THE VINCENTIAN PDF-18-06-21

FRIDAY, JUNE

18, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.24

Guns missing: Questions linger Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

Unfairness abounds Page 7

Local ‘Messi’ shot Page 11

EC$1.50

COVID-19: SVG stands out Page 12

Gonsalves vs Mitchell Page 24

Bernard ‘Butters’ Dublin, captain of the ‘Odesia’, commits to never leaving shore again without a communication device.

Lennox ‘Grand Charge’ Phillips, the oldest of the trio, was admitted to the MCMH for further observation.

Angus ‘King Pharaoh’ Webb weathered the ‘storm’ for a second time, having gone missing in 2020.

by KENVILLE HORNE ANGUS ‘KING PHARAOH’ WEBB, Lennox ‘Grand Charge’ Phillips and Bernard ‘Butters’ Dublin (Captain) set out on Tuesday 1st June on a regular fishing trip from Rose Place – their home community - onboard a 27-foot pirogue ‘Odesia’. The following day was Dublin’s birthday so they were hoping to make a decent catch to celebrate the special occasion.

we coming back down, I find the engine start smoking, it wasn’t pumping, so I said the impeller gone. When the Since his return home, impeller gone you cannot keep Dublin willingly spoke to THE on the engine or it will mash VINCENTIAN about their up other things in the engine. ordeal. So I take off the engine and The men headed for the we heist (hoist) the sail.” north east (Owia/Fancy) of With that done, Dublin mainland St. Vincent, he said, related that they tried making a regular course for fishermen. it to ‘Fancy Head’ but the “We go up good but when current was such that it

Engine trouble – request for help

turned the boat in the direction of St. Lucia. By this time, they had recognized they had no means of communications. They would usually depend on Phillips and his cellphone but as fate would have it, he had left the phone home that day. “We ain’t get no phone call, so we end up drifting towards St. Lucia side,” Dublin said. The next day (Wednesday),

his birthday, Dublin recalled that they manage to reset a course for St. Vincent “We started making out houses in Owia and Fancy but the more we get closer the current started hauling we back.” Late in the evening the men felt their ordeal had come to an end. Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

CBA donates to SVGÊs Relief & Recovery

Acting Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel (left) accepts ‘donation’ from Derry Williams, Managing Director of BOSVG.

The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) has joined the ranks of organisations that have come to the aid of the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines in the aftermath of explosive eruptions at the La Soufrierre Volcano. The donation of sixty thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars, EC$60,000.00, to the Government was made at cabinet room on Thursday, June 10, 2021. On hand to receive it were Acting Prime Minister Hon. Montgomery Daniel and Minister of Finance Hon. Camillo Gonsalves. Managing Director of Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Derry Williams, handed over the cheque while CEO of CAB, Wendy Delmar, Cooperate Secretary of BOSVG Nandi Williams, Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes and other Caribbean members of CAB witnessed the handing

over which took place virtually and in person. At the short ceremony the CEO of CAB Wendy Delmar stated that she was pleased and encouraged by the out pouring of support given by member states to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of the La Soufriere eruption. The monetary donation is part of CAB’s care initiative. Addressing the handing over ceremony, Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves stated that Wendy Delmar, the region has been impacted Chief Executive significantly by natural disasters Officer of CAB. recently with immense cost to individual nations, noting that the La Soufriere eruptions have damaged in excess of 50 percent of the GDP of SVG. The finance minister said that it is entities such as the CAB which show the solidarity and strength of regional integration. (Contributed by CBA)

(L-R): St. Hill Insurance Managing Director, Roxann MacLeish, hands over cheque to Captain Ernest Gachelin of the Salvation Army.

St. Hill partners with the Salvation Army ST. HILL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED has joined hands with the Salvation Army to assist with the provision of relief supplies to Vincentians affected by the La Soufrière disaster. Towards this end, the company donated twelve thousand East Caribbean Dollars (XCD 12,000) on June 15th, 2021 to Captain Ernest Gachelin, Local Commander/ Administrative Head of the Salvation Army. In handing over the cheque, Managing Director, Roxann MacLeish, said the donation “continues the efforts of the 38-year-old company to be an example of good corporate citizenship and nationbuilding.” In appreciation of the assistance, Captain Gachelin said that the funds will help them to continue providing some comfort to the many affected persons, an effort the organization began on April 11th. He added that one of the Salvation Army’s missions is helping people in need, without discrimination. MacLeish is encouraging other companies to come to the aid of the vulnerable, especially in times of disaster. She also urges Vincentians to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. (Source: St. Hill Insurance)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 3.

News 3 Faith in God amidst failing health BERNARD ‘BUTTERS’ DUBLIN, one of three fishermen from Rose Place, Kingstown who went missing for eleven days before being rescused is a devout Christian. His wife also shares his faith. He admitted to praying throughout the ordeal for the safe return of his crew and himself to their families, and said he encouraged his colleagues to also pray. “I would make sure tell dem say dey prayers before they go sleep, and when dey wake up, I go ask them if them say them prayers. So every morning I would tell dem don’t give up. I could feel the church praying for us,” said Dublin on how he kept hope alive. Dublin recalled that the stress of the ordeal took a toll on their mental stability. About a week into their ordeal, one

of the crew stopped walking and talking. Dublin even began to lose his memory and began acting strangely. In his own words, he took to asking about a mystery crewman who was never on board. “I start to ask Pharaoh (Webb) if Gus wasn’t here with we last night? Way Gus go with the water? So Web tell me, ‘Man, Cap, no, yo start to lose it man’. And he start to cuss and a get on.” Dublin added, “I is a Christian. I start to rub he head and say man take it easy with yo captian na man, ah just lose it for a few minutes.” It could have been worse but faith pulled us through, Dublin summarised.

The area on the bow of the ‘Odesia’ where the men roasted the fish.

turned for the worst. “The place just get blockout and is win and water. So I say fellas we ain’t going make it, let we just take off everything and sleep it out.” Dublin admitted his decision might not have been a good one as the current began to take them Friday, they decided to lower in what he assumed was westwards away from St. the sail and allow the boat to Barrouallie. Vincent. run freely. “We light flambeau, all “When I wake up the next “We end up go way down in thing, but we didn’t get no morning, to tell you the truth I the west and is around late help,” the Captain said. didn’t know where I was,” he Monday (7th) evening I see a On Tuesday (8th) the confessed. ‘Booby’ bird (seagull) come ‘Odesia’ reached close to By this time, the catch (of Bequia before the current took fish), on which they depended down. I say fellas dem bird don’t dey far from land, so just it in the direction of Baliceaux by roasting them, had decayed heist (hoist) the sail for me . The crew was able to turn and had to be thrown and if alyo want go back to the boat around towards St. overboard. They, however, Vincent and as they sailed sleep alyo go back to sleep .” caught three ‘dolphins’. “We The captain said that he inwards, they could make out corned two and roast one,” was able to manoeuvre the the Aygle International Dublin recalled. Airport in the distance. boat from out to sea to a He, however, had a bad Unfortunately, according to reaction to the fish and ended distance from which he could make out small boats fishing Dublin, the weather condition up vomiting much of what he had consumed the previous day. The men had had to go without drinking water. But it rained one day, a welcomed occurrence, allowing for something of a shower and a few mouthfuls of water. Things would turn for the better on the second Friday after what was a bout of mental instability on the part of the captain. During an exchange with his crew, he related, he raised his head and recognized a boat coming towards them. We quickly took down the

Missing for 11 days: The Experience Continued from Frontpage. Dublin described what unfolded this way: “A white man in a HUD yacht come up to we and started asking us if we had engine problem. We say yes and ask him for a tug, but he say call Coast Guard and left we and go.” For the next three to four days, the boat drifted but the men were still able to see St. Vincent.

Bad weather batters hope Dublin said that on the

The “Odesia’, on which the three men took to sea, shared in the men’s ordeal but never faltered.

sail and put up a piece a bamboo with a bag , Dublin related. As the boat (which turned out to be a tug) came close, its crew inquired about the men’s condition and said they had heard of the missing boat from St. Vincent. Webb and Phillips were helped unto the tug but Dublin remained on the ‘Odesia’ to remove the engine, bail it after which it was tied on to the barge that the tug was towing. According to information from the SVG Coast Guard, the tug, with a predominant Vincentian crew and on a voyage from Curacao, to Martinique, made contact with the Odesia some 190 miles west of St.Vincent. The tug cleared with their agents in Martinique before taking the men to St. Vincent, a trip that took a day. The tug berthed at the Kingstown wharf from where the rescued men were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Webb and Dublin were subsequently discharged but Phillip, who had underlying health conditions, was admitted for further examination and treatment. Even though he disclosed that no one in authority has reached out to the them and that some of his bills have gone unpaid, Dublin said, “It feels real nice to see that you are back again and our family is here. It gives me real joy. Dublin admits that he has learned from his experience and will remember to always have a communication device in his possession, when he goes fishing again.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Appeal Court

Boyde gets prison Appellant absconds time reduction Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY PAUL BOYDE came to the Eastern Caribbean Appeal Court last Tuesday with the weight of a 90month jail term hanging over his head. He left the Court with his prison sentenced reduced by 36 months. Boyde’s matter was conducted at the Supreme Court Number Two upstairs Marcole Plaza in Kingstown via Zoom, with Justices Davidson Kelvin Baptiste, Mario Michel and Gerthel Thom presiding from St. Lucia.

Boyde had a history — March to June, 2018 - of being before the court for ongoing theft and damage to property, especially of vehicles parked in capital Kingstown. His style was to smash vehicle windows to gain entry and take valuables, preferably money and cell phones. In one incident on June 1, he invaded a vehicle parked outside a restaurant and removed luggage valued US$7,535. After another of his break-ins, he was charged with theft as well as receiving stolen goods. “If that is the case, it is wrong

in principle. A thief cannot receive from himself. It is either one or the other,” one of the Justices indicated. The Appeal Court acknowledged that Boyde pleaded guilty but that “he wouldn’t be guilty of both.” The Prosecution eventually withdrew the handling goods charges, but pointed out that the Magistrate’s sentences were designed to “reflect the overall morality” which, having occurred over a short space of time, warranted a higher sentence. The Prosecutor had described the Magistrate’s sentence as “just and appropriate”.

Thomas’ appeal dismissed LAST TUESDAY, June 15, Saville Thomas of Kingstown, withdrew his appeal against a jail sentence imposed on him in 2016. That was because by that date, he had served the time handed down for possession of a firearm without licence and ammunition. He was sentenced to five years for the firearm

and five months for the ammunition, wth the sentences to run concurrently. He claimed that he filed an appeal immediately. Thomas rehashed a story of him having found the gun and ammunition and of intending to take them to the police in accordance with advice given to him. Thomas told the

Appeal Court that his plan to turn in the items was thwarted by the Police. Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge, and at the Appeal admitted, “It done happen that way. I done do the time.” He used the platform of the Appeal Court to highlight what he cites as his being stigmatised, his complaint being that

he has been barred from entering the Port where he would normally find employment. Thomas was reminded that those restrictions were not the ambit of the Court and that he ought to “take the appropriate course of action.”

KEMIAH NICHOLS’ appeal against his conviction of six months for possession of a controlled drug with intent to supplywas dismissed last Tuesday. He was charged after a police action at the Argyle International Airport led to his arrest and subsequent charges. He was sentenced to six months. But when the matter came up before the Appeal Court Justices, Nichols did not appear. Information oriented to the Court indicated that Nichols had left the state June 17, 2020, travelling on a British passport. Nichols, age given as 21 at the time of his arrest, had two given addresses - Kingstown Park and Virgin Gorda. He was on cash bail of $4,000 with one surety. The Appeal Justices pondered as to whether he was a person any longer a person of interest, and dismissed the matter for want of prosecution.

Barker made to pay LAMOND Barker’s attempt to reverse a decision in a property dispute failed.

He has to pay the Appellants- Mary and Donald O’Garro costs of $3,750 — the cost of the appeal, and half of the costs allowed in the Courts below. That was the ruling handed down the Appeal Court Justices last GLENROY ‘Satan’ Browne spent four years and Tuesday. nine months in jail a sentence conseqnwt upon The issue surrounds conviction for burglary and damage to property. an application of a That was August 14, 2018. According to him, he possessory title claim by filed an appeal immediately with help from Justice Barker that was lodged Brain Cottle. in December 2010. But by the time he appeared before the Appeal Paula David, Court Justices, he was a free man having completed his sentence but he was bent on using the representing the opportunity to air a problem he had with the appellants and Roderick “system.” He contended that his penalty was harsh Jones, on Barker’s and excessive. The Justices made it clear that his issue was “for behalf, made their cases before the jurists. another place and time.” Their advice to him was Barker contended that to send a letter to the newspaper, and that his request to the Appeal Court was not within their he was entitled to the ambits. property which he had been occupying since 1970. Matters escalated from 1989 with the death of St. Clair O’Garro. Barker proceeded with construction on the property in 1992 and except for a brief period in 2001, continued until 2008 when O’Garro’s family members visited. An intricate family issue developed into contention which led to the Appeal.

Satan has problems with the system

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 5.

News

Friday writes international bodies THE MATTER in which Government Dr. Godwin Friday, Senator, lawyer Ashelle Morgan and Leader of the Assistant Director of Public Opposition said that Prosecution, Karim Nelson are alleged as a current to be involved in the shooting of member of the UN’s Cornelius John on his own property, on Security Council, St April 13, 2021, has been drawn to the Vincent and the attention of regional, hemispheric and Grenadines ought to international bodies. welcome scrutiny of Leader of the Opposition Dr. its own Godwin Friday said, during a press administrative and briefing on June 15, that he had legal practices. written to the follow persons on the matter: Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, wealth Parliamentary Association. Secretary General of CARICOM; Referring to his call for a timely Patricia Scotland — Secretary General, and transparent investigation, Dr. Commonwealth Friday told the briefing that, “..to all Secretariat; Antonio Guterres, appearances, nothing has been done to Secretary General bring the matter to a just and timely conclusion,” describing the period of the United Nations; H.E Luis since the shooting as one of “a deafening silence from the police.. .” Almagro, According to Dr. Friday they Secretary General, (police) “..have still not told us who Organisation of the third alleged assailant was,” and the Eastern Caribbean States; referred to this as an indication that Dr Didacus Jules, the intention was to keep the public in the dark. Director General, “But surely this matter cannot stay Organisation of Eastern Caribbean in the dark, light must get in,” he said. It was against this background that State (OECAS); Cornelius John, Dr. Friday said he was moved to write the man who was and the to some important people, in order Honourable shot and is now Anthony Rota, MP that they would know about the the centre of concerns of Vincentians. ongoing national and President of the Commonattention. Continued on Page 22.

Missing guns and ammo: Questions linger WEEKS HAVE passed and there has been no information about the investigations into the missing guns and ammunition from the Georgetown Police Station. The police issued a statement on June 4, that the Major Crimes Unit within the Royal St Readers will recall that a young man once ‘stole’ a Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force bicycle from the Georgetown Police Station. Nuff (RSVGPF) had launched said about the ‘vigilance’ there. an investigation, on the silent. orders of Commissioner of Police Colin “We know that officers from the John, after it had been discovered that Georgetown station have been the items had been missing from the transferred elsewhere, is this the armoury at the said facility. response by the Commissioner of But, according to Leader of the Police?” Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday the In addition, Friday said the public public still does not know how many needs to know: How many guns and guns were missing, or how many ammunition are missing? When did round of ammunition. the police find out they were missing He raised the issue again while and did they go missing all at once or speaking at a press briefing on June over a period of time? 15, saying that information suggests Given that the Georgetown Police that as many as four or five guns and Station was a large, modern building as much as 1,000 rounds of and that a police station is supposed ammunition had gone missing. to be a secure place, Friday contended “We still do not know because the that “it would have been very difficult, police have not told us,” Friday said. if not impossible for an intruder to And instead of seeking to alleviate enter and leave with those weapons the concern, the opposition leader said and not be detected in the process.” that the police have since remained (DD)

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 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

An affront AMID ALL THE ARGUMENT not debate of whether to take the COVID-19 vaccine or not, this publication stood firmly on the side of accepting the vaccine. Unless there was something else which we didn’t know about that came close to dealing with this new scourge, the vaccine(s) offered the best and perhaps the only option. Barring all the ‘conspiracy theories’, the majority of the world accepted that this was the way to go, if we were to address the Covid-19 pandemic in any structured manner. And while we stand firmly in support of ‘taking the vaccine’, we also stand stoically in support of the position that taking of the vaccine should never be mandated; that it should not be tied to any enticements, rewards; that there should be no legislation passed (there is none now) to make it mandatory. Yes, we understand what the interest of the public good might necessitate, but we cannot, and the world has never resorted to this during any other global vaccination programme, support any measure that ignores if not circumvents the right of the individual to freedom of choice, liberty of conscience and simply to be “me” and not someone else. The hope here is that the individual, appropriately informed, would accept the vaccine. But as far as our situation is concerned, we might just have failed in effectively informing our population, given the high incidence of non-acceptance, when we did not roll out a programme of awareness building about the efficacy of the vaccine, the whole purpose of vaccination, and provide a secured source and guaranteed availability of the vaccine. But that aside, that there were so many who upped their voices against the vaccine, many from whom we would have expected a more ‘educated

lamentation’, that the late start to a pro-vaccine campaign had to ward off a well-fortified counterattack. That we have been slowly coming around to showing increased numbers of persons who have been vaccinated is encouraging. There is now no want of supplies of the vaccine so that fundamental pillar of availability is a non-issue. But now it has come around to convincing those who have not yet had a ‘jab’ to do so. And without any real thought about what it means in a socio-cultural sense, we bellow about offering incentives of ‘cash to win’ and other monetary-based enticements. This, as per the letter writer ‘Thomas’ alluded to in our issue of June 4, is an affront to the intelligence of all Vincentians; an affront to the majority Afrodescended population who are made to feel that they are mere receptacles of cash for their favour and support… not unlike what characterizes political campaigning here. This is nothing but me sitting in my wicker chair, sipping a tall beer and perhaps puffing on a Cuban cigar as I survey my estate being toiled by my slaves who so willing fulfill my fancies, and who will so willingly do that extra for a little more ‘wine’. To think that our people are so gullible is as much an affront as the offer of monetary reward. But then again, may be it is that we are gullible. The many who depend daily on the returns from the games offered up by the National Lotteries Authority, and which have now reconditioned our people away from the value of real work, are perhaps testimony to this. We will wage our last dollar in the hope of a hefty return. So what if there is another opportunity for me to up my takings? To sell our souls for a few more dollars is to indicate that all is lost, or the least that we are not too far away from being lost.

Assessing the first two years under the ULP (2001-2003) (Part 1) bells, to the ULP Government to tighten belts and change OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, Dr. course. The same IMF once wrote that Gonsalves has confirmed his preeminent there was “much to praise, little to fault” in position in both Government and Party by an NDP run economy! In particular, local rising head and shoulders above all others. eyebrows have been raised over the Something must be said, however, of the Government’s lending at 3% to Dominica second tier positions of Julian Francis and money from the NIS, which will be Rene` Baptiste, who are the arm and heart strapped for funds in ten years unless we of the ULP, if Gonsalves is the head. begin now to put our economic house in All the rest occupy positions from waist order. right down to the feet, where second man All the major economic indicators are Straker, according to the other K.J, is pointing to an uncertain future: bananas comfortably seated. which ULP said would bounce back on the Dr. Gonsalves unrepentantly invades removal of Arnhim Eustace, is on a rapid nearly every Ministry especially when downward slide; Glenroy Browne and his credit is to be shared out. When, for team are having the devil shoring up the instance, the Arnos Vale Call Centre hit arrowroot industry. the limelight, he forced Jerrol Thompson The ULP was so moved to please the US into the dark, to emerge only to take flak that they leaned further backwards than for the failure. was necessary to earn a supposed clean bill Similarly, Dr. Gonsalves moved straight of health in the offshore industry, as it into a press conference given by Beache, were, bringing off success in the operation took over, and aborted it. So that the that resulted in the death of the patient! accomplishments and shortfalls over the Tourism is putting up a brave front in period faithfully reflect, in large measure, an unequal battle with global conditions. the strength and weaknesses of Dr. That does not for one moment affect the Gonsalves himself. irrepressible Minister Rene` Baptiste, who To begin with, Dr. Gonsalves is a has smartly declared victory in a number of brilliant political scientist and shrewd areas already prepared but left hanging by practitioner of the art. He is, additionally, the NDP. The Carnival Committee, Heroes’ an outstanding lawyer with great powers of Day and abolition of Discovery Day spring advocacy. But Gonsalves alone seems to to mind as cases where one sowed, and the fancy himself as an economist, a field in other reaped. which he lacks formal training. On another score, Minister Baptiste If, as is believed, these countries once moved her headquarters to, and stages needed politicians with the gift of gab exhibitions on, the Cruise Ship Berth, coupled with the lawyer’s craft to argue which the NDP built in the teeth of constitutional points in the terminal stages unrelenting criticism from forces and of colonialism, today the primary call is on supporters of the ULP. the talents of the economist. Similarly, Dr. Gonsalves has already In this regard, Barbados with Owen forgotten that the Financial Complex built Arthur, and Guyana with President Jagdeo by the NDP has been portrayed as an are well served. So, too, would be a St. example of profligacy on the part of Vincent and the Grenadines under a Mitchell, was leaning, cracking, unstable, Eustace-led Government. as he luxuriates in the ambience of the PM The latest report of the IMF, accepted as office in the said building! (To be the world’s auditors, has sent out what continued) amounts to warning signals, if not alarm (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 16th June, 2017)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 7.

Letters

Fact or Fantasy Part 2 A FEW SHORT weeks ago, via these pages, I made a comment that the claim by Ms. Williams to be “Watchwoman of Israel unto the house of Israel” had not been substantiated or confirmed by any celestial manifestation by the Almighty, to justify or validate her claim to this exulted position. Thus we, the general public, have no way of knowing how unallowed her reputed position is! Since there has been no proof from the Almighty to confirm this (such as a choir of Arch Angels declaring her position from the firmament), I can only conclude that the basis of her claim is made only to enhance her self-importance and, perhaps, boost her fragile ego. If she can show definitive proof, I will be the very first to acknowledge her standing with God. Likewise, I now note that we have another soothsayer proportioning to be “Prophet of God” in the being of Mr. Rodney. To him I offer the same challenge that I have put to Ms. Williams. It seems that these messengers of God are spreading across SVG faster than the COVID-19 virus! To conclude, I would end by repeating the comment I made in my last letter that the most appropriate Biblical verse to be applied to both parties is, “Beware of Prophets bearing false witness”. A. W. Indupp

Satan vs God WHENEVER I hear Christians saying ‘Satan was in heaven’ and ‘we are living in the last days’, I feel bad on the inside. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments but one cannot be saved by Moses law, so God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross that we can be saved by his grace. What the Bible predict we don’t even reach half stage of that. Now, the righteous people know God cannot die. But Satan and his demons will try to kill God. This is how they will try: No more daylight because Satan and his demons prefer darkness more than light. No more rain to yield food. The rivers and seas will dry up. No more breeze and things that carry light. It would be like there is no more God to call on for survival. But God will be on the brighter side with his righteous people, so Satan cannot get to kill God. That will be for a thousand years, and that is called the Armageddon wars. God has everything numbered, even the very More letters on Page 15.

hair on your head. America is the world barometer. Barack Obama introduced the first mark of the beast when he legalized the same sex marriage. The second mark of the beast is when they impeached Donald Trump. God didn’t want Mrs. Clinton to be president of the United States of America. That’s why he put Trump to make America great again. I believe a woman president will introduce the third mark of the beast. America will get the stamp with the six mark of the beast before God lifts his hands off America to be defeated by Russia and China, so that communism can take over the world. It is approximately seven thousand years left in the wilderness before the world reaches to that stage, and yet preachers are still saying we are living in the last days, and Satan was in heaven with God. God has to allow Satan to perform some more before the end of his time. Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

Unfairness IF WE ARE honest we would admit that BRAGSA did a splendid job in clearing the roads throughout the country, making life a bit more comfortable. For that we say thank you and we truly appreciate your hard work. NEMO, on other hand, must accept responsibility for being unfair in many areas of distribution of supplies. I do recognize that it takes a lot to cater and satisfy thousands across the island, however, the lack of proper distribution and UNFAIRNESS cannot be overlooked. I guess it goes right back to the lack of being properly organized. It is well known that persons who were not in need got supplies, including mattresses, while persons in need were only promised but received nothing. There are even cases where persons returned home and never got any thing from NEMO, although they would have filled out and sent their exit forms and, in some cases, went in

person and made another report of their return. I know of persons who have returned home now for close to four weeks and every week NEMO kept on promising to give them their package, but have never delivered up to the time of this publication. Also there were persons who received monies from NEMO but were not evacuees, while evacuees who are truly in need have never received. It does leave room for speculation and allegations. The Farmer’s ID is another area of UNFAIRNESS. Can someone explain to me who is a farmer and how does one qualify for a Farmer’s ID? Is the issuing of Farmer IDs done based on a friendship basis? Is it a deliberate attempt to sabotage? Has the qualification of a farmer changed? Is it that anyone can now receive a Farmer’s ID? Is each person holding a Farmer’s ID eligible for a cash handout? Answers

Make use of ÂLava ManÊ

THERE HAS been much talk about the escapades of one Desron ‘Lava Man’ Rodriquez, some for and some against the young man. From what I can gather, ‘Lava Man’ is part — perhaps the leader — of a group that takes hiking seriously, and has made La Soufrière one of their stomping grounds. It would follow, in my line of thinking, that this young man would have gathered quite some firsthand knowledge about the volcano. After all, he seemed to be a very observant fellow. He might not be able to translate that knowledge into all the scientific jargon that seem to impress us, even if we don’t understand half of it, but the man must have made his own observations over the years and more recently during the recent eruption of La Soufrière, that could be of some help. All that said, instead of condemning the young man and his group, perhaps it is time the state and those responsible for monitoring the activity at the volcano, consider inviting him and his group to become part of the whole monitoring team. We just may be missing out on a good opportunity by ignoring ‘Lava Man’ and his group when all they seem to want to do is to help out the situation. So instead of putting the young man down, invite him to be part of the process. He is already something of a ‘cult hero’ so it’s not that we will be making him anymore popular. Remember, Mr. Editor, the answer doesn’t always lie with those who are the most certified. Charles Edinboro

are needed now! Imagine there are persons who are not even planting a ‘blade of grass’ yet they have received Farmer’s IDs. How can this be FAIR? Something is definitely wrong in the Ministry of Agriculture. May be it is time for a shake-up of the staff there. Kennard King

A lesson from natureÊs school

Lovely St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sun-kissed gems of the Caribbean Sea, All unspoilt havens of magical dreams, Were a lesson from Nature was given to me.

‘Twas in Kingstown Botanic Gardens rare, Where Nature’s splendour I had come to see. That rippling notes suddenly filled the air, From a song - bird atop a bread - fruit tree. With landscape hushed, it drew my wondering gaze, As shadows lengthened with the setting sun, Free from all care to stem its warbling praise, It seemed to crown the day now almost done. In silent prayer I thanked our God above, For caring for this little bird each day, An object of His faithful care and love, Its evening homage now had come to pay. How it seemed to play the smallest part, In its Creator’s vast and wondrous plan, Contentment overflowed its tiny heart, In contrast to the vanity of man. Man! Masterpiece of God’s creative skill, Had sinned and introduced disharmony, Now hate-filled nations war and fight and kill, Brothers and sisters of one family. But in those lovely gardens calm and still, Faint echo of fair Eden so serene, Where rebel man defied his Maker’s will, This song — bird brought to mind a well-known ‘dream.” And if we all shared the good doctor’s view, And walked in close harmony, “hand in hand”, Believing “all are equal” to be true, We can, with God’s help, reach the “Promised Land. Praising the One, Who in love gladly came, Our souls to save and give us peace and rest, Dying for all upon a cross of shame, Worthy to be enthroned in every breast. God’s reconciling answer has been found, And from sin’s shackles all can be set free, To spread the gladsome message all around, With word and song in joyful Liberty. I found the secret in that sanctuary, Alone save for my happy feathered friend, Two of God’s creatures joined in harmony, As vespers from two hearts began to blend What then did I learn in that tranquil place, From that bird perched upon the leafy tree? It was as fellow subjects of God’s grace, With thankful hearts we should united. C.F.G.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Let’s work towards population immunity

Breakdown of Law and Order in SVG

Introduction

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement)

AS WE PREPARE our country to take advantage of the boost expected in travel and economic activity beyond this period of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of vaccination is becoming increasingly evident as a critical element in our preparation. Since the declaration of the pandemic in March of 2020, the dynamic has been one of decline, stability and spike, in no particular order, with a variety of new strains of the virus being discovered. There were moments when developed countries believed that the virus was under control, only to be faced with a new strain and a significant spike in new infections, bringing with it new rounds of curfews, lockdowns or states of emergencies. Leaders in this region who adopted lockdowns as a first response to the virus, swiftly recognised that the virus would be around for a long time to come and accepted that, individuals, communities, countries had to “learn to live well with COVID”. Thanks to the technologies and modern science, a number of vaccines were developed, through the normal process, including testing and certification by the various agencies, authorising them for use in the fight against the corona virus. This welcome development in vaccine technology, was the silver lining that the world was hoping for and offered hope of a return to life, without the restrictions imposed by this deadly virus. Now the challenge that lies ahead is getting a large enough percentage of the population vaccinated so that this country can achieve population immunity.

hospitalisations and deaths. Countries that have been able to vaccinate a large enough section of their population have reported significant reduction in every aspect, and are returning to normal, an indication that the vaccines are effective and safe.

Getting back to normalcy

Having endured a very challenging 15 months since the declaration of a pandemic, this country like other countries around the globe is doing what it can to return things to a sense of normalcy. The Health, Economic, Social and Security (HESS) challenges that have confronted us have been unprecedented and have created much strain on every aspect of life. The reality is, that people in key industries need to get back to work that have been on hold since last year; the tourism industry is trying to restart, schools need to be opened and the demands on the health system need to be normalised. With this country in the middle of what seems to be a spike, the encouragement from the Government is that Vincentians should get vaccinated so that we can achieve population immunity. In tourism for example, traveling individuals are more and more requesting that service providers in hotels, etc. be vaccinated and the even more general trend, is for health workers, frontline workers and other Vaccines are safe and effective workers interacting heavily with the general public to do the same. It is a The Government of Saint Vincent reality, that the longer it takes our and the Grenadines, headed by Prime country to achieve population Minister Gonsalves was able to secure immunity, the longer it takes for our thousands of doses of vaccines to health, education, transport and begin the process of vaccinating our general economic systems to start citizens. The primary vaccine used by functioning in a normal way. It the Ministry of Health is the appears that this country has become Cambridge AstraZeneca vaccine, a victim of our own success, as the although a much smaller number of excellent handling of Covid-19 by the doses of the Russian Sputnik V ULP administration has so far vaccine was also ordered. Reports so resulted in very few deaths when far from the trials and active use of compared to infections, seen financial the AstraZeneca vaccine globally, support offered to individuals whose suggests that it has an efficacy rate of incomes were impacted and a general 82% after both doses. The BBC reorganising of systems avoiding reports that the Russian Sputnik V curfews, lockdowns and states of vaccine has an efficacy rate of 92% emergencies. But this should not after receiving both doses. This means encourage complacency, instead we that both vaccines provide significant should be encouraged to go the next protection against transmission of step and get vaccinated to augment Covid-19, hospitalisation due to severe the previously adhered to protocols of illness, and death. While in some hand hygiene, mask wearing and countries there have been reports of social distancing. The faster way back temporary stoppages in the usage of to the fully functioning society that we the AstraZeneca vaccine because of all long for is through population blood clots in individuals taking the immunity by individuals taking the vaccine, there have been very little vaccine. evidence if any, showing a link between the vaccine and the blood Conclusion clots. In almost every instance, the use of the vaccines resumed and There is no shortage of conspiracy millions of people around the world theories, mis-information and disare currently vaccinated with the information out there that continue to Cambridge AstraZeneca and Sputnik frustrate the vaccination drive of this V vaccines. The Government has country. The Ministry of Health announced that it has ordered doses of continues to do excellent work in the Moderna vaccine that can also be educating and informing Vincentians used on younger members of our of the benefits of taking the vaccines, population including the older and go a step further by taking the students in secondary schools. vaccine to the people making it easy Hundreds of millions of people around for anyone to get vaccinated. The the world have taken one of the choice to get vaccinated is a personal Covid-19 vaccines available, and apart one, so you are continually encouraged from the stated side effects which to make that choice to protect have been generally mild, but yourself, your love ones, your moderate in a small percentage of community and your country, by cases, they have produced the desired getting vaccinated. effect or reduced transmission, Get vaccinated today!

I WANT TO ADDRESS primarily the matter of the shooting and beating of Mr. Cornelius John, and the allegations of the involvement of Senator Ms Ashelle Morgan and Assistant DPP Mr Karim Nelson in it. By now everyone in St. Vincent and the Grenadines knows about the shooting of Mr. Cornelius John. It is alleged that he was attacked in his home and shot in his leg and that three assailants were involved. It occurred on April 13, 2021. That was his unlucky day, it would appear. It is a serious matter! A very sad affair! Two weeks ago, I addressed you on it. Then, I urged that there be a timely, full, and transparent investigation so that the truth will prevail. Many others have done likewise. But, to all appearances, nothing has been done to bring the matter to a just and timely conclusion. In fact, there has been a deafening silence from the police on the matter. Unbelievably, they have still not told us who the third alleged assailant was not. The circumstances surrounding the incident are such that the authorities ought to have known immediately and certainly should by now know who it is. We must therefore conclude that the failure to tell the public the identity of the third person is a deliberate decision on the part of the authorities to keep the country in the dark about this aspect of the investigation. What else are they keeping us in the dark about? But surely, this matter cannot stay in the dark. Light must get in, because as the songwriter says, there is a crack in everything. I am determined to find them and to let the light in. Most people want that. In this regard, I have continued to write letters to important people so that they know about our fears and concerns. As I have said before, I wrote to the Governor General and she has replied to me. Now, I must tell you that I have also written to important regional and international institutions, to let them know our situation. In light of the extreme seriousness of the matter, I wrote to Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque, Secretary General of Caricom. I have also written similarly to: H.E. Baroness Patricia Scotland Secretary-General, Commonwealth Secretariat; H.E. Antonio Guterres Secretary-General, United Nations; H.E. Luis Almagro Secretary-General, Organisation of American States; Dr. Didacus Jules Director-General, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean State; and Rt. Hon. Anthony Rota — MP President, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. I expect that the recipients will all respond to my letter. But, even if they do not, it is still important that I wrote because now we are certain that they know about the matter. And if our worst fears come to pass, they will not be able to say they did not know.

Guns and ammunition missing from Georgetown Police Station It has been about three weeks now, the police told the public that guns and ammunition were missing from

the Georgetown police station. The police did not say how many guns were missing, but there was information in the public that the number may be 4 or 5. They have also not said what type of guns were involved. The police did not say how much ammunition was missing, but there is information in the public that it may be as much as one thousand (1000) rounds. What kind of ammunition? We still do not know because the police have not told us. The announcement about the missing guns and ammunition could not have come at a worse time. It came at a time when there were reports in the media and talk on people’s lips of recent shootings resulting in death (as in the case of former national footballer Dwaine Sandy) or serious injury (as in the case of Cornelius John). There was, therefore, understandable heightened public concern over the announcement. That concern remains. Instead of seeking to allay those feelings of concern and fear by providing information, the police have since the initial announcement remained silent. No more information for the public. We know that officers from the Georgetown station have been transferred elsewhere. Is this response by the Commissioner of Police a case of too little too late? But we need answers. People need to know. How many guns are missing? How much ammunition is missing? When did the police find out they were missing? Did they go missing all at once or did they go missing over a period of time? If they were taken over a period of time, then who was minding the store? Did someone go into the police station and take the guns and ammunition? If so, how were they able to avoid detection? The Georgetown police station is a large, modern building. A police station is supposed to be a secure place. Therefore, it would have been very difficult if not impossible for an intruder to enter and leave with those weapons and not be detected in the process. But apparently, it was done. The sooner we get answers the better. And if the police cannot investigate it properly, then get someone who can

COVID-19 pandemic continues It remains the biggest challenge in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The government has botched it. Most places in the world see things are improving, but here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we are getting worse. I urge you to follow the familiar protocol measures to protect yourself and those around you against the coronavirus and to prevent its spread–wear a mask in public; social distance; wash or sanitize your hands regularly. Take it seriously. Inform yourself about vaccination from reputable sources and make the decision to vaccinate. It is the safest and quickest way to get back to our normal lives.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 9.

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The few do not define the many

Guest column by Siyanda Mohutsiwa

“It is reckless to make broad generalizations about any group of people.” Roger Ebert (1942-2013) American film critic, film historian, journalist, screenwriter, and author. THERE IS WISDOM IN AVOIDING the temptation to make “sweeping generalisations” about any group of people. While we recognize that there are some traits that are common to some groups, professions, societies, and sub-cultures, we would be foolish to “paint everyone with the same brush”. The popularity of the cell phones, and the feature that enables many of these gadgets to take photographs and videos, ushered in a new awareness of the atrocities that are committed worldwide. For example, we are constantly reminded of the injustice that white North American law enforcement officers appear to impose of blacks. The media coverage of the deaths of African Americans like 20-year-old Dannte Wright, 26year-old Breonna Taylor, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, 28-year-old Ataliana Jefferson, 41-year-old Danie Prude, and 46-year-old George Floyd are but a few of the more recent instances of police officers killing civilians for minor offences (i.e. a minor traffic offence or the use of a counterfeit twenty dollar bill) or who did not commit any crime at all (i.e. forgetting house door open, sleeping in their vehicle, or having a mental health challenge). These are but a few of the many instances where individuals who were expected to uphold the law used their “freedom to shoot” to kill. However, we would be wrong to conclude that all police officers are this way. Neither will it be fair to conclude that all white police officers are “trigger happy” when they interact with blacks. The few must not define the many. The ever advancing technology provides us with evidence of the extent of the danger and the regularity of racial profiling in America. The peaceful civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s revealed many of the atrocities that were perpetrated against blacks in the United States of America — especially in the southern states. This struggle for social justice was intended to alleviate the unfair treatment of a suppressed people and to create and sustain their equal participation in a society whose economy the oppressed were largely responsible for building and maintaining. Great strides were made as a result of the decades-long crusade by African Americans and their like-minded supporters to end institutionalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States. The Civil Rights Act (1964) outlawed segregation in schools, public places, and jobs. The Voting Rights Act (1965) outlawed racial discrimination in voting. The Fair Housing Act (1968) outlawed discrimination in housing. These were hallmark accomplishments. The American society has come a long way since then. However, the modern media confirm that racial discrimination still

Western media negative coverage of Africa

exist in a society that prides itself in being the bastion and democracy and civility. Some whites still see themselves as superior to blacks, the Latinos, and the Asian Americans. Even so we must avoid the temptation to categorize all whites as being colour prejudice. There are many who advance the cause for racial equality and are decent, respectful, and kind. The few do not define the many. There are many other instances where individuals are tempted to generalize about a specific group, race, or profession. In every culture there will be individuals who apply broad statements to an idea or group of people. In many of these instances, generalizations are not entirely true. These generalities can be inaccurate. For example, we would be irresponsible and wrong to conclude that most politicians are greedy and/or dishonest simply because it is public knowledge that some have become extremely rich (in a relatively short period) as a result of their providing public service. Many are decent, law-abiding citizens. The following statements also remind us of the danger and inaccuracy of generating stereotypes: * Girls cannot do well at science subjects. * Boys will never be good at the culinary arts. * Every salesman lies to make more money on a sale. * Men are all afraid of commitment. * Rich people are greedy. * Poor people are lazy. * Children should be seen and not heard. * If you believe you can do it, you will always succeed. * All success is brought about by good luck. * All criminals can be rehabilitated. * All women want men to be romantic. * Your family will always be there for you. * Friends are people who will never let you down, no matter what. * Attractive ladies are always stuck up. * Overweight people always overeat. * The customer is always right. These are just a few of the many examples of common generalizations. While we observe that some of these statement may be true, they are not completely accurate in all cases. Based on the foregoing, there is wisdom in avoiding the use of overly broad statements about a particular topic or a group of people. There are individuals who may fit the descriptions of the scenarios presented here. However, we need to be reminded that the few do not define the many. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

LIKE ANY AFRICAN who grew up with a TV, I’ve always been exposed to Western perceptions of Africa. Living in a postcolonial African education system that relies heavily on Western literature, one becomes intimately aware of how the world sees Africa. Still, I have always bristled against what is now famously called ‘The single-story,’ which presents Africa as a one-dimensional scene of tragic suffering and endless despair. Coverage of Covid-19 in Africa, despite the continent’s relatively low infection rates, is disproportionately grim and macabre compared to the rest of the world. Last November, the Times (11/27/20) published a lengthy article about efforts in East Asia to fight Covid. Headlined “They Beat Back the Virus (Again and Again),” it focused on three places (Hong Kong, Korea and Japan), outlining long histories of policy implementation and strategic tweaking by their health officials to combat wave after wave of the coronavirus. ‘Where the dead are not counted.’ In contrast, a New York Times article (1/2/21) by West Africa bureau chief Ruth Maclean, headlined “A Continent Where the Dead Are Not Counted,” compared the death toll of all 54 African nations to France, and concluded that because the former has fewer official deaths than the latter, their calculations (all 54 of them) couldn’t possibly be correct. The subtitle teased us with a possible explanation: “That doesn’t mean people aren’t dying from the virus.” The first expert whose guidance is sought to make sense of Africa’s Covid response is a professor at New York University. The next expert is a director of Doctors without Borders. Though his voice might be the article’s only hint at the notion that good African policies possibly reduced the spread of Covid, Maclean quickly discards his input for more exciting news out of England about secret outbreaks in Sudan. The next expert is a researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, whose “toes curl” when anybody implies “Africa has been spared.” While the article is chock full of people talking about Africans, there are only three sources from Africa and Africa featured in the article, all from Lagos, Nigeria.

themselves. Carrying on a tradition of Western inquiry spanning centuries, the Times‘ Maclean does not appear to expect to encounter locals who have solutions or have really thought about their predicament. They aren’t even given the chance to explain that Nigeria is not Sudan is not Somalia is not... The article about Africa mentions only four of the 54 countries, and none of these four is the reporter’s residence. An Africa without leaders Like countless others in Western media, Maclean’s article took place in an Africa without leaders, without public health officials or activists. It’s set in a vacuum of knowledge and strategy. No epidemiologists, infectious disease specialists, no academics, no local journalists or medical associations were quoted–just a vast maw of African horror. Western media have a welldocumented skew towards negative coverage when discussing Africa. One study found that in a 40-year period of reporting on African issues, an average of 73% of New York Times articles provided decidedly negative images. This is not without consequence because the Times is very influential. There is at least one industry invested in the repeated emphasis of disaster in Africa, and moreover in the idea of Africans being ill-prepared and in need of rescuing. There are currently at least 2,461 NGOs in Africa, and there’s money to be made and soft power to be expanded. In its insistence on portraying Africa as a place of failure and no leadership, the New York Times participates in the White Savior Industrial complex, the NGO pyramid scheme, and any other manner of systems that keep nations from the Global North in positions of dominance. The only information about Africa that is worthwhile must come from foreign sources. Africans are not expected to reflect on their crises or learn from their past experiences. A wealth of public health knowledge

There is a decided refusal to acknowledge the actions of nations like my native Botswana, which, through strict lockdown measures instituted as early as February 2020, managed to keep Covid deaths to 45 by January 2021. This, in a nation once reported having the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate per capita. Caskets and corpses It should be obvious that the very The first photo in the African article prevalence of pandemics and disease mean that many African nations were is a row of stacked caskets captured in the dimly lit store. The next photo is of extremely cautious and quite aware of the fragility of healthcare systems in a corpse wrapped in plastic in general and often able to convince Mogadishu, Somalia. The next photo is of a man in Lagos standing in front of a citizens to take Covid seriously much faster. There is a wealth of public funeral home. While thousands of health knowledge the continent has to people had died from Covid in East offer. It astounds me that so few Asia, the photos in the article about Western authors were able to make this Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong connection. feature zero corpses or caskets. Rather than acknowledge such a The first article was co-written by reality, the Ruth Macleans of the world Mike Ives, Tiffany May and Mikoko prefer to devote precious column space Inoue, reporters who appear to be to the idea that Africans can’t count. It residents if not natives of Hong Kong appears that even as the US healthcare and Japan, with additional reporting from Youmi Kim, based in South Korea. system is brought to its knees and exposed as a hollowed-out shell of its That’s four reporters covering three former self, the country’s media need a locations, in contrast to one reporter world where Africa can produce no purporting to cover 54. The experts included local academics, solutions, can give no knowledge and is devoid of the power to positively who were not asked to comment on the influence the trajectory of the world. It Covid strategies of every country in appears the maintainers of these Asia, but were allowed to express nuanced reflections on their local crises. structures would rather die superior than live as equals. The officials interviewed were presumed to have the correct data. The entire article can be found on There were no Western universities FAIR.org quoted, no Orientalists consulted. The people of Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, were treated as distinct populations Send comments, criticisms & who could speak well enough for suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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ULP regimeÊs schoolto-prison pipeline

modernised and rethought to make it responsive to the needs of all students. Education must be a route to liberation, not incarceration. Jailing THE ULP REGIME’S education system is not making education free or providing for children in preschool and primary our children, rather than educating in shambles and is failing many school. Just as a house needs a secure them properly, is a long-term problem our children with a world-class Vincentian children. Greater support is foundation before you build the walls education system, means many for our country. It leads to higher needed for our children and education children do not get a good education. and put on the roof, the foundation of crime rates, higher unemployment should be totally free – books, uniforms, The ULP regime has not created an our children’s education in preschool rates and lower national productivity. everything. education revolution, but instead, they and primary school must be good Leader of SVG Green Party, A parent told the Leader of SVG enough for them to make progress at have created a school-to-prison Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan secondary school. pipeline. BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, For many children in SVG, school is our children, especially boys, need Many children who do not complete that our children, especially boys, are their schooling (education), simply end a pathway to incarceration, not better educational support to help not making enough progress at up in jail. They leave school with no opportunity. The ULP regime’s school- them progress at primary school which primary school to enable them to have education, cannot get a job, end up in to-prison pipeline begins in deep social will enable them to have a smooth a smooth transition to secondary trouble, then find themselves in jail and economic inequalities, and is an transition to secondary school, and school. illustration of the shortcomings of serving lengthy sentences. All this avoid falling into a life of crime and When her son left primary school, could be avoided if the ULP regime schooling in our country and the gap destitution. They are not bad children, his education level was not adequate between the rich and the poor. treated our children as if their lives just failed children — failed by this enough for him to cope with the school actually mattered. Our education system needs to be ULP government. work at the secondary school. He was The ULP regime has failed to invest not given enough support at secondary adequately in our children’s education. school and ended up falling further About four years ago a school in West and further behind as he struggled to Kingstown was closed, because it was keep abreast with his peers. infested with rats. In that same year, Eventually, the young man dropped the secondary school in New Prospect by ANTHONY STEWART unlearned and incapable of sustaining out of secondary school, got into was closed because the computer lab’s herself. Her prospects for employment trouble and ended up in the ULP roof caved in. It had been taken over FROM TIME to time 15-year old girls are bleak. Fifty (50) years ago the regime’s hallmark project, the jail in by woodlice. Many other schools are go missing. Some of them temporarily typical 15-year-old was able to keep a North Leeward. badly in need of repair. house, clean, wash, iron, cook and care The failure by the ULP regime in More educational support is needed and others for an extended period. Why are they running away from for younger siblings. Today, that is not home? Who is hosting them on these so and any forced domestic escapades? Is any law being broken or relationship would be problematic. kept? Whose interest is served by these runaway girls? The age 15 Apparently, our laws have been established to give 15-year-olds the Inevitably, fifteen (15) is an age right to give consent to one and only when many students drop out of one activity. Why was this done? Who school. Prospects for their future are did it? And for what purpose? Who is bleak. They immediately join the keeping the consent age at 15? And for poverty line and unless they get what purpose? At the age of 15, you proper guidance, they soon find cannot marry, you cannot vote, you themselves in problems with the law cannot get an ID card and a NIS and Social Welfare. number, you cannot have access to Small countries like St. Vincent and your bank account even if you own the Grenadines should not find it one, you cannot represent yourself at difficult to find runaway children PTA meetings, you cannot go to the because our population is small, and doctor by yourself, and you are not many folks (are) known by a large eligible to open a social media account. percentage of the population. We need It seems ludicrous that you can give the will to find our missing children consent to be impregnated when and return them to home and safety. everyone knows that you are a child, Additionally, the police and Welfare and you are not mature enough to be should have the capability to locate responsible for yourself much less for active electronic devices with a new baby. subpoenaed information from the telecommunication network system. The Bible We should be doing our own experiment with dogs to train some to The Bible does not look too kindly find missing people, and illegal drugs. at those molesting 15-year-olds: “But But we must have the will to do so. whoso shall offend one of these little Some Universities are usually willing ones which believe in me, it were to assist with this aspect of forensic better for him that a millstone were science to meet certain study hanged about his neck, and that he requirements of their students. Our were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Medical School too may have an (Matthew 18:6) interest as dogs are being trained to How does a lost 15-year old find her detect certain diseases. way back home? Like the lost coin, she As Father’s Day approaches, it is may not know that she is lost and opportune time for all prodigal sons cannot on her own accord find her way and daughters to come home. If you back home. Someone would have to encounter these runaway children find her and bring her back home. In anywhere, kindly help them find their her lost condition she is vulnerable to way home. abuse. She may be unskilled,

Where is She?

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 11.

News

More needs to be done for fisherfolk WINSBERT HARRY, President of the National Fisherfolk Organisation (NFO), said that the authorities need to do more to assist fisher folk in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking on the heels of the safe return of three fishermen - Angus ‘King Pharaoh’ Webb, Lennox ‘Grand Charge’ Phillips and Bernard ‘Butters’ Dublin — after they had gone missing (at sea) for some eleven day, Harry expressed how happy he was that the men were returned to their families, but also took the opportunity to vent his frustration with those in authority. He accused them of speaking highly about the industry but not delivering. Among the failure of the authorities, Harry pointed to the promise made last year that a

number of VHF radios would be availed for use by fishermen. The Ministry of Agriculture, he said, had also committed to train the fishermen in the appropriate use of the radios. Nothing has been forthcoming in this regard, Harry lamented, adding that an effort to have the NTRC support the NFO request for a waiver of duties on radios, also hit a brick wall. Additionally, the matter of Identification Cards has been an ongoing challenge for some time. According to the NFO president, all ID cards issued have expired since 2015 and there has been no response to request to have this matter addressed. “Is more than when you have press

conference and media briefing you are hearing about the fisher folks, but when coming to reality and the love for fisher folks is more disrespect than love,” Harry noted. Harry admitted, though, to some of the shortcomings of the organization he leads. He referenced the failure to keep records as to when the fishermen leave and when they return. “That is something the fishermen and national fisherfolks will have to look into,” Harry stated. And as it relates to safety at sea, the President advanced the position that it was time to “make certain things mandatory, like GPS, VHF radio and life jackets.” There is also a need to encourage fisherfolk to call into the signal

Local ‘Messi’ shot and killed A NORTH LEEWARD MAN, Saville Murray, who also goes by the unmistakable nickname ‘Messi’, was found dead in the main road in Golden Grove, Fitz Hughes, around 5:30am yesterday, Thursday. Unconfirmed reports said that his body showed signs of a bullet wound to his head. Other reports said that he looked like he had received more than one bullet. Residents of the area are said to have responded after hearing the release of a number

of gunshots. One persons indicated that he last saw him wearing a black ‘hoodie’ which he was still wearing at the time of his death. Meanwhile, THE VINCENTIAN has received a report of a shooting incident in Diamonds. Persons from the area reported seeing two masked men chasing another man. One of those doing the chasing is said to have fired a number of shots. Unconfirmed reports

Saville ‘Messi’ Murray lay dad in the main road through the North Leeward community of Fitz Hughes. speak of two persons being injured. (KH)

station to say when they are leaving and their estimated time of return, Harry admitted. It is the general practice of fishermen who operate out of Rose Place to leave on their fishing trips around 5pm. They would, in most cases, return around 5pm. If it is that a fishing boat does not return by 7pm, as a first response, the NFO is alerted and

contact is made with the families of the fishermen, the Coast Guard and radio and TV stations. (KH)

Winsbert Harry, President of the NFO, called out the authorities for not doing enough for fisherfolk but also identified shortcomings on the part of fisherfolk themselves.

V New quarantine protocol in place 12. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Health

18 years, arriving in the country, the option to PRIOR TO JUNE 10, quarantine for forty-eight persons fully vaccinated hours in a private against COVID-19 and residence, instead of an traveling to St. Vincent approved hotel/guest and the Grenadines had to house. To qualify for this quarantine for forty-eight option, though, these hours in a governmenttravelers must present approved hotel/guest evidence that they have house. Persons arriving received a second dose of with a negative PCR test an approved vaccine, would quarantine for administered at least two fourteen days in a weeks before they government-approved embarked on their facility (hotel/guest travels. house), while those testing During NBC’s Face to positive on arrival were Face programme on housed in a government Tuesday, 15th June, isolation facility. Health Promotion Now, as of Thursday, Officer, Ms. Shenica June 10, a new protocol John noted that risk for travelers arriving in designations were issued SVG was rolled out by by the Heath Services the Ministry of Health. Committee of the The new protocol gives National Emergency fully vaccinated persons Management and accompanying Organization. children under the age of In response to a by GLORIAH…

caller’s question, she explained that travelers from very high-risk countries like India and Brazil will not be eligible for to apply for this waiver. Those from high-risk and low-risk countries like England and the USA could apply. As far as this protocol goes, persons traveling from high-risk Caribbean territories like Trinidad and Tobago, and low-risk countries like Grenada and Montserrat could benefit from this amendment. According to the NEMO Health Services Committee, an email must be sent to coronavirustaskforcesvg@ gmail.com two weeks before arriving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The protocol states,

however, that a private residence identified should either be empty, or all of the adult occupants of the residence must have been fully vaccinated. All occupants of the residence must traveller(s) for the fortyquarantine with the eight-hour period.

There are new COVID19 related quarantine guidelines for persons arriving in SVG.

The COVID-19 situation in SVG as of June 14, 2021.

ECCU COVID-19 situation: SVG stand outs ACCORDING TO THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN CURRENCY UNION (ECCU) COVID-19 Tracker, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as of Monday, June 14, 2021, had the most active cases of COVID-19 in the Union. That figure stood at 246 and was followed by St. Kitts and Nevis with 123 cases and St. Lucia with 111. No other member country of the ECCU had, as of the date referred, recorded double figures of active cases. In terms of cases recorded between March 2020 and June 14, 2021 among ECCU members, St. Lucia recorded the highest, 5,178, followed by St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 2,156 and Antigua and Barbuda, 1,220. Montserrat was listed as having 20 cases, the least among ECCU members. St. Lucia recorded

4,983 recoveries for the period, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1,898 and Antigua and Barbuda 1,220. During the same period, St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded 12 deaths. St. Lucia led the way with 80 followed by Antigua and Barbuda with 42. And while this country stands out with the highest number of active cases, it perhaps followed logically that it would have the lowest recorded percentage of the population that had received either a first or second dose of a COVID19 vaccine. The ECCU COVID-19 Tracker recorded that 12.6 percent the population St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as of June 14, 2021, had received a first dose of the a vaccine, and 5.8 percent two doses. Anguilla, on the other hand, had 60.3 percent

as having had one dose and 36.8 percent as having had two doses. These figures were by some margins, the highest in the ECCU. In summary, for the period March 2020 and June 14, 2021, the ECCU recorded a total of 9,263 cases of COVID-19, 8,640 recoveries, 136 deaths and 481 active cases. The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (i.e. those countries which use the East Caribbean dollar) is comprised of: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and Montserrat. (Source: ECCU)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 13.

Education

CXC-SVG exam schedule agreed

Arts, Science and Social Studies. Results of these THE CARIBBEAN exams are expected to be EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL returned in August, (CXC) has officially 2021. adjusted the The dates set for the administration of the suite Caribbean Secondary of examinations it offers, Examination Certificate as it relates to this (CSEC) are 2nd — 20th country. August, 2021. Education Minister Paper 1 will be Curtis King had alluded administered in a paper previously to based modality in all negotiations between his subject areas, but there Ministry and CXC will be an additional officials. practical component Those negotiations (Paper 2) and School centred on consideration Based Assessment for possible (Paper 3) both of which readjustments in the will be completed before schedule for the suite of Examination Day, for the examinations offered by following subject areas: CXC, given the impact of Human and Social the COVID-19 pandemic Biology, French, Spanish, and the eruption of the Theatre Arts, Visual La Soufrière volcano. Arts, Physical Education These negotiations and Sports and Music. have in the following: Where the Caribbean The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Primary Exit Assessment Examination (CAPE) is (CPEA) will be conducted concerned, the exam will on Tuesday 27th and run from 16th August to Wednesday 28th July, 3rd September, 2021. 2021 with all subject Here, only Paper 1 areas being tested: will be administered for Mathematics, Language all subject areas with

Below: Paper 1 will be required for all subject area and will be administered in a paper based modality. (Photo credit: Min of Ed/Guy)

Stories by GLORIAH…

additional papers for French and Spanish. Paper 1 will be administered through the e-Testing modality with the exception of Communication Studies which will be paper-

based. Private candidates writing CSEC and CAPE will be offered Paper 32. The Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) examination

will be administered between 23rd and 26th August, 2021 and results are expected to be presented between mid to late October. The Caribbean Vocational Qualification

(CVQ) will also complete audits in October 2021. As of Wednesday, no time fame or dates were given for the return of results for the CSEC and CAPE.

Students give CXC a negative rating Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).” The news agency stated that the Council conducted the online survey to ascertain students’ general level of satisfaction with CXC itself, and the exit examinations it administrates between 31st May and 2nd June. Respondents originated mainly from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, with sizeable representation of Guyanese and Eastern Some 80% of students surveyed gave CXC a Caribbean students. failing grade for the extent to which the Council A regional lobby group values them as significant stakeholders. (Photo calling itself the Caribbean Source: Smith College) Coalition for Exam Redress now seeks to THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS signal its “intent to form a permanent COUNCIL (CXC) has received negative reviews from students across advocacy vehicle through which we can continue to promote the best interests the region. According to NationNews, “A survey of students and parents, amplify their voices and collaborate with other conducted among students across the stakeholders as we seek to relook region pointed to extreme Caribbean educational assessment to dissatisfaction with the Caribbean keep pace with developments in Examinations Council (CXC) and the international best practice”. arrangements the agency made for This decision is a direct spin-off this year’s Caribbean Secondary from the survey results. Education Certificate (CSEC) and

The Coalition reported that, “More than three-quarters are dissatisfied with the arrangements for 2021 exams.…8 out of 10 students are not ready to take examinations as presently structured and timetabled in 2021; 72 per cent of students want creative solutions, not a mere delay of traditional exams; 7 out of 10 students are completely dissatisfied with CXC’s deficient communication; and, most damningly, 80 per cent of students do not feel that CXC values them as stakeholders.” Many grievances surfaced as the exams scheduled to begin on 28th June will maintain their original formats notwithstanding the loss of instructional time due to the COVID19 pandemic. The Coalition declared that a demand has been made by regional students for an “independent commission of inquiry to investigate the events of 2020-21 and the operations of CXC generally (87 per cent support), and a permanent independent regulatory body to oversee the operations of CXC (87 per cent support)”. To this call also, has been added the support by over ninety per cent of students for the establishment of a regional parent-student body to

advocate for their best interest. As it moves forward, the Caribbean Coalition for Exam Redress has expressed its lack of conviction about the “seriousness with which the CXC sought to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review Team, which was convened by CXC Chairman Sir Hilary Beckles and submitted its report in October last year.” The team had reviewed the modified approach for the administration of the July/August 2020 CSEC and CAPE exams, the moderation process applied to the School-Based Assessment (SBA) for those exams, and the grading process, among other related matters. (Source: NationNews)

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Republic Bank supports Climate Financial Goals

Nigel Baptiste, Republic Group’s President and CEO, affirmed that his Group was working behind the scenes in facilitating achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” THE REPUBLIC GROUP has signaled its intention to lend and invest USD$200 million by 2025 to support actions that

would help achieve major Climate Finance Goals. These goals will be achieved by activities which include the lending and investment for loans that enable the sale of electric and hybrid cars, loans that are aligned to the promotion of clean fuels, renewable energy and technology that contribute to an improvement in energy efficiency, and construction loans that deploy climateresilient technologies. This comes as the Group rolls out its objectives as a signatory to UN’s Principles of Responsible Banking and

the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. The Group had previously announced that capital will be directed to the preservation of the environment, supporting renewable energy and green initiatives and bolstering the blue economy. According to the Group’s President and CEO, Nigel Baptiste, “Since signing the Principles of Responsible Banking, we have been working behind the scenes to implement several impactful and measurable initiatives, all aimed at supporting UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs).” He added, “Given the negative impact of climate change on the Caribbean and our dependence on fossil fuels, we have identified Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) as priority goals for Republic Group and we believe that through our climate finance lending and investment packages, we will be on a path to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.” (Contributed by: Republic Bank)

BRAGSA to pay out $3 million THE ROADS, BUILDINGS AND GENERAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (BRAGSA) is scheduled, over the next two weeks, to pay out 3 million EC dollars to road workers. In fact, the first payments to the six thousand persons who participated in the 7-day long road cleaning programme commenced on Wednesday, and BRAGSA Communications OfficerRohan Cupid said payments will also be made this week in the Northern Grenadines

and on the Windward side of mainland St. Vincent. Payments for workers in Kingstown, the Southern Grenadines and the Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent will be made on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Cupid further advised that in an effort to limit the number of persons at the locations at any given time, the payment format was changed with gangs being paid on Wednesday and Thursday, and Jobbers on Friday.

BRAGSA has made payment format changes so as to avoid large gathering of people (as pictured) in any one location. (Photo Credit: BRAGSA)

Gang leaders are therefore being asked to contact the District Officers for further information. The Communications Officer has cautioned that COVID-19 protocols will be enforced and has urged persons to adhere to the protocols, which includes hand-sanitizing, social distancing and the wearing of masks. Payments will be

made at the following locations: South Windward — Biabou Office; South Central Windward — Sans Souci

LRC; North Central Windward — Georgetown Police Station & Colonaire LRC; West St. George — Public Works

Yard, Arnos Vale; East St. George — Calliaqua LRC; Marriaqua — Mespo Police Station. (Source: BRAGSA)

V Thanks to the workers of CWSA

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 15.

Opinion

GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE! Statements like this along with the poor data analysis associated with this comment, make most Vincentian distrust politicians. The following statement was made a few weeks ago by the leader of the Green Party: “CWSA statistics showed that during the period of 2006 to 2010, the average number of household water disconnections per month was 360. Over this 5-year period, this means that about 21,600 households were disconnected from the mains water supply. If the average household is 3 people, then the number of people cut off from the piped water supply over this 5-year period was about 64,800 people.” I’m not going to spend time a lot trying to take this analysis apart, that’s too easy. According to Mr. Saunders, the Chief Executive Officer, CWSA

has approximately 40,000 customers. According to the Green Party Leader, the collection data show an average of 360, or slightly less than 1% of its customers, is subject to disconnection monthly for nonpayment. Based on my experience that is not an exorbitant number and is well within the industry standards. My experience also tells me that less than 25% of those eligible for disconnection will get disconnected. About half of those disconnected will likely be reconnected within two months. Our country has a lot of work to do in many areas, but the water delivery system is one of our best-run enterprises. They need to work on a few things like storage capacity and water pressure in some parts of the service area. The storage capacity is particularly important during the dry weather

Local government apparatus badly needed FROM MY POSITION I am inclined to the view, that those charged with administration have been themselves the fashioners of the dilemma which now faces us because of the COVID-19 scourge. When the electioneering began towards the end of last year, we were already aware of the risks of the spread of COVID-19, but we did not see the political parties exhibiting the level of concern during their campaigning. I remember distinctly at Arnos Vale the entertainer MC urged people to come closer to the stage. Today we are under serious stress. The Ministry of Health is to some degree blameable for the erosion of the people’s confidence in them when their attitude relative to elementary health care issues, are so clearly dissatisfactory. I myself am influenced by the “wutless-neglect” exhibited at the back of the Girls’ High School and the St. Vincent Grammar School, the two most prominent secondary schools in the land. They are over 100 years old and many of our leading administrators have been graduates of those institutions. Incidentally the head offices of the two leading political parties are located less than two hundred yards from those schools. Yet, we have that situation persisting for over a year. To compound the issue, the evacuees had to be accommodated at those schools. It must be remembered that we lost one of the students to dengue some time ago. We need to urgently address with maturity the issues negatively impacting our people. Incidentally the local government apparatus would have been a very valuable tool in addressing many of the issues facing us today. LeRoy Providence

season. However, as Mr. Saunders stated in a recent address to the nation, shoring up the supply and storage side of the system will be a very expensive proposition. His question was, how much are we willing to pay for that assurance? My question is, can we afford not to invest in the improvements needed to

establish a higher level of water security? You see, in addition to Climate Change, we now have a new contributing factor to contend in our watershed areas. Yes, the destruction of our forest caused by the eruption of volcanic will have a long-lasting impact on the water production capacity. I was pleased to hear from Mr. Saunders that they

are studying the various alternatives and would be in a position to make informed recommendations to the Board of Directors when asked. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Saunders and the staff of the Water Department for their excellent job done during the volcano eruption. I am especially proud of

the fact that our water testing lab was confirmed to be of the highest quality. As a consumer, I would also like to know what we are some of the contaminants they test for regularly. I am particularly concerned about the inorganic and organic contaminants. Horatio

16. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

One thing on their mind

Dear George, FOR A LONG while now I have been searching for the right man to no avail. Every prospect has ended in disappointment. Because of my sexy figure, the men I attract have only one thing on their mind — to get me into bed. I want a man who can love me for me and not my body. How do I get these men to love me for what’s in my heart and not between my legs? I’m not getting any younger.

Frustrated and single Dear Frustrated and single,

not. It certainly won’t hurt to discuss your expectations at the beginning of a relationship so that your partner would be guided accordingly. Do not let the pace of your body clock rush you into settling for men of lesser quality. Sex is just one part of the total package, albeit an important part, you are offering and that message must be sent without contradiction. If you pay close enough attention you will know when a man is just after sexual gratification.

You have quite a challenge on your hand, i.e. to decipher whether the next George prospect is in for the whole package or

Thank you, George Dear George, YOU ADVISED me two years ago to ditch the man I was with, leaving him to run after the other women in his life. I can now tell you that was the best advice I’ve ever received. Time has been kind to me and during those 2 years I’ve met another man, married him and we have a beautiful child. I’m presently living in Texas and very happy. Keep up the good work.

excellent choices and give yourself a welldeserved pat on the

back.

George

Abusive caregiver Dear George,

Very Satisfied Sister.

I WITNESSED a caregiver abusing the person for whom he was caring. When I confronted him, he said I should mind my own business. It is not right what he is doing but how can I get this matter addressed? Apparently he does not care about this man at all. The sad thing is the man who is under his care, does not think he (caregiver) is doing anything wrong. I want to do something about the situation but what?

Dear VSS,

Terribly upset

I’m very happy for you and I am encouraged that you acted on the suggestions I gave to you at the time. If we could only see around the bend then we would avoid a lot of the things and people who are there just to throw us off course, but we can’t. Continue to make

Dear Terribly upset, You have a civic responsibility to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate department of the state (government). In the meantime, consider reaching out to relatives of this man, if there are, to letting them know the score. The arrogance of this individual must not be tolerated.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble. Get together with those you find men tally stimulating. Don’t let your partner get you going. You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t deny yourself this week. Do not trust others with important information. You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first. You will have a little more energy than usual.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Call someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Look into some form of physical recreation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. Your flair for dramatic appeal will unleash itself at social functions.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Make creative changes to your living quarters. Put all your energy into moneymaking ventures.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may find that getting together with colleagues after hours will be worthwhile. If you’re looking to do something worthwhile, consider volunteer work.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try to keep ahead of the game. You will meet new romantic partners if you get involved in seminars or travel. You will be on the rampage this week. Try to get away with your mate. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Use your quick wit to win points with friends. Changes in your home environment may cause friction. Don’t be too eager to spend what’s left over; more unexpected expenses are evident. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don’t let relatives make demands of you. Think before you act. Don’t rely on others to do your work. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Just be yourself. You can form new partnerships, but don’t move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Unique forms of entertainment could capture your attention and bring about a romantic interest. Avoid any intimate involvement’s with coworkers or employers. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can set your goals and make a beeline for your target. Try not to donate to organizations if you can hardly afford to take care of yourself. Put something away in case of an emergency.

ACROSS 1. Potato, in some parts 5. Museum display 8. Genesis location 12. Leisure 13. Macabre writer 14. Ear region 15. Looks over 16. Reef fish 17. Moves jerkily 18. Juvenile individual 20. Least beneficial 21. Lively 24. Create sketches 26. Paint-can cover 27. Baseball flub 29. Swiss mountain 32. Every person 33. Motor lubricant 34. Spooky sound 35. Hive bug 36. Escapes 38. Teacup brim 39. Young ladies 40. The ones here 42. Back tooth 45. Cereal grain 46. Assist 47. Fancy getaway 49. Deadly snakes 53. Vocal quality 54. Skirt edge 55. Unblemished 56. Watery expanses 57. Bark sharply 58. Winter prediction DOWN 1. Consult (a doctor) 2. Settle (debts) 3. Exploit selfishly 4. Office furniture items 5. Copied

6. Caviar ingredient 7. _ Aviv, Israel city 8. Arm joint 9. House portal 10. Becomes weak 11. Sparrow home 19. Dwight Eisenhower, informally 20. Simple card game 21. Talk too much 22. Make mad 23. Not at work 24. Loses moisture 25. Acting quest 28. Attendance list 29. Talented 30. _ Lane, Superman’s girl 31. Church leader 36. At a distance 37. Swine residence

39. Fence openings 41. Piles 42. Wrestling surfaces 43. Clarinet cousin 44. Jazzy Horne 45. Sloped platform

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 19.

47. Timid 48. Bead-sized veggie 50. Celestial light source 51. Paid golfer 52. Ply needle and thread

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

SVG to attend Tokyo Olympic Games

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will be represented at the postponed 2020 Summer Olympic Games, slated for Tokyo, Japan, from 23rd July to 8th August, 2021. This was revealed by President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee Organization (SVGOC)- Trevor Bailey, last Tuesday. In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Bailey confirmed, “We will definitely be sending a team to the Olympic Games… It will be a small team.” He disclosed that the SVGOC will be making use of the two universality places available to them in Track and Field and Swimming. “We are in the process of finalising everything and the team will be announced in the upcoming weeks,” Bailey informed. Bailey commented that this

country’s participation comes despite many calls for cancellation of the Games. These calls are predicated on the fact that in the last month or so, there has been a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Japan, resulting in Tokyo being placed under strict lockdown until 20th June. Organisers, though, have argued that a cancellation would redound as too costly for both Japan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Also, among their concerns is the loss in broadcast revenue. However, in the face of the stoic stance by the organizes, thousands of the volunteers for the Track and Field events pulled out earlier this month. Notwithstanding that exodus, organisers have promised a safe and secure 2020 Games, and towards lessening the threat of

infection, no foreign spectators will be allowed in Japan for the Olympic Games. Athletes, officials, the media, Olympic Family members, sponsors and other support staff attending the Olympic Games, will be subject to regular testing for the coronavirus and to GPS (Global Monitoring System) to trace them retroactively in the event of issues related Nikolas Sylvester wrote to Covid-19. They will also have himself into SVG’s Track and Field/Swimming annals when to download several he won his heat in the 50m applications, sign a freestyle at the 2016 Rio pledge to follow the Games in Brazil. He, rules, maintain social however, did not advance to President of the SVGOC- Trevor distancing, stay off the semi-finals. Bailey has given the assurance that public transport for SVG will be in Tokyo. the first 14 days and The 2020 Olympic make known their Games, originally pandemic proportions. whereabouts to organisers. scheduled 24th At the 2016 Rio Games in July to 9th August, Brazil, St Vincent and the were forced to be Grenadines was represented postponed following by Track athletes- Kineke the emergency of Alexander and Brandon the coronavirus/ Valentine-Parris and COVID-19 and its swimmers- Nikolas Sylvester quick rise to and Shne Joachim.

Xcel, High Performance control Mini Meet ATHLETES FROM THE HIGH PERFORMANCE and Xcel Track and Field athletics clubs took top honors in the Mini Meet 6 organized by Team Athletics SVG, and staged last week at the Diamond Track and Facility. High Performance Club‘s win included: Akayla Hamblet - girls 15-17 800M in 2:38.13; Devonic Mack - boys 1517 100M in 11.59; Zita Vincent - women 18-22 800M in 2:32.66; and women 18-22 5000M in 21:18.66; Marlene Richards - girls 15-17 400M in 1;01.53; Warren Lewis - boys 15-17 shot put with 11.93M; Kirk Hamlet — males 18-22 shot put with 11.49M;

Female athletes in action at the Mini Meet held at the Diamond Track and Field Facility.

Kriston Wyllie mixed 15-17 3000M in 10:57.24; and Garcia Leigertwood - girls 13-14 100M in 13.76. Xcel Track and Field Club recorded wins as follows: Nellie Ambriton boys 15-17 800M in 1:57.95; Desroy Jordan — male 18-22 800M in 1:56.03; Lawrence Arthur — men 23+ 800M in 2:08.91; Israel Cumberbatch - boys 1314 800M in 2:2031; Ethan Isaacs - boys 1314 100M in 12.56 and boys 13-14 200M in 24.92; Amal Glasgow boys 15-17 400M in 49.78; Malik Ferdinand —

male 18-22 400M in 49.13. It-Dat Academy victories: Sage Primus — male 18-22 100M in 11.07; Kyle Lawrencemale 23+ 100M in 10.98; Shonte Matthias - girl’s 15-17 100M in in 12.90. Chatoyer’s Newman Peters took the male 1829 5000M in 17:06.34, and Pamenos Ballantyne the 23+ 5000M in 17:21.87

Other winners: Mustang’s Kekisha Kelly - girls 13-14 800M in 2:57.95; UNAT’s Godwyn Roban - male 23+ 400M in 51.24; Xceed’s Kiara Ollivierre - girls 15-17 shot put with 7.29M; Roses Academy’s Veronica Francois — female 18-22 100M in 13.70. I.B.A.ALLEN

CORRECTION IN OUR EDITION OF FRIDAY 11TH JUNE, 2021, we carried an article (see page 21) headlined ‘Baptiste eyes the ultimate in umpiring’, which featured Andy Baptiste an the ambitions he holds for his cricket umpiring career. In the article, we referred to his academic qualifications. Andy Baptiste There was a misrepresentation in this regard for which we implore Mr. Baptiste’s understanding. Andy Baptiste, we are pleased to say (correctly), received his undergraduate degree from The University of the West Indies and two Master’s degrees, one (online) in Project Management from La Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional (UCI) - Costa Rica, and the other in GeoInformation Sciences from the University of Twente — Netherlands.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 21.

Sports

SVG in Group B of U17 WomenÊs Qualifiers ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will contest in Group B of the Under-17 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers. When the draw was made last Friday at Concacaf’s Headquarters in Miami, Florida, USA, it showed St Vincent and the Grenadines placed alongside Barbados, Curacao and Belize, in Group B. St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the United States Virgin Islands and Suriname are in Group A, while

Honduras, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Anguilla are drawn in Group C. Group D comprises Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Guyana and Guadeloupe. Matches in the four groups, to be played in a round- robin format, are expected to be played in August of this year. Only the winner of each group will advance to the Knock-Out phase. Sixteen teams, which did not have

Some of the prospective Under-17 players in training at the Grammar School Playing Field. to go through the qualifying phase, will be involved in a group stage of competition. In the round of sixteen are Mexico, Canada, Haiti, the United States, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Grenada and Nicaragua. They will be placed in groups of four, where they will engage

in round-robin play. The top three teams from each group will be joined by the four qualifiers for the Knock-Out phase. The Knock-Out phase will be a single elimination match. The winner, the runner-up and the third place team will get berths to the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which takes place in October in India. I.B.A. ALLEN

Coach Bramble admits to challenges ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will join Barbados, Belize and Curacao in Group B of the CONCACAF 2022 Women’s Under-17 Championship Qualifiers, scheduled to kick off in August. Thirty-two CONCACAF member countries are down to participate in the Championship which will feature a qualifiers round, a top 16 group

stage, and a knock out. Andrew Bramble, Head Coach of the SVG National Under-17 Female Football team, told THE VINCENTIAN that despite the challenges, he is confident the girls will give a good account of themselves. “We were training but this was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak and the eruption of the volcano. We are looking

to restart soon under strict protocols. We should have a provisional list of 35 and because of the varying skill levels of the females, it will take extra effort to get the players up to the standard. We are hoping we don’t have any further delay in training,” Bramble said. The Head Coach, though, noted a stark challenge, pointing to: ‘Some of the girls will

have exams around the preparation and competition phases, so we will have to look carefully at the make-up of the team. Luckily we have a core of players from the Under-14 and some still from the Under-17 squads so we can build around that.” Given the limited time for preparation, Bramble said, “Our focus will be playing more matches especially against a few

Andrew Bramble, Head Coach of the National U-17 Female Football Team recognizes the challenges he faces ahead of the Qualifiers. male teams while doing less actual coaching. This, I believe, will help the players to be in a state of readiness.” SVG’s first game will

The next level of football

of their achievements that they are going to share their experiences and I HAVE BEEN calling on players and knowledge with clubs, to have them coaches to form themselves into ‘get up to national standard’. respective associations, towards Of interest towards informing these ensuring ongoing ‘education’ about the ‘consultations’ is that there are more laws od football, and as far as the players from the losing teams - the coaches are concerned, to keep bottom half of the league themselves attuned to advanced representing the national team. knowledge of the principles of Our first time in CONCACAF club coaching. championship was in the 80s and we All of this will empower both have failed on every occasion to groups of professionals and work in qualify, “football is developing”, the favour of the players and the game. executive say. The SVGFF executive has Not implementing good practices is recognized there is a lack of courage, our problem. These series of knowledge and leadership among the consultations should serve football two groups and have now taken the very well, as coaches and their opportunity to invite the clubs’ head technical directors and committees coaches and their technical directors will get the opportunity to air their to a series of consultations, “to get views, and the Executives will learn them up to their standards”, where about the players and coaches they can identify with national requirements, that’s if at all they feel philosophy. they have lessons to learn. These guys are going to be so proud I suggest that the SVGFF should Part One

be against Barbados, followed by Curacao and then Belize. I.B.A. ALLEN

We have to guard against mix messages, differences of opinion and interpretation. We must encourage the Executive for showing they mean well, therefore players, coaches, spectators, supporters and sponsors must support Seminars needed these consultations. Some good will be come out of these consultations, not being the formation of coaches and The Executive should also invite the Technical Committee members to players associations. attend specific training seminars to The national senior team players are requesting a new manager. Are enhance their knowledge and performances, and become acquainted the consultations at work? with the SVGFF policies. Our club champions Hope Only then should they move on to International have just continue the head coach and director. failing process to qualify at the CONCACAF Club Championship The process of these consultations and the transition period that follows level. Would we hear from the players will take a very long time. Convincing their experience in a postmortem? persons through words and putting Better preparation could be into action what has been transmitted forthcoming. Let’s start now. are two separate stories, i.e. words are one thing (action) implementation is Rollit Waldron another.

first find out how clubs’ Technical Committees function and are structured, then together arrived at a model for all clubs to follow. So, when players are transferred they will know what to expect.

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Black Lives Matter THIS MOVEMENT assumed unprecedented momentum across the globe, buoyed by with technology (communications) that present the evidence of discriminatory behaviour as plain as could be, everyone to see. People galvanised in rage and riots, overtook many cities as a result of the degrading practice of dehumanisation of the black race. The systematic lynching of the black population continues unabated, and reaction to the racial slurs last a few moments. As soon as the smoke drifts from demonstrations, signs of the factors that trigger the explosion reappear with uncanny regularity. One of the contributors to the scourge of racism is that it is encouraged by some black persons. The South African born singer Lucky Dube pointed it out in one of his compositions when he indicated, “not every white man is an enemy,” and words to the effect that not every black man is a brother. Martin Luther Kings expounded that one ought to be judged by the strength of their character, “not by the colour of your skin.” The Caribbean region bears vivid testimony of that scenario, for how else can one explain the killings that occur among blacks in most of the states in the area. They have copied the manuscript from the Americans. Caribbean police have picked up their cue from their American counterparts. They clothe themselves in a uniform which projects White supremacy. So, no matter how one pretends to be sincere, it has become standard that anything black ought not to be given attention. Look how long it took for apartheid in South Africa to be disrupted. But there is another debate as to whether anything has changed. There is the token measure of inclusion of black faced players on the South African cricket squad, traditionally a Whites only club. Even the government in South Africa might have changed in colour, but the economic reality has provided little by way of developing the majority population. Of all the sectors, segments, settlements of black civilisations, those in the Caribbean have the greatest record of co-existence. The Garifuna story is one of the world’s mystery. It represents a combination of migratory trends that predates modern trends. There is the perception that some boat sank between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the survivors intermingled with the indigenous population. The projection is that black people were incapable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean until Christopher Columbus. That myth has long been shattered as history unveils. Black people are known to be hospitable so much so that their kindness has been exploited. The level of hypocrisy and parasitic approach that have become the hallmark of contemporary civilisation will leave openings for the continued brutality on black people. Law enforcement departments, induced by offerings of opportunities to be with the deceivers have become tools used in the suppression of black creativity. School syllabuses, use of text, uniforms and the entire system continue to fail the majority black population. So much so that it has become normal to reject aspects of blackness and for us to gravitate towards tendencies that serve to keep black people in bondage.

James pleased with ExplorersÊ effort LINDON JAMES, Captain of the Dark View Explorers who lost to eventual winners La Soufrière Hikers in the final of Vincy Premier League - VPL T10 3.0, is happy with the performance of his team. “As the captain of the Explorers, getting to the finals this season was a wonderful feeling since the past two sessions we came last and 4th respectively,” James admitted. He gave credit to the entire team saying, “I strongly believe it was a total team effort. Clear plans and roles of players going into each game led to our success in getting to the finals.” As for losing by one run in the final, James conceded, “Losing a final by one run is a hard pill to swallow, especially as a captain. However, we will want to learn from this situation and make sure we get it right the next time around.” He recognized that “all kinds of

stuff” will be said as to when and where the game slipped away from our hand. (But) as I told the guys, we all have to do our own reflection and see where we could have bowled, batted, fielded and caught better, be true to our self and learn from it, so if situation like these happens again we all can handle it better.” And as he thanked his players for the support they gave him, James singled out some players for special mention. “Our team is a very young team with the likes of young Luke Wilson who is only 16 years old, who was given the opportunity to play and did exceptionally well. He is a very smart bowler with great control and a good cricket head. Romano Pierre who scored the most runs in the tournament is just 24 years. He performed his role with credit. Also Shamon Hooper, Deron Greaves, Rayan Williams and Dean Browne, just

Lindon James Captain of Dark View Explorers, runners-up in the VPL T10 3.0.

to name a few others, fulfilled their roles and made my job easier.” As for the VPL and VPL 4.0, James had this to say: “The VPL is growing and has surpassed everyone’s expectation, sparking interest nationwide. I am already excited about VPL 4.0 and am super confident that we will take it all the way and win the final next time.” I.B.A.ALLEN

Pierre silences his critics ROMANO PIERRE, the top runs scorer in the recently concluded Dream 11 Vincy Premier League VPL T10 3.0 thinks that he has silenced those critics who said he was suited to the T10 format of cricket. In addition to letting his performance answer his critics, he had this to say: “To those persons who were saying I am not a player for this format, my response to them is,

David Warner, the Australian opening batsman, was not considered a test player, he was labeled a limited overs players but he came and played the longer version with success.” He added, “I adopted the mentality to prove to myself and others that you cannot write off players.” Pierre has played in all three editions of the VPL. About his first two outings, he said, “The first two versions of the VPL I didn’t express my ability. I played the first year for the Grenadines Divers, had a few opportunities but didn’t capitalize on them. The second VPL I Romano played for the Salt Pond Breakers Pierre, a and I didn’t get a chance to stylish leftshowcase my ability so that handed motivated me to work harder in batsman, the nets.” made good Not only did he resolve to work in his third outing in the harder but he told himself that VPL 3.0 was his time to shine. VPL.

And so he did, amassing 306 runs with his highest innings being 65 not out. He averaged 34 and had a strike rate 148.51, helping in no small measure to see Dark View Explorers into the final for the first time. Looking ahead, Pierre recognizes that he needs to work on improving a few areas in his batting. “I know that I have some things to work on in regards to my weak and strong points and with the VPL and the exposure of players on television where selectors local and regionally will be watching, I am just trying to analyze my game more so I can better my last performance.” He added, “This VPL is a good opportunity for us and I urge players to work hard on their game and make the best use of the opportunity.” I.B.A.ALLEN

Friday writes international bodies stifled, the truth will remain concealed, and justice will be The letter dated June 9 stated denied.” by way of introduction, ““I wish to Friday contended that eight draw your attention to a weeks after the alleged shooting, developing crisis in St. Vincent no arrest or the detention of and the Grenadines. It involves a anyone has been made, “and the shooting incident that has stirred seeming unusual delay had the conscience of our nation and shaken the confidence of the fuelled serious doubts about the public in the ability of the administration of justice and the Commissioner of Police, or the rule of law in the country.” Director of Public Prosecutions to It continued, “It is feared that investigate and prosecute the unless regional and international matter.” attention is drawn to it, proper He added, “On behalf of the investigation of the matter will be people of St Vincent and the Continued from Page 5.

Grenadines, I rely on your commitment to good governance, the principles of justice and the rule of law and urge you to look into this matter.” According to the opposition leader, he expected that all the recipients will respond to the letter. “But, even if they do not, it is still important that I wrote because now we are certain that they know about the matter. And if our worse fears come to pass, they will not be able to say they did not know,” Friday said. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021. 23.

Classifieds

Ashelle Morgan? Mitchell versus Gonsalves

Government as Attorneys General. According to Dr. Addressing a press Gonsalves, “They conference last Tuesday, resigned over certain Dr. Gonsalves countered things which they Sir James’ stance with, admitted, and they were “Then I saw Sir James not charged with any say he would have fired criminal offence. He said Ashelle. Did he fire he fired persons. Way he Carlyle? Did he fire ‘PR’? fire them?” “Of course, Carlyle And as the Prime referred to Carlyle Minister seemed to Dougan and ‘PR’ to become even more Parnel Campbell, who agitated, he blurted, had both served the “Look, Sir James, don’t Mitchell/NDP get me…. . Look, I Continued from Backpage.

respect you. You held this office 16 years plus, but don’t trespass in areas, please, don’t try to rewrite history. I was involved in those issues with my friend PR and Carlyle, and I know what the facts are.” And addressing the issue at hand, the Prime Minister posited, “.. we will find out shortly what the DPP will do, and if she charges for whatever offenses, there would be a trial. If she doesn’t

WINSTON LEROY JOHN a.k.a. Spence Saturday, 12th June, 2021 New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

CLARABELLE LEWIS Saturday, 5th June, 2021 11 Hour Church Byera Viewing:10:00 a.m. Service:11:00 a.m. Interment: Byera Cemetery

charge, there is no trial. And I can’t attempt in any way to influence this.”

ROSALIND STEPHENS Saturday, 12th June, 2021 Church of God Worldwide Mission Viewing: 9:15 a.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery CECIL JAMES a.k.a. Uncle Baine Sunday, 13th June, 2021 St. Joseph Spiritual Baptist Church North Union Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: San Souci

SELDA WILHELMENA MCBURNETT Saturday, 5th June, 2021 Wesleyan Holiness Church Campden Park Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Lowmans LD Cemetery

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FRIDAY, JUNE

18, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.24

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Ashelle Morgan? Mitchell versus Gonsalves Under Sir James Mitchell as Prime Minister, Senator Ashelle Morgan would have been ‘out of here’.

HE MAY HAVE long departed the halls of government here, but former Prime Minister- Sir James Mitchell is still wont to comment on national issues and concerns. His frankness, though, from time to time, has raised the ire of persons on both sides of the political boundary.

APOLOGY

THE PHOTOGRAPH above accompanied an article headlined ‘ Police dropped the ball, says PM’, as carried on Page 24 of THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 11th June, 2021. We erred in two respects with the use of the photograph. One: We did not indicate the source of the photograph, i.e. Google Images under the banner ‘Large funerals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’. Two: That we did not do due diligence with respect to the photograph which would have

revealed that it was from 2018, long before the coronavirus emerged in this country. We are moved, therefore, to apologise to the persons highlighted in the photograph for any undue attention and discomfort that its use and reference to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic might have caused them. We assure those persons that there was no ill-intent on our part and anticipate their acceptance of our apology. MANAGEMENT The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.

The most recent such occurrence followed his comments with respect to the allegations involving Deputy Speaker of the House and Government Senator, Ashelle Morgan, and the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Karim Nelson, in the shooting of a 60-yearold male, Cornelius John. Speaking on a recent episode of the OMG morning programme on BOOM FM, Sir James stated categorically that if he was still in office, he would have fired Senator Ashelle Morgan. Sir James explained that as a senator appointed by government, Morgan held her position on the basis of the authority of the Prime Minister. It was the Prime Minister, Sir James continued, “who informs the Governor General that you should be made a senator.” So, in the case of passing judgement on whether Senator Morgan should be dismissed, that judgement, according to Sir James, rests with the Prime Minister and not with the Speaker only. Sir James went on to ask the speculate question: How much longer the Prime Minister was going to wait on the investigation which the Commissioner of Police said had been mounted by the Royal SVG Police Force? This investigation, Sir James assumed, was the grounds on which

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

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves warned Sir James about venturing into ‘areas’ he should be avoiding. the Prime Minister sought justice in the matter. But Sir James asked further, with a sense of satire, Is he (the Prime Minister) going to wait another two months or is he going to wait out the rest of the four years, or is there a feeling that this might be a storm in a teacup?” The flip side in the search of a resolution to the matter had to do with the Senator choosing to reign. However, Sir James repeated that action should be taken; the person should be fired. And as expected, Sir James’ comments created quite some discussion and attracted some farreaching reaction, not least from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Continued on Page 23.

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