THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 14-05-21

FRIDAY, MAY

14, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.19

www.thevincentian.com

Obscene language prevails Page 7

Cry for justice Page 9

No Vincymas 2K21 Page 13

EC$1.50

Football manager in heat Page 20

$117.9M approved Page 24

On being dismissed from the House, Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday moved immediately to speak with media personnel. (Photo: SVG TV)

altercation in which he had become embroiled with the THE ‘QUESTIONS FOR ORAL Speaker. ANSWERS’ SEGMENT of the May The Opposition Leader 11 Sitting of the House of raised an issue relating to Assembly was curtailed, after Senator Ashelle Morgan, Leader of the Opposition Dr indicating that there was an Godwin Friday was ejected from ongoing criminal investigation the day’s proceedings, as ruled involving her. by the Speaker of the House, According to Friday, he Rochelle Forde. thought that Prime Minister As a consequence of this Dr Ralph Gonsalves was going ruling, the other members of to address the issue seeing that the Opposition New Democratic it was a matter of public Party, in full support of the discussion and importance. He leader, took leave of the House, did not. forcing the premature end to However, Minister of the questions segment. Agriculture Saboto Caesar Friday’s ejection from the questioned whether the sitting House came as result of an was the opportune moment to raise the issue, and in agreeing Speaker of the House Rochelle with Caesar, the Speaker Forde stuck to her ruling and addressed Friday saying, “I am declared Dr. Friday out of also trying to listen carefully to order and ‘out of here’. where you are going with the by DAYLE DASILVA

point ……but it may very well be and I get a sense, you saw me looking at my notes, but you may be going down a road that offends the rules of the House.” She acknowledged that there was an ongoing investigation and that process should be allowed to proceed accordingly.

An opportune time Still on his feet, Friday retorted saying that he had no intention of commenting on anything as it pertained to the investigation in a substantive manner. He continued, “It is also a general principle, Madame Speaker, in matters involving public interest and public Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Relief

Animal Clinics Medical Kits and Free post eruption Masks for Shelters VINCENTIANS AND VINCENTIAN BUSINESSES continue to respond to the many needs of the persons in emergency shelters, they having been displaced by the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière Volcano. During their many visits to these shelters providing support with meals and other items, the staff of Metrocint, Metrolife/Pan American Life Insurance Company of the Eastern Caribbean discerned a need for medical items to supplement what was already in stock at the shelters. Consultation with the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) confirmed this need and what followed was an effort of collaboration. Eighty-five First Aid kits containing 250 items to serve 25 persons were secured by Ken Delecia of KADTRON in Miami, where they are based, at a cost of ECD7,200.00. The good corporate spirit continued when Mr. Keith Boyea and Amerijet agreed to get the kits from Miami to SVG on Amerijet, and waived all charges of a total of ECD1,500.00. Metrocint and its partners

(L-R): Cecil Mckie- Manager of Metrocint/ Metrolife, Roel Bynoerepresentative of KADTRON, Garet Dopwell - KADTRON, Keith Boyea - representative Amerijet, Andre Boyde - Metrolife/ Pan American Life and Michelle Forbes- Director/NEMO. handled the costs of documentation and NEMO facilitated the request for a waiver of the customs charges. The total value of the collaborative effort is ECD10,000.00. Each kit is fitted with a fluorescent label to allow easy location in the dark, a first aid guide, bandages, ointments, creams, wipes, tablets, pins, applicators, gloves, splints, cold packs, tweezer,

paper tape, gauze and trauma pads. Collaboration will be completed when local operatives of KADTRON, Kurtley Thompson and Roel Bynoe, deliver the First Aid Kits to all eighty-five shelters on St. Vincent. They will also donate two thousand (2000) face masks to the shelters compliments EZZYSHIP, based in New Jersey and Miami, USA who contributed the masks.

PETS N MEDIX, in collaboration with the Animal Shelter Working Group and in particular the Jamaica Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will host ten (10) free animal clinics throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines, to support animal wellness post Volcanic eruption. This public service will attempt to reach as many animals as would be brought for attendance. The clinics will kick start on Sunday the 16th May, 2021 and will be held every Sunday up until the 18th July, 2021. Attendance begins at 10:00am on each Sunday and will continue until the last animal is seen. Clinics would be hosted in Petit Bordel, Spring Village, Barrouallie, Orange Hill, Georgetown, Junction between South Rivers/Park Hill, New Grounds, Mesopotamia, Kingstown and Bequia. Details with respect to the exact location would be published on a monthly basis. The schedule for May 2021 is as follows: * May 16 — Petit Bordel Playing Field — targeting Fitz Hughes, Chateaubelair, Rose Bank and Petit Bordel; * May 23 — Spring Village Old Boxing Plant — targeting Troumaca, Coulls Hill, Spring Village, Cumberland and Gordon Yard; * May 30 — Barrouallie Square — targeting Barroualle and Layou. Special mention and thanks must also be given to the folks of ‘I love My Island Dog Association’ of Saint Martin and Budget Marine of Sint Maarten, for their support.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 3.

News 3 Dr. Friday thrown out

Supporters crowded Dr. Friday when he exited the Parliament Yard. (Photo: SVG TV)

A deterioration of the exchange The exchange went on for some time, with Friday insisting that the matter be dealt with and the Speaker responding that she had already made a ruling, and wanted for the day’s proceedings to continue. Things deteriorated quickly with the Leader of the Opposition refusing to take his seat as Senator Israel Bruce (left) and Commissioner of Police Colin John got into instructed to by the an ‘heated exchange’ over the padlocking of the main entrance to the Speaker, and insisting Parliament Yard. with emphasis that he had no intention to Continued from Page 3. concede. not agree that the am saying to you that “I have thought about Senator should take her the way in which you are figures that when you place in this House and attempting to do it is not it and I cannot concede,” have allegations of the he said, adding, “This is conduct the business.” permitted under the gravity that we have a matter that is too Forde insisted and standing orders,” the heard, with the respect important for us to held fast to her position Speaker said. that the Commissioner of that she was not Police has indicated are about to accede to under investigation the request made by involving the Senator, the opposition that in those leader. circumstances the person “My decision as involved, in this case the stated before, is I senator, withdraws from will not accede to the public role or is made your request… you to withdraw ‘til the are asking that the investigation is Honourable senator complete.” withdraws, or is He further contended forced to withdraw that those on the at this time and opposition side were that was the making a request of her, substance of your as the person in charge request as I of the conduct of the understood it. And I business of the House, for the matters to be Protestors had dealt with in an begun to gather expeditious manner. from an early hour “This is the first on the morning of instance where we have last Tuesday, had an opportunity to opposite the address the matter, and we do not agree and will parliament building.

simply brush it aside as the rules and Erskine May. People out there know that this is wrong.” Forde responded by saying that she was going to issue a warning to the Opposition Leader, to which Friday again stated that he was not going to concede, as doing that represented a gross disrespect for the House. At this juncture, the Speaker ruled that Friday should withdraw from the House as he was had contravened Rules of the House. But a defiant Friday refused to leave saying that he had no intention of withdrawing, and that he was not the person who should be withdrawing from the

House. “Senator Morgan is the person who is under the criminal investigation, that is the person who should be withdrawing from the House,” Friday asserted. Following this, the Speaker of the House moved the motion to have Friday removed and for there to be a suspension of the proceeding to facilitate the order. Observers commented that what ‘played out in the House last Tuesday, resembled the sitting on March 03, 2011 when Arnhim Eustace, then Leader of the Opposition, and the other opposition members of Parliament were forcibly removed from the House.

CORRECTION HAVING REVISITED A REFERENCED SECTION of Mr. Jomo Thomas’ article (‘Do as I say, not as I do’) as carried in our issue of Friday 7th May, 2021, and having listened to a full recording of the radio programme that featured Prime Minister Dr. Ralph statement as referenced by Mr. Thomas, THE VINCENTIAN is pleased to make the following correction. Mr. Thomas, quoting Dr. Gonsalves, wrote inter alia: ‘Partisan politics is a helluva thing. If the shoe was on the other foot. If it was an NDP woman, NDP parliamentarian or high party official, you know how this would have spin?’ In law, it is said he who frames the argument wins the case. Gonsalves comments are intended to do just that. He offers up a theory of the case. He claimed he was ‘not pronouncing on something under investigation, and I will be irresponsible to do so.’ Yet goes on to pronounce: ‘There are two women. In this country, there is a lot of violence against woman. Is a good thing to see somebody standing up to defend women. But no, it becomes all kind of pejorative words being used to describe somebody.’ THE VINCENTIAN is satisfied that separating what was one statement with an editorial comment, Mr. Thomas did not represent Dr. Gonsalves sentiment as he expressed it during the programme, and could easily have led to a conclusion that the Prime Minister was making a pronouncement on the issue of violence against women. THE VINCENTIAN here offers Dr. Gonsalves unbroken statement as referenced that in our assessment, does not make a pronouncement on the issue of violence against women: “I just want to say this. You know politics is a hell of a thing — partisan politics. Partisan politics is a hell of a thing. If the shoe was on the other foot and it was an NDP woman, an NDP parliamentarian or high party member who had gotten involved in this, you know how the story was going to spin? So what you expect.. there are two women, you know in this country there is a lot of violence against women, and it is a good thing to see that somebody is standing up to defend women, But no, it becomes all kind of pejorative words to being used to describe somebody.”

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Donations

Coreas donates two pick-ups, pledges $1.3M ON SATURDAY, May 8, Coreas handed over two new ZNA pick-up trucks to NEMO and to the Royal SVG Police Force, as part of its over-all contribution to volcano relief efforts in St Vincent and

One of the two pick-ups which Coreas has donated.

the Grenadines. The presentation of the keys to the vehicles was made by Joel Providence — CEO of Coreas Hazells to Ms. Michelle Forbes, Director of NEMO and to Mr. Colin John — Commissioner of Police. In his remarks during the short ceremony, Mr. Providence stated that the Coreas family recognizes its duty to support the Vincentian people, especially in this critical time of need. He affirmed that logistics and security are two important pillars of the country’s current relief and recovery work and that the donation of the vehicles will be quite beneficial in the exercise. Both Commissioner of Police, John, and NEMO Director Michelle Forbes

thanked Coreas for their historical Joel Providence, CEO/Coreas Hazells Inc. (centre) contribution to their respective organisations, presents keys to Colin John – Commissioner of Police, in the presence of Hudson Nedd, Permanent now and since the La Secretary, Ministry of National Security (right) and Soufriere volcano first Michelle Forbes, NEMO Director (near right). erupted on April 9th. They referred to the their overseas business partners, will donation of several containers of exceed EC$1.3 million in market bottled water, assorted groceries for value. displaced persons, as well as Mr. Providence confirmed that mattresses, buckets and shovels. Ms. additional shipments — consisting of Forbes also spoke of Coreas’s offer to mattresses, tanks, new children’s assist NEMO by providing software clothing and personal care packages and general support for inventory for women, will be arriving in St control and distribution. Vincent within the next two weeks, for It is expected that the combined distribution to those persons whose contributions to the volcano relief lives will continue to be disrupted for effort by Coreas Hazells and Coreas some time and are facing an uncertain Distribution, supported further by future. (Source: Coreas, SVG)

NCB Foundation: $2.5 million for SVG relief The NCB Financial Group of Jamaica, through its NCB Foundation, in response to the call for international solidarity with volcano-ravaged St. Vincent and the

Grenadines, has pledged $2.5 million to that country’s relief and recovery. “Our heart goes out to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines as they contend with the

effects of ongoing volcanic eruptions. Our contribution will provide immediate life-saving assistance. We look forward to also playing a part as our fellow Caribbean nation faces

the long-term rebuilding journey,” said Nadeen Matthews Blair, CEO of NCB Foundation. She said, as a member of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the NCB Financial Group was proud to be a part of this great cause. Imega Breese-McNab, PSOJ Executive Director, said, “We knew that our members, like NCB, have a philanthropic culture and have been consistent

in helping the vulnerable. The PSOJ salutes NCB for answering the call and making this donation of $2.5 million towards relief efforts in SVG,” Breese-McNab said, adding, “Their contribution will go a far way in helping thousands who have been affected by the volcano,” said BreeseMcNab. (Source: NCB Foundation)

Nadeen Matthews-Blair, CEO of NCB Foundation, says her Foundation was pleased to be able to answer the call for relief to SVG.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

‘Kicksin’ in Parliament ANY BETTING MAN, or woman for that matter, would have advised not to bet against the sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, 11th May, proceeding without ‘bacchanal’. They would have told you that according to the ‘run of the pack’, i.e. the nature of politics here and recent ‘behaviour’ of our parliamentarians, the sitting was as predictable as night follows day and, therefore, not something on which to place a bet and expect a tidy return of any significance. The Trinidadian calypsonian Mighty Explainer had assessed years ago that as far as his country was concerned, “…in parliament dey kicksin.” This assessment has morphed into a broad dab of the brush across the English-Speaking parliamentary landscape; for now, across the region, parliaments have become known to offer to the people in addition to ‘Bills’ to serve their wellbeing, a fair share of comedy, if not tragedy. Yes, in this period when there is a dearth of entertainment blame it on COVID-19 and La Soufrière - turn to the parliament for some light entertainment, comedy and action all wrapped up in one. It is difficult to accept that the Speaker of the House and the Government side of the Parliament, would not have anticipated the action of the Opposition when they eagerly took their seats in parliament last Tuesday. Given the volatility that had arisen because and around a recent incident involving the Deputy Speaker of the House and the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, and given the telegraphed actions by the opposition ranks; it was as open as a book what we should have expected at some point during last Tuesday’s sitting. That the matter involving the two officers of the state was, according to the Royal SVG Police Force, under investigation, made no difference to the intended action of the Opposition.

What was as crystal as the pristine waters of the Caribbean was that they were bent on having the Deputy Speaker ‘suspended’, given that she was supposedly the subject of a criminal investigation. And if the action in Parliament to have that demand accepted and acted upon as the Opposition so desired was going to cause disruption in the Parliament, that would have been nothing new. What would have been cause for concern would have been the action taken by the new Speaker of the House should it have developed into a shouting match which, predictably, it did. Sadly, nothing new ensued; in adherence to the ‘script’, the ‘troublemaker(s)’ was (were) made to leave the Chamber, before ‘the sun went down’. That the Opposition stood their ground might have been an adjustment in the plot, but that, notwithstanding, what happened after that was a replay of an all too familiar episode of a show of strength/might that has characterized the last twenty years of our politics. The Parliamentary Opposition would have predicted the unsettling outcome of their telegraphed actions and might have, in their pre-parliamentary meeting, devised an adjustment in the script, so as to ‘provoke’ a different action by the state. If they did, the result was the same old knee-jerk reaction. We have been playing the same old movie, with the same old plot, with the same old cast, with the same old soundtrack for too long. The weaknesses in our democracy and our parliamentary system are known. Why do we commit to a repeat of actions that in essence simply plaster the sore, with invitingly colourful band aids that in truth and fact, take us no further into a new era in the advancement of our democracy and as some are wont to say, our civilization. Like Explainer said, “..in parliament dey kicksin.”

Where do we go from here By Ralph E. Gonsalves (Reprint from Unity Vol. 1No.1 December 1, 1982) (A reprint of THIS WEEK as carried in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 22nd July, 2016.) “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE” was the screaming lament of Dr. Gonsalves disappointed, frustrated and fed up to the teeth with two successive runs by the Cato Labour Party which he deemed abject failures and worse on their last lap of their period of stewardship. His damning indictment first appeared in Unity Vol.1 Number 1 December 1, 1982, and represented a baptism of fire for ‘Unity’, the mouth-piece of his new party, the MNU, edited by “Blazer” Williams. “It is hardly possible to have a worse administered country in the Commonwealth Caribbean than ours, with the exception of Guyana. The economy is falling to pieces as production declines or stagnates in all the major sectors of the economy. No set of fancy words spoken or rosy picture painted by Government apologists can change the real facts of life.”

Economic Crisis Arrowroot, bananas, sugar, tourism, fisheries, and the fledgling manufacturing sector are in bad shape. The national debt is soaring to uncontrollable heights; personal income taxes have reached punitive levels; consumption taxes and an array of other indirect taxes are pushing-up rapidly the cost-of-living whilst dampening the level of personal savings; national consumption is some 25 percent in excess of the Gross Domestic Product as the country lives way beyond its means; the deficit on the balance of trade is in the region of $100 Million; and more than 30 percent of the labour force is unemployed. On top of all that the (Labour) Government has dealt the commercial sector and the country as a whole a lethal blow by the imposition of the three percent traders’ turnover tax. (VAT?)

Administrative Collapse Administratively the country is collapsing. At the helm is a political leader (Milton Cato) who has now surely outlived his usefulness. There are no new directions; indeed, there were no directions; just more of the same unplanned and ad hoc tinkering here and there. Within the public service morale is at an all-time low as potentially creative personnel sit around within an administrative vacuum. Waste and a disregard for financial accountability and administrative procedures

abound as attested to by successive reports of the Director of Audit.

Deformed State Capitalism The State enterprises, by and large, are losing large sums of money annually. No accounts are presented for them to parliament and thus they escape the democratic scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee. The deformed State Capitalism of the Cato regime is at once parasitic, undemocratic, and a hindrance to national development. Rather than being an engine for progress, Cato’s State Capitalism has acted as a suck-me-well octopus and has blocked the growth of a truly national business sector by giving preferential treatment to regional and foreign capitalists.

Democracy on Trial On the democratic front, things are genuinely bad and the trends are ominous. The (Labour) government’s general disregard for the people’s opinion and rights are wellknown and much-commented on. This includes legislative attempts to curb trade union and political rights and to undermine free and fair elections. Further the military build-up is becoming alarming. Yet though, the people in this country are not in open revolt - and that may well be surprising to a foreign observer, but beneath the surface there is simmering discontent which an appropriate spark can so ignite. At the same time there is an immense distrust of politicians and a cynicism towards politics. The real, genuine and understandable anger is there but too many of our people have allowed their political masters to make them wallow in despair by the thought that there is no alternative.

The Way forward It is vital that the hopefulness of our people and their yearnings for change be encouraged and their cynicism or hopelessness be struggled against. But that takes an appropriate political organisation which is flexible and creative and a political leadership which is sensitive, honest, and progressive. (The NDP and Arnhim Eustace). Dogma, sectarianism, intolerance, or the “rum and corn beef politics” of the old era will not do. Neither will a one-man set-up with no clearly identifiable principles or structures meet the tasks at hand. Given the crisis situation described above, what is the way out? And how is this way out to be Continued on Page 23.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 7.

Letters

Thanks, Mr. Saunders

I WANT TO THANK Mr. Garth Saunders, the CEO of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority, for recognizing me in his article ‘Our Response’ that was carried in last week’s VINCENTIAN. I urge him to carrying on reading THE VINCENTIAN since I see where that paper was the only paper that carried coverage on what he said about flexibility needed in the water system. This is an area that we hope to hear more from him in the future and attending to

it could well mean his lasting legacy at the CWSA. And while I am addressing Mr. Saunders, maybe he can have a little chat with his colleague at VINLEC. You see, Mr. Saunders, MR VINLEC has just sent me a bill which is way, way over what I would normally pay or put another way, what I would normal budget for especially that I am a retiree surviving for the most part on what the NIS

accords me. Perhaps you could whisper in MR. VINLEC’s ear that instead of trying to tell us we will have a reduced bill the next reading, he could perhaps give a discount, like you are doing Mr. Saunders, on this current bill — the one with the longest period between the last reading and the most recent. I can see a number of people not being able to pay their bills

in full meaning that the next bill will in real terms, not be a reduction since it would carry arrears. I might be stupid, but I still think I and all the other pensioners in this land deserve a more humane attitude by MR. VINLEC. Thanks, Mr. Saunders for all your help. Charles, Edinboro

GHS celebration Obscene language prevails 110 years old CONGRATULATIONS to the St. Vincent Girls’ High School on celebrating 110 years of the school’s existence on May 8, 2021, having started on May 8, 1911. The school has produced many stalwarts, pioneers, nation builders and, generally loving, caring, responsible individuals and especially at this time, devoted mothers. I hope that it will continue to do so. On May 8, 2021, a group of former attendees of the Girls’ High School and friends participated in a Virtual GHS Celebration to mark this auspicious occasion, under the banner of: CAMARADERIE SOCIAL: LET US STAY CONNECTED. It was wonderful. Thanks to all who participated and to Artie Phills for making the Zoom accessibility possible. It was a valuable, inspiring and noteworthy experience. To all of the graduates and all who ever attended and/or taught and/or were/are associated with the school in any way, I say congratulations and thanks. I wish the school continued success in the future. These are challenging times and we pray for guidance as we go forward. PRAYER FOR THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL (SVG). (G)racious and merciful God we thank you for blessing us with this excellent institution of (H)igh School: education that positively influences the lives of so many (S)upport and guide us now and forever. Amen. Cheryl Phills King

Mr. Editor, is there still a law that prohibits the use of obscene (curse words) in public? Then again, maybe I should ask whether there has been a complete disregard for the law and therefore, the police no longer enforce it? I do recall, given my seniority, the days when the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court would be packed with persons charged for using obscene language in public. Mind you, there were a lot of repeat offenders, like the many characters (‘Gatty’, ‘Bag ah Coals’, ‘Larwood’) we had around town in those days. But, there were always some first time offenders who, like the repeaters, were, more often than not, found guilty and fined either $25.00 or $35.00, I can’t say which one it was with any certainty. There was also a prison sentence that could be applied, but that was

Murder count climbing EVERY TIME there is another murder in our land, I am saddened and heartbroken that we have become a land so different from what it used to be. Not so long ago in Hairoun, a murder was an exception, now it is the rule, or so it appears. Yes, I accept that the world has changed and things move at a quicker pace that it did fifty years ago. Yes, I know that the young people of today are influenced by trends and fashions that didn’t exist fifty years ago. However, this is no excuse for us to adopt all the bad things and bring uneasiness to our land.

Already for the year we have had 13 murders. Yes, unlike the police, I am calling them murders, for they all seem to be premeditated whether it is a payback or ‘a get-you-before-youget-me’ thing. If it continues at this rate, approximately 2.6 murders a month, then we will be heading for another 30-plus count at the end of the year. The funny thing is that I sense that a lot of people know what drives these murders but are afraid to come forward. Something must be wrong with the police force when they don’t seem to be able to convince ordinary civilians to assist them. All I know is that this is not the St. Vincent I knew, and I bet my bottom dollar there are those who are pulling the strings but the police dare not thread in that direction. Citizen of this land

seldom used. That said, it appears to me, as I move around Kingstown and even in my own community that the use of obscene language has become commonplace among young men in particular. It seems to me that there isn’t a conversation among young men that is not laced with obscenities. This is quite a change from when I was young when it took some real frustration or anger to have a curse word escape somebody’s mouth. Now, profanity and obscenity are used even in a casual manner. Obscene language has become such a normal part of certain people’s lives that they use it even when they want to

express joy or happiness. They have no regard for the company they are in, feeling very at ease using it even in front of their girlfriends, something unheard of in ‘my time’. I can’t say for sure why persons use obscenities. Could it be that persons who curse think that it makes them more mature? Could it be that they feel they would be more respected by and impress their peers when they curse in front of them? Could it be that they feel cursing makes them more important and powerful? Could it be that they see the use of obscenities as a means of emphasising what they want to say? Whatever the

reason(s), those who curse, it appears, feel that they have a licence to do it, especially since the police have relaxed their approach to the offense. After all, some might say if a former Police Commissioner and police officer through the ranks can use expletives, why can’t the civilians do likewise? Regardless of who does it, frequent and regular use of obscene language is crass behaviour; it is rude and insensitive and shows no understanding of what is proper or acceptable. I long for the day when we return to some careful thinking before we spoke. Retiree

Our Age of Consent – 15. Why? “THE AGE OF CONSENT is the age at which a person is considered to be legally competent to consent to sexual acts. Consequently, an adult who engages in sexual activity with a person younger than the age of consent is unable to legally claim that the sexual activity was consensual, and such sexual activity may be considered child sexual abuse or statutory rape. The person below the minimum age is regarded as the victim, and their sex partner is regarded as the offender, unless both are underage. The purpose of setting an age of consent is to protect an underage person from sexual advances.” (Wikipedia).

Table showing of consent for some countries

Why is our age of consent among the lowest? Do our women mature at an earlier age? Is this part of some trade policy? Does it enhance our Tourism Product? Is it to reduce our Rape Statistics? Who or what body of Men or Women or a combination of both sets the age of consent? Who benefits from this? Who is hurt by this? How does this affect our schools? Is it advantageous to have 15 as the consent age? Who is keeping the consent age at 15? Who do I ask to get the answers? Anthony Stewart, PhD

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Ralph Gonsalves, a Leader for these times

SVG is a country of laws

Introduction

THE NDP, like most people in the country, is extremely concerned about the profoundly disturbing matter of the shooting and beating of a man just over three weeks ago, and the involvement of a Senator, a senior public official and a third person as alleged assailants. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a country of laws. We believe in the Rule of Law which guarantees the equality of all citizens before the law. The NDP believes in the transparent and fair administration of justice and abhor the abuse or misuse of power. With respect to the alleged brutal attack by Senator and Deputy Speaker Ms. Ashelle Morgan, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Karim Nelson, and another male person one Mr. Cornelius John, a senior citizen, on the night of 13th April, 2021 while he was in the sanctity of his home, we call on Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John and Director of Public Prosecutions Ms Sejilla McDowall to conduct an impartial, transparent investigation, and to bring charges against the alleged perpetrators of this attack based on the evidence. If, as it is alleged, Mr. Cornelius John committed any offence, he too should be investigated and charged as warranted. Further, we condemn the recent extensive comments on the matter by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on NBC radio on 4th May, 2021 as being inappropriate and ill-advised. His attempt to excuse the inaction so far of the Commissioner of Police by saying “partisan politics is a hell of a thing… Partisan politics, if the shoe was on the other foot and it was an NDP woman and an NDP parliamentarian or high party member who had gotten involved in this, you know how the story was going to spin? ” has absolutely no merit. It is and has always been the position of the NDP that the criminal justice system must be impartial and treat everyone equally. Has Prime Minister Gonsalves forgotten the unwanted and malicious re-arrest of then Senator Vynette Frederick by a party of male police officers immediately after the case brought against her had been dismissed by the court? Further, he must also remember the assault and arrest of NDP candidate Mr. Ben Exeter for carrying his licensed firearm concealed in his waist. For Prime Minister Gonsalves to openly excuse the alleged attack by Ms. Ashelle Morgan encourages vigilante actions. This serious matter must not be made a political issue. The alleged assailants must be brought to justice. It cannot be the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, especially the police, that three weeks after the shooting no one has been detained and no one has been charged. The reported comments by Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John, in the Searchlight newspaper, about cross complaints being made implies that charges are forthcoming. Is there a credible reason for delay? Ms. Ashelle Morgan is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. The NDP calls on her to step-down or be suspended from that position pending the outcome of the matter. Finally, St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasts of a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Surely, we must be seen to be safeguarding the security and rights of every person in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to be upholding the rule of law. As we have stated, no one is above the law.

THIS ARTICLE was first published in August of 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, discussing the decisions taken by Prime Minister Gonsalves and the ULP administration. Today, as we confront the challenges brought on by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, the substance of the article is absolutely relevant. This week, with some changes to the original article, the general substance remain extremely timely. Very often, when speaking to the people of this country, Comrade Ralph would refer to the Bible and extract many quotes to strengthen his point or to make it more relatable to those of the Christian faith. Within recent times, our Prime Minister and political leader of the ULP has given us insights on the source of his inspiration, regarding his ability to adapt to the times so as to offer appropriate leadership to the people of our beloved country. We have most recently been introduced to the biblical character, Issachar, the leader of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, in a manner that provides us with an indication of the way our Prime Minister intends to ensure that his decision making and policy decisions are what are necessary to maintain the development trajectory that SVG has followed, since the election of the ULP to office in 2001. The book of Chronicles says referring to Issachar, “And the children of Issachar, which were men that had the understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” This repeated reference to the sons of Issachar by our Comrade Leader, among other things, lets us know that the leader of our country is one who ensures he is kept informed, always up-to-date with information locally, regionally and internationally, has his fingers on the pulse of the current and trending issues, and understands the local movements and issues affecting the daily lives of Vincentians. Like Issachar, PM Gonsalves makes it a priority of having a good grasp of what is happening on the ground so that he can formulate policy responses to address the needs of Vincentians. He takes on as a personal and lived responsibility, knowing and understanding the times and the way our country must respond to situations locally, regionally and internationally.

He knows the times and what SVG should do The most recent situation regarding the eruption of La Soufriere has shown in unambiguous terms the ability of Comrade Ralph to do what is necessary considering the specifics of the times. Let’s look at some of these: 1. Preparing the country for emergency evacuation: From the onset of the eruptions, starting with the effusive stage, Comrade Ralph was constantly engaged in the monitoring of the volcano through constant communication with the team from The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWISRC). Almost immediately following the start of the eruption, arrangements were made by Comrade Ralph, to have Professor Richard Robertson and a team on island to facilitate a closer monitoring of the volcanic activities. Based on the information provided by the experts, the National Emergency Council,

chaired by Prime Minister Gonsalves was activated to begin preparation for a possible explosive eruption of La Soufrière . It was this preparation that allowed for the orderly evacuation of residents from the red and orange zones that occurred without injury or death to anyone, and with residents being placed in various shelters across the nation. 2. Mobilising local and external resources: The wisdom of preparation cannot be overstated, and this includes implementing proactive policies such as the Contingency Fund, established by the introduction of a levy on hotel rooms. This and other measures by the government were heavily criticised by the opposition as “wickedness’, ‘murderation’ as they opposed them in debates in parliament. The Contingency Fund as well as monies from the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown (Cat DDO) presented an immediate pool of funds that the government was able to tap into in the initial stages of the eruption. This was critical to the initial response to the eruption of La Soufrière as it was the source of funds used to address the more immediate and pressing needs of the evacuees. While many nations and agencies pledged support in cash and other forms of assistance, the Contingency Fund and the funds available through the CatDDO were readily available to be used immediately while we waited for the pledges to materialise. 3. Offering hope with constant updates: Since the explosive eruption, Comrade Ralph has been on radio no less than 5 times every week, either in studio or by telephone, updating the nation on the status of volcanic activity as well as the government’s response. This is significant, as he is showing that he is there with us and he understands that in times of challenges and difficulties, the people need to hear from their leader. It is of great significance that PM Gonsalves’ call to not panic and give way to hysteria, has been widely heeded with the majority of Vincentians following the advice of the professionals from The UWI SRC. His ability to understand our people and offer a message that would appeal to them in a way that would produce the desired outcome, indicate clearly that Dr. Gonsalves is not only in touch with the people, but is one with us.

Conclusion The experience and wisdom of the Comrade who has lead this country since 2001, are showing now more than ever as we navigate one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history. His actions, inclusive of the handling of the economy as well as the way this government conducts its foreign policy, being friends of all and staying on principle, and being proved to be correct in the stances and decisions made, leave little doubt that he knows the times and the way SVG should go. And while PM Gonsalves displays the wisdom and intuition present in the sons of Issachar, it could also be asked of him as it was in the case of another biblical character, Esther, “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for a time such as this”?

Tribute to Parnel Campbell Mr. Parnel Campbell, QC, affectionately called ‘PR’, was a longstanding senior member of the legal profession in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the OECS. He was wellknown as a lawyer and politician throughout the Caribbean. PR Campbell was a true nation builder. He contributed to national development in many ways and will be remembered as a man whose life exemplified a commitment to public service. He did so as a politician, as a political commentator and as a vocal champion of the rule of law and of public order. He worked tirelessly over several decades to promote justice and for the recognition and elevation of the dignity for ordinary people. Many benefited individually and collectively from his legal advice, free and otherwise. Through his public service “The Law and You” legal educational program that he hosted for many years on SVG TV, he was the nation’s law teacher. Ordinary people, who had not had any legal training could be heard expounding with confidence legal principles or asserting rights they had learned about from his programme because, as they often put it, “Campbell say so”. PR Campbell was a stalwart of our party, the New Democratic Party. He served long and in various roles. He was an outstanding Chairman of the party, who used his renowned skill as an organizer to organize many activities for the party. His career in Parliament began in the early days of the NDP government. He was appointed Senator in 1985 for the NDP government led by Sir James Mitchell. In 1987, he was elected to Parliament having won the by-election in East Kingstown which followed the sudden death of the incumbent NDP representative, Mr. Eddie Griffith. In the General Elections of 1989, he decided to run for Central Kingstown, one of the new constituencies that was formed for the General Elections that year. He won and represented that constituency until 1998. He was an effective and attentive representative for the people. PR Campbell served this nation as an exceptional Attorney General, from 1985 to 1987 when he was Senator and from 1987 to 1995, as an elected Member of Parliament. As Attorney General, he played a critical role in the preparation of the Revised Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in changing laws that discriminated against women in our country. He held other Ministerial and notable positions in the NDP government. He was Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Minister of Justice, information and Culture. As Minister of Information, he ensured that all religious denominations were given equal opportunity to broadcast live their worship services on NBC radio (including the Spiritual Baptist of which he was a member). Later, out of politics but still very much in public service, he served as Chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission. He will be truly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. May God comfort them and may He receive our friend into his arms.

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Not the Plan

their ability to generate revenue. A diagnosis of having contracted HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. The list goes on. Life can still be considered beautiful even when there is a diversion from the way that we may have planned our lives. THERE IS value in planning. There is The workplace is yet another of life’s wisdom in anticipating events that are stages where events do not always go likely to take place and to develop according to plan. The enterprise may strategies and tactics aimed at ensuring have strategists who design and the greatest chances of success. implement several systems, structures, Students who excel at their studies can procedures, and actions to cater for a attest to this. Athletes, medical doctors, variety of scenarios. Some may teachers, managers, and leaders are but describe this as pursuing Plan A but a few of the individuals who can testify of assessing whether to also engage in an the benefit of engaging in planning alternative Plan B or Plan C. exercises. However, life’s experiences do However, even with such wisdom and not always go as we have planned. the best of intentions, a situation may Accidents happen. A variety of detours occur that the business leaders and and roadblocks can occur. Unpleasant managers had not foreseen. They can and unexpected things can interrupt life be caught “on the blind side” by as we know it or may wish it to be. situations that emerge within the firm It is quite understandable that (as in the loss of a key employee, individuals who are challenged by such system or equipment failures, etc.) or, unexpected events (i.e. accidents, as so very often happens, external sicknesses, abandonment, betrayal, forces that were not planned for (such etc.) may panic. This is especially so as acts of God, intense and threatening if/when the event is considered to be competition, etc.). quite physically, mentally, and/or In all of these scenarios, it is so very emotionally threatening. In addition, important that we create and sustain the challenges may appear to be critical thinking and problem solving magnified if we were not previously abilities that enable speedy rebounding exposed to such a trauma. However, on a personal or corporate level; that even when such events take us by ability to engage in objective analysis surprise, we often have the ability to of the particular situation and the adjust. We have the capacity to make courage to do what is required to the best of a bad, unpleasant, and resolve same. We are more than the unplanned situation. The divorcee can circumstances that seek to constrain find a fruitful life after a traumatic us. We are often stronger and more ending to a long and rewarding capable of solving life’s unexpected and marriage. The amputee can discover most traumatic challenges if/when we that the loss of a limb does not impair realise that events will not always “We must stop regarding unpleasant and unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life.” C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) – British writer and lay theologian

occur as we had planned them … but we can be agile and skilful enough to regroup and rebound from the unexpected. Life would really be boring if everything worked out according to our plans. Our ability to cope with unexpected events often remind us that we are much more capable and can accomplish so much more than we may have previously thought possible. And while this does not negate proper planning there is wisdom in cultivating winning attitudes that propel us in the direction of our noble ambitions even when the uninvited and unexpected detours, distractions, and disappointments happen. Such an attitude and approach enables us to better respond to life’s varied, unplanned, and unwelcomed events. Many valuable life lessons are taught when we are tutored by “the unexpected”. Events that were/are unplanned often provide situations that test us to the core. These can strengthen our resolve and encourage us to develop stronger coping mechanisms. Even the events that result in our experiencing loss can provide priceless learning opportunities that eventually create gain. In other words, we can extract tremendous knowledge and experience from unplanned events that temporarily retard our progress. Life does not always follow “linear timelines”. Diversions (that we never planned for) will occur. The independent single parent may discover that external circumstances (such as acts of God; volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes,

A cry for justice in SVG THE PROTEST that was mounted last Tuesday along Back Street outside the Vegetable Market and during a sitting of Parliament was purportedly organized by a group called Rise Hairouna. The purpose was to highlight the recent inhumane conditions created by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the alleged shooting of Mr. Cornelius John involving a government Senator and Assistant DPP In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, Nikiesha Williams, a member of Rise Hairouna, said the organization “is a social group that is not affiliated with any political party.” She noted that the 30 members of the group have been, over the last 6 months or so distributing face mask, and more recently since the eruption of the volcano, sanitary

products, meals and care packages to displaced persons. Speaking to the aim of the protest, Ms. Williams said, “We are asking the Vincentian people to put pressure on the government to put in place an Integrity Committee. A Committee that is independent of the government because we all know what happens if the government put things in place. …. This is not the time for Vincentians to stay dormant… there is a need for persons to stand up for their rights.” Another protestor, Economist and Social Activist Phillip Jackson, referring to “an alleged crime committed by two very senior public servants, one is a Senator and one is an Assistance DPP, against a senior citizen,” said he was “calling on Senator Morgan to step down from her position until the matter is finished.” Senator Morgan is also Deputy Speaker of

Nikiesha Williams

Wenna Roberts

the House and the other person allegedly involved is Karim Nelson, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. Jackson added that he was “calling on the Prime Minister to do the right thing by the people St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and ask her (Senator Morgan) to step down. You cannot have her in the highest law making office of the land, which is the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines… .” He fingered the Prime Minister was turning the

matter into a a political issue saying, “This is not a political issue, this is a straight issue of law but he went straight to politics because that is the only capital he has … it is a foolish approach…” Wenna Cassandra Roberts was a standout among the protestors as she raised a loud and sustained chant, “Arwe want justice for Mr John. Is too many years Vincentians have been going through this under the present government. It is time to stop.”

etc.) can create a tailspin that results in her having to seek assistance from others. Life happens. Everyone needs a little help at times. However, it will be unreasonable to anticipate that the “handouts” remain in place indefinitely. Temporary dependence on others should enable the recipient to retain or replenish a sense of dignity by again learning to generate revenue. This is especially so when there are multiple individuals simultaneously needing assistance. The challenge is then for the donors and/or supporting agencies to engage in sensitizing programmes that encourage selfreliance and the movement away from total dependence on others. Using the old Chinese proverb, it is more valuable to the individual and society when citizens accept the challenge to “go fishing” rather than to expect to be “served a fish” at their beck and call. We need to react to the unplanned by becoming more proactive as we desire to help ourselves and others become unshackled from the dependency syndrome; we are frequently positioned to provide the solutions to many of life’s unpleasant and unplanned challenges. As paradoxical as it may seem, we should expect and prepare for the unexpected. C.S. Lewis (18981963), the renowned British writer, reminds us so well that, “We must stop regarding unpleasant and unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life.” Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

Phillip Jackson showing placard. Addressing the Parliamentary Opposition, she beckoned: “You shouldn’t be sitting in the House of Parliament with a gunslinger senator or have a gunslinger Assistant DPP running our court house. I am calling on the opposition….you shouldn’t be sitting in the house of parliament among these people who are justifying all the

wrong doing in this country.” Another protestor, Neil Knights, interjected, stating that if the shoe was on the other foot, the senator would have already been locked up. “I am calling on the Commissioner of Police and the Christian Council to deal with these people because if it continues so, it will get worst,” he declared. (KH)

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THE VOLCANIC ash being blown around Kingstown is a substantial threat to the health of our people, and should be urgently removed by the ULP regime. You can see volcanic ash all around Kingstown - on the pavement and in the roads and drains. People have told The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that even when they are wearing mask, they can still feel the volcanic ash being blown into their face and eyes. A mask is not enough to protect them from the ash being blown around. SVG needs professional advice and assistance in dealing with the removal of the volcanic ash in Kingstown. Why is the highly incompetent ULP Regime taking so long to wash down the roads and pavements and drains in Kingstown? A man in Kingstown told the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that the very least the ULP regime should be doing is getting truckloads of seawater and

using it to wash down the streets and pavements of Kingstown. Can the ULP regime not see that we have plenty of seawater around us and it is free? Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA is calling on the United Nations and the World Health Organization to immediately send experts to help deal with this problem. The ULP government is out of its depth and has shown no initiative in removing the volcanic ash from the streets of Kingstown. According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, volcanic ash can impact people’s respiratory system, eyes, skin and more. Particles in some volcanic ash are so small, they can lodged themselves deep in the lungs. Exposure to volcanic ash can cause a variety of chest, eye, nasal and throat problems. For the general public, and people who already have respiratory problems, this may lead to coughing and shortness of breath. SVG’s health system is already at breaking point and is not equipped to

deal with a rise in respiratory health problems. Health facilities have been underfunded for years by the ULP regime. The ash needs to be removed immediately but it is quite obvious that the ULP regime lacks the competence to clean up Kingstown. The disaster management preparations by the ULP regime have been appalling. We urgently need a new competent team at the Emergency Unit; people who have been adequately trained and are highly qualified, and more importantly, competent and professional. The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is very concerned and makes a strong call on the Kingstown Town Board to stop the old fashioned approach of brush, shovel and wheelbarrow, and urgently get a fire engine

with full tanks of water and give Kingstown a thorough washing down with a pressure hose. The health of our people is being unnecessarily put at risk by the inaction of the ULP regime.

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Business

will be invited to an interview with successful candidates placed at various resorts across the region. “We are very excited to get this programme underway”, Stewart said, “The successful

The Buccament Bay Resort that has fallen into ruins of sorts, is expected to be transformed into a Beaches all-inclusive family resort. FIVE HUNDRED VINCENTIANS stand to benefit from direct employment opportunities within the Sandals Group when the company begins its recruitment drive in the island in the next few weeks. Last year, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced plans to bring its Beaches brand to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a move which promises expansive economic growth for the Eastern Caribbean island. According to the company’s Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, this recruitment drive to provide direct employment opportunities for nationals even ahead of the resort’s opening, represents only the first move towards fulfilling this promise. He shared, “In light of the displacement many are experiencing due to the volcanic eruption, we are fast-tracking our plans for employment and training opportunities. We are committed to supporting the people of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, especially during these challenging times and we remain even more committed to delivering on this

exciting Beaches project.” “Increased employment, which will continue throughout construction and beyond, is only one aspect of the massive economic footprint the Beaches brand will bring to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”, Stewart said. “The economic benefits will be significant - from increased airlift benefitting all surrounding islands to direct and indirect linkages to critical sectors such as transportation, tours and excursions, agriculture and manufacturing.” The upcoming recruitment drive is a manifestation of SRI’s continued commitment to providing Caribbean nationals with training and employment opportunities across the region under its Team Member Exchange Programme. Qualified Vincentians will be encouraged to apply for a raft of positions across the region which will be advertised in the coming week ranging from bartenders and cooks to concierge and front desk agents and restaurant managers. Applications will be accepted by email and thereafter, shortlisted applicants

applicants will be the very ones who will come back to lead and train other Vincentians when we officially open Beaches Saint Vincent and as a company built on training and development, we look

forward to what will definitely be a full-circle moment for these team members.” In addition to this recruitment drive, the company has also supported post-eruption relief efforts through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, which has been working closely with local authorities to provide

support. Beaches Saint Vincent is just one of several exciting new projects announced by Sandals Resorts in 2021, which will also see new resorts in Jamaica and Curacao, followed by Saint Lucia, and which is expected to create some 5,000 new jobs over the next five years. (Source: Sandals)

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

La Soufrière Feature

Dr. TC: „Do not build on flood plains‰ Stories by GLORIAH…

LAST FRIDAY, May 7, the allclear was given for residents in the Orange and Yellow Zones to return to their communities. This followed on the lessening of activity at the volcano, and residents of the Red Zone will now be looking out for clearance for their return. That there has been significant destruction of homes in the northeastern side of St. Vincent, is clear. In the initial stages of the eruption, the destruction was the result of huge amounts of ash deposited on properties. The ash became even more destructive when made heavier by rainfall. Families will wish to commence the process of clearing, cleaning, and rebuilding. The question is:

Avoid the River Plains The questions even before the rebuilding process begins is: Should everyone rebuild on the same spot? Dr. Thomas Christopher, Lead Scientist of the La Soufrière Monitoring Unit, speaking on NBC’s Eyeing La Soufrière, proffered on that issue.

“In terms of reducing loss of property in future eruptions, I guess some sort of zonation might have to be put in place, in terms of where it makes sense to build,” he suggested. He cautioned that the building or rebuilding of any structure in the Red Zone on the Windward side of the country, should be closely monitored. As a matter of fact, Dr. Christopher was clear that these communities remain in danger of lahars. He reasoned that, “As you notice, there has been no pyroclastic flows to the Windward side and I don’t think there was ever any historical record of that happening. The major issue with the Windward side is being cut off at the Rabacca Bridge but it’s highly unlikely that you will get pyroclastic flow into places like Sandy Bay, Owia.” He reiterated that any major issues resulting from volcanic activity in those communities will come from lahars and because of that, monitoring must be done to “find better places to build houses and not on the flood plain of these rivers, because they will take the houses away from you when the time

Road damage and more caused by a lahar in Sandy Bay. Inset: Dr. Thomas Christopher suggests that zoning should be introduced so as to guide rebuilding in area where it makes sense so to do. comes.” Previous team leader Professor Richard Robertson had advanced the idea that just as the CDB-funded ‘Volcano Ready’ Project sensitized persons in the danger zones of volcano

hazards and how to prepare for eruptions, so too there should be a ‘Lahar Ready’ project that “makes the community understand better what the hazard is,” and should be considered even before the process of

rebuilding begins. Professor Robertson believes that such a project just might solve the problem of building in the danger areas, as greater understanding would facilitate more positive action.

Nazarene Church leads emergency response OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO, persons traversing the Leeward Highway would have noticed huge crowds standing in the vicinity of Massy Supermarket at Stoney Ground. A cursory investigation would have indicated that they were waiting ‘in line’ for emergency supplies. The situation was that the Church of the Nazarene had accessed a building in the area just below the Massy carpark, which they were using as a storage and distribution point for a relief effort for persons displaced by the volcanic eruption. The response, according to Reverend Kelron Harry, the locally-based District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene Windward Islands, was being fueled by the Nazarene Compassionate Ministry, an emergency response group catering to disasters within the Caribbean region. Rev. Harry and his wife, Dr. RoAnne Harry, serve as the Caribbean Field Coordinators for that Ministry. He told THE VINCENTIAN that the project developed out a think-tank created by the pastors of the seven Nazarene churches in SVG, to coordinate an effective response. “We decided that the response

cannot be small so we looked to our partnership with Trinidadian Avonelle Hector Joseph, and ITNAC (Is There Not A Cause?) — a Christian-based charitable organization. Then, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (UNIOM) also came on board,” Rev Harry explained. “About three days after the disaster began,” Rev. Harry related, “we had water tanks at the port from ITNAC in Trinidad. Boats started coming loaded with containers of supplies. Then locally, businessmen threw in their support: Randy Kennedy of Randy’s Supermarket loaned the storage facility close to Massy Supermarket here; Gibson’s Building Supplies made their trucks available to move goods from port to storage; ‘Toney’ of Eustace Auto Supplies transported our containers from the port, among others.” The news of this location spread and persons began to gather. That, however, was not the group’s original plan. “Our initial plan was to serve the shelters, and private homes with evacuees,” Rev. Harry acknowledged, “then we realized that persons are showing up here,

beginning with a few then huge crowds. They were in need and we gave.” With increasing numbers, the Police came on board to help control the crowd. The passionate Pastor revealed that, “On a daily basis we serve hundreds of persons. We’re providing mainly food and sanitary stuff, clothing, water and so on; but we are in this for the long haul. We’re also looking at the next phase which will most likely be clean-up and rebuilding. We’ve started to bring in tools, generators, power wash equipment, wheelbarrows, scrubbing brooms, buckets, hoses and shovels. These are in anticipate of the time when the Church will actually have to go into the Red Zone and help people. The Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene Pastors Kelron Harry and Fidel Taylor take a ‘pause’ from a night of work at the storage facility. believes that ministry goes beyond the walls of the church. “We are not going to preach to people during this time,” the Rev said. “What we are hoping is, through our acts of compassion, they will see the hand of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

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Arts/Culture

No Vincymas 2021 FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING, there will be no June/July Carnival. In effect, Vincymas 2021 has been officially cancelled. So said Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, in response to a question as per whether Vincymas would be held this year, posed by Parliamentary Representative for South Leeward Nigel Stephenson during last Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Assembly. James told the House that prior to the initial explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on April 9, discussions had been ongoing and they centred on variations of Vincymas 2021 — i.e. format and events primarily. Since the events precipitated by the eruption of La Soufrière April 9 and the situation that a large

percent of persons here have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, James said that it was highly unlikely that there will be a Vincymas 2021, during the June/July timeframe. James’s reference to the situation regarding the acceptance of the vaccine could well have been in response to the Prime Minister’s condition as he laid out in his Heroes Day Address (March 14, 2021), to wit, “I say, we will have carnival in July if as we come up to the month of May that I see that we have reached a level where we can say that we have 70, 80% of

Carlos James, Minister of Culture, MP for North Leeward, gave indication that Vincymas 2021 was not on this year’s national agenda. Left: For yet another year, the streets of Kingstown will not be graced by the creativity of mas band designers and the revelry of masqueraders. the above 18 population, and maybe it may go down to 16, because the circumstances today are different to the circumstances last year. We did not have the vaccine last year around Carnival.” Vincymas 2020 was

cancelled following the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic here. The first case was recorded in March 2020 and health officials recommended a number of measures be taken to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, including

the cancellation of the annual carnival, to which the Carnival development Corporation agreed. However, even after having pointing to an official cancellation, the Culture Minister said he remained optimistic that

something can take place later this year, virtually or otherwise, with the focus on rebuilding. Discussion on the matter was not closed, but for now Carnival in June/July was off the table, the Minister said. (DD)

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Regional

Private sector not doing enough “IF OUR ECONOMIES cannot deliver jobs, cannot deliver opportunities, and if it cannot deliver purpose for those on the blocks and in the field then something more elemental than GDP [gross domestic product], debt and deficits is at risk – our social community, our social fabric, our stability will be at risk if our economies cannot deliver opportunities to Caribbean

people.” That was the profound assessment, as reported by Barbados Today (May 1. 2021) of Professor Dr. Justin Robinson, a prominent Vincentianborn University of the West Indies Professor and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and

Management (SCHSBM). Professor Robinson’s far-reaching appraisal came as he addressed the launch of the UWI (Cave Hill) business school’s Caribbean Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Centre, on Tuesday 27th April. His address was predicated on his conviction, as reported, that the region’s private

sector was not doing enough to create opportunities for Caribbean people, to help preserve social and economic stability.

Private Sector and Government And while Professor Robinson recognised that a thriving private sector is critical to the creation of these opportunities, he also recognized that this had to be served by an enabling environment created by governments, Barbados Today reported. Notwithstanding governments’ role, he added that it was high time that Caribbean businesses start to provide more opportunities as countries continue to battle high debt and low economic growth. “A vibrant dynamic private sector I see as a critical missing element as we seek this economic development and opportunity so as to preserve our social and other aspects of stability,” Barbados Today reported the UWI Academic as saying. As to why this deficiency exist within our economies, the Professor referenced that in newly independent Caribbean nations, “...people were advised to seek ye first the political kingdom and all else will follow. I would suggest that we have sought the political kingdom and all else hasn’t followed.” He continued, “We have also sought the education kingdom and that has provided us with opportunities but all hasn’t followed as well.” However, he is hopeful that the Cave Hill School of Business would help to bridge the gap by way of providing developmental support to the MSME community. “What I see as the

It may have been an occasion to launch a business centre, but Professor Justin Robinson did not hesitate to cast a critical glance at the Caribbean private sector. enterprises (MSME) sector in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The activities under the new centre will consist of the motivational and support services programme known as Student Entrepreneurial The CMSMEC Empowerment and Development (SEED) As per the report of and the practical Barbados Today: entrepreneurship “The Caribbean Micro research programme for Small and Medium start-up business, the Enterprise Centre Lean Launchpad. (CMSMEC) brings The centre will also together a range of offer a range of advisory services and programmes services for business that UWI Cave Hill owners who are seeking offers, all aimed at to transform from one developing and stage to the next, supporting entrepreneurs focusing in several areas and operators in the such as mergers and micro, small and acquisition, initial public medium-sized offering, strategic planning and management, data analysis for decision making, mapping and managing organizational culture for success. In addition, the Department of Management Study will offer four annual management clinics in both a face-to-face and online formats.” (Source: Barbados Today) purpose of this Centre is for Caribbean citizens who want to seek the commercial kingdom. Your university is here for you as you seek to embark on that journey of seeking commercial success,” he said.

V No bias distribution of aid

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 17.

News

PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves has denied allegations of political partisanship in the distribution of humanitarian aid, following the displacement of thousands of people here. He did so in Parliament on May 11 in response to a question

put by Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday, on the issue of the distribution of relief aid. According to Gonsalves, those responsible for distributing items to individuals in shelters or in private homes were selected by personnel at

the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). “I heard it being said that the distribution of items is being done on a partisan political basis — I don’t know how that is possible,” the prime minister said. “There is absolutely no evidence of that; and if there is any evidence of that, then somebody should draw it to my attention,” Gonsalves continued. The Prime Minister Massive amounts of relief aid have poured into the SVG from countries, organisations and individuals from across the world.

RRT donates to RSVGPF On Saturday, May 8, 2021, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), a not-for-profit organization, donated twenty five (25) buckets containing Home Essentials to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). The handover ceremony was held at Police Headquarters, Kingstown. In making the donation, representative of RRT Mr. Ricky Sutherland said, “The Rapid Relief Team is made up of persons from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church who act on the principle of care and compassion to provide relief for persons in need.” The core philosophy of the RRT, he added, is “providing need to the persons who need it most.” According to Mr. Sutherland, since the eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano, the RRT has provided over four hundred and fifty food buckets to affected persons all over St. Vincent- which according to him equate to eighteen (18) thousand meals - along with fourteen thousand bottles of water. He highlighted that the RRT was very proud

Presentation party (left to right): Mr. Ricky Sutherland and Mr. Kenley Ward of RRT, Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John and Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. John Ballah. (Photo Credit: RSVGPF) to have partnered with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and described this latest donation to the RSVGPF as a continuation of their commitment to help in the recovery process. Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John accepted the donation on behalf of the RSVGPF. He noted that in the aftermath of the eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano, corporate groups and other organizations have been assisting the RSVGPF in tangible ways. He expressed assurance that the buckets of Home

Essentials will be distributed to persons in the communities who have been affected by the disaster, as they strive to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the explosive eruption of the volcano. In thanking the RRT for considering the RSVGPF worthy of their benevolence at this time, Commissioner John also applauded the RRT for its proactive approach in executing projects. He recalled the work that they did during flooding of the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport and their contribution to NEMO and other groups. (Source: RSVGPF)

acknowledged that he was aware that items had come in the names of other Parliamentarians on both the government and opposition side, and that individuals or organizations had sent relief supplies addressed to him. But even in these instances, Gonsalves said, he indicated to groups and other governments to send items and to send it to NEMO as that was the agency coordinating all the relief supplies. “I want to say this because it pains me

knowing the facts,” he said. There may be instances where an individual charged with the dropping off of supplies and food may distribute some to members of their families, he admitted. “In some cases, they may do it — they are trained not to do that, but human nature being what it is, you may have situations like that happening, but frankly speaking that is de minimis,” Gonsalves said. (DD)

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that he had had not received any report with respect to relief aid being distributed on partisan political basis.

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Betrayed!!!!!

Dear George,

friendship. Some friend he turned out to be.

I AM A very shy person. I find it very challenging to approach a girl to either ask her out or to tell her I’m interested in her. Back in March I saw the girl of my dreams but was afraid to approach her. I asked a friend who was with me at the time to tell her I would like to get to know her. My friend spoke with her for over 5 minutes and returned with the news that she wouldn’t mind going out with me. He said he gave her my number. Three weeks have passed and she hasn’t called. To shorten the story, my friend is now dating this same girl. Seems like he never spoke to her on my behalf but did so on his behalf. He is still wondering why I cut my

Shafted Dear Shafted, You picked the wrong errand to give to your friend if indeed he was your friend given that he did not look out for you. Choosing a life partner is an important activity which must be carried out by you and you alone. The fear of rejection is what may have driven you to trust your friend to act on your behalf. Do not let that fear control you and keep you from meeting the love of your life.

George

I might be HIV+ gone to get tested; I fear hearing I’m positive. If it turns out that I’m I HAVE a suspicion that I may be HIV positive. I positive then there are a lot of people who are in have tried to ignore it deep trouble; not only and continue living as the men I’ve been with normal. but also their wives and While I don’t like condoms, I am tried to be girlfriends. It will certainly teach careful about the men I them (men) a lesson not pick. Now, there is a to mess around when rumor that a certain they have their good individual with whom I women at home. have had sex, is HIV I’m praying I’m not positive. While there is infected but I know the no proof that he is, I do not like what I’m seeing chances of that are low. as far as my body is Hope Not concerned. I have not

Dear George,

Dear Hope Not, Not using a condom places you at risk of contracting an STD. If you suspect that you might be HIV positive then go get tested. It’s always better to know your status. If it turns out you are positive then you need to inform your partners as soon as possible. At the end of the day it is always better to have a man you can call your own.

George

Running ahead of me Dear George, I HAVE had a relationship with this beautiful Bajan girl for almost 3 years now. I can say she is the woman I can see myself spending the rest of my life with. That said, she has been pushing marriage talk. She informed me that she has asked her mother who’s living in New York to send her wedding dress and a pair of his and her rings. Further, she told me that if I marry her now, she will add my name to her bank account. I was so upset, not to mention scared, that I have not contacted her since three weeks now. How could she be doing all of this without a greenlight from me? Yes, I will marry her one day but I need time to get to know her better. I want to take my time and do this when I’m good and ready. The last thing she

told me was if I’m not interested in marrying her someone else will be.

agreed upon and the planning of the wedding should have the input of both parties. The pace at which your girlfriend Running scared is moving is cause for concern. If you find her pace is too fast then try Dear Running scared, to slow things down and From all appearances give yourselves the time it seems like your it needs to think things girlfriend has taken hold through. If that does of the relationship’s not work for her then reins and is now ready wish her well and step to rein you in big time. aside. The decision to marry George ought to be mutually

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Lowered vitality could affect your work. Don’t upset elders in your family who don’t understand your present situation. Limitations with females could lead to unfortunate circumstances. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) A change is as good as a rest. Don’t go looking for change. Don’t fall into the trap. You need to take a good look at all sides of an issue before making a decision. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Spend time with friends and relatives. Travel for pleasure. It might be time to pick up the slack and do your share. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. You should look into a healthier diet. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Take advantage of moneymaking ventures. Don’t promise to deliver the goods if you aren’t positive that you can meet the deadline. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Try not to hurt your partner’s feelings. Your partner could also use some time alone with you. Someone close to you may need help. You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don’t hold yourself back because you think you’re too old. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. It’s a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) The distance may make you both appreciate each other more. You’ll be angry if those you live with aren’t pulling their weight. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Read between the lines before you sign your name. Sudden changes could result in estrangement’s. You can get support from groups that you belong to if you’re willing to step out on a limb and voice your opinions.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. Don’t give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you’re getting.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You may want to take a trip; however, before you do, make sure that your car is serviced properly. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring about greater social activity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your sensitive nature will allow others to read you well. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt.

ACROSS 1. Thick chunk 5. Individuals 9. Inexperienced 12. Roofing piece 13. Terrific review 14. She bleats 15. Expanse including Mongolia 16. Tinted 17. Horse-treating doctor 18. Large skirmish 20. Clocked competition 22. Rainbow shape 24. Compass point 27. Housing parcel 30. Strove (for) 32. Roman emperor 33. Boating blade 34. Peruvian peaks 36. Little bite 37. Pack neatly 39. Open widely 40. Fawn-bearing animal 41. Oxfords and sandals 43. Propel a dinghy 44. Quick kiss 46. Slept noisily 51. Leave – premises 53. Against 55. Greater in quantity 56. “_ Miss brooks,” early sitcom 57. Gave temporarily 58. Monumental film 59. Affirmative expression 60. Beloved critters 61. Throat site DOWN 1. Knife thrust 2. “Mona _” 3. Got off

4. Defeat 5. Issuing commands 6. Vetoing vote 7. Without end 8. Four-door car 9. Clergy member 10. Overwhelm 11. Far from arid 19. Eruption flow 21. Debate side 23. Fragrant tree 25. Small jazz group 26. Funny Bob 27. Misplacement 28. Inaugural vow 29. Highway patrollers 31. Checkbook entries

35. Stitched 38. Minuscule 42. Hair locale 45. Leg bender 47. Warning sign 48. Fibrous cord 49. Musician

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 19.

Clapton 50. Playing-card stack 51. Nursery item 52. Color variant 54. Powerful explosive: abbr.

V

20. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Vincy Heat Manager under fire

Renson Haynes assumed the position of interim Team Manager when Rohan Thomas Jr resigned the position rather abruptly.

A MAJORITY OF CURRENT MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football Team – Vincy Heat, is dissatisfied with the performance of Interim Manager Renson Haynes. A letter dated May 4, 2021, signed by team Captain and Players’ Representative - Cornelius Stewart and addressed to President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation - Carl Dickson, outlined eight reasons for the replacement of Haynes. Dominating the list of grievances are incidences of interpersonal encounters between Haynes and some players. Additionally, Haynes was accused of interfering with technical matters of the team. According to Stewart’s letter: “We have come to the conclusion that his management style and focus are not conducive to the long-term success of the team, nor the cultivation of a family-like environment that is necessary for us to grow, and therefore, are asking for him to be replaced before we go into the two matches in June.” St. Vincent and the Grenadines is

set to meet urge the SVGFF to Guatemala in immediately secure a Guatemala City on replacement so that the 4th June and Cuba players can go into the in Grenada on 8th June matches with a June, in Group C clear, free, positive of the CONCACAF mind.” Zone of the World Haynes, on his ways… Being familiar with the Cup Qualifiers. appointment last players, has made it easy for me.’ Haynes had February, in an Second Vice President of the SVGFF taken up the post interview with the - Wayne Grant, who is responsible for of Interim VINCENTIAN, technical matters, has acknowledged Manager in underscored then that the players’ request and informed the February of this the players’ well-being VINCENTIAN last Tuesday, that year, following the Cornelius Stewart, Captain of was his main priority. discussion on the matters among the resignation of He expressed at the Vincy Heat took his leadership Executive is ongoing. Rohan Thomas Jr, role beyond the actual field of time, “My play. who had had an first and uninterrupted twoforemost year tenure in the position. thing is the well-being of In making the comparisons, the players… That is my Stewart’s letter noted: “Many of us number one thing… I have been exposed to various other will do what I have to do managers through the years and Mr. as the Manager to make Haynes has failed to meet the sure that I do things standards attained by those who came above and beyond in that DAMION DUBLIN grabbed before him…. The many young regard…I have his second straight players who are now in the team also connections with title in the SVG require the best possible nurturing them…A lot of the Table Tennis and this is not emanating from Mr. players and I have had Association’s Table Haynes.” communications, even if Tennis Stars The letter continued, “We therefore, it has been in informal Tournament

Cottoy gets CWI call-up “IT WAS ALMOST a surreal feeling.” This was the initial response of local cricketing all-rounder Keron Cottoy, upon receiving word that he had been called up to a West Indies training camp, to be held in Trinidad. Cottoy, a graduate of The University of the West Indies, was happy to be part of the regional team set up. “Obviously, I am ecstatic about the opportunity; it’s something we all as youngsters work towards and you know having a call like that I am pretty much excited,” he admitted. Cottoy’s call-up came when fellow Vincentian Sunil Ambris pulled out from the training camp. Notwithstanding the circumstances that gave rise to the opportunity, Cottoy remarked, “It’s a great opportunity. It pays to work hard. There is no substitute for hard work; once you continue to work hard, God will definitely reward.”

He added, “Now is definitely the time for me to be rewarded in that regard. It’s an opportunity I have been looking forward to and I am happy it came when it did.” Apart from his batting and bowling skills, Cottoy is rated as one of the best fielders in regional cricket. He credits his recent performance as contributing to the call-up. “For the last couple seasons my performances both with bat and ball, and obviously no one questions my fielding, so I think because of the different Keron Cottoy – SVG and Windward Islands all-rounder. elements of my game that I bring to the table, I think that’s why I got the nod,” he said. Cottoy feels getting to this point in his career is a reward. And as for how he intends to He advises the young players approach the opportunity, he said, “I am just going to learn as to live their dream. “It’s just much as possible which will be a about being patient. Once you put in that hard work, the key aspect of my own personal growth, and just to have fun; just rewards will come at some point. be my energetic self and continue You might not see it right away but the universe usually rewards to grow as a cricketer and as a hard work.” person.” A contracted player with the I.B.A.ALLEN Windward Volcanoes Franchise,

Dublin wins

Bequia TT Tournament

Series, when he defeated the youthful Caleb Howard in the finals of the second tournament in the series, held on Bequia, last Saturday. Damien Dublin – winner of Dublin beat round two of the SVGTTA Celeb Howard 3 Champion Table Tennis sets to 1, 12/10, Stars Tournament. 11/6, 10/12, 11/5, to claim the title. Earlier in one semi-final, Howard served pass Akeil De Roche 11/8, 8/11, 11/8, 18/16 to seal his finals berth. Dublin did likewise with victory over Mikael Hazelwood, 11/7, 9/11, 11/6, 11/5. Dublin played unbeaten in the preliminary round, disposing of Howard 11/5, 12/10, Kenjay Phillips 11/7, 11/3, and Dericia Michael 11/3, 11/2. Celeb Howard Howard had the better of was runner-up Kenjay Phillips, 11/2, 11/7, and but did not Denicia Michael, 11/6, 11/3, in make it easy the preliminary round. for the The next round in the series is eventual to be scheduled depending on Champion. when the venues become available. They are currently being used as Emergency Shelters. I.B.A.ALLEN

V Dream 11 VPL 3.0: A Special One

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 21.

Sports

THE DREAM 11 VINCY PREMIER LEAGUE - VPL T10, 3.0, with the slogan ‘From the Ashes’, was officially launched on Monday at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex. Romel Currency, President of the St Vincent Cricket Association (SVGCA), delivering remarks at the launch declared, “This year’s VPL is quite a special one. Unlike many other countries, we in SVG are facing what can be termed a double whammy. We not only have COVID to deal with but also the eruption of the La Soufriere, so in a lot of ways this VPL 3.0 is more important than any others in the past.” Currency assured all those directly involved — players, officials, etc. — that the SVGCA was happy to work with stakeholders to not just make VPL 3.0 a reality, but also to make it safe and

secure, agreeing to ensure that all COVID-19 and other health related protocols were in place. The Association, according to Currency, has gone a step further and secured a guesthouse to accommodate the players registered for the tournament but currently displaced, in a bubble. “This year’s VPL can be termed as a new level of lifting our spirits, especially after being displaced. It also represents an important opportunity for us to advance our cricket development especially in the situation in which all other tournaments have been cancelled. We appreciate and are grateful to all the sponsors and all those who played a part, and wish all the teams the very best,” Currency added. Dr. Kishore Shallow, Director of the

Youth player Wilson enters VPL

LUKE WILSON, one grab the opportunity of this country’s to compete again, promising youth noting that the players, is gearing COVID-19 pandemic up for his first stint had put all the youth in the Vincy Premier tournaments on hold. League (VPL 3.0). “It was a bit sad The youngster, a (that) I missed out on spinner who the Under-17 represents Victors tournaments for the One in the national last two years, but competitions, and once I get over that who was named hurdle and put in the 2020 Youth work, I believe I can Cricketer of the be a good contender Year, has been for the Windward drafted by the Dark Islands Under-19 View Explorers team and hopefully Franchise. the West Indies On learning that Under-19 team,” he a Franchise had Luke Wilson, a national youth said. “picked him up,” he cricketer, is not daunted by All in all, the was happy. the call-up to the more senior young man is VPL. “I felt good and undaunted by the happy to be a part of VPL opportunity. the VPL because I believe all the “…. The guys who I will be playing hard work behind the scene paid off,” against are much older than me so if he reacted initially. I can go and show my talent, get a A confident Wilson added, few wickets and help my team to win “Obviously after being the top wicket- the trophy…. it would be a bigger taker in the National T20 I thought I milestone in my career than playing should be selected this year, and in my age group,” he said. when I got selected I thought it was On another note, Wilson, who does well deserving.” not shy away from making his He is anxiously looking forward to feelings known, suggested that while taking the field with and against the there are many talented players in top senior players in the country, but his age group who will need he will also “be looking to gain some nurturing in the sport, more needs to knowledge from them because they be done to address their academic have the experience which they can needs. impart to me, that I can make use of moving forward in my career.” Stories: I.B.A.ALLEN And the youngster is all ready to

Tournament, also addressed the launch. Romel Currency, President of Dr. Kishore Shallow, He the SVGCA, assured that the Tournament Director, stressed described the global exposure from the staging tournament was being held in adherence with all COVID-19 which local players could of a third protocols. benefit. VPL as “an amazing the global audience of over 75 accomplishment,” referencing the fact million viewers,” that Dream 11 offers. that, “… we are still within the first The six franchises return with the year of the tournament and we are following captains: Dark View now putting on the third edition,” and Explorers - Linden James; La adding, “..to follow up with the third Soufriere Hikers - Desron Maloney; edition within a year, not only in Botanical Garden Rangers - Keswick COVID time but also in a volcano Williams; Salt Pond Rangers - Sunil eruption, is truly incredible and it Ambris; Grenadines Divers - Asif speaks volumes for our people of SVG.” Hooper; Fort Charlotte Strikers - Miles Recognition of support from the Bascombe. government, the COVID-19 Task Opening matches are scheduled for Force, and sponsor Dream 11 did not Saturday May 15 at the Arnos Vale escape Dr. Shallow. Playing Field: La Soufriere Hikers vs. Fort Charlotte Strikers at 12:30pm; As for the role of the sponsor, Dr. Botanical Garden Rangers vs. Dark Shallow was confident, “the players will be quite happy for the exposure to View Explorers at 2:30pm.

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22. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Valentine earns BSc Degree

NATIONAL athlete, turn cyclist- Brandon ValentineParris graduated from the St Augustine University, Raleigh, North Carolina in the USA, on 1st May, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sports Management. Valentine—Parris, now 26 years old, was a former student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School. He earned an athletic scholarship to Claflin University in South Carolina, before shifting to the St. Augustine University in 2018.

That same year, Valentine-Parris was named the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Regional Athlete of the Year. Also in 2018, he was the St Augustine University’s Track and Field MVP, as well as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Running Events MVP. In addition, he assumed the position of Student Government Marketing Director. Describing his ups and downs, on and off the

track as “delayed, but never denied.” ValentineParris believed that the turning point was his transfer to St. Augustine University. He noted that that opportunity to continue his education and track career by Coach George Williams, brightened his pathways. “Amidst all the trials and failures were lessons learnt that turned into successes… My journey was necessary and it built character,” Valentine-Parris assessed.

“I’m super thankful to Almighty Father up above for seeing me through it all…Grateful for my support system who really stuck with me and reminded me that some chapters are longer than others”, he commented. A fifteen-time NCAA All American and eleven times CIAA champion, Valentine-Parris picked up Cycling last year, and became part of a historic set up at St. Augustine University, in which he rose to become captain of the university’s Cycling

SVG team impresses in 4x100m relay

McKish Compton

Javon Rollins

OJ Jackson

Akini Slater

A ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TEAM comprised of McKish Compton, Javon Rollins, OJ Jackson and Akani Slater ran an impressive 40.13 seconds, to finish third in the 4x100m relay ran off at the Jamaica Time Trails last Saturday, May 8, at the GC Foster grounds. The Vincentian team was up against a starstudded Jamaica Senior team of Asafa Powell, Oshane Bailey, Yohan Blake and Julian Forte, who combined to clock a winning time of 38.33, the second fastest time in the world this year. Another Jamaica team, referred to as a Jamaica Green Team, comprised of Ackeem Blake, Romario Williams, Nigel Ellis and Kadrian Goldson, finished second in 39.55 secs. Slater had earlier run a 46.41 seconds 400m to

finish top of his GC Foster College team. Jackson occupied 6th spot. Rollins did himself proud with a 10.75 seconds run in the 100m to finish 4th. Compton was 6th in that race. I.B.A.ALLEN

team, as well as the Assistant Coach. The young man remains one of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ most travelled track and field athlete, with wide participation regionally and internationally. Included are the Windward Islands Schools’ Games, the OECS Invitational, the Hampton Games, the CAC Juvenile Championships, the Junior Carifta Games, NACAC Under18 Championships, NACAC Under-23, NACAC Open Championships, Pan Am Juniors, the Pan Am Games, IAAF World Youth Games, IAAF World Juniors, the Commonwealth Youth Games, IAAF World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

Brandon Valentine-Parris proudly displays his certificate – a symbol of academic prowess. And, he was part of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School’s team that made its debut at the Penn Relays in the USA in 2011. Valentine-Parris holds the SVG Under-20 400M record of 47.27 seconds done in 2014.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021. 23.

Classifieds

Where do we go from here

canonized in a way similar to Vincent achieved amidst division Beache’s quantum leap among the opposition from “coconut bat” to forces?” “Superstardom”. Properly doctored by My Comments an expert in plastic surgery, Cato’s “deformed The foregoing is State Capitalism” is now vintage Gonsalves, hailed as a humanistic condemning Cato and the “Social Democracy”, Labour regime in espoused and language similar to that promulgated by the levelled against the U.L.P. N.D.P Administration of With his back to the yesteryear. wall in 1982, Dr. Suddenly, Robert Gonsalves prescribed a Milton Cato is to be coming together of the Continued from Page 6.

N.D.P and the M.N.U (with others) to topple a despised Labour Government, and save the country from destruction. In fact, Ralph created a political jungle out of which, by nasty infighting, he emerged as head of a victorious ULP

RUDOLPH MCDONALD HAYWOOD Sunday, 9th May, 2021 S.D.A. Church Kingstown Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

which repeated victories, four in a row. But he reduced the polity to its lowest ebb ever, in many ways, forcing the masses to seriously consider political uprising as a revolutionary solution. Where do we go from here?

ONAKI NOVAKI YORKE Saturday, 8th May, 2021 Hope for life Restoration Ministries Arnos Vale Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

BERTRAM ALPHONSO DOPWELL a.k.a. Ras I Tal

JEFFREY BERNARD GLASGOW

Saturday, 8th May, 2021 New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

Saturday, 8th May, 2021 6W 3HWHU¶V Anglican Church Mt. Grenan Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

AINSLEY CREIG Saturday, 8th May, 2021 Georgetown Cemetery Viewing: 9:30 am Service: 10:00 am Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

RANDOLPH CYRIL CLARKE Friday, 7th May, 2021 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral, Kingstown Service: 11:00 a.m. Kingstown Cemetery

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FRIDAY, MAY

14, 2021

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$117.9M SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET APPROVED other financing was presently being negotiated, and the expectation was PARLIAMENT on May 11 approved that the budgeted EC$117.9 million, EC$117.9 million towards providing would be exceeded. immediate humanitarian aid and However, the government had preliminary clean-up. chosen to restrict the emergency Minister of Finance, Camillo response to the resources at hand. Gonsalves said that the amount The amount approved by quoted in the Supplementary Parliament will addresses 30 Appropriation Bill is financed almost immediate responses, including ash, 100 percent by capital receipts. river and debris clean-up; income “This EC$117.9 million budget is support to farmers, non-farmers and financed by money in hand or fishers; meals for shelters; building imminently on hand in the case of materials for repairs to housing stock commitments from international the affected zones and bridge and road financing entities that are completing rehabilitation. their own bureaucratic processes,” Effective support will included: Gonsalves explained. * Income support of EC$18.8 million Among the contributing sources are: to be paid to over 14,000 individuals; the Contingency Fund - EC$15 million; * EC$500 per month for the World Bank/Catastrophe Deferred remainder of the year, totaling Drawdown Option — EC$54 million; EC$10.5 million to farmers in the Red the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk and Orange Zone; Insurance Facility — EC$5.9 million; * A one-time payment of EC$500 the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank — each — totaling EC3.8 million to EC$1 million; the Caribbean farmers and fishers in areas South of Development Bank — EC$13.4 million, the affected zones; the International Monetary Fund * EC$400 per month for a period of $16.1 million and the World Bank’s three-months after they have returned International Association — EC$4.9 to their homes, to small business million. owners and other non-farmer workers Gonsalves told the Parliament that

from the Red and Orange Zone; * Monthly vouchers of EC$150 to 4,500 affected persons to address nutritional support; * EC$8 million to provide meals for persons in emergency shelters hotels or guest houses; * An amount to provide for 15,000 food packages for persons living in private homes and when stock runs out, to be replaced with vouchers to purchase food locally; * Preliminary amount of EC$28 million allocated to clean-up; * EC$5 million to begin the urgent repair work to some bridges; * EC$5 million towards the construction of homes for those persons living in areas deemed dangerous and who require immediate relocation; * EC$6.5 million to assist persons with preliminary repairs to their (damaged) homes.

‘Tantie’ was born in the Parish of St Mary in Jamaica, on May 10, 1921. She moved to the capital Kingston where she resided until, like so many West Indians did in the early 1960s, she immigrated in 1960 to England, UK. ‘Tantie’ recalled doing many different jobs in the early years of her time in England, among these being one at a corned beef factory. She eventually found more stable employment at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, known for assisting children from all around the world, who had complicated medical conditions. ‘Tantie’ made her rounds at the hospital and was eventually put in charge of the linen room before she was called upon to assist in the ward.

But there were other things in her life to attend to, like marriage and security, and it was not long after arriving in England that she got married — 1964 to be exact — to a Vincentian, sealing for the balance of her life an intimate connection with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. By 1975, ‘Tantie’ and her husband had had enough of England; they were ready to leave. She was adamant that she was not going to remain in England but when it came to choosing where they would relocate to, her husband was just as adamant that he did not want to relocate to Jamaica. She compromised and accompanied her husband to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And the couple lived happily together until the husband’s death in 2019.

Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

Other measures The Minister of Finance announced a waiver of property tax and arrears owed for this year for persons living in the Red and Orange Zones on the

Camillo Gonsalves, Finance Minister, tabled the Supplementary Budget. Windward side of the island, and from Belle Isle Northwards on the Leeward side. This is estimated to create a shortfall of EC$2 million to government’s revenue. Gonsalves noted that government was also in discussion with local commercial banks to extend existing moratoriums to those affected in the Red and Orange Zone.

BERYL GERALD TURNS 100

Beryl ‘Tantie’ Gerald, a Jamaican by birth, made St. Vincent and the Grenadines her adopted homeland. BERYL ‘Tantie’ Gerald of Glen is this country’s latest inductee to the exclusive Centurion club, having turned 100 on May 10.

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The union produced one child, a son — however ‘Tantie’ was also mother to two others whom she adopted as her own. She told THE VINCENTIAN that she enjoys working on puzzles and reading. “I read a lot, especially my bible,” she said, adding that she was very active in her church, the Glen Baptist Church. Her secret to long life is to remain active and to serve the Lord. She advised: “When you serve the Lord and keep the body active, you will be alright. You won’t be sick. But if you are lazy, you will be sick. THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Beryl ‘Tantie’ Gerald on achieving the milestone of 100 years, and wishes her continued good health and God’s richest blessings.

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