THE VINCENTIAN PDF- 25-06-21

FRIDAY, JUNE

25, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.25

PM commends Police Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Murder charge verdict today Page 4

EC$1.50

NDP to file motion Page 14

SVG not in Bubble’ Page 20

Fake vaccine certificates Page 28

ASHELLE MORGAN: FOCUS OF PROTEST Persons mounted a protest against Senator Ashelle Morgan in front of her office.

Morgan to John’s home along with two other police officers.

The matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the police.

Addresses

Story and Photos by SHERON GARRAWAY THE CALL BY THE ORGANIZATION Rise

Hairouna for persons to mount a protest in support of the call for the removal of Ashelle Morgan as a Government Senator and

Deputy Speaker of the House, attracted some 100 persons last Tuesday.

However, instead of mounting the protest in

Opposition Leader joined the protest and in a brief address commended the protestors for ‘defending democracy’.

One of those who took the bullhorn to address last Tuesday’s protest was UK-based lawyer Brereton Horne, a losing New Democratic Party candidate in the 2010 general elections.

Horne told the gathering, “Protests take place any and everywhere. Wherever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines you want to protest, once you are not breaking the law - you go there and protest. I applaud the fact that you are not going behind the barrier there. People allegedly threatened to protest peacefully, shoot Cornelius John, a wherever they want to resident of Diamond, in and no government the mouth. should infringe on the John’s claim is that he rights of people protest.” was shot in the leg by a Horne further male, allegedly Assistant encouraged the Director Public protestors to speak up Prosecutor Karim Nelson, who is believed Continued on Page 3. to have accompanied

front of the Kingstown Vegetable Market where police had erected barricades, protestors moved to the area in front of Morgan’s office, in the Hinds Building, along the road that runs into Paul’s Avenue.

At times, during the course of the morning hours, some protestors became incensed and on one occasion, a small group turned to placing vendors’ table in the middle of the road to prevent the flow of vehicular traffic.

This didn’t seem to attract any marked support and the obstacles were quickly removed by police.

The back case of the Some incensed protestors placed vendors’ tables story surrounds Morgan to block vehicular traffic but they were quickly who, on April 13, removed by law officers.

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2. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

New British High Commissioner welcomed

LAST MONDAY, June 21, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, welcomed H.E. Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, the new British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, on his first official visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a meeting at Cabinet Room, the High Commissioner presented his letter of introduction to the Prime Minister, after which he paid a courtesy call on the Governor General H.E. Dame Susan Dougan at her office in New Montrose.

High Commissioner FurssedonnWood was making an official 2-day visit to this country, beginning last Monday.

In welcoming the new High Commissioner, Prime Minister Gonsalves took the opportunity to thank the government of the United Kingdom for its direct assistance to

(L-R): New British High Commissioner H.E. Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO was welcomed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Keisal Peters and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at Cabinet Room last Monday.

this country in the aftermath of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano eruption, as well as for other areas of support.

The Prime Minister made particular mention of the offer of 55 scholarships offered to Vincentians students by the University of Wales, as well as the assistance provided for the construction of the new port in Kingstown.

H.E Furssedonn-Wood, for his part, conveyed greetings to Dr. Gonsalves on behalf of HRM, The Prince of Wales, and reaffirmed the commitment of the United Kingdom to work with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in areas of mutual interest.

He indicated that while here, his itinerary will include a visits to areas in the orange zone impacted by the volcanic eruption, and to the (new)

port project site.

He pledged to do his best to advance the work of the UK in the region and to strengthen the relationship between both countries.

On Tuesday, the High Commissioner and members of his delegation - Stefan Kossoff, Development Director for the Caribbean and UK Director to the CDB, and Steve Moore, Resident British Commissioner - met with young Vincentian leaders, including Chevening scholarship recipients and the Queen’s Young Leaders, during a reception at the Grenadines House.

The High Commissioner indicated his desire to work with the young leaders and to provide support.

Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO was appointed British High Commissioner

to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia and St Christopher & Nevis in succession to Ms Janet Douglas CMG. Prior to this appointment, he was the Deputy Private Secretary to HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. He also served at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as Temporary Additional Head, and at the EU Exit and Europe Directorate.

His résumé shows that he also served as the Head of Political Team in Washington DC and was the High Commissioner in Kolkata, India, from 2010 13 to 2016.

Prime Minister Gonsalves was joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Keisal Peters, in welcoming the new High Commissioner. (KH)

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News 3

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 3.

PM commends police: Four charged in guns/ammunition theft PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security Dr Ralph Gonsalves has commended the police for the work leading to arrests in the matter of guns and ammunition having been reported stolen from the Georgetown Police Station.

Speaking on We FM radio last Sunday, PM Gonsalves said, “They have made good progress and I want to congratulate them. Of course we should not have had that break in the first place, but I am pleased to see that we have had progress.”

A June 4 release from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) indicated that the Major Crime Unit had been ordered to investigate the incident, in which an undisclosed number of guns and ammunition had gone missing from the police station in

Georgetown.

And on June 21, the police, in a follow-up release, disclosed that four men, including a former police constable, had been arrested and charged with the offence.

The four men were named as: Zackrie Latham — 25- year-old resident of New Grounds and a former Police Constable; former national footballer Myron Samuel — 28-year-old resident of Layou; Avi King — 26 -year-old resident of Diamonds and 26-year-old Meschach Dublin, also a resident of Diamonds.

The men were charged and appeared at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on June 21.

The four were each charged with: sale of firearms without a dealer’s licence; sale of ammunitions without a dealer’s’ licence; possession of a firearm

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, MP for Georgetown, must feeling relieved with the action of the police in the ‘missing’ guns/ammunition matter. without a licence; possession of ammunition without a licence.

Latham, King and Dublin were additionally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon without the authorization of the minister, and possession of criminal property.

Latham was also slapped with charges for official corruption and

burglary, and King had an additional charge of burglary with intent.

Samuel was charged, in addition, with handling stolen goods.

Based on information coming out from court, the men were found to have in their possession one M-4 rifle and a Glock pistol.

King, Dublin and Latham were denied bail and remanded until July

Income support to farmers and fishers begin PAYMENT OF INCOME SUPPORT to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the recent volcanic eruptions and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, began on Wednesday, June 23.

According to Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar some 10,500 farmers and fishers throughout the country were expected to begin receiving payment.

Parliament approved a Supplementary Budget of EC$117.9 million in May, inclusive of provision for immediate humanitarian aid and to effect preliminary clean-up following the series of volcanic eruptions which started on April 9.

Among the measures agreed was the payment of EC$500 per month beginning in June and running until the end of the year, to each farmer and fisher in the Red and Orange Zones, an undertaking estimated to cost EC$10.5 million. Farmers and fishers throughout the country and the Grenadines were also

Farmers will need support as Agriculture is now non-existent on the eastern side of the La Soufrière volcano. expected to receive a onetime payment at a total outlay of EC$3.8 million.

“We have done extensive work in the Ministry to ensure that farmers are provided with identification cards and a list was compiled last year,” Caesar said during a press briefing on June 21.

The list was revised since 2020 and those receiving income support are those with farmers ID’s, the minister assured.

“We did extensive work to ensure that the registration

process was open to all farmers and working closely with extension officers, they conducted their reviews and verifications, and we have a cadre of 10,500 farmers and fishers who will receive the first payment of the income support,” he said.

Payment of the income support will continue until the end of the year for farmers and fishers from the Red and Orange Zones.

Caesar alluded to consideration being given to provide for further assistance in the 2022 Budget.

(DD)

01.

Samuel was granted bail in the sum of EC$20,000 with one surety.

He was ordered to

surrender all travel documents and ordered to report to the Layou Police Station between 6am and 6pm on Mondays. (DD)

Ashelle Morgan: Focus of protest Continued from Frontpage. and he expressed how proud he was that people were “waking up and coming out.”

He said that Vincentians must hold the regime in power accountable as no one was above the law, and that there should be no special privileges for the rich and well-connected.

Also taking time out to join and address the protest was Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday. He commended those on the picket for defending democracy, the rule of law and justice.

Dr. Friday said his effort to have Morgan suspended from that House resulted in him getting suspended instead.

Unperturbed by that action, he was adamant that John must be given justice and the dignity of the House of Parliament upheld.

Dr. Friday noted that a person was not a rabble rouser because they protested saying, “These are things that we do individually but we are much stronger when we do them collectively. These steps that you are taking, don’t let anybody tell you that you have to have twice the numbers to matter.

What matters is that you stand for principle.”

He pledged that whether or not he was Leader of the Opposition, he would protest the issue.

Also on the protest were activists Luzette King and Robert ‘Patches’ Knights of the Frontline, the organization that had morphed out of a sustained protest against the results of the 2015 general elections.

They both vehemently called for the removal of Morgan as senator and for justice to be done and seen to be done.

Protest action continued in the week with several notable persons on the picket, including Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown- St. Clair Leacock.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

PI into attempted murder to continue when he questioned why murder, Bristol pointed a lawyer was not present out that “no one should when the women were force anything on interviewed. Sergeant anyone, and that charges Samuel/Bristol contended are laid after the facts that the women agreed are reviewed and to the interviews after guidance given by the acknowledging that they DPP.” did not have a lawyer.

Corporal Henry Hoyte Dr. Lewis pondered also mounted the witness whether they were given dock and encountered a the opportunity to similarly robust cross contact one. examination.

The defence lawyer Moving to another also asked whether the angle, the defence lawyer charge was made before wondered why Justice of the interview Peace Marcellus commenced. Bristol Constance was called to responded that charges witness the interview. are normally done after “Why didn’t just do an interview and with the interview without a Sergeant Biorn did so as recording DECISION is expected Clarke passed away at guidance from the JP?” Lewis queried. officer. in a murder trial at the the Milton Cato Duncan recorded a Director of Public Hoyte responded that High Court in Kingstown Memorial Hospital statement from her at Duncan had given Prosecutions. he wanted to ensure that August 22, 2017, after the hospital, Wednesday evidence to the effect today, Friday June 25.

Lewis countered that, the suspects’ rights were that Clarke had told him “this is the exception to That is in relation to she was reported to have August 16, but the not infringed. that of Pedro Ashton of been doused with victim was unable to sign her common-law the rule.”

Dr. Lewis suggested to gasoline, and set ablaze because of the burns that husband - Pedro Ashton Biabou.

Pressed as to why she Hoyte that he “still put had affected her. poured gasoline on her Ashton, 33 at the time in an incident at her insisted on bringing a questions that shouldn’t Duncan returned to and burned her. of the incident in 2017, home on August 13. charge of attempted have been asked.”

Besides Duncan, appeared in court last Reports at the time the hospital Saturday 19 Crime Scene Specialist Tuesday charged with indicated that Clarke accompanied by Justice the death of Monique suffered 2nd and of Peace Hazell who Constable Joel Williams 3rd degree burns to 85% signed the statement as provided evidence, Clarke, a 44-year-old of witness, while Duncan including pictures of the Massey Hill, Biabou. of her body. scene.

Pathologist Dr Ronald Child, who had conducted the postmortem examination came under examination by the defence attorney, A RELIEF effort by two Grenadian men has Michael Wyllie. landed them in custody here. Nickel Milson and Everet Thompson, a Devon Williams are expected to return to the 58-year-old Biabou man Serious Offences Court Monday, June 28, for also provided testimony. continuation of a hearing into possession of However, Wyllie controlled drugs. dismissed his They will be joined in the dock by Vincentians presentation as a Dwayne Richards and Bertram Simmons. The “fabrication.” four face charges stemming from an operation by Crown Counsel Rose the Vincentian Coast Guard, May 23, 2021, when Ann Richardson, who is they intercepted in a boat ‘Blue Bird’, off the west prosecuting, described cost of Bequia. the incident as a tragedy.

Defence counsel Grant Connell is appearing on She pondered about the the men’s behalf, while Prosecutor Renwick Cato state of our society when represents the Crown. a woman is “incapable of When the trial resumed at the Serious Offences saying no to a man.”

Court last Wednesday, Detective Jamal Douglas, Richardson and attached to the Criminal Investigation defence counsel Wyllie Department and stationed at the Chateaubelair were slated to address Police station, detailed the procedure he went the court yesterday, through while processing the defendants. He cited Thursday, after which the discovery of 75,000 grams marijuana in sacks, presiding judge Brian a bucket and zip lock bags.

Cottle would give a The men were handed over to him while he was summation and direct on duty at the Royal SVG Police Force Narcotics the 12-member jury to Base at Arnos Vale. begin deliberations. (DD) Devon Williams identified himself as captain of the boat and disclosed that Milkson was accompanying him on the trip.

Defence lawyer Grant Connell questioned Douglas as to why he did not charge Milkson only, he having owned up to three of the packages.

Connell contended that the two Vincentians were getting a ride to Union Island to look for work and declared that Simmons “has no case to answer.”

Prosecutor Cato countered that it was the Magistrate who decides who faces charges. (WKA) as referenced.

The indictment grew out of an incident in the DEFENCE lawyer Dr. Linton South Central Windward Lewis is slated to make district of Greiggs, submissions on behalf of January 29, 2020, during clients - Lesha Johnson which another womanand Paige Baptiste - at the Ziannie Charles received Serious Offences court, injuries. next week Wednesday, Prosecutor Sergeant June 30.

Renwick Cato, assisted That will mark

by Senior continuation into the prosecutor Adolphus preliminary inquiry into Delpesche, is presented a charge of attempted the case on behalf of the murder against the two Crown.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

A number of witnesses have mounted the witness stand so far, including Constable Joel Williams, a Crime Scene Specialists. He produced photographs taken at the scene of the incident and identified shots he took.

With 15 years in the constabulary, Williams was complimented for his work by defence lawyer Dr. Lewis, who wondered if he ought not to have been ranked higher in

the organisation.

Sergeant Ashlyn Samuel Bristol, attached to the Calliaqua Police Station and the CID, also provided testimony in the matter. She came under acute cross examination from the defence lawyer.

Dr. Lewis questioned the laying of the charge and the manner in which the suspects were interviewed.

He was even forceful

Murder charge verdict expected today

Relief mission leaves four men on trial

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 5.

News

Sandals selects first 70 workers THE FIRST set of 70 workers hired by the Sandals Group is expected to leave the state on June 28, destined for Sandals resorts/locations across the Caribbean for training.

The 70 were selected following a recruitment drive, May 27, which saw some 1,300 persons showing interest in securing employment with the Beaches Resorts — a family-friendly luxury resort whose construction is scheduled to begin this year and which will replace the ill-fated Buccament Bay Resort.

The group was expected to leave on June 21, however, according to Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves while speaking on WEFM on June 20, some of the persons recruited were tardy in getting the relevant documentation.

A second batch of persons is expected to leave two weeks after the first batch leaves and the process is expected to continue until it has satisfied the quota of 500 persons, as announced by Sandals.

The first 70 recruited for employment with the Beaches Resort was selected from among some 1,300 persons who turned up for a recruitment drive in May. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), had advanced earlier that the recruitment drive will provide for direct employment of locals ahead of the resort’s opening.

In 2021, SRI broke ground for the construction of new resorts in Jamaica, Curacao and St Vincent and the Grenadines, which together was anticipated to create some 5,000 new jobs over the next five years.

Ex-Buccament workers receive payment OVER 300 FORMER employees of the now ill-fated Buccament Bay Resort have received ex-gratia payment.

So said Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves while speaking on WEFM Radio on June 20.

Payment got started in June and according to Gonsalves, over EC$700,000 had been paid over in amounts of $2,000 to persons listed as being employed up to the 2016 closure of the resort.

“There are still persons coming in whose names were not on the list, so we are verifying,” he continued.

A little over $732,000 was raised through the direct and auction sales of items from the former resort, including kitchen, restaurant, living room, bedroom and spa related equipment and accessories.

The The Buccament Bay Resort was touted as the flagship of the government’s drive to encourage upend tourism.

Buccament Bay Resort closed in December 2016 amidst court matters in the UK and here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that involved the Resort’s principal developer, Englishman David Ames, mounting arrears for local public utility services and non-payment of salaries.

Ames fled this country via fishing boat from the North Western town of Chateaubelair, a designated port of entry, the same week his matter was called up for hearing in the local court.

Thereafter, disgruntled workers took to vandalizing the resort and police units and local security services had to be deployed prevent further encroachment by former employees and safeguard the physical plant.

(Stories by DD)

V A new twist in the LIAT saga 6. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

EVEN AS HE confirmed that talks were ongoing with two potential investors in LIAT, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has alluded to the possibility of a new company to administer the affairs of the cashstrapped regional airline.

Browne’s new twist to the LIAT came as he addressed, on his weekend radio programme, the matter of severance payment for LIAT workers, who service have been terminated.

The PM said that the offer to LIAT workers in Antigua was still on the table, and that he was awaiting an official response from the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), the workers’ representative,

“It is for them to accept the proposal that the government of Antigua and Barbuda extended to them to come up to 50 per cent of their liabilities, primarily their severance liabilities,” he asserted.

He noted, though, “We still have at least two entities that are negotiating with the administrator to become shareholders within the LIAT company. It may have to be a new company because when you look at what is happening presently, the threats that are made, the demands that are made by past staff, members of staff and the union, I am not even sure now that LIAT 1974 Limited will be viable so there may have to be a

LIAT (1974) Ltd. collapsed under the weight of burgeoning debts and operational shortcomings.

LIAT 2020….recapitalised Gaston Browne, Prime and start as a new entity.” Minister of Antigua and He said he was hopeful Barbuda might just that the two viable have been hinted at one investors “will come in and way to circumvent the bring some capital to the stalemate with the table”.

Union representing Last month, the ABWU former LIAT workers in denied reports that it had his country. rejected an offer made by the government to provide letter to a compassionate payment to the regional former employees. leaders, said ABWU general secretary David that EC$79 Massiah said the union is still million in awaiting a response from a May 19 severance is letter sent to the court-appointed owed to the administrator on the payment to the 564 workers former workers. already dismissed by the airline.

“We said 50 per cent of total Prior to its collapse, LIAT, which at earnings of all their entitlements, and the time owed creditors an estimated they never came back to us,” Massiah EC$100 million, flew to 21 said on a radio programme in June. destinations, operating an average of LIAT former major shareholders 112 daily flights within a complex were the governments of Antigua and network combining profitable and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St uneconomic routes.

Vincent and the Grenadines and in The Antigua-based regional airline July last year, the Antigua and was forced to suspend services due to Barbuda government secured an order the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the High Court here for and has since announced the administration for LIAT, naming resumption of flights on a limited basis Cleveland Seaforth as the to seven destinations across its administrator of the company. network. (Sources: Loop News, Earlier this year, Seaforth in a Barbados Today)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Sending forth our politicians PROLIFIC LETTER WRITER ‘CHARLES, EDINBORO’ suggests in a letter to the editor in this week’s Edition, that we should send forth our elected parliamentarians and those who contested against them in the last general election, among the people to convince them to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Let’s for argument sake agree with Charles. But we must have our politicians agree on approaches and what they must say to the people to convince them to tale the jab.

But before we venture thus, let us repeat that this publication stands in support of the vaccine.

We are convinced taking the vaccine is the responsible thing to do.

That said, we are one and at the same time saying that no person who is hesitant or refuses to take the vaccine should be a target of irresponsible comments… should not be chastised nor accused of being selfish.

That attitude should inform the approach of our politicians as we send them forth.

That attitude would instruct them that there is no sense in putting anyone down, in belittling anyone for not taking the vaccine.

Their approach must reflect that the virus is the enemy, not those who refuse to take the vaccine.

Our worthy, working politicians must guard against ostracising the people.

No one is going to be cooperative if they are made to feel they are contributors to some national disgrace. Our politicians must remember that many of the people who resist taking the vaccine, consider taking the vaccine to be a risk and therefore, will naturally be hesitant to coming forward.

That is why, as we disperse our parliamentarians and losing candidates among the flock, we must ensure that they are fortified by strategies and carefully crafted messages. Not some borrowed and highly intellectual messages that will never be internalized by the people. For lest we forget,

information per se does not necessarily change attitudes; it is the internalization of information and turning it into knowledge that will make the difference.

As it stands, the message from health officials is a general and is not best suited for the purpose herein referenced. Out politicians will be ill-served if we do not armed them with messages that are ailored to address the concern according to age, gender, educational backgrounds, class, religion, and even political affiliation/differences.

So, our worthy brigade must question their ‘constituents’ about whether they would want to be contributors to a recovery or a disaster. They must convince them that yes, being a contributor allows for visits to family overseas; that ‘voting for me’ is akin to seeing the vaccine as a responsibility to protect the children.

The politicians must be convincing enough for the people to accept that the only available weapon now against this scourge is the vaccine, and that now is time to take the vaccine not tomorrow.

They must approach the people gently. Ask them: How long are you going to wait? Are you prepared to wait out for an undeterminable length of time while the virus festers among us?

And as for the fear of ‘side effects’: In whispers that often characterises the advance to ‘win a vote or win over a vote’, our politicians must admit that we really don’t know what could happen if someone took the vaccine, but in the same breath what we know is that those who take the vaccine clothe themselves in a layer of protection against the virus, to complement the practices of mask-wearing, senitising and social distancing.

‘Charles, Edinboro’ might just have hit on something novel. Our politicians who have done so mush to fragment this society, must now commit as one voice to promote the vaccine as the only available ‘weapon’ against this virus.

Assessing two years under the ULP (2001-2003) - Pt 2 (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 16th June, 2017) THE OFFICIAL PM HOUSE at Dasent Cottage will prove the biggest “over-run” of all. Against this expenditure, excesses on the school-building programme, Peace Mo, Murray Road and unnecessary Bay Street Bridge would pale into insignificance.

As to the PM himself, he is displaying all his strengths, which is the flip-side to his weakness. An admitted workaholic he is also a compulsive talker, who often lays a heavy emphasis on form and rhetoric at the expense of content and delivery of the product. For example, one applauds the frequency of televised meetings of the House in the name of democracy, but is forced to accept that the main aim is to propagandize and perform for the public gallery.

In a similar vein, “consultations” are not so much geared to mass enlightenment and people-involvement as they are to the tapping of sounding boards and creation of popular echoes.

The ULP can fairly argue that it is early days yet to judge, and that their report card at the end of the day could well justify their rule. Such an approach may apply in dealing with a new Library, Sports Stadium and Housing Scheme. But airline travel, new airport, cross country road and new jail are almost sure to land the ULP in a great deal of trouble further down the road.

In any event, the ULP blighted its stint on Day One when Dr. Gonsalves, aided and abetted by Beache, inaugurated a period of political patronage and victimization the likes of which had never been seen since the grant of Adult Suffrage, just over 50 years ago. The ULP is truly “historic” in this sense.

One can present a roll-call of examples on demand, but the tip of the iceberg can suffice here and now. And the wrongs, which attend the public service, are legion and deserving of separate treatment in their own right!

Anyone suspected of being NDP was moved out of the Vegetable Market ostensibly to facilitate a rotation system of employment that stopped dead on the first round. In effect, the strategy has been to dig a hole to fill a hole, 1500 times to provide that number of jobs as promised.

Media men Randy D, Keith Joseph,

Jerry George, and Douggie De Freitas were put in the dog house to join offending culture men such as Scakes, Patches and “Saluche” Small. They dared to oppose or question ULP top brass.

As the former went down on one side of the see-saw, up went the fortunes of Glen Jackson, Lennox Bowman, Junior Bacchus, Cecil Ryan and other members of the “Champs dynasty” on the other side.

Even in the matter of appointing JP’s, the ULP played politics. The badge was withdrawn from among other persons Algernon Wright a former Assistant Commissioner of Police as well as Yvonne Francis Gibson, former primary school head teacher, President of the SVUT, Head of the Women’s Desk and NDP Minister of Government. Both persons failed to qualify under the new regime.

Things got so bad that even LeRoy Providence, son in every particular of the great Labourite Leonard Providence, had to criticize his party for dismissing a local Government Worker in Troumaca, Miss Cornice Mars, who had been generally recognized as a decent and upright role model in the locality.

Under the ULP, political tribalism has attained new heights. Dr. Gonsalves’ best display of “togetherness” has been his capture from the NDP of Burns Bonadie, whom the ULP had mercilessly attacked only a few months earlier in the general elections of 2001, just as Dr. Gonsalves had before the elections won to his side Cosmos Cozier after his straight run of 35 years with NDP which had refused to run him as a candidate.

Though the dust is not settled, the news of recent dismissals of top staff Joel Huggins at VINLEC takes the cake.

Apparently the art of victimization has now been personalized thus releasing a virus that could only lead eventually to political suicide.

After two years in office, the ULP has forfeited the popular good will and squandered the euphoria, which it had triggered. As from now it will be down-hill to the next elections.

The ULP first won Government in 2001. This article was anticipatory and prophetic as to where it was headed by now in 2017. It will take a mighty movement with all hands on deck, to stop the rot much less to reverse the trend.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 9.

Letters

Transiting after Covid and the eruption:

THESE ARE my thoughts on a few of the trends we should consider adopting as a part of our new lifestyle and business operations going forward after the pandemic.

1. This past flu season was one of our lowest ever in my memory. So wearing a face mask and regularly washing our hands during the height of the “flu season” seems to be one sure way to reduce its spread. Keep the mask and use it as necessary.

2. We do not need to continue to have everyone in the office between 9 and 5. I suggest that the Government and the Private Sector services - like the Revenue Department, Customs and Port Authority, Central Water and Sewer Authority, VINLEC, and Commercial Banks - go to a shift schedule. This would allow the public to have between 10 and 12 hours of access per day. We did not do this during Covid, but we should consider it going forward. Such a move would increase our productivity and potentially improve our GDP. 3. Shift differential pay. What constitutes a workday and workweek are very important parts of making item number 2 (above) work.

4. Remote working is a viable option for a lot of our employees and should be considered. Why force people who can be as productive at home back to the office?

5. We learned that it is possible to provide education programmes outside of the classroom. Let us use this knowledge to develop and promote a formal Adult Education Programme. Let us make this happen.

6. Reduce the number of passengers a minibus is authorized to carry. They are overcrowded as currently licensed.

7. Strengthen the relationship between minibus drivers and the government. We can do better.

8. New building standards are needed for areas in the “Red Zone”. We need to build for hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.

9. Water storage containers for home use should be a duty fee item and maybe even price controlled.

The Government needs to get ahead of these issues by beginning to do the work needed to effect these changes. Embrace the change; expand our portfolio with the newfound option we created out of necessity. Why go backward?

Horatio

HOPE I saw fear in their eyes They became afraid when disaster struck They were lost with no way to turn They felt pain in the midst of their storm One song was sang to strengthen their spirit And in this song hope was in it They arose with passion and motivation With love and hope from every nation They learnt that hope is there when all is lost They learnt that hope is there without a cost Hope can be found in any situation They arose with hope from the ashes ready to rebuild their nation HOPE Author: Rhema Culzac Form 2 Crick GHS

Use the politicians I THINK WE are missing out on a ‘golden’ opportunity to convince our people to take the COVID-19 vaccine, rather than ‘blackmailing’ them, dangling some cash and other niceties in front of them, and threatening them with dismissal from their jobs.

Consider this, Mr. Editor: We have fifteen elected persons in Parliament.

Those in Parliament had fifteen persons who opposed them in a recent election. When you put it all together, these thirty persons must know and/or must have visited all the households in the fifteen constituencies into which this country is divided.

I would like to think that those thirty persons must have spent a lot of time convincing the people to vote for them. Fifteen of those persons where ‘rejected by the people, but that doesn’t mean that they have turned their backs on the people. And we take it that those fifteen who won keep in touch with their constituents.

So, we can conclude that those thirty persons together have contact with the thousands who voted and the hundreds who didn’t vote, among whom would be a lot of people who have not had even a first dose of the vaccine.

So here’s my thinking: Pull those thirty people together, arm them with

the best arguments in favour of the vaccine, and devise a plan of action for them to go back into the constituencies to sell the vaccine, first to those who supported them and then to others whose political support might not have been made known.

If they are committed to serving people, those thirty persons would touch every household in every constituency.

All I am saying, Mr. Editor, is to put the responsibility of convincing people to take the vaccine on the backs of our parliamentarians, and those who lost in their effort to become parliamentarians.

As I see it, we spend so much time and money to get people to vote on election day, we even make sure that voters get to the polling stations and all of that, so why can’t we apply the same strategy to getting people to take the vaccine?

Mind you, I make this suggestion, as crazy as some might think it is, hoping that all the little things that pass under and above the table in an election campaign will not be employed in this national, unified effort to have people take the vaccine.

Charles Edinboro

We canÊt breathe WE FEEL every ounce of oxygen being sucked out of our lungs and the air around us. There is no escape. What can be more stifling? Someone is trying to kill us. They thought that they are doing good by gathering synthetic clothing, plastic bags, old mattresses, old shoes, and any throw-outs and burning them.

Shattered memories Here I am, Listening these words through the rain, I keep seeing the beauty in my pain, Speaking my feelings straight from the brain.

The words sting like a bullet, Ricocheting, But I can’t hear a word what you’re saying.

It’s funny how the good advice, I always hated it, Looking back now, I should have listened.

I tried to control my mind and my soul, But am always getting lost to the song, Song of love, Here comes the feeling again Cold as the sea, Dusty as the falling ash, The one question remain, Is it temporary or permanent?

Yanic S. Sayers - 2021

Their home and surroundings look tidy and clean but at what cost? Burning of household waste inevitably leads to air pollution. If it was just biodegradable waste, we would have to settle for a buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, exacerbation of the Greenhouse effect and a rise in the sea level.

Temperature rise leads to more frequent and more severe hurricanes.

And to think that the chances of this happening could be reduced simply by composting biodegradable materials, with the benefit of having manure for gardening, rather than burning them Burning of synthetic fibers and plastics causes air pollution. Some of the effluents can cause cancer, while others cause respiratory diseases. Our efforts to ban plastics and Styrofoam need to be enforced. Rather than solving a problem through burning, the problem is multiplied to affect the neighbourhood and the world.

Therefore, neighbour, before you think of burning your garbage, consider the harm that

could be caused by your action. You may cause us to exclaim: We can’t breathe. Recycling, reusing, composting need to be a part of our daily plan to keep our surroundings safe.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

Gun licenses THE AUTHORITY responsible for the issuing of gun licenses in this country must bear some responsibility for the crimes perpetrated by licensed gun holders. They are the screening processes designed to protect the citizens from guns falling into the wrong hands.

Who are the individuals who make up the gun licensing committee and why have we not heard from them? This country needs to know who these persons are and hold them accountable.

I Fraser USA

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Preparing our tourism sector for rapid recovery

Introduction AFTER MORE than fifteen months of disruption to life as we know it in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are beginning to see signs that things are about to bounce back in a big way. The disruptions have occurred across the board as the pandemic wreaked havoc on our health system, the economy, our social systems as well as security.

Citizens looked on helplessly as the planes and cruise ships stopped coming rendering hotels and guests houses empty, putting hundreds of workers out of jobs. Taxi operators, craft vendors, tour operators, water taxi operators, farmers and many other self-employed individuals whose business depended on the tourist’s dollar to remain sustainable were badly hit. Schools encountered repeated disruptions of face to face learning creating serious challenges for the stakeholders who had to employ novel methods to minimise the negative impacts of the disruptions.

The government responded quickly providing additional resources for the health sector, to improve its capacity through additional personnel, and investment in a new isolation facility to respond to the demands of the virus on the existing health services. The response of the government in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, when considered that there were no restrictive measures of curfew, lockdown or state of emergency, proved to be highly successful in preventing serious illness and keep in the number of deaths very low. All the while, the government kept working, constant consultation with stakeholders in the various industries to ensure that this country is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that would become available once the world was ready to open up. Even with the recent eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, that presents an additional challenge, the government has been focused on addressing the needs of those affected, managing the economy, working with partners making plans to put this country in a position to benefit from the increased economic activity expected as the world opens up for business.

The Tourism sector is rapidly developing A few weeks ago, Sandals Resorts held a job fair here in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and hundreds of individuals attended to get information as well as to register for the company’s job placement program.

Through this program, Sandals International intends to train hundreds of Vincentians on location at their resorts for them to come back and be part of the team here on mainland Saint Vincent at the soon to be constructed Beaches Resort. The pandemic has delayed the start of works on the local hotel project that will see hundreds of tradesmen employed during the construction phase, and hundreds more once the resort is operational. Minister of Finance, Hon Camillo Gonsalves and Minister of Tourism, Hon Carlos James remain very involved in the process, negotiating and working with the investor to ensure that things go as plan towards having the Beaches Resort here very soon. Other tourism projects have continued during the slow period of the pandemic and are progressing and will be ready to open their doors very soon, while those that are already operational have used the opportunity to undertake improvements and renovations in

Does the government have a plan to clean up the Red Zone?

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement)

preparation for the expected influx on visitors to this island.

The government recognised that preparation is key and used every opportunity to work with investors through agencies, such as the SVG Tourism Authority and Invest SVG, to ensure that the right environment is created to facilitate growth in the tourism sector. The negotiations that resulted in a planned inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic, direct from the UK to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Argyle International Airport, are all part of the vision of the ULP government for this country’s tourism sector. The unfortunate delay of this flight to later this year, provides additional time that should be used by all stakeholders to ensure maximum preparation for that time. The opportunities this direct flight would present to the tourism sector and the economy generally are limitless.

In the meanwhile, construction continues at the Royal Mill in Ratho Mill and other projects with the muchanticipated Holiday Inn express at Diamond and the Marriot Hotel in Mt. Wynne, as government ventures also in the early stage of their development. The work has never stopped and will only increase in pace as the global environment that has restricted much of the flow of goods and services that are integral to economic activity are eased. The vision, leadership and hard work of this government have been evident during these challenging times in managing the various sectors of the country’s economy, even as we tackle the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the La Soufrière eruption.

Conclusion Comrade Ralph has always said “Governance is not an arm of the entertainment industry, it is serious business for serious people”, and this has been very evident by the way the ULP administration has carried out its work of managing the country over the last 15 months. Those involved in the politics of obstruction and distraction have had little success as Vincentians are generally satisfied and some even amazed at the way the government has gone about the business of this country during these very challenging times. The late Parnel R Campbell QC, summed it up quite correctly when he stated “I can sleep comfortably at nights, in the knowledge that Ralph Gonsalves is the head of government of this country”. His words ring true even today and represent the sentiments of many right thinking and objective Vincentians at home or abroad, regardless of their politics. The work is, however, not done and we must continue to prepare the tourism sector to be ready for when the tourists start travelling in their numbers again. As we prepare, we must be very mindful of the health requirements going forward from travellers who demand minimum health standards from those offering services. Covid-19 is still very present which makes regular testing and vaccination of those directly involved in the sector a very important part of our preparation as a country. Let’s do this for our tourism sector, for our economy, for our country.

LA SOUFRIÈRE has not erupted explosively since April 22, 2021. While we are thankful for that, we know that the danger is not over. The scientists have told us that the volcanic activity can change and become violent again without much warning.

We can hope that does not happen, but we must understand that hope is not a strategy for dealing with the danger: we must plan and be ready to execute the plan. This might seem an obvious thing to do but based on the experience of the last two months, it bears repeating.

The government has told people to return to the Orange Zone up to the Dry River on the windward side, and to Petit Bordel on the leeward side.

We have already begun to hear many accounts of shortcomings in the process of returning people to their homes.

When the evacuation took place, people were anxious and even scared about what was to come. They were forced to adjust to living in shelters or with friends and relatives in crowded arrangements. Some of those accommodations did not have the most basic amenities: beds, enough bathrooms, and sufficient water.

Though many have returned home, most will continue to live in those temporary facilities away from home for some time to come. We have a duty to make every effort to ensure their lives as comfortable and dignified as possible while away from home. Stop the partisanship! Stop treating people seeking shelter as though they are seeking handouts.

They are not. They have a right to expect support from the government and from the rest of us. They have a right. So, any cases where people are made to feel that they are not entitled to the support provided by so many donors at home and abroad must be exposed and rooted out.

No partisan consideration should be used to decide who gets help, when they get help and what sort of help they get. In other words, the donated supplies must be given out according to need. It should not be that the best is given to some politically favoured persons and the remainder to the rest of the people. The same goes for the supplies bought by the government with the money allocated for the purpose by parliament in the Supplementary Estimates.

Take, for example, the allocation of $1m for purchasing appliances for persons whose appliances were destroyed or damaged and the $6.5m allocated to repair and rebuild homes.

Who will get those appliances? Whose home will be rebuilt or repaired first or at all? How much will politics determine the answers to those questions? Based on recent history and on the many stories we are already beginning to hear about the present volcano crisis relief efforts, the fear is that it will play too big a role.

needs of people evacuated, especially in the first two weeks of the process.

There were literally horror stories of hardship and unnecessary pain inflicted on people.

The challenges of continuing to assist people who return home can prove to be greater logistically. These include the challenges of providing food and other necessary supplies.

How are they getting these things to people? Can we have confidence that NEMO and other government agencies will be up to the task? The initial evidence is troubling.

The clean-up effort is proving to be haphazard. Who is in charge?

BRAGSA or ULP political operatives?

Are the local people being employed to do the clean-up and so earn money to help them to make ends meet in this difficult time?

What is the long-term recovery and rebuilding plan?

To be most effective and to give the best chance of success, a national task force to plan the recovery and rebuilding the communities devastated by the volcanic eruptions must be commissioned. We need a broad-based, inclusive approach. This means bringing together people from all areas of society with needed experience and skills to work and advise and guide process over the next year.

Rebuilding must be guided by principles that promote resilience and sustainability. Also, a comprehensive environmental assessment must be done to assess damage to habitats, animal, and fauna.

Ten weeks, no charges

The New Democratic Party reiterates its call for Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ms. Ashelle Morgan, to step down or be suspended from that position pending the outcome of investigation into allegation that was made against her.

It has been ten weeks since the alleged brutal attack by Senator and Deputy Speaker, Ms. Ashelle Morgan, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Karim Nelson, and another male person upon Mr. Cornelius John, a senior citizen, on the night of 13th April, 2021 while he was in the sanctity of his home. We repeat our call on Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John and Director of Public Prosecutions Ms Sejilla McDowall to conduct an impartial, transparent investigation, and to bring charges against the alleged perpetrators of this attack based on the evidence. If, as it is alleged, Mr. Cornelius John committed any offence, he too should be investigated and charged as warranted.

This serious matter must not be made a political issue. The alleged assailants must be brought to justice.

It cannot be the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, especially the police, that ten weeks after the shooting no one has been detained How is the return being managed? and no one has been charged. The reported comments by Commissioner Many people have returned to the of Police Mr. Colin John, in the Orange Zone communities. Does the Searchlight newspaper, about cross Government have a plan for the complaints being made implies that return of people and the clean-up charges are forthcoming. Is there a communities? We have seen that the government was not ready to meet the credible reason for delay?

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 11.

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Compliments, complaints and criticisms

Democracy dies in the dark

“The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” - Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) – American minister and author who popularised the concept of positive thinking.

DEMOCRACY IS OFTEN SNUFFED OUT in the dark. In SVG, those sworn to function under the colour of law are making a run for it in broad daylight.

Question or challenge their authority and expect to be met with heat rather than light. Democracy is given a warning to depart. We drop our guard to our peril.

With all that we are going through, officialdom stubbornly refuses to dialogue with the people. We live in an Orwellian world where everything means its opposite. The government’s credibility is waning fast. If it says run, the majority of the population will stand.

To win the support of the populace, you have to be transparent. To be credited with a sound policy, you have to be consistent. You cannot hide data today and stoke them tomorrow. You cannot meet people’s concerns, queries and disbelief with arrogance and bullying. You cannot threaten to unleash your security force on the nation. Worse, your special police units will cost you goodwill in the towns and villages across the country if they act as an occupying force, guns on the ready to shoot or maim anyone who may not march on orders.

If you question the preceding narrative, you either don’t live in SVG, too stuffed with partisan politics or like Rip Van Winkle has fallen into a deep sleep. Whatever the reason, the times demand that you arise from your slumber.

For starters, the Ministry of Health new bulling policy is that all Covid-19 unvaccinated staff must present a negative Covid-19 test every two weeks. The staff member must pay for the test. Clear proof of government’s ‘voluntary vaccination policy.’

Recently, a young man related the sad tale of being arrested, taken to a police station where he spent about 4 hours and then taken to Fenton mountain and shot in the leg. His left leg is plastered from his ankle to above his knee. The police did not charge him. Three weeks ago, some young women took to the media to complain of a beating they suffered at the hands of police officers. Last Tuesday, a mother engaged us to represent her son, who was stopped and shot on the beach at Rabacca. He, too, bears the evidence of two shots in his right knee and one in his left calf.

There are several active-duty police officers with two or three dead bodies under their belt. No reckoning, no repercussions forthcoming. As Prime Minister Gonsalves said, ‘compared to other officers across the region, our police are angels.’ You cannot ask for a clearer green light to act with impunity brutalising and shooting civilians.

Don’t believe it? Ask how many Coroner’s Inquests are outstanding?

Investigate the last time a Coroner’s Inquest was completed into the death of a civilian killed by those sworn to protect and serve? Chew on this for context. In 2012, Otneil Whyte, a custom guard, was killed in a mysterious ‘soap powder’ shootout on Union island. A Coroner’s Inquest was convened in 2014 and subsequently adjourned indefinitely. Reason: Venezuelan nationals involved in a shootout with police were released and returned home without charge.

There are extrajudicial killings in SVG. Those carrying a heavy-ladened

COMPLIMENTS OFTEN HAVE THAT ABILITY to lift our spirits. They provide us with a sense of accomplishment. We feel good about ourselves when someone praises us for some task that we have performed or some victory that we have achieved.

Compliments can often seem like wind beneath our wings – especially when we require that extra courage to proceed with a task that we may be finding quite challenging. Complaints and criticisms, on the other hand, can often (but not always) deflate us. However, in many instances, they create opportunities for growth when presented tactfully and received in humility.

The Apostle John, in attempting to assist the early churches in Asia Minor, was very tactful in terms of how he approached this task. Many of today’s managers and leaders in business, government, and the church can glean valuable insights in relation to how he approached the assignment. We can do the same in our relationships with others. He commenced by complimenting/commending them. He then highlighted where improvements were necessary. In other words, he followed the sequence of complimenting before advancing his complaints and criticisms. The approach referred to here is recorded in Revelation Chapter 2. As he writes to encourage the saints at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergumum, and Thyatira he begins by highlighting their positive characteristics as they demonstrated hard work, perseverance, faithfulness, love, and faithful service.

However, there were also areas where they needed to improve. He highlighted these in his complaints and criticisms that followed his commendations. As good as they were, they could have been better. We, too, can learn from such an approach. As good as we are, we can be better. We appreciate the compliments.

But we also treasure the pearls of wisdom that appear in the complaints and criticisms.

Teachers can find this approach especially valuable when seeking to guide students to improve performance.

Rather than only commenting on the negatives (i.e., what they did wrong) it is much more valuable to commence with a positive comment … even if it is related to something that is considered “minor” or “insignificant”. For example, a positive comment about the student’s handwriting, use of grammar, or neatness of presentation would enable the student to understand and appreciate that they are not all bad.

Conversely, a teacher who only comments on the negatives observed (or focuses intently on marking “red Xs” on the sheet of paper or on the pages of the book) runs the risk of having the student incorrectly conclude that “they got all wrong”. We can always find something good to begin a conversation with even when we have to lodge complaints and criticisms.

Managers, leaders, and supervisors can also learn from such an approach.

It may seem strange to also engage in such a method even in instances when individuals have engaged in “serious infractions”. We are reminded that no one is “all bad”. And even the best of us

will admit that we are not perfect. We need guidance and correction from time to time. Constructive criticism should be welcomed and encouraged. However, we have to be secure in ourselves to encourage and accept constructive criticisms. Self-confidence and the admission that we are not perfect will enable us to learn and to improve as a result of reviewing and responding positively to complaints and criticisms.

An insecure individual is less likely to appreciate feedback deemed to be negative regardless of the perceived motives of the individuals who provide the analysis and feedback. Such individuals are more likely to prefer to wallow in compliments and praise. This may be so even when such utterances appear to be exaggerated to the point of being flattery. However, the Norman Vincent Peale quotation that was used to introduce the thoughts shared in this article remind us that too many of us would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. This does not negate the importance of providing praise. It merely magnifies the value of constructive criticism. While praise has a way of energizing and encouraging us, constructive criticism can assist us in improving performance and attitude.

We need both — praise and criticism.

Joyce Meyer (born 1943), the American Charismatic Christian author, speaker, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries, provides some useful advice when she says, “Compliment people. Magnify their strengths, not their weaknesses.” There is wisdom is such an approach. Each of us can find good in others if we are determined to do so. This quotation does not imply that we do not see the weaknesses of others. What it conveys is that we do not magnify them. It does not mean that we do not suggest corrective behaviours. We have a responsibility and a privilege to aid the development of others through our compliments, complaints, and constructive criticisms.

When doing so, our motives should be pure. We should be providing objective analysis and feedback with the intention of fostering development; encouraging progress. We should be focused on building up; not pulling down. We can do so to inspire; not demotivate. We can engage in such activities to encourage growth; not to hinder development.

Our maturity can often be measured by how we give and receive compliments. Our growth can be noted in relation to how we dispense and accept complaints and criticisms. These truths remain accurate even when we suspect that the other individual’s motives are improper and impure. We can still benefit from objective introspection and use these to propel us to greater development and achievement. The extent of our learning from these will be largely dependent on how receptive we are to receive and benefit from compliments, complaints, and criticisms.

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

brief for the government may raise a hue and a cry, long on and short of enlightenment. The charge is irrefutable. Consider this fact. 1996 was the last year a Vincentian was legally executed by hanging. However, more citizens than we care to count have been shot and killed by police without an official investigation.

Then there is the horrid state of the criminal justice system. All too often, drugs, especially cocaine, go missing. Yet accused persons are convicted on made-up evidence. An accused is arrest for possession of 4 kilos of cocaine. The cocaine is wrapped in white plastic and numbered 1 to 4 for identification. At trial, there is one white package and three black, clearly not the same contraband. Yet, the tainted drugs are accepted as evidence sufficient for a conviction.

Evidently, a corrupted officer stole the drugs. But there is no news of officers being dismissed, tried or convicted. They are shifted around.

The Criminal Court is swiftly morphing into a legal conveyor belt rather than a hall of justice. Recently a young man charged with the serious crime of robbery was made to conduct his own trial, even after he informed the court that he had found an attorney willing to assist with his defence. Statements coerced from accused persons are entered into evidence even where their request for legal representation is ignored. A prosecution main witness declared in open court that the prosecution warned him to tell the story as they directed. Yet, the evidence is taken and leads to a conviction.

Added to all this, the ongoing saga of prominent officials in the legislature and judiciary accused of beating, shooting and threatening a citizen. There is a glaring double standard. Nine weeks after, the investigation snails along with no end in sight. Imagine further the disclosure that a potential witness was asked to sign a false statement implicating the complainant.

Compounding this is the fact that there has been no obstruction of justice charges lodged against the culprit.

But there is more; the civil law division is no better. On Tuesday, lawyers had to scramble to get a judge to prevent the government from deporting a British national without hearing her appeal, which the Immigration law allows.

Declarations and other orders of the Law Courts are routinely disregarded. One cost order is so woefully and egregiously neglected that the interest on the order has run past $500,000. Last week, the Court of Appeal handed the government another defeat. The government’s attempt to dismiss a case where police wrongfully shot an innocent citizen was set aside.

Democracy dies in the dark. We, the people, have to hold high the lighted torch.

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

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Tax havens for foreigners in SVG: Very bad for our people

IT IS CLEAR to all that tax havens for foreigners in SVG are very bad for our people. Super-rich foreigners in SVG are getting away with not paying hundreds of millions of tax that should be going into the SVG Treasury. Tax havens make the super-rich richer and make indigenous Vincentians poorer. It is the poor and women and children who suffer the most from tax havens in SVG. According to the UK aid charity Oxfam, since 2015, the richest 1% has more wealth than the rest of the world combined. This extreme economic inequality is fuelled by an epidemic of tax evasion and avoidance that has reached an unprecedented scale. While millions across the world live in poverty, rich individuals and companies, exploiting tax havens, are continuing to dodge their taxes, depriving the poorest countries from being able to provide vital services.

This is evident in SVG. The ULP regime grants tax exemptions to

Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. The consequence of this means that the SVG Treasury misses out on hundreds of millions of dollars.

As a result, our people are being denied public services and support that they deserve and need, and suffer needlessly.

When super-rich foreigners dodge paying their taxes in the countries where they do business and where they make their money, they deprive governments of the resources they need to provide vital public services and infrastructure like schools, hospitals and roads, and to tackle poverty and inequality.

We see this in SVG. Some schools are in a dilapidated state, in many areas of the country roads are terrible and our hospitals are woefully underresourced. Also, we have a high rate of unemployment, poverty is rife and thousands of households have no running water and mains electricity.

These problems could all be avoided if Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan pay all their tax.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, says that tax havens offer no net benefit to SVG and are a breach of Section 13 of the SVG 1979 Constitution, which is ‘no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.’

The ULP Regime is irresponsibly throwing hundreds of millions of dollars down the drain. Black children in SVG have been let down for decades in education, while billions of dollars are lost through tax exemptions.

Our children’s dreams and life opportunities are tossed aside in favour of making the super-rich richer.

Too many of our children end up in jail and in generational poverty. This is racism at its worse and is highly

counterproductive to sustainable development in SVG. When it comes to paying tax, there is one rule for the super-rich and another for ordinary people. While the super-rich get away with paying little or nothing, ordinary Vincentians are left to foot the bill for government spending. If we are going to end extreme inequality, we must end the era of tax havens in SVG that enable the super-rich to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Action Aid says that governments must ensure that their tax systems are fairer, more progressive and better able to ensure that all children — especially girls — are able to fully enjoy their right to a good quality education and a life not in poverty.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, says that in order to move our country forward, strengthen our economy, create mass employment and substantially reduce poverty, we must end tax havens in SVG.

President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia was welcomed by Prime Minister Sir A tribute by Sir James Mitchell was affectionately called is described South Africa. At the end of James Mitchell to in my autobiography “Beyond the that morning session while we Bequia as part of THE ICONIC president Kenneth Islands” published by Macmillan in adjourned for coffee, no one the Zambian Kaunda of Zambia is the first African London. was sitting at her table and I President’s official president to make a state visit to Saint Our first contact was in The decided to join her. I visit to St. Vincent Vincent and Grenadines, from 29 to 31 Bahamas in 1985, at the introduced myself as the new May, 1989. He spent two days during Commonwealth Heads of Government kid on the block, and one who and the Grenadines. which he addressed public meetings in Conference, the first at which SVG admired her privatization Victoria Park and under the almond was represented after Independence in policy. I sought her agreement sponsored tree in Bequia.

1979. Before then we were only an that the Conference should end with a by US AID. We need to celebrate his visit and associate member of the single statement on South Africa and Both were his battles for Independence from Commonwealth. Minister Eddie not two. She agreed, welcoming my invited to Britain that included two jail terms.

Griffith accompanied me. offer to pass on the message. return This did not diminish his declared At that Bahamas meeting, the hot I took the message to Rajiv Gandhi home. They did. affection for the Queen and topic was freedom for South Africa of India and ‘KK’. As a result the My address to the Congress is Commonwealth in its early stages. from apartheid. ‘KK’ was Chairman of meeting set up the Eminent Persons recorded in my first book of speeches, The story of his day in Bequia is the Front Line States in that struggle, Group, under the lead of Olusegun “Caribbean Crusade” 1988, under the beautifully recorded in Judy Simmons’ and the African National Congress Obasanjo of Nigeria, now Co-Chair of title, “Zambia: Courage, Sacrifice and social media page (ANC) headquarters was based in our Inter-Action Council, to visit and Challenges.” https://islandlifestories.com kennethZambia. report on apartheid activity. Dame A more comprehensive view of my kaunda-visits-Bequia.

Prime Minister of the UK Margaret Nita Barrow of Barbados represented time with KK is described in my A more comprehensive view of my Thatcher made her spirited defense of the Caribbean. She went with the autobiography “Beyond the Islands” time with ‘KK, as Kenneth Kuanda her resistance to sanctions against team to Robben Island but is better published by Macmillan in London . known for her disguise in African I will never forget the glorious early costume which allowed her to go to morning chanting of those thousands Sharpeville unnoticed. At the opening of African women making breakfast for of the new South Africa parliament all the delegates.

Nelson Mandela greeted her warmly.

KK had a special mind. He fought At the next commonwealth against Britain for independence, conference in Vancouver, Kay and I twice going to prison in the battle for were opening speakers. My ovation the two Rhodesias, now Zambia and attracted ‘KK’ and he commented, Zimbabwe, but always expressed his “You come from such a small island care and affection for The Queen as and you make such a big speech.” My Head of the Commonwealth. reply: “Mr. President, when you don’t KK set up multi-party elections, have size on your side you have to lost, and unlike too many African present quality.” leaders, he graciously accepted the When he learned that I had never people’s verdict. For all that, his been to Africa, he invited me to successor tried to cancel his Zambiaaddress his next United National Rhodesia origin and citizenship, so as Independence Party convention at to ensure he could not be a candidate Mulungushi, right in the heart of a again, but failed in the Courts. He forest in Zambia where his struggle then concerned himself in the AIDS was planned, deemed Mulungushi The challenge after his son died.

Rock . The name struck a chord with Many of us will not forget the me for my constituency’s label of Paget arrival of the first African president Farm as the Rock Gibraltar. and his delegation at Arnos Vale in I’m not aware of any Caribbean the big jet, similar in size to what now colleague PM addressing an African lands at Argyle, and his signature political convention. brand of white handkerchief waving to I took along Parnel Campbell and Vincentians.

Jonathan Peters. We were able to He stayed at Government House meet with all the participating leaders and enjoyed his tours in the of Independent Africa and those not countryside, making comment about yet independent, and esteemed the quality of our housing. persons like South Africa’s His gift to me of a beautifulOliver Tambo and Yasser Arafat of ly carved wooden chest with Palestine. nameplate, among others, awaits a On this visit, two Vincentians came suitable place in a museum. to see me. Dr. Carl Regisford, working May this twentieth century icon rest in Zambia to save lives in the armed in the glorious peace he eminently struggle, and Macaulay Peters at the deserves.

Zimbabwe University in Education

Kenneth Kaunda: 20th century icon

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 13.

Donations

Wines, spirit entities assist displaced persons L-R: Ms. Julia Simmons, Operations Manager of the SVG Red Cross Society, accepts a cheque from Lennox Gonsalves, Managing Director of Gonsalves Liquors Ltd. presented on behalf of a group of Wine/Spirits manufacturers/distributors.

SEVEN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURES/DISTRIB UTORS of Fine Wines and Alcoholic Spirits have come to the assistance of persons who were displaced and impacted adversely by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

Working through

Gonsalves Liquors Ltd., their local representative/ distributor, the seven — Baron Phillippe de Rothschild, Georges Duboeuf, Chateau Minuty, Cie Antillaise de Distribution, Caribbenne de Distribution, Sartori (all French) and Antinori

(Italian) - in a show of cooperation, provided $40,000 for use by an agency working with displaced persons.

The Agency selected to receive the donation to be used toward the recovery effort post the volcanic eruption was the St. Vincent and the

ECGC touches families and communities Chateaubelair, Petit Bordel, Rose Bank, Troumaca, Rose Hall, Cumberland, Spring Village, Chilli Village, Langley Park, Byera, Chester Cottage, Dickson and the Barrouallie and Fair Hall Shelters.

Phyllis James, Team Leader and Human Resource Manager, said, “The joyous expressions on the faces of the children evoked a special feeling of satisfaction for the members of our team and we will continue to do more.”

Chief Executive ECGC Community Outreach team members brings Officer J Robert Cato cheer to a child in North Windward. said, “We have learned a lot as we went into the EAST CARIBBEAN a group of ECGC communities and have GROUP OF volunteers comprising gotten the execution of COMPANIES, (ECGC) management and staff, the aid down to a precise continues its targeted travelled along the responses to the series of Windward and Leeward format, which includes explosive eruptions of sides of St. Vincent over social distancing, sanitization at the La Soufrière volcano three weekends with a Volcano Relief distributing thousands of distribution points, and we are also doing postProgramme, aimed at boxes of Cream of The event covid testing for aiding displaced persons Islands Flour, Carib volunteers.” in their relief and Pearl Rice, Island Sipz He added, “Our next recovery. water and assorted phase will focus on This initiative comes supplies to displaced farmers through a with the allocation, since residents, some of whom the end of April, of some are now returning to the combination of rebates, feed and farm supplies $1million in aid to Orange and Red zones. distribution and affected communities.

Among the Staying true to the communities touched by rebuilding aid through company’s pledge to the ECGC outreach were livestock support.”

(Source: ECGC) support the relief effort, Fitz Hughes,

Grenadines Red Cross Society.

In advancing this decision, Mr. Lennox Gonsalves, Managing Director of Gonsalves Liquors Ltd., handed over a cheque in the amount of $40,000 to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, last Monday.

Gonsalves was obviously pleased to be acting on behalf of his suppliers and pointed out

that the work in getting the donation together was led by M. MarcelAndre Clement, of Cie Antillaise de Distribution, Guadeloupe.

This gesture follows on Gonsalves Liquors’ own initiative of reaching out with relief supplies to persons affected by the eruption.

Last year, 2020, marked the 50th anniversary of Gonsalves

Liquors Ltd. Amid the challenges occasioned by the Covid19 pandemic and the eruption of the volcano, Gonsalves Liquors recognizes that its success has been predicated on the support of its wide and varied client base, and thanks those many individuals and businesses for their support through the first 50 years.

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Opposition to bring motion THE OPPOSITION HAS SUBMITTED a motion for debate at the next Sitting of the House of Assembly, scheduled for June 29.

Speaking at a press briefing on June 23, Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday said that he had submitted a motion for debate on the issue of the continued presence of Senator Ashelle Morgan in the House, despite her involvement in a criminal matter in which it is alleged that a man was beaten and shot at his home.

Dr. Friday was suspended from the May 11 Sitting after he raised the issue, saying that the Government appointed senator needed to withdraw or have her appointment revoked until the investigation was completed.

He became embroiled in a heated exchange with Speaker of the House, Rochelle Forde, and was asked to leave.

The other members of the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) refused, on Dr. Friday’s suspension, to participate further n the day’s proceedings.

Even as he acknowledged the failed attempts by the opposition to bring motions for debate in Parliament, Dr. Friday insisted that they were going to pursue the matter.

The motion is as follows: WHEREAS this Honourable House must seek always to promote the values and principles enshrined in our laws and democratic traditions and to foster respect for the rule of law; AND WHEREAS each Member of Parliament is accountable to the public

for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office; AND WHEREAS each Member of Parliament shall never undertake any action which would cause significant damage to the reputation and Dr. Friday, Leader of the Opposition is determined integrity of the House of even against the run of history, to have his motion Assembly as a whole, or acknowledged and debated. of its Members generally; AND WHEREAS it is alleged that Mr. First time government Senator – Cornelius John was Ashelle Morgan – is at the centre of beaten and shot in his the Opposition’s motion, as a result leg at his home in of her alleged involvement in a Diamond and that shooting matter.

Senator and Deputy Speaker Ashelle Morgan Right; Cornelius John: His shooting was one of three has resulted in a way of action assailants involved in aimed at having the matter properly the incident; investigated and charges, if any, laid AND WHEREAS the accordingly.

Commissioner of Police has confirmed publicly that the matter is under police AND WHEREAS Senator Morgan investigation and that Senator Morgan attended the meeting of the House of Speaker of The House Rochelle is a person of interest in the Assembly on May 11th, 2021 and the Forde will be under close watch to investigation; Leader of the Opposition with the full see if she would allow history to AND WHEREAS this matter has support of all members of the dictate as per another Opposition stirred the conscience of our nation Opposition sought to invite Senator Motion. and caused many to question the Morgan to withdraw from the sitting administration of justice and the rule of the House or to have her suspended of the police investigation into the of law in St. Vincent and the from the House pending the outcome Grenadines serious allegations concerning her; AND WHEREAS Senator Morgan was appointed by the Governor General acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and that appointment can be revoked by the Governor General acting on the advice of the Prime Minister; AND WHEREAS Senator Morgan has not withdrawn from the House and her appointment as senator has not been revoked and thus, she remains a member of the House and the Deputy Speaker; AND WHEREAS the Speaker of the House has a constitutional duty to interpret and apply the Standing Orders so as to facilitate debate and promote the decorum and dignity of the House; BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call on Senator and Deputy Speaker Ashelle Morgan to withdraw from the sittings of House pending the outcome of the police investigation into the serious allegations made against her in relation to the beating and shooting of Cornelius John; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that should Senator Morgan fail or refuse to withdraw, she be suspended for the sittings of the House pending the outcome of the police investigation into the serious allegations made against her in relation to the beating and shooting of Cornelius John. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 15.

News

Public

Service Week

celebrated

by GLORIAH…

ON DECEMBER 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly, having recognized that the Public Service of any country acts as the engine that drives the linkages between the government and its citizens, unanimously designated 23 June as Public Service Day. The day was to be set aside “to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community”.

This year, the Public Sector Reform Unit in the Ministry of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports, marked this occasion by hosting a week of activities from Monday, 21st June within which Public Service Day was commemorated.

The week began with a church service on Monday 21st, under the theme — ‘Resilient Public Service: Appreciating the Spirit and Strength of Public Servants’, at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

Frederick Stevenson, Minister with

The staff at the Department of Culture maximizing on a photo op.

The photo-booth setting responsibility for the Public Service, in a Message to mark the Day, lauded the Public servants for professionalism with which they executed their work.

“Today, we dedicate this time to show and acknowledge, to appreciate and pay homage to you, our public servants for your service and strength; not for this day but for the rest of the year!” the Minister expressed.

He extended profound gratitude to “the thousands of hard working public servants

public, and to do more to foster a positive work environment.

The other activities in the week of celebration included: balance of the programme of activities went as follows: * Tuesday 22nd — Panel discussion on “A for staff memory shots.

Look into the New Norm and Work-Life Balance of for keeping the Public Servants’ at the government’s machinery Peace Memorial Hall; functioning.” * Wednesday 23rd — Addressing the Minister’s address and a Church Service VC3 Round Table Talk gathering, Prime on, ‘Why Establish an Minister Dr. Ralph Employee Assistance Gonsalves praised the Programme for the Public Service of St. Public Service’; Vincent and the * Thursday,24th — ‘InGrenadines for serving House Service St. Vincent and the Recognition’ — a Grenadines well over the celebration for Ministries years, even as their role and Departments; would have evolved over * Friday 25th - a live time. social media watch party, He proceeded, streamed by VC3, to host however, to make an a “Special Recognition appeal for Public Ceremony” and token Servants to make a day. commitment to improve Public servants were the service offered to the

Relief items concessions end THE PERIOD DURING WHICH CONCESSIONS were allowed on the entry of relief-related items will come cease at the end of June.

Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves explained on WE FM on June 20 that the dutyfree concessions had to end as the measure was creating problems for some local producers.

The large quantities of bottled water that was being imported here within recent times was having an impact on the local producer of bottled water, ‘Mountain Top’.

“And there are some other challenges relating to some other industries as well,” Gonsalves said.

In the aftermath of

the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano which began erupting explosively erupting on April 9, Government waived all import duties, VAT, excise duties, customs service charge and the bottle levy fee from all relief supplies from donor countries and agencies.

Concessions were also granted on the entry of ‘barrels’. The period for these concessions, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced, will be extended, though

An overwhelming amount of relief supplies was allowed into SVG with waiver of all taxes, duties, fees, etc. he stopped short of given this will continue. (DD) any idea about how long

encouraged capture the spirit of the Week/Day through photographs, a service made available through a photo booth set up at the old Treasury location.

All in all, the week of commemoration allowed for a focused look at the Public Service and highlighting its spirit and strengths.

More studyabroad openings for SVG students

by GLORIAH… PERSONS IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES who have successfully completed the CAPE and Associate Degree The Dr. Ralph examinations have Gonsalves-led ULP another opportunity for government has placed a high premium further study abroad. of education.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced on Wednesday 23rd June that some 50 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate scholarships to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in the United Kingdom, will be made available to Vincentian students as of October 2021.

This confirmation, he said, was received in correspondence from the university on Friday, 19th June.

In referencing the students who would be eligible to receive these scholarships, the Prime Minister stated that they will be the ones whose areas of study fall within this country’s development plan.

He was clear that they must be those interested in completing, “Masters, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates and the like, in different subject areas as they link and connect to our national, economic and social development plan 2013-2025.”

The scholarships, according to the prime Minister, will costs for tuition, transportation, accommodation, and living expenses.

He added that even as details are yet to be worked out with the university, the package should amount to about £1.5 million.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was established on 18th November 2010 following the merger of a number of universities.

According to https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ , the UWTSD is “… an employment-focused university, dedicated to ensuring our students from diverse backgrounds develop the academic knowledge and practical skills to thrive.”

V CIPO’s new office retrofitted: 16. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

BRAGSA gets donation In addition, BRAGSA carried out necessary plumbing and electrical work to bring the overall project cost to $260,000.

CIPO is tasked with providing “a sound administrative and regulatory framework which supports the development of domestic commerce and the protection of intellectual property rights.”

Towards this end, it is responsible for maintaining “a reliable body of public records on commercial and non-profit The public space in the CIPO office is a much improved area associations and intellectual having received the expert attention of BRAGSA. property registrations…”

In related news, BRAGSA Photo Credits: BRAGSA sense about it. was recently the recipient of a Having moved from its donation of a quantity of THE COMMERCE AND original location in the uptown safety gears, compliments INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES Methodist Building on Granby Edwin D. Layne & Sons Ltd. OFFICE (CIPO) not only has a Street, to downtown in the The items - 157 Overalls new location but thanks to the Brewster’s Building on Mc Coy and 18 Jackets — were valued Buildings, Roads and General Street, BRAGSA retrofitted at $18,156.

Services Authority (BRAGSA), its the new office space, with the Inventory Manager at office now has a much improved construction of partitions, Laynes Department Store, Mr. working and accommodating cupboards and counters.

Levi John said the donation

was made to assist BRAGSA with its ash cleanup campaign, following the series of explosive eruptions, which began on April 9, of the La Soufriere Volcano.

Mr. John said Laynes is proud to team up with BRAGSA as the company continues to do its corporate duty to get St. Vincent backup and running.

BRAGSA’s, Senior Administrative Officer of Internal & External Relations, Ms. Maala Theobalds, on receiving the donation and thanking the benefactor for the kind donation, said the items will go a long in equipping persons who are

The handing over party included (L-R): Mrs. Cornice Hadley - General Manager of Edwin D. Layne & Sons, Maala Theobalds - Senior, Administrative Officer of Internal & External Relations at BRAGSA, Mr. Levi JohnInventory Manager at Edwin D. Layne, at the handing over of the safety gear/equipment. deployed in the clean —up efforts.

Clean-up exercises continue in the Orange and red Zones.

(Source: BRAGSA)

VINLEC expands generation capacity A PROJECT FOCUSED ON IMPROVING the efficiency and reliability of the generation capacity at St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited is ongoing at the Company’s Cane Hall Power Plant. The Cane Hall Generation Expansion Project will see the installation of two new Wartsila Units (generators).

The project is influenced by the need for new and more efficient generating capacity to reliably meet system demand in the country, at least economic cost.

The dismantling of the two generators completed, construction work started in April. Among the works listed are the demolition and recasting of the annex roof, the reconstruction of the engine block foundations and civil works outside the Power Station Building. These works are scheduled to be completed this month (June). The mechanical and electrical installation are set to commence in early July.

Meantime, the dismantled parts from the two displaced generators are being stored on island before being eventually disposed of overseas.

The generator sets will be shipped from Finland and are expected in St. Vincent in August. Already, fourteen containers with auxiliary equipment have arrived in two shipments and are being stored at the Lay Down area next to the Power Station.

VINLEC’s Project team is working in partnership with a Project Civil Engineer in Finland and an onsite

Work is ongoing in getting the foundation ready for placement of the new generators at the VINLEC Cane Hall Plant.

Manager from Wartsila to ensure the success of the project. The VINLEC team includes Manager, Engineering Vaughn Lewis, Project Manager - Mark Lulley, Plant Engineer Cane Hall - Inga Jackson, Senior Generation Engineer Augustus Ambrose, Protection and Automation Engineer - Mikous Augustus, Senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer - Ricky Wright, Senior Planning Engineer - Morrison Creese and Plant Engineer Lowmans Bay - Rohan Robertson.

The project is expected to end October after the testing and commissioning phases of the Units (generators). It is estimated to cost 17.5 to 18 million EC dollars. (Contributed

by VINLEC)

V Vincy graduate student examines stereotypes

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 17.

Diaspora

stereotype created from racial views of the watermelon, we are continuously unraveling the truth about things that are revealed to us,” added Samuel, who graduated from the University of South Florida, in Tampa, in the spring. “The goals are to unravel the mystery and discover the value of every move we make as human beings.

“Acknowledge that installation of fear in people to be against each other: The end result is to find your truth,” she added.

In seeking to unravel the truth, Samuel said she researched the “Hidden History Architecture & Spiritual Teachings of Kemet”.

From those findings, she told THE VINCENTIAN that she started to create abstract drawings and models to explain her results.

Samuel said the connection between technology and the Egyptian teachings Kamani Ann Samuel became her connection through the ancient pyramids.

by NELSON A. KING “The idea is to always remember naking@verizon.net that technology is mimicking US CORRESPONDENT humanity,” she said. “Nothing that Photos Courtesy: Kamani Ann Samuel technology is doing is outside of humanity. Be careful that we are not just reproducing our own oppression A GRADUATING MIRAMAR, Florida student, whose parents are natives of St. through technology. Step away from Vincent and the Grenadines, has written becoming more enslaved by the technology.” a Master’s thesis for her architectural Samuel said she chose this thesis degree about the watermelon and how it represents the stereotypes “pushed onto “because it belongs to my ancestors,” stating that it helped her to Black people.” understand “who I am and where I am “The truth of its cultural existence going. is difficult to digest without an “Thinking outside the box is part of understanding of the methods to my personality,” she said. “I am distort the truth,” said Kamani Ann fearless and hardworking.

Samuel, who was born in East New “My goal for this thesis to open the York, Brooklyn, New York, on Aug. 25, minds of the masses and allow them to 1995 to Annie Glasgow, of Campden research information about themselves Park, and Dexter Samuel, of — to look within themselves and Questelles, about her thesis. connect to their spiritual journey,” she “As we unravel the history and added.

Samuel said her innate future plans are to join a company to get more exposure to architecture and understand the cultural environment, “which will give me the cutting edge to become an entrepreneur.”

“With over four years of my master’s education experience, as an architecture designer, under my belt, I’ve analyzed the Kemetic Civilization and structure on how to take back the development of the motherland on this earth,” she said.

Stating that rebuilding Africa is a process, Samuel said she is determined to help produce and build structures for communities that are yet to be heard of.

She also said she is focused on giving opportunities “for the rich soil to have rich land.

“Africa will continue to have the fastest urban growth in the world,” Samuel said. “Due to it One of many abstract drawings created by Samuel to explain her results.

being the oldest inhabited continent on earth, having the chance to create change and conversation on growth in a continent helps a future architect, such as me, to explore.”

She said the building and construction sector is key to the development of Africa and the wellbeing of its population.

“Africa can fulfil the demand for a built-environment that meets the needs of African people through the application of sustainable building and construction concepts,” Samuel said.

“As for me, I want to be a part of the

movement in evolving the land that holds so much strength.

“My career plans are to first plant a tree, then build a home — staying close to nature and building with nature, not against it,” she added.

Then, in quoting the author T. C. Carrier, Samuel said: “’Whoever controls the image and information of the past will determine what and how future generations will think; and, whoever controls the information and images of the present, will also determine how these same people will view the past.’”

18. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

St. Vincent and the Grenadines not in Barbados ‘bubble’

BARBADOS will, effective June 30, introduce a travel “bubble” for specific Caribbean countries with low incidence of COVID-19 cases.

The ‘bubble’ is one of a number of measures Barbados proposes to take as it moves to ease lockdown and curfews so as to allow for greater economic/commercial activity.

But when the list of Caribbean countries that will be included in that ‘bubble’ was disclosed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not on the list.

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, during an address to the nation, announced that “fully

vaccinated persons with a negative PCR test, coming from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Anguilla, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and Bermuda, can immediately enter without any further tests on arrival”.

What this means is that travellers from countries named in the bubble will not be required to do PCR tests or quarantine upon arrival in Barbados; but that vaccinated citizens from countries not included in the ‘bubble’ will still be tested at the Grantley Adams Airport; and unvaccinated

(L-R): Prime Ministers Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (SVG) and travellers will be Mia Mottley (Barbaods) were expected to meet in due required to go into a course to work through the ‘slight’ by Barbados. five-day quarantine.

The Barbados Grenadines and St. Lucia are not yet Government Information Service quoted Ms. Mottley as saying that the quite at that point,” Mottley said.

She added, “I have spoken to my determination of “low risk” countries brother Prime Minister Dr. Ralph was based on the criteria set out by Gonsalves from St. Vincent and the the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“This speaks to whether a country is Grenadines and we are hoping to have bilateral discussions over the course of deemed low risk by the automated Shape Country Risk Assessment Tool, the next week to two weeks to see how and whether it was at the community best we can collaborate on testing and vaccinations, recognising that there is transmission phase, according to the World Health Organisation’s a lot of movement daily between guidelines,” Mottley further explained, Barbados and the Grenadines…and making it clear that travellers from that effectively we have not had any countries within the region that do not issues in the Grenadines, and so we meet these criteria will be subjected to would want to add them [to the the existing protocols. bubble].”

“We are conscious that our brothers As of Sunday 20 June, SVG had and sisters in St. Vincent and the administered some 23,576 vaccines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 21.

Sport Extra

FIFA and CARICOM sign agreement FIFA and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on May 31 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration, with the aim of promoting sports integrity and social responsibility, while furthering the development of CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque football in the display a copy of the signed region.

MOU, a partnership which he The landmark sees as furthering the goals of agreement was encouraging Caribbean youth. signed by CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a virtual ceremony attended by the presidents of the national football associations of CARICOM countries, Ministers of Government and Representatives of the countries, as well as Concacaf President Victor Montagliani.

“We are delighted to enter into this agreement with the Caribbean Community, the aim of which is to leverage our sport as a catalyst for social development in the region. Football has an incredible following in the Caribbean and there is still great potential for additional growth. I am very happy to see that the countries understand the opportunities this brings in terms of social benefits for their communities and we are looking forward to working hand in hand with them around this common goal,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I very much welcome this MOU and the partnership with FIFA,” said CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. “Many of our Member States have established developmental programmes using sports as a transformative agent. The social, health and economic benefits of sport is well appreciated and supported in our Region. The partnership with organisations such as FIFA assists in furthering our goals of encouraging our youth, in particular, to pursue healthy lifestyles while enjoying the benefits of a sport like football.”

In a statement during the ceremony, Barbados Head Coach and FIFA Legend Russell Latapy said: “I appreciate the efforts of FIFA and CARICOM to invest in football development because a safer environment for our children is also a safer environment for football across the board and everyone involved.”

The MoU focuses on several key areas of collaboration, in particular the implementation of a football programme in the physical education curricula in primary schools in the CARICOM region. FIFA, together with its member associations, will provide support for the development of football training, competitions and the training of football coaches, officials and administrators along with physical education teachers.

Other key focus areas of the agreement include measures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults involved in football activities, the fight against match manipulation and the promotion of sports integrity and social responsibility. (Source: caricom.org.)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino displays his copy of the signed MOU which he expects will serve to inform programmes that will unearth the ‘great potential for growth in the Caribbean.

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Paying for your transgression

Dear George, I AM FED up with this girl harassing me.

Granted, I asked her for one sexual favour which she granted; now she is harassing me every day for money. This, after she was well paid for her favour.

I cannot understand why she would want to do this to me. I trusted her as someone who wouldn’t go as far as threatening to call my wife.

Do you have any idea as to how I can get her to back off?

In a bad place Dear In a bad place, It is unfortunate that you did not factor into your agreement with this woman the possibility of a backlash.

There are always consequences to

actions; sometimes they are delayed and other times more immediate.

Not suggesting the individual is a dog, but you should not be when you are bitten by fleas after lying with a dog.

What this woman does from here is out of your hands. If she is clearly harassing you then you should report it to the police, but then again that would not be an idea you would relish.

To get the monkey off your back, a confession to your wife would be the way to go.

George

Give him space Dear George,

In deep thinking

What is happening in this marriage is between husband and wife. As it is, he has to make the decision to stay and try and fix it or get out altogether.

For the moment he has you as someone to talk to and while that is all good it is not prudent for the sounding board to encourage him to leave. It will be better if you encourage him to see a professional counselor to help him to make an informed decision.

Be that good friend and give him space to work things through. In the end he would have a greater appreciation of you regardless of how the chips fell.

Dear In deep thinking,

George

I AM IN LOVE with a man who says he loves me but wouldn’t make a decision to leave his abusive and cheating wife. I have offered him everything he is not getting from her, including satisfying him sexually which he admits is better that what he gets from his wife.

I am at a lost as to why he is still with her. He has not even mentioned the word divorce in all his conversations with me.

George, do you think he is serious about me? Should I wait around for him.

Not yet in the clear messing with my head father. Her boyfriend, and I don’t want this is meanwhile, has to take get back to my girlfriend. responsibility for the THIS WOMAN, with pregnancy until it is whom I had sex once, is proven otherwise.

Worried stiff claiming that the child Word of advice: It she is carrying is mine. I Dear Worried stiff, makes no sense to be asked her if she was having unprotected sex if crazy!

It takes only one you cannot afford to be Not only does she have a boyfriend for over sexual act to get someone responsible for a pregnant. It follows child. Of course there 3 years with whom she therefore, that you are are other reasons why lives, but she has been unprotected sex is not a going around having sex not in the clear.

Your responsibility to good idea. with all and sundry. this child kicks in only This guy I know very after a paternity test George well told me how often which proves you are the he has been with her; it was him who put me on to her.

My question is why doesn’t she make her boyfriend claim the child? I know for sure I cannot be responsible for the child seeing I was there ONLY once. I am writing to you because the whole situation is

Dear George,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Sort situations out as best you can.

Watch your spending habits. You can make financial gains through investments and dealing with other people’s money.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Look into the cost factor, but don’t try to get backing yet. Don’t be too critical.

Remember; talk to them, not at them.

You can’t win and they won’t listen.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel and learning should be on your agenda this week. You may want to make changes in your home environment.

Make love, not war, and all will be fine.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will have an interest in foreigners and their cultures. Problems on the home front might be a little disconcerting.

Work hard on improving your living quarters.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn’t been well. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. You must look into your options.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Exercise programs will be effective.

Strong willpower will come to your rescue. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with. Don’t let your health suffer because of worry. Talk to someone you trust.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t overdo it. You need to enjoy yourself. You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. Concentrate on spending quality time with children. Look into real estate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. You can meet potential new mates, but make sure that they aren’t already committed to someone else.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. Don’t let those close to you get under your skin. You will feel compelled to do some traveling.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Need some adventure in your life? Exotic destinations beckon you. Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments. Try not to make waves.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) This might not be a day for hasty decisions. Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments. You will be able to get along well with colleagues.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Clear up domestic chores that have remained undone for some time. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet.

ACROSS 1. Funny Brooks 4. Nest deposit 7. Light-switch position 10. Quite cold 11. Regret 12. Sticky slime 13. That waitress 14. Is unable to 15. Wild _ yonder 16. Throws 18. Energizes 19. Adversaries 22. Perspiration 25. Savored soup or scones 26. Bathing fixture 29. Plaid skirt 30. Masculine pronoun 31. Stormy anger 32. Writing fluid 33. Clear liquor 34. Vision 35. Says again 37. Rainy month 40. Party attendees 44. Engine cover 45. Before long 47. Equal score 48. Tree variety 49. Have possession of 50. Crawling bug 51. Ill-humored Stooge 52. Cunning 53. Service-station Purchase DOWN 1. Water vapor 2. Resound 3. Harsh liquids 4. Obliterate 5. Small firearm 6. Take hold of

7. Eye amorously 8. Loathsome 9. Antagonists 14. Dollar hundredth 15. Tour vehicle 17. Park bench, maybe 18. Professional charge 20. New England state 21. “_ a shame!”

22. Glide on snow 23. Obtain a victory 24. Majestic deer 26. Recess game 27. Disgusted cry 28. Casino wager 30. Waist joint 31. Start the day 33. Hair preparation

34. Fill with awe 35. Free (of) 36. Intense pain 37. Mild cough 38. Horseback sport 39. Italian capital

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 23.

41. Antlered male 42. Stage-strutting Turner 43. Becomes firm 45. Distress call 46. Feathered night critter

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Bequia takes SVGCC BÊball Tournament

trophy. Heat Wave finished fourth.

Outstanding players for their respective teams were: Jermaine John Bequia All Stars with 41 points; Jonelson Compton — Canouan with 34 points; Brandon Lewis -Blue Chip with 36 points; Omar Snagg Heat Wave with 27 points.

Retired teacher Hollis Christopher and SVGCC Physical Education Lecturer Kashaka Bulze were the assessors.

Canouan are just as proud to pose with their takings for finishing second.

Bequia All Stars pose with their takings for having won the (SVGCC) Year 2 Fusion One Day Basketball Tournament.

BEQUIA ALL STARS came away winners of the St Vincent Community College (SVGCC) Year 2 Fusion One Day Basketball Tournament, held at the

Arnos Vale Sporting Complex last weekend.

The tournament was part of the Practical component for six students pursuing the Physical Education and Sports Progrramme of the SVGCC. Those being assessed

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

were Danlee Sutherland, Canouan received Reneca Matthews, Kedel a trophy and a Alexander, Kristen case of Vitamalt.

Cyrus, Lezray Ollivierre Third placed Blue and Tijani Burgin.

Chip and won For taking the title, themselves a Bequia All Stars took home a $500.00 Jermaine john of Bequia All Stars was purse, a trophy, a the Tournament’s cake and a case of standout player with Vitamalt. a total of 41 points.

Second placed

Butler assists College students

Third placed Blue Chip and their winnings.

Students who were being assessed and their coach (L-R) Kendale Thomas (coach), Danlee Sutherland, Reneca Matthews, Kedel Alexander, Kristen Cyrus, Lezray Ollivierre and Tijani Burgin.

STUDENTS AT THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Community College (SVGCC) pursuing studies in Physical Education and Sports were recently given a boost as it related to their knowledge of the sport of cricket, the regulations governing the sport and more specifically, the role and involvement of umpires.

The boost was provided by Cricket West Indies certified umpire Deighton Butler, who was the facilitator of an online seminar organized as per the objectives stated above.

“A seminar was organized by the Physical Education Department of the SVGCC. They do have cricket matches every year as part of their practical, but because of the corona pandemic they were unable to stage these so they organized an online seminar. The seminar dealt in the main with umpiring, specifically umpiring signals and calls,” Butler told THE VINCENTIAN.

“The session went well. I was impressed with the organization and there was lots of feedback from the diverse group of males and females,” Butler added.

The thirteen students who participated in the seminar are expected to submit, as part of their course work, a School Based Assessment on how to organize and execute an online seminar about cricket. Butler’s input was aimed at assisting the students in this regard.

The former West Indies left arm fast bowler believes more seminars like this could only encourage more persons to get involved in the sport and more particularly, in umpiring.

“I want to encourage young cricketers and others who are interested in an umpiring career to get involved… as umpires or as match referees. We are short on umpires especially among the

Deighton Butler, Cricket West Indies certified umpire, facilitated the seminar for the College students. females,” Butler said.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 25.

Sports

Martin gets Volcanoes call-up NATIONAL right arm fast bowler Darius Martin has been called up by the Windward Islands Cricket Franchise ‘The Volcanoes’, in preparation for the Cricket West Indies regional cricket competitions.

The call-up means that Martin will join fellow Vincentians Desron Maloney, Keron Cottoy, Kenneth Dember, Obed McCoy and Sunil Ambris, who had earlier been contracted by the Volcanoes. Ambris has been appointed captain of the Volcanoes.

Martin is expected to join the Franchise next month and is elated by the opportunity.

His first comment was, “Let me first

thank the Almighty God for this opportunity….., couldn’t have been possible without Him. It’s a great opportunity for me, probably the biggest opportunity of my life.”

The young man is considered to be one of the most promising and talented young fast bowlers in the sub-region.

That said, he was not hesitant to admit, “I have been looking forward to this opportunity since I began my cricket career. Coming up from the U15 and U19 level, playing for my national team, this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

“I’m just really happy for this opportunity. Hopefully I can go out there, learn new things and perform

well, not only for myself but for the team, my country, my family and everyone who’s been Darius Martin (left) receiving some supporting me.”

This opportunity has nudged him to words of encouragement from West Indies Fast Bowling Legend Michael focus on what he said is his ultimate Holding during a visit Holding made goal… that of playing at the highest to SVG. level.

“Being able to go onto the next level make this possible,” Martin said. will be fulfilling my childhood dream Martin, like Maloney and Dember, of playing for the West Indies. There’s is currently enlisted in the Royal SVG still a lot, a lot of work to do and a Police Force. long way to go but I’m ready to work and do the right things that would I.B.A.ALLEN

Young ready for the road again TEENAGE cyclist — Rivas Young, notwithstanding his understanding of the current situation St Vincent and the Grenadines is facing as it relates to the coronavirus, is anxiously awaiting the all clear to hit the road again.

It has been almost a year since the last road race here, and Young made no bones about him getting jittery.

“It has been a real challenge for me, with no

races … I want to see more races…I have been home too much… Even though I am training, I want to race,” he asserted.

The 18- year-old, a relative newcomer to the sport Young, acknowledged the protocols that have to be followed during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic before permission could be granted for having official events, but wants those in charge to put

some wheels on their heels.

As such, Young is advocating that the SVG Cycling Union stage at least some keep fit events, to keep the interest in sport.

More particular to his ambitions, is that he is keen on challenging the more seasoned cyclists, as he has moved up into the Elite Category.

That said, he is also antsy since he is ready and raring to compete on his new “carbon” bike.

Young was compensated with a new road bike after the previous “aluminum” one was damaged in an accident that occurred last November, two days

prior to his 18th birthday.

Rivas Young is eager to return to competitive cycling.

Other challenges Young wants to see more corporate support for the sport.

“The sport is expensive and I am a student at college…

When you have to go out to train, you have to get tyres and tubes and when we are racing,” Young outlined.

Speaking on behalf of others who are suffering a similar fate, Young added: “We as young cyclists without that support of not having people to feed us when we are racing, it is a real struggle for us.”

Young’s terminology of “feed”, is in reference to be provided with supplements, such as fruits, water, chocolate bars, etc. during races.

In that regard, he was high in praise of longstanding President of the SVG Cycling Union, Trevor Bailey, for coming to his aid during races and keeping the sport of Cycling alive.

Others, he suggested, should show more fervor for the sport.

“I love Cycling and want to see how far it could take me,” the young man admitted.

Local cricket competitions postponed IT GOES WITHOUT saying that following the recent successful staging of the 3rd Edition of the Dream 11 Vincy Premier League, local cricketers looked forward with heightened anticipation to the staging of the national local cricket competitions.

That anticipation received a daunting blow when, in a circular letter to Managers and Captains of local clubs released last week, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Associations Inc. (SVGCA), the governing body for cricket here, stated inter alia, that it “regrets to inform you that

due to the upsurge in the Covid-19 cases locally that all local cricket tournaments have been postponed indefinitely. The Association will keep you updated on any changes, which will lead to a possible starting date”.

The three major competitions — T20, First Division and Premier Division — were last played in 2020.

Some cricketers here are hoping that new COVID-19 protocols for sporting activities to be announced here soon, would work in favour of allowing national competitive cricket before year end.

I.B.A.ALLEN Cricket action at Arnos Vale (pictured) and around the state has been put on hold.

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26. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGNA making use of down time Beyond the boundary I AM NOT going to abandon West Indies cricket because of the result of the Test series against South Africa. I will not inflate the condemnation of the squad. Neither will I say they are the “worst,” or “Losing Indies” aa many are wont to remark.

I appreciate what can happen in sport or life for that matter. I have been around as calypsonian Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool will say, “Too long.”

When a team is dismissed on the first day of a Test match for 97 that spells disaster. Rear-guard action is required to recover from such a position.

West Indies ought to have stuck to the task and ensure the lead was not extended. It so happened that South Africa asserted their strangle hold.

I must credit Quinton deKock on the innings he produced. That knock went a long way in deflating the West Indies and rubbed salt into the wound.

It was up to us to produce a better batting display in the second innings. But we crumbled.

When one expected more resistance in the second Test, the batsmen hardly showed up. Our best bet was to have reduced South Africa to as low a total as [possible in the second innings having conceded a sizeable lead.

The shoulders drooped as South Africa mounted a lower order resistance. Even then, that was the time for the home team to come to terms with the match situation and pull out the resolve for which Test is needed.

But an overwhelming mist of fear, panic and frigidity engulfed the party and hastened the demise.

I am not going to mourn over that. It makes no sense rolling in the mud.

In any event, I am a West Indies supporter, win lose or draw.

It’s like the C.L. James interpretation: and “goes beyond the boundary.” So don’t expect m3e to launch into any tirade on neither the administration, coaching staff, nor players.

I have prod of the @West Indies team, not because they have been world champions. It is the symbol of regional integration. Politicians and other stalwarts have given up on the idea of unification to the fullest extent.

Our leaders are too content on national parameters. And that is one of the hindrances to regional development.

Additionally, people have become copy cats of anything especially those that are alien to our culture and interest.

We are masters of muddying the waters that are supposed to quench our thirst. Then we end up spinning top in mud. We gravitate to things outside our ambit and needs, and latch on to measures counterproductive and irrelevant to our culture.

Burt that’s our legacy. We are yet to grasp the purpose of our existence.

It seems that local cricket has condensed to the Vincy Premier League. That VPL is set for its fourth version with the space for two years.

Perhaps it’s a good thing that players don’t have to act as grounds men when matches are on. The attention paid to getting wickets prepared and maintained during the VPL is astounding, compared to the care-free approach that happens during local cricket.

So when the standard dials to rise, one can’t leave the blame at the players’ feet Just like the VPL, efforts have to be stepped up so that a more conducive environment is provided for cricketers when they step on the field.

THERE ARE no on-court activities presently, but the Executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) is not idle.

The Executive, according to President Doris Mc Intosh has been attending to some administrative matters.

Foremost in this regard, Mc Intosh said “…is looking at the Constitution and our Strategy Plan… We had to break because of the eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano, but we would be starting back in another few weeks’ time to finalise the Constitution and the Strategic Plan.”

On completion, the

documents will be circulated to all affiliate clubs/ teams for their perusal and rebuttals.

“We will then meet via Zoom, with the affiliates, and put the final documents together,” Mc Intosh explained.

Also, part of the SVGNA’s agenda is for an early preparation of the Senior Female team, as they head to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank/ Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States’ International Series, set for November in Dominica.

In the absence of a National Netball Tournament, Mc Intosh said plans are in train to have at least two Fast-5

tournaments during the months of August and October.

“We have plans to have two sets of Fast-5 games, one in August and the other may be in October … These are tournaments to keep the teams going and keep them together,” she expounded.

In addition, the President assured that her Executive is open to sanctioning of Community Netball Competitions, providing that they are organized in strict adherence to official protocols.

The SVGNA’s 2020 National Club Tournament was aborted after one week of competition, following

Doris Mc Intosh, President of the SVGNA. the declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic.

The SVGNA though hosted a Fast-5 Tournament in October/November.

The President is optimistic that there would be a National Netball Tournament next year.

It Dat, Xcel athletes shine in preliminary IT DAT Academy and Xcel Track & Field Athletics Club were the two standout clubs at last weekend’s first preliminary round of the National Track and Field Championships, held at the Diamond Track and Field Facility.

Athletes will have another preliminary round of competition before the finals scheduled for July 3 and 4.

IR DAT’s wins IT DAT Academy athletes were in good form. Grenisha Thomas took the Female Under20 100M in 12.73 sec.

Kyle Lawrence took the Male Under-20 100m in

11.10 sec. Sage Primus won the Male Over-20 100M in 10.92 sec. and also took the 400m in 49.26 sec, in that category.

Tyhra Charles clocked 1:03.69 to take the Girls Under-15 400m. Markie Edwards took the Male Under-20 1500m in 4:16.41. Shonte Matthias won the Girls Under-17 100M and 400m in 12.83 sec. and 1:05.93 respectively. Rolando Richards took the Boys Under-15 400 meters in 54.11 and Annicea Richards the Women’s 400M in 58.11.

Xcel excels Xcel Track took the number one spot in the

Male Over-20 High Jump when Godwin Roban cleared the bar at 1.60 meters. Samaaya Connell took the Girls Under-17 Shot Putt with a throw of 9.55 meters and also took that category’s High Jump with a clearance of 1.66 metres. Omario Dick took the Boys Under-17 Shot Putt with a 10.97 meters throw.

On the track, Amal Glasgow won the Male Under-20 400m in 49.73 sec, Nellie Ambriton took the Male Under-20 1500M in 4:21.37, and Israel Cumberbatch won the 1200M for Boys Under-15, in a time of 3:59.00.

a throw of 12.98 meters; Devonrie Mack in the Boys Under-17 100m in 11.55 sec.; top female runner Zita Vincent in the Women 1500M in 5:17.98; and Mozart Lavia Jr in the Boys Under-17 400 meters in 52.59.

Xceed Sports’ J’Aivar Cato won the Boys Under-15 High Jump when he cleared 1.60 meters, Abryanna Simonds the Female Under-20 Shot Putt with a throw 0f 6.14 meters.

Mustangs’ Zekisha Kelly trumped the Girls Under-15 1000M in 3:41.34 and the High Jump with a jump of 1.30 meters.

Other winning Roses Academy’s lone win came through performances Maverick Browne who won the Boys Under-17 Keeping High Performance Club among 1500M in 5:21.90. the winners were: Kirk I.B.A.ALLEN Hamlet in the Male Under-20 Shot Putt with

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021. 27.

Classifieds

New boats for local fishers Continued from Backpage Delecia, who also spoke on Friday at the Geest Shed, underscored that while the mission was to find a fishing boat more suitable for use by the fishermen in St. Vincent, the decision had also had to be informed by what was cost effective relative to the Vincentian reality.

The advantage about these types of boats, according to Delecia, is that they can be customized to suit a particular need.

“They can also be ordered to specs. A guy might need an extra bench or he might need something else in the boat and we can get those made for them as well,” the business man informed.

Persons desirous of obtaining one of the boats can contact the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Agriculture.

ERIC HUGH DOPWELL

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FRIDAY, JUNE

25, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.25

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

FAKE COVID-19 VACCINATION CARD SURFACES those nurses, as the persons who had given the vaccine. And there were other things that we noted INFORMATION coming to hand has suggested that on the certificate that were not authentic.” persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are exploring The Chief Medical Officer also acknowledged that the possibility of acquiring fake COVID-19 vaccination Health Care workers here have reported that cards. propositions for fake COVID-19 vaccination cards Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache have been made to them, backed by a willingness to reported on a June 17 NBC newscast that someone pay varying amounts of money for their delivery. had tried to use a fake COVID-19 Vaccination Card, Dr. Keizer-Beache disclosed that “…the Ministry Chief Education Officer Dr. Simone Keizer Beache but this was detected after close inspection. of Health actually reported the matter to the police confirmed the surfacing of the fake card.

Dr. Keizer-Beache added, “We were alerted to the and the police are in the process of investigating.” fact that somebody presented a certificate…. we She went on to suggest, that given what was card, and ultimately issue the card as a Photo ID were able to examine that card and determine from uncovered, there is now a need to change the card, Vaccination Card which would be verified before it that examination, that the signatures of the nurses tighten the processes involved in the issuance of a is issued. on the certificate were not the true signatures of

by GLORIAH…

NEW BOATS FOR LOCAL FISHERS

Kingstown, where the boats were being stored, THE FIRST BATCH of a Caesar noted that the new line of boats for use government has recognized that there is in modernizing and a huge demand for fish expanding the fishing and fish products for fleet here, arrived in export, and that the local Kingstown on Friday fleet needed to be 18th. expanded if the demand The Imemsa, Panga was to be met. boats, manufactured in “We have a market Mexico, range in length currently with several from 16 feet to 33 feet and come equipped with exporters and we are well aware that engines from 60 to Rainforest Seafood has 120HP. Speaking on Friday at demanded 12 million dollars’ worth of fish. We the Geest Shed,

One of the Imensa, panga boats that are being made available for sale to fisherfolk here.

by KENVILLE HORNE

know that Bequia Seafood, that they also export to Miami and also to Asia and Mark Jacobs is a significant exporter

as well,” said Ceasar in reference to the demand.

Towards sourcing a new line of boats to expand and enhance the

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

fishing fleet here, the businessman Kenneth government entered into Delecia. a public/private partnership with Continued on Page 27.

Vincentian, Miami-based

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.