FRIDAY, MARCH
12, 2021
VOLUME 115, No.10 www.thevincentian.com
More COVID relief Page 3
Attorney mystified! Page 4
EC$1.50
Dr. Malcolm Samuel Page 11
Soufrière feature Page 12-13
Minibus woes continue Page 24
Up to the end of last week, there were 118 cases of COVID-19 among patients at the MHRC.
Pictured at left below: The Glad Tidings (Bible) Camp Site - officially an isolation Centre for those patients of the Mental Health Centre who have tested positive for the coronavirus. by DAYLE DA SILVA PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES has dismissed as “falsehoods” the claims by the Public Service Union (PSU), including one that alleged some of the patients at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre (MHRC), who had been relocated to the Glad Tidings Bible Camp Site at Queen’s Drive, were sleeping on the floor. Since a cluster of COVID-19 cases had emerged at the MHRC at Glen, affected patients have been relocated to the Glad Tiding’s Camp Site located at Queen’s Drive,
making that Site an official Isolation Centre, specific to patients of the MHR. Speaking last Sunday on his now usual spot on the Sunday morning interactive programme aired on WE FM, Dr. Gonsalves dismissed this claim and others made by the Union as “falsehoods, mingled with really lots of mischief.” Addressing the allegations that patients were sleeping on the floor, Dr. Gonslaves said, “If you know the campsite, there is a lot of space on both floors and there are spaces to put particular persons.”
He added that the two floors were being occupied — one for males and the other for females. According to Gonsalves, there were 75 males and 28 females at the Camp Site then, but there was enough space to accommodate up to at least 80 more patients, if the situation presented itself. There were platforms where mattresses were placed and were being used as makeshift beds, but none of the patients were made to sleep on the floor, Gonsalves emphasized. Continued on Page 3.
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2. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Business
CIBC donates to vaccine drive
Chief Executive Officer of the bank and Chair of the foundation Colette Delaney. (Photo Source: Loop News)
Ten countries across the region will get a major boost to their COVID-19 vaccination programmes as a result of a US$500,000 donation from regional bank CIBC FirstCaribbean. The donation to national vaccination programmes is being made by the bank through its charitable arm the First Caribbean International Comtrust Foundation and will support the purchase of vaccines in Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, the bank is providing a separate contribution of US$250,000 to cover the cost of vaccinating members of its 2,500 staff who wish to avail themselves of the vaccine in those countries, bringing its total contribution to the regional vaccination effort to US$750,000. Chief Executive Officer of the bank and Chair of the foundation Colette Delaney in announcing the donation said, “Vaccination remains one of the
key weapons in the arsenal against COVID-19 and we are delighted to assist governments and public bank many of whom health officials in ensuring remain on the frontlines, that everyone who wants as well ensuring that the vaccine can have access clients and customers to it”. continue to have access She said the global to banking services even community and medical under very difficult experts have made great circumstances. strides in the past year in This latest assistance response to the COVID-19 to aid the COVID-19 virus and they noted that an fight in the region effective vaccine was follows the bank’s “critical to protect The Region seems to be moving steadily and swiftly towards donation last March of individuals, families and having the greater percent of their populations vaccinated. USD$250,000 spread communities and re-open The CIBC donation will only bolster that drive. across its 16-member our economies”. regional footprint, to The CEO noted that just those who are immune”. assist health officials in purchasing public health officials “advise that as Delaney praised the “brave men and testing supplies, Personal Protective many people as possible must be women working on the frontlines all Equipment (PPE) and other supplies. vaccinated to achieve a level of across the region to stem the spread of To date, the region has received immunity that makes the spread of the disease and now who are ensuring donations of vaccines from India the virus from person to person the smooth rollout of mass vaccination (Caribbean), Chine (Guyana) and unlikely. As a result, the whole campaigns”. Russia (St. Vincent and the community becomes protected — not She also praised the staff of the Grenadines. (Source: Loop News)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 3.
News 3 More COVID relief AS OF LAST TUESDAY, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was awaiting a response from VINLEC, to a request that it reintroduce a moratorium on disconnections of electricity service, to help ease the burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on persons from all walks of life. Dr. Gonsalves said then that he had had a positive response from the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) to a similar request but none from VINLEC. By Wednesday, however, the Prime Minister announced via NBC radio, that VINLEC had agreed to a similar arrangement. The moratorium on disconnections of water, available to domestic consumers only, will run from March 15 until June 30. A similar moratorium on electricity disconnections was expected to run from March 1 to May 31, for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers. Additionally, the CWSA will extend a ten percent discount
to consumers who pay off their bills in full going forward, and a five percent discount to those who clear half of their bills. VINLEC, the Prime Minister said, has proposed to offer a similarly conditioned ten percent discount. This hand of compassion, the Prime Minister warned, was not a signal for persons to stop paying their bills. “The point is this, I want persons to bear in mind that CWSA has taken a significant hit and they have taken the measures to encourage persons to pay to keep cash flow going,” Gonsalves said. The CWSA extended the moratorium for the entire year in 2020, extending it beyond the originally announced three-month period. Those consumers who were disconnected during that period were those who made either one or no payments. Regarding another area of COVID-19 relief, the prime minister announced that he was expected to meet with the Executive Director of the
Delinquent consumers will have a reprieve on their electricity service the end of May. National Insurance Services (NIS)- Stewart Haynes, to discuss the continuation of the $300.00 per month relief that was paid to persons who were laid off or substantially retrenched.
An appeal for help ROHAN PROVIDENCE, President of the SVG Basketball Federation (SVGBF) is reaching out to the general public on behalf of his wife - Ancilla Nicolette SnaggProvidence. Snagg-Providence is currently fighting a rare form of cancer - spindle cell sarcoma cancer, which, as per an Oxford University Hospitals’ leaflet is ‘a malignant cancer which can develop in the bone or soft tissue. It can arise in any part of the body but is most common in the limbs (arms and legs)’. According to a Facebook posting on Providence’s page, in January 2019 his wife was issued a very serious diagnosis that warranted her having two surgical procedures. “Two years later, what the family thought was over and done with, has reared its head and we are in a position of desperation,” Providence’s post continued. In his appeal, Providence said, “We have made contact with several hospitals in the USA and Canada on her doctor’s advice, to seek the necessary treatment. We have decided on pursuing the needed procedures and treatment, based on our
research and guidance received, at John Hopkins Medicine in the USA.” The appeal said further, “We have to raise over 275K USD (US$275,000). Even though the figure is a huge one and we have no means of doing this on our own, we believe the God we serve is going to work on the hearts of the people we are reaching out to for assistance… .” The Providence family has had its fair share of tragedy. In the last two years, the patriarch has lost a grandmother, a cousin and very recently an uncle to cancer. “I am not prepared or ready to lose my wife to this dreaded killer. Neither are my three children,” Providence wrote. With this determination, the appeal goes out to the general public, soliciting its
The discussion will also address provision for cash payments to affected sea farers and, as announced around schools and who have previously by the Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, to been severely affected by the closure of schools. (DD) those who vend near and
MHRC: PM dismisses PSU claims Continued from Front page.
Rohan Providence and his wife Ancilla Nicolette SnaggProvidence. generous support towards offsetting the cost of the overseas medical procedure and care that Ancilla Nicolette Snagg-Providence requires. “So I am asking you to donate a minimum of $1.00USD or as much as you feel impressed to donate, then share with your friend and family members and ask them to do likewise,” Providence said in his appeal. I.B.A.ALLEN
Consumers will have some reprieve when the CWSA introduces a moratorium on disconnects that is expected to last until the middle of the year.
He disclosed, though, that it was reported that two male patients had left their beds and taken to the floor. This was the patients’ choice, not something occasioned by a shortage of bed space, Dr. Gonsalves assured, and added that sleeping on the floor was a common practice among patients at institutions for the mentally ill, including our own. And as for the PSU claim about the shortage of personal protective equipment for staff, including face masks, Prime Minister Gonsalves referenced a document dated February 27 and prepared by the MHRC Administrator Dr. Elizabeth Medford, in which she gave a detailed report on the operations at the temporary facility at Queen’s Drive. According to Gonsalves, Medford indicated in the document that the MHRC was in receipt of a quantity of items including gowns, masks and face shields. He dismissed this claim saying, “What happened is this, there are some who get information from persons not necessarily staff nurses, but
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has dismissed as “falsehoods” the claims by the Public Service Union (PSU), including one that alleged some of the patients at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre (MHRC), who had been relocated to the Glad Tidings Bible Camp Site at Queen’s Drive, were sleeping on the floor. persons who are not at that professional level but from those who have their personal and sometimes political grouses.” Dr. Gonslaves also disposed of any truth in the PSU claim that there were only two shifts for workers at the Camp Site, with the explanation that the 27 staff members assigned to the Camp Site worked “three shifts — 7am to 2pm, 2pm to 7pm and 7pm to 7am daily.” And the call by the PSU for the removal of the Management at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre did not escape the Prime Minister. He highlighted the Union’s assessment that the current Management at the Centre was negligent, and described it as outrageous… not true and defamatory. The Prime Minister expressed his full confidence in the Centre’s Administrator, Dr. Elizabeth Medford, and her team.
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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Court
Nigerian’s Lawyer mystified
from DaSilva, Managing Director of Star Garage,; taking a credit card from DaSilva without his ATTORNEY Grant Connell, who consent; obtaining services from First Caribbean successfully represented International Bank without DaSilva’s consent; and Nigerian national Eunice converting criminal property which was unlawfully Dowers who was charged with withdrawn from DaSilva’s credit card account, and defrauding local businessman which she knew or suspected, directly or indirectly Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva, is still represented the proceeds of criminal conduct. mystified by the matter. The offences were allegedly committed between “What transpired still August 2018 and January 2019 while Dowers was remains a mystery,” Connell employed at Star Garage. said, while speaking to THE The Chief Magistrate agreed with Connell’s Eunice Dowers VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, submission that the Prosecution had not made out a (pictured here in four days after Chief prima facie case, and freed Dowers on all the early 2020), was Magistrate Rechanne Browne charges. freed on all counts had upheld his no case “It is clear that the police were pushed from the for which she was submission at the Serious beginning. charged and must Offences Court. “Clearly the accounting system is archaic, or it now feel that she a Dowers was faced with 55 would have revealed who exactly was doing what new lease on life, so charges, in relation to the and for how long,” Connell told THE VINCENTIAN. to speak. theft of thousands of dollars “It is sad that the police would react without Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
proper investigation in this matter, while on the other hand, Mrs. Dowers made a report to the police that she was physically assaulted at Star Garage by an employee of the company, but to date, about two years after the report was made, nothing has been done,” the lawyer added. “Who did what, and for how Attorney Grant long, at Star Garage, in relation Connell chalked to the missing funds, remains a up another ‘tick’ mystery,” he opined. on his score In handing down her ruling sheet but on the no case submission remains Friday, March 5, the Magistrate mystified about stated that the credit card and certain the cheque books which were circumstances before the Court, belonged to surrounding this Star Garage and not Bertille Da case. Silva. In law Bertille Da Silva and Star Garage are two different entities, and the charges were laid in relation to Bertille Da Silva. The Magistrate also made reference to the said, according to the statement. Electronic Funds Transfer Act under which the His lawyer Grant Connell objected to the charges, in relation to the taking of the credit card, document being admitted into evidence, on the were laid. grounds that his client was physically abused by the Dowers was charged under section 4 of that Act, lead investigator Assistant Superintendent of Police but the Magistrate contended that the Prosecution Elgin Richards, who heads the Major Crime Unit. did not specify under what limb, as per Section 4 (1) Connell also challenged the document on the which states a person who takes a card from the basis that the statement was taken from notes that possession, custody or control of (a) the card holder Sergeant Biorn Duncan had taken while speaking to or (b) a person holding or having possession of the Cupid, and what Duncan had read back to Cupid card with the consent of the card holder. was what he (Duncan) wrote. He questioned why The Prosecution did not specify whether it was Cupid was not given the option of writing his own limb (a) or (b). statement. The matter was prosecuted by Crown Counsel Connell said parts of the statement was not even Rose Ann Richardson, and investigated by Corporal Andy James of the Major Crime Unit (MCU). clear and it did not have a third signature. He also The hearing commenced last year at the Serious argued that there were inconsistencies in the Offences and during its progress, several witnesses evidence of Sergeant Duncan and Corporal testified, including a number of directors and Millington regarding the time the process lasted. employees of Star Garage. Connell’s objection was overruled by Chief Dowers initially came here as a medical student, Magistrate Rechanne Browne following a voidire and is married to a Vincentian. (trial within a trial). She worked at Star Garage as a secretary, then Cupid is charged that between September 29 and as customs broker. October 2, 2019, being employed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a prison officer did abuse the authority of his office, an arbitrary act prejudicial to the right of the Superintendent of Prisons, to wit, conspired to aid in the escape of Veron Primus from lawful custody. He is also charged with conspiring with Primus to the commission of the offence of THE STYLE of wearing pants escaping lawful custody. below the buttocks will not be A number of prison officers has already testified tolerated in Chief Magistrate at the trial which is ongoing at the Serious Offences Rechanne Browne’s Court. Court. On Monday, Browne had one Evidence from one defendant removed from the prison officer revealed Serious Offences Court, after that the key to Primus’ noticing that he was wearing cell could not be his pants below the buttocks. accounted for on the When he returned, he was morning of October 1, still not dressed properly, and 2019, and a chisel and the Magistrate ordered him out hammer had to be used again to “fix himself.” A very common to forcibly remove the ‘style’ among On his second returned he lock. When the prison today’s young was properly dressed, and was officers entered the cell, men. allowed to take the dock. Primus was discovered But the Magistrate told him missing. He turned sternly, “You need to dress properly, not himself in about 3 pm everything you see you have to follow. Do not the same day, follow bad trends, It’s most disgusting and accompanied by annoying”. attorney Jomo Thomas. The style for which the defendant was chided is Primus appeared in known as Sagging, which is described as a manner Court the following day, of wearing trousers (long pleaded guilty to pants) or jeans that sag so that the top of the escaping lawful custody trousers or jeans is significantly below the waist, and was sentenced to 16 sometimes revealing much of the wearer’s months in prison. underpants.
Telling evidence in Prison Officer’s case PRISON OFFICER Louis Cupid, who is facing charges of conspiracy in connection with murder accused Veron Primus’ escape from Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown between September 30 and October 1, 2019, admitted that he assisted Primus in making the dash. This is according to a statement read in evidence during the trial at the Serious Offences Court on Prison Officer Louis Monday. According to the Cupid all but document which was read by admitted in his Sergeant Biorn Duncan of statement that he the Major Crime Unit knew of Veron (MCU), Cupid said, “I Primus’s plan to escape from prison. assisted him, but I did not take him out the cell. He told me that he wanted to go out and that he wanted to escape.” According to the statement, Cupid said he did not give Primus a positive answer, but during his shift on the night prior to the morning when Primus was discovered missing, Primus asked him if he was going to assist him in getting out. He informed Primus about the tight security there at the time, and told him to walk through the vestibule. “I did not give him no key to open no cell or to leave, but I know that he was going to leave,” Cupid
No tolerance for pants below buttocks
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 5.
News
Compensation for Buccament Resort workers PERSONS EMPLOYED at the former Buccament Bay Resort up to the time of its closing in December 2016, are expected to begin receiving some level of financial compensation. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on WE FM on David Ames, March 7 that Principal of Harlequin Property there was an auction sale at developers, was the site of the allowed to leave former resort, this country and that a sum knowing that he owed workers back of money had been raised. salaries and As recent as severance pay.
its issue of February 26, THE VINCENTIAN carried an advertisement of an Auction Sale at the site of the Buccament Bay Resort. The Sale included kitchen, restaurant, living room, bedroom, and spa related items, among other equipment and accessories. Dr. Gonsalves said that he had been informed by Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves that the anticipation that the Sale would garner in the region of EC$400,000. “If that happens, he is recommending, and I have accepted his recommendation…, to divide that money amongst those working at the time Buccament was closed, to provide something for those workers,” the PM said. He said that he had already spoken to the Director General of Finance and Planning, Edmund Jackson about the decision to pay compensation to a section of the former employees of the
Schools reopening to be discussed A DATE for the re-opening of schools seems imminent. This is the expectation on the heels of a meeting of health and education officials that was expected to be held on March 10, last Wednesday, to discuss the issue of the resumption of schools across the country. THE VINCENTIAN is not privy to any decisions of that meeting, not for the want of trying. St. Martin’s Secondary School remained closed. According to Prime It is credited with having one of the better Minister Dr Ralph platforms in SVG for facilitating online classes. Gonsalves, Chief Medical Officer Dr Simone Keizersignificantly,” Dr. Gonsalves said on Beache and members of her team, NBC Radio on March 10. along with top officials from the He stressed that most stakeholders ministry of education, were expected wanted to get back to school and to discuss the issue, following which they would advise Cabinet on the way expressed a personal view that the forward. country was ready for it. Schools here did not reopen for the All the circumstances were properly second term (January 2021), because aligned for the resumption of school, of a spike in the number of COVID-19 Gonsalves said, but he cautioned that cases during December, in particular. “… we have to make sure that we All secondary and senior primary judge the matter based on the facts of schools classes reverted to online the science and that is what I am schooling, which coincided with seeking to do.” government’s distribution of tablets to It was important, he said, that we secondary and senior primary school listen to what the health officials had students across the state. to say. “I want to discuss with them the “And I want them to come to matter of returning to school because Cabinet to come and tell me the other than the cluster which we have reasons for not going back to school,” had at the Mental Health Centre, the he said. (DD) numbers have been falling
The Buccament Bay Resort was deemed the flagship of tourism infrastructure on mainland St. Vincent. Resort, once owned by Harlequin Property (SVG) Ltd. The resort, closed it doors in December 2016 following the disconnection of its electricity for nonpayment. Prior to its closure, several employees took to the picket line in protest of not having been paid in the months leading up to December 2016. Eventually, the company went into bankruptcy owing employers and creditors. Harlequin’s principal in St. Vincent and the Grenadines- Davis Ames, absconded in the dark of night, having been charged with matters related to
tax evasion/avoidance, and owing creditors and workers, the latter for wages and severance pay. He has not returned nor have serious efforts been made to have him return to answer the charges he faces before the local court. Recently, Sandals Resorts acquired the property — Buccament Bay Resort, with the intention of constructing a Beaches Resort, the first in the Eastern Caribbean. Sandals, according to existing laws in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is not committed in any way to the displaced workers of what was the Buccament Bay Resort. (DD)
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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Gender equity: Are we there yet? MONDAY 8TH MARCH 2021 passed like ‘no body’s business’… just like any other Monday with all the ‘blues’ carried over from the weekend as we struggled to get ‘back to work’. That should not have been the case. Monday 8th March should have be one of the brightest days in the year. It should be a day when we showcase not just how much our women have contributed to our development and stability, but how much we appreciate them, and demonstrate that they exist today in a gender equality space. Did anything like this colour last Monday? If the truth be told, nongovernmental organisations here have worked towards achieving gender equality for decades. They have advocated for equality/equal opportunity for women and improved systems of support. And in response to that advocacy, many, too many at the top of the management structure simply say the politically correct thing like promising to make their workplaces more fair and equitable. Sadly, though, progress towards gender equality has been limited. In fact, many managers (public and private sector) struggle to recognize gender inequalities in daily workplace interactions. These are the types who acknowledged that gender inequality exists in general but deny it exists in their work environment. Pitifully, given their dire straits, women fall for this and become mice in a ratinfested environment. Then there are those who with what is nothing short of a warped historical perspective, declare that gender inequality is a thing of the past; it doesn’t exists today. They go further and say gender inequality could never exist today because women now enjoy advantages in business, even government. So much so, the attitude when incidents of discrimination arise is to strategically ignore gender inequality as being the core reason for the bias. Gender inequality is the result of a multitude of small-scale incidents
like: a manager directing a senior female officer to ‘bring coffee for everybody; a male manger favouring his male colleagues and having a habit of ignoring women’s contributions in meetings; a male manager after listening to a meeting of women that detailed the ways in which they were being sidelined, declared that that did not exist in his neck of the wood. If we are to make any progress toward gender equity, we must recognize the incidents that create and perpetuate inequalities. We must recognize the temptation to ignore instances where daily gender inequalities exist. Managers need to reframe the recognition of inequality as a learning opportunity, not an exercise in assigning blame. Instead of feeling guilty that people (including themselves) are engaging in exclusionary practices, they should think creatively about what they can do differently. We must help others – both men and women – to rcognise and acknowledge gender inequality. Research shows that many women have developed sophisticated coping mechanisms to ignore the role gender plays at work, and may believe that they don’t experience inequality (which in some cases, of course, may be true). Similarly, male colleagues might be oblivious to daily practices that contribute to inequality. But once managers start noticing gender inequalities, they should point them out to others and facilitate corrective action If managers acknowledge gender inequality and modify their own behavior, this opens the possibility of wider change within organizations. After all, the goal is to create a culture where gender equality can be openly discussed without assigning blame or guilt. We must stop denying inequality exists in our own spaces if we are to make progress. Did any of this pass our way on International Women’s Day? If it didn’t, we have a long way to go as a people.
Glenn Jackson remembered (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 18th March, 2016) A DECADE AGO I wrote the following account of Glenn Jackson’s death; I now add these significant points. Firstly, Glenn was cut down on the eve of detonating his promised “bombshell”. Secondly, Ralph who was overseas at the time, deemed his surcease “an assassination”. Thirdly, Glenn’s wife ruled the sequel to her husband’s departure “scape-goat justice”. Fourthly, Glenn was granted an undeserved “State Funeral” and a one-shot scholarship was granted in his name. And fifthly, Dr Gonsalves noted that Glenn was “irreplaceable” as a Personal Assistant”. In other words, no Hans King could really substitute. “Glenn Jackson, Personal Aide and Press Secretary to Prime Minister Gonsalves, suffered a shooting death about three weeks ago. The community has been left in shock. Friend and foe alike have been stunned beyond belief. It took this columnist all of three weeks before he could put pen to paper on an event that was at once brutal, senseless, and crippling in its effect. Everybody is reacting, some in predetermined ways following a course that they have deliberately charted. Let us look as objectively as we can to some of the issues involved, and come to a clearer understanding of the emergent picture. For a conclusion, it is advisable to leave to the experts — the police, Scotland Yard and F.B.I., the lawyers and D.P.P and, finally, if a case does come off, to the jury of twelve men and true. Was it a case of suicide? No weapon was found, though a third party could have moved off with it, as allegedly happened with Glenn’s cell-phone. The victim was shot in the chest, the head being the preferred spot in the run-of-mill suicide. There was no note left. And, above all, Glenn was reportedly in high spirits and festive mood hours before the fatality. Then, there are some people who claim that Glenn subscribed to a code of sexual orientation whose practitioners often carry out crimes of passion driven by jealousy and whatever. Assuming without accepting that Glenn was such a person, the case
would yet fall flat. Leroy Latchman, an experienced man versed in these matters and who, incidentally, was Glenn’s father-inlaw, concluded that Glenn’s motor-car found near to his home could not be the locus of the slaying. It was a murder committed in cold blood elsewhere, with the body stripped and surrounding circumstances made to look like a scene of passion. Another theory posits that Glenn must somehow have got mixed up with the underworld, using his massive shows as a cover to camouflage moneylaundering. According to this line, it is a simple case of a deal turned sour, and a dead man who can tell no tales. To this is appended a section which is more credible, that non-Vincentians were involved, who put on a disappearing act the morning after the night before. One recalls the Abbey Ollivierre murder where a similar scenario was plotted, and ended up with the course of justice completely frustrated. Certain supporters have suggested that the teaming-up of the “multitalented” Glenn Jackson with the formidable and robust Prime Minister has produced an unbeatable electoral unit, which threatened to drive the N.D.P into political oblivion. Desperate, so this story goes, his opponents singled out Glenn for removal from this combination. He was targeted because of his easy accessibility and generally a care-free and bohemian life-style which would provide his assailants with the necessaries of a cover-up. A widely-held belief was that Glenn’s divorce from the U.L.P was only a matter of time. Pundits had begun to ask themselves why Glenn, chief cook and bottle washer of the Prime Minister, was not taken on important missions abroad recently. They rate Gonsalves responses as lame, suggesting that he had requested Glenn to stay at home and mind the family store. Continued on Page 22.
V Fix SVG first
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 7.
Letters
THE COVID-19 pandemic has thrown our country back a few years well. With the impact on the economy, I can’t see us returning to any real growth soon because, we must remember, our economy is dependent on the economic state of affairs of our trading partners, both regional and extra-regional. That is why, moreso now than ever, the government should reach out, like real men and women, to the opposition, inviting them to be an integral path of our recovery, and put an end to this power-hungry tug of war. Instead of all the
bickering about ‘who should sit down’ and ‘who is a little boy’, those we elected to serve us should put that energy into coming up with plans to fix our country. And Mr. Editor, I must pause here and recognize a regular letter writer to your publication, one who signs the name Horatio. He has had some things to say to which our elected officials should give an ear. But back to our elected officials… not only do they need to buckle down and look at ways to revive the economy but they need, now that the COVID-19
has put it to a test, to take a good look at our health system. While we are at it, the education system could also do with some looking over. And perhaps, as they come together, they could work to cut out all what is perceived as wrongdoing in the public service/system. It is a hard ask, but could we forget about ULP and NDP for just a second and put SVG first? COVID-19 might have created bubbles here and there, but we need to burst the bubble that we have been living in for some time. And as we do
Building new leaders
so and breathe fresh air, we must unite and commit to fixing all the things that are wrong in our country. We can’t keep on living like crabs in a barrel forever. Retiree, Arnos Vale
Funerals have changed I WAS NOT at all surprised, in fact I was heartened, when I heard that we were moving to regulate the time for funeral services, processions and burials. It’s a pity, if my understanding is correct, that this was only for the time when we need to continue with COVID-19 protocols that regulate our behaviour as we combat the spread of this new scourge. As far as I am concerned, those regulations should become the standard thing. Have we noticed how our funeral processions
have become akin to Carnival Bands on the road for Carnival Tuesday? Have we noticed that our cemeteries have become entertainment centres? Not only do we see the latest in style and fashion, but hearses have become hi fi systems and if they are not in service, steelbands and irons bands provide music that encourages the carnivallike procession and behaviour.
Not only this, but there is an open and unrestricted flow of liquor, whether free or for sale from ice boxes, again akin to Carnival, and in this time of COVID-19, there is no social distancing. It would seem to me that the regulations regarding funerals and burials, which have been introduced for this COVID-19 period, could be what we need to return our funerals to
expressions of peace and solemnity… not bacchanal. I know there are those who would be saying that I am ‘flying in the face of our culture’, but I have a question for them. Is drinking hard liquor and even getting intoxicated while someone is being interred truly our culture? A teacher
MANY LEADERS don’t know about some of the annoying things they do that turn people off. Worse, they more often than not have no one around them willing or able to tell them about it. The thing is, even smart and committed leaders develop blind spots over their many years of service. After many years of service, a good leader tends to know quite a bit about everything. A concern leader, interested in developing the people around them, refrains from being seen as the only one with the answers. Good leaders are usually good communicators but that’s not a reason to do all the talking. It is true that one of the best attributes of good leaders is their ability to listen. Here are a few other reminders to those among us who still think of themselves as leaders: 1. Stop talking over people, it’s still considered to be rude. Because you’re considered a good communicator does not mean you should be doing all the talking. 2. Stop thinking you know best. To be an effective leader it is best to surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you are, and most importantly encourage them to challenge each other and you. 3. Stop trying to control everything. Most people are uncomfortable and will resist when they feel like they are being controlled. Talented people are usually willing to step up when you give them autonomy and it’s still the best way to develop new leadership. In short great leaders are always ready to recognize the contributions of other, align their action with what they say they are going to do, and never act alone. Everyone can develop bad habits, the attentive leaders among us recognize when things are not going right and work to make the changes necessary to improve. The time is always right to develop new and strong leader. Horatio
ÂNo Woman No CryÊ Saving $$$ YOU COULD SAY what
you like about me, but you see this International Women’s Day where we try to pack all the good we want to say about our women into one day, that cyar wuk!!!! Our women are crying out 365 days a year. Some of them live through the daily abuse by their men folk, others work for slave wages to keep ‘head and foot together’. Worse, some have to prostitute themselves to see it through to another day. Whenever I think about our women, I recall Bob Marley’s masterpiece, “No Woman No Cry’. No woman must be allowed to cry because they are treated like
second class citizens. Until we wake up and blast this Bob Marley song across the land for all to hear, all those who sexually abuse our women, all those who take advantage (sexually) of our young girls, all those who use their money to belittle our girls, all those who make sex objects (like in those music videos) of our females, and stop this ONE DAY worship of our women. This ONE DAY things is perhaps good for those women who have made it and sit in comfortable homes. But they are the majority. No woman in this land should be carrying. Charles, Edinboro
THE COUNTRY could have saved thousands and thousands of dollars since March 2020. Many overseas meetings are taking place virtually, with success. It shows that many of the overseas * Is one person trips before were not born to be a Senator necessary. Most of them for life? were to allow some * When will some people to thump their “LOVE” be shown to chests and feed their non-pensionable egos. government In light of the workers who are situation with Tourism retired and can’t (which will never be the make ends meet? same again, vaccine or no vaccine) can the NIS * Have we used up cancel the arrangement all the Sputnik to take pensioners vaccinations? money to invests in a hotel? * Any truth in the Our money should not ‘rumour’ that be invested where there government taking is no hope of getting it money out of back in the foreseeable businesses future. accounts? And if that is so, why? Concerned National
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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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A strong record on tax relief for Vincentians
Women must choose to challenge
Introduction
(Message from Senator, Shevern John, in recognition of International Women’s Day)
ONE OF THE MANY responsibilities of any government is to raise the finance necessary to fund the implementation of projects and programmes they develop as part of overall policy. During the presentation of every budget, citizens are offered an insight into the extent of the recurrent and capital expenditures of the central government and how the government intends to meet those expenses. It is common knowledge that a government’s primary source of revenue is taxes, (although funds are also raised through borrowing) either on personal incomes, corporate profits as well as other levies and fees that are collected through various state agencies. From time to time as circumstances require, governments may increase taxes to offset any increase in expenditure incurred from carrying out its mandate. Over the last 20 years of this ULP administration, taxes have generally gone down with consistent reductions in personal income and corporate taxes. In 2001 when the ULP came into office, the maximum tax rate was 40% and this was also the corporate tax rate. The excise tax, which existed at the customs ranged as high as 65% in some instances and this was additional to a 4% Customs Service Charge (CSC) and customs duty, all payable on most goods imported into this country. It is also of interest to note, that at the same time, while the maximum rate on income was 40%, the threshold on taxable income was $12,000 annually. All of these percentages and figures must be taken in the context of the very low wages and salaries paid to public sector workers by the previous NDP administration, giving an indication of the dire circumstances that existed for the working class of this country.
ULP reduced taxes and increased salaries Having been reminded of what existed after 17 years of the NDP, let’s examine what has occurred regarding taxation and salary increases under the ULP. Keep in mind that in 17 years of the NDP, the maximum tax payable moved from 45% to 40% between 1984 and 2001, a reduction of 5 percentage points. Over the last 20 years this government has increased public sector wages by an aggregate of approximately 33%, with teachers, police, nurses and public servants starting with significantly higher salaries compared to 2001. With those increases, the government has also increased the taxable income threshold, from $12,000 per year, to $20,000 per year, this means that individuals making $1500 a month or less do not pay income tax, as opposed to the $1000 per month under the NDP. Over the same period, the ULP administration reduced the income tax as well as the corporate tax rate from 40% to 30% with the Tourism sector taxed at 28%. Both the increase of the taxable threshold and the reduction in income taxes meant that Vincentians now had more disposable income that could be used for a variety of purposes. The ULP also replaced the excise tax, which varied to a high of 65% depending on the product with a 15% Value Added tax (VAT) on items. Provisions were also made to ensure that certain basic goods, mainly food supplies, were either VAT exempted or zero rated.
While the VAT was a new tax, it was not an additional tax as it essentially replaced an existing tax; as such this ULP administration has not introduced any additional taxes over the last 20 years.
Tax increases for specific purposes Over the last 4 years or so, the government has out of necessity approved a 1 percentage point increase in 2 of the existing taxes; the first was a 1% point increase in the VAT about 4 years ago (VAT is now 16%) and most recently as of the 2021 budget, a 1% point increase in the CSC (now 6%). The first increase, the 1% in the VAT was done to facilitate the establishment of a contingency fund that would serve as an immediate source for funds in the event of a disaster or any type of emergency. The wisdom of this policy decision was borne out in the reality, that this country was able to fund part of the Covid-19 pandemic stimulus and recovery package from this fund that has raised more than $30 million since its establishment. The second and more recent increase is the 1% point increase on the CSC, a measure introduced to facilitate the development of a fund to pay fees/contributions associated with this country’s membership in regional and international organisations. This has become necessary as the occasional administrative lapse, has caused delays in payments of contributions to some organisations that are of critical importance to this country and the region. The Covid-19 pandemic and the effusive eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano, both underscore the importance of having well funded, fully functioning regional bodies such as, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWISRC), that have proven to be invaluable in assisting this country as we face the double-barrelled challenges mentioned above. The suggestion by the NDP that the timing for either of these fiscal initiatives was bad, has been proven by history to be an incorrect position and once again reinforces the quality of foresight in leadership provided by comrade Ralph and the ULP.
Conclusion The record of this ULP administration on tax relief is second to none compared to any other administration and we stand proud of that record. Workers in this country are much better off today as they have benefitted from increases in salaries, reduction in income tax and a rise in the taxable threshold on personal income. The occasions that have seen a minimal increase in tax rate, both cases by a percentage point, have been as a result of the establishment of a very specific and important national fund to address emergency circumstances. The timing of those initiatives was not just right, if anything they were delayed for too long.
“MARCH 8 IS CELEBRATED globally as International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. It is a day that reminds us of the continuing struggle for women’s rights and inspires people to fight for gender equality. The theme for this year is “Women in Leadership, Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid-19 World”. Over the years, significant strides have been made globally with respect to women in leadership positions, showing that the glass ceiling may slowly be breaking. However, women have not achieved gender parity and much effort is needed by our government to ensure that women are well represented at leadership levels, and are given authority and autonomy at the highest level in decision-making. Our democratic values can be sustained and enhanced only when women participate equally in decision-making. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of issues that must be addressed in order to achieve gender equality. First, there has been an increase in poverty in most countries and women have been worst affected. Although women have been elevated to senior positions in government ministries and in the leadership of the Covid-19 Task Force, there is still a large majority at the lower strata of society whose social and economic lives are largely unaffected. The increase in poverty means that our women now earn less, save less, and have little or no financial security. It is important, therefore, that government establishes a social safety net to support financially vulnerable women. Moreover, in light of the closure of schools and some businesses, there has been an increased workload for women, who must now ensure that they sustain themselves and also do the domestic work, for which they are not paid. As a result of the unpaid care work, our women are bearing the strain of the economic fallout from the pandemic. This creates a mental strain on the women. This requires immediate attention from the government. However, the government has shown it is not adequately prepared for the task. Secondly, the pandemic has also caused women to be more frequently exposed to all forms of violence. The fact that women and their partners are at home together more during the pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence. Our police and social services are not adequately prepared to deal with this increase in domestic violence. As a result, many reports are left unanswered or are acted upon very late. This exacerbates delays and increases difficulties in accessing support. Further, there is a need for more shelters for women fleeing domestic abuse, as the one existing shelter is insufficient to meet the increase in domestic violence cases. The New Democratic Party continues to call for more and better shelters for women who need shelter from domestic violence. Thirdly, many women continue to face sexual harassment in the workplace. There is no apparent plan by the government to deal with this problem. Combating sexual harassment requires all stakeholders to be actively
and continually engaged. This includes an urgent review of the legislative framework. Regardless of social status, measures must be put in place to deal with all offenders who abuse their positions of power to sexually harass women in the workplace. There must be dialogue that will focus on systemic change, accelerate progress, and empower women. We will create an inclusive society only when our women have equal opportunity to make their mark and to take decisions without being fearful. They must “Choose to Challenge”. They must be like Elma Francois, who was born in Overland, migrated to Trinidad and Tobago and has been credited with forming the first notable gender-neutral space for political activism. She was declared a national heroine of Trinidad and Tobago. I encourage all women to continue to stand strong and to be bold in whatever you do so that we can create a better future for all of us.” NDP Empowering Women The New Democratic Party (NDP) has historically recognized the major contribution of Women in the workplace, in the home and in our society, and we have sought to empower women so that they can find personal satisfaction in their many roles, as they contribute to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During the former NDP administration, a number of achievements was accomplished. For example, the Department of Women’s Affairs, was created. Its mandate was to address issues of discrimination, covert and otherwise, against Vincentian women. And, we will continue to support and empower the women of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Our plans include to institute and enforce a code of conduct within the public service at all levels that provides for protocol on reporting sexual offences, including sexual harassment in the workplace. Respect for the women and girls in our society must be a part of how the government conducts itself. We must set the example. We will implement the Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter to provide women and children with proactive opportunities at the community level; expand the scope of the Family Court to encourage mediation, alternative dispute resolution and conflict resolution in family situations and among the youth; support the Welfare Service so that it can better address the needs of vulnerable women and children, and restructure and improve the Foster Care System. Further, we will support community projects that include continuing education and skills training, especially those targeting young parents; engage with single mothers, and especially single mothers who are farmers, to address issues that are specific to them as a group; provide incentives for employers whose working hours create challenges to the safety of women traveling to and from work; to address these issues and partner with NGOs to offer hotline services and support for women, children and young people who are at risk.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 9.
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Managing perceptions
Heroes and Principles
“Reality is ultimately a selective act of perception and interpretation. A shift in our perception and interpretation enables us to break old habits and awaken new possibilities for balance, healing, and transformation.” - David Simon (born 1960) – American author, statement, penned hundreds of years journalist, and television writer and ago, is still pregnant with wisdom. It producer. helps us understand and appreciate the comments made by the American THERE WOULD BE GREATER harmony in organizational psychologist Roger our homes, neighbourhoods, work places, Birkman (1919-2014) when he asserted and places of worship if we would avoid that, “The reality of life is that your jumping to conclusions and concentrate perceptions — right or wrong — on analysing the facts surrounding the influence everything else you do. When particular incident. It is truly amazing you get a proper perspective of your how many “little things” are allowed to perceptions, you may be surprised how create and sustain friction within and many other things fall into place.” among groups. Little misunderstandings We can advance these thoughts by that are so often clouded by prejudices reflecting on our perception of beauty. that prevent us from seeing things as Beauty is relative. What is beautiful they really are; clouding our perception to one individual is not necessarily so and, in so many instances, distorting for another. It is a matter of reality. There is wisdom in being perception. Many in today’s society reminded of the need to manage judge physical beauty based on perceptions. someone’s facial features (e.g. sleek Students of the social sciences will cheeks, thin lips, straight nose, hair be familiar with optical illusions where texture, etc.). Others consider the the same image may be interpreted individual’s physique (e.g. bulging differently by viewers. For example, muscles, body-mass index, curves of there could be a drawing that seems to the hips, and so on). And still others portray two faces peering across at will say that they are not distracted by each other while someone else sees the the individual’s physical appearance image as a vase. Probably the more but will be better prepared to judge popularly used drawing for this the individual’s “beauty” based on purpose is one that appeared on a their character and/or personality. German postcard in 1888. The image When we strip everything away, no was subsequently adapted by a British one is ugly … our perception is. We cartoonist William Ely Hill who are all fearfully and wonderfully made published it in a humour magazine in and, as a result of this, even with our 1915 and captioned it “My Wife and faults, frailties, defects, and My Mother-in-Law.” This drawing shortcomings, we are all beautiful in portrays a lady’s head (upwards from our own special way. It is all a matter her shoulder). Some persons view the of perception. drawing and see an old woman. Gary Zukav (born 1948), the Others look at the very same image American spiritual teacher and author and see a young lady … reminding us of four consecutive New York Times that it is all a matter of perception. Best Sellers, reminds us of the truism There are instances in life when that, “What is behind your eyes holds individuals will view situations and more power than what is in front of circumstances differently. It does not them.” We have the capacity to reason, necessarily mean that one is right and to imagine, to invent, and to innovate. the other is wrong. An anonymous We have talents and abilities that can writer once penned, “Just because you be released to create and sustain are right, does not mean that I am goodness and greatness. Unleashing wrong. You just haven’t seen life from our imagination and igniting the my side.” There will be greater passion to add value to our little harmony in our homes, schools, corner of the world can culminate in neighbourhoods, and workplaces if multiple positive personal and only we can slow ourselves down to communal outcomes. It starts from realise that life situations do not “behind our eyes”. We can create always culminate with a right or opportunities for growth and wrong, yes or no, outcome. We often development in every aspect of our need to generate greater empathy and lives if/when we manage our tolerance to see situations from perceptions and channel them in another person’s perspective. So many positive directions. of our unnecessary arguments and We must take a disciplined misunderstandings are created and approach to life if we are to properly sustained by failing to recognize and/or manage perceptions. It will not appreciate differences in perception. happen by chance. It is not set to There will be greater harmony and occur by default. It requires a sustained peace if/when we manage controlled mind that embraces the our perceptions. challenge to regularly seek truth and Leonardo da Vince (1452-1519), the to “seek first to understand than to be Italian polymath of the High understood”, as Dr. Stephen Covey Renaissance, is widely considered to be (1932-2012) so aptly describes in his one of the most diversely talented best-selling book, “The 7 Habits of individuals ever to have lived. He was Highly Effective People”. Our a sculptor, scientist, engineer, and perceptions are not always in focus. painter. His painting entitled Mona We are not always right. However, it Lisa (or La Gioconda — French) is the is quite evident that individuals who most famous portrait ever made. It manager perceptions are more likely to holds the Guinness World Record for be at peace with self and to create and the highest known insurance valuation sustain harmonious relationships with in history at a US$100 million. This others - creating balance, healing, and evaluation was done in 1962. positive transformation. Leonardo da Vince was also a philosopher in his own right. He Send comments, criticisms & reminds us that, “All our knowledge suggestions to has its origins in our perception.” This julesferdinand@gmail.com
ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14, we mark another National Heroes Day. Since 2018, the National Heroes Committee, chaired by Rene Baptiste, recommended Ebenezer Joshua, George Mc Intosh, Milton Cato and Dr JP Eustace. Will Gonsalves name any of the shortlisted persons to join Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer into the pantheon of heroes? In April 2013, I resigned from the National Heroes Committee after Gonsalves improperly corrupted the selection process by arguing for Milton Cato, a man he had harshly criticised in the past. What follows is my explanation for resigning: ‘When Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne called to ask whether I would serve on the National Heroes Committee, I viewed his request as a signal honour. In the past, I had written and spoken extensively on who our next heroes should be. However, once I became a Committee Member, I instinctively knew that I could not speak or advocate for or against anyone who should join Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer in the national pantheon of heroes. Drs Adrian Fraser and Kenneth John, at the UWI Open Campus’s invitation, spoke persuasively to elevate George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua to hero status. Doctor Gonsalves felt compelled to make a case. He spoke on the topic "The Making of a National Hero: The Law and Practice in St Vincent and the Grenadines”. Some say that the lecture was brilliant. Most citizens expect no less from Ralph Gonsalves. The man is an academic of superior intellect. There was no surprise there. If Gonsalves could translate his intellectual prowess into political I.Q, history may look at him kindly. But alas, the muzzle of national service applied to everyone except him. By shortlisting who the next heroes should be, Gonsalves failed to see the most elementary point; that as Chairman of Cabinet, the final arbiter of the selection process, he should not intervene. Gonsalves’ decision to proceed with the lecture amounted to willful disregard of respected opinion makers. PR Campbell QC, social activist Renwick Rose and Newspaper editorialists led the chorus against the Prime Minister’s intervention. What can we make of Gonsalves’ case for Milton Cato? Cato is far removed from anyone resembling a national hero. Such a pronouncement on Cato is not to say that he did not contribute to our country’s development. Cato performed in the context of his time. His biggest weakness is that he dwelt on the limitations of small island politics and failed to grasp the enormous possibilities open to the country during his governance. More than any other leader since 1951, he saw our country through the eyes of our ‘traditional’ friends. But there is more. Cato’s 29 straight years in parliament, and decades-long tenure as leader of St Vincent Labour Party, do not recommend him for hero status. We must never forget that Cato and his Labour Party acted as a planter class foil against the people’s awakening, empowerment and rebirth, as represented by Joshua and his Peoples Political Party. Gonsalves said that Cato was avantgarde in terms of his initiatives and policies during his administration. The evidence does not bear this out. Most of Cato’s legislative reforms came on stream across the region. To give Cato
credit for these acts would be similar to crediting James Mitchell for the liberalisation of the media. But the press was liberalised across the region at virtually the same time. PM Gonsalves gives Cato major credit for introducing the National Commercial Bank and the National Insurance Service. A quick study shows that these were neither unique nor innovative acts. For example, the Grenada National Insurance Service came into being on 4th April 1983. The National Commercial Bank of Grenada was incorporated in September 1979. St Lucia established its National Insurance Service in April 1979. In Antigua, it was even earlier, April 1973. So much for the P.M’s points that Cato was a leader of the pack in these areas. The area in which Cato’s image and legacy took the most significant battering was the very area to which Gonsalves applied the most whitewash, that being Cato’s repressive tendencies, high-handedness and over-reaction when it came to the use of force and his disrespect for citizens’ rights and political rights. The "Kill the Bills” struggles of 1981 placed Cato and H.K Tannis in awful company. He was so arrogant and contemptuous of others’ views that in the 1979 Independence period, he criticised a group of respected nationals as a "bunch of nincompoops”. Many citizens still remember Cato’s overreaction to the 1970 Black Power Rebellion in Trinidad, the tear-gassing of teachers during their November 14, 1975 march, and the Union Island Rebellion led by Lennox ‘Bumba’ Charles in 1979. Citizens were not allowed to walk in more than two’s, and Barbadian troops came onto our soil at Cato’s invitation. Cato’s political police also searched and rounded up members of the budding intellectual class on the severe charge of sedition, and dug up the yards of progressives searching for ammunition. That was the political atmosphere that Cato’s regime engendered. Did PM Gonsalves try to rewrite history in speaking of the tear-gassing of teachers? We think he did. Beache, he said, told him that Cato and his cabinet were in session and had not given approval for the tear-gassing of the Teachers’ march. If this is true, why did Cato not order the immediate release of the arrested teachers? Why did Cato have the Teachers Union leaders spend the entire weekend in jail? Why did Cato summon Attorney General Arthur Williams to lead the prosecution against the teachers? Do these actions reflect the opinion of a leader who was not in support of the tear gassing, arrest and trial of citizens? There is an affection and acclaim that Mc Intosh and Joshua had that Cato lacked. The essence is gleaned from the names by which they were known. Among broad sections of the people, Mc Intosh was "Daddy Mc”, and Joshua was "Pappy Josh”. The muzzle of national service as a member of the National Heroes Committee prevented me from checkmating Gonsalves’ sales pitch for Cato. Do you still think Cato makes the cut? I hope you can see why I had to resign.’ Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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ULP regime – digging a hole to fill a hole
regime were allowed to continue in government, they would plan for our country to continue to be poor and THE ULP REGIME’S Budget Estimates $74 million just paying off interest and over $249 million paying off debt in heavily indebted, so much so, that by 2021 shows that the ULP regime is still loan charges on debt. This $74 million 2021, whilst at the same time 2030 the debt may only be reduced to digging a hole to fill a hole. For 20 years, that is being wasted on servicing debt borrowing over $247 million and a debt to GDP ratio of 60%. the ULP regime has been borrowing is more than twice that is being spent increasing SVG’s debt by $247 million. One of the reasons given for millions of dollars to pay off millions of on Vincentian children’s education, The ULP regime is like a dog extending the timetable to reduce our dollars of debt and, in the process, and almost 3 times more than is being chasing its tail. They are going around Debt/GDP Ratio to 60% from 2020 to creating even more debt. spent on health facilities in SVG. It is in circles, digging a hole to fill a hole. 2030, was because it would require According to SVG Green Party wasted money. It is a display of financial ‘prudent debt management’. The Leader Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie The Budget Estimates 2021 show incompetence of the highest order. For statement illustrated that the ULP O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the that the ULP regime is wasting over 20 years, the ULP regime has failed to regime is unable to achieve ‘prudent ULP regime does not have a head for $175 million on Amortization. create sustainable sources of revenue debt management’. finance and cannot competently (Amortization is chiefly used in loan and just relied on begging and According to Warrant Officer Ivan manage SVG’s public finances. The repayments, with payments divided borrowing and plunging our country Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, ULP Regime’s 2021 budget is a big into equal amounts for the duration of into horrendous debt. when it comes to running our country’s disaster with more heavy borrowing, the loan. A greater amount of the In an address to the nation in 2015, finances and economy, SVG needs a pushing SVG into deeper poverty and payment is applied to interest at the Gonsalves, who is not a university mentality change. We must stop destitution. beginning of the amortization graduate in finance, made an digging a hole to fill a hole. In the Budget Estimates 2021, the schedule, while more money is applied incredible statement: The Monetary We need sustainable sources of ULP regime is taking on over $247 to principal at the end. Council has decided to extend the revenue and we can start doing this by million in debt as loans. This is This is a waste of $175 million and timetable to reduce our Debt/GDP taxing the super-rich of Mustique and hundreds of millions of dollars of debt should be spent on educating our Ratio to 60.0 per cent from 2020 to Canouan, and setting up a tuna that will need to be paid off by young people, providing better health 2030. fishing and canning industry. This will Vincentians’ blood, sweat and tears. services and creating jobs for our This was an incredible statement in significantly reduce the high levels of The Budget Estimates 2021 show people. It is an insult to the people of which Gonsalves told the people of unemployment, crime and poverty, and that the ULP regime is wasting over SVG that the ULP regime is wasting SVG that, if Gonsalves and ULP get money circulating in the country and increase sales for businesses.
Commonwealth Day 2021 celebrated virtually
Hon Patricia Scotland, SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth.
THIS YEAR Commonwealth Day was celebrated on 8 March across the world in a series of virtual events, which started on 7 March with a service at the UK’s Westminster Abbey. Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, gave her annual message on ‘A Celebration for Commonwealth Day’ during the BBC programme. Across the Commonwealth, communities celebrated the day through a range of activities including virtual flag-raising events, online gatherings of civic and faith communities, and school readings, where permitted. In her Commonwealth Day
message, the Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland described this year as one of “hope, opportunity and progress” for the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people. She said: “Too often, too many of us can think we are powerless. This is particularly true in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges such as climate change or devastating events like the global pandemic. “Especially in our current forced isolation and separation from each other, it can be too easy to forget our common connections or our long bonds of friendship and family.” The day was guided by this year’s theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, which highlighted how the 54 Commonwealth countries are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve priority goals such as tackling climate change, promoting good governance, achieving gender equality and boosting trade. This year Commonwealth Day fell on the same date as International Women’s Day (IWD). Secretary-General Scotland made a special appeal to women across the Commonwealth to “rise up and lead us all in our fight against COVID-19 and in preparing our countries and communities to recover from the many devastating consequences of this pandemic.” In recognition of IWD, Commonwealth citizens were encouraged to join the Secretariat’s social media campaign by naming extraordinary women leaders in their communities using #SheLeadsTheWay. Commonwealth Day has been observed every year since the 1970s. This is the first virtual celebration due to COVID-19. (Source: Commonwealth Secretariat)
Blueprint for opening School
SCHOOLS cannot remain closed forever and must open at some time. If we plan carefully, we can accomplish this task sooner rather than later. We already know what the parameters are and should work within our current context. Safety must take preeminence. Each school should plan now how they can open securely and safety, using the currently available resources. Some schools are small and should open now with this recommended protocol: 1. Encourage all adult staff and students over 16 to be vaccinated; 2. 10 students per class and hold classes outdoors when feasible; 3. Masks to be worn correctly by everyone in the presence of others; 4. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing; 5. Each one must take responsibility for personal protection; 6. Maintain social distance of 3 feet minimum; 7. Ensure adequate ventilation of enclosed spaces; 8. Use electronic devices to minimize paper use; each pupil must have his/her own materials and not allowed to share; 9. Help with regular cleaning and sanitizing of the work areas in addition to the paid cleaners; 10. Reinforce safety procedures in every class; use latest updated information from official sources; 11. Travel to and from school safely. Walk where feasible. Anthony Steward, PhD
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 11.
People
Vincy Surgeon DR. Malcolm Samuel One of a kind Dr Samuel confessed that he has always admired his father’s achievements, as he came from humble beginnings in Chateaubelair, and was the only one of his siblings to go to University.
Towards becoming a surgeon
Dr. Malcolm Samuel, MBBS, FRCS England, doing himself and country proud through his provision of life-saving renal surgeries. by SHERON GARRAWAY EMPHASIZING THAT MORE PERSONS can be saved if organs were provided, Vincentian Dr. Malcolm Samuel is strongly advocating the need for a drive to encourage organ donation. In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN he noted, "It can make the difference between life and death for someone with organ failure such as kidney or liver failure. It improves their quality of life and enables the recipients to live a normal life. It’s probably one of the most selfless things someone can do for their loved ones or friends." Dr. Samuel, a Vincentian by birth, is the Renal Transplant/ General Surgeon and Clinical Director (Ag) National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU) at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad & Tobago. He is the son of Claude and Barbara Samuel. He admitted that his parents have always encouraged their three children — two sons, one daughter - to do things properly, which instilled a discipline that has helped them achieve.
After graduating as an Island Scholar from the St Vincent Grammar School in 1978, he entered the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr. Samuel (right) mentoring surgeon in Jamaica. UWI, from which he graduated in December expected of someone of his transplant on a 1982. 72-year-old Michael Harris, a He intimated that since he caliber and experience, Dr. former columnist with the was nine years old, he had set Samuel has presented a number of research papers on Express newspaper. his aim at becoming a In so doing, Harris became surgeon, as he liked using his kidney transplantation, not least being one on the first 100 Trinidad and Tobago and the hands, and believed that by cases performed at NOTU, English-speaking becoming a medical practitioner, he would help to which he delivered at the 2013 Caribbean’s oldest South African Transplant recipient of organ make people better. donation and In pursuit of his childhood Congress in Durban. Needless to say, the sought transplant, according ambition, Dr. Samuel received to the Express of training in General Surgery at after surgeon has mentored December 20, 2020. the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, surgeons in start-up transplant programmes in The article, as Barbados, Hospitals of the referenced, described University West Indies and in Jamaica and Barbados, over the past six years. Harris’s case as a the United Kingdom, on to St, Vincent and the “complicated one.” becoming a Fellow of the Grenadines is not excluded Harris had underlying Royal College of Surgeons in from the Surgeon’s expertise. heart and lung issues General Surgery. He is the lead Consulting which had to be He completed Fellowship Surgeon to the locally based resolved before he training in the UK in Breast Health Solutions Inc. (HIS), ‘a could be considered Disease, medical service provider that for transplant surgery. Hepatopancreatobiliary first opened its doors in 2012 Even when those obstacles Surgery and Renal through its initial service were out of the way, the Transplantation and, since offering as the first ever surgical team knew the risks 2009, has been the Chief established outpatient of something going seriously Renal Transplant/General hemodialysis unit in SVG, and wrong during Harris’s surgery Surgeon at the NOTU at the one of the reference centres for were far greater than if they Eric Williams Medical were operating on a patient Sciences Complex, Trinidad & diagnosis and treatment of chronic renal pathologies in half his age, the Express Tobago. reported. From this base Dr. Samuel SVG’. Dr. Samuel told the has performed over 150 His latest feat Express, “It is an operation transplants in both live that is very unforgiving related and deceased donors. The COVID-19 pandemic regarding mistakes; we need He served as a Visiting has not slowed down Dr. to make sure that both the Renal Transplant Surgeon at Malcolm. He disclosed that donor and the patient are in the University Hospital optimal condition.” Birmingham UK 2010 to 2011, there have been more challenges with all the In Harris’s case, the donor and upon his return to was his son. Trinidad & Tobago, introduced restrictions, as transplant patients are high risk due to After the six-hour high-risk Hand Assisted them being immunebut successful surgical Laparoscopic suppressed, but he pushes procedure, Dr. Samuel told the Donor forward. Express, “Mr Harris’s Nephrectomy in Notwithstanding the transplant has now given him the living donor challenges, Dr. Samuel cut an extra ten years of life or surgery another niche for himself more, which he would not programme. when, in November 2020, he have had if he remained on As would be led a team at the dialysis.” NOTU/Eric Williams Left: With Transplant Medical Science Complex Malcolm Samuel – the man Surgical Colleagues at in Trinidad and Tobago, American Transplant and performed a Believing in reciprocity and Congress in Chicago. successful kidney the importance of doing good
Dr. Malcom Samuel (right) with kidney transplant recipient Michael Harris (centre) and a member of his team, Dr Hassina Mohammed.
Operating Nurse Team surrounds Dr. Samuel at the Eric Williams Medical, Science Complex where he is based. unto others, Dr. Samuel's personal philosophy is to "treat everyone with kindness and respect." The avid football/sports fan and supporter of Manchester United FC and father of two enjoys cycling, cross fitness and advocates a good work-life balance. And just like any good doctor, he advised on the importance of consuming more locally grown nutritious foods eating less fast or convenience foods, getting regular exercise, smoking and drinking less. In pursuit of his goal to have Renal Transplantation accessible to all in the Caribbean who suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease, Dr. Samuel’s availing of his medical/surgical expertise is making Vincentians and the region proud, one patient at a time.
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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Soufrière Focus
One team leaves, another arrives
ground in SVG, in a recent episode of La Soufriere Today’ programme of The UWI SRC, hosted by Ms. Stacey Edwards.
inform authorities if any impending changes are forthcoming.” She lauded the partnership with the Land and Surveys Division in conducting electron distance measurements. “We use a total station which sends an electromagnetic wave to Dr. Michal the reflector and then return Camejo-Harry to the total station and measure the distance”, she Dr. Michal remarked, adding that over Camejo-Harry time, if there is a change in L-R): Mrs. Monique Johnson Lynch (Project worked with the the distance, it could be development of interpreted as a possible Manager Volcano Ready Communities the ground change in the stability of the Project), Dr. Michal Camejo-Harry deformation. south-west crater wall. (Volcanologist – Petrology & Ground She “Changes could eventually Deformation), and Mr. Garth Mannette (Electronics) (Photo: UWI SRC) acknowledged cause collapse,” she cautioned, that the “and once the structure hints by GLORIAH… previous team had installed at instability, we can inform continuous stations to monitor authorities how to respond, THE THREE REMAINING changes in ground movement, whether to evacuate people SPECIALIST MEMBERS of the and she got the opportunity to accordingly.” first UWI Seismic Research assess how the movement of Centre (UWI SRC) Team, which magma, fluids or gases cause Ms. Monique Johnson arrived in St. Vincent and the changes in the volcano. Grenadines on 27th January, “So, I’ve been doing a Ms. Monique Johnson is the 2021, returned to Trinidad and number of campaigns,” she Project Manager of the Tobago on March 1, 2021. said, “going out into the field Volcano Ready Project, with Each of the specialists - Dr. to deploy these instruments, funds being accessed through Michal Camejo-Harry, Ms. one week at a time, to the Community Disaster Risk Monique Johnson, and Mr. measure any changes in Reduction Fund administered Garth Mannette - discussed by the Caribbean Development ground deformation using his/her experiences on the GPS. We use these changes to Bank. “The project started at the end of 2018,” she said, “since then it’s been a great opportunity for us to integrate the communities into the National Emergency Response Mechanism.” She reported A NEMO team shared this photo of that persons have been the growing dome, March 3, 2021. trained as first responders and the response capacity has been tested. And having provided first responder kits and supplies for the warehouses in the communities, “we hope that persons will be better able to respond and evacuate,” Johnson said. She highlighted partnerships with NEMO, the Red Cross and Community Development Division. “They have been amazing support in everything we have been doing and accomplished so far. We could not have done any of this without them, seriously!”
Mr. Garth Mannette Mr. Garth Mannette - a technician working with the electronics team — described his roles and functions as “to install and maintain all the seismic equipment.” He informed that there are three new stations donated by
L-R): Dr. Thomas Christopher, Roderick Stewart and TiVonne Howe comprise the new team on the ground in SVG. the USGS-USAID. One has been installed at the trail head at the Interpretation Centre on the Windward trail. This station is equipped with a radio which sends the information, in real time, from the sensors back to Georgetown, where it will be accessed via internet and transmitted back to The UWI SRC for processing, Mannette explained. As for lessons learnt and messages forwarded, Mannette warned other specialists to always use ‘proper hiking shoes’ as the ‘wrong’ one could take a toll on summit-ward progress. Johnson appreciated the value of the team work she experienced. A trip to the summit of Feb 18th 2021 from the Leeward side. During which the earlier team installed a camera.
Dr. Camejo-Harry appreciated the value of each person’s role and the ease with which, as strangers in the first place, each worked as a tight unit to achieve the goals set.
New team And as the original team left the shores of SVG, two new members have joined the scientific team observing the effusive eruption at La Soufriere volcano. The UWI Seismic Research centre confirmed that Roderick Stewart and TiVonne Howe of the Monsterrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) have joined their (MVO) colleague Continued on Page 13.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 13.
Soufrière Focus
Evacuation readiness
communities during an explosive THE EFFUSIVE ERUPTION eruption. at the La Soufrière Persons in the Volcano continues to be Orange Zone, “while monitored by The UWU not as saturated by SRC team, and although a volcanic hazards as recent visit to the volcano the Red Zone, will confirmed continued slow still take on dome growth, the considerable damage possibility of an explosive from ash and eruption still exists. rockfall. Of special interest would what Volcano Hazard Zones are termed ‘ballistics’, which With that in mind, the along with being National Emergency hard projectiles, are Management also superheated. Organisation (NEMO), These ballistics will with support from the not only damage Volcano Readiness with force, but also Project, has made burn surrounding areas community education its and cause fires.” focus, and effected in For the Yellow Zone, accordance with three communities on the edge delineated zones. of the Orange Zone, NEMO clearly states additional consideration that, “Volcanic hazard is given due to the zones indicate impact possibility of higher level level of hazards. This hazards, e.g. ash cloud. impact level decreases as The Green Zone is you move away from the considered an area of summit of the volcano.” relative safety. This Persons living closest Zone includes all areas to the volcano, situated between designated the Red Zone, Barrouallie and Biabou, would face the severest including the danger if caught in their Grenadines. Stories by GLORIAH…
Residents within the Red, Orange and Yellow Zones are constantly reminded to take note of the evacuation assembly points within their communities, to which all must gather for ready pick-up and transportation to safer locations in the event of an explosive eruption.
Getting ready Even before an evacuation order is
The ash cloud that the volcano belched up in 1979. Just one of the hazards we have to be prepared for in another explosive eruption. given, NEMO advocates that persons within the hazard zones prepare by: knowing their particular hazard zone; download the CAP.CAP App to receive early warnings and alerts; establishing a family meeting point; and planning what they will do if an evacuation order is given and they are not at home. An emergency kit should be assembled, to
Supt. McIntyre to assist NEMO THE CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA) coordinating Unit has availed the services of Superintendent Sylvan McIntyre of Grenada to the National Emergency Management Organisation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Superintendent McIntyre, who effectively represents the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST) of CDEMA, will spend six weeks supporting NEMO and will do so under the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM). CDEMA has described him as “a pillar within the RRM, having been a part of CDEMA’s response to events such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Irma of 2017 in the British Virgin Islands and Hurricane Dorian of 2019 in The Bahamas.” His outlined tasks under this new deployment include: “reviewing evacuation plans and relief management; assisting (NEMO) with a Volcanic Hazard table-top exercise; and examining the interface of the National
Emergency Operations Centre to support the COVID-19 response and multi-hazard complexities.” Superintendent McIntyre shared: “I feel first and foremost humbled to be recognised as one of the persons in the region to be responding to a sister country that is in need. Secondly, it gives me a sense of regional collaboration support that Grenada was able to see to the request of St. Vincent.” He added, “I feel confident that I will be of support to St. Vincent. I am concerned but not scared of the environment, I am aware of the issues having worked on the frontlines since March 2020. Therefore…I will keep myself safe.” Elizabeth Riley, Acting Executive Director of CEDEMA, called this deployment “an example of regional and international collaboration at its finest…We are grateful to the Government of Grenada for facilitating this request and for Superintendent McIntyre’s willingness to apply his experience and skill set on the
Superintendent Sylvan McIntyre of Grenada is expected to bring his hands-on, frontline experience to bear positively on the work of NEMO. ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Funding for the deployment of Superintendent McIntyre was made available through the Caribbean Climate Resilience Initiative which has an allocation of US $4.5 million to help countries reduce disaster and recover from impacts and climate variability.
include: cell phone, battery-powered or handcrank radio; flashlights and batteries; medicines and medical supplies; goggles, hand sanitizers and disposable breathing masks. If an evacuation order is issued, NEMO advises evacuees to take at least 3-days’ supply of clothing, food and water; take all important documents - birth and marriage certificates and title deeds; if there is no personal transportation, go to the community assembly point nearest home to be picked up by NEMO buses; try to keep all family members together, especially children and the elderly. Should there be an eruption, given the
anticipated ash, stone and rock particles fallout, NEMO advises persons: to wear goggles and/or eyeglasses instead of contact lenses; especially those who suffer from asthma or other breathing diseases, to wear a mask or use a damp cloth to cover the face to avoid breathing in ash; to wear long sleeve shirts or tops and enclosed shoes to cover feet from falling ash. As it stands, NEMO is reminding the public that no evacuation order or notice has been issued. It continues to appeal to the public to refrain from visiting the La Soufrière Volcano and warns that it is extremely dangerous to go into the crater.
One team leaves, another arrives Continued from Page 12. Dr. Thomas Christopher in SVG. Stewart is a volcano-seismologist and is the new scientific team lead. He has over 30 years of experience in the field, has worked on volcanoes in several countries and has served as Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory from 2012-2019. Howe is Dr. Christopher’s student and is a 1st year PhD student at Lancaster University (UK). She has worked with the MVO as a research assistant for three years and most recently with the Montserrat Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA).
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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Women
AFNA recognizes Gloria Ballantyne
among three distinguished Caribbean netball icons, who were recognized by the Americas Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA), to mark International Women’s Day, March 8, 2021. In addition to Ballantyne, the others two were: Molly Rhone of Jamaica who served as President of the International Netball Federation (INF) from 2003 to 2019; and Lystra Lewis, the first president of the AFNA. The AFNA, in recognizing Ballantyne, who passed away in Gloria Ballantyne, who passed away in 2019, referred to her as a “true 2019, continues to attract recognition for trailblazer in the region’s her contribution to the development of netball.” netball in SVG, in the OECS sub-region, the According to the AFNA, she wider Caribbean and the Americas. made outstanding contributions to the sport of netball t in St Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Vincent and the Grenadines, the Windward Islands, the wider GLORIA BALLANTYNE, MBE, former Caribbean and the Americas as a President of the St Vincent and the player, coach, umpire and Grenadines Netball Association, was administrator.
Ballantyne began playing netball at the age of eleven. From 1967 to 1976 she represented SVG as a goalkeeper and goal defense, and was captain of the national team for three years. She was Manager-Coach during the fifth World Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago in 1979. Even before her playing days were over, Ballantyne became President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association in 1975, and served in that capacity until 1980. She returned to that position in 1982 and served until she retired in 2003. She is credited with growing the sport across the state and attracting more young women to the sport, establishing it firmly as a national sport. Regionally, Ballantyne served on the Council of the Caribbean Netball Association (CAN) for 30 years, beginning in 1975, during which time she held the positions of Senior Vice President (1986 to 1988), President
(1988 to 1992), and served on a number of Committees of that Association. She was also Treasurer of the Americas Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA) from 1992 - 2014. In 1987 she was the Coach of the OECS Netball Team at the Goodwill Tournament in St Lucia; Assistant Coach to the Caribbean Netball team on its tour to England in 1987; the Head of Delegation in 1991 when the Caribbean Netball team again toured England. The St Vincent Jaycees honored Gloria in 1981 for her outstanding contribution to sport and the Caribbean Netball Association bestowed a similar honour in 1991. For her outstanding contribution to country over self, Gloria Ballantyne was awarded an MBE on the recommendation of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, in 1998.
SVGNA recognises Dr. DeShong
Dr. Halimah DeShong – was recognized for her contribution as a national sports persons (netballer) and as an outstanding academician.
AMBASSADOR DR. HALIMAH DESHONG, former national netballer, was recognized by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) to mark International Women’s Day, March 8, 2021, for her contribution to the sport. The former national captain was nominated by the executive of the SVGNA as someone who has made an outstanding contribution to her native St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and who is an example/role model to the young people as a whole. Dr. DeShong led both Senior and Under-23 national teams and was
the first Vincentian to be awarded a scholarship by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for service as a national athlete. She was named Vincentian Sports Women of the Year in 2000, following successful tours with the National Senior and Under-23 teams, and after her performance for the Senior Team in that year’s Caribbean Championship, was selected to the All West Indies Netball Team. She represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the International Netball Federation World Netball Championship in 2003 in Jamaica, and during her
time at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, featured prominently as part of that Campus’ Netball Team during The UWI Inter-Campus Games, and in the Barbados National Netball Tournament. As for her academic pursuits, Dr. DeShong received a Bachelor of Arts in History with Literatures in English (First Class Honours) in 2004, from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, and was Class Valedictorian. She was awarded a Wellcome Trust Fellowship in 2004 and
completed a Master of Philosophy Degree in Social Policy at The UWI, Cave Hill Campus, and went on to read for her Doctor of Philosophy - PhD — Sociology of Gender and Violence — at the University of Manchester (Commonwealth Scholarship). Ambassador Dr. DeShong would go on to become a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department in Gender Studies at The UWI, Cave Hill Campus. An experienced feminist researcher, she is the coeditor of the seminal work ‘Methodologies in Caribbean Research on Gender and Sexuality
(2021). Her scholarly work is also published in a wide range of peerreviewed academic journals and books. She has advised Caribbean governments on gender-based violence policies and laws, is the author of the SVG National Gender-based Violence Action Plan, and co-author of the GBV/HFLE curriculum for post-secondary school students in SVG. She is also the lead researcher and author of the qualitative component of the UN Women/ CARICOM/Caribbean Development Bank Women’s Health Survey
on violence against women in Grenada. In 2015, she was recipient of a UWI, Cave Hill Campus Research Award for outstanding research. Currently on secondment to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. DeShong serves as Ambassador and Second Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations. She is the proud mother of an eight-yearold son, Yohance DeShong-Marshall.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY,MARCH 12, 2021. 15.
Heritage
The Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held but with an adjusted programme.
National Heroes Day THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE is moving ahead with the March 14th Hero’s Day Celebrations despite the Covid-19 Pandemic. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, Cultural Officer Maxine Browne admitted that COVID-19 have affected the usual programme for the Day’s primary activity — the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Obelisk located at Dorsetshire Hill — but she assured that the programme will unfold with adjustments. Browne disclosed that only 20 persons, including the media, will be allowed in attendance. While she realized that many would want to attend the event, Browne appealed for understanding given the
situation occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adhere to the protocols. Browne also mentioned that the much anticipated Heroes Day event at Fancy has been cancelled. The one at Rose hall will assume a virtual setting and while the Greiggs activity has also been effectively cancelled, there will be a sale of local cuisine in the community on the day. March 14th commemorates the death of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer. He died in battle in 1795 having led a protracted defence of Yurumei - St. Vincent and the Grenadines - from the marauding forces of colonial Britain. (SG)
Preserving the Garifuna Culture PRESIDENT of The Garifuna Heritage Foundation (TGHF), David “Darkie” Williams believes that initiatives of his orgnaizaton are helping to educate people, especially during the pandemic. The usually humble Williams boasted that over the years, TGHF has held conferences which have produced content that can be used as educational material, to inform policy framing and for research purposes. The preservation of the Garifuna Culture He remarked, “That’s why we is paramount among the aims of TGHF. have these activities. So that there It is the 8th International Garifuna is material there that people can Conference with the purpose of educate themselves about the sharing ideas, examining issues, Garifuna culture. We had zoom forging networks and strengthening conferences on Wednesday 10th and global links to support the Center’s Thursday 11th and will be having development. another tonight at from 8 o’clock.” The keynote address at last Williams said TGHF was helping to Wednesday’s opening was delivered change mindsets as there is a tendency for locals to think that other by Mr. Roy Cayetano of Belize, who was the person responsible on behalf cultures are better than theirs and of the National Garifuna Council of they have to copy others. Belize, for successfully submitting the He noted this year’s conference Application to UNESCO in 2001 for theme, “Celebrating 20 Years of the UNESCO Declaration; A Masterpiece the Declaration of the Garifuna of the Intangible Heritage of Mankind Heritage and Culture as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage Living the Garifuna Heritage and of Mankind. Culture After 224 Years” is essential Cayetano spoke on the topic, in highlighting that the culture has ‘Preserving Intangible Garifuna credence. Cultural Heritage: Challenges and The virtual conference is a collaboration with UWI Open Campus. Prospects.’ (SG)
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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
Dr. J. P. Eustace should be our next National Hero
secondary schools — the Intermediate School (now the Intermediate High WE HAVE ENTERED National School) in 1926, the Heroes Month. I am using Emmanuel High School this opportunity to lend Kingstown/EHSK (now further support to the call known as the Dr. J. P. for Dr. John Parmenas Eustace Memorial Eustace (J. P. Eustace) to be Secondary School) in April named the next National 1952 and the Emmanuel Hero of St. Vincent and the High School Grenadines. Dr. Eustace Mesopotamia/EHSM on would be most deserving of May 6, 1963. this honour. I would state Amazingly, Mr. Eustace my reasons. (as he was then) was only J. P. Eustace had an 20 years old when he outstanding career during started his first secondary the course of which he school. He did it at the made a towering and height of colonialism. The unparalleled contribution only other secondary to the development of St. schools which existed at Vincent and the the time were the elitist Grenadines. He Boys Grammar School and established 3 major Girls High School. He by R. T. LUKE V. BROWNE lukebrowne@yahoo.com
originally named the school “Intermediate” School as distinct from “High” School to circumvent a colonial policy against the provision of full blown secondary school education to the general population. He nonetheless proceeded to deliver a High School curriculum. Mr. Eustace broke down barriers that restricted a secondary school education to the children of plantation owners, Kingstown merchants and high ranking colonial civil servants. Incidentally, he left a comfortable job in the civil service to embark
on his independent education mission. He had the benefit of an excellent and trailblazing academic track record from his own school days. The Intermediate School was the first private secondary school in SVG (then known as St. Vincent). I should say that it was a private school with a very public character — it was the first secondary school to open its doors to students of every colour, class, creed and race. It was also the first co-educational secondary school. Obviously, Dr. Eustace was a pioneer in education. On the contrary, the only “public” schools which existed then served intensely private interests. The EHSK was at one point the largest secondary school in our nation. It introduced volley-ball to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The EHSM was the first rural secondary school without entrance restrictions. To my mind, Dr. J. P. Eustace was the Father of the Education Revolution. He was way ahead of the government and his time. Dr. Eustace also started several primary schools and carried out Christian missionary services in places like Simon and Sandy Bay. He established many churches. In fact, Dr. Eustace may have seen his work in education as an outgrowth of his Christian Ministry. Additionally, J. P. Dr. Eustace was the first Vincentian to become a qualified eyespecialist/eye-doctor (Optometrist/Optician). In that capacity, he often provided glasses free-ofcharge to poor and disadvantaged Vincentians who were suffering from sight defects. Symbolically, Dr. Eustace helped with the physical, mental and spiritual vision of Vincentians in what was a thoroughly holistic approach. The Order of National Heroes Act 2002 at Section 10 says that in order for someone to be named a National Hero he or she must have: “given outstanding service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines” and made a contribution that “altered positively the
course of the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines” OR “given service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines which has been exemplified by visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement and the attainment of highest excellence which has redound to the honour of St. Vincent and the Grenadines” OR through heroic exploits and sacrifice, contributed to the improvement of the economic, social or political conditions of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Vincentians in general. I submit to you that it is a foregone conclusion based on the evidence presented above that Dr. J. P. Eustace jointly and severally more than amply satisfies the criteria laid down in the Act. He was a pioneer in the field of education. He started a secondary school as a 20 year old private citizen at the height of colonialism when the only other schools on the island were the elitist High School and Grammar School, and he succeeded. This shows outstanding service and was an extraordinary achievement. What could be more visionary and pioneering than that? He democratised education in this country and were it not for him, thousands of Vincentians would have been deprived of an opportunity to attend secondary school. Doc, as he was popularly and fondly called, was a champion of universal access to secondary school education and coeducation in secondary schools. It is patently obvious that J. P. Eustace altered positively the course of the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Education is Liberation. He liberated many persons from ignorance and illiteracy. He loosed them from their shackles and released them to make a meaningful contribution to nation-building. He helped to create a knowledge culture or a culture of education and enlightenment that surely redounded to the honour of SVG. Dr. Eustace gave
Dr. John Parmenas Eustace 64 years of dedicated selfless service and personal sacrifice to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It was not easy to do what he did, especially at the time he lived. It was heroic. I do not think Doc has an equivalent anywhere in the world. It goes without saying that Dr. Eustace contributed to the improvement of the economic, social or political conditions of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Vincentians in general by his work in education, healthcare and religion. He attained the highest excellence and in all likelihood the Prize of the High Calling of God. I learnt some time ago that as a matter of an interesting coincidence Pamenos Ballantyne was named after Dr. John Parmenas Eustace (there was a slight variation in spelling). Pamenos’s recently deceased mother described Doc as the greatest Vincentian to have ever lived. Pamenos was told about the reason for his name and this gave him a sense of confidence. It may have even spurred him on to the heights of athletic achievement. This seemingly casual observation might take on some significance in light of the fact that I once heard renowned Vincentian historian Dr. Michael Dennie bemoan the fact that it seems as if no one has really seen it fit to name any of their children after Chatoyer. I am a politician. However, I would be the first to say that we must disabuse our minds of any notion that a National Hero has to be a political figure. Carlton “CP” Hall when he was Principal of the Dr. J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School concluded a series of articles by saying that it “is a widely held view” that Dr. John Parmenas Eustace should be “awarded the highest national honour” for his contribution to national development. I agree with him. It may be fitting for Dr. Eustace to be named a National Hero as we commemorate the 95th anniversary of the founding of his first school.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 17.
Diaspora
Vincy gets on ballot for NY Trustee vote
Rosanne “Rosie” Small-Morgan is confident of winning. by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT A VINCENTIAN running as an
independent candidate for the office of Trustee in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, New York has described as “a surreal experience” getting on the ballot. “Starting from day one, when I announced my candidacy, all the way to getting on the actual ballot Row C last week Tuesday — proved to me that hard work pays off,” Rosanne “Rosie” Small-Morgan, a senior advocate for the elderly, blind, disabled and underserved population, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. “I am extremely proud that I stuck to my guns, and I am the only independent woman candidate for trustee,” added the Frenches, Kingstown native, who is also a senior consumer advocate, author, mentor, motivational speaker, radio and talk show host, with a weekly newspaper advice column. “I want the residents of Hempstead to know that I am here to represent them with integrity, transparency and compassion. “So, I stand proudly under my party’s name, ‘Transparency for Hempstead,’” she continued. “Please remember to Vote Row C for Rosie. Vote Row C first, then pick your other three candidates on Mar. 16. “There’s still so much to do between
now and Mar. 16, but I will continue to go door to door to introduce myself to my fellow residents, sharing with them my vision for the village,” said SmallMorgan, who also works in the utility industry. Small-Morgan, who migrated from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1988, is reportedly the first Caribbeanborn woman to seek the office of Trustee in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead.
Small-Morgan’s mom, Lorna Small, who was shockingly murdered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2008, was the retired Director of Libraries and Archives in her native land. (For more on Rosanne “Rosie” Small-Morgan and her campaign planks, see article headlined, ‘Vincy declares candidacy for Trustee in NY’ carried on page 11 of THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 19th February, 2021.)
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18. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Better suited for me Dear George,
Confused MY SISTER and I live together. She has not dated for over 10 years while I have dated on and off, nothing steady. Some months ago, my sister told me she saw this guy and liked him. We decided to invite him to our house to check him out. He came and when we were finished checking him out, he and my sister didn’t seem to have much in common. She decided against him there and then. As a matter of fact, he was much more of a ready fit for me. Not long after we started dating, but I never told my sister. When I did tell her, she called me a traitor for going behind her back and dating the man she was interested in. Frankly I do not see what one had to do with the other and didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. We are not on speaking terms just because of that.
Dear Confused, Your situation could be a case of violating the unspoken code: never date anyone I was interested in or was previously dating. Yes, you have the right to date whom you wish, but that was one you could have let slide in solidarity with your sister. Now that it is what it is, I suggest you have a heart to heart talk with your sister, letting her know your motive was not to derail or undermine her in anyway; that what happened between you and this guy was natural. Whatever happens, try not to let this come between your sister-to-sister relationship. Make every effort to make things up between you two.
George
Humiliated and desperate and how the pressures of things in their proper unemployment and fear perspective and help you of losing your home are to deal with what is the I’m tired of these most urgent. taking a toll on you COVID-19 restrictions Keeping this bottled mentally and otherwise. and the bad luck they up for much longer will In the event that she have brought me. not do you any good and I have lost my job; my continues to make light will only cause you to rent is in arrears and my of the situation, I lose control of your suggest you talk to a wife is moving with emotions. The end game counsellor another man, right would be for you to be in immediately. You are under my nose, all not the only one who is a position where you can because of his think clearly and make money. She denies it but in this position and should feel no shame for sound decisions. Make I am not stupid. that call now! it. Meeting with a I feel totally helpless counselor will give you and less than a man. I the opportunity to put George know people are laughing at me, especially those who once had me up. I heard that one of my good friends said he is just waiting for Dear George, the bank to foreclose on my house so he could get CAN A PERSON love more than one person at it. the same time? My girlfriend tells me she loves George, right now I me but also loves two other guys. She said she is have nothing to lose and not having sexual relations with any of the guys, I feel like doing some things that could cause a but I should not discount that from happening. Her argument is that love is there to be shared, whole lot of weeping and and if I have a problem with that, I should get wailing. I never thought going. in my wildest dreams I I am wondering if I am in the right would come to this. relationship. I need you to advise me, please.
Dear George,
Find someone else
End of the line Dear End of the line, Thanks for reaching out. You have to believe there is a way back from this all-time low, to a place where you can smile again and feel motivated. Have a talk with your wife about the way her actions are affecting you
Here nor there. Dear Here nor there, The beauty of being in a relationship is having exclusively the full love and attention of your partner. It is clear your girlfriend is not ready for a monogamous relationship and, therefore, cannot guarantee that exclusivity. Take this for what it is and find someone who can give you such a guarantee.
George
Leisure
Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't get involved in idle chatter that will hurt your position. Try to communicate if you wish to help. You may have the day off but your thoughts will be on your work and your cash situation.
Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Be careful when dealing with investments. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool.
Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information. Health problems may prevail if you don't take care of them immediately. You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make money, but try not to let it slip through your fingers. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. You may be the recipient of false information.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You have worked hard and the payback is now. You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Try to avoid being extravagant this week. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't spend more than is necessary on travel or friends. Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature this week. You can pick up information that will give you an edge. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Put all your energy into moneymaking ventures. Talk to your mate about a vacation and discuss the expectations of your relationship. Concentrate on getting ahead financially and let your personal life settle down for a while. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending. A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places that you both used to go.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You won't be able to keep a secret. Discover opportunities based on the individuals you mingle with this week. You should not get involved in joint ventures. Debates will stifle passion and result in estrangement. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can make favorable changes in your home environment. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. Do not get into uncertain financial deals. Your changing attitudes may be causing concern for your partner. Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. Children may pose a problem if they don't like suggestions. You will find your vitality is lowered. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You must be extremely careful not to let relatives or friends interfere in your personal life. Don't be disappointed if you don't get your way emotionally. You could have a need to make some changes this week.
ACROSS 1. “In what sense?” 4. Trounce 8. Flock female 9. Veil edging 10. Drag 13. Used a ruler 15. Slight shade 16. Sharp 17. Soil 18. Prophetic warning 20. Rescues 23. Jolly Clause 25. Quick smear 26. Violin knob 29. Tell falsehoods 30. Hog sound 32. Comic Costello 33. Venerable 34. Feel unwell 35. Reads rapidly 37. Urban revolts 39. Shopping memo 40. Bridge (across) 42. More __ enough 44. Disturb 45. Chewy candies 49. Hearty bread 50. Landed (upon) 51. Shark territory 52. Livens (up) 53. Plaything DOWN 1. Dress border 2. Have to pay 3. Enfeebled 4. Robin’s egg color
5. Deserves 6. Crackerjack pilot 7. Actor Danson 10. The item here 11. “__ Father”, prayer 12. Quite damp 14. Dispatched 17. Money woes 18. Norwegian city 19. Postal load 21. Mature one 22. Delivery vehicle 24. Repeatedly 26. Least fancy 27. Very long stretches 28. Strong wind 31. Brazil resort,
briefly 36. Chowder morsel 37. Fall tool 38. Narrow piece 40. Respectful title 41. Exhibit nosiness
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 19.
43. Bonnets and sombreros 45. Visor-bearing topper 46. Tavern order 47. Zodiac cat 48. Assert
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20. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
SVGFF affiliates welcome laptops
“There is no further way of excusing for not being able to do certain things.” Meanwhile, General Secretary of the SVGFF Devron Poyer underscored Jerome Dick (left) accepts the Stubbs Football League’s laptop from that the distribution of the devices is Devron Poyer of the SVGFF. “timely.” Poyer advanced that the laptops The laptop distribution forms part could not have come at a more opportune time, as they will enable the of the SVGFF’s Assistance Programme to aid affiliates, and was funded from Secretariat to keep the affiliates the COVID-19 Relief Fund from FIFA, informed and engaged. “They have come in timely, to have which was made available last September. the meetings and programmes, and Then, the SVGFF was the recipient there are a number of other activities of US$1 million, half of which was and things that would help the clubs (2nd from left – right): Representatives of Hope International, SVG Over 35’s Organisation, South East Football League and the Marriaqua Football League to develop and the Federation to move allocated specifically to Women’s Football. forward as it relates to Football... So pose with their laptops. SVGFF’s President- Carl Dickson is at left. Of the total funds, US$100 000 was the distribution of these laptops is THE PRESENTATION of an HP laptop to their database” and as facilitating “a really to help the Federation grow and allocated for the purchase of each of the fifty-six affiliates of the St move from the old ways to the new to help the members grow themselves,” equipment (laptops included), as well as providing other forms of assistance Vincent and the Grenadines Football ways.” Poyer stated. amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Federation (SVGFF) has been lauded as a Similar sentiments were expressed In addition, Poyer reinforced the The SVGFF will be in line for welcomed move. by Renson Haynes of Awesome FC. improvements - accounting purposes, another COVID-19 Relief Package Last Thursday, affiliates received “I do think it is a good initiative minutes recording, online meetings from FIFA, during the first quarter of their laptops in a staggered handing because of the history of Club Football that affiliates will see with the use of this year. over ceremony at the SVGFF’s Offices, here in St Vincent and the the laptops. located at the corner of Higginson and Grenadines. We are now in a 21st Grenville Streets. Century age in a post traditional era, Jerome Dick of the Stubbs Football where a lot of things are needed to be League lauded the initiative, saying, done….. ,” Hayne said. “We welcome something like this…. It The laptops, Haynes added, will will certainly be helpful to us as we provide for a halt to the use of have to do a lot of record-keeping and members’ personal devises to do the before the presentation of this laptop, business of their clubs. EACH MEMBER of everything was done on hard copy.” “Thumbs up to the Federation for the senior men’s and Dick also recognized the acquisition placing the laptops in the hands of of the laptop as helping in “bettering affiliates,” Hayne declared, and added, women’s teams of the North Leeward Predators Football Club was last Friday, presented with a football to do their personal training. The presentation, which took place at the Golden Grove THE ST VINCENT AND THE Playing Field, was GRENADINES Football the first phase of a Federation (SVGFF) has Some members of North Leeward FC pose with programme which received a donation of footwear their balls. Dwight Roberts is pictured at left, back will see each male and and apparel, which will go a row. female youth player long way in outfitting the being given a football as national teams as they prepare So I came up with the of the St Vincent and the well. idea that one way of Grenadines Football for participation in major Head of the North doing it is to ensure that Federation (SVGFF), tournaments. Leeward FC- Dwight the players do their own disclosed that the cost of In a release signed by Devon Roberts, told the the one-ball-one-player Poyer, General Secretary, the VINCENTIAN, that the training in isolation … That is how that undertaking was borne SVGFF stated, “The idea was hatched after (From left to right): Cornelius initiative came about,” by the club. Federation has been the the National Club Roberts explained. North Leeward beneficiary of a donation of equipment Huggins (coach), Devon Poyer Championships were put Roberts noted that the Predators, after claiming from our parent body FIFA, which the (SVGFF) and Kendale Mercury (Head on pause at the start of Coach –Vincy Heat) display some of initiative has a human the First Division title in Executive has decided to present to the year, following a the items included in the donation. 2017 and earning the senior national teams. spike in positive COVID- element to it. “We also see it as a promotion to the Premier “The equipment includes, 19 cases during World Cup Qualifiers.” means of making the Division, placed second tracksuits, running footwear, football December. Poyer also took the opportunity to players more responsible. in that Division in cleats, polos, round neck t-shirts and “With the increased reference the distribution of laptops to restrictions on the We at North Leeward 2018/19 to champions short pants. Our Technical all affiliates of the SVGFF, in keeping Predators are always BESCO- Pastures, and Department will be disbursing the COVID protocols we with a promise made by the SVGFF’s repeated their runner-up equipment over the next few days to were looking at means of looking at ways to Executive, during the last Congress empower the players,” he finish in 2019/20 to keeping the players both the senior women’s and senior shared. winners Guardian held, November 28, 2020. active, because their men’s coaching staff as they prepare Roberts, who is also General Hope training came to a halt. for the upcoming Male and Female the Third Vice-President International. I.B.A.ALLEN
One ball per player for Predators FC
New apparel for National Teams
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 21.
Sports
Ryan, Roban reach Carifta Standards JAMAICA-BASED Uroy Ryan and Handal Roban have placed their names on the list of the Selection Committee of Team Athletics SVG, as more than likely candidates for spots in the country’s team to the 2021 Junior Carifta Games in Bermuda, from 2nd to 4th July. Ryan, competing for Jamaica College last Saturday, leapt to a distance of 7.34 m in the Class One Long Jump, at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Qualifications at the National Stadium in Kingston. He took the first place in the event, and more so, met the 7.10m standard set by Team Athletics SVG. It was the second weekend that Ryan was achieving the standard. He jumped the exact distance the previous Saturday, when the first Trials were held at the Ashenheim Stadium, the
Cupid lights up the track
KEMROY CUPID, in his final year of an athletics scholarship at Bethel College in Kansas, has written his name into the record books. Cupid, who began his College life at the Colby Community College and is now finishing up his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management at the Bethel College, was in sparkling form when he won Kemroy Cupid is both the 60 meter and 200 obviously pleased meter at last weekend’s with his Indoor Track and performances and Field SEC Championships, does not intend to Fayetteville, Arkansas. rest on his laurels. He clocked 6.73 secs and 21.80 secs for the 60m and 200m respectively, which are both conference records and school records, and are currently the fastest times so far this year in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championship. The Sans Souci native and St. Martin Secondary School alumnus was elated about his achievements and said he will be looking to improve as the season continues. “Winning Conference was a huge deal for me since I was injured last year at Conference after posting the fastest times in the preliminary rounds. Now, I am competing at the NAIA Nationals this coming weekend and will be looking to maintain my form,” he said. Cupid reminded that last year “I got the award for best performance of the year from Bethel College.” He acknowledged that this was his last year competing for the College and he will be graduating in May.” I.B.A.ALLEN
home patch of Jamaica College. Meanwhile, Roban, who is also a student of Jamaica College, attained the Under-20 Males 800m standard, at the first JAAA Trails. His 1 minute 53.04 seconds surpassed the 1 minute 56 seconds qualification standard released by Team Athletics SVG. Both Ryan and Roban have represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Junior Carifta Handal Roban Games before, with the latter being the more accompliahed of the two. athletes have had Ryan, in his first outing in 2019, placed fifth in no active the Under-17 Long Jump and was sixth in the High competition for Uroy Ryan Jump, when the Games were held in the Cayman the year so far. Islands. This year’s Roban copped gold in the Under-17 800m at the Junior Carifta Games are a holdover from last 2018 edition of the Games, held in the Bahamas. He year’s postponed event. The declaration of the moved up to the Under-20 category one year later in COVID-19 pandemic in March of last year, the Cayman Islands. occasioned the deferral. Before leaving St Vincent and the Grenadines for Further, organisers, the North American, Central Jamaica, Ryan was a student of the Thomas American and Caribbean Athletic Association Saunders Secondary School, while Roban had last (NACAC), was forced to change this year’s Games attended the SVG Community College. from 3rd to 5th April, to the new July date, given Meanwhile, reports are that ways are being the restrictions and health protocols that remained devised to have locally based athletes make in place. themselves available for qualification. Local
Yonnick scores good grades YONNICK MURRAY, a Vincentian athlete on scholarship at the G.C. Foster College, Jamaica, has surprised even himself with the grades he obtained recently in his Associate Degree programme of studies in Sports/Physical Education. “Well, I was actually surprised with the results especially in Anatomy & Physiology, as it was my weakest subject, and I was able to obtain an A+… and a B+ in Client Services and an A in Swedish Massage,” he admitted in a recent conversation. He had special recognition for the support of his classmate Vincentian Ronaldo Franklyn, who is on a volleyball scholarship. “We just made it a priority to study knowing that we’re on a scholarship, and we have to maintain a certain GPA to keep our scholarship, and also to make our families and sponsors proud,”
Yonnick said. The middle distance specialist with a strong Christian faith, also believed his achievement could not be possible without the help from the Almighty saying, “I also have to give God the glory for helping me through my exams because without Him I am nothing.” As for the track, Yonnick shared, “I am currently nursing an injury so track is on a pause for me at the moment, but I am just being patient and doing my rehab so I can bounce back and be better than I was before.” In the meantime, his colleagues at G.C. Foster College continue to do well on the track, with McKish Compton 100m), Aravinda Shallow (200m), Javon Rawlins (200m) O. J. Jackson (200m) and Akani Slater (400m) holding their own in Yonnick Murray may be their respective specialist events. sidelined with an injury but that may just have boosted his I.B.A.ALLEN academic performance.
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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Extended brotherhood WHEN THE REALITY of life descends on you, its reflection time. And you say whatever has passed have been lessons in setting the foundation on which you stand. Phillip Lorenzo Anthony otherwise known as ‘Tomato’ provided with the inspiration as a youngster to be an opening batman. I adopted his batting style. I never attained his level of proficiency, he was gifted. He never pretended to be a coach, but he shared his knowledge with anyone. The village environment was the breeding ground for those aspects of competition which youngsters engage in. With the village population relatively swelled by a burst of children, community action was vibrant. Those included events like church, school, farm, playing field, road, and beach. The village cultivated practices rehashed by the mature members of the community. Children participated, for it was the way of life. The legacies were passed on from baking farine, digging, compiling and transporting arrowroot rhizomes, to bouts of culinary escapades at one season or the other. Tomato grew up in the age of community tourism, and that was based on cricket matches between villages. When the visitors arrived, they were greeted with breakfast. Snacks flowed throughout the game and after the match it was a gala exercise. Everything flowed: food, drinks. There was the social aspect where dances were held. Those days, it was the community that controlled the playing field. No one was assigned. It was a mutual agreement. The facility was maintained and prepared according to the needs. It is no surprised that Tomato blossomed into a rounded character. It was evident at his funeral service. The Police Force was represented in spirit and flesh, testemony of Tomato’s impact during his tenure in the ranks. The village, the North Leeward district, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and his friends globally followed the service. The need for adjustment to the gathering created a new norm. And perhaps when the situation is rearranged there will be a tendency of greater scepticism. I will never enjoy any brotherly conversations. Memories of my upbringing will harbour visions of tumbling and rumbling with brothers Michael, Phillip and Julius. That quartet proved a formidable outfit. They were capable on their own as they launched into their careers. But there was that inevitable link by reason of parenthood. That chain had its last link broken with Tomato’s burial. But the spaces have been refilled by the extension that those same brothers created.
Soccer! Soccer! Soccer! ACCORDING to the Coach of the National Senior Men’s Football team – Vincy Heat - his team cannot qualify for the 2022 World Cup but he still hopes to achieve other goals. As if that was not bad enough, Vincy Heat’s Manager resigns — problems with the executive of the SVGFF? The Executive could well be saying: ‘We have participated in World Cups Qualifiers and no one is going to change the way we do things. The voters like what we are doing, that is why Vincy Heat, it appears, might have a slim chance of coming out of they elect us.’ its CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier group, but the technical In January, I wrote that one personnel are looking to future with the inclusion of a number of goal will be achieved, i.e. Vincy young players in the training squad. Heat will not come last in their Qualifiers. we be competing or participating four years, selecting who are I believe the problems are in tournaments? political. We could overcome our strong, experienced, Coaches continued to follow the knowledgeable, intelligent and opponents. They may be more physically fit, and not who will be same old routine; the aim is to knowledgeable than Vincy Heat, participate in all of FIFA’s but we had enough time to correct ready for the next World Cup tournaments to ensure we benefit our weak areas. We all know the eight years later. So, what is from FIFA’s very solid bank taking place now is a dream or a World Cup is every four years; account. nightmare. poor excuses are not to be Now is the time to encourage According to the coach, “We accepted. players and coaches to form need to be realistic”. The SVGFF In bigger countries and associations. There are those who professional leagues, the Manager Technical Director Team’s is in charge with experienced and ‘Chelsea’ and the National Coach’s are passionate about and genuinely interested in the Team ‘Bequia United’ are knowledgeable coaches assisting development of the sport. Why relegated from the Premier him. In the Caribbean, the coach must the sport be dominated by Division to First Division. This is in charge with assistance less knowledgeable persons who selected by the Federations. The tells us that something is wrong have no interest in seeing players with the way we prepare our coach needs coaches who believe become professionals? teams. in his plans, and who will work We all love soccer. I am calling Clubs must be able to produce along to achieve his plans, not on all involved, spectators, and better prepared players, so that somebody who is only there for the community at large, to the National Coach would and the stipend and overseas trips. support the team. should not have to be using Then again, these people children in a man’s game, contribute votes. believing there are other goals to Rollit Waldrond The executive is smiling; they achieve than qualifying. Should have enough excuses not to seek funds from businesses and government or raising funds, if the coach was to lead the team to forgiveness for the perpetrators of the qualification. The voters Continued from Page 6. crime, who she knows will be are also very happy that But, supposing for a moment that revealed in the fullness of time. the coach is not able to Gonsalves was to be taken at his Above all, she expressly mentions her use up more of the word that Glenn meant so much to revulsion to “any scape-goat” solution! Development Funds to him, that “he is irreplaceable.” The The tearless expression of a prepare the team. sentiments expressed in a sweeping widow’s statement calling for The coach already statement was enough to excite forgiveness and reconciliation that is plans to live as coach up jealousy among the top brass of the basic to Christian tradition awoke to 2026 World Cup. He party, especially those with vaulting little resonance in the P.M.’s speech, has included in his ambition. which was cut-and-dried and jarred squad, several U-17’s The question is, at the Final with the theme of forgiveness, from his club and others. Curtain, would the murderers standing out like a sore thumb. These players are the discover that they might have bitten It is just possible that if the crime ones who will be more than they could chew, as is solved at all, the Prime Minister developed to see Vincy described in song Glenn’s fate to have may find himself facing an Heat qualify in 2026. If been! unpalatable truth. The moral of the this plan of the coach is This column continues the searching public enquiry which Miss story is that one must beware the not fulfilled, who kiss of death which political Sylvia Sutherland would rather see benefits? If the parents blandishment often administers.” ended, for the sake of the bereaved of these U-17’s decide To the foregoing, we would only family. The truth is that it poses the their sons’ futures lie add: If Glenn’s death was mysterious, lesser danger in letting it all hang elsewhere, who benefits? how would one rate the out. In World Cup disappearance into thin air of Glenn’s widow has demonstrated Qualifiers, when you lose Menislous Joslyn, “the Servant of the that she is a giant of a woman, with in your group you are steely convictions, fortified by a faith Lord”, who had been a constant out; you then start humbug to the ruling ULP? grounded in granite. She asks preparing for the next
Glenn Jackson remembered
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 23.
Classifieds
‘Police high handed’, bus driver
Contuinued from Backpage. Supt. John admitted that minibus driver have been infringing the protocol and carrying up to 18 passengers because they had knowledge that his department did not have ticket books for some time. During that time, Supt. John said, “All that we were doing was to just ask the conductor or driver to eject the excess passengers,” but cautioned, “…now that we receive the ticket books then they are being issued tickets for the violation.” Traffic Department officers are being stationed at different location across mainland St. Vincent, to police the minibuses adherence to the protocols, especially related to the number of passenger any one bus can carry. (KH)
JENNIFER JOANN CORKE Saturday, 6th March, 2021 New Testament Church of God Barrouallie Viewing: 10:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Glebe Hill PETUNIA SANDRINA JACK a.k.a. Petty Sunday, 7th March, 2021 Ebenezer S.D.A Church Bellevue Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Colonarie Cemetery
MISS THEODORA BLAKE better known as Misty Thomas Saturday, 6th February, 2021 Bethel Gospel Assembly Georgetown Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service:2:00 p.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery LORNETTE AILMA CHAMBERS Saturday, 6th March, 2021 Barrouallie Evangelical Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery
REUBEN BAKER Sunday, 7th March, 2021 S.D.A Church Greggs Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Bascombe Cemetery Greggs DEREK WAYNE POPE FESTUS PENISTON Sunday, 7th March, 2021 Church of God Worldwide Mission Penniston Service: 12:00 noon Interment: Penniston Cemetery
Sunday, 7th March, 2021 S.D.A Church Lowmans Wd. Viewing:10:00 a.m. Service:11:00 a.m. Interment: Lowmans Wd.
AI REAL ESTATE Revierre 6,740 sq.ft @ $12.00 p.s.f. - $80,880.00 - BB195 Georgetown (Dickson) 3 bedrm Property on 3,750 sq.ft. - $255,000.00 - H518 Campden Park 5 bedrm Property on 3,835 sq.ft. - Open to offers - H124 Calder Ridge 3 bedrm on 7,556 sq.ft. - $255,000.00 - H515 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com
FRIDAY, MARCH
12, 2021
VOLUME 115, No.10 www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
MINIBUS WOES CONTINUE Minibus driver Shane Williams voiced strong objection to what he described as the high handedness of traffic police officer, in their dealing with minibus drivers.
Stories by KENVILLE HORNE MINIBUS OPERATORS here withdrew their services for a second time, last Monday and Tuesday and partially on Wednesday, to register their concern about the impact of the government’s COVID-19 protocols on their “livelihood.” Under the banner of the Vincentian Transportation Association (VINTAS), minibus operators are questioning, among other things, why the government’s COVID-19 related protocol allows an increased number of people to attend church services, a nonrevenue generating exercise, but severely limits the number of passenger a minibus can carry at any one time. Under the existing protocol, minibuses are allowed a maximum capacity of eight (including the driver and the conductor). VINTAS is officially requesting a capacity increase to 12, though many minibus operators with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke
ÂPOLICE HIGH HANDED,Ê BUS DRIVER would prefer 14. Meanwhile, as he expressed some three weeks or so ago when the minibus operators withdrew their services even as they had submitted demands to the government, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expressed disappointment at the decision by minibuses to withdrew their service on Monday and Tuesday. While he did not address the request for an increase in passenger capacity, Dr. Gonsalves said that the recent withdrawal of service comes amid the finalizing
Minibuses pulled off their routes and ‘parked up’ for the second time in about three weeks.
The minibus drives made known their feeling in a quiet demonstration last Monday. of arrangements to make payments to the minibus operators, especially to those who continue to deliver their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. A payment of $500.00 a month for three months is earmarked for operators of 18-seater buses, while $600.00 will be made to operators of buses of greater capacity. And even while that ‘stimulus payment’ is forthcoming, Prime Minister Gonsalves issued a stern warning to minibus operators: “You can’t expect to be parked up and get the money!” Notwithstanding government’s promise, there has been expressed dissatisfaction by VINTAS that it has not to date received a written response from government to their request. Prime Minister Gonsalves, however, confirmed that he had communicated with VINTAS President - Royron Adams by telephone. By Thursday, it appeared that that the minibus service had returned to a near normal level of operation across the state.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
MINIBUS MEN are striking because of, among other reasons, the heavy handiness of the police. This was expressed by at least one minibus driver- the Shane Williams, who plies the Campden Park route and who withdrew his services last Monday and Tuesday, Minibus drivers are particularly put off by the manner of the police officers who move to serve $100.00 tickets on drivers because some of their passengers do not wear masks. “There have been cases where the person entered the van with their mask being worn properly … police would stop the van and the person might have their mask below their chin and instead of just telling the person to adjust their mask, they would hand the driver a $100.00 ticket,” Williams told THE VINCENTIAN. “I can’t be driving my van and constantly looking through my rear view mirror to see if everybody has on their mask properly. Who is going to the supermarkets to ensure everybody wearing their mask properly or the banks or any establishment? Why are they just targeting van men? It’s like they (the police) just targeting van men because they realize ticket is a lucrative business,” Williams contended. Superintendent of Police Kenneth John, confirmed on Head of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Department, on Monday that, “The driver can get a ticket also for the passenger not wearing their mask; the law is very clear on it and also that person who is wearing their mask under their chin they can also get a ticket because… .”
Continued on Page 23.
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.