THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 14-06-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

JUNE 14, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.24

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SECURITY COUNCIL VOTE ‘HISTORIC’ Left: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves addresses a press conference immediately after last Friday’s historic vote. He is flanked to his immediate left by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker. the result, notwithstanding El Salvador’s stance.

“It’s an historic occasion, and we’re very, very pleased,” added the Deputy Prime Minister, who was with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves; Culture and Sports Minister Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie and other Vincentian diplomats at the UN for Friday’s vote.

El Salvador’s last minute move

GHANAÊS PRESIDENT VISITS H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, takes the Gun Salute on his arrival at the A.I.A. Story on Page 14.

Sir Louis said just Story by NELSON A. KING hours before the historic naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com vote, El Salvador said it would challenge St. US CORRESPONDENT Vincent and the Grenadines for the one AS JUBILATION RIPS open seat in GRULAC. THROUGH THE UN diplomats had VINCENTIAN COMMUNITY expressed surprise about at home and in the El Salvador’s last-minute Diaspora over St. Vincent move, in light of the fact and the Grenadines’ that the regional bloc election last Friday (June had agreed in December 7) as a non-permanent to endorse St. Vincent member of the United Nations’ Security Council, and the Grenadines as Deputy Prime Minister and the regional candidate.

“You don’t do it like Foreign Affairs Minister Sir that,” the Voice of Louis Straker has described as “historic” his America (VOA) quoted an unidentified western country’s election. diplomat as saying “We had an excellent disapprovingly. result,” Sir Louis told Most other countries THE VINCENTIAN in seemed to agree, with El an exclusive interview Salvador only garnering Friday night. “We give six votes among the 193 God thanks and thank cast by secret ballot. the GRULAC (Group of According to the UN, Latin America and 185 countries voted in Caribbean) and all countries. Many of them favor of St. Vincent and have come to us and said Continued from Page 3. they were pleased with

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2. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival

My Imagination says ‘Watch Out For This’ ‘Fire and Brimstone’

EIGHT SECTIONS, each depicting some things that have happened, are happening, and others that are projected to happen, form the basis for My Imagination Mas Band’s production for Vincy Mas 2019, ‘Watch

Out For This”.

The sections include ‘Queen of the Ocean’, ‘Temptation’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘Fire and Brimstone’, ‘Angel of the Mornin’, ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Envy’.

Band leader- Denrick

Woodley is optimistic about this year’s presentation.

“We again have a good band, which we are pleased with, as the concept, coupled with the designs and colour scheme, give us great feeling that we can this

year be a contender for the Band of the Year title,” Woodley proffered.

Woodley said that part of his organisation’s objective for this year will be looking to improve on its seventh place as achieved in the Band of the Year title race last year.

Towards this end, Woodley is hoping for a participation of about 300 masqueraders, “to really have the impact.”

The veteran masman is urging their faithful members as well as prospective masqueraders “to come and register and avoid

the last minute rush,” adding, “We have made the band affordable, and we are open for negotiation , as we understand the present economic situation.”

My Imagination Mas Band camp is located in the old Marcus De Freitas building opposite the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters on Murray’s Road.

Additionally information can be had on the various Social Media platformsFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

‘Black Beauty’

‘Birds of a Feather’

V News 3 SVG remains committed to UN Charter

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 3.

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES remains committed to the fundamental principles contained within the charter of the United Nations (UN).

Therefore, the government will not be adopting a transactional approach during this country’s two-year stint as a Non-Permanent member on the UN’s Security Council.

“I hear the question: What is the benefit for St Vincent and the Grenadines for sitting on the Security Council?”

“We are not telling you that St Vincent and the Grenadines is going to get money, that is not the reason,” said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves while speaking at a special ceremony on Sunday to welcome home him and Sir Louis Straker, Foreign Minister, who were both present at the UN’s Headquarters in New York during last

week’s vote.

“The reason is to be there at the table with the perspective of a small island developing state from the Caribbean, and that by being there, we can contribute to peace and security in the world which will be to the advantage of all in the world,” he continued.

This country was successful in its bid to become the smallest nation to sit on the Security Council and, according to Gonsalves, there was no doubt the prestige attributed with the accomplishment.

“We are committed to the principle of multilateral cohesion among all countries and to solve problems by peaceful means,” Gonsalves told the small gathering at the Argyle International Airport.

This country will have to work within the framework of

More staff for SVG UN Mission THE ELECTION OF THIS COUNTRY as a NonPermanent member on the United Nation’s Security Council will necessitate an increase in the size of the staff, at the country’s Mission to the UN in New York.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said last Sunday, shortly after his arrival from the UN’s Headquarters, that as many as six persons will have to be appointed to aid Ambassador Inga in attending to increased Rhonda King heads demands, occasioned by the this country’s country’s responsibilities as Permanent Mission a member of the Security to the United Council.

Nations.

Gonsalves said that presently there were 11 employees at the SVG Mission comprising persons who spoke Spanish, Russian and who were familiar with Mandarin Chinese.

“I was speaking to Sir Louis; I have been speaking to him about ensuring that we have high quality persons who will go and join the existing staff,” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves had announced in October 2018 that this country had stepped up its campaign in the lead-up to the election for the Non-Permanent seat on the Security Council at the UN, through the appointment of additional staff at the SVG UN Mission.

It was said then that the additional staff was being sent to assist in carrying forward the campaign, and that steps were being taken to boost the Mission at the very highest level. (DD)

international law, the prime minister continued.

“Because without international law, our sovereignty and independence mean very little.”

He asked for the internal problems not to go beyond the “water’s edge”.

“The conflicts (internal) should stop at the water’s edge, we should not carry them outside of St Vincent

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves took umbrage with those who seek to create confusion, but committed himself and his government to remain focused and steadfast in its role on the Security Council.

and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves said.

The resolution to any conflict must take place here because the country were now one of 15 that was responsible for dealing with making decisions as it related to peace and security in the world.

“Those who want to go beyond the water’s edge

and seek to create confusion, we will not be involved in that, and we will not allow and fall into a trap of allowing anyone to demean or belittle this epic victory.

We are not interested in

any side shows, I am interested in the main event,” Gonsalves added.

(DD)

Security Council vote ‘historic’

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves addresses a press conference immediately after last Friday’s historic vote. He is flanked to his immediate left

by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker.

On Friday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the smallest the Grenadines, with two country ever to hold a abstentions. St. Vincent Security Council seat. and the Grenadines only “We’re the smallest needed 128 votes to hold country in terms of the seat. geography and in terms of UN General Assembly population,” Sir Louis rules state that candidates said. running for a seat on the St. Vincent and the Security Council must win Grenadines is 150 square a two-thirds majority of miles in size and has a votes to succeed, even if population of about they are running 110,000. uncontested.

Other countries elected “I will like specially to in Friday’s vote in the UN reach out to the people of General Assembly were El Salvador and its Estonia, Niger, Tunisia people,” Prime Minister and Viet Nam. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told The four states, along reporters at the UN with St. Vincent and the immediately following Grenadines, will take up Friday’s vote, when asked their seats as nonabout El Salvador’s permanent members of stance. “We’re about peace the Security Council in and security. I’m grateful January 2020, replacing to all who aided in this Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial campaign.”

Guinea, Kuwait, Peru and Poland, the UN said.

Continued from Frontpage.

Smallest nation to win a seat

Ready for the task

Gonsalves told reporters outside the General Assembly Hall: “We just had a contested election. The great country of El Salvador contested against us.

“I just want to reiterate that this is an historic occasion,” he said. “We’re the smallest country to be elected to the Security Council. We’re committed to the principle of the equality of state. We intend to work closely with many countries of the Security Council.”

With St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ election, Straker re-emphasized that his country “will have a voice on the Security Council in terms of Climate Change.

“For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s a significant vote,” the foreign affairs minister said. “It’s a significant vote for the Caribbean, for

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker had openly predicted that SVG was going to win the vote.

GRULAC, and we’ll have a voice where there are conflict and peace.

“We’re now on the world’s stage, where we can make a contribution,” he stressed.

Representatives of the newly elected to the Security Council (from left) Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Kalla Ankourao, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Niger; Kersti Kaljulaid, President of the Republic of Estonia; Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia; and Le Hoai Trung, Vice Minister for Affairs of Viet Nam.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Accused cannot function under Air-condition SOCIAL ACTIVIST, Costie Ralph’s request for his matter to be heard with the Air-condition Unit (AC) off, is historic, as far as Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett’s court history goes.

The former Primary School teacher, who is charged with assault, causing bodily harm, made the request when his matter was called, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

“I cannot function under Air-condition,” the Fountain resident told the Magistrate.

“So, you want me to have a special court for you, without Aircondition?” Burnett asked.

“I had a breakdown in February,” Ralph replied.

Burnett then told him that he would grant him his request, but he had to hear all the other matters, before

accommodating him.

When Ralph was recalled to the stand, the Air-condition Unit was turned off, and the windows were opened.

The Senior Magistrate contended, “In all my years in Court, and I have been in the Court system for almost my entire life, it is the first time I have heard a request like that.”

Burnett said he had to grant Ralph’s request in order for him to receive a

fair trial.

Ralph is charged with assaulting Joanne Samuel, causing her bodily harm.

The incident is alleged to have taken place at Massy Stores, Arnos Vale, February 8, 2018, where Samuel is employed.

The matter was part heard on Wednesday, and adjourned to July 2.

Ralph is conducting his own defence. (HH)

Breadfruit thief bonded GLEN RESIDENT Reynold Ledger was bonded for one year at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after pleading guilty to stealing six mature breadfruits valued $30.00.

In breach of the bond, Ledger would have to pay the Court $500 forthwith or go to prison for two months.

The breadfruits were stolen from Corlita Ryan of Glenside, Mesopotamia, Friday, June 7.

Ledger was charged under the Criminal Code.

The Court heard that Ryan knows Ledger, and he is in the habit of stealing her crops.

Around 2:30 pm. on the date in question, Ryan saw Ledger leaving her premises with a white sack. She approached him and he admitted to the offence.

Interestingly, Ledger, responding to questions from the Magistrate, said he did not know his age, date of birth, or what month is Christmas.

Burnett, who knows the defendant, said that Ledger was not lying when he said he had no knowledge of certain things.

Burnett did not go into details.

Ledger was previously taken before the Court for stealing $50 from his father, and promised to repay the money. To date, this has not been done.

(HH)

Guilty on Fraudster charged Murder accused 40 charges in prison search arraigned for of forgery retrial UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, Canouan resident Victor Lennox Mitchell was awaiting sentencing, after pleading guilty to 40 charges of forgery, at the High Court Criminal Assizes last week Thursday.

Mitchell was charged with making and using false instruments to wit, Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) withdrawal slips in various sums, amounting to thousands of dollars, in the names of various persons with the intention on inducing KCCU to accept them as genuine.

The offences were committed at Canouan on various dates between July and November 2017.

Justice Brian Cottle has adjourned the matter for sentencing pending a Social Inquiry Report on Mitchell. (HH)

CONVICTED fraudster later date. He was Iso Lynch has been unrepresented. charged after a random Inspector Nolan search at Her Majesty’s Dallaway of the Rapid Prisons (HMP), Response Unit (RRU) Kingstown, Friday, June arrested Lynch 7. following a random On Wednesday, the RRU search of several 37-year-old Layou man cells at the prison who is serving a six-year around 11:05 am., June prison sentence for 7. deception and The search, impersonation, spearheaded by reappeared at the Superintendent of Iso Lynch Kingstown Magistrate’s Police Timothy Court accused of inducing Hazelwood, who is also head of the prohibited articles into the prison. RRU, uncovered several cellular Lynch is charged with inducing phones, chargers, batteries, one Alcatel Cellular phone, one icepicks, scissors and marijuana, Alcatel battery and a memory card among other items. into HMP, they being prohibited To date, only Lynch has been items, contrary to Section 47(b) of charged in connection with the the Prison Act, Chapter 393 of the search, but THE VINCENTIAN Revised Edition of the Laws of St. understands that investigations Vincent and the Grenadines 2009. are ongoing.

Lynch pleaded not guilty when Lynch was sentenced to six he stood before Senior Magistrate years imprisonment in March this Rickie Burnett on Wednesday, and year on charges of deception and the matter was adjourned to a impersonation. (HH)

POLICE ROUND-UP Attempted Murder

charge.

Wounding

Police have arrested and charged Alex Bradshaw, 49-year-old labourer of POLICE HAVE arrested and charged Fountain, with wounding on 29.04.19.

Kelique Rock, 23-year-old labourer of The accused man unlawfully and Green Hill with attempted murder on maliciously wounded a 34-year-old 29.04.19. domestic of Lowmans Leeward by The man is said to have had intent to allegedly stabbing her on the left side of commit the offence murder on a 32-year- her mouth with a knife. The incident old farmer of Green Hill. That he did an occurred at Bay Street, Kingstown on act which is more than merely 14.05.18. preparatory to the commission of the Bradshaw is expected to appear the offence by allegedly shooting at him Magistrate Court to answer the charge. with a gun. The incident occurred at In another wounding matter, Police Green Hill on 27.04.19. are investigating a report of wounding Rock is expected to appear before the made by a 25-year-old Labourer of Serious Offences Court to answer the Barrouallie/Canouan against some

ABOUT ONE month after the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ordered a retrial for murder accused Aubrey Wilson, the 43year-old mason of Greiggs has been arraigned at the High Court Criminal Assizes.

Wilson was arraigned last week Thursday on charges of murder and attempted murder.

The accused was in 2013 convicted and sentenced to Aubrey Wilson 25 years in prison for the murder of his former lover Stephanie Daniel, 31, of Greiggs, and 15 years for the attempted murder of Daniel’s friend Vasilsa Maloney of the same address. The sentences were to run concurrently.

Daniel was reportedly attacked and stabbed in her throat, while Maloney was reported to have sustained stab wounds to her forehead and left hand, reportedly during an incident which occurred at Greiggs armed unknown person(s) on 29.04.19. around 4 p.m., August 14, 2011.

According to reports the unknown However, early last month, person(s) unlawfully and maliciously the Eastern Caribbean Court of wounded the Virtual Complainant by Appeal quashed Wilson’s allegedly shooting him on his left leg convictions and sentences, and with a gun. The incident occurred at ordered a retrial on both charges.

Canouan on 28.04.19.

The respondents led by Crown In yet another wounding matter, Counsel Karim Nelson conceded police arrested and charged Chad with the appeal, in which the Feddows, 39-year-ol mechanic of appellant, represented by Lauders/Yambou with wounding on Attorney Patina Knights, 12.06.19. outlined several mis-directions to According to a police report, Feddows the Jury by the trial Judge. allegedly wounded a 28-year-old farmer Wilson pleaded not guilty to of Lauders by shooting him to the left the charges when he was side of his back, on May 31, 2019. arraigned last week Thursday, Feddows was expected to appear and the matter was traversed to before the Serious Offences Court to the next sitting of the Criminal answer the charge.

Assizes. (HH)

V LIAT: Barbados will sell

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 5.

News

IT IS NOW OFFICIAL! Barbados will give up its majority ownership in regional airline LIAT. Barbados Today reported Prime Minister Mia Mottley as telling Parliament on June 4, “We have accepted an offer from a sister Caribbean state, Antigua and Barbuda, to reenter into negotiations with them to see whether a deal could be concluded with respect to Antigua and Barbuda taking up our shares in exchange for them taking up our responsibilities as a shareholder within the context of LIAT. “This would require negotiations on the part of both countries, and therefore we will be writing Prime Minister Browne to indicate that just as he has established a negotiating team, the Government of Barbados will establish a negotiating team that will meet with his negotiating team to settle the terms if we can, with respect to the conclusion of the

transfer of the shareholding.”

The government of Antigua and Barbuda had hinted that Barbados was prepared to sell all but 10% of its 49% share in LIAT. But Prime Minister Mottley did not specify what percentage of shares is to be sold to Antigua and Barbuda which currently holds 34 per cent ownership.

She did, however, make it clear that Barbados would still serve as a minority shareholder, and would provide a revenue guarantee on particular routes.

Whatever the decision, it appears that Antigua and Barbuda is set to become LIAT’s principal shareholder

was prepared to consider backing the startup of a carrier involving Barbadian investors and a multilateral leader, Barbados Today reported.

Prime Minister Mottley has gone to great pains to reiterate, on every appropriate had made a decision to occasion, her government’s “take a step back”. commitment to regional air And St. Lucia’s Prime travel.

Minister Allen Chastanet But she has also been had all but closed the door assertive whenever she has on his government said that “the current model injecting any cash into which LIAT has within the LIAT, given its current mode 1974 limited (LIAT 1974 Ltd.) of operation. is not an attractive model and Grenada and St. Kitts and what is needed is significant Nevis were the only countries restructuring. i.e. a new model to respond favourably to the of governance, a new financial offer, with LIAT announcing model and a new operational that Grenada’s input had set it model in order for it to be able on a path to becoming a to extract greater benefits and shareholder in the airline. provide the services which it For those who have been does.” observing the airline business That this was not in the region, the forthcoming could well have announcement by Barbados hastened Barbados’ decision to puts the spotlight back on sell and to get out of the LIAT Barbados which has, in the shenanigans. (Source: past, given indications that it Barbados Today) Prime Minister Gaston Browne becoming LIAT’s principal shareholder should see him in a better position to safeguard the interest of LIAT’s purported 600 employees in Antigua.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley could well be breathing with greater comfort now that she will see her government’s direct commitment to LIAT considerably lessened.

government.

Confirmation of the sale comes after months of wrangling with Eastern Caribbean governments over their failure to take up an offer to pump money into the cash-strapped carrier that remains a vital link in interregional travel, trade and tourism.

Mottley maintained, then, that due to the country’s current economic position, it was simply not in a financial position to support LIAT any longer. She said Government

Freedom of Movement tested

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings (seated at left) and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Shirley Botchwey, sign the bilateral agreements, as Guyana’s President David Granger (left) and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo observe.

Visa-Free Travel between Guyana and Ghana GUYANA and Ghana have signed an agreement that will allow citizens to travel to each other’s countries without need for visas.

The visa waiver agreement was one of several bilateral agreements covering several areas of mutual interest, which were signed yesterday after Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo arrived in the country for a two-day State visit.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, told the media that the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two states will apply to all holders of diplomatic, official and regular Guyanese passports.

“In the initial stages, they will be entitled to at least 90 days without having to renew, but after 90 days then there will be a requirement for a renewal based on the laws of the respective countries,” he explained. (Source: Caribbean 360)

CARICOM citizens have important rights, but to exercise these rights, clear documentary evidence of their nationality is required.

This was the outcome of the case of Bain vs.

Trinidad and Tobago, that was decided today by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

David Bain, a citizen of both Grenada and the United States of America, had claimed that his right to freedom of movement was infringed when he was denied entry into the twin-island state when arriving from Grenada just before midnight on 14 December 2017. He presented himself as an American citizen, producing only his USA passport, as his Grenadian passport had expired some years earlier.

Upon arrival at Piarco International Airport, immigration officials questioned him concerning information they had received about a man with the same name who has convictions on drugrelated offences.

Although he denied any drug convictions, Bain was refused entry and was sent back to Grenada on an early flight on 15 December 2017, although he had

also informed the immigration officers that he was a citizen of Grenada and thus entitled to freedom of movement in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states.

As evidence of his citizenship, Bain had produced his Grenadian driver’s licence, which stated that he was a Grenadian citizen. He also showed his Grenadian voter’s identification card which stated that he was born in Grenada. In addition, his USA passport also listed Grenada as his country of birth. These documents, Bain argued, should be enough to invoke his right of freedom of movement, as explained by the CCJ in Myrie v State of Barbados In its judgment, the court determined that, while there was no doubt that Bain is a Grenadian citizen, he did not present sufficient documentation to prove it to the immigration officers. The presentation of the Grenadian driver’s licence and voter’s identification card was not sufficient. Unlike the Grenadian passport, neither document was meant to serve as evidence of citizenship.

In addition, they were neither machine-

The Caribbean Court of Appeal handed down yet another freedom of movement related ruling.

(Facebook Photo) readable nor designed to be stamped by immigration officials.

The court also rejected the argument that the notation in Bain’s US passport that he was born in Grenada, conclusively proved citizenship. It was noted that it was possible that Bain could have renounced his citizenship, or have it stripped away by the Grenadian Government, while mere birth in a country does not always automatically evidence citizenship.

The CCJ considered whether Bain waived his right to free movement, as a national of Grenada, when he presented his US passport. The court noted that if someone with dual citizenship

exercises their rights attached to one nationality, it does not eliminate their other nationality and the rights attached to that citizenship. Therefore, if Bain was denied entry based on his US passport, he could still claim his rights under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas if he could forthwith prove that he is Grenadian citizen.

According to submissions from the Caribbean Community, the “appropriate travel document to invoke the right of freedom of movement is the CARICOM passport or a passport issued by a CARICOM Member State”. (Source: Caribbean Court of Justice)

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

PM’s book focuses on the labour movement

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that he had much more to say, which he prefers to do in writing.

THE LATEST book to be authored by current Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has been described as an important piece of reading.

So said H.E. David Commissiong, Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM, who gave an overview of the book when it was launched last week Tuesday, June 4, at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown.

The book, entitled ‘The Political Economy of the Labour Movement in St Vincent and the Grenadines’, comprised of some 333 pages, tracks the political and economic growth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the days of slavery to present, Ambassador Commissiong said.

It gives an in depth look at the factors contributing to the political

momentum and economic growth of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ambassador added.

The book contains analyses of several key political and trade union figures, including George McIntosh, Ebenezer Joshua, Joseph Bonadie, as well as analyses of political organizations, as it looks at the labour movement in its political and industrial dimensions.

In a sense, Ambassador Commissiong reasoned, the book referenced the forward path for the Unity Labour Party.

All in all, the Ambassador said, “It is a book for trade unions and trade unionists…… a book of scholarly reflection and deep theory,…. and shows how the history of the country was made and shaped.”

According to Commissiong, it contains deep insight into the “I have to find time to write. I know Vincentian society, and is well put that as prime minister and leader of a together by a man best suited to party [that] I am fair game for a lot of present the ideas expressed. people,” Gonsalves said.

Even though Gonsalves includes the But he said that he was very reasons for writing the piece as being conscious that at 72, he may not have to provide the working people, a lot of time left, but he had a lot that nationally, regionally and he wanted to say. internationally and especially the Although he gets the opportunity to youth — with a coherent understanding speak from time to time, Gonsalves and explanation of the history and said that he preferred to make his economy of the labour movement here, comments “calmly” inside of books.

H.E Commissiong purported that it “So that the young people can read was also meant to correct the many and study,” he said, and reminded his prejudices and anti-worker biases of audience that he was not finished yet the bourgeois and neo-liberal … he intends to keep on writing. (DD) perspectives in their telling of the labour movement, and to reaffirm the explanation and understanding of a country’s political economy in the epoch of capitalism.

“What the Comrade is doing, is giving you a detailed examination of the entire history of the country told from the perspective of the working people,” Commissiong said, closing with “This is the St Vincent story.”

In his remarks, Dr. Gonsalves said that he has been writing since 1972, and the latest book was his sixth publication H.E. David Commissiong, Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM, described in the last seven years. the PM’s latest book as the real St. Vincent story.

Persons of all walks of life turned up for the launch of the PM’s latest book.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 7.

Bequia Focus

Plan Gifted to Bequia Community ON MONDAY, JUNE 3RD 2019, a set of comprehensive plans titled “A Vision of Port Elizabeth” was presented to the Bequia community, at a public meeting at the Bequia Anglican Primary School.

The project resulting in these plans is unique in two ways: the plans were informed and guided by widespread input from Bequia residents; nothing will be imposed or dictated – the plans are a gift that can be used as desired by the people of Bequia.

Invited by a Bequiabased non-governmental Steering Committee, the team of visiting volunteers

from the American Institute of Architects – called the R/UDAT team – collected information, opinions and wishes from people in Bequia, and used that input to create a free set of plans that the Bequia community can choose how to use.

Preservation of the Almond Tree as a cherished public community gathering space is a cornerstone of the overall plan.

Leading up to and during the seven-member R/UDAT team’s May 31st through June 4th on-site visit, the following occurred: There were open

Bequians look forward to maintaining the unique ‘almond tree square’ that serves as meeting place, taxi stand, and more. (Internet Photo)

public meetings in Port Elizabeth on May 24th and in Paget Farm on May 31st.

R/UDAT team members met with key Port Elizabeth stakeholder groups including taxi drivers, vendors and craftspeople, and shopkeepers along Front Street. R/UDAT team members also walked along waterfront, talking to other individuals using the waterfront area, person to person.

On May 31st, a meeting was held at the Bequia Revenue Office, with Public Sector representatives sharing their input with the R/UDAT team.

Participants included Dr. Godwin Friday, Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines; Ms. Paula Patterson, Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture; Mr. Colin Layne, Senior Building Inspector, Physical Planning Unit; Ms. Irene Doughty, Central Water & Sewerage Authority (CWSA); Mr. Les Malcolm, St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC); Mr. Rannie Gregg, Clerk of Bequia District Council Office, Ministry of Transportation, Works,

Liberators donate to Bequia Hospital MEMBERS OF VINCY LIBERATORS SVG travelled to Bequia on Sunday June 2, 2019, to make two donations.

The first donation was made to the Bequia Hospital in Port Elizabeth, when President Kenneth Skerritt handed over a quantity of medical supplies and equipment for use at that institution.

The second donation was a wheelchair for use by Ramon Ollivierre.

The Liberators return trip to Bequia was made compliments of in Bequia Express. The Liberators here and members of the New York chapter are grateful to the Bequia Express owners/managers for their kind gesture.

Vincy Liberators, Inc. USA and Vincy Liberatorsvg together comprise a nonprofit organization whose main purpose is to assist in improving the standard of living of citizens and nationals of the multi-Island nation of St. Vincent and

President Kenneth Skerritt (front left) led the handing over of a quantity of medical supplies and equipment to staff at the Bequia Hospital. the Grenadines.

This organization will provide material and to assistances in vulnerable Vincentians which will provide immediate relief and stability in their lives and in the future, help them lead productive lives.

The organization ios driven by its motto: ‘We have a country to build, if we don’t who will?’

Left: Theresa Ollivierre accepts a wheelchair for use by her brother Ramon Ollivierre.

Urban Development and Local Government; and Mrs. Sabrina Mitchell, Chairperson, Bequia Tourism Association.

Invitees unable to attend but being kept informed included Mrs. Yvette Pompey, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of National Security; Mr. Herman Belmar, Deputy Director Grenadines Affairs; Superintendent Kenneth John, Traffic Department, Royal SVG Police Force; Mr. Barry Providence, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority; Mr. Kenrick Frederick, Administrative Officer Bequia Revenue Office; and a representative of Bridges, Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA).

A remarkable key component of community input that formed the plans titled “A Vision of Port Elizabeth” were the more than 300 survey forms filled out by Bequia residents, which were analyzed to provide data on public opinion.

Following the June

Dr. Godwin Friday, Parliamentary Representative for the Nothern Grenadines, addressing the June 3 Meeting at which the Plan was presented.

3rd meeting, at which the Bequia Waterfront Development plans titled “A Vision of Port Elizabeth” were presented to the public, Dr. Friday stated, “We have been given a road map – it’s up to us to follow it.” Or, as one community member said, “If nothing changes

now, the problems we have will only get worse and this won’t be a place we want to leave to our children.”

The entire plan is available, free, at www.issuu.com/aiacxd “A Vision for Port Elizabeth”.

(Submitted by the Bequia Steering Committee)

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial SVG and the Security Council PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES leads a Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration that prides itself on ‘punching above its weight class’.

There is nothing too high to reach, nothing in the geopolitical world that is beyond arm’s length of this regime.

Ten years or so ago, when the idea of this country’s quest for a seat on the Security Council of the United Nations was first broached, it was, for all intents and purposes, written off as wishful thinking, even by some ULP diehards, albeit quietly.

Now, last Friday, June 7, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his ULP’s most lofty ideal, so to speak, proved not just reachable but attainable.

This country, on that date, under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, with a mixture of accolades and admonitions weighing on his aging shoulders, became the smallest nation to win a seat on the Security Council of the United Nations.

Come January 2020, this country will take its seat among a group that includes the world’s five most powerful nations: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States, each enjoying the right of veto.

So, what will this country confront as it wrestles with the big boys?

Preceding this country’s advent to the hallowed chamber of the Security Council, has been an ongoing collection of divergent views related to the issue of the enlargement of the Council; the composition of the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership; the right of veto; how to improve transparency and the working methods of the Council.

These are but some of the ongoing issues which SVG will confront as it takes its seat in the Security Council and, as Prime Minister Gonsalves has already alluded to, begin its effort to influence reform.

Dr. Gonsalves made one thing very clear — his desire to see a special position in the Security Council for small island developing states. In effect, the Prime Minister has given notice of the continuing thrust of ‘punching beyond weight class’, notwithstanding that what he would like to see has to be set aside in favour of more fundamental change (referenced earlier).

The reality is that long before SVG’s expressed desire, nothing effectively different has emerged amidst the entire struggle and, of course, tons of rhetoric on the said issue.

It would do this country well if it takes time to reflect on the fact that much has been said and recorded which expressed concerns for the Council’s present structure, its decision-making process and working methods, as well as the “permissible” means available to enforce what it decides, which inhibit its ability to effectively perform.

Some have specifically expressed the view that, as currently constituted, the Council is not representative enough and therefore, by extension undemocratic, not to mention its lack of transparency in its working methods, and it not being proactive and swift enough when reacting to crisis situations.

All of this will attract SVG’s attention, if we understand the government’s thrust correctly.

As it stands, the United Nations is comprised of 193 countries, 191 of these being full member states and 2 (The Holy See and the State of Palestine) categorised as non-member observers.

Five of these full members continue to wield the privilege of veto, effectively making them the framers of eventual positions of the Council.

That the Orwellian adage of ‘some pigs being more equal than others’, reigns supreme over the dictates of the world’s most auspicious body, has not gone unnoticed. In fact, some critics have described the veto as mainly serving the interest of the sacred five, at the expense of the moral duty which was assigned the United Nations by its founding fathers.

By maintaining its characteistics, not least being the veto rule, the Security Council in essence perpetuates the status quo of the post World War 11 and Cold War eras.

That is the reality, in brief, into which SVG enters. Can it punch above its weight class this time around?

“A King resigns” Professor?: 25 years dead!

SO “PROFESSOR” REGINALD PADMORE our most complete folk-lorist, has been the latest of our “heart victims”.

At 53 years old, “Professor” died as he lived, taking part in a discussion with soul-mates on the way forward for calypso and its input for the coming 1990 carnival season.

Professor was a born comedian, a natural entertainer, and traditional kiasoman who held his audience, as they say, in the palm of his hands.

Many a show was rescued from boredom and shoddiness by the Charisma of the Prof. A few turned up their noses at the earthiness and bold ribaldry of his pitch, but Professor knew where to draw the line, often blurring it with diplomatic resort to his well known guttural and infectious laugh.

Having been given a send off into the world of calypso by friends such as Caribbean Pete and Tanny Peters, Professor soared into a new orbit, capturing the Calypso Monarchy- “I resign”, all regal stuff.

In between his calypso lines, Professor played his saxophone and did an old-time “Satchmo” or two to the delight of Nina Maloney’s and my generation. His stage- craft and gyrations with “Tip-Toe Soca” or “Tunky Tunky”, kept the present generation in tow. But for sheer melody and beat, I like best his “Anita” composed in honour of his girl-friend who bears that name.

Spontaneous and sharp-witted, Professor mastered picong, and on-the-spot compositions, the real test of Kaisomen- which was meat and drink to him. His turn of phrases and hidden messages were so well camouflaged that when reigning Calypso King De Man Age was denied sponsorship to an overseas competition by the Powers-that-be, Professor was substituted even though he had sung “Piggy Government” which was in essence a more direct attack on the Government of the day.

The versatility of Professor was best demonstrated by his stunning performance in Tracy Connell’s production “That Christmas Feeling”, where the middle class audience was shocked beyond belief at his native talent as an actor. When the calypsonians, starring “Poorsa”, were later moved to stage their own play “Break Through”, Professor once more put his formidable wares on public display.

And yet Professor had to scrunt for his living. Like “Hawke”, he was born in Bottom Town but ended up trying to eke out a precarious existence “Right in the Slum”.

Within the recent past, the pot was kept on the fire with earnings from appearances with “Scakes” at clubs in the Tourist-oriented Grenadines. But for several years before that, Professor regularly teamed up with Dee-Jay Randy D in a Sisyphean struggle in which they established entertainment spots which could aptly have been named “The Fly-By-Night”.

In this material, and important, sense only is Becket right when he laments over the non-

recognition of Professor during his life time.

Inwardly, Professor must have been hurting though outwardly he gave so generously and unsparingly of himself; shedding bitter tears deep inside while his clown’s face with eyes wide open, dry like chips, caused stitches of uproarious laughter among his audience. There is a sense in which the problems of the orphan-child “Willard”, pitifully dominated and terrorised by Grannie, probably pursued Professor who was such a superb actor!

When Randy D tried his hand at the very promising T.V programme “De Market Place”, Professor was one of his feature attractions.

Long after all is said and done, I shall remember to my dying day Professor’s splendid caricature of the articulate sophistry of Minister of Education, John Horne, gestures and all!

The present NDP administration must be congratulated for having awarded Professor the M.B.E in the teeth of criticisms from snobs who behaved every bit like their British counterparts a generation ago when the Beatles, sprung from the slums of Liverpool had collected their MBE’s at Buckingham Palace for their contribution to the world of music. The final official appreciation shown by the Police Band’s attendance at the funeral was also a telling gesture.

Above all, new positive signals were flashed when live broadcast of the funeral service gained precedence over national cricket match versus Dominica, national football match versus Grenada, and West Indies cricket match versus England! How Professor must have roared with noiseless laughter in his coffin! “I am the King” took on new meaning.

Regretfully last month, I had to decline an invitation to sit as a panellist to discuss “Calypso and Religion” sponsored by the Graduate Tent, and so missed a last fling with Professor, Unfortunately, in this day and age, it still seems, like some annual ritual, that calypsonians must come forward and justify their existence. No other musical form is ever asked to prove its compatibility with religion in general or Christianity in particular. To many bigots, calypso is stained with original sin from which it is yet to wash itself clean. This would have been my line of argument, refusing to go on the defensive.

More to the point, Professor was present and said his piece in his inimitable style, as usual. According to the Reverend BennetPrimus, who was to conduct Professor’s burial service in a matter of weeks, Professor’s contribution that was blunt: on judgement day people who are thought to be booked for heaven will find themselves in Hell and vice versa. Or words to that effect.

Given the hypocritical and pharisaic nature of the society, it was a fitting epitaph, written on his own behalf by the King himself. Amen

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 9.

Letters

Giving Fathers a chance THIS SUNDAY, the third Sunday in the month of June, is recognised worldwide as Fathers’ Day. I am moved to ask: Who is a father?

In society today, a good father is one who provides for his children’s needs; one who is there to ensure their well-being and safety.

The case of a priest who is called ‘Father’ is no different; he is there to provide guidance, safety, spiritual food and assurance to his congregation.

A bad father should be the opposite, but is that

so? If a man cannot provide for his children’s needs, does that make him a bad father? Society has us acting without analysing. There is too much stereotyping.

The task of being a father in today’s world is very difficult. Society has placed a burden on males from since man was created or evolved. Man is the seed of production, the sperm donor, the breadwinner, the head of the home, the leader, and the list goes on as per his roles and responsibilities placed on him by society.

At the same time, his

task has become much more difficult. But when he falls short for one reason or another, society turns and slams him. His rights and privileges are eroded. In some places, men have been reduced to less than animals. Thus, if that is what man has become, how can he fulfil the duty of a good father?

Let us start looking for a solution to these issues and stop apportioning blame.

Many of us grew up without fathers, but that did not hinder us from playing the role that

society has given us. On the other hand, others who grew up with a good father figure and had good moral guidance, are today poor role models as fathers. Where did they all go wrong? Who is to be blamed for the demise the world is facing? It is a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed. The males need help to regain their self-worth and dignity, but is it that they are too proud, ambitious, ashamed, humbled, afraid to seek help?

All men are fathers, whether they can afford

U.S tramples on freedom of citizens THERE WAS a time when one of the gangplanks of the antiCuba campaign was the accusation that Cuba was restricting the rights of its citizens to travel abroad. This was after the Cuban state which was providing basic social services free to its people, health and education in , sought to keep those who were benefitting from these services at home contributing to the development of the society.

Well, it appears that those days are over, and that the west is no longer frowning at such practices. At least, that

* How could a Minister of Government lend support to an event that was deliberately organized to upstage the official Fisherman’s Day Activity? * Is there no regard anymore for what is already established? * Could the Minister of Fisheries on just one occasion make mention of that Non-government small business financial institution that has kept traditional fishermen on the water? * Is he following instructions not to give the remaining NAG (Not Attached to Government) institutions any mileage?

is how it seems, given certain actions by the Donald Trump administration in the USA. Take these examples as indicative of this about-face: On Wednesday of this week, new travel restrictions by the US government preventing its citizens from travelling freely to Cuba came into force. Under the new rules, supposedly aimed at hurting the so-called “communist foothold in the region”, there will be no more group educational and cultural trips to Cuba, (what used to be called “people-topeople trips”). The USA is banning people to people contacts?

Worse, not even tourist cruises (by cruise ships), visits or even stops by private yachts or fishing vessels will be allowed. The Trump administration is telling you where you can go on a cruise, yachting expedition or fishing trip!

Cruises to Cuba with its splendid natural beauty and rich history have become very popular among Americans, with

over 140,000 visitors from the US in the first four months of this year alone. This exceeds the just over 114,000 persons who flew by US airlines such as Jet Blue, American Airlines and Southwest Airways which will all be affected financially.

The one allowance that is made is for trips under the “Support for the Cuban people” category. However, persons so allowed to travel must, (a) have an itinerary filled with meetings and visits with local business owners and artists, and (b) must not only participate in local activities, but must stay in private homes, not state-owned hotels.

The tourist is being told where he/she can/ cannot stay.

“You have to have a full schedule of activities”, said one US tour operator. “Going to hang out at the beach in the afternoon won’t cut it”, he commented wryly.

This is not just another unjustified attack against Cuba; it represents a flagrant violation of the rights of

American people to travel. The Trump administration is trampling on the very freedom of movement which Americans cherish so dearly and which is a fundamental human right of all people.

This is not only hypocrisy of the highest order, but worse, it is a manifestation of the policy that “might is right”, and an affirmation that those who make the rules in the world can break them with impunity when it so serves their interests. It demonstrates that the preaching about democracy is to be obeyed by the global congregation but ignored by the false preachers.

All believers in the fundamental rights of people, the freedom of movement and association, all friends of the Cuban people, all Caribbean governments, must speak out against this latest act of injustice.

Renwick Rose SVG/Cuba Friendship Society

SVGRNA says „Thanks‰ THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Retired Nurses Association (SVGRNA) would like to thank those who attended/supported their Tea Party held on May 12th, 2019.

Special thanks to the following persons/businesses for their donation/contribution:The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his wife Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves, for the use of their residence. We would also like to thank the staff for their untiring assistance.

* Joche’ Moment for the decorations. * Quick Print for printing of tickets. * National Lotteries for tables, chairs and tents

Donations: * * * * *

Flow New Haven Funeral Home Gairy Construction Oscar Machine Company Mona Dare

Entertainment:

to provide the needs of their offspring or they are just sperm donors.

Let us not put him further down than he is already, but instead look for ways to prevent him from being a lost cause.

Happy Fathers’ Day to all fathers.

So long man on the go.

A first class dream MR. EDITOR, here is a dream I had recently: I dreamt I went to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) around 2 a.m. My complaint was that I was having severe pains in my stomach.

I took a seat in the waiting area of the Emergency Unit, and it must have been just a minute after that a nurse called me to a desk. She took my information and called another nurse to take my vitals. That was done in a most friendly manner, so much so I thought my pressure must have gone down, how relaxed I was made to feel by this nurse.

I was ushered into a room with two beds, and told that a doctor would be in to see me.

It was not long after I found a comfortable seat on the bed, that in walked a doctor with a broad smile on his face. He extended the usual courtesies like “Good morning’, etc. and immediately set about examining me, all the time asking questions related to my complaint.

He diagnosed that I had had a bad case of gas, and he prescribed medication accordingly.

All in all, my stay at the MCMH lasted just over an hour.

Now that’s what I call first class health care.

Pity it was only a dream.

Lancelot

Truculent Traffic Officer DURING this past week, I had cause to (try) to use the Solidarity Car Park. Having joined the queue, I waited until I was second in line.

Whereupon a uniformed Traffic Officer approached me and informed me that I was causing an obstruction and would have to move on. I explained that I was waiting to enter the car park, in fact my front wheels were on the entry ramp, and that I would move on as soon as the vehicle in front of me

* Ms Shanique Brown * Mr. Curtis Williams * Mr. Roy Small

Food Items * * * *

Allans Bakery Mrs. Clara Providence Mrs. Ali Sutherland Ms. Chrissy Bynoe Ms. Maureen Williams, for an excellent presentation on “Balancing the Mind, Body, and Spirit.”

The SVGRNA expresses their gratitude, and looks forward to your continued support.

SVGRNA

entered the car park.

The Officer totally ignored my explanation, and in a very aggressive and belligerent manner continued with his tirade and ordered me to move on. To avoid further confrontation, I parked elsewhere, at a very inconvenient distance from where I needed to be!!

Given these circumstances, I would pose two questions to whoever is head of the Traffic Office: Why was I, with a perfectly legitimate reason to park, moved on, when other vehicles are left parked over signs 3ft. high in bright yellow notices indicating no parking??

Given the proximity of these illegally parked vehicles to the main Traffic Office, why can’t the respective Traffic Officers get off their backsides every 30/60 minutes and cross the road to either move these vehicles on, ticket them or clamp them??

A. W. Indupp

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Small country⁄Big Footprint The NDP and Foreign Policy

IT IS AN ACCEPTED fact that Vincentians are feeling good about their country. Here and there, whenever groups of Vincentians gather, at parties, at popular bars, on the beaches or rivers, there is generally a discussion on the state of our country. The comments are generally very favourable, but here and there, a few people with political agendas try to be negative.

The plain truth is that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a virtually “twoby-four country”, with no natural resources like oil or gold or silver, has established a big footprint on the world stage. In the Caribbean, and particularly among CARICOM member states, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is regarded as an influential country, principled in its approach to issues of socio-economic development, and foreign relations.

Without a doubt, this change in the way Vincentians now perceive their country, began in 2001, when they voted the ULP into office. The ULP was like a breath of fresh air, bringing hope and sustained economic progress to a country, to replace the period of doom and gloom that we endured, under the NDP and Sir James Mitchell. Sometimes we tend to forget some of the dismal things the ULP had to correct when it assumed office in 2001.

Our infrastructure was in tatters, with schools, police stations and clinics in a state of disrepair. The ULP fixed this. Our country was on a blacklist for various reasons. The ULP fixed that. Schools in the State had to endure a shift system, with an estimated sixty-eight percent of our primary school students unable to access secondary school education.

The ULP fixed all that. Government ministers were mis-using their offices, purchasing State land in the Grenadines at knockdown prices, getting “sweet heart mortgages” at the National Commercial Bank, and using State-owned transportation as their own. The ULP fixed all that too.

after by leaders in the Caribbean and further afield. He has written several books and articles, as befitting his position as the longest serving Prime Minister in CARICOM. He has been invited to be the guest speaker at so many prestigious events that it is hard to keep track. Many organizations and groups have been disappointed not to have him as their guest speaker, simply because there is not enough time in a day for him to attend these speaking engagements, and still do the job which he has been elected to do.

His leadership and vision have led to some amazing achievements in the country, including the construction of a bridge over the Rabacca Dry River, the construction of the international airport at Argyle, and the Education Revolution that has led to some profound changes in the learning process for our young Vincentians.

What a Prime Minister!

Conclusion

This is a period when we are proud to be a Vincentian. We can boast of a country that is well-led, with a strong caring government, with a clear philosophy related to the socio economic development of the country.

The opposition New Democratic Party, led by Godwin Friday, knows that it has no answer to the ULP and Comrade Ralph. Within the hearts and minds of the NDP and their supporters, is a feeling that the country is well led, and that the ULP is the natural party of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

You will recall an incident at a Town Hall meeting held by the NDP in New York just before the 2015 general election. At that time, a member of the audience asked the Big Foot Print former leader, Arnhim Eustace about his party’s fifteen-year development As Vincentians, we have come to plans for St. Vincent and the the realization that we are a Grenadines. Eustace, poor fellow, was magnificent component of our at a loss to respond since his party independent authentic Caribbean had no such thing. He was therefore civilization, with the knowledge that forced to offer up the lame response, there is scope for even further ennoblement. At the campuses of the “Ask Ralph”. Indeed this is a shameful answer to a most important University of the West Indies, we question related to a critical issue, the number more students than all economic development of the country. countries, save and except the host country. Our students rise every year The NDP could only say “Ask Ralph”.

The truth is that the NDP is to become valedictorians at graduation exercises at the UWI. Our experiencing what some people call “learned- helplessness”. The ULP has diplomats have done outstanding published its twelve-year National work particularly at the posts at the Economic and Social Development United Nations, the United States, Plan, 2013 to 2025. It is available to Canada, Cuba and the United the public in hard copy, and can be Kingdom. Now the country is poised to become the smallest nation state to found on the government’s website, be voted as a non-permanent member www.gov.vc.

The ULP offers continued hope to of the United Nations Security the people of St. Vincent and the Council. What an achievement that Grenadines, accompanied by a rewill be!

At the centre of this big footprint, is affirmation of our faith in God, made the political leader of the ULP, Prime manifest in the deeds of our people, in tandem with each other and their Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, leadership, so as to enable us to affectionately known as “The achieve mighty things, individually Comrade”. As the leader of the country, he has provided direction and and collectively, as a nation.

As a small country, we will guidance as the country exhibits this continue to leave big footprints. big footprint. His advice is sought

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) recognizes the importance of our role as a responsible state in the international community. We will therefore promote and encourage the maintenance of democratic principles and good governance: transparency, accountability and respect for human rights. We will feverishly seek to maintain and establish links with states, international organizations, multilateral corporations and other regional and international bodies, for the promotion of peace and stability among nations, and the welfare interests of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The conduct of our foreign policy will have far reaching implications in terms of its relevance to vital sectors of our economy. As such, maintaining an appropriate stance with regard to our involvement in international relations, can only serve our nation well in the long term. The major facets of our economy which are directly related to our dealings with global community, are as follows: climate change, energy, trade, training and education, culture and tourism, technology, economic cooperation, agriculture and national security.

To this end, the NDP will actively support and participate in the growth and advancement of economic integration in Caricom and the OECS, and encourage where necessary, other regional bodies that promote good governance and preserve our traditional democratic principles; and establish close ties with the Garifuna Community worldwide, with special attention being paid to deepening and broadening relations with the descendants of the Garifuna people who were banished from St. Vincent to Roatan Island.

Further, the NDP will implement regional and international agreements that impact on National Security and impose any heavy financial burdens on tax payers after parliamentary debate and consultation with relevant interest groups where appropriate; ensure that our bilateral and multilateral arrangements will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and where necessary authorization; diligently review and actively pursue the provisions of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union in order to secure the benefits associated with the trade in goods and services; broaden and deepen diplomatic relations with existing countries and seek diplomatic ties with other countries on the basis of respect for human rights and the recognition of participatory democracy, and support and encourage the peaceful resolution of international conflicts and diligently participate in the fight against terrorism and money laundering.

We will also: ensure that the services provided by our country’s foreign offices are consistent with national policy requirements; reform the operations and functions of our country’s foreign offices to feverishly pursue and attract foreign investment and to establish and deepen trade in goods and services; secure our position in the international community as a responsible state by maintaining our respect for international law and by encouraging other countries do likewise; maintain our obligations to all international conventions and treaties to which we are committed and examine and sign others as they become available and to the extent that they are consistent with our foreign policy.

Moreover, we remain committed to the rule of law in international relations and to the United Nations (UN); maintain our strong historical ties with our traditional friends USA, Canada, UK and the European Union and the

member states of the OAS, and return to normalcy our traditionally cordial ties with Cuba and Venezuela; continue to value St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ external relationship with Commonwealth nations and maintain our relationships with the members of the ACP countries, Asia and the Middle East, and continue our recognition of India and Kuwait as traditional partners.

The NDP remains committed to the involvement in wide ranging hemispheric agreements with all democratic countries as a basis of political, economic and socialcooperation for our fledgling nation state. Our approach will be flexible, yet purposeful, with the protection and advancement of the interests of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines always being paramount.

The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was successful in obtaining a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The following is the statement by the NDP: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes Non-Permanent Member On UN Security Council.

On Friday 7th June 2019, our beloved country secured a seat as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The New Democratic Party, along with the Government and people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, takes great pride in this achievement.

The Security Council is one of the major organs of the United Nations and is concerned with, among other things, promoting and ensuring international peace and security. It is comprised of five permanent members and ten nonpermanent members. The latter serve for two years. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will take up its seat on January 1, 2020. The New Democratic Party is ready to continue to take up St.Vincent and the Grenadines’ Security Council seat when the people of our country give us the mandate to form government.

The non-permanent seats on the Security Council are distributed on a regional basis, into five blocs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines belongs to the Latin American and Caribbean states group. We thank all countries who voted for St, Vincent and the Grenadines, especially the Latin American and Caribbean Countries who supported St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ candidacy from the regional Bloc.

The New Democratic Party believes that a seat on the UN Security Council will raise the profile of St.Vincent and the Grenadines internationally and can bring valuable experience and opportunities to our country. We expect that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will use this high-profile international position to demonstrate our longstanding belief in the principles of democracy, protection of human rights, collective security and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and to promote matters that affect us directly such as the destructive effects of climate change.

St.Vincent and the Grenadines must also capitalize on its higher visibility to promote wherever possible our economic interests, such as the marketing of tourism and enhancing international economic ties.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 11.

Views

We Go High!

“When they go low, we go high.”

Michelle LaVaughn Obama - American lawyer, university administrator, and author. She was First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th U.S. president, Barack Obama, and was the first African-American first lady.

IT IS EASY TO CONSIDER “fighting fire with fire” or “seeking our pound of flesh” when we perceive that someone has wronged us. That may be the natural, normal, human reaction to expect. However, it takes discipline to demonstrate restraint when someone has hurt us through insult, lies, and other forms of “injustices”. While we may seek to justify our “getting back” or “getting even,” we do realise that, in doing so, we sink to the perpetrator’s level. Our focus should be on going high, even though they went low. We can be kind to the unkind and ugly persons. We can, by our example, demonstrate a better way. When they go low, we can go high.

Michelle Obama coined the phrase, “When they go low, we go high”, during her 2016 speech at the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. On that occasion, she advised listeners and viewers that, “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level,” she said. “No, our motto is, ‘When they go low, we go high.’” That famous phrase reminds us that we need to exercise restraint in the face of frustration and anger. It encourages us to develop the discipline and the resolve, the fortitude, to avoid the enticements to seek revenge or to hurt those that have hurt us. It does not mean that we are immune to the pain. What it does mean is that we have developed the strength of character to deflect the hurt or to avoid allowing it to create or sustain bitterness. As Michelle has said when explaining the value of the expression, “It means that your response has to reflect the solution. It shouldn’t come from a place of anger or vengefulness. Barack and I had to figure that out. Anger may feel good in the moment, but it’s not going to move the ball forward.”

There will always be individuals who “rub us the wrong way”. Some are likely to seek to do so intentionally. Others may do so accidentally. Regardless of the cause of the hurt, it is often so very important for us to have the presence of mind to avoid the “knee-jerk reaction” of getting even; of returning the hurt. However, this takes maturity. This takes discipline. This takes foresight to understand and appreciate that the tit-for-tat approach is likely to result in magnified hurt and, in the end, may just make matters worse. The approach of non-retaliation should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. The converse is true — it is a sign of strength. We are not required to fight every battle. Some battles are won without brandishing weapons or engaging in combative warfare.

Many still marvel at the tremendous self-restraint that was demonstrated by Nelson Rolihlahla

If they come for me in the morning...? (Pt 2) Mandela (1918-2013), South Africa’s first black President (1994-1999).

Here was a man who, on 12th June 1964 was sentenced to life imprisonment for “plotting to overthrow the government by violence.” His autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom” (published in 1994) captures many of the forms of illtreatment that was meted out to him before he was jailed and while he was in prison. Following his release on 11th February 1990, many may have expected him to seek vengeance on his perpetrators. This may have been especially so when he became president of the great nation four years later. However, he walked a higher road. He listened to a different drummer. He followed a different, a brighter pathway. He called for reconciliation. He encouraged forgiveness. He showed that anger and disappointment can be curtailed, can be nullified, by going high when others go low. But this takes courage. This takes a tremendous amount of self-control and love for mankind.

There will always be individuals whose insults and body language will appear to be designed to make themselves appear superior to others.

There will always be egotistic individuals who, faced with their own insecurities, may wish to flaunt their positions of power and authority, academic attainment, physical beauty, nationality, etc. to imply that they are more important or valuable than others. There will be those individuals who unwisely fix their attention on discrediting others with the hope that they (the offender) appear to be superior in some way.

They unwisely conclude that in making others look and/or feel small they become bigger. But this is so far from the truth. Such individuals often see their esteem in the eyes of others shrink. In a way, smallminded individuals try to make people feel small. And while the attitudes and behaviours of such individuals may periodically upset or irritate us, we remind ourselves that these are “low road walkers”. When they go low, we go high!

We all have the capacity to imbibe the wisdom of Michelle Obama’s comments featured during the early segment of this essay. Believe it or not, we all have the ability to embrace the attitudes portrayed by Nelson Mandela. We are no less human than he was. We know that if we allow vengeance, hatred, and anger to reign in our lives, we will become increasingly bitter (and unhappy).

We choose how we react to life’s challenges. We choose whether we walk the moral and behavioral highroad. We choose whether we react by going low or going high. The choice is ours. May we accept the appeal to go high when others go low.

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

UNDER WHAT LAW did Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno capriciously terminate Julian’s rights of asylum as a political refugee? Under what law did Moreno authorize British police to enter the Ecuadorian Embassy—diplomatically sanctioned sovereign territory—to arrest a nationalized citizen of Ecuador? Under what law did Prime Minister Theresa May order the British police to grab Julian, who has never committed a crime? Under what law did Donald Trump demand the extradition of Julian, who is not a U.S. citizen and whose news organization is not based in the United States?

Ask the families of the Iraqis ripped to pieces by American high caliber guns, beaten, tortured and killed over the years of American occupation what they think of Julian Assange.

There is nothing like the boot of the oppressor on your neck to give you moral clarity. None of these war crimes would have been made public without Julian, Chelsea Manning and WikiLeaks. That is the role of journalists–to give a voice to those who without us would have no voice, to hold the powerful to account, to give the forgotten and the demonized justice, to speak the truth.

We have watched over the last decade, as freedom of the press and legal protection for those who expose government abuses and lies, have been obliterated by wholesale government surveillance and the criminalizing of the leaking and, with Julian’s persecution, publication of these secrets. The press has been largely emasculated in the United States. The repeated use of the Espionage Act to charge and sentence whistleblowers, has shut down our ability to shine a light into the inner workings of power and empire.

Governmental officials with a conscience, knowing all of their communications are monitored, captured and stored by intelligence agencies, are too frightened to reach out to reporters.

The last line of defense lies with those with the skills that allow them to burrow into the records of the security and surveillance state, and with the courage to make them public, such as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. The price of resistance is high not only for them, but for those such as Julian willing to publish this information. Julian is not being persecuted for his alleged vices. He is being persecuted for his virtues.

His arrest eviscerates all pretense of the rule of law and the rights of a free press. It presages a world where the internal workings, abuses, corruption, lies and crimes, especially war crimes, carried out by the global ruling elite will be masked from the public. It presages an Orwellian reality where journalism is outlawed and replaced with propaganda, trivia, entertainment and indoctrination to make us hate those demonized by the state as our enemies.

This is almost certainly our future, and it is a future that Julian has fought courageously to prevent.

It is said the Gestapo broke bones and the East German secret police broke souls. Today, we too have refined the cruder forms of torture of the Gestapo. We break souls as well as bodies. It is more effective. This is why Julian, his physical and psychological health in serious decline, has been moved to a prison hospital. There has been a coordinated smear campaign against Julian by our Thought Police, one that is amplified by the very media organizations that published WikiLeaks material. The sole intent is to destroy Julian’s reputation.

This character assassination was championed by the Democratic Party

establishment after WikiLeaks published 70,000 hacked emails copied from the accounts of John Podesta, Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman.

The Podesta emails exposed the donation of millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two of the major funders of Islamic State, to the Clinton Foundation. It exposed the $657,000 that Goldman Sachs paid to Hillary Clinton to give talks, a sum so large it can only be considered a bribe.

It exposed Clinton’s repeated mendacity. She was caught in the emails, for example, telling the financial elites that she wanted “open trade and open borders”, and believed Wall Street executives were best positioned to manage the economy, a statement that contradicted her campaign statements.

It exposed the Clinton campaign’s efforts to influence the Republican primaries to ensure that Trump was the Republican nominee. It exposed Clinton’s advance knowledge of questions in the primary debate. It exposed Clinton as the principal architect of the war in Libya, a war she believed would burnish her credentials as a presidential candidate. Journalists can argue that this information, like the war logs provided to WikiLeaks by Chelsea Manning, should have remained hidden, that the public did not have a right to know, but they can’t then call themselves journalists.

WikiLeaks has done more to expose the abuses of power and crimes of the American Empire than any other news organization. In addition to the war logs and the Podesta emails, it made public the hacking tools used by the CIA and the National Security Agency and their interference in foreign elections, including in the French elections. It disclosed the internal conspiracy against British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn by Labour members of Parliament. It intervened to save Snowden from extradition to the United States by helping him flee from Hong Kong to Moscow after he made public the wholesale surveillance of the American public by our intelligence agencies. The Snowden leaks also revealed that Julian was on a U.S. ‘manhunt target list.’

We must build popular movements to force the British government to halt the extradition and judicial lynching of Julian. We must build popular movements to force the Australian government to intervene on behalf of Julian. We must build popular movements to reclaim democracy and the rule of law. If Julian is extradited and tried, it will create a legal precedent that will terminate the ability of the press to hold power accountable.

The crimes of war and finance, the persecution of dissidents, minorities and immigrants, the pillaging of the ecosystem and the ruthless impoverishment of working men and women to swell the profits of corporations and consolidate the global oligarchs’ total grip on power will no longer be part of public debate. First Julian. Then us.

The foregoing is an excerpt of a recent speech delivered by Chris Hedges in London. We publish it as part of a proposed series entitled ‘If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you at night.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Resign now!!!

ACCORDING TO THE LEADER of SVG Green Party, Vincentian born, Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves must resign now- his ULP Regime has not passed Financial Requirements in Constitutional Audit for 2009 and 2010.

The Director of Audit, in accordance with the provision for Section 75 (2) of the SVG Constitution and the Audit Act 2005, has stated that in her opinion the Financial Statements presented for Audit did not in all material respects fairly represent the financial position of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines as at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2010.

The Leader of SVG Green Party very strongly contends that because of the very high figures and volume of Tax Payers’ money involved as given below, and because NO STATEMENT OF RECONCILIATION was produced, the Prime Minister and Minister and then Finance Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves should take full responsibility for the ULP Government’s failure to pass the Constitutional Audit for 2009 and 2010.

PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves must resign!

The volume of Tax Payers’ money involved is vey high, and PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves must resign.

According to the 1979 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitutionally Appointed Director of Audit Examination for 2009 and 2010: “Large amounts of Advances made by the Accounting Division have

remained outstanding for several years.

As at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2010, outstanding Advances totalled $22,522,831.67 and $22,224,905.49 respectively.

The figure of $285,014,459.00 reflected in the Accounting Division accounts as Public Debt did not agree with the figure of $866,731,111.00 ($285,014459.00 +$581,716,652.00) quoted on the Statement of Public Debt and Schedule of Loans respectively for 2009.

The figure of $201,607,142.87 reflected in the Accounting Division accounts as Public Debt did not agree with the figure of $955,297,710.07 ($201,607,142.87 + $753,690,567.20) quoted on the statement of Public Debt and schedule of Loans for 2010.

No Statement of Reconciliation was produced to account for the difference in the overdraft balance of $50,947, 228.76 (118,597,380.27 $67,632,151.51) between the balances recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities/ Accounting Division accounts and that in the Accountant General’s current account at the National Commercial Bank for 2009.

No Statement of reconciliation was produced to account for the difference in the overdraft balance of $13,369,930.33 ($58,174,743.69 $44,804,813.36) between the balances recorded in the Accountant General’s current account at National Commercial Bank and that on the Statement of Assets and

Liabilities/Accounting Division accounts for 2010.

The figure of $458,309,193.88 on the Consolidated Fund account reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities did not agree with the figure of $403,523,821.90 quoted in the Accounting Division accounts for 2010.

Because of the significance of the matters described above, and comments mentioned otherwise in this report, I am of the opinion that the financial statements presented for audit did not in all material respects fairly represent the financial position of the Government St Vincent and the Grenadines as at 31st December 2009 and 31th December 2010. (Dated 27 January 2014)” (Source Audit Reports 2009 and 2010- Research Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (hons), MSc, MBA) The Leader of SVG Green Party Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal is deeply concerned with the

incompetent ULP regime digging a hole to fill a hole, borrowing large sums of money to pay Public Debt. Our country’s Public Accounts are in shambles; we need to clean up our Public Accounts. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is not above the 1979 Constitution Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He should resign soonest for failure of compliance a per Audit Requirements for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Yet, the ULP holds on to POWER in Saint and the Grenadines. When will the ULP REGIME get the message they are grossly incompetent in Public Accounts and that they are pushing SVG Economy into the gutter, into deep poverty and destitution? Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, show respect and resign now! We will SVG Green party

Colonization and YahÊs plan for building His Kingdom THE BOOK of the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter one, verse three speaks of how the Messiah Yahusha (Jesus) after he was resurrected, showed himself to be very much alive, in his usual authoritative manner and with many infallible proofs.

He spent forty days with his Apostles, discussing with them matters pertaining to the Kingdom of Yahuah.

Most Interesting; for of the many things that he could have discussed with them, he chose to focus on the things pertaining to the Kingdom.

What is so important about the Kingdom, that he left the Celestial Realm, and traveled to the Earth Realm to present?

Yahuchanon (John), when he walked out of the wilderness of Judea(Matt 3:2),shouted this extraordinary advisory: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Yahuah is at hand!”

The ancient prophet Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) had prophesied in (Isa. 30:3-5) that Yahuchanon would have been that voice shouting this message in the wilderness.

What was so extraordinary about this Kingdom, that John was sent ahead of the Messiah to advance it?

This message consumed Yahusha, in “all” that he ever preached.

After being led by the RuAch (Spirit) into the wilderness where He was tempted by Shatan (Satan), He overcame the tempter by making constant reference to the Tanakh (Old Testament), reminding him (Deu. 8:3) that man’s ultimate survival would not depend on physical sustenance alone, but rather by every word that Yahuah(God) spoke.

Then, after he passed through the land of the tribes of Napthali and Zebulon, He fulfilled what the Yesha’yahu(Isaiah) spoke in (Isa 42:7),when he prophesied that the people that sat in darkness will see a great light, even those who existed in the region, and shadow of death.

Matt.4:17 informed us, that “from that time” Yahusha began to preach, and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Yahuah is at hand.”

Matt 4:23 went on further to

confirm this by telling us that he travelled all over Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues (on the Sabbath), preaching the Besorah (Gospel) of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and diseases.

So this Kingdom message is obviously of the essence.

Today, the focus by many who claim to represent Yahusha (Jesus) preach everything else BUT the Kingdom message.

That is how we can know that they “DO NOT” speak for Yahuah (God).

Yahusha advises us to “try/test” these Ruachs(Spirits), to see whether or not they were “sent” by Him (1Jn 4:1).

As we move further along the path of human history, and Biblical prophecy, the Kingdom message becomes even more extraordinary.

In Lk 16:16, Yahusha emphasised “when” the Kingdom message gained impetus.

He said that the law and the prophets had the pre-eminence until the appearance of Yahuchanon (John).

Since then, the “focus” has shifted to “the Kingdom”, and all those who became “awakened” to this fact, were pressing their way in.

Does this mean that the “law” and what the prophets spoke are no longer significant? Of course not!

Yahusha said in Lk 24:44, that He came to fulfill (cause to come to pass), ALL that is written about Him in the law of Mosha (Moses), by the prophets, and in the Psalms.

I know there are those who either do not understand or do not wish to understand what this means.

They claim that this means that the law is destroyed, and is no longer in force.

But Yahusha warns that such a ridiculous notion we must “think not” (Matt 5 :17).

Furthermore, He clarifies in Matt 5 :18 that Heaven and Earth will have to disappear, before one “jot” or one “tittle” departs from the law.

So.. let’s get back to the central focus of Yahusha.. the Kingdom. ...(to be continued) NEGUS BYNOE

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Diplomacy

Slavery? Never again!! youth educated can be “instruments of change” competing with others across the world.

Address to parliament

President Akufo-Addo’s itinerary continued with him being the Guest Speaker to a Special Sitting of Parliament.

He revelled in the fact of his being the first African leader to address this country’s parliament, and thanked the Vincentian government and people for their welcome which he considered made him feel like home away from home.

The Ghanaian President praised Dr Ralph Gonsalves whom he cited as the longest serving Prime Minister in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was welcomed by H.E. Governor the Caribbean, if not the General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

South American continent.

He commended the NANA ADDO DANKWA marking 400 years since College.

African spirit shown by AKUFO-ADDO, President of the arrival of African members of the diaspora, the Republic of Ghana, is slaves from the West Reasons for being here and echoed his welcome to doing everything to ensure African country. all for the “Year of that slavery remains a He spoke with passion In his address at the Return” in distant past. about the horror victims of commemoration if 400 Community College, the He wound up a two-day President noted “extensive the slave trade underwent. years since the start of the visit to St. Vincent and the transformation” since his He vowed that “never Slave trade, an experience Grenadines last Thursday. first visit in 2002, when he again are we going to he termed as one of It ended with a tour of was the Attorney General allow ourselves to be “bondage and indignity,” the Argyle International traded like commodities.” and represented his and described as “obscene, Airport yesterday, And the President is country at a degrading and Thursday, June 13 after Commonwealth organised inviting all Africans to the dehumanising.” non-stop activity of the ceremony in Accra, to function, hosted by this The President praised previous day. assuage the pain of the country. the creativity of the President Akufo-Addo He explained his trip as slave trade. For him it is a Africans as noted by their inspected a Guard of time “for us to hold hands inventions, and pointed to fulfilment of a promise Honour at the airport, again,” towards a time made to Dr. Gonsalves the contribution of greeted primary and when “we will work and repayment of the Africans in sports and secondary school students compliment to the together to grow culture. He noted as well as compatriots ourselves.”

Vincentian leader, who contributions from Alwin outside the airport on his He reflected with pride visited Ghana November ‘Kitchener’ Roberts, arrival, Wednesday, on his nation’s thrust last year.

Slinger ‘Sparrow’ June12, before addressing The President cited the towards providing Francisco, and Linda a gathering at the St. educational opportunities second reason for his McCarthy ‘Calypso Rose’ Vincent and the coming here as promoting for his country’s school Grenadines Community the “Special Anniversary” aged population. For him, Lewis in calypso, and Bob Marley in Reggae. He pointed out that Rita Marley has become a Ghanaian citizen, and commended the efforts of Vincentian Kevin Little.

Ghana, the President said, was safe, and he cited his country as a possible bridge towards building stronger ties to the African continent.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves addressed the Special Sitting and echoed the call for reparations for those who endured the slave trade and slavery. He is keen on a Commission comprised of Africans, Brazil, Caribbean and the Diaspora coined as ‘ABCD Commission.’

Opposition Leader Dr The mixed audience at the Community College.

President Akufo-Addo delivering an address at the Community College.

President Akufo-Addo became the first African Head of State to address the Parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Godwin Friday also addressed the Sitting and was comforted to know that “we have a friend in you, (Addo).”

As a symbol of his visit, the Ghanaian President planted a tree at the Botanical Gardens, and was part of a press conference at Cabinet Room.

President Akufo-Addo’s visit to this country was part of a swing through the region that also included visits to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica.

Ghana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic relations on August 1, 2008. (WKA)

President Akufo-Addo made it his business to greet young people one on one.

V ÂOperation Fox MikeÊ ...a success!

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 15.

Feature

“OPERATION FOX MIKE” was a classic example of teamwork, and success is often the result of teamwork.

On Saturday, June 08,2019, a team of five emergency communications Mark Dennie (left) and his ‘Jah Love’ also responded. first responders left mainland St. On Sunday, June 09 members of the Rainbow Vincent to set up a base Radio League Inc., RRL, camp on Savan Island/in at 09:00Hrs, an emergency call was made organizers of the event. the Grenadines, from and four boats - two According to the Director where they would facilitate the conducting from Kingstown and two of the RRL, Donald De of a maritime simulation from Mayreau responded Riggs, all operators — - all heading to the Vincentian and regional dubbed ‘Operation Fox location provided by the who took part, gave Mike’, ‘Fox Mike’ supplied coordinates.. It maximum support. standing for ‘Find Me’.

The Camp The scenario involved took one hour and twenty-five minutes for Commander was Leon a cruise liner that ran Ambris J88NFJ, ably the boats from aground in the assisted by Andre Mc. Kingstown to arrive on Grenadines and was on the scene, but the boats Kenzie J88FP who fire. The only other identified and set up responding from information available Mayreau had to abort camp, while RRL was coordinates of the their mission, after one Director Don De Riggs stricken vessel. set up the radio hour into the journey, As the simulation because of choppy seas equipment and erected unfolds, the antennas for HF communication regarding and high swells at communications. Camp the liner was received by Canouan Head, an area notorious for windy was set up in less than a radio operator one hour, and conditions. They stationed at Fort returned safely to their communicating Charlotte, who relayed proceeded effortlessly on Mayreau base. the information to all Upon arrival at the HF equipment donated vessels in the area, the scene of the ‘accident’,

by Barrett Coast Guard, Port Communications from the responders met on Authority and Hospital.

Australia. Electricity for the catamaran ‘La All vessels in the area, Mouette’ for a debriefing, the camp was provided including fishermen, following which the by battery and solar pleasure boats and exercise was ‘stood panels. itinerant Grenadines The other campers down,’ a military term ferries, responded by included Yusufu De for the end of the plotting these Riggs J88NFH and coordinates on their GPS exercise. student Anesha Prince. chart plotters or phones, Who made it possible Other radio operators and proceeded to that who transported fuel and location intending to The team that created campers, those who provide whatever this success included but operated from the base assistance was possible.

In situations like this, was not limited to major camp at Fort Charlotte, the Coast Guard (CG) is sponsors SOL Petroleum or who maintained contact with the campers the authority over Search and Barefoot Charters.

SOL provided the fuel from their home included and Rescue (SAR) and lubricants for boats Justin Da Silva J88DA, operations, but taking part in the Leslie Edwards J88LE, sometimes, due to the exercise, while Barefoot Steve Cruickshank distance the accident is J88NAC, Calvert Gibson from the CG base, other Charters made the catamaran ‘La Mouette’ J88DX, Marilyn Morgan response vessels can available for three days. J88NEE, Percy reach the designated Lampkin J88NEB, area long before the CG. BOSVG provided a modest stipend for Ronald Haynes J88EA , Knowing what to do, Kenneth Williams- ‘Jah Greg Allen J88NFT and including how to Mo’ - the captain of ‘La Eban Olliver J88NGL. approach the stricken Regional radio vessel, is important, and Mouette’ - after the original volunteer operators who took part that is what this field captain was called away included J69B Bernard exercise attempted and to attend to an and J66CD Ian from St. achieved. emergency.

Lucia, VP2EIH Ira from The other Anguilla, J39AC Paul The scenario stakeholders included from Grenada, 9Y4HW

The entire team met on ‘La Mouette’ for the debriefing.

Right: AA Power Divine’ captained by

by Aaron Pierre (centre), one of the fishing boats that responded to the call.

Harry from Tobago and 8P6PE Ishmael Barbados.

Also integral to the exercise were fishing boats ‘AA Power Divine’ captained by by Aaron Pierre, and ‘Jah Love; captained by Mark Dennie.

‘Operation Fox MikeMaritime’ was phase 2 of an exercise that began with ‘Operation Fox Mike

— Terrestrial’, conducted on Easter Sunday. This simulated a plane crash in the interior of the island, with first responders having to find the ‘downed aircraft’, having been supplied with coordinates only.

The exercise — both phases - were designed to

sharpen the technical and operational skills of radio operators, as well as situating members in a state of readiness for the 2019 hurricane season.

Report submitted by: Donald A. De Riggs

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Officers of the RSVGPF listen attentively to an address by their Commissioner who rewarded them with some special leave.

Constabulary commended for their dedication THE OFFICER’S CORPS AND RANK AND FILE members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) were, on Thursday May 30, 2019, thanked by Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John for their contribution and hard work in service to organization for 2019 and in previous years.

His sentiments were expressed while delivering remarks at a general meeting with his Officers’ Corps and rank and file members of the organization, at the Old Montrose Police Station Lecture Hall.

In describing the work of his officers as commendable so far, the Commissioner referenced the reduction of crime and more so, murders.

He reported that for the 2019, to date, there were only two (2) recorded reports of murder.

He also highlighted statistics that showed a decrease in crimes at the main Police Stations for the period January to May 2019, over the corresponding period for 2018.

He attributed this reduction to the dedicated work of the men and women in the organization, and encouraged the officers to be proactive in their work and avoid complacency.

Acknowledging the presence of Auxiliaries Police Officers, Traffic Wardens, Tourist Police and Rural Constables at the meeting, Commissioner John reminded the gathering that these men and women were also part of the crime fighting mechanism in the organization, and he recognised them for their dedication to duty.

Speaking on the subject of VINCY MAS 2019, the Commissioner alluded to the fact that the Rural Carnivals have

CoP Colin John addressing Officers’ Corps and rank and file members of the RSVGPF, during which he lauded them for their dedicated service. already begun with little or no incidents of crime so far. He opined that the high concentration of Police Officers in the communities where these activities have taken place has borne fruits.

In expressing gratitude to the men and women for their hard work, the Commissioner awarded two (2) special days leave to every Police Officer from Constable to Inspector. Commissioner John also granted two (2) additional special days to twenty-seven (27) officers for their deportment and attire at the last Commissioner of Police parade.

Also addressing the meeting were Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Carlos Sampson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Richard Browne, Superintendents of Police Mr. Enville Williams, and Trevor Baily and Inspector Carmel.

Mr. Syd Hazell of SAGICOR made a presentation on matters relating to insurance coverage.

ASST Commissioner Sampson announced that the RSVGPF will be the recipient of ten (10) new vehicles - eight (8) SUV’s and two (2) motor cycles.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 17.

News

44th USA Eye Care Mission held

THE USA MOBILE MEDICAL EYE MISSION mounted its 44th Eye Care 4 U clinic/surgeries to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from May 26 to May 31, 2019.

The 28-member team provided visual acuity screening and related tests (glucose, blood pressure) at a special facility set up at the main Arnos Vale Playing field; and performed surgeries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

The team comprised the mission director —Dr. David Mc Cabe; 4 ophtalmologists- Drs. Eric Purdy, Cathy Mc Cabe, John Dagianis, and Megan Cochran; and ENT specialist — Dr. John Fallon who collaborated with Dr. St. Clair Thomas to provide ENT consultation and surgeries at MCMH. Additionally, there were two opthalmic

scrub technicians and several optical technicians.

When the mission was complete, some 765 persons had received free eye care services, as well as blood pressure and glucose monitoring. Most persons benefiting from these clinics had previously registered with the Lions Club, but quite a few who had not registered but had turned up seeking consultation, were added to the list.

Additionally, 86 surgeries were performed, including five corneal transplants and several cataract procedures. All surgeries were done at no cost to the patients.

The mission was organized and conducted under the auspices of the Lions Club of KingstownSVG and the Leo Club of SVG, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the

Eye checkups at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Pre-screening before surgery at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Environment.

Sponsorship for this and the previous three Missions has come from the Beacon Insurance Company Limited, to whom the Lions Club Kingstown-SVG expressed heartfelt gratitude.

The Club recognized the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment for their

sustained cooperation in

Dementia workshop held here THE BEHAVIORAL APPROACH to Dementia one-day workshop was held in Stoney Grounds, Kingstown, June 6. It was hosted

by Allied Healthcare Services St. Mrs. Simone Vincent, and facilitated by Mrs. Blackwood, Senior Geriatric Simone Blackwood, Senior Consultant, was the Workshop Geriatric facilitator.

Consultant, representing the Global Seniorcare Institute of Trinidad.

Mrs Blackwood shared vital information on Dementia care, with a packed room of attendees both from the private and public sector.

Among the areas covered were dementia types such as Vascular, Alzheimers Lewy Body and much more, along with the characteristics which accompany each type.

The facilitator also spoke on the signs of dementia, urging the participants to use discernment and to be observant to what she described as basic age-related changes versus abnormal behavior in the elderly.

She highlighted the major issue caregivers face when attempting to care for persons diagnosed with communication difficulties, and engaged patients with positive communicative tips, using various types of therapy. This segment was a particular highlight of the workshop.

Other areas covered in the Workshop included: Psychological and Emotional Care, Physical Care and Career Support

Workshop participants were engaged in interactive sessions that made for an easy flow of information. techniques.

“The positive feedback from the participants were both overwhelming and encouraging. … Although the workshop was only for one day, I am happy to have made such an impact.

The information shared was well received, and I feel confident that they (participants) would be the change agents for the mode of care delivered to the eldery in SVG. The oldest participant was 71 years old and I was so happy to have her in attendance!” said Mrs. Simone Blackwood.

“The interactive presentation and the wealth of knowledge shared, especially

by Simone, (Blackwood) was very impressive. I have a loved one with Dementia, and the workshop gave me new ideas of caring for him,” one participant shared.

Another participant shared their disappointment that the workshop was only for one day.

Each attendee received certification of participation from the Global Seniorcare Institute.

facilitating the process, especially at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, as well as a number of corporations, commercial houses and individuals.

Among those recognized were the St. Vincent Brewery Ltd., St. Vincent Corrugated Containers Inc., ECGC, Subway, KFC, Thomas Wholesale, Office and Computer Solutions

Inc., Sailors Cycle Centre, Mrs. Clara Providence, Mrs. Natasha De Freitas, and all the nurses who assisted both at the clinic and the hospital.

In addition to the screening of thousands of Vincentians and the numerous ophthalmological

interventions performed over the years, the USA Mobile Medical Eye Mission has made several donations, including eye glasses to patients, and medical related machinery and supplies, amounting to millions of dollars, to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

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18. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The George Phillips Excellence Award 2019

THE ROTARY CLUB of St. Vincent held its 18th Annual George Phillips Excellence Award Ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown on Thursday, 6th June 2019. This award is presented to the most outstanding fourth form student at each of the twenty-six (26) secondary schools throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The students are assessed by their teachers and peers and selected based on academic performance, deportment, and extracurricular activities. A teacher and at least one parent accompany the awardee to the annual luncheon ceremony.

This year’s event was chaired by Rotarian Ms. Mikasha Ramsaran.

Rotarian Past President Mr. Joseph Sheridan did the invocation, while the Club’s current President, Mr. Reuben John welcomed the guests and provided brief remarks.

Mrs. Kay Martin-Jack represented the Ministry of Education and provided brief remarks on behalf of her Ministry. Mr. Omari France, General Manager at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one of the event’s major sponsors, addressed the gathering and noted his establishment’s

commitment to such noble initiatives. Dr. Julian Ferdinand, a Past President of the Club, provided the gathering with a background to George Phillips (19281996) and noted that this outstanding national exemplified the qualities used for the selection of the awardees.

Ms. Kimshaw Williams, a graduate of the University of the West Indies, an entrepreneur, and clothes designer, was this year’s Feature Speaker. She was introduced by Rotarian Monique Arthur. Ms. Williams’ address was

Recipients of the 2019 George Phillips Excellence Awards with Rotary Club of St. Vincent officers at the presentation ceremony. entitled, “Secrets of Success: All that I Have Learned About Dreams”.

She challenged the awardees to pursue their noble dreams with passion. She identified the skills and attitudes needed to do so.

Mr. Dorian Phillips, George Phillips’ son and former national goal keeper, presented the

NUSS launches MEP ON THURSDAY, May 30th, 2019, the North Union Secondary School (NUSS) had reason to celebrate.

The occasion was the launch of the NUSS Male Empowerment Programme, under the theme, ‘Empowering NUSS Youths’.

The programme, spearheaded by the school’s Principal Mr. St Clair Da Santos, is the first of its kind in the history of secondary

Some of the the students who comprise the first group to be involved in the Male Empowerment Programme (MEP) at the NUSS. schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Last week Thursday’s event was well attended by teachers, parents and various influential members of the South Central Windward community.

Mr. Michael Thomas, a teacher at the school, was

the chairperson of the function, and Bishop Wendell Davis prayed for divine guidance for the mentors and mentees.

The Principal gave an overview of the programme, its main pillars and objectives.

“The aim of this programme,” Mr. Da

Santos said, “is to empower our male students so that they can make a positive contribution to nation building”.

He stressed that the programme will be data driven and that evaluation of the programme will be ongoing.

The programme has strong support from the Ministry of Education.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr. Myccle Burke and Chief Education Officer Mrs. Elizabeth Walker commended the school on their initiative.

Remarks were also made by Doctor George Bristol, Superintendent of Police Mr. Leonard Fergus, CAPPS President Mr. Curtis Greaves, Director of Sports Mr. Nelson Hillocks and Mr. Lennon Shortte, a friend and long-time supporter of the school.

Feature Speaker Mr. Simeon Greene spoke about the issue of male marginalization and the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in tackling this problem.

The initial number of male students in the mentorship group is 46.

These youths will be mentored by teachers, outstanding past students and other influential members of the society.

(Contributed by NUSS)

certificates and gifts to the awardees. This was done immediately prior to Rotarian Philon Hackshaw’s Vote of Thanks. She especially recognized the significant contributions made by the Admiralty Transport

Company Limited, Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenadine House, SVG Air (1990) Limited and Grenadine Air Alliance, Quik Print, and St. Vincent Brewery.

(Submitted By: Rotary Club of St. Vincent.)

VINLEC stages firefighting simulation ON DUTY staff at the VINLEC’s Cane Hall Power Station sprang into action on Tuesday, May 28th after the fire alarm was triggered.

This action signaled the start of a Firefighting Simulation that included the Fire Department of VINLEC staff members well into the Royal St. following the protocol with Vincent and the Grenadines respect to a fire.

Police Force, which was called to respond at 8:21 a.m.

The simulation was executed with a view to strengthen the capacity of both parties to tackle an actual fire in the Power Plant environment.

Once the alarm was tripped, staff at the compound were required to follow VINLEC’s established protocol which includes evacuating to the muster point, removing vehicles within the compound, human rescue, among other things.

Four members of staff, who were trained in industrial firefighting, served as first responders.

Donned in firefighting suits, they commenced tackling the designated area, Unit # 9. Once the fire truck arrived on site, the necessary updates and information were provided, and the simulation exercise continued.

At a debriefing session, Plant Engineer Ms. Inga Jackson expressed that overall, the simulation was effective, and highlighted areas of the operations which were conducted well, in addition to those for improvement. She, for example, pointed out that VINLEC’s firefighting team got suited very quickly and was at the simulated fire in adequate time, which is critical in fighting fires.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief SOP Joel James was satisfied with the time which it took his unit to arrive at the location. He said that the exercise provided excellent opportunities for learning and also highlighted some areas for improvement.

The firefighting simulation was one of the activities hosted during VINLEC’S Environmental Health and Safety Awareness Month, which culminated on May 30th with a closing ceremony.

It was commemorated under the theme “Safety Ties Us Together - Health and Safety 24/7.”

V Invest SVG launches new site

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14 , 2019. 19.

News

Ian Richards, Economic Affairs Officer/UNTAD.

Suzette Hudson, Senior Advisor, CAIPA. FOREIGN AND LOCAL INVESTORS now have an online guide in the form of a website, to help (them) make informed decisions about investing in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The portal is the result of a collaborative effort involving Invest SVG, the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agency (CAIPA), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

It was launched on June 7, and includes information on procedures, rules, cost, taxes, salaries, contacts, testimonials from other investors and opportunities for investment.

Potential investors can also download the various application forms from their respective locations.

Nadine Agard, Deputy Director of Invest SVG,

explained that there were many areas of opportunity to seek foreign direct investment (FDI), and this country attracts a steady inflow of investment.

“The website will therefore be very useful to us in assisting and providing investors with jurisdictional information of the country that is accurate, relevant,”Agard said at the launch.

She further noted that it was important for potential investors to get the information they require in order to make decisions quickly.

Ian Richards, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNTAD), explained that the guide was developed as part of an online platform which also serves other countries in this and the African and Asian regions.

The guides, he explained, will allow for investors to better understand how to invest in SVG. Suzette Hudson, Senior Advisor, CAIPA, said that the initiative for having such a portal fell under the remit of the work that her organization does, particularly in

investment facilitation.

“One of the things that we have discovered is that investors need data,” Hudson said.

According to the CAIPA official, based on studies conducted, it had been discovered that for every dollar spent on investment facilitation, foreign direct investment increased by 189 dollars.

“Without data, investors cannot make decisions, and it is incumbent on us that investors have the information they need to make the decisions they need to,” Hudson said.

So, the launch of the portal was timely, she continued, and it came at a time when investors were looking to see where they were spending their money.

“And if the information is available, it puts St Vincent in a closer proximity to attracting those muchrequired investment.”

Eight such portals are expected to be launched throughout the region between now and 2020, Hudson said, but SVG is among the first to be launched, and is expected to be the standard for what will be used across the region.

But while both

Hudson and Richards commended the effort, they both noted that, once the website was launched and handed over, then it would become a requirement that it is continuously updated to reflect any changes.

“So, the work has only just started, but it is a good start,” Hudson said.

(DD)

Nadine Agard, Deputy Director of Invest SVG.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Avoid the pitfall

Dear George,

THINGS ARE REALLY HARD with us at home, and I am this close to dropping out of school. My Dad has not worked in a very long time though he has been looking for work. My mother is doing her best to make ends meet, but there are five of us and it is hard on her.

I confided in my friend and she encouraged me to do what she is doing, i.e. to sleep around for money.

She has a list of men who visit her often and she makes a lot of money.

I do not want to do what my friend is doing, but it seems like it is the only choice I have for now. At least I would be able to help my family ease some of the hardship. However, I am caught betwixt and between, and it is having an effect on me.

Worried

In considering your next move, it is wise to keep in mind that all actions have their consequences, and at the end of the day, we are responsible for those actions.

Prostitution may seem like the only way out right now, but there are other things to consider, such as unwanted pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Your girlfriend’s advice is not far from the best. I strongly urge you to talk to a professional counsellor who would help you to examine other options. That would give you a different perspective on the way forward.

Dear Worried,

George

Give it a chance

psychologically and from your list of friends. impede your ability to be Use your energy to productive or engage in a work on your I CAME HOME early one day to find one of my healthy relationship with relationship rather than your wife. focusing on this other friends in bed with my You need to find a guy. If your marriage is wife. They did not see way to let her know that worth fighting for, then me. I stepped back and you do know and a could fight for it. At the end of left the house. be through a marriage this, your marriage I returned several stands the chance of hours later, and my wife counsellor immediately.

Your friend needs to becoming stronger. acted as usual and, as a know that you are aware matter of fact, told me of what he did, which is George that this same ‘friend’ why you are striking him will be coming to the house the next day to do some technical work for us. He was going to charge so she expected Dear George, me to be happy with that.

George, to be honest, I MY WIFE came right out and informed me that was planning on doing in she wanted an open relationship, in which she would be free to have intimate relations with both of them that very other men and women. day. Instead, I left the I of course objected, but she insisted she was house and drank myself going to do what she wanted, with or without my stupid. blessings, and admitted she was always interested I am not sure what I in the opposite sex, but never wanted me to know want to do. I have that part of her. considered divorcing my We have been married for one year, and I have wife, but I am not sure I can stand to see her with to admit that we did not spend enough time to get to know each other, but we both believed the another man. I have marriage could work. Now, I feel helpless in that I thought about going to am unable to stop my wife from going after her this guy’s house and fantasy. I begged her not to give in to those exposing him before his fantasies but she said they were not fantasies, but wife, but I haven’t.

I have not slept with rather what she wants deep down. my wife since that day, I do not know how I would be able to stand the and it does not seem to shame of my wife’s actions. bother her. I wonder if she still loves me or even Reality check wants to remain in the marriage. My mind is in Dear Reality check, a tailspin and I simply do not know what I want Understanding beforehand what the other to do. person wants and expects from being in a marriage, is absolutely important. It appears as Confused though your wife has finally decided to be honest about what she wants, regardless of the Dear Confused, consequences as far as the marriage is concerned.

Have an honest discussion with your wife, and Judging from your let her know what is at stake, and should she account, I get the insist on taking this new part. If she accepts, then impression that you love you will have to return to the drawing board and your wife and want to draft up a new plan for your own life. give the marriage a Also, speak to someone who can help you chance to survive. through this challenging period.

Keeping this bottled inside will surely affect George you emotionally,

Dear George,

Wife reveals hidden desires

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Visit friends you don't get to see that often. You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers.

Don't let others make you feel guilty or insecure. For best results get out of the office and do your job en route.

You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest. Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. You may find your nights sleepless due to bad dreams.

Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You need to reevaluate your situation.

Involvement in groups will be favorable.

Business partnerships will prove lucrative.

Your input into their activities will help bring you closer together. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Don't let yourself get rundown. You'll get to your destination just as quickly.

Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will pay off. Go with the flow and don't be concerned about your own job.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) If you're uncertain of your feelings, keep your opinions to yourself. Don't take advantage of your expense account. Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas.

Listen, but don't make any rash decisions.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You need to do something energetic and different. You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions.

Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Residential moves will be favorable. You are best to keep your money tied up in a safe and secure place. You can make headway if you share your intentions with someone you care about. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Tempers will mount if you are too pushy at work. Trying to deal with your mate will be unproductive and possibly hurtful. There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it. You can enjoy short trips.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Put aside any decisions concerning your position at work. Your talents might just be discovered. You may find that you can be the recipient of valuable information if you're willing to be a good listener. Take the time to do your job correctly or you may find yourself looking for a new one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Try not to make waves. You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. Relatives may be less than easy to deal with.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. You could expand your circle of friends if you get involved in unusual activities. Unexpected bills may set you back. Someone important may be watching you from afar.

ACROSS 1. Asian crop 5. Hog heaven?

8. True; actual 12. Matinee – 13. See 1‐Across 14. Border 15. Departed 16. Graceful tree 17. Legal charges 18. Tender cutlet meat 20. Secures with cord 21. Breakfast choice 24. __ Aviv, Israel 25. Kitchen cooking chambers 26. Gave up 30. Home‐office room 31. Chick’s chirp 33. Beam of sunlight 34. Meals’ main courses 36. Soldiers time off 38. Exist 39. Drove onto a highway 40. The King 43. Attorney’s suit 44. Acquire (knowledge) 45. Purchase 45. Newborn’s sleeping site 50. A single occasion 51. Wane, as the tide 52. Performer Turner 53. Roll topper peg 54. Driving Range peg.

55. Karaoke tune DOWN 1. Tractor‐trailer 2. Words at the altar 3. In opposition 4. Four plus seven 5. Commit theft 6. Disclose 7. Thanks‐giving‐feast veggie 8. Second cup of coffee 9. Biblical garden

10. Moved on in years 11. Fewer (than) 19. Spring holidays 20. “Armored” bugs 21. ZIP __ address finale 22. Fifty‐fifty 23. Housing cost 24. Neck accessory 26. “Certainly!”

27. Lug behind 28. Roof 14‐ Across 29. Colored (the hair) 32. Showered down 37. Raises (a monument)

39. Perhaps 40. Senses of self‐worth 41. Bowling‐alley aisle 42. Personal weakness 43. Alphabet‐

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 21.

block shape 45. Play the ponies 47. Brazil city, briefly 48. Traveler’s stopover 49. Lunchbox alternative

V

22. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG records 3rd homicide for 2019 THE RELATIVELY peaceful trend of 2019 was disturbed after a young man was shot and killed in Kingstown last Monday.

Police say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Shakiel Ellis, 23year-old vendor from Belair/ Ottley Hall.

Ellis’ body, showing signs of a bullet wound, was discovered unresponsive in the vicinity of the public bath at Bottom Town, approximately 11 p.m.

He died on the spot.

A close friend of Ellis, who was with him for some time moments before he was killed, told THE VINCENTIAN that the deceased had started to sell in Little Tokyo a few months ago after

his mother, who is a vendor, went overseas.

The friend recalled that on the day Ellis was killed, they were ‘liming’ in Kingstown. “We lime the whole day Monday and we had plans to lime at Victoria Park where they bin getting the show (Set for Life fete),” he said.

He said that Ellis, the father of three children, had plans to go to the Mesopotamia Carnival this weekend.

“He bin a say he going get on bad for the Mespo carnival,” said the friend.

He is not sure why his friend and another colleague found themselves in Rose Place.

He related how he left Ellis and went home, with the intention of returning to Kingstown to “meet up wid Shakiel.”

Before making a move for Kingstown, he called Shakiel’s phone but got no answer, so he called the friend with whom Shakiel had gone to Rose Place.

It was the friend who told him that they had been shot at and Shakiel had taken a bullet.

“Then after me leave home and come down back down a town and me hear he dead,” said the close friend.

The police have requested persons who might be able to assist their investigation to contact the Officer I/C Major Crimes Unit at 1-784-456-1810, the ACP I/C Crimes at 1-784-456-1339 or any police station.

Shakiel Ellis’ death marks the 3rd murder recorded here for 2019.

Shakiel Ellis was gunned down in Rose Place.

Vincentian man on Medford is Fisher of the Year murder charge in BVI Continued from Backpage.

2018.

According to the official summary, the number of fishers who participated in this year’s competition was two fewer than 2018, from 165 to 163.

While there were more boats that returned with catches, up from 27 last year to 36 in 2019, there was a stark difference in the average weight, down from 316.05 pounds in 2018 to 116.1 pounds Numbers declining this year, and the The overall summary overall catch of 4,180 of the 2019 competition pounds in 2019, down showed a drastic decline from 8,533.35 pounds in over the numbers for 2018. the ministry to implement projects and programmes to mitigate climate change, Cruickshank-Howard said.

Addresses were also delivered by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Minister of Agriculture/Fisheries Saboto Caesar, and Chairman of the Finsherman Day Committee Raoul Lewis.

Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer, in her address, noted that the marine environment provided a multitude of goods and services which were critical to the enhancement of livelihoods and the socio-economic development of the country.

She pointed out that climate change was expected to affect the region over the next several decades.

“Research has shown the fisheries sector of the Caribbean small island developing states to be highly vulnerable in comparison to other small island developing states groups,” she said.

“Climate change is evident, and there are challenges that the users of the fishing industry will have to While there were more boasts returning with address.” catches, the overall catch was way done on last Fisherfolk were encouraged to work with year’s total.

Patrons spoke of the Kingstown venue being more accommodating. They even got to greet the boats as they docked.

VINCENTIAN national Rohan Williams, a 37year-old Vincentian national, has been charged with the murder of Lenia Green — a 46year-old resident of Great Mountain in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Williams, a contractor, appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin on May 28 and was not required to plead.

He was unrepresented and told the court Rohan Williams being led away to remand after his first he could not court appearance on May 28. (Photo Credit: BVI News) afford a lawyer.

He was restraining order against the accused remanded into custody and is due to man in January this year. return to court on July 24.

Investigations centred on Williams, According to the BVI press, Green and the Court heard that his girlfriend was shot on May 26 in an area known reported that on the day in question, as Georges North Side, at about 8:15 he had borrowed the SUV from p.m. It is at the alleged that she Green’s sister-in-law to assist her with identified Williams as the shooter, an errand. before she succumbed to her injuries.

The girlfriend is reported to have Press reports from the BVI said further told the police that Williams that two shots were heard and a dropped her to the laundromat at motorist in the area at the time about 5 the said day and returned for noticed an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) her sometime between 8:45 and 9:00 leaving the area. That motorist later pm, when she noticed that he had discovered Green who identified changed his clothes and that his hair herself and was alleged to have was wet. indicated that she had just been raped Police obtained a search warrant and shot. and upon searching Williams’ Reports indicate that Williams was residence, discovered some clothes employed by Green’s sister-in-law and soaking in the bathroom. He was became well acquainted with the subsequently arrested. family.

Williams has denied any knowledge During his first Court appearance, of the shooting and has refused to give Prosecutors told the court that the DNA to assist in the investigation. deceased woman had an extended (DD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 23.

National Netball concludes:

X- Ceed, Sion Hill excel Suzette Edwards (right) gets her award from Nelson HillocksDirector of Physical Education and Sports.

Sion Hill Junior Netball Team repeated their Division Four Double.

Left: Skiddy Francis-Crick accepts her award from Nelson Hillocks.

Division One Double Champs- Twilight Trading X- Ceed.

TWO TEAMS - Twilight Trading X- Ceed and Sion Hill Junior Netball Team – played unbeaten in the 2019 FLOW National Netball Tournament, which signed off last Saturday, at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

X- Ceed did the double in the Gloria Ballantyne Division One, winning the League and Knock Out titles, while Sion Hill Junior Netball Team, repeated the feat in the

Sonja Lewis Division Four.

Winning the Marlene Arthur Division Two League competition was Chance Unique Furniture North Leeward Stars, with Combined Schools taking the title in the Joyce Frank Division Three.

The Division Two and Three Knock Out titles went to French Verandah X- Ceed and the X- Ceed Sports Club, respectively.

Individual and Team Awards Among the awards distributed at last Saturday’s Closing and Presentation Ceremony, was that of the overall Most Disciplined Team, which was copped by the Sion Hill Junior Netball Team.

Adjudged the Most Improved Team was the Bethel High School

Ceed Sports Club, the Best Defensive Player.

Completing the Junior awardees was the Combined Schools’ pair of Monelle Lavia and Chaunte Williamsn - Best Mid Court and Best Division Three team.

Attacking Player, Meanwhile, Sarah respectively.

Hadaway of Division The recipients of the Three outfit- SVG General Senior awards were Services Strikers, was Suzette Edwards and named the Most Improved Skiddy Francis-Crick of Player.

Metrocint General Ariel Stephens of XInsurance Maple, and Ceed Sports Club had the Nerissa Delpesche and Best Goal Accuracy (81.36 Mary Ann Frederick of %) for the Juniors, with Twilight Trading X- Ceed.

Ariel Jackson, also of XEdwards was named

the Best Defensive Player, while Francis-Crick, was awarded for having the Best Goal Accuracy (91.55%).

Delpesche won the award for Best Mid Court Player, and Frederick- the Best Attacking Player.

In addition, the Most Valuable Player from each of the 29 participating teams was announced and rewarded at last Saturday’s Ceremony.

Five teams contested Division One, eight Division Two, eleven Division Three and four in Division Four.

SVG sports new look netball team A NEW LOOK ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Senior Netball Team will contest the first ever Eastern Caribbean Central Bank/ Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States International Netball Series, from Saturday 15th June to Friday, 21st June, here at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex..

Under the new coach Vasha Adams, the host nation will be featuring several players who will be making the senior team debut.

Those without senior team experience are Kemeisha Antoine, Mia Durrant, Shanice Daniel, Jo Maria Quashie, Nerissa Delpesche and Ziporrah Millington.

Delpesche and Millington were part of the senior team which was set to travel to St Maarten in 2016, for the Atlantic Cup, however, the Vincentians’ trip did not materialise.

The new faces join Mary Ann

Frederick (captain), Shellisa Davis, Shannique De Shong, ( Vice- Captain), Suzette JordanEdwards, Joseann Antoine and Kaywanna Charles.

Doris Mc Intosh is the team’s Manager, with Woodrow Williams- Trainer.

St Vincent and the Grenadines will meet the other four competing teams - St Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda - in the double Round Robin. Matches will be in mornings and evenings.

Following tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony, St Vincent and the Grenadines open its campaign versus Dominica from 5:30 pm and on Sunday faces St Lucia from 7pm.

On Monday from 7:30pm, SVG plays Grenada, and on Tuesday , Antigua and Barbuda, also from 730pm.

Round Two of the Vincentians’ schedule, begin with a meeting versus Dominica from 7:30 pm on Wednesday, and on Thursday, from 6am

L-R: Jomaria Quashie and Nerissa Delpesche. and 730pm, versus Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada, respectively.

St Vincent and the Grenadines plays St Lucia in their final match on Friday evening from 6:30 pm.

President of the St Vincent Netball Association- Mrs. Doris Mc Intosh, disclosed at last Saturday’s Closing Ceremony of the 2019 FLOW National Club

From left: Woodrow Williams (Trainer), Mia Durrant, Kemeisha Antoine, Suzette Jordan- Edwards, Shannique De Shong, Mary Ann Frederick, Shellisa Davis, Kaywanna Charles, Ziporrah Millington, Joseann Antoine, Shanice Daniel, Vasha Adams (Coach).

Tournament, that the International Series will be a “ranked” tournament , where the five teams will gain International Netball Federation ranking points.

At present, only Grenada at 21st and host St Vincent and the Grenadines at 22nd have an

INF ranking.

Apart from the on court action, other events are planned for the week and include: a Coaching Seminar, an OECS Dialogue Session, an ECCB Personal Development Seminar, a Welcome Ceremony and a Church Service.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Vincy Athletes hold their own in Grenada

Girls U-17 400m, setting a new record in the process with a winning time of 57.94 secs.

Kimorie Shearman, currently a student at Long Island University, who was once attached to IT DAT, copped the first place in the Open/Int’l 400m, clocking 46.60 secs. He was also a member of SVG 4x400m Relay Team that placed second to Trinidad and Tobago.

Odesha Nanton, also of IT DAT, took the U20 400m in a time of 58.31 secs.

Roland Richards of It-Dat Academy was also among the winners, claiming victory in the Boys U13 100m in 13.43 secs.

Ulanda Lewis of High Performance was outstanding in the U-17 class for girls, taking both the 100m and 200m in times of 11.92 and 24.79 secs respectively.

High Performance athletes Ashanti Richards and Marlene Richards dominated in the Girls U-17 1500m, with the former taking gold in 5:10:43 and the latter silver in 5:18:95.

And not to be outdone was another High Performance athlete, Jodesha Samuel. Her time of 13.07 secs earned her first place in the Girls U-15 100m, and she also ran away Ulanda Lewis showed her class with the 200m in that age class, with victories in the sprints.

ATHLETICS from local track and field clubs - IT DAT Academy, X-Cel Track Club, High Performance Club and X-Ceed Sport Club participated in last weekend Whitsuntide Games held in Grenada.

Grenisha Thomas of IT DAT was among the top performers with victory in the

Odesha Nanton, winner of the U20 400m

Williams secures Athletics Scholarship SHANTEL WILLIAMS, one of this country’s leading female athletes, has been accepted into St Benedict College, South Carolina, USA on a fouryear athletics scholarship.

During a break in one of her training sessions at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Williams told THE VINCENTIAN she was elated when she received the news. “When I got the news, I was overwhelmed… I will now live my dream.. as I would be able to further my studies while doing track,” she remarked.

Williams, a graduate of the SVG Community College and the Girls’ High School, recalled that “Track and field was the only sport I knew. I started running when I attended the Lowmans Leeward Primary School, after which I started training with Pamanos Ballantyne, who is presently my coach, when I got to form three

Grenisha Thomas set a new record in the 400m for U-17 girls. in a time of 26.46 secs.

In the field events, Samayea Connell of X-Cel Track Club cleared the bar at 1.50m to take the Girls U 15 high jump, and Uroy Ryan of X-Ceed Sports Club did likewise among the U-17 boys with a height of 1.80m.

And then there was relay glory for SVG in the Women’s Open/Int’l 4x400m relay, when IT DAT and High Performance ran first and second in that order, in times of 3:55:21 and 4:10:52 respectively.

The IT DAT team comprise Greneisha Thomas, Odesha Nanton, Keiffer Bailey and Aaliyah Frederick.

Kimorie Shearman Travanie Sylvan, Ashanti continued to show his Richards, Zita Vincent class. and Ansonnae Ollivierre made up the High Performance team.

There were a number of second places for the Vincentian athletes, including: Zita Vincent in the Open/Int’l women’s 1500m in 2:18.19; Shahalia Lynch in the women open long jump with 5.35 meters; Roland Richards of IT-DAT in the boys U-13 200m in 26.63; Ansonnae Ollivierre of High Performance in the girls U-17 long jump in 5.02 meters; Trevanie Sylvan also from the High Performance in the U-17 girls 400 meters in 59.04 secs.

Participation in the 2019 Whitsuntide Games held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, was drawn from Antigua and Barbuda, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and host country Grenada.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Shantel Williams will pursue studies in Business Management. at the Girls’ High School.”

She is known to be comfortable from the 100m to the 400m.

She is grateful to Ballantyne for his coaching and for assisting in her obtaining the scholarship. She is also thankful to her mother for her ongoing support and encouragement.

Williams is optimistic about the future. “I hope to finish my degree and improve my times while in college, and one of my

Shantel Williams says she has much for which to thank her coach Pamenos Ballantyne. main dreams is to qualify for an Olympics Games, but it will take a lot of training and discipline,” she said.

And as she leaves for the USA, she hopes that her achievement would encourage more athletes to “train and study hard.”

Meanwhile, Ballantyne said he was “happy for Shantel… she is given the opportunity to better her athletics and academics. I have been working with her

for the past six years and she is a very disciplined and a hard-working person.”

Williams is a former Inter-Schools Immediate Division Champion. She represented SVG at the World Under-18 Junior Championship in Columbia, at the 2016 CARIFTA Games in Grenada, and was a participant in the Commonwealth Youth Games.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Defenders, Bequia United seal T20 wins

BEQUIA, more particularly the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Part Elizabeth, was alive with cricket action last weekend, as competition ensued in the 2019 Bequia Premier League T20 Competition.

And when the weekend was over, there were wins for Defenders and Sugar Reef Bequia United.

Defenders defeated Knights Trading De Aussies by 4 wickets. Knights Trading De Aussies made 155 from 14 overs, Razine Browne leading with 40 and Braxie Browne, 32 and Erwin Williams, 30, giving good support. Deswayne Williams snared 4 for 26, and Sherlon Pompey 3 for 29 to make the going tough on De Aussies.

Continued on Page 25.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 25.

Sports

Sporting contact IT MIGHT be at a governmental level, but there are opportunities for sporting organisations to benefit from the deepening contact with Ghana.

That African country has displayed itself as a power house in football and has threatened to break through to the higher ranks of world football. They have proven their worth time and time again.

There is the principle that sport and politics do not mix, and with the Vincentian reality, it is difficult to separate them. Vincentians take the politics of sports more seriously than raw politics.

It is common to find sporting bodies emboldened to declare war on the government. Except of course when governmental input is inevitable.

They will clamour for governmental injection but will do things which seem bent on promoting their political agenda. Whatever the outlook, working together is always to the benefit of the sport. Officials should be on the lookout for ways in which countries with healthy political rapport to broaden the sporting contact.

In the case of Ghana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, links can extend to strengthen preparation of squads for different competitions.

When for example, Ghana is getting ready for an African Cup, or World Cup, a friendly with St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be a guide as to their readiness.

The same thing applies to SVG. With governmental support, waivers can be granted and accommodation and other costs can be reduced.

The sphere can heighten to include athletics.

For while Ghana may not be as dynamic as Ethiopia, Kenya or Nigeria, the potential of fullfledged athletics cannot be ruled out.

If Ghana is keen on establishing any roots in cricket, St. Vincent and the Grenadines could be good foundation. Vincentian Kishore Shallow is vice president of the West Indies Cricket Board.

With regional netball tournament on here, there might be opportunities for contact in that arena to spread. Netball is a global sport and has far reach.

The list of other disciplines is varied, and once sport is taken seriously, there will be avenues through which contacts can broaden.

There is the administrative and sustainable impact. Technology can serve as a basis for developments and used as a means of deepening career opportunities.

Sports have surfaced as an escape route for many a nation. There is no reason why it cannot be a platform for national progress. Politicians will look at the things that can provide political mileage. I get the impression that the Ghanaian president is genuine. His ambition is not confined to the electoral order.

Perhaps he shares the same sentiments as his Vincentian counterpart. They might have arrived at the point where inclusion of the sporting aspect forms part of the developmental thrust. The modern trend makes room to embrace such an order.

I guess those loyal readers will be disappointed if they don’t get an update on the World Cup situation. The prevalence of rained-out matches has added a new twist to the exercise. Others might want to hear my version of the West Indies melt down to Australia. The sentiment is there; they squandered an opportunity to set a trend.

No one will look into the umpiring aspect and reflect on the drive towards trying to derail the West Indies. A lot rest on the team’s psyche. How one adjusts to the conditions will determine the ultimate winner. There is time to figure out a pattern. But the judgement is soon.

National Senior Squash Titles secured JASON DOYLE won the Men’s Open Singles, Amber Glasgow took the Women’s Open Singles, and Paul Cyrus the Men’s Open Veterans, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association National Senior Squash Championships concluded last Friday evening, at the National Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue.

Doyle had to come from two games down to claim his title over Jules Snagg.

In a gripping contest, Snagg won the first two games, 11/3, 11/9, but Doyle refocussed to win the next three, 11/7, 11/7, 11/7.

Before their meeting in the final, Doyle overcame Othniel Bailey, 11/6, 12/10, 11/6, while Snagg beat Kevin Hannaway 11/6, 11/6, 11/6.

Bailey then had a 3/11, 11/9, 11/9, 11/3 triumph over Hannaway, to cop the third place.

The others who followed in order of placing were Mikal

Jason Doyle (left), accepts his Men’s Singles trophy from Samantha Lynch.

Men’s Veteran champion- Paul Cyrus (left) is rewarded by Samantha Lynch, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.

Quashie, Bradley Glasgow, Rashid Constance, Jaydon Williams, Mikhail Quashie and Jayden George.

Meanwhile, Amber Glasgow, after handing Ciara George an 11/5, 11/4, 11/4 defeat, had an 11/2, 11/8, 11/5 win over Indira Morgan, before stopping Jada Ross 7/11, 11/4, 11/2, 11/8.

Glasgow went on to record successive wins over Sherian Slater, 11/8, 11/3, 11/2, then 7/11, 11/4, 11/3, 11/8.

And, Paul Cyrus, in claiming the Men’s Open Veterans title, outpointed Colin Alexander 11/6, 9/11, 11/5, 11/9.

Before the final showdown against Alexander, Cyrus had an 11/5, 11/9, 11/3 win over Keith Boyea.

Last week’s championships

Amber Glasgow (left) gets her Women’s Singles trophy from Samantha Lynch. formed the basis for selection of the St Vincent and the Grenadines team to this year’s Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, which take place in Guyana 19th to 23rd August.

St Vincent and the Grenadines will be participating in the Championships as a separate unit.

For many years, St Vincent and the Grenadines formed part of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association — Kevin Hannaway, speaking at last Friday’s Closing Ceremony of the National Open Championships, stated that St Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented in the Men’s Singles, Men’s Team, Women’s Open Singles, Men’s Doubles and Veterans.

Under-19 cricket training squad named THE NATIONAL SELECTORS have named seventeen Under19 players for further training, with a view to selection on a 13-man team to represent this country in the upcoming Windward Islands Under-19 Tournament.

The tournament will be held in Dominica from June 28 to July 7.

Following the tournament, a Windward Islands team will be selected to compete in the Cricket West Indies Under-19 Tournament slated for St Vincent and the Grenadines, from July 25 to August 11.

The squad reads, Jaheil Walters, Carmelo

Cain, Irvin Warrican, Reshawn Lewis, Jarrell Edwards, Zevron Bobb, Zivion Walker, Darvon Peter, Okay Mathew’s, Romando Mars, Luke Wilson, Reynolson

Hillocks, Kyle Bobb, Danwayne Baptiste, Solomon Bascombe, Tijorn Pope, Keron Strough.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Middle order batsman Jaheil Walters is expected to lead the team.

Defenders, Bequia United seal T20 wins Continued from Page 24.

Defenders never looked like they would capitulate, and though they lost 6 wickets, they closed on 159 with one over to spare.

Sugar Reef Bequia United chalked up a commanding 143-run win over Bequia Venture BOS Marine Royal Challenger by 143 runs. Bequia United posted 194 for 6 from 18 overs, Mackeson Kydd getting 43, Seon Sween 33, Zane Edwards 24,

Chelson Stowe 21, Cosmos Hackshaw 20. Nicky Antoine 2 for 34, Roger Gibson took 2 for 26 were the primary wicket-takers.

Bequia Venture BOD Marine Royal Challenger made hard work of their reply, managing a far from respectable 51 from 8 overs. Jenery Ollivierre captured 4 for 5, Cosmos Hackshaw 3 for 25, and Garvin Ollivierre 2 for 18.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

LAND FOR QUICK SALE At Queensbury, Union Island 2A. 2R. 26P part of Lot S31 Selling as one parcel Serious offers invited.

Call: 454-4739

ESTHER KNIGHTS

HAMILTON GOODLUCK

Kingstown Evangelical Church Tuesday, 11th June, 2019 Officiating Reverend Oskert Lynch Service: 3:00 p.m.

MELVINA CASSANDRA LABORDE

Church of Nazarene Upper Cane Hall Sunday, 9th June, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Petit Bordel Evangelical Church Sunday, 9th, June 2019 Service: 1:30 p.m.

ELIZABETH R. VANLOW

MRS. MARIETTA ELENA DE FREITAS

Kingstown Methodist Church Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Apostolic Faith Church Paul Over Monday, 27th May 2019 Service: 3:00 p.m.

MISS HESTER LORETTA BROWNE (Tanty Esther) Mount Sinai Spiritual Baptist Church Carriere Sunday, 2nd June, 2019 Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JUNE 14, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.24

www.thevincentian.com

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EC$1.50

MEDFORD IS FISHER OF THE YEAR Medford walked away with EC$10,000, a trophy, one case outboard oil, three life jackets RANDOLPH MEDFORD said that it was difficult over and two cooler bags. the past few weeks plying his trade as a fisherman.

Second heaviest catch in the Class 1 category However, perseverance paid off for the 39went to Andy McMillan of Arnos Vale in the year-old who was named the 2019 Fisherman of boat ‘Sea Shells’. He amassed 347.3 pounds. the Year, last Monday.

The third heaviest catch was awarded to Ray The Sion Hill resident remained calm, Anthony Clarke of Green Hill with 338.2 explaining that he has always participated in pounds. the event.

And for the first time, a fourth prize was Up until this year, he said that his best finish awarded. This went to Lamar Cordice of Clare was third, but his 470.7 pounds earned him the Valley with 333.7 pounds. prestigious title of the competition.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves joined Randolph He described the conditions as “okay”.

Climate change Medford and his crew in celebration.

“The weather was well,” said the captain of the vessel ‘Elijah’.

Last Monday’s event Instead of winning himself an outboard marked the culmination of a engine, as has been the norm in the past for the month of activities to mark winners of the heaviest catch for Class 1 and the 44th edition of the class 2, the winners received cash.

Fisherman’s Day of Activities, and there was emphasis on the issue of climate change and the impact the phenomenon 12th June, 2019 has on the industry.

The Editor The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd Raymond Ryan, P.O. Box 592 Permanent Secretary in Kingstown VC0100 the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Dear Sir etc, said that it was of utmost importance that Recent publications of both The Vincentian and The News newspapers have there be focus on the highlighted the illegal goings—on at St. Vincent Brewery Limited. links between While a minor part of the problem relates to its move to remove me illegally vulnerability and climate as a duly elected director from its board, the major and more important issue change. is its continued flouting of the laws of the land with impunity.

He said that St Section 107 of the Companies Act Chapter 143 of the Laws of Saint Vincent Vincent and the Grenadines and the other and the Grenadines Revised Edition states that “the directors of a company; a) shall call an annual meeting of shareholders not later than eighteen islands across the region months after the company comes into existence, and subsequently not later were being affected by than fifteen months after holding the last preceding annual meeting; and gradual shifting weather b) may at any time call a special meeting of shareholders.” patterns, coral reef In this age, good corporate governance dictates that companies should bleaching, rising sea actively engage their shareholders in order to protect their interests, in levels, sargassum influxes and an increased particular, and those of other stakeholders, in general. Good corporate governance dictates also that companies should act lawfully and ethically and intensity of storms and that shareholders should be treated fairly. hurricanes.

How could the Brewery, a public company, engage its hundreds of minority Continued on Page 22. shareholders when no Annual General Meeting of shareholders has been held since 17th September, 2015?

The letter from the Brewery published in last Friday’s editions of both Randolph Medford, newspapers smacks of disingenuousness by trivializing its illegal acts as a Fisher of the Year (2019) spat between a director and itself, and must be seen in that light. holds his championship I rest my case. trophy aloft after receiving it from Prime Sincerely yours, Minister Dr. Ralph George Samuel Saunders Goodluck Gonsalves.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

The Brewery saga: Goodluck responds

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.