THE VINCENTIAN PDF-23-12-20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER

23, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.52

COVID & 9 Nights Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Killer appeals sentence Page 4

EC$1.50

Yachties and COVID Page 15

Cricket’s new President Page 20

Prison break disgrace Page 24

GRENADA RENEGES ON PROMISE Right: Grenada’s PM Dr. Keith Mitchell offered to help with supplying petrol to Union Island, but has yet to come good on that offer.

The sole petrol station in Union island went up in flames on May 19, 2020.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE MAY 19, 2020 fatal fire at the sole petrol station in Union Island, the government of Grenada offered to provide petrol to fill the void left as far as a regular petrol supply to Union island residents and

fishermen was concern. The offer was accepted by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This act of OECS camaraderie had put to bed an earlier exchange of ‘not-so-nice words

between Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The exchange had developed when Dr.Gonsalves offered to

provide food and cooking gas to residents on Carriacou and Petite Martinique following the Covid-19 virus outbreak in the region, which resulted in Dr. Mitchell accusing him of “encouraging Grenadians to break the laws of the country …,” since Grenada’s borders were closed to protect locals. However, even after all of that and the amicable settlement occasioned by Grenada’s promise to assist the Union Island with a petrol supply, another row between the Prime Ministers could be brewing. The word is, as confirmed by Dr. Gonsalves, that Grenada has not fulfilled its promise to provide petrol to Union Island.

This disclosure was reported in the December 19 issue of THE NEW TODAY newspaper in Grenada, and was derived from what the newspaper said was an exclusive interview conducted with Dr. Gonsalves. According to Dr. Gonsalves, as per THE NEW TODAY report, not a single person in the Mitchell-led administration in St. George’s has approached his government in St. Vincent to make good on the gas promise about seven months ago. As a consequence, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government has had to take certain steps to address the situation, especially since fishermen on Union were going to Canouan and

Carriacou illegally to get gas for their use. He said that St. George’s simply did not deliver on the promise and “we just survived otherwise. Dr. Gonsalves indicated that the situation would soon be resolved as two applications are presently before the Planning Board in St. Vincent for permission to establish fuel stations on Union Island.

GRENADA: A CONDUIT FOR NDP MATERIAL PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES has fingered Grenada as being the conduit through which election material was funneled for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), in the November 5 general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This ‘charge’ was levelled by Dr. Gonsalves during an interview with Grenada’s THE NEW TODAY, as reported in that newspaper’s edition of December 19, 2020. The newspaper further Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, said that he had information that Grenada was the ‘transit’ for election material for the Opposition New Democratic Party.

reported Dr. Gonsalves as saying that he had picked up the information for “quite some time” that the election material was being stored in Grenada, and came quickly into St. Vincent via Bequia as soon as he announced the election date. He was also reported as saying that he had information that the Chinese and the financiers engaged in the passport selling business who supported the opposition in St. Vincent, had used Grenada as the transit point to get their election material into St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “I didn’t do anything about

it — the t-shirts came in through Bequia — not through the Customs,” he told the Grenada’s newspaper. As though hinting at another likely public disagreement with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, THE NEW TODAY asked Dr. Gonsalves to describe his relationship with Dr. Mitchell, he admitted, “We talk — I would say that we have a working relationship. I don’t have a close buddy-buddy relationship between him as say like how I have with Skerritt (Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt),” he responded.

Dr. Godwin Friday, leader of the opposition New Democratic Party, to the best of the knowledge of this publication, has not commented on the ‘election material’ finger pointing by the Prime Minister. Continued on Page 3.

2. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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lHE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020.

News 3

COVID-19 and Nine Nights patronage by GLORIAH… PERSONS HAVE BEEN WONDERING if the incidence of COVID-19 here will deter patrons from engaging in Nine Morning activities. Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Festival Management Committee, Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles assured: “We have been working closely with the Ministry of Health and were guided on how we conduct Nine Mornings 2020.” He assured that coronavirus protocols are employed at the Kingstown venue (Heritage Square) and encouraged other communities to follow suit. The Nine Mornings Festival commenced across the state on the morning of Wednesday 16th December. The Nine Nights of Lights at the Botanical Gardens had jumped ahead with an opening on the night of Tuesday 15th. The chairperson of the Nine Nights committee, Mrs. Calisha Solomon, like Charles, was clear that, “We have been working with the Coronavirus Taskforce to ensure persons’ safety

when they visit the Gardens: sanitization at available stations and persons subjected to temperature checks upon entry; wearing of masks and maintaining safe social distances were also encouraged.” THE VINCENTIAN traversed the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on opening night and posed the following question to a number of patrons: “Do you think that the presence of the coronavirus in SVG will deter patrons from attending the festival here this year?” Following are some responses.

hold down any Vincentian! They are a resilient people!”

persons would come out.” Nadia Windsor – Teacher:

“It appears that way. Last year, on the first night, there were more “Yes, in that people are persons than are here still concerned about the tonight. I also was virus, especially with the reluctant because I saw recent cases. Locally, we online that cases had have no transmission, so increased. We like to persons coming in need to come and enjoy a Vincy follow the protocols, Christmas but we don’t because patrons do not like to follow rules, and I want to get infected. don’t think the impact Oppositely, some persons will be lessened with will not be deterred encouraging protocols because they see it as a because we don’t like time-out for their rules.” families, and will attend.” Ikesha Delpesche – Gideon Nash – Chairman Designer: of the NPRBA: Christina Smith, “No! I don’t think it is Journalist, Barbados: “There is a visibly the COVID at all! I reduced number of believe it is more the “Definitely not! The persons here. I know that recession. People don’t rest of the region has many persons are have that kind of money been impressed with the concerned about COVID like they used to and, way SVG has handled the and with the recent even if they have it, they COVID-19 pandemic. imported cases, they are will spend it on needs Honestly, when I arrived not here because of that. more than wants.” tonight, I was a bit To put patrons at ease, disappointed at the we have put in place Lennox Bowman – Dep. numbers here but I guess protocols set out by the Chairman Nine Morning over the nights, the Ministry of Health. We Committee: presence of Vincentians encourage persons to do will increase. I am social distancing with “I don’t think new confident they will come families sticking together. cases would create such a out. This is a tradition If these are followed, disruption that Nine they have enjoyed and COVID spread will be Mornings lovers will not COVID is not going to minimized and more come out. I think people Godfrey Harry – Athletics Coach:

Four win ECGC bursaries

Christina Smith

Godfrey Harry

Gideon Nash

Nadia Windsor

Ikesha Delpesche

Lennox Bowman

would be cautious and that is certainly our hope. It’s an outdoor event and if people wear their masks they should be okay. At the same, time if it gets any worse it could impact, but for now I think people who love Nine Mornings will

still come out. Families should keep their bubbles, stay together and be aware. What I would like to say to persons who come to SVG and are in quarantine, is to respect the guidelines of the quarantine. The country could be affected healthwise and it could affect us economically as well.”

Tana Martin

Grenada: A conduit for NDP material Contionued from Frontpage.

Sylvia Ashton

Zascha Robertson

Samantha Cumberbatch

THE ECGC FOUNDATION INC., in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, announced last week, the Open Campus students who were selected to receive its Bursary for Semester 1 2020/2021. The awardees are: Ms Sylvia Ashton - BSc Early

Childhood and Family Studies; Ms Samantha Cumberbatch - BSc Human Resource Management; Ms Zascha Robertson - BSc Entrepreneurship; Ms Tana Martin - BSc Banking and Finance (Special). The UWI Open Campus and the Foundation congratulate the recipients and wish them the very

best in their academic and professional pursuits. The ECGC Foundation Inc. was incorporated on May 19, 2017 and is the brainchild of former Executive Officer, Ormond Davy, who felt that the time had come for ECGC to create a sustainable legacy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and eventually

within the OECS. He then made a proposal to the Board of Directors for the establishment of a charitable organization which will focus ECGC contributions and services to a specific worthy cause, and enhance the Company’s image as it creates a legacy, while serving the populations of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the OECS.’ (Source: The UWI Open Campus, Kingstown)

The Vincentian Prime Minister went on to explain that Dr. Mitchell is very close to former St. Vincent Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell and the New Democratic Party which he founded. For his part he said, “I got connections with man like Chester (Humphrey, the former member of the now defunct New Jewel Movement). Dr. Gonsalves is well-known to have been a close friend, advisor and confidante of the late Grenada Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. In fact, he is on record as saying that his mission is to continue the work of Bishop.

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4. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Bishop’s killer appeals sentence worked as Security Guard, had pleaded guilty to the murder of ANWAR JACK, a 26-year-old man who Spiritual Baptist Bishop, Ian Enoch, was last week Tuesday sentenced to 28 during a sitting of the High Court years, 8 months and 3 days in prison for Criminal Assizes on November 9, but murder, has appealed that sentence. sentencing was postponed pending a The appeal was filed this week by Social Inquiry Report. Jack’s Attorney- Grant Connell. Based on the facts, Jack chopped Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on Bishop Enoch to death at Argyle Monday, that the sentence has been between August 16 and 17, 2018, after appealed on the grounds that it is too Jack became fed up of the repeated harsh in the circumstances. sexual abuse by the, who had, on the Jack, a resident of Georgetown, who first occasion of a sexual encounter involving the two, drugged and buggered Jack, and subsequently took advantage of the youngster’s dire by HAYDN HUGGINS

economic situation. Attorney Grant Following the sentencing of Connell has filed an his client, Connell told THE appeal challenging VINCENTIAN, “We are in new the sentence handed territory when it comes to down on his client sentencing, and when it comes Amwar Jack for to the new guidelines issued by murder. the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. And we may and we have Murder already seen the paradigm shift in the carries a sentences being imposed.” maximum Connell added, “I know a lot of work penalty of has gone into the creation of these death by guidelines which has certainly taken hanging, but into consideration the pillars of that penalty sentencing, but I am sure if there is to was not be any fine tuning, there will be. requested by Nothing is perfect.” the Prosecution, neither was it considered by the Court. Justice Brian Cottle did not use life imprisonment as a starting point, as Jack had pleaded guilty. He instead used a term of 40 years. He then concluded that the mitigating On the 1st December, maliciously wounded a firearm at the factors outweighed the 2020, Police arrested and 25-year-old labourer of aforementioned 25-year- aggravating ones, and charged Jaron DeRoche, Petit Bordel, by shooting old labourer of Petit carried that sentence a 28-year-old him with a gun to his Bordel; and with having down to 31 years. But he Businessman of upper back. in his possession two (2) deducted two years, Frenches, with He was further three months, and 28 rounds of .40 wounding, damage to charged with damaging days for time spent on ammunition without a property, unlawful the rear windshield of remand, arriving at the license issued under the possession of a firearm motor vehicle PD232 by sentence of 28 years, 8 Firearms Act. The and ammunition, and shooting same with a months, and 3 days. incidents occurred at unlawful discharge of a gun. Heritage Square, firearm. In addition, he was Kingstown. According to charged with unlawfully DeRoche was expected investigations, about discharging a loaded to appear before the 11:00 p.m on the13th firearm within 100 yards Serious Offences Court November, 2020, the of the Kingstown public to answer to the charges. accused allegedly road; unlawfully unlawfully and discharging a loaded

Court never on vacation Businessman charged

SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett made it clear that there is no vacation when it comes to criminal justice. The Magistrate made the comment at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Monday, just after wishing everybody present, all the best for the season. “Two persons were asking me if I had Court, and my answer to them is that there is never a day when Court is on vacation.” Burnett hasten to add that his Court is open to accommodate anyone in conflict with the law. The Senior Magistrate has repeatedly stated, in court, “I have a job to do.” (HH)

for wounding

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett made it clear the Court does not go on vacation.

‘Round Belly’ charged for wounding

RAYMOND JOHNSON, a 64-year-old character on the streets of Kingstown, was granted $2,000 bail with one surety on Monday, when he appeared at the Kingstown M-agistrate’s Court on a wounding charge. Johnson, known on the streets as ‘Round Belly’, pleaded not guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding 18-year-old Zaricle Hazelwood of Edinboro, who, it is alleged, was cut with a piece of glass from a broken bottle. The offence was reportedly committed on December 19 at Kingstown. The matter has been adjourned to March 19, 2021. Johnson was not represented by a lawyer. (HH)

THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 5.

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6. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 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

.....mas. Where’s the Christ? SOMETIME AGO, Bill O’Reilly, an American television radio commentator, went on a campaign to promote the use of the holiday greeting ‘Merry Christmas’ in retail stores. He did so out of a concern that stores and other commercial outlets were replacing the ‘Merry Christmas’ greeting with rather less denominational sayings such as ‘Happy Holidays’. But O’Reilly’s concern was and is more than just a matter of semantics; its message is deeper. Let’s consider the Caribbean. Corporate Caribbean and the ‘secular forces’ e.g. the media at large, entertainment promoters, who are so dependent on Corporate Caribbean’s ‘handouts’, have done a great job of removing Christ from Christmas. The deliberate thrust by Corporate Caribbean to influence ‘change’ in our expressions, tastes, likes and dislikes might appear to represent itself as a specific, concentrated effort to turn Christmas into something that benefits them a hundredfold, but this is but one part of a whole. The plan is to keep their agenda focused on creating a holiday type mentality. The more there is to change in its favour, the better. So Valentine’s Day is adopted and packaged as though it morphed out of the placid Caribbean Sea. Easter is an extended weekend of merriment, nothing about reflection. Carnival is no longer an authentic expression of the creativity of our artists, artisans, musicians and balladeers, rooted in the cultural bellies of the people, but a period of drunkenness and licentiousness. And we have adopted Halloween and Thanksgiving, so foreign to what is Caribbean, and literally created additional spikes in commercial activity. We have fallen prey to the subliminal tactics to the extent that we have become ‘brainwashed’, resulting in a new and different sense of values and sensibilities. So much so, we either ignore

the fact that our Christmas has become something to be manipulated like plasticine or play doh, or become offended, even insulted by some of the signs that label products at Christmas to the extent that the Christ is no more! A cruise up the Leeward coast becomes a ‘Christmas Cruise’. A sale on items that escaped the sale held some four months previously becomes a ‘Grand Christmas Sale’. A river lime becomes the Christmas River Lime of all Limes’. And sale of our favourite liquor becomes a ‘Christmas Liquor Sale’. So we spend accordingly and when a drunk driver runs off the road, we comfort ourselves that he was coming from a ‘Christmas Party’. But if the truth be told, Christ was taken out of Christmas long ago. Whether Corporate Caribbean and their advertisers use the word Christmas or Christmas Holidays, is really insignificant, because what we’ve lost is not the word or even the person of Christ, even though that is unforgivable, but the message of Christmas. The celebration of Christmas, with trees, lights, Nine Mornings, punctuated with gifts and sharing, is all about a sacred relationship that we enjoy with God. The message of Christmas is all about giving to those who have absolutely no way of giving back to us – the poor, the hungry, the starving, the sick and those who have been calculatedly disenfranchised. After all, the example was given by what we accept as the first Christmas, when God gave to us, something so sacred (His son), knowing that we had and have no way to return the gift, only by giving to others. So buy, spend and give; it’s good for the economy and you’ll be contributing to the survival of the retailers in as much the same way as we rely on God for ours. But let not the secularization of Christmas deter us from the real message of Christmas. Happy Holidays! NO. Merry Christmas!

Wrapping up the old year Anticipating the new year with trepidation Edwards, Nicole Sylvester, Stella HorneAnderson, my niece Elma Dougan, Dr. Erling Harry, Patricia Mitchell of Bequia, I AM SAYING A FOND FAREWELL to Cardinal Simon of Mustique and George 2015. I will not be handling the present Howard of “Call-That-George fame. state of political ‘betweenity’, but giving A representation sample of the 90 years time for a clearer picture to emerge. plus remaining to guard the ramparts The following broad points can, include — Clement Lawrence 102, Afflick however, be stated. Generally, we are Haynes (who ran for politics beginning in experiencing the thunder and should 1954), Clement Eton, Evelyn Quammie, await possibly, the cloud burst, especially Beryl Richards, Lawrence Dopwell, the accompanying flashes of lightning Sylvester Joseph and my own bevy of when things can be seen in their proper chicks: Georgina Barrow, Rosie Brisbane, perspective. Eden Bennet, Ena Carr and Viola John. We must at the moment, ponder the Bringing up the rear are my sisters Ena court’s first ruling that the N.D.P appears in England, Elsie in the U.S.A, and cousin to be embarked on a fishing expedition, Mavis Maule of Chauncey Village. and wonder if we are to cut the fish to A pair of social events were enough to find its guts! fill my cup to over-filling during the Another thing. The N.D.P is mounting Christmas holidays. The first was the a peaceful protest demonstration which singing of the Kingstown Chorale which I will meet a police barricade sadly reported before, and the second was the organized by a Commissioner who 70th birthday celebrations of my niece Joy displayed his colours at a recent U.L.P Browne which I again mention in rally, with a gesture indicating that there expanded version. will be four in a row. The NDP, rightly or Joye was born on 25th December 1945 wrongly, disputes the fourth. in the same room at no:4 Rose Place, Contrast that scene with the Bottom Town, where I had been born on demonstration of the SVLP in 1998 at the the 17th April 1938, on Easter Sunday in opening of the House, seated in the that Year. “strangers’ gallery” and belching forth If we needed a link apart from uncleParty songs such as “We shall overcome”. niece relationship, we have it in the The labour crowds in the court yard birthday of my own mother, born Arabella shook the G.G’s car and threatened Cruickshank of Garifuna blood in the Arnhim Eustace, who was a Minister village of Fancy on the 24th March 1893, serving the James Mitchell N.D.P Good Friday. So Joye was born on government. Even then, in 1998, Arnhim Christmas Day, died on Good Friday and had been selected as the man of the N.D.P Resurrected at Easter! future to watch and attack! In my toast I also spoke of the creation Most surprising of all, the turbulence of the SVUT of which her brother Mike was caused because the U.L.P had had been President, she was secretary and attained the majority of popular votes I was the Solicitor — Legal advisor that, on which they deemed was unfairly reflected behalf of teachers and education, in their return of 7 seats, and the confronted “the strongest Government in opposition! We shall pause uneasily at the world” on what is now known as Tear this point and deal positively with Gas Friday. whatever sequel confronts us. As chairman of the PSC I was partly But we are constrained to mention that Vincent Beache, who handled our security responsible for the promotion of Joy to the headmistress position at the Girls’ High for the past 15 years, had committed School, where she exploited every himself to making the country “UNGOVERNABLE” in the circumstances opportunity to sharpen her skills in general educational development. Never of 1998. mind that I was accused of practising nepotism! The Passing Parade Joye has more than vindicated me in I lost some great friends during the her general approach to national passing year, people such as Albert ‘Jus’ welfarism. Joy to the world. (First printed in THE VINCENTIAN of December 31, 2014)

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lHE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 7.

Views

Get the prison out of town EVERY GOVERNMENT since independence has spoken about how inadequate Her Majesty’s Prison in Kingstown is. That it was built to accommodate only so many prisoners but it always seems to have two and three time that number. So when I heard about the plan to build a new prison at Belle Isle, I thought, foolish me, that it was going to be a prison to house all who would have been sent to prison, those on remand

and those sentenced to serve time for crimes they would have committed. Lo and behold, with all the ole talk, the prison in Belle Isle was built but the one in Kingstown remained, where it seems there is a mixture of those on remand and those serving time. So, Mr. Editor, we back to square one. The little I know about the conditions and how the Kingstown prison is constructed, I

would not want to be a prison officer in there. Worse, from what I gather nobody has been listening to these brave officers. The place is a time bomb and it is only because of God’s grace why something bigger has not happened there. I mean, we have had some killings in there in the past; who is to say there might not be others in the future. It is time that we begin plans for another prison outside of

Kingstown. Put it in the back of Georgetown or somewhere under Soufriere, but get it out of Kingstown. In this modern day and given how the capital has developed, it is no place for a prison, especially one with so many inmates and so visible, i.e. from the McKies Hill road. And while I done ‘put me mouth’ in this prison business, didn’t the great Mama Culture Rene Baptiste not make a big noise about how the

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! APPLICATIONS are invited from suitably qualified persons for your desired post. There is no doubt that there are needs in the society that you can fill with the desired ambition and skill. You may be able to earn a living by fulfilling some need in which you have an interest and are willing to meet the required training needs. Reliable workers are always in demand. Whatever you choose to

do, strive to use every opportunity to improve using the available resources. Much knowledge can be acquired by reading in general. In your area of interest, you can read to improve your knowledge and skills, and additionally, attach yourself to an expert. Take for example a gentleman who opened an Auto-Mechanic Shop then hired Mechanics to operate it. He then

learned the various aspects of Auto mechanic from the workers and was better able to monitor the growth of the business and assure quality of work to the customers. It used to be that you could learn everything in every profession through apprenticeship and to some extent that is still true. However, some professions require certain specific training and academic achievement in order to qualify to practice. Many businesses began from scratch. Start with what you have and acquire better equipment as you progress to produce a better-quality product. A needle worker may begin with a pair of scissors, a needle and a reel of thread. I know persons who can sew a complete dress by hand. If you do not have the required skills you may choose to be apprenticed to a seamstress or a tailor until you become proficient. Remember to value your learning as most schools require school fees. If you are learning for free, count it a blessing. Your future job begins with you and what you are interested in doing. Pursue your interest by reading about it. Check the newspapers for advertisements in the area. Learn as much as you can on your own. Seek help from those who are already practising in the field. Help where it may be useful to you. Volunteer so that you can be in close proximity to the job you want. Ask to be

apprenticed so that your learning can be more structured. Attend school in person or online where necessary to acquire the training you need. In this way you can provide yourself with a job and lift SVG higher. Anthony Stewart, PhD

prison in Kingstown was going to be turned into a museum? One of the many ‘big plans’ that never came to pass. And by the way — every time we feel we must send a ‘iron fisted’ person to man the prisons, something terrible happens. Remember Latchman and Rodriguez? I gone. Charles - Kingstown

COVID-19 and our prisons DON’T GET me wrong but we might just be getting carried away with one aspect of safety in our prisons. My concern, Mr. Editor, is the issue of prisons and COVID-19. I have not heard about any case of the COVID19 in our prisons (and I hope if there were any that the authorities will

Keeping connected virtually 2020 has been a challenging year. This past July was 15 years since we had our very successful villagers re-union in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). This year we gathered together again and cheered each other up in this season of good cheer. This time, we celebrated the festive season by having a Virtual Villagers Holiday Reunion (VVHR), using the ZOOM technology on December 6, 2020. Thanks to all who participated. We also made sure to thank the ancestors. There is an African Proverb that says: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” Similarly, when villagers die, a wealth of good deeds and information grind to a halt. It is up to the survivors to honor and preserve their memories. In this vein, we thank them for the good examples that they have set for us to follow. May they rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them. An Acrostic Prayer/Poem of Thanksgiving (VILLAGERS) (V)ery grateful are we for the good values (I)nculcated in us, O God, based on (L)ove and kindness. We are thankful for (L)ong-term friendships which we cherish (A)nd ancestors who showed us the way. (G)od, we ask you to bless them and we (E)xpress our devotion to them as they (R)emain in our hearts and (S)tay with us, forever. Amen. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!! Cheryl Phills King

disclose this to the public), so I assume that one of the safest places to take refugee against the COVID-19 must be in prison. I want to ask: Has there been any testing for the coronavirus among the prison population to mean prison officers and prisoners? Have we been testing persons before they are sent to prison whether on remand or to serve time? As a matter of fact, have they been testing persons who have been released after serving remand and/or time? Just a thought, Mr. Editor. Eddy

* Why was the venue for Nine Mornings activities in Layou changed from the waterfront to Tesheira Road? * Was there anything political in the decision? * Have there been cargo ships that have been turned away from Campden Park port because there was no equipment to offload the containers from the ships? * Anybody get lock up yet for that crime against that three-year-old? Do you agree that every man Jack involved in that video should be locked up?

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8. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

A Joyous Christmas thanks to good leadership Introduction THE CHRISTMAS season is in full swing as evident by the hive of activity in capital city Kingstown, the presence of Christmas lights, glowing brightly in communities across SVG, the start of Sunday shopping, and of course the much loved Nine Mornings Festivals. But looking back just a few short months, the idea of this level of activity in our beloved country would not have crossed the minds of many as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe with devastating and tragic effect. This country had already seen the cancellation of Easter festivities, the cancellation of Vincy Mass 2020 and the slowing to a crawl of night life with bars, restaurants and night-spots all having to reduce their activities as a result, some even closing temporarily. With Christmas Day just a day away at the publication of this article, let us reflect on the fact that Christmas this year for us is even remotely possible, while developed countries with their advancements in medicine and technology, and with the resources necessary to deal effectively with Covid-19, are preparing to impose another period of lock-down to curb the surging rate of new infections and a possible new strain of the virus. This ULP government has done well in managing the affairs of state through a most difficult time, we have done well following guidelines and doing our part. Let’s take a look back.

The terrible drought The year began with a significant reduction in rainfall, causing one of the worst droughts the country has seen in more than 70 years. This drought threatened our entire agricultural sector including crops and livestock but the Ministry of Agriculture, ably lead by Minister Saboto Caesar, took charge of the situation, addressing in a most efficacious way the plight of our farmers to ensure that all wasn’t lost. The Ministry of Agriculture provided support to livestock farmers, providing daily feed and water for their animals, and those farming crops, also got support with inputs being heavily subsidised through the input warehouse. This swift and decisive action of the Ministry of Agriculture saved our agricultural sector and was very significant to the eventual benefits the farmers would reap in a

short few month once the drought subsided. Domestic users also had to take tremendous sacrifices as water rationing became the norm, but the Central Water and Sewage Authority managed the situation well to minimise the inconvenience faced by domestic users, including transporting water to residents on the Grenadine Islands whose water supply in tanks had all but dried up.

cruise ships and other vessels, the export of agricultural produce weekly to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, the opening of school for a 3rd term to prepare students for various external exams, and the holding of General Elections, characterised by massive rallies, that saw the ULP returned for a 5th consecutive term in government. As the end of 2020 draws near, and developing countries prepare for more periods of lockdown, neighbouring countries like Grenada and St. Lucia Covid-19 Pandemic are confronted by spikes in infection Saint Vincent and the Grenadines rates, leading to clusters and was still dealing with the effects of the community spread of Covid-19, with worst drought in more than 70 years, the former preparing to impose curfew, when the World Health Organisation SVG is preparing for Christmas Day. declared Covid-19 a pandemic and The daily massive crowds in within a few short weeks, this country Kingstown, groups taking in the had recorded case number one and lighting activities at nights and the then number 2 with the latter casting large Nine Morning audiences in a cloud of panic and fear over the Kingstown, Richland Park, Stubbs and country. The major cities of the world Barrouallie, all bear testament to the that serve as source markets for our great work of the government to tourism sector and much of what SVG properly manage Covid-19. imports began to experience spiking infection numbers and even deaths, Conclusion promoting their local, national (including federal) officials to respond The confidence with which we with a variety of measures to try and approach Christmas Day 2020 is a far contain the situation. Those countries cry from the feelings of anxiety felt with their major cities began to impose measures that ranged from curfews, to full shut-downs, banning out-going and incoming flights, restricting travel, making allowances for essential services and their workers. In the region, our neighbours also imposed curfew, and closed their borders in periods of lock-downs, all in an effort ACCORDING to the Leader of SVG to protect the lives of their citizens. Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan This country lead by Comrade Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Ralph, activated the Health Services Sub-Committee under NEMO, chaired a distinct pattern has emerged by the Chief Medical Officer, to devise showing that significant weaknesses SVG’s strategy and advise the Cabinet in the leadership skills of government, have kept the SVG economy weak for on dealing with Covid-19. The 41 years. Government employed a mixture of The Labour Party Government from measures including wide-spread public education, good old-fashioned “boots on 1979 to 1984 focused mainly on agriculture and not on free, highthe ground” epidemiology and quality education from pre-school to developed protocols that were our own SVG university. This was a communicated clearly to citizens. big mistake and failed to boost the Noteworthy is the fact that this SVG economy. country didn’t close its borders, didn’t The New Democratic Party impose curfew nor did the government Government from 1984 to 2001 accept the advice of the opposition focused mainly on tourism and not on NDP to “use Chinese draconian free, high-quality education from premeasures and lock down the country school to our own SVG university. tight as a drum”. The Government’s approach made This was a big mistake and failed to the following possible: the safe return boost the SVG economy. of our seafarers to their families from The Unity Labour Party Government from 2001 to 2020 focused mainly on tourism and not on free, high-quality education from preschool to our own SVG university. This was a big mistake and failed to boost the SVG economy. Since independence, the SVG economy has been underwhelming and failed to bring prosperity to our people. In comparison, Singapore’s path of economic development was to focus on free, high-quality education from pre-School to Singapore Universities. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA lived in Singapore with his wife and children from 1963 to 1965. He is very knowledgeable about Singapore’s model for successful and sustainable development. Singapore is a World Bank success story, with one of the highest standards of living in the world. The economy is a knowledgebased economy and is very strong.

earlier this year as we navigated the early days of the pandemic. Driving through this country, the conclusion that SVG is in a bubble that removes us from the effects of Covid-19 may be drawn, when in fact it’s really the confidence of the citizens of this country in the excellent management of the pandemic by our “Five Star” Government. The mood in this country is truly festive and the economic activity taking place is nothing short of remarkable in the context of the global experiences that speak of loss of revenue by governments leading to inability to meet salary obligations and even layoffs. The ULP wishes all a very merry Christmas 2020, and reminds us to act responsibly while celebrating with family and friends. It was the responsible leadership of our government and our collective effort that made this possible. Let’s not become complacent, as we still have a long way to go. Happy Holidays!

Weak leadership equals weak economy According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, there are two main components that can ski-lift the SVG economy into prosperity and sustainable development: 1) A billion dollar investment in free, high-quality education from PreSchool to our own Science and Technology University to drive a knowledge-based economy; and 2) A billion dollar investment in our own SVG Fishing and Canning Industry. This Fishing and Canning Industry can, and will, provide a very high rate of return on the investment. More importantly, it will create mass employment for our people. Only a fool would waste money on tourism in this economic climate. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, who spent three years full time reading for his BSc(Hons) degree in Accounting and Finance and Economics at Oxford Brookes University, England, very strongly contends that a gross lack of leadership skills has been our greatest weakness since independence. The solution for our country is to urgently shake down and shake out the gross weakness in the management of public finance. New blood and a new approach with highlyqualified persons are very urgently needed to move our country out of serious poverty and destitution and into prosperity. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc(Hons) very strongly contends that we can move our country forward into prosperity with better leaders who have the skills to get the job done. Weakness in leadership skills has kept the SVG economy weak for 41 years. Change is needed.

V Rejoicing at Christmas

THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 9.

Views

‘People are brought to prison as a punishment, but not for punishment.’ Willie Ojuli, Kenyan prison warden.’

“You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received his Christmas Gift.” – John R. Rice (18951980) Baptist evangelist, author, and pastor. SOCIETIES DIFFER in relation to how they celebrate Christmas. However, most citizens would agree that many individuals look forward to the Christmas holiday season with great joy and anticipation. This is especially so among the children and youth. They, the younger ones, often anticipate “many nice things” on that very special day – toys, specially prepared food, drink, and so on. But the real joy of Christmas comes from recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; mankind’s saviour who was born just over two thousand years ago. In recognizing this, we have good reason to rejoice at Christmas. The Christmas season is known to be one in which we seek to share time and possessions with others. In many Christian societies, it is that period when efforts are made to encourage peace and demonstrate goodwill to those around. Some individuals travel long distances to get home to be with relatives and friends at this time of the year. The feeling of merriment seems to permeate the surroundings. This is also the time when radio stations regularly play Christmas carols. In the Caribbean, the Parang music lets visitors and locals know that the Christmas celebrations have commenced. The stores redecorate and exhibit a variety of toys, curtains, furniture, paint, and linoleum. The supermarkets announce the availability of hams, a variety of drinks, and other grocery items considered essential for the holiday season. Agricultural farmers and “backyard agronomists” display their sorrel, ginger, and green peas. Children, with loaded bamboo baskets on their heads, bellow the announcements that their agricultural produce is better than most others and less costly too. They let home planners know that something is lacking from their Christmas lunch if these are missing from their tables on Christmas day. These scenes are common throughout most Caribbean territories. However, there are practices that are exclusive to some countries. For example, the Nine Mornings Celebrations are unique to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Department of Culture and many of the village organisations play their role in advertising the local Nine Mornings Celebrations as they also seek to usher in the Christmas cheer. And within recent years they have also sought to encourage such activities in the rural districts; the activities are no longer confined to the capital city, Kingstown. The website for the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines provides useful insights in relation to the origin and practice of this unique activity (http://tourism.gov.vc/tourism/index. php/festivals-a-events/66-ninemornings-festival). The website confirms that the Nine Mornings festivity is unique to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It describes that, nine mornings before Christmas, Vincentians leave their homes during the early morning hours to partake in a range of activities. These include going to the beach for “sea baths”, window shopping, dances, bicycle riding, and street concerts. In the 1970s talented roller skaters would display their skills throughout the streets of Kingstown during the wee hours of the Nine

Justice begs for mercy

Morning celebrations. Over the years there have been various theories in relation to the origin of this festivity. It is generally accepted that the tradition relates to the Catholic Church’s “novena” on the nine days before Christmas. It is believed that the Catholic early morning churchgoers began “window shopping” (viewing the items on display in the store windows) after the early morning mass. Others would don their bathing suits and engage in the relaxing practice of having an early morning sea bath. Over time, the practice of the Nine Mornings festivity grew. The Ministry of Tourism’s website notes that “although popular opinion has this practice as starting during the period of slavery, it was more likely to have been a post-emancipation practice.” Other communities usher in the Christmas celebrations in unique ways also. For example, the citizens in San Fernando, in the Philippines, have a Giant Lantern Festival on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. On this occasion contestants seek to construct the largest possible lantern that is lit by a candle. Some get to be as tall as six metres high. This custom attracts visitors from all over the world and has resulted in the city being nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”. The Germans have their special way of ushering in their Christmas season. Their folklore advertise a Christmas character called Nikolaus (not to be confused with Father Christmas) who travels by donkey in the middle of the night on 6th December (Nikolas Tag). He leaves little treats like toys, sweets, fruits, and coins in the shoes of “good children” all over Germany. This is especially popular in the Bavarian region. This south-eastern region of Germany borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, and Liechtenstein. Saint Nick (as he is sometimes called) is often accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht (Farmland Rupert), a character who is usually clothed in dark garments donned with bells. Farmland Rupert sports a dirty beard and can be observed carrying a stick or whip to punish any children who may have misbehaved. Regardless to where we live and/or the traditions that we observe at this time of the year, it is important that we do not lose sight of the real reason for the Christmas celebrations. History does not record the exact date when Jesus Christ was born. However, this is that time of year when we celebrate the birth of the New Born King. It is also an ideal time for each of us to reflect on the relationship that we have with Him - Jesus Christ of Nazareth. As we reflect on this historic occasion, we should also allocate the time to introspect: Is He my Lord and Saviour? Can I call Him my Comforter and Friend? Can He call me His friend? What a blessed Christmas Day it will be as we gather with relatives and friends to worship and adore the King of all kings and the Lord of lords and be reminded of the real reason for the season. We are grateful for His tremendous sacrifice. This is why we celebrate and rejoice at Christmas! Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

‘Each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done.’ Bryan Stevenson, a human rights lawyer and author of ‘Just Mercy’. ‘SOMETIMES WE SEE THINGS we can’t unsee, and then we have a choice as to how we respond to them...every person has gifts and talents and something to contribute to our society. Our society can only flourish when the inherent worth of each person is valued.’—Alexander Mc Lean, Coordinator of Justice Defenders. Her Majesty’s Prison in Kingstown is a miserable place. Built 148 years ago, the cell blocks, like all holding cells at police stations across the country, reek with the stench of sweat and urine. Prisoners routinely sleep on the floor in overcrowded cells, and the ration is insipid and innutritious. Teens and young offenders mix, mingle and exchange notes with hardened criminals. Many are raped and or sexually abused by bullying criminals. Addressing the closing of the Assizes last Wednesday, Timothy Hazelwood, the new Superintendent of Prisons, told the Court that only two prisoners are HIV positive. We are reliably informed that that number represents an undercount. Far more damning was the revelation that 36 of the 403 inmates suffer serious mental illnesses, with tarry medical intervention. Alarmingly, 101 inmates are incarcerated for murder, while 276 or 66.03 percent of them are repeat offenders. A constituency breakdown shows that South Leeward leads with 58 inmates, followed by West Kingstown with 53, South Windward 38, Central Kingstown 35 and East St George 28. The constituencies with the lowest number of inmates are Southern Grenadines with 17 and Northern Grenadines with 9. Apart from murders, the most prevalent crimes are burglary 63, robbery 28 and theft 18, indicative of the stark reality that close to 40 percent of the population lives in poverty and over 45 percent of our youth, the section of the population most prone to crime, are unemployed. Crime is also driven by the fact that there is a disconnect between what the society, through its mass media, the economic and political elite, and the prosperity gospel of the religious leaders, tell citizens is ‘the good life’, and the failure of the very society to provide for the most basic needs of the vast majority of the population. Rhetoric aside, the get rich or die trying mentality is rewarded. Instant gratification is celebrated and promoted as the desired way of life and living. Crime and social prostitution, moral decline and societal decay are now pervasive. The statistics of 101 murders, 24 manslaughters, 16 attempted murder, and 40 wounding related offences graphically demonstrate that Vincentian society is a very violent place. In comparison, SVG recorded 35 homicides; Grenada suffered less than 15. To deal with the spiralling crime problem, the courts have come up with sentencing guidelines: 1. Retribution: to show society’s abhorrence of crime and reflect its intolerance for criminal conduct. 2. Deterrence: intended to be a restraint against potential repeat

criminal activity by others and the particular criminal relapsing into criminal activity on release. (Our repeat offenders rate of 66 percent indicates that specific deterrence is an ineffective tool to combat criminal behavior, which is spontaneous or spawned by addictions or necessity.) 3. Prevention: to protect society from those who persist in high rates of criminality. 4. Rehabilitation: to engage the prisoner in activities that would assist him or her with reintegration into society after prison. These principles are cushioned by a new set of sentencing guidelines which calls for stiffer sentences for most crimes. The guidelines remove the discretion which formally resided in the sentencing judges and compel them to arrive at a sentence through a sentencing grip. It was this reality which allowed a judge to sentence a prisoner, who was drugged and raped by his abuser, to 31 years in jail for murder even though the condemned man also suffered mental health issues. The long sentences we are witnessing come directly out of the American policy manuals which resulted in an explosion of the prison population in that country. Unless we swiftly disengage and reset, anticipate the warehousing of hundreds of young men to draconian sentences. Rehabilitation is a commendable principle in sentencing, but it is all but non-existent in the daily functions of the criminal justice system. Prisoners are and callously warehoused out of sight and out of mind. It takes the occasional jailbreak to bring into focus the prisons and prisoners, and even then citizens and high officials cavalierly speak of extrajudicial killings as a means of solving the problem. The research is detailed and telling. Crime is a youthful endeavour. Sixtyfour percent of all the persons behind bars are younger than 49, yet we continue to hold more than 50 prisoners who have gone past age 50, rather than find ways to reintegrate them into society. There is no system of parole in SVG, which allows for early release once the parole board concludes that the prisoner is a fit and proper person to gain such favour from the state. Take the case of Alpheus Horne. He has been incarcerated for a quarter of a century for the serious crime of rape. His sentence was life imprisonment. Had he committed rape today, he would be sentenced to less than 20 years. Horne has already served about 37 prison years and is now close to 60 years old. The prison authorities don’t consider Horne dangerous or a flight risk because they frequently send him to assist with chores. A few years ago, Horne was sent to the Ministry of Telecommunications to assist with the movement of furniture. A filing cabinet slipped and broke his leg. He suffered months of pain and suffering, was never compensated for the injury and remained behind bars. Any society committed to restorative justice will find a way to free Horne even on parole, but not this heartless, progressive outpost. And there are more such prisoners. Hazelwood and his deputy Bailey may be the new sheriffs at prisons, but don’t look for drastic changes for the better. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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10. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

BRAGSA pays out $2.5 million

Work on reclaiming lost land at the Richmond Rove site was successfully completed. Right: The 2020 Christmas Cleaning Programme focused on drains and their surroundings. (Photo Credit: BRAGSA) LAST MONDAY AND TUESDAY, Dec. 21 and 22, the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) paid out some $2.5.million dollars to workers employed in this year’s Christmas Road Cleaning Programme The money was for a seven-day period of work involving some 5,405 persons and over 100 truckers. The work concentrated on cleaning drains and other waterways that had become clogged or overgrown with bushes as a result of recent heavy rains.

Beams used in the Georgetown Coastal Defence Project.

Richmond BRAGSA also announced late last week that it had completed excavation work on 300 feet of the Richmond River. The work that was undertaken saw the rebuilding of an area of the river bank, damaged following the heavy rains in recent months. In effect, the work was carried out in an effort to reclaim a section of the road that was damaged due to those rains. In addition, work was done to align and trench the river bed to facilitate a smoother flow of water.

BRAGSA personnel conducting strength test on a beam sample used in coastal defence projects. defence work currently being undertaken and such work earmarked for the future, BRAGSA has assured that it has

conducted tests on beam samples currently being used on the Georgetown Coastal Defence Project. The flexural strength

tests were done to determine the maximum load the concrete would be able to take before failure. The beam samples were taken from the OB Sadoo Plant located in Rabacca, and the tests were carried out at BRAGSA’s Laboratory located in Argyle.

the replacement of toilets and wash basins, along with the construction of a Meanwhile, persons counter and a baby coming into capital Kingstown for whatever change station in the reason will be pleased to female bathroom. Work was also done on note that the Soroptimist the roof, a perimeter International Comfort fence was erected, and Station situated at Heritage Square has re- painting and electrical work carried out on the open. building. (Source: The refurbishment of BRAGSA) the Comfort Station saw

Comfort Station

Coastal Defence And as far as allaying any fears about coastal

The Soroptimist International Comfort Station at Heritage Square was given a complete facelift, both inside and out.

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 11.

Arts

Traffic Angels retains Caroling title THERE WAS one repeat winner and one new winner in this year’s Police Cooperative Credit UnionPolice Caroling Contest. Traffic Angels held on to the title among the senior choirs, while debutant Calliaqua Police Youth Club Carolers dethroned Rose Hall Police Youth Club Carolers in the junior category. The Contest, themed “Oh What a Year! Time to Spread Some Christmas Cheer’, and held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Central Police Station, attracted eight (8) senior choirs and seven (7) junior choirs. In what some patrons referred to as “one of the best” police caroling contests they have ever witnessed, the Traffic Angels almost made a complete sweep of the various sub-categories for senior choirs.

Not only did they take the Senior Choirs Title with their “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” in the traditional category and “Unique Christmas in Vincy” in the original category, they were adjudged the “Best Dress” choir; copped the Best Traditional Carol title and tied with Western Carolers in the “Best Speech” category. Western Carolers also took home the top prize in the Best Original Carol with a number entitled “It’s Gonna be Okay”. Western Carolers also took the second position among the Senior choirs with renditions of “Oh Come! Oh Come Emmanuel” and “It’s Gonna be Okay”; while Training Carolers placed third with “Do You See What I See?” and “Rona Christmas”.

Junior Choir champs Calliaqua Police Youth Club Carolers.

Among the Juniors, who were required to do one song, Calliaqua Police Youth Club Carolers ran away with the title doing “Santa Claus is coming to Town”. Spring Village Police Youth Club Carolers placed second with “Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem”. Winners in the various categories were rewarded with trophies compliments Standard Shippers Inc., cash prizes, beverages, courtesy the St. Vincent Brewery, and gift baskets from Global Distributors and the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC). During an impromptu segment of the evening’s programme, three (3) patrons won one (1) Samsung Galaxy smart phone each, compliments FLOW. Several artistes made guest appearances: the Melisizwee Brothers, Lola, Urias Little,

Randy “Luta” Mc Intosh and the Gazetted Officers Choir. Judges were Ms. Penola Ross, Mr. Aubrey Gould and Mr. Earl Paynter and the master of ceremony was Mr. Shevrell “Candy Man” Mc Millan. According to Coordinator of the caroling contest Assistant Superintendent Junior Simmons, one of the judges suggested (privately) that the RSVGPF should consider a regional Police Caroling

Members of the Traffic Department carolers celebrate the retention of their title. Competition. ASP Simmons promised to have the suggestion discussed with the police hierarchy and members of the organizing committee. The caroling contest was held under the theme “Oh What a Year! Time to Spread Some Christmas Cheer”. (Source: RSVGPF)

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12. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Da Silva lights up

VINCENTIAN. Fortunately for her, she said that she had already envisioned what her presentation was going to be. According to Da Silva, while taking down the items of her 2019 presentation, she became inspired by a biblical message — Matthew 2:1-2. “So I said to myself, what is happening here?” She read the bit of scripture, which told the story of the visit of the Three Wise Men to pay homage to the baby Jesus. “I was struck by the word ‘homage’ and so I paid homage to Christ this time around,” she said. This section of Olivia Da Silva’s presentation highlights the “You just have to look, and popular Rudolph the red nose reindeer Christmas song. you will see the theme speaks for itself,” Da Silva added. AMID ALL THE CHALLENGES that wins. Her 2020 presentation 2020 threw her way, the lights The theme she selected for contains interpretations of and were turned on at the residence of this her 18th year in the depictions from various Olivia Da Silva at Cane End, last competition is ‘Paying homage Christmas Carols/favourites, Saturday. to Christ the King while e.g. ‘I saw three ships (come Da Silva has won the Best Serenading with Carols’. sailing in)’, ‘Angels you have Lit Private House competition, “What has happened for 2020 heard on high’ and ‘Rudolph the conducted under the auspices of I never experienced this — there red nose reindeer’. the Nine Mornings Festival was COVID, elections and I All in all, getting through the Committee, ten times and this thought there was not going to process of putting the year, if she is successful in her be any lighting competition this presentation together was not bid, will make it six straight year,” Da Silva told THE easy, having to deal

simultaneously with all the other daily chores. In that light, Da Silva admitted that she was fortunate to have accomplished the task. She credited her grandson, Francis, for his assistance especially, at times, in adding creativity to the overall design. “We feel accomplished, we feel satisfied,” Da Silva said adding that it was important to maintain a standard. (DD)

Olivia Da Silva and grandson Francis – put their hearts, souls and creativity into the 2020 presentation. Below: Reflecting the message of the birth of the Christ child, the essence of the season.

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 13.

Regional

Barbados, SVG back on LIATÊs schedule LIAT, or what is left of it, has been cleared for landing in Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Plans to include these two territories in a list of seven destination to which LIAT would have recommenced a commercial service on November 30, ran into a hiccup when the two territories refused permission

for LIAT to include them on the schedule. The government of Antigua and Barbuda, who leads the effort to return LIAT or some semblance of it to the skies, called the action of the two CARICOM partners “subterfuge and trickery.” Now, following protracted

LIAT on the ground in Barbados should become something of a regular feature from hereon.

discussions, the two territories “have dropped their objections and will open their respective runaways to LIAT. In fact, a LIAT flight to Barbados was scheduled for last Monday, Dec. 21. Speaking to the Observer online service following the announcement by LIAT, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, EP Chet Greene, welcomed the return of Antigua-based carrier to Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines. He described the move as a huge benefit to the airline’s operations and to the concept of regional integration. “It’s a good day for LIAT, it’s a good day for the regional integration movement. The fact that LIAT is in the skies requires traffic for LIAT to be sustained and maintained in the skies. So, to have rights into Barbados [and] into St Vincent, that’s more than welcomed. The Minister also talked up the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and both countries, calling this incident nothing but a disagreement. “We’ve never had anything but good

EP Chet Green, Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, sees the return of LIAT to Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as having benefits for the wider region. relations [and] one disagreement does not a relationship spoil. (The fact that) Barbados or St Vincent would have had a different view on the matter, in no way at all takes away from the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and these two Caribbean jurisdictions. “Ralph Gonsalves has been the longest-serving prime minister of this era [and] Mia Mottley [is] the only female prime minister of the CARICOM region in this era, [so] they both understand the value of regionalism. I don’t think there’s anything untoward with the relationship,” Green said.

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14. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Youth/Arts

ÂMac IÊ releases Christmas Parang

Brendon ‘Mac I’ Saunders holding up two hams, one of the ‘delicacies’ he enjoys most at Christmas.

song flowed,” Saunders related Admitting that Christmas is a time that HAVING FIRST TRIED HIS block for almost 365 contributed to the way of he enjoys, Saunders HAND at the Soca genre in days, I have decided to life of Vincentians. disclosed that even 2004, the stop-start write a Christmas “I just wanted to build though he is a father of musical career of Brendon Parang.” a song that reflected the two children, he does not Saunders, aka’ Mac I’, has Highlighting that aspects of a true Vincy like to miss any of the taken another turn. Christmas is a time Christmas and one which festivities, i.e. ‘action’. Saunders, a resident when families get the little children can “There is no part of of Sion Hill who together and show love, sing back, so I just went Christmas that I want to describes himself as a Saunders said he wanted with that understanding miss...the opening of the vendor, has released a to ensure that he and the concept of the gifts, eating up the ham, Christmas Parang song entitled: ‘Aint missing no part of Christmas’, which was done on the Christmas Eve Rhythm. Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN, Saunders JASPER ALEXANDER Calypso Competition for and went straight to the noted, “Being on the entered the Junior the first time in 2013 finals. In fact, Jasper placed a creditable fourth. The following year, as though to showcase his versatility, he competed in both the Calypso and Soca segments of the Competition. But the Calypso/Soca stage was not his only stage, so to speak. The versatile youth was also a lead in a production for the Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival. He continued his acting and singing post- secondary school, appearing in and directing short promotional videos and dabbling in the hip hop genre. Now, But for Christmas 2020, Alexander has ventured out into a new sphere, releasing his first Christmas song, ‘All we Love’. Encouraged by fellow Sion Hill resident, Brendon ‘Mac I’ Saunders, Jasper jumped at the opportunity to further showcase his versatility. “My main aim of the song was to show what I really love about Christmas… Christmas really warms my heart; it’s a really, really nice feeling...I like the lighting up… Since I was small, I always like Sion Hill Lighting up… I like the Nine Mornings Festival, so I put all those things in my song,” Jasper said with an air of accomplishment.

having some drinks with friends, going to Nine Mornings, all the fun activities, like the Lighting up of the communities,” Saunders listed with a passion in his voice. The Soca artiste is hopeful that with the reviews he is getting for his Christmas Parang, this will push him to being consistent.

“I am getting good reviews. I performed at the first Nine Mornings activities in Kingstown on Wednesday and I am slated for another performance, so I am looking forward to push the song,” Saunders said. Saunders disclosed that his Christmas Parang can be listened to on You Tube.

Young artiste shows versatility And even as he admitted to “staying with the new music,” he said he held on to many of the local Christmas traditions. He described himself as a traditionalist, saying, “I like to hold up traditions, not holding them up as hostages, but to continue them...I will often hear my peers say that they fed up hearing those old ‘parang’… I don’t want to be like them…. I want to continue the legacy of good parang, with the old school fashion of the music.”

Even as he noted that his song is already getting some international play, he said his real aim is just to continue his musical career. “I am a fairly new artiste… trying out a few things, seeing how far I can go and what best suits me,” Alexander related. Alexander’s ‘All we Love’, can be heard on You Tube, Instagram at Jasper YMC, Facebook at Jasper Alexander and one Twitter- Jasper YMC1.

Jasper Alexander is not afraid to show his variety as far as handling different genres is concerned.

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 15.

News

Workers from Mustique must be tested AS OF MONDAY, December 14, workers travelling from Mustique to mainland St. Vincent were required to have COVID-19 tests. A release from the Health Authorities said that the test must be administered at least 48 hours in advance of travel, whether by air or sea. The test must be a throat swab test and according to the release, is available at the Mustique Medical Clinic at no cost. Workers intending to travel to St. Vincent are advised that they their bookings must be made 48 hours in advance and this applies to both air and sea travel. The vast majority if not all the workers to whom this directive applies, are Vincentian born whose normal place of abode is on the mainland. There was, as far as THE VINCENTIAN was able to discern, no directive applicable to residents, local and foreign, of Mustique. Meanwhile, residents of the Southern Grenadines have been urged to desist from travelling to Grenada and Carriacou. Additionally, all contact with persons from these islands should take place only after they have

Many of the workers on Mustique to whom the directive applies are employed in construction projects. been cleared by the local health authorities. This advisory comes consequent upon a recent spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Grenada, over a period of a week. And while Grenada authorities recognize that the majority of that spike is confined to Grenada Sandals Resort, the government is taking no chances and has banned all mass gathering but has not instituted a national lockdown. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment confirmed that as of Monday 21st December this country had recorded a total of one hundred and seven (107) COVID-19 cases, eighty-five (85)

of which have recovered. The Ministry also confirmed that as the date referenced, there were twenty-two (22) active COVID-19 cases imported from high-risk countries.

Adjusted COVID-19 protocol for ‘yachties’ ACCORDING to Dr. Roger Duncan, Medical Officer of Health, the COVID-19 related protocols for yachties’ are “not that different from those that arrive by air.” He made the disclosure on a episode of the Roundtable Talk programme aired on VC3 TV. Dr. Duncan explained that the crews and passengers of the yachts are tested upon arrival and Dr. Roger Duncan, enter the mandatory fiveMOH, ‘clears’ the air day quarantine, with the regarding the COVIDdifference being that they remain on board the yachts 19 protocols for and not spenr the five-day ‘yachties’. period at an assigned hotel. They are tested again on completion of the fiveday quarantine. However, unlike nationals and visitors arriving by air, the ‘yachties’ are not subject to an additional mandatory nine-day quarantine at their ‘homes’, following completion of the five-day quarantine. Once the test after the five-day quarantine is negative, a ‘yachtie’ is allowed, according to Dr. Duncan, “to move around in a controlled way.” There are however, “required to log daily with us, where they are, where they’re going, what they’re doing, submit temperature checks on a daily basis of their crew and others on board.,” Dr. Duncan added. Duncan concluded, “So it’s not very much different from what we do with people arriving by air.” Editor’s Note: Is it? Left: There were at least six luxury yachts anchored off Young island for a period of more than two weeks. There might have been more moored in the territorial waters of this country.

SVG observes Human Rights Day ‘RECOVER BETTER STAND UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS’ was the theme under which St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined the rest of the world, in commemorating Human Rights Day 2020. The theme was in sync with the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on creating equal opportunities for everyone to address the failures and disappointments due to the virus. It also climaxed the United Nation's ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’. President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association Samantha Robertson

said her team took the opportunity to join with Marion House, in staging a motorcade FROM the counselling facility at Sally Spring, to capital Kingstown and back. The motorcade featured sharing messages about the universal Declaration of Human Rights through the use of amplified sound, and the playing of songs which focused on the importance of knowing one’s rights. Pit stops were made along the route during which members of the Association engaged persons, and shared relevant printed matter. Robertson declared, "It was well received.

A member of the SVG Human Rights Association (left) engage the public on issues related to human rights. However, we realize that many people still don't know their rights or believe that they are not getting their due justice. We encourage everyone to be informed about their right to equality and other fundamental freedoms which this

country is signed on to, and is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." Human Rights Day is observed on December 10, which is also the same day on which the General Assembly of the

Left: The team from the SVG Human Rights Association who spent Human Rights Day highlighting the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), in 1948. The UDHR is a document that states the

rights that all humans are entitled to, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language or any political opinion. (SG)

16. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 17.

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18. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Stop pointing fingers not know what that voice note was about. Yes, I had a fling with this guy. I A BUSINESSMAN in Kingstown had the never thought he would stoop that low gall to send me a voice note in the give me HIV, possibly, and to send middle of the night while I was in bed such information by phone instead of with my husband, telling me to go and in person and talk to me. get tested for HIV. My husband heard Since that night, my husband has the message and demanded that I play it kept his distance but threatens to again for him to hear more clearly. I divorce me if I do not divulge the guy’s tried in vain to explain to him that I did

Dear George,

Stop denying the truth he is human like everyone else. What right has she to tell me I IS IT FAIR to label my husband as a wife beater am married to a wife beater? This has me very if he hit me only one upset. time? My girlfriend was at Happily Married my house when my husband grabbed my Dear Happily Married, shoulders, shook me violently then slapped I am going to, right off me a few times. She is the bat, suggest that you now advising that I get see a marriage as far away from my counsellor immediately “wife beater” husband to help you snap out of before he kills me. I know my husband is that denial zone that you’re in. a loving man; he has Your denial is never hit me before; and

Dear George,

preventing you from seeing the truth about your husband. Stop making excuses for him and his violent behaviour. He has hit you once and there is nothing to prevent him from hitting you again. Your girlfriend has your best interest at heart and this is one time you need to listen to her. It’s time you wake up and get the help that’s needed.

George

A baby in the middle your ‘ex’. You need to sort yourself and your Dear Wishing wife, I AM FOUR WEEKS feelings out and more pregnant and my husband thinks the baby When you feel no guilt importantly, you need to level with your husband; is his. I have been or remorse for two seeing my longtime timing your husband, it’s he deserves to know the boyfriend on the side and time to face the horrible truth. The assistance of a professional counsellor when I told him I was truth. could help you in this pregnant, he was elated. Maybe you are not regard. He confessed this and never was in love becoming a father was with your husband. George his dream and vowed to Maybe and just maybe be the best father. your heart is really with That said, even though I told my ‘ex’ the baby was his, I am not 100% certain. Deep down, though, I wish the baby was my ‘ex’ so that the whole thing could blow up, and I could return to my ‘ex’. Am I a bad person for wishing that? What should I do now?

Dear George,

Wishing wife

name. Maybe this guy wants to destroy my is enough to put your marriage at risk. marriage so he can have me for Quit pointing fingers and use this himself? opportunity to level with your husband I’m caught between a rock and a with the hope of salvaging your hard place and need your help. marriage. Some professional help Worried could help in this regard. In the meantime, get yourself Dear Worried, tested. That will answer one question at least. What’s this about a businessman wanting to destroy your marriage? George You being sexually involved with him

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You may have problems with children. You're undergoing changes. Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you. Financial gains can be made.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your mate will be pushing you to do things that you really don't want to do. Make plans to do something special with the one you love. Use your added discipline to get what you want.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your mind may not be on the job. Romantic relationships should stabilize. Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action. You could expand your circle of friends if you get involved in unusual activities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Uncertainties regarding your home and family are evident. Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners. A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to let your emotions interfere with the completion of your work. Your high energy and discipline will enable you to complete any seemingly insurmountable tasks.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You need adventure and excitement in your life. Taking on too much won't help the situation. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your persuasive nature will win the heart of someone you've had your eye on. You can make financial gains through investments and dealing with other people's money.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work. Take time to listen to the problems of family members. You can enjoy short trips.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your concern with older family members and those less fortunate than yourself will only add to your attractiveness. You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You'll meet new friends if you try new activities. Put your thoughts into action. Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose. Try to curb your bad habits.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try to iron out any friction over money with your mate or conflicts could prevail. Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

ACROSS 1. Weave (spells) 5. Old cloths 9. Sack or tote 12. Thin woodwind 13. TV’s Baldwin 14. Far from warm 15. Marries 16. Christen 17. Ms. Basinger 18. Towing boat 20. Requirements 22. Brittle 25. Pare (pears) 27. Decompose gradually 28. Mouth-related 30. Small barrels 34. Large primate 35. Hardware buy 37. Pigeon noise 38. Brief letter 40. Family 41. Skirt border 42. Tints 44. Ascended 46. Rural towers 49. Rejuvenating retreat 50. Busy bustle 51. Conceal 54. Annoys 58. Positive vote 59. Not irregular 60. Shade giver 61. __ Diego 62. Monthly housing expense 63. Cook slowly DOWN 1. Farm critter 2. President Lincoln, fondly 3. Turf chunk 4. School hurdles 5. Tolled

6. Resembling: 2 wds. 7. Precious rock 8. Play setting 9. Pedaled transport 10. Caustic substance 11. Workout spots 19. Above 21. Antler bearer 22. Overfill 23. Braided cord 24. Ledger entry 25. Buckets 26. Music great Fitzgerald 29. Timed contest 31. Sonic reverberation 32. Departs 33. Imprecise amount 36. Garment

fastener 39. Triumphant cry 43. Escort (in) 45. Speaks wildly 46. Talks 47. Imaginative concept 48. Money advance

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 19.

49. Mailed (mail) 52. Common contraction 53. Animal home 55. Gallery showing 56. Innocent exclamation 57. Execute embroidery

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20. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Ambris stands out among SVGCA Awardees Left: Sunil Ambris (right) receives one of his top awards from Ian Allen, former national and W.I. fast bowler. national competitions, took the Clarence Paddy Thomas Youth Cricketer of the Year Award. And Edelyn Turtin joined the the top male awardees when she was named the Phernal Charles Female Cricketer of the Year. Cordel Jack took the Cinda Bobb Regional Female Cricketer of the Year. Errol “Errie” Hannibal, currently the longest (28 years) serving member of the Ground Staff of the National Sports Council, was named Groundsman of the Year. SUNIL AMBRIS, who was overlooked by Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Cricket West Indies selectors for what turned out to be a recent disastrous tour of New Zealand, continued unperturbed to dominate the local senior cricket scene here. Last week Thursday’s (Dec. 17) at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association’s 2020 Annual Awards and Dinner at the Arnos Vale Sports, Ambris, who plies his trade for General Guardian Saints in the local cricket competitions, received the Lancelot John Male Cricketer of the Year and the Winston Davis International Cricketer of the Year Awards. Keron Cottoy a contracted player on the Windward Volcanoes Franchise in the Caribbean Premier League, copped Edelyn Turtin (right) collects her the Michael Findlay Regional Male Female Cricketer of the Year from Cricket of the Year. Nelson Hillocks, Director of Physical Among the junior cricketers, Luke Wilson, who plays for Victors One in the Education and Sports.

Keron Cottoy (right) received the Regional Male Cricketer of the Year Award from former test wicketkeeper Michael Findlay, in whose honour the Award is named.

Luke Wilson (right) accepts his Junior male Cricketer of the Year Award from Clarence ‘Paddy’ Thomas in whose honour the Award is named.

Cordel Jack accepts her Regional Female Cricketer Award from retired national/Windward Islands player Samantha Lynch.

Errol Hannibal (right) accepts his Groundsman of the year award from manager of the National Sports Council Miles Bascombe.

Currency is new Cricket President ROMEL CURRENCY is the new President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. An economist by profession and Guardian General Saints and former St Vincent and the Grenadines, Windward Islands and Combined Campuses and Colleges middle-order batsman, Currency was elected at the SVG Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA) Annual General Meeting, held at the Presidents Suite at the National Sporting Complex, last Saturday. He replaces Dr. Kishore Shallow who, having served the constitutionally stipulated maximum of three successive 2-year terms, was not eligible for re-election. In the race for the top position, Currency garnered 36 of the 66 votes up for grabs, with Dougal James getting 20 and Daniel McMillan 10. The other members of the new executive are all returning officers

whose positions were unopposed, save and except for one position. Those officers are: Miles Bascombe - 1st Vice President; Denis Byam - 2nd Vice President; Samuel Holder — Secretary; Cleton Barnet - Assistant Secretary; Jenry Ollivierre —Treasurer; Roland Wilkinson, Samantha Lynch and Dyke Cato and Elron Lewis — Committee members. Lewis, of the Jules Anthony Academy, is the only new face. He replaces Deighton Butler. In his maiden address as president, Currency thanked the membership for their support and recognized his opponents as having “excellent ideas and want cricket to go forward,” and anticipated their continued service to local cricket. He also lauded the work of outgoing president Dr. Shallow and his executive and committed “to build on what Dr. Shallow and his executive

did in the last six years.” The prevailing COVID19 situation did not escape the incoming president’s attention, with him acknowledging the adverse impact the situation has had on commerce, but urging, “…. we have to move forward, but it all starts with a discussion,” and alluded to the strategic plan 2019 to 2024 as being pivotal going forward. Currency also included in his ‘plan’ a return of the primary schools competition; working with the government, (ministries of Sport and Education_ and any organization “who is willing to contribute in anyway going forward.”

Incoming president- Romel Currency (left) is congratulated by outgoing president- Dr. Kishore Shallow.

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 21.

Sports

A currency of RomelÊs worth WHATEVER the tasks ahead, cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and indeed the Caribbean, will have the experience of Romel Currency and his executive to count on. Currency continues in the vein set by his predecessor Kishore Shallow whose two terms in office expired at last Saturday Annual General Meeting. That provided the opportunity for Currency ascension. He will an almost carbon copy body. Currency brings a wealth of experience having been tested at all level of cricket. He and Devon Smith brought the Windwards from merely showing up at regional Under 19 competitions, to being a force with which to reckon. They continued that prowess at the senior level, so much so that Smith became a member of the West Indies senior party. His premature omission form the squad is still a subject of discussion. Nonetheless, Smith and Currency maintained a consistency which signalled them as a platform of Windwards’ rare taste of recognition. Currency proved his worth wherever he played and I dare say, he is still a batsman of high calibre. He may have side-lined his on field activities, perhaps to take on his new role. He begins with a new atmosphere, and there will always be considerations and attention to issues of health. That surrounding players’ safety will be paramount in any aspect, but attention will be intense of the spectators on the ground that adds colour to the product. Focus will be on the anticipated tours especially as it relates to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and particular the Arnos Vale Plying Field. Urgent repairs have become necessary at the facility, and negations with the relevant authorities have plunged into priority. That is hoping that the situation returns to a degree of normality as soon and prolonged as possible. Charity begins at home. Spotlight will be on ways to improve local cricket and cricketers. His predecessor Kishore Shallow established something of a template which, Currency will be happy to carry on. Not that he has nothing original to offer, but he has little fixing to do. He is used to adopting to the situation as it unfolds. He has produced many innings of quality at levels he engaged. The current West Indies batsman Sunil Ambris, is a product from the Currency stock having emerged from the same household. Currency watched from the non-striker’s end and guided his younger brother into that position of prominence. They have proven their worth at the local Club level, and their corporation as a think tank is deep. Currency will have to be prepared for the test of his strength as the term progresses. He knows what the needs are and the sources and resources to fulfil those them. Best wishes to him and his new era.

Avenues extends Largo Height’s misery A SECOND HALF SIX-GOAL BLITZ From Raheem Westfield helped Avenues pound Petro Caribe Largo Height, 9-2 last Saturday at the Victoria Park, in round four of the Premier Division of the SVGFF’s National Club Championships. Westfield, in carrying his tally to eight from four matches, netted his goals in the 55th, 63rd, 68th, 82nd, 89th and in the first minute of injury time. Avenues’ other goals came in the 26th minute from Romario Dennie, Mickele Culzac in the 45th and Gareth Leigertwood in the 51st. Scoring for Largo Height were Emery Bailey in the 2nd minute and Cordell Theobalds in the 28th. This was Largo Height’s fourth straight loss, having been defeated previously by Awesome, BESCO- Pastures and Je Belle. Also on Saturday, Sion Hill and

Layou played to a goalless draw and Awesome beat Je Belle 2-1. Zamarro Mofford in the 25th and Dequan Derby in the 31st accounted for Awesome’s goals. Kishan Gonsalves scored for Je Belle in the 28th. Other fourth round results saw Hope International defeating BESCO- Pastures 2-0 and System Three and North Leeward Predators drawing two goals apiece, both matches played on Friday night. Hope International’s goals were scored by Brad Richards in the 34th and Kemron Osment in the 74th minute. Hope International and Sion Hill go into the Christmas break on 8 points each, but Hope International has the edge having scored more goals. In third place is Avenues on seven points, the same as fourth

place- BESCO Pastures and fifth placeAwesome. Avenues occupy the third place Raheem Westfield because of their superior – set Victoria Park ‘ablaze’ with goal a six-goal blitz. difference. Layou sits on six points in sixth place, Je Belle is next on four points and System Three is eighth, with three points. Ninth is North Leeward Predators on two points and sitting in the cellar position with no points is Largo Height. The National Club Championships, which also includes a First Division, is slated to recommence on 6th January, 2021.

System Three recognises emerging talent YOUNG FOOTBALLERS, primarily the Under-13s of the System Three Academy, were recognised for their output during 2020. Rewarded were Kafayne Clasp and Dinesh Grant, who excelled above their peers during the last twelve months. Clasp was adjudged the Most Consistent Under-12 player and Grant, the Most Improved Player. The two were presented with trophies and Certificates of Participation during the Academy’s coaching sessions for 2020. These awards were determined by coaches Fenelia Woodley and Wilfred Bostwick. Apart from the overall top performers, there were awards of Player of the Month. Ian Sardine, Head of the Dinesh Grant System Three Academy,

indicated that it is a policy of the organisation to give rewards as often as possible. “Rewards are important, especially to those young ones… They work as incentives to these players,” Sardine reasoned. He noted that although there was some lull during 2020, because of the onset of Kafayne Clasp the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there were still sufficient activities on which to predicate the rewarding of players. Sardine is hopeful that other youth development football programmes here would follow System Three’s lead and introduce similar awards for young players.

Cricket cages now in place CRICKETERS throughout the state now have an additional facility to aid in their ongoing development. Outgoing president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Dr. Kishore Shallow, announced over the weekend that two batting cages have been constructed — one at the Wilfred Slack Nets at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex and the other at the London Playing field. The batting cages have been on the previous cricket executive’s plans for some time, and Dr. Shallow was more than pleased to make the announcement, describing the cages as being “critical toward the holistic development of players,” adding, “It’s definitely a worthwhile investment, and hopefully the Association will invest in a couple

bowling machines….” Plans are afoot to construct two more batting cages — one in Troumaca and the other in Bequia at the Clive Tannis Playing Field. “Infrastructural development is a critical component of our strategic plan for advancing cricket in SVG,” Dr. Shallow said, and he recognized the batting cages as “a monumental juncture of our cricket.” Dr. Shallow will continue in his position as the Vice-President of Cricket West Indies Inc. and

The Batting Cage at the Wilfred Slack Nets at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex. President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control. I.B.A.ALLEN

V Woodley on DeanÊs List 22. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

TAMARA WOODLEY, one of this country’s middle distance athletes now on an athletics scholarship in the United States, has achieved a personal milestone. She has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Woodley was obviously elated when she received the email with the news. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student would have had to have completed a minimum of 12 non-remedial credit hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9 for the semester. Woodley met those criteria and the distinction will now become a permanent part of her official academic record at the University. “I am happy for the accomplishment seeing that all the hard work that I have been doing, since I arrived to the school, has paid off. It will look good for me in the long run like for jobs. .. I was trying to secure a 4.0 GPA this semester but due to minor setbacks,” Woodley commented.

Tamara Woodley has one milestone under her belt and is aiming to accomplish even more. Her aim is now set at the President’s List and with that she declared, “I don’t want to settle for mediocrity. I want to be exceptional. I want to stand out not only in track and field but in academics as well. I want to keep on doing well to open doors for me,” she added. As it relates to the track, Woodley is always

open to represent her country. “I expect to make SVG, my mom and everyone proud in the near future. … I feel better than last year having recovered from injury and I am looking forward to the upcoming season,” she indicated. Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

Ferguson upbeat about 2021 THE PLAYZ BASKETBALL ACADEMY, despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, was still able to maintain contact with a number of players and benefactors of the Academy, even in the absence of its flagship Annual Summer Camp. “This year was really hard due to the pandemic, but Playz Youth Academy is not just about basketball, it’s about developing the youth and reaching out to people in need,” Orlando Ferguson, Founder and Head Coach of the academy told THE VINCENTIAN. “We couldn’t run the summer camp this year, but we reached out otherwise with ‘A Back to School Special’ that saw over 160 kids receiving book bags and school supplies. So, even though we didn’t run a physical camp, we still reached people throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Ferguson added. Driven by what was accomplished in 2020, the head Coach is optimistic about next year. “Next year we are hoping to have a tournament providing the situation with COVID-19 eases up. We expect to get back a coach from the United States, may be others from some the top universities and recruiters who want to come to look at some young

Orlando Ferguson, Founder and Head Coach of Playz Basketball Academy. talent,” Ferguson disclose. And even as the challenge of ensuring adequate quantities of equipment are available exists, next year should see the Playz Basketball Academy introducing specific sessions for the 15 to 17 and 7 to 9 age groups, the coach detailed.

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THE VINCENTIAN. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

Second Prison break a disgrace in for, albeit he is awaiting trial, but the allegations are serious, Charles, the prime we ought not to have had Minister said, was still one, much less two entitled to all the escapes,” he continued. benefits of a public According to servant. Gonsalves, the prison “Being the service was an essential Superintendent of plank of national Prisons is not an easy security and that a job, that is why you are number of things were well paid,” Gonsalves done to better the said. situation (in prisons) and “And we can’t the prison system reasonably expect generally. systems as such that a Dr. Gonsalves person who is in for the disclosed that he kinds of crimes that he is received a call from the Continued from Backpage.

then Superintendent of Prisons around 6 on the morning of December 9, during which he was informed of the escape of Primus and Hanson. Gonsalves said that as Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, he moved to coordinate related agencies, including the police, coast guard, health personnel and the Regional Security Services (RSS), following which he visited the Her Majesty’s Prisons facility where he spent two and

EDMUND LERIE BAILEY Saturday, 19th December, 2020 3DUN +LOO (YDQJHOLFDO Church 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW 3DUN +LOO Cemetery

a half hours questioning members of staff and inmates. During that two-anda-half-hour session, Gonsalves said that he made some preliminary conclusions. He, however, noted that the police conducting investigations and there may be a commission of inquiry into the prison break. “I know listeners are saying that it could not be the Superintendent alone, well you know me, I have patience and a

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ESMIE BROWN D N D %HEH

Saturday, 19th December, 2020 &DOYDU\ %DSWLVW Church $UQRV 9DOH 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW Belair Cemetery

Sunday, 20th December, 2020 6WXEEV 6 ' $ Church 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW Stubbs Cemetery

calm and I do things in time,” Gonsalves said. Charles is replaced by Superintendent of Police Timothy Hazelwood. He will have Inspector of Police Duane Bailey as his deputy. “And there are going to be more changes,”

JESHURA ZEDMIRA WEEKS D N D -HVKXUD &XPEHUEDWFK Monday, 21st December, 2020 6W )UDQFLV 6SLULWXDO %DSWLVW &KXUFK Belair 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW Belair Cemetery

Gonsalves said, but stopped short of disclosing further details in this regard. “Old people have a saying ‘Tek time to run fast, and I will ‘tek time to run fast’,” Gonsalves concluded.

<9(77( 3 &+$5/(6 Saturday, 19th December, 2020 %HWKHO *RVSHO $VVHPEO\ Church North Union 9LHZLQJ QRRQ 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW Mc Fun Cemetery, /RZPDQV

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER

23, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.52

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SECOND PRISON BREAK A DISGRACE Minister and Minister of National Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, National Security Minister, moved quickly Security Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on THERE SHOULD not have been one prison the National Broadcasting Corporation to activate certain movements at the Kingstown Prison, following break, much less two. on December 16. “So, if there is a prison break, the The Prime Minister was speaking to a second breakout for the year from that facility. Superintendent of Prisons must the issue of the December 9 escape of answer the question: Do you think murder accused Veron Primus and had escaped from the facility in your position is reasonably tenable if Ulric ‘Chucky’ Hanson from her Kingstown, having done so in there is a prison break twice in one Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown. year of a particular prisoner?” Prime It was the second time that Primus October 2019, and was serving a 16-month sentence for that offence when he made his second breakout. by DAYLE DA SILVA

Prison Officer under suspension Prison Officer Louis Cupid of Murray’s

Village is currently under suspension and is being tried on two counts of corruption charges in relation to Primus’ first escape. Gonsalves said that Superintendent of Prisons Brenton Charles, on the heels of the December 9 escape, had subsequently applied for early retirement, and that the application was granted. Continued on Page 23.

All Christmas activities involving prison inmates were cancelled in the wake of the escape from prison and the changes at the top of the administration.

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

Superintendent of Police Timothy Hazelwood, a highly profile member of the SSU, is the new Superintendent of Prisons.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.