Vin pages 28 07 17 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JULY 28, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.30

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

AIA COMPLETES 22 INVESTIGATIONS

The Argyle International Airport has had its fair share of challenges since its opening on February 14, 2017. Service and Marketing/PR Manager, of those 52 complaints received between May 15 and July 2, only 29 of the complainants had completed the process, e.g. providing detailed flight information, so as to allow for thorough investigation by AIA authorities. Other setbacks have been occasioned when the authorities have been unable to make contact with complainants, because contact numbers proved inaccessible and email remain unanswered.

Glender Francois, Customer Service and Marketing/PR Manager at the AIA, gave a comprehensive overview of the situation, to date, with respect to the complaints of ‘theft’ at the newly commissioned AIA. by DAYLE DASILVA AS OF MONDAY this week, investigations into 22 of the 52 complaints of theft made by passengers using the Argyle International Airport (AIA) have been completed. And, according to Glender Francois, Customer

Breakdown of complaints

It was clear, according to AIA personnel, that the majority of the complaints/queries submitted were made after it was discovered that bottles of ‘Sunset’ Strong Rum were removed from checked-in luggage. In keeping with international flight rules and regulations, alcoholic beverages over 70 percent alcohol content or 140 proof are prohibited on all flights.

The confiscation of Strong Rum at the AIA accounted for 24 percent of the number of complaints made, Francois said, and a combination o Strong Rum and other items amounted to 44.8 percent. Other complaints made by individuals included damaged bags, ransacked luggage, bottles of items unsealed or not sealed securely and resulting in damage to clothing — this category accounting for the remaining 31.2 percent of the complaints filed. Information provided showed that 93.2 percent of the complaints made were done so by passengers travelling on LIAT. One was submitted by a passenger using Sun Country, and one from a passenger who travelled on Caribbean Airlines (CAL). Regarding the routes, the data indicated that the majority (close to 60%) of complaints were made by passengers flying from AIA to Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados; 29.6 percent were made by passengers travelling to Piarco in Trinidad, 3.7 percent by passengers travelling from AIA to St Lucia then on to Barbados, and 7.4 percent leaving from the AIA to Antigua via St Lucia. Vincentian nationals accounted for all the complaints made.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 3.

News 3 Man begs for a chance

“I am afraid to go to the police,” the beaten by the police. A planned trip to He said that he last served a man said. the Public Relations and Complaints sentence from 2011 to 2014 and it According to De Bique, if a report Department did not materialize due to was while serving that time that he fear. decided that he was no longer going was made against him and even if there was insufficient evidence to “I just don’t know, I try my best.” to pursue a life of crime. bring a formal charge, he would be “Now because dey see me tryin’ to And so he did, or so he claims. be an example, everything I do, dey According to De Bique, he has been beaten by the police then released. He explained that he went to the run to police as if I am dis sort of guy “working” a piece of land planting vegetables, but maintained that the press sometime recently with a similar dat need to get rid of,” De Bique said. case where he alleges that he was residents are not allowing him to fulfill his goal to live a crime free life. He explained that there was a IT HAS BEEN JUST OVER FIVE months recent situation since the official opening of the Argyle in which he was International Airport (AIA), and the facility accused of continues to develop. entering a This, despite the recent spate of accusations property and of theft leveled against staff at the AIA from cutting down a individuals who have used the facility recently. tree — an Speaking at a press briefing early this week, allegation he AIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hadley refutes. Bourne commented that things have been Instead of the progressing gradually since the February 14 Degrick De Bique admits to a checkered individuals opening. involved trying past and all he wants is to be given a Development continues in the area of air (L-R): Winston Wright, the Manager of Cargo to resolve the fair chance to show that he has traffic, and other entities have since expanded Handling and Cargo Services, and Chief matter, they changed. their services. Executive Officer (CEO) Hadley Bourne spoke of went ahead and One such example is the operations of Stories by DAYLE DASILVA ongoing discussions towards increased service involved the police, Caribbean Airlines (CAL), who have since to and use of the Argyle International Airport. he related. This expanded from offering two flights per week DEGRICK DE BIQUE, a 46-year-old introduced another up to five, including one of its 737 flights to looking to operate here. resident of Troumaca, is literally begging problem. North America. Discussions were still in the infancy stage, his fellow villagers to give him a chance De Bique Another that Bourne spoke to was the and approval will have to come from the airport’s to prove that he is a changed man. explained that as a board. De Bique, in an interview with THE consequence of his removal of Amerijet’s 727 jet to make way for He mentioned Air Canada as another major VINCENTIAN, admitted that he spent checkered past, the the operation of the 767, which now affords locals greater capacity to move cargo overseas. airline showing come interest in operating here, most of his life on the wrong side of police know him “So these are some of the positives that we considering not just the movement of passengers, the law. very well, and he would like to highlight,” the CEO said. but cargo as well. “I was in and out of prison for drug said that he has Winston Wright, the Manager of Cargo Discussions in this venture were now at an abuse and other crimes. I used to go in been the victim of advanced stage, Wright said, but admitted there the hills, I was a mule, but I have tried police brutality in Handling and Cargo Services added that there were some developments in the area of cargo, was still a considerable amount of discussion left to change,” the man lamented. the past. saying that there was another major carrier in the process. Three regional air carriers, and one out of South America were also said to be showing an interest in AIA. Sun Wing Airlines, the carrier utilized as a Continued from Front Page. the only items taken from returning the empty trolley to the charter to fly home Vincentians residing in passengers on that particular flight area where they are designated for Canada for the opening of the airport back in No evidence of wrong doing were in fact bottles of Strong Rum, storage, Francois explained. February, is also said to be looking here. So and a plastic bottle containing a As a fallout of the complaints, too, Miami Air and Sun Country who had BASED ON THE FINDINGS of the “clear” liquid. security personnel at the AIA have indicated that they were satisfied with the investigations completed to date, The other instance, according to taken the allegations seriously. scope of equipment and services available at (Monday), there was no evidence of Francois, was that of an individual Hadley Bourne, Chief Executive the AIA. any wrongdoing by AIA personnel. who accused AIA staff of stealing Officer (CEO) of the Argyle He boasted that things were put in place to Having declared as such, one of his bags that he thought was International Airport (AIA), told the ensure safety and efficiency. Francois continued to media left in a luggage trolley. CCTV media on Monday, ““Some even “In this business, an efficient turnaround is personnel on Monday, that, in fact, footage revealed that the individual wanted to respond to the important, and we have the ability based on some of the claims were discovered had placed all his luggage, including allegations, but we said that that the equipment that the country has invested to be false. the bag in question, on to the was not the way to go.” in, to provide efficient turnarounds, and She gave two examples, the first trolley, took it to a vehicle into According to Bourne, they were airlines are always pleased with those two where a passenger accused airport which he loaded all his luggage, being called robbers and thieves, combinations because it guarantees that they personnel of taking more than including the one he complained “but they are Vincentians and they would be able to conduct their business in the prohibited bottles of strong rum. about being ‘lost’. In this case, the were hurt about the accusations manner that they have planned,” Wright The investigation determined that AIA staff member can be seen being leveled against them.” explained.

AIA development ongoing

AIA completes 22 investigations

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

“Ambushed from behind,” Mark claims Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS VETERAN VINCENTIAN fisherman and community activist Mark Dennie says he has no knowledge as to the motive for the attempt on his life last Friday night, or who the shooter was, claiming that he was ambushed from behind. Speaking to reporters from his bed at the Male Surgical Ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday, Dennie explained that he underwent surgery to remove the fragments of a bullet which entered his left cheek and exited the right, but was unable to say much about the incident. The ambush, according to him, occurred around 10:45 p.m., in the road just outside his home at Great House, Lowmans Leeward. “Is little I could tell you all; I don’t know who did it. I was ambushed

from behind, and whoever shot me fled. I don’t know if anybody was paid to kill me or what. I had no quarrel with anyone,” said Dennie, while in the company of family members and friends. But the 54-year-old father of six added that he was happy to have survived the ordeal. Asked whether he was experiencing pains, the wounded man replied, “I am surviving the pains.” Dennie, a product of the Rose Place community, commonly called ‘Bottom Town’, has been a fisherman and community activist for most of his life. He was President of the Goodwill Fishermen’s Cooperative of Rose Place for six years, 2010 to 2016, and has played a leading role in a number of self-help community projects in his native community. Captain Dennie along with his crew Amron Simonette, who resided

at Edinboro, and Layou resident Walker Lynch, had created national headlines seven years ago, when they drifted on the 25 ft boat ‘Jah Love’, having gone missing for almost two weeks after departing Rose Place, May 24, 2010. The crew had already caught 150 pounds of fish when they ran out of petrol on their way home on Fisherman’s Day. THE VINCENTIAN had reported in a front page story, June 11, 2010, that the crew were registered participants in the National Fisherman’s Day activities that year. However, when their catch was not registered, an alarm was raised, and efforts to rescue the missing men were put into action, with friends and close colleagues engendering and inspiring the search. The operation spread through the region with relevant authorities being notified of the

incident. The search party encountered no luck, but the trio did. On June 4, after drifting for several days, they sighted land, dropped anchor and swam ashore. Dennie had told THE VINCENTIAN at the then E.T. Joshua Airport on their return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, June 9, 2010, that he thought they had landed at Grand Anse, Grenada, but when they had made inquiries and heard it was Puerto Rico, that came as a shock to him. Up to press time Wednesday, investigations into the attempt on Dennie’s life were ongoing.

Mark Dennie, comforted by his daughter Marsha, as he lay on a bed at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital recovering from surgery to remove bullet fragments from his face.

Policeman granted $130,000 bail POLICE CONSTABLE 196 Ettian Charles who was on remand for two weeks after being charged in connection with a burglary at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation, July 7, was granted bail when he returned to the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday. P.C Charles was initially charged with entering the Postal Corporation and stealing EC$75,000 in cash, belonging to the Corporation, and conspiring with another person to commit the offence of burglary. However, based on investigations, the particulars of the burglary charge were subsequently amended, and the officer was slapped with another charge. He is now charged with entering the facility and stealing: EC$74,121.45 in cash along with EC$5,486.96 in cheques, one uninterrupted power supply (UPS) valued EC$9,000 and an external battery pack valued EC$3,000, all belonging to the Postal Corporation. He is also charged with corruption in public office. He was not required to plead to all the charges which were laid indictably. The 31-year-old cop of 11 years and seven months, currently attached to ‘Beat and Patrol’, was denied bail when he initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on July 12, and on his return to court on July 19 for bail review. Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche had strongly objected to bail on both occasions, highlighting, primarily, the delicacy of the investigations at those stages, and the possibility of those investigations being hindered, should the accused be released on bail. However, when Charles returned to Court on Wednesday, Delpleche indicated that he was no longer objecting to bail, but asked for

sufficient and suitable conditions. Charles was granted $130,000 bail with one surety on condition that he surrender all travel documents, and report to the Questelles Police Police Constable Station on 196 Ettian Mondays, Charles was Wednesdays and Fridays between 6 granted bail on the third try. a.m and 6 p.m. Stop notices would be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the expressed permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court. Charles’ lawyer, Carlos James, did not object to the requirements for bail, and informed the Court that his client who resided at Glen, has to be relocated for his own safety. He opted not to disclose that location. “So he needs to be on curfew for his own safety”, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne responded. Delpleche indicated that he was also thinking along that line. “This thing is serious, you know”, James told the prosecutor. “I know it is serious; I knew it was serious from the beginning”, Delpleche replied. “If it is that serious, I think he should be indoors for a period of time,” he Magistrate told James. But the lawyer insisted, “That would not be necessary”. The matter has been adjourned to October 19. Charles is on suspension with half month’s pay, pending the outcome of the matter.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 5.

Regional

Barbadians pressure their government BARBADOS PRIME MINISTER Freundel Stuart moved over the weekend to deny claims that his Government was indifferent to the demands of public officers for pay increases, or that he did not respond to the request for a tripartite meeting by private sector and trade union members; but from all accounts, those denials fell on deaf ears. On Monday, thousands of Barbadians took to the streets of capital Bridgetown, in a show of support of a joint call by the island’s four main trade unions Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is on and the Barbados Private Sector record as saying that he would be a Association. traitor to let unelected officials The four trade unions determine how Government runs the Barbados Workers Union, the country. National Union of Public Workers, the society is thrown into chaos. I the Barbados Union of Teachers, the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union — have said it is a matter for the Royal Barbados Police Force . . . if we get to had, over the last two weeks or so, that stage.” stepped up agitation against what Undaunted by the utterance of the they said was burdensome taxes levied Prime Minister, the unions reiterated on Barbadians, by the 2017/2018 the call for ‘street protest’, resulting in Budget, during a period of economic Barbados being literally shut down, hardship bordering on crisis. Efforts by the trade unions to meet aiding by several businesses closing with the Prime Minister all but failed, their operations for the first part of the day, to allow workers to join the with the Prime Minister ruling that march aimed at pressuring the the manner in which the call for dialogue was made, was tantamount to Government to return to the negotiating table, to discuss recent ‘blackmail. “..It is true that the Prime Minister austerity measures outlined in the 2017/2018 Budget. of Barbados was told to meet or to BWU General Secretary Toni Moore schedule a meeting in order to avert told Barbados Today the unions and social unrest, which is a coded way of the private sector are acting in the saying if you don’t meet there will be social unrest,” PM Stuart said over the interest of Barbadians. “We hope that this statement by the weekend at a luncheon of the people of Barbados this morning will Democratic Labour Party’s Christ send a message that we want to talk Church West branch. in the interest of Barbados, we want He went further, saying, “The solutions in the interest of Barbados,” phrase social unrest can only mean he said. (Main Source: Barbados one thing, creating a situation where Today)

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Venezuela set for another poll FROM 1999 up to the present, there have been 20 different types of elections in the Bolavarian Republic of Venezuela. On July 30, 2017, there will be another one. On that day, a Sunday, the people of that South American country will go to the polls to elect a new National

Assembly. Critics of the President Nicolas Muduro-led government have pointed fingers at the President, accusing him of usurping the authority of a duly elected Assembly (2015), in which the unified opposition won a majority of places.

Protests against the President Nicolas Maduro-led government have been marred by clashes between protestors and security forces.

Notwithstanding the violent protests that have marked the show of opposition to the President, for what his detractors say is the mismanagement of the economy, a tendency to dictatorial rule, and moreover his move towards the election of a new National Assembly, the July 30 election is, according to all indications, in train and will take place. In fact, a ‘dry run’ to the July 30 election was held on July 16, the said day that the opposition conducted a referendum on President Maduro’s rule and his decision to move for the election of a new National Assembly. Just as the opposition claimed overwhelming national support for their cause, the Government also claimed a massive turn out for the ‘dry run’, and proof that ensured the proper functioning of the election apparatus. When Venezuelans go to the

Venezuelans turned out in orderly fashion for the ‘dry run’ to the National Assembly election. polls on July 30, on what is being referred to as Constitutional Election Day, since the Assembly to be elected will be tasked with rewriting the Constitution, some 232,000 men and women are expected to be deployed to ensure peace across the nation. Up for consideration for election to the national assembly will be a total of 6,120 candidates: 3,546 are candidates in the territorial modality, and 2,574 in the election of social sectors. A total of 545 constituents will be elected to the National Constituent Assembly: 364 will be chosen territorially

(constituency representatives), and 181 will be chosen by Social Sectors, spread among the workers (79), farmers and fishermen (8), students (24), persons with disabilities (5), indigenous people (8), pensioners (28), business Sector (5) and communes and communal councils (24). Up to press day Wednesday, protests continued across Venezuela, even as the Administration sought to assure that once the National Assembly was elected and it advanced a draft of the New Constitutional Text, a national referendum will be called for the Venezuelan people to approve it or not.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

A thought on Venezuela THE PEOPLE of Venezuela, a major benefactor of this country’s Unity Labour Party-led government, will vote this Sunday, July 30, 2017, for a National Assembly to replace the opposition dominated one elected in 2015. President Nicolas Maduro, successor of President Hugo Chavez, says the move towards election of a new Assembly is in keeping with a drive to restore stability in the country’s divisive political climate. His detractors, however, shout ‘More Dictatorship’ as they see their influence threatened. In the last 17 years or so, Venezuela has struggled with a process of influencing meaningful social transformation — both on an international scale and moreso at the local level. The local process, unapologetically so, positioned socialist principles as the bedrock for that transformation. That process demanded the development of an extensive popular movement. Thus arose a movement that the western press and even Venezuelans themselves refer to as the Chavinistas, in tribute to the leader of Venezuela’s modern Socialist Revolution, Hugo Chavez. However, like in most processes, Venezuela has developed multiple contradictions. The Government of the revolution managed to allocate a significant part of Venezuela’s oil income toward improving the living conditions of large sections of the population during the past 17 years. Yet, there have been no clear steps towards overcoming the oil dependent economy under a socialist perspective. Instead, Government has remained trapped between state capitalism politics and built-in alliances with sectors of the bourgeoisie. Stifled by this ‘trap’, Venezuela has been unable to effectively diversify its production matrix. Politcial power in Venezuela might have moved from the centre to the left, but not the economic power, set in the hands of the old oligarchy. What seems to have developed as a consequence, is a stifling bureaucratic state structure, which has been unable to weaken the ‘illegitimate’ class interests. Notwithstanding, Venezuela was set on a course. But President Chavez’s death brought to light other problems that impeded the Venezuelan process. Not least being, it would appear, the loss of collective direction that has accorded the ‘opposition and their class interests room to organize, agitate and take on the socialist revolution head on. Venezuela’s current economic crisis

is, therefore, a reflection of the limits of Venezuelan Socialist Revolution as it vacillates between state capitalism and the unbridled Western Captilist lifelines of the oligarchy. There are those who say that Maduro’s current struggle is due to a piecemeal approach to genuinely cutting the distributive balance between classes. The revolution is caught between a regime that would prefer greater expropriation (control of foreign trade, nationalization of banks and strategic enterprises, increased tax burden on the bourgeoisie) and a still loud and numerically influential call for adjustment measures (reducing social spending, price liberalization, job insecurity). There is, however, awareness of the catastrophic political cost that would arise from the implementation of adjustment (austerity) measures. The ‘Catch 2’ two situation is whether the costs of the crisis are placed on the working class or the bourgeoisie, the result would be the same - increased class conflict. The stalemate (situation) has led to the government’s loss of popular support. One is not certain whether the Revolution as envisioned by Chavez has warmed to the long existing Socialist organizations in Venezuela. It would appear that this might not be so, given the growing ability of the opposition to wage their street protests. These would-be pockets of support for the revolution must be wary of any shift of emphasis from a social response to military strategy, possibly returning the country to its dark history of the 1960s and 70s. And in it all, there are some elements of the recent Venezuelan experience from which we can learn. It would appear that the Venezuelan experiment of multi-class alliances has backfired and, therefore, must be seen as a mistake if the revolution’s quest is one aimed at building a post-capitalist economy. It is also clear that Venezuela’s alliances with other (industrialised) countries have done little to prod it along a path to genuine diversity of its production model. But in the final analysis, even with the current difficulties being faced by our brothers and sisters in Venezuela, we cannot lose sight of the need to build and strengthen bridges of concrete and effective solidarity among peoples who struggle. Venezuelans must be allowed to find and be assisted along a path to genuine prosperity and equality.

John Horne’s 75 years Young: Love conquers all I AM STILL RECOVERING from participation in John Horne’s 75th birthday anniversary, celebrated at India Bay, July 22, 2017. It was something else. A virtual fantasia that was near human perfection in creating an atmosphere of entertainment blending so many virtues fete, humour, the spiritual that captured the final triumph of love in our testing human condition. This extravaganza was conceived by John’s five daughters, partly because John was not man enough to produce a son, in the words of Bassy Alexander as the M.C whom everybody recognises, is no Joker of the pack! In fact, I sat with Bassy and his wife, Father Ulric Jones and his wife, who started the proceedings with an appropriate prayer, and had been a classmate of John’s at the Boys Grammar School, as was Ardon Bess who also paid tribute to his fellow Barclays Bank clerk, where Karl John’s and my own wife worked. Further, Ardon’s father, Norton Bess, stayed at our house for some time when he came to live in Kingstown from Bridgetown. Our table was next to the ‘High Table” at which were seated two knights in the persons of Sir Freddy Ballantyne and Sir James Mitchell, with Dr. Lorraine Friday, leader of the NDP, nearby. I did not see Arnhim and wife who also attended. I chatted warmly with Parnell Campbell, and recognised other personages such as Daniel Cummings, Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, Allan Cruikshank, Carlyle Dougan and Jerry Scott. My most tender embraces were reserved for my two favourites, Patches Knights and Kenlyn Neverson. I had remained fixed to my seat but shifted at half-time to shed a tear, guided diligently to the wailing wall by my unfailing friend - Paddy Corea. In my travels I stumbled on Doggie De Freitas, my longtime political sister Sylvia Sutherland, and a third favourite, whom I only made out after a tight hug and kisses galore - Margaret London, the irrepressible “Night Nurse” . I thoroughly enjoyed the musical interlude featuring pan, of which John is enamoured, delivered by our geniuses Roddy Dowers and Rodney Small. But typical Vincentian, I wanted more: Patches could have sung “Horn Fuh Dem” and “Unsung Hero”. A song or two by say two members of the Kingstown Chorale and a like input from the

Anglican Church, in both of which John performed greatly. Also, a song by Erlene Williams, on behalf of the Williams’ musical family, especially Aunty Doris Robinson, our lady of song of yester-year, would have filled our souls to overflowing. Highlight of my evening was John’s full-hearted tribute to his wife Jeanne which received a standing ovation from the gathering, which spoke eloquently for itself. All the televised inserts and clippings of friends speaking about John, boiled down to a simple narrative with varying themes and emphases. Whether it was Roy Austin, Ardon Bess, Karl or Ken John, a daughter or relative, without exception, they harped on John’s demonstrated unrelenting love of people of all (repeat all) walks of life, and his care and generosity regardless of class, colour or creed. These qualities naturally led him to the people themselves, by petition, demanding that the NDP, which they favoured by default in 1984, run John as candidate for West Kingstown instead of Stuart Nanton. That accomplished, it was “Horn Fuh Dem” in three successive elections, 1984, 1989 and 1994. Circumstances changed after that, but commentary is not suitable on occasions such as these. I prefer to end on a happy note of pleasant reminisces of John. I recall his visiting my home at Villa regularly on weekends, to take his three little daughters to the beach. Once Karl, John and I viewed a film “Ding Dakar”, and we were so impressed by it that John selected the name Oneka, who featured in the film, for his first daughter. Bassy would approve of the following: John is the god-father of my first son who he promised a Christmas present of his choice at age four. Adrian replied “Uncle John, I want a camera but I know you can’t afford to buy me that”. Hence the establishment of Fast Photo. John Horne epitomised progressive change over time. His send-off was staged at the Old Coronation Club where we danced debutantes, adjacent to the “White Coast” from which we were barred, within a stone’s throw of The AquaticClub from which coloured people dared not approach. John and company led the way for our liberation. WE salute him as he proudly rides his horse towards a beckoning sunset. Wire Bend and Story End!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 9.

Letters

Calypso shame TWENTY thousand and seventeen (2017) was the worst year for Kaiso in my experience, as Fya Empress was given the Monarchy by some who, as Black Ebou once sang, “can’t judge for King Calypso”. CDC allowed this artist to work around existing guidelines with no reprimands whatsoever. SVG’s “monarch” proved to the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Commission that she was a Trinidadian so she could sing in their National festival, then proceeded to sing here without a fuss. What a day for dual nationality, as the rules of representation in sports and culture become separated! She proceeded to sing the same song from that competition here (in SVG), and reached the Finals, where she flaunts it even further in

Where was Frankie? MR. EDITOR, this is a quick one from the Diaspora. It concerns the just concluded 40th Anniversary of Vincy Mas. How on earth could we have a celebration of 40 years of Vincy Mas, and Frankie Mc Intosh is not the Guest of Honour? No other individual, whether politican, a carnival administrator, mas man, calypsonian or whoever, has contributed to placing our Carnival — and especially the music that brought us into the light of the world — like this humble human being. Persons, Canada, Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua and here in the USA, have all showered this Vincentian with awards and accolades too many to mention. What have we done to show him our gratitude? Shame on the CDC for not recognizing that the single greatest contributor to Vincy Mas is Frankie Mc Intosh. Garnet, NY

our faces, by singing her 2015 rendition from Trinidad, and wins. This is unfair in every sense of the word, as no one should be allowed to sing songs from previous years in the present day. But once again, it proves UPSTAGE run things. The Caribbean must be really “laughing at we” if we are singing back old songs to upgrade our lowering standards of calypso. Shame on you, CDC, for allowing SVG Kaiso to slip further down the drain. Disappointed

Time to stand up I RECALL, Mr. Editor, many years ago when the Labour Party government, under Mr. Milton Cato, proposed to introduce a Gross Turnover Tax (GTT). I think it was a 3% tax proposed. I recall also, how the private sector — businessmen especially — shut down the town in protest against the proposed Tax. They literally brought the government to its knees. You see, the Tax as was proposed, did not allow the businessmen to pass it on to the consumer. No way were

businessmen going to allow a government to bite into their profits. Many were of the opinion then that the businessmen cared about the people. We were not as aware then. Somehow I think Mr. Cato had part of his way when he introduced the Custom Service Charge. Only thing, the businessmen could pass this charge on to the consumers. Now in the 21st century, Vincentians are overburdened with taxes upon taxes. We just

can’t escape the tax net of the ULP which proclaims to be a government of the people and poor people especially. Anyone find it strange that there is not a single word — quiet or loud from the private sector about the tax burden that Vincentians are bearing today? The government put on a 1% on VAT, and not a word from them. You see, this situation doesn’t affect their profits so they don’t care about the same

Venezuela must decide for themselves I WILL BE FIRST to admit that Venezuela has been a godsend to this country. Without Venezuela, there would have been no Argyle International Airport, no ‘cheap’ gasoline, and electricity cost might have forced us to go back to flambeau. So now that country is caught up in a state of violence as opposition forces rally their supporters against President Maduro. Yes, notice I say President Maduro because if I remember well, when

Chavez was alive, he allowed all kinds of referenda and the people always voted in his favour. Now it’s Maduro and there does not seem to be the same amount of support for him, even though he said he is continuing the work of President Chavez. All in all, in any democracy, it must be the people who should decide what they want. If I were Maduro, I would hold a referendum whether the people want me or not. If the people vote for Maduro, then

the Opposition would have to support it. If they don’t, then the shame of the world would be upon them. By the way, I see where the Opposition said they held a referendum on whether Venezuelans should support President Maduro’s plan to hold a referendum that would give him the right to set up a new Constituent Assembly. With all the support the Opposition say they got, how come they didn’t allow some impartial people to verify

the vote? The way I see it, Venezuelans and only Venezuelans can and have to decide on what kind of system they want. As a democracy, they have the right to stand up against any attempt to impose some system on them, especially if that system is being pushed by outside forces, with help from locals. Venezuelans must decide their future for themselves. Casper descendant

I support the death penalty SOMETIME ago, a letter writer to THE VINCENTIAN called for the death penalty to be put back into use. With the latest about this country being 12th among the countries with the highest per capita murder rate, isn’t it time we consider another means to curb this situation before it gets worse? When we hanged people, as bad as it sounds, I don’t recall that our murder rate was anywhere where it is today. In fact, a murder was a really big thing, and people from all walks of life used to crowd the Court House on a daily basis, just to get a glimpse of the persons on trial. Nowadays, a murder is just like any other crime, and once the perpetrators have a smart lawyer, they walk free or get some meaningless jail sentence. Persons here know

that, in these times, they stand a good chance of getting off if they kill another person. Look at all the shooting. Don’t you think those young men know they stand a good chance of never being caught, and even if they are, they can get some lower sentence or walk free?

I don’t know about all this Human Rights talk, but when it comes to murder, I say a tooth for a tooth. The state has the right to execute a man for a murder, once that man is guilty, and therefore, the state should use that right. Start the hanging again. See if some of

Dat Unity ting!!! I CYAR RITE DE LOCAL DIALECT like Bassy, bu ah tink wat ah ha foe say ah have to try. Yoe see did ting wid Fri-dey and dem people in Canada who say dey have unity picnic, I tink dey darm outta place. Ah wanda wah wood ah happen if it was de Dr Gun-slavesPrime r who mek a surprise pass through the picnic. Ah bet yoe dem people wood a jump and mek shore he talk and talk as long as he wah. An yoe know how dis PM like foe talk. Man, we mus learn to respect a man office. De man is the Leada of de Apposition. De man hah a ranking here. Is a high position in we system. Dey Canada people and dem should apologise Fri-dey. Furda more, dey should apologise to all Vincentians. An by de way, ho pay foe send Luke dey? I gone. Pat C

those cowboys wouldn’t give up their guns. Hang em High

consumers who make it possible for them to make a profit. They get back their VAT, and at the end of the year, they do all they could do under the law to pay as little tax as possible. May be it is time that Vincentians take this situation into their own hands. And we will have to do that because, unlike our friends in Barbados, we can’t depend on the trade unions here to take the lead. They have all become servants of the state/government. Just like how we the people can change a government every five years, so too we can make a government listen to us and act on our behalf. Time we stand up for our rights. Charles

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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Summary of Fiscal Operations of the Central Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the period ended March 31, 2017

Please note that this article continues from last week.

The issue SINCE THE Unity Labour Party (ULP) came to office after the March 28, 2001 General Elections the New Democratic Party (NDP) has been predicting doom and gloom for the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, year after year Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has demonstrated sound management of the nation’s economy. While there has been many challenges we have weathered the storms whether they be natural or manmade. The performance of the economy in the first quarter of this year (January 1 2017 to March 31 2017) shows that we continue on a path to progress and is outlined below.

Expenditure As at March 31 2017, Current Expenditure amounted to $126.30 million. This figure represents an increase of 4.7 percent when compared to the amount spent during the same period in 2016. Payment of Wages and Salaries amounted to $66.33 million and the Employer’s Social Security Contribution to $2.95 million. The 2.3 percent increase in spending on Wages and Salaries was mainly due to increments and allowances during the period.

22.3 percent to $13.07 million mainly on account of increased amounts transferred to some statutory bodies including the Tourism Authority and the Argyle International Airport. Figure 3: Fiscal Recurrent Activity March 2013-2017

Capital Expenditure for the first three months of 2017 amounted to $1.10 million, down significantly from the $11.60 million recorded for the same period in 2016.The minimal Capital spending reflects the fall out of expenditure on the Argyle International Airport and the slow implemenation rate on on-going projects.

Financing Table 2 below summarizes the Central Government financing as at March 31, 2017 with comparable numbers for 2016.

Figure 2: Items of recurrent expenditure as at March 31, 2017 Table 2: Summary of Central Interest Payments increased during Government Financing as at March 31 ,2017 compared with 2016

the period by 11.1 percent to $9.78 million, as a result of higher payments on the external component which is reflective of the increase in the External Debt stock. Outlays on Transfers increased by 10.7 percent to $35.60 million based on higher amounts expended on Employment Related Social Benefits (pensions) and Grants to Other Agencies. Employment Related Social Benefits went up by 9.2 percent to $15.36 million chiefly due to increased expenditure on pension payments during the period. Expenditure on Grants to Other Agencies increased by

Source: Ministry of Finance and Planning The Overall Deficit of $4.58 million was funded by a mix of external and domestic instruments. The government relied heavily on domestic financing sources since there was a net negative financing on the external side mainly due to a sizable amortization of $16.85 million. The majority of the domestic financing came from a net increase in loans (of $5.55 million) and government drawing down on its cash position during the period to the tune of $24.90 million.

Health Service in SVG THE MINISTER OF HEALTH must be held accountable for the poor health service that is being offered to Vincentians. The health report card for St. Vincent and the Grenadines has not been good, and many of the hard-won gains of the past are now in jeopardy. The naked truth is that the health service of this country has been placed in intensive care, and is now battling for survival. The health service is crying out for visionary and competent leadership. For the past sixteen years, most Vincentians have been complaining vehemently about the health service in this country. For instance, they have been complaining about the lack of basic medication at the clinics and hospitals; inadequate emergency services in the Grenadines and remote areas on the mainland, and the malfunctioning and absence of important equipment to perform critical tests at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Recently, it was reported that a lawyer had to send his son to Barbados to be treated for a broken limb, and two government ministers flew close relatives overseas for medical treatment. Those occurrences have reignited the debate by the general public on Health Care. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is cognizant of the problems that exist in the health sector, and is committed to solve them when it takes the reins of government. We will take a threepronged approach to remedy the situation. First, an effective management system will be implemented, with strict accountability from all staff at all facilities. Secondly, a national health insurance system will be established. Thirdly, a new state of the art hospital, which will include dialysis services, will be built and operated in an appropriate part of the country, and district hospitals will be upgraded to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike in the most efficient manner. The management of health care nationwide will be administered by a state corporation with suitably qualified professional staff at the Board and Management levels. And the assistance of regional and international agencies will be sought to aid the implementation and allow for a phased change over. Among the sub-committees of the Board will be: finance, customer care, innovations and improvements, public relations and staffing. The procurement and distribution of all medication and medical supplies shall be administered by the Corporation. There will be adequate defined mechanisms for public queries, complaints, and feedback. Links will be established to allow for regional institutions to offer tertiary health care to citizens in need. The conditions under which these services will be accessible will be stated publicly, and there will be no discrimination in their application. And partnerships with international health institutions and teaching institutions will be explored, and, where appropriate, will be developed. Furthermore, a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) will be introduced after discussions with the NIS, to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependants. The service will be similar to our National Insurance System, in that it will be mandatory. However, individuals may, if they so desire, “top up” their coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system, or to cover private treatment. And private medical practitioners will be able to

use the medical facilities in an open and transparent manner with appropriate safeguards. Also, we will construct a new state of the art hospital. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is outdated and is located in an inappropriate location with no scope for expansion; it must be replaced. Several district hospitals and clinics are in far worse states. A convenient and central site has already been identified for the construction of a new, modern Hospital to replace MCMH; preliminary designs are in hand, and kidney dialysis is among the services to be introduced at the new facility. In addition, district facilities will focus on preventive medicine with new support services for persons at risk in order to improve the quality of life of the population; provision will be made for the airlifting of emergency cases from the Grenadines and from remote locations on the mainland and ambulance services will be modernised and efficiently managed, with appropriate training of paramedics. The new NDP government will also: improve testing and diagnostic facilities; ensure that all hospitals and medical clinics are fully staffed, equipped and have basic medical supplies; improve the infectious disease unit by implementing strict protocols when handling outbreaks of infectious diseases; ensure that all staff members are properly trained and provided with adequate personal protection equipment as recommended by the World Health Organisation; strengthen the environmental health and vector control unit; ensure that a doctor is on call 24 hours at each of the rural hospitals; increase the numbers of doctors working at the Accident and Emergency Department; ensure that the hospital has a medical specialist in critical areas; increase the opening hours of the pharmacy at the MCMH to serve outpatients and inpatients more effectively; establish a dialysis unit within the new hospital; and improve the port health facilities to ensure that there is a quarantine area that is fully equipped with personal protection equipment and trained health professionals at all ports of entry. We are aware that a healthy population is an essential prerequisite for the economic growth and stability of a nation. This is a statement of reality that has been tested and vindicated in every country, in every culture, in every continent around the world. The constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) enshrines the attainment of the highest standard of health as a fundamental human right. This right to health includes unfettered access to timely, acceptable, and affordable health care irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status or personal or religious persuasion and political allegiance. The NDP has the programmes and policies that will improve the health sector and ultimately benefit all Vincentians. St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserves a better health service. The Unity Labour Party regime has failed miserably in managing the health sector, and is bad medicine for Vincentians. The NDP will make the health sector work.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 11.

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Wordlessly speaking

Living and loving

“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher

‘WE NEED THE SELF-CONFIDENCE to admit that at best we possess only a partial understanding of the truth, which can be enlarged by refining our views in light of new arguments, new circumstances and new insights. But this requires us to listen to others, to weigh their arguments with care, and maybe even to learn from them.’

AT A FIRST GLANCE, the title of this week’s essay may appear to be quite confusing. It beckons questions in relation to whether it is at all possible to speak without words – wordlessly speaking. After all, we think of and with words whenever we contemplate speaking. However, on closer examination, we readily discover that we can speak without words. We can “speak” with our actions (and some will remind us that “actions speak louder than words”). So very often, the things that we “speak” through our actions, carry a much stronger and a longer lasting message than those syllables uttered. Wordless speaking can be powerful. This expression of wordless speaking is not original. The Daily Bread devotional booklet, in an article written by Alyson Kieda, described the concept in their publication of July 21, 2017 (https://odb.org/2017/07/21/dressedup/). In that devotional article, Kieda refers to Lauren Winner’s book entitled ‘Wearing God’ in which Winner indicates how what we wear may indicate career or community. What we wear can also identify moods or social status. She proceeds to highlight the fact that wearing a Tshirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans can often reveal a lot about the wearer — no words need to be said. Reflecting of this reality, we readily understand and appreciate that persons can learn so much about us (and we about them) merely by observing behaviours. Our actions invariably reveal what we think and who we are (deep down inside). Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) challenges each of us when he says, “One of the great tragedies of life is that men seldom bridge the gulf between practice and profession, between doing and saying. A persistent schizophrenia leaves so many of us tragically divided against ourselves. On the one hand, we proudly profess certain sublime and noble principles, but on the other hand, we sadly practise the very antithesis of these principles. How often are our lives characterised by a high blood pressure of creeds and an anaemia of deeds! We talk eloquently about our commitment to the principles of Christianity, and yet our lives are saturated with the practices of paganism. We proclaim our devotion to democracy, but we sadly practise the very opposite of the democratic creed. We talk passionately about peace, and at the same time we assiduously prepare for war. We make our fervent pleas for the high road of justice, and then we tread unflinchingly the low road of injustice. This strange dichotomy, this agonising gulf between the ought and the is, represents the tragic theme of man’s earthly pilgrimage.” His words, shared many decades ago, reach across time and space to remind us to avoid “the duplicities of life”. We are challenged to live what we say and to say what we live. This is as true for the church leader as it is for the politician. This is relevant for the parent as it is for the teacher. All of us must so live that our behaviour

reflects what we say. It is good to think pure, clean, and noble thoughts. But it is so much better to live untainted, spotless, and honourable lives. We take observers to new heights of civility and decency when they listen to our decent and wholesome conversations and observe that our behaviour confirms that we are walking and living along the moral high road. We must not only talk about purity — we must live it. We must not only talk about accountability — we must live it. We must not only talk about honesty and integrity — we must live these too. We send mixed and confusing signals when we talk about standing straight and tall, but cast crooked shadows. This duplicity and hypocrisy must be exiled from our homes, churches, workplaces, and parliament. We confuse ourselves and others when our words and our actions appear to be out of step. Life presents numerous opportunities for us to engage in wordless speaking each day. Our thoughts and attitudes in relation to the virtues of honesty, integrity, kindness, gentleness, peace and so on, can be portrayed as we interact with others each day. Little courtesies extended to strangers, can send strong messages of who we are and how we feel about others. Little acts of kindness can portray that there are fountains of kindness trapped within us. We do not have to know the individual to open a door as they approach or to greet them in a pleasant manner. Extending a helping hand or maintaining eye contact with a twinkle in our eyes can speak so much about our acceptance of and appreciation for the onlooker. A smile, as simple as it is, speaks volume in relation to the warmth of feelings that emanate from behind those relaxed facial muscles. There are so many little things and little ways for us to provide evidence of the peace and contentment that lie within us as we seek to lift the spirits of others. And in doing so, we intensify our own peace, contentment, and happiness. Yes, such wordless speaking provides opportunities for others to read and hear the volume of positive vibes that surround and engulf us daily. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, the “book of wisdom”, reminds us that “even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Proverbs 20:11). We are known by our actions. We can speak volumes without words. Wordless speaking is not new. However, this essay comes as a timely reminder to all of us, that we have the privilege of speaking without saying a word, and that we must endeavour to make sure that our words and our actions are in alignment. This is especially so in relation to those of us who are privileged to be leaders in our homes, schools, workplaces, churches, and communities. We are wordless speakers! Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

‘Political parties do need to win elections, but they are more likely to do so if they stand for something more than just power.” Gary Younge, Columnist for the UK Guardian. ‘Majoritarian concerns are vital in a democracy, but a true democracy guards against the tyranny of the majority.’ James Baldwin. ‘The test of a true democracy is reflected in how it treats its minority or those with unpopular views.’ Rosa Luxemburg. We are going through a dangerous time in SVG. There is a lot at stake. The two political parties are in a life and death political battle. This battle is made even more intense because the country is split down the middle. Some people know wrong when they see or hear about it, but will never speak out against it. As the American novelist Upton Sinclair says, we lack understanding of the most basic thing when our salary depends on us not comprehending what others have to say. In fact, too often we don’t even listen to what others are saying. Our sole intent is to hear ourselves and to be congratulated by our supporters about how good we sounded. When I was a young man, politics, then like now, played a central role in many people’s lives. But back then, politics was never the be all or end all in our lives. There were other points of light (schools, churches, community groups, the persuasive power of the elders) that held our society together. The situation today is radically different. The NDP and the ULP have emerged as the two most important and relied on institutions in our society. As a result, we are rapidly losing our cohesion. Too many of us have lost all sense of reason and rationality. We are all expected to say in chorus ‘my party’ right or wrong. But this cannot be good for a small, resource challenged, and developing state like SVG. We need to demand best practices, not only from the politicians but from ourselves. The history of our country, the region and the world, is replete with instances where political parties and state officials confuse and conflate their views, opinions and policy options with the national interest, only for implementation to reveal gaping holes, gaps, deficits, deficiencies and sometimes disastrous consequences. To be overly cocksure is a dangerous sneer. The time for buy-in and consensus, open mindedness and humility is required now more than ever. Certainly we can love our party and work to ensure that it gets into power or continue to walk the hall of power. However, on no condition should we give currency to the notion that because we hold different views on a particularly issue, that one or the other side represents the devilish side of evil. If political opponents are convinced that the other represents the face of sin, we are one incident away some

political violence. We are too small and too vulnerable to lend support to this feeling. This is why leaders of the political parties must tell their supporters that in all matters, the people, all the people, not just supporters, must come before politics. The needs of the country must come before our individual interest. Too often so many of us, some not even in need, say that it boils down to what’s in it for me. The test of the new leadership, especially at a time when we are galloping towards transition in both parties, is whether we will send a clear signal that the tribal desires must always give way to the national interest. Baldwin’s ideas regarding the tyranny of the majority has a timely ring in our Vincentian context. No one can argue with the notion that in a parliamentary democracy we must be guided and governed by the group that commands the popular vote or the parliamentary majority; but we must also take heed of the ancient saying that might does not necessarily make right. The tyranny of the majority must concern us all. It is far too easy for leaders in industry, religion and politics to be buoyed by the confidence that they have the majority on their side. In fact, many injustices and crimes have been committed in the name of the majority. The Brazilian writer, educator and philosopher Paulo Freire said that unless we are awe struck by the sometimes overwhelming responsibility of power and leadership, we are destined to abuse it. Our safeguards to ourselves must be for us to be always and forever deliberate and considered in all that we do. In law we are instructed to temper justice with mercy. Too often we confuse the lust for revenge with justice. These times call for more reflection. We should celebrate rather than banish contrarian ideas. In the market place of ideas, all of us should be given a hearing. There are those who think if you disagree with them, that you are not listening to reason. Others are convinced that your slightest difference with anything they support is a sign of mental deficit. All views have worth and merit, even if they cause us to think some more. Importantly, none of us must reserve the last word for ourselves. A democracy is no democracy at all unless it gives voice and respect to minority and unpopular views. We need to stop shouting. We need to talk less and think much more. We need to listen to what others have to say. We need to stop using our bully pulpits to short circuit the debate and condemn our opponents. We need to give everyone a fair hearing. Our very future depends on it. This piece, with some changes, appeared August 14, 2016 under the title, ‘We are all going to hell fast’. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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All Taiwan ships should be banned from international fishing

IN OCT. 2015, the European Union (EU) issued Taiwan with a ‘yellow card’ for not taking sufficient measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The EU said that Taiwan’s efforts in monitoring, control and surveillance of long-distance fleets, were inadequate. The EU gave Taiwan six months to improve their legal framework and take measures to combat IUU fishing. Those six months have passed and Taiwan has not yet received a ‘red card’ — i.e. trade sanction against Taiwan, including a ban on exporting seafood to the EU, a trade that is worth billions of dollars. SVG Green Party calls for all Taiwan ships to be banned from

international fishing immediately. Taiwan should be issued with a global ‘red card’. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an inter-governmental fishery organisation, responsible for the conservation of tunas and tunalike species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas. Taiwan operates a fleet of tunafishing vessels on SVG’s deep sea fish licence. Under ICCAT rules, fishing vessels should offload their fish catch in the country of the flag the fishing vessel is flying. It follows, therefore, that Taiwan’s fishing vessels must offload their Atlantic Ocean tuna fish catch in St. Vincent and pay fish tax, estimated to be EC$2.7 billion annually. But, for over 30 years, though, Taiwan has been ignoring the ICCAT rules; their fishing vessels do not offload their Atlantic Ocean tuna fish catch in St. Vincent, and they do not pay fish tax to the

SVG Treasury. For this blatant disregard of the ICCAT rules alone, all Taiwan ships to be banned from international fishing immediately. A Greenpeace investigation found that Taiwan’s tuna fishing industry is ‘out of control’ — citing evidence for persistent shark finning, illegal tuna fishing, and forced labour and human rights abuses at sea. The report criticises the Taiwanese government, stating that Taiwan ‘knows these issues exist, [but] does little to address them, despite domestic and international requirements’. Since 2001, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal has been calling for Vincentian-trained scientific observers to be placed on all of Taiwan’s deepsea fishing vessels using SVG’s deep sea fish licence and national flag. Finally, after 17 years, ICCAT made it compulsory - as of July 2017 - for SVG to have these scientific observers on all Taiwan fishing vessels registered as SVG ships. In March 2016, Indonesia, which has taken a tough and violent stance to combat IUU fishing, fired at a Taiwanese vessel suspected of illegally fishing for tuna within Indonesia’s waters. In Indonesia, the government dynamites illegal fishing vessels to help restore tens of thousands of jobs

to small-scale fishing. In August 2015, thirty-eight illegal foreign fishing boats seized by Indonesia were blown up by their navy. The Indonesian government banned large foreign fishing vessels and transhipment of fish at sea, restricting commercial fishing to a narrow band between 12 and 20 nautical miles offshore, and halting illegal fishing. In the 12 months since the new policies were introduced, economic growth in the fishing sector in Indonesia has been more than 40%. It is unfair and discriminatory that Gonsalves lets Taiwan get away with not paying billions of dollars in tax, while our children go hungry, while our children live in households without mains water and electricity, and while our children fail to get an education, because their family cannot afford books, uniforms and fees. An SVG Green Party government will end this abuse of the Vincentian people by Gonsalves and Taiwan. We will cut ties with parasitic Taiwan and make ties with China. SVG Green Party strongly calls for the Taiwan Ambassador to be deported from SVG, and to ban all Taiwan fishing vessels from using SVG’s fish licence and national flag. All Taiwan ships should be banned from international fishing immediately for many years for illegal fishing and breaking ICCAT rules.

The ÂIron ManÊ, remembering those who served THE DISTURBING news concerning the relocation of our National War Monument (the ‘Iron Man’) offends Vincentians at home and abroad. It is our responsibility as a people, to honour and preserve the legacy of our forebears, especially that which epitomizes dignity and courage. The issue surrounding the relocation of the War Monument must be seen as a travesty against our people, and one which merits our collaborative attention. Bearing in mind too, that while the political climate of our nation is subject to change, the architectural beauty of our beloved homeland, once altered can never be restored. Furthermore, a decision of such magnitude, that of relocating the War Monument, requires the consensus of the electorate, the same people who voted Prime Minister Mitchell into office. Mr. Mitchell distances himself from the history and the struggle of our people by contemplating the removal of the War Memorial which honours our fallen nationals, who served in World War 1 and World War 11. As I recall, those who enlisted were not the well to do, but rather, sons of ordinary families; energetic, clear thinking young men seeking to better their station in life, embarked upon the hope of returning home to their loved ones. For some, their light went out like a vapour, their dreams never actualized. The ‘Iron Man’ stands to remind us of their dignity and their courage and we should never cease to honour them. Especially when we see so many youth

in today’s society, ours as well, hooked on drugs and similar vices, instead of blazing a path that others may follow. Mr. Mitchell sees the ‘Iron Man’ as part of ancient history and one he seems unable to connect with. Therefore, he is determined to justify its removal from the prominent midKingstown location. The truth is, the ‘Iron Man’ has relevance to our times, in that it stands for the same set of values today as it did some fifty years ago. Values such as integrity, loyalty, self-confidence, self-discipline and ambition. Sadly, Mr. Mitchell joins the band of Caribbean leaders who indulge in power and in personal gains instead of national pride and the preservation of human dignity. Only those who served in World Wars 1 and 11 can really recount the horrors of these wars. Their stories of young men and women with enduring courage who scaled the perils of war, some on a rendezvous with death — Vincentians among them — to win for us the freedom we now enjoy. While nations commemorate their war heroes with grand military fanfare, and pride themselves in their archival preservation of the memorabilia of war, such as the VeDay pictorial which recently appeared in THE VINCENTIAN, our Prime Minister seeks to remove from our midst that which gives credence to our heroes of war and our nation’s contribution to world peace. No reason can truly justify the removal of the revered ‘Iron Man’ from its aged rock height of over fifty years

to some obscure location. Not only will its removal demean the purpose for which it was dedicated, but when the ‘Iron Man’ is removed, it will be looked upon as the most despicable act by a leader in the history of our nation. Furthermore, the removal of the War Monument ‘Iron Man’ will be virtually impossible without some degree of chiseling, blasting of granite and stone, and unavoidable manhandling, nor can it be lowered or placed on the ground, as this would desecrate it. For the same reason, our state flag was replaced by a newly designed state flag. And inasmuch as the removal of the ‘Iron Man’ is an attainable feat, the grounds surrounding the War Memorial remain unmovable; consecrated, and the site dedicated in the honour of our fallen heroes. The ‘Iron Man’ is strategically located and rightly so; facing seaward, with his back towards the courthouse, it is significant to our people, for it was via the sea that our heroes left for distant shores. The ‘Iron Man, donned in military uniform, is clearly visible from where he stands mounted in a sizeable triangular enclosure. Placed in the vicinity of the courthouse, he serves as an example of courage; mindful of the nature of court ordeals. And located in the busiest section of town, of which the market square is a part of town and country folk meet and mingle. Children leisurely walk past the ‘Iron Man’ to and from school, and vendors sit along the street with anticipative smiles early each day and until dusk. They too make up the

nation’s population. The War Monument, a warrior armed in our midst, a point of reference, a landmark, a promenade, but above all a memorial in honour of our fallen heroes. We must preserve their legacy by keeping their struggle alive. We must protest the removal of the ‘Iron Man’. Flood the Prime Minister’s office with letters opposing the removal of the ‘Iron Man’. As a Christian people, let our petition be known before God. Pray aloud in churches for our leader and for continued tranquility in our nation. Let the church bell ring in St. Vincent and the Grenadines when it is declared that our National War Monument will remain in its present site. Bernadine Miguel Quammie REPRINTED: THE VINCENTIAN 28th, July 1995

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 13.

People

World Vets return to St. Vincent! IN CONJUNCTION with the VSPCA (Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), World Vets, an international aid organisation for animals, will be returning to St. Vincent to hold free spaying and neutering clinics on August 19 in Campden Park at Bethel High School from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and August 20 and 21 at the

Government School in Barrouallie from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A team of veterinarians, technicians and assistants from Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the United States, will volunteer their time and skills to spay and neuter our dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering (also called sterilising, fixing, tying off) are beneficial not only for the animals, but for the Nation as a whole. Their numbers are increasing drastically, and without human intervention, the current ‘problem’ of overpopulation will become a ‘crisis’. The problem? Thousands of dogs and cats are unwanted and uncared for. They suffer, the Persons are encouraged to make environment use of the World Vets/VSPCA suffers, and clinics to have their animals humans suffer neutered. — physically,

socially, economically. World Vets recognize the importance of the One Health concept in which the health of humans, animals and their ecosystems are inescapably linked. “Our programs help not only animals, but also people and the communities in which they live.” Everything is connected. Through the spaying and neutering of owned and stray dogs and cats, we humans decrease and control their numbers, which ultimately benefits the whole. The World Vets team will also provide health consultations and additional surgical procedures, if requested ahead of time. Additionally, they welcome the participation of locallybased veterinarians, vet students and/or skilled volunteers. Please call the VSPCA at 532-9327 to request participation in service activities, or for extra vet services for your pets. There is no

charge for your pet’s health care, but donations are appreciated. Join your neighbours and bring all owned and stray dogs and cats in your area, which have not yet been neutered, to the World Vets/VSPCA clinics in Barrouallie. VSPCA and the Ministry of Agriculture will assist with catching strays and transporting owners and pets to and from venues. Please take advantage of these free services. YOU can make a difference in the welfare and wellbeing of your Nation’s animals and people! (Source: VSPCA)

The VSPCA consists solely of volunteers with a passion and vision for a better world for animals.

14. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V BDS Ltd pays P.M $100,000

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 15.

News

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ABOUT 39 DAYS after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves filed a petition to the Court for an order adjudging BDS Ltd., owners of Nice Radio, bankrupt, that company has paid Gonsalves $100,000, as part of its efforts to offset a debt of $210,000 owed to him, arising from a 2009 Judgement handed down in his favour for defamation. Damages were awarded in 2012. Lawyer for BDS Ltd Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that the money was paid to Gonsalves through his lawyer Grahame Bollers, in a Banker’s cheque, last week. She said the funds so to do, were raised primarily through Radiothons, part of the ongoing Save Nice Radio appeal. “It is commendable for persons to dig into their pockets in these hard economic times, to safeguard their favourite radio station for

the second time in recent years. It shows the influence Nice Radio has, and the respect the public has for democracy and freedom of speech. “On behalf of Nice Radio, I am saying a hearty thank you to the general public, as we continue to raise funds to pay the Prime Minister the fruits of his judgment. I am only hoping that he would do what is right and pay the fruits of judgements to other persons,” Bacchus-Baptiste said. The Bnkruptcy Petition, filed early last month, was slated for hearing in the High Court June 26, but on June 23, BacchusBaptiste, on behalf of BDS Ltd and its receiver/Manager Trevor Edwards, filed a motion of intention to oppose the petition, on the basis that it did not comply with the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Statute and Regulations. When the petition came up for

SVGCC urges reconciliation

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is ensuring that he gets what the Court ordered.

Once again, Douglas De Freitas and NICE Radio have won the support of ordinary citizens in their time of need.

hearing before Justice Esco Henry, in Chambers, Bollers, who was served with a copy of the notice to oppose it, requested time to respond. The matter was adjourned to last Monday, July 24. However, when the case was called, it was further adjourned to a date to be fixed by the Registrar, in consultation with both parties. Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN that Bollers was not present when the matter was called, but the hearing would have been adjourned anyway, as she and Bollers had already agreed to an adjournment.

THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Christian Council (SVGCC), which speaks on behalf of the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Salvation Army Churches, has called on Nice Radio and other media entities to be responsible with regard to their programming, credibility of information, and discretion in expression. The Council also urged managements to put systems and His Lordship structures in place to ensure high Bishop moral and ethical standards, and Leopold Friday is the current encouraged the Prime Minister chairman of the and other leaderships in the SVG Christian nation, to pursue tolerance, respectful and fraternal dialogue, Council. in an effort to find amicable solutions to conflicts and the general wellbeing of society. The Council issued the calls in a news release this week. It stated that the Council had met with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalve, and Douglas De Freitas of Nice Radio, and following these meetings, “We believe that there is need for reconciliation as we continue to address the political divisions in our nation. The Christian Council will continue to make itself available to assist in this process once both parties are willing to work with us”. The release further stated that, “In the best interest of democracy, and to promote good governance and holistic social and moral discourse, we believe that it is paramount to keep all media in operation which contributes towards these values.” The Council stressed that it is grounded in its faith in Jesus Christ, which demands love, forgiveness and neighbourliness.

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fully on display on Saturday 15th July, 2017, as thousands of Vincentians – and their Caribbean and North American friends and supporters – converged on the extensive Brown’s Bay Provincial Park in Western Ontario, Canada, for the annual Vincy Unity Picnic. The picnic, which can be described as an extravaganza, is considered among the largest gathering – if not the largest – of Vincentians in North America. Organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Associations of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, the Picnic has, over the years, attracted Vincentians from all walks of life along the shores of the majestic St. Lawrence River in Vincentian and other Caribbean paraphernalia on Claudia Solomon with her son, Sean, the 1,000 Is. Area. sale at a tent. owner of Nu Caribbean Restaurant in A cornucopia of colors, Ottawa, in tent selling Caribbean a potpourri of Vincendelicacies. tian delicacies, and the gyrating hips spend the day. It’s a great place for of nationals were exhibited during business, and it’s always peaceful.” Stories and photos by the day-long convulsion, which drew A few yards away, Claudia SoloNELSON A. KING nationals from home, the Caribbean, mon, a Brooklyn, New York resident, naking@verizon.net; as well as from major cities in North who hails from Bequia, assisted her kingnaking210@yahoo.com America, among other places. son, Sean Solomon, in selling chicken US CORRESPONDENT “This is beautiful!” exclaimed and chips, among other mouth-waterAnthonette Jacobs, an Ottawa ing delicacies. EVEN WITH WHAT SOME MIGHT deem a resident, originally from Biabou, as “I just came to support my son,” ‘few unfortunate instances”, the she busied herself renting tables to said Ms. Solomon, whose son owns camaraderie, love, pride and unity were picnic-goers at the eastern section of the Nu Caribbean Restaurant in the grounds. Ottawa. “I like it [picnic]. I like the “I’ve seen it association. You’ve got to support [the [picnic] grown event].” from a little group to almost Loving the unity 20, 000 people,” added Jacobs, Chester Clarke, a former Kingswho has town Park native, now residing in relatives in Rose Cottage, Villa, said he attends Sion Hill. the picnic annually, when he visits Jacobs’ friends and relatives in Toronto. cousin, Amelia “It’s beautiful, very good,” he said. Jacobs, of Sion “That’s why I come.” Hill, who has Nelson Wall, who hails from Rose been residing in Bank, but now resides in Brighton, Ottawa for the and was vacationing in Toronto, said, past 30 years, “I like it… I get to meet other Vincensaid she has tian people.” been coming to Kingstown native Jack Dear, the picnic for President of the St. Vincent and the Jack Dear (2nd from R),President of the St. Vincent and the 20 of those Grenadines Association of Montreal, Grenadines Association of Montreal, poses with other Canayears. said his group brought three dian Vincies. “It’s great,” bus-loads of nationals to the picnic. she said. “It’s a “It’s good,” he said about the event. Below: Banner on display at Unity Picnic. great place to “The enthusiasm is still there.” As he roasted breadfruit on

unity.” He continued, “This is a new experience for me,” he added. “You learn about the St. Lawrence River in the text books, and you’re now partying along the St. Lawrence River. It’s really an exhilarating experience. It reminds of me of when I was growing up – the firewood and all that. It’s really a good experience.” “I will cherish this forever – for the rest of my life,” Hilda chimed in. Anesta Delpesche, originally from Petit Bordel, who works as a nurse in the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, was a first time attendee. “I’m seeing lots of Vincentians I’ve not seen in a very long time,” said Delpesche, who is vacating in Montreal.

Entertainment and a little ruffle

Desmond Hills roasts breadfruit. coal inside the rim of an auto tire, Desmond Hills, of Gomea, said, “I’ve been here before, but it’s the first time I’m getting involved [in meal preparation].” Hill had come from Brooklyn on one of three buses organized by the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US. Otis DeFreitas, of Colonaire, who lives in Delran, New Jersey, attended the Unity Picnic, for the second time, remarked, “I love it, I love the unity. I love that when we move out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we’re still unified, even though we’re in different parts of the world.” As she chops chicken legs for the BBQ grill, Brooklyn resident Rosita

(L-R): SVG Minister of Health Luke Even as picnic-goers gyrated to Browne, honoree lawyer Alwyn Childs, soca vibes, emanating from boom president of the SVG Association of boxes at several tents, most party Ottawa and Toronto re: Maxine Adams lovers “went wild” before the main and Consul General Fitz Huggins. stage. There, leading Vincentian soca Right: Delroy "Fireman" Hooper, reigning artistes, fresh from Vincy Mas 2017 SVG Soca Monarch, sent the crowd wild. – such as Vincy 2017 Soca Monarch SVG Opposition Leader Dr. Goodwin Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, Gamal Friday (L) with die-hard ULP supporter THE VINCENTIAN with die-hard, ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, Rondy Almond "Rabbi, Prezzie" Thompson. incumbent Unity Labour Party ‘Luta’ McIntosh and Shaunelle supporter and ex-Chateaubelair-born McKenzie – kept the huge crowd in school teacher, Almond ‘Rabbi Prezparoxysms. zie’ Thompson, nephew of former Rodney ‘Vincy Freshie’ Small also Providence, originally from TroumaNorth Leeward Parliamentarian mesmerized on tenor pan. ca, said it was “a pleasure doing this John Thompson and first cousin of But, despite the gaiety and to keep our community together.” John’s son, Dr. Jerrol Thompson. penchant for unity, there was some Park Hill-born Patsy ‘Diva Pat’ However, despite the hiccup over concern, primarily in political circles, Phillips, was part of the St. Vincent Friday and other issues, most that Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin and the Grenadines Organization of picnic-goers said it was a day Friday was not allowed to address the Pennsylvania, Inc. (SVGOP) bus trip. well-spent and worth having. massive crowd from the central stage. He assured, “I always enjoy myself.” “It was nice,” said Francis ‘Dotsie’ Friday, President of the main Lewis, of Kingstown, as she got ready opposition New Democratic Party, Treasured memory to board the bus for an hour’s trek and the Northern Grenadines repreback to her hotel room in nearby, sentative in Parliament, was not Calliaqua-born Dr. Clifford Young, a scenic Gananoque. “Although we had listed as a speaker on the Unity physician, and his wife took the a few mishaps, everything went fine.” Picnic Committee’s official COSAGO bus from Brooklyn, for the programme, but Minister of very first time. Health, Luke Browne, was allowed “This is very entertaining,” said Dr. to do so. Young, adding, “As it stands, this is Browne was on hand to add to the honouring of lawyer Alwyn Child, whose contribution to the development of the Vincy Unity Picnic and Vincentian community in Canada, as a whole, is described as exemplary. Dr. Friday, who had studied and worked in Canada before returning home to practice law and get involved in politics, moved around freely in the huge park, meeting and greeting his compatriots. In what appeared to Cooking callaloo soup, L-R: Arden Tannis, Dr. Clifford be a seeming truce, Young, Laverne McDowald-Thompson and Celia Friday also posed for Bramble. Sections of crowd during the party segment.

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News

Peta Odini Sutherland Awarded LOCAL DESIGNER Peta Odini Sutherland was bestowed with the Award of Excellence- Fashion Innovation at the 2017 Caribbean Style and Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase, for her contribution to the Caribbean fashion Industry. Peta was among a list of twelve designers and models from nations across the Caribbean Region including Suriname, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago who were honored at the Caribbean Style and Culture Showcase. The event was organized by Karib Nation Inc. and held on June 17 at the Silver Spring Civic Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. The Caribbean Style and Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase is hosted annually in June in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

The event incorporates several The Peta brand Cool and casual from activities over the course of one is popular with Peta. week, including a Fashion, many Caribbean Champagne and Culture Pre-Show performing artistes. hosted at the Guyana Embassy, Peta Odini Sutherland Washington DC. At that event, several Magazine, SHE Caribbean, Zing; Liat’s Inflight Magazine, Caribbean Beat; Kesrick Williams. (Source: Caribbean diplomats were in attendance, Caribbean Airline’s Inflight Magazine, Style and Culture) including St. Vincent & the If you would like more information Grenadines’ Ambassador to the United The Karibbean Kollective and other regional blogs and media sites. about this topic, please contact Cornel States, Her Excellency Lou-Anne The Peta brand has been worn by R. Jones at 240-770-8937 or email: Gaylene Gilchrist. contactus@karibnation.org. Peta is well-known for her signature top Soca Artistes including Kevin Lyttle, Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent), For more event details, please visit: menswear clothing line which she showcased at this year’s event, before 5 Star Akil (Trinidad), Dash (Grenada) www.caribbeanstyleandculture.com and cricketers Darren Sammy and a crowd of over 300 persons from the Caribbean Diaspora. She has been featured SATURDAY 29TH scheduled to begin at a prize for Best in Acubien JULY marks the launch 11:00am. Script and second Online of the RED Show at the The Show, which will place for the best Magazine, Youlou Art Centre, Villa, ‘hang’ until August 10th, film at the Shabeau with a reception will feature nine local Caribbean Youth artists: Sherika Sayers, Film Festival, Zen Punnett, Sean recently held in St. Roache, Ahmed Yunusa, Lucia. Desteny Graves, Rachel The film is the Furbert, Tippi Punnett, result of the efforts Camille Musser and of a group in LeeAndra Thompson. Bequia called ‘The The reception will Hub Collective’ start from 11 am. The which is driven by A mulri-colour necklace with public is invited to come a mission to blue stained glass pendant and see the show. empower Bequia handmade by Conniw people of all ages Howard who will be The period of the RED ‘through rich Show will also feature island culture and displaying her creations at the Youlou Art Centre. the inaugural screening fresh opportunity of the documentary film in the arts’. Connie has been ‘Reclaiming Paget Farm And the ‘action’ - Looking Back - Moving continues at the Youlou working with stain glass for many years. She was Forward’, on mainland Art Centre with a tworecently commissioned St. Vincent. day (August 12 and 13) to make a stained glass Screening is set for showing of the work of Saturday 5th August, stained glass artist and piece for the St. Mary’s Cathedral of the beginning at 6:30 pm. jewelry maker Connie Assumption, Kingstown. This three-part Howard. Showing on All of these activities documentary film by each day begins at are open to the public. Bequia film makers won 11:00am.

Youlou Art Centre to host showings

V Jezra Matthews and The Issue of Plus Size Women

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News

JEZRA: Good afternoon Gloriah. It’s my pleasure. GLORIAH: Where in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are your parents from? JEZRA: My Dad is from Rose Bank and my Mom is from Mesopotamia. GLORIAH: So, is this your first visit to St. Vincent? JEZRA: No, I’ve been coming here for years, since in my mother’s stomach. I been here up to three times a year. GLORIAH: What is the reason for this particular visit then? JEZRA: This visit is personal as well as vacation. Personal, because I’d planned ‘Pure Body Love’ — a two-part event: a meet and greet and a closet giveaway. At that function held at the French Verandah at Villa on Friday, 7th July, I basically introduced myself to the women of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as did the closet giveaway. GLORIAH: Describe for our readers, what is a ‘closet giveaway’. JEZRA: I gave away free clothes to women sizes 1X to 3X. As an afterthought, I added sizes 4 to 6 as well. GLORIAH: Where did the idea of such an event come from? JEZRA: This event was created because over years of coming here, I noticed it was hard for plus-size women to get clothes and I felt the need to do something. So, I decided to give away free clothes. I contacted two companies with whom I work to donate stocks. These I combined with my own clothes, (and) I was able to come up with a good amount for the event. GLORIAH: Who were these donor companies? JEZRA: Oh, they were US companies which are plus-size brands: Fashion to Figure and Monif C Clarke. GLORIAH: How many ladies by GLORIAH… attended the event? JEZRA: It was over 150 and I PLUS-SIZE MODEL JEZRA Matthews, a believe that about 130 got items: two New Yorker of Vincentian parents, paid a items per person. recent visit to St. Vincent and the GLORIAH: Let’s look now at the Grenadines and gave great significance issue of the plus-size lady. In St. for plus-size women here, with her Vincent and the Grenadines we have presentation of a “Closet Giveaway”. The passionate fashionista sat down fashion shows from time to time. As with THE VINCENTIAN to give some far as these go, slim is it! There are insights into the activity and her views many plus-size ladies who exhibit a love for fashion, who would like to pertaining to the status of the pluswear fashionable clothing but they size woman and fashion. never come down the runway. What GLORIAH: Good afternoon Jezra, thanks for giving THE VINCENTIAN advice would you give to a lady like this? this opportunity to chat with you.

JEZRA: Honestly, I would tell them to create their own. Show the world that plus-sizes will never die. We’re here to stay. Plus-size women can model and we need to show the world that a big woman, it doesn’t matter if she has cellulite, big arms, or whatever; she should be shown and people need to see her. GLORIAH: We’re talking here about fashion and size, the like. All these constitute the main theme of beauty. Help me here with the plussize and beauty. Some people feel plus-size is ugly so, give me your definition of beauty where plus-size is concerned. JEZRA: Well my movement is called “Pure Body Love” and it means loving your body purely at any size. I feel that being big or plus-size doesn’t equal fat. That’s what I want to encourage everyone: loving your body purely at any size is loving who you are, knowing that you were created for a reason just the way you are. There is nothing wrong with going to the gym but don’t go there with the intention of doing whatever it takes to fit into what society calls beauty. Be yourself and the rest will follow. GLORIAH: From what you’re saying, there needs to be a serious level of confidence within the individual. Talk about confidence. JEZRA: That’s another thing too. Beauty starts within and you have to work on the confidence from inside. I get messages from women who ask me where I find my confidence. I always say it is within. Sometimes someone may need a little push: from anybody or from something you read. You have to believe you are beautiful, that you’re here for a reason, then your confidence will come out. GLORIAH: It is obvious that you possess this confidence. How did you begin your journey as a plus-size model? JEZRA: I love taking photos of myself. One day, a photographer messaged me asking to take some photos of me. When he did, I posted them online and the reaction was so encouraging that I decided to speak through my photos. This gave confidence to other women and caused me to start “Pure Body Love” and to continue to model and blog. GLORIAH: How did that evolve? JEZRA: Companies started reaching out to me to model with my locks or in outfits. Then the requests started coming in a big way. GLORIAH: Are you saying that the confidence came first then the modeling or vice versa? JEZRA: No, the confidence

was there with me, but today plus-size models are not in the forefront. There will always be a slim girl then a plussize one. Hopefully, having gained a lot of confidence, plus-size women will show the world that we are here! In time, I hope the mindset of the world will change, to have these women in the front. GLORIAH: You graduated recently. Tell me about that. JEZRA: Yes, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. It was a long journey but the end result was amazing and I know that my knowledge of how the mind works, I hope to take my education by inspiring, encouraging and motivating them to reach their goals. GLORIAH: Where do you go from here as far as your ‘Closet Giveaway’ and Meet and Greet activity goes? JEZRA: I plan to make this an annual venture. I will try to secure different pieces, maybe swimwear next year. I will like to do workshops and that sort of thing. GLORIAH: Any final words? JEZRA: Yes. I want people to feel free to chat with me when they meet me on the street. I am a normal person who loves St. Vincent and really want to interact with these ladies. They should feel free to contact me to discuss any matter that I could help them with. GLORIAH: Well Jezra, thanks again for accommodating me. THE VINCENTIAN wishes you much success in your endeavor. JEZRA: You’re absolutely welcome Gloriah…

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News

FOSH Inc. names first scholarship awardees THE FRIENDS OF SION HILL (FOSH) Inc. USA has named the two recipients of its first scholarship awards. The two are Kirara Baptiste, a former student of the CW Prescod Primary School, and Reanna Jackson, who last attended the Sion Hill Government School. They were successful at the 2017 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and both will be attending the Thomas Saunders Secondary School at the start of the new academic year. The value of the scholarship is EC$ 800 per annum, for the years of the students’ secondary schooling. Additionally, FOSH awarded a $200 one off bursaries to Ronnia Davis and Ronique Gibson, who attended the Sion Hill Government and the Kingstown Government School, respectively. Apart from obtaining a pass at the CPEA, the students had to be permanent residents of Sion Hill, but critically, their parent(s) must satisfy the inability to have the resources relevant to adequately fund their child’s secondary education.

The award of the scholarship programme is one of the many undertakings of FOSH Inc. USA, which was established in June 2014. Last month, FOSH SVG Inc. came into being. The Vincentian chapter is headed by Clyde Fitzpatrick. President of FOSH Inc. From left : Richard Hamilton – Vice President of FOSH USA, Oxley Lowmans – USA, Oxley Lowmans, who President FOSH USA, Ronique Gibson (bursary) , Jacqueline Glasgow Brownewas present at the Secretary FOSH SVG; Ronnia Davis (bursary), Kiara Baptiste (scholarship), Clyde announcement of the Fitzpatrick- President FOSH SVG, Reanna Jackson(scholarship). inaugural scholarship donation of shoes to athletes of the St awardees, expressed his organisation’s organisation would like to thank all Vincent Grammar School and the satisfaction at accomplishing one of its individuals and businesses for their continued support”, Lowmans added. mandates. Thomas Saunders Secondary School Since its formation, Friends of Sion who attended this year’s Penn Relays “It was such an emotional moment for the members… Some with tears in Hill has made several donations. in the USA. Among them have been their eyes as the children received Friends of Sion Hill USA , has also their scholarship awards…Listening to presentations of trophies to the Sion hosted two Black and Tie dinners, at the children thanking us and Hill Netball and Football competitions, which persons who have made promising us not to let the opportunity the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel significant contributions to different waste, was even more rewarding”, Orchestra, Christmas packages to spheres of Vincentian life, have been Lowmans stated. senior citizens of Sion Hill, the recognised. “ Members were happy to be present Lazaras Foundation, the Roman The organisation’s motto is at the ceremony, as it was a joy to see Catholic Church. “Rebuilding a community… One life at our hard work is going towards Its most recent input was a a time”. helping these children…Our

Taiwan Medical Team visits SVG THE 11TH TAIWAN Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) medical team paid its visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in July, and received warm welcome from the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Minister of Health Mr. Luke Browne. The Prime Minister welcomed the team to be the first team which touched down at the newly opened Argyle International Airport, and highlighted the valued cooperation between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister Browne also stressed the importance of mutual collaboration in medical fields for the benefits of

Vincentian patients. The team was comprised of Dr. Kun-tu Yeh (Pathologist), Sockping Ng (Chief Pharmacist), Dr. Tren-yi Chen (ER doctor), Sr. Hsiu-tzu Hsu (ICU nurse) and Sr. Hsin-hui Tseng (ER nurse). With the arrangement by Sr. Grace Walters, the Hospital Administrator, the medical team worked closely with different departments and exchanged views on medical treatments, during their stay in the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Especially, in order to deepen the bonds between the CCH and Vincentian patients, the CCH Chief Pharmacist

Sock-ping Ng promoted the medication administration by introducing “5 Rights” to the patients at the Pharmacy in the MCMH. According to her, these 5 Rights are “Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Route, Right Dose and Right Time.” It is important to follow these 5 steps in order to keep patients safe and prevent harm. Her introduction gained positive feedbacks sending its next team to SVG between November from patients. The team stayed in St. and December 2017. Vincent and the Grenadines from July 10 to July 28. All the members are appreciative for the assistance provided by the Ministry of Health and the MCMH. They also had the unforgettable experience of participating in the 40th Vincy Carnival. The CCH will be CCH Chief Pharmacist Sockping Ng introduced the medication administration (5 Rights) to the Vincentian patients.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (centre), Ambassador Baushaun Ger (3rd from left) and the CCH Medical team, at Cabinet Room.

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Corporate

VINLEC staff receive training in air conditioning A FIVE-DAY TRAINING programme on Maintenance and Servicing Procedures for Air Conditioning Units commenced at VINLEC’s Training Room on Monday, July 24th. Nine employees from the Generation Department are involved in the session. The objectives of the training are to introduce participants to the basics in

refrigeration principles and refrigeration and air conditioning safety, provide participants with an understanding of basic servicing and maintenance procedures for air conditioning units, and inform about Ozone and other environmental concerns. During the five-day period, participants will engage in

classroom sessions as well as practical exercises at Cane Hall. They will examine basic air conditioning systems, heat transfer principles, establishing safe working practices and air conditioning components. They will also look at refrigerant safety, diagnostic chats, service and maintenance procedures, among others.

Senior Generation Engineer, Mr. Augustus Ambrose noted that the training is necessary as the Company has air conditioning units at multiple locations across the country. He says that this training will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to allow the trained personnel to address routine issues. He encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity for learning. The training is

Two of the participants in the training programme. being facilitated by Mr. Gary Peters - Lecturer in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at the St. Vincent Community College, Division of Technical and Vocational Institute. Mr. Peters told the participants that it is important that they acquire the information and skills if they want to be successful in this field. He noted that the technology continues to change, and encouraged them to keep abreast with what is happening in the industry. Upon completion of the training on Friday July 28th, the participants will receive Certificates of Participation/Completion.

DIGICEL and CPL launch youth programme DIGICEL HAS ANNOUNCED a partnership with the biggest party in sport — the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) - to launch the inaugural Digicel CPL Youth Programme, which will see over 200 young aspiring cricketers across the region, being trained by their local CPL franchise players and coaches. The two-phased initiative, which consists of The Big Brother Programme and Take it to the Streets, allows both Digicel and the CPL to give back to and nurture up and coming young talents from across the participating CPL tournament markets, including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Each one-day clinic will consist of boys and girls who will be taught the fundamentals of the game in order to improve and hone their skills, while learning from the best in the sport. Not only will they be sharpening their cricketing skills, but will also instill the intangible requirements it takes to be great in the sport. Digicel’s Head of Sponsorship, Ben Bradley said; “Sport is a major part of the Caribbean culture, and we are staying true to our commitment of developing and nurturing athletes across the region. The kids are the focus here — we are merely providing the platform for them to express themselves and show their class — while learning from some of the world’s best.” As the first youth partnership with Digicel, Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero CPL commented; “I’ve had the opportunity to watch and interact with some of these young talents across the region over the years, and I can tell you they’re very promising. So we’re very excited to be working with Digicel in this new way to help develop these kids, some of whom will be playing on these fields in the future.” The Big Brother programme kicked off in Barbados on Tuesday 25th July, while the Take it to the Streets/Take it to the Beach phase gets underway in August.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 23.

Education

GECCU rewards 115 CPEA students

addition to GECCU’s obligation to its current scholarship holders. The ONE HUNDRED AND twelve scholarship recipients FIFTEEN STUDENTS comprised seven girls and five boys. (115) who sat this President of GECCU, Gary year’s CPEA exams Matthias said that the distribution and were successful, of the scholarships and bursaries is have been rewarded one of five ways the Credit Union by the General contributes to the development of the Employees’ Cohuman capital of the state through its operative Credit Union support for members’ children. (GECCU) Limited, Matthias explained that GECCU has during the 15th been awarding scholarship since President of annual scholarship 1981.To date, 244 scholarships have GECCU Gary awards ceremony. been awarded, 219 merit scholarships, Matthias gave The event took 12 bursaries and 13 Grenadines an overview of place at the GECCU’s social scholarships. Methodist Church Matthias also disclosed that action endeavor Hall last Tuesday between 2005 and 2016, GECCU has through it 25th under the apportioned some $1000,000 towards Scholarship/ theme: ‘Author of its scholarship programme, and Bursary your destiny’. Proud Programme. $114,800 for bursary recipients for the parents, scholarship same period. and bursary recipients, education Delivering welcoming remarks, officials and employees of GECCU as Mineva Glasgow, Chairperson of the well as well-wishers were all in Scholarship Committee, congratulated attendance. the recipients, revealing that it was Twelve students received decided at the recently concluded scholarship,s while 103 students Annual General Meeting that they received bursaries valued at $150 per would increase the bursary from $ 100 person, which is an equivalent to a to $150. “GECCU has expanded its new commitment of $159, 450 over a bursary offerings by $5,350. You may seven-year period. The figure is in say that this is not significant, but it is by KENVILLE HORNE

ECGC awards successful CPEA students FOUR STUDENTS who gained success at the 2017 CPEA exams have rewarded for their academic achievement by the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC). On July 24, 20177, at the Scholarship/bursary recipients with their parents and ECGC ECGC representatives. Headquarters St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua. at Campden Park, Latisha The recipients, all children of Cruickshank and DeShawna Caine members of ECGC staff, expressed were awarded Scholarships, while sincere gratitude to the company for Joshua Alleyne and Christanley its king assistance. Warner were given bursaries Mrs. Phyllis James- H.R Manager, The awards will be cover a period encouraged both parents and of five years at the secondary level awardees to continue to reach for and two years at tertiary education. Recipients must maintain an average excellence in all they do. Lincoln Caine, who thanked the of 60% and over to remain eligible for company on behalf of the parents, the award. added that incentives such as Latisha Cruickshank and scholarships where the children of the DeShawna Caine will attend the employees’ benefit, bears evidence Girls’ High School. Joshua Allyene that the staff of ECGC are not only will attend Emmanuel High Mesopotamia and Christanly Warner, employee, but a family.

Some of the 2017 GECCU awardees and their parents at last Tuesday’s Award Ceremony. when one considers the various projects that this Credit Union has earmarked for the next 5 years,” said Glasgow. She appealed to the students to make full use of the time and opportunities to train their minds, develop themselves, network with others and learn from the best. Remarks were also delivered by the Ministry of Education representative Dickson Findlay, who expressed thanks to GECCU, noting that education is expensive business, therefore when any institution such as GECCU steps up and helps, “we have to say thank you.”

Responding on behalf of the scholarship recipients, Keanu Child expressed a heartfelt thank you to GECCU. “Our parents are extremely grateful for this assistance, as we all know how difficult it is to cover all the expenses that come with being a secondary school student,” said Child. Motivational speaker Dr. Priyadarshani Ramsamooj GECCU, scholarship recipients from 2000, told the recipient that they were present, “…because of your hard work and because GECCU believes in you.” She advised them to focus on five words: greatness, education, consistency, character and youths. (KH)

V Take a step back 24. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

cook is sweeter than I am. I his meals for himself and an idea as didn’t take that for anything. structure his work schedule to which direction his compass care of, in such a way that would make him feel special My husband wants me to accordingly. The question put is pointing. MY HUSBAND IS ACCUSING me and not competing with his stop going out of my way to to you by your neighbour may Step back a bit and put your of being too generous and naïve. neighbour. not seem out of place to you, energies into seeing to it that I disagree. So I I’ve decided to cook for this man. I am still cooking for this neighbour. your husband is well taken but it sure provides you with write to you to ask you your George opinion. Neighbourly My next-door neighbour lives alone and he has nobody Dear Neighbourly, to cook for him. He has to work 12 hours a day and gets Offering your home late at nights. I told my am sure his wife does not fully are for his wife to admire and Dear George, neighbour husband, seeing that he is appreciate him for who he is and appreciate. While it is good that something to eat alone like that, whenever we what he has to offer. you find your way to church, it I AM IN LOVE WITH MY pastor. once in a while cook we can give him enough In the meantime, I continue to should not be for the reason that food to last him a few days. So, should not become He is young, handsome and go to church and judging from my you do. flamboyant. I make it my business an issue, but going I decided to bake a cake or writings, you ought to know why. The next time you attend to be in church every Sunday and out of your way to sweetbread for him at least church, it would be useful to ask prepare meals for other days and nights, so I can get once per month. your pastor to pray a special Ready and waiting this adult male is to speak with him and be close to My husband thinks that prayer for you. Coveting someone him. a different once you start cooking for a Dear Ready and waiting, else’s husband is not in line with I plan to put some personal man he would want more. I do scenario. what the Bible teaches, and surely questions to him, but I am afraid Your neighbour not agree. This neighbour has You mentioned your pastor is it’s something even your pastor he would reject me and see me as is old enough and not really been out of his place ‘young, handsome and flamboyant’, would discourage you against. a bad person. Am I a bad person ought to be with me except the one time but you forgot to include for loving a man who has all the responsible he asked me to let him taste George enough to organize qualities a woman is looking for? I “married”. Your pastor’s qualities me, to see whether the food I

Dear George,

In love with my pastor

Bringing your own dinner it as?

let her know how much her actions displeased you. I INVITED MY FRIEND Livid If there is a next time and her husband for with this friend, you will dinner, seeing that I had Dear Livid, be more careful not to not seen them for over Showing up to your just give an open nine years. They live in invitation but one with Brooklyn, New York. She dinner invitation with food and also the very specifics and guidelines. asked me ahead of the menu that you planned Having said that, try not day what I would be to lose a friend over one cooking. To my disgust, is classless and highly inappropriate. You would dinner invitation. George, this woman not have been wrong to showed up at my house George with two of the dishes I had planned to cook already cooked. I asked her why she did that and she said she had long stopped eating out because she cannot see how clean the people are who prepare the meals. She begged me not to take it as offense, but what else can I take

Dear George,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) A trip to visit relatives should be rewarding. Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do. Lovers may no be truthful. You can get a great deal accomplished if you bring work home.

face if you have neglected your mate. Your emotional partner will push the right buttons this week. You can meet potential new mates, but make sure that they aren’t already com‐ mitted to someone else. Partnerships will be successful.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Don’t push your luck with authority. Be careful when deal‐ ing with investments. Trips should be your choice.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You can make new friends and get involved in new hobbies successfully. You can make a huge difference to children if you are able to put yourself in their shoes. Your charm will be captivating. You may become rundown if you take on too much.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension. Someone you live with will be quite unreason able this week. Start sending out those resumes. In‐laws may cause difficulties. Travel should be considered. CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Your self‐confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Try to concentrate on research and acquiring information that will be of value in your chosen field. Be creative in your pursuits. You may be able to get some good advice about your personal problems. LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Don’t vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. You need to make changes that will raise your self‐esteem, such as a new hairstyle or a new image. Follow your gut feeling regard‐ ing your business ventures. Someone you live with will be quite unreason able this week. VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Lovers will be demanding. You are best to sign your partner up for activities that will be tiring. Your involvement in interest groups may bring you popularity. Don’t make those you live with feel unloved or unworthy. You are best to do your research before taking on such a venture. LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Uncertainties regarding your love life will sur‐

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Money problems will get worse if your part‐ ner hasn’t been playing by the rules. Changes in your domestic situation will prove to be favorable in the long run. Don’t delay; go to your physician or dentist and get to the bot‐ tom of the discomfort. Do not react too harshly when dealing with partners. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Your ability to stand out in a crowd will bring you the recognition you desire. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. It’s time to get yourself back on track. Try to be honest when dealing with your mate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. Use your better judgment before you sign up for a costly venture. Get involved in fitness programs that will bring you in contact with new friends. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) You can bet that someone in a higher position is watching to see how busy you are. Check into art objects or precious stones. You can do well in group endeavors. You can make a dif‐ ference if you take a position of leadership. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement.

ACROSS 1.Face covering 5. Latin American dance 11. 6th month of the Jewish calendar 12. Suds 13. Cover with wax 14. Afraid 15. Last 17. Born 18. One circuit 19. Against 20. Theme 23. Used up 24. So be it 25. Brown‐capped boletus mushroom 26. Monetary unit of Japan 27. Become coarse 31. Call to arms 33. The villain in Othello 34. Indicate 35. Indication 36. Testify 37. Otherwise DOWN 1. Clublike weapon

2. Capital of Yemen 3. Reddish brown chalcedony 4. Citadel of Moscow 5. Fastening device 6. Handle of a knife 7. Consumed 8. Alter 9. In this 10. Fervent 16. Idiot 19. Inform 20. Ancient

fortress in Israel 21. Beaten egg dish 22. Occupant 23. Ocean 25. Celestial body

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 25.

27. Intersects 28. Travel on water 29. Ova 30. Not one 32. Fish eggs

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Feature

Robert ‘Bobby’ Forde in his ‘Charger’ (left) and Nakita JohnEVO 10, combined to run away with top honours.

Nakita and Bobby are top ‘Runway Outlaws’ NEWCOMERS ROBERT ‘BOBBY’ Forde and his girlfriend Nakita John stole the limelight at the ‘Runaway Outlaws’

motor sport event staged on Sunday 16th July, 2017, at the now decommissioned facility of the E. J. Joshua Airport. The event was organized by Vincy Motor Sports (Vimocs). Forde, driving his Dodge R/T Charger, all

but knocked the other competitors off the track, and he was heading for the day’s crowning glory when up came his girlfriend Nikita. Nikita, in a Mitsubishi EVO 10, also owned by Forde, was the only female driver on show and she weaved her way, with the guile and dexterity equal to her male counterparts, and won their hearts and vociferous support and commendation. Both cars were described as one-of-a kind cars on our shores, up to race time “This couple has the right idea,” commented Sanjay Jindahni Vimocs president, after Sunday’s event. ‘Runway Outlaws’ was aimed at raising the $30,000 needed to purchase the timing equipment and software required to put on an officially timed racing event. “We are trying to raise money for the equipment for October,” Jindahni added. October is expected to feature the second edition of the Independence Festival, a collaborative event as part of the 2017

Independence celebrations that involves Invest SVG, SVG Association of Music Professionals (AMP), the Department of Culture, Vimcos and other racing Clubs. The Festival is a multi-faceted affair — a mixture of sports, cultural presntations, local food and craft, and a general display of Vincentian talent. “The goal of Vimoc is to build national pride ....culture, tourism, heritage, etc.,” Jindahni explained. And the momentum will be sustained with the staging of ‘Runaway Outlaw 2’. This is scheduled for Sunday 6th August at the E.T. Joshua Airport compound, and organisers have billed the vent a ‘family affair’, which promises not only the excitement of motor sports, led again by ‘Bobby’ and Nakita, but a package of entertainment and lots of giveaways. Encouraged by the patronage at ‘Runaway Outlaw 1’, the organisers are anticipating even greater patronage and are working to ensure that they get ‘their money’s worth’.

The battle of the bikers is always a goose-bump racing experience.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 27.

Vincentian athletes at two Junior Games

preliminaries. Javon Rawlins’ 11.21 seconds was not good enough to get him past the preliminaries of the Males 100m. His 200m run of 23.31 seconds also failed to get him out of the preliminary phase. Michael Ollivierre and Shafiqua Rawlins in the Maloney Long Jump, had a Backstroke. best leap of 5.93m. The Long The two were also in the Jump was a straight final SVG team to the CYG from left: Wayne Williams, Zita Vincent, event, which saw him placing 50m Breaststroke, with Jabari Michael-Khensu Niesha Alexander, Shane Cadogan, Nikolas Sylvester, Javon 10th. Cadogan clocking 31.13 Rawlins, Darria Matthias. seconds and Sylvester- 33.05 And, Zita Vincent did not Cadogan clocked 25.38 seconds, but neither finish in the Females 1500m seconds to win his heat in the ST VINCENT AND THE Females 400m final and placed and was listed as disqualified advanced. 50m freestyle, while Sylvester Grenadines team of two athletes eighth in 55.92 secs. She had Also, Cadogan and in the 800m. was third in the same heat in to the Pan Am Under-20 clocked 56.92 seconds in the Sylvester timed one minute The Athletics events were 25.93 seconds, but their Championships which took place heats. 11.21 seconds and one minute returns were too slow to get held at the Thomas .A. in Peru last weekend, returned But Maloney’s 25.09 12.82 seconds, respectively in Robinson National Stadium. either into the final eight. creditable performances. seconds in the 200m did not the 100m Breaststroke. In the pool at the Betty SVG’s contingent to the Pan Jabarri Michael-Khensu, a get her past the preliminary Cadogan swam 27.63 Kelly Kenning Aquatics, Am Juniors had Michael US based athlete who round. seconds to place third in heat neither Nikolas Sylvester’s Ollivierre as coach, with the qualified, based on Vincentian two of 50 metres Butterfly. In CYG management team seconds nor Shane parentage, clocked 21.75 Commonwealth Youth Games 30.27 that same heat, Nikolas Cadogan’s 30.89, could get comprised of Wayne Williams seconds in the 200m to earn Sylvester was eighth in a time and Niesha Alexander. them further than the himself a place in the final. He St Vincent and the of 28.78 seconds. qualifiers of the 50m finished in seventh place in Grenadines also had the championship run, representation in the clocking 21.44 seconds. The disciplines of Athletics and race was won by Jamaican Aquatics (Swimming) at the Christopher Taylor in 20.38 Commonwealth Youth seconds. Games (CYG) in the Michael-Khensu finished Bahamas. sixth in a time of 11.92 Darria Matthias got as TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OF distance training seconds in his 100m heat, far as the Females 100m of athletes. failing to qualify for the finals. semi-finals, clocking 12.61 Team Athletics SVG- Chester Morgan has added Level Two This addition to Meanwhile, Shafiqua seconds, after her 12.53 certification in middle/long his portfolio came Maloney qualified for the seconds in the after attending a course in Puerto Rico, from 29th June to 7th July. THE FRENCH VERANDAH College were in On his way early trouble in SVG Community College to his recent pursuit of their finished third in the 2017 Sir certification, Garfield Sobers International target, and were Morgan had to reduced to 86 for Schools Cricket Tournament, traverse three Chester Morgan (centre) displays his Level this after playing unbeaten in 8, before Tilron elements of the Two certificate, flanked by Oscar Degea Harry, 40 not the preliminary. course: theory, (left) from Uruguay and Roy Thomas of out, and Jeremy The Vincentian lads’ third practical Jamaica. Haywood, 24, place came following a defeat session and an examination. shared a ninth by Lodge School of Barbados Morgan also had to do an oral Among the topics given wicket stand of by 7 runs, in one of the two examination - a one on one focus during the course were discussion on topics from the 49 runs. They semi finals on Friday. the bio motors ability for needed 12 from In that encounter, the theory elements. He collected middle and long-distance SVGCC inserted the opposition the final over, of The French Verandah SVG Community three points in each exam from who got up to 155 for 9 in their which a College team which put up a commendable athletes, such as speed, the IAAF points system. boundary came 40 overs, recovering from 112 Describing the course as overall performance in the 2017 Sir Garfield endurance, strength, flexibility and co-ordination. demanding, he disclosed that in the first ball, for 9 at one point. Zachary Sobers International Schools Cricket Practical session involved his best show was in the before a tragic Parris 31 not out, Jamali Tournament. technical tactics and mental practical session, attaining the Lynch 26, Nagid Forde 22 and run out the very Foundation School of Barbados preparation of middle and full three marks. next delivery. Jeremy Layne Ackeel Hoyle 20, all got long-distance events. An upbeat Morgan, said he also added 31 at the top of the defeated BCL Juniors also of amongst the runs. Spinners According to Morgan, Barbados by three wickets. is eagerly looking forward to innings. Dillon Douglas 3 for 47, “Designing macro- cycles or pursuing level three as it Spinners Ryshon Williams, BCL Juniors 148 all out in Roshorn John 2 for 21 and yearly training plans was 35.4 overs. Foundation School augments his accreditation. 3 for 14, and Ackeel Hoyte, 3 Ronaldo Franklyn 2 for 26 also part of the course.” Morgan is a graduate of the bowled well for the Vincentian for 16, did the damage for the 152 for 7 in 27 overs. In addition to a written Universidad Deportivo Del Sur Lodge school. unit. exam in which he scored 33 of Venezuela (2006-2011). I.B.A.ALLEN The SVG Community In the other semi finals, marks out of a maximum 40,

Chester Morgan earns further certification

SVG Community College cops third place

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Owia Young Strikers take PCCU softball title years of the competition. Meanwhile, the Simple Boys One duo of Jabari Cunningham and Stein Joseph, gathered the awards of most sixes Owia Young Strikers and best wicket keeper, Daverson respectively. Lavia - triple contested the 2017 Gaining recognition as awardee. competition. the competition’s most promising young player was Zevron Bobb of Street Fighters, and the best manager awardee was once more — Carlos James of Outa Trouble. Dr Thomas Injectors was adjudged the most Ozni Billingy (right) who retained his most runs disciplined team; Fully award, gets his prizes from Raquel Holder of the Loaded- most improved PCCU. team, and Shop For Less Nice Radio Clinchers — OWIA YOUNG STRIKERS each and Rolando Wright best banner and winners (OYS) copped the sixth 2 for 7. of the ball-o-rama edition of St Vincent and Street Fighters won competition. the Grenadines Police Co- the third place by There were also operative Credit Union’s beating Simple Boyz by awards given to players (PCCU) 20/20 Softball two wickets. of the weeks and the Cricket Competition, after Scores: Simple Boyzmost ardent spectators. Most promising young player- Devron victory in a rain affected 121, Street Fighters- 122 Twenty-five teams Bobb. final played last Sunday for 8. afternoon, at the Richland Owia Young Strikers, Park Oval. who placed third in the In the process, OYS 2016 Clinchers dethroned Country Meet competition, are the A CENTURY by Miles Town Outa Trouble One, defending champions of Bascombe and another by as title holders, winning the Sea Operations Nar an unlikely souce — fast on a faster scoring rate. Friend Dem Greiggs bowler Ray Jordon, all Owia Young Strikers competition. but accounted for Victors were dismissed for 91. By winning the PCCU One’s decimation of Daverson Lavia stroked Clinchers title, Owia ASCO in one of last 24 and Hyron Shallow Young Strikers join Outa weekend’s games in the NLA Premier Division 21. Trouble, Simple Boyz Cricket Competition. When rain ended play, and CGM Gallagher Bascombe hit six fours Outa Trouble One were Novice, as title holders. and three sixes on his 38 for 8 in the 16.5 overs. way to 101 from 118 Doing the damage Awards balls, while Jordon, took with ball for Owia Young the ASCO bowlers to the Strikers were Rolando For winning the title, cleaners, hitting six sixes Wright, 3 for 7, and Owia Young Strikers Miles Bascombe Ray Jordan and six fours in a 91-ball Randall Munroe, 3 for collected the challenge hit 101 for stroked 105 for innings of 105, his first Kenneth Dember 10. trophy, the first place Victors One. century at this level of Asif Hooper took Victors One. took 5 for 82 for Owia Young Strikers trophy, $2000 and local cricket. 5 for 48 for Team Police Two. reached the final, after medals, while Outa The two helped Victors Rivals. beating Gairy’s Trouble received a One to a total of 313 for 5, Gidron Pope 50, Kenneth Dember 5 for 82; Police Construction Simple trophy, medals and this in reply to ASCO’s first innings of 66 all, in two: 106 from 34.1 overs. Salvan Spencer 23. Boyz by 27 runs on which Norlan Williams had 3 for 14 and Kinson $1500, and third placeDelorn Johnson took 3 for 20, Dyke Cato 3 for 56 Daizell 4 for 13. Saturday. Street Fighters got a and Lindon James 3 for 17. ASCO were 24 for 4 in their second turn at the Owia Young Strikers trophy. crease when play ended, Dalzell again among the made 125 - Osnet Cato Owia Young Strikers’ First Division wickets with 3 for 16. 27 and Marcus Daverson Lavia was the In another Premier Division weekend match, The finalists for the NLA First Division Sunday Hackshaw 20.Travis MVP of the competition, Team Rivals gained first innings points over League 50 overs will be decided this Saturday when Cumberbatch had 3 for the player of the final Guardian Saints. Scores: Team Rivals 201 for 6 the four top teams clash in the semifinals. 10 and Edwin Payne 2 and the bowler with the Anson Latchman 83, Harley Skerritt 63,. Sunil Defending champions Smashers will play Rudy’s for 45. most wickets. Ambris took 3 for 65; Guardian Saints 158 for 9 Electrical Unique Warriors at Stubbs, while French Simple Boys were sent Ozni Billingy of Street from 42.2 overs - Ambris 68, Romel Currency 30, Verandah SVG Community College take on packing for 98 after Stein Fighters was again the Asif Hooper bagged 5 for 48. Providence Electronics North Leeward at Arnos Joseph got 40. Daverson leading run scorer, an The Flow Radcliffe and Police Two match was Vale Two. Lavia and Randell award he received for the also drawn. Scores: Flow Radliffe: 284 for 9 from Munroe had 3 for 11 third time in the six 61.4 - Richie Richards 98, Wayne Harper hit 63, I.B.A.ALLEN

Bascombe, Jordan demolish ASCO

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. 29.

Sports

Mexico shot down

THE USA has taken the 2017 Gold Cup, and most of the attention is on their having narrowed the gap between their traditional arch-rivals Mexico. The USA must be congratulated on their victory. They would have been wary of the encounter, having been dumped out of the previous final by the very Jamaicans. Thereafter, Jamaica played Mexico in the final and came up on the wrong side. That time, it was a 3:1 win for the Mexicans. One wouldn’t want to say that Jamaica seems good at the semi-final stage. Given the circumstances, the Jamaican performance is nothing short of astounding. They have been eliminated from the World Cup Qualifiers, and this tournament was seen as a matter of resurgence. And how have they defied expectations. When one considers that Jamaica struggled in the Caribbean Cup when Curacao obtained some mileage. But Jamaica seems to relish the big stage, and when the going got rough, Jamaica lived up to the billing. Their journey to the final came in almost seismic fashion. The USA will revel in their championship, but Jamaica will have accomplished a phenomenal feat. That 1:0 win over Mexico sent shock waves throughout the Mexican empire. The Mexican football fraternity has been thrown in disarray, and analysts and pundits in that Central American zone are upset and up in arms as to how Jamaica could have thwarted a Mexican final advance. Mexico might have experimented with their team selection, in the belief that any squad they posted would have been capable of taking care of the Jamaicans, or any opponent for that matter. But the Kemar Lawrence speciality in the 88th minute is still reverberating within not just the Mexican circles, but throughout the football dynasty. The cynics might perceive that Jamaica seems only capable of making the finals but can’t deliver. One must consider that the Jamaicans were up against nearly unsurmountable odds. There is no doubt that the weight of the journey must have weighed down on the CARICOM squad. Hardly anyone expected Jamaica to have advanced so far. They would have been branded as one of those destined for an early exit. And if that had taken place, it would have been business as usual. It was not until Mexico was eliminated that Jamaica was looked at as serious contenders. Given that it was the very Jamaicans who prevented the USA from narrowing the gap with their southern rival in the previous showdown, their might have been a little more respect for the Jamaicans. There is doubt that they would have been seriously disadvantaged, and the psychological and other warfare would have intensified. Jamaica might be a big Caribbean nation, but on the world scale, they are regarded as small fries. That nation can draw on its reputation in athletics to establish some credentials in other aspects of world affairs. Football is a different ball game, and we in the region have a lot to learn to be able to match wits and other requirements to be a football heavy weight. Congratulations are in order for Coach Theodore Whitmore. Jamaica owes a debt of gratitude to the man with the golden gloves: Andre Blake. There might be usual CARICOM hostility, but Jamaica might just have granted Trinidad and Tobago some boost and morale encouragement with their dismantling of the Mexican regime. The Soca Warriors have that agenda to complete. Even though the USA might have redeemed themselves, Trinidad and Tobago would be inspired by the Jamaican performance. This recent Jamaican accomplishment has the underlying message that the Caribbean can hold its own on whatever ground.

Dominican sports official wants WISG redesigned DOMINICA’S Director of SportsTrevor Shillingford, wants to see a redesign of the annual CBN/Winlott Inc. Windward Islands Schools’ Games (WISG). Shillingford spoke to the issue as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 2017 edition last Saturday, at the West St George Secondary School. In elucidating his position, Shillingford, in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, said that the WISG needs to be more attractive. “We usually refer to the Games as a multi- discipline event, where you have for instance Track and Field athletes doubling up as footballers; netballers doubling up as basketballers, so I think some sort of soul searching needs to take place where we can find a way to make the games more attractive,” Shillingford declared. Shillingford revealed that it is time that the WISG move away from a venture for “students coming together to be involved in some friendly rivalry, where it is more about establishing a bond of unity.. “I believe (that) we should get to a stage where the Games should be so meaningful that persons from outside the region will get a lot more interested in the Games, where scouts from the various universities in the US, in Great Britain will be interested in the Games as it would be such a product that persons would want to associate themselves with,” the Dominican official subscribed. Shillingford holds the view that, once the WISG moves towards being an event with such a status, other major organisations would have to stop and take notice and plan around the annual Schools’ Games. “ We realise in recent times, that a number of our studentathletes are engaged in other

sporting activities at the very same time when the Windward Islands Schools’ Games are taking place…It is tradition that games are held at a specific time of the year annually, and I believe that if the Games are made a lot more attractive, then our national associations need to come on board because these associations need to realise that Windward Islands Schools’ Games plays a significant role in the development of our athletes, and such we need to get the type of respect,” he proffered. “For instance they have young ladies participating in CONCACAF Under-20 football … I believe that when these tournaments are offered , our national sports associations should say to the international bodies that there is already an established thing happening in our sub- region that would prevent us from participating,” Shillingford asserted. He advanced that there are enough resource persons within the four Windward Islands to engage their expertise in formulating a plan to revamp the WISG in the very short term. Shillingford too, wants agencies such as the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) to be part of the

(R): Trevor ShillingfordDominica’s Director of Sports restructuring process. The WISG is a multi-discipline undertaking among the islands of Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Presently, the WISG involves the disciplines of male and female Basketball, male and female Volleyball, Football, Netball and Track and Field. The events are crammed into a seven-day period during the last week of July each year. The WISG is rotated among the four territories annually. The current set of the WISG, has its origins in 1922. Reports say that a bilateral co-operation between the headmasters of the St Vincent Boys Grammar School (FW Revees)and the St Mary’s College in St Lucia (JF Blackman), got the movement going. This continued yearly until 1924, with Grenada admitted in 1925. But there was a break in the hosting during the period of World War II. It was not until 1947 that all four islands were able to contest the Games, which were held in Grenada. The WISG though went through periods of dormancy, until it was revived in 1987 and has been consistent since then.

Aussies chalk up big win in Bequia competition last weekend, at the Clive Tannis playing field. The Aussies compiled 278 for 8 from 20 overs. Shem Browne led the batting with 74, with Dean Browne contributing 67. Bevon Stowe took 3 for 32. Whaleboner Superstas were dismissed for 84 from 12.1 overs, their demise caused by Braxy Browne 3 for 11, Dean Browne 3 for 14, and Meshack Williams 2 for 29. In other results, Monica Cash Shem and Carry Port Elizabeth defeated Browne Fully Loaded by 6 wickets. stroked a top score of Scores: Fully Loaded 159 for 9 from 20 overs - Mikron McDowall 74 for 46, Phillip Baptiste 28. Rohan Aussies.

AUSSIES recorded a whopping 194-runs win over Whaleboner Superstars as action continued in the Bequia Premier League 20/20 Cricket

Blake 3 for 38; Monica Cash and Carry Port Elizabeth 162 for 4 Imron Smith 63, Aaron Friday 31, Ryan Richards 24. Friendship United won over Davis Construction Port Elizabeth Masters. Scores: Davis Construction Port Elizabeth Masters 162 for 7 from 20 overs Calvin Hazell 43, Berton Forde 37, Alrick Pompey 3 for 25; Friendship United 165 for 4 from 16.3 overs - . Desbert Yorke 44 not out Levan Stowe 40 not out, Verden Baptiste, Allon Foyle 2 for 6. I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

FOR RENT 3 Bedroom house at Campden Park Tel: 457-7350 1 2-bedroom apartment at Dauphine, Belair Tel: 529-6946 2 bedroom apartment Semi-furnished with internet services at Dorsetshire Hill. Whatapp 784-496-2239

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F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 28, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.30

A.I. REAL ESTATE Carapan 8,719 sq.ft @ $ 12.00 p.s.f. - $104,628.00 - B188 Campden Park 6 bedrm Property on 3,483 sq.ft. - $342,000.00 - H145 Chateaubelair 4 bedrm Property on 5,291 sq.ft. - $151,000.00 - H120 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

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TEACHERS ON ALERT by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY AUGUST 30 could well be a day of decision as far as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Union of Teachers (SVGUT) is concerned. Teachers are expected to gather on that day for their branch exercise, and if they President of the SVGUT Oswald Robinson delivered a litany of teachers’ concerns, and hinted at a decrease in patience for corrective action.

give the all clear, schools may be in for an extension of the July- August vacation break. President of the SVGUT Oswald Robinson gave as much as a hint last Tuesday at the Union’s Mc Kie’s Hill headquarters, where the Union hosted a press conference. He outlined that he was not going to put his Executive at risk. However, he warned that there were a number of issues which were affecting members

of the teaching profession. The situation whereby teachers have not seen any upgrade in their status despite having completed university degrees, remained a burning issue. Principals have been $90 short on an $800 allowance for some seven years, and Robinson wants to see that matter dealt with. Allowances to Special Needs teachers have also been withheld. And Robinson

regarded it as slavery that persons have been deputising as Heads of Schools and have not received any money for those additional duties. The Teachers Union President also expressed an anxiety to see a reduction in the number of years for teachers to start getting their National Insurance Services benefits. He is nervous that a situation could develop where there is something of an ‘oldaged poverty’.

CAUTION: NO EXCUSE TO CLOSE SCHOOLS, PLEASE those responsible that the needs at some institutions required more VIBERT LAMPKIN, the First Vice than a few weeks of attention. President of the St. Vincent and the He bemoaned “deplorable” Grenadines Union of Teachers conditions under which teachers (SVGUT), is hoping that the Union worked, and recalled having to is not given an “excuse to have to order the closure of an institution close schools.” because of the state to which it has His ‘word of caution’ came as he deteriorated. addressed the issue of the physical Lampkin called for “timely conditions in schools, and called for repairs”, and hoped that enough repairs and renovation work at money is provided for completion of schools to be completed before the the works so that teachers can beginning of the new school year, in provide the “quality education” for September. which the Prime Minister Lampkin’s concerns about incessantly calls. conditions and safety at schools Quality education can be across the state were raised during assured, Lampkin said, if the last Tuesday’s press conference environment to which teachers and hosted by his Union. students are exposed, “gets a He decried any attempts at a corresponding quality grade.” “cosmetic approach,” and reminded by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

First Vice President of the SVGUT all but begged the administration to move speedily to attend to outstanding repairs at schools so as to avoid having to close schools.

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

OOPS

Apologies to Atiron Lockhart and his father, master builder Oxley ‘D Giddy’ Lockhart, for an error in a caption to a photograph (see above) carried in our July 14, 2017 issue. We said that David ‘Sky’ Llewellyn was the masquerader in a King of the Bands costume entitled ‘King Kong — The Eighth Wonder of the World’. We now know that that masquerader was Atiron Lockhart. No hard feelings to two of our leading mas personalities. Looking forward to seeing your production for 2018.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.