airport sights 22. Positive vote 23. Football surface 24. Droopy-eared hounds 28. Norwegian city 32. Rhyming boxer 33. Tennis score 36. Feel sick 37. Buffalo group 39. Plaited, as pigtails 41. As well as 44. Jacket sleeve 45. Previous 48. Securing devices 52. Victorious exclamation 53. Skating area 55. Ultimate aim 56. _ de Janeiro 57. Medallion meat 58. Jazz icon Fitzgerald 59. New walker 60. Razor feature 61. Ooze (out) DOWN 1. Edinburgh native 2. Folk learning 3. Russian czar 4. Postpones 5. Copy
6. Actor Knight 7. Farm yields 8. Telephone greeting 9. He slew Abel 10. Peak 11. Revs (up) 19. Must get 21. Tumult 24. Dismissive cry 25. Pub beverage 26. Polite address 27. Hero sandwich 29. Experiencing woe 30. Recline 31. Aged 34. Wood-burning sound 35. James – Jones 38. Beaver-built
work 40. Pictures 42. Courage 43. Used a towel 45. Military installation 46. West Virginia
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 19.
neighbor 47. Shrub anchor 49. Lawn burrower 50. Ashen 51. Smack 54. Scold unceasingly
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20. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
VPL 3.0 set to bowl off Romel Currency, President of St Vincent Cricket Association, is looking forward to overseeing his first VPL.
THE THIRD EDITION of the Vincy Premier League T20 (VPL T20 3.0) is set to be officially launched on May 10 at the Arnos vale Sporting Complex, and newly installed President of the St Vincent and the
Grenadines Cricket Association, Romel Currency, is determined to make it another success. Currency, overseeing his first major event as President, described the VPL T10 3.0 as an event
that is to be embraced, given its local, regional and international impact. “The VPL, since its inception in May of 2020, has really grown on us as a people and has also created a lot of interest. We are very grateful for the stakeholders who saw it fit to give of their time and resources to ensure the VPL is a continued success,” Currency said recently. The President acknowledged that the VPL comes at a time when the country is battling COVID-19 and the aftermath of the recent explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, and admitted to how difficult it has been with people displaced, including cricketers. He, however, was
optimistic, saying, “I am proud to say that we are a strong and deliberate set of people and we are determined to move forward.” He urged all managers, coaches as well as players to give of their best, advancing the view that “this tournament represent a lot to us… we can bring a sense of normalcy in these trying times.” The Presidents expressed special recognition of “the title sponsor- Dream Eleven in India, our broadcast partner- ITFX, the Government and the member of the present SVGCA executive, for making another edition of the VPL possible. Meanwhile VPL Tournament Director-
Dr. Kishore Shallow said the draft (of players) is a clear indication the VPL 3.0 is going to be a reality. While noting the circumstances thrown up by COVID-19 and the eruption of La Soufrière, Dr. Shallow expressed the view that, “….this will be an opportune time to have the VPL 3.0 tournament so that we can bring some light, joy and some positivity to St Vincent and the Grenadines, the wider Caribbean and the world. We are hoping it will be one of the achievements that we are going to have at the end of the tournament.” Shallow disclosed that the plan is to “provide enough footage of the current situation,” and
Dr. Kishore Shallow, Tournament Director, considers VPL 3.0 as an opportunity to showcase our resilience. alluded to VPL 3.0 as an opportunity to be used “to show our resilience.” Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN
Warrican confident about Hikers’ repeat off later this month at the Arnos Vale Playing Field and La Soufrière Hikers return as one of the six franchise, the others being: Salt Pond Breakers, Botanical Garden Rangers, Dark View Explorers, Fort Charlotte Strikers, and Grenadines Divers. Despite losing “a few good players” in the draft, Warrican is not Irvin Warrican, Head Coach of perturbed; he feels that the La Soufriere Hikers. replacement players will do the job for the team. IRVIN WARRICAN, Head On that score the Head Coach of the La Soufrière Coach said, “One of the good Hikers, is confident his team things about our team despite can retain the championship losing some good players, we title of the Vincy Premier were lucky to pick up some League (VPL). good players but importantly, VPL T20 3.0 is set to bowl
La Soufriere Hikers - defending champs of the VPL. we have the nucleus of our team in Captain Desron Maloney, Othneil Lewis, Salvan Brown and Dillon Douglas who were retained.” The team is currently into vigorous preparation and Warrican recognizes this as being of utmost importance since, as he said, “Hikers, as you know, is the defending champion, and no doubt the other teams will be looking to
dethrone us.” Beyond that, Warrican recognizes that in order to retain the championship title, his team “will have to play hard as the other teams also have very good players,” and admits, “We would like to win the tournament again but it won’t be easy. I know this competition will be a competitive one as all the teams are well balanced.”
And it will be an approach of winning “game by game,” Warrican said, given the unpredictable nature (i.e. shortness) of the format which places each team “on an even setting…. So it’s a thin line between winning and losing.” Salt Pond Breakers, led by Sunil Ambris, won the inaugural edition (209) of the VPL T20.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 21.
Sports
Vincy Heat training squad expanded
Dwaine Sandy, considered to be one of this country’s leading goal-keeper, was omitted from the training squad.
THE NUMBER of invitees to the training squad of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football Team- Vincy Heat, has been increased to forty-one (41) players. When the squad was selected in February for preparation for the two matches in Curacao, twenty-eight players were called up by Head Coach- Kendale Mercury. The new list, released by the Secretariat of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) last Tuesday, despite it increase, does not include this country’s number one goal keeperDwaine Sandy; neither for seasoned strikerAzhino Solomon and Nigel Charles, who debuted versus Curacao in March. Notable inclusions though are four members of Hope InternationalBrad Richards, Tevin Thompson, Nazir Mc
Burnette and Valdo Anderson. Many persons who follow the sport had found it amiss that no player of the Hope International, the reigning SVGFF National Premier Division Champions, could find his way into the training squad last February. Also returning to the training squad are the BESCO- Pastures trio of Dorren Hamlet, Gidson Francis and Reginald Richardson. Places have also been found for Trivis Fraser and first timers Kennijah Joseph, both of Layou FC, and for another firsttimer Tre Crosby, who resides in Canada. Also added to the squad from overseas are: Joel Quashie of Iowa Western College, USA; Jarrel Mc MasterRanger College, Texas, USA: Malcolm Stewart of TC Sports Club, Maldives; Nical Stephens
- Caledonia in Trinidad and Tobago and Tristan Marshall, who plays in Canada. Retaining their places from those based overseas are Akeem Williams (Grenades, Antigua and Barbuda), Cornelius Stewart (Maziya, Maldives), Chevron Mc Clean (Billercaw Town, England); Diel Spring (Walsa, Poland), Kyle Edwards (Rio Grande Valley, USA) and Oalex Anders (Richmond Kickers, USA). Among the locally based players named are Erel Hector (Avenues United), Camal Bess, Josh Stowe, Joeval Morgan, Mark Browne, Marlon Simmons (Bequia United), Jahva Audain (BESCO- Pastures), Terrason Joseph, Zidane Sam (Je Belle), Oryan Velox (Layou); Jadiel Chance, Khalique Bowens, Kurtlon Williams (North Leeward
Hope IntÊl confirmed for revamped FCCCC ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ National Premier Division champions- Hope International FC, has confirmed its participation in a revamped FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championships (FCCCC), set for the Dominican Republic, from 15th to 25th May. Uncertainty loomed large as it related to Hope International’s participation in any regional competition, following the explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano on 9th April, and the subsequent national displacement. However, Hope International has decided to be part of the new format, which CONCACAF announced last month. The FCCCC replaces the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield, which was first postponed then later scrapped entirely because of an outbreak of
Predators), Jamal Yorke (Sion Hill) and Garwin Davis, Jahvin Sutherland, Kishawn Johnny, Kizani Haynes, Renson Sayers, Ted Roberts Jr. (System 3). St Vincent and the Grenadines is preparing for their next engagement in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers when they are set to meet Guatemala in Guatemala on 4th June,
and more than likely play their home match versus Cuba on 8th June, also in Guatemala. When St Vincent and the Grenadines played their first two matches in Curacao in March, they lost to the host 5-0, but rebounded to beat the British Virgin Islands, 30. The locally based players resumed training in full last Monday.
Kevin Richardson (standing) - Head of Goalkeeping Department - led the Workshop Session on the Goalkeeping Programme.
SVGFF Tech. Department on Retreat Hope International players in training last Tuesday at the Sion Hill Playing Field. coronavirus cases in Curacao, where the Caribbean Club Shield was slated for from April 23 to May 02. In reformatting the Championships, organisers included clubs from the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which have semiprofessional Football Leagues. Hope International has been placed in Group D, along with Cavaly AS of Haiti, RKSV Scherpenheuvel of Curacao and Olympique de Cayenne of French
Guiana. Group A includes O&M FC of the Dominican Republic, Flames United FC (St Maarten), Inter Moengo Tapoe (Suriname) and Metropolitan (Puerto Rico). Making up Group C are Delfines del Este (Dominican Republic), SV Racing (Aruba) Platinum (St Lucia) and SV Real Rincon (Bonaire). And, Group C is composed of Don Bosco (Haiti), AS Samaritaine (Martinique), AS Gosier
(Guadeloupe) and South East FC(Dominica). The Round Robin stage takes place 15th to 20th May, with the winners of the group advancing to the semifinals. The semi-finals are carded for 23rd May and the grand finale, 25th May. The winner of the FCCCC will qualify for the 2022 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, while the second, third and fourth places will head to the 2021 Scotiabank CONCACAF League.
FOLLOWING on a series of ‘Technical Workshops’ with head coaches and technical directors of affiliate clubs, the SVG Football Federation’s Technical Department went into retreat, May 01 and 02, as another step towards the production of a Technical Manual and Policies Document. Presentations were made as follows: The SVGFF Strategic Plan by General Secretary Devron E Poyer; Elite Set-Up by Technical Director Keith Ollivierre; Female Programme by Female Development Officer Tonicsia Baptiste; Goalkeeping Programme by Head of Goalkeeping Department Kevin Richardson; Senior Team SetUp and Selection Criteria by Head Coach Kendale Mercury; and Players Agreement and Review and Implementation by Next Play Coordinator Theon Gordon. President Carl Dickson delivered opening remarks at the Retreat. Technical Manual and Policies Document, when complete, will be shared with all stakeholders. (Source: SVGFF)
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22. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Diamond Track to bring benefits ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES now has a Certified Level 2 athletics track – The Diamond Track and Field Facility. And the Facility, according to its
overseer Dyke Cato, is poised to bring “great benefit to the nation in the future.” St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the latest Caribbean country to boast a Certified Level Two track and field facility. Cato explained, “In Dyke Cato, Overseer of the Diamond Track and Field Facility, points to the Track at Diamond as being of Olympic Standard.
terms of certification, the track has been certified Level 2 by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. This means the only events the Track cannot accommodate are the Olympics and World Championships.” He continued: “One of the things I want persons to know is that the surface of the track is of Olympic standard, but you don’t determine a Level One track from the surface; there are a number of things that have to be in place before a facility can be certified a Level One track.” Some of the other top considerations Cato said, included: a 400 metres warm-up track; adequate hotel capacity and service; a reliable transportation system; and a good and working health systems. Interestingly, no Caribbean nation can boast of having a Certified Level One Track and Field facility. All in all though, Cato is optimistic
about the potential of the Diamond Facility. He is especially looking forward to the availability of hotel stock that will offer easy access to the Diamond Facility, thereby decreasing significantly the cost of ground transportation. This could prove attractive to Colleges from outside the region, Cato posited. In addition, Cato pointed to the Facility hosting age group regional events. “One of the events we can now bid for is the age group championships. …. The good thing about the age championship it brings persons from around the world and these persons come with their parents as a form of supervision and support, so it’s about sports tourism as well,” Cato said with a smile. I.B.A.ALLEN
Bequia to host TT Tournament THE TOP MALE AND FEMALE table tennis players in Bequia will have the opportunity to face the best of their colleagues from mainland St. Vincent, when the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) stages the next in their series of
‘Table Tennis Stars Tournaments’, in Bequia. The Bequia round of the ‘Tournaments’ is set for May 8 and this follows the first in the series which was held on March 20th, 2021, at the West St. George Secondary School. The tournament will
Players in Bequia will be looking to make an impact in the Tournament.
include up to the top six male players, top two female players and players selected from the Rodney Caruth’s Academy in Bequia. Rodney Caruth, Head Coach of the Bequia Academy, acknowledged that the players on Bequia are starved of
opportunities to test their skill development against players of a higher standard. “This is a good opportunity for the young players in Bequia to get some experience playing with players of a much higher level than they are. I expect my players to do their best and at the end of the tournament, they walk away with experience, a little more knowledgeable of the game and to train harder to be as good or better for the next tournament,” Caruth said. Training on Bequia was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We can only train
about two or three days a week for now, 3 hours a session. We had stop training due to the COVID-19 pandemic and only started to train about 2 months ago,” Caruth explained. Players from Bequia who are expected to be on show at the May 8 ‘Tournament’ are: Kenjay Phillips, Lamont Gregg, Glenrick Hazell, Dericia Michael and Delicia Michael. According to the SVGTTA, the ‘Tournaments, as limited in participation as they are, are aimed at keeping the top players active during the COVID19 Pandemic, in the event that any of
Welcome betters Triple Jump Record again THE St Vincent and the Grenadines Female Triple Jump record has been broken once again. And, the person responsible for doing so is Mikeisha Welcome who, last Sunday, at the Desert Heat Classic in Arizona, leapt to 13.72m. This jump, in addition to earning her the gold medal, erased the 13.60m which she did at the John Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma, the previous Saturday. Before that, Welcome had registered 13.57m at
the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on 27th March, which was a new national mark then. Welcome is also the holder of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Indoor Triple Jump record, 13.40m, which she achieved at the Big 12 Conference Championships on 26th February, this year. Additionally, Welcome holds the National Under-20 Triple Jump, 13.15m, which she achieved in her debut representation for St Vincent and the
Grenadines in Costa Rica, at the XX Pan American Under-20 Championships in 2019, and for which she collected a bronze medal. Welcome is into her first year at the University of Oklahoma, where she is being coached by Rudy Sylvan. Mikeisha Welcome broke her own Triple Jump record in each of her last three outings.
Rodney Caruth, Table Tennis Coach on Bequia, welcomes the opportunity for some competition for his players. them are call upon to compete in regional or international Competitions. I.B.A.ALLEN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 23.
Classifieds
Local Rastafari welcome overseas support
Continued from Backpage. Jackson noted with obvious satisfaction what she described as the support and unity among Rastafari here. “We have been coordinating this effort through an umbrella organisation, basically spearheaded by the Nubian Flower Multi-Services, (but) also including the Nyabinghi House, Twelve Tribe, Ethiopian African Black International Congress, Ethiopian World Federation and Nyabinghi Warriors,” she said. Jackson said her group was thankful for all the help rendered thus far from St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, and anticipates more assistance should the displacement persist.
VERNICE HAMLETT
SAMUEL SHALLOW
Streams of Power Church Sion Hill Thursday, 29th April, 2021 Viewing: 9:30 a.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
Glen Christian Church Saturday, 1st May, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Golden Vale Cemetery
DALE HOOPER a.k.a. Mizzy Fellowship Baptist Church Ratho Mill Saturday, 1st May, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Golden Vale Cemetery
GEORGE ALEXANDER NERO Streams of Power Church Sans Souci Saturday, 1st May, 2021 Viewing: 10:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Sans Souci Cemetery
DINO ALANZO HAYNES
GEORGE EALYNE BENJAMIN
Church of God of Prophecy Shekinah Worship Centre Saturday, 24th April, 2021 Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
Miracle Tabernacle Church Carapan Saturday, 1st May, 2021 Viewing: 9:30 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: 6W -RVHSK¶V Cemetery, Stubbs
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LOCAL RASTAFARI WELCOME OVERSEAS SUPPORT RASTAFARI who have been displaced by the eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano and who are experiencing challenges related to their dietary practices, have received some ease in this regard. Last Friday, a quantity of food catering specially to their dietary needs, as well as other items, arrived from St. Lucia via the MV Ocean Queen, which docked at the Blue Lagoon port Ideisha Jackson, who spoke on behalf of the SVG Rastafari Volcanic Relief Effort, said that there has been an outpouring of support and unity among Rastafari during this time of need.
Local Rastafari display some of the items as they get them ready for transport.
under the watchful eye of SVG Coast Guard units. The donation came compliments the Rastafari United Front of St Lucia, who coordinated contributions from local (St. Lucian) business houses, as well from the Chronixx Foundation and sources in Canada. Items included in the shipment, among others, were: water, toiletries, clothing, shoes, female sanitary items, farming instruments, and dried products such as peas, beans, rice, oats, keenwah, and couscous. On hand to receive the items were members representing the various Rastafari organisations here, and members of the SVG Rastafari Volcanic Relief Effort. Ideisha Jackson, a member the Relief Effort, explained that the donation of the food items was in response to the fact that “…the shelters are not directly catering for the needs of the Rastafarian community. Most of them are strict vegetarians… . We don’t eat a lot of processed food and most of us do not eat white flour, white rice, so they have been having a lot of difficulty receiving their supplies and getting proper meals.” She noted that most Rastafari are meticulous and conscious about their diet. “They don’t eat from places where they know that chicken is cooked, so even if you want to prepare a meal, it will not be accepted, so we are just trying to fill that void,” Jackson explained further. She, however, was quick to point out that there were some exceptions among the shelters, and cited the one housed at the St Joseph Convent, Kingstown as being one of those. Jackson highlighted that as soon as the evacuation of persons from within direct hit of the volcano began, efforts were made to address the dietary concerns of the Rastas. “We go to the different shelters and private homes, where we have Rastafari brothers and sisters located, and we distribute packages for them… In some instances there are persons
Members of the Rastafari United Front of St Lucia with some of the supplies aboard the Ocean Queen, last Friday. who can prepare their own meal, so we just drop them the raw supplies and they prepare their meals and, in some instances, we have been delivering food to the shelters,” Jackson said. In addition, Jackson disclosed that the approach has been adjusted in some cases. In Barrouallie, for example, one-person cooks for all Rastafari who are housed in shelters in and round that community, she said. “We have another group of brothers in North Union, and we would have assisted them by buying a stove and pots and pans so that they can cook their own meals,” she disclosed. Jackson noted with obvious satisfaction what she described as the
support and unity among Rastafari here. “We have been coordinating this effort through an umbrella organisation, basically spearheaded by the Nubian Flower Multi-Services, (but) also including the Nyabinghi House, Twelve Tribe, Ethiopian African Black International Congress, Ethiopian World Federation and Nyabinghi Warriors,” she said. Jackson said her group was thankful for all the help rendered thus far from St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, and anticipates more assistance should the displacement persist. Continued on Page 23.
A WHALE OF A TIME THE BEQUIA whalers captured a whale on Monday 3rd May, 2012, the first for the year. By UN mandate St. Vincent and the Grenadines is allowed 2 whale a year but the Japanese could and do take hundreds out of the Pacific. Whaling was the mainstay of the GRENADINES long ago. There are those who have lost loved ones during whaling expeditions. One person speaks of having lost a great uncle (‘Uncle Sweetie’) who was a member of a crew of 5 who were
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never found. Pieces of their boat was reported found floating in the ocean. While there has been heightened attempts here in SVG to replace whale hunting with whale watching, there are those in Bequia, in particular, who remain tied to their tradition and seem bent on preserving it.
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