THE VINCENTIAN PDF-28-08-20

FRIDAY AUGUST

28, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.35

Determination pays off Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Geothermal going ahead?

Page 4

Police Steelband’s milestone Page 11

EC$1.50

LIAT: Debt write-off?

Page 16

Da Silva out Page 24

PS TAKEN TO TASK

BY MAGISTRATE

Nerissa Gittens-McMillan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, etc. did not escape a reprimand for having used underserving remarks to a defence attorney. the Nation’s Public Assistance funds of thousands of dollars, CHIEF MAGISTRATE RECHANNE on February 7, 2018.

BROWNE has admitted that the Derville Thomas of Biabou conduct of Permanent Secretary and Learie Johnson of Nerissa Gittens-McMillan in Lowmans Windward, both Court on Monday was former employees at the “unacceptable.”

Ministry of National Gittens-McMillan was a Mobilisation, are facing prosecution witness in the charges of forgery, theft, Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into deception and conspiracy in an allegation of deprivation of connection with the matter.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

During the PI on Monday, Attorney Grant Connell, who is representing Johnson, made a sharp complaint to the Court that the PS, who serves in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Welfare, etc., had come within his personal space and made an utterance, and he asked the Chief Magistrate to find out from the PS what was said, and to whom it was directed.

When the Magistrate asked Gittens-McMillan what she said, she admitted that she told Connell, he was an “evil man”.

Gittens-McMillan had encroached on Connell’s space as she walked past the Bar Table on her way to the Magistrate Clerk’s desk to sign the notes of evidence which had been read back to her, on completion of Connell’s cross-examination.

Connell told the Court that the PS came within his personal space, unknown to him, and if he had reacted with a reflex action to defend himself, and she was struck, he would not have been wrong.

“The PS must be told that she must conduct herself within the ethics of the Court,” the lawyer said, adding, “This system seemed to be descending into an abyss of disrespect.”

He described GittensMcMillan’s action as very disrespectful to the Court, and noted that on the other hand, he was very calm and respectful during his crossexamination of the PS. “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and unbecoming of the Office she holds. She came within my personal space.

“I don’t know who gave her that authority to act like that

in your Court. I have seen her superiors come to your Court, and they have not behaved like that,” Connell observed.

The Chief Magistrate agreed with Connell that such behaviour was unacceptable. She also agreed that Connell was very calm during his crossexamination.

Connell did not demand an apology, neither did the Court order one, and the PS left after signing the notes of evidence.

The PI will Attorney Grant Connell must have continue on wondered what he did to deserve the September 24.

PS’s description of him, yet found it in his heart to forgive her.

Connell forgives Continued on Page 3.

Meanwhile, Defence Attorney Grant Connell says he has no choice but to forgive Permanent Secretary Nerissa Gittens-McMillan for the disrespectful behaviour she displayed at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Connell said, “A Permanent Secretary made a comment in Court on Monday. I can’t remember her name. I don’t know her. I don’t know her antecedents in life which might have provoked such utterance, but I have no choice but to forgive her. She may not be aware of the court environ.”

As referenced earlier, Gittens-McMillan went very close to Connell at the Bar Table and uttered, “You are an Chief Magistrate Rechanne evil man.”

Browne did not hesitate to let “She came within my the PS know that she had personal space, unknown to erred and erred seriously.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

MaxineÊs determination pays off

MAXINE WALTERS is the recipient of the inaugural Sgt. Philbert G. Chambers Memorial Police Scholarship, named in honor of Sgt. Philbert Chambers who died during the course of executing his duty.

Maxine was presented with the reward on Wednesday 19th August during the Annual Joint Scholarship Awards Ceremony of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Co-operative Credit Union (SVGPCCU) and the SVG ExPolice Association The young lady, a member of the Calliaqua Police Youth Group, is the fourth of five children born to parents Jemmer Baptiste (deceased) and Maxford Walters of Pole Yard, Arnos Vale.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Junior Simmons in introducing

her, read from a prepared Biography.

That Biography described Maxine as a very special child who, from the tender age of 4 years, had to travel unaccompanied on vans, to the Fair Hall Early Childhood Centre.

“For a child at that age, Maxine had a very good knowledge of the buses that plied the Villa/Glen route, as she had to literally fend for herself daily on this commute,” the Biography related.

The loss of her mother when she was still at the Kindergarten stage of her life, and with her father unable to find gainful, sustained employment, school life was a difficult undertaking, experience for her.

The Biography said she could not afford text books. “There were days when her teacher would print the work for her, and there were days when the teacher was too busy and Maxine

could be seen copying the work for herself … her dedication and responsibility were beyond her years,” the Assistant Superintendent read.

The trough system Maxine Walters accepts her scholarship cheque from of Christmas 2013 Sgt. Philbert G. Chambers’ mother and father. caused a dramatic change in Maxine’s Undaunted by her life’s experience, life, after flood water entered the she stayed focused and completed her family’s dwelling house in Arnos Vale. primary education at the Fair Hall One of her teachers, Mischka Government School with success at the Young, was so concerned about 2020 CPEA. Maxine’s living conditions that she Her 117th position for girls and her made arrangements with her father to 199th position overall earned her a keep her at her home for weekdays, place at the Girls’ High School. but have her spend weekends with her Maxine, for her part, simply wants family. Maxine would eventually to inspire and motivate students like move in full time with her teacher but her to achieve their fullest potential, as always encouraged to never turn regardless of the odds. (KH) her back on her family.

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 3.

News 3

$300 for a bullet

IF CORNELIUS JOHNNY had handed over to the police the bullet he claimed a boy brought to him, he may not have been before the Court on Monday.

Johnny was charged with possession of a .32 bullet without a licence. He was arrested after members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) had executed a search warrant at his home at Rose Place, around 6:30am last Saturday.

The search turned up the bullet in an ice cream (Frisco) container, on a centre table.

When cautioned, he told the police, “Officer, is a boy had it from down the road and I put it in that.”

An examination by a ballistic expert revealed that the bullet was live.

Johnny pleaded guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious

Offences Court on Monday. He told the Court, “A youth man said he found it down the road, and I just take it and throw it in the thing.”

Johnny had no antecedents, and he earned a one-third reduction in sentence for pleading guilty at the first available opportunity.

But the Chief Magistrate warned that firearm and ammunition offences were serious.

Johnny was fined $300 forthwith or one month behind bars.

The marijuana with which Alvan Lovelace was found.

Van driver to know fate on PS taken to task by Magistrate Monday Continued fron Front Page. me. I actually thought it

was a prisoner from the prisoners bench which is close to the Bar Table. In the spur of the moment,

I could have reacted in defence of myself. It is not something that I expected.” the lawyer

explained.

When asked what he thought could have triggered the PS to react that way, Connell said, “I don’t know. It could have been my line of crossexamination in relation to the list of people who are entitled to Public Assistance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Derville Thomas – one of the accused

Learie Johnson – the other accused

MINIBUS OWNER AND OPERATOR Alvan Lovelace will know his fate on Monday, August 31, as it relates to two drug charges.

On Friday, August 21, the 36-year-old Campden Park man appeared at the Serious Offences Court, and pleaded guilty to possession of 270 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply. He also admitted to possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche requested that the matter be adjourned for presentation of the facts and sentencing, on the basis that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will be conducting a financial investigation in relation to the accused.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted the request.

In the interim, Lovelace was granted $80,000 bail with one surety with reporting conditions, and ordered to surrender his travel documents.

Stop notices were to be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court.

Lovelace was nabbed at Pembroke shortly after midnight last week in the minibus owned and driven by him.

Accused belly slasher to stand trial LAWRENCE DABRIEL, a 54-year-old man of Byrea, who is accused of using a cutlass, to slash fellow villager Michael ‘Mike’ Woods, 56, causing his intestines to protrude, will face a judge and jury.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, on Monday, committed Dabriel to stand trial at the High Court for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Woods with intent, on September 24, 2019.

After the Chief Magistrate, along with the prosecution and the defence reviewed the evidence at the Serious Offences Court, it was concluded a Prima Facie case was made out.

Attorney Joseph Delves is representing Dabriel.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 , 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Geothermal going forward?

ELLSWORTH DACON, Project Manager of what is left of the failed Geothermal Project on the Eastern slopes of La Soufriere, while speaking on Radio 705 last Sunday, August 23, alluded to three options which the government is considering ‘going forward’.

According to Dacon, the three options presented for consideration are: * an approach that uses a model like a motor vehicle radiator that generates power by transferring heat, and therefore does not rely on permeability; * continue to explore for required permeability through the use of optical sensing device that can identify where the permeable areas might be; * stimulating the three wells that have already been dug so as to increase the flow of liquid.

As would be expected, each of the options comes with a cost which will determine which way, if any, the government goes, Dacon said.

It was Dacon who, in an earlier interview with this publication, told the nation that the next step in the Geothermal Project, after it ceased

drilling operations in March, and foreign personnel, including top expertise, had left the country just before the new coronavirus made its landing in SVG, would have been decided when the experts returned.

Information as to whether or not those ‘experts’ returned is not forthcoming, but what is clear is Jardboranir hf., the Icelandic Drilling Company that signed a contract to drill four wells but managed only three, have packed up shop.

The major (drilling and attendant) equipment has been dismantled and is to be shipped, it is reported, to Europe.

The Geothermal Project was promoted as the ‘kingpin’ of the government’s drive to increase the use of renewable energy here.

Much was made of how power generated by this source would translate into lower electricity cost to consumers, a boast which the said Dacon put to spend in the interview as referenced.

Those who have followed this project from its inception will recall that a company registered as St. Vincent Geothermal Company Limited

Much was made of the launch of the drilling at the Geothermal Project in May 2019 (source: CDB) (SVGCL), was established to carry out the St. Vincent Geothermal Project in two phases: Phase I - Exploration and Phase II - Production.

The SVGCL original shareholders were: Emera Caribbean (56.25%) — an international energy and services company with interest in power generation in Barbados; Government of SVG (25%); and Reykjavik Geothermal (18.75%) - a world leading

geothermal Icelandic management and science team.

Emera would in the course of time withdraw from the company and project, and the Government of St, Vincent and the Grenadines assume ownership of its shares.

Whether Emera simply worked away with their losses between their legs is still not a question that has been fully answered.

An aircraft from One Caribbean that is based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

One Caribbean resumes flights to BVI ONE CARIBBEAN LTD. Barbados (OCL Barbados) —trading as One Caribbean - has been cleared to resume flight to the BVI. Word of this was confirmed by Reginald Adams, CEO of OCL Barbados, who said that he had received an official letter from BVI authorities on Sunday, August 23, indicating that the suspension was lifted.

BVI Immigration Minister Vincent Wheatley said the recent suspension placed on the airline was a clear statement to all airlines that the territory is taking its COVID-19 protocols very seriously.

The airline was embargoed from flying to the BVI days ago after reportedly breaching one of the territory’s recently-implemented entry policies.

The policy for which OCL Barbados is accused of breaching falls under the BVI’s Advanced Passenger Information Act. It requires all airlines arriving in the territory to provide information on its passengers at least 24 hours prior to their arrival.

Consequent upon the breach, the airline’s Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) to fly to the BVI was

indefinitely suspended, after an August 4 flight into the BVI. But according to Chief Executive Officer of OCL Barbados, Reginald Adams, a last-minute change in the BVI’s protocols contributed to his airline’s breach.

“Tortola changed their protocol on a Saturday and we were not updated as to the change,” Adams told a media house in St Vincent where the airline is based.

He said the flight proceeded to the BVI the following Monday unaware of the change. It was carrying three BVI government employees at the time.

Due to the changes of the protocols, one of the three passengers was not accepted into the territory and therefore had to return to the point of departure.

According to the new policy, all passengers are to be in possession of a valid travel certificate issued by the Ministry of Health confirming that they are safe to enter into the BVI. CEO Adams said that following investigations into the matter, it was concluded that there was no intent on the airline’s part to break the BVI’s COVID-19 protocols, and the suspension was lifted.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

A Decoy and LIAT THE GUNS/AMMUNITION/CASH scenario that played out recently at the Miami International Airport, in which two Venezuelan pilots and a Learjet were detained, should not be the latest in the voluminous record of issues that have been swept under the carpet.

The fact that this country’s name was used in a nefarious act of smuggling cash and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, by two Venezuelan pilots, is enough to ask: Why SVG? No one should feel they have a right or (God forbid) permission to sullen this country’s name … a sovereign state.

So, why is it that two Venezuelans, of whom we would want to believe have no relations with anyone and/or any private or public sector agency here, would feel so at ease as to submit this country’s name as the final destination on their flight plan?

Granted, the USA authorities were able to establish that the aircraft’s final destination was Venezuela. However, that does not take away from the fact that this country has been implicated, has become entangled in the USA-Venezuela web of strained relations.

The fact remains that this country was named, and regardless of how much spin there will be and has been about the record being a decoy, we should ask ourselves: Why SVG and not some other Caribbean country that has also benefited from the kindness of that Southern American country?

Is there something so special about Venezuela-SVG relations that Venezuelans have been led to believe that they can (mis)use our sovereignty for their own ends?

All the effort to say otherwise cannot take away from the fact that this country’s name has been sullied. Even if it was for purposes of ‘tricking the Americans’, the deed stands as recorded in a document that will remain on file.

We must not stand idly by while persons misuse the relations we enjoy with their country. And we must register our displeasure with the party concerned.

LIAT Again Who is really in charge of overseeing the affairs of LIAT? Some week ago, an Administrator, Cleveland Seaforth of BDO - an accountancy and business advisory firm — was appointed and tasked with working to restructure the regional carrier, if at all it is possible so to do.

It appeared that Seaforth arrived with his running shoes already on; he promised a report in 120 days. Does this now put spend to Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s proclamation that something could have happen within 90 days? Is this a way for the administrator to prolong his tenure?

And by the way, just where is the money coming from to afford this administrator? Is this a joint undertaking of some sort and if so, between whom?

For certain, LIAT has no money in the kitty.

Then there is the recent report that the Administrator was ready to pay July salaries of LIAT workers across all stations.

That declaration came only because PM Browne made an advance of US$1 million for this purpose. In the process, the PM consolidated his position as ‘saviour’. Perhaps Seaforth convinced Browne to extend another hand of ‘generosity’ or Browne using his ‘generosity’ to influence the final run.

So while the administrator goes about doing what he has to do to earn his pay, PM Browne does not seem prepared to let go of his Lone Ranger role to ‘save LIAT’.

Browne should be careful that he is not caught with egg on his face when the Administrator submits his report.

It appears he has already been deserted by his fellow shareholders, especially those far south of him. Is this why he continues to flex his muscles?

How the NDP treated “ULP” Public Servants First published – August 1998, Reprinted - August 2015 (Final Part) IN THE BOILER-ROOMS of the service itself, persons have been readily promoted without thought of their party affiliation, provided they met the objective criteria of competence, commitment and integrity.

Amazingly, this policy has been more or less followed even where personnel all but wore party labels on their sleeves, and despite the constant leakage of confidential matters to Mr. Beache via one of his “little white angels”.

It needs to be added that none of these people ever brought their party allegiance (if any) to bear on the work they were called on to perform. We are dealing with perception and image, not actuality or reality.

Personages such as Evelyn Jackson and Carmen Jack might have moved in Labour circles, but that did not stop them from earning the respect of the PM Mitchell or gaining elevation respectively to the posts of Accountant-General and Budget Director, where they drew praise for their distinguished service.

Nor did the political orientation of their husbands in any way adversely affect the promotional prospects of Aberdine Browne (Principal Nursing Officer), Laura Browne (Deputy-Chief Education Officer), or Lynette Glasgow (Director of Sports).

In like manner, the impressive Tyrone Burke was appointed our youngest Primary School Principal when it was known by all and sundry that he was a political protégé of Dr. Gonsalves.

Headmaster Hugh Wyllie was granted study leave at precisely the moment that his name publicly appeared as being under consideration for ULP candidacy in North Leeward.

There was, of course, the celebrated case of Mrs Pam Browne, wife of Marriaqua Labour strongman Ken Browne, resigning as Assistant Secretary to tend family business interest, only to be later taken back on board in the berth she had left.

In the last years, Winfield Williams, a former secretary of the Labour Party and editor of its organ, was appointed Headmaster of the Grammar School.

Even when Labour launched its candidates at the Victoria Park in November 1997, the organiser could include in their programme of entertainment an item by Martin Quashie, a civil servant working in the Department of Culture.

Such a climate of political freedom never obtained in Labour’s days, yet persons have already begun to take their liberty for granted.

The Godwin Daniel Story

Godwin Daniel, a strong supporter of the ULP, had successfully applied to be transferred from Agricultural Planner to a parallel but more exciting post as Secretary of the Agriculture Development Corporation of which the Chairman was a defeated NDP candidate Juan George.

It so happened that Daniel hit it off with his hard-working minister Marcus De Freitas, who took along Daniel with him to attend a series of conferences without the knowledge of George, who had grown jealous of Daniel.

The upshot was that Daniel was dismissed from the ADC. As Chairman of the PSC, I informed Daniel that the Commission was not about to confirm his dismissal from the service for which there was not sufficient ground, and advised him of our decision to accommodate him in his substantive post as Agricultural Planner at the same salary as Secretary to the ADC. Daniel refused our offer for as long as six months, claiming instead that substantial compensation was due for his unlawful dismissal from the ADC. Whether it was pique, hatred of the NDP, or the fact that just about this time Daniel had bought some fertile banana lands from Mc Longheed and wished to concentrate as a planter rather than as an Administrator, he persisted in his folly.

Daniel lost the legal dispute. As a matter of interest, on the Government side were the Attorney General Parnel Campbell and Judith Morgan, the current Attorney General.

The sad fact is that Prime Minister Mitchell and Minister Marcus De Freitas so far from dismissing Daniel for his politics, were actually saddened by the steps he had taken.

Any future NDP administration would behave in the same way as the Mitchell regime did.

Fair is Fair.

An honest Godwin Daniel would admit that throughout his tryst he remained always on good terms with Mitchell, De Freitas and me.

It was different with the Chairman of the ADC. The game was played wrongly, and Daniel suffered as a result, but this was not a case of political victimisation by a long stretch.

An even worse scenario appeared in the allegation that the PSC had frowned on the applications of Dr. Malcolm Samuel and Dr. Malcolm Grant for post-grads schols because their respective fathers were anti-NDP. In fact, their applications had been forwarded by the PSC to the award-granting territories, and turned down by them, not the PSC which merely reported them, The records are there in support of what took place. But the wanton victimisation of the doctors formed a plank on the platform of antiNDP propaganda for elections of 1998 and 2001!

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 7.

Views

Vote buying

I HAVE LIVED through four elections. That is to say that I have voted in four elections. This one is going to be my fifth, but I haven’t yet made up my mind whether I will vote or not.

In all the elections I have experienced, there is one thing that keeps repeating itself. Every campaign that I have experienced has been filled with allegations of vote buying — how this one and that one sharing out dollars in sealed envelopes.

And if what a friend told me recently is true, the cost of a vote has gone from $20.00 to a couple hundred dollars.

What bothers me is that in this day and age, there are still people who will sell their votes. If this wasn’t the case, do you think there would be any allegations of vote buying or as some people say, bribery?

Now, bribery is a big word as well as a very bad word. The sorry thing is that no one with all the allegations that we hear election after election, no one has been punished — no one has been hauled before the courts or what have you — for bribing people to vote for them. So what’s the use of making all this noise?

Until we put some measures in place to make this thing illegal, if it really happens, or to put measures in place to prevent it, we can talk all we want, it wouldn’t change the price of eggs. I have the sneaking impression that Integrity Legislation could address this issue. I wonder why politicians are so afraid of this.

And by the way, if it is that candidates have all this money to give away, don’t you think they would be looking to make it back if they get in power? Corruption??

The funny thing is, though, it is we who can change this bad habit if it does exist. When or if they come with their envelopes, run them!!! Then again, someone struggling to send their children to school could well do with a $200.00. This whole scene might be a case of politicians keeping us in need … a case of a few dollars more wouldn’t hurt the giver nor the receiver.

‘Sean’ Thomas

No Mr. PM, YOU DO HAVE some explaining to do to the LIAT workers. You have to tell them why you sold our shares in the airline so quickly: Why you gave up your only negotiating/bargaining chip so quickly. What did you/we get for it?

Your decision to sell SVG shares for $1 without a minimum guarantee for what will happen to the Vincy workers, continues to be

a puzzling decision to me. The least you should be demanding from the Antigua Government is that all workers should be fully paid what they were entitled to, and a decent severance package. We “sold” our shares in LIAT and did not get a hometown airline in exchange for it, which would have given them an opportunity for employment.

I expected this but

Party politics and election ANOTHER general election will be held soon. With this in mind, I take this opportunity to suggest a guide towards making a choice concerning who we vote for.

Party politics we know, is filled with promises. This should not be the major basis for voting for a party or a candidate. Experience would have shown us that many times, promises are not kept and, as a result, many persons end up disappointed, angry and disgruntled, which may result in persons not voting again.

Personality can play a part in the decision making. For example, a dishonest person can

cause persons to mistrust that him or her, since that person would be perceived as likely to be involved in corruption if elected. On the other hand, a person who is of an honest, loving, caring, character can easily gain votes, since it would be perceived that such a person will serve persons and make a good representative.

Some people vote based on what personal benefits they might be able to get, rather than on policies and projects.

This gives rise to election bribery.

Voting should be based on the PERFORMANCES of party and representatives.

Performances do not just

For better not for „worser‰ THAT WAS the response of the drunken groom as the priest tried to administer the vows as he should have answered to his bride Brenetta. This traditional Union Island wedding was torpedoed, and became an attraction in plays at many concerts and Sweet Mass portrayals since then.

Twenty years ago, another wedding was also torpedoed as the vows were apparently broken even before the marriage was consummated. It is a truism that indeed, opposites attract. The people of Union Island broke their traditional voting pattern and expressed their confidence in the New Government. They believed wholeheartedly the promises made and the vows written in the 2001 Manifesto. They promised the people of the Grenadines to: 1. Establish local Government; 2. Solve garbage and disposal problem; 3. Reduce property taxes; 4. Improve Secondary Education; 5. Build a TVET Centre; 6. Upgrade hospital/clinic facilities; 7. Create employment in Tourism,

was hoping that maybe you would standup for the workers and get everything possible for them during this process.

I did not expect we as a nation would get anything significant other than relief from our debt obligation. I did expect and am still hoping that maybe you will challenge the Antiguan Government on what I considered an inactivated after the Illegal law they filing of insolvency/bankruptcy.

This new act by the Antiguan Government allows them to “give the apply to the governing workers a haircut” party, but also to the without recourse. opposition members.

Assessments should be Horatio made of each Member of Parliament, including the senators, and also the performance of the parties especially during the months prior to the elections.

In some cases, the TELL ME, which one of performance is based on the leaders of our two POLICIES. Each party major political parties: that is contesting the * Has been elections must declare consistent in his and demonstrate their positions and policies. This will pronouncements; determine whether they * Is better at would make a good communicating his government. Good message; policies will drive the * Knows when to country forward; poor avoid distractions; policies will do the * Allows others and opposite. institutions to do their As we grapple with jobs; determining who to vote * Has shown himself for, let us not be fooled to be autocratic and by promises and not be ready to ‘cuss out’ swayed by personal gain. people; Let us choose wisely, * Lacks energy; based on the * Is stubborn and not performances, policies, open to change; programmes and not on * Fail to hear and perception. act upon what the May we have a people are really peaceful and well fought saying? campaign by each party.

A ‘Wonderer’ Kennard King

IT, Fishing, & Culture; 8. Improve Sporting Facilities; 9. Improve air and sea transport including making Bequia airport more productive; 10. Extend electricity to Mayreau; 11. Give the Grenadines its fair share of roads, housing, community centres and more.

On the night of the honeymoon (victory), there was no doubt that it was ”Labour Now.” A Rasta man who had come out of the hills, took out his ‘spliff’ and said, “This is we time now.” He fully expected the legalization or at least decriminalization of the herb. He was greatly disappointed at this apparent broken vow.

Party Warriors announced prominent jobs for party supporters over and above those who were more qualified and experienced. This was later confirmed through pronouncements and subsequent actions: Own the jobs, own the country, meaning the land.

Undoubtedly special privileges were only for party supporters as it was apparently said that others were “dressing up in Red” with

the vain expectation to benefit.

When the people of Union Island complained that their expectations were not met despite voting for the Government, party stalwarts said that they should not expect anything because the Government did not win this seat.

This is an apparent extension of “Learned Helplessness”, as the Government is for every square inch of the country.

The hopes of perceived victims of discrimination were dashed after Integrity Legislation was enacted neither within the first 100 days nor within the last 100 days.

Justice seemed elusive as, despite favourable court judgments for Teachers, Civil Servants, and Land Owners, apparently ‘all must come back to Papa’.

Consequently, the relationship between Papa and the People inevitably may end with an annulment or divorce as appropriate.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

Which one?

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

An excellent ULP continues to The NDP and Renewable Energy attract excellent candidates

Introduction AS SVG GETS CLOSER to the next General Elections that will be held before the end of this year 2020, the ULP is readying itself to present a full slate of 15 candidates to the people. This great party, has since its formation, showed the people of this country, its willingness to accept constant refreshing of personnel at all levels as absolutely necessary and as such, has constantly brought new candidates in the mix. The ULP values those who bring experience to the process and this is represented by older, more experienced candidates who participate, but our party also sees the importance of youth that brings with it a freshness, youthful vigour, and new ideas among many other positive attributes. This acceptance of the importance of youth is evidenced in the number of young candidates the ULP has offered to the people of this country for their consideration as representatives in the parliament.

Last week Wednesday, August 19, 2020, the ULP launched four new candidates who have offered themselves to the people, seeking their support and vote in the upcoming general elections.

Immediately, the internet went buzzing about these four new exciting candidates and what they potentially bring to the process. These candidates possess all the qualities that the electorate looks for when choosing representatives, so there is no wonder that the ULP supporters are excited about what is to come while the NDP is in panic mode, desperately seeking candidates that can match the excellence of these 4 candidates.

earning her PhD, she remains the humble lady from Questelles, ready and willing to offer proper representation to her people.

Orando Brewster MD, a young medical doctor, from the village Texier Road in the town of Layou, comes from humble beginnings, but has never strayed far from the teachings of those who raised him. He is a community man who is involved in youth work in his community through his church, keeping connected with those around him providing an example of excellence through hard work, regardless of your environment. Those whom he taught as a young teacher in Barrouallie, those with whom he fellowships and those with whom he interacts daily, all admit that Randy, as he is affectionately called, is the man for Central Leeward.

Dominic Sutherland, a soft-spoken young man who, despite his gentle approach cannot be taken for granted.

He has offered himself to represent the people of Central Kingstown, who for the past 10 years, have seen the exit of nobility in representation and the introduction and proliferation of “badmanism” or “rude-boyism” in the current representative of CK. Dominic, a trained and certified accountant, one who is widely respected in the business community by those who have been recipients of his expertise, will bring the same level of dedication, hard work and professionalism to the parliament as he represents the people.

Curtis King, is a lifelong educator, ULP virtual launch of new candidates recently retired as Head Master of the St. Vincent Grammar School who has The highly anticipated lunch of the 4 had a very successful tenure climbing new candidates was evident as those the ranks to principal. Two things stand individuals were already on the ground out about Curtis: Firstly, nationally, he in the respective constituencies and, has long been associated with bodies from all accounts, were being well such as the National Youth Council received by constituents. This was their from a young age, to participating in the time to be formally introduced to the struggle of teachers as a very active Vincentian public on the platform that member of the St. Vincent and the they chose to identify with: the popular, Grenadines Teachers Union, but progressive Unity Labour Party. The 4 secondly and most importantly, he has candidates launched were Orando been very active in his community in Brewster MD, Ms. Mineva Glasgow the various youth and community PhD, Dominic Sutherland ACCA and groups, working with residents of all Curtis King a lifelong educator. These 4 ages in the areas of sports and culture. candidates come from varied He is definitely no “johnny come lately” backgrounds, in terms of training and nor a “bird of passage” when it comes to life experiences, but one thing they have his interaction with and representation in common, is their willingness and of the people of West St. George. readiness to serve, bolstered by their capacity as evidenced by their Conclusion certification. The ULP and the country can be proud in these their sons and That very brief introduction of the daughter who after receiving much from new candidates launched by the ULP their country, have now decided to give last Wednesday August 19, 2020 is but back. a taste of what’s to come and you would Let’s take a brief look at the hear more about and from them in the candidates to get a sense of who they coming weeks leading up to the are and what they can offer. elections. By the time this article is Mineva Glasgow PhD, or Sister Mini published, the fifth and final candidate as she is known in the community to be launched representing the ULP in through her work in the church, needs the Northern Grenadines, would have very little introduction nationally since been launched and ratified by the her work spans years of national National Council of the ULP. The new service. The former Assistant Director of slate of candidates is a full mixture of the NIS, MS G, as she is called by those youth and experience, with 3 of them who interacted with her professionally, being under the age of 50. The quality of has touched the lives of thousands, these candidates from their certification through her dedication to nation to experience stands head and shoulder building, ensuring the pensions of the of what the NDP offers to the electorate, workers of this country are well and that is no surprise as the excellence managed. While she has attained the of the ULP continues to attract highest levels of certification available, candidates of excellence.

“GEOTHERMAL FAILURE! Vincentians left in the dark with doomed game-changer!”

That was the Headline of The News Newspaper of Friday, August 21, 2020.

The much-touted geothermal project has failed. The New Democratic Party (NDP) supported the geothermal energy initiative by the government but had concerns about the financing of the project, the secrecy surrounding the withdrawal of Emera from the project, and how the project would have affected the cost of electricity.

The approach of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government to the project, should be questioned. Did the government follow the advice of the experts? In the mid-1990s, the former NDP administration studied the feasibility of geothermal, and it was confirmed that the north western quadrant of St. Vincent on the flanks of the Soufriere volcano was favourable for the discovery of commercially exploitable geothermal resources. This information is available to the ULP government. Then, why was drilling not done in the area identified in the study?

Vincentians were starved of information on the progress of the geothermal project. When it was revealed that the project had failed, it came as a shock to most people.

Attempts were made by the government to deny it. However, we have seen the equipment moving slowly back to the port in Kingstown without any fanfare, and without the red flags. The ULP government was desperate to score political mileage from the project. We were told that it would have been the game changer in energy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The risks of exploratory drilling were never explained to the public. Hence, Vincentians have the right to criticize the government for the failure of the project. It was all about politics.

The NDP has the vision and a strategic plan for energy development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a major focus on renewable energy. Our approach will put energy sustainability front and center of the national energy equation, which will translate into reduced foreign exchange outflows, lower energy prices and improved competitiveness of the private sector.

provide sufficient incentive for private consumers to invest in PV. This suboptimal approach will be discontinued in favour of a policy approach that puts the strategic maximization of renewable energy at the center of the picture and will incentivize local private sector involvement. Low-income households will not be left out: the NDP will partner with an established enterprise to provide small, self-contained PV electricity systems that can provide basic lighting and phone charging.

The use of solar energy for water heating will be expanded through the application of a coherent programme of tax and financial incentives to homeowners, hotels, businesses and institutions. Hotels, businesses and households will be able to apply for tax write-offs on the purchase of solar water heaters in the year of acquisition, and local lending institutions will be facilitated to access low-interest funding, available for on-lending for private solar energy development.

Wind Energy Wind measurements in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have already indicated that wind is a readilyavailable energy resource. However, it seems that previously identified wind energy sites on mainland St. Vincent are now no longer available due to their proximity to the airport site at Argyle.

The NDP will study, using regional best-practices as a model, the options for the development of wind energy on St Vincent and in the Grenadines.

Hydro-electricity Within recent years, it has been established that suitable hydro resources remain available for development on mainland St Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP will ensure that these identified resources are reviewed, with a view to maximizing the economically viable utilization of the country’s hydro resources.

Renewable Energy

Energy Efficiency

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has long benefited from renewable energy in its national energy balance, in the form of hydro power. Hydroelectric power plants commissioned in the 1950s, 60s and 80s contributed to the economic growth of the country while keeping electricity bills low. Over the past nineteen years, however, the development of a vision for a sustainable energy future for our country has been neglected.

Consequently, the trends are all heading in the wrong direction: our country’s dependence on expensive, imported petroleum products is increasing; electricity prices practically doubled during the past nineteen years and our energy security is threatened.

Whatever the source of our energy, it needs to be used more efficiently. The NDP’s vision is to move the nation towards adopting a culture of energy efficiency. This will be led by example from government level, and will involve a comprehensive programme targeted at the transport, household, business and government sectors. Also, to improve the efficiency in the provision of energy on a multi-island state such as ours, the NDP will work through VINLEC to undertake a technical and economic feasibility study of the development of an interconnected national power grid, which will ultimately be 80% powered by renewable energy.

The ULP government has squandered the opportunity for the development of geothermal energy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Had the government listened to the NDP, we would not have been in this predicament today. However, there is hope. The NDP is committed to delivering cheaper energy to Vincentians. The NDP will make SVG work for all Vincentians.

Solar Energy At present, the government through VINLEC, is following an inefficient approach to solar photovoltaics (PV) development, which does not optimize the overall development of renewable energy in the country, and does not

V Being totally prepared

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 9.

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This article was first published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 31st August, 2018) “See the future and be prepared for it.”

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, ViceChancellor of the University of the West a commitment to practise the necessary Indies skills. Practice encourages improvement. The more we practise, AS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS prepare to the more likely it is that we will see greet the 2018-2019 academic school improvement. year, it is so very important to reflect on Members of the older generation what is needed to maximise the teaching- would remember that old saying that, learning opportunities that will emerge.

“It is better to be prepared for an So much depends on the level of opportunity that does not appear, than preparation and the commitment to to have an opportunity appear and we excellence of all stakeholders – teachers, are not prepared.” Leaders in business students, curriculum planners, school and government are also aware that administrators, parents, and other such a disciplined approach is concerned citizens. absolutely essential if they are to cope Many of our tertiary level with the varied challenges in their institutions throughout the Caribbean respective spheres of operation. We region are now guided by the research gain useful wisdom and insights from that was conducted by Benjamin Bloom. Sun Tzu (545 BC-470 BC), the great Over the years, Bloom’s Taxonomy has Chinese military genius, strategist, and sought to provide a variety of rubrics or philosopher when he said, “The general templates that encourage teachers to who wins the battle, makes many pay greater attention to enhancing the calculations in his temple before the learning processes of their wards by battle is fought. The general who loses, designing exercises that develop their makes but few calculations beforehand.” cognitive (knowledge base), affective Individuals who are engaged as (attitudinal), and psychomotor (skills strategists and negotiators can also be based domain) capabilities. While encouraged by another of Sun Tzu’s considered relatively new to the region, famous quotations about the value of Bloom’s Taxonomy has been around being totally prepared when he says, since the 1940s. Bloom advanced the “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A concept during the 1948 Convention of thousand battles, a thousand victories.” the American Psychological Association. Preparation for “battles” of academic It was there that he championed the pursuits, and life in general, will need for educators to pay greater generate confidence and a sense of attention to establishing goals and security. These are so very important objectives as a means of developing a stepping stones to the pinnacle of method of classifying and thinking success. behaviours. This is so very important As the new school term (and the new as the curriculum seeks to prepare school year) approaches, this is as good students for life and as teachers plan a time as any for students to prepare for their activities to maximize the the academic journey ahead. Reading discovery of the “jewels of knowledge” widely and practising the skills required and “pearls of wisdom” that the in all of the subject areas, must be education system engenders. considered mandatory if excellence is Bloom also conducted extensive the anticipated outcome. Mediocrity research of accomplished young and average performance must be athletes, scholars, and artists. He discouraged. Aiming at a mere pass discovered that outstanding academic mark will not do. Our children have the and physical accomplishments require capacity, the ability, to do much better the discipline of regular practice. Such than this. We must refuse to accept mental and physical preparation is anything less than excellence. considered imperative. We can be Our teachers and school guided by the knowledge unearthed by administrators hear a similar clarion such research. To be effective at call for excellence. It is imperative that whatever discipline we are pursuing we they, like the students described in the must dedicate the time and effort to be preceding paragraph, be totally totally familiar with the content and to prepared for the exercises ahead. They frequently practise the skill. This is as must be at the forefront of the subject true for the student who is pursuing, areas, having thoroughly researched the studies in the sciences, as it is for those topics. They must pay close attention to who are engaged in successfully each student’s work, and provide timely pursuing courses in the arts. The better and accurate feedback. In addition, prepared we are, the better the they must be forever on the lookout for outcome. those who appear to be slipping between Teachers, parents, and other the cracks. These are the ones that we concerned adults therefore have a need to intercept with intent; to let responsibility to guide their wards them know that they have the seeds of accordingly. It does not matter whether greatness within them … regardless of the students appear to be extremely their circumstances. The teacher’s intelligent. If they desire to excel at the mental preparation and vigilance can various subject areas, athletics, music, make a significant positive impact on a dance, or life in general, they must student who, in time, can emerge to be commit to dedicating the necessary time an outstanding professional in any and effort to practice. Academic and discipline. A prepared and dedicated athletic excellence will not happen by teacher can make a world of difference chance. These have to be planned for, to a student who just needs a little and the necessary commitment to nudge along the road to success. Such a practise the required skills must be teacher can assist in encouraging the evident. This applies to the student student to confront, and to be totally who wants to achieve a good grade in prepared for, the varied challenges in mathematics, the sprinter who needs to life. run at a particular speed, or the dancer who desires to perform that special Send comments, criticisms & breath-taking choreography. To be suggestions to successful, it is imperative that there be julesferdinand@gmail.com

In my father’s house THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDO) rejected the big tent theory of electoral politics when it disavowed the decision of its Marriaqua Constituency Counsel. In rejecting Kirk Da Silva and selecting Bernard Wyllie, the NDP leadership showed that it lacked the political experience and acumen necessary for winning, after spending the last 20 years in opposition.

The NDP did not only reach back into its past in selecting Wyllie as its standard-bearer in the next elections, it went way back in the century 20 years in the rearview of history when it selected Wyllie. Wyllie last contested and was badly trounced by ULP Girlyn Miguel in 1998. After his defeat, he drifted out of the country and has had the most tangential relationship with constituents in the last 22 years.

By rejecting Kirk Da Silva, the NDP snubbed the most critically important mantra an opposition party can take to the voters: All are welcomed in our party. It could have played on the biblical refrain ‘In my father’s house there are many mansions.’ The NDP has lost the popular vote in the last 5 elections beginning in 1998.

In 2015, the ULP improved the percentage of votes received in every constituency except Central Kingstown.

But the party is going for an unprecedented 5th term. Significant sections of the population either loathe the party or suffer from a strong dose of buyers’ remorse. With the selection of Da Silva, the party could have justly said that it was willing to embrace all and sundry to make a change and turn the country around. It can still make that argument, but it may ring hollow considering the fiasco in Marriaqua.

In explaining his decision to lead the effort to reverse the Constituency Council decision, Dr Godwin Friday, the opposition leader, said that he had gone to the constituency and came to the realization that supporters disapproved of Da Silva. Is the leader serious? How could you wait until after a unit of your party decides to go into test the favourability of candidates? Why would a party leadership wait until the election fever is rising to decide who it thinks is best to be the standard-bearer in a constituency?

This could never have/would have never happened to Ralph Gonsalves and Julian Francis. It is for good reason they are referred to as the Peter and Paul of Vincentian politics.

With less than 100 days to election day, it is a safe bet to say neither Curtis Bowman nor Phillip Jackson, Kirk Da Silva or Bernard Wyllie seriously challenges Jimmy Prince and ULP hold on Marriaqua constituency.

Why then would a political leader, with the first transparent and public test of his skills, spend vital political capital to upset a decision made by an important unit of his party? If he truly wanted to be adventurous in removing Da Silva, he should have gambled on Phillip Jackson. Jackson is the youngest of the contenders in Marriaqua and could have been a ‘refreshing new kid’ on the block. But Wyllie for Da Silva makes absolutely no sense, the rhetoric of winning the elections notwithstanding. Politically, Wyllie’s selection does not reflect 2020 vision, insight or foresight.

The decision by Dr Friday is even more surprising because it came in the face of tacit endorsements of Da Silva

by James Mitchell, the founding father

of the party, and St Clair Leacock, one of the party’s vice presidents. Both pointed to the fact that Da Silva had hit the ground hard and remained in the constituency among constituents after his lost to Jimmy Prince to be the ULP candidate.

Reports are that some questioned Da Silva’s loyalty. They wondered if he was a ULP plant. Most importantly, the silly doubting Thomases wanted to know what would happen if the NDP were to win the elections 8 seats to 7, and Da Silva was to be among the winners.

Such analysis reflects a level of infantilism of which the party should be ashamed. Clearly, it cannot be plotting an 8 to 7 seat victory with Marriaqua in that victory calculus.

For what it’s worth, there was somethings breaking for NDP in June and July. The sailor man Travis Harry came home and took his camera and gumption to expose and oppose to the ULP. Henson, Velox and ‘Dre’ King openly declared their intention to challenge Camillo Gonsalves in East St George, while Phillip and Kirk joined Wyllie and Bowman in Marriaqua.

In neither of these seats would the NDP gain a breakthrough, but the optics showed that young persons were breaking for them. All of this ‘momentum’ was thrown away with the selection of Wyllie. Further, the decision has placed the party on the defensive.

However, Sir James did say that everything is just a 7-day talk and then it blows over.

The campaign waged by NDP hopefuls in both Marriaqua and East St George has brought to the fore another truism about local politics. Aerial assaults — shock and awe on social media, while necessary in this electronic age while necessary is evidently insufficient to determine who will emerge as a candidate. The ground war of close combat, meeting and greeting remain massively important. This fact continues to be true even in this age of social distancing forcibly brought on COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 28, 2020, we penned a piece entitled ‘Too Close to Call.’ We called 6 seats for the ULP and 4 seats, Northern and Southern Grenadines, Central and West Kingstown for the NDP. We see no reason to change that call. The five constituencies that remain in contention are North, Central and South Leeward as well as East Kingstown and North Windward.

With the absence of mass gatherings, the election campaign has changed and may change even more as we get closer to election day. The virus may present even more challenges.

The party that breaks through in any of the three seats on the Leeward side of the country should start putting its celebratory plans in gear. However, we would not rule out a possibility that the parties may switch seats where the ULP wins at least one that the NDP currently holds and the NDP doing likewise.

We will soon know. But because a week is a long time in politics, ‘decades’ will pass before we go to the polls.

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

V

10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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Gonsalves – poverty, crime and unemployment THERE IS a whole generation of young people who have grown up or were born under a Gonsalves government (2001 – 2020). This generation has seen their life opportunities diminished and many have grown up in poverty, low income households and under an appalling education system.

The poor education system offered by the ULP regime, coupled with a badly run economy, has led to a vast number of young people leaving school with little or no prospect of long-term unemployment and therefore, a life of destitution and poverty.

The knock-on effect of 19 years of ULP’s incompetence and poor governance can be seen throughout our country, and has been catastrophic for our male youth, especially.

The newspapers and television are rife with case after case of male youths being shot dead. The ULP regime has created a conveyor belt where many male youths leave school prematurely, embark on a life of crime and then end up in jail or being shot dead, all whilst they are still youths.

Rather than build a university and educate our young people, the ULP regime has focused on locking up our

class education system for our young people. It would be free from Preschool to a Science and or Technology University. This strategy worked brilliantly for young people in male youth. The big jail in North no life for our youths.

Leeward is already crowded and it is Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O‘Neal, Singapore and now Singapore has a knowledge-based economy with believed that 9 out of 10 males in the BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA believes that unemployment of less than 2%.

ULP regime jail cannot read. our young people deserve hope and A Green government would give A well-established research finding opportunity. They deserve a worldpriority to creating revenue and shows that the better a person is class education system, so that they financial competence, as these are educated, the less chance there is that can have a life of employment and that person would enter into prosperity, and not be forced into a life essential to create a strong economy and thousands of new jobs, and more criminality. However, the ULP regime of poverty or criminality or an early importantly, improving the quality of has starved our children of a worldgrave. life and the standard of living for all class education. Too many children are A Green government would follow leaving school before they finish the outstanding example of Singapore who live in SVG. primary school with any sort of and invest substantially in a worldcertification/qualification.

The ULP regime has starved our people of employment, and too many children are forced to grow up in low income and poor households.

These two factors alone have contributed significantly to the large increase in crime and murders in SVG. These two factors have led to young people’s lives been ruined or lost, as many of our male youths are being shot dead or wasting away in the ULP regime’s jail.

SVG needs a change of government to stop the murder rate among our male youth running and to halt the conveyor belt from primary school, to criminality, to the grave or jail. This is The Geothermal Project at La Soufriere did not live up to its hype. It has been discontinued. (Photo Source: You Tube)

Mismanagement has been costly We need to have changes THAT WE HAVE failed in our effort to generate the hoped for electricity from our geothermal resources, is not in itself something about which to be ashamed. There is abundant documentation, that all through the ages life changing exploits had been the result of years of commitment to the pursuit of desirable goals which came to “sweet reality” after much money, time, energy and sometimes lives, had been lost.

The scientific evidence accumulated from our failed attempt, relative to the production of electricity from our geothermal resource, will no doubt guide our future exploits in that regard.

Considering the weakness of our economy over these decades and the weight of the societal burdens which need to be addressed with urgency, we can hardly be expected to contemplate another geothermal exploration, before the end of this century.

To a large degree, the shattering of our national spirit and hopes, has origin in the propensity of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to project himself excessively. This weakness, this immaturity, was clearly exhibited when the machinery for work on the Argyle Airport was paraded with much pomp and political party emphasis, from Campden Park through the capital Kingstown on to Argyle. That same “flavour” had been

clearly evident throughout the failed Geothhermal Project.

The Editorial of “The Searchlight” of 21st August 2020 maturely advises, “However if there is one lesson that we should learn from this experience is the danger of over-hype. Politicians eager to maintain or gain support are prone to this kind of sell. Every project is painted in glowing terms often beyond its own limitations.

When problems do occur, as they often will, there is political fall-out and very temptingly, not any realistical appraisal but a counter political response which can sometimes damage the national interests. One can only hope that we have intelligent discussions of the experience and full disclosure of the facts as we continue in our thrust for economic and social development in which the development of alternative renewable energy sources will play an important role”.

Undoubtedly our development over the last several decades has been hampered by the egotism of those who had been entrusted with leadership. Their mismanagement of the socio-economic sector and the injustices against productive patriotic citizens, have been costly and painful.

We need change urgently, the present course will lead to economic ruin and subvert our peace.

LeRoy Providence

V RSVGPF Steel Orchestra marks milestone

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 11.

Feature

moved on for another outdoor performance, this time on Centre Island, one in the chain of Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario.

Then it was time for a more formal atmosphere. The band took centre stage billing for a performance at the Scientific Centre which according to Canadian historians, was established to encourage and inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery, which, the Policemen in the 1970, would certainly have engendered as far as music and musical instruments were concerned.

In addition to the pleasing music they had provided for Caribbean migrants and The RSVGPF Steel Orchestra performing during their 1970 tour to Canada.

Canadians alike, the RSVGPF Steel orchestra was playing its IN 1970, fifty years ago, beyond,” Haynes shared, as he part in advancing mankind’s Back to fifty years ago something special was related that at least ten quest for innovation and bestowed upon the Royal St. players, including himself, are discovery.

It was in 1970, fifty years Vincent and the Grenadines still alive. ago to the month of August, In short, according the Police Force (RSVGPF).

Haynes named the that the RSVGPF Steel Haynes, “We were well In addition to its regular survivors as Ex-Officers: Orchestra was invited to received wherever we (music) band, a feature of all “Bertram Lewis, Brian James, performed.” participate in activities to police and other military Richardson, Lewis aka ‘Vine mark that year’s Caribana — institutions across the globe, Strings, resident in the USA; the West Indian styled First to Record the RSVGPF had already Hutchinson and two Wilsons carnival that was still in its added a Steel Orchestra, by from Union Island, resident in infancy, 1970 marking the The trip, though, was far this time.

Canada, and Vibert Bute and from over. Next came what third year it was staged.

The RSVGPF Steel The invitation came amidst James Peters here in SVG.” would be a lasting Orchestra took foundation in increasingly warm relations achievement for the Police the early 1960s, bolstered by between the then government Performances Steel Orchestra; an the enlistment into the Police of Canada and the Labour achievement that set it apart Force of stellband aficionados Party government of SVG. It was with pride and a for all the existing and past like Walton’Tanny’ Peters, determination to represent Former Police Officer steel orchestras in SVG. who is credited with giving the Lennox Haynes, a member of their country as best as they The RSVGPF Steel Orchestra depth and style, could that, according to the Steel Orchestra, Orchestra was offered an under the watchful eye of remembered how the members Haynes, the band undertook a opportunity to be recorded, Vincent Bacchus. of the Orchestra had followed series of performances. and in accepting same, they With the blessing of the top the marine journey of the The first, Haynes vividly became the first Steel brass of the Force, the Steel recalled, was held at the instruments with their own Orchestra from SVG to be Orchestra competed in the aerial journey that took them historic Maple Leaf Garden — recorded on vinyl. first Panorama of the modern first from SVG to Trinidad, on a building initially constructed Haynes remembers well era, in 1962. Not only did to host ice hockey games, to Jamaica from where they that the recording was done at they win that inaugural Canada’s national sport. flew directly Canada.

Bay Recording Studios and competition, but the Orchestra The cast of performers for Haynes, who has taken it that the experience was a first went on to win in 1963 and that show included the likes upon himself to stage a onefor every member of the 181964 before it was retired from man remembrance of what he of: Johnny Nash, a popular player ensemble. competition.

American reggae and pop considers a milestone in the The engineering work was music singer-songwriter; history of the local done by Frank Bertin, and Vin reigning (1970) Calypso constabulary, and who chose Monarch of Trinidad and to have THE VINCENTIAN record his “memories,” recalled Tobago Kelvin ‘The Mighty Duke’ Pope; and the regional that the band was some 18 ‘darlings’ of humorous and players strong, led by Walton ‘Tanny Peters’ and not by Vin ‘ditty’ calypsoes and more, Cato as some have been led to Dave Martin and the Tradewinds. believe.

And before an audience Cato, Haynes said, had packed with Vincentians and already migrated to Canada other persons of Caribbean before the band’s 1970 visit. origin, Haynes said with Inspector Hubert Phipps served as the band’s Manager, assertion and with a tone and Vin Sprott, of Boys Scouts laced with pride and a sense of accomplishment, “We nailed fame, who was in Canada to supervise the mounting of and the show!!”

The Steel Orchestra then direct a Vincentian exhibition, took to the streets of Toronto whose exhibits never arrived Walton ‘Tanny’ Peters – from Trinidad, was co-opted as as one of the providers of music for the parade of Vincentian pan icon, was the the Orchestra’s Director. masquerade bands. leader and arranger of the Many of the players have From there, the band of 18 RSVGPF Steel Orchestra. since “gone to the great

EX-Officer Lennox Haynes, a member of the Orchestra and who shared his memories with THE VINCENTIAN. Sprott was credited as being the producer of the album titled ‘Island Rhythm’.

In recognition of the ‘twinning’ of Canadian children and children of the Troumaca Secondary School, the album included a rendition of a song entitled ‘A Place to Stand’ that was sung by a choir of Canadian children.

That a copy of the album, by now a collector’s item, is hard to come by is an understatement.

Haynes, though, speaks to the National Broadcasting Corporation — Radio 705 as having a copy in its archives, and looks forward to be able to have the album transferred to disc and who knows, perhaps earnings from the sale of which could be used for philanthropic purposes.

What is of major concern to someone like former Police Officer Lennox Haynes is that the work of himself and his fellow police steel pan players is not exploited for personal gain.

Congrats to the RSVGPF on the Golden Anniversary of this signal accomplishment, and thanks to Ex-Officer Lennox Haynes for sharing his ‘memories’ with THE VINCENTIAN.

The SSVGPF Steel Orchestra performing at the Scientific Centre.

V Police roll out scholarships & bursaries 12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 , 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Education Boost

SIXTY-SEVEN STUDENTS who were successful at the 2020 CPEA received scholarships and bursaries last week Wednesday, during an impressive ceremony held at RSVG Police Force Canteen, Kingstown.

The ceremony was a joint one involving the RSVG Police Force (RSVGPF), the SVG Police Co-operative Credit Union (SVGPCCU) and the SVG Ex-Police Association.

When the formalities were complete, fifty-five students had received scholarship and twelve

(12) bursaries.

The scholarships are tenable for 7 years: five years at secondary school and two years at college.

Master of Ceremonies, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Junior Simmons, said that it was the RSVGPF who first began offering scholarships to children of police officers some 62 years ago. The SVGPCCU began doing so in 2014, he said, adding that the SVG ExPolice Association came on board in 2018.

A number of persons addressed the ceremony.

Jocelyn Blake-

Browne, representing the Ministry of Education, implored the students to be mindful of the investment made by the Police Force, and

encouraged them to work hard. Parents, she said, ought to be ready to support their children.

Commissioner of Police, Colin John

Scholarship and bursaries awardees, officials of the organisations involved, and other invited guests at last Wednesday’s Presentation Ceremony.

recognised his predecessors for their foresight, and made a special appeal to the students to be respectful of school property. “It puts an added strain on the government resources to have to be attending to ongoing repairs to damaged property,” he said.

The recipient receives Station Sergeant $1400.00 annually, and Brenton Smith, Vice the Society provides full President of the financial coverage for any SVGPCCU, urged the external examinations. award recipients to work Additionally, sixteen even harder and remain (16) other successful focused, “as there are applicants have received many distractions and one-off bursaries towards challenges that you will school expenses. come across each day,” To be eligible for the Former Commissioner scholarship, the pupil, of Police and President of his or her parent (s) or Manager Margaret Clarke presenting the the Ex- Police legal guardian (s) must award to scholarship recipient PaulaAssociation Michael be financial member(s) of Ann Smith.

Charles said that his the Society and must oganisation was pleased maintain financial In a release earlier this week, to join forces with the membership throughout the life of the Society explained that the other parties to support the scholarship award. scholarship is awarded to the the students, by offering Scholarship recipients are applicant with the highest rank in bursaries. encouraged to maintain both the CPEA and who meets other Feature Speaker, acceptable conduct (including adherence to the school rules and application conditions (see above). Alana Mc Master - a Over the past 35 years, more sports enthusiast and regulations), and academic than $100,000 have been awarded banker who received a performance to ensure they retain under the Society’s Scholarship police scholarship in their scholarships. and Bursaries programme.

1991, commended the

Bunpan announces 2020 Scholarship recipient PAULA ANN SMITH OF QUESTELLES, a graduate of the Questelles Government School, is this year’s recipient of the Marriaqua United Friendly Society (Bunpan) Scholarship.

Paula Ann placed 21st for girls and 31st overall in the 2020 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). She will enter the Girls’ High School when the school year begins August 31st, 2020.

Accompanied by her mother Cassiprintie Clarke, Paula Ann was presented with her award by Miss Margaret Clarke, Manager of the Society, on August 19th, 2020.

The scholarship is for a duration of seven years - the first five years tenable at any secondary school in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the remaining two years at a postsecondary institution.

RSVGPF for their vision and action, which has assisted several young people through secondary school and college.

Directing her attention to the recipients, she cautioned them about obstacles that must be overcome on the way to success.

She highlighted the importance of setting goals, and advised that while these are likely to change as they got older and wiser, “at no time should you not have a goal in mind that you are working towards.”

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the inaugural Sgt. Philbert G. Chambers Memorial Police Scholarship in honour of fallen officer Philbert Chambers.

Sixty-two (62) years ago saw the first scholarships being handed out by the RSVGPF to children of enlisted officers. The SVGPCCU began doing so in 2014 and SVG ExPolice Association came on board in 2018. (KH)

GECCU focus touches thirteen and more IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR SERVICE offered to its members, the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) for the last 39 years has made education the focus of its The thirteen proud recipients (holding certificates) of 2020 GECCU Scholarships.

extended outreach to members.

During those 39 years, GECCU has handed out scholarships to students who have been successful at exams (CPEA) that take them into secondary school.

This year, scholarships were Continued on Page 13.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 13.

Education Boost

Grab it; donÊt take it

LIMISKE BERKLEY is pursuing studies of Travel and Tourism at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

He is grateful to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union, (SVGTCCU), having been one of their 2014 scholarship recipients.

He demonstrated that thankfulness by delivering a motivational speech to this year’s batch of awardees, to whom he suggested, “Whenever we get an opportunity grab it, don’t take it.”

Berkley wants to ensure that students appreciate the difference between needs and wants.

“The scholarship is not to assist you in keeping up with the latest trends or gadgets,” he pointed out.

Berkley used his situation as an example. He described the award as an opportunity which offered lessons.

He highlighted his tenure of the scholarship as instrumental in taking him through the St Martin’s Secondary School.

He is indebted to the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union.

The young man advised the awardees to, “Be true to yourself and always stand out positively. … Don’t be a mediocre student.”

Drawing on his experience as president of his school’s Young Leaders, Deputy Head Boy, vice president of the Peer Counselors’ Committee and a Peer Counselor, he beckoned the students to “value and protect your space, mind, energy and mental health.”

He advised the recipients to save money with the Credit Union so as to have a base for their university studies.

This year’s scholarship winners were: top female Azajanae Gurley, top male Rhosean Haynes, and Juricia Solomon from the Barrouallie district.

The awards are valued at $1200 yearly and will run for seven years.

Sixty-six others are getting assistance

SVGTCCU 2020 scholarship recipients (L-R): Azajanae Gurley – Lowmans Leeward Anglican School; Roshean Haynes – Kingstown Preparatory School and Juricia Solomon – Barrouallie Anglican School.

in the form of book vouchers.

Berkley joined Senior Education Officer Kay Martin Jack, Vice president Alron Harry relaxed the atmosphere Cecil Charles, and with a pan version of the song ‘I Education Committee believe I can fly’, after having chairperson Gwenette Cambridge on the platform. rendered the National Anthem. (WKA)

Ten benefit from VINLEC GECCU focus touches Education Awards thirteen and more TEN CHILDREN will benefit from St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) Education Awards programme for the academic year 2020/2021.

Of the ten, five have been granted full scholarships, while the other five received bursaries.

Each scholarship is valued at $1400 Left to right are: Scholarship Winners: Eriscia Crooke, Davant annually for Robinson, Nevan Foster and Roshaun J. Phillips. Not in picture is five years, while Mekyla Doyle. the bursaries are in the sum Compton, J’niqua Collis, Davannet Bowens, of $200. per child.

Shannon George and Auriel Stephens.

The awardees and their parents attended Since its inception in 1984, VINLEC’s an orientation session hosted by VINLEC Education Awards programme has availed on Tuesday, August 25th. Speaking at the assistance to a total of 229 students. session, VINLEC’s Human Resources Currently, the programme has 24 Officer Mrs. Mignan Providence encouraged secondary level students and 2 tertiary the students to continue to excel as they level students, who have completed their enter an important phase in their lives. She first year at the Community College. urged the parents to support them.

VINLEC’s Education Awards programme General Secretary of the National provides financial and moral assistance to Workers Movement (NWM), Mr. Noel employees’ children, with a view to support Jackson stressed the importance of the children as they seek to reach their discipline, and referenced that it was of the greatest potential. VINLEC is conscious discipline exhibited by the students why that this investment is necessary as a wellthey were able to succeed. He encouraged educated workforce of tomorrow depends on them to continue to focus as they move accessible education today. forward.

This Education Awards programme is This year’s scholarship recipients are merit-based and the awards are granted Mekyla Doyle, Roshaun J. Phillips, Eriscia based on the students’ performance in the Crooke, Davant Robinson and Nevan local Caribbean Primary Education Foster. The bursary recipients are Alyssa Assessment.

institution’s commitment to the nation’s children. awarded to thirteen students: Hannah Browne, Senior Najah Lewis, Andre Quamina, Education Officer, praised Darry Ann Richardson, GECCU for its fulfilment of the Christiano Fitzpatrick, Kalen credit union philosophy, Browne, Isabella Sam, Sarah especially during a financial Foster, Ayaila Robertson, crisis.

Jonathan Wood, R Jay Brooker, She advised the students that Brycen Pompey, Deejay this was the beginning of their Hackshaw and Leshaugn Noel. secondary school career, and One hundred and fifty-eight pointed out the importance of other successful students will get making the right choices. bursaries from GECCU. Najah Lewis responding on The recipients received the students’ behalf, remarked certificates and cheques at a that her father was a GECCU ceremony held at the Kingstown scholarship recipient 36 years Methodist Hall, August 20. ago, and described the offer as Kezi Francis, a former one of the most prestigious in the GECCU scholarship holder and state. currently a Legal Officer at the There was at least one other Department of Inland Revenue, example of GECCU crossdirected her motivational speech generational reach with Colin at the students. She urged them Sam, a former recipient, to be true to themselves, and to witnessing a similar award being balance school work with other presented to his daughter, activities like sport, music, Isabella. dance, or computer This year’s activity was held programming. under the theme: ‘Greatness is Harold Lewis, GECCU within reach’. (WKA) President, remarked on the scaled down version of this year’s exercise, the result of the threat of COVID-19. He, nevertheless, surmised that it was an “auspicious” occasion.

GECCU, he told the audience, had expended over $800,000 towards secondary school education, over the past five years.

Deputy chairman of GECCU’s Scholarship Committee Ronnie Daniel looked at the ceremony as an “affirmation” of the Continued from Page 12.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

Annette Liverpool Scholarship (Fund) launched

Chief Education Officer, Elizabeth Walker.

She told last week Wednesday’s ceremony, “I stand here today a The Annette product of Mrs. Annette Liverpool…. I Liverpool Scholarship is to be am who I am today because of her. She was my teacher, she inspired me, she disbursed in a staggered manner. guided me, she encouraged me and During the first pushed me to do my best…. .

“It’s because of her legacy that other three years, donors were inspired to contribute to allocations will be the scholarship [fund] moving it from 1 made annually as follows: first term to 6. I must say to the donors, ‘you’ve made a valuable investment which will EC$1,000, second bear fruit. That is an investment in terms EC$250, third terms $250 — our human resources, and I want to representing a total thank you greatly for that contribution.’” of $1, 500.

The ceremony heard brief remarks For years four from sons Andre, resident in SVG, and and five, the allocations increase Kurt via Zoom from his domicile in as per: First Term New York.

Annette Liverpool EC$1,250, second term $250, third term $250 — a total of $1,750.

If the scholarship recipient gains Claudia Lovelace (left) recipient of the inaugural Annette entry into the SVG Community Liverpool scholarship, accepts her award from Mrs. College, allocations Beverly Liverpool, Dean of the School of Nursing and annually (for two wife of Andre Liverpool. years) will be; first term $1,250, THIS COUNTRY has another source of second term $250 — a total of $1,500. support and encouragement as far as Retention of the scholarship is assisting entrants into secondary school predicated on the recipient is concerned. maintaining a consistent 70% passing Last week Wednesday, at the Signature Lounge & Bar, the Annette grade.

Other awards handed out, each Liverpool Scholarship was launched, amounting to $1500 annually for five and broadened to what can be years, were: the Adrian Rose described as the Annette Liverpool Scholarship (in honor of Veronica Scholarship Fund.

Toney) awarded to Jaylon Lynch, The original intention of a single Georgetown Primary School; the award in the name of Liverpool, was broadened to include other awards, the Claudette Butler Award granted to Iyanna Quashie, Questelles result of efforts by on the ground coGovernment School; the Dianna John ordinator and Chairperson of the Scholarship received by Yannie Scholarship Committee - Latoya Bascombe and the Leonora Davis DeRoche-John, who successfully Scholarship awarded to Matthew canvassed commitments for at least Wilson, both of St. Mary’s R.C School; five other awards. This was in Noel and Casynella Cyrus Scholarship response to the 78 applications that copped by Parizz Cudjoe, Lower Bay were received.

Primary.

The event’s signature award - the The event, in essence, saluted Mrs. Annette Liverpool Scholarship, Annette Liverpool an educator par conceived and funded by Liverpool’s three sons, Colin, Kurt and Andre, and excellence, for well over 30 years.

She enjoyed teaching stints at the other relatives of Liverpool, was Kingstown Preparatory School, the awarded in its inaugural year to Girls’ High School and at the St. Claudia Lovelace of the Questelles Vincent Teachers’ College. She was a Government School. noted Mathematics Specialist Lovelace, in delivering a Vote of Teacher/Lecturer.

Thanks, said inter alia, “This Her classroom prowess provided the scholarship illustrates a firm belief in foundations upon which many the potential of the nation’s youth and the critical role education plays within professionals, not just educators, built our society. Thank you for blessing our successful careers.

One such person is the current tomorrow with hope and opportunity.”

The Award

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

LIAT: Debt write-off?

“WE ARE PAYING an administrator for LIAT to tell us something that we already know and thought LIAT shareholders would have implemented years ago.”

This was part of a comment made by a local businessman Cleveland Seaforth, — anonymity requested — when he heard that Mr. Cleveland the Administrator Seaforth, the Administrator for LIAT, may be testing the mood of for LIAT, told Antigua Broadcasting Service News: the airline’s “Governments in the region shareholders will be asked to write off debts ahead of his submitting his full owed by the carrier.”

Seaforth went on to say that report. the debt to which he referred accounted for almost one third of the estimated EC$300 million that LIAT carries as liabilities on its books, “…again nothing that we didn’t know before,” the businessman remarked.

According to this country’s Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while answering a question during the sitting of Parliament two weeks ago, LIAT owes the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines EC$12.2 million in airport service charges, landing and other fees.

The SVG government also carries a guarantee amounting to EC$48.7 million, on behalf of the airline, Gonsalves said.

It is expected that this ‘suggestion’ by Seaforth will form part of his report to Shareholder Governments and others, which he promised within 120 days, though he has given indication that

feedback from the government of Antigua and Barbuda gave some indication that there might be a willingness to acquiesce to the suggestion.

The Administrator also took the opportunity of his speaking with ABS News to say that he was now ready to pay LIAT workers their July salaries.

But even as he made that declaration, he admitted that the workers had not received May and June salaries.

Payment of July salaries has been made possible because of an advance of $US1 millions made by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, which that country’s Prime Minister explained was to be used for workers across the region and where necessary, individual governments would supplement the share of the advance that would be allotted to them.

The government of Grenada reportedly indicated it would pay May and June salaries for Grenadabased LIAT employees. There has been no response in this regard from any of the other governments concerned.

Meanwhile, the Administrator has said that many would have suffered great losses if LIAT had gone into liquidation.

“The alternative, LIAT would have been gone, there would have been liquidation process, which would have been a bloodbath for everyone, okay, and at the end of the day, there would have been no LIAT. “This presents an opportunity for us to work together and try and find a solution, and for that I think we need to recognize the efforts of the government of Antigua & Barbuda,” Antigua News Room reported him as saying to Antigua and Barbuda state media. (Source: Antigua News Room)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

There is still hope Dear George,

SINCE COVID-19, my wife and I have lost our jobs. We are now at home 24/7.

Of late, my wife is complaining that she is not getting enough of me sexually. She even compared me to her friend’s husband whom she says is “doing it” minimum twice a day.

I am appalled with her comparing me to anyone else and for taking my bedroom affairs outside of my home. I angrily told her one night that she should go and let her friend’s husband be of service to her.

George, the next thing I know was my wife’s friend came complaining to me that my wife was having an affair with her husband. I confronted my wife and she simply said that it was I who suggested she do what she did.

I have not said anything to my wife since that time, and told her friend I had nothing to do with what has developed between her husband and my wife.

Was I wrong to take that position, especially since there is no way I can reconcile with her?

Dear Hurting husband, It is never a good thing, no matter what, to compare your spouse to anyone else.

Yes, the stress of COVID-19 has caused many couples to have to struggle to maintain balance. Some even break up.

If you have intentions of saving your marriage, then I suggest you speedily engage your wife in meaningful dialogue. You cannot pretend that what your wife did has no effect on you. You need to deal with the hurt and emotional distress caused by her actions.

Count this as one of the many challenges your relationship would face, and use it as a stepping stone to building a stronger marriage.

George

Hurting husband

Check yourself first, man they are still around.

I have that picture of them both fast asleep in MY WIFE knows that I my bed. Should I send it am a lady’s man and that regardless of what, I to his wife?

As for my wife, I don’t always come home to her need any advice because and have never left her I’m done with her. How begging or wanting.

She has always been a could she even think doing that to me? faithful wife. I had absolute faith in her and would have put my neck Heartbroken on the block for her.

Dear Heartbroken, George, I was so terribly disappointed Understand that I do when on a day when I not condone cheating, should have done a period. double shift but did not That said, I am very and got home early, to surprised at your find a man sleeping in with my wife in our bed. reaction to your wife’s All I can say is that both decision to step out on you when you have no of them are very lucky

Dear George,

regard for fidelity within your marriage. Such as double standard, over time, must have eaten away at your wife’s efforts to remain faithful.

Instead of pretending to be the victim, you should apologize to your wife for robbing her of bragging rights of having a faithful husband, and use this situation to begin anew.

Two wrongs will never make a right, but if you are man enough to own up to your wrongdoings, you would discover it will be easier to forgive her for hers.

George

Use it and move on Dear George, Dear Questions, A GOOD FRIEND was bragging to me about how eventful his night was with this new ‘chick’, and how sexually explosive she was in bed.

He noticed the shock on my face when he showed me pictures of her taken during and after their escapade. The woman he was with was the very woman I am engaged to be married to — the woman who said he was a virgin and who frown on sex before marriage.

Should I call the whole thing off? Is there a way to fix this? What am I supposed to do now? How am I supposed to believe anything she tells me now?

Questions and more questions

This shocking discovery of your wife to be and company might just have saved you from a miserable and regrettable marriage. A marriage or relationship will not survive for long if it was built on lies and deceit.

Be thankful for the information and use it wisely as you begin your search for someone who can be trusted.

It will not be such a bad idea for you to talk to a professional counselor to help you clear up the foggy thoughts such an experience can create.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. Don’t lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Concentrate on your career and on making money. You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Expect your workload to be heavy.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature this week. Don’t let co-workers interfere with your objectives.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. You may be more emotional than usual. This day was meant for love.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Work quietly on your own and you will forge ahead. Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think. You should focus on moneymaking matters and stay away from emotional disputes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You must try to include your mate in your activities this week.

Entertainment should include sports events or physical activities. Look to a close friend for advice.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Better still, take your mate and let them foot the bill. You’re in the mood to spend money. Don’t blow situations out of proportion.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don’t let your personal problems interfere with your professional responsibilities. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don’t make mountains out of molehills if you want to avoid conflict. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren’t necessary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Get busy making those changes to your home. Work quietly behind the scenes for best results. Discrimination will be in order. Control your temper when dealing with your emotional partner.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Arguments with employers or colleagues will be to your detriment.

Resist any idle chatter. Electrical problems may be an issue. Make changes regarding your friendships.

ACROSS 1. Dining bill 4. Poker token 8. Burning desire 12. Rowboat blade 13. Freeway vehicle 14. Notorious emperor 15. Surprised exclamation 16. Enjoy a break 17. Arctic mammal 18. Wise birds?

20. “Delicious!”

21. Assemble 23. Biblical murder victim 25. Ocean-surrounded lands 27. Furniture-cleaning chore 31. Bashful 32. Stood 34. Brazilian, port, briefly 35. Congress member 37. Divulge (secrets) 39. Travel by taxi 40. Like thrift-store goods 41. Ms. DeGeneres 44. Park trail 46. Reclined 47. Mouse catcher 49. Foot-wiping rug 52. “Mona –“ 53. Roof edge 54. In times past 55. Creative pursuits 56. Colored (hair) 57. Original DOWN 1. Also 2. Relieved utterance 3. Borough abutting Queens

4. Poet Sandburg 5. Tints 6. “—My Party” 7. Stew vessel 8. Offend 9. Abound (with life) 10. Overfill 11. Sacred 19. Very small 20. Affirmative responses 21. Young lady 22. Tennis player Arthur 23. Cherish 24. Tour conveyance 26. Gown fabric 28. Dublin fellow 29. Egyptian river

30. Jewelry metal 33. Pretzel stick 36. Bout locales 38. Place (on) 41. Bluesy Fitzgerald 42. Animal abode 43. Grocery memo

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 19.

44. Surface (roads) 45. Impersonated 47. Executive Turner 48. Comedian Romano 50. Acquire maturity 51. Pull via chain

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Hyron Shallow 146 and 135 for Flow Rivals

Lindon James 117 and 124 for Flow Rivals

Rickford Walker 170 for RSVG Police

Asif Hooper was clearly miles ahead in the bowling department.

Shallow, Hooper: Top Premier Division Performers Shamon Hooper 107 for Flow Radcliffe

Salvan Browne 109 not out for RSVG Police

Deron Greaves 124 for Flow Radcliffe

Romano Pierre 112 for Flow Radcliffe

Romel Currency 109 for Guardian General Saints

Saluting the Century-Makers DEPENDING ON TO WHOM you speak, the view is that the 2020 NLA/SVGCA Premier Division Championship belonged to the batsmen.

Topping the list was FLOW Rivals’ Hyron Shallow and Lindon James who hit two centuries apiece.

Shallow recorded 146 against RSVG Police and 135 versus Victors One. James did his when he stroked 124 against Guardian General Saints and 117 against RSVG Police.

Shallow also emerged as the highest run-getter with 540 runs.

(See accompanying story on this page.)

The other century makers were: Rickford Walker, captain of Police who boasted the highest individual score, 170, when he destroyed Victors One’s bowling attack; Salvan Brown from RSVG Police who hit 109 against FLOW Radcliffe; left handed Deron Greaves of FLOW Radcliffe with 124 against Victors One; FLOW Radcliffe’s due of

Shamon Hooper, who hit his maiden 109 for Guardian General Saints century, 107 versus Victors One, and against FLOW Rivals.

Romano Pierre with 112 also against Victors One.; and Rommel Currency, Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

HYRON SHALLOW AND ASIF HOOPER were the top performers with the bat and ball respectively, in the just concluded 2020 NLA/SCGCA Premier Division Cricket Championship.

Shallow of 2020 Champions Flow Rival amassed 540 runs at an average of 54, from eight matches. His aggregate included two centuries and three fifties, with his highest being 146.

His closest rival was Lindon James, also of Flow Rivals, with 480 runs at an average of 80 from eight matches. He scored two centuries and three fifties with a top score of 117.

Rickford Walker, RSVG Police captain, was third highest run-getter with 416 runs at an average of 37.82. He struck one century and one fifty with a high of 170.

Gidron Pope of Flow Radcliffe scored 359 runs, inclusive of four fifties and a high of 79 and an average of 35.9, to finish as the fourth highest run-scorer. Shaman Hooper was fifth with 355 at an average of 35.5, with a top score of 107. He also had two fifties.

Spinners accounted for the top three performers, with FLOW Radcliffe’s left arm spinner Asif Hooper leading the way with 58 scalps at an average of 11.52. He took two 10-wicket, two seven-wicket and three five-wicket hauls.

Off spinner Othneil Lewis also of FLOW Radcliffe was the closest contender with 25 at 18.04, with two five wickethauls. Leg spinner Geron Wyllie from Guardian General Saints bagged 24 wickets at 14.71 apiece, with one seven and one five-wicket hauls.

Fast bowler Darius Martin from RSVG Police, Ray Charles and Hyron Shallow took 21 wickets each at 10.05, 15.85 and 11.33 apiece respectively.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 21.

Sports

Vincentian athletes relishing Jamaica exposure MC KISH COMPTON and Handal Roban are relishing their exposure to the Track and Field scene in Jamaica.

Compton, enrolled at the GC Foster College, and Roban, a student at the Jamaica College, have spent one year schooling, training and competing there.

Now back home on vacation, they related their experience to THE VINCENTIAN. For Compton, “The experience is good, as I am getting the opportunity to train among professional athletes and in a well organised setting and with everyone well taken

care of”.

Underscoring the salient difference in the Track and Field culture here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and that of Jamaica, Compton said, “The difference is in the discipline, as most of the athletes are well trained and they want to succeed.”

He noted that as a result of the intensive training regimen, he was able to achieve his personal best in the 100m, which he savours as his highlight thus far.

“Running my personal best of 10.55 seconds in the 100m at the Gibsons Relays is the highlight of my stint in Jamaica thus

far, and to do so in front a packed National Stadium makes me feel really, really good,” Compton commented.

Having had a taste of the different levels of training and increased competition Jamaica offers, Compton made it clear that he will be looking to make Jamaica his base, following his tenure at the GC Foster College.

He revealed that his medium term goal is to medal at the next Commonwealth Games.

Likewise, Roban disclosed that the oneyear experience had served him in good stead.

“It was a pretty good

experience, as there is good competition and better training facilities,” Roban stated.

He recognized the initiation he had here as helping him to make the necessary adjustments.

Part of his adjustments had to do with having a “fixed programme” and paying greater attention to his nutrition.

“Making the change was not too hard,….. adapting is one of my main strengths,” Roban declared.

Roban thumbed more opportunities for competition and better training facilities as the major differences

Handal Roban

Mc Kish Compton

between Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He, however, admitted that he had to prove himself to the Jamaican public, and having done so, he now feels he is fully part of the set up.

Compton and Roban,

both of the X- Cel Track Club, shone at last Saturday’s National Championships at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Compton won the Men’s Open 100m, while Roban took the Male Under-20 400m.

Track and Field results as predicted A MODIFIED version of the National Track and Field Championship was held last Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

This as the sport’s governing body, Team Athletics SVG, took the decision to tailor the championship to suit the prevailing restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

And, according to that body’s Technical Director, Chester Morgan, the results on the day were as predicted.

“Most of the times, the athletes weren’t very fast taking … a lot of the athletes weren’t training and added to that, the field was soft due to the persistent rain.”

Morgan, though, said the

Championship was very competitive and that he was pleased with the turnout of athletes, especially the overseas-based athletes, which he posited would have served as motivation for the young, home-based athletes.

Resorting to one day of competition as against the usual two days, may have accounted for the level of competition, given that athletes would have concentrated on fewer events, in some cases as few as one or two, Morgan suggested.

The Technical Director, in speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, took the opportunity to remind athletes that the Championship was not used for purposes of national selection, and he

Athletics off the mark for one of the events staged last Saturday. Inset: Chester Morgan, Technical Director of Team Athletics SVG, said the Championship unfolded as predicted. urged them to continue their training.

He also alluded to events earmarked for the remainder of 2020, namely the national road race and preseason relay classics in December and beyond that, the various games in Grenada.

The Games Secretary was also

pleased to see some of the overseas athletes compete in the championship which will serve are a motivation for the other young athletes”.

Myers, Gonsalves: IT-DAT Camp MVPs

ETHAN MYERS and Andrea Gonsalves took the MVP male and female awards respectively, when the 7th IT-DAT Academy Summer Camp came to an end last weekend, at the Arnos Vale playing field.

There were other awards in various track and

field categories, as well as off-the-track awards, including a Parent Award which went to Sharv Stewart.

Michael Ollivierre, Director of IT-DAT Academy and Chief Coach of the Summer Camp, was more than satisfied with the turnout, especially given the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions.

“I was expecting around 70 athletes …

Nonetheless, I was happy for those who attended,” Ollivierre said, adding, “There were 58 athletes who turned up for the Camp.”

He described that group as very committed and having good parental support, “that will make it much easier for me.”

The participants will take a one-week break and then resume training. They are excited by the synthetic track that will be commissioned soon, Ollivierre commented.

And as for the Camp’s MVP’s, here is what they had to say: Andrea Gonsalves (100 and 200m specialist): “Athletics was my thing ever since I was young, and as I got older, I just wanted Participants assemble for the closing of the 2020 IT-DAT to perfect it. I am still working on that, and Camp. with the track at Diamond, and I am

I.B.A.ALLEN

anticipating a really good year next year. In the next couple years I see myself as a professional athlete breaking records and also having a Andrea Ethan Myers scholarship.”

Gonsalves MVP male Ethan Myers: “This will further MVP female motivate me to carry on. I am now looking to go off to university, and possibly in the next five years or so see an Olympic Games medal. I am extremely happy for the track at Diamond, it will give us that kind of boost knowing that we can now be on the same level as Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas and Trinidad that excel in track”.

Ollivierre expressed thanks to Team Athletics SVG, National Lotteries Authority, SINGER and Mike Ollivierre for their assistance.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Things to talk HOW UNFORTUNATE that the First Division of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association final featuring North Leeward and Bequia was not carried live. That did detract from the entertainment provided. If Bequia had won, they would have deserved every commendation.

They still merit some credit, for not one moment was it a one-sided affair. It turned out that North Leeward had to dig deep and crawled their way to the victory target aware that there were overs in the basket. Bequia prolonged their innings and scored at a reasonable run.

That came at a sacrifice of 16 overs, a cushion which worked in their opponents’ favour.

The absence of scoreboard facilities placed an extra burden on scorers who had to respond to repeated requests from players and spectators.

The dressing room was not occupied by the teams, suggesting a cavalier approach to the occasion. That again did not dampen the enthusiasm of the players.

It was evident that the game was greeted with the necessary attention. Perhaps it is unfortune that events unfolded in such a manner that priority took place.

Players and fans had to be content with provisions, for there were no outlets to cater for food and beverages. Many people came prepared for the event and kept themselves enthused.

Perhaps accordance with the Ministry of Health’s protocol encouraged the tendency towards safety, but the atmosphere was one of awareness.

Arnos Vale has the capacity to absorb a huge following and there was never any cause for alarm about overcrowding. Matters will become more intricate as the epidemic wears on. The era of uncertainty that pervades is zeroing into that zone where there is nothing tried and tested to rely on.

With qualifications to the 2022 Football World Cup on the horizon, there will be time for further adjustments.

The time for deeper collaboration with all the stake holders has descended with such a rapidity that it is difficult to avoid. The need for innovative and creative means for coping with the crisis has never been more urgent.

Responses to the requirements will have to be deliberate. Our technological experts will be called to unleash their reserves.

Reopening of schools will set the benchmark for what happens in the classrooms. With the need to balance sporting and academic faculties, all aspects of health and safety will be carefully examined.

The changing landscape continues to manifest, and there is no escape. The deaths of Jerry George and Bernard John translate the passage of an era.

Jerry may not have been the all-out sport fanatic, but he must have nurtured an appetite for netball. His family testifies the attachment.

His wife is a known figure in the centre of the netball arena.

Jerry used his versatility to keep up with the prevailing conditions. In that regard, he was not far away from events where people mattered.

His stint with Digicel endorsed his connectivity and extended his involvement with many sporting spheres.

Who can forget the Digicel Football Cup? Jerry was an intimate figure.

Bernard John was the typical Vincentian, example of the average Caribbean citizen. For him cricket was a natural engagement. His blitz with the media gave legitimacy to interactive sporting endeavours.

EB took his pioneering status into the cultural arena and blended theorical and practical platforms.

His perspective was sound and his contribution profound. These stalwarts have left their mark and have added to the legacy of great men; footprints are stamped in the sands of time.

X-Cel Academy dominates Junior Tennis Championships SIBLINGS Afe and Afi Lucas, along with Marcus Young and Sari Mc Intosh, all from the X-Cel Tennis Academy, dominated the National Junior Tennis Championships, which concluded last Saturday at the National Tennis Centre at Villa.

Afi Lucas secured the Females Under-14 title, when she defeated Steadyisha Penniston in straight sets, 4-0, 4-0. She also pouched the Under-16 title, which was played on a round robin format.

Meanwhile, Afi Lucas took the Male Under-16 singles title and teamed up with Sari Mc Intosh to win the Mixed Doubles.

In the Male Under-16 finals, Afi ditched Jaiden Bowens in 6-0, 6-0. And, in the Mixed Doubles

final, he and Mc Intosh overcame Jaiden Bowens and Yasmin Sandy, 6-3, 63.

The other title won by the X-Cel Tennis Academy went to Marcus Young, who had a 4-1, 4-1 win over Vova Zhuravlov in the Male Under-14 title match.

Head Coach of the X-Cel Marcus Afi and Afe Lucas Tennis Academy- Kebajah Young King, expressed delight in equally responding. his charges winning all the titles He was especially delighted in at stake, stating “that was the left-handed Mc Intosh, who he expected.” said has improved tremendously King noted that the players within the last few months. were well groomed for the The National Junior Tennis championships, as he had put in a Championships ran from 19th to lot of work, with the players 22nd August.

Spencer pleased with his Camp ROMANO SPENCER, former national table tennis champion and certified coach, is satisfied that the effort he put into staging a six-day table tennis training camp in Fancy, was worth every bit of time and energy that went into seeing the camp to its completion.

Hosted under the auspices of his Vincy Table Tennis Foundation (VTTF), and conducted at the Fancy Government School, the camp, which ran from August 10 to 15, attracted 23 participants — 11 girls and 12 boys — ages ranging from 6 to 12 years.

While he was the main facilitator, Spencer got assistance from teachers currently serving at the Fancy Government School, namely ‘Clyo’ Durrant, level 1 table tennis coach, and Danny Michael, Physical Education teacher.

In terms of talent, six participants stood out, Spencer said, and he is hopeful “that the participants will continue to practise, and that they understand if you get better at the basics, you will get better no matter what.”

At another level, Spencer is more than happy that, “The VTTF has its goals aligned with those of the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA),” and has committed to running more programmes and training camps, in keeping with the mission

of advancing the sport to every corner of the state.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Coach Romano Spencer (right) putting one of the participants through a basic drill.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

MAUREEN PRESCOD BROWNE

SYBIL DOREEN DENNIE

New Testament Church of God Tuesday, 25th August, 2020 Wilson Hill, Kingstown Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

St. Theresa Spiritual Baptist Church Barrouallie Sunday, 23rd August, 2020 Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery DOPHINEE OCTAVIA PIERRE FRANCOIS Prayer and Faith Assembly Rose Bank Sunday, 23rd August, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Interment: Dark View Cemetery Rose Bank

ELIZABETH CLEMENTINA BAKER better known as Buntie Baker St Sullivan New life in Christ Baptist Church Questelles Sunday, 23rd August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

FIDEL DENNISON DAVIS St. Matthews Anglican Church Biabou Saturday, 22nd August, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Biabou Cemetery

ERSKIN LINDLEY QUAMINA aka Austin & Soffie Kingstown Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday, 16th August, 2020 Service: 2:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY AUGUST

28, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.35

www.thevincentian.com

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DA SILVA OUT, WYLLIE IN Bernard Wyllie (2nd from right) has reportedly received the backing of (from left) Philip Jackson, Kirk Da Silva and Curtis Bowman, the other NDP contenders for candidacy in Marriaqua.

WHEN the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Central Committee convened on Thursday, August 20, the primary intent was to ratify the candidates selected by the East Saint George and Marriaqua Constituency Councils.

In a complete turnabout of affairs, the Party’s highest decision-making body opted to appoint former area MP Bernard R. Wyllie to represent the Marriaqua constituency, thereby setting aside that Constituency Council’s choice of Kirk Da Silva.

Da Silva, a former Unity Labour Party hopeful candidate for Marriaqua, had emerged from the NDP Marriaqua primaries with a 7vote (15-8) lead on Wyllie. He in fact, copped more votes than the two remaining contenders combined, those being Curtis Bowman, the NDP candidate in elections of 2010 and 2015, and newcomer Phillip Jackson.

Wyllie managed to secure the second highest vote count, 8, at the Constituency Council level.

Reports are that Da Silva fell out of favour when separate polls conducted by the NDP, since the August 11 primary, showed Wyllie enjoying a better approval rating in the largely agricultural district.

“The polls and the pulse both said Wyllie. Everybody seemed to be calling for Wyllie,” an NDP insider told this reporter.

Other reports claimed that a constituency walkabout conducted by Party Leader Dr. Godwin Friday revealed that the constituents favoured Wyllie over the other contenders.

29 voted, he did not garner the required 75% so as to enjoy automatic selection.

Dr. Friday also corroborated that a walkabout in the constituency was met with fervent support for Wyllie, and this had influenced the Central Committee’s decision in his favour.

Wyllie at the pools

In the wake of claims reporting Wyllie’s endorsement by the Central Committee, NDP’s Public Relations Officer - Laverne King, not only confirmed the reports but also noted that “the NDP is the most resilient political institution that I know, and I’m confident that we made a winning decision tonight.”

It is understood, that the other three contenders have since affirmed their support of Wyllie, described by his party as “a candidate who would deliver Marriaqua.”

Constitutional right Following on what broke late last

Upon his electoral victory in 1989, Wyllie served as a Parliamentary Secretary first in the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Community Development, and then the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Success at the 1994 polls occasioned his appointment as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce before a reshuffle resulted in him being assigned ministerial duties in the Ministry of Agriculture and Labour.

Victory by the Unity Labour Party’s week, Dr. Godwin Friday, Political Girlyn Miguel in the 1998 election Leader of the NDP, used his Monday morning programme on NICE Radio to resulted in Wyllie withdrawing from active politics and he migrated to the address the matter.

USA where, to his credit, he continued According to Dr. Friday, the to serve his party as the PRO of its decision by the party’s Central support group in New York.

Committee to rule in favour of Wyllie Thursday night’s Central over Da Silva, was in keeping with the Committee Meeting also confirmed party’s constitution.

Constitutionally, as per Dr. Friday’s Laverne Gibson-Velox as the NDP’s candidate for the East St. George explanation, a person who wins with constituency. less than 75% of the votes cast at the The NDP is yet to confirm a Constituency Council level, must have candidate for the North Windward to be ratified as the candidate by the constituency, for an election which is Central Committee. likely to be called before the year ends.

In the case of Da Silva, he copped the support of 15 of the 30 eligible jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com voters, and notwithstanding that only

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