THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 21-05-21

FRIDAY, MAY

21, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.20

Friday pressing on Page 5

www.thevincentian.com

Insulting the nation Page 9

EC$1.50

Grant Thornton leads Page 13

Families to receive vouchers Page 15

Two more killings Page 28

HIV/AIDS DRUGS CHANGED Zidovudine is considered the most widely prescribed and used antiretroviral drug in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

supply, if not exhausted. They understood this after their prescriptions were changed. One dismayed individual expressed, “To just switch to a next treatment would be a death problem for me. Plus, I have other peers whose treatment was switched and they having all kinds of complications from diarrhea to hallucinations, belly pains, and cramps.” According to www.webmd.com, ‘ Zidovudine, used with other HIV medications, Sydney ‘Pumpkin’ Joseph, Peer helps control HIV Animator and Treatment Advocate infection; decreasing the for HIV/AIDS, is alarmed that the amount of HIV in a regularly prescribed antiretroviral person’s body, creating a treatment could be replaced ‘just better-working immune like that’. system, and lowering chances of getting HIV by GLORIAH… have been made uneasy by complications.’ Persons should indications that their PERSONS HERE WHO regular antiretroviral drug- continue taking this SUFFER FROM HIV/AIDS Zidovudine, is now in short medication (and other

HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by the doctor: no doses must be skipped; refills should be secured before drugs run out. THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Mr. Sydney Joseph, better known as ‘Pumpkin’, who is employed with the Ministry of Health and the Environment as a Peer Animator for HIV/AIDS and Treatment Advocate for Anti-retroviral drugs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He acknowledged that he has been living with HIV/AIDS and taking antiretroviral drugs for the past eighteen years. ‘Pumpkin’ expressed that while the situation affects him too, he was overly worried about his peers. “You could imagine on a daily basis, my peers been

COURTS (ST. VINCENT) TO PAY UP!! Courts St. Vincent Ltd., with headquarters on Bay Street, Kingstown, now has to honour a debt that could have been settled for less, may be, had it not decided to object to an audit.

AFTER A LEGAL BATTLE that had dragged on for the better part of seven years, Unicomer Courts St. Vincent Limited has found itself on the losing end of its appeal against increasing its tax liability, following an audit done by the Inland revenue Department. High Court Judge Nicola Byer ordered Courts SVG

Limited to pay up monies owed to the Inland Revenue Department for increased tax liability amounting to just over EC$13 million and other attendant fees. The amount ordered for payment represented tax assessment and other liabilities for the period 2007 to 2011. The matter as reported had its genesis in Court SVG

Limited objection to increasing its tax liability following an audit done. The matter was advanced to the High Court for resolution at the same time that it was forwarded to the Income Tax Commissioners for their ruling. Continued on Page 3.

confronting me and asking me if my treatment change because apparently they went to the clinic and theirs was changed,” he posited. “I was somewhat in a state of mind to tell them, ‘Yes, my treatment

changed too’, but what they don’t know is that I will not be taking any change of treatment. But, I couldn’t just tell them to do that too,” he added. Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 3.

News 3 Phased programme of learning commences

by GLORIAH… UNDER A PHASED PROGRAMME which the Ministry of Education called the ‘Continuity of Learning’, face-to-face instruction for students writing the CPEA and CSEC exams commenced last Monday 17th at a number of learning hubs across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to the Education Media Unit within the ministry, the first phase — a psychosocial support programme called, ‘Return to Happiness’ commenced on May 03. It targeted students in

Emergency Shelters. This was followed, beginning May 10, with informal learning activities with these same students. The final phase, online learning for all other students from Grade K to 5 and Form 1 — 4, is slated to recommence by May 25. Meanwhile, Grade 6 and Form 5 students began face-to-face instruction last Monday, May 17. They were assigned to various ‘learning hubs’ across the state. A learning hub could be described as any location

suitable for teaching/learning activities with the capacity to accommodate a number of students, without contravening coronavirus protocols. Some sixty such hubs were identified as locations to house the Grade 6 and Form 5 students. Among these were: early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools, technical institutes, a trade school, the community college, university campuses, the police training school, community centres and churches. In many

Right: Students the SMSS, SJCK and SMRC arriving at the St. Martin’s Secondary School hub where they will recommence faceto-face instruction. cases, a single school was assigned to a centre, but there are centres with students from more than one school. The Media Unit also advised that, “All schools in the Grenadines and those on the mainland that are not being used as shelters or learning hubs can reopen to fulltime face-to-face instruction, if the

location and size of the population allow for strict adherence to the established COVID-19

protocols.” As for when the scheduling of external exams conducted by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the dates were adjusted from their The public is reminded that original schedule there is still a ban on large consequent upon the public gatherings. declaration of the COVID-pandemic in the region. The following dates were given: CPEA on May 27 and 28; CSEC from June 14 to July 16. The explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano threw the Vincentian students into a tail spin. Many teachers, parents and students have pleaded for a further extension of Health advised. cases of COVID-19 and given the upheaval and Churches are also asked to seventeen hundred and eighty continue adhering to the (1786) recoveries recorded in St. havoc wreaked on homes and communities here. protocols put in place for them Vincent and the Grenadines The latest to ensure that the spread of since March 2020. announcements of dates COVID-19 in this country is One hundred and fifty-six suggest the following: contained. (156) cases were active and CPEA exams on July 27 As of May 19, 2021, there twelve (12) persons with and 28; and CSEC were one thousand, nine COVID-19 have died. commencing on August hundred and fifty-four (1954) 16.

COVID protocols still in place IN A MAY 19 RELEASE it described as an “URGENT NOTICE”, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment stated that it was reminding members of the public that the protocols that have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines, are still in place. Among the protocols reiterated is mask wearing. This is mandatory in spaces to which the public has access. These include all government buildings, passenger vehicles, private and public shelters, among others. The public is also reminded to wash hands frequently, sanitize, avoid touching your face, physical distance and get

vaccinated. Minibus owners and drivers were especially reminded that the limits placed on the number of passengers they can carry are still applicable and will be enforced. As it relates to the upcoming holiday weekend (Whit Weekend), the release emphasized that there should be no mass gatherings and the surveillance and protocols that have characterized weekends of this type will be enforced. There are to be no beach or river limes, no boat rides, no house parties, etc. the Ministry

HIV/AIDS drugs changed Continued from Frontpage. He explained that although he was a Peer Animator with the Ministry of Health and receiving a stipend, he was not really included in the process. He said that since the onset of the COVID-19 virus he has been advocating for treatment adherence, but no-one ever involved him in the process. He said, as a result, many survivors are bombarding him with questions. He lamented, “I find for persons who are calling me now, it appears that they haven’t been allowed any conversations with or direction from the doctor in

charge.” For his case, he recalls that on getting to the clinic and getting his (new) prescription, all the pharmacist told him was that if he started getting any problem with the medication, he should report back to the doctor. This, he later learned, was told to all HIV/AIDS positive persons who use the national service. “I find that is unsatisfactory because when on these treatments you need proper nutrition and real support, so I really don’t know what is the reason why we were just pulled off this treatment and left on our own.” With that conversation

concluded, questions still remain as ‘Pumpkin expressed: “Where are those living with HIV/AIDS now where treatment is concerned? If the treatment change is warranted, are they going to be educated on the whys and wherefores of the new treatment? Is this difference something to be feared?” Proper and timely answers just might help to alleviate the tension these persons are experiencing. Efforts will be made to have the relevant authority address this issue and the results of same will be published in THE VINCENTIAN.

COURTS (St. Vincent) to pay up!! Continued from Frontpage. The Commissioners had ruled that Courts should pay up but the furniture and household appliance retailer refused. And even as Comptroller of Inland Revenue Kelvin Pompey told the local media that his Department was confident of winning the case even if it was the defendant, he also noted that it is never the first intention of the Department to take matters to the court. They, instead, would try to work in house with dissatisfied companies and defaulters toward working out amicable resolutions, which have in the past allowed defaulters time to settle any outstanding payments and/or arrears.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Donations

FLOW donates to NEMO

FLOW, through the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation, has once again reached out in support of the relief effort following the series of explosive eruptions by the La Soufrière volcano. On Tuesday 11th May, at the Flow Arnos Vale campus, Country Manager Mr. Wayne Hull presented 400 airbeds, 400 air pumps and linens to the Director of the National Emergency Management Organization Ms. Michelle Forbes. This came on the heels of Flow’s distribution of more than 20,000 litres of drinking water to the Vincentian public, provision of free credit, free data to the

customer base, and suspension of billing for customers within affected Red Zone communities. Forbes, on accepting the latest donation stated, “We have had over 18,000 persons displaced as a result of the eruption, with persons staying in private homes and we have another 4,000 persons in shelters. …. These mattresses and donations by Flow today will go a long way to alleviate some discomfort and I would like to again express my sincere thanks to Mr. Hull and his team for this donation today.” Country Manager Hull in his remarks

(L-R): ACP Christopher Benjamin, SOL Manager Steve Francis and NEMO Director Michelle Forbes at a recent handing over.

SOL provides more relief THE ERUPTION of the La Soufrière volcano occasioned the evacuation/displacement of an estimated 18,000 people. Given the magnitude of the task and cost to care for those displaced, SOL has committed to assist in the effort to ensure that those displaced are suitably accommodated. Toward this end, in another gesture of corporate responsibility, SOL handed over a shipment of cots, bed sheets, pillows, and waterproof boots to NEMO, a total value of EC$27,000.00. SOL’s philanthropy did not end there. In keeping with a commitment to assist Service Clubs in their outreach to evacuees, the Lions Clubs have already received $700.00 worth of fuel vouchers. In addition, twenty (20) 20lb cooking gas cylinders (valued at $700.00) will be given to the Lion’s for distribution to evacuees. Prior to these donations, SOL had given USD 10,000 (XCD 27,169) each to The Salvation Army, SVG Red Cross, and Rotary Club South, and a quantity of bottled water and waterproof boots to NEMO. (Source: SOL)

recognized the “severe humanitarian challenge” that the eruption of the volcano has thrown up for the nation, and assured that Flow “stands with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines” during this trying period. He thanked the Director of NEMO and her office “for continuing to manage the humanitarian crisis here in St. Vincent and protecting the lives of every citizen. I wish to encourage them to keep

up the good work as we seek to rebuild St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” The Country Manager also added that Flow will be launching new budget-friendly data plans to help students and educators stay connected to online learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Flow Study for Free.

Michelle Forbes, Director of Nemo (left) and Wayne Hull, Flow’s Country Manager, at the handing over. (Photo Credit: Flow) Flow was expected to provide 500 sim cards to the Ministry of

Education for distribution this week. (Source: Flow)

VINLEC supports volcano relief efforts St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has provided support to persons who have been displaced after the explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. The donations are in keeping the Company’s mandate to contribute towards the wellbeing of our people. The Company recognises that in times of disaster that banding together is even more important. Over the past three weeks, VINLEC made donations to seventeen Emergency Shelters across the island with the aim of providing some relief and comfort to the residents. The care packages included water, toiletries, personal items, food items, masks, hand soap, toys, pillows, laundry and cleaning supplies, adult and children diapers, among other things. In addition, the Company also distributed supplies to employees who have been displaced. The gift baskets were distributed to fourteen employees who evacuated to the safe zone. The

VINLEC staffers preparing packages for distributions to Emergency Shelters. donated items are valued at thirty thousand EC dollars. The activities at the volcano have impacted the lives of many persons and the damage, displacement and relocation, and disruption to infrastructure and

economy will affect us at the national level. VINLEC remains committed to supporting our people throughout this challenging time. (Contributed by VINLEC)

Freewinds Volunteer bring vital relief VOLUNTEER Ministers from the Freewinds, along with volunteers from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross, travelled to the Chateaubelair area earlier this week, to distribute, among other items, much needed bottled water, blankets and hygiene kits. These were the first relief supplies to reach this area since the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. A few days prior to the distribution a request was made of the Volunteer Ministers by the SVG Red Cross Society to do assessments in the area so as to gather information on the current state and needs. This request was made based on the fact that the team of Volunteer Ministers on St. Vincent are experienced disaster relief specialists, having done similar work during a number of

disasters elsewhere. The date garnered informed a work plan that included what materials and the quantities of Volunteers responded positively to a request to materials should be assist with cleaning the main drain in the town. taken to the area. (Photo courtesy Freewinds) A return visit saw the passing out General of the SVG Red Cross of 300 hygiene kits, over 100 Society commented: “The input of blankets, 600 masks and some the Volunteer Ministers has been tool kits (including shovels, invaluable. They went into two hammers, crow bars, and more). different areas to do assessments Additionally, the Freewinds to find out what was needed. volunteers immediately moved Therefore, when we went into into actions when asked to assist these areas we were already quite with cleaning up the main well informed. …. . Very drainage ditch running down the professional. It is a real pleasure main street, in the most to work with them.” (Source: populated part of town. Freewinds) Bernard Morgan, Director

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 5.

Parliament

ÂPressing on,Ê says Friday

THE MATTER IS UNRESOLVED and according to the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday, he intends to continue pressing the issue. That issue is whether Senator Ashelle Morgan ought to remain in her positions as Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House, while named in an ongoing investigation into an alleged criminal offense. “For me as the leader,

I have an obligation to deal with issues that are deemed important,” he said. He had addressed the incident during the May 11 sitting of the House of Assembly, from which he was eventually suspended having ruled by the Speaker to be out of order. According to Friday, he got to his feet at the first available opportunity saying that he did so with the

Speaker’s permission under Standing Order 81 of the Rules of the House, to address the matter of whether Senator Morgan ought to step down or her refusal to should result in her appointment being revoked until the matter was cleared. He contended that the decent thing to do was to withdraw until the matter was resolved. “And this is what I proposed and before I

Speaker stopped short

MP St. Clair Leacock took umbrage with the Speaker of the House for not exploring the options available to her to deal with the Opposition Leader’s position. THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE did not fully exhaust the options available to her during an incident which resulted in Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday, being ejected from Parliament on May 11. So said Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown and a Vice President of the main opposition New

Democratic Party (NDP) St Clair Leacock on the May 17 edition of the NDP ‘New Times’ programme, adding that the Speaker, Rochelle Forde, could have opted to discuss the issue with the Leader of the Opposition. She could have then instructed the House based on that discussion, he suggested. Instead, the Opposition Leader was asked to leave Parliament following a brief, heated exchange with Forde during the Questions for Oral Answers segment of the Sitting of Parliament, May 11. Friday had raised the issue involving Government Senator Ashelle Morgan and an ongoing investigation in which she is a party of interest. “There needs to be the understanding that the Speakers of the House need to put away their political narrowness and understand that they are Speakers for all of us,” Leacock said. “And the Speaker has to get that in her head; that we are not junior to

her — we are equals,” he continued. According to the opposition Parliamentarian, there were a number of instances where if they were handled differently, the outcome would have differed. “But every time they have an issue, [they say] let me go for the gun, let me show you who is boss.” Leacock referred to the process for the appointment of Speaker of the House in the Westminster System saying that the both sides are given the opportunity to discuss candidates for the position before going to the vote. But that was not done here, Leacock maintained. “The conventional practice of the Westminster System does not come out in our Parliament and then so much goes downhill after that,” he said. “We must bring back some respect to the role of Speaker of the House, and they must be trusted — that is what is missing,” Leacock added.

Dr. Godwin Friday is bent on keeping the issue surrounding Senator Ashelle Morgan on the national agenda and the call for her removal from the House of Assembly pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

could finish, the Speaker rejected my idea and wanted me to sit, to discontinue the objections I was raising in the Parliament at the time,” the Opposition Leader said. While addressing the incident on the May 17 edition of his New Democratic Party’s New Times programme on NICE Radio, Friday said that he got to his feet because he was sticking to what he believed was the principled decision for Morgan to make, and for the Speaker of the House Rochelle Forde to rule on. But the Speaker ruled to have him suspended.

He thanked the members of his team, particularly Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown St Clair Leacock, saying that they continued with their support on a point of order. “Nobody is accusing, we are saying that this is an allegation, this is a serious matter and for it to be resolved. “I am obliged to give a voice and representation

to that in the House, but I am also a citizen before a Member of Parliament and I believe the stance we took was proper and that the end result ought not to have happened,” Friday said. Friday feels assured, given the reports he has received, that the position the opposition has in relation to the senator Morgan matter, is the same as the majority of people. (Stories by DD)

Opposition’s plan failed May 11. Speaker of the House, Rochelle Forde suspended Friday when he refused to take his seat upon her request. The Leader of the Opposition had raised vociferous objection to the presence of Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House - Ashelle Morgan, and called for her withdrawal and/or suspension given that she was named in an ongoing investigation into an alleged criminal offence. But Francis commended both the Speaker and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves for their calm and collected response to the opposition. According to Francis, the opposition’s ploy failed after they failed to evoke a certain kind of response. Francis noted that “if you read the questions of the Senators, except for Senator Julian Francis called out the Senator Bruce (Israel), the other Opposition NDP for having failed to questions were basically a repeat of evoke a certain response to the call questions asked before.” for Senator Morgan to vacate her Francis pointed to the first two place in parliament. questions on the Order Paper as related to issues of the evacuation THE ACTION OF THE LEADER of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday and plan and relief supplies. The third question dealt with the New Democratic Party (NDP) was COVID-19 with the Leader of the premeditated. At the least, what Opposition asking the health minister transpired was not an accident. about the number of persons “… when I got the list of questions vaccinated and other coronavirus and went through them, I felt in my bones that mischief was at play… the related issues. In words not uttered, it was clear formulation of the questions were that in Francis’s assessment, the designed to evoke a certain kind of response from this side of the House,” Opposition had come to the Sitting Francis said during his contribution to with other motives that, when all was taken into account, were not fulfilled. the debate on the Supplementary Estimates presented in Parliament on (DD)

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

CARICOM appoints first female Secretary-General

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED move, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has unanimously selected economist Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett as the new CARICOM SecretaryGeneral. A citizen of Belize, Dr. Barnett will succeed Ambassador Irwin

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque of Dominica became the second OECS national – the other being Sir Allister McIntyre of Grenada to serve as SecretaryGeneral of CARICOM to date.

LaRocque of Dominica, whose term will end in three months. Barnett will be the eighth Secretary-General of CARICOM and the first female and the first Belizean to fill the position. According to a CARICOM press release, Dr. Barnett’s appointment as the community’s SecretaryGeneral was made on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at the Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. At the helm of the virtual meeting was CARICOM Chairman Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Barnett has served as Deputy SecretaryGeneral of CARICOM prior to her designation. She was also formerly the vice president of the Belize Senate. She has also served in various ministerial

capacities in her country’s government, as well as a Financial Secretary of Belize and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. As the new CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Barnett will function as the Chief Executive Officer of the Community and the head of its principal administrative organ, the CARICOM Secretariat. Her term begins in August 2021. Dr. Barnett attained her Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus in Jamaica. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the UWI.” The notable economist is set to replace Ambassador Irwin

LaRocque, who is completing his second five-year term, having been appointed in 2011. LaRocque, a Dominican, has been of service to CARICOM since 2005, when he assumed the role of Assistant Secretary-General. Earlier this month, Dr. Rowley commended LaRocque for his service, noting that he has served CARICOM with distinction over the past decade and more. Since 1973, the seat of CARICOM’s SecretaryGeneral has been held by Frederick Cozier of Barbados; William Demas, Trinidad and Tobago; Sir Alistair McIntyre, Grenada; Kurleigh King, Barbados; Roderick Rainford, Jamaica; Edwin Carrington, Trinidad and Tobago; and the outgoing, Irwin LaRocque, Dominica. Lolita Applewhaite of

Dr. Carla Barnett appointment as SecretaryGeneral of CARICOM, begins a new era, so to speak, in the operations of the regional grouping. Barbados and Guyana’s Joseph Tyndall, have also acted in the capacity as Secretary-General. Meanwhile, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) moved quickly to congratulate Dr Barnett on her new appointment. In a statement. The university said that it “is filled with great pride to

have yet another member of its alumni ascend to one of the highest offices in the region.” Dr Barnett is the third UWI Alum to assume the role of CARICOM Secretary-General, following Ambassador Edwin W. Carrington and Ambassador Roderick Rainford.

V Pastor Dr. Michael Jeffery Nicholls

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 7.

Tributes

PASTOR DR. MICHAEL JEFFERY NICHOLLS, also known as Lennox ‘Scully’ Hunte, lived a full and fruitful life, blessed with a gentlemanly personality, and a strong religious background. He was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), residing variously at Paul’s Avenue, Fair Hall, and Glen. As a young man, Michael entered the teaching profession. He is fondly remembered by many of his former students as a great teacher and a caring person. His teaching colleagues at the then Richmond Hill Primary school also remember him with admiration for his collaboration and assistance, as he was always honest and detailed. During his years of pastorship in the 1980’s, Michael captivated many congregations throughout the Caribbean and the USA with his unadulterated and endearing preaching. Michael later settled for the most part in SVG, where he was responsible for the country’s arts and crafts

programs. But this was really an extension of his God-given ability, as displayed in earlier years as a designer of exquisite carnival costumes and wall murals. He had designed those costumes and led winning carnival bands during the late 1960s and into the 1970s. One of his other talents surfaced as he found time to accompany the Kingstown Chorale in many of their performances, at home and on their tours to other Caribbean countries, as their guitarist. He also designed and built the backdrops for the group’s theatrical productions. Following his stint as artistic supervisor in SVG, Michael divided his time between SVG and Brooklyn, New York where he had close relatives. During those years his penchant for the arts led him to resume creating winning costumes in both SVG and Brooklyn. One of his most memorable creations was his last one, which was called “Spirobranchus giganteus”. That creation won the Queen of the Bands

PR Campbell: A significant national loss THE QUALITY of the scholarship of the man was indisputable and from my early recollect of him in the area of the Back Street on the side walk where Choice Garage and Providence Investments were located, I was impressed that he exuded a predisposition to leadership. He was at that time a senior student at the St. Vincent Grammar School. From the mound on which I sit Parnell Campbell was a strong “Leeward-man” who has broken through honourably, deservingly, to occupy a position of prominence in the society. And he was of the progency of “ex-slaves”! It might be debatable whether or not our society could have benefited more from his potential. Especially seeing that he has left us at a time when we needed to be having serious discussions, to determine how we correct the socio-economic morass we are now in, and lay a platform, on which the next generations can build with reasonable hope of prospering. Parnell Campbell’s contribution to that discussion would have been invaluable and the chances of the retrieval of honour, peace and justice, would have been enhanced. The loss of Parnell Campbell at this critical time is a tremendous blow to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean, when one reflects on our leadership and development

Parnel R. Campbell QC: 1945 – 2021. weaknesses. Yet we must be thankful that he has left behind a strong young family who have already demonstrated that they have been empowered with his strong spirit. I have more than “a Kenneth John’s sneaking suspicion”, that they will to the honourable legacy of their father ‘P.R’, play a significant role in the “Retrieval” of our society. May our brother PARNELL R. CAMPBELL, rest in peace! LeRoy Providence

competition at Vincy Mas 2019. Though he had begun further creations, they unfortunately remained on his drawing boards unfulfilled, as he was struck down by sudden illness, from which he never recovered. So as we celebrate the life of a wonderful soul in Michael, let us not forget his beloved family who are left to mourn. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28-30 Pastor Dr. Michael Jeffery Nicholls – aka Lennox Scully Hunte (1941-2021)

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

That ex-gratia payment “THAT MEANS THAT EACH PERSON at the resort will get, likely, a cheque in excess of $2,000 as an ex-gratia payment. The government doesn’t owe them that money, but recognizing their difficulty, each one of them will get the check in excess of $2,000 in recognition of their hard work.” The above is Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves referencing inter alia, an ex-gratia payment to employees of the ill-fated Buccament Bay Resort, during his presentation of the EC$117.9 million supplementary budget occasioned by the explosive eruption of La Soufrière. This ex-gratia payment is to be made from an amount of money, EC$732 180, the net earnings from the sale of ‘items, equipment and accessories’ that were still in place at the Resort after its official closure, December 2016. Vincentians here and abroad will recall that prior to its closure and its going into receivership, Mr. David Ames, Principal of Harlequin Properties — developments and operators of the Resort — was allowed to depart this country under the ‘cover of night’ so to speak, turning his back on a court order to appear before a local magistrate to answer charges related to tax evasion/avoidance. Not for the first time in recent memory, workers here were short-changed. The situation of the employees of Buaccament Bay Resort was no different from that of those employed by Bottlers (St. Vincent) Ltd., which had gone into liquidation without any clear commitment and/or plan to pay the workers their lawful severance. It took years before a payment was made to those worker, with several payments not corresponding with years of service. And to throw in a similar ‘line’ that hangs workers out to dry, there are an estimated 564 workers who have already been terminated by the once regional airline LIAT, who are still owed severance pay and more. The case with the Buccament Bay Resort workers has an

interesting twist to it. As though to ward off any legal action by workers, an ex-gratia payment is offered to them. Could this be a case of accept this now or wallow in the abyss of uncertainty for an incalculable period of time? It is all well and good to offer ‘something’ to displaced, disenfranchised and exploited former workers of the Buccament Bay Resort, especially to those who have not been able, since their shameful termination, to find alternative and equally rewarding employment. However, it is another thing when it is likely that this payment will all but erase any hope of workers receiving outstanding salaries and severance pay which is rightfully and legally due to them. At its ‘soft opening’ in May 2010, the developers of the Resort promised to employ more than 700 local people. Whether or not the complement of workers ever got to that level is not known with any certainty. What is closer to certainty is that if an amount of $ EC$732 180 was divided into equal portions of EC$2000.00, it would make for payment of an approximate 366 portions. In order words, if the full amount is proportioned as the Finance Minister said it would, then an estimated 366 persons should each receive $2,000.00. Given that the Finance Minister has declared, “…. The government doesn’t owe them that money…,” these 366 workers should accept this ex-gratia payment along with the assurance that this payment is not severance or outstanding salary payments, and in accordance with the laws of this land, that they can still look forward to having this matter settled to their benefit. Workers rights, especially in a service driven economy, are as sacrosanct as any other right enshrined by our Constitution. There must be no move, veiled or otherwise to disregard workers’ rights in SVG.

In the departure lounge of the AIA figures much more at Carnival. We AGAIN, I HAVE FLUNKED in my promise salute Mona somewhat of following up with a series of Murray articles on the modern history of our whose family in small but vital ways sports, to cool down the political contributed much to our social temperature which is raging and development. threatening to get out of hand. Then there are two neighbours at Villa, Still, this column never intended to act one a struggling Black family of Findlays as a decoy from dealing with the main the other a White privileged family of issues up front. So, here is a compromise: former land gentry of the Barnards. I loved treat with innocuous events such as the and admired them both. Marguerita steady passing of some good folk, then “Tanty Mag” Findlay and Susan Sinson switch to an aspect staying out of the nee Barnard have both left us. Both lived a controversial issue pending the return, good and useful life in SVG as human hopefully, of my eye-sight which remains beings. I visited Susan on several artificially defective. And my style is not to occasions, she was very much a Vincentian comment seriously on matters where I am citizen, caring, generous, sports-loving and not able to pore over them in earnest to full of mirth. come to a rational decision. But I will be Stuart Nanton, of blessed memory, told more inclusive in a short while. me that he was once the captain of a First of all, there is a spill-over of last tennis team to St. Lucia that included our week’s submission on Netball. I say happy Champion Lady Susan. One night, Susan birthday to Gailene Windsor one of the summoned Stuart to her room and stars of yesteryear and ageless heart throb complained, “As captain you undertook to of my generation. Never mind her total see about us. I miss my husband. Aren’t commitment to the ULP. you doing something about it?” That was Next, in the autumn of my years I can Susan in the flesh. be forgiven of failing to mention the two The Thompson Home is a favourite netball clashes that almost knocked me haunt. I will miss two residents Marian out. Our first defeat of the champion Woods a charming client from Richland Trinidad side in Grenada in 1957. The Park. On my last visit to her she requested BGS Cadet Corps was then camping at that I take her for a drive, which I could Grand Anse, and I as leader along with not deliver. I had to give up driving, and one or two NCO’s were given the privilege Mrs. Woods was restricted. I trust that she by Cadet Master “Jonas” Moore to witness enjoys her Heaven-ward trip by chariot. that historic event. Then, there was Granny Rose of whom And in 1960 at Victoria Park, my eyes so many persons justifiably say so many were blessed with the glorious sight of our good and positive things. I proudly recall a local team defeating Jamaica whither I political meeting in 1979 at Upper proudly went to UWI months after our Edinboro when I was the candidate for the conquest. UPM. There were on the platform Renwick I sympathize with Arnhim Eustace who to the left of me and Granny Rose to my recently observed that in the last two right as we all invited the people to choose months he has attended more funerals the “upfull’ party for real change! It was than in any other period in his life. I have truly a momentous and historic occasion had the same experience. when hope flickered, and disappeared from I begin at my own beginning. Mona grasping hands. Murray taught me how to scratch figures I say a person au revoir to a dear friend, and make images on my SLATE while I Molly Hull of Cane Hall. A fond farewell to attended Miss Patrick’s School aged about Isola Williams nee Carr whose society of three years old, 77 years ago! The “school” about four sisters I enjoyed, Melanie, was sited at Bottom Town between Back Esther, Shirley and Cynthia, with special and Middle Street on the Southern side of regards to Rickey Burnett, son-in-law. the river. Everybody can recall Mono’s son Finally, I wrap up with cricket by “Tweety Spence”, a national footballer of saluting fellow analyst and critic Robert class, another son a penetrative left-arm Etienne and especially “Boops” a national spin-bowler of Eagles of which I was the player whose criticisms of me as a selector skipper. And of course, I absorbed in good spirits. daughter—calypsonian “Little Bit” who (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 11th May, 2018.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 9.

Letters

An insult to the nation I DID NOT vote in the last election. I was not convinced that my vote would have made a difference seeing that I saw the two parties as six of one and half a dozen of the other. So, whatever I have to say is not influenced by my support for either the Unity Labour Party or the New Democratic Party. Mr. Editor, I recall a time long ago, my boyfriend, who was a police officer at the time, running up against his superiors and the first action that was taken against him is that he was suspended, pending the hearing and outcome of a disciplinary charge. The matter was an internal one in that it did not involve anyone

from outside and therefore, was heard in accordance with the Force’s rules and regulations. By the way, my boyfriend was found not to be at fault and was reinstated. Now to my point: The same way my boyfriend had to suffer the ridicule of being suspended for an infraction that was far from anything criminal in intent or real action, the same way whoever commits an act that is deemed to be a criminal one and is ‘a person of interest to the police’, i.e. under investigation, that person should be made to either vacate their post or be suspended. That is simply the proper and descent thing to do.

So, I was pleased to hear that one (Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions) of the two persons involved in an ongoing investigation by the police into what is deemed a criminal matter, has either taken leave or made to take leave of his high office in the Public Service. It follows, since the police have said nothing different, that the other persons of interest to the police, i.e., the Deputy Speaker of the House Senator Ashelle Morgan, should also be made to take leave or be suspended until such time as this police investigation is complete. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. That is how a

fair and just society is run. Not one that favours some over others. I am well into my twilight years having served my country to the best that I could. I survive on a small government pension and a bit from the NIS. I have seen the best and the worst of my people. Please, let us not be dragged into the pit of indecency. Do the right thing and ask the Senator to take leave of her duties to the highest law-making body in our land. To have her remain is an insult to the nation. Retiree - Arnos Vale

Reimagining Carnival TO START, I am asking for the government to cancel this year’s carnival celebration. I will not subscribe to the view that “if you want carnival get a vaccine!” a view that both the Grenadian and Vincentian Prime Ministers are advocating. We are not ready as a nation to receive thousands of visitors from around the world. Carnival will only be successful if we can allow thousands of visitors to enter our nation. In spite of what we are seeing in places like USA, Canada and Europe, we are not ready for unconditional, unrestricted travel even with the so-called “Vaccine Passport”. I think we should use this opportunity to reimagine carnival. Wow, Wow, Wow, calm down, I am not proposing messing with your ten days of feting and lewd behavior or your 3 for $10 Hairoun beers and unlimited Strong Rum. I am thinking we should add another component, something else for the

thousands of visitors to do during their 10-15 days celebration/ vacation. For the hundreds of Vincentians who do not participate directly in carnival, but are involved in Arts and Craft for a livelihood, we should provide a structured event for them to sell and exhibit their materials. For the farmers we should provide a venue for them to showcase their produce and agro byproducts. For the innovators in the country we should encourage them to develop prototypes for exhibition. We should encourage the carnival bands to produce limited editions prints of the various section of the bands, kings, queens and individuals drawings for sale. These lovely unique renderings are an income opportunity for the mas bands to make some additional income from the festival. These are just a few random thoughts of how we can rethink the

‘Greatest Summer Event in the Caribbean’ and bring it back better than we can currently imagine. Let your imagination go wild for a moment - an expanded event for everyone, you get my drift? In addition to the traditional carnival events, let’s add a cultural exhibition to involve other productive sectors of our community and promote small and developing sectors of our economy. With all these visitors looking for something to do while they wait for the main events, we might get someone interested in investing in something uniquely Vincentian. At worst we provide something for the thousands of visitors to do during the day and some entrepreneurs get to sell some locally produced items. At best, we may see some startup businesses to help expand the economy, reduce the trade deficit and provide employment opportunities. To maximize the possibilities, we must start to plan now, and we need the support of the Ministry of Culture and all other Government agencies. After all we are still a nation that relies on the government to initiate big ideas. Alas, it doesn’t have to be so; maybe one of our civic organizations can do it. Some of us are old enough to remember

when “The Jaycees” used to be the primary organisers of carnival. Horatio

Cancelling Carnival: A good move I AM PLEASED that the government has seen the wisdom to cancel this year’s carnival; even though it sounded like the Minister of Culture was doing his best to keep a window open so that something could still happen. I have no problem with having virtual shows, i.e. without audiences. If, for example, the calypsonians want to have a virtual Calypso Monarch Competition, all well and good, let them have it. And the soca people, if they want to have one too, fine. (Not so sure about other shows like King and Queen of the bands. Don’t see how that could work but you never know.) The thing, though, is the ban on large gatherings and street jump-ups. None of that please. I recall the Rowley Government in Trinidad allowing Carnival in 2020 and not taking into account that there was something called a new coronavirus about. He took no warning. Carnival happened as usual with loads and loads of people coming in from overseas, many of them carrying the coronavirus, and from then the COVID-19 took hold of Trinidad and up to today they are still struggling with testing and with vaccination. And we have had our mistakes as well. How many people don’t see that it was after the reopening of the airport, i.e. the recommencement of international flights, and the staging of Nine Mornings activities across the state, that we had a surge in the number of persons infected by the coronavirus. We have to learn from the Trinidad experience and from our own mistakes. There should be no compromise on this, not like in 1979 when the government allowed a street jump-up with one band. We are still in the middle of a pandemic and anything we can do to curb the situation we must do, like cancelling Carnival as we know it. Good move, Mr. Government. Winston C. Kingstown

Checking in on the Massy group I READ in a Trinidad newspaper that the Port-of-Spain- based Massy Group is reporting a TT$50.28 million (BDS$16.76 million) increase in profit from continuing operations, for the six months between January and June, 2021. Now readers will note that the six months referred lie smack in the middle of a Covid swing in Trinidad and the rest of the region, including St. Vincent, where Massy has investments. From what I understand, Massy Foods/Supermarkets that operate three outlets here in St. Vincent, is owned by the Massy Group, so that when that Group declares a profits we, the consumers in SVG who patronize Massy Supermarkets here, are contributing to that profit. Now I have no problem with anybody turning a profit on their investment, once it is not at the

expense of underpaid workers and poor working conditions. I have heard persons here complain about the high prices at the Massy Supermarkets but yet they continue to spend their hard earned dollars there. If you think Massy prices are too high, don’t spend your dollars there. But my real concern is after having contributed to these big profits of the Massy Group, I want to know what Massy gives back to this country. Other than some promotions that are aimed at driving sales and profits, I have not heard or read (I might be wrong) about Massy giving back anything substantial to sports, culture, education, health, you name it, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines… not even to sponsor a little football team. Maybe Massy might want to say what it has done as a good corporate citizen to help SVG. Consumers

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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SVG making its contribution on global issues of principle

Dr. Friday suspended - Senator seated

Introduction

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) reiterates its call for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Ashelle Morgan (Ms), to stepdown or be suspended from that position, pending the outcome of investigation into allegations that were made against her. It has been five weeks since the alleged brutal attack by Senator and Deputy Speaker Ms. Ashelle Morgan, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Karim Nelson, and another male person upon Mr. Cornelius John, a senior citizen, on the night of 13th April, 2021 while he was in the sanctity of his home. We repeat our call on Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John and Director of Public Prosecutions Ms Sejilla McDowall to conduct an impartial, transparent investigation, and to bring charges against the alleged perpetrators of this attack based on the evidence. If, as it is alleged, Mr. Cornelius John committed any offence; he too should be investigated and charged as warranted. This serious matter must not be made a political issue. The alleged assailants must be brought to justice. It cannot be the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, especially the police, that five weeks after the shooting no one has been detained and no one has been charged. The reported comments by Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John, in the Searchlight newspaper, about cross complaints being made implies that charges are forthcoming. Is there a credible reason for delay?

THE GOVERNMENT of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to be an excellent example, that small states do have a voice that needs to be heard at all levels of the international community. The recent debate at the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, provided the latest opportunity for this country to showcase the vital role small states like ours can play in addressing issues of international peace and security. Some may question whether with everything that is happening on the ground here - Covid19, La Soufriere eruption, recent floods and preparation for the impending hurricane season - that time should be sent on “other peoples’ business”. The reality is, as a small vulnerable state, these opportunities are exactly what we need to speak on, to show solidarity with other states, but most importantly, continue to speak out when we believe the fundamentals on which the United Nations was founded, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and refraining from the use of force or the threat of the use of force are being breached. We understand the importance of safeguarding these very fundamental principles, as if they are allowed to be flaunted by major powers in the international system against perceived weaker states, then this country will always be vulnerable to such injustices. This week, we will feature the full statement made by H.E Inga Rhonda King, this country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East. “Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for organising this open debate today. I also thank UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland, and all other distinguished speakers from the affected countries, including the Secretary-General of the Arab League, for their contributions to today’s debate. Mr. President, The painstaking quest for peace in the Middle East is gravely imperilled by the Israeli military campaign against the State of Palestine. At this critical juncture, we must show a common resolve to ease tensions and assist both Israel and the State of Palestine towards a two-state solution based on the principles of international law and parameters laid out in Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. In recent days, we have witnessed the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 war against Gaza. Given our responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council, as a matter of principle and of morality and international law, must not remain silent on this issue. We must do all that we can, in accordance with our Charter mandate, to find a solution to this issue with the hopes that future generations of Palestinians and Israelis can be unshackled from this painful cycle of occupation and violence. We welcome the efforts of individual States, particularly members of the Middle East Quartet to de-escalate tensions, and we urge all members of the international community to spare no effort to facilitate peaceful dialogue between the parties. Mr. President, We join the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate ceasefire. The recent airstrikes targeting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, which

have killed over 180 Palestinians, including children, and injured some 1200 others, are unacceptable. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unequivocally condemns these actions, and we reiterate our call for the Occupying Power to cease its military aggression against Palestinians. To be sure, we also sympathize with the families of those who died in Israel. Furthermore, we believe that international law against the targeting of civilians must be upheld, and that those responsible for breaches of such law should be held accountable for their crimes. The right to self-defence cannot cloak the wrongs of a party that fired the first shots and is using military capabilities far beyond that of the weaker party. Let us remember that Palestinians do not have shelters or protection to wait out the hail of airstrikes. This Council is their only protection. International law is their only protection, and we are failing them. We are alarmed by the escalating attacks, provocations, and incitement by Israeli forces on various holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al- Ha-ram Al-Sharif compound, where hundreds of Palestinians worshippers have been injured. We call on all sides to desist from violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric and act in a responsible manner. We also reaffirm that Jerusalem remains the Holy City of the three monotheistic religions, to be treasured by all of humanity, and we reject any unilateral attempts to change its historic status. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains deeply concerned about the potential eviction of Palestinians from their homes in occupied East Jerusalem, including families in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of the City. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and remains a significant threat to lasting and comprehensive peace. Yet again, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines calls on Israel to cease all settlement activities, and to abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Further, as reinforced by resolution 2334 (2016), we condemn all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory. The international community must be candid and upright regarding these illegal actions. Don’t the lives (and the dignity) of Palestinians matter too? In conclusion, Mr. President, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms that an internationally agreed twostate solution, based on pre-1967 borders, remains the most credible path to resolving this issue. Only through dialogue and good faith negotiations, respectful of the bedrock principles of international law, can security for Israel and the State of Palestine be assured, and for Palestinian claims to dignity, equality, and human rights be honoured. The international community must deepen its commitment to take the political, diplomatic, and legal steps necessary to de-escalate tensions. The imperative is clear; we must stand together, firmly, and resolutely, and demand peace and justice for all. It is time! Thank you!”

Parliament During the meeting of the House of Assembly on Tuesday May 11, 2021, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday, was suspended by the Speaker Ms Rochelle Forde after he objected to the participation of Senator Ashelle Morgan in the proceedings of the House. Dr. Friday sought and received permission from the Speaker under her general authority to regulate the conduct of business in the House, to address the matter. He informed the Speaker that Senator Morgan, who is a government Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House, was under police investigation in connection with a shooting incident in which it was alleged that she and two other persons were assailants. Dr. Friday submitted that Senator Morgan should not continue to be in the House while the serious allegation against her was under investigation by the police (as has been confirmed publicly by the Commissioner of Police). He sought to have the Senator withdraw or be suspended from the House until the criminal investigation was complete. He also informed the Speaker that he had written to the Governor General about the matter, and he presented a copy of the letter to the Speaker. Before he could complete his remarks, the Speaker ordered Dr. Friday to discontinue his speech and to sit, so that the House could continue as usual. Dr. Friday continued with his speech and restated his concerns about the Senator’s presence in the House. He had the support of all the members of the Opposition. The

Speaker then ordered that Dr. Friday be suspended from the House for the remainder of the meeting. No further action was taken by the Speaker in relation to Senator Morgan. All members of the Opposition supported Dr. Friday in the actions he took in the House. Member for Central Kingstown, Major the Honourable St. Clair Leacock, urged the Speaker to reconsider her decision to suspend Dr. Friday. However, the Speaker did not change her decision. Instead, police officers, including from SSU and RRU, were summoned to the House to remove Dr. Friday. Dr. Friday and the other members of the Opposition then left the House. The New Democratic Party condemns the decision taken by the Speaker of the House to suspend the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Friday, and the failure of the House to address the serious matter of the continued presence of Senator Morgan in the House. The NDP calls on Senator Morgan to stepdown or be suspended from the position of Deputy Speaker and Senator pending the outcome of the investigation. Compare what took place in the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to what took place in the parliament in Jamaica last month when an elected member of parliament, George Wright, was granted leave from the House of Representatives because of an allegation that was made against him. The following was reported in LOOP News Jamaica: “The embattled Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, George Wright has proceeded on a two-month paid leave of absence from the House of Representatives. The leave period ends June 21 and if Wright, a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) lawmaker, returns to the House in June, he will sit as an independent Member of Parliament. This, after he was forced to withdraw from the JLP’s parliamentary caucus, following an incident of domestic violence in which he is believed to have physically assaulted his common-law wife. While Wright has not admitted to any wrongdoing, he is widely believed to be the man seen in a viral video inflicting a merciless beating on Singh earlier this month. She was beaten with both fists and a stool and had to seek medical attention. Both Singh and Wright have refused to press charges, forcing the police to drop their probe into the incident. However, there have been howling calls for his resignation from civil and private sector groups as well as the parliamentary Opposition. The Speaker said Wright had been very ‘open and clear’ regarding his need to proceed on leave from the legislature and noted that it was not unusual for members to request leave for reasons beyond their control, or which are unavoidable.” We once again call on Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John and Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Sejilla McDowall to conduct an impartial, transparent investigation and to bring charges against the alleged perpetrators of this attack based on the evidence.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 11.

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We cannot look the other way

Too clever by Half

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never again say you did not know.” William Wilberforce (1759-1833) - English politician and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

‘To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human colleagues stood in defence of him, life, unless it is woven into the life of Gonsalves told the parliament, ‘I have our ancestors by the records of history.’ difficulty referring to him still as Marcus Tullius Ceciro Attorney General...This government has stood by Campbell, and old people tell WHEN PM GONSALVES wrote to Kenton me the upholder is worse than the thief. Chance lamenting the ‘quality to journalism’ here, I took a long pause since You know over there in your heart that what he did was wrong. But you are my Plain Talk was said to emanate from saying you don’t want him to go because ‘wholly inaccurate and false reportage.’ the opposition leader brought a Plain Talk did not paraphrase Gonsalves. resolution to force him to go. What sort Quotes came directly from a recording. Gonsalves is a wily political fox. But of nonsense you are making of the public good. Foolishness! If he has done in the Ashelle Morgan saga, he yet something wrong, he must be told by his again proves himself is too clever by friends that he did something wrong, half. In vain, he claims as his defence that unacceptable and that he should go.’ Campbell resigned as Attorney General. he was saying what the NDP would A year later, August 13, 1996, have said if the shoe was on the other foot, but after repeatedly listening to his Attorney General Carlyle Dougan came under the political microscope for words, his defence makes no sense. He facilitating a transaction that resulted told citizens to shut up. He beseeched them ‘not to believe all of the outlandish in the theft of over $1 million from the National Commercial Bank, now things they have heard about Senator BOSVG. As a result, he too was forced Morgan.’ Gonsalves offered that the to resign. case was about two women and that Then Gonsalves said then, ‘Dougan’s there is lots of violence against women conduct in this matter raised very in this country and that we should be proud that somebody is standing up for important questions. The Unity Labour Party is demanding his resignation. And women. if he does not resign, I fully expect that Those words cannot properly be Prime Minister Mitchell will push him taken as something the opposition in the same way Campbell was pushed.’ would say. Eager to comment, During the August 15, 1995 debate, Gonsalves’ word about the opposition is Gonsalves moaned, ‘You have the political cover. His comment and the subsequent letter took me back decades majority here. You will defeat the motion...from the way you have been to a speech in the 1970s. He railed clapping and so on, but I will tell you against the Labour party this - the hottest part of hell is reserved administration of Milton Cato, and in for those who at the time of great moral closing out his speech, he said crisis maintain a position of something like this: ‘Comrades, listen to me and listen to neutrality.’ These instances reflected principled me carefully. Let no one say that Ralph positions that Gonsalves took. His fight Gonsalves said that Milton Cato and his for democracy helped him win the political gang is the worst government since Adult Suffrage and is responsible people’s confidence and a solid victory in 2001. for raping the treasury of our country, What a difference power makes! because I did not say that. Did you hear Compare and contrast Gonsalves’ what I said?’ statements with the way he has He planted a seed then, and he wanted to plant a seed in his comments governed. When he was accused of rape, he wrapped himself in the cloak of on Senator Morgan. The entire media legalism. When the morals and/or ethics establishment, including governmentfriendly outlets such as Ernesto Cooke’s of he, his ministers or party big wigs are challenged, he does not accede to calls News 784 and the Searchlight, carried the story just as Plain Talk and others; for resignation or for the individual to step aside until an investigation is proof that Gonsalves attempt at guile completed. Gonsalves’ selective mantra completely backfired and caused a that one must be presumed innocent tsunami of disapproval from the until proven guilty reflect that he, like majority of Vincentians, including Campbell, ‘had reached the end of his influential supporters of his intellectual and moral tether.’ government. They all found his Gonsalves, who in 1995 was allowed statements offensive to democratic best to table and fully debate his resolution practices. to oust Campbell, morphed into an But this is not new for Gonsalves. He undemocratic autocrat by 2018. When has established himself as a web of the opposition tabled its motion of no contradictions. He holds up one confidence, Gonsalves argued that the standard for others and a completely majority could legally vote whether to different yardstick for him and his debate the motion. And when the cronies. Speaker overruled him, he improperly Speaking on a vote of a no-confidence argued for an amendment to the motion. motion, on August 15, 1995, that Unfortunately, the Speaker targetted Parnel Campbell for alleged misinterpreted the constitution and dealings with an offshore bank, allowed the amendment. Gonsalves excoriated Campbell for Gonsalves’ letter to Kenton Chance engaging in what he described as was grossly ill-conceived and did legalism. He mocked Campbell for nothing but to offer him up to ridicule. saying, ‘I have done nothing illegal, Intended to have a chilling effect on the therefore if I have done nothing illegal, press and public debate, it created the I have not done anything wrong against opposite. the public wheel.’ And then he slams We adopt the identical A. E. the door shut: ‘And we all know that Houseman’s words Gonsalves used to there are many things, which are legal close his contribution on the Campbell but are wrong in your sight in this debacle in 1995. ‘Be still, be still my House and in the sight of the people. soul it is, but for a season, let us endure Anytime a man reaches the end of the an hour and see injustice done… Be still intellectual and moral tether to find my soul, it is but for a season.’ refuse only in legalism, it is time for him to go.’ Send comments, criticisms & Interestingly, when Campbell’s suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

MANKIND’S INHUMANITY to their fellow man is often quite appalling. The international media often display the atrocities that are taking place around the world. We cringe when we listen to, view, or read about the massacres taking place in distant countries: the killings in the Congo Free State (Africa) where it is estimated that as many as 15 million citizens were killed during the period 1885 to 1908; the Red Terror (Soviet Russia) where mass killings took place in 1918 as efforts were made to eliminate political opposition and 1.5 million persons were murdered. More recently we have been alerted to the genocides in Bangladesh (1971), East Timor (19741999), Cambodia (1975-1979), Guatemala (1986-1989), Rwanda (1994), Bosnia (1995), Yazidi (2014-2019), and so many more. Nearer home, we are appalled at the anger and physical hurt directed at the Asian-Americans who reside in the United States of America. Sometimes, we comfort ourselves by reflecting on the fact that these atrocities have taken place in faraway places. However, we often cannot look the other way as we reflect on how cruel and uncivilized humans can be to each other. Having pondered the content of this introductory paragraph, some readers may be contemplating whether or not they are in a position to make a difference. Sometimes we become mentally and emotionally paralysed when we conclude that we have little or no control over such situations. However, we soon discover that there are situations in our “little neck of the woods” that we can influence in a positive way. There are smaller, less traumatic, situations that we can have a positive effect on and, in our own small way, we help to create a better world because we have not looked the other way. We have the ability, the capacity, to have a positive influence on individuals and groups. We can ignite a movement or become a catalyst for positive change by advocating for greater tolerance within and among racial, religious, and other groups. We can be activists for gender equality and youth empowerment. We can use our voices to cry for more accountability, fairness, and justice. The list is endless when we pause to consider how we can better focus our talents, time, and financial resources to create greater equity throughout society. It often becomes too easy for us to look away; to tell ourselves that it is none of our business or that someone else needs to be engaged in this or that activity. We could seem to so easily justify our inaction when we are called upon to stand up or to stand out for what is right, just, and fair. William Wilberforce (1759-1833), the 18th century British politician who was among those who championed the cause for the abolition of slavery, could quite easily have taken such a position. However, the quotation that was used to introduce this essay reflects the fact that he could not look away from the inhumanity of the slave trade. Amidst great opposition and the risk of personal danger to himself and his family, he championed this most-worthy cause to rid mankind of the scourge of slavery. We are grateful to him for his persistence, his strong resolve, to correct a wrong that his society had rationalised as efforts were made to extract untold wealth by being inhumane to innocent people for centuries.

William Wilberforce observed the plight of Africans who were extracted from their homes and repatriated to provide the cruel slave labour in the New World. He was appalled by their inhumane treatment. He vowed to make a positive difference by confronting the rich and powerful parliamentarians, plantation owners, church leaders, and the entire British community about the need to abolish the slave trade. History records that, in 1789, Wilberforce gave a 3-hour speech against slavery in English Parliament. Two years later, in 1791, he presented another Bill to abolish the slave trade to the House of Commons. Although he had the support of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, the Bill was not passed. He had secured 88 votes in favour of the abolition but 163 voted to retain the status quo and to allow for the trade in human cargo. However, he was not deterred by this setback. He persisted. He refused to look the other way. Sixteen years later, on 23rd February 1807, a bill to abolish the slave trade in the British West Indies was carried in the Commons by a vote of 283 to 16. It became law on 25th March 1807. However, he still could not look away from the plight of those who were already enslaved. He continued to advocate for the abolition of slavery beyond his retirement from the House of Commons in 1825. The Slavery Abolition Act, granting freedom to slaves in the British colonies, was passed in the House of Commons on 26th July 1833. Individuals who achieve wealth and power at the expense of others are likely to seek to retain these at all costs. We are also aware of the fact that some insecure individuals will continue to attempt to oppress others in an effort to feel better about themselves. This may happen at the individual level as is the case when someone seeks to belittle another incorrectly assuming that, as they pull someone down they automatically see a rise in their own status. This, however, is so far removed from the truth. The converse is true: when we pause to lift others up we discover that we automatically rise in stature. Our challenge, therefore, is to ascertain what noble causes we may engage in as we seek to build better individuals and communities. We must not look away from such possibilities. There are many noble causes that beckon us to embrace the challenge to improve the lives of others. We may not be in a position to eradicate the hotspots of genocide that now appear around the world, or to dismantle the cages of prejudice and hatred that retard the growth in many societies. However, we do have the ability to influence positive changes throughout our local communities. We can foster individual and community efforts to alleviate the suffering of the disenfranchised, poor, and indigent among us. We can contribute to school feeding projects. We can assist teenagers who are pregnant, abandoned, and alone. We can encourage diabetics to grow what they need to eat and to eat what they grow. The list goes on and on and on if only we would make the time and commit to making a positive change in the lives of others. We cannot look the other way! Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG Green Party calls for vote of no confidence in ULP regime

It is the ULP regime’s financial incompetence and spent? their inability to create revenue that is holding our The ULP regime’s Budget Estimates 2021 show country back. SVG needs economic variables that that the SVG economy is almost dead with a total drive a high yield in jobs and revenue creation. Fiscal Deficit of EC$ 247,831,329. They have borrowed millions more money to pay debt, and will Getting rid of the privileges accorded those in Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan, and creating plunge our country further into debt. This is the worst form of management of public accounts. SVG our own billion-dollar fish canning and processing will become even more swamped with poverty, crime factory will significantly help SVG’s dangerously weak economy. and corruption. A Green Government would deport all migrants The core problem beyond any doubt in SVG is an back to the country where they came from for apartheid state giving away more revenue to the refusing to pay tax and customs duty to the SVG super rich in Mustique and Canouan in Tax and Treasury. Customs duty Exemptions, and to Taiwan in Fish Tax Exemptions, than the ULP Regime puts into the SVG Treasury. It is a very serious matter, in that, it is in breach of Section 13 of the St Vincent and the By ANTHONY STEWART Murray’s lands is the most recent Grenadines 1979 glaring act of injustice. However, the Constitution - ‘no Law one that is apparently the most shall make any provision PEERING into the barrel of a gun was not his choice but he pondered vindictive is the apparent persecution that is discriminatory whether this was the end of his life. of Leon “Bigger Biggs” Samuel either of itself or in its Was this a dream, a vision or a through the attempted acquisition of effect’. nightmare? Having taken his shot in his lands and closure of his multiThe highly the arm, he thought that his living million-dollar business. Was Yugge incompetent and useless future was assured. The Coronavirus Farrell sent to the Mental Hospital Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves told the ULP Regime has been in had taken its toll worldwide and he because she spoke up and spoke out? Parliament that other financing was presently being power in SVG for almost was not going to be another statistics, Is Michelle Andrews being denied negotiated and the expectation was that the Budget 20 years and has not i.e. a casualty. His whole life flashed promotion because she spoke up and of EC$117.9 million would be exceeded. been competent nor before him as he faced the stark spoke out? Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, who spent educated enough to reality of death. Was this the end for There was no escape not even the three years at Oxford Brookes University, England, create an annual budget him? A scene of unsolved murders House of Parliament where speaking reading for his BSc (Hons) in Accounting and with a fiscal surplus. flashed before him. In that moment up and speaking out by the people’s Finance and Economics, strongly contends that The solution to SVG’s he saw The Servant of The Lord, Glen representatives was supposed to be Gonsalves’ tabling of the Supplementary Budget in economic and financial Jackson, Lawyer Stapleton, and a the norm. Parliamentarians were SVG House of Assembly on 11 May 2021 was demise is a change of host of others whose names he did not apparently violently evicted from the extremely poor, unprofessional and unacceptable. government. SVG immediately recall. Assembly on one occasion and Gonsalves should have been able to provide the urgently needs a Green A voice echoing in his head warned apparent plans to do so again were SVG House of Assembly with details of the total Government to bring that his fate was sealed and death averted by the wise management of expenditure and total receipts of revenue for the competent management assured if he did not maintain a the current speaker. Some believed EC$117.9m emergency requirements of SVG. On of SVG’s finances and Dignified Silence by keeping his that had such a thing been repeated what exactly will this supplementary budget be good economic planning. mouth shut. He knew of the many it would have sparked Speaking Out who have kept their mouths shut and riots throughout the country from the are maintaining a Dignified Silence. majority population that does not They feared: being denied promotion’; support the Government. For over 20 transferred to a hard area; loss of years, the voice of the Opposition in scholarship opportunity for their Parliament has apparently been children; removed from the Poor muzzled by not allowing the Relief list; loss of Road Work; loss of scheduled priority to their bills. Lumber, galvanize and cement; loss of Moreover, the opposition loudest voice Life To Live benefits; loss of Disaster is heard through a Motion of No Relief Funds; and loss of Banana Confidence that may be brought to Accompanying Measures among the House, debated and disposed of by others. The greatest fear was being majority vote of elected members. The Yellow Listed which meant denial of Speaker should be neutral and fair in all opportunities to which he would all rulings made. Whether it is the have been otherwise entitled. Parliament or a sports club, if a He noted the fate of some of those Motion of No Confidence cannot be who had spoken up and spoken out. laid and debated and voted upon, Randolph Toussaint had his lands Dictatorship rather than Democracy acquired and died without being rules. compensated. Marcus DeFreitas too, Presently, a sharp pain in the leg had his lands acquired without being reminded him of the wound compensated. His business closed as a apparently inflicted mercilessly by the consequence. Some of the people authorities. He knew that this would whose lands were acquired to build impact negatively on his ability to the Argyle International Airport have work and keep his family together. not yet been paid. Otto Sam was He knew that he did not own the transferred illegally from his job as a country, the jobs nor the women. Yet school principal to another where his he did not want to go on Poor Relief talents were not utilized. Teachers nor to be begging. Being Selfwho contested elections were not Employed gave him dignity and made allowed to immediately return to him proud. Based on what has their jobs contrary to the collective transpired thus far many believe that agreement and contrary to the rulings justice for him would be elusive of the court. Despite the rulings of the therefore this matter may have to be judge, some still think that the placed in the hands of the Lord who Collective Agreement is aspirational would speak up and speak out for and are treating teachers return to him. It is a fearful thing to fall into their jobs as a favour to be extended. the hands of the living God (Hebrews The apparent illegal acquisition of the 10:31) ACCORDING to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the highly incompetent ULP regime does not have enough money in the Contingency Fund, in the SVG Treasury, to fund the $117.9m Supplementary Budget. See table:

Down but not out

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 13.

Corporate

Grant Thornton sets the pace:

NDF gets 50k donation THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND, this country’s leading small and micro business lending institution, on Wednesday, received a cash injection of $50,000 to assist farmers and others from the Red and Orange zones, to get back on their feet following the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. The donation came courtesy independent Audit, Tax and Advisory service provider Grant Thornton and the donation was, as per its purpose, a diversion from the general line of relief assistance. It also brought the firm’s contribution to the La Soufrière volcanic relief and rehabilitation efforts to date, to a total of $200,000. During a presentation at the NDF headquarters at Mc Kies Hill, Floyd Patterson, Resident Partner at Grant Thornton, confirmed that to date Grant Thornton’s contribution to the La Soufrière volcanic relief and rehabilitation efforts was in excess of $200,000, including food stuff and other tangibles. And speaking specifically to the donation to the NDF, Patterson underscored a hope that “… the contribution would be a catalyst in the recovery process.” According to Patterson, following the April 9th eruption of La

Soufrière, the regional partners and representatives of Grant Thornton International (GTI) held a Microsoft Teams meeting, to discuss the adverse impact of the eruption on the local staff and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He said that during the meeting he highlighted the needs by presenting graphic photographs of the devastation wrought on communities in the Red and Orange Zones. The regional partners from offices in the St Lucia, Antigua, St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad, Curacao, Cayman Islands, the BVI, and representatives of Grant Thornton International immediately pledged assistance to the St Vincent office and the persons displaced by the eruption, Patterson revealed. On April 30, 2021, Mr. Patterson handed over three cheques amounting to $145,000, to NEMO, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, and St Mary’s R. C. School for the children of the St Benedict’s Day Nursery, Wednesday presentation to the NDF was again on behalf of the regional partners of Grant Thornton. Executive Director of the NDF, on accepting the donation, expressed

gratitude on behalf of NDF. “We are very, very grateful to the partners of Grant Thornton. The National Development Foundation has been here since October 1983 and we have been serving person involved in the agricultural and fishing sectors,” Neehall informed. She committed her Foundation to spending

Floyd Patterson, Resident Partner at Grant Thornton (2nd from right) hands over cheque to Hermia Neehall, Executive Director of NDF, in the company of Roger Clifton, NDF Director (left) and Clifford Edwards, Rep of Grant Thornton. the funds wisely in helping those who have been badly hit. “The funds will be used to try to bring them back on their feet,” the Executive Director noted. Roger Clifton, a Director of NDF, who was also on hand for the presentation, expressed

thanks to Grant Thornton, highlighting that the donation will go a long way in helping with the recovery process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDF was established to foster the development of small and micro business through

the provision of credit, technical assistance and training, towards improving socio-economic well-being of its clients, and to make a positive contribution to national development. Currently the entity caters to approximately 175 clients. (KH)

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Service

Digicel puts the ‘Us’ in ‘Customer Day’ IN YET ANOTHER INDUSTRY FIRSt, Wednesday 12th May saw all of Digicel’s 7,000 employees across 32 countries worldwide partnering up to serve customers directly as they worked to put the ‘US’ in Customer. The first-ever global ‘Customer Day’ saw everyone in Digicel, everywhere across all markets, all functions and all teams dedicating an entire day to all things customer. Whether it was partnering with a Customer Care agent to take customer calls, responding to customers on web chat, going on or attending to customers in-store or meeting with corporate customers — every one of Digicel’s 3,500 non-customer facing employees partnered up with customer-facing employees to serve customers. Commenting on the drive Digicel Group CEO,

Oliver Coughlan, said, “This was all about putting the ‘US’ in customer and I could not be more proud and thrilled at how our 7,000

people worldwide responded to the challenge. The energy and enthusiasm from our people and our customers was sky high and it was

Staff of Digicel St. Vincent were happy to be part of the gobal drive to put themselves at the centre of a specially designated ‘Customer Day’. such a success that we will be making it a regular thing.” CEO of Digicel

St.Vincent Ltd, Ms. Fanta Williams was elated to have been a part of the Customer Day

activities but remninded consumers that “Every Day is Customer Day at Digicel.”

SVG Nurses recognized on IND by GLORIAH… LAST WEEK WEDNESDAY, May 12, was

celebrated globally as International Nurses Day (IND). And to mark the Day, nurses throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines were recognised through an Appreciation Day hosted by a consortium of partnering organisations. According to the grouping, the appreciation which they titled ‘Health Care Workers’ Appreciation Day’ came as a result of their “recognition of the hard work of Doctors and Nurses since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nurses the world over are especially recognized 2020, the outbreak of on International Nurses day, May 12. (Photo dengue fever and most Credit: SVG Nurses Association) recently, the explosive eruption at La Soufriere volcano”. The activity to celebrate the occasion took place on the rooftop terrace of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Reigate Building on Granby Street, from 10:00am on Wednesday, May 12. International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12 which was designated in January 1974, it being the anniversary of the birth of against threats of dengue fever, fallout the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. This year’s from the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, and personal issues. theme was: ‘Nurses: A Voice to “As resilient Vincentians and Lead — a Vision for Future professionals there is hope as the subHealthcare’. theme states, ‘There is a Vision for future The SVG Retired Nurses healthcare,” the SVGRNA stated, “one Association (SVGRNA) that continues to focus on the congratulated nurses on the compassionate care of past nurse leaders anniversary. It hailed them for like Florence Nightingale and Mary the fact that just like nurses all Seacole.” over the world who still wage a The Association was positive that the war against COVID-19, nurses in nursing community here will “rise above St. Vincent and the Grenadines also remain on the frontlines. The the ash-fall with renewed vision, organization lauded the resilience strategies, and strength.”

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

La Soufrière

Displaced persons to receive vouchers

Soufrière programme, Prime Minister Hon. Ralph Gonsalves gave listeners an indication as to how that situation will be tackled. He disclosed that government has made a pledge to offer vouchers to these residents for the month of June 2021. “The intention of the government is from June, to give vouchers on a general basis,” he acknowledged, “like in one two-week period they Persons are returning to their residences in the will give food; in another Orange Zone with a promise of assistance but with they will give vouchers, a stern warning. (Photo Credit: Daily Sabah) the vouchers being $150.” He expressed that the by GLORIAH… Zone to return to their packaged food items will communities, another fall in the range of $150 THE LA SOUFRIÈRE challenge demands or more. This VOLCANO, though still in a attention: the provision programme, he assured, state of unrest, has of food for these persons is presently being sufficiently quieted down who most likely are undertaken by the to allow some displaced returning to barren Ministry of Mobilization persons to return to their landscapes and bare where 300 food vouchers homes. cupboards. are to be distributes in a And now with the On the Monday 17th pilot project. recent all-clear given for May edition of NBC The Prime Minister, residents in the Orange Radio’s Eying La however, sounded a note

of caution to persons who might have other intentions for the cash vouchers. “Just in case to remind everybody, when you get the food voucher, if you going to buy rum and cigarette you ain’t going get it on the voucher,” he warned. He urged prospective recipients of these vouchers to refrain from practices like those done in the United States where “people sell the food stamps to get cash.” Additionally, he pointed to cases where persons might even resort to selling the vouchers at a cost lower that it was worth. “A food voucher [is] valued at $150, but they may sell it to their neighbor for $100. There’s no need for that.” He made it quite clear that any such transaction will result in “certain repercussions.”

Wildlife needs our protection by GLORIAH… DIRECTOR OF THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Environment Fund, Louise Mitchell has bemoaned the plight of the wildlife species in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that were displaced during the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, and she has made an appeal for persons here to assist in their protection. The call was made mindful of the destruction of huge quantities of forest by the various actions of and fallout from the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. Not least among the resulting concern is the impact on ecosystems that could result in extinction, if matters are not swiftly taken in hand. According to www.svgef.org, “In total, more than ….4 species of amphibians, 16 species of reptiles, 111 species of birds, and 15 species of mammals have been identified on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” In an NBC Radio May 10 newscast, the SVGCF Director made reference to the bird species with special mention of the endemic Amazona Gildinghi, our National Bird. “What would be

The volcanic eruption has endangered one of the world’s rarest Parrots – the Amazona Gildinghi, endemic to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Louise Mitchell, Director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund, has made out a case for more serious attention to be paid to protecting the wildlife that has been impacted by the volcanic eruption. happening certainly with the parrots that are fleeing to areas that they’re not accustomed to, they’ll be looking for food; they’ll be looking for water,” she explained, adding that a loss of trees from which they were used to eating, would result in their hunger. “Well, of course, now we have the rain so that will help with the thirst. But they definitely will be looking for food because a lot of the trees that they have eaten

from have now been destroyed, so they definitely will be hungry,” Mitchell emphasized. Mitchell then made an impassioned plea for persons to provide the parrots with whatever fruits they have. “If you have fresh fruit, please put the fruit out for the parrots to eat, so you help to feed them. And whenever you see a parrot or some other bird that you’re not accustomed to seeing, please report it to Forestry [Division], because that data is absolutely critical to help Forestry to determine if the parrots have migrated, (and) where are they now.” Continued life in displacement could mean an entirely new way in which these birds survive and live. They will also need protection from predators while in such a defenseless state. This is an appeal worthy of consideration.

Seismic activity but no eruption HEAD OF THE LA SOUFRIÈRE Monitoring Team, Volcanologist Dr. Adam Stinton, has confirmed that there has been no recent eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. Speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, Dr. Stinton said that contrary to a WhatsApp message in circulation, “I can categorically say there was no eruption at Dr. Adam Stinton, the volcano on Tuesday Head of the La night.” Soufrière Monitoring He did confirm, Team, dispelled the however, that there were rumour of an eruption some seismic activities on Tuesday night. overnight and that the volcano continued to be in a state of unrest with continuous steaming and emission of gas. He noted that it was possible that the steaming may go on for a while, and the team will have to be vigilant about it. One of the major concerns for Dr. Stinton is that of equipment for communications and monitoring of the volcano. “We have instruments in Fancy and Owia. Those are working; we have been to inspect them and check them over but we have problems with communication and regular power supplies at the moment,” he explained, admitting, though, that “We are still able to monitor the volcano but with slightly less equipment.” Dr. Stinton also referenced what he termed “thermal anomalies”, indicating high temperatures inside the new crater that continue to be detected by the NASA FIRMS alert system. “When the anomalies were first detected, it was due to lava reaching the surface; right now, these temperature anomalies may be related to a batch of magma that is sitting just below the surface of the summit crater, in the conduit which was created by the explosions back in April,” Dr. Stinton said. The volcano alert on the island remains at ORANGE. (KH)

La Soufrière continues to emit steam and gas meaning that it remains in a state of unrest.

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional Radio Operators get ready for 2021 Hurricane Season FORTY (40) HAM RADIO OPERATORS from the East Caribbean were involved in a readiness drill for the 2021 hurricane season which is projected to produce at least twenty (20) named storms, five (5) of which are expected to achieve Category 5 status. The activity was held on Sunday, May 16, beginning at 5am and ran for about three hours. The activity was spearheaded by the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM) of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and involved radio operators from St. Thomas, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Carriacou, Tobago, Grenada and

Trinidad. The main purpose of the activity was to ensure that radio operators were in a state of readiness, by using emergency or back-up power to operate their equipment, as well as testing propagation on the High Frequency (HF) bands at that time of the day. Floyd Dowden — J39JX conducted the readiness network on the HF band (3.815 Mhz), while Director of the YRM, Donald De Riggs — J88CD conducted the network on VHF (146.760 Mhz) via the Grenada repeater. HF communications facilitates long distance communications whereas VHF communications is

limited to line of sight (LOS) and for use via repeaters located on high hills so as to extend the range of VHF signals. Also supporting the activity was CDEMA’s communications Officer Courtney King — 8P6JK, who welcomed the activity. Radio operators from Barbados (CDEMA), SVG and across the region have been conducting twice daily networks since the effusive eruptions began last December, and which escalated into violent eruptions in April 2021. Operators in St. Vincent and the Grenadines kept their Barbadian counterparts

updated on a daily basis of what was happening on the ground, from eye witness reports. The YRM also assisted a visiting CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) communications team from Barbados that visited during the volcanic eruptions, with the setting up of a multi band HF antenna donated to the YRM by Barrett Communications, to ensure they were able to communicate reliably with CDEMA, NEMO SVG and other regional disaster management offices. According to De Riggs, there will be a message handling exercise around the end of June to provide new radio operators with emergency message handing skills. This activity follows a virtual ham radio training session carded for the second week in June

E. Mofford, CDRU Rep (2nd from left) with YRM Volunteers (from left): Leon Ambris (J88NFJ), Jedidiah De Riggs (J88NFG) and Donald De Riggs (J88CD). 2021. Interested persons can make contact via daderiggs@gmail.com with the subject “Ham radio training”. There is a growing need for volunteers in amateur radio, as it is the most reliable means of communications

should the telephone system fail in the aftermath of a destructive hazard like a hurricane or volcanic eruption, among other natural hazards. Submitted by Donald A. De Riggs

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 17.

18. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 19.

Diaspora

NY volcanic relief pivots to recovery by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT AS RELIEF EFFORTS continue in the United States for volcano-ravaged St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Brooklyn, New York-based SVG Relief Committee, Inc. is pivoting towards clean-up and recovery efforts. “Our relief effort continues,” Verna Arthur, chairperson of the SVG Relief Committee, Inc. told THE VINCENTIAN Wednesday morning. “We have pivoted and are now concentrating on the clean- up/recovery phase. “We are on pause, not a complete stop,” added Arthur, stating that the main relief base in Brooklyn is at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Pl. “Instead of persons dropping off items, persons are now encouraged to call for a scheduled pick-up,” continued Arthur, a prominent Vincentian cultural and community figure in Brooklyn. “They are kindly asked to state what they are donating. This approach affords us the opportunity to control what’s being donated.” She said items — such as water boots (sizes 912), power washer, power hoses, goggles, garden shovels, forks, scrubbing brooms, etc. — are needed for the clean-up/recovery phase. Garnes Byron — who last Friday received, on behalf of the SVG Relief Committee, Inc., 15

barrel of food stuff, PPEs and other relief items from workers at Brookdale Hospital Brooklyn-vested 1199 SEIU and Clarendon Road Church in East Flatbush, Brooklyn — told THE VINCENTIAN: “We are in this for the long haul. “Once you say. ‘St. Vincent and the Grenadines’, I’m there,” said Byron, the Committee’s assistant public relations officer. “I went through it (volcanic eruptions) in ‘79, so I know what the people are going through. “I’m even planning to take a two-week vacation to go down and help out — do some powerwashing,” Byron added. “I did it before (powerwashing in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital). “Atiba Williams (the Committee’s the public relations officer) and I are hoping to go down and help out,” he continued, disclosing that they plan to travel during the first week in June, “providing the quarantine protocol does not change.” “Once there’s a disaster, and I have the health and strength, I ‘ll be out there doing stuff to get it to St. Vincent and the Grenadines — no matter what the disaster is,” said the very patriotic, hardworking Vincentian. Meantime, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the Caribbean and the PwC Charitable foundation have collectively raised over US$100,000 for disaster relief and recovery efforts

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reported the Barbados Advocate on Sunday. PwC is a global network of firms delivering assurance, tax and consulting services for businesses. On April 9, 2021, La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines erupted explosively, sending ash and gas plumes miles into the sky and affecting neighboring Caribbean islands, the Advocate said. It said the eruption — the volcano’s first explosive event since 1979 — has displaced about 20,000 people and left the entire population of 110,000 people without clean drinking water or electricity. The Advocate said the partners and staff of PwC firms, operating in the Caribbean, contributed a total of over US$71,000. The funds, which were raised by firms in The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, East Caribbean (Barbados and St. Lucia), Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago are being donated to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Advocate said. In addition, it said the PwC Charitable Foundation approved a grant of US$30,000 to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross, through the American Red Cross. A donation of US$10,000 was made by L&F Indemnity Limited (L&F), the Bermudabased captive insurance company for the PricewaterhouseCoopers network of firms, the Advocate said. “We stand in solidarity with the people of St. Vincent and everyone affected by La Soufriere’s eruption,” the Advocate quoted Frazer Lindsay, chief executive officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers Caribbean Region, Ltd., Moving barrels for SVG relief from employees at Brooklyn Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. (Photo Credit: Garnes Byron)

SVG Committee Relief, USA, Inc. volunteers, L-R: Terrance Edwards, Verna Arthur (chairperson), Annette Stowe, Ancilla Friday, Elitha John, Viona Homer and Julie Williams. Sandra Williams is in foreground. (Photo Credit: Nelson King) as saying. “As we have sisters. heavily damaged by the done in the past with “Although we are volcano. natural disasters in our grateful that no lives “Their road to recovery region, our people have have been lost, we will be long but not rallied quickly to recognize the magnitude without support from us demonstrate our support of the economic, social and many others across for those most in need, and environmental the globe,” Bynoe added. and we thank them for challenges they and “Our teams have been their tremendous others are facing as the incredibly generous in efforts.” volcano continues to respect of the donations Mike Bynoe, Territory erupt,” he said. “The that they have made to Leader, PwC East recent flooding and this initiative, and I Caribbean said: “We are subsequent mudslides would like to add my one Caribbean family; have also added to the heartfelt thanks to and, at this time, our country’s misery, them.” thoughts are with our Vincentian brothers and affecting areas already

20. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

All is not lost

Dear George,

I HAVE A little secret and I’m finding it hard to cope with it. Since last year I have been battling depression. I’ve lost my job which led to me losing my house and then my wife, who left for ‘greener pastures’ after refusing to work and to be supportive of me. I can’t continue like this and I need to find a way out of this hole but, to be honest, I do not know where to start. I feel like there is no hope. I go around forcing myself to smile and to act like all is well but deep down I am a total mess. Life can really be cruel.

thing you have now is life and once there is life there is hope. All is not lost. I can appreciate why you might think otherwise but this is a time to use these challenges to strengthen your resolve to bounce back, and even get yourself on a stronger footing than you were before. Go and speak with a counselor; this could help you to see a clearer path moving forward. Make a call to Down and out Marion House and speak with someone there. Now is a time for Dear Down and out, taking small but significant steps Rather than moping over the things forward. Things can only get better from this point. you do not have, try to focus on the things you have. The most precious

George

Stuck in a vice Dear George,

I AM MARRIED 6 years to a big time cheat. It is no secret that my husband is a womanizer but I really do not care, since I decided long ago to go with my sex. When my girlfriends come to visit he leaves and stays away for hours. He thinks I’m a home girl and would brag to his friends about that. After six years it is time for me to do away with my husband. I told him I wanted a divorce but he insisted he was not going to let another man get me. I told him it was a woman not a man. He did not believe me until I set it up so that he caught me in bed with two women. He took pictures of us and threatened to put them on social media. If he did that, one of these women would be greatly affected as her husband is a high profiled figure. As a ‘compromise’ he wants me to arrange for him to sleep with these women. There is no way I am going to do that but I don’t know how else to stop him from doing what he is threatening to do. I need your advice.

R.hon Dear R.hon, It is unfortunate that both you and your husband have decided to dishonor your marital vows. That said, you seemed to have made your mind

up to end the marriage and while it is your right to sever your marital ties, this becomes complicated when you introduce second and third parties into it. While your husband’s request will not fix things and should be dismissed completely, his decision to post the pictures on social media will have consequences. He and you need to be aware of that and be prepared to face them.

Your friends have to realize that living double lives has its consequences and therefore, they too should be prepared to face the music when the Piper begins to play. While you are free to do whatever you want in your relationship, chances are you will not be able to walk away unscathed.

George

Get out of the ‘mine field’ Dear George, BEFORE I started dating my girlfriend I admired her beauty, how she carried herself, her physique and her amazing smile, all from a distance. When I got to know her, I couldn’t help but wonder why someone like her was still single and disengaged. Now, after 7 months of living together, I’m beginning to understand why. Somehow she got to see a film of my cousin and me. She showed up and started to fight my cousin. Even after I told her the girl was my cousin she did not believe me. A few nights after that we had an argument and later that night when I was asleep, she poured a jug of ice cold water on me. Since then, she has threatened several times to “damage” me while I sleep.

George, this girl has a temper the likes of which I’ve never seen. I love her a lot but her violent behaviour is worrying me.

In love Dear In love, Your girlfriend needs to sign up for anger management classes immediately. Her temper is way out of control and that’s not going to help you nor her and certainly not the relationship. She seems like the kind who would shoot first and ask questions later. This is not the match you are looking for. She does not strike me as one who’s ready to be in a relationship. Save yourself some grief and anguish and get out of this ‘mine field’ before the inevitable happens.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation. Romance can surface if you get into some of those fitness programs you’ve been putting off. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Try to control your irritability if you’re experiencing emotional problems with your partner. You should regain some of your self esteem if you get involved in organizational functions. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don’t be too quick to judge those you live with. You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. New interests are preoccupying your time. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You must be sure not to be frivolous, because as the saying goes, easy come, easy go. Get busy. Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and if you’re gullible, it may cost you. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can sell your ideas to those who have the money to back them. Do something special for them. Friends or groups that you’re affiliated with may want you to contribute more cash than you can really afford. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Jealous attitudes may lead you astray. Talk about your intentions and confirm that you both feel the same way.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Situations you can’t change should be forgotten for the present. Throw yourself into your work. Uncertainties regarding relatives will make situations uncomfortable if you attend a family function. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Cultural activities will prove to be quite enlightening for everyone. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Disruptions may set you back, but you’re strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. They will not have the patience to wait for you to complete things that they’ve asked you to do. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Don’t be afraid to confront situations concerning loved ones in order to solve any problems that may exist. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don’t give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you’re getting. You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship.

ACROSS 1. Coal-extraction area 5. Revolve 9. Compute sums 12. Genesis man 13. Enchilada cousin 14. Horoscope sign 15. Choir garment 16. Has debts 17. Scottish hat 18. Hurried 20. Sported (clothes) 21. Language 24. Lose force 26. Leafy vines 27. Thinks about 31. Mr. Aykroyd 32. Instruct 34. _ date, deadline 35. Joyousness 37. Point of view 39. Rustic getaway 40. Cavorted 41. Trade 44. That heroine’s 45. Wrestling maneuver 46. Likewise 49. Paddy crop 53. Well-suited 54. Nickel or dime 55. Fragrance 56. Football holder 57. Catchy song 58. Walk though a stream DOWN 1. Blemish 2. Altar words 3. Seize (suspects) 4. Come out 5. Small rock

6. Feline “hand” 7. Beverage cooler 8. Emphatic turndowns 9. Voice range 10. Cherished one 11. Curved roof 19. Texas capital 20. Exchange rings 21. Ocean current 22. Nearly circular 23. 1492 craft 24. Disney dwarf 25. Take a breath 27. Kitchen vessel 28. Irritable 29. Have authority over 30. Flower start 33. Vast span

36. Helpful hint 38. Far from wide 40. Call up 41. Petty quarrel 42. Dry (dishes) 43. Poker stake 46. Emulate Kerry

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. 23.

Washington 47. Singer Rawls 48. Moral error 50. Talented Lupino 51. Northern fish 52. Before, to Lord Byron

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24. FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Trio overcome with joy and delight SMILES AND INDICATIONS OF DELIGHT characterized Garwin Davis, Kennijah Joseph and Marlon Simmons as they embarked on their first trip overseas, as part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s team- Vincy Heat. The trio are part of a 27member training squad, most of whom travelled to Grenada last Monday for fifteen days, as Vincy Heat prepares for their two upcoming Group C matches in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. Davis, a goal keeper, expressed pleasure in being considered. “I am excited, because last time the team travelled, I could not make it

because unfortunately I got injured.” He added, “I am looking forward to try my best to capture a first team spot, a first eleven spot and take it from there.” Joseph, a defensive midfielder, expressed similar sentiments. Acknowledging that he ignored a previous call up, he said, “I want to make full use of this opportunity… Once given a game, I will be showing my talent, to let the coach know what I have in me.” Also delighted for the opportunity to travel with the senior outfit is midfielder

L-R: Garwin Davis, Kennijah Joseph and Marlon Simmons. Marlon Simmons. According to him, it is a case of making up for a lost opportunity because of injury. Simmons noted, “When I recovered from my injury, I had to put in plenty of work and effort, including waking up early in the morning, jogging, running and doing recovery work.” Travelling to Grenada has fulfilled part of his ambition, Simmons said. Davis, Joseph and Simmons are joined by Tre Crosby, who is Canadian, born of Vincentian parents, as first timers on tour with the senior team. Crosby, along with Canadabased Tristan Marshall, Poland-based Diel Spring, Maldives-based team captain Cornelius Stewart, and Akeem Williams who is based in Antigua and Barbuda, will link up with the locally based players who travelled on Monday.

In addition, Nazir Mc Burnette, will join the squad, following his outing with his club Hope International, which is contesting the FLOW Concacaf Caribbean Club Championships, taking place in the Dominican Republic. The rest of the squad include: Camal Bess, Josh Stowe, Jadiel Chance, Mark Browne, Kyle Edwards, Gidson Francis, Trivis Fraser, Dorren Hamlett, Kishawn Johnny, Terrason Joseph, Ted Roberts, Brad Richards, Zidane Sam, Renson Sayers, Jahvin Sutherland, Oryan Velox, Kurtlon Williams and Jamal Yorke. Leading the delegation is Renson Haynes - Manager. The Technical Staff is made up of Head Coach - Kendale Mercury, Assistant Coaches Jason Waldron and Alfred Grant; Goal Keeper coaches Kevin Richardson and Melvin Andrews; Striker Coach Shandel Samuel and Fitness

A ‘dream-like’ semester for Woodley THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY (UTRGV) male and female track and field teams combined to win six gold medals to close out the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Outdoor Championships on Saturday at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex, and two of those (medals) were earned by female Vincentian track athlete Tamara Woodley. Woodley, a freshman, was named Most Outstanding Women’s Freshman, Most Outstanding Women’s Track Performer and UTRGV Athlete of the Week, after taking gold in the 400-metre dash and 200-metre dash with times of 53.54 seconds, the second best time in UTRGV programme history, and 23.96 seconds, the fourth-best time in programme history; respectively, at Saturday’s Meet. In a 200m heat run earlier in the day and which she won, Woodley had in fact recorded a faster time of 23.73 seconds. The Vincentian was also part of the 4x400metre relay team with freshman Josefine Eriksen, sophomore Diamond Lilly and junior Zarrey Sams that took silver with at time of 3:50.84.

Woodley’s outstanding performances contributed significantly to the UTRGV women’s team recording its best-ever finish at the WAC Outdoor Championships by placing third with 136 points. Grand Canyon won the overall WAC title with 208 points. Woodley posted eight top-five finishes this spring, including four wins while also helping her 4x400-meter relay to three more wins. These recent track accolades only help to strengthen what has been a ‘dream-like’, top all-round spring semester for the Vincentian. She was recently named to the Dean’s List. A release from the University read: “It is a pleasure to inform you that your outstanding academic performances during the spring 2021 semester has placed you on the Dean’s List. Students qualifying for this distinction must have completed a minimum of 12 non-remedial credit hours with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9 for the semester. You have met this high standard of academic performance and should be very proud of your achievement… .” I.B.A.ALLEN Tamara Woodley has had a most outstanding Spring Semester, both on the track and in the classroom.

Coach - Rex Pollard. Committee Member of the SVGFF and former team manager- Othnell Douglas completes the contingent. The arrangement to have the Vincentians accommodated in Grenada comes as a result of a joint effort between the governments of both countries, as well as collaboration involving the SVGFF and the Grenada Football Association. From Grenada, Vincy Heat will head to Guatemala to face the host on Friday 4th June, before returning to Grenada to take on Cuba on Tuesday 8th June. The match versus Cuba will be the Vincentians’ home match. The recent eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano and the health protocols linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, have hindered the hosting of the match here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Sports

Hikers make positive start in VPL 3.0 DEFENDING champions La Soufrière Hikers made a positive start to the defense of their title when they recorded three consecutive wins in the 2021 VPL 3.0 T10, which got going

last Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. The defending champions 48/1 - first disposed of Fort Charlotte Strikers - 43/9 - on Saturday, and then claimed another victory on Monday when they recorded 100/4 in nine overs to erase Grenadines Divers’ 99/2, in a match that saw Shem Browne top scoring with 53 not out for Divers and Desron Maloney doing likewise for Hikers with 41. The Champions continued their Shem Browne of Grenadines Divers had the highest single innings, 53, at the close of Tuesday’s matches.

winning ways on Tuesday when they raced to 94/4 to overcome Botanical Gardens Rangers’ 93/4. Maloney was again outstanding with a knock of 52. Salt Pond Breakers, champions of the first edition of the VPL, also jumped out with two victories to start their effort to reclaim the tile. On Sunday they disposed of Grenadines Divers, scoring 67/4 and then restricting their opponents to 56/8. They returned on Monday to mount a formidable 138/4 to which Dark View Explorers managed 95 all out in reply. Captain Sunil Ambris contributed significantly to Salt Pond Breakers’ victories; he claimed 3 for 4 against Divers then recorded a top score of 53 against Explorers. Seon Sween also hit 42 for Breakers and Deron Greaves,

Luke Wilson of Dark View Explorers, with 6 wickets, led all bowlers up to the completion of matches on Tuesday.

27, Shamon Hooper, 21, Deane Drown, 31, combined to get Explorers within touching distance of victory. Breakers were due to face off against Fort Charlotte Strikers on Tuesday. In other matches, Explorers opened on Saturday with an emphatic victory over Botanical Gardens Rangers. Scores: Explorers 83/5 Romano Pierre stroked 46; Rangers 26 all out in 6.4 overs. Rangers, 62/4, suffered another defeat on Sunday, when they went under to Fort Charlotte Strikers, 86/4. On Tuesday, Explorers with a score of 95/5 — Pierre 41 had the better of Fort Charlotte Strikers, 76/7. Luke Wilson, in his first season,

Desron Maloney, captain of La Soufrière Hikers, with a total of 112 runs, was the leading batsman up to Tuesday matches. claimed 3/3. After the completion of eight matches up to Tuesday, Hikers’ captain — Desron Maloney led all batsmen with a total of 112 runs, and youngster Luke Wilson of Explorers led all bowlers with 6 wickets. Grenadines Divers’ Shem Browne held the highest singe innings with 53. I.B.A.ALLEN

“Club Championships restart a challenge,” Dickson THERE’S NO telling when or if there would be a restart of the 2020/2021 National Football Club Championships. This is the indication from the Executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) which maintained that it was doing its utmost to have footballers

involved in some sort of competition in the shortest possible time frame. At a Media Conference hosted by the SVGFF last Friday at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, the SVGFF President — Carl Dickson, responding to a question as to the reason(s) why football cannot be hosted in a competition setting while

SVGCA assists displaced cricketers THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA) continues to extend support to cricketers to ensure that they are equipped for participation in the local competitions. Recently the SVGCA reached out to players in need, especially those displaced from the Red and Orange Zones by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, and who were registered to participate in the third edition of the Vincy Premier League (VPL 3.0) which got going over the weekend. Cont’d on Page 26. O’Jay Mathews, national youth player, (right) receives gear from Romel Currency, President of the SVGCA Inc.

the Vincy Premier League (VPL) is allowed to do so, said, “Engagement in football is principally a contact sport, other than sharing and touching of the ball, cricket does not necessitate the actual engagement of players or officials in that kind of environment.” According to Dickson, his Executive was relying on advice from the health authorities for guidance for any resumption of football at the national level. “We are working closely with the Covid Committee and the Ministry of Health to identify a relatively safe window of opportunity where we can resume under strict conditions,” Dickson added. He noted and referenced that when the 2019/2020 edition was halted, because of the declaration of the coronavirus as a pandemic in March of last year, the restart was contingent upon all remaining matches being played in a closed facility, which was the Victoria Park. This, he assessed, has changed as a result of events associated with the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. “Because of the volcanic eruptions, …. it would have made places like Chili (Playing Field) no longer available now for those kind of engagement,” Dickson explained. When the 2020/2021 edition of the Championships was put on pause last December following a spike in

Carl Dickson, President of the SVGFF. coronavirus cases here, four rounds of matches were completed in both the Premier and First Divisions. Recognising that there is a higher percentage of matches to be completed, Dickson reiterated that the availability of enclosed venues would be a “challenge” at this time. The President, though, confirmed that the SVGFF’s Tournament’s Committee met recently, “and has identified a specific competition that may not be a continuance of what (was) started, but will engage all of the clubs, if we have the opportunity later down in the year.” The plan is to engage both genders and age groups, Dickson assured.

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Sports

Handel Roban

Roban qualifies for World Juniors HANDAL ROBAN ticked off his name as part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines team to this year’s World Juniors Athletics Championships, set for Nairobi, Kenya, 17th to 22nd August. Roban made the Men’s 800 M qualifying standard at the 2021 Grace Kennedy ISSA Boys/Girls Championships, last Saturday at the Jamaica National Stadium. Competing for the Jamaica College in the final of the Class One event, Roban timed 1: 50: 39. The World

Juniors qualifying time is 1:50:80. His time, though, was not good enough to give him a position; he had to settle for the fourth place. He, however, claimed his first medal in his maiden outing at the Championships, when he gained a bronze in the 1500M. He clocked 4: 01: 48 to earn that medal. Joining Roban in gaining their first medals at the prestigious Jamaica Champs, were Uroy Ryan and Verrol Sam.

Ryan, who is also a student of the Jamaica College, got a bronze in the Boys Class One Long Jump with his best effort of 7.47M. Sam gained a silver medal in the Class One Boys High Jump, clearing the bar at 2.00M. Roban and Sam are former students of the St Vincent Grammar School, while Ryan last attended the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, before they headed off to Jamaica.

Dublin pleased Shad Thomas heads to College with his form DAMIEN DUBLIN, winner of the two rounds of the ‘Table Tennis Stars Tournament’ hosted by the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA), is feeling good about his form and achievements, especially after the latter have come under the challenging cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Winning the two Damien Dublin is enjoying a tournaments period of success. feels great especially after having to cut back on my training sessions because of COVID-19,” Dublin told THE VINCENTIAN recently. He had special thanks for Mr. Orville Haslam, President of the SVGTTA, for keeping the players in mind and for the foresight to organize the Tournament. “Having these tournaments will be beneficial to the players because it’s one way to keep active and to keep our minds off of the stress of COVID19, and a monetary prize is a good way to motivate,” Dublin said. He added, “Despite the lockdown, training is important win or lose. I prepare mentality when I am not playing by visualizing games in my head. Table tennis is the best sport on the planet and it requires a lot of physical and mental preparations and even in times of COVID.” The champion player reiterated the importance of training with a word to other players. “Train until you get fed up then you go again. It’s the best way to prepare and improve your overall development and skills, which will be required in competition,” he advised. I.B.A.ALLEN

Shad Thomas VINCENTIAN SHAD THOMAS has moved a step up in his quest to realise his ambitions. A former student of the Union Island Secondary School and a Basketballer of visible talent, Thomas left St. Vincent and the Grenadines in May 2019 for the USA, where he enrolled in the Salem

Baptist Christian School (SBCS) in North Carolina. While at SBCS Thomas excelled in his academics and used his Basketball talents to good effects. In the process he caught the eye of persons at Catawba Valley Community College and was recruited. Responding to his upward movement in both his academic and Basketball journey, Thomas said, “Firstly, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity, ability and talent to play Basketball at the next level.” Continuing his line of gratitude, Thomas said, “I will also like to thank my family, friends and

SVGCA assists displaced cricketers Continued from Page 25. Among those receiving donations of cricket gears was O’Jay Mathews, one of this country’s leading young players who was displaced. Matthews, on receiving the gear, expressed thanks on behalf of the other recipients and himself. “On behalf of the cricketers from the Red and Orange Zones, we are very grateful to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association for their kind donation of gears to us. Some of the gear we had was destroyed by the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere so I want to say thanks,” Matthews said. As for the VPL 3.0, Matthews welcomes the opportunity to play and compete and learn from the senior and experienced players. He sees it as offering to those displaced cricketers, recreational time outside of shelters or private home. “It will also help get their mind off the devastation from the eruption as well,” he said with emphasis. I.B.A.ALLEN

coaches for supporting me… Thanks to all the coaches that showed interest and offer me advise during the process.” Thomas agreed that it would not be all Basketball at the Catawba Valley Community College, but promised to make the two work for him, as he moves to realise his dreams in the sport as well as in his academics. Before leaving St.

Vincent and the Grenadines, Thomas represented the Union Island Tanty Ma and the Blue-Chip Academy in local basketball competitions. Founder of the BlueChip Academy Vincentian Kishon Bishop, who resides in North Carolina, is the man responsible for facilitating the opportunities for Thomas to play and study in the USA.

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Classifieds

14th & 15th Ex-gratia payment homicides for Resort workers recorded

Anticipated takings from the sale was put at EC$400,000 and among the “That money will be distributed items sold were kitchen, restaurant, evenly to those who worked there up living room and bedroom items and until the closure of the resort,” other equipment and accessories. Gonsalves said. The money, Dr. Gonsalves said “Each person will receive a payment then, was to be divided among those in excess of EC$2,000 as recognition who worked at the resort up to the for their hard work,” he continued. time it was closed. Back in March, Prime Minister Dr The resort was closed in December Ralph Gonsalves said that Cabinet 2016 and eventually acquired by the had approved proposal to use the government who in turn sold it to proceeds from the sale of items at the Sandals Resort for the establishment Resort, to pay a sector of former of a ‘Beaches’ Resort, construction of workers despite there being no which is expected to commence soon. obligation so to do. Continued from Backpage.

Continued from Backpage. A friend said that Henville was leaving a shop when he was killed. One person is said to have been taken up for questioning in relation to the killing but has since been released. The Royal SVG Police Force is soliciting the assistance of the general public with respect to information on both killings. Persons who can assist are asked to call 1784-456-1339, 1784-4561810 or any police station, or any police officer with whom they might be comfortable. All information will be treated confidentially, the police assured.

LOPEZ CURTIS JR MCFEE a.k.a. Lopey Tuesday, 18th May, 2021 S.D.A. Church Kingstown Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery SAVILLE OSTIN HARRY Saturday, 15th May, 2021 Biabou Evangelical Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Biabou Cemetery

SONJA OMEGA OLLIVIERRE Monday, 17th May, 2021 Kingstown Baptist Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

MANDRECA SOLOMON Sunday, 16th May, 2021 S.D.A Church Barrouallie Viewing: 10:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Glebe Cemetery

MERLENE HARRY Saturday, 15th May, 2021 Georgetown Cemetery Viewing: 9:30 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

LENNOX ANTH ONY MATTHIAS Saturday, 15th May, 2021 New Life Ministries Church North Union Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: San Souci Cemetery

AI REAL ESTATE Harmony Hall Apartment Building on 6,808 sq.ft. - $818,000.00 - H188 Fair Hall 3 bedrm Property on 8,163. - $498,000.00 - H110 Belvedere 3 bedrm Property on 7,181 sq.ft - $325,000.00 - H113 Calder Ridge 3 bedrm Property on 7,556 sq.ft. - $255,000.00 - H515 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com

FRIDAY, MAY

21, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.20

www.thevincentian.com

14TH & 15TH HOMICIDES RECORDED by KENVILLE HORNE

stabbed, according to some residents of that Central Leeward town. EDDIE DABREO, a 39-year-old Layou man One source said that he was stabbed who was described as leaving a trail of in the vicinity of Didips Hideout violence and theft, died in the early located along the upper portion of the hours of Monday 17th after being main road that exits Layou on to Mt.

EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FOR RESORT WORKERS by DAYLE DA SILVA

The Principal of the Resort absconded leaving guests and workers in ‘no man’s land’.

PERSONS who were on staff up to the time of the closure of the Buccament Bay Resort in December 2016, are earmarked to receive payment an ex-gratia payment of EC$2,000 each. Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves said in his presentation of a Supplementary Bill in Parliament on May 11 to authorize the spending of EC$117.9 million in the aftermath of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, said that EC$732,180 was raised from proceeds earned from the sale of items from the former Resort. Continued on Page 27.

Wynne. DaBreo, also known as Malik, was reportedly killed sometime after 1am. He is said to have been able to flee his attacker(s) but collapsed and died on the bridge located a short distance from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) base and Public Works building. Images making the rounds show DaBreo in a bloodstained shirt, lying on the road in a pool of blood. A Police release confirmed that DaBreo was met unresponsive on the bridge in the vicinity of the Public Works building in Layou, with a wound to his neck. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death, the release noted. Residents in Layou were rather indifferent to DaBreo’s death. One person told THE VINCENTIAN that people in Layou were afraid of him and would hide their children whenever he was passing. “One time he was locked up on a charge relating to rape and he had escape but police launched a manhunt and he was shot in the leg and recaptured,” a female resident recalled. Another person said that lately the

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Luciano Henville – victim #14.

deceased was doing some farming but there had been allegations that he was stealing produce from farmers. DaBreo’s death is recorded as the 15th homicide for the year. His death followed that of Luciano Henville, a 20-year-old labourer of Diamond/Victoria Village. Reports are that Henville was shot about his body at Victoria Village on Saturday 15th May. While the police say they have not discerned any motive to his killing, speculation was that Henville was killed because of the girl he was dating. “They just jealous of Luciano because he had a girlfriend in the village and they want the boy girlfriend. He would come up here and stay up here with his girlfriend and now they kill him,” said a close friend of his girlfriend. Continued on Page 27.

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