The Vincentian E-Newspaper-20-07-2018

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Xerox B405/DN Multifunction Laser Printer - $2,175.00 • Print, Scan, Copy, Fax • Print Speed: 47 ppm (Simplex) • Maximum Document Size: 8.5 x 14" • 60-Sheet Reversing ADF; Duplex Print • 5" Touchscreen LCD; Easy-Access USB Port

FRIDAY,

JULY 20, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.29

www.thevincentian.com

which culminated in a Freedom Concert at the Cruise Ship Berth and a message to churches, on Sunday 15th July.

Then on Monday, at Frenches House, there was the Nelson Mandela lecture which was delivered by Senator Luke Browne.

A movie night was hosted at the Russell’s Cinema last Tuesday, during which the film ‘Invictus’ was shown.

The film, simply put, told the inspiring true story of how a newly elected President Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s Ambassador to South Africa’s Rugby CARICOM - Xoliswa Team to help unite their Nomathamansanga Ngwevela, country. speaking at the Freedom Last Wednesday was Concert. dubbed ‘Nelson Mandela SVG’s Junior CARIFTA 2018 800m Male Dress Day’, and Under-17 Gold Medallist- Handal Roban ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Vincentians were (right) taking the commemorative baton on joined the rest of the world in encouraged to wear the home stretch to the Cruise Ship Berth. celebrating the centennial African attire on the anniversary of the birth of legendary day.

South African leader - Nelson Meanwhile, Thursday was set Addressing a ceremony at the Mandela. aside for the renaming of the Cruise Ship Berth in Kingstown, Had Mandela been alive, last Leeward Highway as the Nelson last Sunday, after the completion Wednesday 18th July, he would Mandela Highway. of the 100-leg relay, South Africa’s have celebrated the milestone of And today, Friday 20th July, Ambassador to CARICOM 100 years, since his birth in 1918. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xoliswa Nomathamansanga The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce will host a Ngwevela, revered Mandela.

Trade and Commerce here ceremony to recognise winners of spearheaded a series of activities the Nelson Mandela Mural Continued on Page 3. to mark the occasion, under the Painting Competition which was theme: ‘Renewing the Mandela held on July 6th, 2018, and Right: Hon. Luke Browne (left) legacy and promoting active reward the Most Prominent and Commissioner of Policecitizenship in a changing world’.

Entity of the Mandela Dress Day. Colin John (right), at the Sion Hill Among the activities was a Intersection, where the 100-leg centennial 100-leg Road Relay Freedom Concert Road Relay merged.

Nelson Mandela inspired not only his people but all people suffering under the strain of victimization and ostracization.

EC$1.50

2. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 Recent court sentence gets ParliamentÊs ear

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 3.

five years.

“The Magistrate may well have said, ‘Look, given the sentencing guidelines which the Court of Appeal has laid down, you plead guilty, then there is a one third reduction from the maximum’,” he explained.

So too, the Magistrate may have considered it being Senator Marcia Barnwell raised the sentencing in a recent court case to support her claim that a first offence which may the Criminal Code here has not been amended also lead to a discount in to keep up with the times. sentencing.

Gonsalves then went on to intercourse with a female under 13 — read out the recommended sentence associated with specific types of sexual life; intercourse with a girl under 15 — Left: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves explained offences as is found in Chapter 8 of the five years; intercourse with a mental defective — five years; indecent assault that the Magistrate would have been St Vincent and the Grenadines’ with a child under 15 — five years. well within the sentencing guidelines Criminal Code.

(DD) of the Criminal Code.

Rape carries a sentence of life;

THE RECENT CASE involving a Canouan man who received a sentence of 18 months in the Family Court after he pleaded guilty to gross indecency and sexual assault of a 5-year-old girl, got a fair amount of ventilation during the June 29 Sitting of Parliament.

The matter was raised as reference to a question Opposition Senator Marcia Barnwell had raised with respect to failure to amend the Criminal Code for some 26 years now.

Dr, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Legal Affairs, explained that the maximum sentence for the offence committed is actually

SVG’s joins in Mandela’s Centenary Celebrations for and he realized the goals of freedom for the people of South To an audience of Africa…This is somebody relatively young persons, who changed history Her Excellency stated, …When you grow up in a “What is important for world that is changed, all of us to understand, because somebody like today, you are the Nelson Mandela walked younger generation out of prison, a world …Many of you were born changed.” in the late 80s … 1990 when Mr Mandela The Road Relay himself came out of prison …You are not the The 100-leg Relay X generation or the Y engaged the participation generation or the Z of young sportsmen and generation ….You are women, as well as some the Mandela or the cultural icons, such as Madiba generation… He Delroy “Fireman’ Hooper, is Madiba (father) to you at least one sitting … You are the Minister of Government generation of Nelson and some members of the Mandela.” hierarchy of the RSVG Focusing on Mandela, Police Force. the Ambassador said, The relay started at “He lived a charmed three points - Fancy, life… He also had a life Greiggs and Fitz Hughes. of sacrifice … In the end Fifty-eight legs of the it all worked out …He relay came from the achieved what he fought Windward side, 30 from Continued from Frontpage.

the Leeward end and the other 12 from Greiggs, merging finally at the Sion Hill Intersection, before heading to the Cruise Ship Berth.

Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela, who became an international icon, was a leading member of the African National Congress (ANC) that opposed South Africa’s white minority government and its racial policy known as Apartheid.

Essentially, Apartheid marginalised blacks.

Mandela’s lead role in condemning Apartheid resulted in the South Africa government at the time, outlawing the ANC in 1960.

As a consequence, Mandela was jailed in 1962, and two years later

A section of the audience at the Freedom Concert at the Cruise Ship Berth. convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison.

However, then President of South Africa- FW de Klerk, lifted the ban on the ANC, and paved the way for the release of Mandela from prison in

February, 1990.

Four years later, Mandela was elected the first black president of the Republic of South Africa, and the president first to be elected on the basis of one man one vote. He held this position until 1999.

He and FW de Klerk,were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, for their efforts in dismantling Apartheid.

Mandela died 5th December, 2013 at the age at the age of 95.

V

4. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Diamond resident calls for peace The Diamond resident is also appealing to persons with criminal or violent intentions to keep away from his premises.

Police reports are that three unknown men around 8pm, entered Barzie’s home at Diamond, and shot Kendy Falby and Leonard Roberts, both 23-year-old labourers of Stubbs and Diamond respectively.

Kenneth ‘Bullo’ Barzie Falby received bullet wants the violence to wounds to the left side of stop. his abdomen and left thigh, while Roberts was shot on his right thigh.

Stories by Both men were warded HAYDN HUGGINS at the Milton Cato KENNETH ‘BULLO’ BARZIE, Memorial Hospital up to press time Wednesday, in whose yard two men were shot last Friday, July and were said to be in 13, is calling for an end to stable conditions.

Barzie, speaking to violence in St. Vincent and THE VINCENTIAN at the Grenadines.

his home on Tuesday, made it clear that he was a man of peace, and is opposed to any violent confrontation.

“Me don’t like the violence, and me want it to stop. I ain’t dey in no war with anybody.

“Gunmen running in yuh place for no reason at all. If yuh want a man, deal with him in de road, not in my place. Me ain’t dey in no violence ting,” a visibly upset Barzie declared.

Barzie, who was at home at the time of the incident, said Roberts and another man were sitting in the yard while Falby was sitting on the steps. He said he did not recognize any of the attackers because they were wearing handkerchief-like

Victim „play dead‰ in double shooting KENDY FALBY, one of two men who were shot at the home of Diamond resident Kenneth ‘Bullo’ Barzie last Friday night says he had to “play dead,” or things might have been worse for him.

Falby, 23, of Stubbs, was shot in the left side of his stomach and left thigh, while Leonard Roberts, 23, of Diamond, was shot in his right thigh.

Falby told THE VINCENTIAN at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was warded up to press time Wednesday, that the gunmen came through the bushes and shot them.

“I was sitting on the steps. If me been get up, dey would ah get me whole body to shoot up. Me just go down on me left, hold in me breath

and play like me dead,” Falby related.

He said the attackers searched his pockets and relieved him of his cellular phone and $10 before leaving.

Roberts, who was sitting in the yard, had received his injuries first.

Barzie was at home, but was not harmed.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to speak to Roberts, as he was in the care of nurses at the time.

Falby said he had no dispute with anyone prior to the incident.

“Me don’t mek trouble. De only trouble me does mek is to smoke weed,” said Falby, who asked not to be photographed.

Up to press time, the matter was still being investigated.

apparel from their noses down.

This was the second violent encounter Barzie has experienced in about eight months. On October 14 last year, he was one of eight persons who were shot when masked men alighted a vehicle and opened fire outside and inside the Road Side Bar at Diamond, located just a few feet from Barzie’s home.

accompanied Brooks to the Court.

McLean, who had initially appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, had told Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett then that her intention was to plea guilty, and have the matter disposed of, as she wanted to leave for Canada on Wednesday, July 18.

But Burnett insisted that he was not going to entertain a guilty plea, made on the basis of convenience, advised McLean to seek legal counsel, and released her on $2,000 bail. She retained the services of Attorney Grant Connell and returned to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court with her lawyer the same day.

She maintained her innocence.

Connell asked that the matter be heard on Tuesday and requested full disclosure.

Redemption Sharpes and Obandele Neverson, 43, of Murray’s Village, were charged on one count of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, in connection with the incident, but were discharged at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), May 28 this year, after Ricardo ‘Shrek’ McFee, the main witness for the Prosecution, refused to testify.

Lawyer suggests „licks‰ for thief DEFENCE LAWYER Grant Connell has suggested corporal punishment for certain offences.

Connell, speaking as a friend of the Court, made the suggestion at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after 23-year-old Kendol Moses pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Sunset Strong Rum from Randy’s Supermarket.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett said that if the Court sentenced someone to prison for an offence of this nature, “There is a section of the society who would say why send a man to prison for a bottle of Strong Rum? Why not let him pay for it?”

Prosecutor Curlene Samuel, in addressing the Court on the issue, told the Magistrate that

Woman cleared of damaging AIA door A WOMAN who was charged with damaging a glass and aluminum door at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), July 15, walked free from the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after Prosecutor Curlene Samuel indicated that the Prosecution was not proceeding with the matter.

The case against Timika McLean, 28-year-old former store clerk of Arnos Vale, who now resides in Canada, had taken a sharp twist on Tuesday after AIA Operation Manager Carmiena Brooks took the stand and told the Court on oath, that the management of the Airport was taking steps to repair the door, and would like to end the matter.

Keith Miller, Security Chief at the AIA, and a former Commissioner of Police here, had

Barzie was said to be sitting just outside the Bar when the incident occurred around 9pm.

Gregory ‘Pecker’ Abraham, also known as ‘Woody’, one of the eight men shot in that rampage, succumbed to a bullet wound to the stomach, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, two days later.

Alaskie ‘Beaver’ Samuel, 30, of

Prosecution Samuel wanted the matter to be heard on Thursday, but Connell argued that Samuel’s action was uncouth, and was only meant to get his client to take a certain course, as she wanted to leave on Wednesday.

Connell then requested that the matter be set for Tuesday for a report. His request was granted, but the case was discontinued when McLean returned to Court on Tuesday, as the interesting twist occurred.

McLean, who was here for three weeks, is alleged to have damaged the door at the AIA by pulling it out.

Miller and Connell were seen exchanging pleasantries in the hallway outside the courtroom, following the hearing on Tuesday.

persons who commit such offences, should not be allowed to pay for the item(s) and simply walk out of Court.

But Connell expressed the view that the laws should be amended to reflect society, and to deal with issues such as this.

“He (Moses) could get eight hard strokes from a very strong police officer.

When he remembers the strokes, he would remember what he did.”

Connell contended that the Prosecutor, whom he described as “my friend,” does not understand the guidelines of sentencing.

He questioned that if it was just about sending persons to prison, then what would be the appropriate sentence for murder?

Connell pointed out that it was a waste of tax payers’ money to send persons to prison for trivial offences such as the theft of a bottle of Strong Rum valued $28, and possession of small amounts of marijuana.

He suggested that if the Magistrate had a

custodial sentence in mind, it should be suspended.

Attorney Ronald Marks, who was also sitting at the Bar Table, did not agree that “licks” could bend Moses at this stage, or that this form of punishment would be appropriate in the circumstances, but submitted that Moses was a good candidate for a suspended sentence.

The lawyers’ input may have saved Moses from serving time behind bars, as Magistrate Burnett proceeded to sentence him to three months, but suspended the sentence for six months.

Moses was held by security personnel at Randy’s Supermarket around 2:30 pm. July 16 as he attempted to leave the building with the bottle of rum in a bag.

Moses had no previous convictions before the Court, but when the Senior Magistrate questioned him, he admitted that he had a damage to property conviction about two years ago, for which he was fined $350.

FOR SALE One 3-bedroom house with downstairs apt. at Level Gardens Inquiries: tel: 784-496-4802 email: ingridomarde@gmail.com

FOR RENT 2 - 1-bedroom apt. at New Montrose 593-8674

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20 , 2018. 5.

News

Carlyle Douglas shot

CARLYLE DOUGLAS - OWNER OF CT VIEW Multimedia (a Communications and Advertising Consultancy) and local radio personality who hosts the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday programme on NICE Radio, was shot last Wednesday (July 18) at his Kingstown Park residence.

Douglas was shot in the area of the groin. The bullet is said to have exited his body.

He was in much pain when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him around 11:00 pm last Wednesday. He was at that time warded at the A&E Unit of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

Douglas, from reports, was collateral damage of a robbery that occurred in the Kingstown area.

The report is that just before 9:00pm on Wednesday, at least armed men rushed into the shop owned and operated by Wendy Bowman, ordered him to close the shop, relieved him of cash, and then gun-butted both him and Andy Gill, his assistant, who was in the shop at the time.

Bowman and his assistant were being treated at the MCMH when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Douglas.

Douglas managed to say that around a little after 9:00pm while in his living room, he heard gunshots.

Thinking that they were some distance away, he went to his porch almost nonchalantly.

His residence provides a panoramic view of capital Kingstown and overlooks Bowman’s shop some 40 or so yards away.

He was not long in the porch when he heard more pronounced gunshots and then felt a burning sensation about his groin.

It was a case of the robbers, while fleeing the scene of the robbery along the single street that runs through the community, had discharged the earlier round of gunshots, and just as they got to that portion of the road from where they noticed Douglas in his porch, they opened fire in his direction, hitting him once.

Douglas de Freitas, owner/manager of NICE Radio, in contact with THE VINCENTIAN ON

Carlye Douglas may have been shot because his shooter(s) thought he could identify them as those who had robbed a shop in the community.

Wednesday evening, confirmed that Douglas had called him to say he had been shot.

He immediately called the Police and the MCMH, but was annoyed with the “type of responses” he got from both.

When THE VINCENTIAN visited with Douglas on Thursday, he confirmed through grimaces of pain that he had been transported to the MCMH by the police, and that he was expected to undergo surgery that afternoon.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the death of Vermont resident Lorenzo Gould, whose body was discovered with what appeared to be a gunshot wounds in an area in Vermont called Pepper Village, sometime after 6pm on Thursday.

There was also an unconfirmed report that a young lady was shot in Clare Valley, on Wednesday night.

V

6. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

Tackling the HIV/AIDS scourge in SVG Alarm bells must ring in school, in the work environment, in sporting and religious circles, and of course in the Ministry of Health. In short, all civic society organisations MUST get involved as well as persons living with HIV. As a matter of fact, it is the latter grouping that MUST be the primary agent of change.

Controlling the spread The campaign against HIV/AIDS is an ongoing one of HIV/AIDS is here in SVG, especially given the high per capita imperative and, as would rate of cases. be the case with any other infection, warrants Submitted by: June, shows that the a corresponding response DON DE RIGGS scourge of HIV/AIDS by the Ministry of Health does not seem to be ARE WE READING … are relenting, and we at THE in terms of providing counseling, medications we listening to the facts VINCENTIAN will not … are we doing something ease up on providing the and care for those who are infected. Antipositive about it? information, as well as The recent news that spreading the message in retroviral drugs are costly over the long run there were 31 new cases an effort to stall and of HIV in SVG reported reduce the spread of this and an increase in cases would also demand that between January and public health menace.

more drugs be bought to allow those with the disease to live a ‘normal’ life.

Right: Azonya Vanloo-Morris, Assistant Director for the HIV/AIDS/STI Unit, gave an outline of the services and programmes which that Unit offers.

enough.

The Assistant Ministry of Health Director went on to say that SVG is also But, has the Ministry receiving grant of Health been doing funding to prevent anything about it ? the spread of the Before answering the disease through early question, it is primarily testing, the distribution the responsibility of of prophylactic devices those who are known to including condoms, and a be HIV positive, NOT to continuing public knowingly pass on the education campaign. disease to unsuspecting She said that SVG was victims. This is WRONG also a part of a 70/70/70 and MUST be initiative to achieve 70% discouraged. True, some knowledge of those with persons become naturally the disease, 70% persons angry and emotionally treated and cared for, hurt when they find out and 70% attainment of they are HIV positive; viral suppression by the but that does not mean year 2020. It is hoped that you have to hurt that the 90/90/90 others too. And YES, initiative will be the local HIV/AIDS achieved by 2030 or Secretariat has been before. involved, but the small Part of the grant staff cannot be expected funding will be used to to deal effectively with train volunteers to this growing problem. conduct the rapid test That is why THE and to encourage the VINCENTIAN sees it as public to know their our civic responsibility to status, since the earlier sustain the antiyou know your status, AIDS/HIV campaign and the earlier you can begin to rally the general your treatment and public to come on board. change your sexual It is also the duty of lifestyle to minimize the parents to discuss this issue with their children transmission of the disease. as a matter of urgency.

Counseling is also a Parents, read this article vital component of the to your children; treatment regime, teachers, do the same especially for those who with your students and test positive for HIV. use it as a comprehension piece.

The 70/70/70 target The Assistant Director for the HIV/AIDS/STI unit, Mrs Azonya Vanloo-Morris, said that there are several approaches and campaigns designed to target the high-risk groups which include men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender males and sex workers.

This was the third year that the “Catch the Vibe NOT the Virus” campaign was conducted during the Carnival and featured, among other means, public discussions on at least three popular radio stations during this year’s carnival season.

But that alone is not

Effective counseling can help reduce the spread of the disease.

It must also be borne in mind that HIV/AIDS is not only spread via sex. Emergency First responders, dentists and other medical professionals have contracted the disease while conducting their day to day duties, e.g. dealing with and treating HIV positive persons with open wounds. The disease should not be stigmatized. The important thing is to know your status by getting tested, but in the interim, taking all necessary precautions to avoid being infected or infecting others unwittingly.

This newspaper will continue to sensitize the public on a continuing basis to help achieve the 70/70/70 goal by 2020 and 90/90/90 long before 2030. In a subsequent article, we will examine the statistics and trends with regard to HIV/AIDS in SVG.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20 , 2018. 7.

News

STEM has „opened a can of worms‰ PETRUS GUMBS, THE DIRECTOR of the STEM Summer Programme, is sticking to the task of exposing students to the world of technology.

“We have to continue because of the interest and support of everyone,” Gumbs declared last week Friday, July 13, at the St. Martin’s Secondary School in Kingstown, during the launch of the sixth such Programme.

STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, - has been serving the purpose of more than ‘a child care centre’ for students on vacation.

“We have opened a can of worms, and it is difficult to close,” Gumbs confessed. He relies of the “Grace of God,” for the impact has been evident on programme developers, and the exercise has attracted the attention of a number of overseas Colleges and programmeS. According to Gumbs, Stephenson College in New Jersey is arranging for students to be part of their 2019 STEM programme. Five participants will receive scholarships for the Stem activities at the University of Massachusetts next year.

The St. Lucian Coalition Services has accepted a student from the STEM programme for this year’s Animation Boot Camp. Vincentian students have

an opportunity to attend the First Global Robotic Competition in Mexico next year.

Locally, the Summer venture has become a source of attachment for young persons attached to the Youth Empowerment Services (YES), programme.

The Summer programme gives Gumbs the opportunity of “moving away from the monotony of the school system.”

Participants will be exposed to fisheries, marine biology, water quality testing. There will be visits to national Parks and time for outdoor activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

Participants will also be involved in drama and food preparation, and will be exposed to the folklore of SVG. A 16-member staff along with mentors will be on hand to ensure smooth implementation of the programme.

Addressing the launch, Omroy O.T. Mayers, one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs and Founder of the establishment Finishing and Furnishing, praised Gumbs for his vision and for bringing it to reality.

Mayers noted that being a leader was a hard task, and advised that “the

GECCU increases students’ funding

Scholarship recipients and GECCU officials at last Wednesday’s handing over ceremony.

THOSE GECCU SCHOLARSHIP recipients going into or already in Form Four can look forward to a $1800 payment, up by $200 this year.

In addition, thirteen students entering secondary schools in September were rewarded scholarships of $1600.00 when GECCU held its Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, July 18, at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown.

That amount will be forthcoming every term up to Form Three.

Hugh Colin Sam, one of GECCU’s Directors, attributed the increase in the grant amount to the rise in cost of living.

In his address at the ceremony, Sam

also commended the scholarship recipients and urged parents to be ever involved in the education of their children.

Kay Martin Jack, Senior Education Officer with responsibility for Secondary Schools, praised GECCU for demonstrating the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’

She noted that the award “is something to be proud of,” and described the donation as “GECCU’s

investment.”

She impressed on the students the need to do well. “Excelling would be an expression of gratitude,” she said.

The recipients are: Krista Williams of the Troumaca Primary; Janos Lucas, Calliaqua Anglican; Damario DaBriel from Sugar Mill; Requelme Bess of the Paget Farm Government; Adia Daniel and Francis DaSilva of St Mary’s Roman Catholic; Nailah Jack, Darielle John, Christian Gieowarsingh, Oniel Sprott, Taeno Sutherland and Chad King Crick all of the Kingstown Preparatory school.

One hundred and twenty students also received $150. (More on GECCU’s Scholarship ceremony next week.)

leader has to be strong.”

He urged leaders not to give up, and perhaps in reference to Gumbs’ spirit of volunteerism, prophesied that “down the road you will reap your reward.”

Mayers encouraged students to “take in as Omroy O.T. Mayers, much as you advised the trainees, can,” for “you especially, that a might need it in leader has to be strong. any field you in.”

Cheryl Evans, representing a partner entity - the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Bookstore, used the occasion to call for more urgency to get youths more ‘STEM’ oriented. She suggested that Career

Petrus Gumbs, Director of the STEM Summer Programme, highlighted the recognition of the programme by overseas institutions.

Counselling in schools should be so structured as to “create new things and a demand for things that are new.”

Evans expressed the need for more organisations to be involved.

The 2018 STEM Summer Programme ends August 17.

V

8. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 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

POWER A LETTER WRITER in this week’s edition, brushed the topic of abuse of power, especially what he referred to as governmental power.

He would have loved to have detailed his arguments, but in conversation with him, he thought it best to simply “whet the appetite.”

We were glad to accommodate his intention, as we have done for the majority of those who submit letters for publication.

If we are to examine this issue a little further, and if we are to believe one school of thought, this country, through its 37 years of independence, has experienced outright and open corruption by all the governments to whom we have granted the privilege of managing the affairs and develop this country economically, educationally, politically and otherwise.

That school of thought tells us that through those years, we have seen that privilege misused, abused and dynasties of sort created.

Some, the thought says, have enriched themselves and their cronies, while the people who elected them to serve have been neglected. Worse, they say, the country is saddled with enormous debts which our children and grandchildren will have to repay.

The letter writer (referred) in conversation wondered whether its wasn’t a frustrating undertaking to repeat the charges but have nothing done to alleviate the biasness and abuse of authority of some government officials.

Whatever the real situation as it relates to abuse and misuse of governmental power in SVG, one thing we can agree to is that it is unfair for educated individuals with the right qualification and deserving of certain jobs, not to get them because nepotism rules roughshod over any honest appraisal and action.

With our Healthcare under intense scrutiny, and Immigration scandals arising every now and again, can we anticipate more is yet to come?

This is not to choose sides or playing up to any political dynasty.

Rather, it is simply making it clear that there is every chance that no matter who we put into government, they are likely to end up losing sight of and focus on the primary job.

The letter writer (referred) may just have awakened us to our rights and responsibilities if we are to

prevent this abuse of power.

Is it not our right and responsibility that we must fight for and ensure that those who are granted the privilege to serve and those who wait on the periphery for that privilege, are committed in word and deed to the upliftment of this country?

Is it not our duty to analyse all that is happening in our country since we hold ultimately what it takes to ensure our rise in glory or our fall into destitution?

Is it not our duty to ensure that those we elect to serve and those in waiting listen to our cries and suggestions and devise solutions to problems such as crime, unemployment, poverty, healthcare, debt reduction? Is this not pivotal to the development of our country and our position in the international arena?

Is it not our right to want to see our country flourish and not be diminished by corrupt politicians?

Is it not only fair that we look to identify the right persons to run our country and not run it down the drain? The persons who are of right mind, willing and able to get the job done without ostracizing any individual citizen or group of citizens because of some petty bias?

For certain, well-mannered, clean-shaven, educated, and humble individuals are as susceptible to becoming monsters as monsters are wont to become even more monstrous. Have we not seen this metamorphosis take place in the seat of governments?

Do we because of our lack of concern or in deference to having gained some favour, find comfort in watching our country become a country of persons in suits and ties who perform the duties of state, but do so as though they are above the law?

A people, schooled in the freedom of man, will not be fooled; rather, they will keep an eye out for whether the movement of their country is upward or downward.

Is it, in conclusion, not our right to stop any government official who projects an intention to become rich through his seat in government or its agents (civil service)?

Power they say, corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

But they also say, failing to plan is planning to fail.

Becket’s after-glow of Carnival 2018 settled to this day, as De “IT IS REALLY HEARTENING to note Man Age will that, surely if slowly, Vincentians have tell you. begun to appreciate and honour their Counted in the hit list that troubled own. The decision to pay further tribute the soul are” The Cat you Promise Me”, to our calypso great Alston “Becket” “Yuh Sweet”, “Me Hand Tired”, “Tone”, Cyrus for his contribution to our local “Too Much Iron”, “Fox Hole” and “Kak music which has been essential to the Up”, though Becket would swear sweet development of Carnival over the past innocence and lay the blame at the vice 40 years, is commendable indeed. in your own head.

The delightful coincidence, Becket Especially did the early Becket who generally shied away from disturb the fans with his apparent narrowly based local political glorification of marijuana in “Coming commentary in his songs, had High” and “Legalise the Grass”. There is fortuitously assisted the first NDP nothing that so epitomises the growth Government in winning power with his and positive change in Becket over the politically innocent calypso Horn Fuh years as the clever way in which he Dem in 1984. Exciting NDP candidate used the very tune of “Coming High” John Horne had cashed in on the with replacement lyrics of “Education”, political value of the song which followed by by “Say no to Drugs”. It was captured the imagination of the people a welcome about turn. and helped to land the NDP in political There is a sense in which Becket’s office. songs helped to make, carry and develop Becket had preferred to be the the carnival itself. “Mas in Victoria” and Statesman dealing with broad social “Vincy Mas” set the tone. But “Carnival comments that took in a wider sweep of History” said it all. After that, we all events, broadening the reach of the became loyal subjects of the King, Vincentian mind. Calypsos such as worshipping at his feet, and easing to “Human Rights” , “Oppression” and “I the occasion for “Celebrations” that am An African” deal with global climaxed with “Ten Years”. concerns and Third World problems, But the bard gave us more, much and raised issues of the identity of the more. In “St Vincent I thank you” there Caribbean man and his place in the is a great outpouring of love, gratitude general scheme of things, a la Black and patriotism. It is Becket at his very Stalin. best.

“Love is the Answer”, is Becket’s Around these classic pieces, Becket clarion call for world peace which, weaved a wide array of calypsos that unfortunately, remains as poignant and genuflect to the artform itself and as relevant as when it was first made created the atmosphere for the dance on decades ago. This song would have done which he placed much emphasis. credit to Bob Marley.

A Random sample of his output If ever Becket descended to the local would include “Hula Soul”, “St Thomas level, the song was not personalised and Mas”, “Rock Me”, “Gal ah Rush Me”, individualised to humiliate or “All the Time”, and one of the latest embarrass a particular politician but “Virgin Girls”. targeted, like “Hezekiah” a personality Some of the themes are simplicity type that betrayed the masses and itself which however, became deserved to be locked up “throw way the captivating, even sophisticated, when key”. worked over by the maestro. “Big Fly”, This is not to say that Becket is a Yuh Sweet” and “Ooh La La” would Saint. Far from it. Heaven knows that feature in this category.

Becket as a true West Indian often For a long time now “Teaser” has reflected the seedier and more prurient been Becket’s flagship, sailing high in side of Caribbean life, especially in the international waters, and bringing older days. deserved material reward in hard and A host of songs caused eyebrows to foreign currency. With it Becket has raise, topped by “Miss Must Duck”. made it to the “Who’s Who” in calypso Everywhere Veda go/Veda must circles and in the process placed SVG duck/...That’s why they does call she firmly on the map of the calypso world.

‘Miss Must Duck’. In fact Becket Dancing is an integral part of the received a baptism of fire when he rendered this song at the Geest Shed in calypso. “I have to party” is how our hero puts it. Accordingly, his road mid 1970s, though the hostility came partly from resentment for the foreign Continued on Page 12. based calypsonian, a matter not quite A reprint from June 30th 2000

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 9.

Letters

Congrats to Justice Saunders YOU KNOW, Mr. Editor, I really thought that the local papers would have been overflowing with congratulations to our son of the soil Justice Adrian Saunders. I have been around long enough to see us go crazy over persons who have achieved much less.

I was even more disappointed that our own prime minister

either didn’t have anything much to say, or that the media didn’t report what he said, at the last Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica, when the heads were paying tribute to Justice Saunders.

I have known Adrian Saunders from the early days. He is a town man.

Played a decent game of table tennis, and was the

leader of the UPM just about when I migrated to NY. He was always a scholarly type figure, and when he began his law practice, you could see that he was destined for great things.

I want to offer my congratulations to Justice Saunders on being elevated to the highest judicial post in

the Caribbean. I hope that he will be able to direct the workings of the Caribbean Court of Justice so that those CARICOM countries who are not members, would see the wisdom of becoming members.

I wish him long life and success in this very demanding position.

Garnet, NY

Those with power I WAS HOME for the Carnival but naturally, got into coming to grips with the real situation at home.

One of the topics that seemed to continually raise its head as I traversed the mainland, was the issue of power.

With as many examples as you could count on more than five pairs of hands, they all seem to come back to persons in high office of this land — moreso persons who sit in government.

It seemed to me, Mr. Editor, that what I was hearing was that the behavior of our ministers of government - what some of my friends

deemed their misuse of power — is part and parcel of the same kind of new elite political culture that we seem to have accepted.

And by allowing this to continue unabated, we no longer hold a government minister to respecting the governmental power that he has as something to be used responsibly and carefully, rather than to be considered and used as his personal property.

No government

minister should throw his weight around because he thinks he has the power to do so. And no government minister should even think of using his position of power to exploit weaker and younger members of society. This is a case of bullying -taking advantage of the powerless, and the quicker our courts begin to rule in favour of those SVG would be. who have been taken advantage of, the better Robert John, NY and more fair society

sin?

5. Disappointment: Do you find that you want to give up?

6. Competition: Do you enjoy the success of other people as they work for the Lord?

7. Lack of Faith: Do you find that you cannot fully overcome your doubt?

I HOPE THAT you will grant me just a bit of space to make an observation.

I spent some two or so weeks in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I should be more precise and say St. Vincent, since I did not get the opportunity to visit the Grenadines. Nonetheless, my stay was an enjoyable one, and my hosts have got to be the most hospitable folks in the world.

My observation: I note that many of the letter writers to newspapers in SVG use pseudonyms.

I am left to wonder whether it is because they have something to fear. Do persons feel that when they express an opinion or complain about something that affects them as a consumers and sign their real names, that there would be reprisals, loss of jobs, other forms of victimization?

If this is a democratic country, then each citizen should be allowed to voice his or her opinion without fear.

Paul Allen, NJ, USA

Ten areas of problems in our Christian life 1. Money: Are we a good steward of God’s finances?

2. Sex: Do we show proper caution when members of the opposite sex are alone?

3. Power: As a leader, do you see yourself as indispensable?

4. Fear/worry: Do you know that to worry is to

Something to fear?

8. Relationship: Are you humble and forgiving?

9. Habits: Have they mastered you or have you mastered them?

10. Circumstances: Do you control them in the power of God? Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries

Paul’s Avenue, a new image!

“IT DOES really hurt me as a man when I hear people calling Paul’s Lot the slum.” Lord Hawke (1944-1998).

The urban community of Paul’s Avenue, wellknown in local circles as Paul’s Lot, stands today with as much respect as anywhere else in Kingstown.

Paul’s Avenue is a Central Kingstown’s Commercial Centre.

Numerous reputable institutions are also located there. The * Is Donald VINCENTIAN Trump the first newspaper is leader to embarrass headquartered in Paul’s his country in front Avenue. The Teachers’ of the whole world?

Cooperative Credit Remove the speck Union office has a space …? there; VINLEC has its * Could anybody tell corporate headquarters me whether we there, and it is home to really have business houses of every Managers at the conceivable nature.

Banks here in SVG? If we have, how An array of luxurious come every little buildings, one of them thing have to be owned by Mr. ‘Fly’ referred to some Edwards, have added headquarters lustre to that somewhere else? community. This trend * Can we expect the needs to be encouraged. road surfacing It can only make capital programme to city, Kingstown more of continue after the an attraction. nationals return to I publicly salute all their foreign bases? those entrepreneurial* With all the going minded individuals who and coming, back see the need to invest in and forth in the Paul’s Avenue. Your Football Federation since Coombs got investment has refined banned, can anyone and rejuvenated the really say who is community. I would also telling the truth and like to congratulate the who is lying? contractors, builders, * Why is it that and other artisans for school children your synergy in making saying is a long time Paul’s Avenue a more now ‘hanky panky’ habitable place and business going on in giving it a new image. ‘we football business?

Patmos Richards

V

10. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Providing the Economic Leadership Yvonne Francis-Gibson – a Champion ON MONDAY 23RD JULY, 2018, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincentians will bid farewell to Yvonne

Introduction IT IS AN accepted fact that providing leadership to countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where there are no tangible assets like oil and gold, and where the main features of the economy are that it is small and open, with a scarcity of resources, is a challenge for modern day political parties.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a history of underdevelopment, buffeted by the challenges of globalization and trade liberalization.

From time to time, the country is affected by natural disasters which wreak havoc on an already fragile social fabric, leading to destruction of houses, crops and infrastructure, and sometimes loss of life. Already we see the sort of issues which will test the leadership mettle of men.

And then into this mix, we place certain challenges like the fall-out from one of the worst global economic crises from 2008, the adverse impact of the CLICO and BAICO meltdowns, the virtual dismantling of the preferential regime for bananas in Europe, and the huge increases in the price of a barrel of imported oil.

It is these incidents and occurrences that challenged the leadership of most small island states in the Caribbean, including St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is this lack of understanding of our country, which has led to the poor performance of the opposition NDP, at the polls. The NDP, under Arnhim Eustace, has demonstrated a lack of leadership, and has shown that it is unable to provide a developmental narrative for the people of this country. That’s because the NDP and its leaders don’t understand many of the issues which are critical for economic development. Indeed, they have shown that they do not have the capacity to learn, and so history will condemn many of their backward positions on matters related to economic development. Even under a new leader, in Godwin Friday, the NDP refuses to learn and to adapt.

This explains their positions on things like the international airport, the modern diagnostic centre, the proposed hotel development in the Mt. Wynne Peter’s Hope area, and the Education revolution. They have nothing to offer Vincentians, and so they resort to a series of lies, in a vain effort to gain relevance and support.

All this has failed and will continue to fail, in the face of superior leadership and governance by the ULP. Just look at some of the precious The Quest initiatives that the NDP wants to roll back, if they get into office in St. After the election of March 2001, Vincent and the Grenadines. which brought the ULP 1. The International Airport at Argyle administration to office, Prime 2. The Education Revolution Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, 3. The Petro Caribe agreement presented his party’s strategic quest, to build a modern competitive, many- 4. The lives to live housing sided post-colonial economy, which is programme at once national, regional, and global. 5. The low income and no income This quest recognizes that life, living, housing projects production and reproduction, demand 6. The YES and SET programmes for our young people that small countries like St. Vincent 7. The geothermal project and the Grenadines, create an 8. The plan for the new city at Arnos atmosphere for their citizens to sell their goods and services, particularly Vale in the export market. This means that 9. The Mt. Wynne Peters Hope hotel project Vincentians must work harder and 10. The farmers support company smarter, along with the leadership 11. The extensive protection and that the ULP is providing. upliftment of the poor and the elderly.

Given the extant condition of the And the list goes on. In short the size of our country, the scarcity of NDP does not want anything good for resources, and the legacy of Vincentians. underdevelopment, it is critical that the leadership of the ULP, thinks Conclusion “outside the box”, in creating opportunities for economic It is clear that the ULP development. So for example, the ULP has had to carefully fashion a regional administration is the best government and international foreign policy, to fit in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The ULP has delivered our national interests, within the context of a bilateral and multilateral on its promises and pledges to uplift markedly, the condition of life of our solidarity across nations globally. people and our nation, in a number of This explains a number of critical development activities in our country, ways. The ULP has a profound love for the people of St. Vincent and the including the construction of the Grenadines, a love that is unmatched bridge over the Rabacca Dry River, in the history of the country. the realization of the international The ULP has on offer a compelling airport at Argyle, the building of the developmental narrative for the modern diagnostic centre at Chile, present and the future, building and the provision of numerous sensibly, on the tremendous and scholarships for Vincentians. Most of this is possible because of the activist monumental achievements thus far.

The simple truth is that there is no foreign policy implemented by the other credible alternative path, ULP administration. elaborated or available, except that which has been articulated, in theory Poor NDP and in practice, by the ULP.

Francis Gibson. She was a pioneer in fostering the agenda of women, a dedicated teacher, a stalwart in the trade union movement, and an astute politician. Mrs. Francis-Gibson has made a significant contribution to national development. She will go down in history as an extremely vocal champion and activist against the social and political challenges that faced Vincentians, regardless of their political views, religious affiliation or social status.

Yvonne Francis-Gibson was born on March 26th 1931; she attended the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School, Kingstown Methodist School and the Girls’ High School. Her teaching career commenced at the Kingstown Methodist School. She then taught at the Girls’ High School, Lowmans Leeward Anglican, Barrouallie Anglican, Belair Methodist and Belmont Government. She was appointed Head Teacher at the Brighton Methodist School in 1967.

Having served at the Brighton Methodist, as principal for thirteen years, she was transferred to the Kingstown Methodist in 1980, where she completed her teaching career in 1985. Yvonne Francis-Gibson will go down in history as a woman who dared to be different. She was an activist in the trade union movement very early in her teaching career and moved through the ranks in that movement, to the position of president in 1979, and served in that capacity for three two-year terms.

In 1985, Yvonne Francis-Gibson became the first co-ordinator of the Women’s Desk; an institution established the New Democratic Party (NDP) government, in fulfillment of its 1984 manifesto promise. She served in that position until 1988, when she contested the general elections for the NDP in 1989, in the constituency of West St. George. On gaining elected office, she was appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Women’s Affairs and Culture, with responsibility for non-formal sector of education, including Women’s Affairs.

After contesting national election for a second term and won, Yvonne Francis-Gibson was elevated to the position of Minister of Health and the Environment, and became the first female to have held such a portfolio.

Before deciding to demit political office in 1998 because of ill health, she served as Minister within the Prime Minister’s Office.

Yvonne Francis-Gibson was a central figure in the 1975 teachers’ strike where she was tear gassed and jailed by the former Labour Party government. In 1981, as president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, she led the march against the ‘Dread Bills’ under the rallying cry of ‘Kill the Bill’ a draconian piece of legislation which was introduced also by the former Labour Party government.

During the period 1984 to 2001, women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines benefitted tremendously from the policies of the NDP government. The Women’s Department was established with Yvonne Francis-Gibson at the helm.

That innovation began the transformation of the socio and economic climate of women. Major accomplishments were achieved by women in all sectors. Today, under

the Unity Labour Party regime, it would appear that women’s concerns are not adequately addressed.

There are several challenges facing our society in general, and women and young families in particular, that have not been addressed during the past seventeen years. These include the increasing violence in our society and of sexual assaults suffered by women and children, difficulties in the working environment and inadequate care facilities for young children of working mothers.

The NDP has historically recognized the major contribution of Women in the workplace, in the home and in our society, and we have sought to empower women so that they can find personal satisfaction in their many roles, as they contribute to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We need to address the many impediments that still stand in the way of our reaching this goal.

In order to support and empower our women and strengthen our families, the NDP will: create a Special Victims Branch in the Police Force, staffed with female and male police officers trained to handle reports of sexual offences, domestic violence and offences against children.

This unit will also have counselors who will assist victims and work with medical personnel to ensure that all necessary medical evidence is collected for the prosecution of the perpetrators. The Special Victims Branch will also undertake public education in collaboration with the welfare department, legal fraternity and NGOs. Also, support the Human Trafficking Department of the Police Force to enable it to continue to improve its outreach and education in the community. Ensure that the training of all police recruits includes sensitization in the conduct of investigations in relation to Human Trafficking, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence. Expand the scope of the Family Court to encourage Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Resolution in family situations and among the youth and support the Welfare Service so that it can better address the needs of vulnerable women and children.

Restructure and improve the Foster Care System; support community projects that include continuing education and skills training, especially those targeting young parents; engage with single mothers, and especially single mothers who are farmers, to address issues that are specific to them as a group; provide incentives for employers whose working hours create challenges to the safety of women traveling to and from work, to address these issues; partner with NGOs to offer hotline services and support for women, children and young people who are at risk, and continue to permit young mothers to reenter the classroom to continue their education.

The NDP is committed to the development of women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will advance their agenda as it did when it was in office. The NDP will make St. Vincent and the Grenadines work for all Vincentians.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 11.

Views

The power of example

“We lead by the power of our example or by the example of our power.” Honourable Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, Opposition Senator in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines House of Assembly.

THE FIFTEEN WORDS that were used in this essay’s introductory quotation beckon to be read a second time as we seek to extract the powerful messages they convey. There is so much wisdom wrapped up in those fifty-two letters. They invite us to imbibe the wisdom of the power of our example and to be forever on guard to use power wisely. The way we use power often portrays who we are at our very core.

Many of this column’s readers can reflect on the useful and life-changing lessons that we learned as we sat at the feet of those wise, older persons in our homes and neighbourhoods. Many of them never entered the halls of tertiary level institutions. As a matter of fact, many may not have ever graduated from primary or secondary schools. In so many cases, it was not that they did not have the mental/intellectual capacity to handle the subject matter.

It was often the result of them having to make tremendous personal sacrifices to perform the role of substitute parents to the children in the household. Back then, many parents may have migrated to become cane cutters, domestic workers, or sailors in an effort “to make ends meet”. Often the oldest sibling would drop out of school to care for the younger ones who were sent off to school. These “substitute parents” grew up quickly. They were among the “wise” who would remind the younger ones, “Don’t do as I say, but do as I do.”

They taught by their example. They practised what they preached. They knew about the value of sacrifice, dedication, determination, and foresight. They knew of the power of example.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) is often considered to have possessed one of the most brilliant minds in modern time.

While he is recognized as being a brilliant mathematician and physicist, he was also known for many powerful quotations. He also qualified to be a philosopher in his own right. He reminds us of the power and importance of example when he remarks that, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” We influence others by our example.

Parents, teachers, politicians, managers, police officers, and other responsible citizens influence others more by example than the words/instructions they utter. More is said by what we do than by what we say. Harond Berk Peterson (1923-2013) reminds us that, “If our words are not consistent with our actions, they will never be heard above the thunder of our deeds.” Richelle E. Goodrich (born 1968) shares equally powerful thoughts on this subject matter when she says, “You can’t make me be nice. You can’t make me be good. You can’t make me believe. But your example, your kindness, your patience and love will affect me perhaps enough that eventually I may choose to do those things.”

These quotations all remind us of the power of our example. They remind us that the power of our example is a much greater influence than the power of our words. It is often not what we say but what we do that determines the directions that others take. Parents and teachers must therefore be especially on guard to make sure that,

as best we can, we influence others to pursue noble paths and dreams based on our actions. If, however, we say one thing and do another, we end up sending mixed signals that confuse those around us. Francis Bacon (15611626) says it so well when he notes that, “He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.” We are therefore cautioned/warned to make sure that we practise what we preach.

Unfortunately, there are too many examples of leaders in society, government, and business who say one thing and do another; talk a good talk but refuse to walk the walk. Michelle Obama, wife of the 44th President of the United States of America, reminds us that it is so very important that our leaders provide good examples of honesty and integrity. She says, “We learned about honesty and integrity that the truth matters... that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules... and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.”

These words are pregnant with wisdom.

They remind us that there is a danger when we seek to get ahead and to win at all costs; even if it means cheating, lying, bribing, or stealing. Sadly, too many of our youth are observing examples where such unethical behaviours appear to be “acceptable”.

However, we need to stem the tide. We need to join forces with respectable individuals like the Michelle Obamas in our society and sound the clarion call that it is never right to do wrong; that it is imperative to walk the moral high road. It may be longer and more challenging than the “low road” of dishonesty and compromise, but it is the right thing to do. Our children at looking at and listening to our Members of Parliament, our leaders in business, our elders in the churches, and other senior individuals in society, to provide guidance … and good examples.

There are too many sad stories of individuals who hold powerful positions in society, who choose to use their privileged positions to exploit the young, vulnerable, innocent, and unsuspecting.

This is especially depressing when individuals in power leverage their positions to “force” others to compromise their principles; often scarring and mutilating them for life. Our youth now cry out for examples that would inspire them and allow them to regain confidence in those in positions of authority. Fortunately, there are still good, decent, upstanding individuals in leadership positions who speak and live in a manner that would encourage by their example. We laud them as they shine forth by the power of their example. Their utterances are not meant to draw others to themselves, but rather to encourage to excel at what is noble. Their lives speak more powerfully than their words, and remind us of that powerful quotation from Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) who noted that, “None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.”

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

Unlearn what you think you know WHEN THE CARICOM marijuana panel made its way through SVG more than 2 years ago, it was told that SVG is a ganga country. This was true then and it is true now. The ULP should know this all too well. After the military/police operations that attempted to eradicate marijuana production in 2010, it lost both the North Leeward and South Leeward seats, and have not won them back since. The people’s affair with marijuana production and sales partly explains why.

As we saw last week, America led the fight in the demonization of Marijuana, and the Americans have opened the way for a more sensible and enlightened conversation about the use of this important herb.

We like to follow too much. We could have been ahead of the curve. The first Plain Talk column of 2015 noted that the decriminalization of marijuana should be a primary legislative responsibility of our legislature. Nothing was done, so Jamaica, Antigua, Cayman Islands and Belize have bravely jumped ahead of us. Antigua’s Gastan Browne, in explaining his government’s action, told the nation that marijuana smoking was part of the culture of Antiguans.

This did not have to be so. As early as 2013, PM Gonsalves wrote to then Caricom head Kamla Persad asking for regional movement on marijuana. But Caricom moved at glacial pace.

Further afield in 1973, the American state of Oregon legalized the recreational use of marijuana. In 1996 California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis. In 2012, Colorado and Washington state followed Oregan and legalized its recreational use.

A 2013 survey also found a majority of American physicians - 76 percent approve of the medical use of marijuana. Popular neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta even made a highly publicized reversal on his antimarijuana stance after the production of his two-part series, Entitled Weed.

Cannabis has a long history and a multiplicity of uses, health and industrial. Marijuana is called hemp when being used for its fibers, which are extracted from the stem and constructed into rope, clothing and paper. Hemp plants are low in tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) levels and therefore do not get you high. Before prohibition, hemp was viewed as an important cash crop. It was used for rope by navies around the world, and as a thick durable linen ideal for clothing and packaging heavy materials. Hemp seed oil was used in soaps, paints and varnishes.

The most successful movement to date, and the one that produced the first legal marijuana market in decades, is the medical marijuana movement.

Medical cannabis is now legal in 30 U.S. states, the majority of which allow limited use of medical marijuana under certain medical circumstances, although some limit medical cannabis to oils or pills only. Eight states have legalized it for recreational use.

As mentioned last week, our body makes its own cannabinoids, similar to those found in marijuana, but in much smaller amounts. These endocannabinoids appear to perform signaling operations similar to your body’s neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Cannabinoid receptors can be found on cell membranes throughout your body. In fact, scientists now believe they may represent the most widespread receptor system.

Even though research has been limited by its classification as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, its list of medicinal benefits is still quite long.

Cannabis has been found useful in the treatment of: Mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders. Seizure disorders such as epilepsy, Rheumatoid arthritis, tremors, Heart disease, Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune issues, Autism,

Parkinson’s disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Cancer, including melanoma, leukemia and cancers of the brain, breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, thyroid, colon and pituitary, Nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite Insomnia, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, HepatitisCCachexia (wasting syndrome), Asthma, Drug dependency and withdrawal, High blood pressure.

Among the most exciting research is that on cancer. Not only does cannabis help with the unpleasant side effects of traditional chemotherapy (including pain, nausea and insomnia), but the cannabis itself appears to be a natural chemotherapy agent.

Researchers have found cannabis is pro-apoptotic, meaning it triggers cellular suicide of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched, and anti-angiogenic, meaning it cuts off a tumor’s blood supply. Dozens of studies point to marijuana’s effectiveness against many different types of cancer.

Another area where marijuana offers great hope is in the treatment of pain.

Overdoses from narcotic pain killers are now the leading cause of death among under the age of 50, and pharmaceuticals in general have for decades been among the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to Dr. Margaret Gedde, research clearly confirms that cannabis is safer and less toxic than many prescription drugs.

This includes liver and kidney toxicity, gastrointestinal damage, nerve damage and death. Moreover, cannabinoids often work when pharmaceutical drugs fail, so not only is marijuana safer, but it’s typically more effective. Besides treating intractable seizures, one of the strongest areas of research regarding marijuana’s health benefits is pain control.

In 2010, the Center for Medical Cannabis Research released a report19 on 14 clinical studies about the use of marijuana for pain, most of which were FDA-approved, double-blind and placebo-controlled. The report revealed that marijuana not only controls pain but in many cases, it does so better than pharmaceutical alternatives.

If you compare opioids to marijuana, marijuana is unquestionably safer.

Contrary to opioids, a cannabis overdose cannot kill you because there are no cannabinoid receptors in your brain stem, the region of your brain that controls your heartbeat and respiration.

What’s more, marijuana has been shown to ease withdrawal symptoms in those trying to wean off opioids, which are extremely addictive.

Big pharmaceutical have been gloating about rhe potential of drugs derived from marijuana. One release claims: ‘This product approval demonstrates that advancing sound scientific research to investigate ingredients derived from marijuana can lead to important therapies … This is an important medical advance.’

Clearly because of the stigma, bad press and hostility of the soceity to marijuana use in St. Vincent, people’s views have been tainted. This marijuana conversation should be moved from the arena of prevention and prosecution to the area on control and health, particularly as it relates to use among young adults.

A bi-partisan approach on this important issue should remove it from the area of politics and an eye to the vote to what’s best for our country.

Black Stalin is right. We can do this if we try jus a little harder.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

More multiplier variables needed to boost SVG’s economy

build our own Fishing industry and fish canning plant.

WARRANT OFFICER Ivan O’Neal strongly 2.

The Super-rich White Migrants economy.

The ULP Regime has shown it is believes that SVG’s urgently needs many Enclave in Mustique, operating as a 4.

Using renewable energy such hopeless and useless in structuring more multiplier variables to boost its state within a state, is a major as Hydro, Wind and Solar is a major and building an Economic Model that economic growth and create surplus destroyer of the SVG Economy.

Economic multiplier for SVG. is tailor-made to drive Prosperity for revenue, and so increase the circulation 3.

Having unqualified and 5.

Vision coupled with top class all who live in SVG. of money in the SVG economy. This will grossly incompetent Ministers of competence in Financial Management Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc create wealth and large-scale Finance from 2001 to 2018 is a major under the leadership of Warrant (Hons), MSc, MBA, who has an MSc in employment. destroyer of the SVG Economy.

Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (hons), MSc, Macro-Economic Policy and Planning Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, who 4.

Poor quality education is a MBA would be a significant component in Developing Countries from the has a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and major weakness in economic for moving SVG forward.

University of Bradford, England, Finance and Economics from Brookes development in SVG. 6.

An Agricultural division of the strongly contends that governments University, Oxford, England, also 5.

Foolishly focusing on Tourism SVG Economy in which we eat what since 1979 have not structured the believes that the ULP Regime is an as the Engine of SVG Economy is a we grow and we grow what we eat, SVG Economy fully utilizing SVG’s utter waste of space and time. They misfit for the SVG Dead Economy. and an agro-processing factory and inherent resources. are spinning top in mud.

Major Economic Multiplier import substitution.

They are highly unqualified in Variables with the inherent capacity to 7.

Cut ties with Taiwan and SVG Green Party Financial Management and use a boost economic growth in SVG are scatter gun approach to the SVG needed, such as: stagnant Economy with negative 1.

Exporting excess clean consequences. They perpetuate drinking water is an excellent poverty, large-scale squalor and Economic Multiplier for SVG. MUCH OF THE agony which the that not all dispassionate persons who unemployment in SVG. The bottom Singapore buys all its drinking water people of this land face today has its had examined the proposed line is that the ULP Regime cannot from Malaysia. SVG should export origin in the machinations of ‘the constitution were happy with it. Many generate surplus revenue and millions of gallons of drinking water in party, and that is almost indisputable. of us had serious concerns relating to economic growth to move SVG tankers.

The political party rules things. that proposal which sought to have the forward.

2.

Having a low tax regime will The party is somewhat like the important area of the operations of the Gross Mismanagement of the SVG be a major economic multiplier for malignant tumor which owes its origin Electoral Boundaries Commission economy by the ULP Regime is the SVG. Singapore has a very low tax to the abnormal behaviour of the insulated from the Scrutiny of the major factor causing the economy to Regime which is a big plus for the related cells of the body.

Court. We took the view that such an stagnate. For instance: Singapore economy.

The party has no origin in the aberration allowed for the 1.

Taiwan with Fish Tax 3.

Having our own Science and constitution, and yet a party member accommodating of roguishness. That Avoidance of about EC$3 billion Technology University is a major who can grow out of a body of citizens was so much like having a new shoe dollars annually is a major destroyer Economic Multiplier for SVG. This will to become elected as its leader, can with an up-turned tack embedded in of the SVG economy. help create a knowledge-based take over the energy of the people and the inner-sole. determine at his own whim and fancy If the results of the referendum of how the people’s resources are spent, 2009 are compared to the results of indifferent to the vital concerns of the the elections of 2010, it would be reasonable to conclude that there were Continued from Page 8.

Blessed with a big and virtuosity in the art- people. And he is accommodated because of the indifference or fear of issues of that proposed constitution heart and largeness of form..,,. our scholars who should be leading us which raised serious concern in the march “Wine Down spirit, Becket had been Becket, now over the in progressive thinking and rewarding judgement of more than a few of our Kingstown”, “Wine most generous when it hill, should have been pursuits. citizens.

Orama”, “Dig Me comes to honouring his relaxing and living off I think, therefore, that ‘the party’ So, whenever we are addressing the Calypso”, “Stranger people, including the the royalties of old songs. should become a creature of the making of a new constitution, let it be Man”, “Calypso Disco”, unsung heroes who have He has said it all with constitution which should clearly set done with the citizens in mind. It is all anticipated the contributed so much to nothing more to add, its parameters and its responsibilities not true to say the referendum failed. involvement of what sports and culture save getting twisted here to the society. I hope the new The referendum is the process in Prince Marcus later calls locally. So, we have had and there to old tunes constitution would correct this which the citizens are consulted on an “Sugar Waist”.

“Kings carnival” which is like “Girls ah Rush Me” anomaly to democracy. issue. In 2009, the people of SVG This columnist can be how he described the late or worse “Pull it Down” I strongly disagree with Prime spoke clearly! It cannot be ignored forgiven the luxury of Tanny Peters as well as at a time when he can Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves when in that despite the fact that the the occasional a “Tribute to Dan hardly get it up!. “Small his defense of his party and perception has been that our subjectivity. For me, the Simon”. And, of course, government not living up to their Pin” no longer chooks constitution has been handed down to little talked of “They the pioneers of mas, pan hard enough. Yet, Becket promise to bring legislation regarding us by the British, our former colonial Dancing” is one of my Integrity in the House, he, according and calypso feature deserves the highest bosses, our administrators have in the most cherished pieces. prominently in Carnival mark of honour to crown to the News newspaper, said that the process been given more than Another is “Calypso NDP had a chance to support History. his continuing sufficient un-bridled authority to have Noel” which had constitutional reform in the Like a calypso contribution to carnival done much better at the business of bestowed immortality on refrain, the musical referendum of 2009, which had as one managing the affairs of the people. and calypso.”

Becket for so long as of its centre pieces the establishment But they basked in the power of genius of Frankie Mc I understand that the of a fully fledged Integrity Commission authority and privilege, and were to a Christianity survives as Intosh draws repeated show put on by Becket, with constitutional protection. The a World Religion. This large degree indifferent to the praise for his signal the proceeds of which Prime Minister was also reported as song has survived the concerns of the people. For example, in contribution to socawere earmarked for saying that constitutional reform barbs of the local Scribes the colonial days, an ordinary citizen calypso as arranger and social welfare, was an process was far superior to what we and Pharisees who had who had a grievance could have keyboard player par extravaganza that have now. ruled the calypso an depended on a response from the excellence. incidentally proved an He referred to the Honourable St. inappropriate medium Administrator and Governor to any “Combined Islands” after-glow unlocked of Clair Leacock as having said that the for the Christian has been noted, as have some rather aging proposed constitution was good, but he letter in which that citizen had message, moreso as it expressed his concern. Can we say the “Reggae Boys” of calypsonian from 74had to follow the party line and say was associated with no. He also referred to the former NDP that today? No! The exhibition of the year-old Rolls-Royce dancing which they now Jamaica football. The chairman Dr. Linton Lewis as having disdain of our own home grown achievement of Lara Winston Soso on his perform in most of their “administrators” has been painfully inspired “Laramania”, birthday, to the maestro. said that the constitutional reform was documented. places of worship. far superior to what exists.

According and homage to Courtney Layou must be a In his more mature The careful defining by way of to the News, Dr. Gonsalves further Walsh had rounded off blessed place to have years, Becket has constitutional mapping of the said that “every single dispassionate Becket’s Hall of Fame. produced in one broadened the calypso parameters of the operation of “the person who has examined it agrees Meanwhile, Becket generation two world medium to send simple party” is imperative so as to reduce with that conclusion”.

I still reflect beaters Alston and Cecil but effective messages in went on to chalk up the risk of serious conflagration which with quandary, on the utterances of support of healthy living, “Twenty Years’ in stride, Cyrus as a cultural those two NDP officials, and I am left the callous indifference and arrogant and has now attained the superstar and a disdain of misguided “party bosses” such as “Kentucky”, with the impression that taking into milestone of forty years, superlative surgeon. could provoke. Let us constitutionalize “Don’t eat and Lie account the totality of the relevant “The Party”!

Down”, “Wash yo Hand” following in the footsteps Becket owes us one more happenings, the honour of the two of Sparrow with whom song. “Age is just a and the exercise gentlemen was not buttressed.

LeRoy Providence he shares a versatility Number”! stretches of “Cora”.

I can certainly vouch to the fact

Time to constitutionalize ‘The Party’

Becket’s after-glow of Carnival 2018

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20 , 2018. 13.

News

Another mural Story & Photos by DANE JACK

ANOTHER OTHERWISE BLAND CONCRETE WALL has been embellished, with the intention of stirring the appreciation of the Vincentian public for things artistic.

The latest mural is mounted on the front panel view of the Fair Hall Government School, and was completed on July 15th this year.

The mural adorns the front panel of the Fair Hall Government School.

It is the work of students currently enrolled in the Fine Art Design and Cultural Communication (FADCC) Associate Degree Programme of the St. Vincent Community College. They were guided through the process by their lecturer/tutor — Dane Jack.

The Mural, pursued under the theme ‘Inclusive and Child Friendly Learning Environment’, features figurative, still life and abstract elements of various areas of the school’s learning environment and structure. These include a Children Nursery, Care for Children with Disabilities, and Agriculture (Horticulture and Husbandry).

The colour theme expresses warm and cool hues which depict the lively and welcoming nature of the school’s environment.

The Art 2E Course, which includes Mural Art and Urban Space Environment, is taught in the first year of the FADCC Associate Degree Students of the Fine Art Design and Cultural Communication (FADCC) Associate Degree Programme of the St. Vincent Community College, working to keep their deadline, which they did.

Programme.

V

14. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Best year in 2018⁄ No Lynx in 2019 DESPITE HAVING THE BEST returns at Vincy Mas since their first appearance in 2005, the Xtreme Fm 104.3/ G & T Enterprise Lynx Mas Band is giving early notice that it would not be making a presentation for Vincy Mas 2019.

The decision not to participate next year was made prior to the announcement of the results for the Band of the Year Competition on Snow Storm.

Mardi Gras, Tuesday 10th July, according to the Lynx Mas Band leader- Cornelius ‘Pete’ Thomas.

Speaking to The VINCENTIAN last Tuesday, Thomas outlined, “The challenges of mas are real… Year after year we have difficulty in attracting sponsors to help with the band.”

Thomas revealed that there is always a struggle to pay creditors after Carnival, which has compounded the cause.

“Also masqueraders are not as committed as before in terms of meeting the cost of their costumes, and in most cases the band has to

Trough System. some way or the other this year, on behalf of the Lynx Mas Band, I want to say a heartfelt thanks to you.”Thomas stated.

2018 success subsidise, putting us in a further uneconomical position,” Thomas added.

Thomas said that when all those factors were bundled, the hierarchy had no other choice but to rethink its position.

Thomas expressed gratitude to Xtreme Fm 104.3 and G & T Enterprise, this year’s title sponsors, and also thanked those firms and individuals who have made contributions to the band over the years.

“All those who have assisted us in

CARNIVAL OOPS!!

On the other side of his frown, Thomas was in glee with the 2018 production, stating that the results made him “a very happy person.”

Lyn Mas Band placed third with 483 points in the Band of the Year competition, with its presentation of Devastating Elements’.

The sections portrayed were Snow Storm, Tidal Wave, Trough System, Wild Fire and Volcanic Eruptions.

A scaled down band in 2018, Thomas believed, helped in making

the production more compact and detailed.

“We had a mixture of traditional mas and some of the emerging trends, thus appealing to our faithful masqueraders… Also we stuck to the theme, so it was easy to follow,” Thomas noted.

In addition to that third place, Lynx’s section ‘Wild Fire’ was adjudged this year’s best Junior Mas section.

Lynx Mas Band also coped the King of the Bands title was second in Individual of the Bands, with the portrayal of ‘Elements of Natural Disaster’, with Atiron Lockhart the masquerader.

The journey of the Lynx Mas Band began in 2005, with the presentation ‘The Books We Love’.

Flow celebrates biggest Monday band to date

Maybe, ATIRON is on his way “IT’S NOT A to equaling his brother’s record.

CARNIVAL Who knows?

CARNIVAL MAKERS ARE A MONDAY Jam special people. As much as they without Flow Ultra/ OOPS TWO – SVG Players Int’l are engaged in a highly Island Network Inc. competitive undertaking — Monday band on the whether it be in calypso, mas road.” making or steel band — they So said CEO of the find that bit of space Island Network Inc., somewhere in their scheme of Herric Horne during things to accept that others can an interview following and will make mistakes. the huge success of But that is not to say that the 2018 production. we who are wont to err should Horne said early take advantage of this preparation was key to the band’s success remarkable bit of humanity. this year, with the That is why THE FLOW team heading VINCENTIAN extends sincere THE VINCENTIAN also to the drawing board The mass of blue speaks for itself. FLOW was bigger in 2018. apologies to ATIBA LOCKHART several months prior extends apologies to SVG for writing him out of our among other things, production this year. In the to Carnival Monday, to Players International, 2018 increased entertainment and end, over 6,500 persons carnival history. By a ‘mistrucks and the now famous adorned in blue caps jumped STROKE of the keys, we give his Band of the Year winner, and in ensure that focus was paid to items patrons would particular its designer Julian FLOW cap. through the streets of brother ATIRON, 2018 King of enjoy.

‘P’Ling’ Pollard, for having Williams thanked all those Kingstown with FLOW, in the Bands, the accolade of FLOW’s Marketing and who participated including what was the having had a hat trick of King of misrepresented their Junior Communications Lead, FLOW’s customers, telecommunications giant’s Queen of Carnival on our front the Bands victories.

Nikala Williams reiterated Ambassadors and partners largest production to date. page of the July 6 issue.

ATIBA it was, who did that Horne’s sentiments, saying for making the FLOW Williams and Horne are We are more than pleased to hattrick in 2007, ’08 and ’09. that the team went to great production hugely successful. already looking to the future carry here a picture of that Sorry, ATIBA, but try as lengths to ensure the overall The band, which is but are keeping plans for the winning costume, ‘Fya Empress anyone might, they cannot experience was enhanced for traditionally outfitted in blue 2019 production under wraps — Colours Overload’ — Junior remove you from the history all patrons, by adding, t-shirts, opted for a white for now.

Queen of Carnival 2018.. books.

OOPS One – Atiron and Atiba

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 15.

Business

Digicel customers lap up Vincy Mas 2018 THE THOUSANDS of Digicel Customers rushed to customers who benefitted take advantage of the many pre-carnival from the many promotions promotions, the total communications giveaways and deals and entertainment provider offered by Digicel. offered to Carnival lovers, have deemed Vincy Mas 2018 one of the best Carnivals to date.

Fanta Williams, Digicel St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) Chief of Operations, said it was not by chance Digicel’s 2018 Carnival campaign was dubbed ‘BettaFeta’, as she was quite confident that what Digicel had in store for Vincy Mas was guaranteed to connect customers and potential customers to a Carnival experience that was unforgettable.

Williams further explained that as Digicel continues to mark its 15th anniversary in SVG, it was absolutely necessary that this year’s Carnival campaign offered customers the opportunity to create memories of a lifetime.

With the ‘Bettafeta’ campaign, Digicel customers won tickets to ‘Cheaper Wata’, ‘Bacchanal Monday’ and ‘Temperature’, while a number of lucky customers also had the luxury of winning VVIP experiences for two at ‘Slippery When Wet’ and on the road on Carnival Tuesday with the band ‘Mirage’.

Karen Charles, President of Digicel SVG Social Club said, “We are ecstatic and proud of Temperature’s Carnival Monday T-shirt band, which was a complete success!” Charles said after only three years and being one of SVG’s newest Carnival bands, Temperature has grown to be one of the biggest and most anticipated Monday bands, with the assistance of key sponsors and partners.

During the Carnival season, Digicel customers with an active Quick Pick Bundle were gifted with 5GBs of data and unlimited usage of Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter for them to post, share and explore all the happenings of Vincy Mas. The BettaFeta Carnival promotion will end on Wednesday, July 25, when a lucky Digicel customer will win the grand prize of a trip for two, to Spice Mas Grenada. To qualify for the draw, customers simply have to activate any social bolt-on and post any picture from Vincy Mas 2018 to Instagram or Facebook tagging DigicelSVG using the hashtag #BettaFeta or #Bettafetawithdigicel.

The streets of Kingstown became rivers of red as the Digicel Monday Evening Band ‘Temperature’ took to the streets.

V

16. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vincies mourn former Aide to SVG Mission to UN

Garnet Williams in his younger years.

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT VINCENTIANS in Brooklyn, New York on June 15 mourned a former Aide to the Mission of St. Vincent

and the Grenadines to the United Nations, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a relatively brief illness.

Garnet Bingsby Williams, formerly of Sion Hill, died on June 3 after he was diagnosed with the deadly disease in February at Brooklyn Hospital and was placed in hospice care in April 27, his daughter, Ellie Williams, who helped care for him until his death, told THE VINCENTIAN. He was 76.

Ellie said her dad was a “luxury driver,” from 1985-90, when Jonathan Peters was Permanent Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations. During that time, all consular matters in the United States for St. Vincent

and the Grenadines fell under the umbrella of the Mission to the UN. “I took care of him when he was discharged,” Ellie said.

“The cancer [had] spread all over his body.”

Ellie said her older sister, Sonia, also assisted with their father’s care, when Ellie attended classes at the College of New Rochelle.

“Garnet had gone astray; but, thank God, He answered my mother’s prayers,” Williams’s sister, Claudette Muckett, told mourners at the funeral service at Union United Methodist Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Muckett, widow of pastor William Muckett of Sion Hill football fame, and her two sisters — Thelma Williams-

Lezama and Gwendolyn Williams-Bentick — also paid tribute to their brother with the song, “Heaven Sounding Sweeter All the Time.”

Williams-Lezama told mourners that her brother was “very devoted to the family.

“He was not too busy [for family life],” she said after breaking down in tears.

Williams-Bentick, the last of Williams’ nine siblings, said her “big brother was my father, my friend.

“I always made him laugh,” she added. “He was the one who kept the family together.”

After Williams’s niece, Cleopatra Williams, sang “You Raised Me Up,” mourners erupted with loud applause, prompting the church’s pastor, the Rev. David Ball, to call for a standing ovation.

Mourners obliged.

Williams was born on July 10, 1941 to Samuel and Charlotte “Rachel” Williams, of Sion Hill, a popular village overlooking the Vincentian capital, Kingstown. He was the first of the Williams’s children.

At 18, three years after leaving the then elementary Richmond Hill Government School — renamed the Thomas Saunders Secondary School — Williams enlisted in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

He remained in the Force until 1968.

Afterwards, he worked, for 10 years, as a

salesman for the local departmental store, Baynes Brothers. He was also an umpire for the National Cricket Association in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Williams had given his life to the Lord at 16 and attended Streams of Power Tabernacle in Sion Hill with his wife, Gernette, and their children — Sonia, Czeslaw, Oswald, Ellie and Laura.

After migrating to New York in 1978, Williams did several jobs, including working at the Mission to the UN and for an unidentified armored car company until retirement.

“Garnet was well-loved by his siblings and was lovingly called ‘Brother G’”, his biography states.

“He was a loving, caring man and always was a father figure.

“He was a dedicated man to his family and his work,” it adds. “He was fun, friendly and always loved a good joke.”

In his “Words of Comfort,” Rev. Ball said “God never takes before He gives.

“If you love the Lord, you have everything the Lord can do,” he said.

“So, I say to the family: Be of courage. This is part of the journey. The Lord gives, and it’s the Lord who takes away.”

Besides his children and siblings — identified earlier — Williams is also survived by three brothers, Jonathan, Joseph and Ivan Williams; three other

Family members in front pew.

The Rev. David Ball.

Cleopatra Williams sings “You Raised Me Up” sisters, Jacqueline Williams-Fergus, and Lena and Odette Williams; and several other relatives and friends.

His body was cremated on June 16 at the Greenwood Cemetery Crematorium in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20 , 2018. 17.

News

Moriah Primus (right) accepts her winnings, the largest by a Vincentian in the Super Six game, from NLA Manager Mc Gregor Sealey (left) and Chairman Murray Bullock.

Super Six

winner to help three children MORIAH PRIMUS expressed the feeling as “amazing,” and acknowledged that with $3, “My life has changed.”

She confessed to “dreaming for a long time” of becoming a lottery winner. June 26, the Quick Pick ticket she bought at Phillip Jack’s Lotto Booth in Belair turned up the winning Super Six numbers for that week. Those were: 3, 10, 12, 14, 15, and 17.

Primus collected the $640,000 cheque last Monday, July 16, 2018.

This is the second largest amount paid out by Winlott since the inception of the game. The highest figure of $1M went to a Dominican citizen.

Primus expressed a lifelong desire to the less fortunate, and she declared that at least three children will have their education taken care of as a result of her luck.

Winlott’s Chairman Murray Bullock, and National Lotteries Authority’s Manager McGregor Sealey

cautioned Primus to spend her money wisely.

Bullock used the occasion to highlight aspects of Winlott’s sponsorship of the Under 19 Windward Island Cricket Tournament and the Windward Islands Schools Games.

He lamented that sales for the Super Six in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been “sluggish,” but indicated that plans are afoot to “stimulate sales.”

Pole wrapping and restoration training for VINLEC Staff VINLEC employees assigned to the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Department were involved in a five-day training from Monday July 16th , which examined utility pole restoration and pole wrapping. This area of training was designed to aid the T&D Department in the area of preventative maintenance as the majority of VINLEC’s poles are wooden poles.

According to T&D Engineer, Mr. Mitra Malcolm, the poles in the Transmission and Distribution network represent a large economic investment

by VINLEC and as such, they must be protected against deterioration. He explained that while the wooden poles provide VINLEC with a safe, economic and easy means of delivering electrical energy to all customers throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they eventually deteriorate. He noted that VINLEC is making every effort to ensure the assets of the Company are protected.

Mr. David Skinner, one of the facilitators from Osmose Utilities Services, said the programme focused on

pole inspections and evaluating the health of wooden poles for treatment. He explained that VINLEC utilised the services of Osmose Utilities Services Inc. of the U.S.A., who has over 80 years of experience in managing ageing utility infrastructure, to train its staff.

“We are also making evaluations for maybe later reinforcing them instead of replacing them. The overall goal of the programme is to help VINLEC save money and to extend the life of their poles,” Skinner said.

The knowledge to be gained from the training will facilitate a safer working environment for persons who work on VINLEC poles and the public and potentially reduce and prevent property damage. The knowledge and skills acquired will also bring economic benefits to VINLEC. The eighteen participants from locations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines were engaged in classroom sessions and a number of field visits in neighbouring communities. The session ends on Friday July 20th. (Submitted by VINLEC)

V SVG Port Authority lands Prestigious Award 18. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Ports Authority (SVGPA), after placing second in 2015 and 2016, was able to capture the 2017 title of the Most Improved Port among the sixteen (16) member Ports of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC).

The award was granted at the just concluded 21st Annual General Meeting of PMAC, held in Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The Nova Port Cup award, as it is known, was awarded to the SVG Port Authority for improvements based on comparative cargo volumes, operational efficiency, standards and best practices over the previous year’s performance. Additionally, the SVGPA was only narrowly beaten by the Port of Antiqua into second place for the Caribbean Maritime University’s (CMU) award for the Port that has dedicated the most resources (revenue and time) to training its personnel for the period.

Chief Executive Officer of the SVGPA, Mr. Bishen John, indicated that achieving the award is the result

of the combined efforts of a dedicated staff, coupled with effective Corporate Government from the Minister of Air and Sea Ports Development and the Council of the SVGPA. Mr. John indicated that is was indeed an honour for him to have led the Port Authority to this great achievement at a time when significant investment is being undertaken in port development as well as the training and development of staff members.

Mr. Clayton Burgin, Chairman, of the SVG Port Authority, emphasized the importance for Managers to appreciate the work done by the general staff, and to have a continued focus on training and personal development, as he collected the trophy on behalf of the workers.

The SVGPA has been focused on improving the organisation’s internal culture, the internal atmosphere at the workplace and the efficiency with which it operates; to date various policy changes have been made and the SVGPA is in the final stages of the development of a Terminal Operation

System (TOS) that would see seamless transfer of information between the SVGPA and the Customs and Excise Department. This TOS would bring further efficiency to the clearance of cargo as well as aid in the collection of current data for proper decision making.

PMAC The Campden Park (http://pmacSVGPA. ports.com ) is a nonprofit organization with its main priorities being to improve the proficiency of member ports and the quality of services offered to their users, specifically through the facilitation of relevant training designed to maximize human

Port – one of the port managed by the resources, develop workers’ competencies, and meet the ever increasing challenges of the global environment. The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (http://www.svgpa.com) is one of the founding members of PMAC.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 19.

News

BTI holds inaugural ÂJob FairÊ ON TUESDAY June 12th, the Barrouallie Technical Institute (BTI) held its inaugural Job Fair.

The event, sponsored by the Mustique Charitable Foundation, was aimed at having the students interact with potential employers and small business owners, and for them to showcase the products and services attendant Trainees look very comfortable and at home in the C to their training.

Building Construction workshop.

Students are presently being trained up to the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Level 1 in Commercial Food Preparation, Food and Drinks Service, Data Operations, and Garment Production.

The trainees in the Commercial Food Preparation and Garment Production programme used the opportunity to test the market with products Commercial Food Preparation trainees ready and happy top welcome guests and visitors to the Fair. which they made as part of their course met. work.

She also highlighted the nature of The products were well received by the assistance which the Trust had those in attendance, and the trainees given to the Institute for the year, were encouraged to continue striving which included scholarships to twenty for excellence. of the trainees, and a quantity of tools Addressing a short ceremony to and equipment to assist with the open the Fair, Administration Director delivery of the Building Construction of the Mustique Charitable Trust programme.

(MCT) - Mrs. Lavinia Gunn Principal, Mrs. Pearlette Primus congratulated the principal and staff of Hannaway thanked the MCT for its the Institute for their proactive support, and reminded the trainees approach to training the nation’s that “the success factor for our youths, and pledged support for other country’s development is young, ventures as long as the criteria are educated persons, equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge and attitude, (and) who are prepared to take positions that form building blocks in a sustainable future.”

She urged them to use their skills to improve their station in life.

These sentiments were also echoed by Past Director of the National Qualifications Department - Mr. Dwight Lewis; Senior Education Officer TVET - Mr. Endall Johnson, and Managing Director of Nature Care SVG - Mr. Gideon Nash.

Garments, the work of the trainees, on display. (Submitted)

V

20. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Look for another house Dear George,

I HAVE BEEN housekeeping for this woman for two years now. She has continually told me how valuable my service is to her and she does not want to lose me. She knows I will get another job in a heat’s beat.

George, an incident occurred last week that has left me thinking twice about remaining with her. She accused me of stealing some money from her bedroom. I am never allowed to clean her room - her room has been off limits to me.

I have been planning on getting my US visa and the money I have saved towards it, she is claiming that money as hers. She is also accusing me of messing with her husband. I have told her time and time again I have my own husband and do not want hers.

Working for this woman is too much stress, and the salary she is giving me is not worth that amount of stress.

How must I handle this situation?

Worn out Dear Worn out, It is not healthy to be working in such a stressful environment. Much of what you are complaining about is outside your control. You cannot be blamed for your employer’s insecurity as it pertains to her husband, and neither do you have control over her devious attempts to set you up as a thief.

Since you are in such demand, as you have alluded to, then it would be wise to start looking for alternative employment. Leave the housekeeping to her, and that will also remove any reason for her to accuse you of husband tampering.

George

Imperfect me!!! not you can accept each celebration for two and other with all the with alcohol present. It imperfections. is always better to avoid I HAVE BEEN dating Do not leave him to situations that could lead this wonderful man for make that to other things that you some time now. One of unceremonious discovery may not have on the the things he is most on your wedding night. agenda. proud about me is the Discuss it now and see Now is the time to fact he met me a virgin what happens. Trust the level with your partner. and we have together process.

The outcome could either decided to wait until marriage before giving of strengthen your relationship or lead to George ourselves.

Well, as you know, no you deciding whether or man/woman is perfect. I made a terrible mistake of sleeping with my longtime schoolmate. We were celebrating his birthday and the drink Dear George, he gave me knocked me stupid. My boyfriend MY BOYFRIEND waited for four months before was at sea at the time. telling me he has four teenage children. I had told My predicament is he him upfront, with good reasons, that I will not wants us to get married date a man who has children. this December, and I do He said he did not tell me then because he was not know how to tell him afraid I would not give him a chance. I asked him I am no longer a virgin. to leave anyway! I hate liars and deceivers, and I am scared that he will he has that label written all over his face. He is not believe my story of mad at me for sending him packing. Should he how it happened. I do not feel anything for this be? schoolmate, and it was Let down the alcohol that caused this to happen.

Should I hold this Dear Let down, secret until he finds out, whenever or if ever? I You were upfront with your position from the just want peace to reign, beginning, and that was the time your boyfriend and there is a small should have placed his cards in the table. chance that he might not You have nothing to feel guilty about and should even notice. What do be thankful it’s just four months and not a longer you think? time frame. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Starting a relationship Stressed based on a lie is a definite no no. He has only himself to blame, and hopefully he would have Dear Stressed, learned a life-long lesson.

It was terribly unwise George of you to indulge in a

Dear George,

Liar and deceiver

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance. Work on legitimate financial deals that may enable you to bring in some extra cash. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You can have an enjoyable time if you socialize with friends. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting. You are likely to be left alone if you aren’t willing to bend just a little. You can get good solid advice from relatives or close friends you trust.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Don’t believe everything you hear. Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. Finish those changes you’ve been talking about making to your residence. Things are looking up.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. Someone you work with could try to undermine you.

You can purchase items that will enhance your appearance.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation and loneliness. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Opportunities to show your worth will enhance your reputation and bring possible advancement.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You will meet exciting new people through interest groups or functions that you attend with your children. You may get upset with peers or relatives. You will want to take off and have some recreation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money. So smile! You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Try not to lend or borrow money this week.

You need to get out and be an observer. You have so much to offer; open up and let your thoughts be known. Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You should get out and meet new people this week. Lighten up your serious attitude You will have the stamina and the know how to raise your earning power. Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Your lover may feel rejected. You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn’t been well. Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won’t like.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You’re on to something tangible and need to act fast Emotional upset may prevail on the domestic scene if you have neglected your duties or your mate. Someone left a real mess for you to sift through. Don’t try to get even without having all the facts.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) You are best to stick to yourself this week. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you. You may find yourself in the limelight for the wrong reasons.

Not everything you hear will be legitimate.

ACROSS 1. Make indistinct 5. Let sink 9. Soviet secret police 12. River in central Switzerland 13. Covetousness 14. Metal‐bearing mineral 15. Title of respect for God 16. Never 17. Atmosphere 18. Arab sailing vessel 20. City in central Belgium 22. Top of the head of a bird 25. Wide valley 26. Inactive 27. Run away 28. Supplement 29. Cut and dried grass 30. Biblical high priest 33. No longer living 35. Behaved 37. It would 40. Gum yielding leguminous shrub 41. Despised 42. Monkeys 43. Toward the stern 44. Apiece 46. Ebony 50. Born 51. Wife of a rajah 52. Advise 53. Sin 54. Storage shelter 55. Trim DOWN 1. Bleat of a sheep 2. Laboratory 3. An urban area 4. Person who reads 5. Poisonous fluid 6. Once more 7. I have 8. Lyre‐shaped

9. Australian marsupial 10. Grain to be ground 11. Shelflike sleeping space 18. Humble dwelling 21. Part of verb to be 22. Filled pastry crust 23. Writing fluid 24. Shelter 25. Wily 27. Craze 29. Did possess 30. And so on 31. Wreath of flowers 32. Highest mount‐ ain in Crete 33. Owing 34. Flowering

shrubs 35. Very skilled person 36. Barracks 37. Baron 38. Thin, crisp bis‐ cuit 39. Aquatic mam‐ mal

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 21.

40. Plant louse 42. Skin eruption 45. Exclamation of surprise 47. Honey insect 48. Room within a harem 49. Open mesh fabric

22. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 23.

Two new teams in 20th Bequia BÊball Tournament Referee – Anthony Primus has officiated in every Bequia Basketball Tournament from its inception.

Again, Bequia United was triumphant, 65-53. Bequia’s lead scorer was Kirsten New Under-16 outfit- Golden Knights Lampkin with 24 points and Dareo Glasgow, 18 points, led the Northern Grenadines and Leader for Arnos Vale Heat Seekers. of the Opposition- Hon. Godwin On Sunday, when the tournament Friday; Director of Physical Education got off in earnest, Titans whipped and Sports- Nelson Hillocks; Vice Young Wizards 40-24 in the Under- 16 President of the St Vincent and the Police United – debutants in the First Division.

Division, with Young Duke outlasting Grenadines Basketball FederationBlazin Heat 58-50 in the Second Karel Bramble, and former Prime TWO NEW TEAMS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS and the government for giving us Division.

Police United, make up the complement concession on them…This is where our Minister of St Vincent and the And, Raptors crushed Rising Stars Grenadines- Sir James Mitchell. of teams registered to participate in the money goes, into making sports 69-36 in First Division.

2018 Vita Malt Bequia Basketball better,” she underscored.

The other competing teams in the Tournament, which opened last Saturday Mitchell though lauded the input of Opening Matches Under-16 Division are Rockets and night at the Clive Tannis Hard Court. players as the most important factor in Hornets, while Rising Stars II is the Two matched were scheduled to Golden Knights is among seven the sustainability of the tournament. other team in the Second Division. entrants in the Under-16 Division, “The court, the buildings, none of it follow the opening ceremony. The first Kings and East Blazers complete between Hawks and Dragons was while Police United is lodged in the means anything without the players the make -up of the First Division. rained out.

First Division. and the people, and it’s the players Matches in the tournament are set The feature match of the night The new entrants are part of the who make this tournament what it is for Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays brought together Bequia United and fifteen teams contesting the 2018 today after twenty years,” Mitchell and Fridays in some instances.

Arnos Vale Heat Seekers, the two edition, which is the 20th since the commented.

The Tournament has been finalists in the recently concluded tournament bounced off in 1999.

Mitchell in turn, on the evening, earmarked to conclude on 1st or 2nd Arnos Vale Basketball Club Speaking at last Saturday’s was rewarded (albeit a surprise) with September, depending on the outcome Opening Ceremony, long standing a plaque from FIBA accredited referee Invitational Tournament. of the play-offs.

President of the Bequia Basketball Shem Ollivierre, who Association Sabrina Mitchell, admitted credited her for his that her organisation had “made great upward movement in strides,” from its humble beginnings the officiating of the when there were only four sport. participating teams.

Mitchell accepted Mitchell recounted the many the token admidst improvements that the Clive Tannis shedding a few tears.

Hard Court has been blessed with over Also addressing the THE BEQUIA BASKETBALL voice. the years.

Opening Ceremony Association is calling on the As a consequence of the “The Bequia Basketball Association were Minister of relevant government state of the gate and the through our funds, have constructed Tourism, Sports and authorities as well as others perimeter fence, the Bequia four structures on this court…the Culture — Hon. Ces with goodwill to assist in the Basketball Association is structure for the electronic clock, the Mc Kie; repair of the Clive Tannis unable to have a revenue office , the bar and of course , the Parliamentary Hard Court, located in Port stream by charging an structure to hold the hoops,” Mitchell Representative for Elizabeth. entrance fee to view the stated gleefully.

Making the passionate plea matches in the tournament.

She reminded those for assistance was Sabrina “We try to collect monies at present, of the contribution of Mitchell, President of the the gate, but the gate is falling the Bequia All Stars team Bequia Basketball Association, apart and so people tend to who provided the manual as she addressed last just climb over on to the court, labour that re-shaped the Saturday’s Opening Ceremony therefore we can’t collect gate facility. of 2018 Vita Malt Bequia money,” Mitchell lamented.

The most recent addition to Basketball Tournament.

Mitchell therefore called for the upgrade of the 2018 Mitchell singled out the help and support, “in any way tournament has been the President of the Bequia gate, the perimeter fencing possible.” purchase of two modern rims.

Basketball Associationand the surface of the court as The Clive Tannis Hard “One of the investments we Sabrina Mitchell. the areas that are in urgent Court was constructed in the have made this year at $750 need.

1980s by the late Wendell included the erection of a each, are two rims…they are “The gate and the entire Ollivierre. bleacher, office space, a bar, a called professional court facility is in great need The facility though over the structure to house the Sabrina Mitchell (left) accepts competition break away years has seen some a plaque from Reba Ollivierre, of repairs,” Mitchell sounded electronic clock and one to rims… And, we must thank with a distinct shrill in her transformation, which the niece of Shem Ollivierre. facilitate the basketball hoops.

Bequia Basketball Association beckons help

V

24. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Sion Hill triumphs in Richland Park

Sion Hill Tallawahs - T20 Marriaqua Softball Champions.

SION HILL TALLAWAHS are the 2018 champions of Marriaqua T20 Softball cricket.

The men from the hill which overlooks capital Kingstown, claimed the title when they beat Street

Fighters by 2 wickets in the last over of the finals of the Flow/Carib Beer T20 Softball Cricket Competition, played at Richland Park last Sunday, July 15.

Street Fighters, batting first, made

149 for 9 off 20overs, Lenroy Dalzell leading with 32 runs and Shamic Roberts taking 3 for 19 for Sion Hill.

Sion Hill Street Fighters - runners up.

Tallawahs replied with 155 for 8 off 20-overs. Teroy Baptiste hit 22, Brenton Arrindell took 2 for 18 and Lenroy Dalzell 2 for 43 in a losing cause for Street Fighters.

Earlier in the day, Country Meet Town Out-Ah Trouble (1) beat Israel Bruce Smashers by 83 runs in the play-off for third place.

Country Meet Town Out-AhTrouble (1) made 154 for 8 off 20overs, with Saski Weekes top scoring with 58 not out. Israel Bruce Smashers were 71 for 5 off 11-overs Deroy Straugh – leading wicket-taker when the match was called off. with 17 scalps.

The Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony which followed the finals award for the Most Runs (235), and his saw: Richie Richards of Country Meet teammate Deroy Straugh the award Town Out-Ah Trouble (1) receiving the for the most wickets(17).

“We have to regroup…,” Stapleton

Natasha Stapleton.

SVG Under-23 Netball team.

FIRST VICE- PRESIDENT of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association — Natasha Stapleton has conceded that her organisation has to “regroup and refocus,” if the sport is to begin any type of upward movement.

Stapleton made this pronouncement following St Vincent and the Grenadines failure to regain the title of ECCB/ OECS Under-23 Netball champions.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, 14 times winners of the tournament, has gone five years without adding to the tally.

A third place in the 28th edition which ended last Thursday at the Pam Tyson

The SVG Netball Association has to pursue a nation-wide campaign to seek out players who are adept at shooting, Stapleton proffered.

Netball Complex in St Kitts, . condemned the former titans “This is not to say that we of the sub- regional should not pay attention to the tournament to their worst other areas, but the focus has finish. to be on shooting, as in the Stapleton, Manager of the last tournaments, it has been team which travelled to St our down fall.

Kitts, assessed that despite Taking a direct having nine players with development approach Under-23 experience, SVG towards the sport, Stapleton lacked in the Shooting advocated, “We have to pay compartment. attention to the Under- 16 “We were good in defence, players and get them to love but were lacking in the the sport… They are the ones shooting department,” we have to invest more in”.

Stapleton assessed, and Pre- Tournament favourites elaborated with , “The absence St Vincent and the of accurate shooters is evident Grenadines went into the 2018 even at our national club tournament as favourites, tournament …We don’t have having been runner-up to St the shooters now to fill the Lucia in 2014 and to Grenada, positions as those we have had the three years thereafter. in the immediate past.”

The Vincentians’ chances of

Other Awards went to , Dillon Woodley of Israel Bruce Smashers - Best Wicket Keeper; Kamarlo Caine of Street Fighters - Best Junior lifting the title was given greater credence with the non Player, and Javon Seales of —participation pf Grenada and Challengers - Best All-rounder for his 12 wickets, and 122 that they had nine players who had previous Tournament runs.

Fairbane United was experience. adjudged to be the most “We left here confident of Disciplined Team and Israel winning the tournament, but Bruce Smashers the Best the game is won on the court Dressed Team. and we did not do enough to Champions Sion Hill win the tournament,” Talawahs took home a bounty Stapleton confessed. for $2,500.00, and second St Vincent and the placed Street Fighters Grenadines finished the $1,500.00. tournament with three wins Third placed Country Meet (Nevis 78-9, Antigua and Town Out-Ah Trouble (1) Barbuda 37-13 and Dominica collected $750.00, and fourth 54 -25), and two losses (St placed Israel Bruce Smashers Kitts 36-32 and St. Lucia 37was rewarded with $300.00.

26).

St Lucia played unbeaten in Sixteen teams took part in the six team tournament and this year’s Competition which lifted their sixth title. was hosted by the Valley Host St Kitts was second, Sports Committee for the first Dominica- fourth, Antigua and time.

Barbuda fifth and Nevissixth.

I.B.A.ALLEN St Vincent and the Grenadines team included Ronsannia StephensCaptain, Shanise Humphrey Vice Captain, Maranda Spencer, Nerissa Delpesche, Jomaria Quashie, Aaliyah Anderson, Zanelle James, Kenisha Francis, Kaywanna Charles, Jonelle John, Keinesha Browne and Azuba Delpesche.

The team’s Coach was Godfrey Harry and UmpireRichie Richards – highest O’Neil Cockburn. run-getter with 235 runs.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 25.

Sports

Reverse trends WITH THE DUST of the Fifa World Cup almost settled, there is time to pay attention to other events which have been ongoing. But the glitter of the Russian light was so dazzling. Everyone would have boasted of supporting France from the very start. Others might have been bandwagonists.

The final amounted to an East-West showdown in European terms.

The implications and analyses of the French victory continue to be explored. It some cases it degenerated into explosions, such might have the exuberance of the celebrations, or the mysteries of the French civilisation.

The Europeans have been documented for their role in the colonial network. It so happened that some of that legacy may have inspired, contributed to the multi-ethnic nature of the squad. Whatever their composition, France is sitting pretty. They have become an object of admiration for the world.

That sense of inspiration and motivation is likely to have spillover effects in the emerging generations. Youngsters will aspire to be this or that player on the French team, especially those who shone in the final.

West Indies completed their series win over Bangladesh although no one anticipated anything different. But they have been disappointed over and again, so that would have been in for any shock.

The Fifa World Cup allowed for an issue like Collis King eviction from England to be overlooked. Even though it has subsequently gained some traction, there is a feeling of déjà vu as far as that is concerned.

So Collis King will wait until the British Immigration department sorts out his application granting him a visa to be in England.

That’s an issue that perhaps if it had gone to the Privy Council, might have been handled more speedily.

But that’s an unreasonable comparison, for there is nothing criminal about the Collis King debacle. Of course, he injured some bowlers allright, perhaps even murdered a few. Those were the days, when West Indies batsmen used to “Butcher” the English bowling, and we even Nursed them, and kept to a ‘Sobers’ level.

Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith inflicted many wounds on English batsmen, enough for one to summon the courage to return to the crease arm plastered and all, and drew a Test match.

It must be that degree of fervency, which has turned against Collis King.

But that is another issue. In any event, many West Indians who were invited to England to help with the rebuilding after the Second World War, have returned home voluntarily. They have returned to an environment of different circumstances. The tales of their stories are wide.

They contain an element of cynicism too harsh for the normal person to fathom.

Among those were parents of Wilfred Slack who played Test cricket for England. Slack died plying his trade albeit in Africa, another chapter of the triangle that he would have not rehashed, had it not been for his migration to England.

England has become a home to many born of West Indian origins. How they fit into British reality is to be seen.

In the meantime, Vincentians will tune into the West Indies Under 19 championship which commences here in early August. That will be an opportunity to see the next generation of senior cricketers.

Blistering centuries in Bequia cricket his team to a total of 309 for 6 from their 20 overs. Cosmos Hackshaw with 74 and Chelson Stowe 42 not out were the other chief contributors to Sugar Reef’s total. Javon Adams, 2 for 29, was the best bowler for Defenders who, in their turn at the crease, were dismissed for 167 in 17 overs to hand their opponents an easy 142-run victory.

Phillip Baptiste top scored with 57 and Jenrey Ollivierre took 4 for 23.

Not to be outdone, Port Elizabeth romped to a whopping 228-run win over Royal Challengers. Port Elizabeth posted an almost unbelievable 320 for 1 from 20 overs, led by a blistering 161 from Romana Pierre 161 not out. He hit 12 four and Seon Sween stroked 103 for Bequia 14 sixes. Kenrick Cozier hit United.

NATIONAL PLAYERS Seon Sween and Romano Pierre hit centuries to propel their respective teams to commanding wins in last weekend round of matches in the 2018 Bequia T20 Cricket C. Sween, wearing the Sugar Reef Bequia shirt, hit 103, inclusive of 12 fours and 8 sixes to advance

54 and Olanzo Billingy was 47 not out. A deflated Royal Challengers could manage only 92 for 8 from 13 overs when play was called. Pierre continued his destruction of Romano Pierre his opponets by blasted 161 taking 2 for 21. not out for In another weekend match, Port Elizabeth.

Daris Construction Port Elisabeth beat Dockside Marine by 53 runs.

Scores: Port Elizebath 137 from 20 overs - Victor Williams 49, Gerin Willey 6 for 12; Dockside Marine 84 for 9 - Kimron Cozier 36, Don Williams 5 for 13.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Cricket programme for St. Georges APPROXIMATELY thirty students from primary schools in the St. George constituencies are currently enrolled in a cricket training programme.

The students were selected for this exposure following their participation in the recently concluded Area

Primary Schools Cricket Competition.

The programme, the brainchild of residents of the communities that comprise the St. George constituencies members, will benefit from the expertise of Elvis Browne - former national fast bowler and one of the

Scotiabank Summer Camp bowls off APPROXIMATELY sixty students from a number of primary schools across the state will be exposed to more basic coaching when they take part in the annual Scotia Bank Kiddy’s Cricket Students are exposed to basic Summer Camp, cricket skills in the Scotia Bank Kiddy’s Cricket Summer Camp. scheduled to take place from Monday July 23rd -27th at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, from 9:00 am -3:00 pm daily.

The students will be involved in the programmes that will expose them to basic cricket skills, injury prevention, nutrition, laws of the game, personal hygiene and sessions on drugs and sports.

They will also view the Fire in Babylon video, a story of the period of West Indies Supremacy in world cricket.

Five (5) local coaches will conduct the programme; they are Gosnel Cupid, Bertram Stapleton, Bill Edwards, Uzah Pope and Cleton Burnett. The camp is co-ordinated by Stanley Hinds.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Students and organisers of the St. George’s Cricket Training Programme. organizers — Minister of Sport and coaches Cecil Mc Kie, seen Kenroy here addressing the Martin, students, has given Samantha his full support to Lynch and the programme.

Cordel Jack.

Sessions recent, are scheduled for brief to the participants, Mondays, Wednesdays urged them to grab the and Saturdays up to the opportunity to enhance end of August, and their skills and to keep Saturdays in September. an eye on the success of They will cover the persons like Jaheil basics of batting, Walters who have bowling, fielding, wicket- benefited from similar keeping and running programmes. between the wickets, in Walters has been both outdoor and inhouse named in the Windward sessions.

Islands Under 17 and 19 Cecil McKie, Minister teams for the year’s CWI of Sport and area tournaments in Trinidad representative for West and SVG respectively.

St. George, has endorsed the programme, and in a I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018. 27.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 20, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.29

SVG COCOA HEADS FOR EUROPE 110 YEARS OLD TODAY

MS. ESTELLE YOUNG, also known as Estelle ‘Maarye’ Davis of Langley Park, Georgetown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is, all things being equal, celebrating her 110th birthday today, Friday 20th July 2018.

THE VINCENTIAN newspaper joins with all Vincentians home and abroad, in wishing Estelle a Happy, Happy Birthday and God’s continued blessing.

Attaining her 110th birthday will reinforce Estelle’s status as the oldest known living Vincentian resident in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to her caretaker, her daughter Cena, Estelle has taken to bed and is not as communicative or active as she was up to a year ago.

Nonetheless, family and friends are looking forward to marking the milestone with Estelle today.

A.I. REAL ESTATE Questelles 6,042 sq.ft @ $13.00 p.s.f. - $78,546.00 - BB269 Clare Valley 5,887 sq.ft @ $13.00 p.sf. - $76,531 - BB324 Evesham 2.5 acs - Open to offers - BB340 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SVG cocoa all ready for the export market.

by KENVILLE HORNE THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cocoa Company has exported its first commercial shipment of cocoa.

Last Monday, July 16, eight tons of cocoa beans left here on M.V. AS Fabiana for the Netherlands.

Andrew Hadley, Managing Director of the SVG Cocoa Company, the entity responsible for the propagation and marketing of cocoa here, hailed the shipment as a milestone.

Hadley assured that the cocoa beans are of a good quality. “After buying the cocoa from the farmers, it has to be fermented and dry to specifications from demanding overseas companies who want top quality cocoa beans,” he explained.

Returns from the sale of the cocoa are expected to be returned in part to many rural communities, Hadley said, since most of the cocoa is grown in the rural areas.

“It (sale) adds significantly to rural communities… they (the workers) have families to take care of, and they have a consistent salary,” said Hadley as he continued to espouse the benefits of cocoa production and sale.

Looking ahead, the Managing Director said that he is hopeful that in the next five years, the company is anticipated that it would be exporting ten or more containers of cocoa beans a year.

Last Monday’s shipment came some four years after the SVG Cocoa

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

Andrew Hadley, Managing Director of the SVG Cocoa Company, recognized the hard work to get to this point, and rejoices in the achievement.

Company was established in 2014.

In 2016, the SVG Cocoa Company established a chocolate-making subsidy - St. Vincent Chocolate Company — and between them they employ over 200 workers from all around St. Vincent.

The Vincentian Chocolate has already found markets overseas.

“The journey has been a difficult one, but we have managed to reap success. It has been a hard task, but it has been achieved by a very good team work from the company and all the farmers,” said Hadley.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.