THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 13-12-19

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 13, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.50

Gunshot victim battling Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

Healthcare in crisis Page 5

Union Island remembers Page 16

Hermina Jackson leaves the High Court after being sentenced.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

The ordeal

HERMINA JACKSON, a 52-year-old mother of five, employed as a caterer, was sentenced to four years and three months at the Criminal Assizes on Wednesday, for causing the death of her husband Henry Jackson on July 11, 2017. Justice Brian Cottle handed down the penalty following a sterling mitigation plea from the woman’s lawyer, Grant Connell, during which he read a letter she wrote to his Chambers, in which she expressed remorse, and asked for forgiveness.

Jackson was initially charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month. The prosecution accepted the plea. The Jacksons were married for over 15 years and resided at La Croix at the time of the incident. Evidence revealed that the relationship had its many challenges, including the husband’s habitual consumption of alcohol. In fact, the victim was stabbed multiple times following a dispute between the two over a utility bill he was to pay, but instead used the money to purchase alcohol.

Mitigation In mitigation, Connell said that during the altercation, her husband boxed her twice, and a struggle ensued. This occurred in the kitchen, and the woman was in possession of knife, which she used to stab him. Although nineteen stabs were inflicted, eight were to the upper arms, indicating consistency with a struggle, the attorney said. Continued on Page 3.

EC$1.50

Sandy Bay again Page 19

Health alerts Page 28

2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 3.

News 3 Customs Information MOU signed

THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ) and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 2. The MOU will facilitate the exchange of information on maritime, drug trafficking and other activities within the region. Albert Sandy, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, explained that the MOU allows for the Council and the NJHQ to share information on the regional clearance system. This system, he further explained, was a live, online data base that was used as an administrative tool by the 38 members of CCLEC. It already has in store millions of sets of data collected since 2000 and is upgraded annually

So, for example, mariners, especially those owning their own pleasure vessels and planning to visit the Caribbean, can go online at sailclear.com, where they can create an account for their vessel or fleet, and when they are ready to come to the region, they can fill out and submit the customs declaration that is found on the website. The data base is in use throughout the region, and customs and immigration officials can avail themselves of this data, Sandy said. “Some people do not want to spend too much time with the agencies,” Sandy said. “But we want the information ahead of time so that we can assess our risks and determine who can be facilitated and who needs

more attention,” he continued. The data base , Sandy added, should help the customs and immigration and the police in effecting their important task of border security in your country, and looking out for neighbouring COP Colin John (L) and Albert Sandy, Permanent Secretary for the countries. Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, shakes hands on the Commissioner of signing of the MOU. Police Colin John said at the signing the COP said. “We welcome partnerships ceremony that the Police were He said that the fact that like these, and our intention is now relying on proactive the data base allowed for to use those tools and the policing, and that timely information to be provided information given to us so that intelligence was paramount. beforehand allowed for local we can ensure that St Vincent “This initiative by the law enforcement agencies to and the Grenadines and the Caribbean Customs Law put things in place to mitigate region is not only safe, but Enforcement Council would in and to assist in effective and that the perception is that it no doubt assist us significantly efficient policing of the country also is,” John concluded. (DD) in achieving that objective,” and neighbouring territories.

Woman jailed for killing husband authorities who, he said, reported that his client assisted other inmates in Connell also said that the sewing programme in the woman immediately place at the Prison, and focused her attention to used her skills to make save her husband’s life, birthday cards to send to including trying to her son. resuscitate him and Residents in her calling for help from community described her neighbours. Her son, now as hardworking, and a 10, witnessed the Social Inquiry Report incident. concluded that she was a “From the very good candidate for beginning, she admitted rehabilitation. that she was wrong. She Connell contended is by no means a that the 10-year-old is hardened criminal,” now without a father, Connell told the Court. who is deceased, and a He continued by mother who is behind the referring to the prison prison wall. That child, a Continued from Front Page.

witness to the incident, will have to live with it until he dies, and it is already having a great effect on him, the lawyer said.

Sentencing In her letter to Connell’s Chambers, the woman said she was sorry and sad, and had come to realize her weaknesses and mistakes. She asked God to forgive and help her to be a better person. She described her husband as a good

person and father, and said she never meant to kill him, something for which she was deeply sorry. Connell requested a five-year prison sentence, but reminded the Court that his client had already spent two years on remand, and asked the Judge to suspend the balance. But while Justice Cottle contended that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating ones, he did not grant Connell’s request. The judge pointed out

that the aggravating factors were that a knife was used, nineteen wounds were inflicted, and the incident took place in the presence of a child. Cottle highlighted, as among the mitigating ones, that there was a great deal of provocation, no previous convictions, and she had cooperated with the police. While stressing that manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, i.e. 30 years behind bars, he acknowledged that the starting point for the

offence was 15 years, but moved down to ten years, after considering the mitigating factors. Jackson was granted a one-third discount on her sentence for pleading guilty to manslaughter on the first available opportunity; and Justice Cottle took into account the two years, four months and 27 days Jackson spent on remand. After doing all the calculations, the Judge arrived at a sentence of four years and three months.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

ÂFree up the men,Ê lawyer declares Water and Sewerage Authority, and Anlee Parsons, a labourer, both of Carriere, have been identified as suspects in an armed robbery on the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) Credit Union office in Carriacou, Grenada on October 11 this year. The robbery is reported to have netted EC$26,208. Local police had detained the men here on October 25. They were taken before the Serious Offences Court on October 30, and the prosecution made a formal application for warrants of arrest to be Anlee Parsons and Hyah Browne, despite a strong issued for the men to be appeal by their attorney, will have to avail detained, before they themselves of another day in court. were able to leave this Stories by adjourned to February 11, Jurisdiction. The application was HAYDN HUGGINS 2020, despite strong objections by their lawyer granted and the men were remanded until TWO MEN on bail, awaiting Grant Connell. December 10 (Tuesday), documentation from the The lawyer declared prosecuting authorities in that the evidence against by which time the Grenada Prosecuting Grenada, expected by the men was tenuous, authorities were Tuesday, December 10, to and called on the justify the men’s authorities to have them expected to submit a formal extradition extradition to that immediately cleared. request for the men. neighbouring territory, had Hyah Browne, an Attorney Grant their proceedings employee of the Central

Connell filed applications for bail on behalf of the men on November 8. Sworn affidavits were also filed in which the men showed that they were in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the time of the alleged robbery and therefore, could not have been in Carriacou. The bail applications were heard at the Serious Offences Court on November 11, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne indicated that she saw and read them as well as the affidavits. Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche made no objection to bail, and Browne granted bail in the sum of $3,000 each with one surety, with reporting conditions, and they were ordered to surrender their travel documents. When the men returned to Court last Tuesday, as they were scheduled to, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche indicated that Crown Counsel Karim

Gunshot victim battling: In need of surgery FAMILY MEMBERS of auxiliary police officer Curtland Jack of Campden Park, who was one of three persons shot at Heritage Square, November 22, is in need of some EC$40,000.00 for surgery that will restore some stability to his neck. Jack remains interned at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. He is said to be paralysed from his shoulders to his feet, and THE VINCENTIAN understands that he has no bladder and bowel control. The officer is said to have received a bullet which entered the left side of his neck, hitting the spinal cord area in the neck, and exiting through his right shoulder. It is that damage to the spinal cord area that has resulted in the paralysis. Family members admit that the surgery will not restore any movement in his body, but it will help to stabilise his neck, which is, in effect, broken, so that he

Curtland Jack is said to have no mobility in his upper and lower limbs, and remains interned at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. can, at least, sit upright in a wheelchair without falling forward. Meanwhile, thirtyyear-old Tyson Spencer of Green Hill, who is accused, on November 22 at Heritage Square, of attempting to murder Jack, and wounding with intent Deron Quashie of Choppins and Dwayne Peters of Kingstown, remains in custody. Spencer was remanded since December 2. When he returned to the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne that, reports received indicated that Jack’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Tyson Spencer has been further remanded. He is accused of shooting Jackson and two others. Delpleche asked that Spencer be further remanded, as doctors and other medical personnel continue to monitor Jack’s condition. “It is serious, serious, serious,” Delpleche stressed. The Chief Magistrate upheld the prosecutor’s application and remanded Spencer until next Monday.

Nelson, who had charge of the case, was engaged in the High Court. But Connell objected to any further adjournment and requested that the provisional warrants be withdrawn. He noted that the affidavit presented by Sergeant Irackie Huggins of the Narcotics Unit said that documentation by the Grenada Prosecuting authorities would be submitted, but that documentation was not before the Court, and the evidence so far against his clients was tenuous. Connell argued that Huggins’ affidavit did not provide significant evidence that could anchor the application for provisional warrants.

“The documentation to which Huggins’ affidavit referred is not before the Court nor was it referred to counsel, which is disrespectful to this honourable Court and citizens of this country,” Connell asserted. He proceeded to declare that the affidavits presented by the defendants, and their applications for bail, justified their immediate release. He noted that the surety amount for bail was far less than the amount allegedly stolen in the reported robbery. However, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne contended that Nelson had charge of the matter, and adjourned the proceedings to February 11 next year.

Still no bail in Canouan shooting SHAMAI HAZELL has been denied bail for the third time in 15 days, on charges of robbery and wounding with intent, as the virtual complainant Judson Jacobs continues to battle for his life at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Hazell, a 22-year-old fisherman of Bequia, has been charged with wounding Jacobs, Shamai Hazell 26-year-old businessman of Arnos was three Vale, with intent, and robbing times unlucky him of EC$10,000 in cash. as far as Reports are that Jacobs was getting bail shot in his neck during a robbery was at Canouan on November 23. He concerned. had reportedly gone to the Southern Grenadine island to buy conchs. It was reported that the bullet went through the left side of his neck and came through the back of his right shoulder, resulting in spinal damage. Initial reports were that Jacobs was paralysed from his waist down as a result of the injury. However, when Hazell returned to the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche said that reports indicated Jacobs’ condition had deteriorated to the state that he is now paralysed from his shoulders down. The prosecutor described the situation as “extremely serious,” and asked the Court to further remand the accused, as doctors and other medical personnel continue to monitor Jacobs’ condition. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne denied bail, and adjourned the matter to March 20, 2020. She, however, told Hazell that he had the right to take the issue of bail to the High Court. He was without legal representation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 5.

Health

Five clinics receive St. James donations FIVE District Health Clinics here are better equipped today, following their receipt of generous donations from the St. James School of Medicine (SJSM) . The donations were formalized at a Dinner and Ceremony hosted by the SJSM at the Sunset Shores Hotel in Villa, on Saturday 7th December, 2019. The quantity of medical supplies, aids and equipment donated is said to have filled five truckloads, with each clinic receiving a truckload. Those on the receiving end of the donations were the Stubbs, Marriaqua, Buccament, Chateaubelair and Calliaqua clinics. Addressing last Saturday’s ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Cuthbert Knights, deputizing for the Minister, declared that the St. James School of Medicine had reset the “bar” with their donation, In thanking the SJCM for their generosity, Knights acknowledged that his Ministry was cognizant that the items donated were not cheap. He highlighted that it was not just the cost but equally “the thought of

you Dr Kallol Guha, Founder thinking and President of the St. about this James School of and making Medicine, is pleased it possible.” with the relationship his Knights School enjoys with the alluded to government of SVG. the policies of the government as very inviting in nature, and referenced the five medical schools currently operating in SVG. This not only offered the opportunity for students to fulfill their educational ambitions, but also brought investment to the country, Knights said. Basking in the occasion, the PS declared, “We have a very good healthcare system in this country. Some of us probably might have heard differently, and sometimes others might have tried to persuade us to think otherwise; but we have an excellent healthcare system in this country.” He admitted that “We do have our challenges (but) we have been able to expand our services in the rural areas … we are going to grow and grow.”

Just a sample of the supplies, etc., donated to the clinics.

Some of those who attended last Saturday’s Dinner and Ceremony.

Permanent Secretary Cuthbert Knights (left) accepts a donation from a rep. of St. James School of Medicine (right) in the company of a Rep of the Buccament Clinic. Founder and President of the St. James School of Medicine Dr Kallol Guha said that the medical school started in Bonaire, in 2001, with just 18 students. It relocated to St. Vincent, he said, because of the ease of doing business. Since then, the School has grown to a point where it has two campuses, one in SVG and one in Anguilla. Dr Guha spoke of the ups and downs faced with different bureaucratic international agencies, but was pleased to disclose that this

was now “solved” and that the School is now accredited for a long period of time, and anticipated that this will be further extended. “We have come a long way,” Dr. Guha said, and pointed to the success as borne out by the hundreds of graduates who are now practising medicine in North American and Canada. The Founder/President said that the relationship between the medical school and the government of SVG “is on good grounds, and the school is working on making the relationship even stronger.” (KH)

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Dr. Friday claims healthcare in crisis Dr. Godwin Friday, Oppostion Leader, addressing the town hall meeting hosted by (SPOONY), the NDP arm in NY.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT OPPOSITION LEADER DR. GODWIN FRIDAY told a town hall meeting held last Sunday at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York, that healthcare in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was in crisis. “The poor state of our health care system is well known and is a great worry for us,” declared Dr. Friday at the town hall meeting organized by the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York (SPOONY), the NDP arm. “Gonsalves (Prime Minister) said that polls showed that people ranked health care as 7th in order of importance — really?” he added. “That must have been a selfserving, bogus poll.” The Opposition Leader said the poor health care system is “one

of the most commonly raised matters” in the country. “I can tell you many heartbreaking stories of the failure of the system,” he said. “Kidney disease and high cost of dialysis is a death sentence.” He referred to the recent death of a young man from the Southern Grenadine island of Union Island, who was hospitalized in Kingstown, the capital, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), for kidney disease. “But you have heard many similar stories already, and, no doubt, have some of your own,” Dr. Friday said. “Shortage of basic medicines and bandages is common.” He also said many “critical” equipment, “to perform important tests,” at the MCMH either malfunction or are missing. “Earlier, in August this year, I complained about the situation at the sterilization department at MCMH,” Friday said, claiming that there was no air conditioning for nearly one year. “Still (there was) no functioning sterilization equipment in the department. “What do you say about a government that won’t fix or replace an AC (air

conditioning) unit in such an important department of the MCMH for nearly a year, and only does so after I made the matter public?” he asked. “And still have not fixed the sterilization equipment in that department? “They don’t give a damn about ordinary people,” Dr. Friday continued, referring to the government. “They can fly out when they get sick, but most people have to put up with the poor facilities and pray for the best.” And, he continued, the alleged deplorable conditions do not only exist at the MCMH. “You may have seen on social media (thank God for social media to expose such things) and in the media report on the deplorable conditions at clinics at Campden Park, Greiggs, Sandy Bay, Owia, Lowmans Windward, Calder, Mayreau, Overland and Sion Hill,” the Opposition Leader said. “And I would add the Paget Farm clinic in Bequia in the Northern Grenadines. “These problems are not mere inconveniences; they actually put lives at risk every single day,” he added. “And unless there is a whistleblower leak and an ensuring public outcry, they do nothing to fix the problem. “We cannot continue like this,” Friday continued. “We can and must do better..” He claimed that “Luke Browne is a failure as Health Minister. “He is completely out of his depth as Health Minister,” Dr. Friday charged, adding, “I simply cannot see a man like Daniel Cummings (shadow Health Minister) allowing such conditions to continue if he were Health Minister.” And on that note, Dr. Friday concluded that “the rapid deterioration of the health care system under Luke Browne and the ULP was a good and abundant reason for him to resign as minister or be fired.” Friday said if Prime Minister Gonsalves “won’t do it, the people must do it in the next general elections,” expected to be called next year.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 7.

Education

The boys have arrived THE QUESTION ‘Where are the boys?’ is posed, especially when females dominate a particular sphere of endeavour. An answer came last Tuesday at the 10th Local Annual Courts Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Reading Competition, held at the Peace Memorial Hall, when Rychad Arrindel copped this year’s title. The Kingstown Anglican School

Jhamari Henry, second place, received a prize from Aldia Gumbs-Dyer, Senior Education Officer.

student is $1500 plus better off for his victory, and his School has benefited from a $1000.00 windfall. Viewers on SVG TV will get a chance to see the nine-year-old in action reading the news, as part of his reward And Arrindel can yet increase his stocks when he represents St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Regional Competition, scheduled for St. Lucia next February. Second position went to Jhamari Henry, a Lowman’s Leeward Anglican School student. He earned $750.00 along with trophies and other prizes. Listeners to National

Broadcasting Corporation will hear Henry doing his bit on radio. Third position was taken by Isaiah Toney from the Georgetown Government School. He collected $500 plus gifts, and his talent will be exposed on WE FM Radio. The three boys were pushed by four girls who received certificates of participation, rewards from Courts, books from Jujube and consolation prizes. They are Selah Gonsalves from Sugar Mill Academy; JDira Regis - Mary Rychad Arrindel, 2019 Reading Competition Hutchinson Primary School; Winner, takes time out to share a moment Ariella Spencer - Leeward District Seventh-day Adventist with his mother, Charlena Azore. School; and Kaleigh Davis - St. said, adding that her company was Mary’s Roman Catholic School. The students read a narrative, ‘The happy with the partnership formed in Lamb and the Wolf’, and a News item. making the Reading Competition a success. She is happy that other Fifty students took part in companies are sharing the vision. preliminaries which commenced in This year’s theme is ‘Building future October. generation through literacy.” Michelle Samuel, Courts’ Senior Isaiah Toney, Aldia Gumbs-Dyer, Senior Manager, stressed on Human Rights third place, Education Officer, noted the increase in keeping with international accepts a observance of Human Rights Day last in male participation over the 2017 prize from figure, and encouraged parents to get Tuesday. Lucetta She cited reading as “the foundation involved in their children’s education. Mapp of This year’s finalists were treated to to life-long learning.” Courts (St. a taste of advice from the 2017 Courts is interested in “improving Vincent) Ltd. the quality of life in communities,” she Reading winner Jonneil Stowe. (WKA)

Millers do it for KPS in KCCU Quiz THE DUO of Kathryn Miller and Javier Miller answered their way to the title of 2019 Champions of the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union (KCCU) Primary Schools’ Quiz, when the final took place last Saturday, at the Rueben John Conference Room, Granby Street, Kingstown. The two tallied 36 points to win the title, ahead of the five other competing finalists. KPS Winning Unit - (from left) Kathryn Miller, Each of the duo Chantel Primus Griffith (teacher) and Javier Miller received $ 250 and a pose with their winnings last Saturday. trophy, with the KPS assured of $2000 “We put in a lot of work… They towards a project to be undertaken at were very confident of themselves and the institution. studied on their own and I quizzed Additionally, the KPS will take them at lunch time as well,” Primuspossession of the Thomas Saunders Griffith informed. Challenge Trophy for a year, until it Buoyed by the success this year, is time to defend it in 2020. Primus — Griffith promised that Second was the Chateaubelair preparations for the 2020 competition, Methodist, represented by Daronno “will begin early”. Louie and Mekhi Charles. Together, The other schools in the Finals, they compiled 26 points. Louie and were the Pamelus Burke Primary, the Charles got $200 each and individual Marriaqua Government and the trophies. Calliaqua Anglican, which finished in Completing the top three were that order. Shemar Mason and Kahlil Lavia of The six finalists emerged from the the Barrouallie Government, who counted 23 points. They got individual preliminary roun, which took place on Saturday 30th November, at the St trophies and $150 each. Vincent Grammar School. Commenting on her school’s The Quiz comprised oral questions triumph, Grade Six teacher at the and answers in General Knowledge, KPS, Chantel Primus- Griffith, said Local and Regional History, Credit that the students, “were better Union Affairs, Spelling and Sports. prepared than last year”.

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 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

Dominica and Electoral Reform GIVEN THE DETAILED COVERAGE of events that dominated mainstream and less traditional media forms in the lead-up to the Dec. 06, 2019 general election in Dominica, the result of that election must have been a slap in the faces and a demolition of the expectations of Dominicans and others. The result was an overwhelming 18-3 victory for the incumbent Dominica Labour Party (DLP), led by Roosevelt Skerrit. But Dominica had literally been tilted off balance by protests ahead of the election. Galvanized by the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Dominicans had been calling for ‘electoral reform’, to include cleansing of the voters’ list and introduction of photo ID cards, which would be expected to ensure accuracy and accountability. The electoral system, according to much of what was reported, had been branded as having fallen into the hands of unscrupulous men - men of impure intent. The opposition fingered Prime Minister Skerrit and his governing DLP of corrupt practices, e.g. paying travel costs for voters in the diaspora to return to the island to vote; and turning a blind eye to the names of dead persons that remained on the voters’ list. The protests heightened, it was reported, when the President declined to meet with the protestors. Citizens took to erecting encumbrances (some fiery) at strategic points in the island’s road system, giving rise to a range of inconveniences. The Regional Security System (RSS) was activated to assist the Skerrit government in maintaining the ‘peace’, in the lead-up to the election. There are certain truisms that we cannot deny in this whole Dominica affair. The first is that the RSS was called in and responded with rapidity, only after protests turned fiery and threatened, according to the incumbents, the peace of the nation. That two

persons were shot while the RSS was on island, may have been just a coincidence, eh? Nonetheless, the very presence of heavily armed foreign law enforcement officers must have caused a fear to permeate the already charged atmosphere in the island. The RSS should never be used to instill fear in the citizenry it is mandated to serve. Interestingly, the deployment of the RSS to Dominica came on the anniversary of the 1979 Uprising in Union Island, which was crushed, in no small measure, by a platoon of Barbadian soldiers invited to do so by the Labour Party government of the day. Our military, quasi-military can and should be put to more practical use, not to deny by any physical or psychological means the right of the people to dissent. Another truism is that the elections in Dominica ensued without the measure of voter ID cards, no cleansing of the voters’ list, and nothing to safeguard the process from being corrupted by persons from the diaspora coming home for the weekend to cast a vote. The result, therefore, like the one before it, conducted under the same practices, will always appear tainted. No amount of window-washing by the incumbent could wipe it clear of doubts about evil hands being at work. Understandably, Dominicans will continue to protest the result of the election and agitate for electoral reform to which Skerrit would be wise to embrace, if he wants his place in Dominican history preserved with some degree of respect. Then there are the lessons to be learned from our own experiences. Our experiences should have told the Dominicans that, while a voter photo ID card can be one means to a seemingly happy end, it is not a panacea for assurance of a fair election. And further, it is no guarantee of accuracy and accountability Are we up for the long haul towards effective electoral reform?

Weekend of Entertainment (A reprint from1994) “LAST WEEKEND, without attending a single sporting event, I was treated to a feast of entertainment that was first-class in my language. On Saturday night, I took in both the Dance Festival and the performances of comedian Lucian ‘Saluche’ Small. The Dance Festival is scheduled to run for four consecutive Saturday nights, having begun with traditional dancing. Quadrille was the favourite piece of the evening, and two groups - St Joseph’s Convent Age and Grace and the Junior Dance Club - deservedly won gold medals for their production, which holds great promise for the future of the art. But the children from the School for Special Needs deserve special commendation for their effort. They were for the most part deaf-mutes who heard little if any at all, of the music to which they danced! No wonder the bard William Wordsworth once said heard music is sweet but music unheard is even sweeter. I met these beautiful children downstairs communicating expressively to each other after their heart-warming performance. All I could do was give a thumbs-up sign and immediately they responded in kind. In particular, Marcia Providence who is the moving light behind the Festival and Anne-Marie Matthews-Venner who trained the Junior Dance Club in the few weeks since her return from Jamaica, should be praised for putting their best foot forward to coax St Vincent along culturally. There was a sour note. People must be taught that our National Anthem is a serious symbol and is not to be treated like a nursery rhyme on which toddlers can practise baby-talk before public audiences. No more needs to be said. Before the judges could do their thing at the Memorial Hall, I left to laugh with our newly discovered artiste, Lucian ‘Saluche’ Small who performed at the Attic. It is amazing that it took Trinidad to discover ‘Saluche’ for us. Now that he has passed the test down South with flying colours, suddenly he has moved in St Vincent from comic to comedian, from a joker to a genuine artiste. Indirectly, I had had the first laugh on “SALUCHE”. In one of my lighter columns, I had noted that when calling ‘The Vincentian’ to check in my article, I would invariably call Saluche’s wife Mrs. Small, “Can you please put me on either to Mrs. Shortte or Mrs Lyttle?” ‘Saluche’, full of confidence, had the audience eating out of the palms of his hands, and hanging on to his lips, as joke

followed joke in rapid-fire succession. There was clean simple stuff, such as the congratulations paid to the good business sense of the owners of the Magic-Clean Laundry erected near to the sea. So they get the following soap powders free: “Tide, Foam, Surf and Breeze”. Naturally, the political references brought the house down. Politicians, they say, spend their time after death in purgatory wallowing in different depths of filth, that correspond to the level of corruptions in which they were involved. ‘Saluche’ went on to say how various ministers are covered up to the knee, the waist, the arm-pits and the neck. Then Mitchell was seen covered only up to his ankles. But Mitchell had an explanation. He was standing on Parnell’s head! Of course, on a night of West Indian ribaldry, sex themes predominated, most of them unprintable. Perhaps the following which was hailed by the women folk for obvious reasons can just past muster. A middle-age man who paid little attention to his wife saw her admiring and fondling herself before a mirror, and enquired. She replied that the doctor told her that she had the breasts of a sixteenyear-old. In an effort to deflate her, he interjected: Did he tell you anything about your fifty-year-old ass? To which she promptly replied: “No, somehow your name did not come up!” On Saturday night I reached the Memorial Hall at 7:15 for the 8:00 dramatic performances of ODD. I was too late. There was not even standing space. So, I went back on Monday evening at 7:00 sharp and, for the first time in my life, was first man to enter the Hall which has been in operation for over forty years now! It was worth it. I have been so impressed by the total package: the presentation, the acting, the themes- everything, that for once I feel as if language would fail me to paint a true picture and my inadequacy could do disservice to the group if I try to itemise, dissect and analyse. Still, everyone is entitled to his favourite piece. I especially love the Impromptu for its sheer daring, and exhibition of spontaneity and versality. In one day cricket and saltfish cakes, one actor could tell a female counterpart-look, salt-fish cakes, you always carry it, come go collect it -all extempore. The “Lives of the Infamous on Homeless Continued on Page 22.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 9.

Letters

Heritage Square: Starting the conversation for change MR. EDITOR: I liked your editorial on Heritage Square - see issue of Friday 29th November 2019. It is indeed a valuable space that must be protected. As I think of things to do on my return home, “Heritage Square” keeps coming to mind. I think we can do something great with that space, including the ‘Old Library’.

It is not too late to repurpose this valuable open space; it’s time to take back the Old Library building and incorporate it into a true space to honour our heritage. I am thinking a space dedicated to our patriots (especially since we are having difficulty identifying national heroes). I think we can clean up the canal, maybe put it

underground to create some more space. My vision includes: 1. A few restaurants — two - one on Back Street and another on Bay Street with parking in between. 2. The building would be elevated to allow for ground level parking during the day and bleachers during special events. 3. The open space

could also be used for local crafts vendors. 4. The taxi stand will remain in place (limited). 5. A few mobile vendors in between. 6. The library lawn would be dedicated to our Patriots. Just a few ideas to get the conversation going. Horatio Skeete USA

Is the church under attack? IS THE CHURCH under attack? This is indeed a sobering question, one that raises obvious debate. Let us look at this question more closely. Times and seasons have changed; what used to be considered wrong, is now accepted as the norm, and no big deal. When the churches speak against the wrongs, they are seen as meddling in people’s business. It would, it seems, that many would prefer that the churches should shut up their mouth. When the churches speak, it is as though they have no authority to do so. Yet, when they remain silent

* Why people asking him who responsible for making Christmas sound like carnival with all the soca music? * Will the tax collectors and customs officers reach their target this year? By the way, what is the target? Is that a state secret? * How many SSU Officers went to Dominica as part of that RSS mission? Is that a state secret too? * How many medical doctors here did not have their ‘contracts’ or appointments renewed?

on issues, they are criticized. Therefore, it would seem that the churches are under attack, pushing them into silence. The recent coming together of the churches to march against the challenge to the buggery law, attracted much criticism from persons across this country and beyond. For many, the churches had no right to do so; rather they must let people do what they want to do. Some persons are offended when the churches have meetings and play amplified music. They say that they are disturbing them, yet some of those persons would not be offended when DJs and even political parties have amplified systems

that go into midnight. For some persons, when gospel music is played, they are offended, but they are not offended by music that gives praise to sexual and devilish things. Where same sex marriages are legalized and ministers refuse to conduct such so called marriages, they are charged and even imprisoned; the state claims they are denying the persons their human rights. In some countries, if you speak out against homosexuality, you can be charged or even removed as a preacher. Then tell me, are those not efforts made to silent the church? With all honesty, it is fair to say that the churches are under attack from all around.

Peter, and put a curse on them: “…..woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hyprocrites, for you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men. For you neither go in yourself neither suffer you them that are entering to go in”. Our nation is supposed to be a Christian nation, governed by Christian principles, yet we are experiencing the opposite. Division and bitter hatred and spite in the minds of our leaders, trickle down to our people. No full participation of the collective wisdom of our people in brain storming, lesson-making and

There are some senior folks around, Who are no longer young nor quite as strong; Unsung heroes, these pillars in society, Yes, the same folks we call the Elderly; How often we treat them with contempt and neglect, But these dear folks deserve our utmost love and respect. In one way or the other, they would have done their part, It’s such a pity many are living with a broken heart; Only God alone knows, how they took their blows, Faithfully and loyally, is how they performed their duty, So this world can be a better place for you and for me, It’s time we show love and respect to the Elderly. Pain all over and failing eyesight, Battling senility is a constant fight; But if from life we take our lessons, Then we are tomorrow’s senior citizens; It’s a day for you and a day for me, So encourage others to love and respect the Elderly

This is showing us that indeed we are living in the last days. I take this opportunity to encourage all believers in Christ to be strong and don’t be silent. Let us continue to speak about Christ and do the work of the Lord. May God save this nation. Kennard King

We need servants THE DEMANDING call for good political leadership is of paramount importance, since we are going into the journey of the beginning of another 40 years as a nation. In this journey, we need leaders with the vision of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Luke 22:2530, Yeshua gave us the fundamental characteristic feature of leadership in the Kingdom of God. The leader must be a servant to all. Yeshua would have liked the religious leaders to receive the key to the Kingdom of Heaven. But instead, He gave it to the fisherman

Love and respect the Elderly

implemention of projects and programmes. Our leaders lord over our people instead of being servants. I remember under the James Mitchell government, the people and the government worked together, e.g. JEMS and the government worked together on many projects and programmes, including consultation on geothermal energy. After the next general election, the government of SVG will face a pressure group that will enable good and righteous government. Christian Democrat

So many are lonely and living in obscurity. Longing for someone to lend a helping hand, A simple visit will go a long way, in helping to brighten up their day; One day to come, we too, will no longer be this young, Life is so full of uncertainty, More reason to love and respect the Elderly. The way we treat the Elderly is such a shame, We laugh at them and call them names; Remember what goes up, usually comes down, Because no one can be forever young; Let their golden years be lived in peace and tranquility, Show love and respect to the Elderly. Some of us are getting old as you can see, This is all part of man’s destiny; Thank God for his grace and mercy, We can grow old gracefully; We don’t have to be miserable and grumpy; Nothing’s better than to be, in the pleasant company, of an aged gentleman or lady; I have grown to love and respect the Elderly. O how I admire their courage and strong spirit, Weak in body, they refuse to quit, some still even baby-sit; We may call them old-fashion and think they are out of bound, But much wisdom and experience in them can be found; Whether inside or outside of the family, We ought to show love and respect to the Elderly. Someone said that age is just a number, And a person is as old as he or she feels; Some people may even look much younger, Than what their true age reveals; But whether looking young or old, doesn’t really matter to me, We must show love and respect to everyone, especially the Elderly. Written by: C. Fergus © 25/11/2019 - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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The state of the NIS

(Excerpt from the 2019 budget address) THE NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES (NIS) continues to bolster the national social safety net by providing social security protection to approximately 48,433 insured persons – comprising 39,226 active employees, 7,705 pensioners, and the balance representing self-employed and voluntary contributors. These services were supported by a solid asset base of $498 million, which represents over one-fifth of the country’s GDP. In 2018, the financial performance of the NIS remained sound, and is projected so to be on an ongoing basis. This was evidenced by the 10% growth in contribution income compared to previous financial year, moving from $61.2 million to $67.3 million. The increase in active employees’ population from 37,415 to 39,226, coupled with the advancement in average annual wages from $20,077.92 to $21,652.81, supported the contribution growth. In the same period, the benefit expenditure escalated from $60 million in 2017 to $66 million in 2018. The upswing in benefit payments was mainly due to growth in pensions payments. The number of pensioners advanced from 7,493 to 7,705, and average pension for new awards grew by 6%. The narrowing of the gap between contribution income and benefit expenses caused greater reliance on investment income to finance administrative expenses. The investment portfolio generated income of $15.4 million in 2018, which was partially used to cover the administrative expenses of $11.6 million. The resulting positive net income of $5.6 million from operation financed the growth in the reserves.

Challenges Notwithstanding the consistent credible financial performance of the National Insurance Fund, the Fund faces financial challenges as it matures. The Fund is financed on a Pay-as-YouGo and partially-funded basis, and it is a defined benefit structure. Consequently, the benefit increases year on-year as more people qualify for pensions at higher payment rates. The rate of growth of benefit typically outpaces that of contribution income, which causes financial pressure to the system. This challenge becomes more acute for systems that operate in a society experiencing population ageing and migration among the working population. In the case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, life expectancy is projected to increase, and the fertility rate is projected to decline from 2.16 to about 1.8 by 2025. Additionally, the NIS is relatively generous, because the contribution rate is low relative to the benefit design, which includes a high replacement rate of 60%. The low coverage among the self-employed and informal sector workers and the non-compliance with the NIS Act by some employers add to the financial pressure on the Fund. It should be noted that the Government is fully compliant with its NIS contributions. It is not in arrears. The NIS is approaching another inflection point in its social security life cycle: the end of the period of equilibrium where total expenditure exceeds total income. This clearly signals the need for the NIS to engage in further reform measures to strengthen the sustainability of the plan and mitigate the inter-generational risk, where the future contributors would be required to pay substantially more for equivalent benefits as current beneficiaries. It is important to note that other regional systems, including Grenada,

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Bahamas and Belize are all contemplating elements of pension reform to bolster their social security systems to meet similar challenges.

Options Like our regional counterparts, the Board and management are considering the following reform options — along with greater administrative efficiencies — to enhance the financial sustainability of the NIS: * Consideration for a gradual increase of the contribution rate from 10% to 12% over a two-year period. The suggested increase is 1% in 2022 and another 1% in 2023. The increase would be shared evenly between employers and employees. * An increase in the insurable wage ceiling from $4,330.00 to $5,1996.00 per month. * A reduction of the maximum replacement rate from 60% to 55%. This measure would have to take into account the Government’s position on the reform of the Civil Service Pension Plan. The NIS approaches 2020 with great hope and optimism to provide sustainable income protection to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines whilst contributing to the social and economic development locally. The NIS anticipates growth in key areas of operations including contribution income, investments and reserves, whilst facing the ongoing sustainability challenges owing to the maturing nature of the Fund.

Pension reform Pension reform is a very sensitive and complex issue. The main driving force is a reduction of the pension expenditure in the face of continuing fiscal challenges. We therefore strive to make the pension system more affordable, that is, one within the financing capacity of the society that does not unduly displace other national, social, or economic imperatives. Central Government’s cost associated with payment of pensions and other retiring benefits has been increasing. In 2017, the cost of retiring benefits payments amounted to $71.9 million, including $12.5 million for employee’s contribution to the NIS. This figure was 12.1% of current revenue for the year. As the wage bill increases and more persons retire from the public service, this expenditure on retiring benefits, will continue to rise. Indeed, as more persons retire from the public service, an unsustainable incongruity is manifesting itself: A retiree’s pension plus NIS payments can be as much as 126% of their final salary. We simply cannot afford to pay people more in retirement than they earned as workers. The Government must also grapple with the population demographics when considering reform. The life expectancy of the population (including public servants) is increasing and is now 74 years. Accordingly, the option of increasing the retirement age for the public servants from the current age of sixty 60, must be considered as part of the reform programme. This option takes on added significance now that the NIS has increased its pensionable age beyond sixty (60). In 2020, the ULP administration will outline further proposals for pension reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There’s hope for our women and children INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION of Violence against Women 2019 was recently observed. The following is a release from the New Democratic Party (NDP) Women’s Arm to commemorate the day. “Fellow citizens, once again, as a responsible working group, the New Democratic Party Women’s Arm invites you to reflect on how, as a sovereign nation, we can ensure accountability and sustainable transformation regarding violence and sexual molestation of our women and girls. The theme ‘Generation Equality Stands Against Rape’ is very significant in helping us to recognize the importance of breaking the silence and fear that stalk our blessed land, and ensuring that gender-based violence, whether it affects women and girls, men and boys, is totally unacceptable. In spite of the material and technological strides that humans have made over the years, the curse of sexual violence continues. Perhaps, what is worse, is that this reprehensible act in the form of rape, disrespect and exploitation, is rampant in many of our work places. Indeed, worldwide, sexual violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. According to the United Nations, 35% of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime, with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries. Women and girls in St Vincent and the Grenadines have not been exempted in terms of the frequency at which these acts are committed, and the tender age of some victims. For our nation, this does not only create a loss at individual and personal levels, but also at national levels, with serious implications for sustainable economic and social development in the society. Given the rate of violations against women and girls in our society, we encourage our main socialization agencies - our homes, schools, churches, wider communities, print and electronic media - to play meaningful roles by ensuring that we obtain desired changes and strive to end the culture that normalizes the abuse of women and girls. The government too has a role to play in terms of bringing justice services closer to communities, and activating and re-enforcing the structures and dynamics of justice to help strengthen the capacities of the police, judicial investigators and prosecutors to work with offenders and victims of sexual and genderbased violence. The education of citizens, empathy, prevention, support, a Sex Offender’s Registry and no-nonsense enforcement of the relevant law have long become critical and imperative. The world in general, and St Vincent and the Grenadines in particular, cannot stand by idly and allow women and girls to be disrespected and abused. Perpetrators must be punished for their criminal acts. We must intensify our determination to come together to unite in the elimination of sexual molestation and violence against women.” Sexual violence against women is a major concern in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In her 2017 budget presentation, Senator Marcia Barnwell addressed the issue of rape. She called it a rape culture. She

declared, “There is something very nasty and ugly beneath the surface of our people. It is tearing away at the very fabric of society; and added to that, there seems to be an atmosphere of dejection, hopelessness and helplessness. Statistical records from the Royal Police Force of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the offences reported for period 2015-2016 indicate that there has been 28% increase in sex offences, and of the total number of sex offences reported in 2016, there was a 27.2 % increase for sex with girls under 15 years. Further, there has been a 16% increase in sex with girls under 13 years. This is horrendous!” Further, a psychologist attached at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, while speaking at a workshop in August remarked, “St Vincent and the Grenadines has a rape culture, and to combat it, we must talk about it. We cannot pretend it does not exist,” She said that between January 2018 and January 2019, 47 new cases of rape were reported to her department. Of the 47, 40 were girls under the age of 18, and in one case, the victim was a male under the age of 12. The victims came from 35 different communities. In order to support and empower our women and strengthen our families, the NDP will: review the functioning of the Family Court and all legislation connected with domestic violence and violence against women; increase the power of the Family Court to include the imposition of criminal sanctions for domestic abuse, and expand the scope of the Family Court to encourage mediation and alternative dispute resolution and conflict resolution in family situations; revise and broaden the police training manual to include training for all police recruits in domestic violence; implement the mandatory use of rape kits in medical examinations of rape victims at all district clinics and hospitals; and make mandatory the reporting by all medical personnel of births to minors at hospitals and clinics or wheresoever that birth may take place. We will also begin to collect data relative to domestic violence, and violence against women nationally, and disseminate that date to the public; institute and enforce a code of conduct at all levels of the public service 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 this government conducts itself. The NDP will support the welfare service so that it can better address the needs of vulnerable women and children; restructure and improve the Foster Care System; support community projects that include continuing education and skills training, especially those targeting young parents; engage with single mothers, and address issues that are specific to them as a group, and provide incentives for employers whose working hours create challenges to the safety of women travelling to and from work. The NDP is committed to working with all stakeholders to assist in solving the problem of sexual violence.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 11.

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There is prayer

The perils of Advocacy

“When I can’t find my way, I pray to God to show me the way. And then, He creates the right pathways.” ? Lailah and so on. Prayer helps. There is Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great! power in prayer. It is therefore no WHEN WE EXPERIENCE life’s great trials wonder that the disciples asked Jesus and temptations, it is so very important to teach them how to pray. Like us, they needed guidance in knowing how that we remember that there is prayer. to pray. The New Testament book of It is probably true to say that prayer is Luke (Chapter 11) records that an underutilised spiritual weapon in incident. It captures Jesus’ response. many of our lives (including this writer’s). And yet it is so very powerful. His lesson and example of how to pray created what the Christian world now Many of this column’s readers, if refers to as The Lord’s Prayer. There granted the opportunity, can testify of are so many aspects of that prayer the power of prayer. These are that help us to focus on our individuals who may have been relationship with our God and our physically, emotionally, and/or fellow man. spiritually battered and bruised. We can all benefit from spending However, even in going through the that quiet time in conversation with tough times that may have emerged God. He hears. He cares. And He from the loss of a loved one, answers. Many of this column’s unemployment, physical illness, drug readers can testify of these truths. abuse, or battles with alcoholism, they There is no need to use big words or paused to talk to/with God, and found the “Queen’s English” when sweet release. Prayer works! Prayer conversing with Him. There is no comforts! Prayer, in its simplest description, need to shout for Him to hear. Our whispers are sufficient. And is merely conversing with God. We sometimes we do not even need to need not use the Queen’s English whisper. He hears our thoughts and when having that conversation. God responds in ways that would regularly hears and understands regardless of surprise us. But we should not be the quality of our speech. He hears. surprised, for He is an all-powerful, He understands. He cares. He loving, and faithful God. answers. Nothing is ever too big or Regardless of life’s varied too small for Him to be concerned about. Sometimes we hinder our own circumstances, we can all benefit from an improved prayer life. We may be progress and solutions by neglecting basking in the glow of our mountain or refusing to pray. It is folly to top experiences where successes assume that we are smart enough or abound, or we may be grovelling down experienced enough to handle all of in the valley of despair and life’s trials on our own … without frustration as we seek to cope with God. failures and disappointments. There are many passages in the Whatever our circumstances, there is Bible that stress the importance of prayer. Many of the heroes in the Old need for prayer; during the good times and also during the bad times. Testament found strength and We are grateful to the prayer courage as they communed with God. warriors who regularly call the names Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and David of government leaders, business are but a few who became associates, family members, friends, increasingly fearless and faithful as they carved out the time to talk with and church members when they pray. We have good reason to believe that God. There are numerous examples many of these praying persons have in the New Testament that also been responsible for the successes of encourage us to value the time spent the individuals referred to earlier in in God’s presence in prayer. There this paragraph. Prayer has opened are many records of Jesus Christ spending time in prayer. Chapters 3, doors. Prayer has closed doors. Prayer has been (and continues to be) 5, 6, and 9 of the gospel of Luke highlight the importance that He paid a weapon that keeps evil forces at to this. In the seventeenth chapter of bay. It has been instrumental in rebuilding relationships and bringing John, we read the details of Him praying for His disciples. However, it about physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. There is great is possible that the most popular record of His praying revolves around power in prayer. Regardless of the challenges we His praying in the Garden of face in life, we can be assured that Gethsemane (see Matthew 26). On that occasion, he was accompanied by prayer can make a difference. When faced with disappointments, failures, the apostles Peter, John, and James. However, they fell asleep and may not temptations, and woes, we can find great comfort, release, and a deep have fully appreciated the pain and anguish that He bore as he conversed sense of peace when we pause to have that conversation with our God. with God in prayer. The adult life of Jesus of Nazareth There is no challenge that is too big for Him. There is no pain that He provides ample evidence of the importance and power of prayer. We cannot remove or grant us grace to should not take the practice of prayer cope with. There is no circumstance that he cannot unravel or dismantle. lightly. Prayer has the ability to We are comforted and can experience change many circumstances. In addition, it provides strength for those a sense of security when we realise that there is prayer. occasions when the changes do not occur and we are required to bear the Send comments, criticisms & brunt of financial loss, sickness, suggestions to disappointments, struggles with julesferdinand@gmail.com relationships, disrespect, betrayal,

A COMMITMENT TO STAND on the side of the poor and marginalized, the downtrodden and despised, for unpopular causes and against the privileged and powerful, is always hazardous business. Far too often, your stance is mischaracterized and pilloried. Attacks on the advocate’s character and beliefs become the stock for those against whom the advocate stands. Even sections of the population whom the advocate defends and some who know better join in the campaign of assassination and alienation. But progressive advocacy is akin to a life sentence proudly served because the change agent knows deep in his heart that the causes she champions are just. Even though success is few and far between, and perils lurk around every corner, and the powers that be imagine your fall on by his hand, on his sword, the advocate pushes on with the commitment that comes from what Craig Hedges calls ‘sublime madness’. A feeling that you have gone too far to turn back. One can therefore only embrace the mantra: Never give up, never give in. And so, the announcement this week that SVG will get a second permanent, criminal court is welcome news that is long overdue. It is a position that Plain Talk has constantly called. A view outlined in columns and on radio that Justice in SVG has Two Faces. Evidently, this long campaign is finally paying dividend. We claim no exclusive credit for the coming of the court. Had it not been for frequent calls for prisoners’ rights, justice and the rule of law this announcement might have had to wait for another time. Far more respected persons like Justice Adrian Saunders, who sounded the alarm and declared that the criminal justice system in the Caribbean was broken, must take even more credit. There is a huge backlog in criminal cases. Defendants wait for far too many years for their day in court. This delay amounts to a vicious assault on the liberty of prisons, due process and speedy trial rights of the accused. For example, if a well-behaved man, accused of murder, waits 6 years before being tried, and at his trial pleas guilty for manslaughter and is sentenced to 9 years in jail, he gets no credit for the time he has languished in prison. Had he been tried and sentenced shortly after arrest and sentenced to 9 years, with the prison credit he would have left in 6 years? When he waits 6 years for trial and is sentenced to 9 years, that prisoner ends up spending a total of 8 years in prison because the sentencing judge only credits the convicted man with the remand time which is 6 years. The magistracy is also under stress. Kingstown Magistrate Court is without a magistrate. Because Magistrate Burnette has been called to higher duty as a Master, cases are heard in the Serious Offences Court more like a conveyor belt side show. Earlier in the year, cases were postposed for more than 5 months, with serious repercussions especially for persons on remand. Some of these persons spent more time locked down because of administrative neglect than if they were promptly tried and sentenced. Some whose offense carried no jail time, lost their liberty for months because they were unable to make bail and there was no magistrate to try their cases. There is a clear bias for the rights of the privileged in SVG. There are two

judges and a master attending to civil matters and only one criminal court judge. This may be because criminal justice is taken seriously only to the extent that presumed bad persons are arrested and jailed. The clear bias reflects a preference for property rights over liberty. But as Harry Belafonte once told Fidel Castro ‘show me the conditions in your prisons and I will tell you about your country.’ Therefore, the pending opening of an additional criminal court is welcomed news that may help to ease the serious overcrowding in our prisons. So much for advocacy. Advocates never know if or when their ideas will take hold. They simply plod on with the hope that someone somewhere will be attracted to the idea and turn it into a meaningful policy. Marx did say that ideas become a material force when they grip the masses. We watch with amazement when ‘fringe’ ideas go mainstream. The idea that government must refrain from selling lands to foreigners and instead get the foreign business developer to offer locals an equity share was floated during the proposed construction of the Bucama Resort. Mitchell’s NDP callous give away of Canouan was criticized and the equity share concept was also raised when the developers proposed new projects including a marina there. Plain Talk was again criticized for making the equity argument. It was said that we were against foreign direct investment. We were pleasantly surprised when a high government official embraced the idea and disclosed that instead of selling priced land government decided to do an equity swap arrangement with the same Canouan developers. During the last elections, the fringe idea to marry idle hands with idle lands was proposed as a way not only to revive agriculture, but to also ensure that the younger generation gain an appreciation through hands on experience that there is a good living to be made from the lands. The average age of our farmers is about 50. While this proposal never gained acceptance by the government, opposition politician St Clair Leacock has given it ‘legs.’ There is also the proposal to retrofit and turn the unused vegetable market into a modern Hall of Justice. The structure is large and can house the Magistrate Court, Serious Offenses court, High Court (Civil and Criminal divisions), Appeal Court and the Registrar’s Office. Most of these courts are in rented property, and huge sums could be saved in the coming years. Our proposal was criticized, with a stream of obscenities, by a government minister whose idea was for the market be transformed into a mall. Queen’s Counsel Parnel Campbell thought it was an excellent idea, but there were no takers. A few weeks ago, the pro government radio programme ‘Issues at Hand,’ anchored by Cecil Ryan, seems to be warming to the idea. May government be next. Cruise Ship terminal at Campden Park anyone. SVG must become a free market place of ideas if we are to develop. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Strip Nader Hariri of SVG Ambassadorship to UNESCO

AFTER A NUMBER of requests from Vincentians in New York and at home, SVG Green Party is making another call for a Vincentian to be appointed as the SVG Ambassador to UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). In June 2010, SVG Green Party called for Mr Wafic Said to be stripped of the SVG UNESCO ambassadorship, and for a Vincentian to be appointed to that post. This is only morally right and fair. ‘Who is Wafic Said?’ you may well ask. Well, firstly, he is not Vincentian and so should never have been an SVG ambassador of any kind. According to a BBC News article, Wafic Said was an arms dealer. SVG being represented by an arms dealer at the United Nations? Wafic Said is a Syrian-Saudi Arabian, and was appointed SVG’s UNESCO Ambassador in 1996, under Mitchell’s time of office. Since 2001, the ULP regime has happily carried on having this former arms dealer as our UNESCO ambassador. The current crop of NDP politicians have also failed to call for Wafic Said to be stripped of SVG’s UNESCO

ambassadorship. The good news now is that it appears that Wafic Said has been stripped of the SVG Ambassador post to UNESCO. The bad news is that the new SVG Ambassador to UNESCO appears to be another foreigner. The Director-General of the UNESCO received on Thursday 13 June 2019, His Excellency Mr Nader Hariri, Ambassador, who presented her with the letters accrediting him as Permanent Delegate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to UNESCO. Nader Hariri was the former aide of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Nader Hariri is a foreigner and is from Lebanon. He is not a Vincentian. SVG’s UNESCO ambassador should be a Vincentian. All SVG ambassadors should be Vincentians. It is appalling and unacceptable that some foreigner is an SVG ambassador. In the Editorial of the Vincentian newspaper of 6th December 2019, it mentioned that Al Jazeera - the English Language media outlet — alleged that politicians in the Caribbean were involved in a corrupt trade of diplomatic posts in exchange for money. The editorial goes on to say

The people of SVG have a right to know why foreigners are being appointed as SVG ambassadors. The ULP regime is discriminating against that the Al Jazeera documentary Vincentians. Does the ULP regime alleged that much of this money paid believe that not one Vincentian — at for diplomatic posts, went into the home or abroad — has the ability to do coffers of the political parties of the the job of SVG ambassador to prime ministers to finance general UNESCO? election campaigns. This appointment of a foreigner as Did money change hands for the the SVG ambassador to UNESCO is a Lebanese Nader Hariri to take over big insult to all Vincentians. the SVG ambassadorship to UNESCO? A Green Party government would A whole load of questions needs to be strip Nader Hariri of the SVG asked around this appointment of a UNESCO ambassadorship and make a foreigner as the SVG ambassador to Vincentian the SVG ambassador to UNESCO. UNESCO.

Shame on the people of Chateaubelair FROM SINCE the inception of (party) politics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the custodians of the Queen’s Island have always given the people of North Leeward a bad deal; there hasn’t been a politician who has truly had the people’s interest at heart, except for Calder Williams. It seems as if North Leeward had been cursed. One of the curses which seems to affect the people on this side of the island is the political division which chokes the growth, development and aspiration of the people. As one who lives on this side of the island, I know the setbacks, trials and challenges that the people have to go through on an everyday basis. For approximately six decades, the unscrupulous politicians have been feeding like parasites on the people’s ignorance. Why do the people continue to allow fraudsters to trick them? Unapologetically I say, shame on the people of Chateaubelair! You mean to tell me that for over two years a bridge — the main entrance to Chateaubelair — has remained unrepaired after being destroyed by the effects of a hurricane, and all the people do is grumble in their squalor and degrading conditions? Sadly, given the situation with the bridge, to get to point A to point B, motorists have from take a ‘Merry-goRound’ route through Sharpes to get to their destinations. This bridge is of vital importance for both vehicles and pedestrians, yet all I hear from individuals is what the government must do and what they ought not to do. You mean to tell me the people of this community cannot put partisan ‘poli-stick’ (politics) aside and come together to demand that the government repair the bridge? Not to do so shows a lack of political maturity among the people. The only time they (people)come together is to have a good time and to make noise when their crooked politicians come around every 5 years to bamboozle them. Ironically, those who are feasting

wantonly from Mr. Gonsalves’ table care little about those who live or die. Once their cup is full and running over, they are quite satisfied with the deplorable conditions of their community. The Government cares absolutely nothing about the people of Chateaubelair or North Leeward as a whole. So, what they need to do is block the road to get the government’s attention to deal with this critical need. This is the only way Ralph Gonsalves would see your plight and hear your cry. Patel, on the other hand, can do a lot more than just highlight this critical issue in parliament; he can do more than just offer lip service to the hopeless suffering masses. It takes more than Patel to hullabaloo in the House of Parliament, where the egos of self-centred men clash, only to impress their gullible supporters. Talking is one thing, however, action speaks louder than words. Patel has to do the logistics and organize a mass protest. As an influential parliamentarian, Patel needs to be strategic and organize his community leaders to mobilizing the people to achieve this grand prize; he has to arouse the people, especially his ‘party freaks’, into action to a scale equal to that that marked the 20th Anniversary of ‘Fireman’ Hooper as a soca artiste. By creating civil disobedience, he can get things done; especially when there is neglect and misrepresentation by government. He must hold the upper echelons of the ULP accountable. You cannot get what is rightfully yours if you do not demand it. Neither can you can wait for God or the devil to give it to you; you got to take it by any means necessary. I reiterate that in order to get things done, the people have to ‘rabble-rouse’ not only around election time when the crooked politician comes to town; they have to shout together for this important project (bridge) to come on stream. Carden A. Michael

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 13.

14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 15.

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts Festival Review

ReejaÊs ÂMistress of WholesomeÊ Stories by JP SCHWMON Jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com REEJA’S THEATRE ALLIANCE brought the Bank of SVG National Theatre Arts Festival to a rollicking close last weekend, with its adaptation of Jacob Appel’s quick paced one act romantic comedy, ‘The Mistress of Wholesome.’ The adaptation was directed by David Darkie Williams, his second production for this Social worker/adoption agent probes the year’s Festival. Claypools lifestyle. The story revolves around the unlikely circumstance of a punch lines, and her habit of repeating mistress Gwen Ermont (Jacintha a phrase or line sometimes worked Edwards) accosting her lover’s wife, against the timing of her delivery. Margaret Claypool (Nisha Hope), in Timing here is important because this the couple’s ‘matrimonial home.’ As piece is primarily a comedic fate would have it, on this particular commentary. A central tenant of day, the couple is expecting a visit delivering great comedy performances from a social worker who is expected stresses the importance of being adept to assess their suitability as parents in at balancing the time between verbal an adoption case, though the husband and physical responses. Be that as it is not yet scene. may, Ermont’s presence was The piece is rife with irony, double undoubtedly imprinted throughout entendre and outright hypocrisy — all Edwards’ portrayal. of which worked well to propel the Nisha Hope brought a level of story forward while providing the bourgeois to her depiction of Margaret audience with some well- placed Claypool that ultimately helped to humour. underscore her characterisation. Her Tackling the players chagrin and nonchalance are as Edwards’ Ermont comes across as discernible as her nervous fibs while being particularly bold and pernicious, she attempts to secure Connie’s nod in as she informs Margaret that she is the adoption process. Dr. Claypool’s mistress of 11 years, only to confess later that she knocked Hooking the audience her lover out cold and stuffed him in the trunk of her car. Ermont’s concern The opening scene served to that her lover may no longer want her, superbly hook the audience, so much comes across as her core motivation so that patrons refused to head out to though her gluttonous appetite also take advantage of the intermission. quickly distinguishes her. There was an easy chemistry onstage Edwards’ technique suffered in as as Hope and Edwards took the far as she pre-empted a few of her audience through various levels of

Margaret Claypool stares down her husband’s mistress (Gwen Ermont) as she tries to intimidate her. discovery. Together they told the story of these two women who have been “sharing a husband for all these years,” while allowing the live audience to indulge in their reactions. As laughter roars through the Hall, each actress would freeze the action before continuing. They are joined onstage by Zenna Lewis in her role as Connie, the adoption agency/social worker. Connie brings a level of heightened tension as her character breathes life into the subplot. She also foils the two characters since their headstrong, goget-it attitudes are counterbalanced by Connie’s mushrooming self doubt. She, however, holds the keys of Margaret Claypool’s ultimate happiness as her say so would mean the Claypools would finally be able to start a family. Lewis’ performance could have been more impactful if quite a bit of her exposition was better projected. Her vocal prowess would have been augmented simply by cheating her seated position so that less of her deliveries were upstaged. Another technique is to deliver lines directed to another player while facing away — preferably towards the audience. Interestingly Connie signs off in favour of the Claypools getting the adopted child, though she is convinced that Dr. Claypool is a cover up for

what she supposed is an illegal same sex relationship between the two ‘mateys.’

Making the set work A word must be spared for the production’s set designer. Rupert Alexis took the set design to another level. As curtains open, everything that is seen tells one tale. This is a moneyed nest. Nothing on set is fake, save the pistol which comes into play as Ermont drives at her objective — recruiting her lover’s wife to help salvage their deteriorating relationship. The reality conjured up by the props onstage (the appliances, overhead cupboards and exquisite furnishings) is such that one easily buys into the tale. The pace of piece is such that the end of the play, when it came, left the audience audibly begging for more. The action did not drag, though at times there were slight projection issues. The all female cast was joined ever so minutely by the only male, Roosevelt John, to appear (as Leland Claypool) onstage whose entrance signalled the suspense filled end of the play. The ‘Mistress of Wholesome’ should definitely be toured cross country now that the Festival has closed.

National Theatre Arts Awards

Arlene Keane Browne’s daughter accepted the lifetime achievement award. LAST SUNDAY EVENING, SVG based thespians gathered at the Peace Memorial Hall as they celebrated the 13th annual

production of the National Theatre Arts Festival. Some sixteen awards were distributed, as theatre enthusiasts gathered to cheer on their favourite producers and performers. Lifetime Achievement Awards were gifted to David ‘Darkie’ Williams and posthumously to Arlene KeaneBrowne, while The Vincentian Publishing Company Ltd., National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Bank of SVG (BOSVG) were recognized as longstanding Festival partners. SVG Community College Performing Arts Society copped both the Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor Awards for Alejandro Tesorero’s and Sarwan Gibson’s portrayals in

‘Dorothy’s Challenge’. Nisha Hope, for her work as Margaret Claypool in Reeja’s Theatre Alliance’s ‘The Mistress of Wholesome’, was awarded Best Actress in a supporting role, while Jacintha Edwards, from that same production, was adjudged Best Actress in a lead role. Reeja’s Rupert Alexis was also awarded Best Set Designer. Other awards such as Best Costume and Makeup and Best Stage Management went to Focus Entertainment Inc’s ‘Jumbie Leggo’ production, and saw Nerissa King, Nisha Hope, Anyka Sayers and Nneka McMillian, all sharing in the awardees spotlight. Hope was also awarded Best Playwright for her original piece ‘Jumbie Leggo’ which opened the Festival this year.

Awardees from the 2019 National Theatre Arts Festival. David ‘Darkie’ Williams copped a second award for Best Director for his work with Reeja’s Theatre Alliance on their adaptation of Jacob Appel’s ‘The Mistress of Wholesome’.

SVGCC PAS was deemed the Best Production, while Reeja’s Theatre Alliance romped home with the Critique of the Festival Award and Spirit of the Festival Award which were given to Jacintha Edwards.

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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

History

Union Island recalls 40 years ago

soldier’,” and that the real leaders of the uprising were actually the senior citizens of Union Island. There was, ‘Bumba’ declared, nothing against the local business community. Instead, he emphasised, the Stalwarts of the Uprising who addressed last Sunday’s event (L-R): Chris Adams, Uprising was Peter Regis, Camilo Adams and Lennox ‘Bumba’ Charles. targeted at the “government structure, which extracted everything and Maria McKie making her gave back nothing appeal for Dec. 07 to be tangible to the people of designated ‘Lynden the Southern Stewart Memorial Day.’ Grenadines.” He followed their (senior citizens) orders for what was to be a ‘no bloodshed’ coup. Even after bombing the Ashton Police Station to scare the police, during which no one was hurt, the call of ‘no bloodshed’ was reiterated. An attempt by a small group to let those on A section of those who turned out for the event. Palm Island know that Organizer of the event other activists fled to Uprising who also this was an antiaddressed last Sunday’s Steve Stewart brought government activity, was Grenada where they the curtains down with a event were Camilo met with resistance from were arrested by the Steve Stewart, organiser Bumba: No bloodshed Adams, Chris Adams and summary and guidelines John Caldwell (leasee of People’s Revolutionary of the event – has for going forward. He Army (PRA) and later Peter Regis. They all coup the island) who fired recorded in a seven-part advanced the view that retraced their roles in shots at the approaching returned to St. Vincent. series published in THE the underlying thrust Many of those arrested the Uprising. The first speaker at group. The group from hereon in should VINCENTIAN(Nov-Dec, last Sunday’s decided not to land, and were sent to trial, and Going Forward speak to, “a united commemorative event 2009), the conditions proceeded to Carriacou in ‘Bumba’ received the political front and longest prison sentence. was Lennox ‘Bumba’. that precipitated the search of weaponry, Calls for it, was an relevant education for Charles, the since, contrary to popular His incarceration did not Uprising, the Uprising emotionally charged the current youth to dampen his unquestioned leader of belief, the group itself and its aftermath. activity that was avoid repeating history”. the Uprising. But he marshalling the Uprising revolutionary spirt, he A CALL HAS BEEN MADE interrupted ever so often said. In fact, it was sought to refute that in a had very few weapons. by Maria McKie, a resident sense, by referring to Report submitted by: altered if not heightened by applause from the To their surprise, they of Union Island, to make modest but very Donald De Riggs. himself as “only the ‘foot were met with resistance when he met with Junior‘Spirit’ Cottle and attentive audience. in Carriacou and asked Following the main began the prison literacy to leave that Grenadine presentations, the public programme. island. was asked to comment on ‘Bumba’ and ‘Spirit’ the activity, and it was would go on to become Arrest and the first persons to write then that Maria McKie Incarceration and gain passes at GCE made the suggestion that December 07 be declared O level, while serving In the days that ‘Lynden Stewart followed, a multi-regional prison sentences. Memorial Day” in ‘Bumba’ Charles military team, using memory of the passing of remains a heralded Palm Island as its base, one of the” youngest figure in Union Island. invaded Union Island, soldiers.” His legacy is a positive capturing several Also making a innocent Unionites. That one, he being revered for contribution was starting the first Steel invasion left one person Rosemond Adams. She Orchestra in Union dead. took issue with the first Those and others who Island, introducing were arrested later, were structured basketball to stanza of the last verse of John Caldwell, who had leased Palm Island in our National Anthem transported to Kingstown the youth of the island, from a semantic point of 1966 for 99 years, fired producing the first in shackles, to be view, noting that the line on a small group as newspaper for Union, imprisoned in the most they approached the ‘Our little sister albeit an underground From Cotton House to Revenue Office. This inhuman conditions at island, by now a famous islands…’, needed to be one. building would command a significant place in the Fort Charlotte. resort. Other stalwarts of the replaced. actual Uprising. ‘Bumba’ Charles and December 07, the Lynden Stewart Memorial Day. Lynden was the only person who perished in the days following the Union Island Uprising 40 years ago. He is said to have disappeared at sea. Last Sunday, December 08, 2019, at a function organized by concerned residents from Union Island, spearheaded by Steve Stewart, Attorney-atLaw, the main ‘soldiers’ of the Union Island Uprising of 40 years ago, related their experience on that fateful day, and highlighted the conditions that prompted the unrest. The common thread of all the addresses delivered was the NEGLECT experienced by residents from the Southern Grenadines, fueled by the words of the then Prime Minister Robert Milton Cato that, “Unionites will have to eat grass.” That insult cut into the very hearts of the senior and most respected patriarchs and matriarchs of Union Island. They were the ones ‘who called the shots’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 17.

People

Camillo Adams’ lifestyle in his retirement, has taken him into a closer relationship with nature.

Union Island ‘soldier’ reflects by CARLYLE DOUGLAS THE SONG ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ , written by Bob Dylan of American folk and resistance fame, somehow has secured a place of prominence in the recollections of at least one of the primary ‘soldiers’ who staged an Uprising in Union Island some 40 years ago. Camillo ‘LOS’ Adams, the ’soldier’ referenced above, recalled that Dylan’s song came to his head, on the night of Dec. 6, 1979, when he learned from his distraught mother, that his younger brother, Christopher, aka ‘Rockers’ or ‘Coach’, had been arrested. He also learned that the authorities were no longer interested in arresting him (Camillo), but were instructed to ‘kill him on sight’, even if he surrendered naked with his hands up. According to Camillo, on Friday the 6th of December 1979, he visited his parents’ home in Ashton in the dead of night, to take a shower and to collect his daily

rations of milk, three boiled eggs and half a loaf of bread. This was at a time when he was being hunted by local and regional Armed Forces. It was during that visit that his father advised him to “take my boat and go Carriacou, but leave my boat where I can find it.” The sentiment was echoed by Camillo’s godfather who lived in a nearby house on the Adam’s Estate. Camillo recalled responding, inter alia, “But Daddy, ah cyar run. How this go look twenty years from now?” The exchange continued when his father turned to his wife and said, “Yo hear this boy? He either stupid or he crazy! “ Then his father redirected his attention to his son, saying, “Boy, you don’t hear you don’t have twenty hours on this Island? What the hell yo talking ‘bout twenty years! Yo know what, I’m gonna go town and get a lawyer and you going turn yoself in.”

Mr. Irvin Adams did travel to Kingstown and contracted the services of Attorney Bayliss Frederick, who arranged for the young ‘soldier’ to turn himself in to the authorites. Camillo related that ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ was a comfort during his incarceration and during the frequent interrogations by the police, which extended to severe, near death beatings. After all, he said with a chuckle, the police of the day did not take kindly to being overpowered and made to run from their headquarters. The song continues to hold a special significance in the life of Camiilo ‘LOS’ Adams, now retired. He is often called upon to sing it at social gatherings, requests to which he is more than willing to accede. Camillo was part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Uprising held in Union Island last weekend.

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18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Tourism

Tourism stakeholders honoured A NUMBER of persons were honoured for November 30 at the Sunset Shores Hotel. SVGHTA Awardees. their outstanding work in the hospitality Shawn Collins of the Sunset Shores industry over the past 12 months, at the Hotel got the evening rolling when he the Year’ from the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association (SVGHTA). 2019 Tourism Award Ceremony held on accepted the award of ‘Bartender of Other SVGHTA awards that followed were: ‘Chef of the Year’ — Vibert Barbum (Young Island Resort); ‘Dive Operator of the Year’ — Dive St Vincent; ‘Front Office Manager of the Year’ — Ve Anne Telemaque (Sail Grenadines); ‘Front Office Person of the Year’ — Angelique Franklyn (Sunset Shores); ‘Gardener of the Year’ — Stevon Harry (Young Island Resort); ‘Housekeeper of the Year’ — Vellana George (Mariner’s Inn); ‘Island Ambassador of the Year’ — Natalia Bhajan (St Vincent Distillers Tours); ‘Room Attendant of the Year’ — Sadene Edwards (Paradise Beach Hotel); ‘Supervisor of the Year’ — Crystal Findlay-Andrews (Mariner’s Hotel); ‘Waitress of the Year’ — Harriett Olliver (Paradise Beach Hotel); ‘Yachting Operator of the Year’ — Barefoot Yacht Charters, and ‘Hotelier of the Year’ — Bequia Beach Hotel. Under the Ministry of Tourism Awards conferred on the night, the ‘Most Outstanding Community Group of the Year’ went to Barrouallie Tourism and Heritage Organisaton; ‘Most Outstanding Tourism Site of the Year’ — Black Point Historical and Recreational Park; Most Outstanding Port Ambassador of the Year’ — Davina Roberts; the Most Outstanding Immigration Officer of the Year - Kurt Noel and the Special Tourism Awards - Breezeville Apartments and Keegan’s Beachside Hotel. And under the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority Awards, the ‘Most Compliant Accommodation’ award went to Rosewood Apartment Hotel and Bequia Beach Hotel for the Grenadines; Kendol Neverson (St Vincent) and Curtice Duncan (Grenadines) were awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Taxi Operators’; Trunos Fraser was awarded the ‘Most

Employee of the Year, Avanelle Da Silva with CEO/SVGTA Glen Beache. Compliant Tour Operator’; ‘Most Outstanding Tour Guide (Tours) — Sharon Skeritt, and the Most Outstanding Tour Guide (Training) Donnette Gordon-Cadogan. Avanelle Da Silva, Quality Development Officer with the SVGTA, received the ‘Employee of the Year’ award.

Standards are important Addressing the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the SVGTA, Glen Beache spoke of the positive impact that the implementation of standards has had on the industry. “One of the things that I am proudest of as being the head of the tourism authority,, is the standards that we have put in place,” he said. According to Beache, the decision to implement standards for stakeholders within the industry, created a lot of discussion, especially among those who were involved in the industry for some time. “It doesn’t matter how good you are, you can always learn,” he said, adding that the industry was one that was always changing. He reminded those involved in the industry that tourism was not just about the visitors coming into the country, but locals as well. “It is about treating our own people with respect, and making sure that everybody is treated well,” Beache said. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 19.

Culture

ItÊs Sandy Bay once more

Category, participants chose one of the following expressions: Dance, Choral Speaking, Song and Instrumental. Sandy Bay beat Brighton Methodist, Dorsetshire Hill Government School and Tourouma in the Test Piece category, and disposed of School for Children with Special Needs, Dorsetshire Hill, Fair Hall Government, and Lowman’s Leeward Anglican with their Vocal Ensemble. Tourouma Retired Chief Music Government won the Officer Joffre Venner Dance category, was recognized for his contribution to music in outpointing Belair Government, Barrouallie the state. Government and Barrouallie Anglican, C. WHEN IT COMES to the Primary School Christmas W. Prescod Government School and Pamelus Festival, it would be Burke Primary. difficult to unseat the The Choral segment Sandy Bay Primary from was taken by the Bequia their seat of dominance. Anglican Primary School. The school from the They secured the nod North Windward constituency copped their over Troumaca Government, 7th consecutive overall Georgetown Government title in the Festival, and Calder Government. when the 2019 Festival South Rivers Primary, climaxed last Wednesday represented by a pan trio at the Faith Temple of one girl on the tenor Church, New Montrose, and another on double Kingstown. tenor, and a boy on triple In terms of overall cello, took the positioning, Sandy Bay Instrumental Category, was trailed by the with their interpretation Tourouma Government of ‘It came upon the School in second and Fair Hall Primary in third. Sandy Bay copped the overall position by virtue of their victories in the Test Piece — ‘Give Love at Christmas’ - and a win in the supporting category with a Vocal Ensemble. In the Supporting

Overall Festival Winner Sandy Bay Primary School with Joel Toney (standing with trophy) who presented the Festus Toney Championship Trophy. midnight clear’, arranged by Ken Isles. Sandy Bay collected the Festus Toney Trophy presented by his brother Joel Toney.

Recognition due Former Chief Music Officer Joffre Venner was recognised for his contribution to music in SVG. Venner took up duties in the Department of Music in 1985 under Pat Prescod. He was instrumental in the formation of the National School Band which evolved into a National Youth Band. Even in his retirement, he is anticipating a revival of that Band, especially given the proliferation of School Bands for which he is immeasurably responsible. Venner, noted for his humility, recounted his association with persons like Lois Williams and Olsen Peters during his time at the Department of Music, from which he retired in 2014. His expertise has also impacted positively on the calypso art form here, an area in which he remains active among other areas that continue to make demands on his musical prowess. (WKA)

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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My Ex vs. my boyfriend

Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND of one year and I are living together in the downstairs of a building. We are both employed but have been barely making it. The truth is, I cannot continue living like this, paycheck to paycheck. If we do, we would never own our own place. I have an Ex who migrated to the USA, and he offered to marry me so I can get my papers for the States. He said there are no strings attached, and I believe him. The problem is I cannot get my boyfriend to understand this arrangement, in the end, will work out for both of us. He is acting all paranoid. Should I listen to my boyfriend and refuse this wonderful opportunity, or just go and do what I have to do to survive?

Thinking Dear Thinking You and your boyfriend seem to be living by two different philosophies. His being ‘tough it out through thick and thin”, while yours is “by any means necessary’. I do not know of anyone who would consent to their partner getting married to their Ex. Should you follow through with your present plan, it would be at the risk of your relationship. It is you who have to determine if such a risk is worth taking.

George

A no brainer Dear George

In deep

The reality is that your marriage is already on the chopping block by virtue of engaging in an extramarital affair. There are consequences to that, and you will face them sooner or later. It would be a good idea to begin the process of cleaning house. Take note that the individual on the side is most likely there to see what she can get now, while your wife is there to help you both achieve the maximum benefit from your marriage. This one should be a no brainer.

Dear In deep,

George

MY GIRL on the side is hell bent on exposing our relationship to my wife, all because she thinks I ought to take her on a vacation. That would be like putting my marriage on the chopping block since there is no way I can go away with her without my wife knowing. I know what this girl is capable of doing. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. Your thoughts!

Accept my other woman Responding to your husband’s actions in the MY HUSBAND had the Dear Amazed and dazed, form of a tit for tat, is not going to solve the nerve to bring a woman problem. It is time for to our house and ask me The question that to accept her as the other should be asked here is: both of you to get a woman in his life. He Why does your husband counsellor involved and said he “wanted to do the see the need to end your re-chart the course of right thing and operate exclusivity and share his your marriage. above board,” since he love affection with George has come to love this another person? woman and promised to play a significant role in her life. My husband obviously does not see how this disgraceful act puts our marriage in jeopardy. I wish to tell him he is free to be with his newly found trophy, but do not lose any sleep if I get a trophy of my own.

Dear George

Amazed and dazed

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will have original ideas for ways to make extra money. You can sort out any differences you have in an amiable manner. Social activity should be on your agenda this week.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groups or organizations. Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances.Be careful.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can travel for business or pleasure. A need to be in love may fool you. Don't take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both parties. You can write beautiful love letters this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect. You need an outlet. Help children complete projects they're having difficulty with. Don't be shy; show your abilities!

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. You mustn't give too much to your children. You may want to stay in the background this week. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvement's. Exhaustion will lead to minor injury if you don't know when to quit. You can make adjustments in your domestic scene this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Opportunities for financial gains through investments and games of chance are likely. You will be popular with acquaintances; however, loved ones could feel left out and insecure. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Get involved in sports groups or hobbies that attract you. You need to do more things that you enjoy. Call a good friend. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't get involved in other people's private doings. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. Your mate will be pushing you to do things that you really don't want to do.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends. You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position. You may have problems with those you live with. You will earn recognition for the work you are doing. Acknowledge your lover's needs.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Chances are you could get stuck with a colleague's job unexpectedly. Health problems may prevail if you haven't been getting enough rest.

ACROSS 1. America’s Uncle 4. Boxing legend 7. Thick snake 10. Italy’s capital 11. Fishing pole 12. Female hogs 13. Revise (text) 14. Shoe tip 15. Covent ladies 16. Grew dim 18. City leaders 20. Small carpet 22. Wane 23. Scornful cry 26. Holds tightly 29. Ancient 32. Opinion of oneself 33. Talented Lupino 34. Neither’s partner 35. Funny Rickles 36. Surrounded by 38. Secret agent 39. Wet pole? 41. Top or doll 43. Unlawful acts 46. Desert haven 50. Bring to a simmer 51. Mont Blanc, for example 53. Went by burro 54. Rural hotels 55. Author Grafton 56. Quiet valley 57. Seek handouts 58. Generation 59. Cloud’s place DOWN 1. Fizzy drink 2. Mingled with 3. Cab device

4. Gallery display 5. Weaving device 6. Mental concept 7. Strong liquors 8. Has 9. Wild donkey 10. Football official 12. Uppity person 17. Used a shovel 19. “Be my guest!” 21. Stern 23. Mattress site 24. In the past 25. Paying tribute to 27. Altar words 28. Breathe fast 30. Chop (off) 31. Lacking humidity

36. Hugger’s limb 37. Moo _ gai pan, Chinese dish 40. Lacks health 42. Back lawns 43. Pine dropping 44. At _, relaxed

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 , 2019. 21.

45. Mean comment 47. Relax in a tub 48. In vain 49. “Understand?” 50. Crumb catcher 52. Member of the pod squad?

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22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Training

BTI hosts inaugural Culinary Festival

THE INAUGURAL CULINARY FESTIVAL, hosted by the Barrouallie Technical Institute (BTI), was held at the Barrouallie Playing field, Friday 29th

November. The event, which was supported by the National Insurance Services (NIS), drew participation from past

(L-R): Xavier Stapleton and Sarine Hannaway combined to make an impact.

and present students of the BTI, trainees from the Kingstown and Georgetown Technical Institutes, past trainees of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, and Ms. Mishker Edwards of Qura Qu- J Rums. According to the organisers, the Festival was conceived and implemented: to create an avenue and exposure for persons who would have attended the Institute but who remained unemployed; to bring an awareness of the benefits of investing and participating in Technical Vocational Education and Training; and to encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship among our youths. All participants were

said to have expressed satisfaction with the event. Culinary Arts Instructor at the BTI, Ms. Danielle Connell, commended all participants for putting what she described as the ‘WOW” factor into the event. According to Connell, “It was touching to see the innovative ways they took to the challenge and independently produced exactly what we were looking for; delicious Vincy dishes with a flair.” She further noted that several aspects of their training stood out: consistency with onsite plating, smiling faces, and quality customer service. The bartenders were not left out, as their professionalism and quality of drinks served also provoked a rewarding feeling. Mr. Kenroy Questelles, Director of the National Qualifications Department, congratulated the Institute for hosting the event, and encouraged the participants to continue on the path of selfsufficiency. He also invited persons to take advantage of the

many training opportunities offered at the various Technical Institutes across SVG. Principal of the Institute Pearlette Primus-Hannaway extended congratulations to the participants, and thanked all those who contributed to the event, earmarked to be held annually. She said that she looked forward to increased support from industries which benefit most from the skills and competence of persons who pursue Technical

Below: Kim Ashton, past BTI trainee, serving up one of her tasty creations.

and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Barrouallie Technical Institute is one of four TVET providers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The others are located in Kingstown, Georgetown and Campden Park. Those are involved in the Culinary Arts work towards attaining the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) Commercial Food Preparation and Food and Drinks Service Level 1.

Locally produced Qura Qu- J Rums on display.

Weekend of Entertainment through the rotten contents of a garbage heap he would establish his connection Hill” carry a frightening anti-Marxist to royalty. message. In the throes of abject poverty The happenings at Peace Mo. cried people are not revolutionaries. They shame on the lack of a Performing Arts become conservatives who defend their Theatre. Vincent “Killer” Hadaway, after turf and protect their squalor. For at the several years in the USA could only say, lowest levels of degradation the soul is during the ticket rush at the door, numbed and the mind compensates with “Kenneth, in 1994 we ought to do better a make-believe and fantasy. than this!” It reminds me of the fights That is why dwelling in the Ghetto we had to get in pit in Cinema in the the woman does not see her partition as mid-1950’s to see the final reels of mere cardboard. It is special. It once serials such as Food-Man- Shoo or housed a refrigerator, a Whirlpool at Nyoka! that. And she has a nexus with Only this difference: it was four cents Government House through that piece of for in 1954, but $10.00 for Peace Mo. cardboard. For the Governor General forty years later.” owned the fridge that was wrapped by Come next week, we enter into our the cardboard boxes. week of Christmas entertainment. Can Strike up a conversation with Esau it be compared to the year of 1994? Haywood, and while rummaging Continued from Page 8.

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23. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

National Volleyball Championships conclude

Country Roots – Male First Division Champions. COUNTRY ROOTS Won the Male First Division; Gremlins A bossed the Female Open, and Country Roots, the Elite Male,

when the 2019 National Volleyball Championships concluded last Saturday night at the Girls’ High School hard court.

In taking the Male First Division, Country Roots overcame Gremlins One, 3-1 (25-23, 28-26, 19-25, 26-24). Kyle Liverpool of Country Roots was adjudged MVP of the final. Gremlins took the Female Open with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-13) blanking of Unique Touch. Gremlins’ Nikita Campbell was declared MVP of the final. In the night’s anticipated duel, Country Roots put on a solid display to beat the experienced Gremlins 3-1 (23-25, , 25-23,, 25-19, 25-15). Ronaldo Franklyn of Country Roots was the MVP of the Final. Ronaldo Franklyn, one of the lead players for the Georgetown-rooted Country Roots, noted that winning two titles was good for the sport and for the club.

“Winning two titles will help us to build the club and bring new players to the club and the sports as well… These wins bring momentum and confidence to young people from the area,” Franklyn stated. Trophies were presented to the MVP of each of the participating teams. In the Male First Division, for Country Roots the MVP was Odan Sandy; Gremlins One- Solomon Williams; Alliance - Zoran Cupid; Wings- Maxroy Dublin; Gremlins Two- Affique Ambrose; Unique TouchGareth Primus, and Alliance Two- Luke Browne. The recipients in the Female Open were: Gremlins One- Nikita Campbell; Unique Touch One- Shanadia Sylvester;

Police retains NL T20 Title RSVG POLICE retained their Championship Title in the Jules Anthony North Leeward Super League T20 competition, but not without a fight. The lawmen beat Ruddy’s Electrical by 2 runs in an exciting final match last weekend, at the Cumberland Playing Field. Winning the toss and batting first, Police were all out for 151 in 19.5 overs. They had to thank Andrew Thomas, 58, and Salvan Browne, 36, for getting to that total after they lost early wickets and looked likely to close for less than 150. Canute Paris was the pick of Ruddy’s Electrical bowlers with figures of 3 for 27 in 4 overs. Kimson Dalzell and Asif Hooper both bagged 2 for 21.

Country RootsHeather Reed; Gremlins TwoAaliyah Laborde; Unique Touch TwoZell Cain; Alliance OneSameisha Allicott; WingsKrystal Ralph, and Alliance TwoMale Elite Champions- Country Camara Roots. Edwards. And in the Male Elite, taking the MVP award for Country Roots was Ronaldo Franklyn, with Cluevan Cumberbatch the recipient for Gremlins, and Daryl Franklyn for Coalition. Eighteen teams contested in the Cluevan Cumberbatch (right), championships, MVP of Gremlins Male Elite which was held team, is rewarded by President for the first time of the SVG Volleyball since 2012. Association- Suzanna Ollivierre.

WINLOTT/WICBC U15 in progress RSVG Police – 2019 North Leeward T20 Champions.

Other individual awardees were: Dean Browne, Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tournament for his Tournament with 316 runs and 11 wickets, the latter he shared with Marcus Castello; and LeBron Douglas Most Promising Player.

THE 2019 WINLOTT/Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control (WICB) Under-15 Cricket Tournament got going here last Tuesday. It is expected to run until December 19. As per the norm, the Tournament will be 50overs per innings, and each team will play twice in a round-robin format. This year’s Under-15 Tournament was moved from Dominica to St. Vincent and the Grenadines upon a request by the Dominica Cricket Association. Matches have been carded for the Cumberland and Park Hill playing fields. A Windward Islands Under-15 team will be announced at the end of the tournament, to compete in the 2020 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Cricket Championship. Saint Lucia are the defending Windwards Under15 champions.

I.B.A.ALLEN

I.B.A.ALLEN

Right: Ruddy’s Electrical - second placed.

Ruddy’s Electrical in reply were on course for an early overhaul of the Police’s score but faltered somewhat, and it was left up to Darren Greaves, 50, and Hyron Shallow, 45, to lead them to within a hair of victory — 149 for 7 in 20 overs. Darius Martin, named the Player of the Finals, Dean Browne was the MVP of the led the bowling with 3 for 21 off 4 overs. Tournament.

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24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Star Girls One shine in Sion Hill Netball STAR GIRLS ONE took both the League and Knock Out titles in Division One of the 2019 Vita Malt Sion Hill Netball Tournament. Star Girls One outlasted Harmony Investments Stars, 4235, as the curtains came down on the 2019 edition, last Sunday at

the Sion Hill Playing Field hard court. Star Girls One’s triumph left Harmony Investment Stars settling for double seconds, having to forfeit their League Championship title of 2018. Maryann Frederick of Star Girls One was the Sion Hill Netball TeamDivision Two League Champion, Kelvin Franklyn of the St Vincent Brewery is at middle.

top Goal Shooter, making good 181 of her 219 attempts. Chante Garrick of the Sion Hill Netball Team was voted the Most Disciplined Player, and Kyla Lewis, also of the Sion Hill Netball Teamthe Most Disciplined Young Sion Hill player. Garrick’s reward was compliments Hon. Arnhim Eustace, while Lewis’ prize was donated by Jennifer Prescott. Sunday’s Closing Ceremony also saw the Most Valuable Player for each of the ten teams, compensated. In Division Two, the MVPs were: Most Disciplined PlayerChante Garrick (right) receives her cash award from Cleve Lewis.

Ronika Gibson -Young Challengers; Chantel Dallaway - Sion Hill Netball Team; Cassian Samuel - Star Girls Two, and Colisia Fraser Vincy Liberators Two. Those identified as the MVPs in Division One were: Dorian LayneHarmony Investment Stars, Kemisha Antoine Dutch Lady Clinchers; Aneisha John- Grant Thornton Stars; Afiya John- Vincy Liberators One; Maryann FrederickStar Girls One, and Jonell John- Trailblazers. Meanwhile, the Sion Hill Netball Team collected the Blue Plumbing Service Trophy for being the Most Improved Team. The Sion Hill Government School, for whom no MVP was named, but who competed in the Second Division, received the Hon. Arnhim Eustace trophy for being the Most Disciplined Team, and a

Education/Teachers take all in Firms Netball VITA MALT Ministry of Education/Teachers beat Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture 51-50 on Saturday at the Kingstown Netball Centre, to add the Knock Out Title to their lien on the League Title of the 2019 St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association’s Firms and Industrial Tournament. The final score paid testimony to the ding dong flow of the match with lead changes at the end of each quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture led 16-12, but the Ministry of Education/Teachers took charge 28-24 by the halfway mark. Another twist was to take place at the completion of the third quarter, with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture ahead 37-35. But it was the Ministry of Education/Teachers who had the final say, winning by the slimmest of margins. The Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture was

cake from Clyde Double Crowned- Star Girls One. Fitzpatrick for being the Best Dressed Team. Vincy Liberators were declared to have the Best Banner. Sion Hill Netball Team won the Division Two League title, and Star Girls Two, the Knock Out title. Eleven teams, five in Division Two and six in Division Maryann Frederick (left) Goal One, competed in Shooter, accepts her trophy the Tournament. from Sylvia Clarke.

Ball Burners - Inaugural Tri-Series champions.

Burners take NL Tri-Series title

Double Champions Ministry of Education / Teachers Netball team. also second in the League Competition, with RSVG Police placing third. As far as individual team Most Valuable Player, the following obtained: Moeth Gaymes -Ministry of Education/Teachers’ MVP; Maryann Frederick Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture; Cindy Joseph Massy Stores SVG; Breanna Gloster - RSVG Police; Akeil Matthews — Digihealth; Shanise Humphrey — Sea and Airport/CWSA and Meshanda Creese — KFC. Gaymes was named the Moeth Gaymes, Male Best Male Player of the Player of the Tournament. Tournament.

BALL BURNERS are the inaugural Edelyn title holders of the Jules Anthony Turtin – VINLEC North Leeward T20 Super MVP of League and Female Tri-series. the Series. They wrote themselves into the annals of North Leeward cricket when they beat United Survivors by 6 wickets in the finals of the series played last weekend the Cumberland Playing Field. United Survivors won the toss and took first knock, but never looked in control, as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. They registered a less than formidable 72 for 9 from 20 overs. Lafiena Sam, with 3 for 17 off 4 overs, was the top bowler for the Burners. Ball Burners then strolled to 76 for 4 off 16.1 overs to claim the easiest of victories, with their captain, Zavian Stephen, leading the chase with an unbeaten 23, assisted by Edelyn Turtin with 17. Samantha Lynch took 3 for 25 off 4 overs. Turtin’s 17 runs in the finals helped her to total 145 for the tournament, and together with 5 wickets, led the adjudicators to name her the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Shenezia Daniel took the most wickets (8) and Delita Bentick was named the Most Promising Player. I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 25.

Sports

Police hold on IT BOILED down to the final over, with Ruddy’s Electrical needing 15 to dethrone Police as the North Leeward T/20 champions. They reached 149 for 6 in 20 overs, in response to Police 151 all out in 19.5 overs. It was a tale of many scripts, and will continue to be memories. Police wriggled to their total, thanks to Andrew Thomas’ 58. The tenth wicket pair added 21 which provided the lawmen with something to defend. Canute Paris 3 for 27 helped to slow the Police machine. Ruddy’s took the first half of the chase, racing to 117 for one before the second wicket fell. That happened to be Hyron Shallow for 45. Daron Greaves 50, fell two runs later, and Police sensed an opening. A mixture of disbelief and uncertainty overtook the batsmen, and Police applied the squeeze. When the first four deliveries of the final over went scoreless, Police commenced celebrations. The other two produced the maximum, but it would have required recklessness to the extreme for Ruddy’s to master the equation. Police played unbeaten throughout the season. On a narrow note, it might be considered that there was no North Leeward team in the final. For although Ruddy’s Electrical is based in Gordon Yard, players are from anywhere. Police is expected to have a network. No one can blame the finalists for anyone’s absence. It was a competition which took place on the field. There will be a new trophy next year. Police have forced the organisers to come up with a new symbol with three consecutive titles. If teams wish to break the streak, they have to do so on the field. Given that success spurs success, Police will be anxious to stay in the zone. The challenge is on, and it is time to put words into action. Perhaps the Police story is one that communities can learn from. Cricket has gone beyond the casual approach. There must be time for organised activity, including practice sessions. Teams might consider it too time-consuming to go through those chores. When you neglect preparation, chances of consistent performances will be reduced. There will be need to balance means of survival with indulging in sporting endeavours. The benefit of exercises, and maintaining healthy relations at all levels of the society are as vital as securing financial returns. That has been proven. With the provision of facilities in the communities, efforts have to deepen to make sure that maximum returns are extracted from the installations. It takes innovations from the citizens. No one knows how the weather pattern unfolds, better than those who have been absorbed in it. North Leeward has its role in the Vincentian story. Those who continue to carry the burden of its progression must do so with pride.

Toni Stores: 2019 Firms Football Champs TONI STORES COMBINED beat Agriculture Input Warehouse Fisherfolks 4-2 on penalties two Saturdays ago, to win the Firms’ Division of the 2019 Hairoun Breakaway Masters Football Tournament. This was after both teams had played to a two-all draw in regulation time, at the Grammar School Playing Field. Desborn Lavia had put Toni Stores Combined ahead in the first half. Kendall Douglas restored parity for the Fisherfolks team, early in the second half. But Fisherfolks found themselves trailing once again, as Emaul Lyscott added Toni Stores Combined’s second. Undaunted, Fisherfolks cast their Toni Stores Combined – Firms Division champions. nets again, and Shane Samuel came up with the equalising goal. Before the final, RSVG Police took the third place the Firms’ Division. Meanwhile, the National Under-17 without flexing a muscle, as CWSA did not show up. team won the Female Division. For copping the Championship title, Toni Stores In other team awards, Chelsea Combined collected the $1500 first prize; Fisherfolks took the Most Disciplined Team got $1000, and RSVG Police- $700. Award among the females, and Guardsman was named the Most Disciplined System Three bagged the Most Team. Disciplined Team in the Under-19 The Firms’ Division final was the climax to this Division. year’s Tournament, which also included an Under16 Division, an Under-16 Division, and a Female Firms Individual Awards Division. DivisionSystem Three Team One took both the League Fisherfolks’ Daniel Patrick Player of and Knock Out titles in the Under-16, as well as the collected the award of Player of the the League honours in the Under-19 segment. Tournament in the Firms’ Division, Je Belle Under-19 team though won the Knock Tournament Out competition which was merged with teams from with Anesha Richards of System – Daniel Three winning the Female Player of Patrick. the Firms’ Division. Patrick also walked away with the Most Goals trophy, while Jamal Duncan of Toni Stores Combined won the Most Outstanding Goal Keeper award. Jahseem James of System Three was the leading Goal Scorer in the Under-19 Division. James’ teammate- Derron Dopwell was voted the Division’s Player of the Tournament. Zuriel Browne accepted the award for being the Most Outstanding Goal Keeper. Among the Females, Luzanne Edwards, was the Top Goal Scorer, and Marsha Marshall — the Most Outstanding Goal Keeper. Leona Barrow was named the Player of the System Three One- Double winners in the UnderTournament for females. 16 Division.

Affiliates elect five to SVGFF’s Executive AFFILIATES of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, last Saturday at an Extraordinary Congress held at the Xpert Computer Conference Room, elected five Committee Members to the National Executive. Among the five were four who were part of the previous Executive set up. Retaining their posts were Dwight Roberts, Rosalo McKie, Othnell Douglas, and Yosiah Dascent. Making it on to the National Football administration for the first time was James Browne. When the ballots were counted and verified, Roberts got the most votes- 42, with McKie gathering 35. Douglas 33 and Dascent 29,

while Browne gained 30 votes. The others who faced the affiliates were Yoland London, who received 26 votes, Clemroy James Browne (Inset); From left: Francois 22, Rosalo McKie, Yosiah Dascent, Earl Bennett 12 Dwight Roberts, Othnell Douglas. and Germano Douglas 9. end, he informed Last Saturday’s Congress heard remarks from President of affiliates that projects proposed the SVGFF- Carl Dickson, and by the Executive must be ratified received an update on projects by the affiliates, before they are from First Vice- President, submitted to Football’s world Otashie Spring. governing body- FIFA. Dickson, who was elected to The President is still to head the SVGFF last November, appoint two persons to complete promised that things would be the Executive. done “differently”. Towards this

26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019. 27.

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FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 13, 2019

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH ISSUES ALERTS ON THE HEELS of a recent case of rat infestation at the Questelles Government School, the Ministry of Health has revealed that there have been some 15 confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the year. According to a Ministry of Health release, of the 15 confirmed cases, “eighty (80) percent of cases occurred in males, with 73.3% of cases occurring in males aged 25-66 years old.”

Leptospirosis People get leptospirosis when they come in direct contact with urine and droppings of infected animals. The disease can also be contracted through contact with fresh water, wet soil or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals. While it is commonly associated with rats, the disease is also known to be transferred by pigs and dogs. In fact, both domestic and wild animals can carry leptospirosis and they pass

the bacteria in their urine. The first phase on infection which usually last 5 to 7 days, is characterized by high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, red eyes, muscle aches (especially thigh and calf muscles), rash, chills and headache. A second phase of illness may follow 1 to 2 weeks later and can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. And while the Ministry of Health urges residents to practise proper personal hygiene, it offers some preventative measure than persons can take against the spread of the disease. These include: trimming overgrown vegetation and overhanging trees; properly storing and disposing of garbage; feeding pets during the day and properly disposing of all remaining food; avoiding the

consumption of foods (including fruits, vegetables and ground provisions) suspected to have been bitten by, or contaminated with, the droppings of rodents; eliminating rodents through the use of baits and traps. The Ministry of Health has assured that it continues “to monitor vector activity and provide health education on rodent control.”

Other Alerts And in a similar vein, the Ministry of Health said it was keeping a close watch on the situation with respect to the Influenza A H1N1 (a respiratory viral illness which is now endemic to St. Vincent and the Grenadines), even though there have been no laboratory confirmed cases for the year to date. An even closer monitoring is in place of the current situation of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), this as there have been confirmed cases in the state.

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

Beware of the rats!! They spread Leptospirosis.

HFMD is common among children under the age of five, but it can also affect adults. The Ministry has advised that the infection can be spread through close personal contact, such as hugging an infected person, and by air-borne means when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Contact with feces, through changing diapers of an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces like door knobs, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands, is definitely not advised. And while to date only one case of dengue fever has been confirmed for 2019, the Ministry is encouraging Vincentians to be aware of the symptoms of dengue fever, and to seek medical treatment immediately if any is experienced. Symptoms include high fever, headache (pain behind the eyes), vomiting, muscle and joint pains and skin rash (red rash).

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