THE VINCENTIAN PDF-15-01-21

FRIDAY, JANUARY

15, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.02

Gov’t failing re: COVID Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Nothing to hide Page 11

EC$1.50

Nine Morning winners Page 12

Lockdown?

Not easy Page 14

Soufriere anxiety Page 28

Figures show sharp increase in number of Covid-19 cases here.

There is no firm indication as to when a COVID19 vaccine would be made available here.

Stories by Dayle Da Silva

SEVEN NEW CASES have been added overnight (January 13/14) to the overall tally of COVID-19 cases here.

That number, as of the morning of January 14, stood at 340.

Tamara Bobb, Epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, said at a press briefing on January 13, that up to that date 49 new cases had been recorded.

This after 31 cases had been recorded on January 12, with all those testing positive being locals with no recent travel history.

According to Bobb, they were still conducting investigations on 8 of the 49 new cases to determine whether they were imported or among locals with no recent travel history.

She, however, confirmed that most of the new cases were discovered amongst locals who had not traveled recently.

The total number of locals with no recent travel history testing

positive moved to 206 as of the morning of January 14.

Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, Chief Medical Officer said that 18 persons had been admitted to the Argyle Isolation facility, and 4 persons were to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

According to Keizer-Beache, only a few of those admitted to the Argyle facility were showing serious symptoms. There were also some persons placed there after it had been deemed that their private homes were not adequate for isolation.

With underlying (health) factors contributing to the death of persons from the COVID-19 throughout the world, CMO disclosed that some of the persons admitted into health facilities do have pre-existing conditions.

She explained that two individuals were diagnosed with COVID related pneumonias and another person diagnosed with a

Cerebrovascular accident, or stroke.

Meanwhile, Dr Joy St John of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said that although some countries around the region have experienced spikes within the past few days, “we have been doing better in the Caribbean here to control the spread and prevent deaths.”

She said that statistics showed that over 90 million persons had contracted the coronavirus globally with 389,000 cases testing positive in the Caribbean.

The numbers were even less among CARPHA member states, of which St Vincent and the Grenadines is a part, with 80,518 cases being confirmed.

Regarding testing, St John said that the recent requirements

by Canada and the United Kingdom for persons to have a Continued on Page 3.

EARLY VACCINE ARRIVAL? PM NOT OPTIMISTIC PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES said that he is not optimistic about the coronavirus vaccine arriving here by the time it is estimated to do so.

Last week, at a press briefing, Dr. Simon Keizer-Beache, Chief Medical Officer, had pointed to an effort to have the vaccine here within the first quarter of the year.

But even with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) making a down payment for 20 percent of the vaccines required and anticipating that they would be coming by the end of March, Dr. Gonsalves said that he had his doubts about is arrival.

“That may come a little later,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that this country was among five countries within CARICOM that were members of the Advance Marketing Commitment (AMC) group within the COVAX group.

COVAX is the mechanism launched in April 2020 by the World Health Organization and which brought together governments, global health organizations, manufacturers and other stakeholders, with the aim of accelerating the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

However, even with some funding by the World Bank and other governments, COVAX has yet to reach the amount of funding needed to fulfil its commitment.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 3.

News 3 GovÊt failing to manage COVID-19

LEADER OF THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday is of the view that the government is failing to manage the COVID-19 crisis, and failing to keep the people informed about the state of the pandemic in SVG. Dr. Friday, speaking at a NDP’s press conference last Wednesday, said that there was too much political calculation in what is said and done by public officials for public consumption. “The professionals in the Ministry of Health must be guided by the science and experience, not by politics! It must always be what makes the people safe and feel safe, not what makes the government look good or sound good,” said Dr. Friday.

As far as the Opposition Leader was concerned, there was a trust gap between government and the people as far as the management of the COVID crisis goes. He described this as being “dangerous and can cost lives.”

The message must be conveyed clearly and consistently that we are not

yet out of the crisis and we cannot yet return to normal, Dr. Friday encouraged.

The opposition leader on Wednesday stated that the economy cannot function properly if people are getting infected and others fear becoming infected.

“There will be reduced public confidence in going about their business and the economy will suffer. So, the only way to protect the economy is to bring the spread of the virus under control and show our people that the government is managing the problem,” he advised.

However, Dr. Friday continued, “The evidence of the last two weeks show that the government is failing to do that and is doing so at a time when the situation is graver more grave and more urgent than ever.”

Friday is calling on the government to put strict measures in place including securing the ports of entry to ensure all persons are properly checked and handled appropriately; enforce quarantine measures strictly, through effective monitoring and follow up; conduct random testing, or test of person who

want to be tested, so that testing is more widespread.

“The goal,” he noted, “must be to test as many people as possible, on a continuous basis.”

Other measures proposed by the opposition leader include: mandatory masks in public spaces, public building and public transport; facilitate importation of masks; promote work rotation, especially in the public sector (this will reduce use of minivans).

He also noted that as a priority, the upcoming Budget must provide for financial support to persons economically affected. “There must be a significant package of relief assistance for people hurting from the pandemic,” declared Friday.

A release dated January 13, 2021 from the Ministry of Health, informed that there were a total of 340 cases of COVID-19 recorded here. Of this total, 123 were said to be imported cases, 6 described as imported related and 211 cases under investigation.

Though there was no official confirmation, the 211 cases under investigation were, in the court of public opinion, locally transmitted cases.

Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, addressing the COVID19 situation during a press conference last Wednesday.

The release as referenced disclosed that there were 242 active cases of the disease.

There have been no deaths attributed to COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The figures show that the number of COVID-19 cases here have increased

appreciably since late December, with the majority seemingly because of local transmission.

A number of government departments, the Police Force and private entities have reported cases among their staff. (KH)

COVID-19 Early vaccine arrival? PM not optimistic cases increase Continued from Frontpage.

Continued from Frontpage.

PCR test conducted 72 hours before travel, and with the United States expected to implement a similar measure along with an Antigen test later this month, this meant that there was the need to ramp up testing.

She said that as of January 10, 2021, CARPHA lab facility had received 38,574 samples from 17 countries.

St John also noted that on the issue of the two new variants — the UK and South African variant — CARPHA was partnering the University of the West Indies in a project to look for this variant within the region.

So far, they have tested samples from 6 countries St John said, including SVG, and found the variant only in sample from Jamaica.

Against this background, PM Gonsalves warned about a situation developing wherein the richer countries would procure more than is required for their respective populations, with little or no regard for the needs developing nations.

Heads of Governments within CARICOM have been in contact with each other and have been discussing the issue with CARPHA. These discussion are ongoing.

Testing In addition to referencing the issue of the COVID-19 vaccine, Gonsalves also addressed the most recent requirement by countries such as Canada and the UK. Those countries now require persons entering, including returning nationals, to have a PCR test.

This was already putting pressure on the testing capacity here, Dr. Gonsalves admitted.

He made no mention of the rapid increase in cases among what authorities describe as persons with no travel history, as contributing to this pressure.

“The delay in our own testing facilities

has created a challenge for some persons who want to go home,” Gonsalves affirmed, adding that the Permanent Secretary in the

Ministry of Health, Cuthbert Knights, had indicated that his ministry was in discussions with a private lab towards get it to assist with the coronavirus test.

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Woman blames unemployment

That package was put in place by government to assist certain sections of the population, in light of the economic hardships created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lewis told the Court she was the mother of a 2-year-old son, who was expected to begin preschool in September.

“I have my bills to Stories by Court on Monday she resident of Bequia, gave to supply. She had no March 2019, but was laid pay,” she declared.

HAYDN HUGGINS resorted to the marijuana the explanation after legal representation. off. She added, “I was Lewis pleaded for business because of her pleading guilty to According to Lewis, sort of depending on the leniency saying that she A 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN economic situation. possession of 193 grams she had been employed stimulus package up was, “a good person.” told the Serious Offences Kendra Lewis, a of marijuana with intent in hospitality sector up to until October last year.”

In presenting the facts earlier, Court Clerk Corporal Atnel Ash said that around 5:05 p.m. on January 9, Constable 915 Snagg was on duty at the TERRY MARS, a 29previously imposed on way he had left it.

Prosecutor Adolphus and charged with the Port Elizabeth wharf in year-old Barrouallie him for burglarizing the Delpleche asked him His friend, on making offence.

Bequia, where she saw resident, was sentenced home of the same uncle, checks, saw someone whether he ever worked, Lewis going onto the Mars told the Court to seven months in some years ago. under a bed, and alerted that he lived in the Mars said he had started boat, Bequia Express, prison on Tuesday for On Tuesday, the Court Bulz. downstairs of the house, to work as a landscaper. then disembarking the burglarising the home of found that there was no The prosecutor then Bulz looked under the and went upstairs to look same boat with a his uncle, Jerry Bulz, warrant in place for bed and discovered his informed the Court that for food as he was handbag which she did between May 16 and 22, Mars’ arrest for the non- nephew, Mars, there. according to his hungry. He hid under not carry on.

2020. payment of that fine. information, Mars Mars emerged and a the bad when he heard Snagg approached the Mars received the In relation to the tussle ensued between he the sound of someone in worked sometimes as a woman, identified penalty after pleading recent offence, the Court and his uncle during labourer, but makes his the house. herself, and informed guilty to entering Bulz’s heard that on May 16, living mainly from which his uncle received But Chief Magistrate Lewis of her duties. home at Barrouallie with 2020, around 7:55am, an injury to his right stealing.

Rechanne Browne Lewis consented to a intent to commit an Bulz secured his home, In reference to Mars arm. reminded him that he offence. He was left the keys with his Mars left, but a report had burglarized the same explanation that he lived search, but nothing illegal was found on her unrepresented. sister and went to in the downstairs of the was made to the police, uncle’s home before for However, if Mars does Bequia to work. house, the Magistrate and he was arrested. He which he was fined person. not pay the Court on He returned, said, “There is not where gave no statement to the $1,000 or six month in However, a search of outstanding $1,000 fine, accompanied by a friend, police, and was released prison. She asked him you lived or you would the handbag revealed a he would have to serve on May 22 around not be before the Court without being charged, whether he was hungry KFC box containing two an additional six months 12:30a.m and on entering pending further then. She also pointed to on this charge.” zip bags which, when behind bars. his house, observed that investigations. He was The arresting officer his conviction record opened, were found to That fine was the kitchen was not the subsequently re-arrested which showed that he Constable 830 Keil, who contain marijuana in was present, then had a string of one, and 34 wrapping informed the Court that convictions for papers in the other.

Mars and his uncle lived burglarizing the When cautioned, in separate houses.

Barrouallie clinic and a Lewis told the police, furniture shop.

In handing down the “Me light is 500 and I am The Magistrate again penalty, the Magistrate stressed the seriousness unemployed.” asked the defendant She was taken into of the offence, the degree whether he was hungry custody along with the when he committed those of planning, Mars’ dishonesty, and breach of marijuana, which was offences. weighed, and amounted Mars told the Court he trust. to 193 grams. She was “It is your uncle and was unemployed, and you had already stolen was the father of two subsequently charged from him. The thing that with possession with children, ages 10 and 8, stood out is the repeated intent to supply. and explained that he entered the clinic to look targeting of your uncle.

In her summation on for rations.

You have no conscience Monday, Chief When Senior man,” she told Mars.

Magistrate Rechanne Browne highlighted the method which was used in attempting to conceal the drugs in order to avoid detection, as an aggravating factor.

Browne, however, took into account Lewis’ A 32-YEAR-OLD Barrouallie man was taken dependent 2-year-old before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, child. She also noted that charged with obstructing a police officer.

Lewis had no previous Terry Griffith is accused of obstructing Corporal convictions, and that she Orlando Collins, he being a police officer acting in pleaded guilty at the first due execution of his duties. available opportunity.

The offence was reportedly committed After applying the December 26. sentencing guidelines Griffith pleaded not guilty when he faced Chief and balancing the Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was granted aggravating and $1,500 bail with one surety, on condition that he mitigating factors, she would have no contact with virtual complainant. fined the woman $230 to The matter was transferred to the Barrouallie be paid forthwith or two Magistrate’s Court. weeks in prison.

Seven months for burglarizing uncle’s home

Man charged with obstructing cop

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 5.

COVID

Glossy Bay workers to quarantine EMPLOYEES of Glossy Bay Construction Ltd. and Gloss Bay Marina in Canouan, who are returning to that Grenadine island from any other part of the state, will now have to enter a 10-day period of quarantine.

This is the recently enforced directive from both companies in what they say is an effort aimed at safeguarding the health of all employees and guests, in the wake of the COVID-

19 pandemic..

Any worker leaving the island for whatever reason and irrespective of the period spent off island, is obligated to quarantine for ten days prior to returning to work.

The 10-day period is to be counted as unpaid leave unless an employee applies it against accrued vacation leave, and neither can it be applied as sick/medical leave.

Interestingly, and

according to a memo circulated to employees, if a rerunning employee has a roommate, that person will also be required to quarantine.

Employees have also been advised to make arrangements to have visitors abode at accommodation separate from theirs, and that if they should come into contact before tens day, they will have to quarantine.

The company has also

directed all staff that on returning to the island, they should contact a (named) doctor to have a COVID-19 test administered. Before they enter quarantine.

On day five of the quarantine, they are to contact the doctor to have a second test and arrange to have another test on day ten, before

they are given the all clear to return to work.

In addition to the quarantine directive, the Companies have implemented mandatory wearing of masks by all employees while on the compounds, especially when interacting with guest; on all company vehicle and whenever they leave the compound

of any one of the companies.

Needless to say, some employees have questioned whether the quarantine and conditions attached are legal.

Efforts to speak with someone in authority to ascertain how the regulations were working, proved unsuccessful.

GovÊt to continue to pay benefits THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to provide temporary unemployment benefits and payouts to persons in the hospitality sector and to seafarers.

Speaking on radio on January 10, the Prime Minister disclosed that some EC$8.4 million had already been paid out to 4,309 recipients, since the programme commenced in April 2020 and up to December 26, 2020.

Of this amount, the National Insurance Services (NIS) paid out some EC$2.4 million with the government providing just over $6 million.

Responding to a concern expressed

by Anthony Regisford, Executive Director of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, that assistance to those in the hospitality and seafarers had expired on December 31, 2020, the prime Minister responded, “So, it’s a matter of refreshing those arrangements and tweaking them.”

An extension until March 2021 means that a further EC$2.4 million will be required, Dr. Gonsalves said.

In addition, there has to be support

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves would want to continue assistance made to displaced workers in 2020, but admits that it would be a balancing act regarding revenue and expenditure. for the PRYME programme and assistance for farmers and fisherfolk in 2012.

But even as he spoke of these commitments, PM Gonsalves highlighted the challenge of avoiding a situation of collecting less revenues than what is to be expended, thereby creating a deficit on the current account.

There was some hope, though, with assistance being sort through institutions like the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). (DD)

The Glossy Bay Marina, Canouan. Is a mega yacht facility.

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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Community spread: The truth please THE WAY WE UNDERSTAND IT, when public health experts talk about community spread/local transmission, it’s just a way of saying that more people in an area, work place, etc., have been infected. They also mean infections (within a population) that are not imported from another virus-hit area.

As per the latter, that will translate to mean a situation in which a person gets Covid-19 despite having not been to an affected area or country, like the UK. Sounds familiar? Person without travel history?

We are subject to correction by the experts among us who, it appears, are ‘dreadfully afraid to declare that we have had community spread or local transmission of COVID-19.

They ought to say why there has been no official confirmation of local transmission, especially in a situation of an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and suspected cases here that have no history being contracted overseas.

Let’s see. We have had cases now reported at VINLEC, in the Police Force, in the civil service (e.g. Treasurer, Ministries of Health, including health care workers, and Education), a financial institution, and even a Minister of Government…. close to 200 infections between January 6 — 12.

Have these persons recently travelled outside of SVG? There are infected persons among the count here who don’t know, with any certainty, where they were exposed to the virus.

As far as they can guess or surmise, they could have been exposed to the virus through someone in or visiting the household, a co-worker, maybe at a social event.

On the other hand, there are those who can point to a person(s) as being the suspect source(s) from whom they might have contracted the virus.

The result: Health Authorities focus their contact tracing on friends, family, and a sample of persons at a social gathering.

The question is, how successful, how effective has our contact

tracing been? We are not encouraged by an official release that said, inter alia, because of “the ongoing intensive contact tracing and the testing for COVID-19…… the Laboratory Services Programme is experiencing a delay in the issuance of COVID-19 results.”

What has caused this rather disturbing impact on the testing services? To what extent is the increased number of local cases and resulting increased need for testing as per contact tracing accounted for this delay? One can only imagine how far the contact tracing in the Police Force might extend. All this diversion while persons scheduled to travel are still awaiting results.

The contact tracing has all but multiplied with the number of ‘locally transmitted cases’, and impacted, stretched our testing capacity. Does that represent the truthfulness of our situation?

No one wants to cause panic, but isn’t it worse when the ‘bolley bus’ and the population realises that it has been short-changed, that the truth has been compromised in favour of safeguarding public safety?

Think of the panic that could be created then. And by the way, whose safety are we safeguarding by short-changing the truth?

We are in a situation where it means the chance of walking out a door, reporting for work, and encountering someone with COVID-19, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a co-worker or a complete stranger, is higher now that it has ever been since the outbreak of the disease. Given the brittleness of our countermeasures that chance as referenced can only multiply, exponentially perhaps?

The question of all questions: Do we have the capacity to deal with the current spike which is characterized by increased local transmission, something that the authorities are still wont to deny?

It almost appears, given the uncertainty that prevails, that we never thought local transmission would come our way and therefore, we made no preparation for such. Truth?

Putting some pieces together TODAY, FRIDAY 27TH MAY 2016, conceivably marks the day of decision on the NDP election petitions. Either the NDP wins and open-up, from their perspective a can of worms which could end up either with by election in Central Leeward and /or North Windward or, preferably from their point of view, a quashing of the entire 2015 election results and the holding of completely new 2016 elections.

Or there could be a judicial decision that confirms the election 2015 results, and set in motion further court action by way of appeal accompanied by mass action, the extent of which it is difficult to contemplate.

So, in the meantime, one may safely and usefully discuss some issues that were raised during the fracas. The most illogical and persistent has been the matter of leadership.

It has been held that the West Indian masses revere only a charismatic leader and that Arnhim Eustace, unlike Ralph, has no charisma.

The term charisma, “gift of Grace”, was coined by a German philosopher Wittfogel, who described particular qualities akin to magical that inhered in a particular brand of leadership that emerged during crisis situation, like the throes of war, famine or natural disasters.

Transferred to former dependent countries, the term was applied to those leaders who spoke a vitriolic language against the Imperial Power, were thought to have been imbued with magical powers, and a spine-chilling speechifying style.

Bustamante, Uriah Butler and Ebenezer Joshua were counted among their number.

Comrade Ralph, but not Arnhim Eustace, patterned his political style after the lot.

It was a short step from “charismatic” to strong leadership which naturally Joshua and Ralph inherited but certainly not Eustace, who aimed at simplicity, honesty and truthfulness which area defines his hall-mark.

There is no cut-off point and so “Son” Mitchell struck the balance in making himself an ideal leader, strong, purposeful but democratic. I have stressed the point that about 60% of his Government had been members of the Educational Forum of the People, including present- day Arnhim Eustace, Allan Cruickshank and Major Leacock, so that an NDP government was never a “Mitchell Administration” pure and simple.

Forum members virtually carried the early NDP Government albeit under Mitchell’s benign care and wise direction, Eddie Griffith, Parnel Campbell, Yvonne Francis Gibson, John Horne, Allan

Cruickshank Stuart Nanton and even Kerwyn Morris who finally entered as General-Secretary of the NDP. So important a political figure as Jerry Scott mixed and mingled with us without formally joining the EFP-DFM. Even Louis Jones had been closer to the EFP family than to the Mitchell’s. Mitchell had brought to the table some former PPP persons such as David Jack, Kelvin Gibson, George Reddock, Emery Robertson, Calder Williams by fluke and his first genuine recruits had been Burton Williams and Herbert Young, to whom he added new politically attractive persons as Alpian Allen and probably the model constituency representative in Bernard Wyllie.

So people must stop saying that Mitchell ran the NDP as his toy in much the same fashion as Ralph misuses his charges like they were lap-dogs.

The man who won an “unsafe” constituency on five successive occasions and twice came within one-seat of forming the Government has been termed a born loser without checking out fraudulence of our election set-up.

Most of all ULPites call for Eustace’s head, when if Eustace, according to their rancid reasoning remains the only insurance of another ULP victory which they hunger after! It does not add up!

Interestingly, if Arnhim were to become Prime Minister he would be confirming his record as the only Vincey head of Government with a native wife. Mrs Joshua was Grenadian, Mrs. Cato from Nevis-Canadia, Mrs. Mitchell from Canada and Mrs Gonsalves first from Jamaica then from Dominica.

To maintain the tradition the NDP needs to push Dr. Friday as Arnhim’s successor!

I am so glad to note that Arnhim has at last been discovered by the people as possessing a loving care deposition and is simply a man of his word. In other words he is the genuine article.

From the time of his infancy he has been misrepresented a man “born with a gold spoon in his mouth and never mixed with ordinary folks. As a matter of interest, people like the deceased “Call it George” could have told how Arnhim grew up with the folk of Edinboro and later fished commercially with his friend our Kerwyn Morris.

While Arnhim was at the top of the public Service his close friends were Elias Roach and Mc Connie Yammie.

Continued on Page 22.

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 7.

Views

Who are the irresponsible fools now?

UP TO A FEW months ago, persons who had been regarded as being “leading lights” in our society, by virtue of their educational status and their extended exposure to the influences of the works of those renowned scholars, who were passionate about societal development rooted in democracy, those persons had been condemning those citizens who had voted “No” in the Referendum of 2009 in SVG. These leaders of thought who were in harmony with the approach of the governing ULP, and had probably enjoyed benefit

from the government’s outlay/investment of three million dollars to the “YES” campaign, have been labelling those persons who voted “No”, as backward, ignorant and unpatriotic. The privileged position of these “faithful scholars”, even now, does not allow them to appreciate, that that proposed constitution, contained clauses which were clearly inimical to the well-being of the democracy we had all these years set our hearts on; we, the progeny of ex-slaves and former owners of the land, the “GARIFUNA”.

But the recent developments seem to suggest, that the inclusion of those offensive clauses was indeed deliberate. Ralph Gonsalves is now promoting himself as “World Boss”.

These happenings should clearly inform us, that Ralph Gonsalves is not qualified to play a leading role in the imminent Reparations discussion, and all those persons who played leading roles in the treacherous attempts to subvert our interests, should be identified without delay. They have polluted themselves and

We’ve had enough ….. of “we ought to” conversation of late I’VE HAD ENOUGH of “we ought to” conversation of late. You know the type, those gripe sessions where wellmeaning people discuss what’s wrong at work or with the country. Sooner or later, someone always says “we oughta” do this or that, everyone else agrees and add another option or slide back to their pet peeve.

Yes, in my experience nothing that arises out of these “we ought to” discussions ever gets done, which is why they’re so frustrating. It took me a while, but I finally realized that nobody ever took the time to define who “we” means. Is it an “editorial we,” by which a columnist presents his or her viewpoint on behalf of the newspaper or the organization? Is it a “royal we” where we are speaking of ourselves in or part of the collective community? Or is it the generic third person “we” to mean everyone?

No, the “we” is usually one that allows us to hide in the vagueness of the conversation so that we remain

unaccountable. We usually invoke this “we” when we want to encourage someone else to do something and we are not willing to commit ourselves to doing anything. Take a moment and listen, you will be surprised how many times in one week we use that “unaccountable we”. I would say 80% of the time you are involved in a conversation that invokes the word “we”, nothing gets done.

Don’t get me wrong, “we” is a very powerful word, It’s a key word in some of our best motivational slogans ever - “The Power of We,” “Together We Can...,” “We Can Do It” — which politicians and pundits use all the time with great success. When we use it in most everyday context, it serves to discourage action; we are all responsible and no one is accountable.

The net result? Nothing gets done.

So, here’s an idea: The next time you’re in a conversation and someone says, “we ought to”, thank them for volunteering and reward them by allowing them to pick their team to make it happen. Whatever you do, don’t let the “unaccountable we” have its way.

Horatio

are now evidently untrustworthy material, quite unsuited for inclusion in the construct of the platform which we now need to build, in order to enhance the chances for success in the decades ahead.

The present effusive eruption of the La Soufriere, seems somewhat to have created a “virtual laboratory”, in which the effusion of our government’s mismanagement over the last two decades, can be critically examined. One of the issues which must

engage the examination of mature citizens, is the rationale in placing our most modern health-care facility in a historical danger zone - volcanic from which residents had to be evacuated ‘large scale’ forty years ago.

How and by whom was the decision made to locate that facility where it is?

Will our fellow citizens of the Caribbean now label us as irresponsible fools or envy us for being led by our “World Boss”?

LeRoy Providence

The coronavirus protocols THIS NOVEL coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be of great concern around the world.

Locally, the alarming rate of COVID-19 cases is indeed very serious. As a result, protocols have been changed and/or adjusted, rightly so.

As a people we are to obey the laws of the land and obey those in authority. However, with all that we have put in place, e.g. wearing masks, we are not able to bring it under control.

Thank God here in St. Vincent we have not had any deaths caused by COVID-19.

Notwithstanding the fact that we have had no deaths, it must be the Lord Jesus Christ to really set us free and give protection.

In light of this, I strongly disagree with the latest changes made in the protocol regarding indoor gatherings, which are now limited to ten persons.

Take heed!!!!

This has severely affected the churches.

As a Christian nation we are supposed to obey those in authority but how could passenger vans be allowed to carry twelve (12) persons where each passenger sits in proximity to each, while churches, where there is so much more room that each person can sit six (6) feet apart, are allowed a maximum of ten (10) persons? I cannot see the logic in this one.

The churches are where the presence of the Lord is and He blesses the congregation.

In the house of the Lord there is protection by the Lord; it is where the Christians can meet, unite and pray. But now it is almost impossible for churches to meet while persons are allowed to congregate in stores, buses, offices and elsewhere without the correct physical distance of six (6) feet.

I am calling for a

storming the House of Assembly, a la 1935, but none of the protestors got into the building, as far as I know.)

The thing is that we are standing on glass, so to speak. Take it or leave it our political situation is a fragile one, made worse by the fact that we the people are so easily influenced by our leaders.

God forbid that anything like what happened in the USA would happen here. It did happen again to a certain degree in 1999 -2000 but we can certainly do without a repeat.

Even though, like Trump’s claims of victory in the face of a scorching licking, our Opposition might want to use their popular vote as muscle, they might want to think twice about taking action that might come back to haunt them.

LET POLITICIANS here and across the world take heed: Be careful about what you say, when you say what you say, and how you say what you say.

Look at what happened in the USA. The words of Donald Trump, the sitting President of the USA, resulted in a bunch of hooligans storming the US Legislature. That’s like a bunch of dissatisfied Vincentian storming the House of Assembly during one of its sittings.

From what I saw on television, it was Trump who encouraged his supporters to do what they did. He told them to fight and that is what they did when they confronted the police and security officers in what could be called the US Parliament.

Charles - Edinboro (We have had our share of citizens

revising of that figure to maybe twenty (20) persons. Each church can hold twenty or more persons and still allow for proper social distancing. I know that these measures are only temporary, but God must be first and foremost.

May God bless this nation!

Kennard King

* Why haven’t we heard that other members of the Cabinet have been told to selfquarantine? Are we not to assume that they would have come into contact with Minister Brewster who we know has COVID19? * How is the delay in processing COVID-19 test results affecting those persons who are scheduled to depart SVG? Are they on a ‘priority’ list? * How much money was allocated to Layou for its Nine Mornings programme and how much of that was actually spent? * Now that La Soufriere acting up, has NEMO been relieved of its duties regarding COVID19 so that it can concentrate on what it is set up to do?

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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Our society kept functioning by steady leadership

Introduction THE UNPRECEDENTED circumstances facing this nation currently have been the source of much anxiety and concern for its citizens and residents.

Understandably, many questions are raised daily as Vincentians seek to get a grasp of what is happening as we move into a new year. The recent increase in Covid-19 cases announced by the Health Services Subcommittee within NEMO, and the continued threat of the La Soufriere Volcano eruption continue to present a metaphoric “double-edged sword” challenge to all of us. Tackling these imminent challenges in a manner that presents very little if any disruptions in living and production continues to be the number one priority of the ULP administration that is charged with leading this country. Unfortunately, those driven by naked partisan rancor are overtaken with glee, ecstatic with what they perceive as something blameworthy to put at the feet of Comrade Ralph and the ULP. This government, however, continues to adopt a pragmatic approach to the management of the challenges facing us and is confident that with the cooperation of each individual, SVG can get through this period.

Commitments for the New Year and beyond (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Conference)

must be emphasised that the provision of thousands of tablets to the community college, secondary schools and Grade 6 primary school students by this ULP administration is one of the main reasons we are able to implement online teaching/learning.

Clearly the preference would be for face-to-face teaching/learning, but the circumstances dictate that necessary adjustments be made and our responsive government, through its Ministry of Education, has done just that.

The threat of Volcanic Eruption

The La Soufriere volcano continues its effusive eruption with the growth of the second dome in the crater now extending to the crater wall. The team of seismic professionals lead by Vincentian Prof Richard Robertson continues to monitor the volcano’s activity by installing various types of equipment at different locations in the country to record relevant data. The UWISRC has been monitoring La Soufriere since 1986 and has a wealth Life must go on of knowledge and experience in this kind of work. The regular and timely The increase in Covid-19 cases has updates provided by the team to the caused renewed calls by some, for the leadership of this country and the country to go into lock-down, or at subsequent dissemination of this least adopt some restrictive measures information to the citizens of this in an attempt to slow the spread of the country is of utmost importance to the virus. The government however stability of our nation. Dr Gonsalves continues to make decisions based on himself speaks to the nation at least 3 the available science, the prevailing times per week, discussing the evidence available and the advice of information in the context of the the professionals involved in the daily government’s plans in the event that management of Covid-19. The the mode of eruption changes to uncertainty surrounding the explosive. Anyone looking on from the possibility of an eruption of La outside would find it difficult to accept Soufriere, when added to the that this country is facing the threat challenges that the pandemic, present, of eruption from an active volcano, and even more acute need for a since the mood across the country, mature, steady hand to lead in these including communities closest to the times. The focus of the government is volcano continues to be positive. From to ensure that life, living and Fancy to Richmond, residents closest production continue in a manner that to the volcano carry about their daily presents the minimum risk to citizens, activities mindful of the reality, but but at the same time allows for with a quiet confidence in the record economic activity that sustains the on disaster management by this lives its tasked to protect. government. Farmers continue on The revision of the protocols was a their farms, fisherfolk ply their trade key step in achieving this, thus the and the communities are as lively and protocol regarding quarantining vibrant even as we remain cautious arriving visitors is now 14 days in an and in a constant state of readiness. approved facility. The government also strongly recommends the wearing of Conclusion face covering in public, has placed a ban on amplified music in public Keeping our society functioning places, or private place where the safely during this time of threats to public has access, and recommends a our lives and livelihoods by an maximum of 10 persons inside and 20 erupting volcano and a globally outside for gatherings. Employees in devastating pandemic isn’t achieved government offices are asked to wear by guesswork or knee-jerk reaction. masks while at work and the public is One just needs to look at our required to wear masks when entering neighbours to appreciate the government offices. All these measures significant difference in the response are implemented to ensure that daily taken to managing Covid, in that activities can continue but in a while we are generally experiencing manner that provides for safe similar outcomes, those countries have interaction between citizens. experienced various levels of The Ministry of Education, in carrying out its mandate has also had restrictions that have disrupted the lives of citizens and productive aspects to make adjustments in order to of their societies. The economic fallout ensure that the disruption to the in those countries are causing great education system is kept to a economic hardship, while offering no minimum. The opening of school was evidence that the restrictions imposed initially delayed by one week so that the Ministry could decide on the safest have kept their citizens safer. The and most efficient method to allow for government continues to manage Covid-19, while we monitor the teaching and learning. It took the volcanic activity, with a patience and a decision that students and teachers calm, following the science, and would employ the online mode of crafting responses that allow for a interaction as an immediate solution to get our nations students engaged in functioning society for the benefit of a learning environment that’s safe. It all Vincentians.

WE ARE GRATEFUL that we have lived to see the New Year, 2021. Let us pray that there are better things in store for us this year. There were many moments in 2020 where we faced unprecedented challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, I believe that as a people we have become more grounded in what matters most in life; we are more determined and resilient than ever in the face of the challenges that will surely come our way this year.

In fact, they have already started.

We begin the New Year with a great sense of the weight of the world upon us as we contend with two potential disasters: an erupting La Soufriere volcano and escalating local transmission of Covid-19.

Our country, already beleaguered with a dramatic fall off in our tourism and agriculture sectors, must now brace itself for even harder times under the Unity Labour Party government (ULP): a Party that has run out of ideas and who can only offer the same for 2021 as they have done for nearly 20 years.

I look forward to the things we would do together to make life better.

And we continue to plan and work to have a majority government of the NDP in place to breathe new life into our stagnant economy, create jobs, promote prosperity, to plant the seeds of recovery from the COVID-19 economic crash, to end victimization and foster free expression for all our people. I stand by that solemn commitment to you.

The writer, James Baldwin, has reminded us that: “No one holds power forever.” We also know it when we say: “Every rope has an end”. And the end of ULP government will come, but we must continue to pray and work for that brighter day. I remain resolute in my commitment to the people of SVG. I will call upon you to continue the work we have started, to bring an end to a tired and corrupt ULP government and bring about the change you desire.

In order to make this happen, we must be steadfast in our commitments to improve the lives of all Vincentians.

This includes a resolve to promote the principles of good governance, equal treatment, and opportunity for all Vincentians, regardless of political party, race, or creed. We will demand that these principles are followed in our public affairs for the benefit of all our people. As I have said repeatedly, the NDP is a party for all Vincentians–a vehicle for change and there is a place in it for everyone.

While we face the many challenges before us, let us remain hopeful and keep your faith in Almighty God. We shall prevail and we will help each other through the hard times. When circumstances permit, you will see me in your communities, your homes and your events. I particularly look forward to meeting more amazing young people to hear from them how we can make this country better. I want to hear your ideas, fresh and new ideas that spring from the

creativity of our young people and bring them together with the wisdom of our elders to transform the way we do things and build a prosperous, sustainable economy and society.

Before we can do this, we must manage and ultimately overcome the scourge of COVID-19 scourge.

The Escalating COVID-19 Crisis The crisis is the worst it has been in SVG. Over the past two weeks the situation has deteriorated rapidly.

SVG recorded it first case on 11th March, 2020 and increased moderately until a week or so ago.

Recent upsurge in new cases: Wednesday 6th January, 28 new cases; Thursday 7th January, 55 new cases; Sunday 10th January, 24 new cases; Monday 11th January, 4 new cases; Tuesday 12th January, 31 new cases. A total of 284 cases in SVG; 106 recovered and 178 remain active.

There is more to come; perhaps many more.

Most concerning is that vast majority of cases are result of local spread. Tuesday, for example, all 31 cases had no recent travel history.

This means they got infected through local transmission. The government officials do not want to use the term community spread. One hundred and fifty five (155) local transmission cases are under investigation, according to NEMO. That’s a lot of cases to investigate at the same time. Six (6) persons are hospitalized, two (2) in serious condition. This is new for us.

Let us pray it does not become fatal.

Do we have the capacity to treat people effectively? Our health care system is not equipped to deal with an outbreak of COVID illnesses. Do we have ventilators (how many) and staff to operate them?

Further, many Government officials have tested positive: Commissioner of Police; Dep. Commissioner of Police; five other police officers; Treasury Dept officials; a Minister of government. Several persons who were doing contract tracing have apparently also tested positive. So, who is doing the tracing? How are they coping? Testing backlog is also growing, 900 tests still waiting results. What will the results be? This is frightening for most people.

What is the current positivity rate from recent tests? The system is stretched to the limit, if not overwhelmed. How are they managing to isolate 178 active cases?

How are they managing contact tracing for so many new cases that grow more every day? We need answers! People are scared and confused. And the government appears to be paralyzed, unable to act decisively and effectively.

On the one hand, the Prime Minister and others in the government were giving the impression that they had this thing licked, beaten; that they had managed so well that the economic fallout was not as bad as elsewhere in the region. They spoke as though we were past the worst. But the situation is now worse than ever.

V Pain, Purpose and Passion

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 9.

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‘You can’t know where you are going until you know where you have been.’

Maya Angelou

“Great things never come from comfort zones.” Neil Strauss (born 1969) – American author, journalist, and ghost-writer DR. JOHN DEMARTINI, a world-renowned specialist in human behaviour, has written several books that assist readers in developing the mindset and techniques to accomplish much more than they would have originally thought possible. Several years ago, a dear friend presented this writer with an autographed copy of his 2002 publication entitled, “The Breakthrough Experience: A Revolutionary New Approach to Personal Transformation” (ISBN 9781561708850). Among other things, the book highlights the fact that the individuals who have developed the skills of disciplining themselves to retain a focus on their noble dreams, regardless of the obstacles that they face, invariably accomplish great feats.

They refuse to let disappointments, setbacks, and/or pain distract them from their purpose. They retain a focus on their dreams and pursue these with passion.

Over the years, this writer has used a quotation from “The Breakthrough Experience” to encourage young persons to be better prepared to exert the effort and energy needed for success in whatever aspect of life they may be focused on.

It is recorded here for that very purpose — to inspire: “Great geniuses are willing to pay the price. They’re willing to make sacrifices for their dreams. Instead of partying with their friends, they spend hours practicing, studying, and preparing. They give up pleasure and entertainment and face their fears and doubts. They do whatever it takes. There’s nothing wrong with that, because pain and pleasure always come together as a pair.”

We pause to commend the individuals who contribute to outstanding positive accomplishments in homes, churches, workplaces, and service clubs by their continuous commitment to excellent service.

Many of these individuals commit their time, talents, treasure as they seek to excel as students, athletes, and employees. They develop a similar discipline as they endeavour to better their very best efforts in other aspects of their lives. They understand and appreciate that pain is often a forerunner to their ultimate pleasure and success. They discipline themselves to retain a focus on their noble dreams and to pursue these with passion … regardless of the challenges they encounter. They are not deterred by the obstacles that confront them. They press on with gusto.

We are familiar with the statement, “No gain without pain”. It is a timely reminder that our ambitious hopes and dreams often require sacrifice. We have to be prepared to give up time and fleeting pleasures as we seek enhanced performances and delayed gratification. For example, the athlete who is focused on breaking her best record must be prepared to discipline herself to avoid certain foods (that may appear to be quite enticing), engage in rigorous exercise, train for long hours, and so on. Such training may be physically, mentally, and emotionally painful. This is

Staying safe in Covid times

especially so when the coach is extremely demanding — pressuring the athlete to go beyond what she previously thought was beyond her capability.

The student who desires to get top grades must similarly stretch beyond what he previously thought was his limit. He must be prepared to study for longer hours, conduct more research, practise his academic skills more often, and so on. He does this regardless of the pain that he must endure. He knows that such sacrifices are important if he is to achieve his academic goals. He endures the pain and the frustration that would often accompany such sacrifices. He retains his focus — his passion. He disciplines himself to endure against great odds. He understands and appreciates the fact that pain and sacrifice are often the forerunners to great achievements.

Based on the foregoing scenarios we can conclude that “pain” is often accompanied by its cousin “sacrifice”.

Athletes, students, and employees are periodically required to engage in activities that take them beyond what is considered “normal” or “expected”.

Those who discipline themselves to exert more effort and energy than is expected are sure to accomplish more than those who do not. Those who possess the mindset to do more than is expected will forever run at the front of the pack. These are the winners in the game of life. They become role models of excellence and beacons of hope to successive generations.

Mary Tyler Moore (1936-2017), the American actress, producer, and social advocate, reminds us that, “Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.” Pain and sacrifice can therefore be considered priceless when they help us to focus more intently on our purpose and passion. Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), the American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, adds some useful thought to this when she challenges us to, “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” We will have to make sacrifices in life as we pursue our noble dreams. We must forever retain a focus on making the best out of what we may perceive to be a “bad situation”. Struggles and trials will appear. Accidents will happen.

However, those who are prepared to endure; to pursue; to press on regardless of the circumstances, will bask in the glory of the eventual success.

So, we end as we began, by focusing on the fact that “great things never come from our comfort zones”.

We welcome the discomfort. We welcome the pain. We welcome the sacrifice. These all magnify the glory and the sense of accomplishment that is ours when we press on with purpose and passion to achieve the great things that we were destined to accomplish.

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

WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT that a government minister and the Deputy Commissioner of Police have tested positive for coronavirus, and cabinet members, police top brass and officials in the Ministry of Health are quarantined because of possible exposure, Vincentians have ramped up their precautions to stay safe.

The explosive discovery and disclosure present the country with vivid exhibits that those at the state’s highest level have not been scrupulously following the advice they offered to the general public. Fear stalks the land. Mask wearing is at an all-time high. Few persons object to sanitising their hands. Social distancing gets deserved respect.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keiser-Beache and by extension, the government are aggressively touting the vaccine as a possible cure. According to Keiser-Beache, the government projects to vaccinate close to 80 percent of the population beginning in March 2020, after the vaccine becomes available.

The blind hope is that those vaccinated will be safer than those without the medication. No one in the medical establishment explains why those who take the vaccine will have to continue to wear masks, sanitise, and engage in social distancing. When citizens were vaccinated for measles, polio and smallpox, the clear and distinct understanding was that there was no need to worry about these deadly killers again.

Forty years on, and with knowledge in the biological sciences doubling every 18 months, it appears that we have far more information and much less understanding about the dangers that beset us.

One hundred fifty-five persons with no history of recent travel have tested positive. More than 900 persons have been identified for contact tracing and testing. There is ample evidence of community spread, but the government has not admitted to this fact. They did not make that announcement when persons in Greiggs tested positive. The government’s ‘science’ has taken us to community clusters, but apparently, this does not amount to community spread. However, vigorous attempts at contact tracing are ongoing.

Those occupying the corridors of power are dancing around the facts rather than honestly speaking to the people. The sad reality is that more locals are testing positive than persons who come in from the COVID-19 hotspots, even as Americans airline deposits passengers twice weekly from COVID-19 hotspots.

How did we get here? Last year our leaders said they were following the science. Regional leaders were said to have adopted a lazy man’s approach to public policy. We were the brightest, wisest and boldest. We actively encouraged flights into our land.

Why? Everything had to have the appearance of normalcy. It was an election year. There was a battle to be fought. A victory to be won. And power to be had. Nothing or anything was to get into the way of that ‘democratic exercise’. And now we have what we have.

Some say now is not the time to cast blame. They claim that our time will be better spent searching for, implementing preventative measures and finding solutions. All of this newfound urgency is necessary.

But not so fast. Hell No! Now is as good as any to call out fools, laugh in the faces of useful idiots, and bring to heal the entire political class, government, and opposition that callously disregarded the populace’s health and safety in the run-up to the elections.

We would be foolhardy to forget that both side joyously bellowed ‘What a crowd ah people,’ or the heartbreaking plea of our prime minister for ‘Jah to lick dem wid diseases,’ or politicians hobnobbing with investors who flew in and out on private jets without a single protective gear. Who relaxed the protocol for the elections campaign?

Was it Chief Medical Officer KeiserBeache or the political directorate?

Double standards send mixed messages.

In the face of that reckless nonchalance, it will take someone with immense powers of discipline to act differently while the political class told them ‘do as I say and not as I do.’ Small wonder that the majority of the population took only minimal precaution.

Worse, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the political class are instructive.

Parliament remains closed to the public.

Parliamentarians, who won the plum of power, took their seats in the hallowed halls of power. They locked out the masses whom they implored to huddle in massive numbers during the elections campaign. There is nothing in the public domain that points to a single parliamentarian politely requesting entry for a limited audience during the assembly meetings. All of the elected members want to protect their health and safety.

What is the source of the community spread? An informed guess leads us to the unmistakable conclusion that Vincentians were inflected by persons who came into our country with the virus. Citizens who worked in the Grenadines came into contact with contaminated visitors and then returned to the mainland.

How in heaven’s name do you protect citizens when double standards rule?

Persons who fly into SVG has to be quarantined at their own expense, for 14 days. Security at some of these facilities is so lax that visits occur routinely. Some returnees were allowed to go home without being quarantined.

In Mustique, visitors quarantine for one day then can go to the bar and the beach. At the recent high roller wedding on Mustique, locals must have come into contact, then came into contact with friends and family on the mainland. Incidences of community spread are now so widespread that investors at Canouan have taken the law into their own hands. Employers instruct workers to leave at the peril of their jobs. Go to the mainland, and you must quarantine for ten days, and it will not be taken as vacation leave.

Mustique is a bubble and nationals are banned from leaving the island.

Where are we heading? There is no known answer. However, we are in desperate need of a clear and definite roadmap. With hundreds of tests pending, we could be in a worse position if a large percentage of these prove positive. In times like these, we cannot afford to fall victim to fear. We have a personal responsibility to engage in preventative health care. Exercise, clean water, sunlight, healthy meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, vitamin C and D supplements and a search for knowledge are our best protection against contamination.

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

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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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SVG borders need to be closed immediately

New Zealand has an advanced and high-income market economy with a GDP per capita of about US$36,254.

WE ARE STILL hearing about more and exposed to the virus, all for the sake of ULP regime must wake up to the Tourism is only a small part of its more new cases of Covid-19. To make it a few dollars. There is the potential, responsibility of not taking risks with economy, so they do not have to risk highly effective, to get this virus under too, that the people who arrive on the our country for a few tourism dollars. the lives of their people to make a few control and limit the number of cases in yachts expose the people they come According to Vincentian-Born tourism dollars. They can rely on other our country, our country’s borders should into contact with in shops, bars or on Retired British Royal Air Force sectors of the economy that have a be closed immediately, to all foreigners. the buses or in taxis, to the virus. The Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie much higher income.

Yachts are still arriving in SVG and risk is too high and totally O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader After 41 years of independence, the people on board are being allowed unacceptable. of SVG Green Party, controlling the SVG is still in very deep poverty and into the country and to stay at various The continued focus on tourism by number of new infections should be a destitution under the highly accommodation establishments. This is the ULP regime, even in the face of high priority for the ULP regime. incompetent ULP regime. After 20 fooling around; we must put highly the global pandemic with Covid-19, New Zealand has been a good years in power, the ULP regime still effective control policies in place. shows that the ULP regime’s approach example of how to combat and control has not created a strong economy and The chance of exposing the staff is hopeless. Tourism is not a Covid-19. New Zealand has a that is a big problem. who work at these places to the virus significant economic variable in SVG. population of about 5,109,000, but has SVG borders need to close is very high, and if they are exposed to There is no net gain for our country had low rates of hospital admissions immediately to keep down the number the virus, there is the risk of a domino- from the tourism industry. Tourism and deaths from the virus. An early of Covid-19 cases and protect the effect of infection from them to the should be urgently closed for the sake border closure was imposed in March people of SVG. We should not risk people they sit next to on the buses, of the health protection of all our 2020 and that has been a significant lives to chase a few tourism dollars. and to the people that they come into people against the Covid-19 virus. factor in keeping cases down. Being a contact with in shops or where they It is not good governance for policy country of islands, like live. makers to wait until our country has SVG, New Zealand It is not fair that the staff at these suffered many deaths from Covid-19 eliminated Covid-19 in establishments are at risk of being before they shut down tourism. The early June 2020.

The Watchman

I WORKED as a watchman in New York for a period of time and felt that I was wasting my time. I chose the graveyard shift: 11 pm to 7 am. It was a parking lot and I had to walk around every 15 minutes turning a key at strategic stations scattered throughout the area. It was boring. I was not given any equipment to fend off any intruders.

Apparently, my presence

was to be the only deterrent to potential intruders. To keep myself awake and entertained, I practiced on my saxophone and thought that would better help to keep away any potential thief. This, however, was not appreciated by the supervisor and this musical dispute caused us to part ways.

Jobs as watchmen have increased in recent times. While they play

an important role to deter crimes, they look boring to me and I often wish that they would be more useful. If given the opportunity, I would change the job description and title of Wachmen and make them Aesthetics Officers.

They would still be on the job deterring intruders, but their main responsibility would be to maintain and improve the aesthetics of their

Our homeless people

work environment. The surroundings of every building should be good looking. Planting flowers, landscaping, and keeping the surroundings clean add more value to our environment and would be greatly appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

This is one change that can lift SVG higher.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

MR. EDITOR, I have been informed that homeless/street people are now using the car park behind the ministerial building, i.e. where the Government Printery was once situated, as a place of rest during the nights.

I am not certain whether this is allowed by some sympathetic persons who keep guard

Not independent until….

MR. EDITOR, I know there are others things occupying our attention at this time, but something found its way on my chest and I must get it over with. It has to do with our celebrations of our Independence.

This thing came to me as I was going through some old newspapers and saw where government had allocated some $40 million to support celebrations for our 40th Anniversary of Independence.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my homeland and consider myself a patriot but my problem is that we celebrate Independence Day but we are not really independent.

Just look at our constitution; we have the Queen as the Head of State represented by a Governor General.

The way I see it, we are free to have our own flag, our own national anthem and pledge, but we are still not totally independent.

The Queen should be removed as our Head of State and we should move along a path to being a constitutional republic, not a constitutional monarchy, with a president as the head, a parliament and full separation of powers. Until then, we are not truly independent.

Patriot

over the facility, or that it is the result of cunning measures by the homeless people.

Whatever the case, it is alarming that Kingstown is still ‘home’ to homeless people.

I would want to say that most of those who sleep on our streets and/or government facilities like the Vegetable Market and car park as mentioned above, are sane and productive people who have experienced certain misfortunes in life. They are capable of being rehabilitated.

Can we not begin an effort to encourage government, or some civic-minded organization to build a shelter for these people?

I say a shelter, to me a place where they can lay their heads at night instead of having to be so exposed to the elements and not a permanent residence.

This would also protect them from more devious characters of the night who would be inclined to rob them of their possessions, if at all they have any.

And while I am at it, how do the COVID-19 guidelines apply to these people?

Thanks for the space, Mr. Editor.

Retiree, Arnos Vale

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 11.

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ÂNothing to hide,Ê says Professor Robertson THERE IS NO effort by the authorities monitoring the activities at La Soufriere to hide anything from the public.

So said Professor Richard Robertson on radio on January 10.

The Professor is head of The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) team currently on the ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Professor Robertson reiterated the call for the public to access information on the volcanic activity from credible sources, including the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

The advice followed an article which was published in the Daily Mail, suggesting that an eruption was imminent.

The article which appeared on January 8 stated, inter alia, “Researchers have recently detected increased seismic activity on two Caribbean islands which may indicate an imminent eruption.”

This was apparently gleaned from a NASA report that pointed in that direction.

According to Professor Robertson, the capabilities of the satellite imagery of NASA is to indicate hot

spots and used primarily for the detection of fires.

It was the same imagery, however, which on December 27 indicated that something was happening at the crater of La Soufriere where investigations would discover that there were signs of an effusive eruption.

“As far as I am aware it (NASA satellite) does not have the capability to determine if eruptions are imminent,” Professor Robertson posited.

And in returning to the allegations that the truth of the situation was not being relayed to the public, the Professor said emphatically, “We are not,” he said.

Robertson explained that they have been using social media and have conducted television and radio interviews to keep the public updated on the developments as they happen.

“There is an effort to ensure that people know what is going on and people should rely on that,” he advised, adding that they are aware that some persons are propagating falsehoods.

Professor disclosed that there have been instruments monitoring the La Soufriere volcano since the 1950s and that

Quarantine case set for trial ANDREW KING, a 53-year-old man said to be born in Britain but resides here at Biabou, will return to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on January 26 for trial, in which he will answer to a charge of breaching the local quarantine protocol.

King is charged with breaching a quarantine order

by Medical Officer of Health Andrew King was Dr. Roger Duncan. apprehended by The offence was reportedly police at a committed on November 29, bar/restaurant on the Villa strip.

2020.

King had initially appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Brown at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty and the matter was transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court for the following day.

However, when the matter was called at Calliaqua before Magistrate Zoila Ellis Browne on Tuesday, Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre informed the Court that he had just received the file, and requested an adjournment, which was granted.

King was unrepresented. He is on station bail.

(HH)

it has been one of the more closely monitored volcanic sites, so that the scientists already have a fair amount of knowledge of what it can do.

And in informing that the team is currently installing equipment to facilitate the further

study and continued monitoring of La Soufriere, the Professor also noted the vandalism that has been a problem in the past.

“We are asking people to leave them alone,” he pleaded.

The focus now, according to Robertson,

Professor Richard Robertson has refuted claims that his team was hiding information.

was to determine if there are any changes now and if there are, how they can refine what is happening or what they thought was happening at the volcano, and what was driving the eruption.

(DD)

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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None Mornings 2020: Repeat victories for Richland Park

RICHLAND PARK was again crowned double winners, when the results of the 2020 Nine Mornings Festival were made official earlier this week.

It meant that Richland Park retained the title of Best Nine Morning Community, thus making it three in a row, and held on to Best Christmas Community for the second year running.

Danroy Ballantyne, Co- ordinator of the Richland Park Nine Mornings Committee, said that it was something that was well planned and thought out.

“We set out to win the titles again; we looked at the judging criteria and worked towards it, so we are happy with that,” Ballantyne related.

Ballantyne noted that

following the 2019 results, his grouping was faced with a barrage of criticisms, but decided to respond through their production for 2020.

“We have to be real with competition… We listened to the criticisms and acted accordingly and we responded with our programmes… We study our competitors, see what they are doing and up our game,” Ballantyne informed.

“Our programmes from the opening night are well planned … We concentrate a lot on fun,… we did stuff for them with the Holy Bible,” Ballantyne elaborated.

Ballantyne revealed

Olivia Da Silva’s Residence took the best lit private premises once again. that his committte paid more attention to its lighting for 2020, and has the ambition of going after Point Village, perennial winner of the Lighting Competition.

He confirmed that a theme for the 2021 Nine

The sheep race getting ready to start – part of the Richland Park Nine Mornings programme.

Mornings Festival is already in place, so too is the team.

“We have a lot of stuff in the pipeline,… . We will be adding new things to our programme for 2021… . We want to show that our titles are no fluke and we can do it again,” he projected.

Second to Richland Park in the Best Nine Mornings Community was Stubbs, with Spring Village- third and Port Elizabeth, Bequia was fourth.

Taking the runner up spot in the Best Christmas Community Category was Coulls Hill, while Spring Village was third and Port Elizabeth fourth.

Also retaining the Best Local Christmas Song Contest was Rondi ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, with his ‘It’s Christmas Again’. He beat Carlton ‘CP’ Hall’s ‘Christmas With Corona’ into second place. Third was Lennox Bowman with his ‘Virtual Christmas’ and fourth was Shernell ‘Skarpyon’ Williams, with ‘The List Too Long’.

The songs were determined by the number of rotations from local radio stations.

Meanwhile, winning the ‘Bring Yo Song and Come Competition’ was Uriah Lyttle, with ‘More Money For Christmas’.

Second was Mariel Edwards- ‘Merry Christmas’ and third was

Walt Carter- ‘Christmas Time’.

On the commercial side, Coreas topped the Best Lit Building segment, ahead of Jax. CWSA docked in third and fourth was the National Lotteries Authority.

And, in light of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, two innovative categories were introduced to reflect health and safety during the festival.

Spring Village was adjudged the community with the Best Health Protocols, while Shanique Sutherland was deemed to have the Best Face Mask. Second to Sutherland was Amanda Harry, and third was Luke John.

The newly disclosed winners join those already announced.

Point Village was declared the National Lighting champion for the eighth successive year, and took the title of

Danroy Ballantyne, Coordinator of activities in Richland Park.

Best Nativity Scene.

Best Lit Private Home was once again Olivia Da Silva, and Villa Top took the prize of Best Lit Garden.

The usual Prize Giving Ceremony for the winners had to be cancelled because of the rise in the numbers of recorded positive cases of the COVID-19 here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The 2020 National Nine Mornings Festival, staged 16th to 24th December, was held under the theme: ‘Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive’.

Villa Top, winner of the Best Lit Garden.

V Roads for Langley Park, Villa Flat, Sharpes

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 13.

News

$98, 000.

In Villa Flat, THE ROADS, Buildings and BRAGSA, in two General Services Authority phases, constructed a (BRAGSA) continued with 742-foot concrete road, its road repair and a 20-foot Swale drain construction with three and a 96-foot Box recently completed drain in the first projects – one in Langley phase, and a 711-foot Park (Georgetown), one in long Box drain in the Villa Flat and the other in second.

Redemption Sharpes.

The two-phased In Langley Park, work project was effected at undertaken included the a cost of $226, 000, construction of a 318-foot and completed over a road, slipper drains and fourteen-week period. a 108 feet long Swale And the residents of drain. an area referred to as The work extended ‘The Rocks’ in over an eight-week Redemption Sharpes period and was welcomed, after quite a completed at a cost of ‘waiting period’, a 257Photo Credit: BRAGSA

Improved road access in Villa Flat.

Inset: A section of the new road in Langley Park.

Below: A welcomed roadway in ‘The Rocks’, Redemption Sharpes.

foot roadway.

A 130-foot long footpath along with Slipper and Swale drains and a 469-foot long retaining wall were also

constructed.

All taken, the work in Sharpes cost $142,000 and took ten weeks from start to completion.

(Source: BRAGSA)

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES POLICE CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LTD.

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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Lockdown: Not an easy decision

A DECISION TO SHUT DOWN the country is not as straightforward as it might appear.

This view was expressed by Anthony Regisford, Executive Director of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SVGCCI), on radio, January 10.

He was responding to a call from certain quarters for a lockdown of the country given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, especially among persons who have had no recent travel history.

“The private sector is in no position to say whether there should be a shutdown or not,” Regisford said.

According to Regisford, any decision to shut down ought to be guided by the facts coming from

those charged with monitoring the situation, and who then advise the authorities.

Recognising that shutting down a country was not an easy decision for a government to make, he described it as “a measure that we would not like to have to get to, because of the implications, and it should not be done as a knee jerk reaction.”

He urged those with whom the decision rests to think long and hard so as to avoid being emotional or irrational in their decision.

No business, he said, would like to cut off its income and employees would not want to lose their jobs.

But the Executive Officer of the Chamber admitted that that if it

Anthony Regisford, Executive Director SVGCCI, did his best to discourage any impulsive decision regarding a national lockdown. came to a point that a shutdown had to be implemented, the private sector would be obligated to comply.

That said, Regisford took time out to explain that even without a shutdown, some sectors within the private sector had already been affected, and he highlighted the hospitality and entertainment industries as two examples.

But while many have continued their calls for a shutdown, Regisford said that there were those who understood that it was not a straightforward decision to make, and that we ought to take the relevant precautions and follow the guidelines.

(DD)

Taiwan hands over Antigen Rapid Test kits THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Taiwan) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), handed over 14,700pcs Taiwan developed COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment here.

The tests were donated

by Taiwanese manufacturer TaiDoc Technology Corp. and Fora Care Foundation, and were handed over on January 14.

One of the Antigen Rapid Test kits The donated through the Taiwan donation is Embassy here. expected to strengthen the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic The donation is the concrete practice of the public-private collaboration, which upholds the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” to combat the CONVID-19 pandemic in particular, and to fulfill the World Health Organization’s goal of “Health for All”.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has assisted the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its effort to prevent and control COVID-19, by providing medical supplies such as masks, ventilators, PCR machines, isolation gowns and forehead thermometers, and sharing its experience in the fight against COVID-19.

Taiwan has also reached out to diplomatic allies and like-minded countries in their efforts to combat the pandemic, through its successful “Taiwan Model”, and to promote the health and well-being of the international community.

(Source: Taiwan Embassy, SVG)

Leacock resting after fall OPPOSITION PARLIAMENTARY St Clair ‘Major’ Leacock was said to be at home resting, following an incident that occurred on Sunday, January 10, at Redemptions Sharpes.

Reports are that Leacock, who is the MP for the area, fell down a flight of stairs and came to a stop in the road, not far away from a parked car.

He had been in the area to attend a funeral.

Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday, while speaking on the New Times radio

programme for January 11, said he had spoken to Leacock the day following the incident and confirmed that he was at home recovering.

And although he did not go into details about the incident, Leacock was said to be in a lot of pain, but there were no broken bones or any other serious injury.

Following the fall, the MP was taken by private conveyance to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for treatment, and was discharged the same day.

(DD)

St. Clair Leacock, MP for West Kingstown, was up to Monday last, said to be resting at home but still in some pain.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

MLK Award for Sir Hilary

and intellectual leadership in support of social justice, institutional equity, and economic development for marginalised and oppressed ethnicities and nations.

Sir Hilary, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, President of Universities Caribbean, Chairman of the Caribbean Examinations Council, Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and Advisor on Sustainable Development to former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will receive the “Peace and Freedom Award”.

Prior awardees include the 42nd Sir Hilary Beckles has been at the President of the United States, Bill forefront of the demands for Clinton; Berry Gordy, Founder of reparations for genocide and slavery Motown Music, and the 82nd Attorney committed by European nations in General of the USA, Eric Holder. the Caribbean.

Event speakers have included Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and United REVEREND AL SHARPTON, President and States Attorney General Loretta Founder of the US National Action Lynch.

Network (NAN), has announced that the The Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. organisation’s Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day ceremony and awards will be held Day awards will be conferred on in Washington, DC on Monday, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Dr January 18, 2021 from 8:30 am Anthony Fauci at the annual breakfast (EST/Jamaica) / 9:30 am (AST/Eastern event on MLK Day, January 18, 2021.

Caribbean). The event will be This is the 30th anniversary for the streamed live on UWItv’s website awards by which the work, and the www.uwitv.org, cable channels on legacy of Dr King are celebrated and Flow EVO and Facebook page. persons honoured with a view to THE VINCENTIAN congratulates refocusing and sustaining his dream.

Sir Hillary on this recent accolade, of Sir Hilary is recognised for his which he is most deserving. (Source: global advocacy, academic scholarship The UWI)

‘Butch’ Stewart: a cultural spirit THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES ViceChancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has joined the chorus of regional tributes to Jamaican businessman Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

Stewart, who owned Sandals International Resorts Limited and ATL Group of Companies, which included the Jamaica Observer Limited, passed away in Miami on Monday.

Beckles paid tribute to Stewart in a statement Wednesday.

“There is an indomitable spirit that resides in the bosom of Jamaica, and when liberated with focus, discipline, and purpose rises and takes the world along with its imagination and energy. Our ‘Butch,’ like Bob (Marley) and (Usain) Bolt, represents this cultural spirit of the ages.

“It is born to be brash, brave and brilliant, constituting a cascading commitment to nationbuilding and regional

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart renaissance. Our Butch was the ‘stewart’ of this spirit and gave to Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world a performance of sheer class with cool runnings – a ‘sandalization’ of awe and amazement.”

Beckles said all experienced his innovative entrepreneurship, the eruptive excellence of a son produced and nurtured by a soil rich in history and fertile for the future.

“He integrated and domesticated his

Caribbean like no entrepreneurial other, and demanded ownership everywhere the ‘sandals sea’ swept upon our shores.

“And so the indomitable spirit is called back to source, to rest, to wheel and to come again. From The University of the West Indies, we wish our brother and honorary alumnus well until next we meet. Condolences with gratitude and respect to his family, friends, and homelands.” (Source: Loop News)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 17.

Opinion

An Introspective Look Therefore, all hooligans, gangsters and power-struck politicians should know that La Soufriere is just as capable as an atomic bomb! The times demand that we become introspective especially as to how we relate to others.

There is much that we can learn from the majesty of Soufriere.

IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE to say greetings to one and all.

As we enter a new year, we should embrace a new dispensation by shedding the old norms and bad habits that weighed us down in previous years.

I feel a duty and a responsibility living in this time of uncertainty, to relate the elements of nature to our politics and social tendencies; it is a reality that I cannot ignore or push into an abyss of oblivion.

Recently, we were taken by surprise by the unpredictability of La Soufriere with its burst of rumbling. Naturally, we became fearful of the worst; we paniced, we became uneasy .. for we knew not what could or would be the outcome if the ‘Genera’ exploded, spouting red hot lava, gasses, and ballisticrocks throughout the length and breadth of SVG. Psychologically, this is a natural reaction...that our minds would wrestle with all sorts of emotion; where our minds would become like the unsteady

waves that bounce to and fro on to the shore. I pray we would find calm and stability even in a time of mayhem, chaos, and hysteria.

What we need to look at

When I see the number of bodyguards surrounding our leader, I am led to conclude that we are small but acting like outlaws and renegades. As a Christian country, we lack discipline and structure, making it hard to restore morality to society.

As a so-called religious country, there should have been an outcry and moral condemnation (e.g. from the Christian We must take a Council) when the PM labeled himself “World look at: Boss”. Why did you make him get away with * how we such a ridiculous treat each statement? I’m warning other; the Christian Council: * the brutal mind we make God’s killings and wrath come down on this raping of country! women committed by As a so-called religious heartless men; Christian country, we * the have become cold, arrogance by scandalous, and wicked. those from the Defamation of character upper echelon has become the order of of society who think SVG is their private property; * the decadence and La the degenerated lifestyle coming from Hollywood, USA, that influence us; * how we slandered each other because of petty jealousy in the name of materialism and vanity; * the selfishness and greed which have superseded love, empathy, and sympathy; * crimes that are perpetrated by our youths through the initiation of ‘gangsterism’ and ‘bad-boy-ism’; * the moral decay that stinks our country; * the opportunistic politicians who have polarized and paralyzed the minds of people of this country that our ancestors called ‘home of the blessed’; * the number of bodyguards that protect Prime Minister Gonsalves, from gunshot and bodily harm.

Yes, something has gone wrong with our minds; we have been diagnosed with PSTSS Post-Slavery Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

No one in their right senses would like to feel the wrath of La Soufriere.

Notwithstanding this, now is a time for us to look introspectively, reflecting on what we have become as a people.

We have developed a beastly character, yet one must guard his thoughts against the toxic waste that destroys the healthy ethical and moral way of life.

Consequently, a man in his weakness and failing strength must know his limitations; that he is just a speck in the realms of God and nature. We must accept that our days are numbered; that we are living on borrowed time, not excluding kings, priests, presidents and totalitarian governments, Are we a religious who think they control country? time and season.

the day. A nation that indulges in fabricating mischief and propaganda is a nation that wallows in the perils of disharmony and contention.

With all the natural disasters that have begot us over the years, we still tend to ignore the catastrophes that have afflicted us. When disaster strikes, it should make us better humans.

Ah, the inevitable eruption which caught us off-guard in 1979; the destruction that shattered us in 2013; the trauma of the earthquakes that shook the infrastructure of this country in 2011 should make us a more caring and loving people.

Instead, in this socalled religious, Christian country of ours, our youth has become killing machines; they don’t give a damn for their elders! Yet, our

leaders insist that we must aspire to be like those developed, satanic countries that set the trend in cultural and spiritual devaluation. We are heading on a downward spiral. What we need is upward mobility, to see things transcendentally.

In the final analysis, no one knows what La Soufriere would unleash on the population of SVG, because in life looms war, famine, and catastrophe. No one, neither the talebearer, the soothsayer, the preacher, the obeah man, the astute politician, the psychic, the theologian knows what tomorrow has to offer. Only the infinite creator knows what the future holds.

Jah guide! Jah protect!

One love!!!

Carden A. Michael

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18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Break off gracefully Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND, George, after 2 years together, still insists on me using a condom. I never fully accepted her position but went along hoping she would eventually toss it aside.

She says; she prefers the natural feeling; condoms protect her from “nastiness of the penis” whatever that means; and that the idea of anyone ejaculating in her is repulsive.

So, I asked her how she intends to get pregnant only for her to reply there are other ways.

I admit that I constantly complain to her friend with whom I have had sexual relations. She loves the ‘natural’ connection and I have since developed feelings for her.

We plan to take things to another level but do not know how to break the news to my girlfriend. My girlfriend has pushed me to be with her friend and I am less confused about the future since being with her.

Your thoughts.

About to bolt

Dear About to bolt, You admit you were not in agreement with her position of making condom use mandatory yet remained quiet. Your two years of silence may have given reasons to believe she has finally found a compliant partner.

You have a right to be with whomever you choose but you need to be clear to your girlfriend that you have chosen to be with her friend for the long haul, and explain the level of discomfort you have had with her position over the 2 year period you were together.

If you have found love with this new girl then you need to gracefully cut with your girlfriend and follow your heart.

George

Rebuke the mother the offer your girlfriend’s daughter and husband mother has on the table should she choose to put your relationship in continue hitting on you I KNOW THINGS are for monetary gains. trouble. You should getting tougher and If you continue to have eyes only for your tougher, but why would have difficulty choosing a mother of the girl I am girlfriend and not even contemplate sharing her to do the right thing, seeing agree to have a then you are not in love with anyone else. sexual fling with me for with this girl and should If you do love this the sake of a few therefore leave her young lady as you think dollars? alone. you do, rebuke her After only a second mother immediately and visit to my girl’s home, George her mother propositioned let her know you would expose her to her me. I could sleep with her anytime I want once for a price, i.e. money.

The truth is this woman has a great body and looking great for her Dear George, age. However, getting involved with her would IT WAS A shock when my fiancée suggested that ruin my relationship we try having an open relationship for about a with her daughter. year, i.e. that we can freely date other persons.

She declared that It was worse when, before I could say neither her daughter nor disapprove she informed me she had already started it and was presently sexually involved her husband would find with another man. out about our I obviously let her have a piece of my mind but arrangement unless I she simply responded that I was free to go with told them. whomever I want, and that we could still get I know that if I told married since it does not mean she loves me any my girlfriend it would less by having other guys. destroy her trust in her Believe me, George, I am still in shock to this mother and devastate day. her. She thinks very highly of her mother too.

Meltdown The husband is a very ignorant and suspicious Dear Meltdown, man and it would be a nightmare for both of us, It is obvious you did not sign on for this so you should he find out. are free to either jump ship or spend your time The offer before me is trying to get things back on course. very tempting which is However, it appears from what you said that why I’m still thinking. she has decided that this new direction is what brings her satisfaction and possibly happiness.

You do not have to accept this and you do not Please wake me up have to remain in the relationship just to satisfy her. The true love she referred to can only remain Dear Please wake me alive if it is fed continuously and adequately by up, both parties. Move on!

Simply contemplating

Dear George,

Open relationship?

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Try to be fair in your dealings with acquaintances.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you.

Don't make promises that you can't possibly keep. Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be inquisitive about unfamiliar circumstances. Don't jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. Be cautious who you deal with financially.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Stretch the truth, and you may get blamed for something you didn't do.

You would be best to work late in order to avoid such disharmony. Secret activity is evident.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Debates will stifle passion and result in estrangement. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your ability to work with detail will bring recognition. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. Try not to be too emotional with those around you. Do not invest in joint ventures.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Let your boss know your goals. If they're really interested, they'll wait.

You can make money through your own creative efforts. Catch up on overdue paperwork.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your irritability will lead to family squabbles. Creative educational pursuits will payoff. You can mesmerize anyone you meet with your cultured attitude and outlook. Partnerships may be plentiful.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments. This is a great day to start that new health regimen you've been talking about.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication. Keep on your toes when dealing with others.

Talk to peers who you trust in order to get sound advice.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue.

Don't get involved in idle chatter that will hurt your position.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may find yourself changing crowds.

Plan events like camping or white water rafting. Don't let your health suffer because of abuse. Let go of the past in order to progress.

ACROSS 1. Marble chunk 5. “Mona –“ 9. Atlas entry 12. Folk legend 13. Lacking water 14. Have overdue bills 15. Helper 16. Disorganized 17. Snaring mesh 18. Informative chart 20. Rainy snow 22. High card 24. Pub game 27. Frosty brew 30. Pinkish red 32. Authentic 33. Strains 35. Canal country 37. Norwegian seaport 38. Diminutive branch 40. Permit 41. Ancient hymn 43. Rink surface 44. Back portions 46. Auto extra 51. Firewood unit 53. Astronaut Glenn 55. Yoked team 56. Meadow female 57. Butter substitute 58. Coasted 59. Long-lived 60. Brief sleep 61. “Sawbucks” DOWN 1. Antlered critter 2. Dragon home 3. Dramatic Alan 4. Horn honk

5. Established rule 6. Showy blooms 7. Window edge 8. Did sums 9. Quebec city 10. Great wonder 11. Animal companion 19. Fabled tortoise foe 21. Work hard for 23. Price 25. Docile 26. Shutter piece 27. Sitting on 28. Fewer (than) 29. Got bigger 31. Lengthy adventure story 34. Whitefleshed fish

36. Mellow gradually 39. Ardent hopes 42. Army rank 45. Acting part 47. Pillar kin 48. Wheelconnecting

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 19.

shaft 49. Horseguiding strap 50. Wraps up 51. Zodiac cat 52. Hooting bird 54. “Do – Enter”

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Joseph in CWI Female Training Camp Japhina Joseph – the latest SVG female cricketer to be in the reckoning for a place in the West Indies team.

JAPHINA JOSEPH, national female cricketer, is among twenty-four (24) leading West Indies Women cricketers who have already gathered in

Antigua for a West Indies Training Camp, in preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers for the 2021 Women’s World

New head coach of the West Indies Senior Female team – Courtney Walsh – and team captain Stephanie Taylor at the camp currently in progress.

Cup in Sri Lanka in July.

The Camp, held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, began last Saturday, January 09, and will run until February 01.

With her call-up to West Indies level training, Joseph, an aggressive top order batter, who also bowls medium pace, represents J.G Tigress and Sons in the local female cricket competitions, now has a chance of joining the likes of fellow Vincentians Cordel Jack, Julian Nero, Phernal Charles and Janelle Greaves, who have all worn the West Indies colour.

The confident young lady, who is the niece of former Windward Islands Captain Dawnley Joseph, said her call-up was something she expected after her good performances in the last Cricket West Indies Invitational tournament in Trinidad.

“My performance in the last Under-19 Female Tournament in Trinidad for the Windward Islands,

where I was given the role as the vice-captain, went extremely well… I finished the tournament among the top 5 batters. My highest score was 68 not out against Guyana and was Player of the Match, an award I also got against Jamaica for my unbeaten 34,” Joseph recalled.

As a direct result of her performance, she was included in the West Indies Development Tea m.

Just before her departure for Antigua, Joseph said, “Well, it’s a great feeling to be among some of the world’s best cricketers. It will be a good experience to see how they train and communicate with everyone.”

As far as what she was looking to accomplish, she said, “What I am looking to achieve from the camp is first to get selected to the West Indies team. Being part of that set-up would mean a lot to me and I know it will take hard work, determination,

discipline. But, it’s all about improving my cricket.”

She made no bones about expecting the training to be challenging “because it’s a high level for me,” but she assured, “I am willing to work hard and smart to improve my cricket and hope for the best.”

The camp will be the first face-to-face assignment with the players for new head coach Courtney Walsh.

News reports say that as far as measures relating to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic are concerned, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been

working closely with the Ministries of Health and Sport in Antigua and Barbuda to orchestrate logistics and agree the safety protocols for the commencement and duration of the camp.

Al players and support staff were tested twice before their travel to Antigua. There were no positive test results.

The players and support staff, according to reports from Antigua, will train and live in a bio-secure bubble for the duration of the camp, during which they will have four more tests.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

Petit Bordel could see cricket again SINCE THE COMING ON STREAM of the Cumberland and Golden Grove playing fields, the Petit Bordel Playing Field has not hosted cricket nor football competition. It, however, continues to be used for other recreational purposes.

Now, Norlan Allen, recently elected President of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organization (NLSCO), is ready to lead an effort to return competitive, community cricket (and football) to the Petit Bordel Playing Field, this year.

The Petit Bordel Playing Field, not so long ago and for many years, was the primary host for cricket and football competitions for the North Leeward constituency.

Allen and his NLSCO executive are of the view that

more (competitive) sporting activities in different parts of the area will not only benefit the players, but also the communities, and they have earmarked the Petit Bordel Playing Field as one of the fields to possibly host more competitive sporting activities this year.

“I am going to ask the necessary questions as to why it’s not being used and see where we can go from there,” Allen promised.

He, however, explained, “It’s a process. We are not in charge of the playing field but we are going to find out why and try to push things in a way that we could get it to use again. Right now, all the attention seems to be at the Cumberland Playing Field for cricket and the Golden Grove playing field for football, but

The conditions of the Petit Bordel Playing Field will have to be addressed before competitive sport can return there.

Petit Bordel is a multi-purpose field, so obviously we will need to get back activities there”.

Allen cautioned that the purpose for which use is permitted and the condition of

the field are factors that will have to be taken into consideration.

He committed, “From the executive point of view, from the NLSCO, we will help to

Norlan Allen, President of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organization, is determined to see competitive cricket and football return to the Petit Bordel Playing Field guide the process and involve all stakeholders in that discussion, as we look to provide every sporting opportunity for our sportsmen and women in and around the area.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 21.

Sports

SVGFF adopts wait and see approach THE TOURNAMENTS COMMITTEE of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation(SVGFF) has adopted a wait and see approach, as it relates to the resumption of the 2020/2021 National Club Championships.

The Championships kicked off in November, with the staging of the Senior Men’s Premier and First Divisions. They were set to resume on 6th January, following a two-week break for the Christmas festivities.

However, with a spike in the number of coronavirus cases at the start of the year, the Championships were put on hold.

In a release last Friday from the General Secretary of the SVGFFDevron Poyer, the national football body outlined to its affiliates, the plan Devron Poyer, General Secretary of the SVGFF, issued a release to SVGFF affiliates regarding the status of the 2020/21 National Club Championships.

of action.

“We are currently working on plans to schedule it at the earliest available opportunity, pending decisions made

by Governments and public health authorities regarding the safe resumption of sports events,” Poyer indicated.

He added: “We will discuss with all the necessary parties the format and scheduling options for these divisions and communicate further details to you our affiliates in due course... We will continue to work with our parent bodies on the evolving global football calendar and will ensure the interests of our clubs and the leagues, are represented as part of that process.”

This is not new territory for the SVGFF, as the 2019/ 2020 Championships were prolonged following the declaration of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic last March.

After a five-month delay the championships resumed in August,

under condition that players and management be tested for the coronavirus.

When the Championships were eventually complete, Hope International champed the Premier Division and Layou took the First Division. The resumption, though, did not allow for completion of the age group competitions, the Senior Female and the Development Divisions.

At the point of the postponement of the 2020/2021 Championships, four rounds were completed in the Premier Division, with Hope International, Sion Hill, Avenues and BESCOPastures, in that order in the standings.

Meanwhile, the First Division is headed by SV United, with CamdoniaChelsea in second place. Glenside Ball Blazers sit in third and Sparta FC, is fourth.

Ten clubs are contesting the Premier Division and twelve are stashed in the First Division.

ÂLimit the PresidentÊs term,Ê says SVGBF official

PRESIDENT of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF) — Rohan Providence, is advocating that all sporting organisations here adopt term limits for their presidents.

Such has been his desire to see this happen, Providence, who is serving his first four-year term as head of the SVGBF, said that this move is already in the works for the Constitution of the SVGBF to be amended to allow for a term limit for the President.

“I believe that a president should not serve more than two terms in any sporting organisation… You serve, then retire for a period, and down the road after a period has elapsed, you can come back to contest for the presidency again,” the SVGBF

President promoted.

Referencing the adage ‘Familiarity breeds contempt’, Providence noted: “Persons in such positions (for an extended period), become so comfortable that they become complacent in the way they do things… Then you also have persons who believe they have a monopoly on the position…that they have total control.”

In emphasizing the view that two consecutive terms are enough for presidents to improve the organisation, Providence posited, “I would believe that within that time period as President (and) with my Executive, I would have been able to do as much as I can do as an individual to get the sport to a point,

where someone else can take up the mantle and run with it.”

Providence further reasoned that with term limits, it gives time to develop successors, hence, sporting organisations should have “succession planning” embedded in their operational structure.

In furtherance of his position, Providence wants national sporting bodies here to take a leaf from the Credit Unions, which ensure that the various sub-committees chair persons can only serve for two consecutive terms.

Two national sporting associations here, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, have

President of the SVGBF- Rohan Providence calls for terms limits for Presidents of Sporting Associations. instituted term limits for their Presidents.

Carrington hopes for early TT resumption

Joseph Carrington Tournament Director of the SVG Table Tennis Association.

JOSEPH CARRINGTON, Tournament Director St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA), has expressed full support for the decision to “push back’ all scheduled tournaments and the Association’s calendar of events in general, for 2020.

This as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, even as he expressed that position, Carrington is anticipating a return to some normalcy in 2021 and is looking forward in particular,

to the staging of the inaugural Donnie De Feritas/Tyrone Jack Memorial Cup. De Freitas and Jack were former presidents of the SVGTTA. Carrington continued with a sense of caution, saying, “I believe it’s important to get the right update and guidance from the authority. We definitely have to now wait on the Ministry of Health for the guidance before we resume training and tournaments in earnest.”

Notwithstanding this ‘wait’, the Director alluded to the Association continuing to engage national players in training in groups of no more than 3-4 players at a time, three times per week.

Reference was also made to the November 2020 successful hosting, within strict COVID19 related guidelines, of the SVGTTA’s final Assessment Tournament for 2020, in which Michel Creese created history when he played in the finals of the three categories in which the tournament was contested.

“So, once all is clear, our players will be in some physical and mental condition going into competition that hopefully would resume soon,” Carrington added.

The Tournament Director, looking ahead with optimism, said “…We are hoping by June or July we will have our National Championships based on the guidelines from

the health authority. And with the vaccine coming on board, once things clear up we are also looking to send teams to Cuba and Santa Domingo.”

SVG Table Tennis Association calendar for 2021, subject to change includes: January or June - Past President’s Memorial; February, March, April and May - Monthly Assessment; July - SVGTTA National Championships; August, September - Monthly Assessment; October Independence Tournament; November Multisector/Churches Invitational and Monthly Assessment.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Wilfred Slack: 32 years after THE WILF SLACKS NETS at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex is where budding cricketers can hone their skills. Many youths may not know who Wilfred Slack is. Maybe some players in England will be familiar with the Wilf Slack Ground, formerly the Barnett Council Ground. That’s where the Middlesex Second team had its home. Slack distinguished himself on the English County scene.

Cricket historian and senior Cricket writer at CricketCounty Abhishek Mukerjee noted that Slack earned a name for being the “epitome of serenity and composure, of unflinching courage and unwavering concentration.”

It was written that Slack learnt his cricket in England. If that is the case, he was a fast learner. By the time he joined his parents in England, Slack had grafted the rudiments of the game. The house in Troumaca where he was born was two spots away from a small playing that the villagers grafted near to the clinic.

That ground was transformed into a construction site for the Troumaca Ontario Secondary which was opened in 1973.

Slack may not have represented the Troumaca Primary School. But he would have spent lots of time at the ground including taking part in Grugru matches which were part of the afternoon’s activities.

This game involved use of bats made from coconut branches. With the abundance of grugru harvested from the surrounding fields, and brought to the playing arena, that was a healthy diet of cricket activity for the community.

There was no shortage of balls, and a new cherry was used whenever a boundary was struck. If the delivery was hit to a fieldsman it was returned to the bowler. Bowlers used the underarm method. Some players developed a skill in using speed, while others varied their flight.

The bigger guys engaged in the first part of the afternoon’s events until that game was concluded.

Thereafter, it was what we called ‘out ‘e man’. Whoever bowled a batsman got a chance to bat. The person who

took the catch also earned that right.

That form required no type of defensive approach. If the batter stroked, the bowlers would utter: “don’t blat my grugru.” Blat meaning stroke.

With his foundation, it was not surprising that Slack grooved into the English cricket scene.

He played two Tests for England, as many One Day Internationals.

He was part of the memorable Windward Islands outfit which placed second in consecutive years in the revived regional tournament. His 68 unbeaten against Barbados at Kensington Oval was decisive in his team’s triumph in that epic 1982 battle. That was stunning as far as the hosts were concerned, for no one was supposed to beat Barbados at home.

Slack’s approach was critical in that game and indeed his presence was crucial to the Windwards. Slack was at it again the following year when the Windwards secured a thrilling four wicket victory at Arnos Vale against the very Baja’s. Lance John will have fond memories of that game having hit a vital century which gave the Windwards first innings lead.

Slack was known for his agility in the field. Fans will recall a stunning catch to seal the Barbadian innings at 196 in the second innings.

The Windwards were set 132 to win in 26 overs. They were reeling at 55 for 5 with Slack among the dismissals.

But Ignatius Cadet and Lockhart Sebastien produced an entertaining partnership which brought the team to the brink of victory. It was formalised with Stanley ‘Gunny’ Hinds completing the chase with Sebastien.

Slack died in Gambia January 15, 1989. His life was celebrated in a memorial service organised at the Troumaca Primary School that year.

Slack had expressed a wish of for his St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That never happened.

But Wilfred Slack will be known as one of this country’s most profound cricketing personalities.

Putting some pieces together remotely touch the essence of the problem must be considered not only Generally, I have maintained my dead, but incapable of rising to govern silence on the strictly legal question us from the grave. concerning the election petitions. As We are truly an independent the ordinary man holds: “common people, when all else fails there must sense mek before book”. What is a be APPEAL TO HEAVEN, as constitution but ideally the interpreted by you. enshrinement of the culture and Let’s hope that sanity prevails and aspirations of a people wrapped in legal we do not have to make that appeal! language. Technicalities ought not to I am ecstatic over the promise later get in the way of a determined people. tonight and tomorrow night of the NDP Forms and regulation that do not Rally.

Continued from Page 6.

V Gas emission not being ignored

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 23.

Classifieds

Continued from Backpage.

A place where the gas would be potent would be closer to the rim of the crater Robertson assured, and advanced this as a reason why explained it is recommended that persons not venture to the summit of the La Soufriere at this time.

The Professor did, however, confirm that the gases are a threat because when they mix with water vapour, they

can form a diluted acid which can in turn cause corrosion and destroy vegetation.

The gases are also a real threat to persons who suffer from underlying respiratory issues.

Professor Robertson disclosed that work will begin on the monitoring of the air quality in the surrounding areas, although he did not indicate when this was slated to commence.

He confirmed that

unless there was a major explosion, there was no real threat to residents in communities near the volcano, and that the potency of the gases will not be sufficient to affect persons in the lower flank of the country.

“Currently it is not a problem and we don’t anticipate it becoming a problem, but it is a good idea to start checking to see the effects of it on the upper flank,” he said.

(DD)

RICHARD BURKE a.k.a Ram Sunday, 10th January, 2021 S.D.A Church, Layou Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery DAWN INNOCENE ARRINGTON Sunday, 10th January, 2021 New Life Prayer Tabernacle Church South Rivers Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Park Hill Cemetery

MONA GAYMES Sunday, 10th January, 2021 St. Theresa Spiritual Baptist Church Barrouallie Viewing: 12:30 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery PRINCESS HOOPER Saturday, 9th January, 2021 Apostolic Faith Mission Campden Park Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

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CARLTON VICTOR MASON a.k.a Legs

Saturday, 9th January, 2021 Bethel Gospel Assembly North Union Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Mc Fun Cemetery, Lowmans W.D.

Saturday, 9th January, 2021 St. Patrick Anglican Church Barrouallie Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Bottle & Glass Cemetery

SYBIL KIRBY Sunday, 10th January, 2021 Questelles Evangelical Church Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

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Interment: Chauncey Cemetery WALTER THOMAS a.k.a Blackie Saturday, 9th January, 2021 6W -RKQ¶V 5RPDQ Catholic Church Mesopotamia Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Dumbarton Cemetery REVEREND LEONARD BENNETT CREESE Saturday, 9th January, 2021 Barrouallie New Testament Church of God, Keartons Hill Viewing: 11:30 a.m.

Service: 12:30 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery

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FRIDAY, JANUARY

15, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.02

The dome as it was on December 29, 2020, two days into monitoring and study by the UWI SRC team.

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

The dome on January 6, 2020 – showing appreciable growth.

(Photos UWI SRC)

MONITORING INTENSIFIES

AT LA SOUFRIERE

that we could measure its growth.”

He said that these findings could help the team to EFFORTS to gather as much scientific information as Monitoring the new dome determine data like: where the dome is growing, possible on activities at La Soufrière (volcano) have how fast it’s growing; which areas might become intensified.

Speaking on NBC Radio on Monday, 11th vulnerable as the dome becomes bigger.

Not least among those contributing to the effort is January, Professor Robertson recognised the To date, observations by the team from The UWI Drone Pilot Rommel De Freitas. support of a large group of people, including the SRC have revealed that the dome that broke He strengthens and supports the work of a team Montserrat Volcano Observatory, who are assisting through the crater floor, on December 27, 2020, on of scientists from the University of the West Indies the effort. the south-west perimeter of the existing dome, Seismic Research Centre (SRC), St. Augustine, Referring to the colleagues from the Montserrat continues to grow within the crater of La Soufrière, Trinidad and Tobago.

Observatory, Dr. Robertson said, “We’re hoping that and has an ellipsoid shape with growth expanding That team is led by Professor Richard Robertson, we will get some equipment …. to do some in a westerly direction.

Geologist attached to the SRU, and includes measurements in terms of what kinds of gas is And as the volcano, i.e. the new dome, continues Instrumentation Engineer Lloyd Lynch, and coming out of the volcano and also they’ll brings to ooze magma and emit gases, the alert level Engineering Technician Ian Juman. things like a thermal camera to …try and estimate remains at orange and no evacuation order has been They have been immersed in the task of temperatures of areas of the dome; also a camera given. Persons are cautioned to stay away from the monitoring developments — eruption related that will help in looking at pictures of the dome so volcano. activities - at La Soufriere since December 27, 2020.

Dr Thomas Christopher and Dr. Adam Stinton of the Montserrat based Seismic Research Centre arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Wednesday, and are expected to assist the team already on the ground.

And to add to the ongoing effort of gathering

by DAYLEDA SILVA “data from the dome and crater through temperature and photogrammetry measurements”, a LEADER of the seismic team monitoring rotary helicopter from the Antigua and Barbuda activities at La Soufriere, Professor Richard based Calvin Air fleet, is to be commissioned here.

Robertson, has assured that his team will be Calvin Air, a private company, boasts experience monitoring the levels of gases, including with volcanoes, having previously provided services sulphur, being emitted by the volcano. to the UWI SRC and the Montserrat Volcano Professor Robertson explained volcanoes Observatory. generally emit gases, including Sulphur, and The helicopter services are made available that once these gases mix with the through CEDEMA, with funding in the sum of atmosphere, they become diluted and as a £51,000 provided by the United Kingdom Foreign result they become less of a threat to people Commonwealth and Development Office. residing far away from the site of the volcano. The newly formed dome continues to emit gases which Helicopter services from the France overseas when mixed with water vapour can cause damage to territory of Martinique have also been engaged to Continued on Page 23. vegetation.

(SEE MORE ON PAGE 11) Story by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY/GLORIAH

strengthen the surveillance exercise.

GAS EMISSION NOT BEING IGNORED

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.