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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014. 29.
Sports
Repression THIS SEEMS to be the era of oppression, as witnessed by a turn of recent events. Not that actions of this nature are new. They have been taking place over a prolonged period in South Africa before the conscience of the world weighed down on the forces of evil, and the apartheid system ended. Racial suppression has been a hallmark of the American society, with the indiscriminate killings of black people. The trend has spilled over in the Caribbean. But, whereas acts of the police brutality have been perpetuated by white Police officers in the US, those in the Caribbean delight in getting rid of those of their own ilk. What has been taking place in Palestine over the past two months is enough to force persons with a balanced outlook, to take a close view at Israel and their actions. Caricom has issued a statement on the Palestinian situation; but there is the feeling that regional leaders will not be as vocal in their condemnation of Israel as it would have been if it had been some other African nation, or Venezuela. Whatever it costs, Caricom leaders have a responsibility to speak about human rights abuses wherever they occur. It is surprising that Israel enjoys normal relations with the rest of the world, in the wake of their ongoing violation of international laws and their treatment of the Palestinian people. Some persons are disgusted with the Israeli action and are demanding that something be done to show our disapproval. But the authorities may not be inclined to pay any heed to minority voices. Or they might be too timid, overawed by Israeli power. Israel will be contained, for justice must prevail. I must salute the Palestinian people for their resilience in the face of brutal oppression waged against them. They need no insistence on continuing their struggle, and all we could do is to give them whatever act of solidarity we can. It is time that the Palestinian issue be settled, and that means a return of the Palestinian lands to their original owners. Whatever agreements are made must acknowledge the Palestinians rights. Oppression on racial grounds has become too common place. It harps back to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela for a period of 27 years before he went from prisoner to President. The Palestinians have no such figure to symbolise their cause. Yasser Arafat has departed, and no personality with his appeal has emerged to claim an international profile on behalf of the Palestinians. No Arab nation appears willing to stand in support of the Palestinians, so they have no choice than to wage their battle. Sports and politics have long been a basis of controversy. Indeed, sports have served as a platform of diplomacy. It is time that the Palestinians take part in international sporting activities. But as long as the siege continues on Gaza, Palestinians will be left with no other choice but to engage in legitimate resistance of occupying forces. And when that goes on, persons will continue a tirade of terrorism. What they won’t acknowledge is the hypocrisy with which the world has become immune to with their defence of the Israeli occupation.
SVG swimmers, champions and record breakers in St. Lucia year group, with 15 medals — 9 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze, breaking 10 Meet records. Shane Cadogan, for the 11-12 year boys, also won the Championship, with 12 gold and 1 silver and bronze each, breaking 3 Meet records. Alexander Joachim, for the Boys’ 9-10 group, was champ, gaining all 11 gold medals in his group. Shne Joachim, Champion in the Girls 13-14, brought L-R: Nikolas Sylvester, Shne Joachim home 10 Gold medals, setting a new record for the and Alexander Joachim. female Sprint Challenge. Other medal winners seen over the last two years”. representing Black Sands Blue Marlins Swim Club, led included: by Head Coach, Neisha Alexander Justin Sylvester, 11-12 Boys, 1 was also pleased with her Silver and 1 Bronze. swimmers performances. Blue Paige Cadogan, Girls 9-10, 4 Marlins swimmers included: Bronze. Dorien Antrobus, Boys 15-17, Jamie Joachim, 6 years and won 4 Silver and 3 Bronze. under, 1 Gold and 3 Silver. Bryson George, 9-10 Boys, 1 Gerard Geowarsingh, 15-17 Silver and 2 Bronze. group, won 1 Silver and 3. Kenale Alleyne, also in that Head coach of Black Sands, group, 1 Bronze. Kyle Dougan, was The SVG Swimming Federation extremely pleased with in partnership with the Bank of the performances of his Nova Scotia and LIME, extends young athletes. He congratulations to all swimmers said, “the progress of who participated in the Meet, and our swimmers notes that all swimmers continues as our continued to show improvements preparations for the in their swim times. OECS Championships Congratulations to the coaches in November and the who do an outstanding job with CARIFTA Swimming our young athletes. Championships next Please contact us at April begin in earnest svgasa@gmail.com with any and where we expect to queries, comments or suggestions The Vincentian representatives from both continue the you may have in regard to teams at Summer Festival 2014. improvements we have swimming. VINCENTIAN swimmers dominated the annual Summer Festival Swim Meet in St Lucia held August 21st to 24th, 2014. Nikolas Sylvester, Shane Cadogan, Shne Joachim and Alexander Joachim were all overall champions in their respective age groups. Nikolas, Shne and Alexander won their respective Sprint Championships (and won three of the four Sprint categories) and both Shne and Alex broke the Sprint Challenge records. St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming was represented by two clubs, Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) and Blue Marlins (BM) at the Summer Festival Swim Meet which featured swimmers representing eight swim clubs from three Caribbean countries. Black Sands Swim Squad, led by Shane Cadogan, Nikolas Sylvester, Shne Joachim and Alexander Joachim, won the Boys Overall Championships, and their swimmers produced dominant performances. Nikolas Sylvester, was the overall Champion in the 13-14
Grassroot Tennis shines in St. Lucia The ITF/GSDF English Caribbean Wilson Under 12 Cotecc Team Championship 2014, runs from August 24th - 30th in St Lucia at the St Lucia National Tennis Centre. The St Vincent and the Grenadines team comprising of Grassroot Tennis Club members: Akeil Deroche and Anthonio Cain, along with coach Khir Huggins,
left the state on Sunday 23rd to participate in the event. The team was sponsored by The Mustique Company, Mustique Tennis Club and SVG General Services Ltd. Director of Grassroot Tennis Club Grant Connell said the club is indeed grateful for the kind support from the sponsors, Team Vincy .....Khir Huggins, Anthonio Cain, Akeil Deroche and and thanked Mr Grant Connell. Stephen Joachim, Mr Leroy ‘Fly’ Edwards and Mr Richard Schaffer D: St Lucia Team 1, Curacao, Barbados and Antigua. for their continued The tournament played in a support for the round robin format, will result in development of tennis in two teams advancing from each St Vincent. group. Up to press time, St The competition Vincent played Suriname, with includes 11 countries, including hosts St Lucia. Anthonio Cain playing as number one seed for his team defeating Group A includes: Juwell Ritveld 4 0, 4 0 and Akeil Bahamas, Trinidad and Grenada; St Vincent and Deroche defeating Giordi Sampson 4 0,4 1. They then the Grenadines are in combined to defeat the Suriname Group B with Jamaica and Suriname; Group C: team in doubles. The competition Bermuda, Guyana and St would end on Saturday 30th Team Vincy with team from Suriname Lucia Team 2, and Group August, and the team is scheduled after match. to return home on Sunday.