THE VINCENTIAN PDF- 31-07-20

FRIDAY JULY

31, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.31

Sandals: More rooms Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Ex Bank Clerk gets bail Page 4

Focus: Salt Whistle Bay Page 13

EC$1.50

Heads on Athur Pages 14&15

T Man: Rest in Peace Page 18

AA PASSENGERS CRY FOUL A COVID-19 RELATED PROTOCOL which was revised just about a week before last Saturday’s scheduled American Airlines flight from Miami to the Argyle International Airport (AIA), may just be at the root of consternation that set in after the flight arrived.

The protocol required that persons travelling directly from the USA to the AIA or persons transiting to the AIA whether from other Caribbean territories or otherwise, must provide proof on arrival that they had been tested for COVID-19 and the result was negative; and proof of reservation at a designated hotel for five nights (of quarantine).

During this period, persons are not allowed in public areas or to leave their rooms until a specified date, according to a release from the Hotels and Tourism Association.

that they were not informed of the revised protocols, when those protocols were communicated as early as July 20 to the various airlines and other relevant parties.

Further, he recalled that last week Wednesday, on his early morning segment on the stateowned NBC radio, he had gone at length to make the revised protocols known.

designated hotels and voiced strong objection to having to pay, in some cases, US$120 a night for five nights.

But Dr. Gonsalves said on Radio that if persons who had difficulty meeting the hotel bill and had made that known, the government would have guaranteed payment on their behalf.

Continued on Page 3.

Gov’t would pay The resulting situation on Saturday was that a number of passengers turned up at

The continuing complaints from nationals returning during this period of COVID-19 restrictions must be causing the Prime Minister some unnecessary bother.

CRUISE LINE SEAFARERS TO RECEIVE HELP

Knowledge of ‘new’ protocol The consternation set in when some passengers claimed that they learned about the ‘new’ quarantine requirement after they had booked their flights, and therefore, had made or could not afford to make reservations at any hotel.

Government officials indicated ‘off the record’ that they had expected the airline to bar a passenger from boarding the flight concerned, if they could not produce evidence of proof that they had complied with both requirements.

But, it seemed that this might not have been enforced.

Whatever the situation, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while speaking on the ULPowned Star FM earlier this week, refuted the claims by passengers

The Carnival Glory docked at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth on Saturday, May 9, and disembarked 92 sailors.

THIS COUNTRY was thrown into a tailspin of sorts when there was a protracted period of indecision with respect to getting Vincentian seafarers on cruise liners home.

The ‘goings and comings’ arose primarily because of the uncertainty over who was going to stand the cost of getting the seafarers home.

When that was resolved and the seafarers arrived home by cruise ships, it accounted for the first real spike in the

numbers of persons infected with the novel coronavirus.

That situation was dealt with in accordance with the protocol laid down by the Ministry of Health.

Now that the seafarers are supposedly comfortably in their homes, a new development has warranted intervention by the government.

A number of the seafarers have declared that they are Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Sandals promises more rooms ADAM STEWART, Deputy Chairman, Sandals Resort said that the Buccament Bay Resort, which is to be transformed into a Beaches Resort and Spa, will be expanded to include 300 to 350 new suites, ranging

from one-room to four-room offerings.

Those 350 rooms at peak will host 1,400 guests.

Stewart gave this indication as he addressed last week Wednesday’s

signing ceremony of an agreement between Sandals Resorts International and the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the former’s acquisition of the shuttered Buccament

Bay Resort.

The expectation of constructing up to 350 new ‘rooms’ far exceeds the ‘functioning key’ capacity of the Buccament Bay Resort, which, at peak, was 124.

Administrator takes control of LIAT: A stay on many things GASTON BROWNE, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, one of the principal government shareholders in LIAT (1974) Ltd., promised that a reorganized LIAT, a trimmer LIAT, could be in the skies within 90 days.

Ninety days from when was not clearly defined but it seems, that unless a certain step taken last week can move with extreme rapidity, Mr. Browne’s ninetyday promise will remain just that.

Mind you, Prime Minister Browne had something working in his favour, like having his effort to reorganize legitimized, organize LIAT, when the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court last Friday, upheld his government’s petition that opened the way for the appointment of an Administrator for LIAT, who will be key in restructuring the airline company.

And Prime Minister Browne wasted no time in appointing Guyana-born Cleveland Seaforth of BDO, as administrator. BDO is an accountancy and business advisory firm with offices throughout the Caribbean.

Now that an Administrator has been appointed, a creditors meeting which was scheduled for July 31 has put on hold.

“In addition, a stay on all proceedings against LIAT – civil, liquidation, proceedings by the shareholders, Prime Minister Gaston creditors - came into Browne would be hoping effect, giving the that Administrator Administrator the Cleveland Seaforth finds power to take a deep ground on which his, look at LIAT and to make a (Browne’s) proposals for a recommendation one ‘new LIAT’ can be founded. way or the other,” Anthony Astaphan SC, representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda said.

In accordance with the protocol, the Administrator will take control of the assets and management of LIAT, and “take a look at everything to be able to come to the conclusion whether LIAT 1974 Ltd, of one sort of the other, would be able to be reorganized and to be back in the sky,” Astaphan added.

As such, therefore, there has also been a stay put on the agreement to liquidate LIAT. (Source: CNS)

According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves who also addressed the ceremony, Sandals Resort International has committed to spend a minimum of USD100 million on the rehabilitation and construction towards creating the familyoriented Beaches Resort and Spa. Among the other expectations is that up to 800 Vincentians will be employed during the rehabilitation and construction period, and when complete, the resort will employ up from 700 — 900 Vincentians.

There is also a pledge, according to the Finance Minister, that the ‘new resort’ will engage local businesses and suppliers (e.g. hardware stores), local suppliers of food and beverages; local tradespeople and contractors and in particular, local farmers from whom the Resort says it expects to purchase 700,000 lbs. of produce

Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts, and PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves shake hands after signing the agreement that transfers the Buccament Bay Resort to Sandals Resorts International. annually.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves assured the gathering that all matters related to title to the Buccament Resort and adjacent lands were nearing resolution or had been resolved, clearing the way for a smooth transition from government to Sandals Resorts International.

Rehabilitation and construction are expected to span some 18 months.

However, no date for opening of the resort nor exact value of the acquisition were disclosed.

(KH)

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 3.

News 3 Vincentians exempted from UK quarantine

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG) was on Tuesday 28th July removed from the list of countries whose citizens must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the United Kingdom (UK).

The country had been included in the list of countries that were approved for non-essential travel by their nationals to the UK on July 3rd. However, Vincentian nationals travelling to the UK were told that they must selfisolate for 14 days upon arrival. The decision had left many persons baffled, given SVG’s status of zero active cases of COVID-19 at the time.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on the heels of release of this protocol, Steve Moore, Resident British

Commissioner, St. Vincent and the Grenadines said that he and his colleagues in High Commission in Barbados and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, were actively following up to try to understand the rationale for such a decision, with the aim that if there was a misunderstanding, then hopefully, it could be addressed as soon as possible.

His efforts have paid off.

On the 27th July, the UK government issued the Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel corridors through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office listing countries that were now exempt from the quarantine policy. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was

included.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, Commissioner Ambassador Moore said the decision to exempt SVG from the isolation list came after COVID-19 statics coming out of the country were reviewed.

“We (The Department of Transport and the Ministry of Health) reviewed the stats coming out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They had based the decision to put SVG on the isolation list because of the week SVG had a particular spike … but obviously the trajectory subsequent to that was excellent,” said Moore, adding that the assessment was that the risk was considered to be low, and SVG belonged on the exempt from quarantine list.

COVID-19 protocols for election day Grenadines — whether we would have active cases or whatever,” she continued.

According to James, the threat by the coronavirus made it imperative that all stakeholders engage in discussions to address Dora James, Supervisor the protocols that would be necessary on election of Elections, has day. assured the public that James said that COVID-19 related among the protocols to be protocols will be discussed were the enforced on election wearing of masks, social day. distancing and sanitisation.

THE OFFICE OF THE In addition, the SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS is working elderly and persons with on establishing protocols disability were also to be given particular focus. for election day.

“We want to look at a “We are going to have period when we would an election in a COVID have the elderly feel environment,” comfortable,” James said.

Supervisor of Elections, James gave clarity on Dora James said during the issue of a special a stakeholders meeting window being given to on July 21.

“We don’t know what the elderly, or other our status would be in St persons who may feel intimidated by the Vincent and the

COVID-19 pandemic, saying that should such an individual show up to vote once the allotted time has not passed, they will not be denied the courtesy of voting ahead of those already in line.

And the likelihood of registered electors being in quarantine on election day did not escape the concern of election officials.

“That is another specific challenge that we may have,” the SOE admitted.

She assured that her staff was working with the Ministry of Health on this issue, because they did not want for anyone to be of the view that they were denied the right to vote.

Another issue as it related to the establishment of protocols included the sanitization process.

(DD)

“I think it’s absolutely the right decision, and it is a shame that this wasn’t the decision beforehand when the original decision was made. So I am delighted that it has now been rectified and SVG along with other compatriots in the region are on the green list,” Moore told THE Steve Moore, Resident British High VINCENTIAN. Commissioner, St. Vincent an the There is a list Grenadines, was actively involved in of criteria that getting the decision reversed.

Public Health England looks at list. These including the when they are selecting which incidences of COVID-19, the countries should or should not number of deaths and the be placed on the quarantine incidences per 100,000.

AA passengers cry foul be determined by a Health Officers.

News circulating earlier this week By mid-week, the consternation had told of at least one person who arrived all about subsided. from Miami on the AA flight last The revised protocols for persons Saturday, was reported to the police arriving from the USA is that they for having broken quarantine. should be tested for COVID-19 before There was no further information, being released from the initial (five up to press time, regarding the day) period of quarantine in a hotel. outcome of this.

They, will be required to continue Persons who break quarantine are quarantine in an approved subject to a fine of EC$2000 and six home/facility for a period of nine to 16 months imprisonment. days but for a total of 14 to 21 days, to Continued from Front Page.

Cruise line seafarers to receive help Wednesday’s singing ceremony involving Sandals Resorts finding it difficult to International and the meet their expenses government of St. since returning home.

Vincent, and the One persons with Grenadines, Prime whom THE Minister Dr. Gonsalves VINCENTIAN spoke, acknowledged the intimate that his ‘plight’ of the seafarers, savings are all but disclosing that up to 200 “depleted.” of them had indicated However, the cries officially to his office, have not gone unheard. that they are in need of Speaking at last week help.

Continued from Front Page.

This matter was expected to be decided upon at last Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting.

The Prime Ministers estimated that there were close to 1,000 seafarers who retuned home from their jobs with various cruise lines, since the COVID19 was declared a pandemic.

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Multiple charges in major bank theft

Douglas pleaded guilty to the charges, while Patterson pleaded not guilty.

Patterson was charged separately with, dishonestly with a view to cause loss to the Bank of SVG, in the sum of $53,571.95; falsified the record of a deposit to the account of Fitzroy Junior Douglas in the same sum.

Patterson was also slapped with a similar charge in relation to the bail EC$335,584.

Those offences were reportedly committed on June 18, 2020, and July 23, 2020.

Patterson pleaded not guilty to both charges. She was then represented by attorney Jomo Thomas, while veteran attorney Bayliss Frederick and his daughter Vynette Frederick appeared on Douglas’ behalf.

However, while Douglas was granted bail, Patterson was remanded until yesterday for bail review.

When the two returned to Court, the Prosecution Yvonne Patterson being assisted in getting to lifted its objection to bail in relation to Patterson, court last Thrusday. but four additional charges were read to the Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS defendants.

Patterson, who is now represented by attorney YVONNE PATTERSON, 46-year-old employee of the Bank Grant Connell, is additionally charged with, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was yesterday between June 1 and July 24, 2020, at Kingstown granted $300,000 bail with two sureties, on multiple entered into or became concerned in an charges connected to the deprivation of over arrangement which she knew or suspected EC$389,000 from the bank between June 1 and July 24 facilitates by whatever means the acquisition, this year. retention, use or control of criminal property to wit, Patterson was granted the sum of EC$389,155.95 deposited to account bail three days after being 148014 in the name of Fitzroy Junior Izaras Marcus remanded, while her coDouglas. accused Fitzroy Junior Patterson was also charged with a second count Douglas, 28, of Murray’s of a similar nature reportedly committed between Village, was granted June 1 and July 24, 2020. $60,000 bail with one Douglas is charged separately with committing a surety. similar offence between July 5 and July 26, 2020.

The couple had initially He is additionally charged with possession of appeared before Chief criminal property, to wit, a Toyota Sprinter car, Magistrate Rechanne Registration No P5996.

Browne at the Serious They pleaded not guilty to their respective Offences Court on Monday, charges. jointly charged with Patterson and Douglas were each granted with stealing $53,571.95 from reporting conditions, and ordered to surrender their the Bank of SVG on June travel documents, stop notices will be placed at all 18, 2020, and $335,584 ports of entry and exit, and they are not supposed to from it on July 23, 2020. leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court.

Fitzroy Douglas pleaded All the matters have been adjourned to October 5. guilty to a charge of theft Douglas’ bail of $60,000 with one surety, was not varied. of money from BOSVG.

Trio to stand trial for murder ABOUT ONE MONTH after former police officer Ettian Charles was cleared of the 2018 murder of Security guard Rodney George of Victoria Village, his coaccused Ulric Hanson and Jerome Ollivierre, both of Mayreau and Glenville Harry of Vermont, have been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder.

At the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett ruled that a prima facie case was made out for Harry, Ollivierre and Hanson, after overruling no case submissions from Harry’s attorney Vynette Frederick, and Hanson who was unrepresented.

Charles, along with Harry, Hanson and Ollivierre were charged with murdering the Security Guard between August 31 and September 1, 2018. They were also charged with entering the GEC Auto Supplies building

at Arnos Vale between August 31 and September 1, 2018 and stealing Jerome EC$2,074 in cash, Glenville Harry Ulric Hanson Ollivierre the property of four men.

Gevandean Wilson, the owner of On Tuesday, Burnett not only the business. ruled that a prima facie case was As the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) made out on the murder charge into both offences entered its final for Harry, Hanson and Ollivierre, stages on July 1, Senior but that a case was also made out Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche for all four men on the burglary agreed with Charles’ attorney charge.

Grant Connell’s submission, that While Connell, Frederick and there was no evidence to make out Hanson had made no case a prima facie case against Charles submissions on the murder on the charge of murder. As a charge, when the Prosecution result, the Senior Magistrate rested its case on July 1, attorney discharged Charles on that Kensha Theobalds, who held the charge. fort for Bruce on behalf of Burnett, however, reserved his Ollivierre, did not make a no case decision in relation to Harry, submission.

Ollivierre and Hanson on the George’s body, with throat slit, murder charge. He had also was discovered in the GEC Auto reserved his ruling on the Supplies building on the morning burglary charge in respect of all of September 1, 2018. He was 50.

Young mother jailed for drug trafficking A 24-YEAR-OLD UNEMPLOYED MOTHER of two children will spend the next one year and five months behind bars for drug trafficking.

Cushaleen Cozier of Richmond Hill was last week Thursday at the Serious Offences Court, sentenced to one year and five months for possession of 16,439 grams of marijuana for the purpose of drug trafficking, one year and five months for attempting to export the drug, and one year, and two months for possession with intent to supply.

The sentences, handed down by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, will run concurrently.

Cozier had pleaded guilty to all three charges three day before, but sentencing was adjourned.

She had initially pleaded not guilty.

Police had intercepted the woman at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), October 30, last year.

She was about to board a flight for Barbados.

In presenting the facts, Court Clerk, Corporal Atnel Ash said that around 3:40 p.m. on the date in question, Constable 39 Michael Harry was on duty at the AIA, and was sitting in the Departure area when the defendant entered with two suitcases. She then went to the Check-in point. As the large suitcase passed through the scanning machine, PC Murray went to take a view, and observed seven packages.

The woman was summoned to the baggage room. She complied, and Murray identified himself as a police officer. He questioned her and she admitted that the suitcase was hers, and that her uncle packed it.

Murray opened the suitcase and saw seven taped packages which when cut open revealed plant-like material resembling marijuana. It was shown to the woman, and the offences were pointed out. She was cautioned, but made no reply. She was taken to the Narcotics base where the substance was weighted, and the charges were formally laid.

In mitigation, Cozier’s attorney Grant Connell told the Court that his client was the mother of two children, ages 6 and 9, and was expecting a job in Barbados. According to Connell, Cushaleen was used as a mule. He said that when she got to the airport, she did not have that suitcase with her. He noted that there was no sophisticated method of concealment, but the packages were well packed.

Connell said Cushaleen assisted the authorities in every way, and he asked the Court to give her credit for her guilty plea, though it was not done at the first available opportunity. He added that she had spent six months on remand which he asked to the taken into account. He stressed Cushaleen’s inability to pay a hefty fine, and requested a suspended sentence.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche described the case as very troubling, and pointed out that every case must be taken on its own merit and circumstances.

He pointed to the mitigating factors raised by Connell, and the fact that Cozier, the mother of two children ages 6 and 9, would not be able to pay a fine. He also acknowledged the seriousness of the offences. He said that having discussed the matter with his colleagues, and giving his own thoughts to it, he came to the conclusion that the ends of justice would be best met with a suspended sentence.

But the Chief Magistrate reminded him that Cozier was on a bond to keep the peace for 18 months when she committed these offences.

After weighing aggravating and mitigating factors, and following the sentencing guidelines, Browne came up with the aforementioned sentences.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 5.

Industry

Medical Cannabis Processing Plant coming soon A MEDICAL CANNABIS EXTRACTION and Processing facility would soon become a reality in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

This manufacturing plant is part of the strategic plan and joint venture agreement in Medical Cannabis production and export between CANNASVG -a team of international investors from Europe - and Alternative Holistic and Organic Cooperative Society Ltd. (AHOCSSVG), a locally registered Cooperative And the initiative towards eventually establishing the Medical Cannabis Extraction and Processing facility took a positive step with the arrival of a Cultivation and Production Specialist from CANNASVG. Naydan Porro arrived in the state over the weekend and following his quarantine and clearance in keeping with local COVID-19 protocol, he will begin work on a farm site at Mt. Bentick.

The Partnership

Naydan Porro, Cultivation and Production Specialists of CANNASVG, is currently in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Representative of CANNASVG and AHOCS-SVG reaching out to farmers in a town hall type session held earlier this year. Conley ‘Chivambo’ Rose, President of AHOCS- SVG is seated (left) at the head table. legalization of Cannabis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for over 40 years It is in this light that Porro is in the and has published a book on state.

All supplies for cultivation and farming have been delivered to the island over the past 3 months and moved to the CANNASVG warehouse.

Officials of CANNASVG Management Team are busy working with the Extraction Laboratory manufacturers in the USA to source extraction and processing equipment, to engage in the production of Medical Cannabis.

AHOCS-SVG has trained farmers for work on the Cannabis project, and they are ready to display skills and willing to learn new techniques and methods of producing medical cannabis plants, in accordance with the best agricultural practices and GMP standards.

Cannabis cultivation AHOCS- SVG was registered on March 1, 2019 and held its first AGM at the Red Cross Headquarters, Kingstown on April 13, 2019.

AHOCS-SVG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CANNASVG in June 2018, to work towards the establishment of a legal, regulated and economically viable Medical Cannabis Industry in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, involving research, cultivation, education, extraction, processing, manufacturing, and export of Medical Cannabis products to Europe.

CANNASVG has acquired an ‘E Licence’ - the highest class licence issued through the local Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA). The ‘E Licence’ allows for involvement in the production, distribution, branding, marketing, and export of Medical Cannabis from St.Vincent, to various international markets in this potentially lucrative industry.

Although the Global Coronavirus pandemic slowed down work on the Medical Cannabis project by over four months, both CANNASVG and AHOCS-SVG were determined and resolute in pursuing the strategic business plan objectives, outlined and agreed upon by both parties. This has borne fruit.

Jobs and new skills This joint venture business, in addition to teaching new skills, sharing technology and adding value to the development and advancement of the Medical Cannabis Industry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from seed to sale, is also expected to provide jobs for members of the Cooperative and others.

President of AHOCS-SVG Conley ‘Chivambo’ Rose, who has been an advocate and activist for the

Farm site at Mt. Benetick where the Specialists are expected to begin their work.

Amazon.com entitled ‘’Marijuana a Blessing or a Curse’’ over 9 years ago, stated: “This is a dream come true, and realistically speaking…. an opportunity to transform the economic landscape of this small island state.”

(Contributed by AHOCS-SVG)

6. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 7.

Arts

Patrick Junior locks down Babylon

Patrick Junior ‘De Minister’ has found, even in these troubling times, inspiration to compose and record.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has had, in many respects, specific adverse effects on certain sections and sectors of society.

One of those sectors is the music industry, but Vincentian reggae artiste - Patrick Richards, aka Patrick Junior ‘De Minister’, has found inspiration to pen his latest single, ‘Lowbilon Lockdown’.

The song, the most recent single from Shashememe Music Productions, was officially released on June 26.

Inspiration Patrick Junior explained, “As an artiste, artistes pay attention to what is going on around in the environment,” he told THE VINCENTIAN, adding that the world has witnessed a large number of deaths attributed to the virus.

“And God gave me the inspiration to write a song. Everyone is saying corona, corona, corona — and they say lockdown,” Patrick Junior said.

The opening lyric of the single fittingly declares: ‘Babylon have the world under lockdown’.

including Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar on the Nyabinghi Drums, Joffre Venner on Guitars, Bryan Alexander on Piano and Percussions, Oswald Williams on Saxophone and Cleo Hendrickson on Backing Vocals.

‘De Minister’ makes it big

Major local input The track features the vocals of ‘BrizzyDon’ and ‘Khadafi’, was produced by ‘De Minister’ and Joffre Venner, and recorded at Ruff Labs Recording Studio in Kingstown, St Vincent, with Bryan Alexander as recording engineer.

It was mixed and mastered by Delroy ‘Phatta’ Pottinger at Anchor Recording Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

A number of outstanding Vincentian musicians are featured on the track,

Richards’ entry into music and the stage came when he was 12. He became a member of ‘The Calypso Classroom’, the forerunner to today’s Graduates Calypso tent.

The former Bentick Square (Hospital Road)/Sion Hill resident then crossed over to reggae and his work ethic, style and consistency have made him recognizable as a conscious reggae singer, songwriter and producer.

His first hit single, ‘Shower Me with Jah Love’ was released in 1994. This

was followed by ‘If I’m Not Loving Jah’, Love is the Message’ ‘Jah will Provide’, among others.

He has toured the region, United States, Europe, Central and South America and Africa, and has shared the bill with reggae icons including Beres Hammond, The Wailers, Freddie McGregor, Buju Banton, Half Pint, Ken Boothe, Anthony B and many others. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

BEACHES here we come!!!

LAST WEEK WEDNESDAY’S lavish ceremony at the once acclaimed Buccament Bay Resort, marked the ushering of the US$1 billion net worth tourism mogul Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, to the potential of St, Vincent and the Grenadines as a choice tourism destination.

When all the feting, pomp and ceremony had subsided, the understanding left was that Stewart is being invited, since the deal is still incomplete, to acquire the Buccament Bay Resort (40 acres of prime real estate) for an undisclosed amount, minus the Resort’s million-dollar debt and liabilities.

It is also the understanding that the Resort, which has been shuttered since 2016 following bankruptcy occasioned by a series of highly questionable entanglements in which its developer Davis Ames had found himself, will be transformed into the first Beaches and Spa Resort in the Eastern Caribbean.

While Stewart’s world famous Sandals Resorts are luxurious allinclusive resorts for couples, Beaches Resorts offer most of the same luxuries, but are very family-friendly with many extras for children.

With Stewart’s entry, all things being even, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join seven other Caribbean countries, including Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos, which boast either Sandals or Beaches Resorts.

And in as much as we welcome Mr. Gordon’s ‘investment in our country, we must not allow the promise of ‘the milk and honey’ of a Beaches Resort to blind us to issues still plaguing the Buccament Bay Resort.

Not least among these is the issue of wages, severance pay and other benefits left outstanding by Buccament Bay Resort’s principal David Ames, who is this very minute the focus of a fraud case in the English Courts.

At the time of its closure in December 2016, when the court officially appointed an Interim Receiver to safeguard the assets of Harlequin Properties Ltd. (HPL), the developers of the resort, many had been led to believe that when, not if, the time came for the disposing of those assets, that some of what would have been earned would have been put towards the settlement with workers.

Not so!! The government stepped in with promises after promises, including a commitment from Ames as relayed by a Minister of Government, that the workers would be paid.

And, worse, even in the face of ongoing promises to the workers, attempts were made to entice investor after investor to make the resort operable. Not even the commissioned international airport and the promised increased airlift could, it seemed, convinced investors.

We know that this matter remains ongoing.

There is no obligation on the part of the ‘new owners’ (thanks to government?) to assume responsibility for this, neither is the matter any closer to real resolution, according to indications from government.

Encouraging the ‘new owners’ to employ previous staff could never be an appeasement for the dastardly disregard for the legitimate rights of workers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They must not be made to pay, by this or any government, for the sins of David Ames, a notorious shady character even before he was embraced and invited into our landscape, and who was allowed to leave this country under cover of a dark night, in a fisherman’s pirogue, owing this country a hefty tax bill and wages for Vincentian workers.

So, welcome Mr. Stewart. We anticipate a transparent handling of the arrangement which our country shall enter into with you, and look forward to compliance on both sides so as to protect the interests at all times, of this country and its people.

And then there is the issue of acquisition of private property for private sector development. That is another story

August Monday is no more (First published 2/08/2002 and reprinted 29/07/2016) UNTIL NOW, we have celebrated Emancipation Day on the first Monday in August, partly so that we can make use of the preceding Sunday and enjoy an extended weekend holiday.

The ULP on the other hand, in its programme of manufacturing “Historic” occasions, had ordered that we switch the holiday to the August 1st, the original date on which slavery had been abolished in 1834.

But a case could equally be made out that emancipation was granted on the first Sunday in the month of August in 1834, with a public holiday naturally following on the Monday.

Carnival, which once took place immediately before the Lenten season, now has a date in mid-July, but the MondayTuesday climactic scenario has been preserved for socio-economic reasons.

Similarly, in this plural State, mainland workers in the Grenadines in particular need the extra weekend day to earn a brief respite home. This has now been denied for no compelling reason. It is simply a fetish favoured by the ruling party which wishes to create the impression of a serious concern with historic-cultural matters.

The unvarnished truth remains, however, that few people celebrate Emancipation Day appropriately. It is simply a time for fun and games and excursions. Indeed, as late as 1998, the date slipped by like nobody’s business.

True, the ULP claims that it needs first to zero in on the proper date to lay the basis for appropriate celebrations. But we could have killed two birds with one stone, simply by choosing the first Sunday in August, as happened in 1834, and permit the holiday to fall on the following working day!

In any event, one cannot just press a button to summon nationalistic feelings and put in an order for the correct celebratory mood. We have supped full of these instant liberations, like instant coffee that stimulates momentarily without leaving an afterglow or lingering effect.

It calls for hard slogging in the field of broad education, not the slap-dash, quickfix which Ralph and Rene think they could pull off with Michael Peters, Lennox Bowman and Cecil Ryan at the controls.

Depth is the name of the game, not a skimming of the surface of things: studied reflection and deep thought, not flash and colour and music, bearing in mind Shake Keane’s observation that they who like to jump up only develop their feet.

In this context, I take a leaf out of PM

“Son” Mitchell’s book in daring to make a blast or two on my own trumpet.

My first article written on Emancipation appeared in “Flambeau” in 1965 under the title “Footnotes on Slavery”. This pioneering effort appears in the booklist of black studies in U.S Colleges down to this day.

I followed up in “This Week” with some pointed references to the Plantation mould which churned out a people sculptured in the distorted image of their Masters, Black effigies of White Colonialism.

The titles of a representative sample of the articles are indicative of their content, slant and concerns.

“Emancipation: Looking Back” (1988); “Abolition and Mental Emancipation”(1993); “Some Trademarks of Slavery (1994”; and significantly, “Emancipation Day Ignored (1998)”.

Still, one has to be grateful for small mercies. After all, current Prime Minster Ralph Gonsalves of Portuguese extraction on two counts, can hardly be expected to identify with the Black cause which is a pre-condition to understanding slavery, its aftermath and the likely remedies.

Sympathy from on high, we can be assured of, but never empathy by the very nature of the situation. Participation, patronage and paternalism are guaranteed, but never real involvement or true identification!

August 1st may experience difficulty in establishing its credentials in the popular conscientiousness, but we wish it safe passage all the same, in the national interest.

Indeed, we are twice blessed in this year 2016. It is a time when Black people are seriously questioning our apparent demotion to a white value-system, just at the moment when Abolition Day falls on August Monday thus recapturing the spirit of emancipation which so far, has failed to deliver on her promises: flattered only to deceive.

There has been too much rhetoric. This Emancipation Monday, August 1, let all our people in their several ways highlight our grievances and hope in generally “Walking the Talk.”

And the many who wish for some relaxation and fun might betake themselves to the NDP celebration of Daniel Cummings at Bottom Town, at the main entrance to the Victoria Park.

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Playing field not level MR. EDITOR, I have no problem paying my fair share of taxes and giving to charitable causes when IU can afford to. This of course does not include my weekly collection to my church.

But the thing that bothers me is that while me and a whole set of others pay taxes religiously and more if the tax man assess that we didn’t pay

enough in a year, there are an even greater number who don’t pay a red cent in taxes to help support the country, yet they are the first, and with the loudest mouths, who rush to the hospital where they expect to get everything free. They are the ones who get all the added assistance from Lotto and the PM and a whole set of charities

and other politicians and individuals to send their children to school for free. They are the ones who complain the loudest about the conditions of the roads, but who don’t have to fork out anything for spare parts, so when they make noise about the road, it must be that they making noise on behalf of the bus owners. They are the

ones who complain about the country not having this and that, but pay nothing to help maintain something in their village far less the country.

Donkey say the playing field not level and he right on all counts.

Trevor H.

Black Lives Matter The next BLACK LIVES MATTER is the latest slogan and the focus on many serious discussions. Indeed, black lives do matter. However, so do all lives.

Be that as it may, the Black Lives Matter discussion has increase consciousness that of black lives matter seems to be on the increased. I trust that as a nation and by extension the world, that Black Lives Matter would not simply mean a slogan but will become a reality.

To do this, we must remain conscious. Far too often we allow ourselves to be led in terms of our accent, style and fashion, respect and even ideas by non-blacks. Not that we should not listen or follow their lead, but we too often look down on ourselves as though we are inferior.

What is needed is equality, where we give equal opportunities to both blacks

and non-blacks. We need to treasure also ourselves even as we do not discriminate against anyone because of the color of the skin.

A closer look would reveal that as a nation, we don’t seem to value black lives. The reason for saying so is that we as black people, we fight against each other. We even look down on each other and not treasure who we have.

I trust that we would value black lives. This would mean that we should treasure our blackness and not try to change the u of our skin by bleaching.

If we truly value black lives, we would seek to accept ourselves for who we are and not be led astray by foreign non-black on television.

May God help and bless us.

Kennard King

election: Focus on the candidates PREPARING for the upcoming election and navigating the local political waters can seem not only difficult, but pointless. In our time, leadership has failed in almost every sector of society; families are broken; schools are in desperate need of aid; Government and Opposition ministers, senators and candidates are all making promises

A better leadership for this country AS A PEOPLE, we depend on the police to protect us, even the doctors. But sometimes the unfortunate and the vulnerable are denied.

Lawyers, on the other hand, once the fee is paid, go through all kinds of channels to protect their clients — turning their wrongs into right.

Hardworking people who complain how the thieves are treating them, who do you want them to complain to, the Prime Minister?

Recently, I sent a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to grant permission to put two police officers in Court for not carrying out a comprehensive investigation into a criminal matter. Now, just imagine this: A suspect works with a company for over two decades, and the police is telling me they went on site where the suspect works, and they were told nobody by that name works here, and we don’t have enough evidence to convict the suspect and close the case.

Could somebody please tell me what’s happening here? Wasn’t the boss paying in this man’s NIS contributions?

I don’t have a formal secular education, but I’m going to make my light shine bright so that others can see where I am coming from. Why can’t I take over the leadership of this country so as to make this nation great for the next generation, so that they can inherit a great life?

The people need values and good living.

Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

they know they will not keep, and “citizen” journalists and Facebook trolls appear to be replacing the ethical and civilized dialogue we all wish for in our governance and election process.

With a cell phone addiction that can leave most older adults to describe the Millennials and GenXers as antisocial, it is impossible to get a full discussion on issues affecting our country. We cannot give up on some of the simple expectations of an old fashioned election. We need to see the manifesto of each political party asking for our vote; each candidate must also be

willing to articulate their position on the party platform as well as their goals for their constituency. They must also be ready to speak to some global issues affecting the country, like alternative (green) energy; food security; industrialization, education and taxes.

It is not totally unreasonable to expect those who want to lead us in government, to be honest and to also be capable of applying common sense and flexibility when warranted. Let’s hold then all to the highest standard possible.

Horatio

Increase the number of constituencies I AM CALLING for an increase in the number of electoral constituencies in St. Vincent and the Grenadine, so as to reflect the true will of the people.

The current 15 constituencies suffocate the true will of thousands of voters. This can be seen in the disparity in the number of voters in the constituencies.

I took my call to a meeting with the Constituency Boundaries Commission on 13th July, 2020. I was not convinced that I was getting anywhere and it looked like the Commission was prepared to defend the retention of 15 constituencies. The Commission also specified that the Constitution does not call for equating the size of the constituencies.

This is the 21st century and we can no longer trust the dog to walk itself. We must take the lead and make it follow.

The Boundaries Commission has an obligation to act in the best interest of the people. Twenty-one (21) constituencies will allow for the upholding of the true Democratic will of the people, to be further reflected in the Parliament of SVG. Kadmiel McFee British War Veteran

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Sandals Beaches Resort is now with us

Introduction LAST WEEK, the ULP administration stole a march on the NDP, and persons who are actively opposed to the policies of the ULP, by concluding an agreement with the Jamaica based Sandals Beaches hotel chain, in respect of the failed Buccama Resort. The hotel project, which was once in liquidation, was purchased by the Jamaica based company, from the government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Readers will remember that the Buccama Resort had been placed in receivership by the courts of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, with the firm of KPMG being appointed by the court, as the receiver. Readers will also remember the issues which the receiver had to grapple with, the body of English investors who claimed that they had property at Buccama, and all the court drama reported in the local media.

All that is over with, and the ownership issues are done with. The government of SVG is the sole owner of Buccama. In fact the July 21st 2020 issue of the government Gazette states that 46.82 acres of land at Buccament, were acquired from Harlequin Property SVG Limited, in bankruptcy. So the matter of land issues related to titles and taxes, have been settled, clearing the way for the agreement with Sandals Beaches.

The New Project The Beaches Hotel project is a product of the Sandals group. Where the Sandals group is well known as a holiday destination for couples, the Beaches brand will be a holiday destination for the family. Once operational, the Beaches project will offer what can be described as “a multigenerational family experience”.

Already Sandals is advertising its new facility on its website, urging readers to “get ready for a new family getaway on the pristine white sand beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. This is exciting stuff and the future looks really great, even at this early stage.

The Sandals Group will return to the Buccament beach area with its construction officials, with all the designs etc, to begin the required construction work. Sandals officials say that at the height of its construction, it will require some eight hundred Vincentian workers, including carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians. Already workmen in the area stretching from North Leeward to West Kingstown are excited about the prospect of work and job creation. This also sends a signal to the opposition New Democratic Party, as to which political party is serious about providing jobs for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Already, Luzette King, a leading activist for the NDP, is looking for support to send a letter to the Sandals Group, urging them not to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is clear to all concerned that the unpatriotic NDP is not worried about providing jobs for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Their main strategy is to sell Vincentian passports, as they continue their race to the bottom of the ocean. That is

why Vincentians are waiting to teach them a lesson, when the Comrade rings the bell, before the end of the year.

The other aspect of the Sandals Beaches brand that we have to be mindful of, is the amount of local produce the facility will consume.

Already Sandals officials have said that the new facility at Buccama will require some 700,000 pounds of vegetables and fruits annually, and this will be purchased from local farmers. In addition, the facility will consume some 82,000 pounds of pineapples, 48,000 pounds of bananas, 555,000 of eggs, and 90,000 pounds of fish. These numbers are staggering, and speak to the creation of a local industry, or a series of industries, to supply the Beaches facility.

All this is good for our local business community, who will be tasked with providing the facility with produce grown by local farmers. When the facility becomes operational in another two years or so, it will require some 700 workers to meet its daily operational requirements. There will be jobs for room attendants, cooks, waiters and bar men, and security guards, and the list goes on.

Tourism: the transformational sector With the opening of the Argyle International Airport, the Tourism Industry is the major economic sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is clear that T\tourism is now the provider of quality jobs, and will play a critical role in the development of the country’s standard of living.

The construction of the International Airport has been an existential dream for all Vincentians.

It is a virtual game changer, and an important cog in the development process in the country. Without a doubt, the airport has played a major role in the projects related to Sandals Beaches, the Marriot Hotel, the Holiday Inn project and the Royal Mill project now under construction.

It is clear that the country requires more hotel rooms on the mainland, and the airport will play a critical role in this area. The future of tourism development in the country looks very bright.

The year 2019 was a positive year for tourism development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and in 2020 the future looks exceedingly good. Expect to see some construction work commencing on the Holiday Inn Express resort in the south of the country, providing more jobs for construction workers in the State.

Conclusion The Community College at Villa is currently preparing some 250 Vincentians students for associate degrees in the areas of Hospitality Studies, Tourism and Culinary Arts.

It’s all part of the process of preparing our people for expanding roles within the tourism industry, in preparing for Sandals Beaches and the Holiday Inn Express. We are getting ready!!!

NDP will make Ottley Hall Marina work THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) rode to power on the back of the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard. One of the first things they did was to set up the infamous Ottley Hall Inquiry, not to find out what went wrong with the financing of the project, but to investigate what the terms of reference said was the ‘failed’ Ottley Hall Project. They had already concluded that the project had failed even before the project was completed or the Commission of Inquiry had started its deliberations.

There has been no serious interest on the part of the government in making the project work. The New Democratic Party (NDP) will make Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard work.

After the ULP came to power, they set up the Ottley Hall Inquiry. They wanted to prove that Sir James Mitchell and the NDP were corrupt, but they failed. Sir James and the NDP should be commended for the vision to construct the Ottey Hall Marina and Shipyard because they wanted to promote development in the country. It was all part of the government’s economic diversification programme and a facility that would have generated revenue and employment for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We can all accept that the financing arrangement went wrong and we paid a price for it. The government spent millions on the investigation and nothing was found.

As a result, the government has left the shipyard to rust and rot. The dry dock has collapsed because of neglect.

Why has nothing been done to get the project working? It is a spiteful act by this vindictive ULP government. They made it look like the worst project in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The NDP will make Ottley Hall and Marina and Shipyard work for all Vincentians. We will ensure that the project plays the vital role for which it was constructed, i.e. for; to generate economic growth and development and most importantly, create hundreds of sustainable and skilled jobs for Vincentians, especially for our young people.

There is hope for our youth. It is believed that hundreds of skilled jobs, such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, to name a few, will be available at Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard. Further, with the NDP’s plan to re-engineer the education system and to place tremendous emphasis on technical education, we see the facility as an excellent training centre for students from the Technical College and other TVET programmes.

It is also a superb facility to provide valuable service to local and regional vessels. The amount of money that our nationals spend in neighbouring countries to service and maintain their yachts and ships, could have been spent right here at Ottley Hall. This would have created jobs and much needed revenue to the government.

Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard cannot succeed under the ULP government. They will not allow it to succeed. The only way it has a chance to realize its full potential is under an NDP government. The NDP is committed to make Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard work for all Vincentians. We will partner with

investors to have the project function effectively, so it will play its part in diversifying the economy which will then generate economic growth and development, and provide sustainable jobs for Vincentians.

Job creation The NDP has made it abundantly clear that its priority is to create the environment to provide thousands of sustainable jobs for the youth of this country. We will implement a number of innovative programmes and policies that will create an enabling environment for thousands of jobs to be created. For instance, the revenue earned through our Citizenship by Investment Programme will be an instant game changer for economic growth and development, and job creation. We have seen the tremendous benefits that our neighbouring islands are reaping from that programme.

We have also identified Information Technology as another important area that will provide opportunities for our young people. We will place enormous emphasis on Information Technology to tackle the unemployment situation in this country which exists among our youth.

The NDP will continue to provide the opportunities for higher education for more young Vincentians to obtain degrees at home and abroad; create a diversify scholarship portfolio by providing incentives and scholarships for youth who excel in sports, the arts and extracurricular activities. We will also ensure that meaningful employment is created for these youths after they have completed their studies.

Buccament Bay Resort Dr. Godwin Friday and the NDP’s top priority are creating jobs and getting St Vincent and the Grenadines working. Under the ULP government, Buccament Bay Resort has been an ongoing failure with several agreements signed over the years with various investors, but nothing actually delivered. This is a mess that needs to be fixed.

The NDP welcomes investors who wish to create jobs locally, and Sandals’ interest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We need many more projects across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and not just promises of big projects in some areas. We are wholeheartedly committed to delivering job-creating projects, and when elected, we will work with Sandals as well.

Sandals have signed an agreement with the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and this should now be made public so it can be properly scrutinized. We expect all legal title matters will be resolved equitably with all parties as part of the process going forward.

Vincentians have an opportunity to change their government this year.

Our country is deserving of a government that works throughout the tenure, not just in the last three months.

Dr. Friday’s NDP government will work with Sandals to deliver new jobs and identify more opportunities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

V Bridging the Divide

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“Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.” - John Adams (1735–1826) 2nd US president 1797-1801, 1st vice pres 1789-97, strong revolutionary APPROXIMATELY TEN YEARS AGo, I had the distinct pleasure of spending three days with Dr. Samuel D. Bradley, Assistant Professor, Texas Technical University, College of Mass Communications. Dr. Bradley has a double Ph.D. in Cognitive Science and Marketing. He has done extensive research on how the brain works; which parts of the brain controls which functions, how the brain processes information, and so on. I was fascinated as he shared information in relation to how marketing and advertising experts use this information to influence purchasing patters. I was captivated. I was spell-bound. I clearly understood why his students admire, respect, and rate him so highly.

One morning, as we sat at breakfast, the esteemed lecturer shared some most interesting thoughts in relation to how nature (what we are born with) and nurture (the environment that we grow up in) influence our thought patterns. His descriptions of the processes involved gave me a much clearer understanding of how prejudices are created and sustained.

And at the same time, it provided me with hope that we can be reprogrammed to bridge the divide that so often retards personal and societal development.

Even the blind can observe the significant political chasms that currently exist in many societies. This is true in developed countries as it is in emerging economies like our own.

Even the deaf can hear the destructive, negative statements that are hurled across political party lines. Political campaigns tend to bring out negative character traits among some politicians and their followers. I underline “some” noting that not all of the politicians engage in the mire of the gutter politics that so many citizens abhor. That being said, we are required to repair the societal bridges and fences that are often damaged by the barrage of insults thrown by the callous and uncaring.

There are some readers who would say, “Why not let sleeping dogs lie?

Why carry on with this discussion about bridging the divide, reconciliation and so on? Why not let nature take its course?” And while I understand and appreciate that several individuals (including politicians) would want to “sweep it under the carpet”, we know that such responses will only allow the situation to fester; we have to do societal surgery. We have to work on getting rid of the political cancer that continues to create and sustain enmity, animosity, and hatred across political party lines. We cannot wish it away! We must proactively seek to bridge the divide.

In democratic societies each citizen has a right to their opinion. We must learn to be tolerant of those whose views do not coincide with ours. It does not necessarily mean that one is right and the other wrong. We all have a right to choose — to differ. That is our democratic right.

Before proceeding with this article I paused to revisit, to reread, an article that I had published in this column on 12th February, 2010. It was entitled “What the colours say”. The said

article highlighted how important it was for the political parties to avoid “flaunting their colours” in a post election era. The banding about of colours is tantamount to wearing war paint. It draws attention to where we are different. It does not assist in bridging the divide. And while I appreciate that there will be times when officials of the respective parties may wish to adorn themselves with their party colours we must question whether there is value in doing so on a regular basis and at every official function. Must a member of parliament always be identified via their party colours? I think not.

The article referred to in the preceding paragraph had commenced with a quotation from Elihu Root (1845-1937), an American lawyer and statesman who served as the Secretary of State under President Theodore Roosevelt and as Secretary of War under President Roosevelt and President William McKinley. He was known to have said, “True love of country is not mere blind partisanship.

It is regard for the people of one’s country and all of them; it is a feeling of fellowship and brotherhood for all of them; it is a desire for the prosperity and happiness of all of them; it is kindly and considerate judgment toward all of them.” His statement is pregnant with wisdom. As the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines gear up for imminent general elections, we must remind our politicians and the voting public of these precious pearls of wisdom. We must avoid blind partisanship. We must learn to appreciate and tolerate differences in opinion.

Political campaigns should focus on social, national, and economic issues.

Citizens need to listen to and view discourses on health, education, housing, and agricultural development.

These are but some of the topics that the general population should hear debated as citizens contemplate who should be their parliamentary representatives — not the partisan divisiveness that so often get spewed from the mouths of political assassins.

Our citizens deserve better. Our citizens demand better. We, the people, invite the new breed of political leaders (and their ardent supporters) to turn a new leaf and engage in commentary and activities that will bridge the divide.

We end, as we began, with the reminder that, “Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.” We abandon all thoughts of wreaking havoc on those whose views are different to our own via insults and innuendos. We know that such approaches will only create and sustain faction and division in homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and the society at large. We sing from a different song sheet. We are instruments of positive change. Our thoughts, words, and actions are focused on bridging the divide.

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

Not so fast Minister Gonsalves DID FINANCE MINISTER Camillo Gonsalves misstate the law when he said neither Sandals Resort International nor the government owes the workers who were employed at Buccament Resort? The law as outlined in the Protection of Employment Act and the National Insurance Service Act contradicts what a smiling Camillo Gonsalves told a nation last week.

However, Gonsalves correctly stated the law when he declared that the government could properly acquire private land for a stated public purpose and turn it over to a private developer.

As early as 1969 in a case Williams v Gov’t of St Lucia, the Privy Council ruled ‘that the expression ‘the development of tourism’ does state a purpose which is a public purpose.’

Announcing the arrival of Beaches Sandals, Camillo Gonsalves declared ‘legally Sandals doesn’t owe them (workers) any obligations, nor does the state. Legally, their rights still exist against Harlequin, because Harlequin is the one who hasn’t paid them and there’s a process by which the bankruptcy trustee has to pay out debtors and creditors.’

The law of our country does not support this view. The Government and or Sandals are responsible for the money and benefits owed to the workers.

Section 20 of the Protections of Employment Act captioned Sale of business not to affect right of employee says: (1) The change of ownership by sale or other disposition of a business or any part thereof shall not affect the rights accruing or accrued to an employee at the time of sale or other disposition and the buyer and seller shall be jointly and severally responsible for such rights.

Section 21 captioned Winding up at 21(3) says: Where an employer’s business is wound up or a receiver has been appointed, an employee or any person legally entitled to claim on his behalf payment to which he is entitled shall have priority over all other creditors including the Crown for the following sums– (a) wages, overtime pay, commissions and other forms of remuneration relating to work performed during the twenty-six weeks preceding the date of the institution of winding up proceedings or the appointment of a receiver? (b) holiday pay that is owing as a result of work performed… ? (d) severance pay, compensation for unfair dismissal and other payments that are owing in respect of the termination of employment.

Yet Camillo Gonsalves, who proudly declared that the government acquired the property and turned it over to Sandals, says it will pay white foreign property owners but have no responsibility to pay Vincentian workers. The law gives priority to our workers; Camillo and his father prefer to pay white foreign investors.

Clause 37 of National Insurance Service Act captioned Offences and penalties states: (1) Any person who fails to pay at or within the time prescribed for the purpose any contribution which he is liable to pay under this act, is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of ten thousand dollars.

Ames and his company refused to pay Vincentian workers salary for months. They also refused to turn over to the NIS deducted contributions from workers. The government and its agencies, NIS and the Labour department refused or failed to protect the workers. Eventually, Ames spirited out of the country and escaped criminal prosecution.

Clause 23 of the regulation that

accompanies the National Insurance Service Act captioned Succession to a business states: This regulation applies where there has been a change in the employer from whom an employed person receives wages in respect of his employment in any trade, business, concern or undertaking or in connection with any property, or from whom that person receives any annuity other than a pension. (2) Where this regulation applies, in relation to any matter arising after a change of employer, the employer after the change shall be liable to do anything which the employer before the change would have been liable to do under these Regulations if the change had not taken place. (3) The employer after the change shall not be liable for the payment of any contributions which were deductible from wages paid to an employed person before the change, unless such contributions were also deductible from wages paid to the employed persons after the change took place, or of any corresponding employer’s contribution.

What then is the basis for Camillo Gonsalves’ claim that neither Sandals nor Government owes poor Vincentian workers?

Sec 41 of the National Insurance Service Act Captioned Proceedings for benefits lost by employer’s default states: (1) Where an employer has failed or neglected to pay any contribution which he is liable to pay in respect of or on behalf of any insured person, and by reason of such failure or neglect such person or any other person becomes disentitled to any benefit, or entitled to a benefit on a lower scale, the Director may, on being satisfied that the contribution should have been paid by the employer, pay to the person or the other person benefit at the rate to which he would have been entitled if the failure or neglect had not occurred and the Board shall be entitled to recover from the employer as a civil debt a sum equal to the amount of benefit so paid or the contributions not paid whichever be the greater.

The afore-mentioned clauses in the Protection of Employment Act and the National Insurance Service Act are valid and binding. Our Minister of Finance, a former Minister of Labour, cannot be unaware of these laws. We would hate to believe he intends to pull the wool over the eyes of the exploited and long-suffering former employees of Buccament Bay Resort.

Because the government took over the sole asset (Buccament Bay Resort) which was owned by Ames’ company Harlequin, we are of the view that Camillo Gonsalves improperly and incorrectly stated that neither Sandals nor the state owes the workers any obligations.

Once the Government assumed ownership of what was owned by Harlequin and Ames, the laws clearly say that the company that takes over another company is responsible for the salary, benefits and severance of the previous owner. Why then would Camillo Gonsalves, a former Labour minister, claim that neither the government nor Sandals has an obligation to pay the workers?

On whose side is this ‘labour’ government working, the workers of the country or foreign investors? The labouring masses must look beyond the rhetoric of our labour government for real answers.

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

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CPEA results should be published by name of school THE LEADER of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, is making a very strong call on the Ministry of Education, to publish the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) 2020 education results by name of the school. This would help the public and parents of the children in schools that are underachieving, to work toward getting the additional resources needed to help these children substantially improve their education.

The present policy of the ULP Regime of not publishing the CPEA 20 results by name of school is very counterproductive. It prevents the public, parents and the schools that are under-achieving from setting up the additional resources to help the children achieve a high standard of education. Publishing the CPEA 2020 results by name of school will also show where ULP regime education system is failing the most.

SVG received E$60,678,710 in grants from the International

Community in 2020, yet only E$20,354,100 of the 2020 budget was allocated in Capital Expenditure for Education (Source SVG Budget Estimate 2020 — Researched Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA).

After over 19 years in office, the hopeless and useless ULP Regime has shown they cannot move this country forward in education. Gonsalves, as SVG Minister of Finance, was failed by The Director of Audit for three consecutive years - 2008, 2009 and 2010. Where is SVG going with this ULP Regime with a half-baked education system? In 2007, Gonsalves, as SVG Minister of Finance, overshot the 2007 Budget by 10%, an amount of $63 million dollars, without prior approval of the SVG House of Assembly.

It is common sense that in order to move SVG into prosperity, our country needs a government that can competently manage the SVG economy and create a FISCAL SURPLUS.

Without a FISCAL SURPLUS, as has been happening since 2001, the grossly incompetent ULP Regime is just spinning top in mud, and perpetuating a high level of poverty, unemployment and extensive destitution.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, who has a Master of Science in MACRO ECONOMIC Policy and Planning in Developing Countries from Bradford University, England, strongly contends that the ULP Regime is far too unqualified and too incompetent to manage the SVG economy in a sustainable way, so as to create prosperity and the development our country needs. The bottom line is that the ULP Regime does not have the necessary education and skills to competently move SVG in to becoming a rich nation.

Any good economist knows, that at the beating heart of a strong economy, is skilled workers and lots of thriving small businesses. SVG needs a comparative advantage in an economic sector to attract foreign

investment.

Almost two thirds (60%) of UK employers expressed the need for the workforce to be given skills education.

SVG Green Party has been calling for years for our own SVG science and technology university, to build a knowledge-based economy as part of the solution for economic growth and job creation and job security.

A Green government is needed to create a strong economy. A Green government will focus on providing our people with skills and will do this by building our own science and technology university. We must invest significantly more money in to the education of our people to give them the skills needed, in order to attract foreign investors to SVG and to give our people job security.

V Contract signed for work at Salt Whistle Bay

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land that separated both beaches from merging and joining forces.

If the beaches do join, it would spell the end of unique attraction of Salt Whistle Bay, which provides 80 percent of the employment for the people on Mayreau, Ford told the news agency.

Ford said, “Practically every single household on Mayreau (population of 400 people) is selfemployed and they do that through tourism, Residents tried to stop the coastal erosion at Salt Whistle Bay by placing conch shells along the Bay operating water taxis, small restaurants front. (Photo Credit: Oshea Ford) and grocery shops. All of that is being conducted in ACCORDING TO THE LIST OF Bay. CONTRACTS awarded by Oshea Ford, a resident Salt Whistle Bay. The government for the period of the island and a driving livelihood of the people of Mayreau depends on April to June, 2020, and force in published in THE ‘Operation Fix Salt Whistl the existence of Salt Whistle Bay. Tourists VINCENTIAN of July 17, e Bay’ movement, told a consider it the 2020, a contract in an regional news agency in best beach in the amount of EC$483,851 was June this year, that the Caribbean.” approved on June 26, 2020 residents have taken the In addition to the between the Government of matter into their own economic activity it St. Vincent and the hands because, “Over the generates, the Bay serves Grenadines and Kelectric years the Atlantic side, as a shelter for boats and Company Ltd. which we call the offers tranquility for The contract was for Windward side of the visitors the undertaking of coastal beach, due to climate Their livelihoods protection works at Salt change, is causing a lot of threatened, the residents Whistle Bay, Mayreau. erosion on the Atlantic took their own action Persons will recall, that side. within the limits of the after insistence on the “We now have resources available to part of the Southern a very tiny part that Grenadines Parliamentary connects Salt Whistle Bay them.

With no machinery to representative Terrance to the beach itself from the move large boulders to Ollivierre, and remedial Windward side of it.” reclaim the lost land, action taken by residents The severe coastal conch shells were used to of the island, government erosion has been block the wave again that had promised to attend to intensifying over the the matter of serious, years, and Ford estimated draws away the sand on ongoing erosion at the then that there was seven its backward movement.

Now, according to world famous Salt Whistle to 12 feet of Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, the work to be undertaken by Kelectric is a temporary measure and involves the placement of boulders along what is left of the sand bank, so as to protect it from wave action which, during this time of year, is expected to increase.

No work in this regard had shown any signs of starting up to Wednesday of this week.

The understanding is that a more permanent resolution will be forthcoming and towards The youth of Mayreau were actively involved in the this end, the Finance drive (work) to prevent further erosion in the Minister spoke of ongoing absence of an adequate government response. studies with hydrologists

The pristine tropical Salt Whistle Bay beach is protected from rough Atlantic waters by a small piece of land that extends out into the ocean.

Right: The residents used whatever they could afford to use to try to reclaim some of that land that has been taken by the ocean. and marine engineers, but no mention of involvement of any Mayreau resident(s) in this period of study and consultation.

The Minister assured that whatever is undertaken as a permanent/long term

measure will not only be effective but will maintain the beauty of the coastline.

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, with an area of about 0.46 sq. miles It

is accessible only by boat.

Salt Whistle Bay is considered a major contributor to the islands being dubbed one of the hidden treasures of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 15.

14. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

TRIBUTES from Heads of Government helped to shape the political scene in the region.”

Owen Arthur: Three-term Prime Minister and 29 years as Parliamentarian of Barbados.

Former Barbados PM Owen Arthur dies

OWEN SEYMOUR ARTHUR, former Prime Minister of Barbados, passed away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, on Monday 27th July, 2020, at 12:26am.

Mr. Arthur first entered the parliament of Barbados as a senator in 1983, and won a byelection to the House of Assembly in 1984 for the constituency of Saint Peter, and served until 2013.

As leader of the Barbados Labour Party, he served as Prime Minister of Barbados for an unprecedented three consecutive terms: September 6, 1994 to January 20, 1999; January 20, 1999 to May 21 2003; and from May 21, 2003 to January 15, 2008.

Since retiring from political office, Mr. Arthur was conferred with the title of Professor of Practice: Economics of Development by The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in November 2018, and

Owen Arthur is remembered as a passionate Caribbean integrationist. in January 2020, was appointed chairman of the Board of LIAT the Caribbean Airline.

Arthur most recently headed the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Guyana’s disputed General and Regional Elections.

Here are excerpts from tributes paid to Mr. Arthur by colleague Heads of CARICOM countries.

Dr. Timothy Sylvester Harris – Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis “The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur’s sharp intellect and deep-rooted commitment to regional integration will be long remembered and missed.

As Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur had the lead responsibility for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), and he continued to be a tireless advocate and champion for progress and economic integration in the Caribbean, right up to the end of his remarkable life,”

Andrew Holness – Prime Minister of Jamaica “Owen Arthur was as a person who was passionate about his country and the dream of regional integration.

Today I pause to pay my respects to a man who served Barbados and the Caribbean with distinction. I am truly saddened by his passing.”

In the 1990s and early 2000s, he

Allen Chastanet – Prime Minister of St. Lucia “Not only was he a patriot for Barbados, but you can honestly say that he was a patriot for the Caribbean.

He played a leadership role in the CSME. The vision he had in terms of integrating the Caribbean will always be remembered and I will always have the greatest amount of respect for him.

His last role as the Chairman of LIAT is not an enviable position to be in but despite how difficult it was, even at this late stage he was willing to take it on. I know that he was not just doing it for Barbados, he was doing it for all of us in the Caribbean. He is going to be missed.”

our regional air carrier. He encouraged me to fight on to save LIAT from liquidation, embracing it as a regional institution that was worthy of a future.

More than any other leader of his era, he was a champion of regional integration and Caribbean unity, which he pushed for vigorously through CARICOM. He was about the welfare of the countries of the Caribbean region.

His legacy lives on as the Caribbean continues to build on the regional integration initiative began under his leadership.”

colleague.

We were in government around the same time, then went into opposition around the same time. We maintained a good relationship throughout the years.

Barbados and the Caribbean have lost a great son. He was one of the brilliant and best political minds of the region. A brilliant economist as well. I had tremendous respect for his insight into political and economic issues.”

Dr. Keith Rowley – Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

worse off without him.

He was a regionalist, an integrationist, very, very experienced and knowledgeable … a man of diligence, commitment to hard work and possessed a wonderful spirit.

He was somebody who, back then, being a young prime minister, I was able to reach out to and seek counsel and advice on many things from political issues to governmental issues.

Arthur was also a very strong advocate at the Caribbean Development Bank and other international financial institutions to mobilize support for Dominica.”

“I was shocked to have learnt of his death….. . I thought he will be with us for a lot longer. It shows tomorrow is a promise to no one.

Having seen him at work in Guyana recently, this Caribbean statesman gave us no hint of an imminent demise because we had become so accustomed to his resilience, grit and wisdom. We received the news with shock and mourn his passing alongside our brothers and sisters in Barbados and the rest of our region.

We all should be comforted that this Caribbean giant came from us, and for decades made a lasting contribution to our progress, and for that we will continue to remember him in the annals of our history.

Prime Minister Arthur has made his mark in the region as a leader. He led Gaston Browne – Prime Minister of Barbados strong and well. His passing Antigua and Barbuda leaves us poorer, and we should comfort ourselves that the Caribbean is in a “His roots were planted deep in the better place having had him.” regional dream of integration; he was locked-in to this grand future by the Roosevelt Skerrit - Prime Minister of castle of his love for the Caribbean Dr. Keith Mitchell – Prime Minister of Dominica people and their institutions.

Grenada Most recently, when appointed by “Owen Arthur was a sound Barbados as the Chairman of LIAT, he “Owen Arthur was a close friend and intellectual, and the Caribbean will be evinced his commitment to the future of

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves – Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines “Our Caribbean, our hemisphere, and our world have lost a statesman and intellect of the highest quality. We shall miss him. I shall miss my dear friend, Owen, a progressive soul who applied his heart to wisdom.

Owen Arthur was a true Caribbean man with a deeply-rooted Barbadianness, steeped in our culture and way of life, devoted always to the further ennoblement of our Caribbean civilisation, while at the same time learning from the universali sm and well-springs of world civilisations. He loved our Caribbean and its manifestations in cricket, dominoes , food, music, literature , poetry, and joyous living. He loved our people and strove to make their lives better. He came from humble beginnings and retained the humility and unfussiness of the folk from whom he sprung. He was a devoted family man.

He was among the best of our generation.”

Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados ‘The Owen Arthur that I knew was

never overwhelmed by the task at hand. ‘Face it and fix it’ that was his mantra. Indeed, his …. legacy would be considered by many as the wrestling of unemployment from the horrendous highs of the early 1990s to under 7 per cent in 2008.

When it came to our country, Owen defended Barbados with a ferocity that reinforced in many that he understood and accepted that those who went before had set a very high standard for the defense of our country, and that he was duty-bound to continue in the same vein.

He was also a fervent regionalist who made an invaluable contribution to the Caribbean Community.

This strong patriotism was anchored by a burning passion for regional integration for the Caribbean civilization. This passion, fortunately coincided with his responsibility as the lead Prime Minister in CARICOM, for the single market and single economy.

Barbados, is the poorer for his passing. His intellect was larger than life, believe you, me. His love of country was constant as a northern star. The last title bestowed on him was the most fitting - Professor of Practice. For Owen was first and foremost a teacher.

Taking the most complex economic issues and stripping them down to be understood by the average man and average woman in the shop. His keen sense of history and of politics shared daily with an emerging class of politicians that he would claim responsibility for bringing to public life.”

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincy student relives police abuse

there’ll be some changes that are really meaningful,” said Brittany Rowley, 23.

WENDY JOHN-ROWLEY, the “And I hope that daughter of a Vincentian things will get better,” national Wendy Johnadded the younger Rowley Sr. and Trinidadian Rowley, who lives with Delmus Rowley, who had her parents in Brooklyn. sued the City of New York The Rowleys said they and the New York Police had decided to take legal Department (NYPD) for action in May 2012 US$5.5 million in a case of because two white mistaken identity eight plainclothes cops years ago, has welcomed “severely and intensified Black Lives unnecessarily roughed Matter protests in the up” Brittany, who was United States and around then 15, claiming the world. she had matched the “With everything description of a going on now, I hope shoplifting suspect.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

“I feel my daughter was racially profiled,” an outraged Delmus Rowley said. “They had no proof, just a description of a Black young lady with braids.”

In court papers, the Rowleys alleged that Sgt. Jonathan Catanzaro and Officer Stephen Nakao, of the 78th Police Precinct in Brooklyn, used “excessive force” and “falsely arrested” Wendy John-Rowley the honour student at the time Brittany, then a (left) and Wendy John-Rowley today (right). freshman at St. Saviour High School in the Park heading to the library The incident of abuse Slope section of with an unidentified Brooklyn.

Brittany said she was friend, when she noticed a vehicle trailing them.

She recalled that she and her friend thought they were being abducted and began to run after they saw the unmarked car reversing towards them.

They became more apprehensive, Brittany said, when they heard a male voice shouting, “Get them!”

Brittany alleged that the sergeant threw her to the ground and yelled: “Why did you f...... run? I should punch you.”

She said they were arrested and released hours later after cops realized they had arrested the wrong suspects.

Police said two Black teenage girls had earlier shoplifted shorts and jeans from Rivet, a clothing store a few blocks from the incident.

They said the description matched Brittany and her friend.

Settling for less

of the incident of abuse

“It was terrifying,” said Brittany, who suffered whiplash and injuries to her hand and other parts of her body.

“It is the most horrible thing I have ever Brittany, who had suffered emotional distress and psychological trauma from the 2012 incident, said she reluctantly settled the case five years later for a substantially less figure.

“Because I was in college, I ended up settling,” she said. “I waited for five years; things were going long (slow). I don’t think it was handled well.

“Most (of the undisclosed settlement) went for lawyer fees and emotional therapy,” she added. “I was in a lot of emotional strain.

“I was not thrilled how my lawyer handled it (the case),” Brittany continued. “There were some witnesses who were not considered. I guess he (lawyer) was overwhelmed with the number of cases he had.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Steel pan icon laid to rest

Lyda Clifton James, aka Jimmy James, aka ‘Tall Boy’, aka ‘T Man’ was perhaps this country’s most coveted steel pan builder and tuner.

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS STEEL PAN BUILDER and tuner extraordinaire - Mr. Lyda Clifton James,

aka Jimmy James, aka ‘Tall Boy’, aka ‘T Man’ - was laid to rest Thursday July 16th at the Kingstown Cemetery, after a funeral service at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

One observer said that had it not been for the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions, the Church would have been packed, given the many persons who would have been moved to say “Thanks” to ‘T Man’ for having touched their lives, as he crisscrossed the length and breadth of the multiisland state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, his place of birth and blessed homeland There was, according to a now retired panman, not a corner of the state, “wherever there was a steelband,” that did not benefit either from his pan building or pan tuning prowess or both. After all, he was always in demand, given his unique dual skill of being able to build and tune a steel pan.

In fact, in times past, it was not uncommon that each band that participated in a given year’s Panorama, would have played pans, the bass pans especially, built and tuned by ‘T Man’.

Douglas ‘Nose’ Joseph, a past president of the Youlou Pan Movement and a steelband man himself, in a Eulogy read by Garth Williams,

Starlift Steel Orchestra doing their bit in tribute to T Man. described ‘T Man’ as a very reserved man, so much so that it was upon his passing that most persons would have learned his true name.

In one of the anecdotes that filled the Eulogy, ‘Nose’ recalled ‘T Man’s’ keen ear as being demonstrated when members of Starlift Steel Orchestra put him to the test, by striking a pan with stones thrown from some fifty feet away. ‘T Man’ was able, even with eyes closed, to identify every note a stone hit on the pan.

Renowned pannist Ken Isles also paid tribute to ‘T Man’ with an emotional rendition of Mighty Prowler’s (Vincentian-born, Trinbago’s 1998 Calypso Monarch) ‘Below the Surface’, which had the congregation singing along with the Chorus.

A representative contingent of the Starlift Steel Orchestra also rendered a musical number in tribute to the man that some say had been responsible for the sound that helped propel Starlift into becoming the ‘winniest’ steelband in Panorama History, anywhere in the Caribbean.

Errol Sutherland, the iconic founder, former leader and manager, some say the patriarch of Starlift, joined in conducting the rendition.

‘T Man’s’ last days were spent in Union Island which has its own unique history of steelband and steelpan music. Changes in the manufacture and even tuning of the steel pan had become, through the years, quite a scientific undertaking to which it is believed, ‘T Man’ found difficulty adjusting.

This, however, in no way and to any degree takes away or denies the contribution that ‘T Man’ made to the advancement of the steel pan, steelband music and the birth of steel orchestras in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as many who attended his farewell said.

THE VINCENTIAN PUBLISHING CO. is pleased to have documented in part, some of that contribution and something on the life of this cultural icon. We refer readers to our 2006 Carnival Souvenir Magazine for more on T’Man’ May he Rest in Peace.

A fitting final goodbye to the steelband icon by steelband men and women.

A sparsely occupied Methodist Church where the funeral service was held, had all to do with the prevailing Covid-19 conditions.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Boxed in on all sides Dear George, MY PROBLEM is I cannot make ends meet, although I am working. Over 80% of my salary goes towards repaying a loan.

At the end of the day I have nothing much left to provide for myself. There are days when I go to work with a hole in my stomach to the point where I am beginning to develop an ulcer. The doctor told me that I need to improve on my eating habit, but how could I do that when there is nothing to eat?

But there is worse. My boyfriend recently told me that he has tested positive for HIV and he was told that he needed to contact all of his sexual partners. He was having sexual relationships with six other women, and to think that we talked about getting married as soon as I was able to get back on my feet.

I am afraid to go and get tested for fear of what the results would be. Thanks to a trusted friend, my business is out there among John Public. I am boxed in on all sides.

Suicide could be an option.

The most important issue you face is the HIV one. It is important to get tested immediately. Knowing your status will allow you to plot a way forward with help from counsellors in this field. Remember, there is life after HIV. As for your financial situation, begin by exploring with your creditor the possibility of reviewing your loan repayment so as to make it more in line with your income. A financial advisor can help you in this regard.

As for your overall state, contact the Marion House soonest and make an appointment to speak with a counsellor. He/she is equipped to handle cases such as yours.

And take care pf that ulcer!

Dark Place

George

Dear Dark Place,

Afraid to tell the police that was; he threatened to expose me and even NOBODY in this country dismiss me if I didn’t have sex with him. I seems to be taking the plight of sexually abused gave in.

Right now, I am just girls and women existing… feeling numb. seriously. I am one of I want to go to the police those who have been but need to find a safe sexually abused by trusted family members; way to do so. This nasty practice and nasty men however, I am afraid to must be stopped. What tell anyone about it, far can I do? less to go to the police.

You see, I was present Fed up with it. when a friend told a policeman that she was Dear Fed up with it, being abused by her uncle. He laughed and I understand your fear said, “Get serious,” and of going to the police, went his merry way. given the experience of I withdrew from telling anybody about my your friend.

However, that does situation until I told my not mean that every boss. What a mistake police officer will treat

Dear George,

your information in the same way. There are police officers trained to deal with these matters, and maybe you should invite one of these to take a close look at your situation, towards recommending appropriate legal action.

You should, for your state of mental stability, get supportive counselling from a professional. That person can accompany you to the police if you so desire.

Your healing process and just punishment for your offenders will begin as soon as you take the first step.

George

My husband is a beast Dear George, HOW MANY times a week should a husband and wife have sex?

My husband needs to hear your answer because he is a beast. He demands sex from me at odd times during the day, and tells me that the day has nothing to do with the night.

He wants it day and night.

I am tired! The unconscionable man keeps forcing me to satisfy him. I am at the point right where I am considering getting a divorce over this sex issue.

Frustrated Dear Frustrated,

Your husband’s action is certainly unreasonable and he needs to understand that. Marriage does not give any one of the partners the right to exploit the promise to share.

He should be told or reminded that a husband can be charged with rape of his wife. If at the point of you saying “No”, he continues, then it becomes rape.

Maybe this legal reminder and telling him you are not happy with his abuse might convince him to change his behaviour.

I suggest some marital counselling. A neutral third party in many instances would help to have both of your issues addressed.

George

Leisure

ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. Your ability to take hold of a situation will surely bring you popularity and leadership. Real estate investments will be extremely profitable in the long run.

TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) You might have some problems balancing your books. Refuse to get involved in idle chatter; it will only make you look bad. You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work.

GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Don’t be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. You could meet an interesting individual you’ll want to get to know better.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Go after your goals. Look into joining groups that can give you hands-on advice about business. Let your lover know what your personal intentions are.

You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Try to compromise rather than having an all out battle. Keep your thoughts to yourself for the time being. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Don’t hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs. You may be sensitive to a point of absurdity.

Be careful of disclosing personal information.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You should regain some of your selfesteem if you get involved in organizational functions. Residential moves should be considered carefully.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Deception is apparent. Travel will be in your best interest. Don’t push your luck with your boss. Don’t make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can expect the fur to fly on the home front. Opportunities for new romantic encounters will unfold through the social events you attend. You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You can have an enjoyable time if you socialize with friends. Lack of cash might be partly to blame for the problems at home. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21.- FEB. 19) You can expect to face opposition on the home front. Children could cost you more than you can afford. You need to take a break with the ones you love.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Someone you like may be receptive and actively seeking your company. If they’re really interested, they’ll wait. Take positive action. Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful.

ACROSS 1. Auction calls 5. Thin strip 9. Knock impatiently 12. Admired individual 13. Oz-visiting dog 14. Function 15. Muscle quality 16. Agenda entry 17. False statement 18. Sound detector 20. Equipment 21. Angelic instruments 24. Colt’s mother 27. Complies with 28. Typical model 32. Far from modern 33. Disconcert 35. Trouble 36. Passionately wants 38. __ about, contemplate 40. Extremely 41. Entices 42. Pottery need 45. Wooden fastener 46. Position (sails) 47. Furthermore 50. Vane heading 54. 1950s President, informally 55. Harvest 56. Revolve 57. Mattress site 58. Beer dispensers 59. Camp home DOWN 1. Bridle part 2. Altar words 3. Comic Rickles

4. Dozing Dwarf 5. Mix (drinks) 6. Great quantity 7. Savored fruit or fondue 8. Pitcher Seaver 9. Game regulation 10. Cambodia’s continent 11. British noble 19. Guarantee 20. Pricey stone 21. Engine cover 22. Skilled 23. Lipstick colors 24. In disarray 25. Lumberjack tool 26. Playtime noisemaker 29. Socks grouping

30. Facial crease 31. Moose cousins 34. _ capita 37. Wall climber 39. Most enormous 42. Nursery furniture piece 43. Have a taste for 44. Ancient

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 21.

45. Subtle bursts 47. Genesis boat 48. Singer Brenda 49. Lack tightness 51. Clumsy fellow 52. Immoral offense 53. Explosive substance: abbr.

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22. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Business Executive Director, Derwin Howell, said, “Our partnership with the OECS, in support of the Business Model Competition, is just another of the many ways we are working to ensure that our customers and the wider business community not only Region now have an with Republic Financial survive the pandemic but opportunity to connect with Holdings Limited (RFHL). global investors and mentors, The Competition, dubbed are also positioned for bigger successes in the thanks to the Sustainable the OECS Republic Bank future. I cannot stress Development Movement Business Model (SDM) Business Model Competition and launched enough, the importance of Competition – a project of at the Royalton Hotel, St. reaching out and the Organisation of Eastern Lucia on July 10th, and is supporting our small Caribbean States (OECS) geared towards business customers and Commission in partnership strengthening the business encouraging them to development participate in this ecosystem across the opportunity.”

Region, while On September 24 of this providing the year, eight of the entrepreneurs with a entrepreneurs will vie for a rare opportunity. top prize of USD $20,000 in RFHL has a long a Shark Tank-style Pitch history of working Room, hosted by Daymond with the Caribbean’s John, Star of ABC’s Shark businesses to shape Tank at the OECS economies, create Sustainable Development growth and provide Movement Summit at the jobs, and the Group Royalton Hotel, St Lucia. has deepened its The Republic Group commitment to the success of the Region’s commends all 30 entrepreneurs with its entrepreneurs for taking US $120,000 this leap towards a journey investment in the of self-discovery training, Competition. and learning. (Source: The Group’s RFHL)

OECS-SDM and RFHL join forces THIRTY (30) ENTREPRENEURS across the Daymond John, Star of ABC’s Shark Tank, will host the final of OECS Republic Bank Business Model Competition.

(Photo Credit: businessinsider.com)

Sagicor serving Healthcare Heroes SAGICOR has launched its Healthcare Heroes Group Insurance Plan in St. Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica.

Healthcare Heroes was designed in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic which has upended lives all over the world, and in recognition of frontline medical and first responder personnel who continued efforts help to preserve lives at all levels.

According to Sagicor, ironically, while these medical professionals risk their own lives to save others, it found that many either had inadequate insurance coverage or, in an increasing number of cases, no coverage at all.

The Plan, therefore, is exclusively designed for active frontline individuals in the health fraternity, including Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, health care professionals and the persons who work with them, and offers Group Life Insurance with Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD) and Critical Illness (CI).

Coverage is also extended to spouses and dependent children.

President and CEO of Sagicor, Ravi Rambarran, underscoring Sagicor commitment to serving those on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic said, “Our heroes are our people. We are one and we are honoured to serve them as they serve us. They have sacrificed to keep our communities safe, and we are honoured to be here for them.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 23.

Mercury pleased WC Qualifiers format

Kendale Mercury KENDALE MERCURY, Head Coach of SVG’s Senior Men’s Football team- Vincy Heat, said that he is“ pleased” with the new format for the CONCACAF Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The format, made public last Monday, will see Mercury’s men placed in one of six groups, each comprising five teams.

Hence, the first round will see the teams 6-35 contesting this phase, with the six highest ranked teams- El Salvador, Canada, Curacao, Panama, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago having been pre- seeded and will head groups A to F, respectively.

Each team will play every other team in their group once. The four matches will comprise two home and two away games, to be played during FIFA windows in October and November, this year.

The draw for the Groups will take place next month.

Mercury, speaking to the format said: “With this format, it gives you some form of hope … It is encouraging for me, as if you get out of the blocks early, you can do well.”

He admitted, though that it would depend on the “luck of the draw,” reasoning that, “you also need some luck with the draw and of course, we would like to avoid El Salvador, because for me personally, any of the five other teams is beatable.”

And with a tint of optimism he said, “With two home matches and two away matches, once we prepare well, we can be at our best on the day.”

He opined that because the First Round matches are one-off, it brings into the equation maximising the best opportunities and taking one’s chances in those matches.

“I project that it could be tight and can go down to goal difference, so in our case, we have to work hard on our finishing,” Mercury conceded.

Mercury disclosed that within the past week his team’s preparations have increased and now, with the format known, he expects a further “upping” of the preparations.

He noted that within the next few weeks the training squad will be trimmed.

A live in camp is also on the agenda, as they look ahead to the first

Jolando John (left) and Oalex Anderson (right) during a training session last Tuesday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. outing sometime in October.

The current preparations will be twofold in purpose, according the coach, as they are also looking ahead to the World Cup 2026.

Following the First round, the top team from each of the six groups, advances to the Second Round.

The pairings for the Second Round pit the winner of Group A versus the winner of Group F; the Group B winner squares off against the Group E winner. The other match up, features the winner of Group C against the winner of Group D. These teams will engage in a home

and away ties, with the three winners progressing to the final round.

The three second round group winners will join CONCACAF’s top five: USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Honduras, in the final round.

The eight teams will meet each other in a home and away basis. The three top teams at the end of the final round will gain tickets to the World Cup Finals in Qatar in 2022, while the fourth place will be involved in an Inter- Continental Play Off, for possible fourth spot for CONCACAF.

Local cricket resumes this weekend COME THIS WEEKEND, the SCG Cricket Association’s National Lotteries First Division 50 Overs Competition will pick up where it left off two weekends ago.

Matches were suspended last weekend as the country was on a tropical storm watch.

And at the end of this weekend, Sunday 2nd August to be specific, one NLA First Division finalist and the last semifinalist should have been determined.

At the Cumberland Playing Field, defending champions CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern

Stars will be looking to move one step closer to retaining their title, when they take on Police One in the first semifinal.

The other match-up, the last quarter final, to be played on Sunday at the Park Hill Playing Field, Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward and Corea’s Distribution Belfongo will square off for the final semifinals spot.

The winner from this quarter final match will face Keenan’s Bequia in the second semifinal.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Action on the very green cricket fields here resumes this Sunday.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 23.

Mercury pleased with WC Qualifiers format

Kendale Mercury KENDALE MERCURY, Head Coach of SVG’s Senior Men’s Football team- Vincy Heat, said that he is“ pleased” with the new format for the CONCACAF Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The format, made public last Monday, will see Mercury’s men placed in one of six groups, each comprising five teams.

Hence, the first round will see the teams 6-35 contesting this phase, with the six highest ranked teams- El Salvador, Canada, Curacao, Panama, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago having been pre- seeded and will head groups A to F, respectively.

Each team will play every other team in their group once. The four matches will comprise two home and two away games, to be played during FIFA windows in October and November, this year.

The draw for the Groups will take place next month.

Mercury, speaking to the format said: “With this format, it gives you some form of hope … It is encouraging for me, as if you get out of the blocks early, you can do well.”

He admitted, though that it would depend on the “luck of the draw,” reasoning that, “you also need some luck with the draw and of course, we would like to avoid El Salvador, because for me personally, any of the five other teams is beatable.”

And with a tint of optimism he said, “With two home matches and two away matches, once we prepare well, we can be at our best on the day.”

He opined that because the First Round matches are one-off, it brings into the equation maximising the best opportunities and taking one’s chances in those matches.

“I project that it could be tight and can go down to goal difference, so in our case, we have to work hard on our finishing,” Mercury conceded.

Mercury disclosed that within the past week his team’s preparations have increased and now, with the format known, he expects a further “upping” of the preparations.

He noted that within the next few weeks the training squad will be trimmed.

A live in camp is also on the agenda, as they look ahead to the first

Jolando John (left) and Oalex Anderson (right) during a training session last Tuesday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. outing sometime in October.

The current preparations will be twofold in purpose, according the coach, as they are also looking ahead to the World Cup 2026.

Following the First round, the top team from each of the six groups, advances to the Second Round.

The pairings for the Second Round pit the winner of Group A versus the winner of Group F; the Group B winner squares off against the Group E winner. The other match up, features the winner of Group C against the winner of Group D. These teams will engage in a home

and away ties, with the three winners progressing to the final round.

The three second round group winners will join CONCACAF’s top five: USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Honduras, in the final round.

The eight teams will meet each other in a home and away basis. The three top teams at the end of the final round will gain tickets to the World Cup Finals in Qatar in 2022, while the fourth place will be involved in an Inter- Continental Play Off, for possible fourth spot for CONCACAF.

Local cricket resumes this weekend COME THIS WEEKEND, the SCG Cricket Association’s National Lotteries First Division 50 Overs Competition will pick up where it left off two weekends ago.

Matches were suspended last weekend as the country was on a tropical storm watch.

And at the end of this weekend, Sunday 2nd August to be specific, one NLA First Division finalist and the last semifinalist should have been determined.

At the Cumberland Playing Field, defending champions CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern

Stars will be looking to move one step closer to retaining their title, when they take on Police One in the first semifinal.

The other match-up, the last quarter final, to be played on Sunday at the Park Hill Playing Field, Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward and Corea’s Distribution Belfongo will square off for the final semifinals spot.

The winner from this quarter final match will face Keenan’s Bequia in the second semifinal.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Action on the very green cricket fields here resumes this Sunday.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 25.

Sports

Taking it literal WEST INDIAN CRICKET supporters and detractors are wont to make fun of the team, especially if the results turn out to be dismal.

And when one reflects, the frequency of under par displays provide the platform to write off the players and the entire administration.

Perhaps the players misinterpreted coach Phil Simmons’ instruction that they go into the second Test “from scratch.” Simmons meant for them to forget about the previous encounter and begin the second Test as if they just arrived in England.

But things fell apart in the second Test and the series plunged into disarray thereafter.

The West Indies ‘scratched” around in the third Test, so much so that they didn’t muster 200 in any innings. It is easy to analyse matters from a situation of hindsight, so it is worth the while to look at what could have been. The fact is that what transpired has already gone, and in the words of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one must “Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant …but act in the living present, Heart within and God o’erhead.”

I get the feeling that there was some sort of home sickness within the West Indies camp. The vagaries of the English conditions took a tool of the West Indian batsmen.

While the bowlers have been praised for sticking to the task, the batsmen fell short.

The fact that no batsman recorded a threefigure mark highlights the disparity between the two teams. There must an all-round performance if a team is to do well in cricket. Unfortunately, there was an imbalance which caused the West Indies to be distance away.

The debacle comes in the wake of regional losses. Those include the death of Barbadians Everton Weekes and Owen Arthur.

They are stalwarts on the arena: Weekes’ five consecutive centuries stand out as a template of international brilliance.

Sir Everton, as he became, was a voice of reason, and everyone looked forward to his analysist as a commentator. He was part of the famous Three W’s which symbolised West Indies cricket.

The fact that one of them Frank Worrell died at age 42, helped to raise the mystery of the Barbadian trio. Clyde Walcott was the second to cross the line after he had helped in cementing the legacy of the triumvirate.

It was left to Sir Everton until his demise.

Hard as it is for Caribbean people, Barbados was plunged into further mourning with Owen Arthur’s death. He is known for his humility, a trait not readily attached to the average Barbadian. Arthur distinguished himself as a regionalist, and his death comes amidst a trail of turmoil.

His most recent appointment was with the Liat circle, and he was part of the CARICOM Observer Mission whose role in the Guyana election is a bone of contention.

The death bug bit in SVG and one must pay respect to Tyrone Jack. He carried the Table Tennis torch for some time, but he was an allround sports enthusiast.

It was in the field of cricket I got acquainted with him.

Perhaps he had his fill of disappointment with the performance of the West Indies team.

Student athletes in St. Kitts making strides XARIA BASCOMBE and La Tavia Simon, two Vincentians student athletes currently residing and attending secondary school in St. Kitts, have more than satisfied their coach’s expectations.

Janice Dailey, under whose care — both as guardian and coach - the athletes are in St. Kitts, communicated recently that she is happy with the girls’ progress at the Verchilds High School.

“All is going well.

This Covid-19 has everybody waiting, but we are working while we wait,” Dailey said.

“When they came here, La Taiva and Xaria were given a six-week internship, with the understanding that if they did well they will move up. And they did!”

Bailey reported.

La Tavia was promoted from 3V2 to 3V1 and Xaria Bascombe from 3V3 to 3V2 effective Monday 11th November, 2019.

The girls were equally impressive on the track.

“In terms of track… excellent! We train for three months, and based on where they were

when they arrived here — they were good but weak in certain areas — and the progress they made, they surpassed my expectation, especially given the time period in which we had to work,” Dailey related.

Dailey reported, in this regard, that La Tavia broke Shafiqua Maloney’s 400 and 800 meters record, and Xaria broke the School’s 200 meter record.

(Shafiqua Maloney is another Vincentian student who pursued studies and track at the Verchilds High School, St. Kitts, under Dailey’s care and guidance.)

“So all in all, track and academics are going pretty well. Had it not been for Covid-19, I had no doubt they would have made the CARIFTA team as they were looking good going into their Inter School Championship,, which was cancelled. We are back in training three days a week and still in the books. The girls have grown mentally and physically,” Dailey said with a distinct tone of satisfaction.

Coach and caregiver Janice Dailey with student athletes Xaria Bascombe (right) and La Tavia Simon before they left for St Kitts.

Zaria Bascombe had her say. “It’s a bit challenging but I am managing. I felt like quitting but I couldn’t because it was a task at hand. Now I am enjoying my training programme. One of the most important lessons I learned since I am St Kitts is, the only thing which is constant in life is change.”

La Tavia Simon shared similar sentiments. “I have faced the major

challenges education wise, but I try my best to succeed and stay focused.

Doing track in St Kitts is more challenging than at home, and as we get older the programmes become more intense.

Living with Janice we learned a lot about track and about life, including how to stay positive and humble during losses and winnings, and that everything is worth fighting for.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Track and Field Championships scaled back TEAM ATHLETICS SVG will on 22nd August, host the 2020 National Track and Field Championships, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Unlike 2019, when the championships were staged over two days, this year’s edition will be held over one day and, as would be expected with the loss of one day, the number of events have been limited to 68, a reduction over last year.

The Under-13s will compete in the 100m, 200m, 300m and the Long Jump. The Under15 age group compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, Long Jump, High Jump and Shot Putt, with the Discus added to these vents for the Under-17s

The Arnos Vale Playing Field will be the venue for a scaled back 2020 National Track and Field Championships. and Under-20s.

Athletes in the Open Category will do 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot

Putt and Discus.

The championships are open to all athletes “residing or holidaying in SVG.” Athletes wanting to

register for the National Championships can do so at http://www. trackiereg.com/2020tasvgclassic. They must do so by 18th August.

26. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020. 27.

Classifieds

ORDAN JACOBS better known as Old Oil S.D.A Church Lowmans Windward Sunday, 26th July, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Mc Fun Cemetery Lowmans Wd

LENROY PATRICK FOX a.k.a Hook & Chromest Barrouallie S.D.A Church Sunday, 26th July, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery LORNA ROBINSON

GEORGE HENRY DELECIA

ANTHONY EDWIN JACK

St. Matthews Anglican Church Biabou Saturday, 25th July, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Biabou Cemetery

New Birth Evangelical Church Rose Place Saturday, 25th July, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

Campden Park Wesleyan Holiness Church July 25th, 2020 Viewing and Tributes: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Lowmans Hill Cemetery

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FRIDAY JULY

31, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.31

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

FORMER BANKER TO CHALLENGE CAMILLO Adriana King seemed to have relied on her Facebook page to push her campaign.

Renson Haynes, Calliaquabased, was a late entrant in the race. process, since the Party’s Central Committee must now convene to sanction her recent nomination. James could not commit to a specific timeline for Gibson-Velox’s Laverne Gibson-Velox now awaits ratification but he opined ratification by the party’s Central that the process would be Committee. finalized, “as soon as they decide to meet;” which he LAVERNE GIBSON-VELOX, the first suspected, “may be soon.” woman to manage a commercial Finance Minister Camillo banking institution here, was Gonsalves is the incumbent selected to represent the East St. Member of Parliament for East George constituency for the New St. George. He secured the Democratic Party (NDP) in the highest number of votes (3,135) upcoming general elections, constitutionally due by March 2021. recorded in the 2015 general elections - his first outing at the Gibson-Velox, now retired, led polls. the 3-way race with 14 of the 20 Jubilant at the news of her votes cast in the nomination nomination following last process. The others in the race, Wednesday evening’s educator Adriana King and former national footballer Renson Constituency Council meeting, Gibson-Velox told us, “I’m just Haynes racked up 3 votes each, happy that I am at least getting and were said to have pledged the opportunity to serve my their commitment to Gibsoncountry, to give back because I’ve Velox’s bid to help “effect the received much from it. So I now change” of area representative have an opportunity to give back and ultimately national in a tangible way, in a real way.” government.

Additionally, she promised that NDP’s General Secretary her perspective constituents can Tyrone James explained that Gibson-Velox’s selection was only expect, “great representation with inclusivity” as the hallmark of her part of the candidate selection

political tenure.

As to the winning strategy she employed so far, GibsonVelox, also a celebrated cook and former broadcaster, remarked, “everybody have their own style of doing it. I did mine quietly. I didn’t do the social media and that kind of thing because basically I thought it was an internal matter that didn’t need all that extra attention.”

If sanctioned, Gibson-Velox’s candidacy would bring to 4 the total number of women who have so far been declared by either of the 2 major political parties, as contestants in the 2020/21 general elections.

Dr. Minerva Glasgow and Senator Debbie Charles seemed certain to contest on the Unity Labour Party ticket in South Leeward and West Kingstown respectively, while Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste and GibsonVelox would contest on the NDP’s roster, the former in the West St. Geroge constituency.

Another woman, Shevern Lewis-John, is widely believed to be the frontrunner for the NDP’s North Windward constituency nomination.

Meanwhile the 4 perspective NDP candidates in the Marriaqua constituency primaries are set to square off in approximately 2 weeks, General Secretary James confirmed. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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

Koreen ‘Kim’ Latham-Charles

REWARD

A REWARD of EC5,000.00 is being offered for information that will aid in the apprehension and prosecution of the offender(s), in the matter of the shooting death of KOREEN LATHAM-CHARLES. Mrs. Latham Charles, a 35-year-old Port Officer was shot on July 23, 2020 at her home in Fairbaine Pasture.

In a release dated July 23, 2020, the police said that they responded to information which indicated that a female was in distress in the community of Fairbaine Pasture, with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about her body.

She was still alive when the police arrived on the scene, and was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), where she succumbed to her wounds.

Persons with information are asked to contact the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Crime at 1-784-456-1339, the Officer in Charge of the South Central Division at 1-784-458-4200, or any police officer or police station with which they are comfortable.

All information will be dealt with confidentially.

Investigations are ongoing.

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