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FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.09

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

PAYING MORE IN 2016 CONSUMERS here will be paying more on a number of items.

That comes on the heels of measures to be enacted by government as it moves to raise its current revenue needs as per the 2016 Budget for this country.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves detailed these measures Dr. Ralph Gonsalves 2016 when he presented Budget proposed no new the 2016 Budget at direct taxes and fees but a sitting of the House of Assembly, increased exiting ones. last Monday, February 22, which was not attended by members of the Opposition.

Goods that were hitherto Value Added Tax (VAT) exempted or zero rated have been reclassified.

Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Dr Simone Keizer-Beache is stepping up her department’s measures to ensure that the Zika virus does not become entrenched here.

She outlined efforts by her Ministry during a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Health and the Environment last Wednesday, one day after the first case of the Zika virus was confirmed to be in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Health Minister Luke Browne broke the news of the case during Tuesday’s session of the Budget debate.

Dr. Keizer-Beache highlighted the need to focus on “source reduction for, as she indicated, “Once the mosquito is here, everyone remains at risk.”

She stressed on methods of protection, including use of repellent, putting on long- sleeved tops and

VAT exemption, zero rate removed Dr. Rosmond Adams described the symptoms the infected persons exhibited.

Dr. Simone KeizerBeache stressed the importance of source eradication.

Luis de Shong spoke of the activation of the Zika Action Committee and its action readiness.

long pants, and nets in order to minimise bites by the Aedes aegypti, carrier of the Zika virus.

Epidemiologist in the Health Ministry Dr Rosmond Adams disclosed that tests carried out by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) confirmed that a 34-yearold woman from the Southern Grenadines District of Union Island had contracted the virus.

He told the media that the woman reported

fever, headache, chills, cough, weakness to the lower limbs and vomiting.

These symptoms surfaced February 15, and she was seen by the District Medical Officer the following day. Her temperature was recorded at 104.5 F. She was hospitalised for 2 days and discharged February 18.

Dr. Adams noted that neither patient nor any other member of her household had travelled

overseas recently, suggesting that the virus was locally induced. The occupant of the house has a history of recent travel. Transmission is, therefore, likely to be autochthonous.

Luis de Shong, Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, stated that the Insect Vector Control Unity has “scaled up environmental surveillance and mosquito eradication Continued on Page 3.

The VAT rate of 15% will now be applied to whole chicken and chicken parts, except chicken back and wings. The same applies to table and cooking butter, as well as brown sugar.

Lentil and pigeon peas, which were exempted previously, have also been added to the VAT application lists, likewise cooking oils, excluding coconut oil.

Shortenings, salt, yeast, and baking powder will be taxed as of May 1, 2016.

According to the Prime Minister, $8M is estimated to be raised as a result of these changes.

He proffered that the benefit of these changes could translate in healthy lifestyles, e.g. the use of less sugar, salt and oils, which are known to make their fair contribution to the incidence of diabetes and hypertension here.

“What we have done here is to help with health without burdening the people,” Dr. Gonsalves said in justification of the increases.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THANK YOU! From an appreciative Canadian

mountain, Larry realized his leg muscles were not up to the task, and wisely decided to rest. Norma however was determined to reach the top, and continued with their guide Elroy Browne. Several feet short of the 4000 foot summit, she slid on some scree, fell and broke her ankle.

Fortunately, a Peace Corps Peace Corps Volunteer Chris worker, Chris Cannito and two Cannito carrying the injured other volunteers, all of whom Norma Dawidowitz from the are literacy instructors and top of Soufriere. teachers, arrived on the scene and immediately, along with

by BEN HARRISON and Elroy Browne, sprang into DR. SHEILA PENNINGTON action.

Chris dismantled an TORONTO RESIDENTS Norma umbrella they were carrying and Larry Dawidowitz made a and designed a make-shift last minute decision to join their splint. Using bamboo poles friends Anne and David and binding, they also Chesterton for a short vacation designed a stretcher to carry during the Chestertons’ annual her down the mountain; but visit to St. Vincent and the soon discovered the uneven Grenadines. ground made the task not only Being in good health and difficult, but dangerous. adventurous, Norma and Abandoning the stretcher, Larry decided on their Chris and Elroy took turns second day last weekend, to piggy-backing Norma down climb the La Soufriere the steep paths for the first volcano. About half way up the third of the way until others

pitched in to help.

Norma’s husband Larry received word of the accident by jungle telegraph (people and cell phones) and made his way quickly to her side. Fire and Rescue met the group at the parking area and drove her to the Georgetown Medical Centre for triage.

Norma and Larry were guests at the Paradise Beach Hotel. Kim Halbich, co-owner of the hotel, was notified, and she immediately contacted medical doctor Bori Aussi, who met them in Kingstown at the Milton Cato Hospital where an examination was made, x-rays taken and a plaster cast applied. Norma returned to the hospital the following day for a cast adjustment allowing her safe airline travel. They left for Toronto on Wednesday.

Though this was the first visit by these Canadians to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they assured THE VINCENTIAN that it will not be the last. They readily agreed that if and when an accident happens, you want

immediate access to caring, professional help. They couldn’t have asked for more willing and caring assistance, and were quick to say that they will be back next year.

Tour guide Elroy, Chris Cannito and his Peace Corps colleagues, Fire and Rescue, additional volunteers, Dr. Aussi, Kim Halbich and her staff at Paradise, and the excellent attention Norma received at Milton Cato Hospital underscore the caring attitude Vincentians have towards people in general and especially tourists and visitors to our shores.

The Peace Corps which began operating in SVG in October of 1967, have been consistently providing volunteers who work and live in communities throughout the country, assisting in the advancement of many essential areas including Health, Agriculture, Fisheries, Youth and Community Development and many other initiatives.

Chris Cannito has been one

Norma Dawidowitz showing off her makeshift umbrella splint. of the Primary English Literacy Volunteers for the past eight months. He has a secondary project as Assistant Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Team.

In his modesty, he was quick to dismiss his role in the rescue, preferring to give credit to all the other people involved.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 3.

News 3 AUS on Zika Virus Awareness drive

WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO), having declared the Zika virus disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on the 1st February, 2016, the American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) took the initiative to educate the Vincentian public about this disease.

On Thursday, 11th February, 2016, a team of doctors, students and administrative staff from AUS joined the existing education campaign to increase awareness of this Zika virus disease, which surfaced in Brazil in May, 2015, and has since spread to approximately twentytwo countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The team, led by Dr. Shakel Henson, an Assistant Professor at AUS, focused primarily on informing persons who were around the vicinity of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on the 11th February, 2016, between the hours of 9:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m, about the aforementioned disease.

Within that short period, 185 surveys were administered by students of AUS to determine the perceptions and knowledge of the Vincentian public about Zika virus disease.

Additionally, 200 pamphlets, which contained information on the disease as per WHO and PAHO (Pan American

Health Organization), were distributed.

Those with whom the team interacted were very receptive of the information, and demonstrated an eagerness to learn about the disease, which presents similar symptoms to that experienced with Chikungunya. Contrarily, the Zika virus disease is of alarming concernm primarily because of the associated neonatal and neurological problemsm same mosquito that including microcephaly transmits viruses for and Guillain-Barre Chikungunya, Yellow syndrome.

Fever and Dengue Fever. who have been The Zika Virus Disease Persons bitten by a mosquito infected with the Zika Zika virus disease is virus may exhibit transmitted by the Aedes symptoms that include aegypti mosquito, the

Paying more in 2016 option; tutor’s permit - increased from $120.00 to $200.00; learner’s Increases in taxes and tariffs permit — a move from $65.to $100; related to malta, beer, stout, wine, vehicle inspection fee — increased by Vermouth, cider, cherry, mead, $40 to $100; international driving brandy, whiskies, Rum and Tafia, permits from $100 to $150; Gin Geneva, Vodka, Cordials and conductor’s licence — increased to liqueurs have also been applied but $15 from $10. there is no further taxes on Those who import vehicles that cigarettes because, in the Prime are more than four years old will Minister’s view, that will be an face varying degrees of increased incentive for persons to heighten charges. For example, a person contraband activity. importing coaches, buses of a He pointed out that the increase seating capacity for fewer than 21 in beer was “miniscule” and was in persons, will have to pay $4,000.00, fact geared at harmonising the an increase of $500. proposed rate on imported beer.

Those bringing in vehicles for the Other taxes and licences that will transport of goods have also been see increases include: commercial hit with price increases. properties — 0.08% representing a Persons importing Concrete 0.02% increase.

Mixer Lorries will incur a $500 surcharge, taking their fee to Vehicle related charges $4,500.00.

Continued from Front Page.

Fees and other rates related to vehicle use and ownership include: increase to $400 from $315 to register vehicles not exceeding 2000lbs; drivers’ licences - increased to $100 from $75 for one year, and $275 from $200 for the three-year

Residency – Work Permits CARICOM nationals seeking temporary residence will now have to pay $800, an additional $200.

Commonwealth nationals have to pay $1600.00, which is $400 more

than they paid before. All others will pay $2,400 every year, representing $600 more than it cost last year.

Work permits for CARICOM nationals will be $960.00 annually, an increase from $720.00.

Permanent residence here for Commonwealth and CARICOM nationals is now $2400.00, which is $600.00 more than previously charged. All others will be charged $3200.00.

An Alien Land-holding Licence has been increased by $2,000 to $8000.

Persons becoming citizens by marriage will be charged $2,000, an extra $500, while those obtaining citizenship by registration will pay $3000.00 for that exercise, an increase of $800.

Government’s projected expenditure for 2016 has been set at EC$912,897,311. The overall projection includes a deficit of revenue over expenditure of some EC EC$11.9 million, down from that in 2015 which amounted to EC$28.5 million.

The AUS joined the national Zika Virus Disease Awareness drive here.

Left: The Ministry of Health here has intensified its fogging programme aimed at destroying the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the carrier of the Zika virus.

fever, rash, conjunctivitis, headache and joint pains.

These symptoms may last from 2-7 days and may not be experienced by everyone. Although there are no vaccines or specific treatment, persons can drink lots of fluid; get bed rest; and take pain relievers as needed. This disease can be prevented, but individuals have to protect themselves from being bitten; are encouraged to wear light coloured clothes; can use insect repellents and bed

nets; and should dispose of any containers, in their yards or immediately surrounding their property, that may collect water.

AUS strongly encourages the Vincentian public to increase their knowledge about Zika virus disease and to protect themselves from getting this unpleasant infection. (Submitted by Dr. Shakel Henson, Assistant Professor, American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine)

ZIKA is here: Everyone at risk Continued from Front Page. programmes in communities, especially those with high indices.”

De Shong added that the Ministry was partnering with other governmental agencies, the private sector and the wider population, to promote source reduction.

A Zika Action Committee has been commissioned, de Shong assured.

The Committee is headed by the Minister of Health, and is tasked with overseeing the activation of the Zika Action Plan which, in keeping with the OECS protocol, includes: Monitoring and Surveillance; Eradication and protection actions; Care and Case Management; and a widespread Public Education Campaign.

De Shong promised that the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and keep the nation informed on developments.

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

DetectiveÊs departure, a national loss has. He was recognized in the region-wide Awards System that was DIRECTOR of Public inaugurated two years Prosecutions (DPP) Colin ago, as being the top Williams has described the investigator,” the DPP recent departure of noted.

Assistant Supt. of Police James, the DPP Sydney James, fondly continued, a former called ‘Gold’, from the Criminal Investigation Royal St. Vincent and the Department (CID) chief, Grenadines Police Force was with the Major (RSVGPF), as “the Crime Unit (MCU) from country’s loss.” its inception in 2003, and The DPP made the piloted it through its first observation while decade. delivering remarks at a Williams recalls what ceremony held at Huffles he described as “the Ranch, Belvedere, last impressive investigating Saturday, to bid farewell partnership James had to James, who served as with another outstanding a detective for 30 of his police investigator, 35 years as a member of Inspector Trevor ‘Buju’ the local constabulary, Bailey, referring to the and has been recognized partnership as a version regionally and of the popular detective internationally. movie ‘Starsky and The event was hosted Hutch’. by the South Central “Truth be told, like Division where James any human being, ASP worked prior to his preJames must have retirement leave, which weaknesses or began on February 15 shortcomings. So be it. and will end September But he has immense 16. strengths, and his “No other investigator departure leaves a in St. Vincent and the gaping hole through Grenadines has achieved which no doubt, the the international criminals would seek to accreditation that he drive a horse and Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

chariot,” the DPP suggested.

Williams cited the murder case involving the 2002 death of 12year-old female pannist Lokeisha Nanton of Sion Hill, as highlighting James’ diligence and thoroughness of approach as an investigator, and the murder trial involving the death of police officer Elson ‘Rocker’ Richardson, some years ago, as highlighting his credibility on the witness stand.

“As a prosecutor, there is no better witness one would have batting in their corner than ASP James. His demeanor, his presence, his honesty are compelling.”

The DPP said there are those who conducted a whisper campaign to undermine and destroy ‘Gold’ by saying. “He can’t manage.

“Apparently, some took to heart the word ‘Force’ in the name Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

For them, therefore, the only manner of managing and governing

is to be commandist, dictatorial, authoritarian and all that comes with it. If one did not stand on ceremony, insist on their way being the right and only way, then you are not fit to manage.”

Though Williams recognized there are other police officers with some potential, he admitted, “In some respects, I feel first of all a sense of loss, with ASP James being told to turn in his kit and leave, at a time when there is no one, absolutely no one for him to hand the baton to.”

The DPP also feels that he had failed the veteran investigator in not registering with a sufficient degree of

clarity, the necessity of retaining his skills, knowledge and ability within the constabulary, for which Williams apologized.

In concluding his tribute to the man who has been considered by many, including members of the legal fraternity, to be the best investigator in the constabulary, the DPP lamented, “What is sad though, is that the loss of ASP James to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is not his loss, it is the country’s loss.”

Remarks were also delivered by Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, former Commissioner Keith

ASP Sydney James was lauded for the skill, diligence and thoroughness with which he pursued his duties as an investigator.

Miller, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, Supt. Eric Browne, in charge of the South Central Division, and defence lawyer Grant Connell.

Most Outstanding Traffic Cop aims higher departments that make RECENTLY AWARDED you rounded in every Traffic Cop of the Year 2015, Constable Kaliym aspect of policing.

Woods, has his eyes set “You have to interact on higher goals, including with people on a day to day basis, and very good becoming head of the communication skills are Royal St. Vincent and the required,” he explained.

Grenadines Police Force Noting that traffic (RSVGPF) Traffic officers are on the ball Department.

Woods became a from sunrise to sunset, he member of the Police added that duties not Force on November 15, only involve the prevention and detection 2010, and after a stint in of traffic offences, but Beat and Patrol, and the Criminal Investigation also other types of Constable Kaliym criminal activity.

Department, he was Woods, 2015 Traffic Woods attributes his assigned to the Traffic Cop of the Year. recent achievement to the Department in 2012. motivation he received The honour was from his senior colleagues, including bestowed upon him at the Department’s annual awards head of the Traffic Department Supt. ceremony, held at the Central Police Kenneth John, Station Sergeant Station on Wednesday, February 17. Junior Nero; as well as Sergeants This follows a similar award he Henry Providence and Lloyd Dopwell, received at the Police Force’s general and for the support he received from awards ceremony held at the Police his other Traffic Department Canteen in Kingstown, last colleagues, including Corporals December.

Kenny Jones, Wendel Corridon and Criteria for the honour rest on: an Renford Jack.

Now assigned to process duties, officer’s deportment and discipline; Woods boasted that working along timely submission of case files; with Corporal Corridon, who is in distribution of summons; and effective and efficient prosecution of charge of that area, has resulted in defendants. the Department seeing an Woods is proud and honoured to be improvement in the serving of summons. a police officer. Traffic policing, he Woods is encouraging his said, is a very interesting and enjoyable experience. colleagues who did not receive “It is a great feeling to be a traffic awards, to push harder in 2016, and officer, and it takes knowledge, hard he appealed to motorists and pedestrians to be more cautious while work, discipline and dedication, to achieve the award of Traffic Officer of using the road. the Year”, Woods told THE Constable Kaliym Woods is the VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. brother of Vincentian journalist Kenara Woods, now residing in the In his opinion, The Traffic United States.

Department is one of the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 5.

Regional

U.S-Cuba restore daily commercial flights officials from each country, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Cuban Minister of Transportation Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez.

The signing followed months of aviation talks that both countries had initially hoped to wrap up by the end of last year.

The initial understanding that binds the new development has authorised 110 daily commercial roundtrip flights between the US and Cuba, to capital Havana and nine other destinations in the island.

Effectively, it allows for 20 daily flights into Havana Jose Marti International Airport, and 10 daily flights daily into each of the other nine airports.

The understanding also allows Cubana airlines — the national airline of Cuba to operate future flights into the United States, but none will be allowed in the early period of resumption of scheduled flights.

Actual routes will be finalised within months, as air traffic authorities work through the details.

Cuban airlines will still have to Cuba expects that visitors from the U.S will further obtain their own increase with the new agreement in place.

SINCE THE United States and Cuba formally restored diplomatic relations in July 2015, with the opening of embassies in each other’s capitals, the rate at which commercial, cultural, travel and education exchanges have opened up, is nothing short of phenomenal.

As expected, thousands of CubanAmericans are lining-up to make their return to the motherland, and ‘inquisitive’ Americans are elbowing in line to ‘spend a holiday’ in this ‘mysterious Caribbean paradise’.

Recent news of an imminent reintroduction of scheduled flights between the US and Cuba has, expectedly, been welcomed with glee and wide anticipation.

News from Washington indicated that an agreement was signed on Tuesday 16th February, 2016 by two

licenses from US authorities such as the Treasury Department and Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Upon the signing of the agreement, US authorities are expected to invite Jose Marti International Airport in Havana is American airlines to preparing for a rapid increase in traffic. submit applications to operate these flights.

Cuba.

And at least two American airlines, Notwithstanding the existing United Airlines and JetBlue, have authorised chartered flights between expressed their welcome of the the two countries, this development agreement. marks the official restoring of “United intends to apply to offer regular/scheduled air travel between service between some of its global the two countries. gateways and Havana through the Commercial flights between Cuba Department of Transportation’s pending and the United States were cancelled route case,” United airline said in an 53 years ago, but since the mid-1970s, official statement, adding, “Assuming authorized charter flights have been service is approved, United customers allowed under certain conditions. will benefit from United’s expanded And in what will be the first visit by global route network and new a sitting President of the USA, opportunities for leisure and business President Obama announced last week travel to Cuba.” that he will visit Cuba, March 21-22.

Cuba received a record 3.52 million The last sitting US president to visit visitors last year, up 17.4 percent from Cuba was Calvin Coolidge, in 1928.

2014. American visits rose 77 percent to 161,000, not counting hundreds of thousands of CubanAmericans.

However, industry experts are concerned the island will be unable to absorb an even greater expected surge that is expected to be occasioned by the restoring of direct commercial air service between the US and

St. Lucia’s ‘Boo’ Hinkson: Grammy judge LAST WEEK Monday, thousands of persons, especially young persons across the Caribbean, would have been fixed to their televisions to take in first-hand, the 58th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony.

The USA-founded Awards Ceremony/Show is considered the world’s most acclaimed of its kind. It recognizes the best recordings, compositions and artists of the eligibility year which, for the 58th edition, is from October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015.

The 58th Grammy Awards Ceremony was no different from previous years, as it threw up some predictable winners mixed with some ‘not-so popular’ choices.

Whatever happened and whoever were declared winners, Caribbean people should hold their heads high, knowing that one of their own was a judge of this year’s Grammy Awards.

That person was internationally acclaimed, St. Lucian-born musician Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, who became the first St. Lucian with voting rights at the Annual Grammy Awards.

‘Boo’s’ musical career pinnacle came during his years of association as founder, lead guitarist and composer, with St. Lucia’s ‘Tru-Tones’ band.

Ronald ‘Boo’ The band went on to make a Hinkson has name for itself regionally and thrilled internationally, with ‘Boo’ audiences across attracting the attention of fans , musicians, and producers. the globe with When ‘Tru-Tones’ dehis JazzCaribbean fusion. emphasized its recording and

live performances schedule, ‘Boo’ continued as a professional musician, refining his unique blend of Jazz and West Indian rhythms.

He soon became a sought after performer of his Contemporary Jazz and Calypso/Soca productions, for which he wrote both lyrics and music, and built his own command of stages at home, across the Caribbean, in the USA and in Europe.

To many, the recent elevation by the Grammy ‘Boo’ Hinkson and his wife, Vincentian born Awards is only fitting recognition of his Donna (nee Bobb), at remarkable ability and the 2016 Grammy proven track record, Awards ceremony on following on his February 15, 2016, at consideration for a the Staples Grammy Award in 2013, Center in Los when he released his Angeles, California. album, ‘This is my Life’.

The St. Lucia Online news agency reported ‘Boo’ as saying that he views the Grammy recognition as not only a great achievement for himself, but for all Saint Lucian musicians, and that it gives local musicians a greater profile internationally.

“I anxiously look forward to the day when I can vote a young St. Lucian as nominee and know that a young St. Lucian receives Grammy. I am really looking forward to that day…., (but) we have to continue to work assiduously at proving what we are doing and be competitive with the rest of the world.”

St. Lucia online reported him as saying.

The Caribbean can go from this (drought) to this (floods) in a matter of months.

From drought to floods warning ONE WEEK after the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) placed several regional countries under immediate drought watch or warning for 2016, another regional agency has issued an even more distant early warning.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) last week Friday, warned regional countries that they should brace themselves for floods, as the drought conditions which have affected the region since late 2014 are expected to subside by the start of the 2016 Hurricane Season.

The Hurricane Season in the Caribbean officially runs from June 1 to November 30.

CIMH said this latest forecast comes after many months of “warmer and drier than average conditions in the Caribbean fuelled by El Niño, a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific which has implications for weather patterns around the world, including drought in many regions”.

The Agency also said that after the forecasted weakening of El Niño, its counterpart, La Niña, a cooling of the Pacific, may take over and affect the region in the latter part of 2016.

“If the change in circumstance takes place, it is likely to result in higher than normal rainfall and stronger storm systems,” the CIMH said in its latest forecast, which it said will be further discussed at a news conference here on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) predicts Atlantic activity in 2016 will be about 20% below the longterm average. However, the uncertainties associated with this outlook are large and forecast skill at this extended range is historically low.

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

WSGSS Young Leaders ‘have to adapt’ LYLANA WILLIAMS, President of the West St. George Secondary School (WSGSS) 2016 Young Leaders admonished her group that, “We have to adapt and grow in our new positions while remaining motivated and responsive to our objectives.”

She made the appeal in her address at the launch of the School’s Young Leaders 2016 project, on February 17.

In committing her group to helping “as many students as possible to become better individuals today and for the future,” Williams reminded her fellow Young Leaders that “every action in our lives touches some chord that will reverberate in eternity.”

Inspector of Police Hawkins Nanton, Officer-in-Charge at the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department, delivered the feature address.

Taking cue from the regional theme of the RBC 2016 Young Leaders project, ‘Me… You… We… A shared

vision for a better society’, Insp. Nanton explained that “Me, You, We, are three simple words. Me is talking about yourself, You and We, are talking about our friends.”

Against that explanation, he said, “Our young people (Me… You) are engaging in illegal firearms, drugs and other illegal activities,” and urged “We we will have to protect our lives.”

In doing so, he referred the Young Leaders to their teachers, who, he said, “help us to make a future in our lives. They help our young people to take part in positive activities so that they can head on the right road.”

Attention and respect for teachers, and not wasting the “free education” that is accorded today’s youth, are ingredients to becoming successful, Insp. Nanton told his audience.

The launch also heard remarks from National Co-ordinator of RBC Young Leaders Ms. Fraser.

The Young Leaders also rendered a song, and the Vote of Thanks was done by Cherrianne Davis, CoOrdinator of the WSGSS 2016 Young Leaders. (Contributed)

The WSGSS 2016 Young Leaders. Inset: Lylana Williams, President of the WSGSS 2016 Young Leaders, delivering her address at her group’s launch.

A St. Vincent Grammar School Young Leader sharing with Mountain View Academy Form 3 students.

SVGS Young Leaders spreading their message THE ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR School 2016 Young Leaders visited 10 six (6) primary and (four (4)) secondary schools, throughout the island, on Thursday 18th February, 2016.

The primary schools visited were: Clare Valley Primary School, Lowmans Leeward Anglican School, Windsor Primary School, St Mary’s R.C School, Stubbs Primary School and Georgetown Primary School.

The secondary schools visited were: Buccament Bay Secondary School, St Clair Dacon Secondary School, Mountain View Academy and St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

During their visits, the Young

Leaders spoke to the students about their sub-theme, “#knowyourselfknowyourworth”, impressing upon the students that self-identity is the recognition of one’s potential and qualities as an individual.

The Young Leaders stressed that a sense of identity has to do with ‘who you think you are and how you perceive yourself, which mirrors your self-esteem or how you value yourself’.

The main purpose of this activity was to share with the students the values of self — how looking at yourself could determine how others look at you. (Contributed)

St. Vincent Grammar School Young Leaders meeting with the Clare Valley Primary School students.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 7.

News

Lawyer speaks out – Knocks others for their silence ONE OF THIS COUNTRY’S lawyers has weighed in on the issue of developers of a resort on the Grenadine Island of Canouan, preventing locals from accessing one of the beaches.

According to Bayliss Frederick, one of these country’s elderly statesmen and lawyers, the matter was a simple one and one that was straight forward.

He cited two bits of law, saying that it spelled out what the rights of the people are.

“Apart from the Constitution, there are some laws that cannot be broken,” Frederick said.

He referred to the ‘Prescription Act’ which states that: ‘No claim which may be lawfully made at the common law by custom, prescription or grant to any right of way or other easement, or to any watercourse or the use of any water to be enjoyed or derived upon, over or from any Crown land or water belonging to the Crown, or being the property of an ecclesiastical or lay person or body corporate, when such way or other matter as herein last before mentioned, shall have been actually enjoyed by any person claiming right thereto without interruption for the full period of twenty years, shall be defeated or destroyed by showing only that such way or other

matter was first enjoyed at any time prior to such period of twenty years’.

The law states further: ‘..Where such way or other matter as herein last before mentioned shall have been so enjoyed as aforesaid for the full period of forty years, the right thereto shall be deemed absolute and indefeasible.”

Frederick also pointed to the ‘Three Chains Act’ which states that ‘the public shall continue to have and enjoy all rights of way through the said Three Chains as now and heretofore used or enjoyed’.

“And there is no exception in the Constitution to say that certain things can be done, to defeat the supreme law of the land,” he argued.

Frederick explained that the two pieces of legislation explained that the path chosen by Vincentians to access a certain beach, becomes the right of way over time – “that is the law, you cannot defeat that.”

And the matter was particularly troubling, he continued, because lawyers in the country have remained silent.

There are other bits and pieces of legislation, Frederick said, that addressed the protection of the rights of the people.

“I have seen so many breaches by

The L’anse Guyac beach, Canouan, to which access was denied by developers, according to locals.

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Head of the Maritime Administration Commander David Robin denied that the developers were given any right of exclusivity over an beach in Canouan. government that in other societies they would have been torn into little shreds…but why in St Vincent, they keep the people in ignorance?” he pondered.

Residents on Canouan resorted to protest action — open picnic — during which they occupied one of the L’anse Guyac beach, after the developers on the island had placed buoys along a section of the water, blocking access to the area.

Lawyer Bayliss Frederick cited existing legislation that speak to the protection of persons’ right of access Crown land and water.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Head of the Maritime Administration, Commander David Robin, both denied that the developers were given permission to set up an exclusive zone, with both men saying that the issue was more of one where regulations were being added for the use of the seascape, in the same way that land use is regulated. (DDD)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 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

A budget perspective IF THE TRUTH be told, it would have been easy to predict some of the ‘fiscal’ measures that the ULP government would have considered, as it grappled with how it was going to address another deficit budget, how it was going to raise the recurrent revenue that it estimated for Fiscal Year 2016.

It would have been easy, given what has obtained in the recent past, to predict that there would have been increases in rates of existing taxes, licences, etc. It would have been ‘political suicide’ to introduce any new taxes.

And increasing the VAT basket as against increasing the rate of VAT was the only recourse as far as increasing earning under that tax regimen; since assuming that there would be any appreciable increase in trade was not the basis of any assurance.

All of that said, the 2016 Budget comes amidst what some assess to be a situation of inequality of incomes, even among those who are asked to pay a greater share of what they earn, towards ensuring ‘quality’ services for all.

Yet, it appears that, recognising this potentially volatile reality, those tasked with the responsibility of framing our country’s Budget have couched their policies and measures as actions in favour of the poor , though admittedly, this is a relative term.

What concerns this thought is how the fiscal measures (not detailed here) will impact on the incomes/lives of the lowest income group. Measuring the incomes of the lowest group is not a simple task, we will accede.

Notwithstanding, sociologists who have actually studied the poor directly and spoken with them about their living conditions (a research method that economists and governments use too little), have been puzzled by how the poor could live on so little income.

On the heels of the 2016 Budget, are we not allowed to ask: How can the poor and lowest income group who live on incomes that have not grown proportionately to real cost of living indices, be asked to contribute more towards satisfying their basic daily living needs?

It should be no surprise that one of the answers to that question is: the underground economy.

The underground economy that some like to think does not exist here, is, to the contrary, alive and well, and is directly responsible for maintaining many households across the state.

Once upon a time, we associated this underground economy with

the sale of illegal commodities and the ‘contraband trade’ that was often misinterpreted to be something confined only to our sister isles, the Grenadines. This has since grown beyond these notions — these realities.

A whole new ‘class’ of operant has entered this market, to which the status quo, as though recognising the ‘need’ of society, has turned the proverbial blind eye.

The underground economy continues to make an appreciable contribution to sustaining what in real terms, could well be an unsustainable life style here.

There is enough evidence within the region, in fact right here in the annals of our own history, of what contributes to increased activity in the underground economy. Not least among these contributing factors are increased taxes, tariffs, licences, call it what you may, on goods that are basic to living needs — to include recreational needs as well.

It is nothing short of selfserving platitudes when governments and politicians bellow from their positons of immunity and comfort, about taking a position in favour of the poor.

What else can that position be when it comes in the same breath as imposition of increased burden on the poor and low income group.

If there is nonsense in this assessment, we stand corrected.

But is it folly to advance a view that fiscal measures that will increase spending on daily life requirements, will lead to a lessening in what can be afforded, and/or a search for ‘holes’ in the economy that avail goods at affordably priced levels?

And then, what of legitimate businesses? Are they not losers in the immediacy and longer tenure of this disruption in mainstream economic/commercial activity?

In the circumstances, no price decrease at the shops and supermarkets, the dry good dealers, can be expected. Which commercial operator would be so willing? None in this state of unbridled capitalism!

In short therefore, while no right-thinking salaried citizen would want to negate their responsibility to the state, on the other hand survival is of the essence, and desperate times still do demand desperate measures.

The question: Does the 2016 Budget lean towards creating a graver situation of inequality in our midst?

And we still haven’t addressed the issue of long-term unemployment. Or did we miss it?

National Heroes Day, 14th March, 2016 THE ULP GOVERNMENT has served our people a merry-dance over the past sixteen years, on the question of enlarging the complement of National Heroes, beyond Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer.

I have put together many thoughtprovoking articles in print, but not yet between hard-covers, which are relevant to the issue.

Following is one such sterling contribution by my friend Jomo. Jomo has since joined the ULP, and is now Speaker of the House of Assembly.

‘Why I Resigned the Chairmanship of the National Heroes Committee’.

By Jomo Thomas. In The Press in 2014.

“When Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne called to ask whether I would serve on the National Heroes Committee, I viewed his request as a signal honour. In the past, I had written and spoken extensively on who our next heroes should be. However, once I became a member of the committee, I knew instinctively that I could not speak or advocate for or against anyone who should join Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, in the national pantheon of heroes.

Drs Adrian Fraser and Kenneth John, at the invitation of the UWI Open Campus, spoke persuasively for the elevation of George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua to hero status. Doctor Gonsalves apparently felt compelled to make a case. He spoke on the topic “The Making of a National Hero: The Law and Practice in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

Some say that the lecture was brilliant.

What else do they expect from Ralph Gonsalves? The man is an academic of superior intellect. There was no surprise there. If Gonsalves was able to translate his academic prowess into political I.Q, history will look at him kindly. But alas, the muzzle of national service applied to everyone except him. By short listing who the next heroes should be, Gonsalves failed to see the most elementary point; that as Chairman of cabinet, the final arbiter of the selection process, he should not intervene.

Gonsalves’ lecture was with wilful disregard because respected opinion makers, the likes of PR Campbell Q.C, social activist Renwick Rose and News Paper editorialists, led the chorus against the Prime Minister’s intervention.

This takes me to Gonsalves’ case for Cato.

Cato is far removed from anyone resembling a national hero. This is not to say that he did not make a contribution to the development of our country. He performed in the context of his time. His biggest weakness is that he dwelt on the limitations of small island politics, and failed to grasp the enormous possibilities open to the country during his governance. He, more than any other leader since 1951, saw our country through the eyes of our “traditional” friends.

But there is more. His 29 continuous years in parliament and decades long tenure as leader of St Vincent Labour Party do not recommend him for hero status. It must be remembered and considered that Cato and

his Labour Party acted as a planter class foil against the People’s awakening, empowerment and rebirth as represented by Joshua and his Peoples Political Party.

Gonsalves said that Cato was avant garde in terms of his initiatives and policies during his administration. The evidence does not bear this out. Most of Cato’s legislative reforms came on stream across the region. To give Cato credit for these acts would be similar to giving Mitchell for the liberalization of the media. But the media was liberalized across the region at virtually the same time.

PM Gonsalves gives Cato big credit for the introduction of National Commercial Bank and the National Insurance Service. A quick study shows that these were neither unique nor innovative acts. For example, the Grenada National Insurance Service cane into being on 4th April, 1983. The National Commercial Bank of Grenada was incorporated in September 1979. In St Lucia the NIS was formed in April 1979. In Antigua it was even earlier, April 1973. So much for the P.M’s points that Cato was a leader of the pack in these areas.

But the area in which Cato’s image and legacy take the greatest battering is the very area to which Gonsalves applies the most whitewash: Cato’s repressive tendencies, high- handedness and over-reaction when it comes to the use of force, and his disrespect for the civil and political rights of citizens.

The “Kill the Bills” struggles of 1981 placed Cato and Tannis in very bad company.

He was so arrogant and contemptuous of the views of others, that in the 1979 Independence period, he lambasted a group of respected nationals as a “bunch of nincompoops”.

Many citizens still remember Cato’s overreaction to the 1970 Black Power Rebellion in Trinidad, the tear gassing of teachers during their November 14, 1975 march, and the Union Island Rebellion led by “Bomba” Charles in 1979. Citizens were not allowed to walk in more than twos, and Barbadian troops came onto our soil at Cato’s invitation.

Cato’s political police also searched and rounded up members of the budding intellectual class, on the serious charge of sedition, and dug up the yards of progressives in search of ammunition. That was the political atmosphere that Cato’s regime engendered.

Did the PM try to rewrite history in speaking of the tear gassing of teachers? We think he did. Beache, he said, told him that Cato and his cabinet were in session and had not given approval for the tear gassing of the Teachers’ march.

If this is true, why did Cato not order the immediate release of the arrested teachers?

Why did Cato have the teachers union leaders spend the entire weekend in jail?

Continued on Page 22.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 9.

Letters

In want of an improved media practice EDITOR’S NOTE: We print this reader’s thoughts/opinion in the full length as submitted. It does exceed the ‘number of words’ limitations for insertion on this page, but we have ‘bent the rules’ so as to present the view in its fulsome form.

I watch SVG-TV evening news, and I also watch the evening news in Trinidad and Grenada. What strikes me most is not only the lack of professionalism on the local (St.Vincent) news, but what they cover and how much time they spend on each story, and where it is positioned in the programme. Channel 9 (SVG-TV) opened the other night with about 15 minutes on the need for washing your hands, and about another 10 minutes, or more, on a lecture delivered by a Venezuelan representative on

manufactured excuses for their ocean rights grab in Guyana and Suriname, and criticism of imperialist America’s alleged demonic attempt to intervene in Venezuelan’s internal affairs in an effort to demolish the Chavez revolution. Well, that was a little more than half the local hard news for the day.

Other countries’ evening news is full of police activity, crimes, arrests; government activities, education innovations, and school building or school administration problems, and how they are being addressed; port and maritime operations; economic and financial news; new business openings and expansions; job creation; established businesses folding or laying off workers, and the who and what of these happenings. The

Father, Son and⁄⁄Holy Ghost?

Father, Son and Cousin!

I mean and the Holy Ghost With all that we see is happening We need God! We need God the most.

Politicians or just old criminals We see their lies and bold face deceit, Nothing is a conflict of interest More and more payments, no recorded receipts.

We see Revolution after Revolution No survivor is left behind Parents are carrying a heavy burden Placed on them each exam time.

Many students forced into a classroom One teacher; they are all lost A revolution without analysis Education, but at what cost?

We see more businesses owned by foreigners Yet ‘local markets are said to be good’!

Just look around you in certain areas There are new faces in our neighbourhood!

Half of these owners can’t speak English But they drive and can’t read or write Building and Loan has a list of foreclosures Yet we hear, ‘business is bright’ Many people on unemployment A sad result of prostituting their souls Little did they know a political favour Would be a curse to what their future holds.

Nevertheless…..

We must always respect authority The longest rope, it has its end No matter who wants to keep it in the family Pray….”Father, Son and Cousin”!

I mean Holy Ghost!

Oh Lord, not again! © Christopher J. Grant - 2016

latest activities in the various Government Ministries are looked into and discussed, not just reported. Import and export problems are looked at, with pros and cons intelligently represented, traffic and roadway situations and the real steps that are being taken to redress the problems are shown, and banking operations, fees, and potential closures and layoffs attendant to that sector and the likely impact to the community these entail, occupy much of the rest of the time.

Sports is last. That seems reasonable.

Here, in St. Vincent, how about some personal interviews with real people, educated working people who have real, informed opinions– or are there just not any?

The educated and informed are too afraid to appear on camera, or have left the country, and therefore the only people willing to speak up are street folks who shrug a lot, or have already formed a biased opinion, for or against

whatever milk-toast issue SVG-TV formulates as a question: “what do you think about cleaning up the streets? What do you think about protesters”, what do you think about this or that? Please, not just bad street recordings or inept muffled tapes of excerpted radio broadcasts, but people in a studio, without outside noise totally obscuring their responses (old, bad, cheap mikes from probably the ‘60’s or bad studio board equipment that allows background noise to overwhelm {intentionally?} the interviewee). Don’t you watch the evening news as broadcast in the rest of the world? And aren’t you ashamed?

Is there any coverage on how the business community is progressing or in fact regressing, or what is going on with the new stakeholders in the Ottley Hall Ship Yard (or in fact, even who they are)? What’s with the promised big development at Mt. Wynne and new investment at Little

Tokyo? Is there any investigation into the cause of the surfeit of lobsters, or what is being done by the Government as regards beach access in Canouan? Government proclaims “patience”, the people want access.

Court cases and incarcerations and serious litigation involving the Government are not followed up in detail (“this is in litigation and therefore we have no comment”, says the police and the Government spokesmen, so who got off and who is appealing or incarcerated? What is really going on with the protests against the “official” results of the last election? And who has been appointed by who, and who is related to who in the latest rounds of appointments?

Government Ministries exist to identify problems and implement solutions.

What is being done now, today, what action is being taken in the respective Government Ministries in St. Vincent in this regard?

This is to just to ask.

So I really expect no improvement. But the citizenry should not only expect it, but demand it–and this does not exempt the three newspapers who have been lax, at best, intimidated at worst, in challenging in press conferences, and implementing or exercising real, deep, meaningful investigative reporting. All have been remiss and lazy, and by default complicit in the dearth of real knowledge available to the St. Vincent public–too late to say “electorate”, for we’ve lost that appellation already. We have lost the power of the vote. What next do we lose?

But is it too late to demand that the local TV news, and print journalism, stand up, and stand forth to ask and demand answers to exercise the loud, clear voice of independent journalism? God, I hope not.

JOE

The election system IT APPEARS to me that, given the protest following the last general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that something is wrong with our election system. In fact, since 1998, there have been concerns expressed about the fairness of every election.

There have been accusations of gerrymandering and voter registration irregularities. Nothing, it seems, can satisfy the vanquished.

That said, I am of the view that where is any degree of doubt, any degree of questioning the election system, we must take a look at that system.

Many persons with whom I have spoken, have, not in as many words, expressed their disappointment with the system. Many having remarked that in our system, the incumbent holds a clear advantage, especially as it relates to the use of the state apparatus. But that is the reality that we have worked in since God alone knows when.

So if today we find

that the elections system does not satisfy our expectations, then isn’t it time that we consider changing it?

The proposed new constitution addressed this matter, but it would have been side-tracked by so many other things in that proposal, that the people did not agree.

We need to begin a new conversation on

whether the election system, and the structure of parliament suit our expectations and means. Proportional representation possibly?

If we are not encouraged by the system, then let us do something about it, and if it means changing it, what do we have to lose?

Gregory Jones, USA

Welcome, Bishop County MR. EDITOR, As you know, I am not a Roman Catholic. But you will also know that I have had a long association with the Catholic Church, especially with the Catholic Youth Organization of the late 1960s and early 1970s, an organization, if my memory serves me correctly, that you, Mr. Editor, headed for a number of years.

I recall that organization being one of the leading groups in the whole ecumenical movement of the time, and I recall especially the Ecumenical Study Group, mentored by Bro. Oscar Allen, and through which many of the ‘progressives’ in today’s SVG cut their teeth.

But I am drifting away from the real purpose of this letter.

I want to welcome the new Catholic Bishop, Bishop Gerard

County. But as I do that, I am moved by the fact that no Vincentian Catholic priest has ever been made a bishop. I am not sure about the criteria, but I want to suggest that there must be at least one Vincentian priest who could be considered.

But that is how the game plays out in the Roman Catholic Church, and I suppose we have to ensure that the new Bishop gets all the support he deserves.

His predecessor caused quite some uncomfortable moments for the ruling regime back home, as he moved to bring his church into the real society.

Let’s hope that the new Bishop will be as courageous as his predecessor, and speak out against immorality, injustice and victimization.

Garnet, N. Y.

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Religion

New R.C. Bishop ordained: Told to ‘open yourself to your people’

IT WAS AN impressive, ‘open air’ ceremony, which amember of the Roman Catholic (R.C.) faith here described as, “a special moment in time.”

The occasion was the episcopal ordination of Fr. Gerard Maximin County, CSSp, as the third bishop of the R.C. Diocese of Kingstown, and was held at the SVG Community College, Villa, Saturday 20th February 2016.

In attendance at Saturday’s ceremony were members of the local and regional RC clergy and laity, religious leaders of other denominations, parliamentary members and officials, family and friends, including parishioners from the area of Mexico where Bishop Country worked as a priest.

The Most Reverend Joseph Everard Harris, CSSp, Archbishop of Port of Spain, officiated at Saturday’s ceremony.

In his handing over message

to Bishop Country, outgoing Bishop of BridgetownKingstown, Bishop Jason Gordon, now Bishop of the single diocese of Bridgetown, described the occasion as a moment of transformation, given that the local R.C. Church has been given a permanent Bishop, as opposed to a visiting one.

He noted that the newly installed bishop is called “to carry the church’s ministry in a time when mercy has become all that is used to filter the gospel,” and urged him to “see again this gospel that has been handed down through the prism of mercy.”

Bishop Gordon charged the new bishop with the responsibility of the cross…, “the cross of opening up yourself to your people, and being vulnerable and being wrong, and loving, and forgiving,” and reminded him that the main virtue for a bishop is truth, and

“truth is a cross that you will have to carry. And if you carry the truth of the cross, you will find salvation and lead your people to salvation. And if you do not carry the cross of truth, it will be ruinous to your soul.”

Bishop County was born on the December 5th, 1960 in Trinidad and Tobago, and was prepared for the priesthood at the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs, Mount St Benedict, Trinidad. He was ordained a priest in 1996 as a member of the Order of the Holy Ghost (Spiritan) Fathers.

For the last 19 years, Fr County has been a missionary priest in Mexico. He was involved in several pastoral ministries and administrative

Newly installed Bishop Gerard County (right) is presented to the R.C. faithful by Archbishop Joseph Harris.

Inset: Outgoing Bishop Jason Gordon challenged the new bishop to always carry the ‘truth of the cross’. Photos: R.C Kingstown Diocese Facebook offices of the Spiritans, and served as the parish priest of San David Roldan Lara in the Diocese of Tampico, Mexico, from 2000 to 2009. Fr County was later elected Provincial Superior of the Spiritans in Mexico, serving two consecutive terms, from 2009 to October 2015.Bishop-elect County was

born in Port of Spain.

Bishop County says that he has accepted his appointment and will “trust in God”, and simply “do my best.”

He celebrated his full mass to a packed Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown, seat of the Bishop, on Sunday 21st February, 2016.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 11.

Views

UWI Cave Hill Campus supports Regional Agricultural Development

“We need to strengthen research for efficiently produced, healthy food, while ensuring the availability of food at affordable prices. This includes improving logistics, infrastructure, and transportation systems to ensure those who need food are supplied with it.” – Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestlé THE UNIVERSITY of the West Indies was founded in 1948 and had an enrolment of 33 students. The “maiden campus” was located in Mona Jamaica. The St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), the second to be established, commenced operation in 1960 and has been traditionally considered to be the “Mecca” of training in agriculture for the post-colonial Caribbean. It was a merger of the University College and the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture (ICTA). The Barbados-based Cave Hill Campus was founded three years later, in 1963. The fourth campus, the Open Campus, was launched in 2009 and focuses on providing higher education opportunities to the non-campus territories in the English-speaking Caribbean. The founding fathers of the UWI had envisioned that this institution of higher learning would provide “light, liberty, and learning” to the peoples of the Caribbean. More than half a century ago, they expressed confidence and charted a course that would see the university meeting the training needs of its people; ensuring that its research, programmes, and activities are geared at meeting the developmental needs of the Caribbean people. The Barbados-based Centre for Food Security and Entrepreneurship (CFSE), inaugurated in 2014, is one of the many initiatives that the university has embarked on to fulfil this mandate.

Professor Leonard W. O’Garro ably manages the CFSE. This Vincentian plant pathologist has a wealth of experience in research and development and in agricultural production and management. He received the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence (ANSCAFE) in Science and Technology in 2012. This was in recognition for his contribution to science in the English-speaking Caribbean. He has also received awards from other recognized regional and international organisations.

Professor O’Garro is a former coordinator of the United Nations Biosafety Programme. He has a wealth of experience in networking with international organisations and interacting with professionals from diverse cultures. He also works closely with sources of finance for investment mainly targeting agribusiness and biotechnology. This experience is already bearing fruit at the CFSE. Professor O’Garro’s skill and experience has assisted him in moulding a team of competent and committed professionals. Together they continue to focus on how best to chart a course that will provide solutions to the food security problems in the English-speaking Caribbean.

They continue to focus on how best to design, implement, and manage programmes aimed at enhancing the performance and outlook of the agricultural sector. In addition, CFSE plays a seminal role in aiding the leaders and managers at the Cave Hill Campus of the UWI to achieve its vision of having the campus achieve its goal of becoming a science and technology hub.

The University of the West Indies

Pedestrian Crossing: It’s about time IT SEEMS LIKE more than two years ago that we were advised that BRAGSA, the authority responsible for roads, was going to be working on the repair of Murray’s Road within a few weeks. Long after those few weeks had ended without the semblance of the promised work being done, around July of 2015, we were again told, this time by Franco Construction, the firm who had worked on that project a few years before, that they were going to commence doing the work on the 13th of September, 2015. After all of that, and up to now, the work is still to be done.

Whether the reason

for the hold-up is the lack of funds, or (that) the authorities are awaiting the completion of the Argyle Airport, to make the vehicles and machinery available for the work on the roads, the failure to repaint the pedestrian crossing between the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and the National Public Library is totally unacceptable.

It somewhat parallels the exhibition of the “witless neglect” by the hierarchy of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance, with respect to addressing the issue of the Black Sigatoka disease, resulting in the crippling of the banana industry in St, Vincent

and the Grenadines.

Considering the number of schools in that area, one had expected that the Traffic Department would have seen the need to replace that pedestrian crossing with urgency.

The cost (financial) of addressing the issue might not even match the cost of the wreaths which the authorities may feel obliged to proffer, if there is a fatal accident in that area.

Dr. Gonsalves has recently made a strong call for the enhancement of safety on the roads. Let that pedestrian crossing be repainted now. It is about time!!

LeRoy Providence

in its initiative to transport agricultural produce from countries of supply to countries of demand in the Caribbean cargo between the Caribbean nation states in an environmentally friendly manner (not using fossil fuels). The arrowroot industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through a collaborate effort involving the CFSE and the government, have been able to dislodge US$2.5 million for the restructuring of the arrowroot industry. These projects provide ample testimony of the tremendous benefits that the CFSE has brought to the agricultural sector of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

The University of the West Indies continues to play an active positive role in the development of the organisations and citizens of the region. With continued visionary leadership, the UWI endeavours to meet the varied needs of the Caribbean nations. The CFSE is destined to play a major role in the agricultural and entrepreneurial development of the sub-region; providing research and support mechanisms for the agricultural sector and inspiring citizens to engage in value-added activities. We commend the leadership and staff at the CFSE for their commitment to this most noble initiative.

continues to be indebted to the Charles and Vanessa Edghill family of Barbados for its kind donation of 28.5 acres of agricultural lands (Dukes Plantation) to the Cave Hill campus in 2013. These lands, located in parish of St. Thomas, will be used to facilitate an environmentally friendly state-ofthe-art agribusiness and science park.

Among other things, this facility will provide incubator facilities for start-up agribusinesses; provide homes and facilities for the development of iconic agricultural value-added products (e.g.

West Indian Sea Island cotton, Blackbelly sheep, specialty cocoa, etc.); fuel innovation and research and development support mechanisms; and provide specialised training to enhance the performance of agro-processors and entrepreneurs. In addition, it is anticipated that the state-of-the-art conference facilities at St. Thomas would be available to local, regional, and international participants.

Although considered to still be in its infancy, CFSE has already made significant strides in supporting the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry by forging an alliance with Island Leathers Inc. To date, over 5,000 cured sheepskins have been prepared for being tanned to leather. In addition, CFSE continues to work on its project, the closely with the Send comments, criticisms & Caribbean Sail Cargo Initiative in suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com collaboration with S.V. Ruth Limited

“We welcome Obama’s Cuba visit” Statement by the SVG/CUBA Friendship Society

THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society welcomes the announcement of the proposed visit to Cuba by US President Barack Obama, scheduled for March 21/22, 2016.

That visit, when it materialises, will be the first such one by an American President to its neighbouring island, since President Calvin Coolidge did so nearly 100 years ago, in 1928 to be exact. It is the culmination of a series of steps taken by President Obama since he took office to normalize the hostile relations between both countries that have existed almost throughout the entire life of the 57-year old Cuban Revolution.

The Obama administration has relaxed restrictions on travel to Cuban by US citizens and the ban on sending remittances to relatives. This has resulted in an increase of 54 % in the number of American visitors to

Cuba, though there are still conditions for such travel. A major step in this direction was taken last week with an agreement to restore direct flights between both countries. Major US airlines have already indicated willingness to schedule Cuba flights and it is expected that up to 110 flights a day will soon be operating the route.

In December 2014, both countries announced the normalization of diplomatic relations, implemented in the summer of 2015 and President Obama’s visit is like the icing on the cake. President Obama has followed up the announcement of his visit by again calling on Congress to support him in his plan to close the odious prison for alleged terrorists that the US maintains on Cuban soil, at Guantanamo Bay. The maintenance of this prison, on Cuban territory illegally held by

the USA even though its lease has expired, is but one indication of continued differences between the two countries. The US also continues with a crippling economic embargo on Cuba, even punishing third countries for engaging in commercial transactions with the Cuban state.

THE SVG/Cuba Friendship Society, while supportive of measures to bring humane relations between the neighbouring countries and people, and appreciative of the brave efforts of the Obama administration in a hostile political environment, reiterates the call for the complete lifting of the embargo, endorses the plan for the closure of the Guantanamo prison, and stands with the Cuban people’s demands for the return of Guantanamo to Cuban sovereignty.

Renwick Rose President, SVGCFS

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

IMPACT JUSTICE hosts Media Law Workshop

A TWO-DAY media law workshop for the region’s journalists ended on Wednesday in Barbados.

The aim of the workshop, hosted by The Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project, which is funded by the Canadian Government, was to increase knowledge of the rights of journalists, with respect to the legal parameters allowed in the environment in which they operate.

Among the topics presented for consideration were: The Rights of Journalists; Confidentiality of Sources; Defamation in the context of Media Law; Online Reporting; Parliamentary and Government reporting; and Reporting on Family Matters and Gender Issues.

Presentations were made by a number of renowned Caribbean media persons, including: Julian Rogers,

Managing Director, MEDIAROBERS.AG INC.; Andrew Smith, Lecturer, University of Technology, Jamaica; and Julius Gittens, media and communications specialist.

The IMPACT Justice Project The Canadian government has supported justice reform in the region dating back to the 1980s, Dr Margaret Gail Miller, Senior Director to the Caribbean Regional Programme and Director for Canada to the Caribbean Development Bank, said.

“And we maintain that commitment today with funding of just over BDS$62 million to two projects delivered by two regional institutions, the Caribbean Court of Justice and the University of the West Indies,” Miller said at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

She further explained that the UWI - IMPACT Justice project was aimed at ensuring better access to justice for communities that were vulnerable and marginalized within the CARICOM region, and for governments, the private sector and civil society.

“The project supports the development of model laws for the region, improving access to legal materials and to legal education by practitioners and the public,” she said.

The project also promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to take the burden off the courts and build peaceful communities, Miller continued.

Previous stakeholder consultations over the past year have indicated that there is the need to address the role of the media in informing the public about their rights, and to address the media’s own need for information about their rights and responsibilities

(Foreground) Dayle Da Silva (left), THE VINCENTIAN, and Sheron Garraway (right), SVG BC, were among Vincentian journalists who participated in the workshop.

Inset: Dr Margaret Gail Miller, representing the Canadian High Commission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, spoke of her Government’s ongoing assistance to justice reform initiatives in the region. legislation for the economic and social development of the region, , exercises to improve the legal professionalism through enhancing codes of ethics, disciplinary procedures, and to encourage bar associations to adopt continuing legal profession programmes for members.

“We want to hear from journalists how they see their work; what they perceive to be their rights; what they consider responsible journalism. We also want to hear from the persons, including who are not journalists, where they see journalists falling down; what Importance of journalists they would like to see them do differently or better,” Newton Professor Velma Newton, said.

IMPACT Justice Regional Representation at the Project Director, added that Workshop came from all media some of the project’s components forms in the CARICIOM Region.

(DDD) include: the drafting of in a changing world.

“Long gone are the days when the print media and other traditional news providers were the predominant source of information to the public,” Miller proffered.

According to Miller, with the growth of social media, and at a time when any member of the public, armed with a smart phone, can become the lead reporter of their own newscast, it has become more critical for journalists and broadcasters to set the example of ethical, accurate and fair journalism.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 13.

Court

Shoemaker charged with ÂDenÊsÊ murder

DANNEKE BILLINGY, 28year-old shoemaker of New Montrose, is behind bars awaiting a May 18, 2016 Preliminary Inquiry (PI)

into the death of Dennis ‘Den’ Quintyn, 58-year-old shopkeeper, who also resided in that community.

Caine heads for the High Court MEDFORD CAINE, 50-year-old carpenter of Lowmans Bay, was on Monday, at the Serious Offences Court, committed to stand trial in the High Court on a murder charge, in connection with the death of 17-year-old Katisha Bess of Lowmans Leeward.

At the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne ruled that a prima facie case was made out.

The young female’s body was discovered in the King’s Hill Forest Reserve on the Windward side of the country, July 1, 2015.

An autopsy showed that Bess died from blunt trauma to the head. She was last seen on June 29, 2015.

Fourteen witnesses testified for the prosecution, including the investigator Sergeant Ashlyn Samuel Bristol of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Sergeant Brian Archibald of the Criminal Records Office (CRO) and Surgical Pathologist Dr. Ronald Child.

Caine was unrepresented. (HH)

Billingy was taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the

Murder accused Danneke Billingy

causing Quintyn’s death.

Quintyn was shot several times at New Montrose on the night of September 29 last year.

He succumbed to his injuries the following day at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Billingy was not required to plead to the charge, and was remanded. related.

Quintyn’s death was Serious Offences Court So far, two murders one of 25 murders on Monday, charged with recorded last year, of have been recorded this murder. He is accused of which 11 were gunyear. (HH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 15.

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Kimya Glasgow Designs from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Caribbean LIME Fashion Carib bean makes triumphant return!

SVG Community College, Villa, was was on Saturda 13th THE SVG Saturdayy 13th February, 2013, 2013, the venue venue for for the return of Image Modelling February, A gency’s F ashion Caribbean, the annual runway runway sho w Agency’s Fashion show organized b gency. byy the Image Modeling A Agency.

Patrons were wowed by the venue’s transformation, transport-some even saying they felt as if they had been transport ed to a new country.

The show began with a choreographed routine that featured fire spitting and spinning, fireworks, and hippie themed models decked out in Kathleen Bailey Swimwear.

The four Fresh Face of Fashion designers kicked off the fashion show in fine style, with three womenswear collection and one menswear collection.

The show featured 16 designers, and ran smoothly from Atelier Shernicia, all the way to the finale section, which featured Jamaican designer Reve Jewellery & Accessories.

MC Laferne Fraser was not to be left out; she sported designs from Kimmystic Clo., Kimya Glasgow Designs and Atelier Shernicia.

There were also two “celebrity” appearances,

the first by reigning Miss SVG and Miss Carival, DeYonte Mayers, who closed Kimon Baptiste’s Kimmystic Clo. Section, and the other by crowd favourite, reigning Soca Monarch Skinny Fabulous, who was a fitting finale for Vincentian label Peta Odini, a brand that has outfitted him for Vincy Mas 2015 and the recently concluded Trinidad Carnival season.

Other notable collections were from Fashion Is Payne from St. Vincent, Sew Lisa from Trinidad, and Trefle from the BVI, whose vibrant collection was very well received on show night, as well as on the next day at the Fashion Caribbean Trunk Show.

Show The Trunk Sh ow was well attended, with many persons placing orders from their show favorites. Models for Soka adopted international runway trend by having the models take selfies of themselves while walking down the 100ft runway.

Executive, The Image Exec utive, who engaged themselves in six months of planning and preparation for the show, expressed how pleased they were with the event’s outcome. have ave been receiving positive feedback from the In fact, they h public, sponsors and designers, especially the regional ones, some who have already indicated interest in returning next

year.

Image’s Managing Director, Monique Arthur, expressed gratitude to all the persons who attended, the designers and all the sponsors, many who have been involved in the production of Fashion Caribbean over the years.

The show came to a close with a live art display, which featured artist Rashida Samuel, who spray-painted the model’s spon-clothing on stage. This section was spon sored by First Citizen Investment Services, and aimed to highlight the need to end violence against women.

Other show sponsors included title sponsor LIME, SVG Tourism Authority, Grenadine House, Ciroc, Jergens, Viniq, Felly Belly, Oasis Spa, Maxin Digital Photography, Eyes R Us and Corona.

Plans have already begun for the 2017 installment of the show, which will coincide with Image’s 20th Anniversary celebrations.

Ecliff Elie from Trinidad Tobago. obago.

T rinidad & T Right: J'Angelique from Barbados

Baptiste receives ‘ex ‘excellent’ cellent’ response in N NYY

Miss SVG/Carival 2015 De Y Yonte Fash-o F onte Mayers on the Fash ion Caribbean Runway 2016, wearing her winning Miss Wear Carival Evening W ear designed by Kimon Baptiste.

Story by Stor y and photos b y A.. KING NELSON A naking@verizon.net; naking@v erizon.net; kingnaking210@yakingnaking2 10@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT TOP VINCY fashion designer, Kimon Baptiste, says she has received “excellent” response to her Kimmystic.Clo label, in her maiden ‘Pop-up Shop’ in Brooklyn, New York last Saturday.

“The response was excellent,” said Baptiste in an exclusive VINCEN-interview with THE VINCEN TIAN at AK Couture Boutique and Beauty Bar on Church Avenue in Kimon Baptiste at AK Couture Bar.. and Beauty Bar

Brooklyn, where she conducted her first ‘Pop-up Shop’ or ‘Trunk Show’ in the Big Apple. At a “Pop-up Shop” or “Trunk Show,” the public can view, buy or place an order of a particular merchandise.

“I’m so grateful,” added the Murray’s Village, Richmond Hill, Kingstown native, Caribbe-who has taken the nation and some Caribbe an islands by storm with her unique designs and fashions. “Caribbean people came out and supported the brand [Kimmystic.Clo].

It’s very good.

“Today, was a kind of a dream come true,” added Baptiste, whose designed outfits have won the “Best Evening Wear” in the Miss St. Vincent Pageant in Vincy Mas for the past seven years. “I always wanted this [‘Pop-up Shop’] to happen, and Zulema [George, owner and designer of AK Couture Boutique and Beauty Bar] made it happen for me.”

Baptiste, who owns the Kimmystic.Clo Kings-Boutique at the Y deLima building in Kings town and teaches clothing, textile and fashion, since last September, at the Girls High School, also complimented her New York liaison, Camille De Freitas, “in making today a reality.”

With excellent response on Saturday, Baptiste, who “groomed and chaperoned” Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past three years, said the Kimmystic. Clo label will now be sold at AK Couture Boutique and Beauty Bar, 4516 Church Ave., Brooklyn, between 45th and 46th Street.

Interested persons can call AK Couture at (347) 492-2522, or De Freitas at (347) 598-7398.

Baptiste, who designed the gowns for Miss Anguilla and Miss St. Lucia last year, and Miss Carival this year, was named the “Island Designer” of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2008 Caribbean Fashion Awards. Her highly sought-after, glamorous, non-traditional evening gowns are also distributed, with the Kimmystic. Clo label, in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Anguilla.

The Cave Hill, University of the West Indies Bachelor of Science degree graduate in Management and Psychology, said she has been “intimately involved” in the fashion industry for over 16 years, “designing and sewing every piece of clothing neatly and flawlessly – from the fabric selection to the finished product.”

Baptiste said, after her mother, Marcella Baptiste, who manages Kimmystic. Clo Boutique, taught her to use the “pedal” sewing machine at 8, she gradually began to develop her “God given talent of fashion design and dressmaking.”

But, from 13, she said she has worked “tirelessly to perfect the art, with the help of her trusted friends, the sewing machine, scissors, books and magazines.” In 2007, Baptiste said she opened the doors to a “One-Stop Shop” Boutique under the label Kimmystic.Clo. She said her debut into the world of fashion and runway shows took place in December 1999 at the Fashion Caribbean show in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Baptiste, herself a former Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has participated in several fashion shows, including the launch of the St. Kitts Fashion Week at the Harlem School of Arts in New York in 2008. “con-Baptiste said her collections are “con stantly evolving and reflect the Caribbean, our climate, nature and culture, as well as experiments with other materials, such as denim and natural fibers.” She said the collections comprise “relaxed yet fabulous clothing” that also feature accessories made in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She has participated in the “Fashion has no Borders” fashion show in Canada and “Islands of the World” Fashion week in the Bahamas.

In 2012, Baptiste said she was “afforded the opportunity to work intimately as an Run-intern for three months with Fashion Run way’s runner-up Victor Luna in Manhattan.

There, she said she took on the role as

Luna’s assistant designer and “delved into the project heads on,” recalling that the experience was “truly an amazing one” that allowed her “front row view and insight” into the New York fashion industry.

Baptiste said the designers’ love and respect for each other “blossomed into a beautiful friendship.”

In 2014, she said Luna returned the compliment by collaborating with Kimmystic.Clo and showcasing his collection at her De Ja Vu Fashion show.

“Patrons were wowed, and both designers delivered a show that was second to none, and solidified the fact that Kimmystic.Clo was truly in a league of her own,” Baptiste said.

Incidentally, Baptiste said she was accoun-made “redundant”, as a junior accoun tant at the Mustique Co., where she worked for six years, when she returned home after internship with Luna.

“After that, I decided to go 100 percent fashion,” she said. “It was always a juggling act” [balancing her full time accounting job with her passion for fashion], she said.

As she continues to dig deeper into One of Kimon’ s creations that was Kimon’s her fashion hat, Baptiste said she is described ‘Sparkle Shock’ website as “fully aware of the need for perfectly ‘simply superb’ with its use of ‘bold suited clothing that are ready to wear,” colours and prints’.

Kimon Baptiste (R) with AK Couture owner and designer stating that she has working women in Zulema George (L) and Kimmystic.Clo New York York o liaison mind, “who not only want to look professional Camille De Freitas. by day but also able to transition into that Kimmystic.Clo Bridals.

This year, Baptiste said she is focusing on diva at night.”

With the aim of revolutionizing and producing evening gowns and wardrobes for She said the Kimmystic.Clo 2015 Jersey elevating Caribbean fashion, Baptiste chaper-pageants, but will not participate in chaper Collection, which already has been exhibited disclosed that she “took on a small but oning, stating that: “Chaperoning is very in Barbados, was recently featured at a coveted role” for Michael Costello at the 2015 “Strut for a cause” fashion event in the home New York Fashion week. exhausting.

“It takes a lot of time and dedication for of the Pitons, St. Lucia. The collection She has also had the opportunity to the ladies, especially if you’re a competitive includes a number of chic and trendy pieces, “style” R&B singer Mya in two of her pieces fashioned from soft cotton. from her Resort collection, while she worked person,” she said. assistant Vincen-Baptiste’s dad, Sebastien Baptiste, a From her collection, Baptiste has also as an assist ant stylist on the set of Vincen mechanic, hails from the North Leeward designed custom-made pieces for her client tian Soca sensation Kevin Lyttle, renowned for his mega smash hit “Turn me on.” list, and has recently ventured into village of Petit Bordel.

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Uncle Metro: up with the Greats ALPHONSO RICHARDS is an Agent with MetroLife Agency Inc., local representatives of Pan American Life Insurance Group.

MetroLife Agency Inc. was incorporated under the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on April 28, 2011, and like Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., which was established here on December 31, 1968, by the renowned Edgerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, is a full member of the Meterocint Group of Companies.

Alphonso, otherwise known as ‘Sleepy’, was wide awake last Monday, and rose to the top of ‘The Legacy Public Speaking Competition, for MetroLife agents.”

Alphonso impressed the judges with a presentation in which he placed ‘Uncle Metro’s’ foresight and accomplishments in the category of some of the world’s greatest personalities, not least being the African-American Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Alphonso pointed to the almost uncanny co-relations of the lives, paths and impact of Dr. King and ‘Uncle Metro’, who was five years old when Dr. King was born.

Alphonso alluded to Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, the same year Metrocint Insurance Company, this country’s first indigenous insurance company, was established, and a year of the heydays of an awakening of

black consciousness across the globe, to which Dr. King contributed in no small measure.

The year 1968 was one year before this country achieved Associated Statehood, and some eleven years before independence.

Dr. King did not live to see his dreams fulfilled, but Metro survived two days after his 72nd birthday, and built an ‘empire’ on the strength of his vision, ingenuity and courage in the face of seemingly unsurmountable odds, said Alphonso, adding that he even found the time to involve himself in other entrepreneurial undertakings, including assuming ownership of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Add to this his positions in favour of the underprivileged, and it speaks to a stalwart of a man, Alphonso proffered.

“I feel very good about it (winning),” Alphonso admitted after the exercise.

He was satisfied that his efforts in research for the exercise paid off, and considers the exercise as “strategic” in going forward with the new undertaking (MetroLife).

Alphonso appeared in fifth position among six competitors.

All other competitors, according to the judges, performed creditably.

These included: Hollis Trotman who described ‘Uncle Metro’ as being ahead of his time; Benjamin Samuel who called for National Hero status to be accorded Edgerton Richards, was

Alphonso ‘Sleepy’ Richards accepts his winner’s purse from Mrs. Noreen Richards, Director, Metrocint Group of Companies.

second to make his presentation, and he was convinced that Uncle Metro was a great example, and he called for Uncle Metro to be designed a national hero, Ferrand Walters who pondered on how ‘Uncle Metro’ could L-R: Agents: Hollis have condensed Martin. so many facets into one frame; Angus Martin who lauded ‘Uncle Metro’ for his “insistence” on freedom of the press; and Mark Charles who identified Metrocint’s founder as having left an indelible legacy on the Vincentian landscape.

Desiree Richards, Managing Director of the Metrocint Group of Copmpanies, felt assured that ‘The Legacy Public Speaking Competition’ had achieved its objective of creating an awareness with respect to the vision and development of Metrocint General Insurance Co. and MetroLife.

She was especially convinced that the agents had demonstrated that they, together, are a solid foundation

Trotman, Ferrand Walters and Angus

L-R: Agents: Benjamin Samuel and Mark Charles. on which to build the efforts going forward. (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 17.

News

Bequia Easter Regatta in train THE 2016 BEQUIA Easter Regatta, scheduled for March 24 – 28, will be another exciting weekend of races.

This is the promise of newly installed Bequia Sailing Club (BBC) Commodore, Elrick ‘Allo’ Ragguette.

The BSC organizes and manages the Regatta.

“A lot of skippers, sailors and boat owners have The yacht races in the Bequia Regatta are usually highly expressed interest in competitive the races, and they events. are eager and excited for the time to come around,” Ragguette indicated, adding, “In fact, we may well have a hike in boats this year, as compared to the last couple years.”

Ragguette, who was elected Commodore last November, described the Bequia Easter Regatta as the “Granddaddy of sailing events in the Southern Caribbean, the biggest tourism product outside of Vincy Mas, in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The programme for the 2016 Regatta remains basically unchanged: (L-R) Commodore Elrick ‘Allo’ Thursday 24th March at the Ragguette and his Vice-Commodore, Frangipani Hotel — Registration and Leticia ‘Letty’ Browne Briefing of skipper: Friday 25th March traditional sale of food, craft and other 09.55am - Friendship Bay and J24 items.

Surprise Races; Saturday 26th March “This is a new era for the Bequia 08.55am - J24 & Surprise Races and Easter Regatta, and we intend to give 09.55am - Around Bequia Race; of our best to ensure that everyone is Sunday 27th March 08.25am — happy at the end of it all.

Hairoun Single-Handed Around “This year’s Regatta is going to put Bequia Race; Monday 28th March us in the position to have an even 08.55am - J24 & Surprise Races and greater event in 2017 and in the years 09.55am: Admiralty Bay Triangle to come,” Ragguette noted.

Race.

He is joined on the management Sunday 27th March will also feature committee by: Leticia ‘Letty’ Browne the Lay Day activities like the Vice-Commodore; Richard Ashton — sandcastle competition and the all-day Secretary; Raison Compton — PRO; beach splash. and Joe Gabriel - Treasurer Patrons can also expect the OnThe 2016 Bequia Easter Regatta is Shore activities, held under the the 30th edition of the activity since it almond tree in Port Elizabeth, to was rescheduled from the Whitsuntide receive added support, as the Sailing weekend.

Club will be increasing collaboration Persons can get more information with the On-Shore Committee. on the club and the regatta on website, These activities are expected to www.bequiaregatta.com, or the newly include maypole dancing and greasy established social media pages pig competitions, in addition to the Facebook, Bequia Easter Regatta.

Model boat racing is a Bequia tradition, and forms part of the Easter Regatta lists of activities.

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18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Omnibus operators receive awards considered model bus drivers.

At the Royal St. WHILE OMNIBUS drivers here are being criticized for Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force their ill-discipline and (RSVGPF) Traffic lawlessness in using the road, some of them could be Department’s Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Central Police Station on Wednesday, February 17, four operators were recognised for the manner in which they conducted themselves, while rendering their service in 2015.

Those receiving the

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Mini-bus drivers here have come in for recognition from the traffic department, which is perceived as their antitheses.

Inset: Supt. Kenneth John, Head of the Traffic Department, hopes others would emulate the awardees.

accolade were: Abdul Mohammed of Largo Height, owner and driver of the omnibus ‘Abdullah’; Clarence Pierre of Green Hill, owner and driver of the omnibus ‘Angel’; Trevor O’Garro, of Buccument, owner and driver of the omnibus ‘Trevor’; and Olanzo ‘Dirts’

Browne of Stubbs, owner and driver of the omnibus ‘Dirts’.

The criteria for selecting the awardees included the manner in which they drive, ticketing, general cooperation and reports about their driving.

Head of the Traffic

Department Supt.

Kenneth John told THE VINCENTIAN that the Traffic Department’s Annual Awards Ceremony started in 2002. It is aimed at motivating persons to strive for excellence and for others to emulate the awardees.

A number of officers

attached to the Traffic Department also received awards at the ceremony last week Wednesday, each being recognised for his/her performance in a particular area of duty in 2015.

Constable Kaliym Woods was named Traffic Cop of the Year.

Digicel brings Valentine’s cheer DIGICEL has rewarded two lucky couples in their #DigiInstaHeart social media competition.

Couples were asked to upload their most romantic photos to Instagram, tagging Digicel SVG. The photo with the most likes were awarded a night for two at the Young Island Resort, inclusive of a romantic dinner and breakfast at the resort.

The 1st place winners, DarylAnne Delpeche and her partner, enjoyed their night at Young Island on February 14th.

“We were so excited when we realized that we had won with over 300 likes on our photo. We are extremely thankful to Digicel for such a great promotion and opportunity in which we were able to experience such a romantic night at the Young Island Resort for Valentines,” says Daryl- Anne.

The second place winner, Cameron Adams, won two tickets to the ‘je t’aime’ Concert, February 13th.

Digicel personnel said they were extremely pleased with the number of responses they received in this social media competition, and chalked another success, in the company’s ongoing intention to please their subscribers.

It was quite the success as persons posted their romantic photos and encouraged their friends and family to assist them in the

Winners at Dinner at Young Island Resort.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 19.

Finance

Ralph Wharton, General Manager of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, wants more talk among credit unions about the laws and regulations that affect the sector.

Frederick Stephenson, Minister with responsibility for Cooperatives, pointed to the new law as being mindful about addressing the likelihood of turbulence in other areas of the financial sector.

IN THE NEXT two months, contents of a draft Bill aimed at keeping a check on Credit Unions in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, ought to be ready for presentation to parliament.

However, Ralph Wharton, General Manager of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, is not satisfied with the extent to which persons attached to the sector have been talking about the matter.

He made his position known last week Thursday at Frenches House, Kingstown, while speaking at the opening of a National Cooperative Legislation Workshop, organised under the auspices of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Co-operative League and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions.

Credit Unions must talk about laws

The theme of the Workshop was ‘Credit Union Laws and regulation compliance’.

Wharton acknowledged the broad penetration that Cooperative Credit Unions have made in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but lamented the shortage of consultation on matters as they affect Credit Unions here.

He noted the role of regulators which, he assessed, was designed to making those entities “grow and develop in safe boundaries.”

However, the extent to which Credit Unions have been speaking on the matter is a concern to Wharton.

Frederick Stephenson, Minister with responsibility for Credit Unions/Co-operatives, traced the Co-operative Societies Act (Number 12 of 2012) and the Draft Co-operatives Societies Regulations.

He noted that the Bill was passed in the House here, June 28, 2012.

Stephenson expressed optimism that the Bill arising from an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States collaboration, would be proclaimed as law, and pointed to the importance of harmonised legislation in the wake of losses suffered by citizens as a result of the Clico/Baico fiasco.

As far as the Minister was concerned, laws were needed to protect patrons’ savings in a meaningful way, and he called on Credit Unions and the Financial Services Authority to work together in this regard.

President of the SVG Co-operative League Kelvin Pompey welcomed the Workshop, as it confirmed the League’s commitment to help affiliates to meet higher standards of performance and compliance, in a stricter regulatory framework.

Pompey was pleased with the high level of

Credit Union membership in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and enforced the fact that despite the economic challenges, the Credit Union sector remains robust.

But, Credit Unions have to stay ahead of the game, and Pompey highlighted the need to “plan for the changing road ahead.”

Like his regional counterpart, the League’s

president recognised the importance of a “consultative and inclusive approach” in the legislative process, and stressed the importance of “cooperation among Co-

operatives,” and of “pooling resources and moving forward with integrity, competence and service excellence, while remaining true to the fundamentals of cooperative ideals.”

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Rent versus pregnancy Dear George, MY HUSBAND is presently away. He should be back home in a few weeks.

We are renting one of our houses to a single parent tenant, and when I went to collect the last month’s rent, I was stunned by her remarks to me. She slammed the door in my face after telling me to tell my husband she is using that month’s rent and the rent after that, to pay for her visits to the doctor, seeing she is pregnant with his baby.

Even as she blurted that, I insisted that she should pay the rent no matter what, and referred her to the signed lease. But she in turn insisted that she was not giving me any money for rent now or after, and she will not talk to me, only my husband.

This is the second month’s rent she has not paid, and I now know why. What do I do now?

Furious Wife Dear Furious, Your tenant is bound by the lease agreement, and has an obligation to pay up in accordance with what she signed.

The matter of her perceived pregnancy can be dealt with down the road if she so chooses, and the burden of proof as to paternity will be on her. That matter, however, has nothing to do with the rent, and she should be cautioned to

pay up or face the consequences as dictated by law.

Business is business, and it ought not to mixed with anything else.

George

Keep the focus on your side admitted to not yet having found someone who can match her in MY WIFE has a best bed. friend who visits our You would home regularly. To be understand, therefore, truthful, she is the best that I have often shaped woman I have fantasized about being ever seen, simply with her. I know deep gorgeous, and I have down that I could be that said that to her many man who she is seeking, times.

There have been times the one who can match her in bed; but my during her visits when question is: how do I the three of us have engaged in discussions of communicate that a sexual nature, and she message to her?

Frankly speaking, I has not been shy to don’t see how ‘going with express her preferences this fine woman’ could and give indications as to her skills in bed. She affect my relationship with my wife, seeing is single and has

Dear George,

that she would not be finding any of this out if it is to happen.

Wishing Husband Dear Wishing Husband, That ‘fine woman’ you are fantasizing about can be the very one to destroy the friendly relationship that now exists between the three of you, and eventually your marriage.

The grass often appears to be greener on the other side, but you can avoid disappointment by keeping your gaze on your side of the fence.

You obviously had sound reasons why you chose the wife you did.

It would be useful at this time to reflect on those reasons, and make a stronger effort to rekindle the flame that may be showing signs of fading in your marriage.

The more you focus on this woman, the less of your wife you would see in terms of the exceptional qualities she possesses.

The best time to start looking away is today!

George

A ÂmosquitoÊ problem Dear George,

I WENT TO MY neighbour’s house and warned her to keep her mosquitoes away from my house, and she fired back at me that her yard and surroundings were clean and I had no right to accuse her of harboring mosquitoes. I then explained to her that the mosquito I was talking about was her husband, who has been messing around with my wife.

George, he has been going to my house in my absence and making advances to her. Different people have told me that my wife has been having ‘visitors’ while I am away at work, and advised that I should keep a closer eye on things.

My wife has denied being involved with our neighbour, but could not give a good reason why he had to be at our house at all, and so frequently.

Something is not adding up.

Suspicious Dear Suspicious, Instead of going raising concern with the neighbour about her ‘mosquito’, you ought to be having that discussion with your wife instead. She was the one who invited this man into her house, and should know how that could easily result in entangling her in a situation she could live to regret.

She should exercise greater judgement and refrain from entertaining individuals during your absence, especially persons like your neighbour whose intention, it seems, is to cause discord in the relationship with your wife.

To avoid further infestation, your house needs to be less ‘mosquito’ friendly.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. Travel for business will not only bring you valuable information but also profits as well. You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't expect support from your mate.

Your compassion will be appreciated more than you can imagine. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. Sort situations out as best you can. Watch your spending habits.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may want to take extra special care of your luggage if you are traveling this week. You should make special plans for you and your lover. Romance will be on your mind, and chances for ideal connections are in the works. Don't give them the use of your credit card.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. Someone you work with may be emotional. You can't lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold. Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. Don't make large purchases or investments. Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains. You may want to make changes in your home environment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Find ways to make extra cash. Start making things or reusing rather than buying ready-made. If it can make you extra cash, it will be even better. Do a little investigating if there is someone

at work you don't trust. You could lose money or precious belongings if you aren't careful.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't get involved in joint ventures. You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it. Arguing won't help. Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. Those you live with may be experiencing problems.

Someone envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work. Short trips will be educational. Trips will be more than adventurous.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your ability to work with detail will bring recognition. Delve into worthwhile causes that will show results if you put in the effort. Travel should be on your agenda. Visitors may relieve the tension.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music this week. You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. Partnerships could prove to be lucrative. Let go of the past in order to progress.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't expect support from your mate.

However, you may not attract the kind of interest you had in mind. Romance appears. Spending too much time talking to friends or relatives could easily turn into a debate that could lead to estrangement.

ABOVE 1.Eleanor’s hubby’s inits.

4. Frequently, in poems 7. Munich’s land (abbr.)

10. Sailor’s assent 11. Terse 13. Microbrewery product 14. Entreat 15. Rise up against 16. Half of VI 17. Shoshonean 19. Sounded like a horse 21. Glisten 23. Pro vote 24. Over-thedoor window 26. Reheat 30. Fido’s doc 31. Mah-jongg pieces 34. Tear apart 35. Bowled over 37. Enchant 39. __ Plaines 42. Actress Perez 43. Popular Christmas trees 47. Hotel’s offering

(abbr.)

48. Artist Yoko 49. Irritated 51. Find a total 54. Holiday drink 55. Romps 56. TX to NY dir.

57. Response (abbr.)

58. Summer, in France 59. Lumberman’s tool DOWN 1.Tide competitor 2. Lab stain 3. Adjust 4. Natural mineral 5. Perjures 6. __ weeny 7. Canter or gallop 8. Author Wiesel 9. Actor Tim (“WKRP”) 11. KFC serving 12. Floating arctic mass 18. Number of bowling frames 20. Like carrot sticks

21. Became taller 22. “Me”, to Miss Piggy 24. Federal power inits.

25. Yankees’ sport (abbr.)

27. Craftsmen 28. __ pudding 29. Speed abbr.

32. Musket ending 33. Knights’ weapons 36. Letters after a dentist’s name 38. Suffix for a

doctrine 40. Western lawman Wyatt 41. Show happiness 43. __ fide 44. In due time 45. Captains’

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 21.

diaries 46. Narrow board 50. Monocle site 52. Heredity inits.

53. Morning dampness

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

National Heroes Day, 14th March, 2016 Intosh was “Dadda Mac” and Joshua was “Pappy Josh”.

Why did Cato summon Attorney The muzzle of national service as a General Arthur Williams to lead the member of the National Heroes prosecution against the teachers? Do Committee prevented me from these actions reflect the opinion of a checkmating Gonsalves’ sales pitch for leader who was not in support of the Cato. Do you still think Cato makes the tear gassing, arrest and trial of citizens? cut? I hope you can see why I had to There is an affection and acclaim resign”. that Mc Intosh and Joshua had that The question is, does membership of Cato lacked. The essence is gleaned from the ULP now cause Jomo to see the the names by which they were known. legacy of Cato in a different light?

Among broad sections of the people, Mc Continued from Page 8.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 23.

Rugby coach expresses guarded confidence opponents who are more experienced and possibly more talented.

COACH OF THE ST. “I know you’ve got to VINCENT and the be guarded with your Grenadines senior national confidence, but I’ve been men’s Rugby team Mike working with the boys for Jackson is confident that a while now, and they’ve his team will give a good been coming on… account of themselves, in hopefully if we do their 2019 World Cup everything right, who Qualifier against Jamaica, knows what can happen scheduled for the Arnos at the end of the game,” Vale Playing Field, Jackson said.

Saturday 5th March.

Jackson, an American, Jackson, speaking at has been with the team one of the team’s since September 2015. training sessions at the He admitted to Sion Hill Playing Field knowing “a fair amount” on Tuesday, said that, about the Jamaicans, while they are going into and described them as “a the game as underdogs, good team…….. they’ve he was quietly confident got good individual that they would be players….a little competitive against unstructured ..so that’s

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

an area that we can maybe take advantage of….hopefully with overconfidence coming into it and with us having home field advantage, we can maybe shake them a little and let them regret coming here a bit too overconfident.”

Jackson said that the relatively inexperienced situation with the SVG team may probably work to their advantage in Saturday’s encounter. “ A lot of the teams in the West Indies have been taught the oldfashioned way, and I’ve come in here and have tried to be more of a contemporary coach, so I

Coach Mike Jackson (2nd from left) gives instructions. teach a modern game.

And because these guys have not been taught those old ways of playing, it has allowed me to introduce these new ways of playing to them, and they’ve taken them on quite quickly, and that certainly, I would say, is an advantage,” he said as he desperately attempted to cling on to any little vestige of hope.

The players, the coach assessed, want to do good, adding, “I cannot see them just going and lying down on Saturday”.

He preferred not to

Opportunities open for Vincentian athletes THE QUARTET of Erasto Da Silva, Rogike Thorpe, Neilo Thomas and Consolo Adams have had part of their dreams realised.

Last Monday, they embarked on new academic and sports lives at the Kingsborough Community College in New York, USA. For Da Silva, Thorpe and Thomas, all former students of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, their dreams of enrolling at the college, began to look possible after they met with some staff members during the Penn Relays in April last year.

Each of the three has competed in the Penn Relays on three occasions.

It was then left to others here to follow through on the initial contacts made.

Physical Education teacher at the Thomas Saunders Secondary, Godfrey Harry, related that systems were put in place to fast track the students’ departure.

He said a visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines by the college’s director of Athletics in June/July last year, also helped to crystallise the procedures.

Harry noted that Sarah Blundred, who was here last year, did her part in assisting with the application to the college.

“She was in constant contact with the students,” Harry stated.

He said that in the interim, several overtures were made

through central government, which readily bought into the idea, as well as other entities. “ The students were accepted mainly on their academic performance, and in the case of Da Silva, Thorpe and Thomas — the athletics talents , while Adams is known for his Basketball,” Harry entailed.

“It also shows, contrary to what some people might think, going to the Penn Relays is not a waste Erasto Da Silva (3rd from left), Rogike Thorpe (4th from left), Consolo Adams (3rd of time... Now that from right), Neilo Thomas (right), in company we have seen some with Kingsborough Community College staff fruits, surely others members. will want to follow (in) their footsteps institutions in the USA. and get something to aim at,” Harry is thankful to the Harry counteracted. government of St Vincent and the “ From this first batch of Grenadines, in particular Prime students, I expect them to use their natural talent to good effect, Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, for as they will be exposed to a higher “making it happen” for the quartet. level of competition in different Harry also mentioned the input conditions and more competition of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation as well,” Harry projected. and other individuals, who He believes that once the four contributed in the four making make the best of their opportunities, it will pave the way the trip, which sets them on a pursuit towards higher education for others to find openings, not achievement and a path of only at Kingsborough, but at developing their sporting talents. other tertiary educational

single out any player or players for special mention, and instead urged the public to attend Saturday’s match, set to begin at 2pm.

Should SVG get past Jamaica, they would enter a group with Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad in the next phase of the play-offs.

Officials say the match here is being seen as an important occasion for World Rugby, as it signals the start of a process involving more than 80 teams around the globe, that will

eventually be reduced to eight qualifiers.

Those eight will join the 12 previously qualified teams for RWC 2019 in Japan.

The March 5 match is expected to be refereed

by Nigel Owens, who took charge of Rugby World Cup final 2015 between New Zealand and Australia, in England last year.

In addition, the famous Webb Ellis Cup, which is currently being held by the champions New Zealand, will also be on display here.

Rugby President upbeat THE MALE national rugby team will face their sternest test to date, when they take on Jamaica in a First Found Qualifier of Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan.

The Qualifier is set for a 2pm start on Saturday 5th March 2016 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, and Sophie Goddard, President of the SVG Rugby Union said, “Plans are going well.

The Executive is working hard to make sure the Union and St. Vincent get full exposure, and that the Sophie Goddard, event is a success for our President of the country. It is a very big deal SVG Rugby Union, for us, but also for World is anticipating full Rugby, and it is a great support for this privilege that a small Union particularly special like ours has been chosen to event in the still host this event.” developing annals She added, “We’ve had a of the sport of lot of support from the rugby here. government, NOC and other sporting organizations in the lead up to match day, so we thank you all for your help so far.”

Goddard confirmed that the Webb Ellis Cup, symbol of World Rugby supremacy, will arrive here next Wednesday, as it makes its journey around the world on its way to Japan.

The Cup is expected to go on public display here.

Patrons to the Qualifier, March 5, can expect added attractions, including a women’s tag rugby showcase, and demonstrations by the youth players involved in the Union’s ongoing developmental programme.

“I invite all Vincentians to come out to the match. Let us together make this event a great one for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Goddard appealed.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

No rewards IT IS A PITY that sports personalities who performed with distinction over the past year will be denied rewards for their efforts. So Tevin Slater will not get the opportunity to be honoured for his contribution to national development in sports. For, had there been the routine, it would have been difficult to deny him anything short of the Sport Personality for the Year 2015. However, the Football Federation had already made its choice, and Tevin was their just recipient. But his recognition by the Football Federation served as a prelude to greater heights from the Clare Valley born youngster.

Tevin notched a tally of five goals in World Cup qualifiers, and was instrumental in helping St. Vincent and the Grenadines to progress to the Group of Four.

In addition, Slater chalked up five goals including a hat trick against Trinidad and Tobago in the Olympic qualifiers. Those were enough to take St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the final round where they were eclipsed by Haiti.

But there would have hardly been any stopping of Tevin, had there been a [properly conducted Awards Ceremony.

No doubt there would have been clamours for Shne Joachim who also returned some outstanding performances in the swimming pool.

Perhaps the sporting bodies were side-tracked with the campaign for the general elections which transpired December 9, 1015.

The results might also have thrown some organiser off target. So getting things in place may have been a little ticklish for some persons.

However, failing to submit recommendations for candidates to be in line for rewards is an act of negligence that could never be forgiven.

One hopes that the situation is ironed out once and for all in time for next year, so that when persons put their blood, sweat and tears on the line in the interest of national pride, some dues accrue to them.

For example, Gidron Pope has etched his name in the circle for some recognition next year. But suppose the sporting authorities decide to operate as tardily as they have done this year, he may be another casualty of this laissez-faire approach.

So perhaps somebody can take the initiative and reward Pope even before the ceremony is held. Because even though other outstanding performances unfold, there should be no denial of Pope’s outstanding achievements.

At the same time, the Vincentian Cricket Association will have to encourage Pope in every way possible, and stay by his side so that he engenders the support from home. He should not be left to the whims and fancies of other forces.

We have seen all too often whereby Vincentians have been ostracised because of their very nationality. The treatment of Kenroy Peters is familiar. And he, after being belatedly drafted into the West Indies squad having excelled from the Under 19, inevitably found himself in the cricketing doldrums, merely and more directly purely because of the fact that he is Vincentian.

This National Sports Award has become too haphazard, and sports personalities are left to ponder if their efforts have any value.

The ruling authorities have stepped up on their quest to provide the nation with facilities so that sports are given some semblance of acceptance in this country’s heritage. And the trend seems to be continuing as regards providing the platform.

When therefore sportsmen and women excel, every avenue ought to be explored to acknowledge them.

Pope, Hooper, Browne, Welcome star in NLA T20

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT WEST INDIES U19 opener, SVG’s Gidron Pope, has been called up by the Windward Islands Volcanoes for this weekend’s match against Guyana in St. Lucia.

Information is that Pope, one of the West Indies standout players on their way to winning the ICC U19 tournament for the first time, is set to replace one of either the out of form batsmen Tyrone Theophile or Keddy Lesporis.

On Sunday, Pope stroked 44 in the News Spartans 95 in their eight-wicket defeat to defending champions Team Rivals, in the NLA T20 tournament.

Pope continued where he left off in the Joey Welcome relaxes after an World Cup as he went after the bowlers eventful afternoon. after a somewhat quiet start. Credited with five overthrows to get off the mark, Gidron Pope into one of his drives. the pugnacious lefthander then brutally straight drove offspinner Casmond Walters for four, before Guardian General Saints’ innings got off to the shattering the “pane barrier” when he smashed the worst possible start when opener Joey Welcome was next ball into a window in the Players Pavilion. floored by a Ray Jordon bouncer that hit him on the Pope then took the only points available in the side of the face. Groggy and visibly in pain, he was brief exchanges with the pacey Kesrick Williams forced to retire.

However, with wickets falling steadily, Welcome towards the end of the bowler’s spell. In his usual returned to the crease to play a brilliant counterpredatory manner, he advanced down the pitch to attacking innings of 59*. He took on all the bowlers Williams, who on seeing his movement, went for including Jordan, whom he cut over point for six what should have been a quick bouncer, only for Pope, still moving, to hook for six in front of square. and slashed for fours to third-man. In all, he struck four sixes and four fours in his entertaining innings.

With only four overs allotted per bowler, Browne led the bowling with 2/19 from four overs.

Williams could find no time to respond.

Pope, after hitting five fours and two sixes, was caught off the deceptive Roneil Jeffrey with the total 63/4. Thereafter, it was all downhill for News Spartans who caved in from 86/5 to be all out for 94 in 18.1 overs. Left-arm spinner Asif Hooper 3/13, Orlanzo Jackson 2/15, Jeffrey 2/15 and Walters 2/23 shared the wickets.

Team Rivals then chased down the target in quick time, as they reached 98/2 in ten overs.

Hooper completed a good allround match with a blistering 53 off 28 balls, with six fours and three sixes, to send his team unbeaten through the preliminary round of the competition.

In another match, Victors ONE opener Atticus Browne continued his excellent season with a well chartered century against Guardian General Saints, at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field on Saturday afternoon.

Browne made 101 as Victors ONE reached 163/5 in 20 overs. He struck seven sixes and five fours and raised 103 for the opening partnership with Miles Bascombe (38). Kentish Jacobs capitalised on Victors ONE’s later overs push to grab 4/30, as they lost four wickets for 15 runs.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 25.

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

Five Junior Squash titles for SVG JASON DOYLE and Kai Bentick had two titles each, and Thandi Myers one, as host St Vincent and the Grenadines took five of the eight titles that were at stake in last weekend’s Junior Open Squash Tournament.

The tournament was played at the National Lotteries Authority Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue.

Doyle copped the male Under-19 ahead of Bentick, and was also awarded the overall top trophy, contested among all participants.

Bentick topped the Under-15 and Under-17, beating out Guyanese Shomari Wiltshire into second place, in both instances.

Meanwhile, Myers was out front in the females Under- 17, with Makeda Harding of Guyana taking the runner-up spot.

Harding, however, claimed the Under-15.

In doing so, Harding left Jada Smith- Padmore in the runner-up position.

Shomari Wiltshire took the first place in the males Under-13, with Alex Jerome—Stewart of Barbados, second.

Wiltshire’s teammate Taylor Fernandes was the winner of the females Under-19, with her fellow Guyanese Larissa Wiltshire in Thandi Myers Jason Doyle second.

St Vincent and Nineteen juniors the Grenadines can have competed in the threeits own niche among day tournament, which junior Squash players in ran from Friday to the region and even Sunday. further.

Pleased with the participation of Guyana , in this the second edition of the open tournament, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association James Bentick, said every effort will be made to have more countries in for next year’s tournament.

He assured that his Association was sparing no thought in developing the tournament, so that

Kai Bentick

HERMON BANCROFT THOMPSON

OMORON JULIUS ASKELON RODGERS

ALBERT EDWARD ABBEY

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.09

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WATER RESOURCES THREATENED before it gets better, based on projections for continued dry spells THE CENTRAL WATER and Sewerage into the year.

Authority (CWSA), custodians of the But while the country will continue water supply and distribution in the to be under drought watch into the country, is reporting that the water flow traditional dry season, the CWSA is into its main intakes is significantly low, taking measures to address the and will continue to be so threatened as situation. the country braces itself for dry “We are always under drought conditions well into the rest of the year. watch; we’re always planning the way Speaking at a press conference last forward. We have been having high week Friday, February 19, CWSA level technical meetings since last Engineer Bernard Maloney reported November,” assured Maloney. that all the company’s major intakes These meetings have addressed the have been affected. These include need to curb high consumption and Majorca, Jennings and Dallaway. wastage patterns, especially by public The Dallaway system, which buildings; detect and deal with leaks accounts for service of 30% of the in the systems, especially in high national demand, has seen a 35% pressure areas, and monitor the reduction over a five-year average, integrity of main and secondary and this rises to 75% as far as the intakes to capture raw water.

Majorca system is concerned, Maloney Maloney was confident that the said.

CWSA was positioned to deal with any Maloney attributes the drastic water shortage issues that may arise reduction in the water flow to reduced as the dry season unfolds, and Garth rainfall during the traditional wet Saunders, Manager of CWSA, gave season, and even more significant the assurance that his company was reductions during the dry season. monitoring the situation and will “So there is cause for concern. It’s update the public on any changes that quite scary. Even though we have the CWSA might have to execute, to been having periods of rain, it is not maintain as just a distribution as really enough to recharge our possible, given the situation that watershed,” Maloney admitted, adding might arise. that the situation could get worse Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

Manager of CWSA Garth Saunders (right) and Engineer Bernard Maloney were forthright about decreased volumes of water at the company’s major intakes, and promised to notify the public early about any responses CWSA might have to take in the circumstances.

Bishop Gordon apologises ROMAN CATHOLIC Bishop of Bridgetown, formerly Bishop of Bridgetown-Kingstown, Jason Gordon, has apologized for what he said was a wrong he committed.

Bishop Gordon extended the apology to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves while addressing the ordination ceremony of Bishop Gerard County, last Saturday, at the SVG Community College, Villa.

The apology arose following what the Bishop said were comments he made in relation to contents of a lecture the Prime Minister delivered recently to students at the Cave Hill Campus, UWI, Barbados.

The reference had to do with Dr. Gonsalves’ apparent reference to the banana industry and the marijuana industry.

Bishop Gordon admitted that his comments were predicated on what he had read in a newspaper, and given that that newspaper has since apologised to Dr. Gonsalves for having misrepresented him, he, Bishop Gordon, had to, in the circumstances, also offer an apology.

He said, inter alia, last Saturday, “…. It is not that what I said was wrong, but the context I was given from the newspaper was wrong, and so I too, have to say sorry. …. , So the Prime Minister, since I said this publicly, that you wanted to exchange bananas for marijuana. …. so sorry.”

The current levels at CWSA intakes are not this encouraging.

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

Bishop Jason Gordon

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.