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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JUNE 09, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.23

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Front: Miss SVG 2017, Jimelle Roberts, Miss FLOW. L-R: Bryana Hadaway, Miss Quick Cash Corp; 1st Runner-up, Nicoleen Lewis, Miss Mustique Company Ltd.; Darisean Laborde, Miss Kendra’s Aluminum Products; Brittney Oliver, Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse; 2nd Runner-up. Christal Oliver,Miss Jergens, and LaDonna Yorke, Miss Metrocint General Insurance CompanyLtd. (Photos: Oris Robertson)

V HIV/AIDS Carnival Campaign launched 2. FRIDAY, JUNE 09,, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE CARNIVAL HIV/AIDS awareness/safe sex campaign, dubbed ‘catch the vibe, not the virus’, is viewed as “an act of social responsibility.” Director of the HIV/AIDS Unit Ferosa Roache made the

declaration last Wednesday. She was speaking at Victoria Park at the launch of the 2017 campaign. “We are responsible for promoting a healthy nation, and we must educate the population

on the importance of healthy behaviours, and the role of prudence in preventing sexually transmitted infections,” Roache outlined. She encouraged the use of condoms, and described it as the “best

way for sexually active persons to prevent STD’s, including HIV.” Roache reviewed the condom message as the cornerstone of prevention. However, she expressed concerns that “we have struggled to

always translate this simple message into real life.” With 14 new infections recorded up to May 2017, bringing the total to 1547 here, Roache sees the need for, “… expanded HIV combination prevention and combination treatment.” According to Roache, persons between 15 and 49 account for as high as 83 per cent of the case of HIV here. She stressed the urgency of finding new avenues of persuading that sector. “We have to provide a creative space to continue to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections, promote safe sex behaviours and reenforce the importance of condom use during this party season,” Roache pleaded. As part of the effort to combat the HIV scourge, rapid HIV testing will be done and treatment and care provided. This is in keeping with the Ministry’s strategy of having 90 percent awareness among patients, receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy, and showing suppression. Roache admits that health care is a shared responsibility, and that the Unit will not achieve its targets, including achieving the objective of ending the spread of AIDs by 2030. Anneke Wilson - Pan American Health Organisation Country Programme Specialist, embraced the collaboration and endorsed the ‘catch the vibe, not the virus’ promotion. She reminded that “Abstinence and condom protection are the only ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.” Wilson pointed to the burden caused by the sickness and death from the HIV infection, “through the impact on reproductive health and child health, and indirectly through economic cost for care and treatment, as well as loss in productivity and

Ferosa Roache, Director of the HIV/AIDS Unit, stressed the use of condoms as a means of preventing the spread of STDs.

Anneke Wilson, PAHO Country Programme Specialist, also highlighted abstinence as a consideration in the fight against the spread of STDs. productive years.” The Pan American Health Organisation specialist alluded to World Bank estimates that STD’s, excluding HIV, are the second commonest cause of health life years lost by women between 15 and 44. Wilson re-impressed that HIV is real, and pleaded for responsible behaviour. Niki Anderson Isaacs, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, pointed to the involvement of prominent persons in the campaign. That included songwriter, performing artiste Raeon ‘Madzart’ Primus who provided the song for the crusade. He was excited to be in the promotion, and disclosed that a recording of the song was available for purchase, with proceeds of sale going to the campaign. There will be condoms for distribution at several points during the carnival celebration, including outside the Old Treasury Building. (WKA)

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Josianne John

Montgomery Hazel

Claudia Williams

Sheron Simmons

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 3.

News 3 Search continues for 6 missing at sea

surrounding Mustique. The boat, captained by 56-year-old Montgomery Hazell, also had on board Claudia Williams (43), AT 3:00 PM Wednesday, vessel was given Sheron Simmons (43), the St Vincent and the however. Josianne John, age Grenadines Coast Guard This information was (SVGCG) confirmed that relayed at about 5:52 pm, unknown, and husband and wife Nedd Da Souza they had had no positive with the initial (46) and Charmaine Da results in locating either information indicating Souza (38). debris or signs of life, from that the vessel started The entire nation has the vessel with six persons taking in water as it been on edge since news on board that went approached the waters missing last Sunday, June 4. In an update on Wednesday, Lieutenant Ralphie Ragguette of the SVGCG told THE VINCENTIAN the search for the vessel ‘Mighty Shadow’ and its occupants was ongoing, with two vessels being deployed and another from neighbouring ACCORDING to Martinique and one supplied by the Mustique police, Louis Browne, Company. driver/owner of Lt. Ragguette also confirmed that the Coast North Union, and Guard from the Kingdom passenger Reneke of the Netherlands, more Primus of Diamond were the only specifically from occupants of the Curacao, had deployed truck TN818 one of its Bombardier making its way Dash 8 Maritime Patrol into Kingstown on Aircraft to join in the Tuesday 6th June, search operation. when it lost control In the days following and ended up against a utility pole just located the disappearance of the infront of the perimeter wall of the Kirby’s vessel, the SVGCG residence, along the Leeward highway. official said that several Around 4:30 on Tuesday afternoon, when the local aircraft and sea truck reached the vicinity of the Central Water and craft had joined in the Sewerage Authority (CWSA), some distance away effort. from where it became stationary, it began to skid, Based on information the result of moist conditions on the road, the driver that was made available told the police. to the public from The skidding caused the driver to lose control of Sunday, SVGCG officials the vehicle and it careened down an inclined portion received information of the Leeward highway, eventually crashing into from the Mustique the utility pole, which brought it to a stop. Company Ltd Security Prior to its eventual stop, the out-of-control truck indicating that the vessel caused immense damage to the frontal wall of a property opposite the CWSA headquarters, a was having difficulties, no precise location of the property belonging to one Maggie Wilson , before it

L-R: Nedd Da Souza and Charmaine Da Souza. of the tragedy broke, with a number of persons, in some instances friends of the victims, resorting to social media to express their optimism that the six will eventually be rescued. The annual Whit Monday Fisherman’s Day activities were also affected, as Prime Minister and Minister of

National Security Dr Ralph Gonsalves suggested that the event be toned down in consideration of what had taken place the day before. Parliament was also affected, with last Tuesday’s Sitting of the House being pushed back to next week Tuesday, amidst the ongoing search operations. (DD)

Careening truck causes severe damage

Truck at its final stop. Note the slippery-looking road Left: Damage to the wall at Wilson’s residence. also removed a portion of the perimeter wall of the Windsor Primary School, just opposite from where it eventually came to a stop. Both occupants were thrown out of the vehicle during the period when the truck was out of control. They were transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and were treated for chest and head injuries, police said. The incident caused damage to at least two utility poles, which according to VINLEC personnel, would have to be replaced. (DD) Damage to the wall of the Windsor Primary School.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Crime Watch

Van driver, conductor attacked by KENVILLE HORNE

A VAN DRIVER and conductor from the South Leeward community of Campden Park are

concluded, almost proved to be one of near fatality. According to Harry, he had parked his van in the Carapan area from where he, his conductor and some friends decided to walk to the Calder Ridge area where there was still some music being played. As he exited the van, Harry said, he was attacked by some men. He made an attempt to get into his van, intending to flee the scene, but a motor car Shefron ‘Shef’ Pierce blocked his path. conductor - said he was The men pounced on told he had sustained him and inflicted a series damage to his lung from of blows to his body and the blow inflicted by his face. Harry was knocked attackers. unconscious, and recalls

currently warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) following an incident on Sunday morning. That started at Calder Ridge, resulting in them being badly injured. Van Diver Olando ‘Flarry’ Harry and Conductor Shefron ‘Shef’ Pierce were at a rural carnival activity in Stubbs when their decision to remain in the area after the J’Ouvert celebrations had

“coming to me sense” at the MCMH. “Me na expect this. Me na dey in nothing with anybody so me confuse,” said Harry, who, when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him at his hospital bed on Wednesday, said he had no conflict with anyone leading up to the incident. It was clear, even up to Wednesday that Harry was in much pain and his eyes were blood-shot. Pierce, meanwhile, on noticing the attack on Harry, attempted to flee the scene but was cornered and viciously beaten by men carrying cutlasses and guns. He

Leeward man charged with robbing visitors unlawfully and maliciously wounding Lubin with intent, and POLICE INVESTIGATIONS into unlawfully discharging a firearm reports of an armed robbery on at him. three visitors to these shores, The men had reported that they about four months ago, have led to had come here in a speedboat a 26-year-old Fitz Hughes man. from Martinique to purchase Carlston Lett was taken before conchs, when they were attacked the Serious Offences Court on and robbed at Morne Ronde on the Tuesday after being slapped with North Leeward coast, around 9:30 five charges in connection with a.m. February 11 this year. the alleged incident. Lubin was reportedly shot in Lett is charged with robbing the left forearm during the alleged Martiniquan national Francois incident. Lubin of a pouch containing a Lett was not required to plea to passport, a Samsung cellular the indictable charges when he phone, a black Thomson cellular stood before Chief Magistrate phone and 890 Euros in cash; Rechanne Browne on Tuesday. robbing Martiniquan national He was granted $15,000 bail Jean-Louis Gaston of a Samsung with one surety with reporting cellular phone and 350 Euros in conditions, and ordered to cash, and robbing St Lucian surrender his travel documents. national Quintus Wilfred of a Blue He is also placed on a 7 p.m. to cellular phone and 1000 Euros in 6 a.m. curfew, and there would be cash. stop notices, in place for him at all Lett is also charged with by HAYDN HUGGINS

ports of exit and entry. To leave the state, he must have the expressed permission of the Serious Offences Court or the High Court. The matter has been adjourned to September 12 this year. Carlston Lett Attorney has to answer Grant Connell is representing to five charges Lett, but Israel in relation to an Bruce made an incident of armed robbery. appearance on Tuesday, due to the absence of his colleague. Up to press time Wednesday, investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Olando ‘Flarry’ Harry – van driver –was in severe pains up to last Wednesday. said he did not partake in the J’Ouvert activities but instead fell asleep in the van and awoke when the activities had finsished. According to the young man, “One of the men (attackers) hold me and started choking me and beat me.” He said that he tried defending himself but was overpowered by the attackers. He, however, managed to escape with the help of another villager, but was caught and severely beaten again. He received a number of chop wounds, including one to his head, and said that he was told he had a damaged lung. Pierce said that he had reached to a point where he felt he was going to die. Somehow, he managed to escape and ran in the direction of the Argyle International Airport, during which he was spotted by some police officers who, on realizing his condition, took him to the MCMH. Both men agreed that the situation in which

Ganja wine manufacturer fined

plants, and possession of 1,008 grams of marijuana with THE CANNABIS PLANT has intent to supply, told the been proven internationally to Court he made wine from the be very useful, especially in herb. the pharmaceutical industry. The 46-year-old man, who However, St. Vincent and is a self-proclaimed musician, the Grenadines is still said some of the marijuana he reluctant to amend the drug cultivated in the mountains laws in order to take was to make wine, while some advantage of the herb’s was to raise funds for the usefulness, and persons enhancement of his music. He appearing in the courts here, added that a portion of what continue to come up with all he had handed over to the sorts of explanations as to why police at his home, was also to they use it. make wine. On Tuesday at the Serious Asked by Chief Magistrate Offences Court, Lowmans Rechanne Browne if he had a Leeward resident Samuel market here for his product, James, who pleaded guilty to James, who claimed he had cultivating 25 marijuana lived in Barbados since he was by HAYDN HUGGINS

15 years old, explained that he was hoping to approach persons here in relation to the establishment of a cannabis wine market. Police arrested James in the Carib Mountains, Lowmans Leeward, around 12:30 pm June 5. He was met tending the marijuana plants. The lawmen uprooted 25 of them, for which James was charged. He told the officers, “I am a musician and I plant weed for my career.” When the lawmen made further inquiries, he took them to his Lowmans Leeward home where he handed over a nylon sack of marijuana to

they found themselves could be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Persons who spoke as though they had some knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident, pointed to a situation where the attackers were on the lookout for a person from the area, who is a friend of Harry and Pierce. Harry said that when he is released from the hospital he would not be taking part in anymore carnival activities. “Me done with liming, I just want justice,” he said. Police here have assured that they are investigating the matter. “The matter is under investigation. We are treating it as a highly sensitive matter, and we can’t disclose any information on the matter,” said Head of the Police Complaints and Public Relations Department — Inspector Hawkins Nanton, when contacted by THE VINCENTIAN.

them. “I would give you credit for your honesty,” the Chief Magistrate told James who mitigated on his own behalf. “You would not receive a custodial sentence. You did not have to answer in that manner, but you did,” Browne added. She also took into account his guilty plea and the fact that James had no antecedents before the Court. For cultivating the 25 plants, James was fined Manufacturers in California, $8,000 to be paid by June 23 USA, are already making or four months in prison. wine infused with marijuana. For possession of 1,008 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, he was fined default he would go to prison $1,500 by August 31. In for nine months.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 5.

News

Family set things straight “cool” person. “He was okay to me — my two grandsons were,” the woman said referring to Deshorn and his brother who were both raised by their grandmother. She recollected the morning when she received the tragic news, saying that she was sitting in the front porch when she heard someone calling. McGuire said that she jokingly told the person that she was not home, not knowing that the Deshorn Cordice – this country’s latest individual was bringing the sad drowning. news. She went back to the time that another individual. her grandson left home — adding that “That was the type of individual he was not intoxicated then. that he was,” she said. “Some friends came by and say to The tragedy has had an impact on him fo dem to go to de jump up,” another cousin Calisa McGuire. McGuire recalled. She explained that they all lived “Me say like dis, ‘Yo see everybody together with their grandmother, and call all yo, all yo ready long time’.” (L-R): Calisa McGuire, Sylvina McGuire (holding 2-year-old Omar Cordice), were very close. To which, she said, he responded Kimesha Shearman and Delroy McGuire, are trying to come to grips with “I still can’t get over it,” she said. that she was always getting upset. Deshorn’s drowning. According to Calisa, the news of her Cousin Kimesha Shearman told cousin’s death seemed unreal — it was THE VINCENTIAN that she RELATIVES OF DESHORN CORDICE have went to his rescue after it was not until the messages began to flood remembered Deshorn still being very not denied that the 23-year-old was discovered that he was having the pages of family members on coherent up to the time they left to join intoxicated at the time of his death; difficulty, but were unable to offer any Facebook that she came to the the rural carnival event. however, they say that his condition was real assistance other than to bring him realization that Deshorn had drowned. Shearman was among those who not as bad as some people would want to to shore. He was then transported to “He was okay, quiet — there were accompanied Deshorn into Stubbs on believe. the Stubbs Polyclinic where he was times when we would fetch way, but the said morning. Cordice, a resident of Chillie — an pronounced dead. that’s just family,” Calisa said. She said that she remembered her area close to the Stubbs/Calder Ridge The incident occurred around 7:30 She broke down as she spoke about cousin as a person who always looked area - died on Sunday after it was Sunday morning, immediately Deshorn, saying that he loved and out for his family, and had cautioned reported that he encountered problems following J’Ouvert celebrations in the another cousin about avoiding trouble, cared for his family. She was trying, shortly after venturing into the water Stubbs community. she said, to forget about the incident at Stubbs Bay. Grandmother Sylvina McGuire said following an altercation that had taken that claimed her cousin’s life. (DD) Reports also indicate that persons that she remembers her grandson as a place between the said relative and

Another top LIAT official gone!! THE MUSICAL CHAIRS in the management of LIAT continue to turn and as the games goes, another chair is empty. News from Antigua and Barbuda indicated that another top official of LIAT, Chief Commercial Officer Lloyd Carswell, has parted ways with the airline. Caswell was appointed in 2014 following a period of tangling with shareholder governments about the relocation of some of LIAT’s top management positions and operations from Antigua to Barbados. The relocation of senior positions/operations to Barbados was announced by LIAT as an effort to focus more on revenue generation.

A compromise was met and six positions in the airlines Commercial Department, which were destined for relocation to Barbados were returned to Antigua. Including in the resulting scenario was the hiring of Lloyd Carswell as the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer on, what was described then (2104) as an interim appointment for three to four months. As it turned out, Carswell remained in the position until his notice of resignation in the last week of May 2017. While LIAT has remained silent about Carswell resignation, the media in Antigua, relying on what they said was a reliable source, reported

that Carswell was ‘unhappy with the company’s operations’. The source, according to the Antigua media, also cited ‘difficulties with Acting Chief Executive Officer Juliet ReiferJones’, who has been in that acting position since April 2016. Carswell’s resignation came on the heels of a threat of industrial action by LIAT pilots, in protest

Lloyd Carswell (left) with Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a meeting on September 16, 2016, in Kingstown, after Dr. Gonsalves had complained about poor service from LIAT. (Credit: dominicavibes.com) Left: It is not certain when Juliet Reifer-Jones, LIAT’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, was among 51 persons who Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said in October 2016, had indicated interest in the top LIAT job. (Credit: SLN online.com) of the late payment of salaries, and LIAT’s failure to implement a 2012 agreement relating to a new salary structure for its ATR-72 pilots;

general salary increases; and the pilots’ objections to a salary deferral system, among other outstanding matters. The threat of industrial

action was called off after the two sides reached an amicable, albeit temporary, solution to the matter. (Sources: Antigua Observer, Island Mix)

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Outstanding police officers promoted Among those promoted is Head of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) RECOMMENDATIONS by and Port Security the High Command of the Timothy Hazelwood. He Royal St. Vincent and the moves from Assistant Grenadines Police Force Superintendent (ASP) to (RSVGPF) for the Superintendent (SP). promotion of several police Former Inspectors officers, Thursday, June 1, Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, were done in the best Hesron ‘Bally’ Ballantyne interest of the and Nigel ‘Butch’ organization and the Butcher, now hold the country. rank of Assistant Commissioner of Superintendent. Police Reynold Hadaway Bailey and Ballantyne made this clear while are veteran detectives, speaking to THE while Butcher has been a VINCENTIAN on prosecutor for several Tuesday. years, doing stints at the “We are happy for all Serious Offences Court, who were promoted, and Kingstown Magistrate’s we wish them all the Court and Family Court. best.” the top cop added. Butcher was seconded Those elevated to to the Office of the higher office include Director of Public some of the Prosecutions (DPP) for constabulary’s most the past four months, but outstanding lawmen. from next week he will The recommendations, leave the Prosecutorial made earlier this year, Department, to take were recently approved command of the North by the Police Service Western Division. Commission, headed by Bailey, who was Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

attached to the Central Division, with responsibility for the Questelles District, prior to his recent promotion, is now the Officer incharge of the Grenadines. He has led investigations in several high profile criminal matters here, and was commended by former High Court Judge Frederick Bruce-Lyle (deceased),as well as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams, on numerous occasions, during High Court sittings, for his performance . Ballantyne, who was, prior to his promotion,

Hesron Ballantyne – promoted from Inspector to Assistant Superintendent.

Trevor Bailey, takes his new rank, Assistant Superintendent, to his new posting as Officer in-charge of the second in command of the Eastern Division, has Grenadines. been appointed second in Station Sergeants to command of the Criminal Inspectors. Investigation Former Sergeants Department (CID). Henry Providence, He is the only officer Dwight Rodgers and in the RSVG Police Force Dwight Chandler now gazetted to give expert hold the rank of Station evidence in relation to Sergeant, while former Eastern Caribbean Coast Guard Petty counterfeit currency. Officer Brangurgon Junior Simmons, Glasgow has been Charles Allen, Lydon elevated to Chief Petty Olliver and Paul Jones Officer. have been elevated from A well-placed source,

Nigel Butcher now carries the rank of Assistant Superintendent. who preferred not to be identified, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that the recent promotions have been the best in the last 12 years. “You now have competent and wellrounded officers in the upper echelon of the Police Force, adding to the few competent ones who were there before,” the source stated. The last promotions were effected in December 2016.

Fire chief hands over the hose AS SUPERINTENDENT of Police Isaiah Browne, Head of the Fire Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), proceeds on pre-retirement leave, he is urging his colleagues in the Fire Department to continue working together in harmony. “In fire-fighting, you have to work together in harmony. If you don’t, you would not achieve the results you need to achieve,” the outgoing fire chief said during a telephone interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday. After a tenure of 36 years with the RSVGPF, including 28 years in the Fire Department, Browne proceeded on pre-retirement leave Wednesday, May 31. That leave will run to August 11. Reflecting on his service in the Fire Department, he said, “I had good times and bad times, but I think I did reasonably well. “I have done my best, and the time has come

for me to give somebody else a chance to lead the process in the Department’s ongoing development.” One of the things he would like to see is the separation of the Fire Department from the Police Force. This, he thinks, would contribute significantly to the enhancement of firefighting here. Browne recalled that when he started with the Fire Department in 1989, there were limitations in terms of equipment. There has since been tremendous improvement in this regard, though he admits that the job continues to be very challenging. “That’s why you have to always work in harmony,” he underscored. Browne’s inspiration came mainly from former Fire Chief Girton Ollivierre, who retired at the rank of Assistant Superintendent some years ago. He also holds high regard for Sergeant Cornelius Sampson, now

deceased, who was also attached to the RSVGPF Fire Department. Browne had many memorable fire-fighting moments, but he highlighted the very challenging nature of the December 7, 2015 fire at the Public Works Department Storage Facility at Arnos Vale. He noted that there was dynamite stored in an area on the compound, and the fire fighters had to move swiftly and skillfully to avoid a major catastrophe. Browne also recalled that great fire-fighting work was done in the August 19, 2015 fire which gutted the Coreas Food Mart on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, and the blaze which destroyed three unoccupied buildings in the Halifax, Egmont Streets area, August 23, 2015. He noted that, had those fires not been brought quickly under control, several other buildings would have been destroyed. During his

Superintendent of Police Isaiah Browne retires as Fire Chief and after three decades and more as a police officer. retirement, Browne intends to do “a little farming,” but has assured that his service would always be available to the Fire Department, if required. Former Deputy Fire Chief Assistant Superintendent Joel James succeeds Supt. Browne as Fire Chief.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 7.

News

Students need to embrace criticism CHILDREN are not taught to accept criticism and the ways that they can benefit from being critiqued. This was the message delivered to Fourth Form students who were selected as honorees under the Rotary Club’s George Phillips Excellence Awards. In a ceremony held on June 1 at the Methodist Church Hall, Dr. Resa Noel, who delivered the feature address at the event, outlined three ideals that she explained was important as the students continued on their path to excellence. And being able to accept criticism was among these three ideals outlined.

Dr. Resa Noel challenged the honorees to be bold, creative and innovative.

“Failure is an option — the times that you fail are as equally important as those times when you succeed; both times provide valuable lessons,” Dr. Noel said. She encouraged the students to be

SVGTCC shows reasonable growth KAY MARTIN-JACK, president of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union, is satisfied that the institution will continue to grow and improve. Next year, May 24, the SVGTCCU will mark forty years, and if the pattern of membership is maintained, the current figure of 11, 800 will increase. Addressing the Credit Union’s Annual General Meeting held under the theme, ‘Achieving and moving on together as one’, and which was the first without Julian Jack as general manager, Martin-Jack complimented Jack for his “sterling contribution”, and is looking to the future “on the foundation that he laid.” Martin-Jack recognised the challenges faced in recent times, but contended that the institution “continued to show reasonable growth.” She pointed to financial institutions closing accounts perceived to be high risk and how this affected the

organisation. The situation of banks charging additional fees resulting in transfers of large sums to the Credit Union was of concern. Lower interest has made the SVGTCCU change rates and reorganise marketing and strategic approaches. Martin-Jack highlighted the institution’s ‘access 365’ which provides information on members’ accounts “anywhere, anytime.” Members, she said, will have Automated Teller Machine (ATM) usage by September 2017. Treasurer James ‘Jimmy’ Wilson reported an increase in assets by eight percent over the past year to $113,904,225, from $107,200,772. Cash resources went up six percent to $3.8m, compared to $3.1m in 2015. Members’ deposits jumped ten percent to $7.7m from $5.2m, but Share Capital fell to $1.0m from $1.28m. Master of Ceremonies Curtis King pointed to

Kay Martin-Jack, President of the SVGTCC, recognided the challenges the Credit Union faces, but is optimistic about future growth. the ‘significant growth” in the Credit Union movement, and echoed the fact that St. Vincent and the Grenadines had one of the highest rates of credit union penetration. He identified the SVGTCCU as playing its role in this regard. The Meeting received greetings from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cooperative League, General Employees Cooperative Credit Union, Police Cooperative Credit Union, Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Automotive Cooperative Society, as well as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Union of Teachers. (WKA) Membership of the SVGTCC has shown steady growth.

The 2017 group of 4th Form students were received the Rotary Club’s George Phillips Excellence Awards. bold, creative and innovative. According to Noel, there were many technological advances around the world; however, she lamented, the region was yet to get on board and become innovators. It was necessary, therefore, for this generation to utilize the knowledge gathered in the classroom in order to create jobs, which will in turn boost the economy, Dr. Noel suggested. And the final point — criticism, and how one can use it to their advantage. “Learning from criticism can be a learning experience if we choose for it to happen. Criticism can help you to grow if you allow it to happen,” she explained. During her brief message to the students, Dr. Noel reminded those

present of the many challenges students may face, and those that can have an adverse effect on their academic life. She, however, commended those who were recognized this year for persevering and achieving the status. The George Phillips Excellence Awards is an annual event and is held on the first Thursday in the month of June. Recognition is given to the most outstanding Fourth Form student from each secondary school across St Vincent and the Grenadines. Criteria include academic performance, leadership qualities, the students’ involvement in approved extracurricular activities, and deportment. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 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 CARIFESTA, here we come THIS COUNTRY, as per the article on page 13, will send a contingent to CARIFESTA X111, to be hosted for the second time by Barbados, from August 17 – 27, 2017. Already there is heightened expectation among a cross section of Barbadians, who were overwhelmed by the Vincentian contingent which participated in CARIFESTA 1V, held in that country in 1981. One Barbadian who spoke recently with this publication’s editor, wanted him (the editor) to ensure that one ‘D Professor’ was part of SVG’s contingent to CARIFESTA XIII. The obvious response from the editor was that he was not a performer of miracles, and he proceeded to inform the caller that ‘D Professor’ had since gone to the great beyond. There was a sigh of disappointment, but having recovered, so to speak, he blurted, “Bu yo still have Becket and some dam good fellas down there.” This piece is not an examination of the make-up of the Vincy contingent to CARIFESTA X111, nor does it intend to examine the components of the presentation(s). Rather, it attempts to establish the significance of this Caribbean Festival of Arts, we know as CARIFESTA — a multicultural event whose main purpose, according to those who conceived and developed the idea, is to bring together artists, performing artistes, musicians, authors, and to exhibit the folkloric and artistic manifestations of the Caribbean and Latin American region. The idea of a Caribbean Arts Festival was first proposed at a convention of writers and artists held in 1970 in Guyana. Two years later, CARIFESTA I was held there, with almost 1,000 participants from 30 countries in the West Indies, Central and South America. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was very much a part of that historic occasion. And, while the folkloric and other cultural presentations proved to be eye-openers for Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals alike, CARIFESTA 1 was also remembered for its healthy encounter of Caribbean literary luminaries, which included our own Tim Daisy — poet of immeasurable renown. What the contingent to CARIFESTA X111 must realise is that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while it may have had varying degrees of positive impact and local support through the years between CARIFESTA 1 AND X11, this country made an initial impact which we must endeavour to sustain and surpass. We can accomplish that only if we embrace our participation with a sense of wholesome purpose and history, and a genuine acceptance of what is truly our culture, as against what we have borrowed and claim now as our own. Moreover, CARIFESTA is not a competition. It is an open expression of what makes each and every Caribbean person who he or she is; it is NOT a demonstration of who can do something better than another. It is, as that great Trinidadian musician Pat Bishop declared on her country’s announcement that it would host CARIFESTA V, “a grand family reunion” — which morphs out of a diversity, becoming a potpourri of appreciation, harmony and oneness. It is, as A.N.R. Robinson, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, said in1989, (to paraphrase), ‘an illumination of life in the region both before and after Columbus’ arrival, …an encounter between two worlds’. Robinson warned that, even though the occasion of a Caribbean Festival of Arts could not escape the arrival/impact of Europeans, this must never ‘overshadow the contributions to world civilisation made by pre- and postColumbus inhabitants of the Caribbean’, which is who and what we really are. And while CARIFESTA X111 has its own theme, it seems appropriate for the purpose herein, that we recall the slogan of CARIFESTA V, i.e., ‘Sea of sounds, medley of images, world of peoples, common heritage’. It is, after all, that heritage that has inspired Caribbean literature, dance, and what is perhaps its best-known creation, music: calypso, reggae, zouk. These and other indigenous, ‘home-spun’ marks of identification can be expected to be featured in CARIFESTA X111. All in all, expect CARIFESTA X111 to be a rich mix of drama, visual arts, film, video, performing arts, fashion, cuisine, exhibitions, lectures, symposia, workshops and more, as far as the imagination and ingenuity of the host can extend. It definitely will not be a jump and wave session which has grown to so narrowly define our ‘spirit’ as one Caribbean people, born out of the richness of many expressions. The Vincentian contingent must take this understanding with them to CARIFESTA X111. It will inform their message and enhance their own confidence. They should be enriched by the experience.

The making of the Comrade THE FIRST PART ENDED on Ralph’s political victory in 2001. This second version takes us to the present, the bitter end. “Having won a massive victory on the 28th March 2001, Ralph immediately became intoxicated by the scent of power whose taste he could anticipate. Dr. Gonsalves’ opening gambit was a transparent speech to the Nation in which he mouthed the slogan “Together Now”, which was bereft of meaning from the start. The new prime minister then ordered a PSC to appoint Brendon Browne (the son of die-hard Labourite Chippy Browne) as Cabinet Secretary over the heads of several others. That done, he arranged for the swearing-in of his Government to be at the Victoria Park on what is known traditionally as All Fools Day, April 1, 2001. Ralph was in every sense the boss, the slave owner as head of the plantation, reflected in his control of over 70% of the portfolios. Talk show host Elwardo Lynch popularised the arrangement over Nice Radio as a top-heavy Government with one Encyclopaedia and eleven copy books. And so it has remained throughout the nine years plus that it has lasted. It was even refined to being headed by the twin towers. Trusted party political brethren quickly filled the key post of Chairman of the Public Service Commission (Blazer Williams); the strategic post of DPP fell to Collin Williams. After some time, Tyrone Burke fitted in as CPO: all ULPites of the deepest dye. In order to show how fair he was, Dr, Gonsalves, in his book, made a song and dance of keeping Angie Johnson and Angela Prince who had been personal secretaries to Mitchell and Eustace as his own secretaries after they had both sworn to be faithful and “loyal” to him! The real power-houses staff from top to bottom became ULP after a short-time. They were in fact “graduates” of a public administration course supposedly run by me, but in which I had invited Dr. Gonsalves to take part, unbeknown to the Prime Minister J.F Mitchell, UNTIL NOW! In this way, the ULP was able to weed out Public Workers in droves who were suspected of having voted for the NDP. In vain Arnhim Eustace appealed to the P.M, then the Christian Council, to have mercy on those 650 plus souls whom the ULP had victimised in the first three months. Names were also supplied of the Victims of this programme. Vincent Beache, who as an elder

(Part 2)

Statesman advised on matters of security mainly, offered the cold comfort that integrity legislation will be enacted in a hundred days or so, or he would not be around. 3500 days have since passed, and Sir Vincent is still around, but the integrity legislation has not been allowed to be introduced in the House, much more become law. For Attorney General’s position, the P.M chose to revert to the Civil Service where he promoted Mrs. Jones Morgan to the post. She had been described in his book as “a woman of utmost personal and professional integrity”, though an incident at the NCB may give us pause, and her later voting in Parliament for a Speaker raised a few eye —brows at the learned A.G committing such a basic breach. In regard to the integrity of the House itself, the Prime Minister had assured us in the Book that “Hendrick (Alexander) has been the “Speaker of the highest quality”, which has been a far cry from his condemnation of Hendrick as the worst to have desecrated in the precincts of the House, when the boot was on the other foot. As to Julian Francis, the cousin alter ego to Ralph himself, he has been described as being “completely devoid of malice!”, which is not generally believed by the populace. The other Senators were once thought to have been appointed to get the hang of things before becoming electoral candidates- Richard Williams (West St. George), Rochelle Forde (East St. George), and Ex Senator Ronnie Marks (Marriaqua); but they have all faded from sight, as have also top Civil Servants Ellsworth John (West Kingstown) and Bernard Morgan (Central Kingstown). Instead, we now have the not-so-young Ces Mc Kie, Saboto Caesar, Michelle Fife, and, especially Luke Browne to whom among others, the Book has been dedicated, to ring in the changes while the Comrade-Maestro arranges his dynasty, with Camillo later to alight at the top. The ULP has to be credited, on the one hand, with the Youramei Rabacca Bridge that more than unites our Northern indigenous people with the rest of the population. On the other hand, the Cross-Country road stands as a monumental piece of folly to the ULP who, thankfully, cannot finish it, which would do irreparable harm to our Environment. Continued on Page 12.

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Letters

Open letter to Honorable Camillo Gonsalves the immediate halt and urgent cancellation of all WARM GREETINGS from black sand mining the people of East St. operations at Brighton. George. to save the people and We humbly submit the environment and this letter of grave keep them from harm’s concern and collective way. appeal in response to the The non-stop sand relentless attack of black mining at Brighton sand mining operations Beach, as sanctioned by at Brighton Beach. The your administration, is catastrophic and extreme scoring day-to-day giant danger posed by sand kill on the nearby mining at Brighton protected bird sanctuary Beach should not be of Milligan Cay and the ignored and, in fact, natural environment, should be addressed and if not stopped, the correctly and decisively situation will become to further avoid economic totally uncontrollable loss, stop epidemic of and the damage more far health related diseases, reaching than ever. The negative impact on sand dunes that once climate change, storms protected the area from and sea level raise, and erosion have been totally mass destruction of the wiped out and left the environment. residents of the coastal In particular, we area of Brighton Beach strongly urge your vulnerable to tidal surge honorable office to order and tsunami. Dear Sir,

For many years, we the residents of your constituency have called the attention of your administration to stop this plunder and destruction. However, our call for help is constantly being ignored and our collective appeal continue to fall on deaf ears. Honorable Sir, the effects of black sand mining operations at Brighton are lifethreatening and extremely annihilating. The residents have been complaining about huge reduction in Fish Catch, Fat Pork, Sea Grapes, Turtle Nesting, Crabs and other marine life. Additionally, the severe sea blast caused by the removal of the sand dunes, that once served as a protective barrier for the homes in the

immediate vicinity, have created a burden of constant repairs to the homeowners. We, the residents of Brighton, Enhams, Mc Carty, Revere, Prospect, Junction, Belvedere and the surrounding villages once basked in the sun and enjoyed sea bathing at this sprawling,

dramatic black sand beach. Today, this has been made impossible by the day-to-day destruction caused by sand mining. We are collectively appealing to you as our representative, to do everything in your power to rescue the people of your constituency from

further destruction, by implementing the necessary measures to stop sand mining at Brighton Beach. Jerol Huggins-Jackson and Andrew Simmons On behalf of the people of East St. George

Men gossip too much TOO MANY OF OUR men think that to destroy a woman is by spreading malicious gossip about her character, and this includes their use of social media. I would not describe in detail some of the things that men resort to do, except to say that most of them are related to sex. I sometimes wonder if these men ever stop to think if it had been their mother, sister, wife or daughter, how they would feel having people make comments without

taking the time to find out the truth? Is this because the men feel threatened by women, or that they feel they must exert their superiority, why they tarnish their womenfolk like that? We like to say how women spend their time gossiping, but I tell you, men are the biggest commess-makers, especially when it comes to talking about women. We women must step out of our silence and assert ourselves. We must let our men know that we are not sex slaves and we deserve

better than to be dragged through their mud. What if women start exposing the men in our society who feel they are so macho, but are really and truly lame ducks? Would the men resort to aggression? They just might, given how much they feel about themselves. This is dedicated to every woman who has been a victim of malicious gossip by our men. Isn’t it time we begin to fight back? MRA, Kingstown

Take a bow, CDC THE CARNIVAL Development Corporation (CDC) and its Beauty Shows Committee should feel proud of its first official show for Vincy Mas 2017. I speak of the 2017 Miss SVG Pageant held last Saturday, June 3. The Show was well organised and ran smoothly. Patrons were in and out of Victoria Park before 1:00am on Sunday morning. All the girls seemed well-prepared and any one of them could have been crowned Queen. In

the end, the judges, as they were expected to do, settled on one young lady, Ms. Jimelle Roberts, a decision that, from what I observed, was met with majority approval. The only dissent I heard was a comment that alluded to some ‘hanky panky’, since it was the second time in a row that the contestant sponsored by FLOW was winning. That persons made some comment about FLOW ‘buying out the carnival’, so their girl inquired, I learned that that person did not had to win. attend the show. That Thank God, when I put her argument to rest in the cemetery. Put another sponsor on Ms Roberts’ sash and she still would have won the Show. Congratulations to Ms. Roberts, the CDC and the Beauty Shows Committee, headed by LaFerne Fraser. Ms. Fraser and her young group added a whole new spirit to the show. Things are looking up for the ‘new’ CDC, and I wish them further success as we go headlong into our 40th anniversary of Vincy Mas. Robert

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The Health sector in St. Unlocking the door to future development; the role of the AIA Vincent and the Grenadines

Introduction THE MAGNIFICENT international airport at Argyle is now a reality, now being used by all Vincentians and visitors alike, to enter and exit St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The promise made by the ULP administration to construct an international airport at Argyle is now a “fait accompli”, despite the aggressive opposition and criticism by the New Democratic Party, led by Arnhim Eustace, and then Godwin Friday. This was a task for a people who are steadfast in the pursuit of their dreams. This was a task for people with a clear vision, a sound plan of action, and great leadership skills. All this was on offer when Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced plans back in 2005 to construct the international airport. Now completed and operational, the airport now virtually unlocks the door to the future development of the country. Let us go back to the address delivered by Prime Minister Gonsalves at the opening of the airport, where he had this to say. “In building this international airport, we are, among other things, inviting more visitors to enjoy our country’s offerings and to purchase our goods and services. This means, in effect, that we must enhance our offerings; and our goods and services must be of a high quality delivered at competitive prices. In every facet of activity, great or small, it is necessary and desirable to lift our game for our visitors and ourselves. Nature has made St. Vincent and the Grenadines the natural place to be; we must augment nature, splendidly. The travellers and other legitimate users of the airport must be treated with courtesy and promptitude. Immigration, Customs, and security officers must do their jobs without being surly, overbearing, and officious. Far too much time is taken in our Caribbean to process passengers at Customs, Immigration, and Security. At the Argyle International Airport we must develop an excellent reputation among travelers. We must never embrace the idea of treating everyone suspiciously; we must get on with our jobs with as little fuss as the circumstances demand or admit. We need more hotel rooms. Already our government and investors, local and overseas, are actively engaged in this enterprise. However, much more is required to be done. Our government is available to facilitate actively and urgently these investments. Every dimension of the leisure industry must be upgraded. Practitioners in the areas of popular culture, the performing and culinary arts, clothing and furnishings’ designs and productions, craft, painting and sculpting, and more, are required to excel. Quality service at our hotels and guest houses, land and marine tour operators, and more, must be high, and always at a competitive price. Relevant manufacturers must be ready for a boost. So, too, farmers and fisher folks. It is well-established that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the most diversified and fascinating

tourism product in the Caribbean. Opportunities galore are being opened up with this international airport, including for yachting and cruise tourism. Our government, through its many institutions and agencies, are willing and able to partner with the producers and distributors of our country’s goods and services. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority and the Argyle International Airport Company, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, are tasked with the responsibility to secure the optimal airlift from the source markets to fit the circumstances at hand. LIAT, national, and other regional carriers, and cargo aircraft, will continue to be our basic “bread and butter” but the jets from our source markets are needed. Today’s beginning is encouraging; it must be sustained and put on a higher level.”

Air Links So now all eyes are focused on the regional and international flights into the Argyle International Airport. Already we have seen one air service, Amerijet, increase their airlift capacity, using larger aircraft to move cargo into and out of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. This has also led to a reduction in the air cargo prices offered by Amerijet. Amerijet has already begun moving agricultural produce to the United States, and farmers are lining up to take advantage of this service, particularly the shipment of dasheen to buyers in Florida. More produce will be shipped as our farmers and fisher folk get into the act. Airlines are beginning to arrange direct flights to Argyle. The Honduras-based airline, Easy Sky has started its direct flight between Havana and Argyle. Already business officials from Cuba, have arrived in the State through Easy Sky flights, to examine business opportunities here. Already, several airlines, including SunWing and Air Canada have announced their schedules with SunWing starting in October with regular flights, and Air Canada commencing in December this year. The airport holds the keys to the future socio economic development of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and when the doors are open we must be in a position to take advantage of this situation. Our access to international markets is now further open, and there are business opportunities now available. These opportunities will come at us at a fast pace, and we will require much preparation and quick decisionmaking if we are to take advantage. The ULP administration has already prepared Vincentians for this new scenario. Through the education revolution, our young people are now brighter, more intelligent and smarter. The sky is the limit. Let’s make our country proud, and earn the benefits for ourselves, and our children.

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) regime has failed miserably in developing and implementing policies to effectively manage the health care system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The health care system is crying out for visionary, caring, and competent leadership which only the New Democratic Party (NDP) can deliver. Over the past sixteen years, Vincentians have been complaining vehemently about the poor health service in this country. For instance, they have been complaining about the lack of basic medication at the clinics and hospitals, mal-functioning and absence of critical equipment to perform important tests at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Because certain machines are not available at the MCMH, it means that patients have to seek medical attention overseas. This creates financial burden on the poor and working class to travel overseas. Persons have to be literally begging for financial assistance, and raise funds to seek further medical attention. The NDP has a number of programmes and policies for successfully managing the health sector. The NDP will: introduce the National Health Insurance Service, build a new state of the art hospital, establish an association for retired persons, create new job opportunities in health care for our nation’s youths, implement digitized medical record keeping, restore and adequately staff clinics and district hospitals, introduce air ambulance service throughout the Grenadines, provide medication for our population needs and remove VAT off medicines and exercise equipment to promote healthy living and exercise. A National Health Insurance Service will be introduced after discussions with the National Insurance Service (NIS) to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependants. The service will be similar to our NIS in that it will be mandatory. However, individuals may, if they so desire ‘top up’ their coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system or to cover private treatment. This service will go a long way to ease the financial burden that hundreds of Vincentians are experiencing Moreover, the MCMH is outdated and is located in an inappropriate location with no scope for expansion; it must be replaced. Several district hospitals and clinics are in far worse state. A convenient and central site has already been identified for the construction of a new, modern hospital to replace the MCMH; preliminary designs are in hand. Kidney dialysis is among the services to be introduced at new facility. Also, private medical practitioners will be able to use the medical facilities in an open and transparent manner with appropriate safeguards. In addition, we will ensure that district health facilities focus on preventive medicine with new support services for persons at risk in order to improve the quality of life of the population, provision will be made for the airlifting of emergency cases from the Grenadines and from remote locations on the mainland, ambulance services will be modernized and efficiently managed, with appropriate training of paramedics. We continue to reiterate that the ULP regime is incompetent and

cannot manage the affairs of this country, more so the health sector.

Responding to Disasters The NDP is deeply saddened by the news of the most recent maritime disaster where six persons have gone missing at sea. We can only imagine the pain and the sorrow the families of these individuals are experiencing. We hope that they will be found and be united with their loved ones. We will continue to keep them in our prayers. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a multi-island state where the sea is used regularly. We are in the hurricane belt, with an active volcano, five airports, and is prone to other natural disasters. The recent disaster at sea where six persons have gone missing has sparked the debate as to our readiness to respond to disasters. Therefore, it means that the government and other stake holders must have an effective disaster response plan which can be readily activated in any eventuality. The question that most Vincentians are asking; is there such a plan? Most importantly if a plan exists, is it being practised? Do the public, police, Coast Guard and other response agencies know their role, in this plan? A pan no matter how well written, if it is not practiced, if the stakeholders do not know their roles, it is a waste of the paper it is written on. We recall that criticisms were levelled at the government as to the manner in which the authorities responded to the Rock Gutter tragedy in 2015. Similarly, some Vincentians have begun to make criticisms as to the response by the relevant authority to the recent sea disaster. One such criticism that was made in 2015 was the inability of the first responders to respond in a timely manner. On the other hand, are these individuals who risk their lives to save others, provided the necessary resources to the job? What about similation exercises? How often are these being conducted in preparation for a disaster? Also, the recent sea disaster has brought the Coast Guard under scrutiny. We all agree that there are well trained and committed Coast Guard officers. They go beyond the call of duty, and they must be commended for that. But they have been experiencing tremendous problems in the line of duty through no fault of theirs because the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime has not been providing the resources necessary for them to function effectively. It has to take a disaster for it to be revealed that the Coast Guard does not have a Search and Rescue Vessel. Why? What the Coast Guard has now are drug interdiction vessels. While fighting the drug war is critical, there must be a search and rescue vessel in the fleet. In any Coast Guard fleet, a Search and Rescue Vessel is mandatory. The ULP regime must explain why this organization is made to fall into this state. Accountability is a must. The New Democratic Party is committed to provide the necessary resources to the Coast Guard so that it can do its work in all areas.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 11.

Views

The Nine-day wonder

“There is a noble forgetfulness — that which does not remember injuries.” - Unknown THERE ARE SOME AMONG us who believe that wrongs can easily be forgotten once we wait out the time and trust in man’s ability to forget these infractions. Yes, some share the view that many of life’s traumas appear to settle in nine days and that, as a result of this, we need to patiently wait and see the “settling of the dust”. We could debate the accuracy or inaccuracy of such a statement when related to a variety of life’s challenges. However, suffice it to say that so many persons appear to “play for time” understanding that, after a relatively short period, individuals will conveniently forget about a particular issue. It is amazing how many Vincentians were outraged by the Commissioner of Police’s decision to reinstate the three police officers who were found guilty of brutally assaulting a teenage male in November 2008. The officers were convicted by Senior Magistrate Donald Browne on February 2, 2010 but appealed the judgement to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal turned down the petition on February 21, 2011. However, the Commissioner of Police subsequently reinstated the officers. They returned to work as if nothing like this ever happened. It would appear as though the then Commissioner assumed that the citizens of this blessed land may grumble and gripe “for nine days,” and then the situation will “return to normal”. And while the Police Act allows the Commissioner to use his discretion in matters like this, we question his insensitivity and disregard for public opinion in this particular matter. The mere fact that this incident reappears in the print media years later indicates that it is not forgotten. This case was not one that qualified for the “nine-day wonder”. We must commend many of our concerned citizens for keeping issues like these afloat in our consciousness. We need individuals who would be brave and responsible enough to keep so many of the societal wrongs on the front burner and remind us that we still have a voice ... and that we must use it to indicate our disgust and contempt for some of these situations. To be silent and passive on matters like these would be to allow society to slip down the slope to decadence and anarchy. That is society’s destination when we do not stand up for justice and equity. Situations like these encourage segments of the population to incorrectly conclude that they are justified in exacting their own justice. Such thoughts give rise to lawlessness. Such behavour unravel the moral fabric of our society and, if not curbed, could usher in anarchy. We commend the efforts of social activists like Luzette King and the other concerned citizens from throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They, “The Frontline”, daily protest outside the Electoral Office in Kingstown, pointing out the “infractions” that occurred during the general elections held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on December 9, 2015. Passers-by are reminded that serious concerns were raised in relation to the lack of security of the ballot boxes used, and discrepancies related to the actual ballots. They

pronounce that the general elections were not fair. They will not rest. They will not succumb to the nine-daywonder. The citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are also refusing to “roll over and play dead”, as the government continues to refuse to demonstrate good governance by being accountable and transparent in relation to the mega-million dollars spent on the construction of the Argyle International Airport. There is no excuse why the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines should not know how the money was spent. The government should learn from the persistence and dedication of “The Frontline”, that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will not rest on matters like these. Such events will not fall prey to the nineday wonder. They will not be placed on a backburner. The people demand good governance and must hold those in authority accountable. No citizen, no government, must ever consider that they are not accountable to the people.Dr. Rosina Wiltshire, United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative (Barbados), in addressing the Private Sector Forum in Barbados on April 3, 2003, stressed the need for good governance as the nations of the Caribbean seek to improve the health and wealth of its citizens. This was identified as being high on the povertyreduction agenda — and rightfully so. Caribbean citizens, including those in the diaspora, must demand accountability and transparency from our government and business leaders. The absence of good governance, accountability, and transparency will hinder the growth of our sensitive developing nations (and encourage corruption). Dr. Hollis Liverpool, popularly known by his calypso name “Chalkdust”, writing in the Trinidad and Tobago Daily Express on Tuesday, 6 June 2017, reminds us that “The voice of the people is greater than the people in power.” This is a timely reminder for people and the politicians. Politicians must no longer assume that they are so powerful that they can disregard the rights of the people who elected them to office. Our leaders in business, government, and the society must understand and appreciate that attempts to hide critical information (like the expenditure on the largest capital project that the country has ever embarked on) will lead to questions and/or concerns related to incompetence and/or corruption. The concerns of the citizens can be put to rest when those in authority/power provide evidence that they are accountable and transparent. This matter will not go away with time. This matter will not be swept under the rug. This matter will not fall prey to being just another “nine-day wonder”. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

There is danger in certainty ‘The damage leaders do when they get things wrong is greater than the benefit they create when they get things right…Caution, therefore is the proper attitude because the limits to wisdom are infinite’ Amos Wilson, African American psychologist and believe there are policy solutions that thinker. are right for all times. The moderate can only hope to be ‘ONLY A PERSON who feels his disciplined enough to combine in one preference to be a matter of course, not mind ‘both a warm passion and a cool someone out of the ordinary, and who sense of proportion,’ The damage has no thoughts of heroism, but only of leaders do when they get things a duty undertaken with sober wrong is greater than the benefit they enthusiasm, is capable of being the sort create when they get things right. To of change agent the world needs.’ quote Max Weber .. ‘He aims to be Amilchar Cabral, Cape Verdan passionate about his ends but revolutionary thinker. deliberate about the proper means to Moderation is not finding the realize them. ‘ midpoint between two opposing poles The best moderate is sceptical and opportunistically planting about zealotry because he is sceptical yourself there. It is more than having about himself. He distrusts passionate a temperate disposition that does not intensity and bold simplicity because harbour rival passions and competing he knows that in politics the lows are ideas. On the contrary, moderation is lower than the highs are high. based on the awareness of the The moderate warns against inevitability of conflict. hubris. He is constantly in search of If you think the world can fit balance. Balance between the cost and neatly together, then you do not need the hoped for advantages, between the moderation. If you think all of your clearly necessary and the comfortably moral values point in the same desirable, between our essential direction or all of your political goals requirements as a nation and the can be realized all at once by a duties imposed by the nation on the straight forward march along one individuals, between the actions of the course, then you do not need to be moment and the national welfare of moderate either. You can just head in the future. the direction of ‘truth.’ The moderate is always wary of Moderation is based on the idea quick fixes. He knows that good that things do not fit neatly together. judgment ushers in sustainable Politics is likely to be a competition progress while lack of it brings on between legitimate opposing interests. frustration if not disaster. She frowns Philosophy comprises a tension on the notion that some costly or between two competing half-truths, spectacular action will deliver while personality is a battleground of miraculous solutions to all of our valuable but incompatible traits. problems. The moderate always Many of us are fuelled by passion reminds herself of human frailties’, and policed by self-control. Neither especially the temptation to be shortimpulse is entirely useless nor sighted and selfish. entirely benign. The moderate person The moderate who emerges as has with her the capacity for leader or opinion maker calls on extremes. A moderate person can citizens to avoid the impulse of living start out hot on both ends, fervent in only for today. Moderates warn a capacity for rage and fervent in a citizens against mindless thoughts capacity for order. But to live a and actions. Citizens are begged not coherent life, the moderate must find to mortgage the material assets of a series of balances and proportions. those yet unborn. Moderates most The moderate is forever seeking a often look in the mirror and become series of temporary arrangements, awe struck about the tremendous embedded in the specific situation of responsibility thrust on them. They the moment that will help her balance are humbled by the trust bestowed on the desire for security with the desire them. They look unkindly on the for risk, the call of liberty with the undue concentration of power and the need for restraint. The moderate many ways in which unchecked power knows there is no ultimate resolution could ruin individuals, the citizenry to these tensions. Great matters and the nation. cannot be settled by taking into Moderates must build their politics account just one principle or one around the distrust of what people viewpoint. might do if they have unchecked The moderate knows that she power. This may not appear to be cannot have it all. There are tensions common sense, but moderates believe between rival good. One will never get that most often leaders have more to to live a pure and perfect life. The gain by being stewards of what they moderate has limited aspirations in have inherited than by being what can be achieved in public life. destroyers of what is there and There are no clean and ultimate creators of something new. resolutions. You expand liberty at the In the final analysis, the moderate cost of encouraging license. You crack is absolutely convinced that man has down on license at the cost of limiting always been or has become a problem liberty. to himself. The moderate therefore The moderate can only hope knows that if mistakes are to be to have a regulated character, made, the mistakes must be made stepping back to understand opposing slowly because it is better to proceed perspectives and appreciating the to a decision gradually than to rush merits of each. The moderate into anything before its time and understands that political cultures are bring on dislocation and destruction. traditions of conflict. The moderate can only hope to achieve a balance Send comments, criticisms & that is consistent with the needs of suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com the moment. The moderate does not

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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Growing flowers to boost SVG economy THE SVG ECONOMY is dangerously weak, and consequently, unemployment and crime are high; there is extensive poverty throughout the country, many households have no mains water and electricity, and struggle to feed their families. As a solution to all of this, the Taiwan ambassador has suggested that we grow flowers. The Taiwan ambassador should rethink his suggestion that we grow flowers to boost the SVG economy. The financial yield on this would be minimal and it is a precarious industry. Taiwan would do better if it made good on its billion dollar fish tax to this country. According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Taiwan’s recommendation to SVG to

the lake must seek water from elsewhere. Historians have found evidence of communities on Lake Naivasha going back 4,000 years. However, in a couple of decades, it will grow flowers to stimulate economic flower industry in the Lake Naivasha have been all but destroyed, due to growth, is a gross insult to our people Basin consumed about 16 million cubic pollution and the massive amount of and country. metres of water a year, during the water extraction by the Kenyan flower If Taiwan paid the fish tax to the period of 1996 to 2005. industry. SVG Treasury, then this would lift the Given that so many households in SVG should not threaten its water standard of living for all who live in SVG find it hard to get enough water supplies any more, by putting even SVG. at present, it would be a disaster to more pesticides into the water supply. Poorer people find it hard to feed devote so much water to a crop we The Taiwan ambassador was wrong their children adequately, and many cannot eat. to recommend that SVG grow flowers food items are expensive as we import The flower industry is also highly as a solution to the serious economic over EC$200 million worth of food polluting. Workers at Lake Naivasha and social problems the country faces. every year. It would be a disgrace, get rashes from the pesticides. Taiwan has been in SVG for 36 therefore, to waste valuable Pesticide application has resulted in years, yet has not built one factory in agricultural land to grow flowers, high toxicity levels causing SVG to promote jobs and revenue instead of food. environmental risk, the result of the creation. It is time that we call a spade We can’t eat flowers. use of chemicals in the water (e.g. a spade and break ties with Taiwan. The flower industry uses a huge oxamyl, methomyl and fenamiphos) amount of fresh water. The water that are very toxic to human beings. SVG Green Party needed for one rose flower is estimated Lake Naivasha is now seriously www.svggreenparty.org to be about 13 litres. Kenya’s cut polluted, and people who live around Find us of Facebook and Twitter

Colonisation and God’s plan for building His Kingdom OUR CONCEPT of the Church today is a far cry from what Jesus meant it to be, - a living, breathing entity, made up of Disciples from all over the world, unencumbered by religion and denominational barriers. (Acts1:15). According to Act 2:1,

the Church was in “one accord” , and in “one place”. It was never meant to be divided into all these “fragments” that we see today. This is purely man’s doing, with much help from Satan. In Eph 4:4-6), Paul informs us that there is one body, and one spirit,

The making of the Comrade (Part 2) Continued from Page 8. NCB affords another case of a problem-child. That institution was established at the time of Cato in (1977) who almost ran it aground largely through the sugar factory and sugar daddy Beache. Mitchell nursed it back to health, then it was raped by the profligate and reckless policy of the ULP that caused it to be placed on life support coupled with heavy injections of capital that came by way of divestment. The whole scenario proved a psychological blow to our 31st birthday of Nationhood, being a real threat to genuine Independence, Vincentians have not a source of local funding that could cushion the economic blows and tide us over a financial crisis. On the contrary, the Clico-British American scam has been permitted to almost wipe out our economy without redress, while Ralph and his Government were forced to cede NCB in what they deemed a “master-stroke! In a game in which they were so befuddled that they were clean bowled offering no stroke at all. But moon could only run till day ketch um”. The gist of the foregoing appeared in 2003, when the ULP was a mere 2 years old. In the next 14 years, they showed their true colours which could have anticipated from a speech which Ralph made at the birth of his MNU in 1982. Next week, all things being equal, I shall delve into the narrative of Ralph having completed his course, going from bad to worse until he is driven out ashamed and disgraced.

and we are all called to one hope; also we have one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. So it troubles me greatly to see the multiplicity of Assemblies popping up all over the globe, referring to themselves as “the church”, when most of them are not in “one accord”. It’s a case of this one has this doctrine, and the other one has that, this one believes this, and the other believes that. And all they succeed in doing is to confuse the dear beloved souls for whom Christ died. The church is supposed to be the official Embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven, much like the US Embassy is the gateway to the United States of America. People are supposed to come to the Church to inquire as to

how to get into the “Country” (Jn 3:3). Most of the wars, terrorist activities, and violence that take place around the world, are the result of religious beliefs. John (Chapter 16:2) informs us that the time will come when people will murder others, and will believe that they are doing service to God, doing His work, and have his approval. Religion as practised by man is very dangerous. The Bible speaks about God’s religion, and how it is pure (James 1:27), and should be motivated by love, empathy, consecration, etc. Religion is really man’s search for God, because deep in his soul he knows that God exists, and he performs all of these ceremonies,

rituals, and does all these exercises in an effort to attract God’s attention (Acts17:23-26). Even the most primitive tribes in the remotest corner of the globe have their religious practices and beliefs. Jesus had many runins with the religious zealots of His day, who were more interested in winning popularity contests (just like today) rather than doing what was right (Lk: 11:43). He referred to them as hypocrites (Matt 23:13). Let us tear ourselves away from the wicked, evil tentacles of religion, and reach toward the open gates of the Kingdom of God, for this is what it’s about (Matt 4:17). Matthew (8:11) informs us that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall

– PART 12

sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of God, not in Religion. Matthew 9:35 records that Jesus travelled through all of the villages, and towns, teaching, and preaching about the Kingdom of God. And he also instructed his Disciples as to what they must preach. “go,” He said, “and preach and say, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of God has arrived’.” My dear friends, please get out of religion, and the religious mindset, and establish an awesome relationship with God. Begin to pursue His Kingdom and the right way of living (Matt 6:33). Begin, my friends, to experience joy unspeakable, full of glory! Negus Bynoe

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 13.

Arts

SVG getting ready for CARIFESTA 2017

Julian P’Ling’ Pollard, Artistic Director of the Vincentian contingent to CARIFESTA X111, assured that this country’s presentation will be wide-ranging. THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES contingent to Caribbean Festival of Arts- CARIFESTA XIII, from 17th to 27th August in Barbados, will present a bit of everything that the country has to offer. Artistic Director of the Vincentian contingent Julian ‘P’Ling’ Pollard revealed that this will be the aim. Pollard admitted that St Vincent and the Grenadines has to traverse a path thrown up by changes overtime, and noted that the festival has become a tangible marketplace for Caribbean culture, rather and a showcase. “CARIFESTA has changed a lot. When CARIFESTA started, it was more of cultural people getting together in a hobby form; but the technology has changed over a period of time, and everybody is focusing on things where they can get more economic benefits … It has become more financially stimulating,” Pollard posited. Pollard, who has attended previous CARIFESTAS, both as a performer and handicraft officer, underscored that St Vincent and the Grenadines then relied mainly on the traditional presentations. “Most of our presentations have been on the performing arts; we have now to take the aspect of visual arts …

We are not known for visual arts, so this is an opportunity for us ... A lot of other people are focusing on the visual arts, and the visual artists get a lot of sale … It is not considered much of a career here ….Art is something we do here on the side,” Pollard emphasised. He disclosed that at the last CARIFESTA in Haiti, arts pieces were being sold for as much US $50, 000. Expounding on the marketability of the country’s products, Pollard advised, “You have to be trade ready, professionally ready. You cannot go out there as if it is a hobby. You are going to meet people who are actively involved in the Tourism market, who are ready to respond one time...We have a set of young entrepreneurs, but we are not taking the advantage that CARIFESTA affords for these people.” Pollard added: “Most countries when they go to CARIFESTA now, food is a big thing, and you can make a lot of money selling food.” The artistic director disclosed that SVG is at the juncture of deciding what will be presented and who will make up the contingent. He noted, however, that some visual artists and others have been already informed to get their products ready, in keeping with ensuring that SVG can have that allround presence at the hosting of CARIFESTA. Giving a brief insight into what will be on offer, Pollard said, “We will be trying to make it something like a cabaret with a lot of costuming … The singing will be more choreographed than the normal of just going up and free style… It will be a more choreographed, rehearsed presentation.” A pre- show, prior to the departure of the performers, is being framed to fine tune the presentations, Pollard said. “I am hoping that we can prepare for

CARIFESTA in a way that we can encompass our national pride… We lack national pride because we are not cultured as we tend to follow others very easily,” he lamented.

CARIFESTA 2017 will be held under the theme: Assessing Our Culture Celebrating Ourselves. The first CARIFESTA was held in Guyana in 1972, with that country’s then President Forbes Burnham being one of the main driving forces behind its establishment.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 15.

14. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

MISS SVG 2017: A thought-provoking show Then, performing in sixth position, doing her strongest performance of the night and working with her empowerment theme of ‘Educating Women’, Jimelle tackled the throes of human trafficking. From the start, she was clearly in her comfort zone. She worked with a dancer to create the story of being snatched, and danced her way through constant harassment to perform for monetary gain. Forced to use a pole as her money-making prop, she mounted it with grace and elegance, performing to the pleasure of her captor. But, it was not until her retaliation, that she climbed the second pole and danced in victory. It was there that she excelled in her skill; but many in the audience didn’t get it that having inculcated that kind of talent from years of forceful labour, it was time to let it

ele-

1st Runner-up, Nicoleen Lewis, was also a strong contender for BEST TALENT. to end her life. She acted out, spoke, cried, stalked, danced, lay upside down, and contorted in confusion. Her darting eyes and jagged movements added to her appeal, which evoked sadness, astonishment, anger, disgust and many more emotions from her viewers. She left tears in several eyes and goose bumps on many arms. L-R: 1st Runner-up, Nicoleen Lewis, Miss Mustique Company Ltd.; Miss SVG 2017, Jimelle Roberts, Miss FLOW; 2nd Runner-up. Christal Oliver,Miss Jergens. (Photos: Oris Robertson)

Miss SVG 2017, Jimelle Roberts’ dress, a BEST SWIMWEAR 1st Runner-up, Nicoleen Lewis, Miss Mustique Company Ltd. Kimon Baptiste creation was on point.

IN WHAT LOOKED like a rebranded pageant, twenty-four year old Belair resident - Jimelle Roberts parading as Miss FLOW, proved her mettle last Saturday, June 3, when, before a packed audience at Victoria Park, she walked away with the title of Ms. SVG 2017, from a

gance, however, each carried 6 points. This is where things shifted. Both contestants wore beautiful gowns. Both were absolutely beautiful with faces well made up. Jimelle, seemingly concentrating hard, lost her smile several times along the way. Nicoleen, on the other hand, appeared to have authored the smile. Her face was constantly lit up and her elegant glide across the stage would go down in history. She had won that category!

field of seven contestants. Many beauty pageant gurus had predicted it, and Jimelle secured it. In first runner-up position was Nicoleen Lewis, Miss Mustique Company, a nineteen-year-old beauty from Sandy Bay; while twenty-six-year- old Christal Oliver of Glen – Miss Jergens - snatched the second runner-up position. The other contestants were: Miss Quick Cash - Bryanna Hadaway, twenty years old, of Sally Spring; Miss Kendra’s Aluminum - Darisean Laborde, twenty-four, of Chateaubelair; Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse - Brittney Oliver, twenty-four of Calliaqua; and Miss Metrocint General Insurance - LaDonna Yorke, twenty-one years old, of Cane End.

An enhanced performance

tants themselves. They made good in each of their four appearances – introduction, swimwear, evening wear and talent. But standing out among the contestants were two individuals who worked ball-by-ball to earn their places – Jimelle and Nicoleen. Jimelle, who apparently had done her ground work, was a clear favourite from the get-go; while Nicoleen, who gave consistent come-from-behind appearances, left room for much pondering. To onlookers with keen eyes, it would have been clear that Jimelle was determined to win and kept up a pace of consistency throughout. Nicoleen, on the other hand, raced to the front with sheer determination. Many would argue, however, that the closest calls came in the Talent and the Evening Wear segments. What a show these ladies put on!

Two talented performances

Hostesses Nneka Elliott and Miss SVG 2015 DeYonte Mayers

A number of persons polled on Saturday evening agreed that the pageant had upped its game. It started crisply on time. There were no unnecessary trimmings, inter alia: short, sweet and affordable fireworks; a tasteful and uncluttered setting; no huge lapses between performances except where absolutely unavoidable; delightful hostesses. In fact, many questioned why this quality of show could not have been in place years before. Added to all the other thoughts that were provoked, some were stirred by the contes-

Appearing in third position and working with her empowerment theme of ‘Rising above Circumstances’, Nicoleen dealt with the issue of rape. Her introductory video appeared not to peak the audience. But upon its conclusion, the piercing nightmare scream of rape victim Nicoleen, they began to get it. She took them through the entire sordid episode, with effective use of flashbacks, then introduced the compulsion Right: BEST TALENT: Miss SVG 2017, Jimelle Roberts, Miss FLOW

BEST EVENING WEAR 1st Runner-up, Nicoleen Lewis, Miss Mustique Company Ltd. go. Her appeal was in the unbelievable spectacle she created of showing the body forms she was able to achieve on the pole, right before everyone’s eyes. She had won!

Two gowns Contestants in Evening Wear can hardly attest to being in full control of style, fit, and the appropriateness of accessories. On Saturday, these garnered 5 points, 5 points, and 3 points respectively. But Jimelle and Nicoleen had them locked! The manipulative elements of beauty of face and

Shows Committee can top the 2017 Miss SVG Pageant.

Other results All in all, the competition was healthy. The Beauty Shows Committee could be justly proud. They also handed out other awards: Best Interview, Cristal Oliver; Best Community Spirited, Nicoleen Lewis; and Ms. Congeniality and Ms. Photogenic, Darisean LaBorde. Many patrons must be eager to see if the Beauty

Miss SVG 2017, Jimelle Roberts,Miss FLOW, is all smiles after her big win.

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ÂSpeshieÊ eyes the top position Right: Wendell ‘Speshie’ Goodridge has his eyes set on taking the coveted Calypso Monarch title in 2017.

by KENVILLE HORNE

WENDELL GOODRIDGE, a calypsonian known by the sobriquet ‘Speshie’, hails from the community of Richland Park. He has been residing in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 20 years and is an electrician by profession. It was after migrating to Trinidad that he began to sing, performing at school events and weddings. He graduated to singing calypsos and his ability did not go unnoticed. He was invited to join the renowned Revenue Calypso Tent, where he remains an active member of the cast. In 2007, ‘Speshie’ returned home and became a member of the On Tour Calypso tent. That year he released a song entitled ‘Mr Vincentian’. He had to wait until 2009 to gain some prominence when he was selected as a semi-finalist in

that year’s Calypso Monarch Competition, doing a song he called ‘Steady yourself’. He also had to wait until 2016 to truly enter the local spotlight when he made the finals of the Monarch Competition with his ‘Who to Blame’ and ‘Local Food’. According to ‘Speshie’, it was then that he began “receiving good feedback.” This year, he is banking on a number entitled ‘Dreaming to be free’ which, like all his other calypsos, he has written himself. He hopes the song will take him, once again, into the finals and to the top. “The timing of this song I find to be appropriate, based on what is happening regionally and internationally… and Emancipation Day is coming soon. So it’s a song to enlighten and keep you aware of the surrounding and the reality of what we are

dreaming to be,” said Speshie about his 2017 track, during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN. As far as his approach to writing is concerned, ‘Speshie’ said, “When I write songs, I don’t Speshie (centre) has been singing and just want to sing impressing others from a tender age. songs to stay here but it must apply worldwide… (it must be) ‘Kiaso! Kiaso!’ once again. I am working with an about what is happening extraordinary team this year, internationally, so that it could apply to a wider range of and I am glad to be a part of people. I want to have a world- the On Tour family, and I would like to encourage wide appeal, so that my fan everybody to keep supporting base can grow.” calypso.” As for his expectations, he The artiste disclosed that said that his intention this year is to get to the finals, and his two idols in the calypso industry are St. Vincent and also to please the public so the Grenadines’ Alston Becket that, “We can hear them say,

Cyrus and Trinidadian calypsonian ‘Zandolie’. He also finds inspiration in the work of older calypsonians. “I have listened to them from a tender age…. plenty of my ideas and how I craft my song comes from the older calypsonians,” ‘Speshie said. And his advice to upcoming calypsonians: “Work very hard. … Nothing good comes without a challenge … you have to work towards it and you have to labour hard.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 17.

Children

Career Day with a difference component through rapport between children and parents. ON THE MORNING of Wednesday, 31st According to Ms. Andrea Holder, May, an entire workforce of tiny Director of the institution, Career employees could be seen working their Day was structured specifically to way towards the Peace Memorial Hall, all fill the gap of knowledge among in an effort to make a stance to parents some of the students of the school. and other onlookers, in support of their “We’ve been doing the theme, particular careers. ‘Occupations’ with them,” she said, It was Career Day at the Elizabeth “letting them know a career is a job Browne Child Development Centre, that someone does for a living to situated in Beachmont. earn money to pay their bills, buy Firefighters and a police officer – ‘Career Day’ has become a food, save, and to do whatever else safeguarding the population. nurturing staple on the agenda of is necessary.” work. “We wanted to bring that many preschools across St. Vincent She reported that during the class and the Grenadines. For the discussions about topic of work, it was awareness to the parents also that they need to let their children know Elizabeth Browne Child Development realized that some of the children did what they do when they go to work,” Centre, the 2017 activity was not know what their parents did for she was adamant, “We want our organized to include a teaching children to take pride in what their parents do for a living.” This Career Day activity was organized to fit into the month of May — Child Month. Ms. Holder stated that with the island-wide theme being: ‘Balancing the Genders’, the need to showcase to the children that men and women grow up to do similar jobs in different spheres of life became her institution’s focus. It followed, therefore, that the day’s activities centred on the children Male and female pilots.. keeping the Male barber, plumber, mechanic and female builder displaying a chosen aviation services into the future. – vital cogs in the nation’s wheel. by GLORIAH…

Female chef (left) and male archaeologist, why not? career and presenting themselves to the audience. These careers were well balanced. There were female builders and pilots, captains, chefs, and fishers, among others. The males displayed traditional occupations like police officers, doctors, firefighters, barbers, and plumbers; and also chose to go out of the ordinary to showcase an archaeologist. Then it was the turn of the parents to tell the children about their careers and feedback to queries. Parents were also encouraged to interact with each other, making each aware of the careers they undertake. After a successful day, Director Holder affirmed that what came out of the activity will not end there. “This is not going to end here,” she acknowledged, “every day, we will continue to impart that knowledge to them about the different persons who make up our work force, and keep our society functioning.” Maybe, just maybe, there will be one of these students who will follow through on the careers chosen on this Career Day. Only time will tell.

CW Prescod School bridging the gap with fathers THE MANAGEMENT of the CW Prescod Primary School and the Parents Teachers Association of that institution, have joined forces in an effort to highlight the role of fathers in the lives of their children enrolled at the school. A Fathers’ Conference, held last week Thursday at Frenches Patsy Anne Garraway - School counsellor.

House, was the first in a list of activities geared towards addressing the need for men to begin to fulfill their responsibilities as fathers. Initiated by the school’s counsellor- Patsy Anne Garraway, last Thursday’s conference met what it was set out to, as it fleshed out some of the burning issues affecting the father- children relationship. Held under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap’, Garraway thought it was an afternoon fruitfully spent. Addressing the conference, Garraway said: “ As our theme indicates, there is need for us to bridge the gap, in light of what is A section of those in attendance at the Fathers’ Conference hosted by the CW Prescod Primary School.

happening with our young men: the high dropout rate at school; the involvement in crime and violence; and the general fall in the value young ladies place on themselves.” Garraway asserted, “There is a need for us to bridge the gap between this and the next generation, that will enable our children to have a better life than we did… What we do today will affect generations to come”. The counsellor continued, “God has given fathers the general mandate to bring up and train their children according to Ephesians 6:4, which states ‘Fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord’. … In other words, fathers are to guide their children in the right way, the way of the Master…The wise man Solomon, in the book of Proverbs, advised also, ‘..to train up the child in the way he should go, so that when he is old he will

not depart from it’.” Looking at the other side of the coin, Garraway informed: “We are aware of the problems that some fathers face in having access to their children at times, and also the challenges of being a single father.... We highly commend those who are playing their role well, but we are also saying there is much room for improvements. We can make the good better and the better best.” The broad objectives of the Fathers’ Conference were to: sensitize fathers as to the important role they play in their children’s education; help fathers become more involved in their children’s education through ongoing partnership with the school; empower fathers to better mentor our boys and be good examples to our girls, through active participation in their lives; and enable fathers to become better role models in society through training and empowerment sessions.

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18. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Plus sized ladies not left out

PLUS SIZED LADIES are to get special attention for Vincy Mas 2017. This is the word coming from Ahdrenalin Mas Band which, in its 2017 Mas Presentation entitled Revolution FUTURE, has included a special section for ‘ladies of size’. The section, PLUSH, is described by Ahdrenalin as a ‘limited section catering to plus sized ladies’. ‘Te Tee’, who is responsible for producing the section said, “I was asked by many plus ladies to bring something for carnival. PLUSH is for every woman who is not the average size. My PLUSH costumes are fitted for good support, comfort and they are SEXY!” PLUSH caters for sizes ranging from large to 3X: and offers a choice between a 2piece or a 1-piece swimsuit. The word is that ladies from New York, Atlanta, Florida, and not to mention SVG, have already signed up for the section. “Tuesday Mas will never be the same,” Ahdrenalin promises.

PLUSH, from Ahdrenalin’s Revolution FUTURE caters especially to the plus sized ladies.

Digicel gifts lucky customer DESCRIBING it as the best call he had received for the day, Albert Quammie entrepreneur and Digicel customer, was beyond words when he heard he had won a Samsung Galaxy S8 in Digicel’s Text to Win competition, for the month of May. And timely enough, Albert received the call on the 2nd of June - his birthday. The graphic/visual

artist and owner of VisuArts Customs, Quammie explained; “Having a very good smartphone that has a large display and takes great photos, is integral to my job… I was badly in need of one, so this could not have come at a better time. Plus, to win the very latest Galaxy S8 on my birthday - it just doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks a mil Digicel.” The promotion, dubbed ‘Pimp your phone,’ ran from May 1 through to May 31, encouraged both prepaid and postpaid customers to text the word “SAMSUNG” to 7171, for their chance to win. Lucky Digicel Customer Albert Quammie receives his brand new Samsung Galaxy S8 from Digicel’s PR Exec- Jamisha Wright.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Quammie on his win, and thank all our customers for making our Text to Win promotions so engaging and competitive. We look

forward to rewarding even more customers in the coming months,” said Digicel’s Public Relations Executive, Jamisha Wright.

AN OOOPS??

IN AN ARTICLE HEADLINED ‘LPG retailers overcharging’ which was carried on page 17 of our edition of Friday 2nd June, 2017, we reported, that Albert Cornwall, Coordinator for Consumer Affairs in the Department of Trade, to paraphrase, ‘had confirmed that there have been reports from the public that retailers of LPG have been charging prices above what has been prescribed.’ Mr. Cornwall has all but refuted that he made such confirmation. It if is that he did not make the disclosure, and our reporting to the contrary has caused discomfort to him with his superiors and colleagues, we are sorry for having contributed to his discomfort. We are moved, however, to offer a ‘tip’ to those who find themselves in what could be considered sensitive positions. Such persons are advised that information garnered by a media person, who, of course is expected to identify themselves and the news agency they represent, will be reported as relayed but more often will inform the body of what is eventually reported. Mr. Cornwall, we hope, would accept the sentiments herein expressed.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 19.

Business

New internet ads service launched brainchild of Sean Samuel, who is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the new venture. His support team includes a number of business and technology-savvy persons, among these being Johann Stewart, Alison Aliberry John, Dr. Kenneth Onu and Stenneth Sutherland. According to CEO Samuel. “The AdzVillage Website is the first and only of its kind that rewards its members with points to purchase items in its E-Store.” The dream of establishing AdzVillage, according to Samuel, demanded a range of resources and sacrifice but, he was happy to see it become a reality. A demonstration of how the website works was led by Cyron Cyrus, NTRC rep., Samuel. The process also highlighted the creativity highlighted the benefits with behind the undertaking. particular emphasis on the EAN ENTREPRENEURIAL venture, store operation. utilising state of the art Testimonies technology and dedicated to marketing and advertising A number of persons were businesses, has been launched on hand to offer support for here. the AdzVillage. AdzVillage, a new and Andre Miller of Andrew’s dynamic Advertising Network Refrigeration expressed his Platform and Website with excitement in seeing the the tagline ‘We share your business with the world’, was achievements of a young and upcoming entrepreneur, launched on Tuesday, 30th whom he played a part in May, during a ceremony at mentoring. Frenches House, Kingstown. Samuel’s sister, Loren The initiative is the Dabreo, expressed her

Loren Dabreo, Sean Samuel’s sister, pointed to how steadfast her brother was in the face of challenge.

Andre Miller of Andrews refrigeration was overjoyed to see a person he had mentored –Sean Samuel – blossom into an enterprising young man.

happiness with what her brother has accomplished. She said that her brother worked overseas for a while,but it was his determination and ambition that led him back to St. Vincent to start the project. According to Dabreo, she has watched her brother struggle through and overcome a number of challenges towards realizing his dream. She congratulated him and wished him all the best. Technician of the National Telecommunications regulatory Commission (NTRC) Cyron Cyrus pointed out the level of creativity displayed by AdzVillage in taking advantage of the Technology available towards developing such a “master site.” Alison Aliberry John appealed to businesses here to step forward from being 10, 15 years behind in development, and embrace information technology by untilising the internet advertising platform provided by AdzVillage. AdzVillage became fully operational on June 1. (KH) Alison Aliberry John appealed to businesses here to get with the technological age.

Sean Samuel, founder and CEO of AdzVillage, has added another opportunity for maximisation of the potential of the internet.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Cheating on my friend Dear George, MY BEST FRIEND is getting married to a man she has never met in person. He lives in Brooklyn NY. I happened to meet this guy very recently, and as soon as he saw me, he wanted me. He was willing to forget about my friend and marry me instead. We did sleep together and he was all that and more. I am thinking of discouraging my friend from marrying him so I could get him. Am I wrong to go after what I want?

Wishing Dear wishing, It’s not wrong to go after what you want, but it’s wrong to attempt to cheat your friend out of what she has or wants. You should be discouraging your friend from marrying this man, not because you want him but because of what he stands for. Clearly he has little or no substance and morals to sleep with you, knowing you are friend of his bride to be. What does that say of you? I’m sure you can answer that. If you are going to be a friend to someone, then be a friend all the way and not just when it suits you.

George

Easy money!! of mine came to my house and asked me to sleep with him. I I AM DESPERATE and in jokingly said to him that need of your help. I cannot make love on a You can say that for hungry stomach. He the past year or so I’ve asked me to explain and been collecting easy money. An acquaintance I said, still joking, that I have my rent and car

Dear George,

Give it back!! Dear George, I FOUND A bag with a lot of cash in it. I took it home. There was an ID in the bag but I haven’t contacted the person. I do not want to be stupid and give up this money when I have kids, with no father, to feed.

Thinking Dear thinking, Return the money! It’s not yours to begin with, and the individual who it belongs to may have greater needs than what you have. Returning the money is the right thing to do, so do yourself a favor and make that call. There’s nothing better than having a clear conscience and doing a good deed.

George

payments due and no food in the fridge. Without asking anything further, he wrote me a cheque for $2,000. Then he said that if I gave him just 10 minutes of sex each month, he would pay me that amount. After 6 months of this arrangement, he told me his friend was interested in making the same arrangement, and I agreed. I was pulling in 4,000 dollars monthly. He then told me that if I accommodated him and his friend together at the same time, they would each add $1000. Now, I am making 6,000 dollars monthly. The only thing is I had to allow them to go natural, no condoms. My girlfriend told me I

should stop because I could catch AIDS, but I get tested regularly and make sure they get tested too. If I stop, I have no way of paying my bills and times are hard already. I see this as a golden opportunity and feel that my girlfriend is just jealous. What do you think?

Lucky girl Dear Lucky girl, You are playing with fire, and if you do so long enough, it’s just a matter of time before you get burned. Six thousand dollars every month will never be able to compensate you for a disease you can’t afford to have. Wise up! Tone down the recklessness. Right now, you are completely exposed to anything and everything. Sometimes when you eat little, you can indeed live longer. The choice is yours to make.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be tolerant, but don't let anyone take you for granted. Good friends will give you honest answers. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. Your involvement with children will be most rewarding. TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) If you can't trust someone, question the connection. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. Catch up on overdue paperwork. Take time to catch up on overdue corre‐ spondence. GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Join a choir or a drama club. You may be considering moving to larger quarters. Your fickle nature may cause jealousy. You will be able to get along well with colleagues. Empty promises are evident and deception probable. CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Your contribu‐ tions will be valued and helpful. Your part‐ ner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. You can come up with ways of earning extra cash. Don't turn down an invitation or a challenge that could enhance your chances of meeting someone special. LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Don't donate more than you can afford in order to impress oth‐ ers. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week. You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time. Try to stay calm and do the best you can. VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Spend time get‐ ting to know each other. Secret information will be eye opening. Be primed to use your intellect in order to get what you want. Don't let your lover put demands on you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Concentrate on work. Your mind is on moneymaking ven‐ tures. Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did. Expect to have problems with the ones you love. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Be sure to find out all you can before you commit to anything. Be aware of any emotional decep‐ tion. Do not sign legal contracts or docu‐ ments this week. Avoid letting children and friends borrow. Focus on what's important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Secret activity is evident. Investments that deal with property will pay off but could cause conflict with some family members. Invite friends over. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You should expect to have changes in your home. Plan a day of enjoyment with them. Avoid scan‐ dals of any sort. Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results. Get ready to dis‐ cover love, passion, and the desire to enjoy all that life has to offer. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now. PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your creative tal‐ ent may well be recognized by others this week Your personal life is going through a state of confusion. Don't let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so. You might not accomplish all that you want to at home this week.

ACROSS 1.Traditional knowledge 5. Real 11. In bed 12. Slushy 13. Conclusion 14. Egyptian goddess of love 15. Selected by vote 17. Highest mountain in Crete 18. Electrically charged atom 19. Planar 20. Class of Indian society 23. Pretty girl 24. Skillfully 25. Atmosphere 26. Period of history 27. Reflux of the tide 31. Payment for regular work 33. Frozen treats 34. Very handsome young man 35. Jump 36. Negligent 37. Whirlpool DOWN 1.Ornamental fabric

2. Ancient Greek coin 3. Advise 4. Appetite 5. Gray 6. Dressed 7. Small child 8. Upward 9. Having no distinct feet 10. Lyre‐shaped 16. Terminal digit of the foot 19. Prolific 20. Roman general

21. Scrape off 22. Zigzag 23. Front part of an apron 25. Vast chasm 27. Greek goddess of

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 21.

Strife 28. Chilled 29. No longer living 30. Catch sight of 32. Black bird

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 09,, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Local radio operators using equipment donated by Barrett Communications, during Operation Victor Echo.

Operation Victor Echo – 2017 RADIO OPERATORS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and

coordinate a helicopter response from Hewanorra airport as well as opening shelters in the South of St. Lucia for the incoming contiguous states were evacuees, as air borne involved with an ash in the AIA take off emergency corridor posed a hazard communications for departing aircraft. simulation staged on ETJ was to be activated Saturday, June 03. The for emergency traffic scenario involved an only.’ evacuation due to an The field exercise imminent eruption, hence began at 5:00 AM, ran ‘Operation Victor Echo’, V. for four hours before E. standing for Volcanic adverse propagation Emergency. forced the pre-mature The scenario operated closure of the event on ‘on the premise that the the HF bands, but by national emergency that time, the majority of management structure the field exercise had collapsed at the already been beginning of a national accomplished. The radio emergency. There was operator stationed in also a loss of domestic Fancy was able to telecommunications communicate with radio forcing the use of operators in St. Lucia emergency via their VHF repeater communications provided and therefore the field by radio amateurs’. exercise could be The field exercise was completed. conducted from amateur Lessons learned, a stations located at Paget redundant Farm, Fancy, Layou, communications system Georgetown and (powered by renewable Calliaqua. Assistance energy) including inter came from radio island repeater linking is amateurs in Tobago, absolutely necessary to Grenada, Trinidad and ensure reliability of St. Lucia. service when it is really The scenario unfolded needed. Having trained ‘involved the evacuation radio operators with of entire communities functioning equipment in from the base of our EVERY community is a active volcano on both goal that we need to Windward and Leeward strive for and achieve. sides of the island, with Director of the RRL radio amateurs Inc. wishes to thank all coordinating the radio operators who placement of evacuees to participated during this shelters in the Southern exercise, notably third of the island (Green J88NAC Steve, J88DX zone) including the Cally, J88NGU St. Clair, Grenadines. J88FP Andre, J88NLL Murphy was at work Lawson, J88NLR Leroy, during this scenario, and J88NFE Clayton and as the first wave of other volunteers. evacuees was leaving Support came from St. Fancy, a massive rockLucia J89CU Lin, slide blocked access into Grenada J39JX Floyd, and out of the village. Tobago 9Z4W Anthony This new situation, and 9Z4DT John from compounded by an Trinidad. Special imminent eruption, thanks to J88NEK Elna required villagers to be who hosted the Director evacuated by air. This is of the RRL J88CD where our regional Donald for this training neighbours came into the activity. picture. Besides being a In the absence of local scenario about an internet service, a Ham ‘imminent eruption‘, the in Tobago was able to activity also sharpened confirm from UWI radio operators’ skills for Seismic Unit that there the 2017 hurricane was significant activity season which began on on their recordings June 1st. warranting immediate evacuation. They, along Report submitted by: with St. Lucia radio Donald De Riggs – operators, were able to Director/RRL Inc.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 23.

Metrocint Maple lifts Division One Netball League title WHEN TWO HOME-GROWN institutions join forces, expect an explosion of galactic proportions. That was the case when Maple Netball Club, the longest existing sports On court action last week Thursday evening at the organisation in St Vincent Kingstown Netball Centre, between Metrocint General and the Grenadines, having Insurance Company Limited Maple Netball Club and Western been founded in July1951, Union Mitres. entered into a sponsorship arrangement, for the first experienced and well-oiled “ I was very happy to see time, with SVG first contingent, resorted to a three- them win...It was good to indigenous Insurance point attack in the final see the girls play like that, Company, Metrocint General quarter. They moved the ball doing what they should have Insurance Co. Ltd. consistently and effectively done in the first three Maple took the Division from the centre, to an quarters; get the ball to One Netball League title Maples: Standing from left: Joan Foster – Baynes attacking player, then into the Skiddy(Francis- Crick) last week Thursday night at goal circle, feeding ace shooter early.” (Manager/coach), Skiddy Francis- Crick, Suzette Jordan, the Kingstown Netball Centre, Skiddy Francis- Crick, who Elizabeth Caruth- Glasgow, Rose Clair Hall, Vasha Adams, Still an integral part of when they handed defending Raultie Lowe (trainer) Seated from left: Janet Toney, Thelma was her usual accurate self. the Maple set up and a champions- Western Union Foster, Hermina Cambridge, Shema Wright, Fay Richardson. Maple’s ploy dented the former Schools Physical Mitres, the final blow that Missing from photo is Nicolette Providence. Mitres’ plans, and saw the Education Co-ordinator, ensured their dethronement. new champions trumping 69Cambridge noted that the This after playing unbeaten Tournament, on a few 61. current crop of Maple players, ASCO, 64-39, a 71-34 licking throughout the competition. But it was the accuracy of “still look up to me and I have on Dutch Lady Clinchers, and occasions. Considered the most highly the shooters which made the a 66-59 win over Twilight Maple was founded by respect for them.” anticipated encounter for the Trading X- Ceed. Sylvia Wilson-Da Silva and difference, as Maple missed She recalled that while past decade in SVG’s top flight only 7 of their attempts, while moving through the country Maple last won the title in Sydney Anderson-Morris, with of netball, the match lived up Mitres muffed 16. 2013, as Mitres dominated for Joyce Frank, Peggy Hull and and teaching netball, she to its billing from the sound of Cambridge, solidifying the For Maple, Skiddy Francis- identified Francis — Crick and the past three years. the first whistle. Apart from several wins on administrative platform after Crick scored 58 of her 62, Elizabeth Caruth — Glasgow, Maple ran with a slender the Vincentian netball circuit, the departure of the founding while Rose Clair Hall had 11 as promising players, while 15-14 lead, after the first 15 Maple has also copped the duo. of her 14 counted. they were students of the minutes (quarter) of play. Gailene Gordon registered Cane End Government School. once OECS The second quarter was Champions 49 of her 60 and Shellisa “I brought the two of them much of the same as Maple of Davis put in 12 of her 17 for to join Maple, and they are maintained the one goal lead Mitres. still with us for over 30 years,” Champions as the quarter ended 33-32. Club Cambridge related. Maple entered the third Proud of her girls Maple’s undefeated run in quarter having made two Right: Maple the 2017 League competition changes, aimed at readjusting supporters On hand to witness Maple’s also included wins against: their tactics so as to slow triumph was one of the early Star Girls, 77-27, Hillview, 83- celebrate in down the fast moving Mitres. the stand at representatives of the club — 31, and Sea Operations Nar This worked as Maple the KNC at Mrs. Hermina Cambridge. Fren Dem, 81-24. established a 49-46 lead at the sound of Expressing joy at Maple’s Adding to Maple’s the end of the quarter. the final efforts especially in the last unblemished run were Maple, with the guile of an quarter, Cambridge beamed: whistle. triumphs against Dr Jules

Bailey, Durrant ahead in cycling Time Trial

Zefal Bailey

ZEFAL BAILEY AND PETER DURRANT recorded the fastest times in their respective categories, when the SVG Cycling Union held a Time Trial last Sunday morning. The trial covered a distance of 3.5 miles, starting at Arnos Vale, in front Dr Rao’s clinic and finishing at Brighton Gap. Bailey, saddling up in the Elite category, clocked 10 minutes 5.21 seconds, while Durrant, coming off a short rest, topped the Masters’ division, in 11 minutes 3.38

seconds. Second to Bailey was Enroy Lewis in a time of 10 minutes 42.59 seconds, and third was Kenroy Marshall in 12 minutes 44 seconds. The other four cyclists who contested the Time Trial, were in the Masters’ division. Trailing Durrant were Steve Ollivierre, Desmond Cox, Cedric Mc Intyre and Martin Bollers, in that order. Ollivierre’s time was 12 minutes 40.93 seconds; Cox13 minutes 12-78 seconds, Mc Intyre- 14 minutes 27.80

seconds and Bollers — 15 minutes 26.62 seconds. Next on the calendar of the SVG Cycling Union is the DASCO Pharmacy National Championships, which takes place Sunday 18th June. The 70-mile race begins at DASCO Pharmacy located opposite the Anglican Cathedral in Kingstown, with cyclists journeying to Orange Hill and back to the Arnos Peter Durrant Vale Round About. From there, the competitors will make the Round About to This race is in preparation Diamond loop twice, and finish for the OECS championships at the Sion Hill Intersection. in Dominica 2nd July.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

BVI: New OECS Senior Squash champs ST VINCENT and the Grenadines, failing to take advantage of home court, were dethroned as Senior Champions of OECS Squash. The championship, sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority, saw the British Virgin Islands taking the title, last Saturday afternoon, at the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue. The BVI’s Joseph Chapman won the Men’s Singles by defeating Jules Snagg of St Vincent and the Grenadines, 12-10, 11-4, 5-11, 11-2 in the final. Winning the Women’s Open was the BVI’s Daniela Schumann, ahead of her countrywoman - Zoe Sherian Slater- winner of the Women’s 40 and Over.

SVG’s Men’s Team from left - Jules Snagg, Kai Bentick, Kevin Hannaway, Jason Doyle.

Joseph Chapmanwinner of the Men’s Open. Sorrentino. Also Joe FaragherKneipp of the BVI ousted St Vincent and the Grenadines’ James Bentick, 11-3, 11-0, 11-5 in the Men’s 40 and Over. Another title for the BVI went to Neville Sorrentino, who won from Carlos Segovia of St Lucia 13-11, 9-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, in the Men’s 50 and over. SVG, though, took the women’s 40 and Over, in which Sherian Slater registered an 11-8, 11-4,11-8 stopping of Caroline Du Bois of the BVI, in their showdown for the title.

Consolation titles The Men’s 40 and Over consolation final was won by Carlos Segovia who won from Tony De Freitas 11-8, 11-5, 11-6, in an all St Lucia showdown. Meanwhile, Grenada’s Jerry Bascombe had an 11-2, 11-4, 11-6 win over Anthony Campbell of the BVI, to cop the Men’s 50 and Over consolation final. And, in the men’s open consolation, it was Vincentian Kai Bentick who champed over Neville Sorrentino of the BVI by default.

Team play SVG Men’s team of Jules Snagg,

Track athletes here will once again have to contend with the grass track at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Kai Bentick, Jason Doyle and Kevin Hannaway played unbeaten in the team’s title, defeating both St Lucia and the British Virgin Islands, both 40. Snagg saw off Tony De Freitas 11-1, 11-0, 11-1; Bentick outdid Chris Thakur 11-0, 11-3, 11-6; Doyle bettered Carlos Segoria 11-8, 11-4, 115; and Hannaway beat David Pier, 111, 11-6, 11-0. In their face off with the BVI, Snagg overcame Michael Adamson 11-2, 11-1, 11-4; Bentick beat Paul Cowlard 11-0, 11-2, 11-5; Doyle outlasted Dion Anselm 11-2, 11-5, 11-7; and Hannaway registered an 11-2, 11-0,

The winning BVI team. 11-6, triumph over Tatenda Gotose The BVI, though, won from St Lucia 4-0. And the BVI copped both the Veterans Team segment with a 3-2 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Women’s Team play, beating SVG, 2-1. The OECS as a unit will compete in the XXV National Lotteries Authority Caribbean Area Squash Association’s Senior Championships, to be hosted here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, 13th to 19th August, 2017.

SVG medals at revived Whitsuntide Games VINCENTIAN athletes who contested the revived Whitsuntide Track and Field Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, made a good showing, bagging 21 medals. The count included 13 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze. Mining the gold medals were Ulanda Lewis, Romar Stapleton, Kyle Lawrence, Zamesha Myle, Javiel Saxon, Zita Vincent and Javin Rawlins. Lewis won all three sprint events: the 100m in 12.61 seconds; the 200m in 24.50 seconds, and the 400m in 1 minute 00.12 seconds. Similarly, Stapleton cranked up 11.26 seconds to win the Male Under16 100m, 22.89 seconds to take the 200m, and timed 56.12 seconds to top the 400m of that age category. Lawrence took charge of the Male Under-14 100m and the 200m, returning 11.92 seconds and 24.06 seconds respectively. Also copping 400m races were Myle and Saxon, who triumphed in the Female Under-18 and the Male Under-20, respectively. Myle’s time was 58.92 seconds, and Saxon- 49.12 seconds. Joining the gold medallists was Vincent who, in a time of 2 minutes 18.88 seconds, was first to cross the

finish line in the Females Under-18 800m, and the 1500m in 4 minutes 53.71 seconds. And, Rawlins attaining a height of 1.85m, to take the Under-18 males High Jump. Meanwhile, Darria Matthias was double silver medallist in the 100m and 200m. She stopped the clock in the 100m at 12.33 seconds and the 200m in 24.97 seconds. Lawrence added a silver medal to his two gold, when in completed the 400m in 57.27 seconds. Adding the medal count were bronze medals earned by Rawlins, Saxon, Akani Slater and Tarique John. Rawlins was third in the 100m in his best time of 10.95 seconds, and third in the Triple Jump with a leap of 13.72m. Saxon was third in the 200m in 22.42 seconds, with Slater completing the Open Male 800m in 1 minute 52.27 seconds. John’s 22.06 seconds put him third in the Males Under-18. The other members of the team were Truloni Mc Kenzie, Jaffeisha Ackie and Cody Bartley. Rawlson Morgan travelled with the team as coach and Alexandra Waldron- chaperone.

Track and Field Championship is on AFTER TWO postponements, Team Athletics SVG has confirmed that the National Track and Field Championship has been fixed for June 10 and 11, at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. The Championship had been originally scheduled for May 20 and 21, then postponed to May 27 and 28, but both sets of dates ran into conflict with previously scheduled use of the Arnos Vale facility. Team Athletics SVG sees no further interruption. Further news from the local track

and field governing body says that Clubs have been notified that there will be no points system in place for this year’s Championship. In effect, therefore, no winner — Club Champion - will be declared. Teams and clubs have been invited to enter as many athletes as they can, registration of which closed on Friday 2nd June. A Total of 40 events - 21 on June 10 and 19 on June 10 — will be contested. The Championship caters to both male and female athletes.

The SVG contingent to the 2017 Whitsuntide Track and Field Games, staged in Grenada.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 25.

Sports

Let’s go Venezuela THE PIECES of the fairy tale are coming together, and regardless of the winner of Sunday’s Fifa Under 20 World Cup finals, Venezuela will be in for some praise. They meet England in that showdown in Korea. Venezuela upset the bookies by reaching the finals. They beat Uruguay 4:3 on penalties after a one all draw in normal time. Uruguay took the lead from the penalty spot when one of their players was fouled. It took a last gasp effort for Venezuela to force the game into extra time. When the penalty shootout came, the heroics of the Venezuelan custodian was enough to see his team through. This will be tonic to Venezuelans and to whatever extent, there will be enough cause for citizens to focus on the fortunes of their youngsters, instead of going on the streets all over the country and trying to enter army barracks. It is the first time that a Venezuelan outfit has advanced this far in a Fifa organised exercise. The timing could not have been more appropriate for the Venezuelans, and should serve as a means of healing a wounded nation. The fact of Venezuela being in the finals projects a prospect of hope for a nation, i.e. that a group of teenagers can lift the morale of a nation torn apart by anguish and strife, and locked in the jaws of destruction, Venezuela’s overcame USA enroute to the semis in a game which the Concacaf team approached with a degree of confidence, having disposed of New Zealand 6: 0 to reach the quarter final. England overwhelmed Italy 3:1, to romp into the final. They too will fancy their chances. They progressed to the semi with a 1: 0 win over Mexico. So it’s a South American-North Atlantic final. It might be inaccurate to say South AmericanEuropen final, for as much as England remains part of the fraternity, their intention to exit the European Union has altered the dynamics of global politics. Regardless, the Under 20 final will be a classic showdown. England has proved its depth beyond any measure, for the English Premier League remains one of the most intriguing. Youngsters in Britain continue to have some standard to aspire towards. The situation might be the complete opposite in Venezuela. That country has not been known to be a football giant. For them to emerge in an Under 20 World Final, tells of the distance the country has travelled. It will be a fitting climax for that trophy to be taken to Venezuela. It will be triumph for the Caribbean in a sporting and political sense. Venezuela has been the object of some ridicule in recent time, and it was the collective support of the Caribbean which thwarted attempts to bring further sanctions on the South American country. It will be more than a sporting accomplishment for the South Americans to lift this particular title. It will add to the morale and prestige of a nation under siege. There are many slogans applicable to the Venezuelan situation. One could be ‘the harder they come, the harder they fall,’ and that will relate to the enemies of the state. And knowing USA and England as two of the drivers of imperialism which has been responsible for the suppression of many a third world nation, it will be an accomplishment of immense proportions if Venezuela was to overcome the odds in the face of mounting oppression, even if it’s on the football field.

Saints down Police Two SUNIL AMBRIS and Romel Currency hit half centuries, and Ray Charles had a five-wicket innings haul, to lead Guardian General Saints to hard-fought first innings points over Police Two, in the NLA Premier Division Cricket Competition played last weekend at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Police Two batted first and posted 176 from 44.1 overs, led by 80 from the consistent Desron Maloney. Ray Charles was the pick of the blowers with figures of 5 for 31. Guardian General Saints, with half centuries from Sunil Ambris and Romel Currency, reached 234 from 58.4, Currency contributing 64 and Ambris 53. When Currency and Ambris departed and the middle order collapsed, it was left up to Travis

Cumberbatch, 38 not out, 21 from the number 10 batsman Kelon Davis, and Charles, the number 11, 21 batting at number 10 and Ray Charles, 25, batting at number 11, to take Saints to a comfortable innings lead. Fast bowler Darius Martin with 4 for 58 and off spinner Kenneth Dember 4 for 99 were Police Two best bowlers. In the other scheduled match, FLOW Radcliffe gained full points on default from Victors One. This weekend, Team Rivals play Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO at Park Hill, and FLOW Radcliffe take on Guardian General Saints at Sion Hill.

Desron Maloney topscored with 80 for Police Two.

Ray Charles took 5 for 31 and hit 25 for Saints. I.B.A.ALLEN

Bowlers on top in First Division cricket LAST WEEK’S matches in the NLA First division Sunday 50 League Cricket Competition belonged to the bowlers. The Smashers-Rivals Two clash threw up two five-wickets hauls, in what turned out to be what some felt was an unexpected victory for Smashers. Defending champions

Smashers, batting first, posted a mere 113 all out in 21.2 overs, their batsmen failing to negotiate the persistence of Shemick Roberts, who finished with 5 wickets for 50 runs. Glamorgan must have smelled victory, but it was not a pleasing scent in the final analysis, as they failed to get on top

SVG U-19 squad down to 17 THE NATIONAL Youth selectors have named a 17member Under-19 squad for further training, towards selection to the final 13 players to represent SVG in the Windward Islands Under-19 Cricket Tournament, scheduled for St Lucia from June 25 to July 4. The 19-member squad includes six players from last year’s team. These are: Jeremy Layne (vice-captain in 2016), Tijorn Pope, Dillon Douglas, Tilron Harry, Jeremy Layne Urnel Thomas, and Selron would be among Williams. those being The others still in considered for contention are: Handel captaincy of the Roban, Rayon Williams, team. Jahail Walters, Rayshorn John, Jeremy Haywood, Sealroy Williams, Alex Samuel, Rondell Williams, Jadiel Chance, Aleon Ceasar and Romamdo Browne. I.B.A.ALLEN

of the off spin of Marvin Harry, and were skittled for 100 in 20.1 overs. Harry finished with 6 for 34. The top score, 23 not out, in the match was recorded by Smashers’ Carlton Woodley. In another weekend match played at Buccament, St. Vincent Co-operative Bank Glomorgan United beat Edward Conliffe Belfongo by 8 runs. Glamorgan posted 160, Travis Cumberbatch top scoring with 31. Pat Warner, Adolphus Campbell and Godfrey Brewster each had three wickets. Belfongo in reply, looked set for victory, but lost wickets regularly and were dismissed for 152, Oswald Soleyn, 4 for 44, and Venil Davis, 3 for 24, doing the damage. At the Stubbs playing field, Combined Youths had a resounding 76-run win over Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors. Combined Youths’ Jordon Samuel, 55, and Geron Wyllie, 43, led their team to 183 all out in 49.5 overs. Unique Warriors’ Reginald Jeffery and Parnel Browne picked up 3 for 29 and 3 for 37 respectively. Unique Warriors were dismissed for 107 in 19.3

Marvin Harry bagged 6 for 34 for Smashers. overs, with a top score of 23 coming from Ansil Hooper. Wyllie completed a good day’s work claiming 2 wickets for 23 runs. At the end of last weekend’s matches, the following teams have qualified for the quarter finals of the Fist Division competition: from Group A - Smashers, Providence Electronic Solutions North Leeward, Radcliffe Too and Victors Two; from Group B - French Verandah SVG Community College, Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors, Combined Youths and Edwards Conliffe Belfongo. This weekend, Smashers oppose Edward Conliffe Belfongo in a quarter final match, at the Stubbs Playing Field. I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 09, 2017. 27.

Classifieds

JEEP FOR SALE Suzuki Escudo V6 2003, good condition Contact: 534-3753 or 456-2431

bathroom house at Arnos Vale Vale ¾ One (3) bedroom two (2) bathroom for EC$420,000 ¾ One (1) two (2) storey apartment building at Rose Cottage, Villa for EC$1,250,000 ¾ One three (3) bedroom two (2) bathroom house at Upper Cane Hall for EC$255,000 ¾ Government lands at Bequia from EC $11.34 / US $4.20 per sq ft ¾ 31,195 sq ft of land at Pilgrim Hill, Gomea for EC$125,000 ¾ 6,626 sq ft of land at Prospect for EC$95,000 We Website: W e ebsit bssite: e: h ps://www.sutherlandsrealestate.com h ps:// h pss:// //w /www. w.suthe .sutherlandsr rlandsreales alessta tate.com om sutherlandsrealestate@gmail.com E-mail: sutherlandsr E-mail: sutherlandsreales alessta tate@gmail. e@gmail.com om Tel: Te T e el: l: 1-784-498-1924 11-784 84-498-1924 98-1924 / 433-9362 433-9 433-9362 433

LAND FOR SALE At Harmony Hall 10,075 sq. ft. Call: 526-5756 or 533-2472 for further information

ETHEL ASHTON All Saints Anglican Church Saturday 3rd June, 2017 2:30 p.m.

VENOLD ALWIN GRANT Barrouallie Evangelical Church Sunday 4th June, 2017 2:00 p.m.

FOR SALE 1 large building lot at Richland Park 434-5763

Honda 1996 Call: 492-4129 434-6040

CORNELIUS FRANKLYN RICHARDSON Faith Deliverance Church Wednesday 7th June, 2017 3:00 p.m.

KELVIN COLLIS ERROL EZEKIEL JOHN Evangelical Church Kingstown Tuesday 6th June, 2017 3:00 p.m.

World Wide Mission Penniston Saturday 3rd June, 2017 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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NO VIP LOUNGE FOR THE QUEEN’S BATON THE QUEEN’S BATON RELAY (QBR), the movement of symbolic implement through all the nations of the Commonwealth, ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, took place here in St Vincent and the Grenadines from last Saturday to Tuesday. The St Vincent and the Grenadines leg was hosted by the SVG Commonwealth Games Association, essentially — the SVG Olympic Committee. However, there was a sense of disappointment expressed by some members of the local hosting organisation, that the prominence of the occasion was slighted by at least one government ministry. The SVG Olympic Committee had applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce for VIP treatment of the touring party on arrival last Saturday, at

the Argyle International Airport. But a response from that ministry to Keith Joseph, General Secretary of the SVG Olympic Committee, stated: “Access to the VIP Lounge is not approved, in keeping with the list of individuals entitled to the VIP Lounge of the Argyle International Airport.” Officials were baffled at the ministry’s position since the touring party included one sitting government minister of a Commonwealth nationFortuna Belrose of St Lucia. Senator Belrose is the Minister in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports and Local Government, in her country’s cabinet. She is also the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, as well as the Commonwealth Games

Fortuna Belrose presents Queen’s Baton to President of the SVG Olympic Committee- Trevor Bailey, last Saturday at the Grand View Hotel.

Federation Regional Vicepresident for the Caribbean. Apart from Belrose, the visiting party included Adam Best-team liaison, Kate Shawmedia liaison, Raymond Brownhill-Asset — security personnel and Jeremy Sutton Hibbert photographer. “We have had VIP treatment in the past; why have things changed all of a sudden?” one local Olympic Committee official inquired.

Baton’s visit to SVG Reports are that the current tour of the Queen’s Baton Relay has been given significance in the countries visited thus far. St Vincent and the Grenadines became the 21st stop and the third in the Caribbean, as the Baton moves through all 71 countries of the Commonwealth. The Baton arrived here last Saturday and was handed over by Belrose to President of the SVG Olympic CommitteeTrevor Bailey at a reception at Grand View Hotel. Sunday was a rest day, but the visiting officials were taken on a tour of Mustique, compliments the Mustique Company. On Monday, the QBR stopped at the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill, the Montreal Gardens and at Fisherman’s Day activities at Calliaqua. On Tuesday, the Baton was taken on visits to the Kingstown Preparatory School, the School for Children with Special Needs, the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and the St. Mary’s RC School. The visits continued on Tuesday with a tour to the

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SVG’s Governor General- Sir Fredrick Ballantyne – poses with the Queen’s Baton last Tuesday at the Curator’s House at the Botanic Gardens. historical Fort Charlotte for a photoshoot, and a rowing journey on a double ended scull at Jackson Bay. It also visited with the Barrouallie Secondary School, and was involved in a cultural package and a photoshoot at the Layou petroglyphs. The St Vincent and the Grenadines leg culminated Tuesday evening with a farewell cocktail at the Curator’s House at the Botanic Gardens. The next stop of the QBR is St Lucia.

The QBR began 13th March and will travel for 388 days. It is set to arrive on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, for the Opening Ceremony of the Games on the 4th April 2018. Inserted in the Baton is a message from Queen Elizabeth II, which will be read at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, referred to as Gold Coast 2018. The multi- sport games concludes on April 15.

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