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FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 19, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.38
www.thevincentian.com
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VINCENTIAN/TAIWAN LINKS STRENGTHENED Stories by WILLIAM’ KOJAH’ ANTHONY
BAU-SHUAN GER, the new Republic of Taiwan Ambassador to this country is confident that cultural links between the two countries are improving. His Excellency arrived here September 12, having replaced Weber Shih who left August 20. But Ger noted that the cooperation “has been bearing juicy fruits.” He pointed out that “bilateral relations have been strengthened by the deep friendship between the peoples of our two countries.” He highlighted the scholarship programme from which about 100 Vincentians have benefitted through higher education in Taiwan. His Excellency outlined that Vincentians not only learn Mandarin, “but also get to understand and appreciate the culture of Taiwan.” People in Taiwan learn about Vincentian culture “through the interaction with those young Vincentians,” His Excellency indicated. He pointed out that some Vincentians are speaking Mandarin. For him, “language and culture are inseparable.” Students at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, as well as
the general public are learning Mandarin from An-huei Siao who is from the Republic of China. The Ambassador highlighted the package which was manifested by a group of 17 College students who New Republic passed of Taiwan through San Ambassador Francisco, Los Bau-shuan Angeles, St. Ger takes in Kitts/Nevis the and St. Lucia performance before of the Taiwan winding up Youth their tour Ambassadors here. (right) at the “I am Community convinced College on that the Tuesday. cultural exchanges between our young generations are conducive to the enhancement of understanding and cooperation between the two peoples,” Ger assured.
Continued on Page 3.
CRIME AFFECTING ECONOMY CHIEF JUSTICE of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Janice Pereira is of the view that crime is slowing down development in territories within the jurisdiction. Justice Pereira was speaking in Anguilla last Wednesday at the Opening of the Law Term 2014 to 2015. The simulcast went to bases throughout the region as well as some radio stations.
Above: Lawyers on parade at the Opening of the Law Term 2014 to 2015 following the annual church service at the St. George’s Cathedral, Kingstown. Left: Chief Justice Pearletta Lanns inspecting the Guard of Honour. Continued on Page 3.
2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 3.
News 3
Taiwanese Youths impressed
by WILLIAM’ KOJAH’ ANTHONY
ISABEL WANG is a member of the 2014 Youth Ambassadors from Taiwan. She speaks fluent English, and kept the audience at the Community College in tune with what her colleagues were doing last Tuesday. Her mother and father are English Language teachers in her homeland. She returned home yesterday along with the rest of the delegation. But if things work out the way she plans, she will be back in St. Vincent and the Grenadines shortly. Taiwan Youth “I really love the place,” Wang Ambassador stated. 2014, Isabel She was moved by the Wang. “enthusiastic” welcome she received at the Community College. “They greeted us with heart-warming smiles,” she indicated. She is majoring in International Communications from the National Chengchi University. The delegation arrived here last Sunday and visited some of the projects having been undertaken here by her country. A trip to Fort Charlotte and the Botanic Gardens were also on the schedule. Wang was not the only one who was impressed by the Vincentian lifestyle. Chen-Shung Sun, a musician from the Department of Chinese Music Tainan National University, was absorbed by the sounds of a section of the Elite Steel Orchestra. He pulled out one of his bamboo flutes and entrenched himself with the band for some time at Beachcombers last Tuesday.
Several Taiwanese Youth Ambassadors watch with interest the local performances at the Community College on Tuesday.
Chen-Shung Sun, a musician from the Department of Chinese Music Tainan National University, couldn’t resist whipping out his bamboo flute during an Elite Steel Orchestra number. The flutist held the audience in awe with his variations and improvisations, to the delight of both his compatriots and Vincentians. “The music touched my heart,” he disclosed. Sun became the feature for some time, and the band was happy to accommodate him. He disclosed that he did not speak English so well, but he made music his universal language, and there was immediate and direct communication and understanding with the four-piece Elite outfit. It was something of a spontaneous outburst of youthful energy, as the Taiwanese flutist and his Vincentian musical fraternity, unleashed a number of renditions across the musical genre.
Crime affecting economy inevitable, and that time dictated the pace. Judicial staff gathered at the The backlog of cases is a worry to High Court in Kingstown for the Pereira, even with efforts to reduce event which came after a the numbers. If an assessment of procession led by the St. Vincent the situation is to be followed, there and the Grenadines Police Band is need for urgent response, from the St. George’s Cathedral in according to Pereira. Kingstown. She echoed the importance of On the High Court precincts, more personnel, resources and other Justice Pearletta Lanns, measures to attempt to stem the accompanied by Commissioner of tide of rising violence. Police Michael Charles, inspected a She does not think that laws Guard of Honour before the regional alone will achieve success, but that broadcast. the problem ought to be tackled in a Pereira focussed her address on holistic way. the theme: ‘Fulfilling our strategic The Chief Justice pointed to the vision in challenging times.’ increase in lawlessness as an She raised concerns about the “antithesis to economic independence of the judiciary, when development.” its functioning depended on money The question of regional from the government. integration is not escaping the The Chief Justice lamented the thoughts of the Chief Justice, and shortage of funding for the she contends that the Court is provision of resources and playing a role in the unity exercise. equipment to provide an efficient Pereira noted the incorporation justice system. As far as Pereira of the Magistracy to the High Court was concerned, this area has lived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, up to its reputation on the Antigua and Barbuda and international circuit; but she Montserrat, and she expressed the pointed to measures needed to wish that the procedure continue. ensure that the court system work She raised the matter of funding to everyone’s satisfaction. The Chief Justice noted that the for judicial improvement, especially with the use of technology. “Court has pressed on in fulfilling The scattered nature of the its vision, even in challenging islands contributes to the high cost times.” of ensuring justice, and Pereira She agreed that change was Continued from Frontpage.
welcomed new thrusts like video links as measures to reduce cost and time of dispensing of court matters. The question of transcripts preparation is a dilemma for Pereira, and she is pointing towards to use of digital audio recording as the official means of record keeping. A number of OECS countries are paying enough money to run the courts, and Pereira referred to the contributions as “woefully inadequate.” Pereira noted that her court dealt with issues of safety at the work place, while enduring an absence of sufficient surroundings. She also pointed to the safety of judges and other court personnel. The Chief Justice belaboured the importance of independence of the judiciary, and also alluded to ethics of the profession. Those for her went hand in hand with the rule of law. And those factors contributed to the issue of confidence in the administration of justice. It was not all gloom and doom, as far as the Chief Justice was concerned. There have been triumphs, and she is not one to accept defeat. And whatever the conditions, Pereira is sticking to her goal of fulfilling the strategic vision, no matter what the challenges are.
Vincentian/ Taiwan links strengthened Continued from Frontpage. The Taiwanese delegation performed at the Community College last Tuesday afternoon. They held the audience spellbound with their presentation. Acting Prime Minister Frederick Stephenson welcomed the new Ambassador and wished him a productive stint. He noted that the International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Programme was ongoing since 2009, and expressed the hope that the relationship continue to grow. Stephenson was more emphatic at a reception in honour of the Youth Ambassadors held at Beachcombers last Tuesday evening. In his capacity as Acting Prime Minister in the absence of Education Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel, Stephenson pointed to cooperation in fisheries, agriculture and the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme as evidence of the Taiwan support. Over 5,000 persons have been trained under the Yes programme, according to Stephenson. The Acting Prime Minister welcomed Ger, and highlighted that the Terminal Building at the Argyle airport was built by the Taiwanese. Stephenson, the Minister in charge of Youth, expressed the hope that the next set of Taiwanese Youth Ambassadors will have the use of the Argyle International Airport. Vice president of the opposition New Democratic Party St Clair Leacock welcomed Ambassador Ger and the Youth Ambassadors as well. He would like to see Vincentians adopt some ethics of the Taiwanese and “work hard and smart.” The Central Kingstown Parliamentarian outlined that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was a “better place because of the Taiwanese friendship.” Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Saboto Caesar was satisfied that Taiwan has had a positive impact on this nation’s development. He pointed to positions of influence in national circles, which are being held by persons who have been trained in Taiwan. Caesar too expressed admiration for the Taiwanese model of productivity. He is looking forward to having Taiwanese students studying at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Nigel Scott, Acting Director of the Community College, had noted that partnership was the way to go, when he spoke at the cultural event at his institution earlier that day.
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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
ÂBigger BigsÊ charged with violating traffic laws Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS LEON ‘BIGGER BIGS’ SAMUEL, the subject of a saga involving government’s revocation of permission granted to his ‘Bigger Trucking and Blocks Construction Company’ to mine sand at Rabbacca, has been slapped with four traffic charges. Samuel was arrested on Monday, September 15, while carrying out a one-man picket at Granby Street next to the building which houses the Ministry of Legal Affairs. He bore the placard, ‘Hon Judith Jones-Morgan stop the injustice I am human like you’. Samuel is charged with being the driver of motor vehicle PR382 failed to comply with road sign ‘Police Notice No Parking’, on September 15 at Granby Street, did unlawfully allow the said vehicle to stand on such a way as to cause unnecessary obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the same date, did fail to move his vehicle when told to do so by a police officer in uniform, and causing inconvenience to the public in exercise of their common rights. It is alleged that during the protest, Samuel parked his vehicle at the exit area for vehicles in the parking area of the building which houses the Ministry of Legal Affairs, which includes the Attorney General’s Chambers and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). It is also alleged that Samuel failed to remove the vehicle when a police officer in uniform told him to do so. Samuel appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, September 17. Attorney Bayliss Frederick told the court that he was part of a legal team representing Samuel, and that his client does not want to plea at that stage because he (Frederick) understands there are other charges to come, and he does not know what to plea to. But the Chief Magistrate made it clear that she wanted pleas entered on the charges that were before the court. Samuel then pleaded not guilty to all four charges. The matters were adjourned to October 8, and Samuel, who was on station bail, had his bail continued. Samuel later told THE VINCENTIAN that he was carrying out a peaceful protest next to the building which houses the Ministry of Legal Affairs when he was arrested. He said he was calling on the AG to look
Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel pledges to continue protest. into his matter, as he was reliably informed that the technical persons had written to her since June 21 for her guidance, and were still awaiting a response. Samuel said Cabinet’s decision to close his sand mining operation at Rabbacca in February 2011 had led to the closure of his other businesses, including trucking, block making and construction. He said the protests will continue. “I am not going to stop until the matter is truthfully resolved”, he declared.
FIU officer takes up magisterial appointment NEWLY APPOINTED acting Magistrate Carla James says she is grateful to serve in that capacity, and will carry out her functions as Magistrate “with impartiality and without fear or favour”. James was speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, shortly after being sworn in at Government House as a temporary Magistrate. The young lawyer, who served as Legal Officer with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), will preside over the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, where she is expected to take up duties soon. James received her early education at the Kingstown Preparatory
School (KPS), the Girls’ High School, and at the sixth form of the St. Vincent Grammar School. She worked for a brief period at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) before proceeding to pursue legal studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbado,s where she obtained her LLB. She then attended the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, where she received her Legal Education Certificate. Her inservice training was done here, at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). James was called to the local Bar in November 2003, but had been working with the FIU
since August 2003. During her tenure there, she dealt with a wide variety of matters, including applications for detention orders at the Magistrate’s Court, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act, and applications for production and restrain orders at the High Court, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act. She was also involved in the preparation of Money Laundering cases. James is grateful to FIU Director Grenville Williams and staff for their direction over the years. James sat alongside newly appointed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias during a sitting of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. She was
Carla James congratulated by Prosecutors ASP Glenford Gregg and Constable Shamrock Pierre, as well as defence lawyers Stephen Williams, Jaundy Martin, Grant Connell and Isreal Bruce. This is not the first time a lawyer from the FIU is taking up duties as Magistrate. Some years ago, then Director of the FIU Sharda Bollers acted as Chief Magistrate for a six-month period.
Browne-Matthias appointed Chief Magistrate THE SUSPENSE and speculation among citizens as to who would fill the post of Chief Magistrate which was vacant for close to five months, ended this week. Rechanne BrowneMatthias, who was Magistrate at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court for the past 19 Rechanne months, was sworn in to Browne-Matthias the office of Chief Magistrate on Monday at Government House. Browne-Matthias told THE VINCENTIAN, when contacted on Tuesday, “I look forward to continue serving my country and dispensing justice fairly”. Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, who prosecutes at the Serious Offences Court where the new Chief Magistrate is expected to take up duties soon, extended congratulations to Browne-Matthias, while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. “I welcome the appointment of a Chief Magistrate, and I look forward to appearing before her in a prosecutorial capacity”, Delpleche said. “I am happy for the appointment, because we can now have those backlog matters at the Serious Offences Court being dealt with”, he added. THE VINCENTIAN newspaper had highlighted the prolonged absence of a Chief Magistrate, during a story on page 4, August 29, headlined, “Still no Chief Magistrate”. Browne-Matthias received her early education at the Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS), Girls’ High School (GHS) and at the sixth form of the St. Vincent Grammar School. She then pursued legal studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados from 1995 to 1998. After obtaining her LLB, she did her Master’s in Corporate Law in Nottingham, England in 1998, and her Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School the following year. Browne-Matthias was called to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2000, and to the local Bar in September 2000. She then got involved in private legal practice until 2012 when she was appointed Acting President of the Family Court. She was assigned as Magistrate of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court in February 2103, following the retirement of then Senior Magistrate Donald Browne, who presided over that Court. The post of Chief Magistrate became vacant after then Chief Magistrate Sonya Young presided in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the last on April 4 this year. She subsequently took up duties in Belize as a High Court Judge. The Serious Offences Court, over which the Chief Magistrate presides, had not been sitting since. The new Chief Magistrate was congratulated on her elevation during a sitting of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, held in the room that houses the Serious Offences Court. Congratulatory remarks came from Prosecutors ASP Glenford Gregg and Constable Shamrock Pierre, as well as defence lawyers Stephen Williams, Jaundy Martin, Grant Connell and Israel Bruce. All Magistrates are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC).
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 5.
News
Farmers Support Company a blessing to farmers Stories by KENVILLE HORNE EIGHT MONTHS AFTER the Farmers Support Company (FSC) commenced the programme of giving loans from its $6 million credit facility to farmers in need of assistance, some farmers have already begun singing praises to the company. On Thursdays 11th, members of the media were taken on a field tour of the Windward side of the island, where the farmers spoke about their success thus far. Ettie Lennon-Williams and her husband Winston Williams farm 4 acres of lush green bananas on their field on the Grand Sable mountain. They said the loan from the Farmers Support Company has helped them to remain in the Banana industry. Winston said that if it was not for the programme, he would have come out of the Banana business, “because I didn’t have manure and things to do the banana”. He further explained that the loan helped him to plant back banana and purchase manure. The FSC also helped him to pay some of his workers a month salary. The selfemployed banana farmer with over 30 years experience said that before the loan, the recent drought condition had affected his field significantly.
Philemon Allen, Credit His wife Ettie is advising Officer with Farmers farmers to get back into Support Company. bananas, once they get assistance from the FSC. She the core programme, said the farmers can be sure of and even those gaining a salary from the banana farmers who are not industry: “You can get money, in the core fortnightly or weekly, so you can programme to depend on the banana,” said the disburse funds for female farmer. The Williams family them, once they reinforced the importance of the made their industry, stating that it has helped application so that send their last two children to we can reestablish secondary school, and the husband banana once again,” anticipates that by the end of 2014, he said Allen. would be ready to harvest bananas for sale. Philemon Allen, Credit Officer with Farmers Support Company, said the company started to distribute money in February of this year, and the Williams family have been one of the early recipients. He described the elderly couple as two very hardworking individuals, “ and you look at them and their age, they are very determined” said Allen, adding that he was very pleased that they have called other farmers back into the industry,” because of all we try so far, banana is still the most potent of all the crops we had, and we are trying very hard at FSC to support the farmers who are in banana , through
Prime Minister to address United Nations VINCENTIAN PRIME MINISTER Ralph Gonsalves is expected to address the issues of Climate Change, Small island development, United Nations reform, Haiti, Reparation, issues concerning the post 2015 Millennium Development Goals, Peace, along with Taiwan’s right to be a member of a number of international organizations. The conflict in the Middle East is another issue that the Prime Minister will address. SVG shares diplomatic relations with Israel and the Palestinian authority. “And our position is entirely within the mainstream of the resolution of the general assembly and those of the Security Council.” The Prime Minister is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday 27th. During his address to the UN on 27th September 2013 Gonsalves said the failure to achieve the Millennium Development Goals was rooted in the shortcomings of developed countries, 16 out of 25 of which had reduced their aid budgets in 2012. Official development assistance had contracted for the second consecutive year, and the global financial crisis had rendered the Millennium Goals unattainable for many countries. However, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was one
of 18 countries recognized for having met Goal 1 – halving the proportion of hungry people. Hunger was now below 5 per cent and the country had set its sights on eliminating hunger altogether, he said. Recalling that his country had hosted the first-ever Regional Conference on Reparations for Native Genocide and Slavery, he called on European nations to partner in a focused way on repairing the historical wrongs of native genocide and African slavery. “It promises to make both Europe and the Caribbean more free, more human, more good-neighborly”. He also called on the United Nations to apologize and take immediate steps to provide compensation to victims and families of the 2010 incident in which United Nations peacekeepers were accused of having contaminated drinking water with cholera in Haiti. It appears that similar sentiments would be expressed by the Prime minister during his address on Saturday, as he noted during a press conference on Tuesday. Last year, Gonsalves also expressed hope that serious negotiations on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict issue would result in a sustainable peace.
Farmer Ettie Lennon-Williams and her husband Winston Williams.
The Williams’ banana field in Grand Sable mountain.
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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
SVGCIC visit airport
from the horse’s mouth instead of hearsay… to get direct answers to questions we have”. “This is where the people who know what exactly is going on are able to assure us about the way things are going, and where we can ask questions and have L-R: Executive Director of members gain intimate knowledge of the airport the Chamber Tony IADC’s Communications Officer Jennifer and its construction, and Regisford and President IADC CEO Rudy Matthias (back turned) at control Richardson (back turned) at river. also get a feel of its of the SVGCIC Christine tower. DaSilva. readiness, what the challenges are, what is PRESIDENT OF THE St. Vincent ready”, said DaSilva on impressed by what she has getting shops inside the completed and what is to be and the Grenadines Chamber of Wednesday during a visit to seen. done”, said Regisford. Industry and Commerce the Argyle International A member of the tour party terminal building, the fact “Inside the terminal (SVGCIC) Christine DaSilva says Airport site. enquired about the availability that the airport would bring tourists to the country is also building there will be shops that although the Argyle DaSilva and a number of of shops inside the terminal a plus. and that’s our business. There International Airport is not yet SVGCIC members went on an building when the airport is “We would also like to meet are possibilities for the private finished, business persons official tour of the site, fully functional, and Matthias with the Tourism Authority sector”, said Regisford, who should get ready for when it is conducted by Chief Executive said that the process of added that there will also be completed. Officer of the International choosing shop operators would because they have the job of attracting people here and other facilities outside of the “We (Chamber Airport Development be put out to tender. that is an area where we need terminal building that may Members/business people) Company (IADC) Rudy DaSilva said that this require private operation, “and accept that it is an ongoing Matthias and the IADC’s aspect of the airport is of great to see their strategy to see how we can get involved”, said certainly the Chamber itself project, and we need to get Communications Officer interest to the SVGCIC, as DaSilva. has to generate revenue, so we ready. We don’t know when it Jennifer Richardson. when the IADC decides on Also on the tour was have an open mind”. will be completed, but we During the tour which which shops they want, “we Executive Director of the Regisford said that he was cannot wait for planes to start began at the construction site would like to know about it”. Chamber Tony Regisford, who thankful to Matthias and landing before we are ready to of the Airport’s control tower, She said that apart from described the visit as a Richardson for taking them on do business; we need to be DaSilva said that she is very the possibility of members familiarization visit, “to hear the tour.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 7.
News
Vincentians Cavell Robertson, Mervan Johnson, and Lystra McBurnie pictured here with Country Manager George Gordon (centre) and Vice President of International Marketing, Reginald Anderson (furthest right).
Medical Air Service opens office VINCENTIANS WHO NEED TO FLY ABROAD for medical attention can have the cost of travel reduced through the facilities of the Medical Air Services Association (MASA). George Gordon, Country Manager of the company, is the one responsible for operations here. The Grenadian born cut the ribbon at the Kenmar’s Mall last Friday to expand activities here. Gordon was accompanied by Reginald Anderson, Vice President of International Marketing. He thanked St. Vincent and the Grenadines “for providing this island peace of mind.” Gordon endorsed his company’s programme and disclosed: “We do exactly what we say we are going to do.” He noted that no hospital can deliver all the services, and encouraged persons to “sign up with us so that you can better secure yourself and your family.”
The Grenadian Operations Manager made it clear that the enterprise was not an insurance. He described it an as “industry leader,” and said that it offered “peace of mind.” MASA will provide emergency air transport to its members. He outlined services such as helicopter transport, commercial air transport and ambulance service from bedside to bedside. There is also an arrangement for persons to accompany the patient. Facilities are provided to bring back home the persons transported and, in the extreme scenario, to bring back the bodies of those who did not survive the treatment. As far as Gordon was concerned, MASA has been “tried and tested,” and he boasted that “we are the best in what we do. When you sign up, you get your membership card and your benefit agreement. It pays to join, saves you money
Cecile DaSilva and could save your life,” Gordon indicated. Asked how the company will sustain its operations, Gordon explained: “membership fees go towards running the company.” He based the success on the premise that there is “strength in numbers.” Vincentian Cecile DaSilva is working along with the company in a management capacity. Other Grenadians Cavell Robertson Mervan Johnson, and Lystra McBurnie are ensuring that the company grows from strength to strength.
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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 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
New health challenges for the Caribbean AS IF THE GRAVE ECONOMIC and social challenges facing the Caribbean (mounting debts, unemployment, loss of trade preferences, drugs and crime) were not enough; as if the effects of climate change were not already playing havoc with our environment and livelihoods, Caribbean countries now face a major health challenge in the form of the chikungunya virus. Worryingly too, as the deadly ebola disease decimates the people of West Africa, just across the Atlantic from us, there are fears of it spreading to our very vulnerable region. Already, there are said to be some 600,000 victims across the Caribbean, all in the space of less than a year. Informed experts estimate that as many as 10-15 percent of the entire population can be expected to be affected by this new health threat. Urgent measures, both combative and preventative, are being employed by all countries throughout the region, and the respective health systems are on full alert. While the personal inconveniences and suffering occasioned by the outbreak of this virus are causing social havoc, there are also larger costs to the society as a whole. As more and more people become infected, economic output is negatively affected, as many people, employees and employers alike, are forced to take sick leave. This represents serious economic loss of precious working time. The educational system is similarly affected, with students, pupils and teachers alike, all coming down with the virus. The disruptive effects on the education of our youth is difficult to ascertain at this moment, but it certainly does not make the educational process any easier. Then there is the huge diversion of scarce resources to meet the threat - more money having to be found to fund the programmes necessary to combat the disease, as well as that being spent on the various types of medication deemed necessary. Vital working time of health workers also has to be expended to ensure the health of the population. There is unfortunately a good deal of misunderstanding about the disease, in spite of the educational campaigns mounted. It is regrettable that, in spite of all the scientific evidence profferred, there are persons who doubt whether the virus is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito, and worse, go out of their way to convince others about all kinds of imagined origins. This can be dangerous in that, by denying the source of the spread of the virus, we can undermine efforts to combat the spread of the disease. It is a disturbing trait in our society which can be very counterproductive. This tendency goes even beyond these bounds in terms of wild rumours and inflated figures of casualties. One recalls the early attempts at hysteria, even before the presence of chikungunya here was first confirmed. It has gone further too. As the ebola disease frightens the daylight out of millions all around the globe, though it is still confined to a few countries in Africa, there are those who abuse the power of the media in trying to spread panic about its possible presence in the Caribbean. Calls have been made for restrictions on the movement of Africans studying or working in these parts, in spite of not one strand of evidence being provided to warrant suspicion. Besides, the World Health Organisation (WHO) frowns on immigration curbs as a strategy for fighting the disease. Success in containing the chikungunya threat, therefore, involves combating ignorance and mischief-making. It is too serious a threat to be ignored, and we must play our part, environmentally, by keeping our surroundings in a state unhelpful to the breeding of mosquitoes, but also keeping our minds in the right direction, so that the misguided may see the light and become part of the national and regional efforts. There is no other way.
Honour Alfie’s memory at Arnos Vale A RENEWED EFFORT is being made by a group of overseas-based Vincentians, to have a memorial dedicated to the late Alphonso ‘Alfie’ Roberts at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Roberts, who died in Montreal, Canada in 1996, was the first cricketer from either the Windward or the Leeward Islands to play Test cricket for the West Indies. He toured New Zealand with the West Indies in 1956, and made his one and only appearance in the fourth Test in March 1956. ‘Alfie’ was then only 18 years old, and paved the way for a succession of players from the small islands, starting with the cricketing knights from Antigua, Andy Roberts and Viv Richards, though Vincentian Mike Findlay, Dominican Irvine Shillingford, Grenadian Junior Murray, down to St Lucian Darren Sammy, the current West Indies T20 captain. Findlay, Shillingford and Murray all have pavilions named after them at their respective national Test venues. Unfortunately ‘Alfie’ migrated to Canada, becoming a titan in the AfroAmerican community in Montreal, and there is not much cricketing memory of him or his feats among the younger folk. He is considered as arguably the best batsman to have come from SVG. Since 1998, a group of distinguished Vincentians living overseas, including former US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Roy Austin, himself a former national football captain, formed an Ad Hoc Committee to campaign for a fitting recognition of ‘Alfie’ Roberts, and wrote to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association in that regard. The letter to the Cricket Association outlines the tremendous contribution of ‘Alfie’, not only on the cricket field, but also to the Vincentian diaspora. It read in this regard: “While his cricketing prowess is welldocumented and known to many in the cricketing community, there are other equally illustrious dimensions to Alfie Roberts. After quitting the game in
1962, Alfie left St Vincent in order to pursue his education in Canada… In addition to his academic pursuits, he was one of the founding members of the Vincentian Association in Montreal, an organization on whose executive he served until his resignation due to illhealth. During his residence in Montreal, Alfie became one of the leading intellectual and political activists in the African-Canadian community. He was a counsellor to many African and Caribbean students, and his home became a resource for, and home to, many who visited the greater Quebec area”. The letter went on to list Alfie’s contribution as a political activist, a champion of the rights of black people, and in the intellectual and academic fields, so much so that, the letter says, he was “widely recognized as an expert, on many social and economic issues”. It concluded by stating that: “With St Vincent and the Grenadines having joined the fraternity of test cricketing venues, we believe that the dedication of a memorial (pavilion, stand, scoreboard etc) to Alphonso Theodore Roberts, would be a most fitting tribute to this great son of our soil. Should you concur that this is a worthwhile and feasible venture, we would appreciate you (the President of the Association) proposing this to your association and other appropriate authorities”. The matter has been left unaddressed these past 16 years, and a representative of the Committee, New York-based Atiba Weza, has solicited the support of local activist Renwick Rose in placing it back on the agenda. Mr Rose has written both the Cricket Association and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, urging that positive consideration be given to having the memory of Alfie Roberts fittingly preserved by dedicating some part of the Arnos Vale Playing Field to him. He walked through the Test gates before even Arnos Vale was a playing field.
The ‘THIS WEEK’ column will be absent this week, but will resume next week.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 9.
Letters
Mr James’ ACE Programme gets an A Plus!
I READ in your publication, a week or two ago, about a programme being launched for students from communities in North Leeward. As I recall, the programme was dubbed “Access to College Education Programme (ACEP). I want to document here my heartiest congratulations to lawyer Carlos James, who is also the Unity Labour Party candidate for the North Leeward constituency for launching such a vital programme. As a single parent, I fully endorse the programme, for I understand the struggle of sending children to school without the necessary financial support to do so. I have been coping with my
four children; the two boys are expected to go off to college next year, and I am hoping that Mr. James continues this programme so that poor people children can have access to post-secondary education. I pray that he continues the wonderful work he is doing in the constituency of North Leeward. Mr James is a beacon of hope to the youths in North Leeward. The children are indeed the future, and his dedication to youth development should not go unnoticed. He is down to earth, and connects well with the youths, and if he keeps this up, this will certainly see his
journey to parliament. It is in parliament he would be able to better represent the people of North Leeward, both young and old. What I like most about his recent initiative is that he credited the Unity Labour Party government and Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves for the tremendous work in education. In his words he said: “I am pleased to see these students benefit under the education revolution, and our access to college education programme only enhances the government’s education policy.” This clearly shows that Mr. James fashioned the programme to complement the work
of this government in expanding the education system. Our North Leeward children with their seven and eight CXC’s no longer have to depend solely on the YES programme after school, but can be assured the support for further education, thanks to Mr. James. We applaud you, sir, and keep up the good work. You have certainly hit the ground running. E. Edwards (Ms.)
P.M not satisfied What is going on with our clergy? THE MAIN topic these days is about the Prime Minister taking over the Works Ministry. He is accused of punishing Julian for speaking too soon; but that is false. As a construction worker, I will say, the PM is not pleased with the amount of work being done by the Ministry of Works (not the Minister) or the Ministry of Housing. A lot of road works has been given out, but the cost does not compensate for the amount of work being done. The Housing at Langley Park and Sandy Bay, that Ministry is undermining the government policy, all because the PM left it all to the Minister, who employed Party Card holders, who failed to give a fair day’s work. Therefore, the P.M., with what little money (grant) he has, is taking the wheels in hand to deliver more jobs and projects by September of next year; so by November, he can call on St. Vincent and the Grenadines to give him a 4th term to complete the airport and other poly clinics which will start next year; and they will give him that 4th term. P.M., I still maintain that you should fire those in whatever offices who are just not doing their jobs they are being paid to do. * What is the true status of the Your Student Associate degree from the Community College? When is it going to be clarified? * Given the chikungunya outbreak, is it not time for us to enforce laws regarding littering? Why are so many private people allowed to dump old vehicles and tyres at the expense of the health of the community? * When will the Prime Minister have to stop defending the embarrassing actions of his chief supporters? * What is being done about the Kingstown Anglican School building?
I FEEL LIKE I am in the twilight zone, not understanding what is going on with our Clergy. First, it was Ulric Jones and Bishop Friday. Now, it is the Bishop of the Catholic Church and a Priest. Could they be right, and we are wrong? What are they talking about? What are they looking at? First of all, the Catholic Clergy mentioned the three teachers who were not reinstated. These teachers resigned their jobs, knowing that their party may not win the elections. Supposedly intelligent individuals actually made that decision. Should we now feel sorry for them, that they made faulty decisions on their resignations, AND backing the wrong political party? Even the ULP teacher, Elvis Charles, was NOT reinstated after resigning his job to run in the last election. The ULP won, and found a job for him. The NDP teachers found jobs on their own, so what
is the Catholic Bishop talking about? What if the NDP had won the elections, or they had won their seats? Would they be looking for reinstatement to their old teaching jobs? ‘Bigger Bigs’ is another issue of the Catholic Clergy as well. Here is a man who has refused to take legal action on a matter he says he is convinced is his right, and the government is wrong. If he really believes this, then take the matter to court, and have the court force the government to support his claim. Moreover, he fenced the path used by several farmers in the area, preventing them from accessing their agricultural lands. The government pointed out to him that his practices were detrimental to the environment, and he ignored their warnings. ‘Bigger Bigs’ is intent on making this a political matter, so if that is what he chooses to do, then he must face the consequences. He is the one who is avoiding a legal solution, and instead is making this a political battle.
These are the issues which the Catholic Church publicized and circulated this week. I will not say anything further about the Anglican Church, Bishop Friday and Ulric Jones, since the general public has already expressed its displeasure at their despicable silence. It is of serious concern, however, what these four highranking men-of-God have done, which runs counter to common sense and religious principles. Did these individuals, Men-of-theCloth, FORGET to mention that one of the opposition parliamentarians actually STONED a church? And when questioned, he said that he would do it again! Did the Men-of-God forget what happened in Georgetown at EG Lynch’s funeral? None of these Clergymen mentioned those as being areas of concern. It is ironic that these two incidents took place in churches, the houses of God…and they are God’s mouthpieces. How about the continued disrespect shown by the NDP to the Speaker of the House of Assembly?
How about the attempt to overturn fire-trucks in Kingstown? None of these incidents were mentioned by the four Men-of-God. I believe that spirituality should not be separated from politics - but fairness and balance must always be present. Clergymen, we need your input in any matter which affects society; but of all people, you must know that unfairness and dishonesty would never contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious community. Curthbert Williams
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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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Getting Ready for the World Stage Prime Minister Gonsalves at the United Nations
THE ISSUE IT IS THAT TIME of the year when the world body called the United Nations will meet in what is called the General Assembly. This year, the UN will hold its 69th session of the General Assembly at its headquarters in New York, and world nations are preparing for this event, and St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be among them. This week, the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were busy examining the expansive agenda of the UN, to determine how best to facilitate the attendance of the delegation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This year as always, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will head the country’s delegation to the meeting of the world body. He will be accompanied by his wife, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Camillo Gonsalves. In New York, he will be joined by the Ambassador to the United Nations, Rhonda King; the Ambassador to the United States, La Ceila Prince; and the Counsel General in New York, Selmon Walters. Staff members from the missions in New York will provide support services as required by the delegation. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will address the UN General Assembly on Saturday 27th September. That address is scheduled for 11am; but this time will vary. At any rate, that address will be carried live on radio stations in the State, and will be available to the media. That address will go through several revisions, as the Prime Minister ensures that all bases are covered, and that the key points are highlighted and properly addressed. It is expected that the Foreign Affairs Minister, Camillo Gonsalves, will play a prominent role in this process; but ultimately, the Prime Minister will have the final sign off on this item. PREPARING FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Preparing for the General Assembly presents a challenge in scheduling. A number of world leaders and friendly governments are eager to have an audience with Prime Minister Gonsalves, and equally, he will be interested in meeting these distinguished persons. Given the schedule, the ULP administration will have to determine where its interest lies, and how these meetings can further enhance the socio-economic development of Vincentians and of the country. Then there are a number of interesting meetings that the delegation would wish to attend. There will be sessions on climate change, on the state of indigenous people in the world, on test ban treaties, on UN peace operations, on good governance, on sustainable development and the defeat of poverty. Coupled with this is the wide range of receptions, official dinners and cocktail events, which the SVG delegation must attend, if they are not to slight a hosting nation or top level UN official. Already, bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Gonsalves and the leaders of Malaysia, Kenya, Palestine, Georgia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Kazakhstan have been arranged. By the time the delegation arrives in New York, the Foreign Affairs staff at home and
abroad, will add a number of nations to this list, including Nigeria, India, Japan, Brazil, Morocco and Argentina. There are two side meetings which Prime Minister Gonsalves will attend. These include a policy session meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, where he will be a part of a panel to examine reparations. He will also be involved in an exercise with the Clinton Global Initiative, which will examine issues related to climate change. Amidst all this, the Prime Minister and his delegation will keep at the center of focus, matters related to the development of this country. So, while the discussions will look at enhancing bilateral relationships, Prime Minister Gonsalves will be looking for training opportunities for our young people, assistance for our airport project and the general infrastructure, and support for the areas of health, agriculture, tourism and national security. Additionally, Prime Minister Gonsalves will join fellow world leaders in discussions looking at the myriads of crises on the international scene, and the drive to uphold human dignity, the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter. ENHANCING OUR FOREIGN POLICY The ULP administration has pursued a foreign policy over the last thirteen years, which has been bold and pragmatic, principled and realistic, and creative while being well grounded. At the centre of this policy is the development of the national interest, to address the external environment for the benefit of all Vincentians. The ULP administration declares that “we are a friend of all and a satellite of none”. The ULP administration does not have to ask “what will this or that country say” when it fashions its foreign policy; so that, while the government will maintain relationships with our traditional allies, there will always be efforts aimed at deepening a productive relationship with countries such as Brazil, Turkey, India, Malaysia and Morocco. At the same time, the ULP administration will continue to build closer links with organizations such as ALBA, Petro Caribe and the Clinton Global Foundation. TOWN HALL MEETING The General Assembly aside, another highlight of his visit to the United States will be his town hall meeting slated for the Friends of Crown Heights auditorium on Saturday 27th, at 7pm. Already, interest is running high in North America in relation to this meeting, as a number of Vincentians are looking forward to hearing from their beloved Prime Minister. In this regard, preparation is in full swing. A number of photographs are being prepared to aid the presentation of the Prime Minister, so there will be pictorial evidence to support the facts which Comrade Ralph will present. In all, this period in New York represents an excellent opportunity for the country to be in the spotlight, for positive reasons; and the ULP administration and its leader, Comrade Ralph, will take full advantage of this situation.
Chikungunya - A serious public health concern in SVG CHIKUNGUNYA IN ENGLISH means, “that which bends up”; it is an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus. It causes an illness with an acute febrile (fever) phase lasting two to five days, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities; this pain may persist for years in some cases. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The disease is transmitted similarly to dengue fever to humans by the viruscarrying Aedes mosquitoes. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. Specifically, two species of mosquitoes, albopictus and aegypti are hosts (vectors) of the chikungunya virus. The strain of chikungunya which is spreading throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean is most easily spread by the aegypti. Chikungunya is a serious public health concern in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
rid of all stagnant water sources; also fogging campaign is very important in reducing the population, since the fogging kills the adult mosquito. The Vector department in the Ministry of Health and by extension the ULP administration has failed miserably where these two main basic control and preventative measures are concerned. To this date, the ULP regime does not see the importance of stepping up its campaign to deal with this situation and to eradicate these infected mosquitoes that are continuing to spread this virus so rapidly through St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The big question is: has the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines done enough to prevent the rapid spread of this dreadful disease? It is our view that they have not done enough to keep the infection under control. It is total negligence on PREVENTION AND CONTROL behalf of the Ministry of Health, The proximity of mosquito vector Wellness and Environment that breeding sites to human habitation is results in the spread of this disease a significant risk factor for nationally. This disease has touched chikungunya. The best means of almost every family in this country, prevention is overall mosquito and it’s another case like many others control and the avoidance of bites by where the government has taken any infected mosquitoes. Prevention things for granted. As usual, this ULP and control rely heavily on reducing administration does not have the the number of natural and artificial health of our people as top priority. water-filled container habitats that In addition, over the years, the support breeding of the mosquitoes. ULP regime has been reducing its This requires mobilization of affected expenditure on goods and services, communities. During outbreaks, and one of the ministries that has insecticides may be sprayed to kill been severely affected is the Ministry flying mosquitoes, applied to surfaces of Health. That is another reason why in and around containers where the the government has failed to provide mosquitoes land, and use to treat the resources necessary to effectively water in containers to kill the implement measures to control and immature larvae. Nationwide fogging prevent the spread of the dangerous is also very important in killing and Chikungunya disease. As a result, controlling the infected mosquitoes. chikungunya is now wreaking havoc For protection during outbreaks of on the productive sector of our chikungunya, clothing which country, and is also a burden on the minimizes skin exposure to the dayalready ailing health sector. Every biting vectors is advised. Repellents day, there are hundreds of people can also be applied to exposed skin. visiting our clinics and hospital For those who sleep during the (private and public). Hundreds are daytime, particularly young children, also missing work and school on a sick and older people, insecticide daily basis, leading to a decrease in treated mosquito nets give good productivity in this already ailing protection. Mosquito coils or other economy. insecticide vaporizers may also reduce The ULP government is treating indoor biting. No specific treatment is this problem as business as usual. It known, but medications can be used is time for them to step up to the to reduce symptoms, including the game, so the country can feel the joint pain using anti-pyretics, rest and presence of the vector unit and start fluids may also be useful. fogging nationwide. We have an When the first cases of epidemic on our hands, and if the Chickungunya were diagnosed on the present government cannot deal with Grenadine island of Bequia, the Unity it, it’s time for them to go, and let the Labour Party (ULP) government did New Democratic Party (NDP) which not see it fit to place the issue of the has at its helm the Honourable Chickungunya high on the agenda of Arnhim Eustace and a competent the Ministry of Health. As a result, team, manage the affairs of St. the incidence and prevalence of the Vincent and the Grenadines. disease increased at a very alarming The NDP has already outlined a rate. The government allowed this “Back to Basic Approach” in the disease to spread like wildfire. The delivery of health care in St. Vincent basic control measures were not put and the Grenadines. Access to proper in place, because it is clear that the health care remains a fundamental present administration does not have right of every citizen, and the NDP is the capacity to deal with health committed to facilitate the delivery of problems of this nature. Due to the this right. The evidence is crystal lack of public health measures, the clear that the ULP is bankrupt of problem has reached epidemic stage ideas, and the time is right for a fresh in our beautiful island. start. The time is right for fresh ideas, The mosquito life cycle can only be and at this time, the only party which completed in water, so we must get has fresh ideas is the NDP.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 11.
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Reputation (Part 2)
“One’s reputation is not built up overnight and it therefore cannot be destroyed overnight either unless of course we act in such a way to destroy it ourselves!” — Donald Baldeosingh, Managing Director of ENMAN Group, Trinidad and Tobago. LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE triggered a flurry of e-mail comments from many friends and associates who are regular readers of this In Touch column. As destiny would have it, the taxi driver who was assigned to transport me during my weekend visit to San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, actually engaged me in a similar conversation (without knowing about the article’s content) while taking me from the hotel to a speaking engagement. It certainly was not a coincidence that he shared insights related to how his grandmother and mother impressed upon him how important it is to display positive behaviours and to protect his reputation from being tarnished. He shared similar views to those expressed by Donald Baldeosingh’s quotation that was used to introduce this week’s sequel to the article. Reader’s of last week’s essay will recall that one of the quotations used to anchor the thoughts on reputation had come from Poh Fang Chia. He noted that, “Reputation is fragile; once it’s damaged, it’s hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit.” This quotation, along with Donald Baldeosingh’s, may be useful in aiding the continuation of the dialogue about this most important topic. Preserving our noble reputation. Before doing so, however, it is probably useful that I return to the conversation with the taxi driver that was referred to in the introductory paragraph. He, now in his mid 60s, referred to his mother’s regular instructions that he needed to be so very careful in relation to the company he kept during his teen years. She was concerned that “birds of a feather flock together,” and that if he was frequently seen with “undesirable characters” it could tarnish his image (reputation). He also indicated how much she emphasised the importance of always being disciplined enough to not compromise his principles. He was encouraged to be honest and truthful at all times. She cautioned him that one breach of such positive behaviours would result in him having to dedicate a lot of time and effort to rebuild his image. She advised him to seek to always keep his reputation in good standing. My taxi driver philosopher stressed that a good reputation takes a long time to build, but can be quickly destroyed by a moment of indiscretion. Once this happens, it may take a relatively long time to rebuild trust and confidence. He stressed that the rebuilding of a reputation may be long and difficult. Another of this column’s readers, a journalist by profession, shared some useful insights in relation to how influential individuals sometimes go out of their way to ruin the good names of others. She noted that there is a lot of “artificial bad reputation” going around these days; individuals whose characters have been tarnished
by untruths and half-truths by others who, sometimes for selfish reasons, seek to discredit and dismember others. The motives of such unkind behaviours can be many and varied. These can be generated by jealousy, greed, and a myriad of prejudices. But, even when we are wrongfully smeared, we must press on with a determination to not compromise those valuable principles that build strong character and splendid reputations. Similar views were expressed by yet another of this column’s readers, who noted that there are some “sad characters” (my description) who appear to falsify information and spread it through the grapevine like wild fire, knowing that it will tarnish the reputation of the persons selected to be the subject at the moment. Unfortunately, several organisations and workplaces are plagued by individuals who seem to get a sad sense of satisfaction from character assassination. Deep down, these unhappy individuals appear to derive a sense of accomplishment from adding misery to the lives of the unsuspecting. We have no control over the thoughts and actions of others. We may try to influence positive behaviours in others ... but we cannot control them and we really cannot change them. We can only control our own thoughts and actions. And so, as best we can, we need to engage in thoughts and actions that would protect and preserve our noble reputations. We must be forever on the lookout for those moments when we may be tempted to compromise our moral and ethical moorings. As indicated in Donald Baldeosingh’s quotation, we have the potential to destroy our own reputations. As noted in last week’s article, power, prestige, and/or profit can beckon the unsuspecting to venture into activities that are considered immoral or dishonest. There are a host of temptations that will bombard us on a daily basis. Individuals and situations may entice us to sacrifice honesty and truth en route to gaining a privileged position on the job or in the community. We go back to the biblical guidelines that remind us to avoid the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We are to control our thoughts and retain a focus on what is right and just. We are also reminded that these temptations are common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). However, we do not have to be enticed by these “lusts”. Provision has already been made for us to overcome them. And in doing so, we could keep our reputation intact. The immoral may laugh and mock. They may classify those with “good reputations” as foolish. We must endeavour not to sacrifice our noble reputations and good names on the altar of power, prestige, and/or wealth. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Economic myths get new lease on life BAD IDEAS have long lives. Bad ideas that have proven to be disastrous continue to get attention, even as they wreak havoc across the world. Proof of this fact can be found in a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the organization that groups the world’s largest economies. The report titled “Policy challenges for the next 50 years,” addresses what the OECD calls “underlying global trends relating to growth, trade, inequality and environmental pressures” over the next half-century. Unfortunately the report is top heavy with the conventional wisdom of yesteryear. It recognizes the new problems that are facing many economies around the world, but insists on viewing them through old, largely discredited theories. The report makes two faulty assumptions. The first is the idea that national economies, left to themselves for long enough, will automatically rebalance and generate full employment. The second is that current government debt levels are somehow causing economic problems and are in some sense unsustainable. These myths blind the OECD and other international economic organizations to the real solutions needed to improve the global economic outlook. Although the report raises the problem of unemployment, it does not appear to be a key focus. The OECD assumes that, as long as central banks maintain low interest rates, unemployment should disappear in the coming years, even if governments engage in austerity. This view of interest rates has no applicability to OECS or Caricom, because the governments in the region are in no position to manipulate interest rates. Even with the crushing international crisis that began in 1998, the interest rates in the region remained very high. Thus choking off investment, and stifling employment prospects. But even in countries where central banks can manipulate interest rates, the OECD views are not borne out. In Europe, for example, interest rates have been extremely low since mid-2009, and yet, unemployment rates rose from 9.5 percent of the workforce in 2009 to 12 percent in 2013. Low interest rates, when combined with austerity, have clearly failed to improve the employment situation. The OECD report misses this fact. Further, the report repeatedly warns that current debt levels are unsustainable. It states that governments must have a debt of no more than 60 percent of GDP, but provides no reason they should target this particular number or why larger debts are unsustainable. The reality is most countries with central banks that issue currency, can run fiscal debts of any size for as long as they see fit. It’s true, such deficits might lead to inflation, but only when the economy returns to full employment. The report, however, seems to assume without justification that economies, when left to their own devices, will eventually return to full employment. The size of the national debt, and even an economy flooded with money will have negative economic effects only when the economy is at full employment. When there are idle resources and unemployed people looking for work, government borrowing and spending leads to increases in employment and economic growth. The OECD economists’ refusal to accept this fact suggests that they refuse to recognize or fail to accept a basic understanding of the policy issues.
The authors of the report focus on income inequality. They rightly note that income inequality can lead to economic instability. When wealth accumulates among the rich, it is not infused back into the economy, and is instead held in reserve or used to speculate in financial markets. This in turn creates a shortfall of demand for goods and services in the real economy, and generates speculative bubbles in the financial markets. The authors of the report do not seem to notice, however, that the policies of fiscal austerity that they promote throughout the paper, actually worsen income inequality. Here are the facts: After the economic crisis of 2008, the United States passed a massive fiscal stimulus. The Obama’s administration held off on austerity measures. The results have been that average annual wages maintained growth until 2012. Ireland, by contrast, had no fiscal stimulus, and immediately engaged in austerity, and in the ensuing years, it saw substantial declines in annual average wages. Greece is famous for having engaged in the most extreme austerity programs, at the behest of those running euro zone policy in Germany and Brussels. After these extreme austerity programs were implemented, wages fell massively. This does not even take into account massive tax hikes on working people and the cuts in government assistance that austerity requires. Falling wages, then, are inextricably linked to austerity. Aiming at debt-to-GDP ratios of no more than 60 percent, as the OECD report recommends, would likely require extreme austerity programs like those undertaken by Greece. This would have an enormous depressive effect on wages and, by extension, exacerbate income inequality. Despite these serious shortcomings, the OECD report does put forward some good ideas. It advocates increasing public funding for higher education. It also suggests that taxes should be shifted from labor and capital onto land. This would mean reining in taxes that stymie economic growth like payroll taxes and taxes on real business investment and increasing taxes on land based on its value. Such a measure would almost certainly decrease income inequality and promote economic growth. It is an inherently progressive form of taxation because richer people own more valuable land, and it would promote growth because land, unlike labor and capital, is not a key productive asset in more developed economies. Nevertheless, the main thrust of the report would only worsen some of the key problems it highlights. If governments the world over were to listen to the OECD report, their main focus over the coming decades would be to reduce their debt-to-GDP levels, under the assumption that the economy would somehow automatically return to full employment. We have already seen this attempted in Europe, with disastrous results, high unemployment being the best example. Unfortunately, the current political mantra across the world is ensuring that most governments focus on their debt-to-GDP ratios rather than on employment and economic growth. What is instructive about the OECD report is that it gives us a sense that in policymaking circles around the world, economists are giving the same destructive advice that brought the world to the economic mess it currently experiences. Paul Krugman, Philip Pilkington and Samir Amin ideas informs many of the thinking reflected in this column. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com
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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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Gonsalves should go home on permanent leave IN DECEMBER 2013, Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, put forward the SVG Budget Estimates 2014 with revenue (income) for 2014 of $911,571,046. At the time, SVG Green Party said that these estimates were ridiculous and highly inaccurate. Earlier in the year, SVG Green Party had shown that the actual revenue SVG had received in the first quarter of 2014, excluding the flood money, was $189.7 million less than the expected $227.9 million estimated in the ULP regime’s nonsense Budget Estimates for 2014. It is believed that the second quarter figures for the economy are even worse than the first quarter, and that is the reason why the figures are being hidden from the public. A good way to boost the SVG economy would be for Gonsalves to go home on permanent leave. There is no flood money for the second quarter, and the highly incompetent Minister of Finance Gonsalves has not published the second quarter results for 2014. This is a serious concern, as we are almost at the end of the third quarter. If Gonsalves’ estimate of $911.6 million for 2014 was accurate, then at the end of the second quarter, we would expect revenue to be around $455.8 million (see table). However, the expected second quarter revenue for 2014 (first quarter 2014 actual revenue without flood money times by 2) is likely to be only around $76.4 million.
(Source: Summary of Fiscal Operation of SVG economy 1 Jan 2014 to 31 March 2014 researched by Ivan O’Neal, BSc(Hons), MSc, MBA)
Nothing has happened in the past few months to suggest that the expected revenue for 2014, (based on the actual revenue for the first quarter 2014 without flood money times by 4), will not be $758.7 million less than what the Minister of Finance estimated. This illustrates the level of incompetence
that is ruining the SVG economy. The highly incompetent ULP regime had been forced recently to call in the IMF to avert the economy from going downwards. Withholding the second quarter economic results from the public is unacceptable, as businesses need this data to help their business operations. There is a positive correlation between Gonsalves’ incompetence and the break-up of the SVG economy. The longer Gonsalves is the Minister of Finance, the greater will be the growth in unemployment, poverty and criminality in SVG. A Green government will have a policy of import substitution and export orientation to create thousands of new jobs. The failure to diversify the economy and focus on exports has made our economy very weak and increased unemployment to about 50%. SVG must create internationally competitive products that can earn foreign currency. We must invest heavily in innovation, Green industries, entrepreneurship, small businesses and educate our people to university level to meet the growing global economic challenges. It would be better for the economy if he went back to bed and pulled the sheet over his head and stayed there for a very long time. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org
V Vincy group mesmerizes at annual concert
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 13.
Diaspora
the production that featured, among other things, folk songs, dances, skits, choral speeches and addresses. Patrons were on edge THE UNITED VINCIE during the 3 ½- hour CULTURAL GROUP of production that also Brooklyn (UVCGB) two showcased a cultural Saturdays ago, held its selection from singer massive audience in Erlene Williams-King, a stitches and spell-bound, as former aide to the New it mesmerized diverse York Consul General, patrons during its 10th backed up by UVCGB annual cultural show at members. Meyer Levin Intermediate Williams-King, the School at the corner of youngest daughter of the Ralph Avenue and Beverley late acting Governor Road in Brooklyn, New York. General Henry Williams, Hundreds of Vincentian of Edinboro, was and other Caribbean resplendent in her 1972 nationals, primarily Afro-centric wedding Jamaicans, turned out for attire, as she rhapsodized Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT
United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) performing the grand finale, “Children of the Caribbean.” Left: Showing support and love to Keith “Slick” Bonadie (front, center), with front, L-R: Dr. Roxie Irish, Joanne Duncan and Donna Ash; Back row, L-R: Stanley “Luxie” Morris, Maurice Harry and Carl Munro.
with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The UVCGB children,
the Children of Culture of St. Lucia and the Meyer Levin Dancers, were also featured. “The members rose to the occasion, and did their best to make their powerful performances,” said UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish, a former national netball star, who was born in Vermont and raised in Campden Park, in a VINCENTIAN interview. “The UVCGB children did a phenomenal job with their items,” added Irish, giving a special “Thank You” to Okelia Holder,13, the youngest child of UVCGB members Geoffrey and Gwendolyn Holder, for choreographing and participating in the children’s dance. “Such a wonderful talent! “It is imperative that we continue to teach these young ones our culture, so that they can take it the next level,” she continued. Irish was also high in praise for UVCGB members, saying that their “sacrifices are greatly appreciated.” “Let’s continue to work together in this our mission to be a blessing to others,” she urged. “Your reward waits in your name. And remember that what God has for you is yours only. The best is yet to come for each and every one of you.” Irish said new songs, written by UVCGB’s newest member, cultural figure Gordon “Don” Sutherland, of Affetuosos fame, were added to the
group’s repertoire. She described Sutherland, a Georgetown native, as “a very gifted writer and musician.” Sutherland was the lead guitarist in the UVCGB band that also comprised Holder (guitarist), Rawle “Winkie” Decaul (keyboardist), Tyrone Owusu Slater (drummer) and Alex Colon (maracas). Irish said other community groups were added to this year’s production in UVCGB’s continuing “quest to foster unity among the different islands.” “This is something we are planning to do from time to time in our future shows,” she said. In addition to furnishing medical supplies to clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from funds raised at cultural shows and tea parties, Irish said UVCGB, for the past two years, has been donating toys to Aunty G’s Charitable Children’s Organization, headed by Georgietta Nanton, of Georgetown. Nanton was on hand to address the effervescent audience. The group also successfully appealed to the audience to “dig deep you’re your pockets, pocket books and wallets” in supporting former national football star, midfielder Keith “Slick” Bonadie (Clarke), who recently suffered a stroke. US$1,300.00 in patrons’ contributions was presented to Bonadie, who had earlier addressed the audience, at show’s end. “When I heard of the plight of our brother, Keith ‘Slick’ Bonadie, I knew that we had to help him,” Irish said. “It is the
way we live. “I firmly believe that ministry is about people; and, since the UVCGB is not just a group but a ministry, we will always lend a helping hand to those in need,” she added. Stanley “Luxie” Morris — under whose captaincy Bonadie played at home in the 1970s and 80s and in New York in the 1990s — told THE VINCENTIAN he was gratified by the outpouring of support for his “fallen brother.” “He’ll not be alone at this time when he needs love, encouragement, prayers and other assistance,” said Morris, adding that he and Bonadie “go way back — from Hospital Road to Shingle City to Old Montrose to Edinboro (in St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to Prospect Place, Brooklyn.” Irish said UVCGB is “very pleased” with its accomplishments to date, adding, however, that it is “fully aware that there is still much more to be done.”
Lead guitarist and cultural figure Don Sutherland.
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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Prince is first for SVG on OAS Committee PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the Organisation of American States, H.E. La Celia A. Prince has been elected by the Permanent Council of that Organisation to serve on the Committee of the Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund. She succeeds outgoing CARICOM Representative and Chair of the committee, H.E. Deborah-Mae Lovell, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda. It is the first time that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been elected to serve on that particular committee at the OAS. As the CARICOM Representative on the Committee, Ambassador Prince will work with the Office of the Secretary General and other sub-regional Representatives (one each
from Canada, USA, Central America and South America), to oversee and administer the Fund. Addressing the Permanent Council upon her election, Ambassador Prince thanked her colleagues for the confidence they have expressed in her, and congratulated her predecessor on her sterling representation of CARICOM and chairmanship of the Committee over the last 8 years. “As the Permanent Representative of a country that places very strong emphasis on strengthening education opportunities and scholarships for young people, it is an especial honour for me to have been elected to serve in this capacity,” she noted. “I hereby pledge my best efforts
to….serve the Committee with the earnest determination of continuing to uphold the Rowe Fund as a seminal facility available to the students of the Americas in pursuit of higher education”. Named for its initial benefactor, the Fund began in 1948, based on an endowment bequeathed by Dr. Leo Stanton Rowe, an American diplomat who was Director General of the Pan-American Union, the precursor institution to the modern-day Organisation of American States. As a diplomat, Dr. Rowe was an ardent supporter of Pan-Americanism and advancement through education. The Leo S. Rowe Fund is therefore an OASsponsored loan programme, providing loans of up to US
$15,000 to eligible students from Latin America and the Caribbean, who are pursuing studies in the United States. The Fund, which permits the students to complete their education in the United States while allowing deferment of payment until studies have been completed, is widely regarded as one of the most successful instruments of the Organisation that fosters cultural diversity and friendship among the youth of the Americas. Since its inception in 1948, the Fund has served a total of 6,678 students from the 32 eligible countries of the OAS with interest-free loans (the US and Canada are not eligible for access). As of 1994 to date, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has had only 6
H.E. La Celia A. Prince has been elected by the Permanent Council of that Organisation to serve on the Committee of the Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund. scholars participating under the loan programme. Vincentian students studying in the United States who wish to take advantage of the facility can find more information about the Fund and the application process on the website of the Organisation of American States.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 15.
New
Metrocint General Insurance sponsors cricket team THIS COUNTRY’S FIRST NATIVE insurance company – Metrocint General, named after its founding father, Egerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, has demonstrated once again its duties and responsibilities as a genuine corporate citizen. Embracing any initiative that will enhance the quality of life of the Vincentian community, Metrocint General has recently reached out to the sporting fraternity. Last Friday 12th, the management of Metrocint General delivered a cheque to Patmos Richards, captain and Patmos Richards of Richards Masters founder of Richards Masters receiving a cheque from Ms Coleen Fraser, Cricket team. Supervisor of Metrocint General Insurance The money will cover Company Limited. registration fees to participate in this year’s SVG Masters In the early 1980s, Metrocint Cricket tournament which will bowl off Insurance Company sponsored the this weekend at various venues across Combined Insurances Cricket team to the island. participate in the legendary firms Sponsorship of cricket and other cricket tournament which was initiated sporting disciplines was always integral by the late St. Aurin Seymour. to Metrocint Insurance’s publicAs a corporate citizen, Metrocint spiritedness, exemplified by the late General has impacted positively on all Uncle Metro who was a keen follower aspects of Vincentian life in the process and supporter of sporting activities. of nation-building.
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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Fashion House Caribbean opens Founder of Fashion House Caribbean Rhondel Dickson poses with a model for his company. Some of the Fashion House models, displaying clothing items that can be purchased from the company. by KENVILLE HORNE A FASHION ENTITY, established by a young Vincentian, has recently opened its headquarters in Arnos Vale. Fashion House Caribbean, on Sunday 14th, launched its enterprise at Arnos Vale with a Wine and Odor event. Rhondel Dickson the person Some of the items for sale on display behind Fashion House Caribbean, You can come, have your measurement said the establishment is one where taken professionally, you have your set persons, can find Caribbean Designer up time, your fitting and delivery on clothing, including local designers. point,” said Dickson, concerning the Dickson, from an early age, was captivated by fashion. At the age of 23, services his clothing firm offers. He he gave up his job as a banker at First further said the company also offers special fabric for designers and Caribbean Bank to start his own business. He realized that most of the furniture. The Sunday night event offered the designers in SVG have the talent but lack the business outlook, therefore he public the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the brand of some was motivated to provide an avenue for persons to showcase their designs. local designers, including Jeremy Dickson told THE VINCENTIAN that Payne Designs, Ikeisha Designs and Arlene Designs, all showcasing a there is a need for Caribbean variety of items consisting of clothing, designers to become more united, jewelry and cultural wear .The “because that is the only way as impression on the faces of the patrons Caribbean designers we can go international, and also the standard, I who turned up on Sunday night, was one of admiration, and a few took the would like to see that improved” said opportunity to purchase items. Dickson. Another issue of concern for Dickson said he was grateful for the the young talent is that there should support. He extended thanks to those be more focus on the part of financial who have made his project Successful institutions here to assist young business persons desirous of obtaining including his major supporter, lawyer Julian Jack and his mother. a loan. The event was sponsored by Shifting back to the service that his Gonsalves Liquors. Persons wishing to company offers, the young contact Fashion House Caribbean can entrepreneur said that at Fashion visit their online site at House, persons can also get their custom made clothing at proper service fashionhousecaribbean.com, email fashionhousecaribbean@gmail.com or level, “whether it’s custom designs or telephone 4931881. you have something you want made.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 17.
News
Six Vincentians in TrinityÊs September 2014 Entry Class by GLORIAH.... ON SATURDAY, September 6th, 2014, when the Trinity School of Medicine held a White Coat Ceremony for its September 2014 entry class, six Vincentians were among the sixty new entrants into the medical profession. The future local doctors, Melissa Baptiste, Kitson Deane, Kande Francis, Shamon Gumbs, Rashida Lavia and Ashlee Liverpool, along with their colleagues, received their White Coats which, according to Dr. Paula Wilson, were “personally placed on each student’s shoulders by faculty”, and are said to represent the institution’s faith, hope and confidence in the students’ ability to succeed. The attendees heard from several speakers, including His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General. He outlined the Vincentian way of life, fostering the overseas students’ understanding of their new home for the next two years. He also advised, “The journey is long and arduous, but at the end of it, it is very fulfilling. You will be equipped with the tools to touch the lives of people for the better, and also for the betterment of the planet.” To cement this idea, a video by graduates of Trinity was presented, giving germane advice on good strategies for spending their medical school years, which President of Trinity, Mr. Steve Wilson, introduced. “I have questioned many students who have done well, about what each did to succeed”, he said. “The video will give answers to that question.” Then, in “Words of Wisdom from Trinity Graduates”, the entrants heard of experiences on the island and at the institution. They were encouraged that, while they should maximize their enjoyment of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, they should endeavor to put their studies first and remain focused. They heard about dealing with everyday class activities, beneficial study habits, ease of working with lecturers, methodologies for coping, and exam tips and tips for enhancing the pursuit of their residency in the United States and Canada. “It’s a humbling experience,” one student reminisced, “it shapes you into a good person and a good doctor. Just learn to face your tasks and go forward.” Two of these graduates were Vincentians: Dr. Apoorva Jayarangaiah and Dr. Jessiela Roberts. The origin and significance of the White Coat was shared by Dr. Paula Wilson, Assistant Professor of Public Health and Health Informatics and Associate Dean of Admissions. She chronicled its conception from Dr. Arnold Gold’s illuminating idea, to the prestige it now affords medical students in their shorter coats, and doctors in their longer coats. In a jovial manner, Dr. Wilson explained that, “What distinguished the long white coats from the short white coat is that the long coats are starched and white and beautiful, but the short coats worn by the students are not. The pockets are filled with books, pens, 5-hour energy drinks and so on.” She then reiterated that the administration and faculty of Trinity hold every faith, hope and confidence in its students’ movement from short white coat to long white coat, every time it is placed on their shoulders. Associate Dean of Students, Dr. Frances Jack, joined her voice in welcome and commendations of the future doctors. She reminded them that the white coats signified their “willingness to take responsibility of being a student doctor”. She
cautioned that at times there will be challenges, “to the point where you will believe the task is insurmountable”; but she finished by saying that, this will teach them to “work with diligence and perseverance and to serve humanity.” At that point, the students rose and walked forward to be robed by Douglas Skelton, MD, Dean and Chancellor of the School; Andreas Reymann, MD Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Evaluation; Joe Wilson, MD Associate Dean of Clinical Clerkships; and Frances Jack, MD. Each was welcomed into the profession by His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne. Front row:Ashlee Liverpool, Radisha Speaking on behalf of the Lavia, Khande Francis. Back row: Vincentian contingent, Khande Kitson Deane, Melissa Baptiste, Francis explained, “We started in pre- Shamon Gumbs. med. At first, we were worried that we would not be able to cope. Some of the students had degrees already.” Francis said that the work was different, yet it closely resembled the sciences they did at College. “We were able to fit in easily,” she gushed. She spoke of the ease at which a student assistance is available, “If there is something you don’t understand, you could just ask the lecturers. Even if you meet them in the hallway, they will give you the guidance you need.” When questioned about LLogs Lovita Lewis receiving Most Outstanding the long haul of studies, Award from Commander Royal Navy, Richard Khande said, “Well, that is Harris, Commandant DMLS - HMS RALEIGH. what we signed on for, and that is what we are going to pursue. There are going to be tough times, but we are just happy that at Trinity, our confidence is there.” The students will complete five terms here in EVERY YEAR, the Defence Maritime Logistics SVG, then proceed to do School holds an award ceremony at HMS residency in the United RALEIGH to celebrate the achievements of States and Canada. students and staff over the last training year. This Trinity Entry Class of 2014. is a prestigious event attended by VIPs from both Navy Command and the wider training environment. The senior guest this year was Vice Admiral Steel, Chief Naval Logistics Officer, 2SL (2nd Sea Lord). Among the 34 people who received awards, was Leading Logistician Supply Chain, Lovita Lewis, a Vincentian. LLogs Lewis who originally is from Queen’s Drive, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and resides in Gosport, Hampshire, England, joined the Royal Navy in 2007. She was presented with the Commandant Defence Maritime Logistics School Award as the student who demonstrated the most dynamic Command, Leadership and Management awareness and application during all facets of her training within DMLS, and her participation in the life of HMS RALEIGH as a whole. This award is recognition of exceptional zeal and drive to succeed, and took place at HMS RALEIGH, England on July 24, 2014. According to the Portsmouth News, LLogs Lewis, who works at Portsmouth Naval Base, stated “discipline and hard work bring success”. Lovita Lewis is a former student of the Girls’ High School and St. Vincent Technical College, and worked in administration at CLICO Attica Allen, Westford Joseph and International Life Insurance prior to joining the Nikisha Cozier. Royal Navy.
Evaluation takes Joseph to regional contest minimizing its spread. The speech evaluation WESTFORD JOSEPH, a member contestants, Attica Allen, of the Creative Thinkers Nikisha Cozier, Janice Toastmasters Club, won the McMaster, Arlette Miller, Annual Area 18 Speech along with Westford Joseph, Evaluation Contest, from a field of all gave good accounts of five competitors, on Sunday, 14th themselves; but Toastmaster September. The contest was held aWestford was not to be at Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa. outdone. In a Speech Evaluation With this victory in his Contest, a test speaker delivers a pocket, Westford Joseph has speech, and contestants must use now become eligible to all the evaluation skills they have compete in the regional learned, to write and then deliver Speech Evaluation Contest a two-minute evaluation on what held at the District 81 they had heard and seen. In last October Conference. This Sunday’s contest, the test event will be held in St. speaker, Mrs. Daphne Scott, Lucia between October 17th delivered a speech entitled, “Bend and 19th at the Royal by Rex Over in Pain”. In this Resort. The conference will presentation, Toastmaster be held under the theme: Daphne gave details of the origin “Creating Connections, of the Chikungunya disease, its Building Relationships method of infection and ways of through Toastmasters”. by GLORIAH....
Royal Navy honours Vincentian sailor
18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 19.
People
Diehard cricket fans Sarah and Harry Blundred – Love the flavour of West Indies Cricket!
by SHERON GARRAWAY ARDENT CRICKET FANS Sarah and Harry Blundred believe the experience of West Indies cricket is like no other! The English natives who have lived on the Grenadine island of Canouan for years – but who now reside between Barbados and Monaco, admitted that the West Indies team has brought a flavour to the game which must be experienced. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN about the just concluded West Indies vs Bangladesh test match that took place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Arnos Vale Playing Field from September 5-9, Sarah explained that the passion between the players on the field and spectators in the stands is a combination that has energized the sport which has been around since the 16th century. The business couple, who were also at the CPL T20 games, also highlighted that the music, lush tropical settings, beautiful beaches and blue skies make the matches more heavenly, and that Arnos Vale Playing field in particular takes the cake. They even enjoyed watching cricket with their longtime friend the former Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell, and expressed that Arnos Vale is a gorgeous ground, with comfortable seating and good facilities; however, they expressed disappointment that more stands weren’t filled. Sarah questioned whether this was as a result of the heavy rains which occurred or whether in fact there was a growing disinterest in the longer drawn out test match cricket. She noted that last year, when the one day match occurred in St. Vincent, the stands were filled to capacity, and queried whether more could be done by the West Indies Board to promote the test series. She expounded, “When I phoned most of my friends and told them I was coming for the cricket, they were surprised and didn’t even know that there were matches going to take place, and that there was a five day test in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, even up to the week before. So I was shocked!” Sarah also stated that when they
travel the world, they could easily get their tickets online, but that it was frustrating and almost impossible o acquire tickets for West Indies matches from abroad. The business woman recounted, “We went online to westindiescricket.com, but there were no tickets available for sale. I rang the ticket office at Arnos Vale, but they said they couldn’t accept credit cards by phone. We also wanted to buy tickets for some of our friends and youngsters who enjoy the sport, but the cricket office explained that, even if we could send a representative in person, we could only purchase so many tickets in one go — so that was very disappointing.” Mrs. Blundred said to attain tickets, she eventually had to send someone to the cricket office in St. Vincent, and they had to fill out forms and upon arrival in order to acquire enough tickets for each day and then return to collect the tickets, once the cheque had cleared the banking system. The cricket fan stated that it was already a hassle for overseas cricket lovers to deal with aspects such as flights, taxis and accommodation, and advised the West Indies Board, who she noted have a good website; should address the matter of ticket sales online to encourage more travelling fans. “People in places such as England are desperate to make trips to the Caribbean to witness cricket, but they must be turned off by not being able to secure tickets tickets online before travelling,” she reiterated. “ Already, many fans are attempting to buy tickets for the England tour in April and May 2015, but tickets are not yet available, even though hotels and flights are filling up”. The Blundreds have already sourced their tickets for the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February and March, from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2015 organisation, and are anxiously looking forward to supporting the fabulous West Indies. Maybe if you look in the stands, you’ll be able to see them in the waving the West Indies flag high?
Cricket fans Susan (furthest right from row) and Harry Blundred (next to her) with Joyce Boyce, widow of Barbadian cricketer Keith Boyce and friends.
20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Entertainment could be pleasing if it is of an energetic nature. You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. You can expect opposition at work. Don't let your competition be privy to information that could be in criminating. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You are best not to nag or criticize. You have more than enough on your plate already. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. Help an older member with a problem that faces them. CANCER (June 22-July 22) In harmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you this week. Reevaluate your situation. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. You can make money if you pursue your own business. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You need to get out and challenge yourself. Changes in your home may be alarming at first. The advice you get this week may be based on false information. You will find travel and lectures most stimulating. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Someone you least expect could be trying to make you look bad. You may be in an extremely passionate mood this week. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. You can pick up additional responsibility that will lead to higher wages and a better position. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will have original ideas for ways to
make extra money. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Relationships will be erratic this week. You will find that you are able to clear up a number of small but important details. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards. This will not be the time to give too much to your children. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) The distance may make you both appreciate each other more. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. You will be able to work with fine detail this week. You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Outdoor sports events should entice you. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home. Don't go out of your way, and don't let these unexpected guests cost you money. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Extravagance and overindulgence are not a cure if you're feeling sorry for yourself. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place. If you're already in a relationship, use this added energy passionately. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Your attitude could be up and down like a yo-yo. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings.
ACROSS 1.Talented 5. “Mayday!” 8. Boat bosses (abbr.) 12. Give the impression 13. Noah’s transport 14. Remedy 15. Yearly 17. Fellow who loved an Irish Rose 18. School group (abbr.) 19. Cadge, slangily 21. Eccentric 22. Reddish‐ brown shade 24. Burns with steam 27. Drop like a hot __ 30. Animal adoption org. 31. Bound up 32. Where Noah alit 35. Intimidate 37. Strange 39. __ shot
41. Honesty 42. Jacuzzi spot 45. Is ill 47. Victories 49. Ancient Peruvian 50. __ detector 51. Go by burro 52. Boxer Spinks 53. Harris and Flanders 54. “__ girl!” (2 wds.) DOWN 1.Memo letters 2. Out of shape 3. Singer Horne 4. Australian bird 5. Hairdressers’ “offices” 6. Tough fabric 7. Airport employee 8. Uncoverer’s exclamation 9. Dapper 10. Motel employee 11. Christmas toy 16. Surrounded by 20. “Managed
care” inits. 22. __ Boothe Luce 23. Aquatic mammal 24. Retirement benefit agcy. 25. Lifesaving skill (abbr.) 26. Mexican resort town 28. Sleuth, for short 29. Keats work 33. Deed 34. Tortoise 35. Urban locales
36. Third‐largest Hawaiian island 38. Gruesome 39. Flunk 40. Short note 42. Dentist’s direction
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 21.
43. Advanced degrees (abbr.) 44. Not ashore 46. __ Francisco 48. Modern diagnostic tool (abbr.)
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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
She needs to stop the horoscope nonsense her that we get married in the last month of the year, simply because it is the I HAVE BEEN dating my girlfriend for 2 years now, month when we would and we are pretty serious. have the most funds at our disposal. I expect a big We have been discussing cheque a few weeks marriage, but there is a problem. All she is talking before that time. She about is getting married in insists on getting married in her birth month which is her birth month, because in the middle of the year, that is her lucky month next year. We do not have according to the Stars. I the funds to have a have told her repeatedly wedding at that time! that I do not subscribe to Can you shed some this horoscope nonsense; light on this for me but it is like she is not please? listening. I suggested to
Dear George,
girlfriend. Maybe if and when you tell her that the wedding will be Dear Frustrated, off, once she continues to think the way she is, Your reasoning makes that might get her a lot of sense to me, and attention. If there would it escapes me why it does be no funds to pull the not register with your wedding off when she wants it, then I do not see the point in making this an issue. It is simple, no money no wedding! Marriage is too serious an event to be depending on a horoscope guide for luck or directions. Before you get into a marital union with this individual, please double check to see that you agree on more issues than not. Two cannot walk together unless they agree.
Frustrated
George
I want her to leave him Dear George,
I HAVE CHOSEN to experiment on having a fling with a member of my sex, and I did not expect the result that I got from the whole experience. I did not tell my boyfriend that I was going to do this, because I did not want any argument with him. The woman I did this with has been checking on me more often than I expected, and to be truthful, I am getting more physical and emotional satisfaction from her than from my boyfriend. I am at the stage now where I want this woman to completely leave her husband and be with me. She said she wants to keep her marriage intact and be with other women, but I do not agree with this. I am thinking of telling my boyfriend about it, but do not want to do so unless this woman tells her husband. She wants me to forget about my boyfriend, but wants to hold on to her husband, which is not fair to me at all. It is true that I am feeling less and less in love with my boyfriend; but I want to take my time with this before I break any such news to him. What should be my next move?
Unsure Chick Dear Unsure Chick, Your next move should be to let your boyfriend know that you have changed your sexual orientation, and that you are not as interested in being with him or men for that matter any longer. It is grossly unfair to him to be doing this outside his knowledge. As far as your new- found friend/lover is concerned, getting between a marriage union is not a good idea, and you need to back up a bit. Your sexual orientation is your business, but becoming a wedge between a couple is stepping out of bounds. If your friend wants to cheat on her husband, that is her business, and you have no control over her actions; but, by becoming her partner in ‘crime’, you have made yourself a contributor to the inevitable demise of her marriage.
George
I can’t continue this way Dear George, Dear Stressed, MY BOSS underpays me, and to add insult to injury, he wants me to sleep with him if, according to him, I am to keep my job. I really want the job, but cannot stand the advances he makes on me every single day. He would tell me things like, it is just a matter of time before I give in (to him), and before he gets between my legs. I have the suspicion that two other girls in the store are sleeping with him, and it is rumoured that one of them has the HIV virus. I do not have full proof, but that talk is going around. I am just sorry for this man’s wife, because she is a very nice woman, and does not deserve to be with an animal like my boss. Going to work every day is very stressful for me, and I do not want to continue like this.
Sexual harassment in the work place should never be tolerated, and ought to be reported by all means. Find someone to talk to about this, so you can be guided correctly. Sleeping with your boss will not get you in a better position financially or emotionally. By doing so, you will just be giving control of your body and your will to this man. It will be a great idea to remove yourself from that environment for the sake of your mental health. Remaining there will guarantee you continued stress and the risk of being sexual assaulted. This is one time when you have to say it simply is not worth it, and look elsewhere for better.
George Stressed
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 23.
Education
Linking Storytelling to Literacy that the knowledge gained by the created its own story to teach Life participants should give them a good Skills. The Ministry of Education is foundation on which they would build extremely glad that BNTF is the pathway towards excellent literacy skills. The facilitator, Mrs. Gwenette Cambridge, Senior Education Officer with responsibility for Early Childhood Education, engaged teachers in discussion on how the art of storytelling can be integrated into all subject areas. Since this is another strategy that can enhance the teaching and learning experience in the lower grades, the teachers were enthused as they each used one word to create an “on the spot story”. In their group work presentations teachers presented teaching lessons explaining how the story “The Magic Fish” would be used to teach Language Arts, “Jack and the Beanstalk” could be used to teach Science, “The Ginger Bread Man” could be used to teach Mathematics, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” could be used to teach Social Participants at the workshop listen attentively to Studies, and one group facilitators.
THE BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND (BNTF) has once again partnered with the Ministry of Education in contributing toward the improvement of teaching and learning. A workshop dubbed “Storytelling: A Pathway to Literacy Acquisition” was organized for kindergarten teachers of 30 selected schools, and took place at the VINSAVE Conference Room on Tuesday 9th September. BNTF representative, Miss Sophia Danzine, in her brief remarks, advised the participants that it was their duty as educators to help each child to develop his or her potential. She cautioned the teachers to assist children to learn rather than “judge their inability to learn”. Miss Danzine ended by saying
Silver Jubilee- C.W.Prescod Primary turns Twenty-five THE CHRISTOPHER WILBERFORCE Prescod Primary School opened its doors in September 1989 under the moniker “The New Kingstown Primary School”. It was later renamed C.W.Prescod Primary School in remembrance of the Education stalwart Christopher Wilberforce Prescod. The school, which was built on the site of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) building, catered for students of the Kingstown Methodist School and students of Grade 6 from various schools, who were unsuccessful at the Common Entrance Examinations. The inclusion of these post Grade 6 students merited the school having Grades 7 and 8, with children of ages 13yrs-15yrs. At present, the school caters for students from Kindergarten through Six.
This year, the C.W.Prescod Primary School is commemorating and celebrating its Silver Jubilee (25 years) of contributing to the educational, moral and social ideals and standards of the country under the theme “Twenty-five Years of Dedication, Quality Education and Achievement.” To mark this momentous occasion, the school will be hosting various activities throughout the remainder of this year. These activities begin with a church service to be held at the Kingstown Methodist Church on Thursday 25th September at 9:30 a.m. The principal and staff of the school are inviting present and past students, teachers, parents and well-wishers to come and celebrate with them in thanksgiving for God’s merciful blessings, and love, which have brought them thus far.
Seven to compete in COURTS Reading Competition SEVEN (7) STUDENTS have been selected to participate in the finals of the COURTS Reading Competition.
The finalists are: 1. Riana Blake Petersville Primary School 2. Aneila Cato Kingstown Preparatory School 3. Brielle Compton Bequia Anglican Primary School 4. Rheanna Harry Windsor Primary School 5. Kaje Jack Colonaire Government School
6. Shamia James Bequia Seventh Day Adventist Academy 7. Zonique Williams Georgetown Government School The finals will take place on Friday 26th September at the Frenches House, beginning at 9 a.m. The COURTS Reading competition is into its 6th year and the winner of the local leg will travel to Grenada to compete in the 2014 edition of the COURTS OECS Reading competition. Last year’s winner was Krysten Barbour of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School.
committed to all aspects of education, and looks forward to its continued support.
24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 25.
Education
Dorsetshire Hill school promotes total students STILL BEAMING from their achievement of one hundred 100% (10/10) passes in the initial year of the CPA Exams (previously Common Entrance Exams), the Dorsetshire Hill School will not only attempt to repeat this feat, but also produce rounded students as they leave the institution. Upon the initiative of Parliamentary Representative Hon. Cecil Mc Kie, the school was the recipient of a variety of
vegetable seeds in support of their effort to revise and promote a thriving vegetable garden at the School. The presentation was made at the School’s Assembly last Monday. Additionally, through the efforts of the Parliamentary Representative, with support from the business sector, the plot of land identified for this programme was re-fenced and ploughed, and seedlings provided for
Parliamentary Rep. Hon. Cecil Mc Kie holding book by Dr. Adams.
the initial crop. Thanks to author Dr. Edgar Adams, the school was also presented with his latest release “The making of the Dorsetshire Hill Community”. The wealth of information in the book will arm the teachers of the school with new information on the school and community which will add value to the current curriculum offerings. The Parliamentary Representative advised the Assembly that the book will form the backdrop for the presentation of this year’s Light up Programme in the community. The School was invited to participate fully in this year’s programme, with items of Singing, Dancing, Drama and Choral Speaking. Representative Mc Kie again complimented the School on its 100% Hon. Cecil Mc Kie addressing students of the Dorsetshire Hill Primary School. achievement and the opportunity to
have provided three (3) trophies for the School’s Graduation. He also pledged support with the cleaning of the compound, and pointed to recent works in the area with the Road Clean up Programme, the Back to School Support programme, and the construction of steps with rails to allow easier access to the Dorsetshire Hill Playing Field. He also advised on other soon to be implemented programmes of road patching and major repairs to the School to allow it to be placed on the list of Hurricane Shelters, as there is currently no such Shelter in the area. The Dorsetshire Hill School was established in 1926 with a student population of thirty four (34), which now stands at around one hundred (100).
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26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Business
Vitamalt rewards with cash RONDIQUE DEANE of Akers and David Harry of Barrouallie have received some much needed cash from the St. Vincent Brewery Limited through the company’s ‘VitamaltLife Made Easy’ promotion. The duo collected their winnings last week during a short ceremony which was held at the Brewery in Campden Park. They received their US$150 from the Brewery’s Trade Marketing Assistant Cenica Patterson. The two men were rewarded with cash when they produced Vitamalt crowns that spelt ‘VITA CASH’. Said Deane, “I feel good about winning this
money…of course I feel good”. He added that he usually buys Vitamalt from shops and supermarkets while he took close to three weeks to accumulate the crowns with the letters that spelt ‘VITA CASH’. “I’m still playing because I’m hoping to win one of the phones”, said Deane who added that he thinks that the Vitamalt-Life Made Easy’ promotion, “is a good thing because it’s helping people and giving back something to the people”. Harry, the other winner said that he also felt good about winning the money. “It is a good promotion
and I’m enjoying it”, he said. The Vitamalt-Life Made Easy’ promotion was launched on Monday, August 18th at the Brewery, and allows Vitamalt drinkers to win cash, 4G cellular devices, phone credit and Vitamalt four packs. To win, Vitamalt drinkers must look under the crown for individual letters that can be combined to spell ‘VITA CASH’, ‘VITA CREDIT’ or just simply ‘VITA,’ and as a result win prizes. Persons who have eight crowns with the letters that spell ‘VITA CASH’ will instantly win US$150, while persons
Rondique Deane (left) and David Harry (above) accept their cheques presented by Brewery’s Trade Marketing Assistant Cenica Patterson.
with ten crowns that spell ‘VITA CREDIT’ will win a 4G ready handset and credit. Also, simply have four crowns that spell ‘VITA’, and you will
get a six pack of Vitamalt. The ‘Vitamalt-Life Made Easy’ promotion promotion ends on Monday, September 29th, 2014. The promotion
rewarded its first set of winners two weeks ago in the form of Alvin Patrick of Layou and Olanzo Mills of Barrouallie. The two men won 4G cellular devices.
Customer service in the palm of your hand with the my Digicel app ANOTHER SERVICE INNOVATION to save customers time and hassle As of Monday, September 15th, Digicel customers can take care of many of their customer service needs straight from their handsets, thanks to the new look My Digicel app. Designed to put the power in the hands of customers and save time and hassle, the My Digicel app is available for free download on Android devices, and is the smart and easy way for customers to manage their mobile lives. Text numbers and complicated short codes are a thing of the past, as customers can use the app for a large variety of their service needs. The app can be used for basics like checking account balances and the status of current plans, to things like purchasing new plans, using online top up, sending credit to another user or managing account settings. The app, available in English, French and Spanish, also keeps customers in the loop
with all of Digicel’s social media channels, and allows users to give feedback on the app from their handsets. Marketing Manager at Digicel Juno DeRoche commented, “We are delighted to be making the My Digicel app available to our customers. This is all about putting the power in the hands of our
consumers, and providing them with the tools to manage their lives through their pockets. With the My Digicel app, time spent calling and talking to customer care can be spent doing something far more productive, as all the mobile help you need is just a touch away.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 27.
Butler/Walters set up team rivals win by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
Allrounder Casmond Walters (40) hits over cover
VETERAN ALLROUNDER Deighton Butler and the fast improving Casmond Walters combined to help defending champions Team Rivals advance to the finals of the SVG Cricket Association Super40 with a 115 run victory over Guardian General Saints at the Sion Hill Playing Field on Sunday. SCORES: Team Rivals 183/9 off 40 overs, Guardian General Saints 68 in 24.4 overs. Team Rivals used their experience and confidence to battle the Guardian General Saints bowling and an underprepared square to post their total after being asked to take first knock, with Walters hitting a topscore of 40 and Asif Hooper getting 35. They were set on their way through an opening stand of 51 between Hooper and guest player Darren Greaves (21), before Hooper was magnificently caught by a diving
Jeron John at point as he attempted to cut Desron Maloney. He struck four sixes and faced 40 balls. After losing some quick wickets, Walters then added crucial runs with the lower order before Butler (19) and Roneil Jeffrey (19) pushed the total to over the 175 the Team Rivals camp felt would be a challenge to chase on the pitch. Desron Maloney 3/27 off eight, and Kenroy Peters 2/24 off eight, were the best of the Guardian General Saints bowlers. Set to score at an achievable four and a half runs an over, Guardian General Saints suffered an early setback when they lost both openers Rickford Walker (3) and Omron Lorraine (7) by the time the score had reached 15. Walker was LBW by Walters with total on four, and Lorraine was bowled playing back to one that kept low. Maloney (11) and Sunil Ambris (18) tried to steady the ship before Maloney lost patience and top edged to extra cover. Team Rivals then struck a telling blow when the experienced Currency (5) was bowled by Butler’s
Ballantyne wins Venture 5k
SWEET VICTORY! Pamenos Ballantyne kisses his hands as he crosses the line to win the 15th Annual Venture Credit Union 5K in Couva on the weekend in Trinidad. Ballantyne, 40 years old, showed his class by dominating the field before crossing the finish line, winning gold at the annual event in a speedy time of 15 minutes and 36 seconds. He had to contend with second placed Kelvin Johnson from Guyana, who beat Ballantyne in last year’s event, and Curtis Cox of Trinidad and Tobago who crossed the line in third position. “I felt good winning this event this year, since I haven’t won it for the last three years. It definitely helped me regain my confidence for my remaining Ballantyne crosses races for the year,” Ballantyne said. “For Ballantyne with winning trophy the finish line in the past three years, I have been TNT winning this year, with hampered by injuries, but I have worked hard and was able to still compete in a few races,” he the quality athletes I have running with me. We have already begun training as a team twice per stressed. The former OECS sports personality week, so we are working hard to achieve the admits he is not one hundred percent injury first place,” he concluded. free, but has been able to keep up his training. Last week, Ballantyne set a record, Ballantyne is now looking for more success, registering the fastest time in the Team as he gears up to represent SVG in the OECS Round the Town Road Relay on September 28th Athletics Round the Town Road Relay trials when he clocked 6 minutes 34 seconds, and a here. Ballantyne will team up with Mishak Dublin, Junior ’Stone’ Ashton and Coswell Lewis personal best, to win the event. Ballantyne’s next regional event will be the for the event, as they try to go past defending Guadeloupe 10K scheduled for October 11th, the champions Grenada. “I believe we can win this event, going one step better than last year when event in which he placed 4th his last outing. we finished second to Grenada,” Ballantyne I.B.A.ALLEN said. “I believe we stand a better chance of
Team Rivals opener Asif Hooper (35) plays through the offside. left-arm spin with one that passed under his prodding bat to make it 49/4. There was little resistance after, with Ambris holding out to point off an attempted slog, and the team then losing their last six wickets for 19 runs in 10.2 overs. Man of the Match Butler 4/22, Orlanzo Jackson 2/10 and Walters 2/15, led the bowling for Team Rivals. Team Rivals will now meet the winners of Saturday’s semifinals between LIME Radcliffe and Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy.
Arnos Vale to host Women’s T20 Zealand in three T20 matches beginning next Tuesday September 23rd. The second match will be on Thursday 25th, with the final slated for Saturday 27th. An official from the SVG Cricket Association said patrons can purchase tickets at the cost of EC Five dollars at the gates, and that they are anticipating a good turnout. The West Indies team is currently leading the Stephanie Taylor is expected to five-match One Day series 3-0 in St Kitts, lead the West Indies batting which will be followed by FOR THE FIRST TIME in the T20 series here at Arnos the history of cricket, the Vale playing field. Arnos Vale playing field will Matches begin at 2pm. be host to International Women Cricket when the I.B.A.ALLEN West Indies take on New
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28. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Captain James leads Lime Radcliffe to Super40 semis
up with an assortment of CAPTAIN LINDON JAMES starred uniform pieces with bat and ball in pushing appeared the more Lime Radcliffe into the semisettled of the teams, finals of the SVG Cricket and quickly got into Association Super40 their strides, despite competition, with a 34 run losing the wicket of victory over Victors ONE at the Romario Pierre (4) main Arnos Vale Playing field with the total on 11. last Saturday. He was caught by Winning the toss and taking Alston Bobb at point first knock, Lime Radcliffe off pacer Norlan totalled 248/5 in their Williams. allotment of forty overs, then Verbert King( 48) dismissed their opponents for and Andrew Thomas Lauron Francois (43) shapes to Miles Bascombe (35) gets in a 213 in 37.4 overs. (37) added 61 for the play to extra cover tangle The match got underway second wicket before two overs, with make the total 169/4. over one hour late, after the former was caught by James then added a further Bascombe (1/72 in six players and umpires arrived at Bobb off Kenneth Denbar with Captain Lindon James (78) swings to the main Arnos Vale Playing the total on 72. Thomas struck 46 with Westrick Strough (42), overs) being the main square-leg victim. And there were in taking the game away from Field to find the designated two sixes and one four in his 36 Extras in the Victors ONE. constant loss wickets and a match-day pitch with wet 43 ball stay at the crease. It innings. James, who struck three weakened batting line-up. spots in crucial areas, while was then 75/3 when Rodney Norlan Williams 2/60 took sixes and three fours in his 73Lauron Francois (43) and the neighbouring wicket on Lawrence (2) was caught off the most wickets for Victors ball stay, went with the total Bobb (47) featured in a 69-run which the test match was guest player left-arm spinner ONE. on 215/5 in the 39th over. It partnership for the fifth played was bone dry. The Andre Hunte. Faced with the task of wicket, but that only sought to decision was then taken by King then added 94 for the was left to Strough who struck five sixes and two fours in the scoring at over six runs an delay the inevitable, with umpires Goalan Greaves and fourth wicketn with captain over, Victors ONE challenged seventeen balls he faced, and James who had removed his Samuel Holder to switch the Lindon James (78) before he for a time, but were always Richie Richard (one) to add wicketkeeping gloves and pads match to the dry pitch. went off the part time offunder pressure with the another 32 runs in the final to bowl seamers, grabbing 3/6. Lime Radcliffen who turned breaks of Miles Bascombe to Offspinner Rodney Lawrence (4/33) was the most successful bowler. LIME Radcliffe will meet Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy this Saturday in the champions Rudy’s Electrical, Carlos course with 25, but semi-finals at the Park Hill Andrews had the situation James Troumaca Starlight, Ajuba, Peto Playing Field. Stars and Sharpes United. under control. Police reached 205 for 7 from their 20 overs. Mc Lean Williams 43, Marcus John 38, Gerald Gould 34 and PREMIUM BOYS were in top form for 19. Mac Little Saints was easily Mohammed Lavia 32, when they recorded a 10-run win over rolled over for 52 in 14 overs. St Clair helped to propel their Older Boys as the National Lotteries Dickson took 4 for 14, Keneal Richards team. Amansford 2 for 6 and Travis Peters 2 for 10. Richards 2 for 26, Doyle Authority TBPO Softball T20 Cricket Nar Fren Dem recorded a narrow 6McAllister 2 for 31, and Competition heats up, following last weekend’s games at the Dauphnie run win over Winter Boys. Nar Fren Shang I John 2 for 37, playing field. Boys posted 108 in 19.4 overs. Damron were the best bowlers Older Boys took first knock and Prince made 21, while Kenford Collins for Future Legends. were reduced to 80 for 9 in 20 overs. & Ceon Phillips made 19 each. In a second Winters Boys’ bowling was led by encounter, Andrews was Bowling for Premium Boys, Javorn Nero took 3 for 7 and Julius London 2 Jason Barbour who took 4 for 7, again in the spotlight, Evansley Payne 2 for 17 and Kevin Mc Donson Andrews picking up the season’s for 14. In reply, Premium Boys raced Mac Clean Williams to 85 without loss in 11 overs. Michael Kie 2 for 26. In reply, Winter Boys first hat trick. His by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ Duncan led the run chase with an were reduced to 102 for 8 in 20overs. figures of 3 for 8 sealed an unbeaten 44, while Emmanuel ANTHONY Jason Barbour made 37 and Evansley outstanding performance for the off Payne 27. Bowling for Nar Fren Dem, spinner. Parnel Browne 3 for 34 was Baptiste hit 25 not out. In other results, Gomea Bombers DONSON ANDREWS, more known for Sachin James took 3 for 22 and also among the wickets, as Simple comfortably defeated Smart Strikers his batting qualities, produced a Clinton Woods 2 for 7. Sounds Family were restricted to 123 by 8 wickets. Smart Strikers batted devastating and productive spell of Simple Boys kept it simple and all out in 17.4 overs. first and made 57 in 17.5 overs. Noel bowling to guide his team Police to back defeated Dr. Thomas Injectors by 65 Jerod Williams 31 and Devon Carr took 2 for 7, Raymond Sayers 2 to victories in the Vinlec North Leeward Patterson 21 made runs for Simple runs. Simple Boys made 139 in 20 for 9 and Ovando O’Brien 2 for 10. In T/20 championship last Sunday. overs batting first. Elric Morris Sounds Family. reply, Gomea Bombers reached 58 for topscored with 46, and Stein Joseph Andrews returned figures of 7 for 35, McLean Williams unleashed a 2 in 6.5 overs. Ovando O’Brien to reduce Robertson Surveying Future made 36. Bowling for Dr. Thomas series of power shots and raced to an topscored with 23. Bowling for Smart Legends to 184 all out. That left them Injectors, Tex Franklyn took 3 for 42, unbeaten 83, as Police overhauled the Strikers, Damaul Phillips took 2 for 21 runs short of the Police total. Quesnel Cottoy, Damion Allen and target without losing a wicket. Elron Future Legends seemed on course for Lewis played the supporting role with 16. Augustine Corridon took 2 wickets Smashers smashed Mac Little a morale boosting win with innings of each. In reply, Dr. Thomas Injectors 40. Saints by 73 runs. Smashers took the 55 from Elmore Robertson and 39 from were dismissed for 74 in 17.4 overs. The tournament, at the Petit crease first and made 125 in 14.3 Jemuel Matthews. That pair put on 72 Bordel Playing Field, caters for eight overs. Delano Woodley led the batting Elric Morris took 4 for 8 and Kenny for the opening stand when Matthews Hunte 2 for 12. teams which will be engaged in a with 38. Bowling for Mac Little Saints, fell. Robertson departed at 132. Selrick Round Robin affair. Amos Clarke took 3 for 8, Jason Caine tried to keep Future Legends on I.B.A.ALLEN The other teams are defending Jackson 3 for 36 and Kezron Ashton 2 by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
Andrews/Williams jump start Police
TBPO T20 action continues
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 29.
Sports
That was expected THERE WAS a low-keyed build-up to this country’s participation in the Caribbean Cup, but no one expected that St. Vincent and the Grenadines would not have qualified for the next round. The least fans looked forward to was second, which they duly acquired. Dominican Republic emerged as the best third place team, propelled by their 10 nil drubbing of Anguilla. The Vincentians took themselves out of the third place zone, having taken care of the Dominican Republic in their first encounter. Oalex Anderson was this country’s most prolific goal scorer with three of the six goals. He netted twice against Anguilla, following up on his strike against the Dominican Republic which sealed that victory. The other scorers were Myron Samuel and Azhino Solomon against Anguilla, and Nazir Burnette who silenced the Antiguan crowd, only to see the home team triumph in the end with a 2: 1 win. The work has just begun. They are in Group Nine with host Guadeloupe, Haiti and Curacao. They open their campaign against Guadeloupe, October 8, in the evening’s second game. That will be something of a final for both teams trying to be one of the top two teams to advance. A victory for the Vincentians will boost their confidence against Martinique and Curacao for the earlier matches October 10 and 12. The curtains in that Group come down with a French contest featuring Guadeloupe and Martinique. Should the Vincentians advance, it will be to Jamaica for the final November. That Group will see Jamaica, the Group 8 winner and Group seven second place in contention. Speculations are rife as to who the teams for the top eight will be. Vincy Heat ought not to be concerned about the formulation. They have to take it one match at a time and make sure that they are into the final Round. Thereafter, it will be dog eat dog, a situation with which the Vincentians have become familiar. Given the hunger for success that players are experiencing today as a result of the diet of football witnessed from the Fifa World Cup, in addition to the ongoing clashes globally, it is expected that the Vincy Heat contingent will be anxious to put their below par World Cup qualifying round behind them. This is an opportunity for them to show their quality on the wider stage. Opportunities for contracts for outstanding individual players are numerous, the higher the stakes go. Management and the Football administration should be aware of these chances. Additionally, positive results will carry up the nation’s rankings. I will admit that I know very little of the team’s preparations. How they rise to the occasion will be matter of interest to the typical Vincentian supporter. The national Championship has begun here. Indications are that the standard has risen. Teams are better prepared, and that will redound to the composition of a more in depth squad. This Caribbean Cup is a stern test. How the players react to the challenge is left to be seen. It was expected that the West Indies would overcome Bangladesh in any event. They duly fulfilled the task. People are saying that it would not be so easy against India and South Africa. I dare say that the West Indies will be competitive. In fact, I am outrageous enough to suggest that the West Indies are going to beat India. South Africa will be more formidable. But another victory is not off the charts. Then it will be One day International action in Australia and New Zealand. Whatever the fortunes the West Indies come across, I will be there to support them. I have no other choice.
Softball organisers move closer to national association ORGANISERS of Softball Cricket tournaments across the island have begun the process of getting some semblance of uniformity into the sport, with the election of an interim committee to begin the preparations for the establishment of an SVG National Softball Association. The committee, comprising Israel Bruce who is the chairman, Pearlina Thomas, Avril Walker, Tamesha Johnson, and Patmos Richards, was elected when organisers of tournaments met at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Saturday. A spokesperson said that the time has come to have Softball Cricket played in a manner which will eliminate or minimise the chances of confusion. Top softball The wheels were put in motion for the setting up of such an organisation by Patmos Richards, a former Windward Islands youth batsman, who made the initial attempt to spark the interest in setting up an Association. The establishment of a National Softball Cricket Association will be the ideal platform for the effective supervision and management of cricket tournaments throughout the state, a release issued by Richards said. “Softball Cricket has become fashionable; players are making a name for themselves in various competitions/tournaments organised by community groups; hence it is imperative that a national body be set up to provide the necessary incentives for these players. Moreover, avenues should be created for exposing their talents at the sub-regional level through competitive engagements”, it added. On Saturday, members discussed a number of ways in which the Association can help with development of the sport. Among the areas of priority for the Interim Committee is to get every community that organises a softball tournament to become part of the national body.
team: CGM Gallagher Novice. In the three-month period, the Committee is expected to deal with the major issues necessary for setting the foundation for the Association. In the 1980s a National Softball Association was formed with the late Albert Palmer being its first president. It was responsible for the organising of the tournament which saw matches played primarily in the Kingstown, Largo Height, Campden Park, Sion Hill, Calliaqua areas. Earlier this year, Rohan Giles, vice-president of the Clinchers Sports Club, organisers of the Police Co-operative Credit Union Clinchers Softball Cricket competition, had urged the SVG Cricket Association to find a window to facilitate the playing of softball cricket. While president of the SVG Cricket Association. Kishore Shallow had not ruled out this possibility, he however ruled Giles’ suggestion of leaving the first two months of the year for the playing of softball competitions. Teams in softball competitions sometimes collect almost four times what the winners earn in the national hardball competitions.
2014 Firms Domino Tournament opens THE HAIROUN/PRINTERY Sports and Cultural Club Firms Domino competition go underway at the Kingstown Anglican School last Friday, with 10 teams registered. On Saturday the Minibus Association won St. Vincent Port
Authority 25-13. Matches continue this weekend, with CWSA taking on Port Authority from 6:30 p.m. Friday, and on Saturday, Government Printery battles Transport and Works at 3:00 p.m,
and Minibus Association competes with the St. Vincent Brewery at 6:30 p.m. The Tournament continues on weekends until November 9th.
Richland Park Tapeball into final round RIVERSIDE WARRIORS were defeated by Kelipar Hillsiders by 6 wickets as the Inaugural Prime Consulting Richland Park Casper Davis Tapeball resumed at the Richland Park playing field, following last weekend break due to the test match between West Indies and Bangladesh. On Saturday, Riverside Warriors batted first and posted 126 in 17. 2 overs. Kendol Henderson led the batting with a top score of 45, with Glenroy Jacobs hitting 39. Jeremy Layne, with 2 for 22, and Ray Richards 2 for 19 were Kelipar’s best bowlers. Kelipar Hillsiders, in pursuit, reached 131 for 4. Jeremy Layne topscored with 55 not out and Elvin Pompey hit 29. Bowling for Riverside Warriors, Kevin Samuel took 1 for 14. Man of the Match was Jeremy Layne. In other results, on Sunday, Oval Wanderers made 160 in 13.3 overs. Rajiv Roberts stroked 86, and Newborn Joseph hit 19. Kemron Jackson took 3 for 32 and O’Neil Endeavor 2 for 16. Cotton Ground Smashers made 164 for 4 in 10.3 overs in reply. Nickie Antoine led with 74 not out, to earn him Man of the Match, and Coby Simmons 40. Ravij Roberts took 2 for 28. I.B.A.ALLEN
Mini Bus Association (left) vs SVG Port Authority.
Police (left) vs CWSA.
30. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014. 31.
Classifieds
Gunsam collected her winnings from Digicel’s Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid.
Gunsam wins with Digicel MARIA GUNSAM is the winner of the Digicel’s August ‘Text to win’ promotion. On Wednesday September 17th, the lucky woman with the sure fingers took home EC$2000 Cash and a Samsung Tab 3 from Digicel’s Corporate offices located in the Lewis Building on James Street. During the month of August, Digicel customers were asked to text, ‘SCHOOL’ to 7171.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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PM SLAMS CATHOLIC BISHOP’S LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD community, skirts around or mutes any specific indictment of that leadership PRIME MINISTER GONSALVES, himself a itself. It is an urgent matter on which a catholic, has condemned the Letter to the leadership in retreat ought to ponder,” People of God, written by The Most Gonsalves advised the Catholic Bishop. Reverend Bishop Charles Jason Gordon of The Prime Minister further said in the Roman Catholic Diocese of his letter addressed to the Bishop’s Kingstown, as one-sided. Office in Kingstown, that it has always At a press conference on Tuesday, been his understanding that “the Gonsalves read the contents of his Clergy are bound to have a ‘Prophetic response letter before circulating it to Voice’ in the Lord’s service , not only in media personal present .According to occasional letters written to the People the Prime Minister in his letter, he is of God”. pleased that the Clergy of the Diocese, “And I understand it, too, that after their annual retreat, have chosen ‘Prophetic Voice’, among other things, to share their “ deep concerns on must combine a harmonious certain matters affecting our Church relationship between human and our Society”. Gonsalves, however, intelligence and divine inspiration in told the Bishop in his response letter, quest for truth, the way, the life in “Your admission, in your moment of accord with the light of Jesus Christ. In reflection of self-criticism is stunning, that harmonious relationship between quoting the Bishop’s admission that for human intelligence and divine a long time we as a church, have failed inspiration in this Earthly City, it is to speak with a prophetic voice”. The always required that we must get the Prime Minister said that “we” includes facts right when the voice speaks on all members of the church, “the political and social issues. If the admission, though it includes the presumptive prophetic voice utters leadership of the church in our falsehoods on the facts, it becomes a false prophecy”, Gonsalves told the Bishop. He further stated that “such misleading, confusion and disunity are fuelled among God’s People, and God’s work is thereby hampered”. Gonsalves said he found the Bishop’s exhortation to “Our People of God entirely without any recognition of God’s bountiful blessings to His people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. He alluded to the Bishop’s letter as onesided and not in accord with the Ministry of Jesus Christ himself. “To be sure, there is much in our society and polity which requires correction or redemption, but a one-sided litany of woes does not, represent the truth,” he said. The Prime Minister took issue with the Bishop’s mention in his letter of the three teachers who had contested the 2010 general election under an NDP ticket, and failed to win their seat. The teachers’ however lost their job. The Most Reverend Bishop Jason Bigger Biggs issue was another matter Gordon. by KENVILLE HORNE
of contention for the Prime Minister. He therefore advised the Bishop to speak to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education about the teachers issue, “and with a good catholic, Mr. Brent Bailey (Chief Engineer)”, on the Bigger Biggs matter, “in that way you would get the facts” said Gonsalves. “I am truly amazed that the Clergy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has misadvised you on these matters when so much information resides in the Public domain,” declared Gonsalves. The Prime Minister also rejected Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph the Bishop’s statement that a sense Gonsalves had some choice words for of hopelessness and fear exists Most Reverend Bishop Jason Gordon in amongst our people Gonslves response to his Letter to the People of branded such suggestion as the God. Bishop’s unsubstantiated and erroneous view. “I posit told the Bishop in his letter. unequivocally that there is in SVG The Prime Minister further told the today an overwhelming sense of Bishop that the Deputy Prime Minister hopefulness and fearfulness. Evidence and himself both Catholic, have abounds to support this conclusion. I received numerous complaints about can supply you with ample evidence if his letter from Roman Catholics across you want.” St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He The Prime Minister said he agreed said he hoped the Bishop would with the Bishop is his lamentation on organize convocation of Roman the growing disrespect for the human Catholics to discuss his letter in the not person, the increasing lawlessness and too distant future, and he promised he violence, religious and political would be among the esteemed catholic divisiveness, and the Bishop’s call for pilgrims to give his honest views on the unity, encounter and participation in matter. Christ. The Rev. Mgr. Charles Jason Gordon He, however, said he was was born in Port of Spain, in Trinidad disappointed that Bishop Gordon’s letter did not address the vital issue of and Tobago, on March 17, 1959. He did his elementary and secondary studies Drug abuse, drug trafficking, Money at Fatima College in Trinidad. He Laundering, the disrespect of God and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in His people, who were solenly gathered at a funeral service in Georgetown, the Philosophy at the University of the recent declaration by the opposition West Indies. In 1982 he joined the NDP not to cooperate with the Regional Seminary of St. John Vianney Government on any matter save and in Trinidad and Tobago. From 1986 to except the holding of general elections 1988 he did further studies at the urgently, the harassment meted out to Catholic University of Leuven, where many workers in the private sector by he graduated in Moral and Religious unconscionable employers, and the Science (Magna Cum Laude). He then unacceptable level of poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines , amongst returned to Trinidad and Tobago to teach at the Seminary. He was other things. “I find it sad that your ordained a priest in Port of Spain on pastoral letter does not mention the March 19, 1991. poor even once,” the Prime Minister
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