THE VINCENTIAN PDF-22-05-20

FRIDAY MAY

22, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.21

4th Road Fatality Page 5

www.thevincentian.com

Son smashes phone Page 4

EC$1.50

Union Island Fire Page 11

12 in minibus Page 15

A King is confused Page 24

ST. VINCENT

WELCOMES STRANDED ST. LUCIAN John St. Croix’s family would prefer to have him home with them.

by KENVILLE HORNE A ST. LUCIAN FAMILY is grateful for support from St. Vincent and the Grenadines authorities

after St. Lucia authorities refused to take in one of their own nationals.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN from St. Lucia, Mary Grant-

St. Croix, Sister of John St. Croix from Mariogot Bay, St. Lucia, said that the family wished to see her brother back home.

John is among three men in their 50s who were denied entrance into St. Lucia after 15 days in the open waters. St. Lucia contended that it had closed its borders, allowing no traffic in or out of the island.

According to reports, the vessel left St. Lucia about two months ago for Haiti where it was to be expected for charter work. However the charter plans had to be discarded as the COVID19 pandemic put a halt to the cruise line business.

According to the captain of the vessel in an interview with St. Lucian media, the crew

St. Lucian John St. Croix was refused entry into his native St. Lucia. found themselves stuck in Haiti when the country was placed on lockdown. The crew members were released 15 days ago and decided to head to St. Lucia where they expected to disembark the St. Lucian crew man. That, as referenced earlier, was met with staunch disapproval.

Request that they be quarantined were also refused, though the ship and crew were allowed to replenish their food supply, after which they were ordered to leave St. Lucian waters.

The vessel then made its way to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mary Grant-St. Croix said that when the vessel entered St. Vincent and the Grenadines water, it remained off Chateaubelair.

She said her brother called the SVG Coast Guard.

“To be honest, I was happy when he said to me they came. They towed them down to their base in St. Vincent and they were very nice to them and they tied up Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 3.

News 3 All protocols being adhered to There will be none of this contact when Grade 6 and Form 5 students return to their classrooms on Monday.

MINISTER OF EDUCATION St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince has given the assurance that all the requisite health protocols are being adhered to, as schools move to a partially reopening next Monday, May 25.

Prince, speaking on radio on May 17, said that despite the opinion of some that it was too early to re-open schools in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained confident that the majority of stakeholders want schools to be reopened, on the phased basis that has been outlined.

In fact, he said, the decision to re-open was made after proper planning, and

consultations with parents, teachers and principals at both the secondary and primary levels.

“Our core business is teaching and learning; we have to put emphasis on that,” Prince asserted.

“I know there is a problem with COVID-19, I know that there are fears and anxiety, but we have to continue life, and especially education,” Prince continued, adding that the Ministry of Education needed to be responsible and balanced, and that is what they have been trying to do.

According to Prince, the decision made was that Form 5 and Grade 6 students would be re-

entering the classroom for direct instruction because they required some engagement as they prepare for external exams in July.

“And when we open school next week, we are not going to open schools ad hoc without any plan or consideration,” the Education Minister promised.

For example, as per the issue of transportation that was an expressed concern, Prince said that the decision to begin school at 9:30 during this period, was one of the ways that the issue has been addressed.

In addition, officials in his ministry have been in discussion with officials

in the Ministry of Transport and Works, and the latter has given the assurance that buses will be designated to

specific routes.

As for the actual school plants, the Education Ministry has been working with

BRAGSA to install additional taps and sinks to ensure that those already in place are operable. (DD)

FAA downgrades ECCAA

Prime Minister Gaston Browne might just have shaken up the ECCAA agenda.

Right: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves glossed over what could be other issues of which the public is unaware.

THE RECENT DECISION by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to downgrade the safety rating for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) might just have been an expected development.

The announcement of the downgrading, made on May 8, was that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had downgraded the safety rating for the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation

Authority (ECCAA), a move that means carriers from those islands cannot start new services to the United States and/or territories of the USA — Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands.

The new ‘Category 2’ grading applies to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, represented in Civil Aviation matters by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), headquartered in Antigua.

But, according to Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the downgrading is not going to have an impact on the present flight arrangements, including the current schedules into Puerto Rico and the US Virgin islands.

Speaking on Radio here on May 17, Gonsalves said further that the ‘Category 2’ grading does not affect the security and safety of the airport or aerodrome.

He referenced Barbados which he said, continued to operate under a ‘Category 2’ grading but enjoyed large volumes of air traffic.

But it appears that while the recent announcement might not affect the status quo, Gaston Browne, PM of Antigua and Barbuda, expressed concern that even as they had agreed in February so to do, “some OECS

member countries and the ECCAA had ECCAA said that it had been able to failed to do the things that they address and implement 11, and that needed to do quickly to avoid any form the remaining three suggestions of sanctions.” required legislative changes from each Antigua and Barbuda, Browne member state. (DD) assured, has been fully compliant, and he pointed an accusing finger when he said “And that is why we spent a lot of time encouraging all of the countries Continued from Front page. within the OECS to move quickly, to move with the knot for them and everything, and they said alacrity to pass the the following day that the health people will come necessary regulations to to assist them,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. avoid the downgrading, She said that on Wednesday, her brother called which perhaps several of and said the coast guard had made a thorough them took for granted, search of the vessel and they were told that local which we are now faced customs and immigrations would come to them. with.”

Up to press time, Grant-St. Croix had not heard But the OECS is not from her brother. standing by idly, and She did say, though, that her brother had within recent days, an reported that he and two others were asked to emergency meeting of the pay 1400 USD for 14 days, to be quarantined at Heads of Government a hotel, but she had called the hotel to put a hold agreed on several on the reservation. decisions to help move “I want my brother to come back because I told the ECCAA back to its one of the officers that if I am sure my brother is ‘Category 1’ rating. going back to Haiti, I will have to jump in the sea Meanwhile, that and go back with him because I want my brother Authority denied claims to come back. We need him here because there is that its policies called a storm on its way and you never know. They into question the safety don’t have any engine and they sailing.” and security of the She continued, “To be honest, I appreciate St. airports and airlines Vincent, but we want him back here, we can’t across the region, and afford the money to quarantine in St. Vincent.” that the outstanding She is disappointed with the St. Lucian matters on which the government. “Why they denied my brother and recent downgrading was the two other guys, and St. Vincent accept them?” made, were regulatory. asked Mary.

It was noted that of The latest on this matter is that the three men the 14 recommendations are quarantined at a hotel in Calliaqua. outlined by the FAA,

St. Vincent welcomes stranded St. Lucian

V Guard’s murder P.I ongoing

4. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS SUSPENDED Police Constable Ettian Charles of Arnos Vale, is among four men facing Preliminary Investigations into the 2018 slaying of 50-year-old Security Guard Rodney George of Victoria Village.

Charles, along with Glenville Harry of Vermont, Ulric Hanson and Jerome Ollivierre both of Mayreau are charged with the Security Guard’s murder which reportedly occurred between August 31 and September 1, 2018.

The men are also charged with entering GEC Auto Supplies at Arnos Vale between August 31 and September 1 and stealing EC$2,074 in cash, the property of Gevandean Wilson, the owner of the business.

George’s body, with throat slit was discovered in the building on the morning of September 1, 2018.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) which commenced at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court earlier this year, is ongoing before

NurseÊs murder PI set for June Ettian Charles

Ulric Hanson

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett.

Several witnesses have already testified for the prosecution, including Crime Scene expert, Sergeant Elmore Alexander of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The Court also Glenville Harry Jerome Ollivierre heard evidence from Sergeant Biorn Charles, Duncan of the Major Crime Unit Harry and Hanson, along with (MCU) and Constable Hadley Racquann Robinson of Campden Ballantyne of the CID, among Park and Elroy Rodgers of New others.

Montrose, are also awaiting a The matter continued on Wednesday, and was adjourned to Preliminary Inquiry into the June 3.

September 15, 2018 robbery of Attorney Grant Connell is Medical Doctor Reisha Twana representing Charles; Ollivierre is Browne-Caesar, the wife of represented by Vynette Frederick, Agricultural Minister Saboto while Israel Bruce represents Caesar.

Harry. Hanson is unrepresented.

They are accused of being Senior Prosecutor Adolphus armed with a gun, robbed Dr. Delpleche leads the case for the Browne-Caesar of items valued at Prosecution.

EC$10,350 and documents.

FIFTY-seven-year-old former civil servant Mitchel ‘Mitch’ Israel who has been charged with the murder of his wife Arianna TaylorIsrael, will have to wait a while longer for his Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to commence.

Taylor-Israel, a Cuban national employed here as a nurse, was gunned down on the compound of the St. Martin’s Secondary School at Kingstown p[ark, shortly after 3 p.m. on January 30.

Reports are that she had gone to the school to pick up her son when Mitchell Israel – murder she was shot several accused times. She was 44.

When the matter was called at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche requested an adjournment, stating that the file was at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and was at the stage of perusal.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted the adjournment, and slated the matter for June 25.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the prosecution intends to call over 20 witnesses at the P.I. The accused is unrepresented.

Ottley Hall Upset son smashes mother’s phone shooting P.I adjourned THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY (P.I) into the June 21, 2019 shooting of Ottley Hall resident Attiba Bess, will continue at the Serious Offences Court on June 3.

Jamal Bobb of Ottley Hall is Attiba Bess charged with wounding Bess with intent.

Bess was shot in his left shoulder during an incident at Edinboro on the date in question.

The P.I which started on Tuesday, heard evidence from several prosecutor witnesses, including the victim, and Detective Sergeants Sharon Phillips and Winston Maloney.

The matter was adjourned at the request of the Prosecutor John Ballah to call four additional witnesses, three police officers and one civilian.

Ballah also requested that a summons be issued for the civilian witness. His request was granted.

Bobb is unrepresented.

THOUGH 29-year-old Zimroy Joseph of Sion Hill escaped a prison sentence on Wednesday for smashing his mother’s (Sharon Joseph) cellular phone, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett considers the defendant’s action to be close to beating his mother.

Joseph, who was before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, had pleaded guilty to without lawful excuse, damaged a cellular phone valued $150 belonging to his mother.

The incident occurred around 1pm on the 19th May — nine days after Mothers; Day - at the Windward Bus Terminal, known as Little Tokyo, where the defendant is employed as a watchman.

In presenting the facts, Prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court that on the day in question, Joseph’s mother confronted him at Little Tokyo about

something which was reported to her. As a result, the defendant got upset, took up her cellular phone and slammed it on the ground. She reported the matter to the police who investigated the report and arrested her son.

When cautioned, he said nothing.

The mother, who was asked to take the stand, broke down in tears, as she told the Court what she was going through as a result of her son’s behaviour. But the Magistrate told her there was no need to get emotional.

According to him, “You bring children into the world, but you can’t control their minds.”

Turning to the defendant, Burnett said sternly, “She helped to get you into this world.

You mashed up your mother’s phone; this is close to beating her.”

The woman told the Court her son was a habitual alcohol drinker,

and behaved aggressively whenever he consumed alcohol. She noted that he’s the father of a very young child.

“Just yesterday he hug me up and say, ‘Mummy, I love you’,’ I say, ‘You love me and you drinking rum so?’”

When the Magistrate asked whether she wanted her son to repay her for the phone, the mother replied, “No please,” adding, If he ain’t drink, you don’t know is he.”

She asked the Court to put him on a bond, and/or make an order for counselling.

“I have to follow the law, but I have little tolerance for this type of behavior,” Burnett

contended.

The defendant had told the Court earlier, while being questioned by the Magistrate, that he once attended the Bishop’s College Kingstown, but not for long. He fathered two children, the youngest being 4 months old.

The Magistrate put him on a one-year bond which if he breeches, he will have to pay the Court $1,000 forthwith or go to prison for three months.

The offender had previous convictions for damage to property and for marijuana possession.

Before his mother left the dock, the Magistrate told her, “Continue to work with him, he is your son.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 5.

News

Sandy Bay youth is 4th road fatality GLENRON BALLANTYNE, a Sandy bay resident and a student of the Sandy Bay Secondary School up to the time of his death, is this country’s fourth road fatality for 2020.

The young man died six days after he was severely injured in a vehicular accident that occurred on the Diamond Main Road, May 12,

sometime around 7pm.

Reports are that the vehicle — a blue Toyota Runx motor car - in which he was a passenger and driven by Kelson Ballantyne, The Toyota Noah did not escape extensive damage. collided with a white Toyota Noah — used as a bread delivery van driven jovial, fun-loving pleasant

by Ezekiel Lewis. The extent of the young man. collision caused the Runx to go over The family was, up to an embankment. press time Wednesday, The Runx was heading towards still trying to come to Georgetown and the Noah towards terms with their loss.

Kingstown.

Glenron Ballantyne’s Both vehicles were extensively death follows that of Fidel damaged, and both drivers and Davis. Davis, a 34-yearpassengers were all rushed to the old chauffeur of Cedars, Milton Cato memorial Hospital, who was travelling where Glenron remained towards Georgetown on hospitalised.

He would succumb to his injuries motorcycle PW177, a six days after. black and white Ninja In a brief conversation with bike, when he lost control members of his family, Keisha of the said motorcycle and Ballantyne, a cousin of the crashed into an electrical deceased, described Kenron as a pole, in the vicinity Glenron Ballantyne of the Biabou The remains of the Toyota Runx in Bridge, May 11. succumbed to his injuries which Kelron Ballantyne was a after being hospitalised for (KH) passenger. six days.

Warning from the RSVGPF

Reports have been made of acts of cuber bullying during the COVID-19 period.

THE ROYAL St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) wishes to advise parents and guardians to be

extra vigilant in monitoring and supervising their children’s activities; both at home and away from home during this unprecedented period of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused the Ministry of Education to close all schools. This advice is being offered in light of the fact that there has been a marginal increase in reports of unlawful sexual intercourse (USI) according to the statistics from the Sexual Offences Unit (SOU) — the specialized unit in the RSVGPF mandated to

investigate these types of crimes.

Parents and guardians are further advised to pay very close attention to their children’s activities on the internet and social media. While the internet was created for the good of humanity, there are those who are using it to perpetuate evil; especially among the unsuspecting and vulnerable in our society.

The COVID-19 protocols have led to an increase in online activity globally — and in SVG due to Social Distancing advisories issued by global health

authorities including; our local Ministry of Health and the Environment.

This has resulted in cybercriminals taking advantage of the rapid changes in online communication.

According to the Information Technology Unit (I.T Unit) within the RSVGPF, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unit has observed an increase in reports of cybercrimes such as cyber Violation of Privacy, Sexual Harassment by Electronic Communication, Libel by Electronic

Chidren must be supervised when using the internet, the police encourages.

Communication, Cyber bullying and phishing attacks - where hackers try to gather personal information using deceptive emails and websites.

Let us all continue to play our role in keeping our children, elderly and

the community in general, safe. We have to be “our brother’s keeper” now more than ever.

Stay Safe! Be responsible! If you see something, say something!

(Source: RSVGPF)

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 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

Things are looking up...

SO, HERE WE ARE…, bouncing along our merry way oblivious of what the scientists have warned could be another wave of the coronavirus outbreak. And remember, we in this country predicate our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the relevant science.

But no big thing… there is nothing from preventing us from developing our own science and calling it fact… not unlike President Donald Trump whom we are wont to make fun of but who holds firm that his country is ‘following the science’.

Is it too late or too early to ask, what is this science?

Then again, why worry about things we the untutored would barely make sense of far less to assimilate. We are, after all, on our merry way… and things are looking up… things are always looking up even if we remain of that cusp, after so many years, waiting to welcome an economic windfall. But need not worry… things are looking up and our stimulus package, a misnomer in itself, will need a stimulus to transform it into an impetus for genuine economic recovery, if we ever can experience one, given our own inhibitions as a small developing island state.

Yes, things are looking up, but we have to be careful for when we look up, we are likely to go ‘up, up and away’, even without the aid of a balloon.

Needless, let’s settle for the bright side… things are looking up… things are looking up. Why not? Haven’t we taken possession of our own PCR machines? Now we can do the real testing, not just those preliminary type exercises that prove not so reliable in the narrative of our reliance on the science.

So, we continue on our merry way… no more samples sent to Trinidad .. we can do it for ourselves… things are definitely looking up, eh?

Maybe the course is changing… maybe we have taken to a merry road that will see us test as many persons as we can, which, as this publication advanced in an earlier edition, has proved to be effective, perhaps the most telling measure in combating the spread of the coronavirus… ask New Zealand and they have a population that will devour ours ten times and more over.

And for good measure and to show how much the path ahead is a merry one filled with ‘joy, joy feeling of togetherness’, perhaps we can have out Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and some other ‘big mouthers’, tested in public for the virus so that we can have ‘scientific’ evidence that our leaders are ‘uncontaminated’, and that things are looking up?

Yes, things are looking up…. just ask our students… not our teachers. Our students will write their CEPA, CSEC and CAPE examinations like these are normal times… like if nothing ever happened — and will be assessed less a number of variables, and that is OK with our esteemed UWI. The CXC and those CARICOM cohorts have convinced us that things are looking up … that our ‘senior’ students have not been unduly affected by the first ever pandemic that most of the current populations of these islands have never before experienced, not to mention being able to come to grips with it.

But then again, we are following the science - forget about the psychoanalysts — and things are definitely looking up.

But we have to seriously look at how we handle this situation; for if we look upwards for too long, we are likely to ‘bounce out big toe’, stumble and fall flat on our faces, all in keeping with the science of action and reaction.

But, things are looking up, eh?

Religion Editor’s Note: This is an extract from a longer article written by Dr. Kenneth John and first published in the September 1972 edition of The FORUM, the organ of the then Education Forum of the People (E.F.P).

attributes of a religion, and that the classic communist society to which it strives is virtually a heaven on earth in the Christian sense. Because there is much substance in this claim, Marxists and Christians in Europe are now engaged in a dialogue and are finding a surprising amount of common ground between them. It seems, therefore, that if one can for the moment forget as being largely irrelevant, the theological assumptions of the various religions, one would find that their goals are all similar and that these goals are characterized by a distinct humanism.

RELIGION IS, PERHAPS, one of the most delicate topics to touch. Yet we must declare our stand here, if for no other reason than that our views on this subject have been misrepresented and twisted by those who seek to malign us. We have commonly been called anti-God, Communist, worshippers of ‘Black Power’, and the like. There is, of course, not one grain of truth in such accusations. The real truth is that, by and large, members of the E.F.P, believe that there is some cosmic force that exists outside of ourselves which people choose to Freedom of religion personalize and call various names — God, Allah, Jehovah and so forth, and that this It takes only a short step from this stance thing or being represents the supreme good, to arrive at our present position. Since all perfection, the ideal to which man must religions have a common thread running strive. through them, and that their goals are generally praiseworthy, we believe Religion in general passionately in the freedom of religion.

Moreover, being true democrats, we go So far so good. But we challenge further and believe no less fervently in the religionists when they get insular and freedom from religion. It matters us not if a dogmatic and, in our particular man chooses not to follow the narrow path of circumstance, tell us that Christianity is the a specific religion and refuses to perform one true religion. Then we disagree, certain rites or attend a particular church on notwithstanding the presence of sincere a regular basis. We remain unconcerned if a Christians in our midst. For we respect the man proclaims that he is a Marxist who value of all religions and cannot accept that considers religion to be the opium of the Christians have a monopoly on truth. Indeed masses. It is no bother to us if a Buddhist we often think it useful to point out to declares his disbelief in the Christ and Christians that they are very much in the regards as his Heaven and spiritual uplift minority among world religions, and that which he derives on earth from ministering generally they came to that particular to the needs of his less fortunate brethren. religion purely by the accident of birth. In What moves us is action, not words; practice other words, had we been born in Pakistan, not theory; actual behaviour, not codes of we would have been Muslims; in India, conduct. To borrow a biblical statement, we Hindus; in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), say that by your fruits you are known and it Buddhists, and so on. does not matter what plant you say you are.

It so happens, however, that whatever Perhaps, then, our greatest quarrel with their doctrinal differences, in essence, the Christianity is because, as Bernard Shaw social goals of most religions run very close once said, no one would really give it a good to each other. Some people will even go so try. far as to suggest that Marxism has all the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 7.

Letters

The stimulus package A look at some and the minivans COVID-19

THE EDITOR: Before I get to the subject of the day, let me express my thanks and good admiration to CMO Dr. Keizer–Beache, the SMO Dr. Roger Duncan and the health team for their dedicated and magnificent job. It is rather unfortunate that for political reasons, some persons are very critical of these aforementioned.

Some have even gone as far as tainting their work with politics.

In good faith, a stimulus package was offered to several sectors

of the country, including the minivans. I, along with many persons, are very disappointed with the minivans. It is no secret that almost all the minivans have taken advantage of the stimulus package offered to them.

They have been offered a package of $500 for the minivans and $600 for the buses, along with free sanitizing, with the understanding that they are supposed to carry two passengers per seat, yet hardly any

minivan does that. This to me is total dishonesty by these minivans and buses. It is truly unfair to be receiving the stimulus package and still carry the full amount of passengers on a daily basis.

I strongly suggest that the traffic branch not only take out passengers, but give them a case or better yet, those who don’t adhere to the arrangement should not receive their money as agreed to, since they have not kept their end

of the bargain.

I also call upon these minivans and buses to cooperate and keep your end of the agreement, for at the end of the day, we are all Vincentians. Let us try our best to keep COVID-19 out. Also a full van and bus can contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Let us all try our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for it does not discriminate.

Kennard King

CXC, think again!!

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), in consultation with CARICOM governments it said, has decided that this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) tests will be done in July.

They also said that the exam format, for each of the exams, will be a single list of multiple-choice questions.

The finals grade will be based, CXC said, on the tests scores,

moderated school-based assessments (SBAs) for students enrolled in schools and Paper 032s for private candidates.

Well, Mr. Editor, so much for CXC and its innovation. I am one of those persons who strongly disagree with this watered down manner of assessing our students.

School-based assessments and a single multiple choice paper is no way to assess the students’ competencies in English A for sure.

To do so will be to produce students who have not been assessed

in areas like summarizing, story development and essay writing in general.

And don’t tell me about SBAs, involving writing. When the students put together these SBAs they are done so with teachers’ supervision and with teachers’ corrections.

Oh how I feel for those students who would have burned the midnight oil studying as hard as they could, writing endless papers. These tried and tested students will, according to CXC, have the same level of certification as those who

have never developed a common consciousness nor discipline to accept it as an ongoing worthwhile practice.

We have to be careful that we are not misreading the signs or allowing others to read them for us. There could well be an upsurge of the disease here, all the reason why we need collective action at this time.

What we still need, though this might be wishful thinking, given what obtains, is a genuine coalition — a Task Force of national unity to deal with this threat that is bigger than any political party, church or group of medical professionals.

This think about the

Government making an announcement or a proposal, and the Opposition proposes something else which might even be plausible, only to have each side blown down the other’s suggestions, is taking us nowhere fast.

We must demand an effort aimed at bringing

GLOBALLY, the 213 countries and territories continue to gripple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The update recorded on websites shows the coronavirus cases over 5.1 million and 330,000 deaths. Up to this point, the Windward Islands haven’t suffered any deaths.

The United States is battling with the highest number of cases 1.5 million and over 92,000 deaths, with many Afro-Americans dying. So sad!

The UK second with over 35,000 deaths, followed

by Italy 32,000, Spain 27,000 and France over 28,000 deaths. Brazil in the South Continent, deaths are rising rapidly, with over 19,000.

While some countries have already recovered, St. Lucia — 18 cases have been cleared twice of COVID-19. Dominica — 16 cases all cleared.

Grenada figures went up to 22, as an 8-year-old who acquired the virus and is shown asymptomatic (that is showing no symptoms of the virus). St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands at 18 cases, with 4 active cases.

We in St. Vincent and the Grenadines should be thankful, and continue to support each other. We cannot imagine the worst of what is yet to come.

Let us at this moment be mindful of whatever the rules of quarantine and protocols are, and stay within the limits of being safe.

MMC

simply choose a, b, c or d on a multiple choice exam.

What a thing! CXC, think again!!!

Claremont

Are we serious??

I GET THE FEELING that this country thinks it is over the worse as far as the COVID-19 crisis is concerned. If this be the case, then sadly, we have been misled and are heading in the wrong direction.

What will happen as a result of this perception, is that there will be no need for me to stay in my corner and you in yours.

There will be no need to collaborate and cooperate in the battle against any threat.

So, the practice of social distancing, which proved to be effective however small in the effort to counter the spread of COVID-19, will no longer be encouraged let alone enforced, since we would

figures

together representatives from each side to coordinate ideas and the fight against this coronavirus which, while others might think otherwise, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

United we stand, divided we fall.

KB - Kingstown

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

When Exceptionalism meets Exceptionalism

The Story of SVG and the ULP leadership - Part 2

Airport Development HAVING examined Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ first success story of exceptional leadership conquering what hitherto was a seemingly intractable problem, through the implementation of the education revolution, this week’s focus is the innovative model created by this country to conquer another exceptional challenge, that of building an International Airport.

With this country being one of two in the region to not have inherited an airport before political independence, the ULP recognized, while still in opposition, that it had to take on this Himalayan task as a top priority if this country was to march rapidly on the path to progress.

Towards the end of the NDP’s time in office, with one unkept promise after the next, it became painstakingly clear that that administration was clueless on how to deliver an international airport; that illusive dream of all Vincentians.

Achieving this exceptional goal had to be realized by exceptional leadership.

And so, in stepped the ULP government headed by Ralph Gonsalves who, in his first term, gave the commitment to make this dream, our reality!

convince the citizens of this country that he wasn’t selling them the ageold pipe dream used previously as an election gimmick. He also had to convince partners that this project was not just necessary, but doable.

The international airport was to be constructed through a creative mix of public-private partnership, and assistance from friendly countries, -a veritable rainbow of different ideologies, religious persuasion and political systems-, a partnership Dr Gonsalves dubbed, “The Coalition of the Willing”.

Initially, the coalition comprised The Republic of Cuba and The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, that partnered to complete all earth works valued at EC$183 million as a grant, with Cuba also contributing to the master plan and design at an additional EC$27 million.

Four other countries committed to patterning with SVG on the project.

Taiwan financing the terminal building, Mexico assisted with the taxiway and apron, while Canada and Trinidad and Tobago also provided assistance.

As if the challenge of constructing the airport wasn’t enough, to test the mettle of leadership and the creativity Laying out the Master Plan and innovation shown at the onset, On August 8, 2005, Prime Minister the world was about to go through the Gonsalves delivered an address to the worst financial crisis experienced in nation at the Methodist Church Hall, decades. This would put in doubt a number of commitments we had outlining his government’s plan to received as countries were now construct an international airport at looking inward, focusing Argyle. He presented in detail the understandably on ways to cushion estimated cost of the airport as EC$ the impact of this global crisis.

480.6 million, explaining the various The airport plans had to be elements that made up that figure revisited and adjusted to include other including site acquisition, site measures to raise much needed works/earth works, finance, and other countries were apron/runway/taxiway, roads and added to the coalition, including: support services, terminal building Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran. and control tower, project Bridging loans had to be taken and delivery/management, and contingency. This figure was indeed, other partnerships forged. As is the and for some, belonged in the realm practice of this government, the people were updated every step of the of the unattainable as it represented way. In underlining some of the 44% on the country’s GDP for 2004, challenges experienced during the 140% of the government’s estimated construction of this remarkable revenue for 2005 (EC$342 million) and 55% of this country’s public sector project, it must be noted that apart from disruptions caused by weather debt at the time. events, there was never any work There was no sugar coating the stoppages resulting in undue delays. facts in his address to the nation as This too testifies to what could only be Dr Gonsalves expressly stated there described as exceptional leadership! was a difficult task ahead in seeking to finance this project. He conceded that “These numbers indicate that we Conclusion cannot borrow significantly to finance On February 14, 2016, just over 8 the construction of the International years from the beginning of Airport Project. We therefore must construction, the Argyle International find other creative and innovative Airport received its first commercial ways to do so. The way we finance flight. This was indeed a gift to our this Project is thus important. We have to finance it in a way that allows citizens - one in which they were well pleased with, each and every day. our people to continue to live and One is reminded of the thrive during the period of the airport obstructionist attitudes of a desperate construction and in the years when the income stream generated from the opposition wishing everything from a airport is not yet enough, to offset the tsunami washing away the project, to it being turned into a golf course, to it cost of financing it”. being called a phantom, and It was clear that the successful ultimately, to the organising of a undertaking of such an ambitious project would take something beyond rally, to prevent the support of remarkable; something exceptionally. Taiwan. In spite of it all, we persevered and prevailed.

Never before has this model been Financing plan explained used to complete a project of this magnitude. Surely, there have been Having outlined the cost, Dr projects done through public Gonsalves proceeded to present his financing, private financing and government’s plans to finance this public-private partnerships, but never very costly project, reinforcing the before by a coalition of the willing, reasons why Vincentians voted the comprising virtually every political ULP in office in 2001. The ideology and economic system in our International airport would be the world today. Without doubt, the single largest capital project Argyle International Airport is a feat undertaken by this country, an achieved where exceptional change exceptional feat, to be accomplished became exceptional opportunity, by an exceptional leader. thanks to exceptional leadership!

Dr Gonsalves did not only have to

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation THE UNITY LABOUR PARTy (ULP) regime has failed to recognize the importance of the fisheries sector to the economic development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Not even during the COVID19 pandemic and the resulting discussion on food security, has the ULP regime developed any meaningful policy to enhance the fisheries sector. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is cognizant of the importance of the fisheries sector to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and its considerable contribution to the livelihood of the fisher-folk.

After nineteen (19) years in power, the ULP government has not implemented any creative policy to develop the fisheries sector. The ULP regime has accorded only lip service to the sector. The methods of fishing have remained the same. Also, it appears that the government has taken a ‘hands off’ approach to the marketing of fish and fish products as can be seen with the fisheries complex at Owia being unoccupied for the most part since its completion. Recently, the government has entered into an agreement with a regional company which has drawn criticism from the stake holders in the fishing industry; undoubtedly, a government that does not have a plan for the fisheries sector.

The world seafood market, which encompasses fresh, canned and frozen seafood products, is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2026, according to Global Industry Analysts. It is predicted the market will be fuelled by a rising global population, increased discretionary incomes, and technological advances such as packaging and improved transportation. Demand will be particularly strong in developing regions including Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The overall market for aquaculture and fishery products will continue to expand exponentially.

Other factors driving the market include a growing trend towards healthier eating.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines can benefit tremendously from this trend.

In order to realize our full potential and therefore maximize the contribution of this sector to the economy, the NDP will establish a Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation. The introduction of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation is definitely a novel idea. It shows the vision of our leader, Dr. Friday, not only for the fisheries sector but for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. The establishment of this ministry will demonstrate that the NDP is serious about fisheries development and the overall protection of the marine environment, as we develop a blue economy.

The fisheries sector is critical to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While the overall foreign exchange benefits from the fisheries sector is astronomical, the NDP is also mindful that hundreds of jobs can be created in this sector, improving the standard of living for Vincentians in the process.

We will ensure that the fishing industry plays an essential role in food security. Widespread incidents of natural disasters and uncertainty of the global environment and now

COVID19 have made food security a major issue. The quality of life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be improved at all levels if our country increases its capacity to provide for its food needs. The only way our nation can safeguard our food supply is to become more self-sufficient.

It is said that sustainable, productive fisheries and aquaculture improve food and nutrition security, increase income and improve livelihoods, promote economic growth and protect our environment and natural resources. Those are some of the reasons why the NDP will place tremendous emphasis on the fisheries sector.

Marine conservation is critical to the development of the fisheries sector. The experts in the fisheries sector have advised that, “A sustainable approach to fisheries and aquaculture will help to protect our natural resources and ensure that fish stocks are available for future generations. Currently, overfishing, ineffective management practices, industrial development and agricultural pollution have reduced fish stocks. While sustainable fisheries management is a challenge, solid global and regional governance of these vital resources will ensure that we can produce enough fish for those living in poor regions.” Hence, we propose the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation.

To achieve all the benefits from the fisheries sector, the NDP will: do what is required to get St. Vincent and the Grenadines off the EU black list as it relates to fishing; upgrade and reopen existing fishing facilities and ensure that fisher-folk are involved in the management of these facilities; assist fisher-folk with the usage of fish location devices to enhance fish catch; offer concessions to fisher-folk to enable them to buy boats, engines and other equipment; spearhead an overall programme to lift the status of the fisheries sector in national development by introducing education awareness in schools and communities.

We will also seek technical assistance with a view to opening a fish cannery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to capitalize on the amount of fish and fish products available; encourage the usage of ICT in fisheries in an effort to upgrade the sector to maximize gains and also for safety especially in the case of those loss at sea; explore the possibility of creating markets for by-products such as blackish oil; build capacity among fishers in all aspects of fishing, navigation, fish handling and processing, value added and business planning; encourage deep sea fishing; make funds available through the Development Bank to assist fisher folk to expand their businesses.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is well placed to benefit immensely from the fishing industry. We have an Exclusive Economic Zone of two hundred (200) miles where we can fish. And we have not been doing any large scale fishing so our species are far from depleted. The NDP will make St.Vincent and the Grenadines work for all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 9.

Views

A Clean Marine envornoment

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.” Jacques Yves Cousteau (1910-1997) - Oceanographer, explorer, conservationist, innovator, scientist, photographer, filmmaker, author and researcher who studied the sea and all prepares students for life and for living. forms of life in water.

The university’s programmes are understandably tailored to prepare the THE CITIZENS of the Caribbean often citizens of the Caribbean, and the appear to be especially blessed to have international students who now enrol at access to relatively good supplies of its various campuses, to develop the potable water. Additionally, we have knowledge and skills that will ensure grown to appreciate (but sometimes take that they add value to local, regional, for granted) the waters that surround us. and international enterprises and The Caribbean Sea, which occupies communities. It is therefore not 2.754 million km², is often regarded as surprising, and highly commendable, one of the most beautiful areas in the that UWI’s programmes in coastal and Western Hemisphere (with some marine resource management encourage subjectivity creeping in here). The waters and inspire participants to develop the of the Caribbean are still relatively clean necessary techniques and skills to and sustain an abundance of marine life in maintain the clean marine environment some locations. A visit to the Tobago Cays that the region is known for. By in the Southern Grenadines, for example, extension, these programmes encourage reminds us of the awesome privilege and healthy and abundant fish stocks and responsibility that we have to protect and therefore become critical in the region’s preserve the pristine condition of our quest for food security. marine environment. As responsible Based on the foregoing, we readily stewards, we must be forever vigilant in understand and appreciate that having preserving the quality of these priceless a clean marine environment goes bodies of water. beyond the cosmetics needed to attract The waters of the Caribbean continue tourists to our various island to be a major tourist attraction. Yacht destinations. Even as we focus on enthusiasts from around the world sustainable tourism in the coastal make their way to and through the zones, we must forever focus on Caribbean sea on a regular basis. protecting and sustaining the marine However, we do have some reasons for life cycle that provides food for our concern. Over the years, we have citizens and for export. It is quite observed some bleaching of our coral, noticeable that local and regional the accumulation of silt at some beaches markets continue to need more of our as a result of the erosion of our top soil fish, lobster, and conch stocks. This following heavy rains, and the demand is likely to experience accumulation of a variety of plastic significant growth over the next few containers of varying sizes and shapes. decades.

Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the However, we must forever be aware number of environmentally sensitised of the fact that the regional marine individuals and groups that now environment is fragile. The citizens, champion more responsible behaviours governments, and educational in relation to the preservation of our institutions within the region will do river and marine life. Many of these what we must to retain its pristine champions for positive eco development condition and, where necessary, rebuild encourage young children and youth to the ecosystems that have been get involved in these eco-friendly tarnished by our indiscretions. We behaviours. We are encouraged that must continue to ensure that we are these activists will continue to engage guardians of this most precious resource in actions that protect and preserve our — the seas. We must be the vanguard marine environment. for preventing coastal erosion, The University of the West Indies maintaining water quality standards, (UWI) must also be commended for the protection of our mangroves, coral reefs, efforts that the various campuses focus and our seagrasses. This must be on marine sciences. UWI’s Centre for considered an imperative if we are to Marine Sciences (CMS) and its Centre ensure the long-term sustainability of for Resource Management and our marine environment.

Environmental Studies (CRMES) bring Jacques Yves Cousteau, the French together regional and international oceanographer, said it well when he marine scientists, located in different reminded us that, “The sea, the great departments and from diverse unifier, is man’s only hope. Now, as disciplines, to work together on never before, the old phrase has a influencing positive and long-lasting literal meaning: we are all in the same changes among the varied Caribbean boat.” We therefore commit, and restakeholders. The university’s efforts commit, to ensuring that we protect and have already provided encouraging preserve the waters that caress our results at alleviating many of the Caribbean shores. We all have a part to complex and social issues that revolve play in sustaining this clean marine around and affect our rivers, coastal environment. Our behaviours and areas, and marine resources. They have practices on land and sea must not done commendable work in these areas. pollute our delicate marine Regional and international students environment. Each of us can help by and researchers have access to a avoiding single-use plastics that so often number of accomplished lecturers and make their way to the sea. supervisors at UWI’s CMS and CRMES. Additionally, our church groups, sports The university’s coordinated clubs, school groups, and other educational, management, and research concerned citizens can engage in river training and projects highlight best and beach clean up projects. We protect practices in ecosystem studies, coastal and preserve our marine environment management, pollution monitoring and whenever we prevent a pollutant from mitigation and pure and applied entering our waterways. research on the biology of marine organisms including corals, fish, marine Send comments, criticisms & plants, and plankton. suggestions to Education, in its truest sense, julesferdinand@gmail.com

Speak now or forever hold your peace The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.’

-Friedrich Nietzsche

educated. We cannot really claim to be educated if we never question prevailing reality or take life alternating risks in pursuit of the common good.

Too many of us are afraid to speak ‘I won’t tell you that the world matters our minds? We stand by, sometimes cheer as friends, acquaintances, nothing, or the world’s voice, or the family members are shamed, voice of society. They matter a good intimidated or brutalized into deal. They matter far too much. But submission for speaking their minds? there are moments when one has to choose between living one’s own life, We practise self-censorship, afraid to rouse the maddening mob, even when fully, entirely, completely?—?or that mob is perceived, often dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in incorrectly, to be the majority? How its hypocrisy demands. You have that many of us are too scared to have our lives ruined, simply for standing up moment now. Choose!’ for what we believe in?

- Oscar Wilde People who try to silence dissent against ‘popular belief’ are scared of WE ARE AT A CRUCIAL POINT in our individual thought. They attempt to society where political correctness has silence contrarian views not because become permanent features of the their ideas are intellectually superior, political firmament. The sole intent of but because they are fragile. They the political class is to intimidate a don’t know how to coherently and large swath of society, friend and foe confidently defend their ideas against alike, into reluctant obedience. scrutiny. They offer rage and slander All of us must decide what kind of future we want for ourselves and our instead of enlightening conversation.

Their mantra remains, wrong forum, children, our neighbours and the nation we call home. We must decide not here, not now!

They shut down debate so that they to speak up now or risk being can stay safe and certain in their enslaved by an overbearing orthodoxy conceited and deceitful bubbles. They that desires strict conformity.

Speaking up does not mean blind and don’t want to doubt their current beliefs; they refuse to grow and to mindless opposition. As Ta-Nahisi acknowledge that they might be Coates says, ‘it must mean placing wrong. They confuse and conflate our leaders and nation under unrelenting scrutiny because they are their views with what is right for the nation and its people. They have all we have got.’ complete disregard for informed We must never become so debate and policy opinions that differ complacent so as to allow extreme from theirs. minority voices to rule over the We need people to speak up, now reasonable majority. It is a truism more than ever. that the world will not be destroyed In this COVID-19 period and only by those who do wrong or evil, but by those who watch them without beyond, the interrogation of those controlling of our financial, doing anything. educational, religious and power Many of us went to the best corridors must become a permanent schools, pursued outstanding careers feature of our lives. and made successes of ourselves.

However, we have been indoctrinated Send comments, criticisms & to believe the mind-benders. We may suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com have been trained, rather than

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG needs new leadership

THE JOURNEY taken by SVG over the last 19 plus years - under the ULP regime has been nothing short of a remarkable level of incompetence and poor leadership.

There are so many more and bigger challenges confronting our people and country, because of the acute vulnerabilities we have been and are exposed to, e.g. poverty, crime and unemployment.

SVG faces such exceptional circumstances, that we need different and better leadership if we are to overcome this quagmire. Since 2001, we have had leadership that has lacked vision, creativity, innovation, and a willingness to deviate from tourism which is pulling our country down.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, has shown that he has the attributes and ability to lead SVG out of the devastating economic and financial mess created by the incompetent ULP regime.

In his early career, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, was exemplary in leadership, and had a highly successful 31-year military career in the British Royal Air Force. He was awarded many medals, including medals for

honourable and distinguished military service, exemplary conduct, high standards and professional expertise.

After a long and successful military career, he went on to gain a BSc (Hons) degree in Accounting and Finance and Economics from Oxford Brookes University, England; an MSc degree in macro-economic policy and planning in developing countries from University of Bradford, England; and an MBA from the University of Leicester, England.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, has shown that he has the ability and is qualified to do what the ULP regime has failed to do — competently manage the SVG public accounts and create a strong economy.

SVG needs a significant economic transformation and a decisive leader with a clear development agenda to do that. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is the person needed to take SVG forward.

He is best suited to bring prosperity to SVG. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is a visionary who can take the nation forward. He has spoken passionately many times about the need for speed in government decision-making, and

about the need to improve skills of the youth to accelerate economic growth.

This can only be done under a Green Government that will create a worldclass education system including building our own SVG science and technology university.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, has highlighted, time and again, the poor economy and lack of new jobs under the ULP regime.

Many businesses in SVG have complained to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, about the weak economy affecting their businesses. They know that Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is a progressive leader who has the ability to deliver economic results. SVG needs a buoyant economy in which businesses can get sales and flourish.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is self-made, strong, efficient, inspiring, and incorruptible. He is sincere, credible and a leader committed to raising his country of birth out of destitution and despair.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, stands for good governance. He realises that many people want change. Well,

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA can deliver that change.

Through sheer hard work and dedication, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA has had success in his career. He offers SVG real economic development and prosperity. He can liberate the economy from the incompetence of the ULP regime.

Since SVG independence, our leaders have been too scared to take on rich foreigners. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, will make them pay tax or deport them home if they refuse.

The economy is broken. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, can fix the economy. When he fixes the economy, this will create jobs. This will enable our people to climb out of poverty and get on the superhighway of prosperity.

The twenty-first century belongs to Vincentians, but we need change in order for you to be able to reach out and grab it.

Preparing for what lies beyond COVID-19 – 2020 Hurricane Season UNPRECEDENTED! In the last month, how often have you heard or used this word to describe these times?

As you navigate what lies ahead, what values will drive the decision-making?

If you have worked in government or have been engaged in local political activities for a while in SVG, you cannot say that you are surprised by this crisis, and these times could cause you to reflect on other disasters. The one that comes to my mind is the volcano eruption in 1979, simply

because of the length of the disruption to the society and the economy.

As the government struggles with the challenges of keeping us safe from the COVID-19, let us not forget we are coming up on what is projected to be an active hurricane season. The meteorologists are projecting over 16 named storms this hurricane season.

They are predicting hurricane activity this year that will be about 140% of the average season. It is time for us to start doing the necessary tabletop

emergency planning for a hurricane season with a twist. How will we provide shelters from a storm while having to maintain social distancing?

Where are we going to put people, after the devastation of a ‘Super Storm’? How much food will we have to have stored in our emergency center? Do we have enough backup generating capacity to power up places like the hospitals and other essential facilities?

I know we all have our own ideas on how to spend the COVID-19 relief funds: bring home our “kids” from Jamaica, Barbados, T & T, etc.; bring home cruise ship workers; purchase more testing kits for the virus; build a quarantine house; subsidize market vendors in the Kingstown; subsidize minivan operations. The social and political list goes on forever. No judgement from me on any of the honorable ideas.

Elected, and appointed community leaders will face some difficult decisions in coming months. When leaders are faced with difficult decisions, as we can see with the COVID-19 pandemic, it generates a very intense value-base debate. This will only get worse as the year progresses, if we have to deal with the possibility of a hurricane recovery while still being challenged with lifestyle changes inflected on us by this coronavirus.

The ethicist Rushworth Kidder describes this dilemma as the ethics of “right versus right.” Most of us can be relied on to do the right thing when

faced with a right verse wrong conundrum. However, when we are asked to choose between two rights, the guiding principal becomes our values. Values like the individual right versus the Community; Short-term versus Long-term; needs vs wants, etc.

These values will manifest themselves in the decisions that must be made over the next few months by our leaders: 1. Should we reduce taxes during this period to help the people affected by this pandemic, or should we maintain the taxing levels so that we can generate the revenues needed to purchase the required personnel protective equipment (PPE) for the nurses working in the hospitals?

2. Should we keep the quarantine/isolation centres to serve people infected with the COVID-19 vires, or should we open them to people likely to be made homeless due a hurricane?

3. Should we keep the Capital Development Projects moving to keep the economy stimulated, or should we use those funds to purchase emergency supplies in anticipation of a hurricane?

These are some of the choices leaders could be forced to make in the coming months. The question is: What values will drive their decisionmaking? It is fair to say, given that we don’t have agreement on what values matters, that we will continue to see intense disagreement over the wisdom and merits of the decisions our leaders make. Let’s put our egos behind and convene a disaster preparedness team to plan for ways to save lives.

V Three injured in Union Island fire

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 11.

News

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the circumstances surrounding a fire that occurred on Union Island that injured three (3) persons.

According to investigations, about 6:40 p.m. on 19.05.2020 the Union Island Fire Station was alerted about an explosion at Freddy’s Gas Station located at Clifton, Union Island. The gas station was reportedly engulfed in flames which rapidly spread to a number of nearby buildings which caused the St. Vincent Electricity Company Limited (Vinlec) to cut power to the area. In a coordinated effort the fire was brought under control by personnel from the Fire Department at approximately 11pm but

The aftermath of the fire painted a sad but important lesson.

A view from the sea of the gas station in full blaze. it remained visible up to 4 a.m. on 20.05.2020. As of 6 a.m. on 20.05.2020 firefighters were still on the scene addressing heavy steam coming from the foundation/ground of the buildings and

surrounding areas within the vicinity of the explosion.

Three (3) persons reportedly sustained injuries from the incident and were subsequently rushed to mainland, St.

Vincent, to seek medical attention at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service (SVGCG).

Lindini Neverson, l2

years old Student of Union Island sustained second degree burns about his body; Freddy North, 72 years old the owner of Freddy’s Gas Station sustained first degree burns about his body; and Shaniqua “Azaria” Alexander, 17 years old Student of Union Island sustained both second and third degree burns about her body.

The cause of the fire remains under

investigation.

According to the police as of press time Wednesday, an update on the health of the injured persons and an assessment and range of the damage caused by the fire have not yet been ascertained. These, the police promise, would be published as the information comes to hand. (Source: RSVGPF Public Relations Department)

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

A Tribute to the man: Junior ÂSocaÊ Jones

Junior ‘Soca’ Jones did not wear his politics on his forehead, but was not shy about engaging in political discourse.

It is with great sadness that I share my thoughts over this unimaginable loss of a close friend and brother.

He was a man blessed with tremendous courage who fought the battle with cancer to the end. When I saw him last in the hospital, he greeted me with a smile. For me, it was a moment of great sadness as I watched his withered body and saw him wrench in pain. Never once did he complain or ask for pity. He promised that he would continue the fight; a fight he eventually lost.

‘Soca’ was a Vincie in every respect.

He lived for the love and admiration of his people. His webpage and Message Boards attest to that. We loved him at SPOONY because he was always to be counted on. Even on the days I did not call, he would call and he would say in his made-up baritone voice, “Mr. John, I noticed I did not hear from you.”

I did not need to respond because he had already planned what he was going to do to promote whatever activities in which we were engaged.

But would conclude with, “You can tell me whatever you want me to do.”

‘Soca’ was his own man. He was politically astute and a man who knew the feel and the beat of New York. The many fans who attended his “stationary” boat rides at Sheepshead Bay or bus rides that did not reach their originally planned destinations, or even the basement and backyard “bacchanals”, can tell you that there was only one ‘Soca’. He had the connections. He knew his game.

‘Soca’ was a calypso/soca historian.

One of his most successful radio programs was one he did many years ago on Saturday mornings. It was a Saturday morning jam of Vincentian calypsonians from Lord Hawk, Sheller, Becket, Soso, Tyler, Lord Have Mercy to Jackie and Bob MC and others.

They were all on his chart. He played them all and provided the historical backdrop too.

He was an intellectual. Politics was his second nature. There was nothing he enjoyed more that to be fully engaged in political discourse. He shared with me some of the exchanges he had with our Prime Minister. As his former student, ‘Soca’ had great

respect for the Prime Minister but he also enjoyed engaging him politically, if only to show him that a former student is willing to engage in debate.

At times he declared that he was an independent but, “Mr. John, I have tremendous respect for you and would do anything to help SPOONY.” His help was always far more than we were able to afford. His commitment was spot on. SPOONY appreciates everything he did to make us look better. His contributions to our Town Hall events would never be forgotten.

I will miss him greatly, SPOONY will miss him too. New York will struggle to fill his space. The world will never be the same without Soca Jones.

My prayer and hope is that he rests in peace knowing that he did all he could and that his memory will remain with us forever.

Until we meet again.

Stephen H. Scombo John President, SPOONY

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 13.

Tribute

SGt. Chambers gets a deserving Âsend offÊ

HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS of mourners from all over St. Vincent and the Grenadines defied COVID-19 restrictions last Sunday, May 7, and turned out to pay their respects to fallen police officer - Sergeant (Ag) 209 Philbert Chambers.

It was a most deserving ‘send off’ for the law officer who had died in the execution of his duty, April 26, 2020, and the ‘send off’ was ensured by the excellent planning by the Royal SVG Police Force Public Relations Department in particular, and other supporting departments.

It was a hive of activity last Sunday in Barrouallie, hometown of Chambers, especially within and around the Barroaullie Recreation Centre where the funeral service was conducted.

Traffic had to be re-routed away from the main road through the town, for good reason, and there seemed to have been little or no encumbrances, thanks to the officers of the Traffic Department who were on duty.

The funeral service flowed smoothly and, for those who were not allowed into the actual area of the Centre, where tents were erected for use by relatives and dignitaries, there was a ‘big screen’ onto which the service was beamed so as to allow mourners on the perimeter to see and follow the proceedings.

The service was also streamed live via Facebook.

Tributes were delivered by several senior police officers, including Commissioner of Police Colin John, who made the announcement that the Royal SVG Police Force will grant a scholarship in honour of Sergeant Chambers.

The Barrouallie Recreational Centre was transformed to accommodate the officer’s funeral service.

Sgt. Philbert Chambers served for 11 years in the local constabulary.

Band.

Sgt. Philbert Chambers was given a three gunshot salute before he was lowered into his final resting place.

SoP Trevor “Buju” Bailey delivered the eulogy

Report submitted by: Donald De Riggs

The Police Youth Clubs were well He also told the represented at Sgt. Chambers’ ‘send gathering that off’, a fitting tribute to the role he consultations are played in their formation. ongoing with respect to retiring the officers Right: A grief stricken adopted daughter had to be led away during badge number 209. the service.

The Police Youth Club rendered a cemetery was lined with police special song, while cadets and other uniformed Superintendent of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey delivered officers, while some mourners ‘jigged’ to the sweet up tempo the eulogy. music provided by the Police Chambers, mourners learned, spent most of his off duty time working with youth and helping to set up Police Youth Clubs.

The route from the recreation Centre to the

Pall bearers slow march past a Guard of Honour on their way to taking their colleague to his final resting place.

Mourners were many and came from near and far to pay their finals respects.

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVGCF awards first set of grants THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Conservative Fund (SVGCF) distributed the first set of grants to three local conservation entities, during a virtual handover ceremony on May 18.

A total of EC$310, 996.78 was distributed as follows: EC$88,322.75 to Sustainable Grenadines Inc. for their project ‘Building a zero waste ecosystem for ‘enhanced biodiversity for birds and people at Belmont Salt Pond’; EC$91,314.03 to Serenity Dive Inc. for ‘a reef replanting and school dive programme’, and EC$131,360 to the Tobago Cays Marine Park towards ‘enhancing that organisation’s resource management capacity’.

Karen McDonaldThe Process Gayle Conservation Chief Finance Program Executive Manager/CBF. Officer of the SVGCF Michael John – Chairman of the Board of the SVGCF. Andrew Wilson Secretary/Treasurer of the SVGCF.

SVGCF, used the occasion to register how critical donor funding is to organizations like the SVGCF. He singled out as major benefactors to the SVGCF the German Government, the German Development Bank, the Nature Conservancy, who have all contributed to the endowment fund which has allowed for grant funding to be made available to local conservation entities.

Karen McDonald-Gayle, Vanbury Harry Conservation Finance Program Chief Executive A Milestone and Funding Manager with the CBF, explained Officer of the that the organization is a regional SVGCF. That stage of agreeing on the disbursements of environmental fund designed with funds was, in the estimation of Board Chairman two main instruments: a sinking fund which works Michael John, a milestone. with climate change and ecosystem based It was, according to him, the result of a thorough adaptation projects, and the CBF Conservation and in depth process of examination by a number of Finance Programme whose main instrument is an professionals. endowment fund that now has accounts for 12 “I am pleased that we are at this stage; this is the countries across the region. stage that we all on the Board were working It is with the assistance from these accounts that towards over the past years,” John said. national conservation trust funds are birthed, she And he especially commended the Caribbean said.

Biodiversity Fund (CBF), saying that that was the And as for the occasion of the ward of grants, she organization that gave the SVGCF its footing some remarked: “So for St Vincent and the Grenadines to five years ago. now be awarding their first grants under the trust Andrew Wilson, Secretary/Treasurer of the funds is an amazing achievement.” (DD)

Vanbury Harry recalled that the first call for proposals was issued in December 2019.

The calls focused on the qualifying goals of protecting and enhancing ecosystems, and to educate, raise awareness and empower citizens of SVG to support conservation efforts, he explained.

Interested parties were required to submit concept notes. Successful applicants were then required to submit full proposals.

According to Harry, fifteen concept notes were received from a range of entities — NGO’s, government agencies inclusive - from which six were recommended for advance to the full proposal stage.

Upon receipt of the full project proposals, a Meeting of the Board of the SVGCF held in March, reduced the lists of considerations to three.

A meeting in April approved all three finalists for funding.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 15.

News

COVID-19 assistance pours in

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES continues to be at the receiving end of assistance from multilateral lending agencies, to assist with cushioning the adverse impact occasioned by the COVID19 pandemic.

This week, the government learned that the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had approved the request of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for emergency financing

assistance of about US$16 million, to help address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This support, approved under the IMF’s Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) mechanism, is in fact to help cover SVG’s balance of payment and fiscal needs, stemming from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Fund has warned that, “that authorities are

committed to ensuring transparency and good governance in the use of COVID-19-related spending.”

The Fund recognizes that “tourism receipts have dried up, as tourism arrivals have come to a complete halt. The economy is now projected to contract by 5.5 percent –7.8 percentage points below pre-COVID-19 projections. A drop in fiscal revenues, combined with additional direct health and social

Minibus capacity increased THERE HAS BEEN RELAXATION in the COVID-19 related regulation with respect to passenger capacity of minibuses here.

Speaking on radio last Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that the maximum number of passengers allowed in a minibus will now be 12 as against the 9 that was initially regulated.

This adjustment is intended to respond to the reopening of school for senior primary and secondary school Commuters in SVG could, according to the PM, students, and applies to be looking at a legal adjustment in the licensed those buses licensed to number of passengers a minibus is allowed to carry a maximum of 18 carry. passengers.

The new regulation will be in effect Minister alluding to not going back to the 18-passenger capacity at all. for one month, following which it will In part, he said, “…we don’t go back come under review. to 18 seats, we go to 14 seats so that This recent adjustment in the persons can function in relative regulations governing the operations comfort.” of minibuses came as a result of a This off course is not yet written meeting between the Prime Minister into law and will be expected to be and the Vincentian Transportation discussed with VINTAS before a final Association (VINTAS), held last decision is made.

Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Department But perhaps the most telling has advised that the number of announcement in relation to minibus passengers for the 25- and 29-seater operations here was the Prime buses have been increased to 18 and 21, respectively.

These 29seaters, for the time being, will be allowed to carry 21 passengers.

L-R: The IMF will assist SVG to the tune of US$16m, The CDB has granted a concessionary loan of US$11.3m. expenditures, will increase the fiscal deficit and financing needs. IMF support will help cover some of these needs and allow the government to ease the impact on the population.”

Further to the IMF assistance, this country was recently successful in its loan application to the Caribbean Development Bank.

The CDB earlier this week, indicated that it had agreed to lend this country US$11.3 million (approx. EC$30.1 million), as part of US$67 million in emergency loans to seven

Caribbean countries.

The loan to SVG was one to build this country’s capacity to finance its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The other Caribbean countries earmarked for assistance under this CDB facility are Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and Suriname.

Warren Smith, President of the CDB, in announcing the assistance, said, “The provision of support to the seven countries to respond to COVID-19 and keep critical government services and

operations running is urgent to halt the economic decline and minimise social hardship, while giving focused attention to the most vulnerable people.”

Granted under generous concessional conditions, the loans are expected to provide liquidity and afford governments the room to address certain emergency needs, without “diverting resources away from critical social expenditures or health emergency needs,” the bank said. (Sources: IMF, CDB)

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Digicel files for bankruptcy; 7.4bn in ‘unsustainable’ debts

DIGICEL, the Caribbean and Pacific mobile operator, has filed for bankruptcy, saying it has “unsustainable levels of indebtedness”.

According to filings in New York, it has US$7.4 billion in outstanding debt, with revenues for the year ending March 2020 just $2.3 billion and operating profit only $479 million. KPMG has been appointed provisional liquidators.

The company is largely owned by Denis O’Brien, the Irish businessman who made a fortune by building Ireland’s first competitive mobile operator, Esat Digifone, which he sold to BT and later became O2 Ireland.

Digicel has already made an earlier attempt

to restructure its operations, but now it has told the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the US financial regulator, that it now wants to offer its Pacific business, worth $941 million, as security to creditors in a debt restructuring.

But Digicel needs court approval in Bermuda, where it is registered, for the offer to put up the Pacific business as security. If approved, the deal will go into effect on 15 June.

The group was not listed, having abandoned an attempt to float shares in 2015, but because it had issued bonds in the US, it has to report its finances to the SEC. According to its filings,

it made a combined net loss of almost $700 million in the three and a half years to September 2019. An analysis in the Irish Times says that KPMG has calculated that “a firesale of its assets” would raise $484 million to $629 million.

The group has businesses in Papua New Guinea and five other island nations in the Pacific: Fiji, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, with 2.5 million customers between them.

But its main focus is the Caribbean and Central America where its businesses range from French Guiana on the South American mainland, to Jamaica in the Caribbean, to El

Salvador on the east coast of Central America.

A spokesman for Digicel said that the Chapter 15 (bankruptcy) filing in New York would not affect operations in the 32 markets, SVG included, that the company serves from its headquarters in Jamaica.

The CEO of the Digicel group is JeanYves Charlier, who took up the role in January 2019 after a difficult time at Veon, the former VimpelCom.

Two years ago, Digicel raised $90 million in an effort to reduce debt, by selling its Jamaican towers to Phoenix Tower International, which had already bought 417 of its towers in El Salvador and Francophone countries in the West Indies. (Source: CSP) Jean-Yves Charlier, CEO of Digicel, may just have jumped from the frying pan (Veon) to the fire (Digicel).

CIBC FirstCaribbean rolls out precautions IN RESPONSE to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), CIBC FirstCaribbean continues to incorporate a range of operational measures to protect its staff and clients from risks associated with the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

“We continue to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff while maintaining a fully operational branch,” said the bank’s Country Manager Shelly-Anne Samuel. “The measures build on existing internal guidelines and constant communication with our staff, giving them advice about the virus to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Samuel further noted: Covid-19 Customer plexi glass protection at the “We also want to make CIBC FirstCaribbean branch in Kingstown. our customers and the public aware of the steps we have taken to protect the six feet spacing lines placed on them as well we our employees while the floor in the banking hall.” maintaining an uninterrupted level of The branch also recently donated first-class customer service that $27,000 EC to the Minister of Health, people have come to expect from us.” Wellness and Environment, the “All staff have been equipped with Honourable Robert T.L.V. Browne, sanitizers, masks and gloves, and we primarily for the purchase of COVID have increased the supply of hand testing kits. sanitizer available in our branch for Please also note that during clients in the main hall. We have COVID-19, the hours of operation at limited the number of clients to 15 the branch are as follows (until persons entering the branch at any further notice): one time. All contact surfaces in our * Monday — Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to branch, including ATM screens and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) keypads, are cleaned daily by a * Friday: 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. cleaning agency,” Ms. Samuel said.

To learn more about COVID-19 She added that “glass partitions updates in St Vincent and the were installed at teller stations as a Grenadines, please visit the Ministry safety precaution between clients and of Health, Wellness and Environment staff during interactions/transaction at activity, and we have implemented http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/c

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 17.

Message

National Spiritual Baptist Day Message thanksgiving service originally scheduled for May 25th 2020, leaving us with the only choice of conducting services of celebration and thanksgiving in our respective Churches. We pray that the spirit of Pentecost will descend on us as we speak: may the Holy Spirit give us utterance.

While we celebrate, let us remember our journey, our struggles and our triumphs.

From Archbishop Melford M. Pompey on behalf of the Spiritual Baptist Fraternity of St. Vincent & the Grenadines MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, I GREET YOU ON BEHALF of the Spiritual Baptist Fraternity in St Vincent and the Grenadines on this the occasion of our celebration of National Spiritual Baptist Day 2020.

Our Fraternity consists of Bishop Devon Ollivierre, Archbishop Johnny Jones, Bishop Hamal Roban, Bishop Godfrey Haywood, Bishop Elsa Young, and other leaders.

As we celebrate another anniversary of freedom and recognition on May 21st 2020, we are mindful of the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic and its effects on the world.

Already the negative impact on the global economy has seen governments offering stimulus packages; the closure of schools resulting in online learning; the loss of lives forcing mass burials; the closure of churches moving to online worship.

Let us hold on to the faith believing that God will see us through, praying for wise government, for those on the frontline, and comforting those who grieve and mourn.

Here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, almost all of our Spiritual Baptist Churches have remained open throughout, while adhering to the protocols as advised by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

We have been forced to cancel the procession of pilgrims and mass

victory in the Courts in what was described as the land mark case for the Shakers, on May 21st 1951.

In March 1965, the nation saw the repeal of the Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance of 1912, and we have seen the official recognition by the State of May 21st as National Spiritual Baptist Day: “To God be the Glory”.

Today, we stand resolute and Our Triumphs committed as never before to our God As we celebrate our freedom today, and to this noble faith, and we vow not Our Journey let us revisit and hear the echoing to allow the mistakes of our colonial voices from the inner chambers (the masters and others (then and now) to Wallace Zane describes the sacred room) of those “Praise Houses”: stand in our way, the way to praise Spiritual Baptists (also called “Be thou my Guardian and my Guide”; God. “Forever here my rest shall be”; “Come Shouters, Converted or Christian We thank the leaders who went Pilgrim) as a religion that thrives in oh thou travelers unknown”; hear before us for their fortitude and vision the Vincentian society and is noted for them groaning :“Me alone in the to build upon the foundation of our their distinctive dress, beautiful music valley” and in the Spirit of God listen pioneers, and setting us on the and their dramatic rituals. to them chanting: “Children, children pinnacle of our faith; may light no law nah dey”. Their jubilation of He continued: “Converted people perpetual shine upon them. the triumph compels us today with dedicate themselves to a life of service On behalf of Bishop Devon angel voices to sing from the inner to God and to their fellow Vincentians; courts of our churches: Ollivierre, Archbishop Johnny Jones, much of that service takes place in a “I ask them whence their victory Bishop Hamal Roban, Bishop Godfrey spiritual world not discerned by came, Haywood, Bishop Elsa Young and ordinary people”.

They, with united breath, other leaders, and on my own personal The way we practise our religion Ascribe their conquest to the Lamb, behalf, I extend to you best wishes for makes us unique: the ringing of the Their triumph to his death” a spirit-filed National Spiritual bell; the shaking when visited by the We must not forget those who stood Baptist Day 2020 – and remember: Holy Spirit; the historical incident “We are not divided, when the horse carrying the Governor up for us in the Courts and other platforms, condemning the oppressive All one body we passed one of our meetings causing Act that prevented us from One in hope and doctrine him to fall; and other historical factors worshipping God the way we know; One in charity” which resulted in a ban on the practice their efforts and the resilience of the Stay safe, and may God bless us all. of the Spiritual Baptist Faith under Shakers at the time paved the way for the law called “The Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance 1912”.

Our Struggles The period was not easy. The mountain was the main place of worship and when members’ houses were used for meetings, a watchman was placed at the door to alert the pilgrims of the presence of the police.

They were arrested, charged, fined and

imprisoned at times, as they were prepared to preserve this noble religion for generations to follow. The sacrifices of the pointers, mothers, leaders, warriors and whatever the diversity of their gifts must not go unnoticed: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints” (Psalm 116:15).

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

“All that glitters, is not gold” Dear George, I MARRIED my husband thinking that he stood to inherit his grandfather’s estate.

I have just found out that it was all lies.

There is no million-dollar grandfather’s estate at all, and my husband, who said he owned a jewelry store in Guyana, is really a drifter and has zippo.

I met my husband at a bar in Trinidad some months ago, and after he sweet-talked me, I rushed to marry him. He was supposed to be my express ticket out of debt and poverty, and I even ditched my boyfriend at the time for this fraud. It didn’t take long to find out it was all lies.

That’s all behind me now as I have to undo this mess that I have created.

My real issue now is I am trying to convince my ex-boyfriend that I made a terrible mistake and that we belong together. I want him back in my life, but he said he cannot trust me not to

break his heart again. I have apologized to him but he doesn’t believe I’m sincere.

Sorrowful Dear Sorrowful, Trust, when it is broken, is difficult to restore. You have already played your hand and your boyfriend was there to watch. He has seen what you are made of, and is probably counting his lucky stars he escaped the worse.

I suggest you do some self-evaluation and quit playing with the emotions of others. If you are not ready to get married for the right reasons, just leave it alone. As for your boyfriend, I do not think a mere apology will be enough to mend his broken heart.

George

Get your priorities in order Dear George MY WIFE and I are not on good terms. As a matter of fact, we have decided to get a divorce but still live in the same house. I met this girl whom I’m very fond of. I want to seriously date her, but she keeps telling me I’m lying to her when I tell her that I am about to get a divorce, and believes my wife and I are still intimate. I don’t

want to lose this one, but I’m afraid she won’t stick around long enough for me to prove I’m for real.

On the way out Dear On the way out, Why the rush? If this girl is indeed for you, then that should happen with time. It is a better idea to resolve your present situation and present yourself single,

disengaged and available. Love is patient, and if this girl truly loves you, she should have no problem giving you the time you need. I am certain if you are really being fair, you can understand why your story to her will sound like an overused line.

Only time and fate can answer this one.

George

Better to just walk away Dear George, I AM WRITING this letter, moments after watching my girlfriend kiss another man for what seemed like forever, after he dropped her off at the house we share.

I was not supposed to be at home at the time, and having taken a chance, she almost fainted when she entered the house and saw me.

I pretended I did not see what I saw, and she told me that her girlfriend dropped her home earlier than usual, due to severe headaches and cramps. I asked her to get some sleep so that the headache can go away. I used that time to pack my things and I left her a note along with the ring she gave me.

By the time your answer gets back to me, I will be long gone. I thought of

doing something terrible to her, but I knew you would not approve of such actions. Do you think I did the best thing by just walking away?

Tears Dear Tears, Walking away is always better than committing yourself to doing something you would regret later. I hope that you let her know in your note that you are on to her and have decided to move on to greener pastures. Going forward, you may need to speak to someone professionally to deal with the hurt and feelings of betrayal. Do not hesitate to reach out so you can begin the healing process.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely. Favors will be offered readily. You can meet new and exciting lovers through work related projects.

You may have problems with those you live with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family. Snap out of it. Don’t let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Reevaluate your motives. Don’t overspend to impress someone who interests you. Any capricious behavior will confuse loved ones and your mood swings will result in loneliness.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience. Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You need to spend less time daydreaming and more time accomplishing. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect.

You should socialize with clients or upper echelons of your industry if possible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don’t jump the gun; you may find yourself getting angry at the wrong person. Residential moves will be in your best interest. Don’t go hog wild when it comes to entertainment.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Be cautious when dealing with coworkers. You should include children in your activities. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your boss won’t be too thrilled if you leave things unfinished. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling. Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. Try not to get into disputes that will lead to estrangement’s. Don't hesitate to enlist the aid of friends or family if you have a big project to finish in your domestic environment. Invite friends in for a visit.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Put your thoughts into action. Unique forms of entertainment could capture your attention and bring about a romantic interest. You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. You are best to keep your money tied up in a safe and secure place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment. Short trips will be educational. You won’t have to look for the action. There’ll be difficulties if you spend too much.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. Don’t let others know about your private affairs. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies. Don't be too quick to judge others.

ACROSS 1. Geography aid 4. Jab 8. Smash (in) 12. Prizefighting great 13. Heed (orders) 14. Wheel part 15. Checker piece 16. Hourly pay 17. Sign gas 18. Rousing song 20. Tosses (aside) 21. From Mecca 24. Ask earnestly 27. Infuriates 31. Bran source 32. Inclination 34. Gorgeous Gardner 35. Movie house 37. Close forcefully 38. Most furious 41. Woody bush 44. Poem features 48. Speaks softly 49. Banquet quaff 51. Emulate Emily Blunt 52. Competent 53. Ardent 54. Blow – whistle 55. Spoken denials 56. Tinting agents 57. Hanks of “Forrest Gump” DOWN 1. Papa’s spouse 2. Comedian King 3. Ale serving 4. Potency 5. First Lady Michelle

6. Beer container 7. Needle opening 8. Cereal fruit 9. Rail-splitting tools 10. Coin drop 11. Female fowls 19. Livestock fodder 20. Grocery wagon 22. Facial growth 23. Mountain hotel 24. Flower vessel 25. Stadium cry 26. Savored dates or doughnuts 28. Young miss 29. Pretty Gabor 30. Journalist Donaldson

33. Steered 36. Entertains 37. Messy place 39. Bert’s Muppet chum 40. Storage buildings 41. Read briefly

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 19.

42. Wandering fellow 43. Audition quest 45. Cinematic Dillon 46. Canyon effect 47. Goblet handle 49. Crumple (up) 50. Trellis plant

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Football Premiership Division:

To end or not to end 38 points from 16 matches, followed by System Three on 33 points, but from 17 matches.

Sitting in the third spot was North Leeward Predators - 31 points from 16 matches, with Je Belle on 31 points, also from 16 matches in fourth position. BESCOPastures on 29 points from 16 matches sit in fifth place.

Sion Hill on 22 points, occupy the sixth place in the 12 team table.

But as the suspension of the championships Raymond Trimmingham of BESCO- prolonged, uncertainty Pastures. loomed as to the route to be taken with respect to THERE HAVE BEEN MIXED the Championship, granted VIEWS expressed as to what that few permutations were decisions should be taken with actually tenable. respect to incomplete Premier Division of the 2019/2020 Bring it to an end National Club Championships, staged under the aegis of the Head Coach of BESCOSVG Football Federation Pastures Raymond (SVGFA).

Trimmingham has called for The Division came to a halt the Premier Division to be in mid-March following the declared null and void. declaration of the coronavirus “Health and safety come (COVID-19) as a pandemic. first, and we don’t know when At that juncture, Hope this pandemic will end, so it is International was leading on

best that the competition is called off,” Trimmingham declared.

“We should not risk the safety of players… We are not practising social and physical distancing, even the very players ... Heaven helps us if we restart the championships and players get infected,” he added.

“It is hard for the teams which are at the top to be robbed of a title…,but health comes first over Football,” Trimmingham, a former Executive Member of the SVGFA reasoned.

In calling off the championships, Trimmingham, though, wants the Federation’s Executive to divide the prize monies and other financial resources among the clubs.

“There are players who are out of work because of the pandemic, so the clubs can give these players some sort of assistance,” he proposed.

organisation is opposed to quashing the championships, as it would “not be reasonable.

“A no result/cancellation may not resolve the issue of who qualifies for the CONCACAF tournament next year, if there is one”, John pointed out.

He believes that one has to look at what is taking place elsewhere for guidance.

“Globally, very few leagues are taking the extreme step of cancelling without a result… Most are pursuing continued suspension until the tournament can be Akin John of Hope International. completed or a shortened version involving a play off for relegation,” John related.

Instead, John prefers (even) in extreme circumstances, to see the Premiership with a winner.

“If the league ends and is ruled according to the A different view standings when the tournament was suspended, But airing a different view, then it is a reasonable is Akin John, a lead member option as the Premier of Hope International’s Division has passed the half management team. way mark,” John John disclosed that his commented.

Sharing a similar view is Ian Sardine, Ian Sardine of System Three.

President of System Three.

Sardine Dr. Kishore Shallow, President believes that the of the SVG Cricket Association Premiership and who officially launched the should have a League last week, is looking winner. forward to “this brand of cricket The long being enticing to fans here and standing Football across the globe.” administrator, The VPL is being underwritten said that the

by Dream11, a fantasy sports Executive of the platform based in Mumbai, India SVGFF should that is heavily into the gaming either declare a component of sport in India, and winner at the is said to have a user current point membership of 80 million. standings or find This will be the main audience a way of Carl Dickson, President of the of the VPL since all the 30 games finishing the SVGFA, promised to consult are to be streamed live to India. championships. with his affiliates in arriving at Local pundits have avoided “These are the decisions. predicting what the local two options,” he Dr. Kishore Shallow, President attendance would be like. proffered. of the SVGCA, is excited about the First Division of the According to the SCGCA, And the views what the VPL could mean for health protocols as encouraged by cricket in SVG. continue to be aired National Club Championships is yet to be complete. the Ministry of Health will be amidst no Only the Second Division enforced at the Playing Field and pronouncement on There matches are scheduled has been decided, while the on the actual field of play where, to be played each day. the championships.

Female, the Development and for example, saliva will not be Apart from the Junior Age Group Divisions allowed to be used on the balls.

Premier Division, I.B.A.ALLEN are yet to commence.

VPL/T10 Cricket begins today LIVE CRICKET ACTION returns to St. Vincent and the Grenadines today, Friday 22nd May. This when the first of 30 matches bowls off at 8:30am at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, in the inaugural season of the Vincy Premier League (VPL).

The League is set to run until May 30.

The VPL is a T/10 format League that features six teams (franchises), comprised entirely of Vincentian players.

This is the first time that the T/10 format is being used here at the Senior Male national level, and while SVG is not the first to reintroduce cricket since the outbreak of COVID-19 — that ‘distinction’ belongs to Vanuata in the Pacific — it is the first League to feature International Cricketers, namely, Keswick Williams, Sunil Ambris and Obed McCoy.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 21.

Sports

ÂSports must go back to old modelÊ FORMER Technical Director and National Senior Men’s Football team Head Coach- Sammy Carrington, wants to see sports return to the communities.

Carrington is convinced that for sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines to thrive again and regain some respectability, the communities must take the lead to develop the players.

“We have to get back to the days when sports belonged to the community; the community then developed all sports,” Carrington suggested.

This route must be pursued because, as

Carrington sees it, at present “there are not enough sports in the community for the children to participate.”

Towards moving and/or establishing community sports as the nucleus of sports development, Carrington has outlined an approach that he believes could achieve this, and ensure improvement and increased participation in sports.

“There are not enough functional training coaches at the youth level in most of the communities here in St Vincent and the Grenadines...We must create the optimum environment for players

to develop and flourish, by providing the best coaching that continuously challenged them to reach their potential,” Carrington posited.

He would prefer to see bona fide sports clubs emerge from within the communities which should be responsible for all sporting disciplines and (he) encourages community-based clubs to adopt sporting programmes in their respective primary schools.

And in support of how sport rooted in the community can achieve tremendous success and create community spiritedness, Carrington

Community Sports Development must include as an integral focus, primary school students like those of the Sion Hill Government School pictured here.

Inset: Sammy Carrington may not be actively involved on the ground as he used to, but he still is committed to the big picture of sports development at the national level. reference the Sion Hill Sports Club of the 1970s and 1980s, when that Club was the model for all sporting organisations and it dominating Football, Cricket and

Hooper anticipates good VPL showing ASIF HOOPER, Captain of the Grenadines Divers, one of the six franchise teams in the inaugural T20 Vincy Premier League, is upbeat about returning to the cricket field, and confident that his team will make a good showing.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN recently, Hooper expressed his satisfaction with the team and its preparation.

“Preparation has been going well... we have a good core of fit players …. Ten straight days of cricket won’t be easy, but we have a very young team as well. Communication has been going well among the players and between the players and management. I hope it continues like that,” Hooper said.

As for the team’s strength, his anticipation, he said, “We have a lot of bowling options to employ in the middle over.”

And in addressing what Asif Hooper, people might say is a lack of Captain of big names, with the exception Grenadines of marquee player Obed Divers, is not McCoy, the skipper admitted ruling his team that “..we expect Obed McCoy, out of achieving the West Indies fast bowler top honours in and the marquee player for the the inaugural team will bring a wealth of VPL. experience to this format, but I want everyone to enjoy the cricket, play it as hard as we can. We don’t have big names players in our team, but we have a team that will play as a team and feed off each other’s success, and hopefully we can come out on top in the tournament”.

The Grenadines Divers will play Salt Pond Breakers in their opening match.

The Grenadines Divers team reads: Asif Hooper (Captain), Obed McCoy (marquee player), Shem

Browne, Bracie Shem Browne, Geron Browne will Wyllie, Romano take his Pierre, Shamic warm-up Roberts, Alex half century Samuel, Tijourn as a Pope, Anson confidence Latchman, Wayne boost going Harper, Richie into the Richards and Tournament.

Razine Browne.

In addition to Grenadines Divers and Salt Pond Breakers, the other teams in the League are La Soufriere Hikers, Dark View Explorers, Fort Charlotte Strikers and Botanic Gardens Rangers.

Athletics back then.

“We have models to draw from and must do so soonest, as the COVID-19 pandemic is indicating that we have to reshape and do things differently,” Carrington proffered.

The former national football head coach appealed to persons who once served their communities but have ceased from doing so, as well as those who are willing to give of their time, to “Stay home and build back your youth community sports”.

Not to be excluded from what should always be a national effort, i.e. developing sports,

Carrington called on government authorities, state agencies and national sports associations, to move swiftly to advance community sports as part of a national development plan.

And he reminded that, “Community sports provide a gathering place for people to socialise and enjoy activities and offer their services at a low cost or even free…

This enables people of all socio- economic conditions to participate.”

Warming up And as though to settle whatever his opposing captains might have thought about his confidence ahead of the Tournament, Hooper’s Grenadines Divers recorded a commanding 9-wicket win over Fort Charlotte Strikers, in a warm-up match recently, played at Arnos Vale Two. Shem Browne hit a scintillating half century - 57 with five sixes and five fours — to lead Grenadines Divers to 100 for one off eight overs, in reply to Fort Charlotte Strikers’ 99 for 3, with Olanzo Billingy getting 20 and Obed McCoy and Richie Williams claiming 1 wicket each.

In another pre-Tournament warm-up match, Dark View Explorers were also winners when they beat Botanic Garden Rangers by 5 wickets.

Rangers batted first and struggled to 77 for 9 from 10 overs. Selron Williams was the pick of the Dark View Explorers bowlers with figures of 4 for 5. Dark View Explorers replied with 82 for 5 from 10 overs.

Kenneth Dember and Romanio Bibby took 1 wicket each.

I.B.A.ALLEN

A formidable Sion Hill Football team, coached and captained by football icon Elliot ‘Morey’ Millington (right) – team and captain both products of a community-based sports programme.

V

22. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Ballantyne ready to hand over reign THE LAST TIME this publication spoke with Pamenos Ballantyne, he took the time to reflect on his running career, his achievements, the highlights and his competitors, among other things.

In continuing that conversation with this country’s most heralded long distance/road athlete, the topic shifted to his readiness to ‘hand over the reign’.

In a rather subdued manner, he admitted that he had come to that point when he is bent on carving our another “avenue in life,” and that he is “looking forward to the day when some other athlete will pick up from where I left off.”

He will be, he said, “happy to see someone take over from me as the top long distance runner in the region. The truth is, now that I am by the gate way to depart from running competitively, and as I transition to becoming a full time coach, I will like to see an athlete break my records … go on to higher level … bring back medals from the Commonwealth and World Games and the Olympics.”

And he is prepared to help in this regard. “When I look

Squash set to resume under safety conditions THE EXECUTIVE of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association has instituted some safety measures at the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue, as it proceeds on a phased resumption of programmes and tournaments at that venue.

These measures have become necessary, given the prevailing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As a consequence, there will be no wiping of hands on the wall and glass of the facility.

Users of the facility are requested to bring their own towels and water bottle, and must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after play.

ahead to a career as a coach, my biggest satisfaction will be to coach someone from SVG who can dominate the long distance running in the Caribbean and in the world. I have the wealth of knowledge from courses and years of experience I gained over the years from competing”.

Not for the first time, he called for more opportunities for athletes to compete.

“When I started running with Caswin Prince, Ashford Morris, Tyrone Crease, Dane Samuel who were dominating long distance running — the Diamond Dairy road relay, SVG Guinness marathon and half marathon - I learned from running with those athletes and it made me a better runner. Now, there are not enough races for athletes to develop,” he said.

“There is need for a development programme for the youngsters for long distance running. We have a lot of talent here, but it is very difficult to harness their skills because things are not in place,

Pamenos Ballantyne heads towards being a full time coach and is ready to see another or others take his place on the road.

particularly in the long distances.”

Not one to shy away from saying might be considered, Ballantyne suggested “…a rapid talent search programme especially in the Leeward and Windward areas which will be served by active coaches who can push the programme…. introduction of distant events at the primary school level competitions.”

And there was something about which he was definitely happy, “I am happy to see the reintroduction of the Inter Secondary Schools Road Relay.

This should be continued and built on”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Squash returns to the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue, but it’s not business as usual.

Additionally, players must wipe their perspiration after play, avoid touching shared surfaces, and should bump rackets after sessions or games instead of shaking of hands.

Other measures in place are that players are to vacate the club in a timely manner; arrive no more than fifteen minutes before scheduled sessions, and shall not share or borrow equipment, inclusive of electronic devices.

These measures go along with the established protocols of sneezing and coughing into one’s elbows, and physical distancing of 3 to 6 feet from one another.

The SVGSA has announced too, that the Junior Development Programme will

resume on 2nd June with the Advanced Group. The Intermediate Group is slated to get back to courts on 7th July, and the Beginners Group would have their first hit on the courts from 13th September.

Meanwhile, the Junior Nationals are carded for 27th to 29th August, to be followed by the Senior Nationals from the 22nd to 25th September.

October 23 to 26 has been set aside for the hosting of the SVG General Services Limited Master Open, and November 5 to 8 for the SVG General Services Open Tournament.

The National Doubles and the Junior Graded Championships have been shelved.

Cameron threatens legal action (The following is a reprint of an article which appeared on the ESPNCricinfo news line on May 19, 2020) DAVE CAMERON, the former president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), has threatened legal action against the board unless they hand over a copy of an audit critical of his period in office.

The audit, requested by Cameron’s successor and conducted by PKF, Dave Cameron suggests a lack of financial control posed is not prepared a threat to “the board’s long-term to stand by and sustainability” and left “a massive hole” in the board’s finances. Cameron, who allow CWI to was president of CWI (previously WICB) use an audit from March 2013 until March 2019, is report against him when he is singled out for criticism several times in the report. not privy to Cameron insists he first became aware that report. of the report when contacted for comment

by ESPNcricinfo in April. He is now demanding that he is provided with a copy of it from CWI within 48 hours in order that he can “respond fully” to the “allegations made

by PKF.” A letter from Cameron’s lawyers, Thomas, John & Co, to Johnny Grave, the chief executive officer of CWI, states: “Our client maintains that that he has serious concerns about the credibility of this report, which involved the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee selected and/ or appointed by the President or Board.

“In the circumstances, and having regard to the basic principles of fairness and the right of our client to protect his reputation, our client demands, without prejudice to any rights he may now have, a full copy of this report within 48 hours, and the right to respond fully to all of the questions, comments or allegations made by PKF, and statements made by Mr Holding and the President within 21 days.

“Should CWI whether by way of the Board or management or otherwise seek in the meantime to publish the report, or refuse to meet our client’s demands for a copy of the report and time to respond, our client will have no alternative but to seek the appropriate orders and remedies from the High Court.”

While very little of the entire report has so far been published, extracts are beginning to appear in publications across the region. Notably, the former West Indies fast bowler, Michael Holding alluded to a couple of sections not published by ESPNcricinfo in various interviews - though he has not mentioned Cameron by name - while Ricky Skerritt, the current CWI president, acknowledged in a media statement that the report “uncovered some illustrations of questionable executive standards and practices.” As a result, both men have incurred the wrath of Cameron.

“The President’s statement and especially the use of the word “uncovered” carries the imputation that PKF uncovered previously hidden and unknown material, which justified or warranted the making of serious questions, comments or allegations directed at or against our client as the President of CWI,” Cameron’s lawyers continue.

“There is no question that Mr Holding believed that the contents of one part of this PKF report raised the real prospect that the offence of money-laundering either occurred, or may have occurred, and/ or exposed CWI to the risk of involvement in money-laundering. At all material times our client was the President of CWI. These allegations have now gone viral throughout the region and elsewhere.

“As indicated above, our client has not seen the report, nor has he been given any opportunity to respond to it, either by PKF or CWI. In fact, at no time did PKF seek to ascertain any fact or comment from him. However, the report or parts thereof were made known to ESPNCricinfo and Mr Holding.”

At the time of writing, with the 48-hour deadline having passed, it is understood the report has not been passed on to Cameron.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

CONFIRMED CARIBBEAN CORONAVIRUS CASES AS OF MAY 21 Source: LOOP News * Dominican Republic13,477 cases, 446 deaths, 7,142 recovered * Puerto Rico- 2,913 cases (positive only patients), 126 deaths * Cuba- 1,900 cases, 79 deaths, 1,573 recovered * Haiti- 663 cases, 22 deaths, 21 recovered * Jamaica- 529 cases, 9 deaths, 171 recovered * French Guiana- 237 cases, 1 death, 136 recovered * Martinique-192 cases, 14 deaths, 91 recovered * Guadeloupe-155 cases, 13 deaths, 113 recovered * Bermuda- 125 cases, 9 deaths, 80 recovered * Guyana- 125 cases, 10 deaths, 47 recovered * Trinidad and Tobago - 116 cases, 8 deaths, 107 recovered * Cayman Islands-111 cases, 1 death, 55 recovered * Aruba- 101 cases, 3 deaths, 95 recovered * Bahamas- 97 cases, 11 deaths, 43 recovered * Barbados- 90 cases, 7 deaths, 70 recovered * Sint Maarten- 77 cases, 15 deaths, 54 recovered * US Virgin Islands- 69 cases, 6 deaths, 61 recovered * Saint Martin- 40 cases, 3 deaths, 33 recovered * Antigua & Barbuda- 25 cases, 3 deaths, 19 recovered * Grenada- 22 cases, 17 recovered * Belize- 18 cases, 2 deaths, 16 recovered * Saint Lucia- 18 cases, 18 recovered * St Vincent & the Grenadines -18 cases, 14 recovered * Curacao-16 cases, 1 death, 14 recovered * Dominica- 16 cases, 16 recovered * Saint Kitts and Nevis- 15 cases, 15 recovered * Turks and Caicos- 12 cases, 1 death, 10 recovered * Montserrat- 11 cases, 1 death, 10 recovered * Suriname - 11 cases, 1 death, 9 recovered * British Virgin Islands- 8 cases, 1 death, 6 recovered * Saint Barthelemy-6 cases, 6 recovered * Anguilla- 3 cases, 3 recovered * Sint Eustatius- 2 cases, 2 recovered * Bonaire- 2 cases, 2 recovered * Saba- 2 cases, 2 recovered

ALMINA RICHARDS

DILLON WYNNE

Wesleyan Holiness Church Buccament Wednesday, 20th May, 2020 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Green Hill Evangelical Church Sunday, 17th May, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

ABRAHAM BROWNE MAMETA CLEMENTINA CHARLES S.D.A. Church Stubbs Sunday, 17th May, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

SONNY CHRISTOPHER THEOBALDS Park Hill Evangelical Church Sunday, 17th May, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Kingstown Chapel Tuesday, 19th May, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

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FRIDAY MAY

22, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.21

www.thevincentian.com

SOCIAL COMMENTATOR CONFUSED BY POLICE ACTION

by KENVILLE HORNE SOCIAL COMMENTATOR and Trade Unionist Kenson King said that he and police officers remain confused as to why the lawmen came to his home in Park Hill, to arrest him.

King, a Prison Officer, claimed in a Facebook posting last Monday that police came to arrest him, and the officers said they didn’t know why.

Searching for an explanation himself, he said that was left to assume that the police action was a response to an earlier posting.

“All this after a post I made about my uncle and his guns, and alleged interference in the matter that led to him getting them back according to him. I have been hunted since Friday (May 15). This should be interesting,”

King posted following the police visit of Monday 18th May. He first posted on Friday 15th that “the system” was seriously messed up, and he referenced his uncle as having a lincensed firearm and threatening some of his relatives.

He contended in that post that his uncle did not have the necessary requirements to own a firearm, but he was allowed to do so because of political affiliation.

“My uncle who has the guns, does not have a square inch of property to his name. But he can have a shotgun; he does not meet one single requirement needed to own a shotgun. …. How is he then a licensed gun owner?” King’s post read inter alia.

In another posting of the same day,

EC$1.50

Kenson King awaits a next round in his bout with the police.

work and the police show up at my gate. They have come to place me under arrest. I had to do a double take. Like, what crime did I commit?

Out of the five officers who came, none King said his uncle terrorized his could give me an answer. All they brothers. know is that the CID wants me. They “I had to personally give him a proceed to make a call to find out why warning in 2015. Numerous reports I am being arrested. The answer that have been made against him by my came back was even worse. I am being father and now …. his younger arrested for breaking ‘various sections brother. He keeps on threatening my of the Cyber Crime Act’. I then proceed uncle to shoot him. They both live in to ask what section or sections. the family house,” said King in his Nobody knows. There was then an post. exchange with my lawyers.”

As recent as last week, King said he The police eventually left, having and a relative reported the matter to not fulfilled their original mission, and the Colonaire Police Station. The King said that he is now awaiting the police moved and confiscated the guns, next step. but in a matter of days, the guns were But while he waits, King is returned to his uncle. pondering as to who reported his post With respect to the police turning and who sent five police officers to up at his home three days after his arrest him. original posing, King said last Attempts to get a response to this Monday, “…. I just got home from matter from the police proved futile.

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