FRIDAY, APRIL 30,
2021
One of two dwellings in Rockies, East Kingstown, that did not withstand the force of the raging water.
VOLUME 115, No.17
www.thevincentian.com
The Rabacca Bridge, already having taken the brunt of the wrought of La Soufrière, lost one of its rails and had the other twisted out of shape, during Thursday’s downpour.
EC$1.50
Not even a change of name to E.T. Joshua Commercial Centre could prevent the ‘usual’ flowing of the old terminal building at the decommissioned E. T. Joshua Airport.
Water and debris meant these vehicles on Bay Street, Kingstown were going nowhere, anytime soon.
Propane gas bottles went floating at the SOL Bulk Storage Unit at Arnos Vale.
The torrential rains laid bare the rodent infestation problem that plagues capital Kingstown as these creatures were washed from their abode in drains and cutters.
“IT IS DIFFICULTY to be optimistic at this time.” So said a senior citizen in a telephone conversation with THE VINCENTIAN at around 8:30 on Thursday morning. “Dengue fever, the coronavirus, the eruption of La Soufrière and now torrential rains! How much more can we bear?” the elder asked. And to bear that out, the pictures shared here tell a thousand stories, to modify the old saying of a picture being worth a thousand words.
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2. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Congressmen request air lift to SVG by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT
TWO UNITED STATES Congressmen have sought assistance from New York State
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in securing aircraft to airlift disaster relief supplies procured from private citizens, from New York City (NYC) to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “As members of the NYC congressional delegation, we write regarding disaster relief for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where tens of thousands of people are in humanitarian need due to multiple eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano,” wrote Hakeem Jeffries and Gregory Meeks in their joint letter to Governor Cuomo. Jeffries represents New York’s 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens, and Meeks represents the 5th Congressional District in Queens. The congressmen wrote that, after the first eruption of La Soufrière on April 9, up to 20,000 people, out of a total population of 110,000 were evacuated from the northern region of mainland St. Vincent to safer areas in the south. They noted that water shortages have resulted from the contamination of waterways and catchments caused
Congressman Gregory Meeks by falling ash and dust after each explosive eruption of the volcano; and roofs of houses have collapsed under the weight of ash, which has blanketed the island. In addition, they said electricity and food supplies have been disrupted, and that thousands of Vincentians remain in emergency shelters. Jefferies and Meeks told the governor that Caribbean leaders in Brooklyn and Queens, “which are home to likely the largest Vincentian Diaspora community in the US, have collected relief supplies” to provide to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They said that, for example, the Brooklyn-based SVG Relief Committee, USA., Inc. has reported that they have collected enough bottled water to fill two 20-feet shipping containers, 90 commercial shipping bins, 120 barrels and two 20-feet containers of essential relief items. Jeffries and Meeks said shipping these materials by sea would take roughly three weeks or longer to arrive at their destination. “Alternatively, sending an aircraft with supplies would deliver relief much sooner during this rapidly unfolding crisis,” they told Governor Cuomo. “We, therefore, respectfully request your assistance in securing an available aircraft to airlift disaster relief supplies procured from private citizens from New York City to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “These citizens would greatly appreciate help with the delivery,” Jeffries and Meeks added. “We are prepared to work with you to coordinate efforts for an aircraft and we welcome your partnership.”
V News 3 Residents prevented from entering Red Zones
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 3.
AS PART OF THE EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD temporarily vacated properties in the Red Zone, the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF) mounted stop and check points at the east and west entrances to the Zone. One such check point was mounted on Tuesday at Belle Isle on the Leeward. This did not sit well with a number of persons who were desirous of going back to their homes to clean up and take care of their animals. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on Tuesday 27th issued a further warning about activities in the Red and Orange Zones. NEMO disclosed that the Scientists at the Belmont Volcano Observatory had advised that there were lahars (dense flows of ash and water) within the river system in the Red and
Orange Zones that very morning. Given the danger that lahars pose, NEMO informed that officers of the RSVGPF will be restricting person travelling into the Red and Orange Zones as of that day. Lennox lampkin, a farmer from Rose hall, was one of those residents prevented from reentering. In a live Facebook posting last Tuesday, Lampkin said that he had remained in the community until Tuesday morning when he left for Kingstown to get some food for stray dogs. On his return he was stopped and prevented from reentering by police officers. “We want to go back and clean up our houses, we want to go back and take care full care of our animals and we are caught here by a
directive from NEMO, telling us that we can’t get back to our homes. So we are stuck … I am not blaming the police, the police are doing their job…,” Lampkin told his audience. He noted further, with a noticeable sense of disgust, that when persons Lennox Lampkin, Rose Hall left the North farmer/environmentalist, was put Leeward area off by the fact that no one told on Tuesday, them they could not return when they were not they left the area that morning. told they could not return. with what appeared to be In Lampkin’s ash and other building Facebook video a long material greeted visitors line of vehicles waiting to that area. for permission to enter Two police officers was evident. manned the check point At Rabacca on the and could be seen Windward side, the sight stopping vehicles trying of big trucks arriving to go north beyond that
Red Zone poses security challenges POLICE HAVE CONFIRMED that there have been a few incidents of properties in the Red Zone being burglarized since the La Soufriere volcano began erupting on April 9. Commissioner of Police, Colin John told THE VINCENTIAN that police had received five reports from the Northwestern and two from on the Northeastern sides of the Red Zone. Minister of National Security and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had earlier (April 14) provided insight into the two events on the Northwestern section. He reported then that the police had intercepted two individuals who had arrived on the Leeward side of the island by boat, with the intention of breaking and entering persons’ homes. He referred further, on radio on April 27, to a report of an undisclosed number of persons who had broken into a number of houses in the Chateaubelair, and had stolen a number of items. To date there have been two arrests associated with burgalary in the Red Zone. Kim Hoyte of Sandy Bay and Kenny Nanton of Point appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on April 19, to
A police-mounted check/stop point at Belle Isle last Tuesday afternoon. (Photo Credit: Lenox Lampkin Facebook video) point. One officer said that only vehicles operated by BRAGSA and Kelectric have permission to go north beyond the check point, and that others persons desirous of passing the checkpoint must first get the permission of NEMO.
As for Lampkin and the other persons who were trying to reenter the Red Zone on the North Leeward end, they were eventually allowed to after a group of police officers arrived and gave orders to that effect. (KH)
Update on electricity bills An aerial view of Chateubelair where many homes/houses were vacated as a result of the eruption. This one area poses a great security challenge. answer separately to charges of theft committed in the northeastern area of the Red Zone. In relation to the theft of animals, the Commissioner of Police John said that a number of persons had reported seeing animals being transported out of the northeastern area, but there were only a few reports of praedial larceny made to date. And towards dealing with the
issue, the Commissioner indicated that a number of initiatives have been put in place, e.g. patrols and check points at the entrances of the Red Zone, and stop and search exercises of those venturing in and out of the that Zone. (See article on this page) Drivers of vehicles venturing into the Red Zone will be subject to having their names and vehicle registration numbers recorded, the Commissioner added. (DD)
ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES LIMITED (VINLEC) wishes to advise customers that the initial explosive eruption at the La Soufrière Volcano has impacted the Company’s meter reading and billing processes. In keeping with the Company’s Health and Safety practices related to employee wellbeing, Meter Reading in some cycles was disrupted as a result of airborne volcanic ash and unsafe roadways in some cases. This ultimately affected the billing process which requires data from Meter Reading to be completed. Consequently, some customers will see an increase in the number of billing days on their April bills, while other customers may receive estimated bills for the month of April. Meanwhile, in light of the ongoing activities at the La Soufrière Volcano, VINLEC wishes to advise customers that there will be a suspension of electricity bills for customers in the following areas: WINDWARD — Park Hill, South Rivers, Chester, Gorse, Grand Sable, Chile, Georgetown, Langley to Fancy ; LEEWARD — Spring, Coulls Hill, Rose Bank, Rose Hall, Petit Bordel to Richmond. (Source: VINLEC)
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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Relief Aid
Canada pledges support for SVG A RELEASE from the Canadian High Commission in Barbados made available on Monday, announced that the Government of Canada has pledged CAD$440,000 in immediate aid to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in the wake of the volcanic eruption. The funds, to be channelled through Global Affairs Canada, are expected to provide for the basic needs of displaced persons, including those in shelters, with a contribution of $50,000 to support the work of Rapid Relief Team SVG. The World Pediatric Project (WPP) Caribbean will receive $50,000 to help to meet the health needs of displaced women and children. A sum of $90,000 will go to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to support shelters for evacuees and to provide relief supplies and first aid services, the release said. Canada has also mobilized a $250,000 contribution to the
World Food Programme (WFP) following the UN Flash Appeal for assistance to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This funding will allow WFP to scale-up its life-saving operations for the next three months to provide food security, logistics, and emergency telecommunications. This emergency Part of the Canadian pledge will go assistance, first announced towards a specific effort to safeguard by Global Affairs Canada on the health of displaced women and April 25, complements children. (Credit: unicef.org) Canada’s long-term disaster preparedness and readiness Canada’s $8.2 million project initiatives with partners such as with CDEMA not only provides the Caribbean Disaster support for strengthening regional Emergency Management Agency disaster preparedness and (CDEMA), Canadian Red Cross, response efforts, but also includes Pan-American Health an Early Recovery Fund, which Organization, World Bank, and will be mobilized to provide at the Caribbean Development Bank least $400,000 to support early (CDB). recovery efforts. (CHC, Barbados)
SVG gets more UK relief THE UK will give further support to provide food, clean water and other essential items, for an estimated 13,000 people affected by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The new £550,000 ($695,000 USD) contribution takes the total UK funding to over £800,000 ($1m USD) since the eruption began on April 9th and will be delivered via the World Food Programme (WFP). These funds will deliver urgent cash and voucher assistance to help families displaced by the volcano meet their immediate nutrition, hygiene and other essential needs for three months. This announcement follows the UK’s earlier commitment of £200,000 ($278,000 USD) to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) which enabled the immediate mobilisation of regional support teams and urgent supplies for the initial relief effort. Prior to the explosive eruption, the UK also provided £51,000 ($70,000 USD) for aerial helicopter surveillance and equipment
installations to help analyse changes in the volcano and boost early warning for a timely evacuation. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said: “We stand united with the people of the St. Vincent and Grenadines at this difficult time. We have all been tremendously moved by the scenes of devastation and human misery that this volcano has wrought. “I am pleased that the UK stepped up to provide vital support to the
Heavy ash and rock fall caused a mass evacuation of people from their homes and sources of livelihood. (Credit: weatherboy) CDEMA regional response within 24 hours of the first eruption. This further support will provide urgent assistance to those most affected by
EU aid to SVG THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) has mobilized €740,000 (US$894.107) in emergency humanitarian aid to support those affected by the extremely damaging consequences of the La Soufrière volcano´s protracted eruption, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The emergency funding will be managed by the EU humanitarian aid department and implemented by humanitarian partners already active in the area. It will prioritize interventions to guarantee immediate access to water, sanitation, hygiene, healthcare and distributions of non-food items, in addition to the protection of the most vulnerable. A sum of €190,000 (US$230.560) will be channeled to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
the impact of volcano, including those currently displaced and living in shelters.’’ (Source: reliefweb)
Norway has recognised that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will require expert assistance for clean-up after ash fall and emergency measures for new volcanic eruptions.
Norway supports relief in SVG THE KINGDOM of Norway, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, has contributed US$150,000 in humanitarian aid, to people affected by the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The assistance will go through the UN and the Red Cross system and contribute to, among other things, shelter, food, water and sanitary measures. Norway says its aid is coming at a time of greatest need for the Caribbean nation, as the country prepares for even greater production losses as it enters its recovery programme. Norway, too, has recognised that 89 shelters have been established to accommodate some of the 20,000 people, said to have been evacuated from the hazardous zone around the volcano. There is lack of electricity and water and a need for, among other things, power supplies, the Norwegian government acknowledged, adding that in addition to emergency assistance, there is a need for expert assistance for clean-up after ash fall and emergency measures for new volcanic eruptions. In addition to the US$150,000 contribution referred, Norway is a major contributor to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, which has already released US $1 million to assist the emergency response in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Given that the situation in the Caribbean nation is still critical, the Nordic nation said it “is following the situation closely.”
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been visiting Emergency Shelters with the intention of getting a first-hand impression of their operation.
(IFRC) through their Disaster Relief Emergency Funds. The Saint Vincent and the Grenadine´s Red Cross is supporting national authorities in coordinating and managing temporary shelters. Evacuees will receive hygiene kits, COVID19 personal protective equipment and the basic healthcare they need. The remaining €550,000 (US$667,562) will be channeled through humanitarian partners already active on the ground in order to enhance their response to the emergency. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, on the April, delivered 40 tons of first aid items such as COVID19
personal protective equipment, hygiene kits and drinking water. In addition, the EU’s Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area and the EU’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in close contact with local authorities to monitor the situation and eventually channel further EU assistance. (EU External Action Service)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 5.
News
‘Lava Man’ still in trouble DESRON RODRIQUEZ, aka Lava Man, may not be off the hook just yet. According to Colin John, Desron Rodriquez is “fee’ but was required to report to the police.
Commissioner of Police (CoP), investigations are still ongoing and the Police were working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine what charges — if any — could arise based on the findings. Rodriquez was arrested on April 20 and released during the late afternoon hours of April 22, without
Health checks on food items required
CERTAIN canned foods, including sardines, tuna, sausages and corned beef, are not being seized by Officers at the Customs and Excise Department. “I don’t want people to say that Customs is seizing them because the Customs is not seizing them,” Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves cautioned as he addressed the public during a radio interview on April 27. The Prime Minister explained that what was happening was that the items were subject to inspection, according to the law. This not only allowed the officers to establish where these items originated but also, “they have to look at the expiration date and other things that may need to be tested,” Gonsalves said. He added that the information garnered from the inspection would put the health authorities in a position to trace the product’s origin in the event of
an outbreak of a health issue. The Prime Minister noted that currently there were no duties or other handling charges on such items. He reiterated, however, that, “We have to make sure that the elemental laws of the land, those relating to our health and those relating to accountability and transparency, are respected.” And while it may be a little inconvenient for individuals, this was a process that supermarkets were accustomed to as they too were required to adhere to these health checks. (Stories DD)
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, moved to clear the air on why certain food items have to be inspected by Customs and Excise Officers.
charge. Commissioner John confirmed that Rodriguez, as ordered to, reported to Police on April 26 when he was again interviewed and released pending further investigations. The 34-year-old became a Social Media sensation after he began posting photographs and videos of himself and a team of others on site at La Soufrière, after it had entered an explosive Colin John, eruption phase. Commissioner of In fact, he began posting Police, confirmed photographs to Social that Desron Media shortly after the Rodriquez was still a person of interest to effusive eruptions started the police. in December 2020 and continued to post images of his many trips to the summit, including some which were purported to be taken on April 18 hours before an explosive eruption was recorded on that day. The CoP, during an April 21 interview with THE VINCENTIAN, pointed to the National Emergency and Disaster Management Act of 2006 as making provisions under which Rodriguez could be charged.
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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
To shelter or not to shelter SO WE HAVE BRAVED the shortcomings of the logistics in getting displaced persons to shelter. Yes, we understand that any evacuation plan should be comprised of three basic components mobilisation, movement/transportation and shelter – and will be assessed accordingly. A Shelter Report of April 19, 2021 indicated that there were 85 designated ‘government’ shelters (though a figure of 89 has also been quoted elsewhere) factored into our Evacuation Plan. As of that date, a reported 6,208 persons were in those (85) shelters and an additional 10, 367 were said to be in private homes - on rental bases or in the homes of friends relatives — giving a total of 16,575 under roofs other than their own. The Report as referenced also indicated that as of the April 19 date, 12,775 displaced persons were registered. This raises the first discrepancy as it applies to the Evacuation Plan’s accommodation of displaced persons. If the math is correct, there are at least 3,800 displaced persons for whom we have no account. Where are they? Are we to assume that they are not in the relief supply loop? Rumours abound that it took some time for the administration of meals, sleeping accommodation and social distancing between families to unfold at some Shelters. If these basic responsibilities continue to be challenges, we will be hard-pressed to cater to those elusive 3,800. An emergency shelter is a place of temporary abode; this should have been drilled into the people in the Red Zone who were the targets of a number of community consultations, whistle stops, social media outreaches, etc. Was it? Now, it looks very likely that these shelters and private homes could well be ‘inhabited’ for the entire duration of the reconstruction process. Does our Evacuation Plan make any provision for this likelihood or are people going to be awakened one morning to an order, a decree
not unlike the Roman decree of Jesus’ time, that they must ‘immediately return to their homes’? This time around should have been easier as far as the unfolding of a seamless Evacuation Plan was concerned. The Red Zone between 1979 and 2021 had shown remarkable infrastructural development, housing stock inclusive. Commerce increased and an indigenous transportation service made a daily trip into the capital a same-day affair, not to mention that many persons owned their own means of transportation. All taken, the standard of living in the Red Zone had improved and with it came new expectations, e.g. access to amenities and fineries like any other group of citizens. This could well be one of the contributing factors to the reality that there is less of the displaced population using the Emergency Shelters. Residents of the Red Zone cannot be faulted for safeguarding their expectation and their privacy, by opting for private accommodation as against shelter in government provided facilities like (open) schools. This and the economic and social advancements should have informed the Evacuation Plan that we take it, included attention to the displaced persons’ material, social, cultural even psychological needs. As per last week column, we ask: Should the Evacuation Order not have been made earlier? Did the preemptive work among the communities ‘misleadingly heighten the people’s expectations? And then there is the question of the static that prevailed with respect to compulsory vaccination for those entering the Government Emergency Shelters. The Prime Minister was at pains to refute this but sadly, the damage had already been done by misguided pronouncements by certain elected Constituency Representatives, who should have measured their role against those of persons designated certain tasks under the Evacuation Plan. Maybe next time we’ll be better prepared.
Beware the prejudice and bias of the press (28th July 2000) (An abridged version of THIS WEEK first published in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 28th May, 2000. “ALREADY THE PRESS which generally opposes the ruling NDP, has begun to get its act together, they are armed to the teeth for the coming electoral battle, so to speak. “The News” is the newsiest and most widely read of the journals. Its editorial knocks the Government at every turn while the ULP has been cast in the role of the second coming. Unfair side swipes are also routinely made at Boyea and Stalky John and their new PPM. Among their resident columnist, Blazer Williams stands supreme, now Blazer was first secretary of Ralph’s MNU, then Deputy Leader, the “secretaryship” taken over by Matthew Thomas, who today writes letters in “The News” that genuflect to alleged political High Priesthood and academic genius of Ralph Gonsalves. In 1994 Thomas had been the MNU man slated to run in South Central Windward constituency when he gave way to a Labour candidate as a result of the Beache-Gonsalves pact. Blazer himself had run for East Kingstown on an MNU ticket in both 1984 and 1989, and for the MNU-Labour in 1994. He regularly used to give opinions on the financial state of the St Vincent and the Grenadines in Cana Reports. Blazer, who today practises law in a Firm headed by Dr. Gonsalves is invariably introduced by Cana Reporter Corlita Olliverre as “Independent Economist Cecil Blazer Williams”... what effrontery! Caspar London contributes a regular column that massages Ralph’s huge ego and like Matthew Thomas’ letters, are geared to presenting the doctor as an academic and political demi-God. The relationship deepened when Gonsalves became the ideologue for Yulimo in 1975 and leader of the group in 1979. Caspar blindly followed the leader when he broke with Yulimo in 1982 and formed his MNU... Amazingly, Caspar’s political articles can best be described by the very words he has chosen for mine: “servile, sycophantic and grovelling”. “The Searchlight” started out by hewing an independent balanced line but over time became distinctly antigovernment, first subtly, then more openly. Enter Cims Martin who, of course, was a leading light in Cato’s entourage when Labour ruled the roost. In fact, his
competence and vision in economic matters represented the brighter side of Labour. The real problem is that Martin never could hit it off with Mitchell and probably feels that he has a further contribution to make to the national weal if some other administration were put in power. Bassy’s attempt at witticism fails to mask his deep-seated hatred of Mitchell and the NDP. There is a vicious streak below the humorous garb. In fact Bassy’s was only an exaggerated response to the shabby way Mitchell treated him on the issue of choice of an Independence flag. My own view is that Bassy should leave election matters severely alone, and stick to his strong point of predicting tri-tri catches! As for Renwick our “representative of Civil Society” is busy drafting a “social contract” to operate between the next Government of this country and the ODD. Meanwhile, his slippage from the tightrope ensured that he has fallen in the ULP camp, whatever the smoke-screen of expectation and rationalisations. Only Adrian Fraser continues to write with a measure of objectivity, though he seems to be gravitating towards the NDP especially since the Road Block Revolution. And Frank Da Silva who formerly favoured the ULP seems to be having second thoughts about the stature and promise of Dr. Gonsalves. Briefly, “Cross Country” which is run by an NDP supporter has tended to show sympathy with the ruling party without viciously cutting down or demonizing the various opposition forces. In the “Vincentian” there is evenhandedness and balance. Feature writers Jerry George and Jeff Trotman wrote with some detachment, which is why “Albert Mc Kenzie” (a pen name of the ULP big-wig) has launched an insidious attack on George’s so-called lack of journalistic qualifications. The powerful and controversial writer, P.C Hughes does not mince words, he has said that the government is “corrupt from top to bottom”, that he intends to follow Oba’s advice and vote ULP even “with eyes shut”. As for me, I make no bones about my support of the NDP, a decision confirmed after the attitudes displayed by Ralph and his gang in the aftermath of the 1998 election. Editor’s Note: How times have changed or have they?
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 7.
Letters
Praise for our watermen I WANT to extend thanks and praises to Mr. Garth Saunders and the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA). You know, Mr. Editor, I am not certain whether or not the average Vincie realizes what a tremendous job these fellows did in attending to the water supply during the eruption. In another lifetime with a different set of watermen, we would still be waiting on pipe borne water. I believe that we take this water business for granted. We believe it will be always there because it’s God’s water. Sure it might be God’s water but it is the power of men that brings it into our homes, so that we can enjoy at least one comfort of a normal life. We must recognize that these watermen worked around the clock to keep going whatever part of the system they could and whether or not the Prime Minister was unnecessarily pushing Mr. Saunders and his work force, they have shown in the past that they are committed and they would have responded to the situation regardless of if the Prime Minister had put in his mouth or not. I want to remind all my people that the volcano blew on April 9, 2021 and continued to blow for another two or so weeks. Don’t you realise that the month of April has not even ended and most of the country if not all of the country have pipe borne water? That is not far from a miracle given if you think of what the watermen were up against. Want to recognize unsung heroes, then recognize Mr. Saunders and the committed men at the CWSA. They made and continue to make a difference in this country, Prime Minister or no Prime Minister. Charles, Edinboro
Go home to what?
MR. EDITOR, after seeing the extent of the destruction especially North of the Dry River in places like Sandy Bay and Owia, I can’t help but ask: To what are those who left the area going back? Not only have houses been demolished but roads, bridges and the land have all been put to ruin. The bill to restore the housing stock alone will run into millions and millions of dollars; and attending to the infrastructure will not only take time since the road system might have to be rerouted, but that too will be some bill since, even though I am no engineer, it will take some creative thinking on the part of the engineers. All of that is challenging, but
Organization (WHO), after passing rigorous health, safety and efficacy tests. From what I have been able to discern, AstraZeneca trials used more participants than most of the other vaccines now available. Sure there have been cases of blood clots associated with this vaccine but these are rare. To date there has been one case of blood clot in Canada from over 12 million doses, and 30 cases in Europe from over 30 million doses administered. Nonetheless, we would have read or heard that as a precaution a few countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. But for those folk who claim that Canada has banned the vaccine, this is not so and they should let their relatives and friends in Canada who relay this misinformation to stop it immediately.
and who facilitates it, must be accepted and distributed and used in the recovery process in a fair and non-partisan manner. It is going to be some time before the majority of those displaced can return to their homes. We must continue to support those in shelters and even those who might be in the care of relatives and friends. One of the first places you can begin to help is through your churches. Every bit helps to make life just that little more comfortable for some family who has been displaced. May God continue to protect us with his mighty blessings. “Retiree”
Voluntarism in a time of crisis AS COMMUNITIES now have to cope with the effects of the ongoing volcanic eruptions, let us look at some practical ways we can assist during this undeterminable period of displacement. It is useful to note that we are all affected, not only the displaced,
Support for AstraZeneca WITH ALL the attention that is focused on the eruption and its impact, and rightfully so, the fact that we are still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic might just have slipped down the pecking order of priorities. With your permission, Mr. Editor, I want to keep a certain component of this CIVID-19 business on the agenda, i.e. the case of a certain COVID-19 vacccine. I have read a host of opinions and references on Facebook by many persons who are not trained in the field and I have read many pieces by those who are trained. I, therefore, have drawn my own conclusion and for whatever it is worth, will share it though this medium. We in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been using the AstraZeneca vaccine which has been approved by the World Health
added to this must be the threat to the residents’ livelihoods and the chances of them returning to any normalcy in this regard. This will make them dependent for some time on support from relatives and definitely the government. The Zero Hunger Fund must, out of sheer need, be diverted to assist these people. The La Soufriere volcano has dealt us a bad blow but we must not lose faith. It is our faith in an Almighty Lord that has brought us to safety, and it is this faith that will see us through to a full recovery. This is no time for selfish, partisan politics in which we are so wont to wallow. Assistance, regardless of from where it comes
Information in reputable medical and scientific journals say that the efficacy rate of COVID-19 vaccines vary between 70 per cent and 95 per cent, and there is always a chance that a vaccinated person can contract the virus – at least until a high level of herd immunity is achieved. To get to herd immunity will take time. The vaccine can help us get there. Charles, Y
whose needs, however, vary from family to family, from community to community, from shelter to shelter. Apart from the discomforts such as the inability to prepare one’s own meals, restricted movement, separation from neighbours, displaced families, especially the women in those families, face other difficulties. Women’s NonGovernment Organisations (NGOs) should play the important role of highlighting women’s practical needs which are different from men’s needs, to ensure that, as far as possible, all needs are addressed. Along with other NGOs and community groups, they should take the lead in volunteering their services in the following ways, subject to COVID-19 protocols: * visit shelters to
assist with meals preparation, cleaning, and organizing storytelling sessions for groups of 3 or 4 children, as per COVID-19 protocols; * take or provide healthy snacks and water for use by those in the shelters; * research names and numbers of persons staying with family members or renting houses, and bring this information to the attention of NEMO and Red Cross, so those persons can also benefit from relief supplies; * advocate for those renting to get assistance in paying the rent for up to six months; * advocate for homes accommodating displaced persons to get assistance with food and payment of utilities — water, electricity; * advocate for Government, Caribbean Development Bank, and
Distribution of relief THIS is a message from God to the UN representative in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For the good of the poor, for the good of our nation, for the good of the United Nations, of which SVG is a member, and most rightfully, for the good of the Kingdom of God, take over and overseer the distribution of relief material that has come and continues to come into St. incent and the
Grenadines. There are reports of unequal distribution. For that reason there is no confidence in the government and its handling of NEMO. The next step is to establish a rebuilding committee and start planning for the restructuring of our whole system. Christian Democrat
Habitat for Humanity, for example, to assist with rebuilding homes In the affected areas, or on new sites; * encourage engineers and architects to design new villages for those who cannot return to their original locations; * support the return to agriculture including putting idle lands into food crops cultivation; * advocate for cash and/or in-kind assistance for displaced persons as they embark on recovery from the economic and social impact of the volcanic eruption and the COVOD-19 pandemic; * advocate for a system that will distribute free of charge or at subsidised prices, feed for livestock and poultry farmers. Can we rise to the challenge? We CAN and we MUST. Nelcia Robinson Coordinator Committee for the Development of Women (CDW)
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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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Government’s policy and building resilience
NDP Rapid Response Team in action
Introduction
IN FEBRUARY, Dr. Godwin Friday, president of the New Democratic Party (NDP), put together a team called the Rapid Response Team, headed by Major St. Clair Leacock, to manage the relief effort of the party in the event that there was an explosive eruption at the La Soufriere volcano. Major Leacock has tremendous knowledge and experience in disaster management, having undergone training, locally, regionally and internationally in disaster management. He was also in charge of the evacuation process associated with the 1979 La Soufriere eruption. We knew that the party would have a crucial role to play in the event that the volcano erupted explosively. On 9th April, explosive eruptions began at La Soufriere volcano. Thousands of Vincentians were evacuated from the North Leeward, North Windward and North Central Windward constituencies at very short notice. Some persons have found accommodation in emergency shelters, some have been staying at hotels and guest houses, while others are staying with relatives and friends. During the past weeks, we have seen the power of the volcano; the explosive eruptions have ejected materials, including ash which to an extent has blanketed the entire country. Neighbouring islands have also been covered with ash. There has been a severe water shortage as well. Our brothers and sisters who have been displaced are in need of our help. Immediately after the eruption commenced, the NDP began to execute its plans in managing the relief effort. The Relief Telethon was launched and the response was great. Then we began to distribute food stuff, water and other essentials to evacuees from our headquarters in Kingstown. Supplies have been taken to evacuees in private homes and emergency shelters. So far, hundreds of persons have benefited from the programme. And the party’s organs in the diaspora, for example SPOONY, have been playing an integral part. Each parliamentary representative and caretaker of constituencies are actively involved in the process of visiting and assessing emergency shelters in their constituencies, and distributing food stuff and other supplies. Special mention must be made of Senator Shevern John, Vice President, Patel Matthews and Chieftain Neptune who have been visiting all the shelters where persons from their respective constituencies are residing. Other members of our party have been working assiduously at the shelters. Some have been working as shelter managers and deputy shelter managers. The NDP South Leeward constituency office has been designated as an emergency shelter. And, the constituencies of the Northern and Southern Grenadines have been actively involved, sending supplies to the mainland. Further, Dr. Friday and other members of the party have visited the affected areas on the mainland and have seen for themselves the devastation that was caused by the eruption. We applaud the effort that has been made by Caricom, the international community and regional and international organizations, and commend the effort by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) thus far. The NDP is cognizant of the needs and challenges that the evacuees are faced with and will continue to play a meaningful role in helping to meet the needs of these people, bearing in mind that there
THE POLICIES of this Unity Labour Party administration have, over and over again, proven to be necessary, relevant, timely and forward looking when assessed by their overall impacts on the lives of Vincentians. The way they coordinate to address the many aspects of national development, emphasizing the fact that a piece-meal approach to policy development can never work for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like ours. The eruption of the La Soufriere volcano has revealed in unambiguous terms the practical benefits of a number of government policies on resilience building. What has been displayed within recent weeks are for example, the foreign policy, education policy, infrastructure policy, fiscal policy, health policy, and how they provide guidance through these extremely challenging times. The impact of these and other policies of the ULP administration has moved from the abstract for those who previously never took the time to assess their significance, to being real and practical measures that our people can now depend on and benefit from. The article this week would examine briefly some of the policies of the government and their coordinated contribution to resilience building, displayed in very practical terms during the eruption of La Soufriere. Foreign policy Even before the explosive eruption phase of La Soufriere, there was constant monitoring of the volcano’s effusive eruption by the Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies (UWISRC). This regional body is one that this country supports and depends on for the services it provides. The significance of ensuring the financial viability of the UWISRC was discussed during the last budget debate and a fiscal measure of a 1% point increase of the Customs Service Charge was introduced to fund this and other regional organisations. The Opposition New Democratic Party vehemently opposed this measure, resorting to mischaracterisation, deception and flat out lies about the nature and impact of this measure, choosing to play politics, in its quest for political mileage. Imagine where this country and it’s almost 20,000 displaced residents from the red and orange zones, in the north would have been without the expertise of the UWISRC team that provided timely updates and warnings. In a matter of hours, messages of solidarity, followed by pledges and tangible assistance started flowing from the regional and international community. Boat loads of emergency supplies, water, food, water storage tanks, protective gear, were sent from counties in the region to the government as well as other NonGovernmental Organisations in support of our emergency response. The international system was mobilised, as the United Nations and its partners immediately put systems in place including sending a team on the ground comprising representatives from UNDP and the WFP, while at the same time organising a pledging facility to which member states can contribute. It would not be far-fetched to associate the two years SVG has spent as the Vice President (in the first instance) and President of the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council, and our current membership of the United Nations Security Council, to the way the world has responded. This country’s foreign policy continues to contribute to national development and our continued efforts at building resilience.
Infrastructure in Education For the purpose of this discussion, infrastructure development and education are twined, as the focus is on the development of this country’s education infrastructure. Over the 20 years of governance by the ULP, this country has had the construction of 10 state of the art schools from Union Island in the Grenadines to Peter’s Hope in the North West and Georgetown in the North East. There has also been the rehabilitation of a number of other plants across the country to accommodate our country’s progressive education revolution. This development has offered much better temporary facilities for evacuees, as the schools are being used as shelters to provide short-term accommodation for thousands of families. Many schools now have classrooms as opposed to open halls, where individual families can be offered a space and with upgraded kitchen facilities, more can be done on-site to make the accommodation more seamless. The renovation of many schools to replace “fancy blocks” and wire mesh (used in older buildings to improve ventilation) can now be appreciated as residents throughout this country continue to deal with the problem of the ash that remains on the ground. Better school buildings have created more comfortable emergency shelters, putting this country in a better position to address the evacuation challenges that arose as a result of La Soufriere. Health Care, Pandemic and Volcanic Eruption The possibility of an outbreak of Covid-19 in the emergency shelters as a result of the gathering of families and individuals from different communities was and continues to be a real concern to health officials. So far however, the number of positive cases coming out of the shelters have not shown a spike or any significant increase in cases. This is due largely in part to the aggressive education campaign carried out by the Health Services Sub-committee on Covid-19 and preparation for evacuation. The investment of the government in healthcare, hiring additional nurses, investing in testing as well as vaccines have all contributed in preventing the additional challenge of a spike in Covid-19 cases in emergency shelters. The government continues to be vigilant with testing and monitoring at the shelters and the evacuees play their part in adhering to the protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. Conclusion Building resilience involves improving the ability of this country to cope with disasters in a way that minimises loss and damage and our ability to recover quickly. This country’s foreign policy, health, education, infrastructure and fiscal policies, in concert have been developed and implemented to achieve this objective, enabling us to keep things together with assistance from the regional and international community. It is often said that we are a resilient people. The truth in this statement lies not only in our individual strengths to rebound, but in the collective preparation of this country through government’s policy to cope with and recover from disasters.
have been serious economic and social challenges in this country prior to the eruption of La Soufriere, Volcano.
General state of the country before the eruption (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Budget presentation) We face major challenges: the biggest is COVID-19 pandemic; the threat of volcanic eruption which Dr. Robertson said could happen without warning, though hopefully there will be enough time to get people out; higher than usual rates of infection and death from dengue fever, a preventable disease, from which eight (8) persons have died, including children; and an uncertain hurricane season which begins in five (5) months. We keep comforting ourselves by acknowledging that we are blessed, but we must not be complacent. The risk is there and we must prepare for it. In addition, the pre-COVID-19 persistent maladies of the government: low economic growth, lowest in the OECS; lack of diversity in the economy; limited capacity to resist and recover from external shocks; growing poverty, including indigence; high rates of unemployment, over 50% for youth; unacceptably high levels of crime, two (2) homicides have already been committed for this year; and the lack of opportunities and an enabling environment for flowering of ideas and nurturing of entrepreneurship especially for our young people. Since the emergence of COVID-19, all the problems have gotten worse. Existing vulnerabilities and inequities in our economy and society have been exposed. All the government has offered us in the guise of solutions are short sighted initiatives to plaster the sores, rather than remedies to treat the deep-rooted problems. Poor resilience of our country is laid bare and exposed with no credible or convincing strategic response from the government. Instead, everything is a political spin; everything is done through a political lens. Further, the lack of support to the private sector at this critical juncture is very much in keeping with this government’s long record of antagonism towards that sector. At no point has any incentive been provided to the private sector to maintain employment, because it is not politically expedient. Government prefers to offer them a small payment from the NIS, and move on, so they know it is coming from government and they would be grateful and dependent. Also, outrageously high levels of unemployment made worse by the pandemic; unnecessary exposure of the indigent, aged and most vulnerable segments of the society to the ravages of COVID-19 through government’s timid and ineffective response. Our people are in a state of heightened concern over the situation. Meanwhile, the government is on cruise control with no credible and meaningful response to the challenges which beset us as a nation. My remarks here are intended to help the situation, by bringing to light what is wrong with this budget and show a better path forward.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 9.
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Rising from the ruins
Imagine a world
“Ruin and recovery are both from within.” Epictetus (50 AD – 135 AD) – Greek Stoic philosopher
THE DESTRUCTION that befell our country following the eruptions at La Soufriere volcano has been described as catastrophic and apocalyptic. Those persons who have not seen the loss and damage caused by the national disaster can be assured that the harm done to our physical infrastructure is enormous. Fortunately, no one lost their life, but it may be too early to gauge the health fall out from thee eruptions. And what a response demonstrating goodwill and solidarity it has been! Cuba, St Lucia and Venezuela, within days of the April 9 eruptions, formed a humanitarian bridge in conjunction with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to coordinate the transhipment of relief supplies into SVG. The Red Cross and other goodwill and relief organizations were quick to offer assistance, which in quick time, helped to alleviate the shock, pain and suffering caused by the displacement of up to 15,000 nationals. Immediately, Dominica and St Kitts pledged to house up to 300 citizens at their expense. Other Caricom nations expressed willingness to take our people into their friendly embrace if the need arises. It was truly a case of regional solidarity in action. In a time of great need, the region did not disappoint. Caribbean people demonstrated that they are each others keeper. Even so, Plain Talk remains gravely disappointed. We are particularly disappointed in the disparity of the assistance. The poorer countries offered much more than those with greater means. Little St Kitts and Dominica offered EC$1 million, tiny Montserrat offers EC$150,000, along with donations of essential supplies. Trinidad sent 260 tonnes of relief items, including water, food essentials, sanitary supplies, tents, medical supplies, hygiene materials, cleaning supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), water tanks, and buckets. Venezuela sent 50 tons of supplies, while Cuba sent doctors and other medical experts. Both countries remain under the aggressive, oppressive and suppressive heals of the American economic embargo. Yet, they offered what they could. Rihanna, Sean Paul, Nicki Minaj, Buju Banton, Koffee, Dwayne Bravo, Usain Bolt, Alison Hinds, among others, offered their talent to participate in a virtual effort on May 23 to raise funds for the relief effort. Every cent received should be put to good use. St Vincent is a country in great need. PM Gonsalves admitted that there was ‘extreme poverty here.’ In October 2020, he quarrelled with a poverty report leaked to the opposition, which claimed that about 37 percent of our citizens lived in poverty. Our problems were compounded when the volcano erupted. This is the context in which we should view Gonsalves’ plea asking the world not to forget SVG in its ‘its dark night of need.’ Out of that appeal, the United Nations launched a plea fund with the hope of raising US$29 million. Plain Talk hopes that the generosity of the world helps us to raise even more money. Still, our confidence is shaken when we consider the paltry assistance offered by rich and powerful countries in the wake of the destruction. The British government initially offered a stingy 200,000 pounds. Raked over the coals in the UK parliament, and having received a black eye from public opinion, the government added
THE LA SOUFRIÈRE VOLCANO on St. Vincent commenced its most recent episodes of eruptions on 9th April, 2021. Photographs and videos taken of villages and towns located closest to the volcano tell tales of utter devastation. Roads, houses, and farms have been totally destroyed. So, too, have been many of the hopes and dreams of the residents in those areas. Investments have vanished overnight. Dreams have turned to nightmares as the volcano belched out boulders, rocks, gases, and ash. In some locations the landscape has changed completely … never to return to how it was prior to the volcano’s recent groans, belches, and spewing. The present picture on the northern one-fifth of the island is one of ruin. But the resilience of our people, supported by local, regional, and international donors, will result in a rebuilding and beautification programme that will be the envy of many. We will rise from the ruins. It is not surprising that persons lose hope when faced with tragedies such as these. Natural and man-made disasters have a way of shaking us to the core. They very often result in generating a sense of hopelessness. However, these are the times when words of encouragement from leaders in business, government, the church, and society become priceless. These individuals often have the capacity to influence the mindset of their constituents so that thoughts are redirected from the ruin (in whatever shape of form it appears) to recovery. As Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), the French General and Emperor, once noted, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” Experienced and accomplished leaders know the value of creating the narrative to enable citizens to see beyond the present dire circumstances to the likely positive outcome that is envisioned. Whatever the situation, we are assured that “this, too, will pass”. We will rise from the ruins. Many homes and farms at the northern end of mainland St. Vincent have been severely damaged or destroyed as a result of the recent volcanic eruptions. Some of the owners are understandably distraught and devastated. Those who have been evacuated and now live in shelters or the homes of friends in the southern part of the island are required to adjust to the absence of familiar surroundings and, in some instances, the loss of independence and privacy. Such situations may create and sustain relatively high levels of stress. Not knowing the extent of the damage to their properties and livelihood further magnify their worry. It is therefore understandable that the more elderly citizens who are challenged by such dire circumstances can conclude that their lives are ruined. After all, they may not have the financial reserves to rebuild or the youthful energy to earn the required finances to reconstruct their homes and their lives. However, all is not lost, it is most encouraging to observe the number of regional and international organisations that have already mobilized funds to assist with the reconstruction of our blessed land. This writer has every confidence that we will rebuild homes for those displaced as soon as the La Soufriere eruptions subside and it is considered safe to return to some of those
locations. Several years ago, the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were devastated when fire destroyed Marion House, a facility that provided needed counselling for pregnant teenagers, drug addicts, and other socially and emotionally challenged individuals. We mourned the loss of this well-used and regularly visited structure. However, with the support of the government and international donor organisations, a new building was erected; much larger and better than the original facility. Many would agree that, in this case, the fire was “a blessing in disguise”. A crisis, a disaster, can be extremely traumatic. But it can also be a conduit to improved circumstances. History will record whether the destruction caused by the April 2021 eruption of the La Soufriere volcano will create a similar outcome. While this essay is being penned, the La Soufriere volcano is continuing its eruptive activities. However, it is not too early to express our gratitude to the many local, regional, and international organisations that have reached out to aid the government and people of this blessed land. Many of the evacuees have been recipients of the outpouring of aid and assistance as persons from near and far give of their time, talent, and treasure to provide them with some degree of comfort and provision. These individuals, many of them seeking to remain anonymous, will receive multiple blessings as they reach out to so many displaced individuals (children, adults, and the elderly) who now find themselves vulnerable and in need. While sharing these thoughts, many of the powerful words of Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem entitled “And Still I Rise” seem to beckon to be included. For truly, although written to encourage a different kind of “challenge”, Maya’s words inspire us to not lose hope even though life’s varied challenges seem to push us down. We are stronger than the circumstances that now appear to be so very debilitating. We will not be defined by the natural and man-made shackles that appear to hold us back. We refuse to let the detours of these situations cause us to abandon our vision, our dream, of a better and brighter tomorrow … after the ash has settled. The persons who have been displaced as a result of the recent volcanic activities will rise again. Life may appear to beat them to a pulp and suck the wind from their sails and, in the process, destroyed so many aspects of their existence. However, sooner rather than later, there will be new winds circulating beneath their wings. Winds of courage and hope that will enable each of them to resume their flight and rekindle their aspirations. Winds created and sustained from deep within their beings. Recovery is closer than we may think it to be and, with God’s help, they will rise from the ruins. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
another 600,000 pounds. There was also an international appeal to raise just over US$2 million to enable the International Federation of Red Cross to deliver assistance and support for 18 months to 5,400 displaced people. Norway offered US$150,000 in humanitarian assistance. The European Union pledged US$250,000 to be administered through the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. President Biden, through USAID, offered $100,000 in immediate relief assistance. Canada said it would give $440,000 in immediate relief assistance. Taiwan chipped in with US$300,000. None of the donations from the wealthy countries tops those offered by the resourced starved countries of our region. We think something is radically wrong in a world where little Dominica and St Kitts offers more to distressed and needy people than the powerful and rich United States of America, Canada and the European Union. In a time when everything should be done to offer solace and comfort, we conclude that the rich and powerful nations have not come through for SVG as they should have. The paltry donations from these rich states offer ample evidence that SVG will have a challenging time digging itself out of this sadly depressing situation we currently face. If the early reaction to our plight from these countries has been so limited, one shuddered to think what happens when the thunderous noises of the volcanic eruptions cease and SVG is no longer headline news. What becomes of our rehabilitation and developmental efforts when another crisis or disaster grabs the attention of the world? We will be forced to borrow more and sink deeper into debt to clean up and rebuild. The world is awash with money, and where rich, powerful countries do all in their power to capture the lion’s share of this wealth, we look on in astonishment at the blatant disregard and contempt with which the plight of the poor people and developing countries are frown upon. Crises like that which envelopes SVG make absolutely clear that there is more than enough resources on this earth to allow for a better standard of living for all the inhabitants. However, the central problem is the collective manner in which resources and wealth are produced and the private manner in which they are hoarded rather than distributed. SVG’s plight, made much worse by the volcanic eruptions, are destined to continue until there is a complete realignment in the economic, financial, trading and humanitarian architecture in the world. Until then, genuine humanitarian solidarity will remain a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained. The donations granted by the rich and developed countries to us in this great time of need should convince the most optimistic that the road ahead will be rougher than we imagined. Those persons committed to real and genuine change must strengthen their conviction that a new and better world is possible, necessary and inevitable, but we have to struggle to achieve it. No time is better than now to begin that fight. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
V Is the SVG government conning the world? 10. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
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OUR BELOVED St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has suffered a major volcano eruption and Gonsalves is in THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper of 23 April 2021 telling the people what the international and regional organisations are doing to assist our country, but gives little about what he is doing to assist the black, poor and powerless indigenous population of SVG. Gonsalves could immediately help the people of SVG by abolishing the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002, which gives customs duty and tax exemptions to the super-rich of Mustique, and imposing a windfall tax on the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and the Taiwanese fishing vessels that use SVG’s licence to fish for tuna in the Atlantic Ocean but pay no tax. This would give our government immediate access to hundreds of millions of dollars. So, is the SVG government conning the world by
taking financial donations, when they already have access to ‘ready’ sources of revenue? The British Virgin Islands and other countries, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility and United Nations are giving donations to SVG, when we already have a source of financial income. Via the United Nations, a Global Appeal Fund for SVG will be launched. Has Gonsalves not informed the UN of the hundreds of millions of dollars of tax exemptions this government gives away to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan? Is the United Nations and the rest of the world being conned? Garth Saunders, CEO of CWSA, wants to see some attention being paid to the national water system design, so that it can offer greater flexibility (THE VINCENTIAN 23 April 2021). This will cost money and we could get that money by taxing Taiwan and the
super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. The ULP regime should not be giving away hundreds of millions of dollars in tax exemptions and running the SVG Treasury so short of revenue that our country is not able to build flexibility in the SVG water system. According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, having a prime minister that gives away more revenue than the government earns, is bad for our country and people. Gonsalves deserves a zero rating. Does the United Nations take all cases of financial mismanagement and other irregularities seriously? The objective of Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Framework of the United Nations is to assist in promoting a culture of integrity and honesty within the organisation, by providing guidance and information on how the Secretariat acts to prevent,
detect, deter, respond to and report on fraud and corruption. The United Nations has launched a $29.2 million global funding appeal to help SVG. The SVG government could raise that money overnight by taxing Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. The UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, must act to stop the hundreds of millions of dollars of tax exemptions this government gives away to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. Is the SVG government conning the world by taking financial donations.
Thinking early about rehabilitation FORTY years ago, I made a very conscious decision to leave a relatively safe and comfortable job as a noncertificate teacher to work with a programme of rehabilitation of farmers moving back to the North Leeward area after the 1979 volcanic eruption. The disaster and the epic failure of some of the trusted structures like the government and the churches left a lot
to be desired by the people. There are a few things I learned back then that I think would be beneficial in our efforts to rebuilding today, in no particular order of importance. 1. In the weeks, months and even years following their return home, depression will still be common among those displaced. This will manifest
itself in poor attendance at meetings organized by outsiders to discuss help and reconstruction. Yes, if you’re not from the area or have a strong connection to the people, it will take time to win their trust and confidence. 2. Relationships with friends and family may become strained as the survivor goes through a roller coaster of intense emotions. Some people will become withdrawn and will avoid people and places where the devastation or the rebuilding of their lives is likely to be discussed. 3. Some people will always want to return to either their lowest moment or a moment when they were in control and was called upon to help someone. This is actually people registering their fear; be careful and sensitive to their feelings. 4. Expect to have to spend a lot of time on what could only be described by those of us who did not live the horror, as wasting time, as you try to discuss the goal of rebuilding the community. In other words, as one farmer (Mr. Stewart of Spring Village) advised, “If you are not willing to wait for a banana to ripe, how will you ever be able to convince a farmer that he should replant his field.” Be patient. 5. People will need to experience stability and consistency. So as we set up meetings to discuss the way forward, it’s important to have those meetings even if very few people attend at first. I remember many a day driving from Kingstown to Spring Village or Rose Hall for a meeting and no one showed up. Yet, I kept going back until they showed up. That’s the only way we will get things done. 6. Find the community leaders and support them through this rebuilding
process; they will need all the help you can give and your success will depend on them. I know I could not have done what I did without people like Colder Williams, Leo Anthony or Alban Stapleton to name a few. 7. Don’t presume you know what is right for them. I know many will think this is a great opportunity to reinvent the agro economy. Well it’s not. The only thing that is important during the first phase of resettlement is helping the people reestablishing their independence. 8. Farmers and villagers will need to get into a reliable, predictable and productive daily routine. 9. It will be important that any reimagining of these people’s lives and their livelihood be given time. 10. This process cannot be treated as a fad waiting for the glamorous picture moment. If you are not willing to spend the time necessary to do this work, stay away, if not, you will cause more harm than good. What I am saying, my friends and family at home and in the diaspora, yes we need to make the financial and material contributions to help as best we can now. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by the twenty thousand or so people displaced today and it will also make you feel better about yourself. With the seemingly total devastation of our agricultural sector a carefully planned redevelopment and reorientation of this sector will be appropriate. This is as good a chance we will get to reset or economy as we come out of this devastation. Let’s do it right this time. Horatio
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 11.
News
SMSS looks out for its displaced students household. Further data revealed that four other families lived within the Orange Zone. “Immediately after the first eruption,” Gibson explained, “contact with families was made on April 10. We started from Sunday 11 to provide some sort of relief that the school had amassed and that has continued right up to today.” He noted that the school, through early preparation, had Principal Yohance positioned itself to make Gibson pointed to a prompt response. another phase of “We have been making assistance that will target the households of preparation for relief for students in the danger students that are zones throughout the last lending support to term. We have been displaced people in asking parents to general. hold/store items which could be quickly gathered by GLORIAH… and packaged out for relief as needed for the THERE ARE TWENTY-FIVE students, if there was an STUDENTS of the St eruption,” the Principal Martin’s Secondary School disclosed. and their families, all from The packages include the Red Zone, who were food items, water, evacuated as a result of clothing and in some the eruption of the La instances, medication Soufrière volcano, which particularly for began on April 9. asthmatic students. Those students and Mr. Gibson lauded the their families are not parents for their forgotten. generous responses and In an interview with highlighted that past Mr. Yohance Gibson, students have also been Principal of the St. generous. Martin’s Secondary “We have a shipment School, THE of items coming to us, VINCENTIAN learned including medication for that by February, 2021, asthma and other with the possibility of an ailments; as well as eruption looming large, school items: uniforms, the school’s counsellor, cloths, toiletries and so Mrs. Lucy Theobalds, forth. The Class of 93 had already contacted and other benefactors the twenty-one families have given funding and living in the Red Zone, with that we were able to and developed an continue to buy foodstuff evacuation plan for each
for the students affected,” Gibson detailed. Notwithstanding the commitment to the ongoing need, Principal Gibson believes that the institution should now look at a Phase II. “While still providing support for those students, we are looking to provide support to households of our students who are supporting people from the Red Zone. (There are instances where families of students in safe zones are housing students and their families from the Red or Orange Zones.) Additionally, we are not closed to providing support to other students and other schools as “As adults, all of us well,” Gibson said. will have to take the And even as he brunt of this change,” assessed the current Gibson proffered. school year as “tremendously difficult for the entire school population,” the concerned Principal was not despaired. “It has been extremely challenging and required a lot of adjustments from the norm, … . We are beginning to look at ways in which we can assist them (students and families) to cope with all of these changes that are fast-coming and to return to some level of normal education, living, interacting, socialization, church, religious values and so forth - without any further impediment to their development.” He admitted that things have changed a lot but the school is ready to help in the rebuilding process.
Loading a vehicle with relief packages for delivery to the locations of the displaced students.
Teachers and volunteers at the SMSS have been working ‘round the clock’ to prepare relief packages for displaced student and their families.
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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
La Soufrière Focus
Making the rounds at the shelters
by KENVILLE HORNE THE VINCENTIAN visited a number of Emergency Shelters two weeks ago and spoke with some of the evacuees and those charged with ensuring the smooth operations of the Shelters.
Barrouallie Government School This shelter catered to persons from the North Leeward area and was also being used as a temporary stopover for persons who were expected to move on to other shelters or private accommodation. When THE VINCENTIAN visited, a group of evacuees was just arriving and two health officers could be seen at the entrance administering COVID19 temperature checks. A number of persons from the Rose Bank community told THE VINCENTIAN they encountered some difficulty getting out of the hazardous zone, given the amount of traffic going into and leaving the community. Some advanced the view that the communities “above Chateaubelair and Fitz Hughes”, e.g. Rose bank, were not seen as priority on the day the order for evacuation was made. “We knock about and even when the ferries arrived (in Chateaubelair) we were not told to leave, so that was real painful and some persons were very nervous,” said a Rose Bank man.
Bethel High School At this Shelter, teacher Theon Gordon was spearheading a game of cricket for the young persons, when THE VINCENTIAN arrived. Shelter Manager, Matilda Barbour
Matilda Barbour, Manager, at the Bethel High School Shelter lauded the evacuees for being co-operative. Charles Pierre, commented on the water/bathroom challenge at the Fair Hall Government School Shelter. told THE VINCENTIAN that besides NEMO, private individuals had been bringing support but her only problem was the lack of water. All taken, she said persons were cooperating and the atmosphere at the shelter was quite friendly. Sondey Lavia from Petit Bordel was in very good spirit when she spoke to THE VINCENTIAN. She praised Barbour for her leadership and commitment. According to Lavia, the Shelter Manager “has taken very good care of US.” The water shortage was the “biggest problem” at the Shelter, Lavia confirmed.
Angella Kydd-Roberts, Shelter Manager at the Fair Hall Government School, assessed that the evacuees were generally satisfied.
Shelter Manager Angella KyddRoberts, a teacher at the school, is tasked with ensuring that day to day operations at the Shelter run smoothly. This entailed. “registering persons, giving out supplies, making sure that everybody get their meals, they get water, check their temperature and everything like that.” She accepted that it was far from possible to satisfy everyone, but reported that persons have expressed satisfaction with conditions at the center. Eve Baker from an evacuee from Sandy Bay, said that she left her home on Thursday night after the order to Fair Hall Government School evacuate had been given, and arrived Principal Denise Huggins said so far at the shelter on Friday morning. She described the journey to the things “are good’ with the water shelter as very difficult because of the shortage being the most challenging traffic and while her two daughters issue.
Dogs on the hunt DOGS LEFT TO ROAM in the Red Zone following the eruption of La Soufrière are attacking livestock, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar said. The Minister said on April 28 during a radio interview that his Ministry recognizes the issue and assured, “We are working with several agencies on the ground to deal with the issue, because the owners are in shelters and the dogs are loose and their feeding has been disrupted.” The dogs, otherwise domesticated, have now turned to hunting, he continued. “And when you look at the value of the livestock, we cannot afford to have that,” the Minister posited. It was noted that livestock owners in the affected Zones have been taking
This farmer has brought in ‘grass’ for his cattle (right). feed (including grass from other areas) and water to their animals, albeit, those that they have been able to retrieve.
All in all, this “is an issue that we are grappling with and we are going to address it in a sensible way,” Caesar said. (DD)
Sondey Lavia, evacuee, expressed that she was well taken care of at the Bethel High school. made the journey with her, her son refused to leave. Baker also said that two of her brothers also remained in the Red Zone area. Charles Pierre, a teacher and a member of the Disaster Management Committee in Fancy, said given his responsibility, he was among the last persons to leave that community. Pierre said that persons who owned private vehicles left with their families while other persons were transported by buses provided by the government. The persons who required transported were, for most part, cooperative, Pierre said. As for the shelter, Pierre reinforced the water shortage challenge saying further, “The problem is the bathroom and we have a few children around and you could anticipate what the bathroom situation is like with the absence of water. That’s really the issue. At that point in time, Pierre made an appeal for mops and mop bucket to aid with cleaning the rooms.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 13.
La Soufrière Focus
Eruptions will cease at some point
The plume of ash and gases that loomed large after the April 22, 2021 eruption.
raised again, and lead scientist of the La Soufrière Monitoring Unit, Professor Richard Robertson, responded while a guest on the NBC’s Eyeing La Soufriere programme: “I don’t think we’re out of the explosive phase yet. In terms of when it will stop…., I think it will stop at some point but we don’t currently know how this volcano behaves,… if it will go on for years, like in a Montserrat situation. It Is Professor Richard may go on for probably Robertson having a weeks, months, probably (stern) word for the La a bit longer than that, Soufrière volcano? but it would not be indefinite. It will stop at by GLORIAH… some point.” The UWI SRC has JUST WHEN MANY stated that since the PERSONS here in St. April 9 eruption, there Vincent and the have been at least thirtyGrenadines and abroad two identifiable were thinking that La explosions, with the most Soufrière had pushed out recent one occurring on all that it had, the giant 22nd April. asserted that its end-time Professor Robinson will only be decided when has later explained that, it was ready. even though it’s still On the morning of early to predict, the Thursday, 22nd April, build-up to that eruption NEMO reported that was slightly different and high-level seismic “the pattern is tremors generated by changing”. explosive activity at the He added, “But the volcano and lasting for good thing is that the about 20 minutes, had explosions continue to be started at 11:09am and not very big explosions… that an eruption plume slowing rose some 8000m certainly not of the form of explosivity of the into the air. It was also reported by earlier eruptions. …. You NBC Radio that, “during don’t get the impression that they’re very the initial stages of the energetic, but, .. until explosion, a surge was we see how the next one seen moving down the plays out, I won’t put too western flank of the much faith on volcano and a tremor continuation of the continued at a lower lengthening of the gap.” level for the next two The population is hours as La assured, whatever, that Soufrière continued to the volcano is continually vent ash.” being monitored. The concern about As for when it will whether this explosive phase of the volcano will stop, we still have to wait for an answer. go on indefinitely was
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14. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
La Soufrière Focus
Volunteers needed to deliver meals
that mission, WCK promptly responded to a United Nations prod to extend its service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), shortly after the April 9 explosive eruption of the La Soufriere volcano on mainland St. Vincent. WCK has been a welcomed intervention in the current crisis situation in SVG. It has been afforded space at the Hospitality Institute in Diamond from where it Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (2nd from left) operates a welland members of the WCK team, including Samuel coordinated service that Bloch (2nd from right), on the ground in SVG. guarantees that persons BY GLORIAH… Patricia, with a mission to evacuated from the Red Zone are provided with “use the power of food to meals daily. ACCORDING TO nourish communities and Towards that end, HTTPS://WCK.ORG, World strengthen economies Central Kitchen (WCK) is a through times of crisis and some 6,000 meals are provided each day. charity founded by José beyond”. Prime Minister Dr. Andrés and his wife And in keeping with Ralph Gonsalves made a
tour of the facility on Sunday 25th April, and commended the organization for its work. During this visit, it was disclosed by Samuel Bloch, Director of Emergency Response for the WCK, that an enormous challenge existed in the delivery of meals to a number of locations across St. Vincent, precipitated by an increasing need for more meals. He indicated, “The biggest challenge is the decentralized community of locations where everybody is ... how spread out they are. In a lot of these situations, if we’re doing 10,000 meals, it might be in 30 shelters around the country.” He disclosed that each day requests come in for meals but there are not enough persons to deliver them. Understandably, he made an appeal for volunteers to aid with the delivering of meals so that the increased demands could be met.
Preparing sandwiches – part of the meal packages that are delivered on a daily basis.
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Vinsave volunteers active in Shelters THE VINSAVE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE is volunteering its services to the children and parents who have been displaced and are in shelters because of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. The organization has started with the shelter at Thomas Saunders Secondary School and will eventually include other shelters. The Ministry of Education Early Childhood Unit has supported Vinsave in this effort with support from UNICEF, Barbados. Even though the targeted age group is 0-5 years, the Organization has included all children up to the age of 12 years. Parents have not been left out, as they are actively engaged with the children during the sessions. A Parenting Programme, according to Janice Fraser, Director of Vinsave, is also planned for the parents and guardians based on their needs. Vinsave is a non-profit organization which is committed to the development of children, youth and communities through early childhood care, training and community development. It has been involved in this service for over 50 years having been parented by the Save the Children Funds of Britain and Canada in the 1960s. (Source: Vinsave)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 15.
Donations
UNDP Mobilizes $$ for SVG recovery
AS THE GROWING humanitarian crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues with estimations that it could last several months, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has mobilized USD 300,000 from UNDP Core Funding towards the relief efforts. This initial A view in the Red Zone impacted by the La Soufrière funding will be channelled towards volcano eruption in SVG. Pillar One and Two funding appeal to secure the necessary of The UNDP Crisis Response and assistance to mitigate the impacts of Recovery Programme for St. Vincent the eruptions. and the Grenadines (SVG). Reaffirming UNDP Barbados and Pillar 1 prioritizes the execution of the Eastern Caribbean’s commitment Household and Building Damage to assist national institutions and Assessments (HBDA) which will allow impacted communities recover from for data-driven and evidence-based the impact of the volcano’s eruption. decision-making processes. While Valerie Cliff, Resident Representative, Pillar 2 addresses more immediate UNDP Barbados and the Eastern needs of cleaning volcanic ash, Caribbean, stated, “As UN global lead clearing debris and supporting on recovery, we have extensive economic reactivation in the most experience in crisis operations, affected areas while providing including in Dominica and the emergency employment to over 2,000 Bahamas. households directly impacted by the We remain steadfast in our support volcano eruption. to the government and people of Saint The funds are part of the Vincent and the Grenadines anticipated resources needed to throughout this crisis, and will ensure support coordination and assessments that our recovery efforts are inclusive, in Barbados and Saint Vincent and sustainable, meet the needs of the Grenadines and facilitate the cleaning most vulnerable and build more of ash and debris in SVG. The UN resilient communities”. (Source: UNDP launched a USD 29.2 million global — Barbados)
Private sector aid for SVG EXECUTIVES of global private sector investment agency Invest Caribbean (ICN), based in New York and South Florida, and The Ritzury Group, the global project services agency of the Caribbean based in Barbados, immediately got to work after the initial eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on April 9, and launched a global fundraising and donations campaign to deliver aid and support to the most vulnerable on the island of St.Vincent. And last Tuesday, funds raised through that campaign - “Saint Vincent Volcano Disaster Relief” - translated into a quantity of 1,000-gallon water tanks, water, bales of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, flashlights, gallons of hand sanitizers, helmets
and N95 dusk masks that left Barbados for port Kingstown. Some of the PPE products will go: to the media in SVG through the Association of Caribbean Media workers (ACM); a local church pastor for private shelter recipients; and a local chapter of international service organization Lions Club. Both Ritzury Group and ICN are Black, women-led enterprises. ICN’s main focus is matching developers, businesses and governments with the best possible funding options available globally, in the form of debt or equity. The Ritzury Group is dedicated to helping regional, local and international companies from many industries make the Caribbean
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their international business hub. The businesses have been put on hold as they engage the international community - especially corporations who have the capabilities to assist monetarily and with emergency items. “Our main priority is alleviating the pressure by involving the international community as much as possible to create ways in which we can bring immediate relief in the short term and rebuild the economy in the long term,” ICN and Ritzury said in a joint statement.
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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
Those tears
equal to the Master you’ we are not The power His equal! You should humble yourself and repent for using such an Man who is dust in the wind must oxymoron like World Boss.. be still and know he is nothing but a time-span of 3 scores and 10 ten years Despotism upon the land of the living dead. As I WERE THOSE tears real? Could they traveled along the Leeward coast of have been the tears of a sneaky The spirits Yes, we have a lot more crying to do St. Vincent, I saw coconut trees fall to crocodile that sheds tears over an for the partiality, despotism, and the the ground like dead men; branches elusive prey? I believe that the ancestral spirits other immoral isms that have rotted snapped from the tree like amputees. Yes, my people, I was taking aback who made the transition are angry the moral fiber of this country. Those All the hooligans, talebearer, saints, when I heard that our noble Prime with the conditions of this country. In who are lifted and sit high on their and atheists vacated their fancy Minister, who ranks himself as the African layman’s terms, the chief of pedestals care very little if anything homes fleeing from La Soufriere’s World Boss, sobbed like a babe. I the village would say, the gods are for those in the gutters! The rich and wrath. The La Soufriere had the soheard that he sobbed when he saw the pissed! The spirits are restless spirits powerful who hold ministerial called World Boss show yapping like a devastation of his country, its dissatisfied with the way we are positions are greedy; all the vanity parrot so that the international economy on because of after the La living; dissatisfied that communalism that we covet, rob, and possess, the community could hear him and help Soufriere volcano. got swept away by individualism. volcano will repossess. the wounded SVG to a fast recovery. I Well, partner, you have a lot more The nucleus that kept us together hope that philanthropists would help crying to do, along with the people of has eroded. Respect for the elders is They are wicked! rebuild the economy. this country. We have a lot more now a thing of the past. Who are to crying to do for the boastfulness and blame for the unruly youngster that Sometimes I cannot fathom how NEMO arrogance that we display in this glorifies gangsterism? some retirees, especially those who country that was built by people of profess to be followers of Jesus and In conclusion, NEMO is sick; it humble beginnings. We have a lot You are too arrogant! whose cups are full and running over, needs chemotherapy. That institution more crying to do for the filthiness could deprive others of eating bread. is a cancer! The people who run that and abomination that saturate the The leader of this country is too We must bear in mind that Jesus was government agency are showing curry length and breadth of Sin Vincent. arrogant. Now that La Soufriere has a rebel, revolutionary, reformer and favor. In a time of crisis, people cannot exploded, he is begging the people to humanist who taught us how we get assistance unless they have I told you so! pray that the master blaster volcano ought to live. Still, the covetous, connections with a Big Fish. Ah, would cease from misbehaving. hardback retirees insist on depriving things like this only happen in a Ralph Gonsalves is not the boss of But Jah is talking to the wannabe the intellectual youngsters of giving Banana Republic. Ah, this kind of SVG. World Boss, Ralph Gonsalves of St. them a chance to show their potential. behavior is a miscarriage of justice! What La Soufriere did to the beauty Vincent, telling him to be still. And The vanity that hardback retirees of St. Vincent made Gonsalves cry. Jah is warning those Christians for crave cannot be taken to the grave. Carden A. Michael May be he was not as cold and not condemning the leader of this heartless a beast as the naysayers country when he labeled himself the said for he cried in the aftermath of World Boss! Remember, your bible the volcanic ashes and the pyroclastic tells you God is a jealous God. He flows’ effects on the landscape that doesn’t like competition. was once of stunning beauty. Mr. Gonsalves, neither you nor I is
A question to all who took the ÂjabÊ FIRST, let me state that all who took the ‘jab’, brave! And let me also state from the outset that I am NOT ‘anti-vaccine’, as there are tested and tried vaccines that have been used for decades to reduce the incidence of certain diseases. My main concern is about the current vaccines which are being developed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular, the type/brand currently used or to be used in SVG. From my research, no two companies make identical vaccines; that means each vaccine has it own chemical and other constituents that makes it unique to that manufacturer. But what are these constituents that make up the vaccine that you have taken or about to take? I can say with a degree of certainty that none of you, including some doctors, know what is included in that vaccine they took, except it was a placebo. If you know, be honest and tell us! The Ministry of Health owes the general public an explanation as to the make-up of the vaccine that they are ‘encouraging’ persons to take. Medications by law are mandated to describe ‘what is in the box’, and will have a label that states what the percentages are of the active and base ingredients, including contraindications and so on, but I’m yet to see one of those labels. For example, let’s say there is a bad batch, how will regulators know what to look for in the absence of a label? They will find out anyway, and they have found out. For example, independent labs discovered that luciferase which is found in certain
brands of the vaccines, is above the minimum requirement for safe use on humans. So while luciferase has its use in cancer therapy as a method of testing the efficacy of the drug or method used to cure the cancer, the quantity found in the COVID vaccines exceeds safe human limits and that is a genuine cause for concern. What else is in the ‘vaccine’? Now while vaccines are designed to prolong your life or quality of life, it must be safe for use. So extra caution must be taken by the government to safeguard its citizens, if its is really concerned about our health and welfare. So I ask the question again, what is in the vaccine that is being administered in SVG? We have trained lab technicians here who should be able to analyze the content of these vaccines before they are administered willy nilly. Didn’t ole people say, “Look before you leap and think before you act or speak”? So I look forward to the MOH telling us what is in the vaccines and the quantities of those chemical or RNA fragments, depending on which ‘vaccine’ they are giving Vincentians. It is your duty to let us know what you are pricking our fellow Vincentians with, especially since neither the government nor manufacturer is liable. I would hate to know that if a few months down the road chronic side effects surface from the COVID vaccine, that these persons will have to live with that condition for the rest of their life, with no legal recourse. That’s my genuine concern. Stones are now speaking! Submitted by: Donald De Riggs
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 17.
News
Washing ash for $$
THE RECENT volcanic activity brought with it ubiquitous ash fall, increasing demand for vehicle-washing services. And Chadwin Tannis and two friends from the Redemption Sharpes community have been capitalizing on the opportunities created by the ensuing crisis. The youngster and his friends, noticing the number of motor vehicles parked along the North River Road area and along McCoy street, took casually to offering a service to wash vehicles.
Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, Tannis, with soapy sponge in hand, related how he and his friends thought it was better to get up and make some “good clean” money. He noted that things have not been easy in the country, and he and his friends were doing their best to stay out of trouble. And now, business has been flourishing because of the ash fall. Tannis explained, “We don’t watch no face. We washed six cars for the day and we charge
$15 for outside $25 for outside and inside. The volcano helping we make a little money, so me and the boys get some buckets, rags and ‘Sqeezy’ (washing liquid) and start cleaning. Sometimes we get a little jealousy and fight down, but we dey pon it still.” Tannis took the opportunity to encourage others to make the best of situations and come Chadwin Tannis (right) and his friends take a break after washing vehicles of volcanic ash. up with ways that they can earn a dollar. (SG)
Republic Bank donates to NEMO REPUBLIC BANK (EC) has joined the ranks of benefactors of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in its most challenging time. The Bank, following on the series of explosive eruptions by the La Soufrière volcano, made a presentation of a quantity of items on Friday 23rd April to NEMO, to aid the ongoing relief efforts. Some of the items – safety vests and caution tape At the handing over – which were included the donation made by ceremony at NEMO’s Republic Bank. headquarters, Ole Montrose, the Bank’s Director of NEMO, Michelle Forbes Country Manager - Gregory Bardouille expressed thanks to Republic Bank for said that the contribution was made the donation. on behalf of the (Republic Bank’s) She considered the items donated regional grouping. as a reflection of a range of items from He assured that items donated will the list of needs made available and serve both the organization (NEMO) said “the gears are vital especially for and displaced persons. first responders working in the field.” The supplies included safety vest, Also witnessing the handing over caution tape and an assortment of were Republic Bank’s Manager of tents to assist with the operations, as Personal Banking - Dawnette well as diapers for the elderly, Constance; Assistant Commissioner of respirators, goggles and masks. Police in Charge of Operations “This is a kind gesture as corporate Christopher Benjamin; and citizens to the people of St. Vincent Representative of the Ministry of and NEMO,” Bardouille told the small Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade gathering. Sylvonne Jack.
SOL Provides Relief Assistance
SOL, in reaching out to those persons whose lives have been disrupted by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, has provided USD 10,000 (XCD 27,169) each to the following organisations: The Salvation Army, SVG Red Cross, and Rotary Club South. In a news release of April 28, 2021, SOL said that the three service delivery entities were chosen on the basis of their track records in distributing aid to persons in need. This donation follows on an earlier contribution of bottled water and waterproof boots to NEMO, and SOL has given indication that it will also provide 100 cots, sheets and pillows to NEMO, as soon as shipment of same arrives later this week. (Source: SOL)
Major Ernest Gachelin (left) accepts cheque on behalf of the Salvation Army from Steve Francis, Manager of SOL. (Photo Credit: SOL)
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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Replaced by an ‘ex’ Dear George, I GOT HOME a few days ago to find my girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend sitting in our living room. It was an awkward moment, to say the least. When I inquired privately about why he was here, she said he was from the Red Zone and had “begged” her for “a lodging” since he had nowhere else to go. When I asked about him going to a shelter, she said that was not for him and furthermore how we had lots of extras rooms. George, my girlfriend has gone completely nuts. How does she expect me to go along with this? Even if this man was a monk I would not let him stay at our house! She did not even give me the respect of discussing it with me. I told her that it is either he leaves the house or I leave. She was adamant that he was not so I left. As it stands, she does not accept that our relationship is over just. I have not been answering her calls; I have nothing more to say to her. Her relatives are calling me heartless because of my position. What is your
take on this?
Shocked Dear Shocked, Any decision to offer shelter to anyone ought to be discussed and agreed upon unanimously. Anything short of that is a recipe for conflict. Clearly your girlfriend was not thinking of you when she made the decision to let her ex into the house. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to realize that your girlfriend has completed the first step to replacing you by allowing her ex in. This speaks volumes about how much she values her relationship with you. She has made her decision and she has to live with it. Move on.
George
In love with my cousin Dear George, I MET THIS young woman on a van and since then we have been in constant touch. Now, I have developed feelings for her but am nervous to tell her. I mentioned it to a cousin of mine and, lo and behold, he informed me that she was related to me, not a very close relation but still related. I told him I would put all thoughts of her out of my head but the truth is I kept on seeing her secretly. She does not know we are related and I am reluctant to tell her because once she knows, she would end it. We have not gotten involved otherwise but I know she likes me. She seems to have all the qualities I am looking for in a woman. What next?
Strong feelings Dear Strong feelings, You are headed down the wrong road and you need to stop immediately. What do you hope to gain or achieve by courting your cousin? How far do you think such a relationship would reach. Have you thought about the consequences of continuing? I do not have to tell you what you already
know. Do the right thing date family! and reset your thoughts. Family do not George
Erectile Dysfunction or not?
Dear George,
I READ A text message my boyfriend received from another woman. She was telling him how much she enjoyed their last sexual “session” and especially how long it lasted. George, here I was thinking that my boyfriend has a problem with his manhood because of late he has a problem getting an erection. I do not understand how he would be such a Superman with another woman and a lame duck with me. The fact that he is cheating on me is another matter altogether.
Confused Dear Confused, There are many reasons why a man would experience erectile dysfunction. Relationship problems, stress, depression are some factors that can affect sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. You may want to examine the quality of your relationship and pay particular attention to the way you communicate with each other. I would also suggest that you and your boyfriend go see a counsellor and rather than place the focus on his cheating get down to the reason(s) that caused him to do so. This could well allow new oxygen to energize your relationship in more ways than one.
George
Leisure
ARIES Mar. 21 - April 20) You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship this week. Deceit with coworkers is apparent. A need to be in love may fool you.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Consider a trial separation if you and your mate just can’t come to terms. Don’t let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can’t meet their demands. Don’t bother retaliating, just walk away.
TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) Take time to do some writing, whether it’s correspondence, poetry, or keeping a journal. If you’re preoccupied, be careful while operating a vehicle or any kind of equipment or machinery.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. Your lover may cost you financially.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Education may be the answer. Don’t let your partner get you going. You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars. Look into alternate means of sup porting your financial burdens.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. You may want to stay in the background this week. Spend time with friends or family. Having your own business is a good idea.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts. Hard work will payoff if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Accommodate others but not before you do your own thing. Do the proper safety checks before you go out.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Be discreet about your feelings, and hold back until you find out a little more about the person who’s coming on to you. Remember that no one can walk through your door if there’s someone standing in the doorway.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You can make life easier for an older member of your family. You are best to do your research before taking on such a venture. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Go on business trips if at all possible. Romantic encounters will develop through colleagues.
PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Need some adventure in your life? Exotic destinations beckon you. You can accomplish a lot if you work out of your home.
ACROSS 1. Inventor Whitney 4. Have pain 8. Dirty air 12. Allow 13. Leg part 14. South Dakota neighbor 15. Least neat 17. Protracted 18. Sultry West 19. Antler bearer 21. Striped mammal 23. Corrodes 26. Bird features 27. Pub barrel 28. Margin 30. Ended a fast 31. Accomplished 32. Of yesteryear 33. Become hard 34. Sandwich roll 35. Backbone 37. Lingers on 39. Coin-flip choice 40. Vegas transaction 41. Be sorry for 42. Dog name 45. Cold dessert: 2 wds 50. Tel _, Israeli port 51. Lack of any 52. Drain-cleaning solution 53. Kind 54. Olympus dwellers 55. Handful of DOWN 1. Sheltering tree 2. Nightclub singer Peggy 3. “_ my pleasure!” 4. Far East citizens 5. Face surface 6. That emperor’s
7. Came inside 8. Fancy fabrics 9. Dairy-barn call 10. Possess 11. Comedic bit 16. Too confident 20. Carry 21. Locales 22. Took a humble position 24. Rugged path 25. Indications 26. Move rhythmically 27. Relations 29. Crabby Stooge 31. Furniturewiping chore 34. “Farewell!” 35. Pasta toppers
36. Docking area 38. Higher than 39. Current fashion 42. Calorie-rich nutrient 43. Trellis-climbing plant
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 19.
44. Party appetizer 46. Low murmur 47. Leprechaun cousin 48. Nautical affirmative 49. Feline greeting
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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN
Mitchell hopeful about basketball resumption Sabrina Mitchell is holding out hope that the situation would change so as to facilitate some level of competition.
SABRINA MITCHELL, President of the Bequia Basketball Association (BBA), is hopeful that some basketball activity will resume soon in Bequia. Mitchell noted that no full-fledged tournament has been held since 2019, this as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the more recent displacement caused by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. “Since our last tournament in 2019, it’s been lots of stress with the COVID -19 pandemic affecting sporting activities. And despite acquiring some funds from the National Federation (Basketball), through the National Olympic Committee, it’s uncertain whether we are going to have our normal tournament this year,” Mitchell said. She confirmed: “We are thinking about having a three-week tournament in August, in all three divisions,” and she recognized that, “Having a mini tournament will also to help to keep everyone’s spirit alive because people are very depressed about sports globally.” She assured that should the mini tournament be staged, “We will have all protocols in place for players and officials, (and) make sure everyone is safe by also encouraging social distancing for the spectators.”
numbers of cases stack up. The Annual Bequia Basketball Tournament has developed as one of the premiere tournaments in the state. It has attracted attention from outside the state and a number of participants in the tournaments have gone off on scholarships to as far afield as Taiwan. Mitchell, who is also SecretaryGeneral of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) and a Member of the Finance Commission of basketball’s international parent body FIBA’s, cited the setback for sports in general but focused on the absence of the basketball tournament as affecting the players development, especially the junior players. “Yes, of course COVID has changed the lives of every human being on the planet, but we are still hopeful things Sabrina Mitchel and Dr. Godwin Friday meet the teams at the opening of a can turn around for the better. The Bequia Basketball Tournament. love of basketball is still there but no Another of those protocols the lack of education and knowledge of the one can play, and it has impacted the overall development drastically, not president referenced was the vaccine,” she conceded. just the sports but also the player’s possibility to have all the players “It’s a dynamic situation so we development. Some of the young vaccinated. putting things together tentatively to players have lost a year of “I am a strong believer of the see if we can get that (mini development,” Mitchel said with mixed vaccine and see it as the only realistic tournament) done,” Mitchell said, feelings. option to get the planet back to while recognising that all of what is normalcy. Unfortunately, there is a hoped for, would depend on how things I.B.A.ALLEN lot of hesitancy here due may be to the pan out with the pandemic, how the
Displaced female cricketers get assistance Right: Female cricketer (left) accepts donation on behalf of her Club.
MEMBERS OF LOCAL female cricket clubs who have been displaced because of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, have been the beneficiaries of assistance from a regional and a local source. The assistance was distributed to clubs and those benefiting in the main were members of the Northern Girls (Leeward) and Cleton Burnett, Assistant North Windward Secretary of the SVGCA Inc. clubs whose St Vincent and the Grenadines players, in the Cricket Association, main, are the ones established the link between most affected. the T&T Club and SVG. Other clubs
whose members also benefited were United Survivors and JG Tigress and Sons. Those receiving assistance were said to be in shelters or in private homes. One of the sources of assistance was the Trinidad and Tobago Alescon Comets Women Cricket, headed by former West Indies players Brenda Solazano. The Club made donations of water, food and hygiene supplies. The other benefactor was Friends of Female Cricket a local
organization established to support female cricket and cricketers on a yearly basis. Cleton Burnett, Assistant Secretary of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA), described the donations as timely. “In 2018 members of the Alescon Comets Women Cricket Club, headed by Brenda Solazano, visited SVG and engaged in some friendly games. A friendship was developed and on hearing of the situation in SVG, they immediately reached out
and offered assistance,” Burnett explained. Melisia Lewis, manager of the National Female Cricket team also
applauded both organizations for the generous support. I.B.A.ALLEN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 21.
Sports
Welcome, Ryan rewrite national Jumps records TWO NEW St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Jumps records were reestablished last Friday and Saturday. At the 51st hosting of the John Jacobs Invitational at the John Jacobs Track Complex at Norman, Oklahoma, USA, on Saturday, Mikeisha Welcome, University of Oklahoma sophomore, bettered her national record for the Triple Jump, when she leapt a distance of 13.60m. She reset the national record on the third of her six jumps and in the process erased her 13.57m which she did at the Clyde Littlefield Uroy Ryan can now lay legitimate claim to the National U-20 Long Jump record.
Texas Relays last month. Welcome in 2019, earned a bronze medal at the XX Pan American U20 Championships, staged in Costa Rica. On that occasion, she jumped 13.15m. Meanwhile, Uroy Ryan rewrote the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Under-20 Male Long Jump record. The 16 year -old Jamacia College fourth former did so at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association Qualification Trial Series, held at the National Stadium, when he leapt to 7.33m, to win the Class One Long Jump. His performance outdid the previous mark of 7.11m, done by Dexter Browne in 1991. Ryan was previously
Roban eclipses U-20 800m record Mikeisha Welcome rewrote her own National Triple Jump record. listed as to have broken Browne’s record when he jumped 7.34m last month. However, it was later discovered that Ryan’s jump had exceeded the wind assistance limit, hence it could not have been counted. Should the 2021 Junior Carifta Games take place in Bermuda 13th to 15th August, Ryan has inked his name on the list of Vincentian athletes, as he has made the standard set by Team Athletics SVG.
No damage to Track at Diamond DYKE CATO, Sports Officer who has been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the Track and Field Facility at Diamond, is confident that the synthetic track at the Facility will not be damaged by the volcanic ash fall. Dyke told THE VINCENTIAN, that the entire Certified Level 2 track was at one point covered entirely in ash.
He, however, is confident that it will withstand any “damage”, given that “the track is one, which will withstand any kind of weather.” Cato even referenced that because of the rubber base of the track, it could be submerged under mud for a period of time and not have its surface affected. The task of blowing off the ash has begun and
Cato anticipates that “the only challenge we will have is where some of the ash would be in the drainage system, which means we would have to flush the drainage system.” With that as it is, he is hopeful that activities at the facility will “resume in the next few weeks.” I.B.A.ALLEN
Dyke Cato, Overseer at the Diamond Track and Field Facility, anticipates a speedy reopening of the Facility.
The Track at Diamond still showing signs of being covered in ash.
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ top male Under-20 athleteHandel Roban has added the Under-20 800m national record to his list of achievements. Currently enrolled at the Jamaica College, he represented that institution at the April Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association Qualification Trial Series, held at the Calabar High School facility, and clocked 1:50.30. In the process, he disposed of Eversley Linley’s record of 1: 51.40, achieved at the Junior Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 1987. Roban’s claim of the Handel Roban as 800m national Under-20 expanded his claim on records, adds to a national Under-20 similar claim of the Track and Field 1500m with a time of records. 3:56.99, which he set earlier this year. His national record feats do not stop there, for he shares the national Under-20 4x400m relay record with teammates Nellie Ambriton, Derron Edwards and Malik Ferdinand. Additionally, Roban is the Intermediate record holder for the 400, 800 and 1500m, at the Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (ISSAC). In 2018, his debut year at the Junior Carifta Games, he won gold in the 800m in the Under-17 age category. One year later, this time at the Under-20 age group, Roban gained a bronze, also in the 800m. He was to make his mark further afield when at the NACAC Under-18 Championships in Mexico in 2019, he copped a bronze in the 800m. Roban is a former student of the Georgetown Secondary School, the St Vincent Grammar School and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. He first came to national prominence as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-15 Cricket captain, before he settled into Track and Field as his first preference.
V Two Vincy females in CWI Training Camp 22. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
LOCAL FEMALE cricketers Japhina Joseph and Jannillea Glasgow are among 30 players from the region, who have been selected to participate in the second Cricket West Indies Female Cricket Camp. The highperformance camp is set to begin on April 25 in Antigua. Joseph, who participated in the first camp held from Jan.09 to Feb. 01 at the Coolridge Cricket Ground in Antigua and directed by Courtney Walsh, Head Coach of the West Indies Jannillea Glasgow, allrounder, is anxious to grab this first time opportunity.
Female team, told THE VINCENTIAN that she would be going into this second camp with a different mindset. “I feel more relaxed and confident. I feel the selectors saw something that they like in me hence the reason I am part of the training camp again. I will be looking to further develop my all round game and execute my skills when I get the opportunity,” she said. Glasgow was elated on learning about her selection. “When I got the news I felt good because I have been going to training all the time despite the COVID,” she responded promptly. Glasgow, who represented Radcliffe Girls before joining United Survivors in the local competitions, disclosed that the call-up was something she has been looking forward to since she was a reserve for the first Training Camp. She assured she was going to the Camp bent on doing her best. “I am going out there to do my best not to waste time because I know what my future holds. This is the kind of opportunity I wanted since I was 16 years old. I am going to the Camp as an all-rounder and I am hopeful that my selection at a very young age, will inspire other young female cricketers.
Melissa Lewis, Manager of the National Female Team, feels good about the girls’ selection and believes it’s good that they have been exposed to bigger and better cricket. “I am pleased the young players are getting more exposure at the highest level… . This Japhina Joseph – top opportunity will allow order batter - returns for them to interact with a second camp. other cricketers and see the benefit of getting feedback from them,” Lewis said. And as far as what this means for local cricket, the Manager posited that “… the two persons on return from the Training Camp will help other players understand what is out there and what is expected in the bigger picture.” Lewis admitted that the onus is on those in authority to encourage other cricketers to work hard and strive to get to the level that Joseph and Glasgow have reached. I.B.A.ALLEN
SVGFF pursues national Football identity THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation (SVGFF), through its Technical Committee, has embarked on a process aimed at forging a national identity for this country’s Football.
Andrew Bramble, SVGFF Technical Committee Member, gave an outline of the aims of the series of consultations.
Toward this end, the Technical Committee, last Saturday, hosted the first of a series of consultations involving Head Coaches and/or Technical Directors of Premier and First Division Clubs — affiliates of the SVGFF. Andrew Bramble, coach of the National Under-17 Female team and a member of the Technical Committee, explained to the VINCENTIAN, at the end of last Saturday’s session that, “The consultations are aimed primarily at Club Football in St Vincent
and the Grenadines and coaches, and getting our players up to standard where we can identify with the national philosophy.” He noted that the need for that national identity and philosophy has been recognized and embraced after carefully analyses overtime. “We know that we have had players who were very good at the club level and in the national competitions, and when it came to the national team their whole aptitude and attitude are different… So we are hoping to put
1Avenues United’s Kinsley Collis (with hand raised) is about to make a suggestion at last Saturday’s consultation. certain things in place,” Bramble said. He noted, “We would be working with the clubs….. developing coaches in terms of coaching education, where we can have better coaches being able to put the national programme in place with their members.” The expectation, according to Bramble, is that “…when a player comes to the national team, when the coach says that he/she is
playing in the number 10 position, that player will immediately know what are his/her responsibilities… We are hoping to create and prepare players to think critically.” It is intended that all of this will lead to a “curriculum guide” which will facilitate the way Football is administered, structured and played in St Vincent and the Grenadines, resulting ultimately in “a better brand of Football for St
Vincent and the Grenadines as we go forward,” Bramble concluded. Also taking a lead in last Saturday’s consultation were” General Secretary of the SVGFF- Devron Poyer; Second Vice- President of the SVGFF- Wayne Grant; Technical Director of SVG’s Football- Keith Ollivierre; and Theon Gordon, a member of the Technical Committee.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021. 23.
Classifieds
From left: Shelter Manager West St. George Secondary School, Cecil McKie, Principal West St. George Secondary School, and Andre Boyde.
Corporate SVG shines through Continued from Backpage. Happy to give back and provide relief to those in need and respond to a national crisis were the words of management and staff of this upstanding group of Corporate citizens. St. Vincent and the Grenadines needs us all now and we must all respond and play our part, they added.
CAROLINE JOHNSON Kingstown Methodist Church Thursday, 29th April, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
KEN VINCENT ADOLPHUS WILLIAMS 6W 3DXO¶V Anglican Church Calliaqua Tuesday, 27th April, 2021 Viewing: 9:30 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Golden Vale Cemetery
KENNETH HANNAWAY a.k.a Berry/ Castro St. James Anglican Church Layou Saturday, 24th April, 2021 Viewing: 11:00 a.m. Service: 12 noon Interment: Layou Cemetery
GOFFERY ADOLPHUS BURKE Georgetown Cemetery Saturday, 24th April, 2021 Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Interment: Georgetown Cemetery
WENDELLIN GOULD DUNCAN St Theresa Spiritual Baptist Church Barrouallie Sunday, 24th April, 2021 Viewing: 9:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Spring Village Cemetery
ALFRED JOHN S.D.A Church Questelles Sunday, 25th April, 2021 Viewing: 11:00 a.m. Service: 12 noon Interment: Chauncey Cemetery
AI REAL ESTATE New Montrose Residential land @ $22.00 p.s.f CALL -BB219 Choppins 9,131 sq.ft. @ $13.00 p.s.f. - $118,703.00 -BB286 Golden Vale 12,165 sq. ft. @ $16.00 p.s.f $194,640.00 -BB287 Choppins 3,781 sq.ft. @ $10.00 p.s.f. - $37,810.00 -BB109 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 30,
2021
VOLUME 115, No.17
www.thevincentian.com
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CORPORATE SVG SHINES THROUGH AT A TIME when our country St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in one of its greatest times of need Corporate SVG continues to lend a hand. Severely challenged by an outbreak of dengue, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and now almost two weeks of continuous explosive episodes of varying levels of eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in the north of the country, the nation is literally on its knees in prayer. The world has taken note and countries and entities are responding to the official needs list published by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Top of that needs list is the humanitarian response required in housing and caring for the close to fifteen thousand persons who had to be evacuated from the Red and Orange danger zones closest to the volcano.
These persons are located across eighty-eight evacuation centers established by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines through NEMO or in privately arranged accommodations. Given the multitude of challenges, Corporate SVG has been in the list of first respondents on the ground and in areas where it matters most; the sustenance of those displaced and most affected. Through joint initiatives by corporate partners the Metrocint General Insurance Company Limited and MetroLife, along with PanAmerican Life Insurance Company of the Eastern Caribbean, help was mobilized within two days of the first eruption on 9th April, 2021 and continues up to present. Assistance by these combined Corporate entities included the following among others: guidance from media coverage and publicity, coordinated through independent responses by THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, IK TV and BOOM FM, for most press conferences, briefings and releases by Government officials or entities as well as field coverage of the devastation and impact
Front: Shelter Manager and Cook - Bishop’s College Kingstown, Rachelle George and Andre Boyde (Metrolife Insurance), Cecil Mc Kie (GM Metrocint General Insurance). Back: Ronnie Richardson - Asst. Shelter Manager Bishop’s College, Alphanso ‘Sleepy’ Richards - (Agent Pan American Life).
Left: Jeremy Boyde, Lou-Ann Boyde and on communities and individuals, Andre Boye (Agency Adm. MetroLife) provision of multiple items to during food preparation. various families and to centres, cooking (by staff) and delivering supply of Medical Kits to centres will meals (lunch) to over five hundred also form part of their humanitarian Left: Shelter Manager residents in three centres over three Fair Hall Government days and providing lunch items to two response. Direct assistance to School with Andre Boyde centres of over one hundred and fifty displaced individuals and families is also ongoing. during the presentation residents over a one week period. of food packages. Specific future support through the Continued on Page 23.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.