Issuu

FRIDAY, MARCH

26, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.12 www.thevincentian.com

10th Covid-19 death Page 3

No jail for burial beaters Page 4

EC$1.50

YPM praised Page 11

Earthquakes raise alert Page 12

That Spring Village road Page 24

CUSTOMS SERVICE CHARGE INCREASED BEFORE Dr. Godwin Friday contended that there was no need for a new Bill to make the arreas payment legal, since existing legislation authorised the payments to regional and international organisations. (Photo: API)

Left: Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves might just have hinted at a level of embarrassment not be able to pay the arrears and keep up with regular payments.

THERE WAS AN INCREASE in the Customs Service Charge (CSC) in 2015 from four to five percent, to deal with the arrears with international and regional organizations. However, despite legislation to ensure that the payments are made through monies raised through a further increase of 1% in the CSC, as per the 2021 Budget, Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday said that he is concerned that a similar situation (of irregular payment and arrears) could arise. The Bill was passed in Parliament on March 16, despite opposition from Dr. Friday and the other members of the opposition New Democratic Party, and provided for the monies so raised (approximated to be in the region of $10 million) to be used to satisfy stipulated contributions to ten (10) regional organizations, including the Regional Security

System (RSS), CARICOM and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined more of these institutions, the price tag had grown and that this country, like many others, had failed to make its contributions. “Very often when you go into these meetings, one of the matters on their agenda is that countries have not sent in their quarterly contributions,” Gonsalves said.

“And we are so dependent on these we found it important to set aside a dedicated stream of money, and we decided to do that by raising the Customs Service Charge by one percentage point,” he continued. But while speaking on the ‘New Times’ programme on March 22, Dr. Friday said that he had been reminded that in the 2015 Budget address, the then Finance Minister — Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves — had announced a similar measure. In that message, PM Gonsalves

TCI DENIES GONSALVES ‘WORKERS’ CLAIM ARLINGTON MUSGROVE, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services has denied that there has been any discussion with Vincentian authorities on the hiring of 200 Vincentians at the new Sandals Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos (TCI). During the March 16 Session of Parliament, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves

announced that at least 200 Vincentians in the hospitality sector would have the opportunity to work at the new resort as referred, in the coming months. Gonsalves said that his government had concluded discussions with Sandals Resorts International regarding the issue. According to the Finance Minister, the expectation was that these workers will gain

experience and familiarity with the ‘Beaches’ brand and standards, and that these individuals may eventually rotate back through the various Sandals resorts until being redeployed here. He said that the management of Sandals had indicated that a new government had been formed in the Turks and Caicos and that they were in the process of working out matters

relating to work permits for the foreign workers. But in his statement Continued on Page 3. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, made it clear he knew nothing about which Minister Gonsalves had said in parliament.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Business/Arts

Sagicor recognises David ÂDarkieÊ Williams

David ‘Darkie’ Williams (left) accepts an award from Stanley Browne, General Agent and Principal Representative for Sagicor Life (EC) Inc. NATIONAL CULTURAL ICON the theatre community in St. David ‘Darkie’ Williams has been Vincent and the Grenadines. honoured for his contribution to The honour was bestowed

by Sagicor to mark National Heroes Day 2021. General Agent and Principal Representative for Sagicor Life (EC) Inc. Mr. Stanley Browne presented the award to Mr. Williams, and thanked him for his contribution of fifty years to the very vital sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “All of us are inspired by David who continues to use every fibre of his being to ensure that our culture is not diminished in any way. Our way of life is not to be devalued. Matters of culture are the things that are inherently Vincentian and we must hold them dear. David shows us the way,” Browne said on presenting the award. Mr. Williams, who is well known in St Vincent as the ‘Father of Drumming’, was

overwhelmed and expressed his deep gratitude to Sagicor for the recognition. “When I set out to do theatre almost 50 years ago, I wasn’t thinking of things like this. I grew up in culture, I grew up in a cultural house with grandparents who were deeply embedded in whatever there was for the performing arts back in the 1950s and 60s,” Williams said. He added, “I thought the art form needed to take a different turn and I set out doing theatre and other aspects of the art form, seeing what I could contribute towards helping it to make that turn. Whatever are the perks that come with it, I am pleased, and I feel honoured. Specifically, I am honoured that Sagicor is recognizing me in this way. Thank you very

much.” David grew up in Sion Hill, where he lives to this day. Born into a family in which drumming was as natural as breathing, he began participating in cultural activities at an early age, and this led to an interest in and an eventual love for all things artistic and cultural. To his credit he has had training stints at the University of the West Indies, the Edna Manley School of Performing Arts and the John F Kennedy School of Performing Arts in Washington. Because of his training and his vast and varied experience, David is valued as an Assessor of Practicums in the CXC Theatre Arts Examinations. (Contributed by Sagicor)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 3.

News 3 10th COVID-19 death recorded ACCORDING TO HEALTH OFFICIALS, Lorenzo Baptiste, a 25-year-old male from Owia, is the 10th person to have died from COVID-19, in this country. A press release dated 22nd March, 2021 from the Chief Medical

Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer Beache, stated inter alia, that ‘St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday reported one (1) new COVID-19 death - a twenty-five (25) year old male resident of Owia who tested positive for

COVID-19 on Friday March 19th after presenting to the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre, Accident and Emergency department with shortness of breath and decreased appetite. He was transferred to the Milton Cato

Memorial Hospital and died around 5:45 am on Monday from COVID pneumonia.’ A fallout of this is that relatives of the young man are questioning why it took health authorities three days after the young man’s positive test, to test them for the coronavirus. The relatives reasoned that given the fact that Baptiste was a ‘shut-in’,

TCI denies Gonsalves ‘workers’ claim Vincentians to be employed there saying that the workers were to released to the media on Monday be placed at various properties on 22nd March, Musgrove stated a temporary basis. that while this may be the plan “With that being said, we must for the officials here in St Vincent look at a reciprocal arrangement and the Grenadines, that was for our people so they too can certainly not the plan for that benefit from such an exchange country’s government, especially where they would leave the Turks now when there were so many and Caicos Islands and be posted Turks and Caicos Islanders who on a temporary basis at other were unemployed. Sandals Beaches properties to “I can assure you that we have further enhance their overall not had any discussions along growth and development.” these lines and in the event we do, It was his intention to we will always look out for the arrange a meeting with Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, betterment of our people first,” he Beaches TCI to discuss the might just have spoken without said in the statement. matter further, following qualification regarding Vincentians He referred to a message that being deployed in a beaches resorts in which an update would be Turks and Caicos. was being circulated about 200 provided, Musgrove said. Continued from Frontpage.

“not going anywhere,” some member(s) of the household must have been infected. A relative confirmed that the young man was physically challenged. “He doesn’t like to wear clothes, he is always in pampers and up to the time he died he was wearing pampers. This is a guy who don’t come outside and is always in his room,” said the female relative to further the concern that the other members of the household were not immediately tested for the coronavirus. The relative added that the young man was at home when he experienced shortness of breath and showed signs of having a cold. His mother took him to the Owia health Centre where a COVID test (rapid test) was administered and gave a negative result. But because of the severity of his illness he was taken to the Modern

Medical and Diagnostic Centre, Accident and Emergency Department in Georgetown. “When he reach by the hospital in Georgetown, they test him there and then telling his mother he has corona and she would not be able to ride the ambulance with him to Kingstown. The mother was pleading and asking who would take care of him including changing his pampers,” said the family member. The pleas fell on deaf year. The family member returned to Owia and three days after, health personnel COVID-19 tests on them. There was no indication up to Wednesday as to whether any family member had tested positive for COVID-19. To add insult to injury, Baptiste’s family claimed to have learned of his death through a posting on social media. (KH)

Customs Service Charge increased before Continued from Frontpage. announced that the government had accumulated substantial arrears with regional and international organizations and that although they were able to reduce the amount the previous year, they were increasing the Customs Service Charge to deal with the outstanding amount. Dr. Friday maintained though that government was looking to raise funds to pay off the arrears and were doing so again years later. “So if you put that tax then in arrears, then what is to say that that would not happen again?” Friday questioned. The Opposition Leader referred to the Automaticity Bill which made provisions for the Director General of Finance and the Accountant General to pay over the sums of money, saying that the money was allocated to this and that should have been enough. “You do not need another legislation to say you now need a stick to beat you with to say that you have to pay it over,” Dr. Friday said. He contended that the Minister of Finance was able to override the Automaticity Bill, and it appeared that the government was not paying over the moneys as was previously stated.

V Grenadians escape jail term 4. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

with intent to supply, and attempting to export 38 pounds of marijuana. GRENADIAN nationals They, however, Michael Derrick, 25, and changed their pleas to Razard Bhola, 18, are guilty on both charges, expected to return to their when they returned to homeland on their vessel the Serious Offences ‘Fingers’, once they pay Court on Tuesday. their fines for two For both offences, the marijuana related Grenadians were each offences. fined $2,665 forthwith or The Grenadians, along five months in prison, with Gordon Paines, 29, while the Vincentian was of Georgetown, St. ordered to pay a total of Vincent, initially pleaded $8,000 for both offences. not guilty to possession He was ordered to pay Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Third man freed in Kendras matter JUST DAYS after Nigerian national Eunice Dowers was free on 55 charges, in relation to missing funds from local businessman Bertille ‘Silky’ DaSilva, the three men who were accused of stealing thousands of dollars in supplies from Kendras Aluminum Ltd at Campden Park have all been freed. Philbert Regis of Redemption Sharpes, the last to be cleared, was acquitted after a recent trial at the Serious Offences Court, following in the footsteps of his co-accused Bevon Jack of Layou and Conroy Trimmingham of Calder, who were both freed on no case submissions in December last year. Jack, Trimmingham and Regis were jointly charged with stealing a quantity of doors and windows valued at $320,000 the property of Kendras Aluminum Ltd, between January 11, 2014 and March 26, 2018. They were charged in August 2018. During the trial, the $320,000 was amended to $85,722.23. Regis acquittal came on March 12 this year after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne concluded that the Prosecution had not proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Jack and Regis were both employees at the business place while Trimmingham was a freelance window installer. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Thursday, Attorney Grant Connell, who represented the men, said, “It is very unfortunate that my clients had to go through all this,” and expressed the view that it was the result of poor accounting systems, just as in the DaSilva matter.

$1,500 forthwith or three months in prison, and the balance by August 31 or 10 month behind bars. Attorney Grant Connell represented the Grenadians, while the Vincentian was unrepresented. The local Coast Guard had intercepted the men off Union Island around 6:20pm on March 15. They were heading towards Carriacou, aboard the vessel ‘Fingers’. The Coast Guard signaled to hem to stop by using a siren, but instead of stopping they changed course and

warning shots had to be fired. Paines was seen throwing sacks overboard. The vessel came to a stop and four sacks were retrieved from the waters which, when opened, revealed several taped packages of marijuana. Nothing illegal was found on their persons. The men were taken to the Coast Guard base in Calliaqua and subsequently handed over to an officer of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU). When cautioned and questioned, Paines

replied, “Is not mine.” Derrick also denied knowledge of the drugs. Bhola told the officer, “I am the captain, get a job to pick up ‘SM’,” and pointed to Paines. Connell had asked the Court to impose a reasonable fine and that the boat be used to offset that fine. But after the fines were imposed he withdrew that request, stating that arrangements will be made for his clients to pay the fines and it will be easier for them to return to Grenada on the vessel. The court noted that

Paines had had previous convictions for marijuana-related offences. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne considered the Grenadians’ ages, noting that one was a teenager which she referred to as a vulnerable age group opened to being used. Even though the defendants did not plead guilty at the first available opportunity, they were still granted the full one-third discount on their sentences.

No jail time for burial beating FIVE MEN who attacked and inflicted injuries to the head of Barrouallie resident Paul Stephens during a burial service at the Chauncey cemetery almost three years ago, have been bonded, fined, and ordered to pay compensation. Four of them - Kazin Alexander of Chancey, Dane Daniel of Rillan Hill, along with Jerwanza Thomas and Junior Charles both of Chauncey, were on Monday each fined $750 to be paid by June 30 or six months in prison for disturbing a lawful assembly, to wit a funeral service of Jetoina Thomas of Chauncey, and were each ordered to

pay compensation of $500 to Stephens by July 30 or three months in prison. On this charge they were also bonded for one year, in the sum of $1,500 or three months in prison. For possession of an offensive weapon, Charles and Daniel were each fined $750 to be paid by July 30 or three months in prison. They both had previous convictions for possession of offensive weapons. The other defendants were bonded for one year in the sum of $1,000 or three months, on the possession of offensive weapon charge.

The four men had been charged jointly with Esward Charles of Chauncey, who had initially pleaded guilty to the charges, and was bonded. The others were convicted at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, last week Tuesday, following a trial which was adjourned on several occasions. They had representations from Attorneys Dr. Linton Lewis and Ronald Marks. Evidence revealed that the men used sticks, bottles, stones and blocks to attack Stephens and inflict injuries his head,

during the closing moments of Thomas’ burial service at the Chauncey Cemetery, May 27, 2018. The men, said to be Thomas’ relatives, had acted on the rumour that Stephens had caused her death. Those rumour was dispelled by an autopsy which revealed that Thomas died from a heart attack. Before the men left the Court on Monday and after the penalties were handed down, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett told them, “I hope you all will never get in anything like this again.”

Businessman offering $50 per pound for ganja ATTORNEY Grant Connell is questioning whether there are two laws, one for the rich and one for the poor. Connell aked the question while mitigating on behalf of two Grenadians who were charged with possession with intent to supply, and attempting to export 38 pounds of marijuana. The lawyer told the Serious Offences Court that there was a particular local businessman who was offering EC$50 per pound for medical marijuana, while the open market value as set by the police is between $400 and $700 per pound.

According to Connell, “It is one and the same herb. We can’t be blind to justice in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” and he asked, “Are there two laws, one for the rich and one for the poor?” Connell has repeatedly stated in Court that the Head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, who has been in the marijuana trenches for decades, has put the value of marijuana at $200 per pound. Cottle did so in a sworn affidavit. Connell has been unrelenting in asking the Court to accept the value as given by Cottle.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 5.

6. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Understanding Sandals NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, this country found itself embroiled in an unnecessary tag match which, it appears, was a non-match from the outset. Our Finance Minister- Camillo Gonsalves, in a ministerial statement to Parliament on Tuesday 16th March, disclosed that Sandals Resorts International (SROI) will employ 200 Vincentians within the coming weeks, to be deployed at a Beaches Resorts in Turks and Caicos (TCI). This disclosure raced across the regional media platforms, landing in the TCI, a British Overseas Territory, where it created an uproar. By Monday of this week, the TCI Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services released a statement in which, inter alia, it made reference to a “WhatsApp message”, which said that some 200 Vincentian workers were to be employed or have the opportunity to work at the new Beaches Resorts in that territory. The statement said categorically that the TCI government had had no discussions with either STI or the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and gave the assurance that its first and only interest was to safeguard employment opportunities for the people of the TCI. The quick response had much to do with the fact that the TCI government, just recently elected, was not going to tolerate its opponents making a field day of a likelihood that could well cheat locals out of jobs in their own country. However, in reviewing the message, the TCI Ministry of Immigration acknowledged that the reference to Vincentians being employed in the British Overseas Territories was not accurate. What the issue purported was that Vincentians who in the coming months would be hired for positions in a Beaches Resorts planned for SVG, would possibly be attached to the new Beaches

Resorts in TCI, so they could gain firsthand knowledge of and experience operations as it related to the requisites of Sandals Resorts International’s standards, its protocols, etc. Vincentian workers so attached will return to serve in their various capacities at Beaches Resorts St. Vincent. Since the SVG-TCI ‘misunderstanding’, many persons have come to recognize that SRI has as a significant arms of its operation, a Team Member Exchange Programme (TMEXP), under which is ‘the continued movement of Caribbean nationals to take up assignments at a number of the company’s resorts across the region’ is facilitated. Its Exchange Programme, SRI says, ‘allows new recruits to become immersed in the Sandals and Beaches resorts’ culture, while existing employees are seconded to other resorts, providing an opportunity to travel and become exposed to new working environments and cultures, widen their skills and insights, enhance their career development and positively impact their job performance on return to their home resort’. Now that we can breathe a sigh of relief, it is well that we try to come to grips with what SRI demands of its workers; what it expects of its host country; and what we will have to forego to allow SSI to maintain their style, their fashion, their enticements and the repatriation of profits. If for one moment we think that the latter doesn’t exist, think again. And while this is no hint of not welcoming SRI, for it is too late to turn back now anyway, it would serve all of us well, Government Ministers included, to recognize the long reach of SRI’s expectations, and how it operates. This is not something we can or must leave up to the Prime Minister and his Finance Minister. We have to guard against a repeat of that David Ames debacle.

St. Vincent’s Botanic Gardens by AL T. DAISY (Taken from Flambeau, Number 2, 1965 and carried in THE VINCENTIAN May 29, 2015) “IN 1765, a Botanic Garden was started in St. Vincent by General Robert Melville, Governor-in-Chief of the then Windward Federation. Its purpose was to produce “the exotic and valuable commercial plants from the East.” Over the years, economic gains have waned in importance, and 1965 finds that Garden a veritable showcase of Nature’s beauty. Her whitened triplegated entrance stands tall, cognizant of the fact that she encloses the oldest Botanic Garden in the Western Hemisphere. With zestful enthusiasm, Dr. George Young set about his task as its first curator and, with the aid of its fertile volcanic soil, the Garden began to outstrip the verdurous luxuriance and multifarious vegetation that clothed her mother island. By 1773, it had attained an enviable reputation, and received wide acclaim. Today, with the laurels of two centuries flourishing within her, history re-enters the portals of the past to recall with gratitude the men responsible for making this Garden famous. Men like Dr. George Young, its first foster father (1765); Valentine Morris; Dr. Alexander Anderson (1783); Lockhead (1815) who is reputed to have been buried in his beloved Botanic Garden; H. Powell (1890); William Sands (1904), who became St. Vincent’s first Agricultural Superintendent and is responsible for the small Doric temple with its Allamanda fountain beside the lily pond; T.P Jackson (1919); A.K. Briant (1933); C.K. Robertson (1938); M.A.G. Hanschell (1948); J.M. Cave (1952). It is left to posterity to acknowledge the gallant work being done by her present custodians — H.S. Mc Connie, Superintendent of Agriculture since 1956, and C.L. De Freitas — both sons of the soil. The lean years of incompetence and negligence, of stubborn battles with the elements, all lie buried in her annals, and today, St. Vincent Botanic Garden is the attraction of international visitors and royalty. In March 1964, she gave a command performance to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; then in November of that same year, she pruned herself again for Prince Phillip to become the setting for a miniature Island Exhibition and a Garden Party. As one enters from south, a white arch enclosing iron-barred triple gates bear testimony of an age when carriages provided the transportation. He may stop entranced by the sudden aura of blissful serenity and fragrant aroma. And if he is

gifted with a vivid imagination, he may hear, while he pauses, the clippety-cloy of horses and the rolling of the buggy wheels through the main gates, sandwiched by the tramping, shuffling feet of pedestrians. In so reminiscing, he would have recreated the purpose of the design in its historical setting. Twenty-eight different varieties of hibiscus meet his gaze as he walks up the center path — some line the walk, sharing it with regal palms that reach for the sky; others are scattered amidst the profusion of Tropical Flora. There are bougainvillea, immortelles, the flamboyant Cassia Multijuga, the spectacular “pink appleblossoms” and the stately “golden shower” or Cassia Jistula. Supporting this colourful array are the “Red African Tulip” (Spathodea), the purple and white species of Petras, a lavish assortment of Bauhinias in pink, mauve, white, red and yellow. The resplendent Queen-of-Flowers, the showy “Yellow Ebonies” from Jamaica, the incomparable Poinsettias — double red, pink, yellow and white — add their contribution to this kaleidoscopic display coupled with a most beautiful collection of Frangi-panis which adorns the upper slopes. Flowering and non-flowering hedges protect this pageantry. (It will take a book if one were to list the infinite variety of plants that abound in the Botanic Garden where Mother Nature frolics in wild abandonment, jealously guarded by Vincentians.) In 1828 progress wrested three acres from her twenty acre area for the erection of the Government House, and so it is that as one continues northward, a sprawling, magnificent white building unexpectedly crests the floral spectacle that is the garden. This is the residence of His Honor the Administrator. St. Vincent does not have much of which to boast, but her Botanic Garden has become the pride and joy of Vincentians. History flourishes there. On the 23rd of January 1793, Captain William Bligh landed at Kingstown Harbor and wended his way to the Botanic Garden. There he planted the Breadfruit Tree that still stands today. Tourists still find this an attraction, with its head covered with green leaves and most often laden with fruits. It is gnarled with age, Continued on Page 15.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 7.

Letters

government sold our shares in LIAT for one dollar ($1.00). On the local front we are now seeing the need for government’s role in ground transportation and a reason for some limited government involvement is this process. I am not going to engage in the petty squabble over the number of passengers allowed on a minivan. I do WHAT IS THE role of the government walked away from see a role for the government government in public our commitment to LIAT, leaving beyond setting bus fares. I think transportation? Like every other a number of Vincentian we need to develop a registry of great question there is never one employees high and dry to fight vans available for service in the correct answer we can hang our hat the Antiguan Government for various villages. I think the on. severance and vacation pay owed registered vehicles should be For years I supported and to them. How much money did we given a variety of concessions for defended our government’s role in put into this “failed venture”? their services. In exchange for Regional Air Transportation What did we get for that their concerns the government because I saw it as a regional investment? should set standard operating obligation. It brought people Rhetorical questions, I’ll say, procedures for these vehicles, and together and it served as a social therefore no need for an answer, hold the operators accountable to and cultural bonding agent. but I still would like to know these standards. During my formative years I met what the government is doing for I am not advocating for a and learned from a lot of people our locally displaced employees of government sponsored in the Region because of our LIAT? I am in favor of one last transportation system but no one ability to travel easily from island investment in LIAT to settle business sector of our community to island on LIAT. I still these employment claims. Just to should be allowed have the ability remember my seven days in be clear I have no personal to bring our economy to a Dominica after the Hurricane agenda, all of the people I knew standstill. We need to formalize David devastation and the work working at LIAT retired some the relationship between the bus we did to help rebuild houses for time ago. I am speaking up on drivers and the government. those who has lost their homes. behalf for the workers who seems Then last year, our to have been forgotten when the Horatio

Air and ground transportation questions

I wonder: Where is the National Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission in all of this?

I SUBSCRIBE to the cable channels supplied by FLOW. When I subscribed, my specific agreement with them was that for a set monthly fee I would receive 270 channels. Over the past few months this has been reduced (without any notification to subscribers) to 255 channels. In round figures this means that I am receiving only 95% of the channels that I contracted for and that FLOW agreed to supply me with. However, I note that during all of this period FLOW have not reduced their monthly account to me by 5%, to compensate for the decrease in channels. Thus, in effect I am only receiving 255 channels but paying for 270. This is, in my opinion, commercial extortion. To make matters worse, some of the 255 channels I do receive and pay for I cannot view, since they are broadcast in Spanish, Portuguese, German and various Indian languages, thus limiting even more my choice of viewing and increasing the number of channels that I pay for but cannot view! Are the moronic, imbecilic, cretins at FLOW not aware that SVG is an Englishspeaking nation? Rather is it the case than because they have almost a monopoly on this service they think they can rob their customers and act with willful disregard towards any vestige of customer service? I do not know, or care, what the acronym FLOW stands for but to my mind it should be: “Fraudulent Load Of Wastrels!

A Teacher

A. W. Indupp

That internet service I HAVE been teaching an online class since the inception of online instructions for senior primary school students. I am not here going to make a case for one or the other, i.e. face-to-face classroom instruction as against online schooling. My concern is that I would have thought that once the decision was taken to introduce online instructions that the least the internet service providers would do is to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted service (except for electricity outages). As it is, teachers, and therefore instructional time, have been restricted by

internet connectivity woes. I need not count the number of times the students have ‘fallen off the system’ for one low or a break in internet connectivity through no fault of their own. At times, the service is so slow, even though you might be paying for a certain speed, that it makes download and uploading a pain in the neck. Please, don’t tell me that the service providers are having technological problems. If so, they are in the wrong business. I am no lawyer, but I would think the unpredictable and

substandard services should be a ‘breach of contract’ clause in the contract between service provider and user.

Fraudulent FLOW!

ÂThe Vaccine DebateÊ * A few things about how we going about this COVID19 thing: * Anybody else having difficulty understanding a lot of what the Ministry of Health is telling us about this COVID-19? * Take for example those who have died because of the COVID-19. Why is it always a case of them having ‘underlying conditions’? * Even if they had ‘underlying conditions’, wasn’t it the COVID-19 that they contracted that led to their deaths? * What if they didn’t get COVID19, would they have lived longer? * If yes, then shouldn’t our officials stop hiding behind their masks and come straight?

I WAS MOVED by last week’s editorial (The Vaccine Debate). If I am correct, the position was one in favour of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. However, you were also clear that no government has the right to mandate the taking of the vaccine, and should not try to influence unduly any individual or groups of persons to accept it. I follow you on this argument and would like to remind readers of an age old saying: ‘The end doesn’t justify the means’ Admittedly, the ULP administration is pushing aggressively in its campaign to encourage the taking of the vaccine. That is their duty, their responsibility, but they must guard against adopting the ‘by-any-meanspossible attitude in trying to encourage the acceptance of the vaccine. No one would not like to see the back of this dreaded disease, no one would not support a drive to ensure heard immunity, but the means by which we go about getting there should be of paramount concern. Then again, Mr. Editor, do you think that a Cabinet of well- educated men and women would sit around a table and agree that it is ethical to attached conditions to the taking of the vaccines?

I have had my first dose; no one pressured me into taking it. It was my choice to accept. In choosing to accept it, I accept that I will have to live or die for having done so. But, I dare say, that if there had been a deliberate effort to force or bully me into taking it, I would have refused hands down. Let the people decide. It is the only just way. Thomas

8. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Twenty years of sterling leadership and good governance

Introduction THIS SUNDAY, March 28, 2021 would mark 20 years since the people of this country elected the Unity Labour Party (ULP) to govern the affairs of state. On this day in 2001, Vincentians voted solidly to elect the Ralph Gonsalves ULP, rejecting any further stagnation of this country under a hopeless and stale New Democratic Party (NDP) that had clearly ran out of ideas and lost its way. The truth is, this victory was a few years in coming, as back in 1998, the overwhelming majority of Vincentians had voted for the ULP, however, the party was unable to assume government as we were only able to secure 7 of the 15 seats in parliament. What stood out in the period between 1998 and 2001 was the way the ULP went about its business in opposition; raising the issues, holding the government accountable, representing the interest of Vincentians. Twenty years later, the ULP is still the party of choice of Vincentians as was evident in November 2020 General Elections, when the voters re-elected this great party to a 5th consecutive term in government. This historic feat of winning 5 consecutive General Elections is unmatched not just in this country, but in post-independent CARICOM, making it all the more remarkable. Results like these are not attained through luck, but they are the fruits of strong leadership, good governance, and people-centred policies developed and implemented to improve the lives of Vincentians. Let’s briefly examine some of the policies implemented by the ULP over the last 20 years that have become quite popular because of the positive impact they have had on Vincentian lives.

below market value to Vincentians who would otherwise not be able to own land. This must be contrasted with what occurred under the New Democratic Party, where government ministers, close friends and party hacks were the ones offered prime lands in places such as Bequia and Canouan at 50 cents and $1 per square foot. No such thing has occurred under this ULP. Poverty reduction

While land reform remains a significant pillar in the ULP administration’s property reduction policy, many other important elements were implemented over the last 20 years. From the very onset of the administration, it was clear that the elderly and the vulnerable in our society, who had been forgotten by the previous administration, would receive focused attention intended to improve their living conditions. It must be mentioned that upon taking office, the poverty situation in this country based on a poverty assessment report of 1998 indicated a 40% poverty rate with an indigence rate of 26%. The government set about to address this situation immediately. One of the areas for immediate attention, where it was painstakingly clear that the government’s social program was inadequate, was the $60 (increased once in 17 years under the NDP) given as a monthly public assistance to the elderly. In addressing this, the ULP administration increased the assistance to $120, in the first Land reform instance. Since that time, the public This policy was and still remains a assistance had been increased another 4 times, to where it’s now critical pillar in the governments overall agenda of reducing poverty in approximately 5 times what it was in this country, through the distribution 2001. The ULP administration also expanded the public assistance of land. One very important wrong that was righted, and is in some ways program to accommodate students in need of transportation and other connected to this policy, was the forms of assistance especially in cases paying of severance to hundreds of where the students are orphans. estate workers owed for many years. The school feeding program has The NDP administration after 17 years in government never made this been significantly improved and now feeds thousands of our nation’s a priority, even though they were students with nutritious meals for $1 aware of this injustice done to many per day. The accompanying Zero estate workers. Once in government, the ULP led by Comrade Ralph acted Hunger Trust Fund maintains an swiftly to right the historic wrong and Adopt a Classroom Programme, through which students at 12 primary made those long overdue severance schools nationwide receive focused payments to the former estate support in addition to delivering workers in places like Fitz Hughes nutritional support for approximately and Orange Hill. 700 Vincentians. Tax reform Following on the heels of paying severance to workers, the government measures, such as lowering the personal income tax rates, while initiated the policy of land distribution that gave the opportunity increasing the maximum taxable threshold for workers all resulted in of land ownership to the poor and more disposable income for workers. working class of this country. All When the significant increases in across Saint Vincent and the salaries for public servants, nurses, Grenadines, families that lived on teachers and police, that amount to an government lands for many years without title, were offered those lands average of 32% over the 20 year for as low as 10 cents per square foot. period are factored in, the true extent This was referred to as “turning dead of the improvement in income for Vincentians can be realised. By 2008, capital to live capital” as for the first time, these proud individuals were in the poverty rate had been reduced to 33% but more importantly the possession of title to the lands they indigence rate was reduced to 3%. had lived on for decades in some Marvellous work by the ULP instances but were unable to claim government. rightful ownership. Having title now allowed them to be able to approach Conclusion lending institutions to access financing for to undertake home Next week, we will continue the renovations, start new businesses or celebration of our 20th year in pay for their children’s university education. The government continues government with an examination of some other policy initiatives by the this policy and still regularly distributes land across the country at ULP government that continues to improve the lives of Vincentian.

Increase in Customs Service Charge is unconscionable (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s presentation on the debate of the Finance Bill 2021) THE FINANCE BILL 2021, while it is a single revenue measure, comes out of the Budget address that we debated recently. It does have very significant effect and consequences. We know what the intention of the Bill is. The Honourable Minister said that it was to provide funding for our participation in a number of regional institutions; some of long standing and are performing useful functions in our region. However, the good intention on one hand is not the only way in which to measure the effect of having this Bill come to parliament at this time. During the Budget debate, the matter was raised and objections were mentioned from this side of the House. I think the full implications of the one percentage point increase which in the Budget address was written as one percent increase. In reality, the one percentage point increase amounts to a 20% increase in the Customs Service Charge because it goes from 5% to 6%. The other factor to be considered and to be weighed against the good intention that the minister pointed out to this tax, is the fact that this tax is going to affect a broad range of items. We are a small open economy; virtually everything we consume especially manufactured goods, medicine, clothing, school supplies, food items, pasta, rice, cooking oil, corned beef, sausages, Irish-potatoes, automobiles, everything is imported. The Customs Service Charge affects a broad range of items and therefore, its economic impact can be masked by saying that its only one percentage point increase from 5% to 6%, and it’s only the Customs Service Charge and not the custom duties themselves. My understanding is that the minster hopes to raise between eight and nine million dollars from this single measure that occupies his two or three lines in his Budget address. He virtually congratulated himself into saying that he didn’t intend it to be a Budget in which to raise taxes. Well if you didn’t intend it to be, then don’t raise taxes. So, we have the increase and secondly it covers a wide range of items so that when you go to the grocery store and you full your trolley, everything you put in there would have been affected by this tax so that a basket of goods will now cost more to everybody who shops; whether you are earning $10,000 or $100,000 a year. You’ve got to eat, whether you are rich or poor, you’ve got to be clothed, you need shelter. Therefore, the cement, galvanize, plywood, ‘two by four’, that you use to build your ‘shack’ or the tiles, fixtures for the bathroom and paint, if you are building a bigger house, all will be affected by this tax. When we raised the issue in the Budget, it was to remind the minister that it was something to be reconsidered and at the time it was a

proposal. The opposition having flagged the matter as one of concern, hoping that it was possible that the minister would have said let’s hold off on this; but the first measure in this parliament is again to raise tax. Let us not get into a debate about whether CARPHA is valuable, we know it is, or PAHO is valuable, we know it is, or the Seismic Research Centre, we know it is. We are using these services now and we have become familiar with them providing the services, so the minister thinks that it is therefore easy for people to accept that this is something they should pay more for. We are not paying the institutions more but the people of the country are being asked to pay more out of their pockets. The other implication is that this tax adds to the value of goods coming into the country upon which the VAT is then assessed. So, in effect it indirectly raises not the rate of the VAT but the actual amount the government may collect from the VAT because the value of the commodities will be increased with the service charge added and then the VAT is calculated upon it. That is another broadening of the effect of this seemingly innocuous tax. It is far from innocuous. It is intended to raise between eight and nine million dollars. This is what I have seen in the public domain. If the value of import to this country is about $1 billion, it will raise about $10 million. This is coming at a time when we can hardly afford this. People are having a difficult time. Businesses are closing, landlords are clamouring for their rent. I suspect the Minister in his Ministerial Statement setting out all the various things that they have done to assist persons who have been affected directly by COVID, the formal sector of employees, to say that the government continues to provide some assistance, but we all know the assistance that was provided last year that we supported in this House and called for the broadening of it, so that the vendors and informal workers would also benefit from it. When we spoke about it during the Budget debate, we raised some of these implications but now we have a situation where the people of the country are feeling the pain and there is no further relief. If the government is saying that they are continuing to provide assistance through the NIS, even the NIS is saying, we can’t go no more, you got to carry it now as government. When they say they are going to give the omnibus operators between $500 and $600 for a one month payment, that is not assured because they are still in negotiations. That does not capture the level of anxiety and the pain the ordinary people are feeling in this country. Therefore, anything that makes that harder upon them is unconscionable at this time.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 9.

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Beyond Suffering and Pain

An orgy of wealth

“Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing beyond comprehension. In the process of living, we will face struggles, many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain.” L. Lionel Kendrick (born 1931) the suffering and pain. American teacher. James Frey (born 1969), the American writer and businessman, IT IS QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE that we reminds us that, “Pain is the feeling. regularly seek to avoid suffering and Suffering is the effect the pain pain. We often desire to evade these inflicts. If one can endure pain, one “twin attackers” at all cost. However, can live without suffering. If one can as best we try, we will all periodically withstand pain, one can withstand experience suffering and pain. None of anything. If one can learn to control us have developed immunity to these. pain, one can learn to control oneself.” As long as there is life there will be His utterances imply that, if we go moments when we experience physical beyond understanding pain to and emotional suffering and pain. enduring it, it is possible to Knowing this helps us to better cope experience greater control of oneself. with such events when they occur. In The ability to endure pain is therefore addition, individuals who extract viewed as a major contributor to learning experiences from these positive character formation. unfortunate circumstances readily There are many Asian cultures that discover that they are often blessings in socialize their children to bear disguise. suffering and pain. For example, Many individuals dread the stoicism is considered a positive trait thoughts of being pricked by a needle. in Chinese culture. Stoics consider The Covid-19 vaccination programmes that enduring pleasure or pain have again made this a topic for without showing emotion is conversation. However, when we considered a desirable trait in their contemplate that the “little suffering society. It should also be noted that and pain” caused by such an injection the Asian cultures that have been will significantly reduce the risk of influenced by Buddha believe that contracting the Covid-19 virus (or in suffering is a part of life. They assert experiencing much more suffering and that all human beings have to endure pain if we do contract the virus) it physical suffering such as birth, becomes a wise choice. It then illness, aging, and pain, as well as becomes easier and more readily psychological suffering such as fear, acceptable to settle for the “lesser disappointment, sadness, and suffering and pain”. Understanding depression. Such cultures therefore the process and anticipating the relief socialize citizens to develop strong helps us to be better able to cope with tolerance for pain when compared to the discomfort. those of us socialized in Western In a similar manner, knowing that societies. This therefore explains why we will experience suffering and pain so many Asian migrants appear to helps us to be better able to cope with refuse painkillers when hospitalized their accompanying discomforts when in the West. they appear. We are not to be This writer is aware that there are considered sadists as we contemplate individuals who suffer from chronic the inevitability of suffering and pain. pain. This essay is not intended to We are merely being realists. We minimize their plight. understand and appreciate that However, in their book entitled accidents happen; diseases invade our “Living Beyond Pain” (ISBN: physical frame; and friends and 9780801016776), Dr. Linda Mintle (a relatives may abandon us. These all physician) and Dr. James Kribs (a present multiple traumatic therapist) offer a whole-person experiences that could sap our energy approach to pain management. They and, if we are not prepared and assert that it is possible to address careful, can result in our retreating to the physical, spiritual, and mental self-pity and depression. aspects of suffering and pain by Life’s circumstances will providing alternative strategies that periodically result in our having to avoid the dependency on opioids. shed tears. The tear-shedding They assert that anyone impaired by exercises are not confined to children. suffering and pain can be trained to Adults sometimes become so burdened use cognitive activities and pain with a variety of life’s misfortunes rescue techniques to reprogramme that tears become a mode of their neurological pathways, enhance generating solace. We should various functions, and experience therefore not be ashamed or improvement in their symptoms. embarrassed when required to cry. Based on the foregoing, we may There is an old Indian proverb that conclude that we do have the capacity reminds us that, “Before we can see to better cope with suffering and pain properly we must first shed our tears than we may have previously thought. to lead the way.” Many of our men We strengthen our resolve to cope would have been socialised to with whatever life challenges that incorrectly believe that “big men don’t come our way. We are overcomers. cry” or that men are considered weak We can face the difficulties and when they do. However, many will disappointments by understanding testify of the emotional release that is and appreciating that there is life achieved (and the diffusing of the (and good reason to hope) beyond emotional power keg) when tears are suffering and pain. shed as a result of some physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain. Send comments, criticisms & It is okay to shed tears. They often suggestions to help us to cope with and to get beyond julesferdinand@gmail.com

AS THE WORLD ECONOMY CRASHED around us, a group of people, the very rich, known as the billionaire club, profited handsomely from the pandemic. The Billionaire’s Club, which has a worldwide membership of about 2,200, saw its wealth grow by over $2.2 trillion in the last 12 months. They have a combined wealth of $12 trillion. As the world muses at the first anniversary of the coronavirus plague, the International Labour Organisation reports that 93 percent of the world’s workers reside in countries with some form of workplace closure measures. More than 200 million persons lost their jobs, while the amount of income lost was estimated at $3.5 trillion. It said the world economy faced high levels of uncertainty and noted that the lockdown had its most significant impact on young workers, women, the self-employed and persons who occupied low and medium-skilled jobs. The plague has not only killed millions and maimed more, but it has also had its most devastating effect on poor, small and developing countries. The impact is significant here in the Caribbean because of our vulnerable, tourism-dependent economies. Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada and Jamaica are in a state of complete lockdown while the other countries in the region, like SVG, muddle through in a delicate balance act to ensure we protect citizens, save lives, as well as guard the economy to allow for a healthy living. Because we, in the region, are resourced starved and don’t have the money to dole out stimulus package after stimulus package, our leaders are extensively tested. For most people, where ever they might be in this world, these are not the best times to be alive. It is equally valid for the political class. These are dangerous times to occupy the seat of power. Not so with those who occupy the Billionaire Club. The pandemic has served them well. In a system where capitalist rules of economic organisation predominate, the rich, well to do and well connected, will always do well. At the same time, the lower classes of people will catch hell. The last 12 months have graphically brought home this truism to the most naive or anyone engaging in wilful denialism. The Institute for Policy Studies published a report entitled Billionaire Bonanza 2020: Wealth Windfalls, Tumbling Taxes and Pandemic Profiteers. The report looked at the wealth gains of the very rich and contrasted that with the surge in unemployment. The Policy Institute found 657 billionaires in the USA as of March 18, 2021, and their combined wealth grew by more than $1.3 trillions or 44.6 percent. During this same period, 29 million Americans contracted the coronavirus, and more than half a million died from or with it. In contrast to this ravenous wealth growth among the wealthy, more than 75 million people lost their jobs across the USA and close to 20 million continue to collect unemployment insurance. At the same time that people across the world marked the dreaded anniversary of this plague, 43 persons smiled their way into the billionaire’s club. French and Chinese Billionaires also did well. The French superrich is now worth more than 500 million. The Luxury goods titan Bernard Arnault wealth increased by $35 billion, and L’Oreal heiress Francoise Bettencourt added $14 billion to her fortune. Chinese billionaire Zhong Shanshan wealth grew from 2 billion to 62.2 billion. Colin Zheng Huang owns $32.4 billion, while Jack Ma of the famed

Alibaba chain clocked in at $61.7 billion. The combined wealth of the 15 American billionaires with the enormous growth in wealth is staggering. The development represents an increase of $563 billion or 82 percent. The wealth growth of the top 15 represents over 40 percent of the wealth growth among all billionaires. Topping the list are Elon Musk ($137.5 billion richer, 559 percent), Jeff Bezos ($65 billion, 58 percent) and Mark Zuckerberg ($47 billion, 86 percent). In this world of big money, the top ten investors enjoyed an average increase of 300 percent. Their fortunes grew because of their dominance in the world of online goods, services and entertainment, as locked down Americans shopped online, invested or searched for creative ways to pass time during this prolonged isolated lockdown.Owners of the social media sites Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter; online streaming platform Roku that allows for at-home entertainment, grew exponentially. Since March 2020 and now, Elon Musk wealth grew by more than 559 percent or an eye-opening $137 billion to leapfrog him over Bill Gates of MicroSoft and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to snatch the title as the richest man in the world. The combined wealth of American billionaires grew by more than $1 trillion to more than $4 trillion. For those among us who have sufficient money to invest in the stock market, the good fortune of the following persons may worth tracking as you choose stocks: 1. Bom Kim (670 percent/$7.7 billion): A U.S. citizen and founder of the e-commerce giant Coupang, the Amazon of South Korea. Kim’s fortune surged as high as $11 billion after his company went public earlier this month. 2. Ernest Garcia II (567 percent/$13.6 billion): Biggest shareholder of Carvana, the online car sales and auto-financing giant. 3. Elon Musk (559 percent/$137.5 billion): Musk is now the second wealthiest Americans–at nearly $138 billion–as his shares in Tesla, Space-X and other companies that he owns continue to climb. 4. Bobby Murphy (531 percent/$10.1 billion): Co-founder of Snapchat, with his Stanford fraternity brother, Evan Spiegel. 5. Evan Spiegel (490 percent/$9.3 billion): Co-founder of Snapchat with his other billionaire super-gainer, Bobby Murphy. 6. Jack Dorsey (396 percent/$10.3 billion): Co-founder and CEOs of both Twitter and Square, the small business payment app. 7. Anthony Wood (331 percent/$5.3 billion): Founder of Roku, which enables online TV video streaming. 8. The co-founder of videoconferencing technology, Eric Yuan, Zoom, saw his wealth rise by $8.4 billion during the pandemic year, a gain of 153 percent. A year ago, Yuan had $5.5 billion which increased to $13.9 billion. Last year Zoom paid no federal taxes on its $660 million in profits, which increased by more than 4,000 percent. However, while American plutocrats grabbed the headlines for their increasing fortunes, Chinese billionaires have gotten the riches this year in dollar term. They added $750 billion to their net worth in 2020. We predict a turning point is not too far ahead. The world cannot go on much longer with this grotesque income gap.

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

10. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

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Underfunding health and education: Very bad for SVG

TWO IMPORTANT things our country needs to be optimally productive and achieve prosperity for all, are a healthy population and an educated population. Countries around the world that are prosperous and have strong economies, such as Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, have very good health systems and educational facilities. However, in SVG, the health and educational facilities are not that good, as they have been underfunded for many years by the ULP. In the Budget Estimates 2021, the allocation for health was only $28,843,610 and for education it was only $33,741,410. Based upon a

population of 108,000 in SVG, this works out to be only $267 per person for health and only $312 per person for education. Only $267 per year to cover a person’s health and medical needs is not enough. Our health centres and facilities need to be modernised. We need more doctors and nurses in SVG. Health services, including dental and ophthalmic services, hearing test, medicines, physiotherapy, etc. need to be free. SVG needs a healthy population to have a working and industrious population. Having poor health can lead to an inability to work, income loss and an inability to support one’s family.

Having a high number of people who are unwell can affect a country’s overall productive capacity and it is also likely to adversely affect a nation’s development prospects. Having a high number of people with poor health can affect the amount of foreign and domestic investment in the economy. This also adversely affects a nation’s ability to become prosperous. Only $312 per year to cover a person’s educational needs is not enough. It is a gross injustice that poor parents are forced to beg for money for books and uniforms. Many poor households struggle to feed their children, and being asked to pay for books and uniforms also, is too much. Our children deserve free school books, free school uniforms and free education. Poor parents should not be forced to beg on the streets for money for books and uniforms. SVG needs better and more educational facilities and resources, including our own SVG university and adult education centres. If SVG had a

highly educated population, then we would be better placed to attract foreign investment and become a prosperous country. Our economy would be stronger and this would create thousands of new jobs and mass employment. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, says that long-term underfunding of health and education facilities in SVG by the ULP regime, has been very bad for our people and our country. Spending just 2.38% of the budget on health and just 2.78% of the budget on education is an insult to the people of SVG. It creates more hardship than it solves, as the country creates less revenue than it should, and wastes money paying interest on unnecessary loans. Public finances should be invested in creating a healthy population and an educated population. A Green government would invest substantially more in health and education. We would build more hospitals and health centres, and undertake a massive refurbishment of schools and build preschools, so all children can get free, high-quality education from preschool to university.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 11.

Arts

YPM praised for In De Yard Concert L IN DE YARD CONCERT, hosted by the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM), played off last Sunday at the Starlift Steel Orchestra Pan Yard, Old Montrose, to rave reviews. The virtual concert showcased soloists, duets, trios and quartets from the seven members of the YPM - the South East Steel Orchestra, XS Steel, the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, Epic Steel, LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra, Symphonix Steel Orchestra and the Starlift Steel Orchestra. The renditions represented a variety of genres, making the event one for all ages and tastes. Of note on the afternoon programme was a special performance by Kingsley Roberts and well-known pannist and arranger Errol Isaacs who, while unaffiliated to any of the bands, was more than willing to lend his support to the event and showcase his skills. Kesslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson of the LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra applauded the initiative. “We believe that the timing of the event was critical … it helped to revive the waning interest in steel pan playing, which has suffered as a result of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic… it provided a more even playing for exploring and recognizing the skills and dexterities of individual players which easily go unnoticed and overshadowed when viewing the large bands at Panorama and other festivals,” Wilson expressed. “We are excited to acknowledge that the Youlou Pan Movement is willing to look outside its comfort zone of Panorama and become bold

and innovative in staging events outside the umbrella of the CDC’s (Carnival Development Corporation) Panorama events,” Wilson added. Expressing similar sentiments was arranger of the Symphonix Steel Orchestra - Jomoro Francis. “It was really a good a wonderful event and it showed that pan is still alive in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Francis said, adding that it was welcomed by his players who have not played on the “outsdie’ for some time. Holding the In De Yard Concert at the Starlift Pan Yard, he said, was a good choice of venue since it was central. President of the YPM- Rodney Small assessed last Sunday’s event as having provided “… a roadmap to where we want to go in terms of the industry… .” He posited that the event was not far from being a change-maker in that, “We don’t think that we push enough individual players in the fraternity, it is always band, band, band and never really gave persons the opportunity to

Sion Hill trio of (l-r): Septimus Caine, Jyan Allen and Tarique Scott.

experience pan in a different life than just a big orchestra.” A pleased Small noted: “It was one of the easiest events for the Executive of the YPM to stage, as there was support from all seven bands… affiliated to the YPM.”

Kingsley Roberts (left) and Errol Isaacs, rekindling the old times.

12. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Soufrière Focus

The Volcano, Forests and Vincy Parrot

purposes. Many will recall the toll the 1979 eruption of La Soufrière had on the population of the parrot. Given that volcanologists on the ground have already cautioned that the over 4,000 feet La Soufriere volcano, which has been effusively erupting since November 2020, could become explosive, the safety of the parrot and its habitat have attracted a more focused eye of the Director of Forestry Fitzgerald Providence and his team. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, Providence said while the immediate region of the volcano is not one of the prime habitats for the St. Vincent Parrot, the birds The natural habitat – forest – use forested areas adjacent to the volcano, e.g. Richmond and of the St. Vincent Parrot Upper Rabacca Valley areas. could be devastated by an He said, according to explosive eruption of La documentation related to the Soufriere. (Picture Courtesy 1979 eruption, the parrots Nature Picture Library) instinctively moved out of the area, but over the ensuing by SHERON GARRAWAY decades there have been signs of them returning. WHILE THERE ARE OBVIOUS As for the present, CONCERN about human Providence confirmed that the displacement should there be an effusive eruption has shown no explosive eruption of the La real threat to the parrot, Soufrière volcano, the local because they don’t typically Forestry Department is uneasy use the area affected. about the displacement of The Director noted that the another living being - the Vincy Parrot, like other Amazona Guilldingi, i.e. the St. animals/wildlife, seem to have Vincent Parrot, the National Bird ways of sensing the danger of SVG which enjoys protection that nature can pose, better by the state. than humans, so they would As of 2010 there were about typically relocate. 800 birds in the wild and an Notwithstanding their undisclosed number in inherent abilities, Providence captivity, some for breeding expressed great concern that

an explosive eruption will affect the parrots’ food supply, when the volcanic ash covers fruits on which they feed. He referenced research conducted in Montserrat, which determined that the teeth of the bats eroded because they were eating the fruits covered in the volcanic ash. But he also alluded to the natural cycle in which the rain washes off the ash from the fruit, the ash adds nutrients to the soil, which in turn ensures the growth of trees (including fruit tress). Noting that La Soufrière has always been flourishing with vegetation, Providence said that his Department was doing more monitoring of the vegetation as it dies near the dome and the slopes of the crater. It is, in the natural cycle of things, that the vegetation would die but it would regenerate, and with its regrowth wildlife return. Providence was quick to lament that deforestation by humans remains the Parrots’ worst enemy. Against that backdrop, he highlighted his Department’s celebration of International Day of Forest, March 21, 2012, under what he described as an appropriate theme: ‘Forest Restoration - A Path To Recovery And Well-Being’. He stated passionately, “We must always seek to conserve the forests and when we go into them, we should take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. The

Prince Harry (right) and Director of Forestry Fitzgerald Providence descend the pathway through the Vermont Nature Trail, one of the more closely monitored reserves in which the St. Vincent Parrot can be found. forests can impact us particularly in the watershed areas because the water flows from ridge to reef. What you do in the forest affects all the way down to the watershed and then to the reef where we get our fish. If we destroy the forest we destroy many livelihoods.” Providence also impressed

that nature recreation for locals and visitors could boost tourism. He underscored that one such nature recreation site - the Vermont Nature Trail, an area of protection of the parrot population - was so impressive that it was dedicated under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in 2016 when Prince Harry visited.

The extent of the damage to vegetation that an effusive eruption of La Soufrière has caused.

Stay away from La Soufrière as ‘Lava Man’. He reportedly descended the DURING THE EARLY crater to conduct a photo STAGES of the effusive shoot for his 2021 eruption of the La birthday, not far from Soufrière volcano, the growing new dome. several persons felt an There was also a video urge to make that ‘final’ entitled ‘Brave Boys: climb to the summit Walk into Hot Volcano’, before any explosive which was recently eruption. uploaded to YouTube’. It Readers will recall the showed two young men young man, who walking along what ‘famously’ become known appeared to be the by GLORIAH…

Professor Richard Robinson (inset), Head of The UWI SRC is cautioning against visiting La Soufriere as it continues to be active, emitting dangerous gases and magma. summit of the volcano. The sight of the enlarged new dome closely within their view and apparent sound of strong wind

gave some credibility to the piece. “What would make ‘sensible’ people take such serious risks?” one

observer asked. Coincidentally, this matter formed part of Continued on Page 13.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 13.

Soufrière Focus

New seismic activity heightens alert

by GLORIAH… THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO) has reported a change in seismic activity at the La Soufrière Volcano, resulting in a heightened state of alert, especially for persons resdieing in proximity to the volcano. The change was noted and reported by scientists, led by personnel of The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC), stationed at the Belmont Observatory. The recording of the heightened activity was made possible through recent upgrading of the seismic monitoring network. As per confirmation by the Monitoring Team, prior to March 23 seismic activity was almost always only recorded at stations closest to the dome. The activities recorded were mainly very small, low-frequency events associated with the ongoing extrusion of the lava dome. On March 23 however, at about 10:30 am, for the very first time, a swarm of small, lowfrequency seismic events which lasted for about 45 minutes and were probably associated with magma movement beneath the dome; was recorded on stations close to the dome and also on other stations. Their depth could not be determined. Then at 4:53 pm on the same day [March 23], the network recorded volcano-tectonic

The Dome as it was on March 19, 2021. (Credit UWI SRC)

earthquakes, which are normally associated with underground fractures of the rock mass. These earthquakes are commonly generated by magma pushing through an unyielding rock mass. Their depth was stated as “down to 10 km below the summit,” with the largest having a magnitude of 2.6. Residents in the Fancy, Owia and Sandy Bay communities reported feeling the quakes. A recent NEMO bulletin stated that, presently, even as the very-small domeextrusion events continue, the volcanotectonic earthquakes are

continuing with a fluctuating number of events, and cautioned that earthquakes associated with the ongoing eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano continue to occur from time to time, and some of the largest ones may be felt. With this increased activity, NEMO Director Michelle Forbes stated that even as the alert level remains at Orange and no evacuation order or notice has been given, residents, especially those living in communities in the Red and Orange Volcanic Hazard Zones, are encouraged to increase their preparedness and

Lava dome footprint up to March 19, 20021. (Credit UWI SRC) to finalize relocation arrangements in the event that the situation changes suddenly. The close monitoring of the La Soufrière Volcano continues, using a variety of techniques that are constantly being

improved and upgraded, Nemo assured. The team, consisting of scientists from the Soufriere Monitoring Unit (SMU), The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) and the Montserrat Volcano

Stay away from La Soufrière the wind blows, the gases could get into your face…. . It becomes even the discussion on NBC’s Face to more critical as you get closer to the Face programme of Monday, 21st dome. What you are doing, you are March, during which current UWI moving towards the centre of danger SRC team leader Professor Richard by going up there.” Robertson discussed the inherent He warned, too, that the domes danger(s) one is exposed to, upon sometimes could explode without any visiting the volcano in its current indication. state. Professor Robertson acknowledged He was adamant that, “There are a that, “If you then put yourself in number of dangers people put danger, as human beings we will tend themselves to when they go up, apart to want to come and rescue you. So, from the fact that it’s a challenging you then put the people who have to hike. The dome itself is emitting quite come and rescue you in danger.” a bit of gases and depending on where He explained that when the seismic Continued from Page 12.

team makes visits, “….we make sure that we have somebody up there telling us what’s happening; we have special protection; and we minimize the time that we spend up there.” Furthering his explanation, he said that the Seismic team does it “because we have to do it, …..and also we make sure that we take certain kinds of procedures and protocols to minimize the hazards. A lot of people do it and think they’re putting themselves in slim danger and potentially people may have to rescue them.” Refocusing his attention on the gases being emitted as evidence that

Observatory (MVO), is working closely with an extended group based at the SRC (Trinidad) and MVO (Montserrat). The current Team Leader is Vincentian Professor Richard Robertson.

ascending the summit of the volcano is not a good idea, Professor Robinson admitted that the team has recognized that the gases present at the volcano are dangerous. “People can see the effect of the gases by looking at the damage to the vegetation…. Think about it. If it’s doing that to the vegetation, what is it going to do to your lungs when you expose yourself to it,” he asked rhetorically. NEMO continues to appeal to residents and visitors to desist from climbing La Soufrière and/or going down into the crater. Persons are encouraged to note that La Soufrière can go from not erupting at all to erupting with very little warning.

14. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Another Vincy Super 6 winner

SANIEL MATTHEWS created history by becoming the second successive Vincentian to win the Super 6 Jackpot. History was also created as the Lotto Booth at which the ticket was purchased was the same as the previous local jackpot winner. Matthews won himself EC$280,000 in the March 16 ‘Super 6’ draw with numbers of 14,15,6,8,22 and 20.

He won an additional EC$500 for matching five numbers. The 27-year-old resident of Queen’s Drive explained that he and his wife came up with the numbers. He said that they were a combination of numbers that the couple came up with, mixed in with a new one that they dreamt. “We put them together and that was how we got

the winnings,” Matthews said as he collected his winnings at the National Lotteries Authority headquarters in Kingstown on March 23. He thanked God and the NLA for affording him the opportunity to collect such a winning, adding that he intended to begin building his own home as he was presently renting. During the short prize handover, it was said

that although the country and the world were experiencing turbulent times due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was an marked increase in sales. MacGregor Sealey, General Manager said that the NLA was presently on course to surpass the income generated in 2020 which amounted to EC$80 million. According to Sealey,

they remained optimistic that figures this year could reach EC$90 million or break the

record and get to the EC$100 million mark. (DD)

Saniel Matthews (right) collected his winnings from MacGregor Sealey, General Manager of the NLA.

Internet access for Sion Hill Hardcourt LEADING telecoms provider Flow has once again committed to yet another community building initiative. This time it’s in the form of providing wireless internet to support online learning in the community surrounding the A Flow representative newly refurbished (standing) and Luke hardcourt in Sion Hill Browne (sitting Village. After becoming aware foreground) surveying the covered facility at of a lack in internet the Sion Hill Hardcourt. access within the community, former Minister Luke Browne contacted Flow about the educational shortfall students were facing due to classes moving online recently. The Sion Hill village hardcourt was singled out as a central location with adequate space and shelter to host future e-learning sessions while still being able to social distance responsibly. “I think by this act the company has shown that it is interested in things beyond the bottom-line. It (Flow) is concerned about the wellbeing of the communities served by it. This provision of wireless internet here is going to help children who may need to access internet for the purpose of doing their schoolwork, especially at this time of restrictions associated with Covid-19,” said Browne. Wayne Hull, Country Manager of Flow St Vincent, said the company was committed to connecting communities and transforming lives. “We were delighted to come to the assistance of the community of Sion Hill to provide high speed internet access to their hardcourt. Access to the internet is vital during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic and especially for the children who are now using the virtual classrooms for School. I would like to thank Mr. Luke Browne and his foundation for spearheading this initiative on behalf of the Sion Hill Community,” said Hull. The wireless internet service at the hardcourt is now available at no extra cost to Former Minister Browne or the Sion Hill community. (Source: Flow)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 15.

Views cont’d

St. Vincent’s Botanic Gardens

swaying gracefully in the breeze while crowning a stately palm. but still pregnant with history. The king of all this pageantry is the The Garden houses the rare Spacea Perforata Soufriere Tree. This Colvilleas, the much sought after red is a green-leaved tree that stands in Sealing Wax Palm and Talipot Palms, front of the residence of the Agricultural indigenous of India. In 1963 a Talipot Superintendent. Not noteworthy is this Palm gave her once-in-a-lifetime tree until, with sudden realization, one blooming, then expired after months of grasps that this is unique in the world. displaying her blossoms that took forty It was first found on the slope of the years to grow. The spectacle has been volcano La Soufriere before its eruption preserved on stamps and postcards, and on May 7, 1902. From there it was succeeding generations will have the transferred, and so it is that this tree coveted opportunity to see a flowering now enjoys the prominence that fate has Palm in their time, its yellow blossoms destined for it.” Continued from Page 6.

16. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 17.

18. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Rethinking being the best man

Dear George, MY BEST BUDDY asked me to be the best man at his wedding and I gladly accepted. The wedding is set for December 2021. Last week I learned from a reliable source, that his bride to be was responsible for getting me fired from my job 3 years ago. She was not dating my friend at that time. Given what I know now, I am rethinking my decision to be involved in that wedding to the extent that my friend requested of me. Meanwhile, she is acting as though all is well between us instead of, at the very least, seeing fit to confess her sins and apologize to me. I do not feel comfortable playing

such an important role in her wedding given our work history. What to do?

Wondering mind Dear Wondering mind, It is your best buddy’s special day we are talking about. Do not let any lingering friction between you and his bride to be keep you from honoring his request to support him on such a significant event in his life. Let his bride to be deal with her demons. Take the high road and present yourself accordingly.

George

All is well that ends well Dear George, THANK YOU for your advice last time I wrote to you. The results of the DNA tests were shocking. Of the five children my wife claimed to have had for me, only one — the third — is mine. I have since moved on but am still there for the children. I get to see them on weekends sometimes more often. Additionally, I have found a beautiful woman who loves me dearly and loves the children very much. So much so, my ex-wife has agreed to let the children live with me as soon as I sort myself out. After all, they have always been happier with me and I have always been the primary care giver. She is just one lying, worthless and deceitful

woman. Thanks again for your advice.

Breathing easier Dear Breathing easier, It’s good that you are moving forward with your life and have not abandoned the children in the process. That said, it is important that these children do not feel responsible for the separation between you

and their mother. Your new bride may well need counselling on step-parenting as it can get pretty tricky very early to navigate the dynamics between your biological children and those of her own, if that happens to be the case in the future. In any event I suggest both of you see a counsellor and now is a good time to do so.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Extend an invitation to clients you enjoy spending time with. Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. You may have a problem keeping secrets. Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your ability to converse with charm will entice someone you may have had an interest in for some time now. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. You may be confused regarding your love life.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can accomplish a lot if you put some effort into household duties or redecorating plans. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Talk to peers who you trust in order to get sound advice. Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. You won't have to look for the action. You are best to concentrate on work. Put your thoughts into action.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Strength will come from your ability to overtake just about any one. Look into the cost factor, but don't try to get backing yet. Socializing or travel will lead to partnerships. Deceit with coworkers is apparent. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status. You can enjoy the company of others and come in contact with an ideal mate, if you get out and mingle. You will learn easily if you put forth an effort. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. The battle continues. Try to keep ahead of the game. You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Look before you leap. Someone may be trying to take advantage of you. You may be the recipient of false information. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Social events will lead to a strong and stable relationship. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stub born. A second chance will result in good work. Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You must be careful not to trust just anyone. Travel for business will be advantageous. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your ability to help others will win you points. Your outgoing nature will win hearts. Don't let coworkers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. Your determination and sheer desire to do your own thing will be successful. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You could be blind to the defects of those you love. Do not let lovers cost you money or take advantage of you. Put all your energy into moneymaking ventures. Friends and relatives may be hard to take this week.

ACROSS 1. Occupies a sofa 5. Round specks 9. Bleating noise 12. Mental image 13. Leave 14. Truck-stop sight 15. Christmas tune 16. Citrus beverage 18. Identical sibling 20. Chooses by ballot 21. Japanese city 24. Join closely 25. Movie legend Lupino 26. Seeps 29. Supplies with meals 32. Decompose 33. Filled pastry 34. Rail-splitting tool to Shelley 36. Delighted 38. Proceeded rapidly 39. Young miss 40. Wartime foe 42. Daddies 45. Barn-roof gauge 47. Dublin fellow 49. Single pace 53, Sewing fastener 55. Leisure 55. Ripped (off) 56. Enjoy okra or oranges 57. Simmered entrée 58. Practice boxing DOWN 1. Evil deed 2. Matrimonial words 3. Driving peg 4. Like brine 5. Pastrami shop

6. Yoked animals 7. Comic Conway 8. Kitchen appliances 9. Unruly kid 10. Senate helper 11. Mellows gradually 17. Bob the head 19. Try to charm 21. Become weary 22. Funky smell 23. Captivating Winslet 24. Exhibit grief 27. Whitish jewel 28. Energy 29. Travel cost 30. Major test 31. Reject 36. Corned-beef

concoctions 37. Strong desire 39. Auto fuel 41. Cozy retreats 42. Metal tube 43. Opera song 44. Ale order 45. Flower holder

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 19.

46. Begin _, start over 48. Gymnasium pad 50. Summit 51. Significant Stretch 52. According to

20. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

SVGFF inks apparel sponsorship deal

THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES FOOTBALL FEDERATION (SVGFF) has entered a deal with sportwear manufacturersSCORE. The two year deal, which runs until February 2023, will see all national football teams being President of the SVGFFoutfitted with Carl Dickson, addressing Some of the apparel being displayed by member of the apparel from the last Monday’s launch. U-17, U-20 and Senior Female teams. company. The men’s team- Vincy Heat, person looks good, feels good partnership between the SVGFF about themselves, they are ninety as they participate in the and SCORE will see the US-based percent inclined to achieve success CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers company, which has been in in Curacao. and will give their very best operation for over 45 years, The team which travelled to effort,” Dickson articulated. supplying match kits for the Dickson further reasoned: “We Curacao last Tuesday, were senior men’s and women’s teams, want to demonstrate in a tangible scheduled to meet the host last along with the age group teams. evening (Thursday 25th March) at way, that the Executive arm of In addition to the match kits, the Hato Ergillo Stadium in the SVGFF, is delivering on our the deal includes training kits, Willamstead. promise to enrich the brand to bibs, travel wear and hotel wear The Vincentians’ second match, celebrate as Vincy Heat… We for all teams, replicas, as well as their ‘Home’ match versus the want to celebrate our players and track suits, carry-on luggage and create a fresh new feeling at all British Virgin Islands next knapsacks. levels of national representation.” Tuesday, 30th March, will also be Speaking at the official launch played at the Hato Ergillo The first to sport the SCORE last Monday at the Methodist brand would have been the senior Stadium. Church Hall in Kingstown, President of the SVGFF- Carl Dickson, disclosed that the sponsorship deal is worth US $75 000. Dickson described the sponsorship deal as “the enrichment to the Vincy Heat brand to evoke greater national pride.” The SVGFF head commented that the new apparel will work well on the psyche of the players, management and technical personnel, when they travel to tournaments overseas. “We at the Executive level are Members of the senior men’s team in their travel wear, as they left of the conviction that when a for Curacao last Tuesday.

Playing Fields to be lit THE FOOTBALL FRATERNITY should be pleased to learn that several playing fields are to be lit, in keeping with government’s Minister of Sport Frederick continuing Stephenson (right) is presented support of with a jersey from the new kit by football here. Carl Dickson, President of the This was SVGFF. relayed, among other things, by Minister of Sport Frederick Stephenson as he addressed a ceremony hosted by the SVG Football Federation last Monday, to inform of a new apparel sponsorship deal and to roll out the new kit for this country’s national teams — male and female and all age categories. The Minister told the gathering, “I would like to congratulate the SVG Football Federation on acquiring this sponsorship deal …. The government of SVG and the Ministry of Sports will continue its long tradition of working diligently with the Football Federation.” The Minister disclosed, “We are in the process of finalizing an agreement for installation of lights on two playing fields — Campden Park and the London playing fields - and some extra lighting to Victoria Park as part of the continued development of football and sports here in SVG.” Stephenson also indicated that the home for football at Brighton will be given a face-lift and that, “We are finalizing the agreement of the lease arrangement of the Brighton site and the Attorney General Chambers are in the process of ensuring that the necessary required boundaries are in place. As soon as that is done we would have the formal agreement signed, so that the work on lighting of these three facilities will go ahead as planned.” Turning to the senior national men’s team on their imminent departure for their first fixture against Curacao in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Stephenson reminded the players and management, “When you go overseas in the name of SVG you are representing everybody, the entire nation state of SVG, so you have to carry your best with you, you have to be on your best behavior at all times ….” I.B.A.ALLEN

Dublin wins first TT Stars Tournament DAMION DUBLIN EMERGED WINNER of the first in a series of Star Tournaments, hosted by the SVG table tennis Association (SVGTTA). He beat Michael Hazelwood 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in the final played at the West St George Secondary School on the weekend. Earlier, Dublin advanced to the finals when he disposed of

Caleb Howard 11- 6, 116, 12-10 in the semi-final round. Hazelwood defeated Akeil DeRoche 13-11, 911, 15-17, 11-6, 11-7 in a keenly contested showdown, to earn his berth in the final. The Star Tournaments are intended to keep the top players, as well as other emerging players, active and ready during the COVID-19 related restrictions, in the event

the Association has to select a team for any regional or international tournaments to which SVG might be invited. Sean Stanley, PRO of the SVGTTA said it was good to see the players active again. “The various academies gave a good account of themselves and with the (cash) incentives at stake and the possibility of getting selected to the national

training with the view to be selected for national duties, there is a purpose for the players to intensify their training and especially now that the SVGTTA have other upcoming tournaments.” The next in the series of Tournaments will be played on April 24th in Bequia. On May 22nd the players will compete at the NDP headquarters and the June 19th

Damion Dublin, Tournament Winner.

Michael Hazelwood, Runner-up.

tournament will be played off at the West St George Secondary

School. I.B.A.ALLEN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021. 21.

Sports

Vincy Heat positive ahead of Curacao DESPITE having nine new players in the squad, played no friendlies and faced up to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ senior men’s Football team – Vincy Heat - is oozing with positivity ahead of its two matches in Curacao. Vincy Heat was set to

play its first match in the 2022 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers against Curacao at the Hato Ergillo Stadium in Curacao last evening from 6pm (Thursday 25th March). Their second, which is Vincy Heat’s home game, will be played next Tuesday, 30th March, also at the same venue, with kick off

time also 6pm. Speaking ahead of their first match, team Captain- Cornelius Stewart was optimistic that his team can come away with results in their favour. Speaking at a Football Federation press conference last Monday at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown, he

stated: “When I came to camp, the vibe was there that I felt in the Nations League. For me I was a little bit skeptical with the younger players coming in, but when I see the maturity of the young players, it was shocking to see; it is commendable.” Stewart, who plays professionally for Maziya

“We just not scoring goals,” Samuel SHANDEL SAMUEL, former national striker and all-time top scorer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines national football, who is now part of the technical team attached to the Senior Men’s Football team — Vincy Heat, has identified one of the major shortcomings of the team. “We are creating a lot of chances but we just not scoring goals,” he recently told THE VINCENTIAN. He admitted, though, that he has seen some improvement but he would like to see “a higher percentage of goals.” The former national striker believes scoring goals consistently comes from putting in the necessary work and advised, “It’s just hard work, individual work, the strikers don’t have to wait until they reach the national set up, it’s something they have to pick up on their own.” And as for his role in the national training squad Samuel assured, “Once I am here I will be assisting them because we are really lacking in scoring goals.” In preparing for its outing in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers which got going last Thursday, the selection panel included a number of development players in the training squad. “Being in the position (technical team member) over four years I have seen a lot of improvement in the youngsters. Their techniques are different so I continue to do a lot of work with them,” he said in respect to the development players. Samuel, who made his international debut as an 18-year-old in 2001, scored ten goals at the 2007

Former national striker now coach, Shandel Samuel has pinpointed what he thinks is Vincy Heat’s major shortcoming. Caribbean Cup and a further five goals at the 2010 Caribbean Championship, said coaches at the club level also need to assist the players more before they get to the national level. “At the club level I believe they should be doing more shooting, so when players get to the senior level they should be ready (and) it’s just for me to do the finishing touches,” he posited. After getting to the fourth round of the Qualifiers last time around, Samuel is confident the team will do well playing away. “We are positive we can get results with the mix of young and some experienced players. I keep telling them at this level it won’t be easy……. I know it will be a lot of nerves but just staying focused will help,” Samuel related. He added, “As a youngster playing for the first time my mental preparation wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of senior guys talking to me and giving me advice so they made it easy, so it’s just like a home game with the same size pitch.” I.B.A.ALLEN

The SVG Senior Men’s Team and officials at the AIA last Tuesday.

Cornelius Stewart (left) and Kendale Mercury (right). in the Maldives, noted that the senior players have done a good job in mentoring and instilling confidence in the younger players, who he said are willing to learn. Based on the blend of youthful enthusiasm and the input of the seasoned players, Stewart is confident that the results will end in the Vincentians’ column. Head Coach- Kendale Mercury was equally optimistic that his charges have the armoury to overcome their foes in the two matches. “Honestly, Vincentian players are not tactically inclined, so it has been some ups and downs, (but) I think we are at a place where the players know enough to negate the threats,” Mercury declared. Mercury cited host Curacao as their main obstacle on their two — match sojourn, but noted, “Once our players can stay tactically disciplined, there are some areas where we can hurt them.” Among the 23 member national squad are debutants: Josh Stowe (Bequia United), Erel Hector (Avenues United), Terrason Joseph and Zidane Sam (Je Belle), Renson Sayers and Ted Roberts Jr (System Three), Jahva

Audain (BESCOPastures), Nigel Charles (Camdonia- Chelsea) and Oryan Velox (Layou United). Other locally based players in the final cut are: Dwaine Sandy (Glenside Ball Blazers), Jadiel Chance and Kurtlon Williams (North Leeward Predators), Jamol Yorke (Sion Hill), Azhino Solomon, Jahvin Sutherland and Kishawn Johnny (System Three) and Camal Bess (Bequia United). Overseas-based players in the squad are: Akeem Williams (Grenades, Antigua and Barbuda), Diel Spring (Wisla Sandomierz, Poland), Chevron Mc Lean (Billericay, England), Kyle Edwards (Rio Grande Valley, USA) and Oalex Anderson (Richmond Kickers, USA). The Technical Team include Kendale Mercury ( Head Coach), Jason Waldron (Assistant Coach), Alfred Grant (Assistant Coach), Kevin Richardson (Goalkeeper Coach) and Rex Pollard (Trainer). Renson Haynes is the team’s Manager. Shevon Smith is the team’s Physiotherapist. Two medical personnel also travelled with the team to Curacao on Tuesday.

22. FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Sports and safety ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES footballers played their qualifier for a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last evening, in Curacao. They moved into the match with a new look party with some debutants along with the seasoned players. It was new territory for the squad providing the coaching department with an opportunity to lookahead. Curacao would have begun as favorites given their recent history. But everyone knows that football matches are not determined by rankings. It is true that the Vincentians were up to a hard task. Global upheavals over the past year have contributed to an unsteadiness in the sporting agenda. The arrangement of the format is a consequence of the unfolding situation. Travel restrictions and other factors have ruled out the playing of Friendlies, a normal part of the preparations. The Federation is taking the measure of investing in the future generation. This is the reality that must be faced. Conditioning and match awareness are areas the team have to work out. It is learning curve for the outfit. They will have to be disciplined and dedicated. With that match out of the way, it is focus on the British Virgin Islands at the same venue next Tuesday. The same principle applies to the second clash. This time the Vincentians will feel less intimidated, but they cannot be complacent. That will take care of the schedule until the next rounds in June. Players will have been exposed, and the team establish some chemistry. The Vincentians have the additional issue of La Soufriere, which in any moment can disrupt the pattern of life, not only here in the state, but throughout the region. Volcanos are not to be scoffed at and knowing the potential of this landmark, our situation is cause for vigilance. We have learnt to exist with the volcano, for it is what defines us and has bearing on our every move. Perhaps we will be in a state of limbo for an anxious period. That is the complexity of the situation. We can take comfort by the events of the 1979 explosion which served as an injection, not just to the fertile nature of the soil, but a strengthening in the nation’s economic pillar. The football matches shift attention from the Test series against Sri Lanka. Fans are also weighing in on the election at the West Indies Cricket President and the intrigues it generates. West Indies cricket is always a melting pot of emotions. It is hard to estimate the level of connivance that surfaces with such events. West Indians are interested in their team putting their best foot forward on every occasion. Players have to rise above the dangers of insularity once the team is announced. The West Indies Cricket brand remains an attractive commodity at any level. No wonder control for the administration is such a highly cherished affair. There are implications for local cricket as well. The Vincentian Cricket board has to continue with its programme of development. There must be efforts to ensure that the future is preserved, and that youngsters have the chance to develop to the highest standard from as early as possible. But there are also the safety measures that must be looked at.

Williams disappointed but still hopeful WHILE HE admitted that he was disappointed with his omission from the West Indies T20 team for the home series against Sri Lanka, Vincentian T20 specialist Keswick Williams has not lost hope of playing for the regional team again. In fact, Williams, who was consistently listed in the top five best pacers in T20 since ICC T20 World Cup 2016 (the others being Jasprit Bumran, Chris Jordan, Bilal Khan and Mustafizur Rahman) is using the omission as motivation. “I listened to the chairman of selectors in respect to his decision which I respect, because at the end of the day he has a job to do in his position and as a player I have a job to perform to be selected,” he reasoned. The right arm fast bowler who is known for his variation of pace in the T20 format, was among the top four leading West Indian fast bowlers at the international level;

and was the 4th highest wicket taker in CPL 2020, taking the most wickets among West Indian bowlers in that League. Williams, describing himself as one who is always willing to work to correct his mistakes, said in this regard, “I am a man who accepts my faults. I did have bad games after which I went back to the CPL where I proved myself again, finishing as the West Indies bowler to be in the top five for leading wicket takers.” With Australia and Pakistan scheduled to tour the Caribbean and the ICC T20 World Cup later this year, Williams is hopeful his name will resurface again in the minds of the selector. With this in mind, he continues to train and keep fit.

Keswick Williams is working towards donning the colours of the West Indies cricket team once again. “At the end of the day I have to think about going forward and to do that I must first go back to the drawing board. To tell the truth, I am doing that at the moment, with the intention of returning and being as effective even better that I was before,” a motivated Williams said.

Williams takes joy in giving back WOODROW ‘Keylee’ Williams, noted Track and Field Technical Official, says that he takes pride in sharing his wealth of knowledge with those who are willing to him do so. The veteran of over forty years combined in officiating and coaching told THE VINCENTIAN last Saturday at the Diamond Track Facility, “It makes no sense in acquiring knowledge and keep it to yourself.” Williams was at the Facility last Saturday to impart some of his knowledge of Track and Field officiating to some interns of the Division of the Physical Education and Sports, as part of an on the job training exercise as Team Athletics SVG hosted its second Development Meet for 2021. Williams noted that he was instructing them on “judging at the finish line for disqualification and we dealt also with the start points for the 800m and 4 x 400m.” Noting that the session was short but informative, Williams is yearning to have another

opportunity to guide the prospective officials of Track and Field meets here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. “I would like to have another session with them, as for most it was new knowledge and more so, they are willing to learn… This is what I like about this bunch of YES (Youth Employment Service) workers,” Williams emphasized. Picking up on the ‘interns’ attitude, Williams said this was in contrast to those persons who do not know certain things in sports but are ashamed or reluctant to seek knowledge from others. “We are here to teach and learn from one another… No one knows

Woodrow ‘Keylee’ Williams (left) demonstrating how to judge finishers in a race. it all… I do not know it all, but I am willing to share what I know with others,” Williams stated. Williams brings a voluminous amount of training and knowledge to his current deployment at the Diamond Track Facility, informed though not exclusively by: thirty years, seven months and six days (May 1987 — December 2017) at the Division of Sports; tenure as a Physical Education teacher at the St Martin’s Secondary School; numerous appointments as a technical official at Track and Field Championships overseas; managerial and coaching capacities with various national sports teams. Williams is grateful for all the opportunities and reiterated his willingness to assist in technical areas to those who would want his services. One of the races that Williams used last Saturday to instruct the YES interns about judging at the finish line.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 26 , 2021. 23.

Classifieds

GEORGE BIDDY

ERICA JOAN FRASER

Wednesday, 24th March, 2021 Open Bible Standard Church Dasent Cottage, Old Montrose Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

Wednesday, 24th March, 2021 Wesleyan Holiness Church Georgetown Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

VASSIE EDWARDS Saturday, 20th March, 2021 Church of the Nazarene Penniston Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Penniston Cemetery

JOSEPHINE ELIZABETH THOMAS DURHAM Saturday, 20th March, 2021 Mt. Zion Spiritual Baptist Church Questelles Viewing. 10:00 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Internment Chauncey Cemetery

ELSENA LUCELLE FIFE HUGGINS Sunday, 21st March, 2021 Barrouallie Evangelical Church Viewing: 12:00 p.m. Service: 12:30 p.m.

LORRAINE WILLIAMS a.k.a. Hero Saturday, 20th March, 2021 Chebar E vangelical Church Rose Place Viewing: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

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FRIDAY, MARCH

26, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.12 www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

THE SPRING VILLAGE

MOUNTAIN ROAD!!! a farmer who ‘works’ land in the area or any AS A TAXPAYER and owner driver of a VINLEC or of a vehicle paying annual CWSA vehicle who vehicle license fees, I am frequents the road, to terribly annoyed with the confirm or disagree with condition of the road my observations. leading to both VINLEC From the time you and CWSA water intakes. leave the village, cross In want of a better the bridge and start way of saying it, the ascending Cemetery Hill, present condition of the ‘is tears” for the next road is terrible and mile or two. dangerous. The only (short) One needs only to ask ‘pieces’ of road that are A COMMENTARY

CORRECTION AND APOLOGY REFERENCE is made to an article headlined ‘Coastal defence projects ongoing’, carried on page 14 of our issue of Friday 19th March, 2021, and accredited to Donald De Riggs. We erred in referencing the three projects, listing them as one in Georgetown, one in Sans Souci and the other in Sandy Bay. In fact, the projects on which Mr. De Riggs reported were two in Georgetown (one coastal and one river defence project) and the other in Sans Souci. These are the projects to which Mr. De Riggs reported as being ongoing. The inclusion of the Sandy Bay project was to accentuate the attention being given to coastal defence work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While the reference to the source of funding for the Sandy Bay project is correct, as per an agreement signed in 2019, the project is yet to commence in earnest. We sincerely apologise to our readers for our error in reporting and to Mr. De Riggs for having misrepresented his submission. Be assured that THE VINCENTIAN stands on the principle of reporting the facts/truth, and when /if an error is made in this regard, we are always ready, in the spirit of fair and truthful reporting, to apologise and make amend for that error.

still intact are the steep hills and corners which were constructed from concrete. The side drains are not maintained causing the rain water to run freely onto the roads into the asphalt surface and eventually causes the asphalt to detache from the sub-base. In some areas, all the asphalt has been removed by water action and if a little ‘tarris dirt’ (the red burnt clay gravel sourced from Belle Isle) wasn’t placed in some of the worst areas, even pedestrians would have difficulty walking there. When the VINLEC hydro project was started many years ago, I wrote in the papers suggesting that both VINLEC and CWSA should be

primarily responsible for maintaining that road, with input by the government. Both companies use water from that area free of cost (save the money they put in for their pipelines and storage tanks) and use the roads virtually every day, with VINLEC vehicles alone making at least two trips daily. Both companies are profitable and MUST be made to help the government maintain those roads. The tourism facility along the main road has been abandoned, as the average vehicle/motor car cannot traverse those roads without damaging its undercarriage. Grass is growing in some parts of the road,

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

especially where The asphalt surface has all but the asphalt has disappeared and is quickly been washed being replaces by grass. away. It is my humble there’s an emergency suggestion that the requiring the immediate entire road be reshut off of the system, constructed from the time it would take to concrete as the rainfall get to the source will be in that area is about the extended due to the bad highest in St. Vincent. roads. The grass verges along It is time for the that road haven’t been parliamentary cut in a LONG time, and representative for the the resultant hindrances area to take a drive up and blockages have that road in his nice car, forced the water to run and report to parliament on the road causing the first hand in order to eventual damage. expedite the repairs. But more than that, if The government is our SERVANT and must This – puddles of water listen to our genuine demands!!! - is what you will encounter along the DONALD DE RIGGS road on a rainy day.

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