THE VINCENTIAN PDF-08-05-20

FRIDAY MAY

08, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.19

Magistrate’s hands tied Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

Award for Sir Freddy Page 12

EC$1.50

Bruce’s plans upstaged Page 13

Students thank SKN gov’t Page 17

Minibus Assoc. pleased Page24

BYREA MAN CLEARED OF MURDER CHARGE Shevonne Williams and Philbert Chambers were making plans to be married.

Attorney Grant Connell leaves the Serious Offences Court with another victory under his belt. accused should be discharged. …. I don’t know how this man could have been charged with this type of evidence, resulting in him having to spend just over a year Continued on Page 3.

Ronique Burke hopes to make good use of this new lease on life. Nine witnesses testified for the Prosecution, following which the defence, led by Attorney Grant BYREA RESIDENT RONIQUE BURKE Connell, made a no case walked away a free man from the submission. Serious Offences Court last Tuesday, The lawyer submitted that the after he was discharged on a iota of evidence presented by the murder charge, following a Prosecution was tenuous and did Preliminary Inquiry (PI). not create any nexus to the Burke was charged with the accused. October 26, 2018 murder of “The iota of evidence presented Wayne Fitzgerald Glasgow Morris was tenuous at best,” Connell told of Byrea, who died after being the Court, adding, “and the chopped multiple times about his prosecution failed to make out a body. prima facie case. Therefore, the by HAYDN HUGGINS and JP SCHWMON

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche commended Attorney Grant Connell for the manner in which he presented the Defence’s case.

‘OFFICER WAS A TRUE POLICE’, SAYS FIANCÉE by KENVILLE HORNE PHILBERT CHAMBERS was loving, adventurous and a true police officer, says his fiancée Shevonne Williams. Chambers, Acting Sergeant in the Royal SVG Police Force attached to the Questelles Police State, was killed in the line of duty on Sunday 26th April, when an exchange of gunfire erupted after a party of police officers of which he was part, attempted to execute a search warrant at the residence of Gleason Lewis, at Campden Park. Lewis was also killed and another police officer, PC Verrol Sam, wounded in the exchange. The officer’s death was a sad climax to their 3year-old relationship, one that she would forever cherish, Williams told THE VINCENTIAN. She recalled that when the relationship started, Chambers was living in Barrouallie, but as the relationship developed, he began spending more time at her home in Campden Park. The relationship, Williams admitted, was rocky at first, and she even lost some friends because of it. Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 3.

News 3 Tablets to be ordered

NEGOTIATIONS are ongoing with a number of vendors for the supply of tablets to be distributed in schools across the state. This was disclosed by Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves during a press briefing on April 30.

The Minister pointed to an increased demand for the devices occasioned by a number of countries across the region and beyond, adopting the policy to offer online classes in the face of closure of schools, a consequence of the

COVID-19 pandemic. This, therefore, meant that the government would be making a small order initially, to cater to senior secondary school and grade 6 students. According to Gonsalves, information coming to hand indicated

that many students either did not have internet access at home, or they did not own a device that allows them to receive online course work. “We do not want to create a digital divide, so in the Supplementary

TSSS Students receive Laptops NINE STUDENTS from the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) and one from the JP Eustace Secondary School are better equipped to access online school work, while schools are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the students received a laptop computer, a donation Students of the TSSS show off their newly made possible through acquired computers and practise social an initiative by Godfrey distancing in the process. Harry, Sports Master at the TSSS. Inset: Principal of the TSSS John Renton The computers were (right) and Sports Master Godrey Harry. gifts from an anonymous donor whose one didn’t have computers but just a condition was that they be made phone which was shared with available to less fortunate parents. Phones are very students. challenging to work with; it takes Harry and TSSS Principal John a longer time to get the work Renton handed over the done.” computers during a short Principal Renton encouraged presentation ceremony at the the students to make use of the School earlier this week. devices and to take care of them. In brief remarks, Harry told “Somebody has gone out of the students, “You are fortunate their way and dipped into their to be selected from among the resources to get these laptops for other students at Thomas you; they are not free; somebody Saunders Secondary School. We paid for them. You must respect based the choice of persons and use them properly; use them receiving the computers on with care. These machines will situations in which students last you more than five years if

you take good care of them, and it will see many of you all the way to college, so please take good care of them.” The students who received the laptops were: Colissa Lewis, Daniella Lewis, Kahalia Porter, Rasheed Wallace, Teneeka Delpsche, Roshad Boyce, Zamesha Myle, Shaquania Jacobs, Troy James of the TSSS, and Jolene Welcome from the JP Eustace Secondary School. I.B.A.ALLEN

Byera man cleared of murder charge Continued from Front Page. and a half in prison awaiting his day in Court.” Since Senior Prosecutor Aldophus Delplesche declined to respond to the defense’s submission, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne upheld the submission, and ruled that a prima facie case was not made out. THE VINCENTIAN caught up with Senior Prosecutor Aldophus Delplesche for his perspective on how the case unfolded. “Sometimes, the prosecutors would receive case files that would have gone through

certain scrutiny and you would see certain evidence on paper, but the way the evidence is on paper it may not come out that way in Court. This case in point was a touch and go case, meaning the evidence was not clear cut — it was a 50/50 case. “Then the way the evidence was adduced and then crossexamination can shake certain evidence if it is not strong. And I must say, I think Mr. Connell did a good job in the way he conducted the defense’s case. The way he conducted the crossexamination, he was able to bring out certain things that created doubt

and some tenuousness in the prosecution’s case…. What I would say is that the evidence was incurably weak, and Mr. Connell capitalized on that as any good defense attorney would do.” He also explained Connell’s choice not to cross-examine the investigating officer Sgt. Alexander who presented the last testimony in the legally mandated preliminary investigations. He said, “the case did not rest on the investigating officer. His evidence was just a formality. The witnesses on whom the case rested, he cross-examined those.” As for Burke, the

former accused murderer, he told us, “I feel good that I out of jail because I’ve been in prison for 19 months now; accused of this murder, and I keep wondering why it have to be like this and they don’t have any evidence.” Playing basketball and furthering his studies — overseas — are his immediate plans. But although the Serious Offences Court discharged him from the prosecution’s current case, Delplesche warned, he can be brought back to answer charges, given that the PI is not a trial and therefore, the double jeopardy principle would not apply.

Budget/ Estimates, resources were placed for tablets for all secondary school and grade 6 students,” Gonsalves said. The amount of EC$4 million has been allocated to the project in the Supplementary Estimates that was passed in Parliament last month. Other funding sources identified an educational Non-governmental Organization, the Government of India and the World Bank, Gonsalves said, putting the government in a position to “cover all the students.” It is expected that one

Soon some 3000 students will be equipped with tablets to ensure that they can access online school work. brand (of the device) would be purchased from one supplier, at any one time. Some 3000 tablets are projected for purchase. (DD)

‘Officer was a true police’, says fiancée Continued from Front Page. “Everybody in the community started calling me ‘Informer’. I lost friends, family stop talking to me, but Chambers never one day show he going to leave…. It don’t matter… he never one day say I going leave,” said Williams. She became more animated as she admitted: “I use to party, I use to drink …….. Since I met this man I change my whole life around. …. When I really realize that I am with a police officer and when I see the kind of work the man doing, the kind of respect that people have for the man, I had to adjust myself to suit. I give up everything. I lost friends and family members. And he never turn his back on me,” said Williams on the sacrifices she made to keep the relationship going. “Chambers is a true, true police. Chambers give everybody their equal rights and justice. My little home here became like a police station, everybody coming to make complaints and he don’t run nobody. He would put on his clothes and he would go out to talk to people with their complaints or he would make a call and send them to the station. When coming to his job he put that first,” Williams said of her fiancé’s commitment to his profession. The two made plans to be married, but, according to Williams, she kept putting it off, advising him to put his house in order so that they could move in “when they tied the knot.” The mother of one also noted that Chambers, even though he was not the biological father of her 11-year-old daughter, played a father’s role to her, and they developed such a strong bond that, “Everything for him is Ariel (her daughter),” Williams shared with a smile. But then she became solemn again, saying, “I am going to miss everything about him, I can’t stop crying. If I could say something to him now I would say I want him to be mine forever.” Chambers was 30 years old at the time of his death. He would have turned 31 on May 30. He served as a police officer for 11 years.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Still no bail in ÂBaggaÊ chopping

Magistrate’s hands tied Layne’s Hardware. Bute stole all the SENIOR MAGISTRATE items while pretending Rickie Burnett’s hands are to be a customer at the tied when having to Hardware on April 11. sentence certain Now 37, Bute offenders. embarked on a life of A situation of this crime since he was a nature surfaced during a little boy, dating back to sitting of the Kingstown the 1990s. Magistrate Court on The Gibson Corner Monday, when Burnett resident told the Court was presiding over a that he was making matter in which a man efforts to change his life, with a huge record of but his long list of dishonesty, was brought criminal convictions did before him on a similar not reflect any indication charge. of change. Ronalto Bute had “He is a dishonest guy. pleaded guilty to the He is a thief. That is theft of a cellular phone, what you are. I can call sim card and memory you that based on your card, altogether valued record,” the Magistrate at EC$405, the property declared, and quipped, of Sherwin Chandler of “How do you sentence a Paul’s Avenue. man like that?” He had also pleaded Burnett said that guilty to the theft of a when such persons are bull cutter, valued sentenced, and it is EC$51.75, property of reported in the media, by HAYDN HUGGINS

Woman lures men into being robbed POLICE are investigating two armed robberies which occurred at the Layou Playing Field on March 10 and May 2. Reports are that the robberies were as a result of the victims being lured to the Playing Field by a woman, where they were robbed at gunpoint. According to a police release, on March 10, 2020, a male resident of Richland Park was robbed of one (1) Samsung Galaxy S10, after communicating with a female who claimed that she was living at Layou. The complainant explained that he had made plans with the female to meet at the playing field at Layou; and on his arrival there, he was robbed at gunpoint by two masked men. With respect to the occurrence of May 2, the police reported that two male residents of Campden Park were also robbed at gunpoint of their property valued over EC$1100, by an unknown assailant. The complainants reported that prior to being robbed, they made plans with a female who identified herself as “Alicia”, to meet at the Layou Playing Field where they were eventually robbed. The police are appealing to the general public to take note of these occurrences and not to be lured into situations of a similar nature. (Source: SVGRPF)

there are questions raised in some circles as to whether prison means anything to such offenders. And he asked rhetorically, “What else do we have?” He said that, based on the sentencing guidelines, he should not send Bute to prison, but he could not just tell him to go home. The Magistrate noted that Bute could not pay a fine, and he (Burnett) was not going to put him on a bond, or suspended sentence. “Based on your record alone, I should send you to prison. You went into that store pretending to be buying stuff, but that was not what you went there to do.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett “In my view, you can’t be reformed, based on your record. In this Court, I keep mentioning God, but only He could change you,” Burnett opined. “I wish I could send you to a different place. If there was a different sentence I could impose other than three months in prison, I would, but I don’t see no other sentence,” Burnett declared. He then handed down the three-month sentence.

KENUTE LYNCH, a 30-year-old Barrouallie man who has been charged with wounding his 66-yearold father Lenford Samuel with intent, was further remanded when he returned to Court on Monday. When Lynch initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court last week Monday, he was remanded until Monday, May 4 for bail review, after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that Samuel was hospitalized suffering from a fractured skull. Samuel had received injuries to his head and left hand, allegedly inflicted by a cutlass during an incident at Barrouallie, April 24. On Samuel’s return to Court on May 4, the Prosecutor indicated that the investigator in the matter, Corporal Orlando Collins, had visited Samuel on Monday morning and according to Collins’ information, Samuel’s condition had not improved. An area on his left arm remained swollen, the report added. Delpleche asked that the accused be further remanded, and expressed hope that the victim’s condition improves. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne upheld the Senior Prosecutor’s submission, and remanded Lynch until May 14, when the issue of bail will again be reviewed. (HH)

Court orders Trinis’ removal UP TO PRESS time Wednesday, three fishermen from Trinidad and Tobago who were ordered by the Court to be deported, were still here as local authorities sought to verify an issue in relation to the status of one of them. Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett had on Monday, reprimanded and discharged the men on two immigration charges, following which he made a removal order for them. Benjamin Lewis, 28, the captain of the boat, Kenwyn Lambert, 44, and Nareen Julien appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being cleared by the Ministry of Health following 14 days quarantine, as part of protocol in effect for the COVID19 coronavirus pandemic. The men pleaded guilty to entering the state without a passport by boat at Canouan, and entering the state by boat at a place other than a port of entry. Both offences were committed on April 19. THE VINCENTIAN understands that up to press time, local authorities were seeking to verify an issue in relation to the issuing of a warrant for Lewis by the Trinidad and Tobago authorities, with respect to an incident in that country. Information reaching THE VINCENTIAN on that matter has been sketchy, and when the men’s lawyer Grant Connell was

contacted on Wednesday, he declined to comment. In presenting the facts on the immigration charges at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Prosecutor Curlene Samuel said that around 12:50 p.m. on April 19, the local Coast Guard, acting on information, went on patrol in an area known as Sail Rock. They spotted a white vessel about 100 ft. from them. The vessel sped off when it became clear that a Coast Guard unit was nearby. The Coast Guard gave chase and intercepted them at about 2 p.m. A search of the boat revealed six dogs, fuel, food, groceries and a tarpaulin. They were questioned about their travel documents, and admitted they had none. They also admitted that they did not check with immigration authorities. The vessel was towed to the Coast Guard base in Calliaqua and the men detained. In mitigation, Connell said the men had left Trinidad to go to Tobago which does not require them to have any travel documents, as Trinidad and Tobago is one country. However, according to the lawyer, their vessel developed engine problems and drifted. The next port was Grenada, but they could not go there because their borders were closed. They then headed for St. Vincent and the Grenadines but were intercepted at Canouan. The men, Connell said, were

charged and kept at the Biabou Police Station. He said he was told they were quarantined for 14 days, but when he visited them Attorney at the station, Grant Connell they were in a questioned cell. whether his “It is very unfortunate that clients were actually in three of our quarantine. Caribbean brothers had to go through all this. I hope that none of our fishermen would have to drift and go into Trinidad and Tobago, and go through all that”, Connell said. After the Magistrate’s decision to reprimand and discharge and issue a removal order, the Prosecutor said that the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago would have to be communicated (with) before the men were removed from the country, but connell asserted that it would be unfair for his clients to go back to Biabou and await word from Trinidad. The Senior Magistrate rebutted. “Trinidad and Tobago is applying their law and what they have in place. I don’t have anything to do with that. All I am doing here is to reprimand and discharge, and make a removal order. What happens thereafter has nothing to do with me.” (HH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 5.

Diaspora

Ex-Police group donates food to frontline workers

too, are also facing their own fear,” said Ferrari-Easter, adding that workers at the hospital in the epicenter of the Caribbean community CLAIMING THAT BROOKLYN, New York’s in Brooklyn, are overworked, stressed Brookdale University Hospital and out and are “also seeing their Medical Center is “the forgotten” colleagues dying. hospital amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) “We, the members of the pandemic, the Brooklyn-based St. Association, have had our own Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police problems, as this virus has also Association, USA, Inc. last Tuesday, affected us,” she added, disclosing that donated food and water to frontline members’ families have been adversely workers at the hospital. impacted. Canarsie, Brooklyn resident Ferrari-Easter said since Brookdale Pamella Ferrari-Easter, President of Hospital is community-based and the group, told THE VINCENTIAN, in “serves most of us, we wanted to give an exclusive interview, that she and back to them. two executive members — former “A lot of Caribbean nationals and President Arden Tannis, currently a Vincentians work at Brookdale,” she Trustee, and Treasurer Charles said. “They (frontline workers) were so Jordan — handed over 50 pizzas, appreciative. chicken salad, regular salad, buffalo “I look at the whole situation, and wings, and several cases of water, it’s so devastating,” Ferrari-Easter juices and sodas to hospital staffers. added. “The needs are so great that “The present coronavirus pandemic regular people cannot do it. I came up has caused such stress and with the idea, and I said this is devastation, and the frontline workers, something we can do. Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

SVG Ex-Police Association, USA, Inc. donates food and drinks to frontline workers at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. (Photo credit: Arden Tannis.) “Looking at the situation, we felt helpless,” she continued. “However, one thought was presented to say thank you to staff of one of our Brooklyn hospitals. “Brookdale Hospital was chosen, because it would appear as though they are the forgotten hospital,” Ferrari-Easter said. A CBSNewYork report said that, while health care workers across New York City face tremendous challenges to treat COVID-19 patients, “they are at their maximum capacity”

at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. “Patient beds line the hallways, as every inch of this building is now being used because of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak,” said the TV station. “Every day I come, what I see on a daily basis is pain, despair, suffering and healthcare disparities,” added Dr. Mollette about the ER, where more than 100 coronavirus patients have walked through, with another 70 people under investigation.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 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

Post COVID-19, women, et al WHETHER THOSE CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES who opted for partial or total lockdowns have suffered more severely economically than those who did not opt for such stringent measures, is not the real issue, and should not be used as grounds for an argument to support the case of the latter category. The point is that lockdown or no lockdown, this region has found itself in a chasm of economic peril, out of which it would take a herculean effort to (re)emerge. So whether, as the Minister of Finance purports, our economy is expected to shrink by 11% as against the average 16% advanced by the ECCB, the barefaced truth is that our economy has shrunk and stands a good chance of shrinking even further. Our economy is a service-driven one, with that broad sector accounting for at least 70% and more of our GDP. Industry and Agriculture pale in comparison, accounting together for something close to 15%. One thing is true: while tourism and all its attendant services account for a large part of the service sector that drives our economy, that sector is still a developing one, playing catch-up with some of the more tourismdependent economies in the region. But that is nothing behind which to hide, or even about which to make much, since 11% shrinkage in our economy could well have more far-reaching impact than 16% is a more developed economy — a question of economies of scale. So, as we look to pull ourselves out of this chasm, we must recognize the multiple inequalities in our present structures and how we conduct the business of the nation. This is the time, as we move towards recovery, to make change. Even as one is wont to say that Government has signalled its understanding of governance and its priorities, and would be steadfast if not stubborn in its response, we have to begin now to speak in terms of a Road Map for Recovery: one that is non-partisan in design and execution, and guided by a genuine human-centred philosophy with a

vision of a more just, equitable and inclusive future. People matter …. and not only for their votes. It is the responsibility of the state machinery to ensure the fulfilment of every man, woman and child’s worth and dignity. This time of self-isolation and social distancing has brought to the fore more than ever, the importance of the ‘caring community’ within the service sector. And just who are the majority hands in the caring community? Women — women, who in these times of crisis, find innovative ways to provide for their families, ensuring harmony in the homes and keeping society stable and safe. Women are also the majority of the Non-Government Organisations’ leadership — whether those NGOs are of church formation, genderbased, community-based — and it is these NGOs, if allowed to deliver their services unimpeded, would lead in social development. The fore-mentioned arguments can make a good case, therefore, for advocating for increased women participation in any programme of recovery following the passage of COVID-19, and it is going to pass. There are many among us who do not call for representation on this board or that, and women are prominent among these inconspicuous groupings. And as we make a call for ensuring that women are appropriately represented on a national, non-partisan recovery Commission, we do so, not because of the number of women that comprise our population, but because it is their right. They, like persons drawn from various disciplines and political persuasions, can advance innovative measures, help to manage those innovations and advance forward- thinking policies. Any other philosophy, especially one that deliberately excludes meaningful participation, is dead wrong! In short, what we need postCOVID-19, is genuine participatory governance and unfettered public discussion/debate. Think what this would mean for our democracy.

SHAKE KEANE: The Final Rites First published in 1999 A FAITHFUL FEW GATHERED at the Methodist Church and the Methodist Annex in Kingstown to say a final farewell to Ellsworth “Shake” Keane who died 2 years ago in Norway. During his early life, Shake had worshipped at the “Wesleyan” Church and had his educational moulding in the nearby Wesley Hall School under the stern disciplinarian Cadman Fraser, himself a musician and trumpeter who led the School’s Empire Day marches on May 24. Notable absentees included a host of trouble-shooting “radicals” who had bombarded radio and press with the shabby treatment of Keane. But they could not find the same time to salute the memory of the man. So, in the end, it was back to roots for the local minstrel who lived a nomadic life that took in most of West Europe. Shake was born into a musical family, and he lived and breathed music for most of his life. The rest was spent writing poetry and delving into the bowels of the English language. Like Derek Walcott, Shake began writing poetry in his teens. At the time, Shake joined Daniel Williams and Owen Campbell in producing a level of poetry that has hardly been reached locally these past fifty years. When Shake left for George Lamming’s “Pleasures of Exile” in 1952, friend Danny Williams sent him off with an incisive poem “You Must Go Out”. The most productive years of Shake’s life were probably spent in England where he pioneered a new school of jazz, mastered the fugel horn, journeyed to Europe where for a few years he played in the top philharmonic orchestras. And took time off to read poetry for the BBC programme “Caribbean Voices”. I recall that in 1960, a group of us led by Cammie King and Orde Coombs, put out a local magazine called “Horizon”. Its second issue featured a Cover Story on Keane written by Creswell Durrant. The cover pictured, showed Keane at the BBC microphone, reading poetry. Then in 1972, the Educational Forum of the People published a Special Issue dwelling on various topics including Culture. This particular theme

concluded with the following “proposals for the cultural development of St. Vincent.” 1. The addition of the portfolio CULTURE to one of the existing Ministries. 2. The setting up of a Department of Culture. 3. The Appointment of a Director of Culture (with support staff of one or two Officers) 4. The construction of a National Culture Centre. Then a delegation from the EFP suggested to Premier Mitchell that Shake Keane be offered the position of Director of Culture , only to discover that Mitchell was operating on the same wave-length. We were preaching to the converted. The rest is history. Keane came, and promised much. But as Adrian Fraser pointed out, as a people, we cannot deal with excellence or handle individuals who seem somewhat different in their approached to life in general. Shake was brutally cut down by the politics of the day. His offence grew out of his friendship with “Son” Mitchell and the fact that he could not resist the temptation of sounding off his fugel horn at an NDP convention in Greiggs. So, when the Alliance Government folded up in 1974, Shake fell with it. Trapped by their own pettiness, the Lilliputian’s’ mind-set could not accept that Keane was beyond and above our narrow world of partisan politics. Those were not the days when a Government-appointed Cultural Officer like Martin Quashie could perform at an Opposition pre-election rally with impunity. There were accompanying inane Ministerial pronouncements such as that “Culture is a bad word” and “We can’t eat culture”. A very sensitive poet-musician, Shake was indeed shaken to his foundations by the crass display of such sordid Philistinism. He shook the dust of St. Vincent off his feet and made for the USA where he pitched camp. Continued on Page 23.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 7.

Letters

Lock down the country Flexing our

IF WE ARE honest, we will admit that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his government have been doing a commendable job so far, in leading the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19). However, with the number of cases increasing, and it seems all through local contact, maybe it’s time to consider locking down the country for at least 14 days. From what I understand, this is the time it takes for the coronavirus to mature. I also understand that many countries have locked down or are

looking to lockdown for at least 14 days. We have to say ‘Thanks Lord’ that the airlines stopped flying into the AIA. Government has said that it has not closed it, but they may as well close it, since there is no traffic that can pay to keep it open. The thing with locking down, as I see it, is that it forces people to practise social distancing because they have to stay at home, except to go out to buy food and other things for the home. This obviously reduces the chances of

spreading the virus. And we may as well lock down because we don’t know if all those business places and offices that remain open are practising social distancing on the workplace. How far apart do workers sit? Do people share phones, computers, calculators etc.? And, when we lock down the country, we have to ramp up testing. Now that the Minister of Health confirmed that we will get the testing machine, we have to test as many persons as possible, not just those

Discipline is the watchword OUR HEALTH officials have advised, in this time of COVID-19, that in order to prevent the spread of the disease and in order to protect ourselves and others, that, whether we like it or not, we should stay at home unless we really have to leave say for work; and if we do have to go out, that we practise and maintain social distancing. But there is one thing that I think our health officials should have been pounding into our

heads, which is that the things they advise in this time require DISCIPLINE on our part. We are not going to beat this son-of-a- gun unless we are disciplined. Then there is the question of wearing a mask. This is still optional and I agree. If persons know 100% that they don’t have the disease, that they practise social distancing, avoid gatherings like church

who call in to say they showing symptoms or those who have come into contact with an infected person. We have to test everybody; it is possible. There are larger countries than SVG who have done this. But back to the main point of this letter. As I see it, a complete shutdown at this time can do no more harm than what has been done already to the economy. We might have less to lose, and we can’t afford to lose anything substantial. Kingstown man

and going on picnics, and if they sanitise frequently, then there is no need for a mask. Though, I must also agree, that if wearing a mask is another proven way of combating COVID-19, then by all means, wear a mask. But, I repeat, as it stands, wearing a mask is still optional in SVG. Remember though, the watchword is DISCIPLINE. Patrick G

Organize your stimulus package NOTHING STIFLES an economy like unpaid debt, goods borrowed and not returned, lack of confidence, injustice, unfairness, lack of meritocracy, expenditure with no returns, and dishonesty. The main source of income for financial institutions is interest from loans. It appears that they need to take more interest in helping borrowers make their enterprises successful. The state of the economy should inform these lending agencies of what reasonable rates of interest can be applied. There are too many properties in foreclosure. This is an opportunity for debt collection agencies to make purchases at discounted rates and resurrect these dead properties through resale. Merely deferring payments at this time may not be sufficient to help borrowers. A period of no interest charges is needed. While we are in self-quarantine, we now have the time to conduct an inventory of all items in our household. Things we may find that need to be returned to their owners may include: borrowed tools; dishes and utensils we received with food; evidence of monies owed; books. We should not underestimate the effect of the return of these tangible items in constituting a stimulus package for the owners. Another inventory that we should do is that of our attitude and mindset: view table. Anytime from now as we audit our stimulus economic package, we would look with pride at what we accomplished. Tools and resources would be where their rightful owners need them. Individuals would be no evidence of a Quid Pro Quo, and the appropriate question would not be, “Who was would be meaningfully engaged in productive activities. No one would have been taken advantage stimulated?” but “What was stimulated?” of because of the receipt of state resources, there Anthony Stewart, PhD

muscles

MR. EDITOR, you see this thing about flexing your muscles against people who we feel want to take advantage of us, we must be careful about whom we chose to flex our muscles against. I mean, take the situation with those sailors on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Liner. I know we have to make sure the cruise line lives up to their side of the bargain; but to have close to 300 of our citizens like guinea pigs, while we flex our muscles against the cruise line, is unfair if not inhumane to those sailors. They are nationals of this country, and we have a right in this time of a global scare, to get them home to their families. And I will not mention how much their jobs out there on the ship mean to their families and the country. But you see this recent standoff, I only hope that cruise lines out there don’t hold this against our young men and women who, because they have little opportunity in their homeland, have to turn to them (cruise lines) for jobs and security. What will happen if all the Vincentian working on ships got laid off? I do not wish this upon our country. All in all, I wonder if by not doing something sooner to bring our men and women home wasn’t denying them their human rights? Paul, R

Zambia needs SVGÊs support, now WE ARE NOW in the month of May at the end of which we will have been, for five months, enjoying the distinction of being the smallest state to ever sit as a non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council. We had obviously set our sights on influencing the programmes of that august body in a manner which would reflect the sensitivity to the concerns and interests of small states. While it is not widely known how much we expended to influence the support which we have had from nations far and wide, as was reflected in the relevant “vote”, we do know, that we have had to employ more staff to cope with the additional work. We did learn some months ago, that our sister state St. Lucia, was disposed to contributing financially to our effort, but as yet no figures have been publicized. It is reasonable to speculate, that our administrators, headed by Dr. Gonsalves, had hoped to enhance their image and stature during the twenty-four-month period of the presence on the U.N. Security Council, and indeed SVG could have enjoyed some favourable exposure if they (our representatives) conducted themselves with honour. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has ruined the plans of mankind earth-wide, and it is reasonable to expect, that the ambitions of our government have been crippled. The whole world has been set back, everybody needs help! The reality, therefore, is that we will not be able to address many issues/areas, during the less than twenty months we have remaining as a member of U.N Security Council. We should, therefore, do strategic targeting to maximize our influence. In the interim, I would advise that we use our status to raise the issue of the exploitation of and injustice to the people of Zambia by the Chinese. Let us use our advocacy to influence a united response from the nations of Africa, the Caribbean and North and South America. A strong condemnation of the dehumanising injustices against the people of Zambia, is worth all the time and other resources we have already spent on our UN Security Council venture. Every individual who believes in the freedom and dignity of mankind, should lend his/her voice! LeRoy Providence

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Bringing home our Cruise ship Political interference in workers: Leadership at work Stimulus Package?

Introduction THE DISCUSSION over the plans to repatriate Vincentian workers employed with international cruise lines appears to have lost its fervor, in the face of the facts on exhibit, particularly the information coming out of Florida. And it is clear that individuals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly those associated with the opposition New Democratic Party, were at the forefront, in terms of the hysteria created over this issue. It is clear to all and sundry, that the opposition New Democratic Party wanted to capture as much election capital from the Coronavirus pandemic, and the issue of the repatriation of the Vincentian cruise ship workers was fair game for them. But they, as usual, failed to reckon with the outstanding leadership of the ULP administration, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The ULP has never wavered in its resolve to bring home the cruise ship workers. As Prime Minister Gonsalves has said, they are Vincentian citizens, and citizenship must count for something.

(Excerpts of the Hon. Daniel Cummings’ presentation on the Supplementary Estimates) down the country. So that he was forced now to try and champion the cause of the cruise ship workers, because he was afraid that he would lose political support. In fact, his party was split along this issue, with the MP for South Leeward Nigel Stevenson, and Senator Kay Bacchus Baptiste, refusing to support him, maintaining their position on closing down the country and locking our borders.

The ULP approach

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has clearly stated that his administration will support the cruise ship workers. As he has said, “citizenship must count for something”, a clear indication of where his support lies. In fact, the government has appointed the CEO of the Port Authority, Bishen John, to drive this process. John has already been in contact with the Directors and Managers of the cruise lines to outline the NDP twisting their tongue procedures for the repatriation, including the requirement for The entire saga shows how the quarantine, as stipulated by the NDP has been “bold faced” in their approach to bringing our sailors home. Ministry of Health. Arrangements for For example, we must remember that hotel accommodation have already been put in place, and hotel operators in late March, when the House of Assembly met to elect a new speaker, here are indeed happy to receive this business, at this particular time. in the person of Carlos James, the There are those Vincentians, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin particularly supporters of the New Friday sought permission to raise Democratic Party, who are bent on what he described as “an important creating hysteria over this issue, but matter affecting the lives of all they will fail. The workers on the Vincentians”. cruise ships are our brothers and At that time, Friday, in his usual sisters, sons and daughters, husbands cunning way, called on the government to shut down the country, and wives, and as a country, we must find ways to look out for them. Most of in the wake of the COVID-19 all, they are our citizens and this pandemic. His sycophants on radio must count for something. echoed his call, stating that the ULP And so Bishen John has reported administration should close our that the first group of Vincentian borders, and lock down the country, cruise ship workers, about twenty-five advocating the use of “draconian of them, from the Disney Cruise Line, measures” in the process. will arrive here on May 20th 2020, on But that is not all. In his so-called board the ship, the Disney Fantasy. address to the nation on April 1st, Disney Cruise lines has agreed to 2020, Friday maintained his position that the government should lock down follow all the protocols established by local health officials, including the country and close our borders. In arrangements for quarantine. All this essence, he and his supporters were information is contained in a letter calling on the government to prevent sent to Bishen John, from the anyone from coming to St. Vincent Executive Director of Marine and the Grenadines. We have to Operations at Disney Cruise Lines, admire his consistency, because Russell Daya. supposedly, there was something he Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was seeing differently as compared to has spent a tremendous amount of the ULP administration. time on radio, providing information But the middle of April 2020, on this issue and he will continue to Friday found himself with a serious update the nation, as information problem on his hands. Several cruise comes to hand. ship sailors posted on Facebook, that they were going to change their Conclusion political support, because the NDP didn’t want them to come home. They It is perhaps important to quote felt that the NDP’s call to lock down the country would lead to them being from the Minister of Health, Luke Browne, on the issue of Covid-19: “The in exile, and unable to come home. They were in support of the ULP, who government of St. Vincent and the was keeping the country open, so that Grenadines would do everything in its power to protect the lives and health they could come home to their of Vincentians. We will make use of families. all available resources. Everyone has It is out of that situation that a role to play. We will beat this Godwin Friday found himself having Coronavirus pandemic together. Our to eat humble pie. He was forced to faith will see us through. This could make a 180 degree turn around, and be our finest hour as a nation”. to change his mind about locking

IN RECOGNITION of the dramatic change in the fortunes of so many of our people, and given the existing status of high unemployment before this event, the obvious need to provide a life line to a significant component of our population in a clear and unambiguous method is important. I have been following very closely the stimulus packages in neighboring countries, with particular reference to Trinidad and Tobago which has its own restrictions because of the drop in oil prices, but is fortunate enough to have a reserve fund to fall back on. What I like about what is being done there is that the mechanism by which any member of the public can access these funds is made public, clear and above board. There is no need for anybody to reference any parliamentary representative. The public servants are given the clear terms under which people are qualified and they administer these funds across the board. That is why in Trinidad and Tobago both government and opposition are firm in their total support for the approach. Everybody must know if agriculture has pigs and cows, what the criteria are to be used. For example, for Daniel to get a pig, it cannot be secretive. It must be made public; it must be known. It must engender confidence in the public to say listen, my situation is such and such, and our money is going in that direction and I am qualified, therefore, I am going to apply for the programme and I know I would get it. That is how this stimulus package has to be administered. It must leave no doubt. Mr. Speaker, I heard a comment about the proposed stimulus for the van drivers, and I shuddered, and that really is what made me get scared. About if they think they could do this and get this and so forth, no established terms. Establish the terms! Establish the monitoring mechanism and make it above board; do not make people feel because they do not support the party; they do not have a chance. These things are more than symbolic. These are serious matters. Mr. Speaker, sometimes we fail to understand how poor this country is. Sometimes it seems as though those who are in government do not get the picture. Whatever they say about the country poverty assessment, one thing is clear. The government has information that speaks to an alarming state of unemployment in this country, very alarming. It’s not a secret. You do not have to do a poll to know that; it’s like me representing a constituency, you cannot escape meeting all the young people and old people including, construction workers and all kinds of workers who do not have a thing to do. In many instances, the entire household is unemployed. Mr. Speaker, for example, two hundred dollars a month has been added to the public assistance. That’s additional people and I understand that, but it is not going to be done like

assessments for people who get public assistance. That is neither here nor there for me because I can tell this parliament that I have been to that department for at least twenty persons to go on that system, and not a single one has ever been put on, including the late “Sleepy” who died in Rose Place, an elderly man who suffered for many years. He was unable to get on to that system! Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition some time ago, when we brought the motion to suspend for important matters, spoke about having an approach that brings confidence to the people. I hope that this is going to be above board. Sometimes, when people are in government too long, they lose a feel of reality. They seem to shut their minds out from anyone who is not of their own political likeness. Today, there are people in Rose Place who are suffering. A few years ago, there was a disaster and some fishermen lost their fishing equipment. They were promised that they would be replaced and get materials; to this day, they have not received anything. There are also people in my constituency whose houses were destroyed by fire and they cannot get any assistance to reconstruct their homes. I have been to NEMO and nothing happened. I am saying at a time like now if we don’t approach this thing differently; I am afraid that there are thousands of people who are suffering and who cannot survive, and if they see people who are already getting all this assistance being recipients of this two hundred dollars a month grant, I don’t know what could happen. Further, during the debate on the Supplementary Estimates, Dr. Friday advised the government that persons who should benefit from the stimulus package are those who are affected, including, those who have lost their jobs, the vulnerable, those in the informal sector and small businesses. He said, “This is where the pain is really being felt. This is where the funds must be allocated. I will urge that the government reconsider how the 60-odd million dollars that are going to be spent here, how they are prioritized so that they give a very clear signal that we are focused on health and the economic well-being of the people who are directly affected immediately.” However, it would appear that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime wants to use the economic stimulus package to boost its chance in the upcoming general elections. There is too much secrecy surrounding the procedure of how one is to obtain benefit from the programmes, and there are complaints of caretakers of constituencies for the ULP who are directly involved in selecting persons to be recipients of the programmes. The New Democratic Party will ensure that the economic stimulus package benefits all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 9.

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Finding the Way Back (Part 1)

Time to raise the temperature

“Pigeons are gentle and smart and have complex social relationships. Their hearing and vision are both excellent.” ? Ingrid Newkirk (born 1949) – British animal welfarist and the president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the world’s It is considered to be one of the few largest animal rights organization. birds that can generate such speeds THE TITLE, “FINDING THE WAY BACK” may and retain its maneuverability as it outpaces and catches a pigeon in flight. have conjured up images of homing pigeons. Many of my generation found joy The falcon is a remarkable creature with the ability to intercept with intent. in caring for these feathered creatures The homing instinct in pigeons also during our youth. There had been times provided invaluable messaging service when we would place them in closed up during World War I and World War II. cardboard boxes (so that they were Carrier pigeons of the Racing Homer unable to see) and drive for miles before strain were used to carry message to releasing them. Invariably, they would and from the British troops. In reach home long before we did. They recognition of their gallantry or knew how to find their way back. devotion, thirty-two (32) pigeons were My good friend and colleague, the late Aldwyn Lequay, often spent hours awarded the Dickin Medal between 1943 and 1949. And while at a glance conversing with me about his homing this may appear to be trivial, it must be pigeons. Lequay was considered to be considered that many of these birdone of the most skilful engineers that Trinidad and Tobago ever produced. It borne messages would have saved thousands of lives. Many a war veteran is no wonder that, in 1991, he was may have owed their lives to these granted the prestigious Trinidad and winged creatures that knew how to find Tobago National Humming Bird Gold Medal (HBM) for service to Engineering their way back. There are many stories that abound Education. Even in his 80s, Lequay in relation to the heroic performance of continued to work in his profession and pigeons during battles in Europe. to teach short courses in High Voltage (33kV) Cable Splicing and Termination, During World War I, the US Army Power Plant Operations, Diesel Engine Signal Corps used over 600 pigeons in France alone. Pigeon coops Maintenance, Boiler accompanied the troops. One of their Operators, Oil/Gas Platform Operations, Steam Injection Boilers in pigeons (named Cher Ami) was awarded the French “Croix de Guerre the Petroleum Industry with Palm” award in recognition of its Operation, and the Maintenance of heroic services during battle. This Switchgear (Air, Oil, Gas, and recognition followed its delivery of 12 Vacuum). He was so passionate about very important and life-saving sharing knowledge. However, his admiration of the homing pigeons never messages during the Battle of Verdun. She saved 194 US soldiers on her final waned — even after he was no longer mission in October 1918. The bird had able to personally care for them. arrived at her coop with a gunshot Lequay shared many useful stories wound that had torn through her wing about “pigeon competitions” that were and breast. However, the capsule that held throughout Trinidad and Tobago was affixed to her shattered leg when he was a young adult. Some provided critical details that saved the competitions involved taking these US soldiers of the 77th Infantry birds to neighbouring islands and releasing them there. While never fully Division. We are told that during World War understanding how these feathered II, the United Kingdom deployed creatures knew their way home, he approximately 250,000 homing pigeons. marvelled at their ability to fly These feathered friends were especially “unchartered and unfamiliar skies”, across vast distances of land and sea, to useful in maintaining communication with spies who were operating behind find their way back to their homes. enemy lines. Closer to the end of the They are, indeed, a wonder of God’s war, military strategists also creation. commenced plans to have pigeons Before the advent of radio, homing deliver small explosives and pigeons were regularly used on the bioweapons to specific enemy targets. battle field as a means for a travelling These plans were subsequently army to communicate with their home debunked and, in 1948, the military base or headquarters. History records stated that the pigeons were of no that the soldiers of Baghdad had further use in their services. trained pigeons to deliver messages as Modern science enables us to early as 1150. The famous Turkish understand how the pigeons are able to leader, Nur ad-Din (1118-1174) member perform these intriguing homing feats. of the Oghuz Turkish Zengid dynasty Cornell’s All About Birds website which ruled the Syrian province of the provides useful insights in relation to Seljuk Empire, is also known to have how the homing pigeon is able to find used specially trained pigeons to their way home even when released regularly deliver messages between from a distant location blindfolded. Baghdad and Syria. In addition, the great Mongolian military strategist and During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cornell University’s Professor William leader Genghis Khan (1162-1227) also Keeton and Dr. Charles Walcott trained special “homing pigeons” to advocated that pigeons use the sun’s deliver messages throughout his vast positioning as a compass point if empire that spread for thousands of sunlight is available. However, they miles throughout Northeast Asia. also use the earth’s electro-magnetic Based on the foregoing, we can fields for orientation. It is believed that understand and appreciate why some pigeons have “other tools” that have not “enemy forces” would have thought of using falcons to intercept these homing yet been discovered. Tools that enable them to find their way back. pigeons and avoid messages getting to their intended destinations. The falcon, Send comments, criticisms & a bird of prey, can achieve speeds in suggestions to excess of 200 miles per hour as it dives. julesferdinand@gmail.com

DR HILLARY BECKLES, Chairman of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, told Reparations committees across the region that it is time to ‘raise the temperature’ in the fight for reparations. Dr Beckles argues that only a comprehensive, developmental reparations package, akin to the US Marshall plan offered to Europe after the devastation of the 2nd world war, will allow the Caribbean people to clean up the colonial mess left by the former slave-holding powers after more than 300 years of genocide, slavery and colonial exploitation. Dr Beckles, who is also the viceChancellor of the University of the West Indies, on April 28, 2020 addressed a reparations teleconference of regional reparations leaders, said COVID-19 has torn the roof off the Caribbean house and exposed the region as a hotbed of disease, inequality and increased poverty. He said now is the time to revisit the social contract put in place by regional leaders, such as Sir Arthur Lewis, in 1948. He noted that at the 1948 meeting, our leaders met to declare an end to colonialism and demand independence. Dr Beckles is of the view that the 1948 social contract knocked together by the leaders of that era, has been breached. ‘We have allowed the British to walk away from the colonial mess’, Dr Beckles declared. ‘Unless we bring colonialism to answer, we will continue to wallow. If this crisis is not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.’ Dr Beckles pointed out that in this era of COVID-19, large sections of Caribbean societies cannot comply with the governments’ policy of social distancing because their homes are too clustered and overcrowded. He noted that COVID-19 has also exposed the class stratification in the region particularly the varying ways in which the state apparatus treats members of different classes. He noted that in some Caribbean countries, people want to obey public, but simply can’t, and then they are faced with police militia and arrest. Dr Beckles said that the coronavirus pandemic presented the region with a unique opportunity to revisit and redefine the meaning of social justice and social equality. ‘We need a new social contract if we are to effectively manage COVID-19. The inequities and inequalities are too stark now. Now is the moment, now is the time. If we miss this opportunity to move forward and make real advances, we may have to wait too long for another opportunity.’ Dr Beckles made those remarks in the context that some in the political and intellectual leadership of the region cautioned that the COVID-19 pandemic makes it an inopportune moment to press for reparatory justice. Dr Beckles pointed to the fact that the region was confronted with one catastrophe after the other. Older citizens suffer painfully from diabetes (sugar) and Hypertension (pressure) and lose their limbs at an alarming rate, while the younger generation is increasingly plagued with obesity with resultant fatigue and organ failure. Dr Beckles cited to what he called a 4-pronged assault on the people and economy of the region. He said there is the singularity of COVID-19 and the plurality of other crises. They are as follows: 1. Ravages of climate change. 2. The extraordinary damage caused to the infrastructure and economy of the region by hurricanes in the last decade.

3. Epidemic around chronic diseases 4. Coronavirus pandemic. Dr Beckles said this sad state of affairs presents the region with a compelling argument as to why reparatory justice should be front and centre of the regional developmental agenda. ‘What we need now is a new social contract for a post- COVID-19 democracy. Currently, assistance from Europe and elsewhere comes as aid and not developmental assistance. Needed now more than ever is a developmental plan like the Marshall Plan funded by the former slaveholding states of Europe to help with the redevelopment of the Caribbean.’ Beckles, one of the region’s most renowned public intellectuals, said that the problems confronting the region were existential in nature. He summoned the national heads of the regional reparations committees to take the message of reparations to the grassroots of society. The people may need leaders to carry their fight to the various avenues and fora, but only the people can win the battles that will have to be won if the struggle for reparations is to be successful. To properly prepare for the task ahead, Dr Beckles spoke about the plans to open another research centre at the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. This research centre is a collaboration with the University of Glasgow which has committed to giving up to $20 million as part of a reparatory package payback to the region. Some of the financiers of Glasgow University made their fortune by owning enslaved Africans and plantations in our region. When fully operational, the research centre will identify all the big challenges facing Caribbean people, with a view to coming up with solutions to these problems. Dr Beckles identified the areas of health, economics and climate change as three of the most pressing issues confronting the region. On the economic front, he called on the regional professional class to return to, rediscover and reconnect with the theories and understanding of titans such as George Beckford, Norman Girvan and Lloyd Best. Sir Arthur Lewis, he noted, was one of the first Caribbean intellectuals to raise the issue of reparations for slavery. He recommended that all those wishing to place the struggle for reparations in a historical context to revisit Lewis’ 1938 paper which addressed the issue of unpaid labour in the region. There were broad-based understanding and agreement that the success of the regional reparations’ movement will best be realized if there is a strong and vibrant Global Reparations Commission. Echoing the words of Dobrene O’Marde, Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Commission, those in attendance resolved that ‘we cannot allow this world to resettle around us in the way it was and still is. That will be to our peril. COVID-19 ironically may have cleared the way for a deeper human value to emerge’.

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

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Small businesses needed for prosperity after COVID-19

EVEN BEFORE this COVID-19 virus, the SVG economy was virtually dead. The ULP regime’s ignorant focus on tourism as the engine of the SVG economy, had all but wiped out the economy. Unemployment is high, poverty is rife, there’s virtually no money circulating in the country, and businesses are experiencing their worst sales in over 40 years. The situation has become so bad, that the ULP regime told us that they plan for our country to continue to be poor and heavily indebted, so much so, that by 2030 the debt may only be reduced to a debt to GDP ratio of 60%. Once things return to normal, and this virus poses less of a threat, we need to jump-start our economy, immediately, in order to create lots of new jobs and get money flowing to poorer households. In order to do this, we must move away from tourism and focus on small businesses. Gonsalves has no solution to the economic mess he has created. His reliance on tourism, begging and borrowing, is perpetuating poverty and crime, and is a serious threat to social order in SVG. Small businesses are the answer to Gonsalves’ economic blunders. Small businesses are the beating heart of any healthy, strong, growing economy. Small businesses can create the

wealth needed to pay the taxes which can repay the public debt. Small businesses are the backbone of countries with strong economies, such as Japan, South Korea and Germany. Small businesses create most of the jobs in countries with strong economies. Small businesses drive the U.S. economy and provide half of the private sector jobs. The U.S. Office of Advocacy funded data and research show that small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all firms in the U.S.; they create more than half of the private non-farm gross domestic product, and they create 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs. The only way for SVG to overcome Gonsalves’ economic incompetence is for SVG to trade its way out. With more export-oriented trade, there will be more revenue coming into the country. A Green government will provide incentives to help small businesses compete on a global scale and move up the supply chain to provide valueadded, innovative goods and services that can be sold internationally. Skills training, together with business incentives, will help increase the number of entrepreneurs starting up new businesses, and this will create jobs, bring revenue to the country and

of free internet access and free, highquality education for everyone in SVG. strengthen the economy, as more With a more educated population money will be circulating in the and free access to the internet, small country. It will lead to new products businesses are better able to create being created in SVG and our exports sustainable, high-quality products and tapping into new markets throughout services. There is a strong positive the world. correlation between high-quality A Green Government would make education in a country and an economy the SVG economy Greener and help driven by small businesses. SVG will SVG small businesses profit from the forever be pinned down in poverty, if opportunities presented by the global, we don’t have the necessary low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. infrastructure of a science university The global Green market is worth in SVG. more than US$8 trillion. The US According to the Leader of SVG Green economy alone generates over Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan US$1.3 trillion in revenue per year Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, and is a major source of jobs in the SVG must plan for prosperity after US, employing an estimated 9.5 COVID-19 by investing in small million people. business development and skills In stark contrast, the SVG tourism training NOW. market is pitiful and does not generate If we have any chance of creating a net income for our country. thousands of new jobs and prosperity Under a Green Government, part of for our people after this COVID-19 the catalyst for successful innovation virus, then we must move away from and small business development will tourism and focus on small businesses, be an economic and social and move away from financially and transformation, and the introduction economically incompetent government.

COVID-19: The impact COVID-19 HAS PERMANENTLY changed human behaviour forever. NOT your money, social status, race, power, religion, NOTHING COULD SHIELD YOU FROM THIS. The only thing that offers HOPE is the many scientists around the world who are avidly working on a VACCINE. That is 12 to 18 months away. WE WILL NOT GET BACK TO NORMAL FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS. POSSIBLY A GENERATION OR TWO. If we want to survive, we had better HEED the new social order. Please remember (history is our greatest teacher) ALL PANDEMICS come in WAVES. SO even if we get through this cycle, there will be others for the immediate future...Countries that have not been badly hit this time round because of remoteness or geographical isolation, are NOT IMMUNE or somehow magically exempt from the VIRUS. IT’S only a matter of time. Remember some of the big ones: 1346 the BLACK DEATH; 1545 COCOLIZTLI (wiped out the AZTECS); 1630 BUBONIC PLAGUE; 1665 the PLAGUE of LONDON; 1855 the THIRD PLAGUE; 1918 SPANISH FLU; 2020 COVID-19. Human socializing will be changed permanently. All environs that in which we interact - the church, school, work place, office, parliaments, concerts, meetings, hospitals, prisons, weddings, funerals - , every aspect of human gatherings will be changed even after a VACCINE is invented... ADD to the above, TRANSPORTATION. The use of PLANES, TRAINS, BUSES and SHIPS will be DRASTICALLY CHANGED. Many airlines and cruise ship lines will be out of business for years to come. TOURISM will be drastically REDUCED. Countries like

BARBADOS or the BAHAMAS, that DEPEND on tourism, will have very little INCOME from it. All transportation means and methods are DISTRIBUTORS and INCUBATORS for this VIRUS...EVEN THE EXPERTS WERE SURPRISED BY THE SPEED and VORACITY OF THIS PARTICULAR VIRUS... IF YOU BREATHE AIR OR HAVE A LUNG, YOU ARE A TARGET. AS SIMPLE AS THAT!! I don’t know about fishes and birds, but all air breathing animals (we are in that mix) are targeted by COVID-19, and it can jump from human to animal and back. ITS method is very simple: if you breathe air you are a prime target. Some folks might overcome it initially, but scientists are now finding out that the rate of REINFECTION is high and problematical, especially for the VACCINE. AS FAR AS IS KNOWN, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH 5G OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC BASIS OR CAUSES.. IT IS A VIRUS. Viruses are all around us all the time (so is bacteria); we live with them. We must adopt NEW hygienic and protection methods, as uncomfortable as they might be. IT’S YOUR LIFE (in your hands of course). As a world traveller and tourist, it looks like my travelling days are over. I was making plans to celebrate big time this year (several important personal milestones) both in SVG and ACAPULCO, but that is out the window for the foreseeable future. I doubt if there will be any planes or ships bringing tourists to any islands anytime soon. WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. E. J. Paddy Corea... In the middle of the epicenter of the epicenter (Queens NY)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 11.

V Posthumous Honorary Degree for Sir Frederick 12. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Awards

Sir Frederick Ballantyne made his mark as early as when he was a student at Upstate Medical University.

FORMER GOVERNOR GENERAL of Sir Vincent and the Grenadines – Sir Frederick Ballantyne has been accorded, posthumously, an honorary degree by his alma mater, Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, New York). The degree was bestowed during a virtual Commencement Ceremony held on May 1. In recognizing Sir Frederick, Upstate Medical University wrote in a release: “Sir Frederick Ballantyne, (is) an Upstate alumnus who has been a visionary leader, physician, statesman and humanitarian on the island of St. Vincent for five decades. His various

family to attend high school. Having successfully completed his secondary education at the then Boys Grammar School, and matriculation for tertiary level studies, he was advised by an old friend to pursue his tertiary level studies in the USA. This was a break from the norm; Vincentian students more often than not chose to study in Britain and/or Canada. His mind set on a career in medicine, Sir Frederick chose the United States and completed an initial degree in chemistry at Howard University (in Washingto n, D.C.), and then went on to the SUNY Upstate Medical University (in Syracuse, The Ballantynes, roles have resulted in a New York) to study among other business remarkable number of medicine. endeavours, owned and health care He was to find himself operated Olive’s Hotel, a the sole black individual improvements, public small hotel in capital health, medical enrolled in that medical Kingstown. Little education, improved school, but that did not wonder therefore, that access to care, and the prevent him from philanthropic support for Sir Frederick often impressing himself on referred to himself as children on St. Vincent his peers. He was soon “coming from a business elected to the student and the Grenadines”. family”. government, and would Sir Frederick passed ‘From a ‘business family’ be for every year of his degree. To crown it, he away in his beloved was elected president of Sir Frederick homeland, St. Vincent the student government Nathaniel and the Grenadines, on in his final year. Ballantyne, GCMG, January 23, 2020. He Sir Frederick interned MD was born in the served as Head of State (Governor General) of St. at the Montreal General eastern coastal town of Hospital after Layou, St. Vincent and Vincent and the the Grenadines, on July Grenadines from 2002 — graduation, from medical school, and then 5, 1936. He was an only 2019. completed child of Samuel and his residency in internal Olive Ballantyne, a Breaking the norm medicine in Rochester, prominent business couple in St. Vincent and Sir Frederick was the New York, followed by a fellowship in cardiology. the Grenadines. first member of his

Impacting SVG’s health scene The young man from Layou returned to his native St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1971. He was soon appointed Chief of Medicine at the newly constructed Kingstown General Hospital (now called the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital), the country’s primary health care institution, and in 1985 was appointed this country’s Chief Medical Officer. He served in that capacity, in addition to fulfilling his duties as a general practitioner and this country’s lone cardiologist, until 1992. As Chief of Medicine and later Chief Medical Officer, Sir Frederick lobbied for and oversaw the upgrades in the facilities of both the hospital and district health clinics. It was he who marshalled the expansion of the Hospital’s Immunisation Programme. He also instituted the hospital’s Visiting Specialist Programme, which recruited overseas medical specialists to volunteer in St. Vincent, in exchange for free accommodation in the country’s resorts. This has blossomed to the extent that this country is now the hub for the World Paediatric Programme (WPP), a ‘free’ tertiary level service to children here and in the rest of the OECS. Sir Frederick is also

Sir Frederick Ballantyne remained intimately related to his profession even after his official retirement from service as a major contributor to the advancement of health services here. credited with working steadfastly to establish this country as a feasible location for Offshore Medical Schools and Colleges. There are currently four such institutions operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But that was not the end of his contribution to the development of health services here. He remained active after his official retirement in a consulting role. The Upstate Medical University’s honorary degree is the second such degree bestowed on Sir Frederick. In June 2009, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by the University of the West Indies (UWI), as one of sixteen regional figures being recognised for their contributions.

Bagga resident places in essay competition WHILE SVG GRAPPLES with the debilitating effects of the Covid-19 virus on its education system, one Vincentian scholar is surely putting the island on the global academic arena. Ralycia Andrews, a Barrouallie resident, has out written scores of writers from Latin America and the Caribbean to capture second place in the 2020 Michigan State University’s Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN), Global Voices Essay

Competition. Andrews’ essay, ‘Empowering the Indigenous Communities: Walamiseru-Our Sad Experience’, was described by the organizers as “intriguing, well written and an excellent description of your passion and activism to spread awareness of the Garinagu culture.” “When I came across the advertisement for the competition online, my interest immediately sparked, and so I earnestly contacted

representatives of various Garifuna communities across the region to gather information,” beamed the enthusiastic Andrews. Andrews’ love for the Garifuna culture began at age eleven with her participation in the YuGaCuRe( Yurumei Garifuna Cultural Revival) summer programme. She later became a facilitator for the annual National Public Library’s CLAP for Fun Summer Programme, as a Garifuna Language and

Culture teacher. Andrews is a past Relief Teacher of the Central Leeward Secondary School and is presently pursuing a BSc in Biology at UWI, Cave Hill as a recipient of the 2019 Sir Arthur Lewis Award for Indigenous Peoples. Andrews’ essay will be shared online and published in printed works. No stranger to literary success, Andrews has also penned a poem, ‘Women or Woe-men’, which has been selected

for publication in the POUI Cave Hill Journal for Creative Writing. Andrews expressed immense gratitude to her mother Miss Rachael Caesar for her exceptional guidance and support, particularly in her literary endeavours. She also expressed gratitude to everyone who was influential in any way in her successes. “This achievement is not a personal gain, but a reflection of my love for my country and its culture,” Andrews stated. (KH)

Ralycia Andrews caught the Garifuna Language and Culture ‘bug’ from an early age.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 13.

Politics/Government

Senator BruceÊs plans upstaged

Dr. Jerrol Thompson led the Ministry of Health team in effecting just what Bruce had intended to do.

Saboto Caesar, Representative for the South Central Windward, reported that he had arranged to have 1,500 face masks delivered in the constituency, with a special emphasis on Greiggs.

OPPOSITION NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY Senator and candidate designate for the South Central Windward Israel Bruce, found his COVID-19 related plans upstaged by Health Ministry officials. In a series of live Facebook addresses, Senator Bruce had announced several initiatives which he had hoped to roll out in the constituency, beginning Friday 1st May. Amongst the initiatives were: outreach programmes to ensure that students across the constituency “are benefitting from the necessary programmes… using the online platforms”; plans to assist displaced citizens with accessing assistance from the Dr. Gonsalves-led government’s COVID-19 Stimulus (Recovery) Package. But moreso, his plan was to mount an educational campaign targeting the Greiggs community. It was this that was outpaced by Health Ministry officials last Friday.

Of course we would be making use of recorded messages as we enhance the education within the community.” When this reporter reached out to Senator Bruce on May 1 requesting a report on Friday’s activity, he said, “I did not bother to do anything because the Ministry of Health said they were going to do the very said exercise. They ran ahead of me because I told them what I was going to do.”

Liaising with the MOH Senator Bruce took to his week day social media address on Monday, to shed more light on the disruption of his

plans. He noted that his sense of responsibility led him to reach out to Health Ministry officials so that he could coordinate his activities with what was being done nationally. He was also hoping to be able to access audio and printed educational materials to help deliver the COVID19 mitigation messages. “Well, my friends, I was told I would be called back; I was. The telephone call did come back only to say that … there was nothing that they could help me with …. no printed material…. no audio material — nothing at their disposal to assist with the education exercise. “What I found strange, though, was on the return call, the young lady was now telling me, ‘Oh you know, we planning to do something like that also.’ I said, ‘Wow, ok. Well the fact that I have made the determination to go into that part of the community, it Reaching out to Greiggs may then not require you to go into that community so you can take your The Senator told some 1700 plus resource of time and manpower viewers on April 30, “As a consequence elsewhere’.” of the increasing numbers of COVIDAccording to Bruce, he was then 19 [patients] in the Greiggs invited to peruse the websites of community, I wish to advise members international health organisations of that community and surrounding WHO and PAHO — to garner communities that effective tomorrow information. [May 1] God’s willing, that a team of Bruce also related that he was us… will visit, in particularly the quizzed as per the anticipated start Greiggs community tomorrow and time of his community service. maybe Saturday God’s willing.” “I found it rather strange that they He explained that his team would wanted to know what time I wanted to be “distributing pamphlets, leaflets go into that part of the constituency,” [and] information brochures that he told Facebook followers on Monday. provide information on how do you After he secured permission from help yourselves and relatives — your the Commissioner of Police’s office to loved ones and in particular the senior use amplified sound to disseminate the citizens of Greiggs and surrounding public health information he was able communities in fighting COVID-19…. to amass, and while preparing to get

the show on the road Friday morning, Bruce was informed that the Ministry’s team was already in the area. Dr. Jerrol Thompson, an Infectious Disease Specialist and Government’s Special Project Consultant, was reported to have converged on Greiggs with a team, and through a mobile public NDP Senator Israel Bruce may have been address system, extolled the upstaged but he remains unfazed. virtues of garlic, lemon grass, turmeric and ginger as immune themselves. boosters that may not cure the virus Interestingly, Senator Bruce claims but could help persons to “kick this that being upstaged by the Ministry thing if it ever comes near you.” did not faze him, nor was he upset He promised that he and his team that they preempted him since they would be back with a lot more were merely doing what they are being information, with a special intent to paid to do. engage elderly persons to tell them how they could better protect jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

Capital Projects and more affected A NUMBER OF INFRASTRUCTURAL and industry and tourism related projects have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was confirmed by Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves at a press briefing, April 30. While some projects have been suspended, other remain ongoing, albeit some at reduced rates of execution. Gonsalves had earlier announced that the Rainforest Seafoods project at Calliaqua was put on hold, given that personnel from China who were contracted to supervise the erection of the building, could not now travel to this country. Other projects were also halted, given that engineering experts were also unable to travel. In relation to the Diamond athletic facility, Gonsalves explained that there were issues getting the engineer from Germany to supervise the next phase of construction. He said that there was another German engineer in Costa Rica, and that the government was working on getting him here in time or else

work on that project could also be affected. A number of road projects funded by entities in Kuwait have also been affected, the finance minister added. Work on the port project has been suspended until next year though relocation of residents of Rose Place is Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of expected to Finance, has projected that the commence estimated capital works and be programme to the tune of ongoing. EC$300m could be halved. Work on other projects Gonsalves said. have slowed. These According to the include the construction Minister of Finance, a of Royal Mill at Ratho robust capital works Mill and the View, programme, estimated formerly Grand View, at EC$300 million, was was also ongoing. Sea Defensive Works expected to take place this year, but with the in Sans Souci and outbreak of Covid-19 Georgetown, and work and its ripple effects, at the Diamond site for the Athletics Track, etc., that estimate has been halved. continue unabated. “We have already lost River Defense Work time and the supply at the Buccament Bay chain has been affected,” River is expected to commence as scheduled, Gonsalves noted. (DD)

V GovÊt to distribute ÂGround ProvisionÊ 14. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Government

“WE HAVE TOO MUCH FOOD in the country for people in any part to be having a difficult time with eating.” So said Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in a wideranging, exclusive interview on Sunday. PM Gonsalves empathized with the plight of Vincentians who may not have been directly exposed to the COVID-19 disease, but are still suffering from its adverse impact on their livelihoods. “There are a number of people, because of COVID, who are having a rough time; you know?” This awareness has inspired Gonsalves to work with Cabinet to establish a farm produce distribution programme, which would be piloted by Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar. “In the country side we have food — ground provisions,

plantains, tomatoes, oranges we have a whole set of things out there which we are accustomed to eat. So you’re not going to find people out in our area easily going hungry. Though you may have one or two people, particularly those that are very old and we have to look out for them, because they mightn’t have family here and so on and so forth. “But in the urban areas where, if somebody want ground provision they have to go to the market, and you know the prices at the market. Now a man who’s working day pay to day pay, weekly even monthly and he lose his job or he’s one week on/one week off, his life would be difficult even though we’ve taken a number of steps - for instance if they have any loans at the bank, they would get a moratorium, if they can’t pay their electricity and water bills —

Ground provision (as displayed in the photo at left) and vegetables abound in SVG, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is determined to make certain that no person goes without food, during this period of dislocation.

ease up the pressure nuh. “But still it rough! So I tell Sabby (Saboto Caesar), I said listen, ‘We have to organize and buy food out there from the farmers. Let the farmers

make an extra dollar, because we have the money.’ And as part of the social safety nets, use the churches, use the Social Development Ministry, use Red Cross and so on to

give out boxes of ground provisions and fruits and vegetables and so on.” Minister Caesar’s public announcement as per the roll out of this next COVID19 socio-economic response is anticipated as he is said to have been, “running with the idea and putting some flesh onto the broad bones.” jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 15.

Arts

ÂThe Moment I Found YouÊ by Garvin Matthews her mother proclaimed. Finding him will be difficult as she has no idea who he is. At age ten, she meets a special boy, Darren. During all the abuse, he is there for her. Unexpectedly, she finds out she’ll have to face it all — on her own — when Darren leaves Wolverhampton and moves to London. “Samantha is forced to move out, but a loving The book, ‘The Moment I Found You’ grandmother will come in to draws on the experiences of the pick up where Darren left off. author and those of person with Finding the inspiration Little do they know, their whom he has interacted. paths are destined to cross “It was a struggle at first, going again and this special longtime friend Alicia back to school with hardly any friendship will change their future,” Allotey. qualifications, but I started reading the soldier turned author explained. He is contented with his more and more,” Matthews told THE The novel also borrows real life chosen form of expression. VINCENTIAN Newspaper/Asbert spatial settings as it is based in “Although I love music, my News Network recently. England, between Wolverhampton and heart wasn’t in that field. I “During my studies, I started to London. enjoyed telling stories. I am enjoy something I never did before, According to Matthews, it delves not really good at telling and that’s reading. And the love for into such poignant issues as child them verbally, but I realised writing followed. I could have read abuse, domestic abuse, child neglect I was better at writing them properly, not confidently, but writing and dysfunctional families, while down on paper. And I properly was a struggle,” he disclosed. exploring relationships and skin colour wanted to tell a story that Nothing of his past seemed to lead insecurities. will inspire people.” to this, but today Matthews is a selfTheophilus Pompey, published novelist, his first book Contented with his choice Matthews’ father, is dead. entitled ‘The Moment I Found You’. But he is happy that his The two-year-long labour of love While managing his time between mother Violet DuPont,who that resulted in the book, was inspired his job as a TESCO customer service still lives in St. Vincent, and by his mother’s “struggle bringing us assistant and his familial obligations siblings Lindel Matthews up, even as my father was battling his with his daughter Parris and current and Marsha Alves, are still own demons. Through her struggles, girlfriend Una, Matthews was able to able to enjoy this milestone. she still emerged out of a dire amass some sales in the intervening “I feel very proud of him because I situation to find love. weeks since the novel was first know he was trying with this book. “It was also inspired by my expublished on April 10, 2020. He wrote one already and I guess he girlfriend, who is British born of “I’ve had great response from the cancelled that one and he tried again Jamaican descent. She had a very English and black community so far. I with this one. I’m so happy for him, horrible childhood, with an abusive have sold 50 copies in two weeks, even and I think he could make it far with mother and step fathers. Some of this though I am doing all the marketing it. Nothing beats a trial,” Mrs. Dupont book was also inspired by my own on my own.” said in praise of her first born. struggles in life, but put in a fictional The young Vincentian writer is ‘The Moment I found You’ is form.” grateful for the six months novel available on Amazon in paperback and writing course by publishers Faber kindle versions. And it’s also available The central characters and focus and Faber where he honed his skills, on iBooks. and the practical guidance and support Matthews’ book is about a girl of his “classmates and tutor who named Samantha. “She is convinced published several books” as well as the her father is still alive and not dead as editorial oversight supplied by his GARVIN MATTHEWS is a storyteller with deep roots in the Campden Park community. He considers himself to have been academically unqualified before he became a novelist. More than 11 years ago, he immigrated to the United Kingdom in search of better socio-economic conditions. He enlisted in the British Armed Forces, did a four-year stint, and today the 38 year-old Bishop’s College Kingstown alumnus hold a University degree in Business Management/Travel/Tourism.

Garvin Matthews, first time novelist, is contented with his choice of media through which he shares his feelings and observations. Keep up to date with the celebrated young author via his social media handles @garvin1236 on Twitter, @GarvinMatthewsAuthor on Facebook and on www.GarvinMatthews.com. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Gender

Members of CARIWA celibate a milestone among regional NGOs, about which they can be justly proud.

On the 50th anniversary of CARIWA (April 27, 1970 – April 27, 2020) APRIL 27, 2020 marked the 50th year of the founding of the Caribbean Women’s Association (CARIWA), a regional organisation representing women at all levels through National Organisations/Councils of Women. CARIWA has made several significant achievements for the advancement of women in the area of advocacy, among these being: the establishment of the Women’s Desk at the CARICOM Secretariat; the Women and Development Unit (WAND) of the University of the West Indies; Women’s Desks (now Gender Affairs) in Caribbean countries; and establishment of National Councils where these did not exist. CARIWA has also influenced the passage of legislation such as inheritance rights for women, citizenship, and children’s rights, in various Caribbean countries. The continuing incidence of crime and violence, including Domestic Violence, in the CARIWA member countries, is a cause for great concern, and over the years required strong advocacy from the women’s groups for legislation. Some measure of success came with the United Nations Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women in 1995, where Violence Against Women was listed as one of the twelve Critical Areas of Concern. CARIWA’s latest project - ‘Cultural Rights to foster behavioural changes and Women’s Empowerment against Domestic Violence in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’ - dealt extensively with this subject. Should the recommendations be implemented, significant changes will take place. In June, 2014, CARIWA participated in a regional workshop on Women and Disaster Preparedness. This Training of Trainers Workshop

produced tools for training leaders to work in communities at the time of Disasters, and be in a position to attend to the practical and gender needs of the vulnerable sectors of the population. This training is particularly valuable at this time of the COVID —19 crisis, and the impending Hurricane Season. At this milestone, CARIWA stands on the shoulders of our foremothers who have made great sacrifices, not only with little resources, but in enduring the mockery of the many who thought they were acting “out of their place”. We, the beneficiaries of their labours, pay tribute to all the women who contributed strongly to the women’s movement in their countries — from those in political and medical fields to farmers, craftswomen, nurses and teachers. These include the late Anne Liburd of St. Kitts/Nevis; Viola Burnham of Guyana; Gwendoline Tonge of Antigua/Barbuda; Sheila Duyon and Valcina Ash of St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Nesta Patrick of Trinidad & Tobago; Dame Nita Barrow of Barbados; the late Magda Pollard of Guyana; Phyllis Fleming Banks of Anguilla; Heraldine Rock of St. Lucia; Jacquie Banfield of Grenada; and Neva Edwards of Dominica. We owe it to them and to present and future generations to re-double our efforts in implementing actions for the advancement of women, and to recommit ourselves to the service of women of the region. CARIWA has influenced positive Change, and will do it again!! Nelcia Robinson COMMITTEE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN

V Cuban health worker dies in Dominica

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 17.

Regional

A CUBAN HEALTH worker who is part of the coronavirus/COVID-19 Medical Brigade serving in Domincia, has died in that country. At a press briefing held on Wednesday 6th May, Dominica’s Health Minister Dr. Irvin McIntyre did not reveal the name of the deceased, but expressed deepest sympathies and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Dominica, to the Cuban Medical Brigade in Dominica and the Cuban people in general. THE VINCENTIAN has learned since, via Dominica News Online (DNO,) that the deceased’s name is Yoet Michel Ramos Cordero. The Health Minister announced, “... last evening, there was an unfortunate incident

where one of the Cuban Medical Brigade suddenly collapsed. He was a 42 year old male.” Dr. McIntyre said that the Cuban healthcare worker came to Dominica on March 29th as part of the Cuban COVID-19 Medical Brigade, and completed 2 weeks (14 days) of quarantine in Portsmouth. He was then assigned to the COVID Isolation Unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital where he worked from the 16th - 20th April, 2020, after which he again completed another 2 weeks in quarantine, as required by existing protocol. Health Minister McIntyre described the death as “a very sad day” for the Cuban Brigade and for Dominica. With respect to the situation as it relates to

50-Plus students thank SKN gov’t THE ST. KITTS-NEVIS Students’ Association of Jamaica (SKNSAJ) expressed “sincere gratitude” to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday, May 1st, 2020, via a statement, which publicly acknowledged its role in “facilitating and ensuring the safe return of its students from Jamaica.” On Thursday, April 30 th, the Government repatriated over 50 of the Federation’s students studying in Jamaica, who have had difficulty getting home to St. Kitts and Nevis due to border closings, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis paid the full share of the cost of the charter flight from Jamaica, which amounted to $75,000.00 USD (approx. $203,000.00 ECD). “The Government also has had to find facilities to quarantine these students for 14 days,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Shawn Richards said Tuesday night. “Our fears were relieved by your generosity and support during such a difficult time,” the students’ statement said, addressing the Government. The statement by the SKNSAJ continued: “To the Minister with responsibility for Education et al., Hon. Shawn Richards, thank you very much for working tirelessly on our behalf. Your concern for our well-being was evident, as you remained in constant communication with us, which was greatly appreciated.” The students also noted in their statement that, “Getting us home was an expensive venture, but it was done without any cost to us, our families or our loved ones. All expenses for flight, accommodation and those essential services that are required for us to continue our studies online were borne by the Government. We commend you for taking such stance on behalf of your citizens.”

COVID-19 in Dominica, the two active cases are to be retested this weekend. (Dominica has the capability (in country) to test for the coronavirus.) As of press day, Wednesday, Dominica had recorded 19 cases of COVID-19.

Minister McIntyre reported that it’s been 28 days since the last positive case. He believed that this was largely due to: the closure of borders; effective contact tracing and isolation; efficient primary health care team; the ability to have

Cuban health worker Yoet Michel Ramos Cordero collapsed and died after he did two sessions in quarantine. (Photo Source: Dominica Online)

in- country testing; compliance by the public with the public health and social measures; and the team effort involving all stake holders. (Compiled by Sheron Garraway)

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A big COVID-19 mess Dear George, I LIVE ALONE in Boston, USA, and my girlfriend lives in St. Vincent. I have never cheated on my girlfriend though the temptation has always existed. Recently, women have been offering to stay with me during this COVID-19. One of them assured me that I did not have to worry about a surprise visit by girlfriend, since the airports were closed. The thing is I invited one of them to stay with me, to stem the tide. Now, unknowing to me, she went and invited a girlfriend to join her. I objected to this and asked them both to leave. They threatened to tell my girlfriend about my cheating if they had to leave. I gave in to them. Three weeks have passed, during which they have kept me awake into the night, to satisfy their sexual desires. While I do enjoy them most of the times, I feel very guilty about it. One of them is even suggesting that I forget about my girl at home and permanently take her into my life.

I have invited trouble into my life and need a way out.

Trapped Dear Trapped, Offers can always be made, but it’s entirely up you to refuse. Stop using COVID-19 as an excuse for your promiscuity. Your girlfriend deserves better. It does not appear you are serious about getting out of the mess you have so wittingly created. If you were, you would be thinking about how to get out of it NOW instead of “when the time comes.” Man up, clear your house and get back on that honest track you were on before any of this started.

George

No money, no love? time to do an evaluation of this relationship. You are in charge of what MY BOYFRIEND used happens in your house, Ask yourself: Am I to help me with my house rent but that has getting what I bargained and own the right to determine who goes and stopped. He would sleep for from the who comes. If you are relationship? whenever and eat not getting what you The love of your life whatever at my house. Now he is saying he can’t would not threaten your want, and see little hope help me because he is life as a way of solving a of things changing anytime soon, then that not making enough problem. That threat could be your signal to from your boyfriend money. make some major ought to be taken But, I got to seriously and reported to changes. understand there is the police immediately. another woman he is George now supporting. I was This is the perfect able to show him proof of this but he denied it. I immediately told him he was no longer welcomed in my house. He said I Dear George, was being ungrateful, and even accused me of BEFORE this COVID-19 crisis, my guy, even having someone else in though he is married, used to be with me almost my life. Worse, he has 24/7. I quite understand he cannot come to my threatened to kill me if house as before, but he can still call. He does not he sees anyone coming even call. He told me his wife is always around. I from my house. told him it is his duty to find a way to call me or I am very return the iPhone I gave him. uncomfortable at this I got the surprise of my life when I met the point. Should I continue phone, wrapped in brown paper, on my step. He with this relationship? cannot see how unfair he is to me. His actions prove to me that he is weak and is not the man of Scared and hurt his house. This has me so upset!

Dear George,

Dear Scared and hurt,

Read the sign!!

Feeling cheated Dear Feeling cheated, That phone on your doorstep should be enough to tell you that your lover has had enough of grazing on both sides of the fence. It seems like he has reorganized his priorities and has decided to give his wife the attention and commitment she deserves. Try to appreciate the effort he is making to strengthen his marital ties, and keep a safe distance from his relationship with his wife.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. It will be all around you. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. Don’t fall into the trap.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t let your family put demands on you. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can come into money that you don’t necessarily work for. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you. Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate’s whims. Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren’t well organized.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. Don’t be afraid to lay your cards on the table.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Pushy people must be kept at arm’s length. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be creative in your pursuits. Sooner or later your partner will have had enough. Do your best, but don’t make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself. You might find that coworkers will support your endeavors.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. This is a great day for a trip. Take time to help a friend who hasn’t been feeling well.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You should sign up for creative courses. Concentrate on your work. You can make gains if you work in conjunction with others. Get back down to earth and to basics.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Be sure to catch up on overdue correspondence and help those you love find solutions to their dilemmas. Don’t be too eager to buy things for those who really don’t deserve it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Camping, swimming, and biking expeditions should all be considered. Be cautious who you deal with financially. This could be a difficult day to deal with coworkers.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Attend to things that you should have done yesterday. Don’t involve yourself in the emotional problems of those you work with. This might not be a day for hasty decisions.

ACROSS 1. Noisy ruckus 4. City pollution 8. Escape 12. Exist 13. Phone survey 14. Fury 15. _ Angeles 16. Helper 17. Admired individual 18. Walks inside 20. Accumulate birthdays 22. Rent 23. Reserved 27. Sub shop 30. Bill figure 31. Lamb-bearing critter 32. Common contraction 33. Lawn pests 35. Martini liquor 36. Adult guys 37. Cold and damp 38. Waist strap 39. Rubs off 41. Afternoon social 43. Quarry explosive: abbr. 44. Airfield structure 48. Living-room staple 51. Nights before 53. Regret 54. On vacation 55. Get up 56. That thing’s 57. Cozy retreats 58. Plant start 59. “- a chance!” DOWN 1. Small Valley 2. Press 3. Squirrel shelter

4. Trunk tire 5. Slightly wet 6. Far from new 7. Shone 8. Cooked in fat 9. Youthful male 10. Selfinvolvement 11. Slim fish 19. Inventor Whitney 21. Leaves 24. Blade part 25. Earth 26. Nomadic home 27. Silvery coin 28. Eternally 29. Musical Horne 30. Hardly any 33. Wee songbird

34. Spring holidays 38. Make illegal 40. Lingers on 41. The ones here 42. Decreased (tensions)

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 19.

45. Smile wide 46. Sedan or coupe 47. Brief pause 48. Cheerless 49. Carry debt 50. Sports lover 52. Fight (for)

V

20. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Reflecting with Pamenos Ballantyne refer to himself when THE VINCENTIAN caught up with him recently, and prodded him into reflecting on his achievement. Ballantyne’s career began in the earlier 1990s when he excelled at both primary and secondary school levels as a distance runner on grass. He said he was encouraged to turn to the road and concentrate on the marathon by Lennox bowman, who would become his manager. His development in this area led to his participation in the 1995 London Marathon and the following year in the Atlanta Olympic Games Marathon. As for his accomplishments in the Caribbean, he has won: the Trinidad Marathon 7 times and still holds the record (time) for that event; the Jamaica Marathon four Retired ace athlete Pamenos Ballnatyne shows times and remains the off some of the silverware he captured during record holder; and the Run his career, that demonstrates his outstanding Barbados Marathon 5 success as a distance (road) runner. times. “SOME PEOPLE DESCRIBE ME as the “I consider the Trinidad ‘King of the Caribbean Road.” marathon as the most competitive,” he This was how Pamenos Ballantyne, told THE VINCENTIAN, adding, “My this country’s most accomplished road toughest competitor in the marathon (distance) runner now retired, chose to was Trinidadian Ronnie Holassie and

St. Lucia Zephinus Joseph in the Ballantyne, Campbell Richardson and middle distances.” later Junior Ashton. As for his eventual preference for In all, Ballantyne said that he won the road, Ballantyne explained it thus: 11 OECS titles, and listed his proudest “I prefer running on the road because moment as being named OECS Sports it was easier for me to win due to my Personality in 2004. training routine in SVG where there He continues to train and keep fit, are a lot of hills which builds up my and has the mindset to compete, endurance. So when I went to saying, “I still have a couple years left Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad where in me. I have slowed down because of there are flatter roads, the race injuries but still run locally in road became easier.” relays”. He makes no bones that “the And in true Pamenos Ballantye marathons are my favorite races,” but style, he concluded the conversation by hastened to remind, “I still dominated challenging the local Track and Field in the middle distance races.” Officials to organise more events Ballantyne, in fact, still holds the locally. national records for the 5000m, 5k, 10k, 15k, and the half marathon He also holds the records for the 1500m in I.B.A.ALLEN the local Inter-Secondary Schools and the Windward Islands School Games. The local races, Ballantyne said, assisted him in preparing for the bigger races. His achievements on the local circuit included victories in the Chatoyer Endurance 10K, Atlas TRACK AND FIELD Cement 10K and half meets in this country, marathon, Nemwill half like all other major marathon, Gillette and sporting activities, have Milo 10Ks. been suspended because Competition locally of the COVID-19 was provided by his pandemic. brother Benedick However, the national governing body for Track and Field Team Athletics SVG, is not sitting on its laurels. Chester Morgan, According to Chester Technical Director of Morgan, Technical Team Athletics SVG, is Director of Team still looking up. Athletics SVG, he has been doing a lot of programing for the athletes and coaches. “We have a website now (teamathleticssvg.com) which coaches can visit. We welcome feedback,” Morgan said. “So due to this pandemic, we have several coaching programmes and are educating our coaches on new training methods, theories, and our athletes are also encouraged to read and do research,” he elaborated. Jacintha Ballantyne was In addition, coaches have been working on not only SVG’s first developing audio-visual kits for use by their silver medallist at the athletes during this period of ‘lockdown’, Morgan Carifta Games, but was reminded. also the first SVG Morgan also pointed to this period of nonfemale track athlete to competition as a time when athletes could rest and ever medal at the recuperate. Games. “Our athletes have been competing season after season, so now they have a chance to rest,” the Games in 2015, the Technical Director posited. edition at which Boyde earned his silver in the I.B.A.ALLEN 200m.

Jacintha Ballantyne: SVG’s first Carifta silver medallist JACINTHA BALLANTYNE copped St Vincent and the Grenadines’ first ever silver medal when she placed second in the Females Under-17 100m at the second edition of the Games, held in Trinidad and Tobago in 1973. One year later in Jamaica, Cordell Da Silva was on the podium with the second silver, gaining same in the Under-20 Male Javelin. It took another eight years before SVG copped a silver medal. Performing that feat was Sebastien Warner. He gained silver in the Male

Under-17 1500m of the 1982 Games hosted by Jamaica. Then five years after in 1987 in Trinidad and Tobago, there were two silver medallists: Saville Sayers was second in the Male Under-17 Tripke Jump, and Golda Mc Lean in the Females Under-17 3000m. In 1988, in Jamaica, Jacqueline Ross copped silver in the Under-20 Females Long Jump. She is a four-time medallist at the Carifta Games with one gold, one silver and two bronze. Next to take silver was Kineke Alexander,

when she docked second in the Females Under-20 400m in Bermuda. Then in 2005, Adonson Shallow, an Under-20 Male field athlete, was a double silver medallist, placing second in the Discus and Javelin. Tobago hosted the Junior Carifta Games that year. The other two silver medals were also gained at the Under-20 Male category, with Dehlonni Nicol- Samuel and Reuberth Boyde achieving the feats. Nicol Samuel attained silver in the 5000m at the St Lucia Games in 2009 and at the St. Kitts

Team Athletics SVG reaching out

V SVGOC grateful for IOC’s increased assistance

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 21.

Sports

PRESIDENT of the SVG Olympic Committee Trevor Bailey has expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee(IOC), through Olympic Solidarity, for its increased funding to all

206 National Olympic Committees, St Vincent and the Grenadines included. It means that the budget allocated to the IOC’s subsidies programme has been

Rugby Union keeping fingers crossed PRESIDENT of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union- Leonard Matthews, said that his organisation is keeping its fingers crossed, hoping that the sport can resume sooner than later. Rugby, like all other sporting activities here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been put on hold, following the declaration of the coronavirus COVID-19 as a pandemic in March. Matthews disclosed that when the halt came in March, the senior Leonard Matthews men’s team was in high gear. –President of the “We were actually in the SVG Rigby Union process of training in preparation for a 15-a-side match against Barbados… That match has been rescheduled to next year,” Matthews elaborated. “In addition,” Matthews said, “St Vincent and the Grenadines was also making plans to be part of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) championships in November… We are waiting for confirmation from RAN if it will go ahead.” Given the prevailing uncertainty, Matthews assured that the SVG Rugby Union is depending on guidance from health and government authorities. “At this moment, we are waiting on the decision of social distancing before we can make our next move,” the SVG Rugby Union President commented. In response to the halt in Rugby action, World Rugby announced last month its intention to make available a US $100 million coronavirus relief package aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the sport. Matthews acknowledged that he was unaware of the package, which should trickle down to the SVG Rugby Union, but said: “The regional body RAN said that it is willing to support regional unions if there is a shortfall in funds from government or local sports organisations.” Matthews was elected to head the SVG Rugby Union last August.

increased by $10.3 million. The increase is earmarked to cover additional funds for exceptional related costs incurred by the NOC’s, because of the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and the Paralympic Games. The threats of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic caused the Olympics and the Paralympics to be reset for July 23rd to August 8th and August 24th to September 5th, 2021, respectively. Reacting to the IOC’s

decision, Bailey related, “We welcome the IOC’s decision of giving more to the NOC’s around the world to prepare the athletes to participate in the Olympic Games.” He said he was not surprised by the decision, “because the aim of the Olympic Solidarity is to organise assistance for the NOC’s across the world.” Bailey noted the IOC is cognisant that many of the NOCs will be struggling financially with the suspension of sports across the world. In outlining the use of

the funds locally, Bailey noted: “The funds will be used for training, nutrition, coaching and competition… It will also be used to help athletes participate in qualifying events to make the standard.” He acknowledged that “these times are indeed challenging for all of our athletes and coaches,” and encouraged them “to be strong and optimistic,” with he himself leading in the latter regard, when he quipped, “I believe better days are coming.” Part of the IOC’s

Trevor Bailey- SVGOC President overall package includes Olympic scholarships for Tokyo 2020 athletes, team support grants and refugee athletes’ support, which covers 1600 athletes. The funding takes into account as well preparation for the new Olympic Solidarity 20212024 plan which is set for announcement by year’s end.

National Female Footballer on US College Awards list SENIOR NATIONAL Female Footballer Shiann Perry has been named among twenty Distinguished Business students at the Glenville State College, West Virginia, USA. Perry, a senior at the college majoring in Sports Management, was chosen as one of the stand outs, based on her academics, leadership and extra-curricular activities. Apart from this latest recognition, Perry was on the President’s list and the Provost’s list, and became a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honour Society in 2018. With dreams of becoming a Flight Attendant, Perry shared that, other than playing

Football, she enjoys reading, adventures and travelling. According to a statement from the college, “Shiann has been a wonderful Office Assistant for the Department of Business for the last two years.” Perry, who plays in the left back position, is a former student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and was among nine Vincentian footballers (five females and four males) who enrolled in Ranger College, Texas, in 2016. Locally, she represented CamdoniaChelsea in Football and she graduated to the national senior level after being a member of

the SVG Under-20 Female team. Perry helped St Vincent and the Grenadines to the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Senior Women’s Tournament title, last July in St Lucia.

Shiann Perry

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22. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Cricket West Indies will pay cricketers WEST INDIES cricket once again made headlines across the cricketing world two week ago, but all for what seemed to have been the wrong reasons. Word broke that cricketers in the West Indies had not been paid their match fees since January this year, due to a severe cash crunch in their governing body, Cricket West Indies (CWI). While the players’ retainer had been cleared, CWI admitted the non-payment of match fees. And as he acknowledged that there has been a delay in payments of match fees for the home series against Ireland in

January and the Sri Lanka tour in February to March 2020, Vice President of CWI Dr. Kishore Shallow explained that this (delay) was due to outstanding revenue collection. CEO of CWI Johnny Grave had earlier explained the current financial crunch as being the result of huge losses suffered while hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2018. “When we hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, we made a US$22 million loss,” Grave said recently. The VP, though, committed to the payment of all players, “as soon as we (CWI) have sufficient collections

over the next few weeks.” Dr. Shallow recognized that, given the “current circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic, CWI is fortunate to be able to mitigate the challenges and sustain payroll up to this point. “We have been able to pay our staff at the secretariat, and I held a meeting with the CEO Johnny Grave on Thursday (last week), and he has indicated that, come the end of June, we should be in a better position to pay all those who are still owed,” the VP disclosed. Among those still owed are the domestic players on ‘pay for play’ contracts. Payments in this regard, that normally would have

been made in March, should be forthcoming by the end of April. Dr. Shallow said that, given the current circumstances where people don’t know where their next dollar was coming from, CWI had done well in terms of making payments. In related news, Barbados Today reported last Friday the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as saying that the West Indies tour would now take place between July and September. West Indies were scheduled to tour England for three Tests from June 4-29, but the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic put spent to that series as originally planned.

Johnny Grave, CEO/CWI, disclosed that the CWI had made huge losses in two recent home series. CWI Chief Executive, Johnny Grave, expressed hope that the series would be staged, but cautioned that the safety of players and officials was priority. “We continue to be in regular dialogue with the ECB on when and how we might be able to rearrange the Test series,” he said last Friday. “Clearly, playing in June is now not possible,

Dr. Kishore Shallow, CWI Vice President, committed to payments of all outstanding match fees to cricketers as soon as revenue improved. and we will continue our discussions with the ECB and other International Boards on trying to find new dates. We will only travel to England to play the series if our players can be assured that it is safe to do so,” Grave said. I.B.A.ALLEN

System 3 Academy keeping active IAN SARDINE, founder and director of System 3 Sports Academy, is satisfied that the measures his Academy has put in place during the period of dislocation occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, will still keep his members (players) in shape. The threat from the coronavirus forced the Academy to cease all coaching activities. In the interim, Sardine said, “I started doing some individual videos of kids doing simple drills and sent them round to the kids in the different teams for them to practise. As proof that they were doing the drills, they were required to video themselves and return those videos to the coaches. This has been

going well.” Additionally, Sardine said, “Almost every age group has WhatsApp group with both parents and kids, so we send other activities to keep the kids occupied.” The long standing athletics/football coach admitted that the period would be challenging, and this was more reason why he felt it was necessary to keep in touch with the members/players. “In this regard,” Sardine said, “the coaches have been doing a good job.” Looking beyond the passage of COVID-19, Sardine pointed to further development of the Academy’s main training ground at the Richmond Hill Playing Field. He disclosed that the

Ian Sardine and System 3 Sports Academy have become synonymous with youth development in this country. plan includes establishing a viewing and seating area for the parents and others, and constructing and outfitting appropriate washrooms. The plan is awaiting approval by the National Sports Council (NSC). All taken, Sardine is pleased that he is able to keep the Academy active, and expressed thanks to the many benefactors who have made this possible. I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

No date in sight

SHAKE KEANE: The Final Rites

Continued from Page 6. This rejection by his own people hurt deeply but it did not cause spiritual death, generate a sense of betrayal or even engender feelings of bitterness. Frankie Mc. Intosh and Dr. Margaret Bynoe who in the dark days stood by Shakes’ side and travelled the valley of death with him, and insistent that, despite the challenging circumstances, he remained positive and upbeat always. Sweet are the uses of adversity. Indeed, Shake put out some of his most touching verses at the time, testifying to Wordsworth’s insight that “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”, whatever the well-spring. The same hold good for poetry in song- which is music. With his fugel horn, Shake charmed the fans in the USA and Scandinavia, like the mythical Orpheus of yore did with his flute. What a shattering loss- St. Vincent! Frankie Mc. Intosh felt the presence of Shakes as the few devotees- quality not quantity intoned Tracey Connell- paid homage to a cultural Giant in song, dance, music and poetry. At the end of the church service the day before, John Horne announced that the Government had paid for a sculptured burst of honour of Shake. We are grateful for small mercies, for the well-meant gesture. Shake’s ashes are with us. Perhaps it should be thrown to the wind above the Soufriere whose wonderous works he has immortalised in verse. In any event, Shake has etched out a permanent place in many hearts. The Roman poets have reminded us that that is a monument more lasting that bronze....

that he has drawn to the attention of PRIME MINISTER Dr. Governor General Dame Ralph Gonsalves has Susan Dougan and admitted that he has not Leader of the Opposition given much thought as to Dr Godwin Friday, was a date for the next General that of the appointment Elections. of the Elections and General Elections Boundaries Commission were last held in (ECB). December 2015 and it “Because under the was highly anticipated constitution, if there is a that the elections would new census, we have to be contested before year have the Commission end. meet,” Gonsalves However, the COVID- explained. 19 outbreak has The last census disrupted normal state (report) was made and government available about eight operations, leaving years ago, the prime citizens to speculate with minister continued. respect to a date for the Under the Elections. constitution, the Gonsalves said during Governor General is to a press briefing on April appoint the Chairperson 30 that the government of the ECB, following had to respect the which the Prime constitution, but he had Minister and Leader of not given any real the Opposition will thought to an altered advise on one member target (date) for each. elections. “Electorally that is the He said that the only only matter that I am election-related matter addressing

ELESTON SAMUEL Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Kingstown Park Wednesday, 6th May, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

constitutionally. As to when elections will be held? Your guess is as good as mine,” the Prime Minister said. (DD)

CHARLES RICHARD CHARLES

LUVINIA SAMUEL

Layou Miracle Church Monday, 4th April, 2020 Viewing: 2:30 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Interment: Layou Cemetery

Questelles S.D.A Church Sunday, 3rd May, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

GLEASON GLASLEY LEWIS

THEOPHIUS WILFRED GUY

JEVA INEZ TONEY

New Testament Church of God Rose Hall Sunday, 3rd May, 2020 Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment Rose Hall Cemetery

Brighton Church of Christ Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Interment: Brighton Cemetery

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church Georgetown Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Byrea Cemetery

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FRIDAY MAY

08, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.19

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

MINIBUS ASSOCIATION PLEASED

Royron Adams, Acting Vice-President and Chief Spokesperson of VINTAS, expressed general satisfaction with how mini-bus operators’ concerns have been addressed by Government.

EC$500 for mini-buses licensed for 18 passengers and EC$600 for those MEMBERS of the Vincentian licensed for 26. Transportation Association (VINTAS) are “So that is good news for us. We said to be satisfied with the revised moved from $250 to a 100 percent subsidy allocated to them under the increase in subsidy,” Adams told THE Government’s COVID-19 Stimulus VINCENTIAN. Package. The Minister of Finance had earlier Vice President (Ag) Royron Adams explained that the initial increase was told THE VINCENTIAN that the decided upon after it was determined organization was pleased with the that there were far fewer than the progress thus far. purported 1,400 mini-buses in Minister of Finance Camillo operation in the country. Gonsalves had announced on April 30 According to Minister Gonsalves, that the subsidy as referenced was the government decided to use the adjusted from EC$250 to EC$450 for number of mini-buses that were vehicles licensed for 18 passengers, already registered to be sanitized, i.e. and EC$550 for those carrying 26 400. passengers, for a period of two months. However, Adams informed that But Adams reported that at a May 5 VINTAS was able to convince the meeting between VINTAS and Prime government to accept its research that Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the “there was a number closer to 600 subsidy was further adjusted to read: rather than 1,400.” by DAYLE DA SILVA

Adams took the opportunity to explain that VINTAS never opted to demand significant support from the government, especially with other sectors having been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, he said, VINTAS wanted to ensure that the $700,000 allocated to mini-bus operators got to those who were qualified to receive it. “We believe that the government made a good decision to double the subsidy to our sector while still being able to support other needy sectors such as vendors,” he said.

Gas prices As for petrol prices, Adams reported that VINTAS was pleased with the recent reduction, and anticipated a further reduction at the pump. He referenced the Prime Minister as saying that there would be a 50 cent reduction on gasoline and a 30 cent reduction in diesel, to follow the $1 decrease enacted earlier.

Sanitisation, Minibus operators (not necessarily the one pictured) have been urged to get registered with VINTAS and to adhere to the conditions of the Stimulus Package. (Editor’s Note: The minibus pictured is not being singled out as being delinquent)

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

passengers and masks Going forward, Adams identified some areas that needed some attention. He said feedback from the police and the relevant government officers indicated that there was still a reluctance on the part of members to have their buses sanitized. “Failure to do that, the police have two options — they can direct you to sanitize…or they can pull your bus off the road for the rest of the day; so I encourage the buses to get sanitized,” Adams told THE VINCENTAN. He reminded his members that the recommended number of times (for sanitization) was a minimum of four times a day for mini-buses plying short routes, and two to three times for those with longer routes. He also expressed some concern about the shortcoming with respect to adherence to the 9-passemger restriction, expressing the view that operators ought to respect the public’s right to good health and the need to safeguard their own as well. The VINTAS Vice President (Ag) admitted he understood why some were guilty of the practice. The reality is that 9 is not economical, he reasoned, and in appealing to all mini-bus operators to adhere to the restriction, he reminded them that the measure was a temporary one. And as it related to the wearing of masks, Adams said that VINTAS recommended that persons use masks when using public transportation, especially since there was no way to effectively achieve social distancing. He further advised the travelling public to have the exact fare, whenever possible, in order to avoid unnecessary and prolonged exposure to money that could be contaminated.

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