The Vincentian PDF-08-31-18

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 31, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.35

www.thevincentian.com

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MISCREANT POLICE

- GET THEM OUT!!

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Leaking Information

THERE ARE SOME POLICE officers within the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) who are involved in activities unbecoming of the oath and expectations of their positions.

So said Commissioner of Police (Ag) Colin John while speaking on last Monday’s Boom FM’s ‘OMG morning’ radio programme.

He said that he was aware of the names of officers involved in the drug trade and those with a known affiliation to individuals involved in drug trafficking.

“And those persons, I want to see them out of the force,” he asserted.

“It is hard enough fighting the criminals outside than to fight those persons who are criminally inclined within the organization,” the CoP (Ag) said, adding, “One thing as my legacy is to ensure that the integrity of the Force is kept at an all-time high.

CoP (Ag) John also referenced to a report of sexual harassment made by a female member of the RSVGPF against a fellow male officer, while they were on duty. He confirmed that the matter was being investigated.

Continuing his unbosoming of matters of a questionable nature in the RSVGPF, John revealed that information, and in some instances sensitive information, was being leaked from the Police to members of the public, including members of the media.

“I would face it and say yes, there’s a problem in that area that we really need to improve on,” Commissioner of Police (Ag) said, even as he admitted, “Information will get out from time to time.”

John said later in a telephone interview with THE VINCENTIAN that there have been instances in the past where it became evident that information had been leaked to the media.

He referred to an article which appeared in the August 24 edition of The NEWS Newspaper which reported on an alleged incident of sexual Commissioner of Police (Ag) Colin John. harassment of a female officer by a male officer. but this did not come from an official there was a report and the matter was According to John, the information under investigation, but contended relating to the alleged incident was in source.

Pressed on the case of harassment that it was not a widespread problem the hands of a member of the public, as referred, John reconfirmed that within the RSVGPF.

TWO PASSENGERS SHOT IN REDEMPTION SHARPES two passengers being shot.

Amanda Browne, a mute who works AN ALTERCATION on Monday, at the School for Children with Special between two males in a minibus Needs, and Kimron Neverson, better at Redemption Sharpes, has known as ‘Plantain’, unemployed, had resulted in two persons nursing to be taken to the Milton Cato gunshot injuries.

Memorial Hospital to nurse gunshot According to reports, the injuries. minivan ‘Militant’ was travelling Persons in the Sharpes area said in the Trigger Ridge, Redemption that they are very worried that the Sharpes area, sometime around 9 dispute has not been settled, and there am, when one of the men involved is the likelihood that it will lead to in the dispute exited the van, and retaliatory measures. “This na done, it fired several bullets which led to is just what is happening. Imagine passengers in a van and people still a fire shot. What is this place coming Amanda Browne, a mute who to?” said one concerned villager. was shot during the incident in A reliable source confirmed that it Redemption Sharpes.

by KENVILLE HORNE

was Neverson who was involved in the altercation with another man in the van. The event is believed to be a spinoff from a shooting incident in January, resulting in the death of a young man.

The police, in a press release, said that they are investigating reports of an attempted murder on a 22-year-old man and 30-year-old woman, both of Redemption Sharpes. The victims received gunshot wounds by the assailant to the chest and left hand; and to the right side of the head, respectively. They are said to be in stable condition.

Up to press time, no one has been charged with the incident.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Graduates of the Flow Internet Summer School, with Country Manager Wayne Hull at the graduation ceremony.

Over a hundred graduate from Flow’s Internet Summer School THE SUMMER VACATION WAS nothing short of fun and much excitement, for many kids who participated in the Flow Internet Summer School Programme.

This comes as over a hundred students, along with parents and teachers, gathered at the Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday, August 28th for the closing ceremony of the 2018 programme.

Congratulating the students for successfully completing the programme, Flow’s Marketing and Communications Lead Nikala Williams, urged the students to consider pursuing a career in the ICT field, assuring the students that a bright future awaits. She also noted that technology is the new way of business and communications.

Williams further urged the participants to continue to practise internet and computer etiquette, and cautioned that the cyber-crime is a serious issue.

Deeming the internet to be the greatest invention of modern history, Flow’s Country Manager Wayne Hull noted that the internet has proven to revolutionize the lives of many worldwide. He said that over the years, the Internet Summer School Programme has also developed in such a way to educate the students about Information Communication Technology (ICT). The students were also exposed to an introduction to software programming, where they were able to build Apps.

Hull mentioned that the aim of the summer programme is to make a lasting impression on the minds of the many students, where they would be able to make the best use of technology, this helping them to approach the courses in the best way possible in the upcoming academic year.

Hull pledged that Flow will continue to invest in the nation’s children, highlighting that the programme is just one of many initiatives the telecommunications giant has supported.

He added that there are hopes that the programme will be extended to the rural communities as well as the Grenadine islands for those persons who are challenged by the distance.

Speaking on behalf of the parent body, Anna Bowman expressed much gratitude to Flow for an excellent job in teaching the kids something new over the summer vacation. She said that every day, her son related a new encounter in learning to do something in a different programme.

Some of the programmes was they were taught to work in included the use of key boarding, the introduction of Microsoft programmes, building games and developing power point stories.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 3.

News 3 Teen accused of murdering security guard Services (VINLEC) headquarters at Paul’s JUST FOUR DAYS AFTER 16Avenue.

YEAR-OLD students Ozem Oliver The assailant reportedly and Dale Hooper appeared in fled following the stabbing.

Court on multiple charges, in Layne was taken to the Milton connection with the recent Cato Memorial Hospital where abduction and robbery of four she succumbed to the injury. women, another teenager was THE VINCENTIAN taken before the Court on a understands that Caine, a more serious charge. labourer, was apprehended On Monday, 19-year-old later that day at Colonaire, Kesean Caine of Diamonds and subsequently charged.

Village appeared at the Caine remained calm Kingstown Magistrate’s Court during his brief appearance at after being charged with the the Kingstown Magistrate’s murder of Brenda Layne, 48Court on Monday, and showed year-old female Security no signs of emotion as Senior Guard of Rillan Magistrate Rickie Burnett Hill/Chauncey. read the charge to him. He Reports are that Layne was had no legal representation, attacked and stabbed in her and was not required to plea neck around 6:45 a.m. August as murder is an indictable 22 at Lower Bay Street, charge.

Kingstown, as she sought Senior Prosecutor Adolphus transportation to go home, Delpleche asked that the after working the night shift matter be adjourned and at the St. Vincent Electricity transferred to the Serious

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Offences Court where a date would be set for a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The Prosecutor’s request was granted, and the matter was adjourned to September 3, when Caine would appear at the Serious Offences Court.

Female Constable 502 Rennetta Millington of the Major Crime Unit (MCU) is leading the investigations.

Caine’s appearance at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court

on the murder charge came only six days after 24-year-old Anwar Jack of Georgetown was brought before the same Court after being charged with the murder of Spiritual Kesean Caine has been charged for Baptist Bishop Ian the murder of Brenda Layne, which Enoch, which occurred occurred last Wednesday. at Argyle between as bail is not usually granted August 17 and 18, 2018. in cases of murder.

Both men were remanded,

Chopping victim identified

there was nothing to suggest CARSON WARNER, 27 years the report stated, resulted in that the woman was raped. old of Questelles, has been the man’s death. identified as the individual As of Wednesday this week, This was based on the police confirmed that results of the post mortem whose body was found in individuals were assisting conducted which revealed that Layou last weekend. the woman died as a result of According to a release from with the investigations.

This now brings the ‘Positional Asphyxia’ which the Royal St Vincent and the occurs when someone’s Grenadines Police Force number of murders for the position prevents them from (RSVGPF), on August 25, year to 22. around 8:30 pm at Layou, Meanwhile, the police have breathing properly. some unknown stated that no foul play was The woman’s almost nude individuals had chopped involved in the death of 73body was discovered in the year-old Evelyn Dublin, Byera mountains on August Warner about his head, 22. (DD) right hand and other farmer of Byera.

THERE ARE FREQUENT The incident occurred earlier parts of his body, which The release indicated that patrols by police along the area this month at night. in Villa referred to as the On August 17, four women tourism strip. were robbed and abducted after Colin John, Commissioner of they too had visited a restaurant FIREARMS AND DRUGS Force (RSVGPF). he said.

Police (Ag) made the point on in the Villa area. are coming into the country He made the comment as John said further that it Boom FM’s morning radio According to John, the area is in vehicles and home he outlined new plans that was the intention of the programme on Monday. patrolled by both plain clothed appliances such as washing the force was expected to be police to enhance the witness “But there is always room for and uniformed officers. machines. embarking on in the fight protection programme. improvement,” John said, adding And there has been some Commissioner of Police against crime.

He explained that one was that there were several teams of success. He spoke of the (Ag) Colin John said on a According to the CoP (Ag), in place, but that it was now officers assigned to the area. apprehension of two of the radio programme on the canine unit within the the intention to improve.

There was some concern individuals involved in the Monday, that intelligence police force in Antigua has He also said that the expressed following the robbery robbery/abduction. had suggested this. been successful in police would be utilizing a of a Vincentian national Christa He said also that they were And it was for this reason intercepting drugs at that special witness programme Gumbs and her daughter Olivia provided with information and John indicated that there country’s port. which allows for individuals Kirby — both residents of the are in the process of making an were plans in the pipeline to “So with the assistance of to give evidence via video United States - as they were arrest of the perpetrators of the revamp the canine unit the canine unit, we can link from an undisclosed making their way back to their robbery of the woman and her within the Royal St Vincent intercept drugs and guns location or have their hotel after going out to eat at a daughter who were robbed and the Grenadines Police that come into the country,” identity concealed. (DD) restaurant. earlier. (DD)

Police making its rounds

Guns in imported vehicles, says COP

V Students slapped with more charges 4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

slapped with more charges.

Dale Hooper and TWO STUDENTS who Ozem Oliver, both 16appeared at the Kingstown year-old students of Magistrate’s Court Glen, are additionally Thursday, August 23 on charged with unlawfully multiple charges, laid in threatening to discharge connection with the a firearm at Shaez alleged abduction and Francis of Harmony Hall, robbery of four young Joanna John of Queen’s ladies, August 17 at Villa, Drive, Jade Adams of returned to Court the Redemption Sharpes and following day after being Alia Bullock of Welcome.

Oliver is charged separately with possession of an offensive weapon, to wit, an imitation firearm.

Those offences were allegedly committed at Villa on the night of August 17 during an incident in which the women were reportedly abducted and robbed at gunpoint, of their cash, cellular phones and other

items, all together valuing thousands of dollars.

Oliver is also charged with robbing Denise Baptiste at gunpoint, of one Samsung cellular phone valued $1,100.

That offence was reportedly committed at Glen, August 10, and was laid indictably.

Both men are charged, along with Danroy

Conviction recorded in music crack-down THE POLICE crackdown on music in vehicles, an operation which started here about a week ago, has led to one person being charged, taken to Court and fined, up to press time Wednesday.

Thirty-one-year-old Gaston Browne of Campden Park, was Wednesday, fined $500 forthwith or two weeks in prison. He was charged with, while being the driver of PJ827, played a musical instrument in a public

place without the permission of the Commissioner of Police.

The offence was committed at Melville Street, Kingstown, Friday, August 24.

Browne pleaded guilty when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court August 24, but the matter was adjourned to Wednesday when traffic matters are usually held.

He was charged under Regulation 31 of the motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations Chapter 483 of the Laws

St. Lucian farming „everything‰ AN ILLEGAL immigrant, recently held at Owia, told the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday that he was here to farm “everything”.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, Nigel Joseph, 32, of Castries, St Lucia pleaded guilty to being a prohibited immigrant entered the state without a passport. He also admitted entering into the state by boat other than at a port of entry, and entering the state by boat and disembarking without the consent of an Immigration officer. He made the entry at Owia between August 24 and 25, 2018.

Joseph told the Court it was the first time he came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and had friends in Bequia. He said he was a farmer and came here to farm.

“What were you going to plant”, the Magistrate asked the St. Lucian, who replied, “Everything”.

Joseph said the soil here was of a better quality than that of St Lucia.

“We have enough labourers here”, the Magistrate told Joseph, who insisted that he was not a labourer.

“What type of farming you were going to do?”

Burnett asked.

“Everything”, Joseph again replied.

“Marijuana?” the Magistrate further asked.

“Everything”, the St Lucian again replied, but added, “me nah ah tell no lie”.

Joseph was held at a house at Owia, where police had gone to execute a search warrant in respect of controlled drugs, firearms and ammunition. He was fined $500 forthwith on each charge or three months in prison. A deportation order was also made.

of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009, which states that “no musical instrument, noisy instrument, or loud speaker shall be played or operated in any motor vehicle in a public place except on a written permission by the Commissioner of Police”.

Upon conviction, a person could be fined a minimum of $250 or maximum of $2,500, with an alternative of three months imprisonment.

They could also be fined and confined.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that other drivers, including minibus operators, were ticketed for the offence, but because Browne did not give his name and address to the police when asked to do so, he was charged and taken to Court. He was fined $250 for failing to give his name and address.

Inspector Henry Providence of the Traffic Branch told the Court that the Act does not define what a musical instrument was, but there are other laws which do.

He pointed out that one such law was the Noise Act. The police had sought legal clarity on the issue, and were advised that they could use the Noise Act in this regard, even if the charge was laid under the Traffic Act. “We are going to insist that this piece of legislation be enforced, and that persons adhere to it, and we are going to take even more drastic action. We want the message to be clear that this sort of behaviour would not be tolerated”, Providence declared. He

noted that all the print media houses were in Court to hear the outcome of this matter, which was testimony to the interest, the issue of music in vehicles was generating.

Providence said that while the Act says no musical instrument, the police has a discretion and could exercise that discretion if persons play their music moderately.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnette told the defendant, “I normally play music in my vehicle as well, so it must be that your music was loud enough to attract the attention of the police”.

But Browne maintained that he was not playing his music loud.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, Providence said that persons were prosecuted before for this offence, but several of those cases were dismissed because a submission was made in Court by a certain lawyer, as the Act did not define what was a musical instrument; but the police have since received clarity from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), that the interpretation from the Noise Act could be used to determine what a musical instrument was.

“I am really happy that we got a conviction, and we are going to press even harder. Persons are supporting the police, on what we are doing”, the Senior Traffic cop said.

He noted that the crackdown which also includes horns and lights on motor vehicles, has been successful so far, and drivers were complying.

Warner, 23, of Fairhall, with entering the dwelling house Ozem Oliver Dale Hooper of Gregory spate of robberies Ferrari of Ratho Mill and and burglaries in the stealing a quantity of Villa, Glen area, and the items to the tune of $3,194.50. They pleaded defendants were persons of interest in relation to not guilty to this. those investigations.

While Hooper and Oliver were each granted Samuel added that the virtual complainants in $15,000 bail when they those matters have initially appeared in expressed fear for their Court, August 23, they lives. were remanded on their The issue of bail will return to Court, on the be reviewed when the additional charges. youngsters return to the Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett remanded Kingstown Magistrate’s Court today. They are Hooper, Oliver and also scheduled to appear Warner until today at the Serious Offences (Friday 31) after Court September 3 in Prosecutor Curlene relation to the charges Samuel informed him that police were carrying which arose from the out investigations into a alleged abduction and robbery incident.

Another teen charged with abduction, robberies ANOTHER teenager has been charged with the abduction and robbery of four young ladies on the night of August 17 at Villa.

Timothy Nickie, 17-year-old labourer of Glen, is charged on four counts of stealing and carrying away Shaez Francis of Harmony Hall, Joanna John of Queen’s Drive, Jade Andrews of Redemption Sharpes and Alia Bullock of Welcome. He is also charged on four counts of using a gun to rob the women of their cash, cellular phones, and other items, all together valuing thousands of dollars. He is also accused of being armed with a firearm, threatened to discharged it in the process of the abduction, using a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner, damaging the vehicle, and assaulting two of the women.

Students Dale Hooper and Ozem Oliver, both 16 of Glen, had appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on earlier dates, on multiple charges, in connection with the alleged incident.

Nickie, who made his appearance at that Court on Wednesday, is also charged, along with Deron Bristol, 23-year-old labourer of Glen, with robbing Christa Gumbs and Oliver Kirby, 54-year-old nurse, and 26-year-old student respectively of the United States, at gunpoint, and making off with US$1,690.00 worth of items. The incident allegedly occurred at Villa, August 28. He is also charged with using a gun to rob a 23-year-old security guard, making off with over EC$750 worth of items.

Nickie is also charged jointly with Danroy Warner and Dale Hooper, with entering the dwelling house of Gregory Ferrari of Ratho Mill and stealing items to the tune of $3,194.50.

Hooper, Oliver, Warner and Nickie have been remanded until today (Friday) when bail will be reviewed. The prosecution is concerned that the youngsters could impede the investigations into a spate of robberies and burglaries in the Villa, Glen area, as they are persons of interest to the police in connection with those investigations.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 , 2018. 5.

Regional

Bajan GovÊt promises no mass lay-offs (CMC) – PRIME MINISTER MIA Mottley has given the assurance that her new administration has no intention of sending home an estimated 4,000 workers as it gets ready for talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a bid to turn around the island’s ailing economy.

But, she says her government, which came to office following the May 24 general election, is trying to make sure that the consequences of any adjustment and transformation will be as minimal as possible.

Speaking during a question and answer session after delivering the feature address at the 77th Annual Delegates’ Conference of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) over the weekend, Mottley said “but even when you can’t avoid some losses, there has to be a

unit that goes through the names and that first determines…whether this is really adhering to last in, first out…

“I give the country the assurance as we go forward…that there will always be a Household Mitigation Unit in the Prime Minister’s Office to make sure that we don’t only say that we care, but that we care enough to ensure that people are not treated in a way where the sole breadwinners are left on the side of the street; and secondly, that we [don’t] ignore the last in, first out…”

Mottley said that an IMF mission is due in the country this week to continue negotiations, and acknowledged that her administration is faced with a “tall order” as it embarks on the plans on “how we are going to transform our

government and transform our nation”.

During the session, Prime Minister Mottley also addressed questions relating to the high costs of goods and services even though the National Social Responsibility Levy was removed on July 1.

She said that the Ministry of Commerce had been tasked with tracking the prices, and said that it is now seven weeks since the removal of the levy and that Barbadians should now start to experience a reduction in prices.

“So, I would expect that from the beginning of September, the Ministry of Commerce would be doing the detailed monitoring because most stock in this country for supermarkets or hardware is about six to eight weeks Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Mottley gave the assurance supply,” she said. (Caribbean that her administration does not intend to retrench an Media Corporation (CMC) estimated 4,000 workers. (Photo Credit: Caribbean News Now.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Mike Findlay pays glowing tribute to Vincy sports personalities Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT FORMER WEST INDIES wicket keeper and manager Vincentian T. Michael Findlay has paid glowing tribute to a number of current and former Vincentian sports personalities.

Findlay, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sports Ambassador and erstwhile journalist, made the tribute while delivering the keynote address, on Aug. 17, on the 40th anniversary celebration of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian Sports Club, Hairoun, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center on Logan Street in East New York.

After Sherill-Ann MasonHaywood, president of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc., introduced Findlay, he, in turn, praised MasonHaywood’s late fast-bowling father Frank Odel “F.O.” Mason, describing him as “another of our sports icons.”

He said Mason was “one of those persons responsible for helping to develop my cricketing skills and for molding my personality.”

In acknowledging, in the audience, the presence of one of his other team mates of yester year, Garnet Niles, “a wicket-keeper of great skills,” Findlay said Niles was also his “inspiration.”

Niles was one of five recipients of Hairoun Sports Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The others were: Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national netball star Gloria Lewis; former soccer administrator Basil “Bung” Cato; former soccer star Raymond DeBique; Hairoun Sports Club’s cofounder and community advocate Earl Horne; and veteran Vincentian radio personality Donn Bobb.

Findlay noted that “Manning” Jackson was one of his cricketing colleagues “of past years,” and that, though he [Findlay], also a former national soccer goal keeper, did not play much with De Bique, he had “watched him and admired his skills.”

While acknowledging also the presence of a number of sports figures with whom he had played cricket and soccer, Findlay said he especially remembered “those highly

intensive games between my club, Saints, and Notre Dames, one of the best football [soccer] teams to have come out of St Vincent.”

“I am still firm in my belief that players like Rudy Boucher, Norbert Hall, Dougie Doyle, Fred Trimmingham and Jeff Bailey were ahead of their time,” he declared. “We had some great matches at Victoria Park [in capital Kingstown], and through all that, we never allowed the intensity of the football to affect our brotherly relationships.”

The sports ambassador disclosed that the former Notre Dames, Honved, Pastures United and St. Vincent and the Grenadines defender, Leslie Ollivierre, was scheduled to have surgery for a “benign enlarged prostate” on the Tuesday before the event, and that he had seen him the day before, adding that Ollivierre was in “good spirits.”

“He was still in recovery when I went back to check on him on Tuesday afternoon,” Findlay said. “Remember him in your prayers that he would have a speedy and full recovery.”

Findlay said “The passage of time has not dimmed the

many outstanding performances” that he had seen on Lewis and others of her time at the domestic and regional levels at the Youth Centre in the heart of Kingstown, now the headquarters of telecommunications giants, Flow.

Stating that the 40th anniversary of any organization is “a significant milestone deserving of worthy praise and celebration,” Findlay congratulated Hairoun Sports Club’s president and cofounder Stanley “Luxie” Morris, a former national soccer captain and also sports ambassador.

In addition, Findlay lauded Hairoun’s current executive and “as well as those who served throughout the club’s existence, and especially to its members who have been the very core of the club’s continuity over those 40 years.

“In establishing the club here in New York and continuing to function so efficiently for four decades, the members of Hairoun Sports Club have shown the same tenacity that Carib Chiefs Chatoyer and Duvale demonstrated in their superb leadership during the long and

bitter war against the British colonialists to maintain ownership and control of their beloved Hairouna, land of the blessed,” he said.

“While 40 years is not the ‘be all and end all’ of Hairoun Sports Club, you have so far made great T. Michael Findlay addressing Hairoun Sports Club's 40th strides, and you have anniversary celebration. (Photo earned the respect and Credit: Velda Ashton of Chateau admiration of those of us Photography). who have been following your progress,” he added. calypsonians and sports Findlay noted that “those who are being honored ambassadors Winston Soso and Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas; this evening never earned a dime from their exploits on the Doyle, Bailey, Colville Browne, football and cricket fields and Caswell Blugh, Garfield Cupid, Derek Dupont, Mory netball courts of St. Vincent and Sheen Millington, and the Grenadines and the Raymond and Vibert region.

“They played for the glory of Ballantyne, Raymond Soso, Stanley “Luxy” and Pete their clubs and country, and Morris, Boucher, Rudolph their performances were, Mayers and John Cato. indeed, worthy of very high Hairoun Sports Club also praise,” he said. “In fact, for honored posthumously soccer the amount of talent they possessed, in another country stars Keith “Slick” Bonadie, and at another time, they may Sam DeBique, Babbs and Norman Jones, Archie very well have been included Mandeville, William Muckette, on Forbes Magazine’s list of Tyrone Spence and Fred wealthy sportsmen.”

Trimmingham.

Besides the Lifetime Gladson George received a Achievement Awardees, Special Award as the “Everamong the long list of other Present VP Fan” for Notre honorees at the gala event Dame Sports Club and St. were Findlay himself; Vincent and the Grenadines.

ÂMyths and MysteriesÊ for Vincy Mas Band Mas Production Unlimited THE VINCENTIAN-OWNED MAS band Mas Production Unlimited hopes to leave masqueraders and onlookers aghast this weekend with this year’s production of “Myths and Mysteries”, in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn, New York.

The band’s Sion Hill-born leader, Wesley Millington, said the theme highlights some of the “legendary and phenomenal subjects known to man.”

He said this year’s presentation, for children only, features three sections: Children of Lemura (boys and girls), and Northern Lights and Siren (girls only).

“We are looking for 40-50 children,” Millington told THE VINCENTIAN. “As our name suggests, we cater to an unlimited clientele.

“Our goal is to introduce and interest the next generation in the culture,” he added. “All members are busy working to achieve this goal.”

Last year, Mas Productions Unlimited, the sole Vincentian mas band in New York, presented, during the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, “Education in Rhythm and Rhyme,” inspired by its sponsor, Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

Millington said masqueraders in Mas Productions Unlimited are of “various origins.”

“Our aim is for the masqueraders to have an enjoyable experience,” he said.

As was the case over the years, masqueraders from the Belizean New York Committee will augment “Myths and Mysteries.”

Starlette Millington said he Williams, 13, helped found Mas portrays Production Unlimited “Children of Ariel Layne, 5, portrays in the fall of 1992 with Nia Swan, 11, Lemuria”. a number of his portrays “Siren”. “Northern Lights”. compatriots - E. J. “Paddy” Corea, Richard Since then, Millington said there have Sutherland, Rudy Brown, Gailene been 25 consecutive productions.

Windsor, Junior Stephens, Alex Hinds, “Over the years, we have had some Trevor “Cobax” Brown, and the late limited success,” he said, including two Sylvia Wilson, Cheston Bonadie and Sam “Band of the Year” titles - one senior and DeBique. one junior.

The first production, “Fantastique,” The mas camp is located at 317 competed in the West Indian American Rockaway Parkway, between Linden Day Carnival Parade the next year.

Boulevard and Lenox Road in Brooklyn.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 , 2018. 17.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 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 Face to face engagement with the CCJ VINCENTIANS are in the fortunate position of having the opportunity to have a second face-to-face engagement with the new leadership of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Thanks to the Bar Association, a CCJ delegation, led by its President, His Lordship Justice Adrian Saunders, is making a four-day visit this week to engage the Vincentian public in general, and specific interest groups in particular, in frank discussions on the CCJ. St Vincent and the Grenadines is among the majority of CARICOM nations which, while having established the CCJ, is still to fully accede to that Court in its full jurisdiction. Our country still goes through the tedious and costly procedure of sending appeals to the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council, and there continues to be reservations about transferring that authority to the Caribbean’s own Court of Justice.

Indeed, full access to the CCJ was one of the issues hotly debated during the great constitutional debate of 2003-09 which led up to the referendum of November 2009. There is a popular misconception that access to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ was part of the proposed constitutional proposals rejected in that referendum, but it is important to note that this was not the case.

In the draft St Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill (2009) which formed the basis of the vote in the referendum, while retention of appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was expressly retained (Article 263), the proposal also stated, “....or to any other court having final appellate jurisdiction in respect of appeals from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in substitution for the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee...”

Nine years after the referendum, the issue of full access to the CCJ continues to be a subject generating differing responses. Indeed, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has already indicated its lack of support to any transfer of full powers to the CCJ, and has indicated that any move to do so should be put before the electorate in another referendum.

It is therefore opportune that the President of the CCJ himself has accepted the invitation of the local Bar Association to visit and engage the Vincentian people in frank discussion. It may help that Justice Saunders is a highly-respected Vincentian, but it must be made clear from the outset that this is not about him. Persons are entitled to their own opinions in regard to the CCJ. The visit is aimed at providing an unprecedented opportunity to engage Justice Saunders and his distinguished Caribbean colleague, Mr Pat Cheltenham, in frank discussions. These are expected to provide the information necessary for citizens to be able to make informed decisions on the CCJ, its record, successes and the real issues involved in making a switch from the Privy Council to the CCJ. Unfortunately, too much of the opposition to the CCJ has, up to now, been based not on factual considerations, but on other perceived interests, political considerations among them. Here is a golden opportunity to scrutinize the CCJ and to consider its merit to be entrusted with our final appeals.

Curiously, while many of us in the Caribbean are desperately trying to hang on to the coat-tails of the learned law lords and ladies of the Privy Council, it has on more than one occasion expressed its lack of appetite in continuing a relation which harks back to the colonial days. It has indicated its reluctance to be continued to be burdened by extra-territorial cases, such as those from our people, and its own confidence in the Caribbean’s own judges.

Only last month, the Judicial Committee heard an appeal in the case of the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago versus the Law Association, and delivered its judgement on August 16, 2018. It is instructive to read Paragraph 37 of that Judgement which reads as follows: “The local courts in Trinidad and Tobago are far better placed than is this Board to consider what the fair-minded and informed observer in Trinidad and Tobago would make of the matters complained of. It is not for this Board to disagree”.

Clearly then, the writing is on the wall. But the CCJ must make its case. It has come to do so without fanfare, pomp and ceremony, simply face-to-face engagement with the citizens of this country. Let us welcome them, but not be afraid or reluctant to ask questions, to express our concerns and fears, and seek to have them clarified. We will all be better off as a result.

The Ganja Saga: A moral dilemma (Pt 1) This was published over 20 years ago and might be useful in the current ganja discussions.

THIS ARTICLE BEGINS as a personal tract.

In September 1960, I went to Jamaica to study at the Mona Campus of the U.W.I. At that time, I was completely ignorant of the existence of marijuana, ganja, weed, Indian Hemp or whatever.

Kingston, Jamaica was then like an armed camp owing to the antics of Reverend Claudius Henry whose followers, mostly Rasta, threatened insurrection after he failed to keep his promised date of 5th October 1960 to take them back to Africa.

Thereafter, the Rasta movement surged in the people’s consciousness, generating fear in particular concerning their looks, attitude and the use of the ganja plant which their religion teaches to be the herb in Genesis that imparts wisdom to its users.

It was generally known even at that time, that ganja was considered a panacea in folk medicine.

My own landlord, Eric Smith, experienced the time of his life on Friday afternoons when he evaded the police to bring home a pound or two of marijuana strictly for medicinal purpose. Mr. Smith swore by marijuana tea which, for him, was the sole cure for his ulcerated stomach which expert physicians had failed to heal.

I returned to St Vincent in 1964, to find that among the youth, Rastafarianism had begun to raise its dread-locks head, and that marijuana was being cultivated to supply the sacred herb needed in Rasta worship.

Naturally, legal proscription of the plant stimulated an artificial demand that in turn enhanced its commercial value, so a few began to derive earnings from its cultivation.

Another sojourn abroad 1967-1971- to the U.K on this occasion —and my return home to witness that the Rasta Movement had indeed taken root, and ganja was grown in commercial quantities, while the marijuana cases abounded in the Court.

Not only that, reports began to surface to the extent that most mental cases could be attributed to the use of the “drug”, and that the Government and the Court had embarked on a hard line against the offenders.

I never smoked marijuana, cigarettes or anything else in my entire life. But owing to political connections relating to the Black Power Movement, I did find myself in Court defending alleged Ganja pushers and smokers in the 1970s, including Junior “Spirit” Cottle.

I could always depend on political associate, business-man Eddy Griffith, to stand bail for my clients. Eddie would simply enquire the nature of the crime: “Ganja, yes; theft, No! The reason was that Eddie read a lot, including scientific journals, and concluded that the cases concerning the dangers as a habit-forming and mind-blowing drug, were

based on sand. Eddie informed that alcohol and cigarette were worse than drugs, and that ganja had fallen victim to ignorance, prejudice and trickery.

In those days, Brother Griffith was seen as a harmless crank or something of a mad scientist!

The Forum was split on the matter. Parnel Campbell, for instance, subscribed to the antiganja school. I recall that in a letter to the press, Parnel sealed the argument with a simple statement: if he saw a pilot about to take-off having a drink or two, he would wink at it; but if he saw him drawing on a spliff, he would cancel his flight.

Suddenly, evidence of the medicinal potency of the marijuana plant hit me straight in the eye. Vincentian Ophthalmologist Dr. Albert Lockhart, a contemporary of the Grammar School and the University of the West Indies, had discovered an antidote to glaucoma in an eye-drop using marijuana as a base -Canasol.

My own eyes opened and I began to read widely. I suspect that a Churchillian saying applied to my own ingrained bigotry. Its essence reads that man sometimes stumbles on the truth, but invariably he picks himself up and scampers away. In other words, I was not about to accept any teaching that went against the grain of my early brainwashing.

My mechanical defenses collapsed only three years ago with a visit to the city of Amsterdam in Hollandolland hhhhhhh. There, people could buy ganja over the counter in coffee shops.

Indeed, in a horticulture shop, I saw marijuana seeds in transparent plastic bags marked with instructions “How to grow your own cannabis.”

Yet, Amsterdam displays far fewer junkies, proportionately speaking, than there are in straight- laced cities with stiff upper lips. And independent evidence suggests that marijuana smoking does not necessarily pave the way to hard drugs.

Indeed, the explanation for the apparent progression is that, on discovering the lies told about marijuana, youngsters sometimes believe that the warnings on hard drugs are equally false to their eternal peril.

So I began to reflect seriously and honestly.

For instance, I recalled that an old Indian Matriarch of the clan of Deanes in Akers had once told me that her family unit regularly smoked ganja in a chisum (a sort of elongated peace pipe) which was passed around the folk gathered in the yard after a hard day’s work.

Apparently, this pastime was done as a communal ritual and, in the absence of nocturnal social activities, served mainly as an inducer to a good night’s rest.

And I remember entertainer Stilly Fraser claiming that the young rasta type hardly patronized his bar: a pepsi costing one dollar was bought and nursed to accompany a spliff which, priced at another dollar, provided “the high” that was necessary for the evening’s enjoyment. In short, ganja offered kicks on the cheap.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 9.

Letters

Kofi Annan and VS Naipaul Reflections by Sir James Mitchell TWO TITANS have fallen.

One at the pinnacle of world diplomacy. One a luminary in the English Language. One from Sub Sahara Africa.

One from among us in our Caribbean.

No one in reflecting on the death of a great man, can fail to reflect on the story foretelling the death of Julius Caesar by his wife Calpurnia.

“When beggars die there are no comets seen, the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

Eulogies from around the world are pouring forth about these scholars and gentlemen.

None more distinguished than the pages of the Economist. Lead articles in The Times, The Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, all blaze forth on the death of these icons.

Throughout the passage of history, events occur, and individuals emerge with a vision and performance to stamp their footprint on the sands of time. For Kofi Annan, it was the series of events that led

to the Iraq war to depose Saddam Hussain for his hidden weapons of mass destruction. Kofi held firm that war required support of the Security Council. He along with Dominique de Villepin of France challenged the stand of President Bush and Tony Blair, exposing the unfortunate hand of Colin Powell behaving like a true military man carrying out orders from The Commander in Chief, an experience that permanently diminished his status. Annan lost the battle but won the war in history.

I remember the difference with the liberation of Kuwait, when the former President Bush sent his Vice President Quayle to Barbados to discuss with us the restoration of sovereignty in Kuwait.

The assurances I followed up with the exiled Foreign Minister of Kuwait all the way in Japan during the enthronement of the new emperor, and these exchanges created our friendship with Kuwait, and made us in SVG the first beneficiary with our enhancement of our power generation in Cane Hall.

Kofi Annan’s lead extended to England with the resignation of Robin Cook , the foreign secretary with whom I had earlier initiated the enrollment of our young people in the UK armed forces .

Closer to home, we have a lot to learn from the life of writing of V S Naipaul. What can ever be done to create a possibility for another Caribbean person to contribute to civilization?

How many of us have read “A House for Mr. Biswas?” Who from our simple beginnings will write another thirty books or the poetry of Derek Walcott and be awarded a knighthood or a Nobel prize?

How many new books are in the homes of our leaders of society?

The lesson for us is clear. Especially for us in these islands who dream of recognition beyond our shores. How wonderful it will be when Caribbean identity continues from where Bob Marley left off!

V S Naipaul spelled it out: “Identity depends in the end on achievement.

To me, that can refer to plumber or president”.

Naipaul once

Wishful boasting/thinking SIR, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, Leader of the SVG Green Party, are you the only person in SVG with those honors?

Ebenezer ‘Papa Josh’ Joshua did not have them, yet look at his footprint (legacy). He rode a bicycle to Rose Hall on rough stony roads to deliver a pack of candles to a grieving family on their loss of a loved one. Have you done or would you do likewise?

Sir, you have good foresight, ideas, good plans for the future development of our nation, but too boastful of them. Even Satan in his wishful pride was able to convince onethird of God’s holy angels to follow him.

Can you do that in SVG? Then you will have a

seat in our parliament, but not by boasting.

Sir, if you can accomplish this feat of one-third of our voting population, you are in, but first you must prepare yourself to do it.

First read the book ‘Can’t you see my love for you is growing’. It’s all Vincy, we Vincy.

I am a Queen’s Scout,

the highest honour for scouts in the West Indies, and was also given the chance to become an Air Scout, but my family was poor. Sir, being a Queen’s Scout, does that make me a brilliant politician?

(Deeds not words) convince us first.

Elderly Stateman

The status of Religion

challenged an Interviewer with the question: “What books have you read lately?”

I mourn for our cellphone generation. A day’s satisfaction emanates from the outrage on social media.

The expensive toy in your hand even accompanying you to the beach supplies information, not wisdom.

The wisdom of the ages is there for everyone within the pages of books. It is not hidden. It awaits you.

I write these lines for when the great among us fall, our pages should not be silent. In this age of fear stalking our land, we need a little inspiration.

RELIGION IN modern day St. Vincent and the Grenadines seems to be losing its taste and purpose. Traditionally, we define religion as an institution promoting godly values, giving us directions how to live successfully and generally helping us to get by in our daily course of life via the spiritual route.

Conversely, foreign-based and local religious leaders have failed their flocks miserably, as a result of their own perverted lifestyles in addition to failing to reach out to the destitute and homeless. There is an emergency of false religious prophets in our midst. This falsehood coming from both imported and local religions, has caused many persons to lose their religious fervour.

Others are still not satisfied that religion and religious leaders are not examining the social problems that exist here with any critical analysis. The current overwhelming view is that religion is a money-making business. Another view advanced is that most local religious organisations are not interested in the material well-being of their membership. Repleting the coffers of the church to religious leaders is an absolute necessity.

Religion and its unpopularity have given rise to secularization. There is a decline in religious practice, such as church attendance, observing rules, and participation in rites of passage.

Moreover, there is a decline in the influence of religion on secular matters such as politics.

Religion in the view of functionalist sociologists is integrative where there is a sharing of beliefs and values, and they also regard religion as a moral arbiter in society. Religion definitely has its place in any society, since its ultimate role is to transmit godly or Christ-like values to members of society.

However, you would agree with me that religion has taken a downward and retrogressive turn in recent years: corrupt religious leaders using religion as a façade to cover up their immoral activities. We now have to redefine the roles of religion in the Vincentian community.

Sir James Mitchell

Patmos Richards

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Crime in SVG: ItÊs now a crisis

Citizen Security

(Reprinted from the 2017 Budget Address) Introduction THE PRIMARY obligation of the State is to provide an appropriate and effective, framework for an acceptable level of citizen security. Citizens and visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines must be made to feel reasonably safe and secure in their homes, their places of work and at leisure, and as they generally go about their lawful business in a free society.

Mr. Speaker, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small country in which we tend to know one another face-toface. We are overwhelmingly a lawabiding society. We are an educated and disciplined people. We have a sound system of law and order; and the Police Force is reasonably resourced with personnel and equipment. Yet, we have a level of criminal violence, perpetuated by a small minority, in our country; this is deeply troubling. We must do much, much better, in curbing the incidence of criminal violence committed by this hardy minority. I take this matter very seriously.

It is correctly and widely accepted that the fight against crime is not in the province of the State apparatus alone.

This fight is an all-encompassing enterprise involving the State institutions, the family, church, school, community, the mass media of communication, civil society, private security firms, businesses and labour, and individuals themselves in a partnership with appropriate regional and international institutions and government. We must all be on the same page in this fight within the context of a democratic society.

Force; enhancing the Coast Guard facilities and vessels; attracting quality applicants to the Police Force; increasing the salaries and allowances for police officers; enlarging vastly the training opportunities for police officers; improving markedly the working conditions of the police through the construction and renovation of police stations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines; better equipping the Police Force in several areas including telecommunications, videography and recording equipment, criminal investigation, and vehicles; setting up the Forensic Laboratory; strengthening the legislative framework against crime, including tough laws on illegal guns; Police Youth Clubs and Community Policing have been established, and we have strengthened the links between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and regional and international agencies in the fight against crime.

More Discipline All of these efforts continue apace, and new initiatives, particularly in intelligence gathering and analysis and crime detection, are being rolled out.

Undoubtedly, the overwhelming majority of police officers are focused, courageous, and diligent in fighting crime.

Unfortunately, a minority of them are uninterested in policing and are possessed of a sedentary public service mind-set, trotting out lame excuses for their failure and/or refusal to do their duty with any sense of urgency or at all; often, these very ones are the perpetual complainers of this, that, and the other.

The policy-makers and leadership of the State Institutions Police Force, and the bulk of the The principal State institutions disciplined police personnel have to engaged actively in the quest for address satisfactorily this challenge of a optimal citizen safety and security are: minority of non-performing police the Law Courts, the Office of the officers. It is a matter of which the Director of Public Prosecutions, the public rightly complains.

Financial Intelligence Unit, the In 2017, the Police Force intends, machinery for the administration of according to its targeted Strategic justice, the National Commission on Outcomes, to ramp up the percentage of Crime Prevention, the Police Force, in arrests of persons reasonably suspected concert with relevant regional and of committing crimes, especially violent international entities, including the crimes, and providing the basis for the Regional Security System, IMPACS of those against whom there (Implementation Agency for CARICOM prosecution is a reasonable prospect of conviction.

Security), and INTERPOL. Each of The public expects that when accused these State institutions is reasonably are taken to the Law Courts, well-resourced and performs creditably. persons the presiding judicial officers be The SVG Police Force is on the front- that firm and fair. The public interest line of crime fighting. On the police that justice be done in establishment are 836 police officers, 15 demands accordance with law and without Traffic Wardens, 20 Rural Constables, unreasonable delay.

99 Fire Officers, and 91 Coast Guard Mr. Speaker, our government has Officers, a grand total of 1,061 persons. embraced the formal request of the The recurrent budget for the Police Chamber of Industry and Commerce to Force in 2017 is $27.6 million, for the afford duty-free concessions to Fire Services $3.7 million, and for the which plan to install security Coast Guard $4.2 million, an aggregate businesses cameras. I have asked that the for these law and order institutions of Chamber work in concert with the $35.5 million. Additionally, the Prison of Information Technology and Services have 131 prison officers and an Ministry Police Force to coordinate this annual recurrent budget of $5.8 million. the matter. I am interested in providing In the 2017 Budget, the functional tax concessions to the very best classification, “Public Order and Safety”, the security camera systems. has an impressive allocation of $63.8 As a mature people, we must million or 9 percent of the total acknowledge that some persons, mainly recurrent budget, inclusive of a small minority of young men, are bent amortization and Sinking Fund on a life of crime. Their impulses and contribution. pre-dispositions towards criminality, Mr. Speaker, in 2003, the and corresponding criminal activism, government elaborated, and caused to are many and varied. Excuses must be approved in this Honourable House, not, and cannot, be made for such a National Strategy on Crime persons, particularly those who have no Prevention. It has been updated and whatsoever for human life. We refined on an ongoing basis. This many- regard focus on being tough on crime and sided Strategy and consequential Work must tough on the causes of crime. In this Plan have been, and are being, mix, of especial concern, too, is the implemented. But any Strategy and violent offender who is mentally twisted Work Plan must be effected in practice or deranged. In this regard, the Mental by real flesh-and-blood beings, and Health Services must work very closely better can always be done. the Police, the Prosecutors, the Over the last sixteen years, the ULP with Law Courts, and the Prisons. Often this government has done the following, is not done well enough or at all; the among other things, to build the anticonsequences of any neglect in this crime fighting apparatus of the State: regard can be deadly.

Reforming and expanding the Police

THE CONTINUOUS reports of crime: shootings, homicides, attempted homicides, wounding, burglary, praedial larceny, abduction, rapes and other sexual offences against our women and young girls, are making Vincentians fearful and insecure. The public has lost confidence in the capacity of our security forces to bring crime under control. They are disenchanted with the justice system, to the point where some communities and individuals are taking into their own hands through vigilante type activities. There seems to be no end to the crisis.

The Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, must take the blame and responsibility for the crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So far for the year, there have been twenty-two (22) reported cases of homicides. But what is even more appalling, is the news that the US Peace Corps Volunteers, who have served this country in education, health, and agriculture for fifty-one (51) years, have been removed because of safety concerns; more evidence that the crime situation is spiraling out of control.

Moreover, Dr. Gonsalves has failed to send a strong message to the criminals. His lame attempt to address the escalating crime situation, has once again demonstrated that he is out of touch with the people. The New Democratic Party(NDP) reiterates its call for Dr. Gonsalves to formally address the nation on government’s plan to deal with the worsening crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP believes that government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens by building a strong, safe community.

Therefore, Dr. Gonsalves must send the strongest message to people who commit crimes, that they will be caught, prosecuted and appropriately punished. And the law-abiding majority needs to believe that they can live their lives free from fear, knowing that the criminal justice system works for all.

Meanwhile, the NDP continues to outline measures to combat crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are strongly of the view that, in order to effectively combat crime, the emphasis should be placed on identifying the likely causes of crime, and developing a strategy to remove those causes. Therefore, we will commission a review of existing research into the causes of crime, followed by research in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to determine which of these causes are applicable to here. This will inform the strategies we introduce for combating crime: collect statistics on rates of recidivism in this country, review measures that have proven successful in reducing the incidence of recidivism, implement those measures that seem likely to be effective in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and institute a system to continually monitor the results and establish an effective probation service which can monitor and counsel ex-convicts to aid their rehabilitation into society.

Promote the establishment and maintenance of a CARICOM criminal records information system containing information about convicted criminals, to make it easier for the police authorities in the region to ascertain whether a person was convicted of a crime elsewhere; review the provisions of the Theft of Produce and Livestock legislation with a view to introducing measures that will more easily and speedily apprehend and convict persons who steal livestock and agricultural produce; introduce mandatory prison sentences for theft committed against yachtsmen, and

more severe prison sentences for sexual offenders, and review the drug trafficking and money laundering legislation in order to strengthen the provisions to secure convictions and increase the number of persons who are trained to investigate and prosecute white-collar crimes.

Criminal Justice An effective and well-resourced criminal justice system enhances the chances of securing convictions against those who commit criminal offences. This system involves the Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, lawyers, the courts, magistrates, judges and the penal system. It is therefore of paramount importance that those persons and institutions mentioned are appropriately equipped to deal with reported crimes in order to ensure that the guilty are convicted and the innocent are set free. But most importantly, they ensure the maintenance of law and order and the preservation of the rights and freedoms of Vincentians. The NDP takes the maintenance of those rights and freedoms very seriously, and will introduce measures that will strengthen the criminal justice system.

This will be effected by: conducting a comprehensive review of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; introducing measures that will simplify and improve access to justice; increasing the number of magistrates; revising the laws to increase the sentencing options that are available to magistrates and judges; expanding the High Court and improving its facilities; uupgrading the forensic lab in order to expedite the prosecution of offences and to reduce the number of cases that are outstanding; reviewing the remuneration and method of promotion of police officers in order to ensure that promotion and remuneration are primarily based on merit, and reviewing the Police Legislation to bring it up to date with the requirements for modern policing.

Furthermore, arranging for extensive training of police and prison officers, especially in the field of information technology; establishing a Civilian Police Complaint Commission to receive complaints against police officers from both civilians and fellow police officers; establishing a Young Persons Rehabilitation Centre for non-violent young first time offenders and for juvenile delinquents; introducing a rigorous Rehabilitation Programme that will be designed to improve the lives of inmates after they have left the prisons and reduce the chances of them becoming recidivists; reviewing the remuneration of prison officers and the promotion system to ensure that their career growth is dependent on performance and achievement; identifying communities in which new police stations will be constructed, and reintroducing the Police Cadet Service to provide young persons with an avenue into the Police Force.

We will also seek resources to provide the following initiatives: the requisite manpower and technical resources to ensure that the Coastguard can effectively monitor our territorial zone, and establish an independent Fire Service with substations throughout the country, inclusive of the Campden Park Industrial Estate and the Grenadines.

The NDP is committed in fighting crime.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 11.

Views

Being Totally Prepared

“See the future and be prepared for it.”

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, ViceChancellor of the University of the West Indies AS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS prepare to greet the 2018-2019 academic school year, it is so very important to reflect on what is needed to maximise the teaching-learning opportunities that will emerge. So much depends on the level of preparation and the commitment to excellence of all stakeholders – teachers, students, curriculum planners, school administrators, parents, and other concerned citizens.

Many of our tertiary level institutions throughout the Caribbean region are now guided by the research that was conducted by Benjamin Bloom. Over the years, Bloom’s Taxonomy has sought to provide a variety of rubrics or templates that encourage teachers to pay greater attention to enhancing the learning processes of their wards by designing exercises that develop their cognitive (knowledge base), affective (attitudinal), and psychomotor (skills based domain) capabilities. While considered relatively new to the region, Bloom’s Taxonomy has been around since the 1940s. Bloom advanced the concept during the 1948 Convention of the American Psychological Association. It was there that he championed the need for educators to pay greater attention to establishing goals and objectives as a means of developing a method of classifying and thinking behaviours.

This is so very important as the curriculum seeks to prepare students for life and as teachers plan their activities to maximize the discovery of the “jewels of knowledge” and “pearls of wisdom” that the education system engenders.

Bloom also conducted extensive research of accomplished young athletes, scholars, and artists. He discovered that outstanding academic and physical accomplishments require the discipline of regular practice.

Such mental and physical preparation is considered imperative. We can be guided by the knowledge unearthed by such research. To be effective at whatever discipline we are pursuing we must dedicate the time and effort to be totally familiar with the content and to frequently practise the skill.

This is as true for the student who is pursuing, studies in the sciences, as it is for those who are engaged in successfully pursuing courses in the arts. The better prepared we are, the better the outcome.

Teachers, parents, and other concerned adults therefore have a responsibility to guide their wards accordingly. It does not matter whether the students appear to be extremely intelligent. If they desire to excel at the various subject areas, athletics, music, dance, or life in general, they must commit to dedicating the necessary time and effort to practice. Academic and athletic excellence will not happen by chance. These have to be planned for, and the necessary commitment to practise the required skills must be evident. This applies to the student who wants to achieve a good grade in mathematics, the sprinter who needs to run at a particular speed, or the dancer who desires to perform that special breath-taking choreography.

To be successful, it is imperative that

there be a commitment to practise the necessary skills.

Practice encourages improvement.

The more we practise, the more likely it is that we will see improvement.

Members of the older generation would remember that old saying that, “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity that does not appear, than to have an opportunity appear and we are not prepared.” Leaders in business and government are also aware that such a disciplined approach is absolutely essential if they are to cope with the varied challenges in their respective spheres of operation. We gain useful wisdom and insights from Sun Tzu (545 BC470 BC), the great Chinese military genius, strategist, and philosopher when he said, “The general who wins the battle, makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses, makes but few calculations beforehand.”

Individuals who are engaged as strategists and negotiators can also be encouraged by another of Sun Tzu’s famous quotations about the value of being totally prepared when he says, “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.” Preparation for “battles” of academic pursuits, and life in general, will generate confidence and a sense of security. These are so very important stepping stones to the pinnacle of success.

As the new school term (and the new school year) approaches, this is as good a time as any for students to prepare for the academic journey ahead. Reading widely and practising the skills required in all of the subject areas, must be considered mandatory if excellence is the anticipated outcome. Mediocrity and average performance must be discouraged.

Aiming at a mere pass mark will not do. Our children have the capacity, the ability, to do much better than this. We must refuse to accept anything less than excellence.

Our teachers and school administrators hear a similar clarion call for excellence. It is imperative that they, like the students described in the preceding paragraph, be totally prepared for the exercises ahead.

They must be at the forefront of the subject areas, having thoroughly researched the topics. They must pay close attention to each student’s work, and provide timely and accurate feedback. In addition, they must be forever on the lookout for those who appear to be slipping between the cracks. These are the ones that we need to intercept with intent; to let them know that they have the seeds of greatness within them … regardless of their circumstances.

The teacher’s mental preparation and vigilance can make a significant positive impact on a student who, in time, can emerge to be an outstanding professional in any discipline. A prepared and dedicated teacher can make a world of difference to a student who just needs a little nudge along the road to success. Such a teacher can assist in encouraging the student to confront, and to be totally prepared for, the varied challenges in life.

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

John McCain: Hero or devilish hawk JOHN MCCAIN’S GREATEST achievement was convincing the world through charming banter and occasional opposition to his party’s agenda, that he was anything other than a reactionary, bloodthirsty war hawk.

One John McCain was Trump’s greatest nemesis; the other was one of his most reliable congressional allies. One McCain left a legacy eulogized as an unparalleled example of human decency; the other was known for his vicious temper tantrums and for engineering the wholesale slaughter of millions of civilians. One McCain was a straighttalking maverick and principled statesman who was not made for this post-Trump world of craven opportunism; the other was a reliable right-wing Republican who changed his spots as often as he ran a campaign.

War was in many ways McCain’s birthright. He was the grandson and son of admirals, his father serving as the commander of the United States Pacific forces during the Vietnam War. While serving as a bomber in Vietnam, he was shot down and captured. His military service would become a staple of his subsequent political mythology.

McCain established his maverick status early in his career, on the back of a handful of deviations from Republican orthodoxy such as positive votes on the environment, Indian affairs, sanctions against apartheid South Africa, attempts to regulate tobacco and opposition to ethanol subsidies, diplomatic opening to Vietnam and campaign finance reform. However, keen observers noted that McCain was really a hard-line Republican with a few points of divergence from the party’s mainstream.

In 1983, McCain opposed the creation of Martin Luther King Jr Day, a vote he would publicly disavow sixteen years later when he ran for president the first time. In 1990, he was a crucial vote allowing George H. W. Bush to become the first sitting president to veto a civil rights measure, the Civil Rights Act of 1990.

McCain’s political camouflage was motivated largely by naked ambition. In his remarkably honest 2002 memoir. ‘I have craved distinction in my life...I have wanted renown and influence for their own sake… I didn’t decide to run for president to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in or to run a campaign as if it were some grand act of patriotism. In truth, I wanted to become president because it had become my ambition to be president. I was 62 years old when I made the decision, and I thought it was my one shot at the prize.’

McCain’s thirst for renown and influence led him to what may well be the lowest moment of his career. The prospect of the presidency slipping from his grasp in 2008, he embarked on one of the more racist campaigns in modern memory, launching scurrilous personal attacks on Obama in speeches and television. In the process, he riled up the kind of frightening, racialized hatred that prefigured Trump’s run eight years later, leading to a spike in death threats against Obama. He became an implacable foe of Obama, joining his fellow Republicans in their successful campaign to obstruct Obama’s agenda.

McCain’s foreign policy legacy deserves special attention. It’s a fitting coincidence that maverick, the term most associated with McCain, is also the name of an air-to-surface missile that was first deployed in Vietnam and has since been used in both wars against Iraq. Besides his quiet support for

Trump, McCain’s longest lasting legacy will be the civilians he’s killed, the countries he’s destroyed, and the regions he’s destabilized through his bellicose foreign policy.

McCain was more a realist than an anti-interventionist; his support for foreign adventures was always tied to his conception of US interests and the possibility of success. So after warning Bush against military intervention in Panama, he backed Noriega’s 1989 ouster by force. He made noises about wanting to keep the US out of Iraq the first Gulf War, but eventually supported it, declaring that if we fail to act that there will be inevitably a succession of dictators, of Saddam Husseins.?

Throughout the 1980s, McCain was also a steadfast supporter of the Nicaraguan Contras, the paramilitary forces known for cutting a swath of murder, torture, and rape in Central America. When Congress cut off aid to the Contras McCain said would be viewed as a low point in United States history by historians.

Since his shift to neo-conservatism, McCain has supported just about every military conflict that came his way, including Afghanistan and the disastrous war in Libya. The latter not only established open-air slave markets in the country, but exacerbated the current migrant crisis, and destabilized the region by allowing a flood of arms to extremists.

Besides joking about bombing Iran, McCain seriously advocated force to stop it from acquiring nuclear arms, and suggested Israel should go rogue to undercut Obama’s Iran deal. He pushed for airstrikes against North Korea and Syria, and sent weapons to Saudi Arabia for its war in Yemen, an unspeakable humanitarian disaster.

He compared Obama to Neville Chamberlain for shaking hands with Raul Castro.

John McCain was a relatively conventional conservative politician whose greatest accomplishment was convincing the public that he was anything but. Armed with a self-effacing wit and a potent, patriotism-inducing life story, McCain survived nearly four decades in the beating heart of American power by charming a media and political culture perpetually on the lookout for a reasonable, moderate right. In his twilight years, he was one of the first politicians to realize the power of rhetorically condemning Trump, and used it to both successfully push his traditional concerns namely, a hyper-aggressive foreign policy and free market economics and to enact Trump’s agenda without having his legacy tarred by the president’s unpopularity.

Perhaps McCain’s greatest victory is that he died having achieved the renown and influence he had always craved. After his scurrilous presidential campaign rhetoric and Obama-era obstructionism dented his public standing, he rehabilitated his image, and died lavishly feted by the media class that had once rejected him, all while changing nothing about his politics if anything, moving further toward the edges of the extreme right.

Much of this piece came from biographies of McCain written by Branko Marceti Peter Tate.

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

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal makes strong call for SVG to exit OECS monetary union

SVG is not a banana republic. In 2008, the ULP regime killed the National Commercial Bank with an outrageous overdraft of EC$185 million (source: Audit Report). What is the purpose of the OECS Central Bank?

A Green Government would take ANALYSIS of the Monetary Union of the exchange rate should be modified usual crap from OECS policy makers SVG out of the OECS Monetary Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean accordingly, based on the current in Saint Lucia saying that the high States (OECS) by Warrant Officer Ivan economic situation. SVG has literally exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.7 is the Union, build a central bank and create O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, a been pushed to the ground under very flagship for economic growth in OECS. SVG’s own currency. Our own central bank would be able to set exchange graduate in Accounting and Finance and poor governance by the OECS and Yet, all of the OECS countries are rates and interest rates to keep Economics from Oxford Brookes being a member of the OECS currency heavily indebted and have been for inflation low and preserve the value of University, England, and Leader of SVG union. decades. So, what are these fools our money. It would contribute to Green Party, has revealed that the The OECS high exchange rate has talking about? protecting and enhancing the stability Monetary Union of the OECS is highly contributed to (a) SVG’s high Debt to In 1965, Singapore and Malaysia counterproductive to the economic GDP Ratio of 60%, (b) the very high broke their monetary union. However, of the financial system, and promote development of SVG. rate of unemployment, hunger and history has shown that the break-up of and maintain monetary and financial stability for a healthy economy.

The EC dollar has been pegged to crime in SVG, (c) SVG’s food exports the monetary union has been a Monetary stability means stable prices the United States dollar since 7 July being artificially high-priced and thus blessing for both Singapore and - low inflation - and confidence in the 1976 and the exchange rate is US$1 = killing SVG’s agricultural industry, (d) Malaysia. currency.

EC$2.7. the choking of the economy and killing Today, Singapore is a World Bank When the EC dollar was initially of the SVG economy. success story, with one of the highest SVG Green Party pegged to the US dollar, the economic According to Warrant Officer Ivan standards of living in the world, situations of the eastern Caribbean O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, SVG having its own central bank and own countries, the USA and the world were needs must have its own currency and currency. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal CC: His Excellency, The Governor General of SVG vastly different to the economic central bank to build a strong and strongly contends that if SVG had its Dr Didacus Jules, The Director General conditions of the present day. sustainable economy. With our own own currency and its own central OECS Therefore, there is absolutely no logic currency and central bank, we would bank, it would positively enhance in having the same exchange rate of better able to manipulate the country’s economic growth. We must exit the www.svggreenparty.org EC$2.7 to US$1 from 1976 operating economic conditions and create a more OECS monetary union. https://twitter.com/svggreenparty today, 42 years later. conducive environment in which SVG SVG could be the Singapore of the https://www.facebook.com/SVGThe world economically has changed businesses could flourish.

Caribbean if we ditch the white Green-Party-154937087877631/ dramatically since 1976, therefore the However, every year, we get the elephant that is the OECS dollar.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 , 2018. 13.

News

Taiwan ICT experts visit SVG TWO TAIWANESE ICT experts, Director Tsu-Wei Kao and Senior Engineer YuChe Huang of the ‘Institute for Information Industry’ in Taiwan, visited St. Vincent and Grenadines from July 26 to August 23, 2018, to complete the installation, testing and training of the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) of the Government of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2016, the governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an agreement to launch the project of EDRMS. It aims to develop mechanisms and IT infrastructure to improve the efficiency of processing information among different ministries of the Government of SVG. Mr. David Fu, the Project Manager of the EDRMS dispatched by the TaiwanICDF, said that after two years of efforts, with the full support of the Information Technology Services Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology, the electronic document (e-document) system and e-archiving system within seven different ministries of SVG have been initially installed.

Mr. Fu added that Mr. Kao and Mr. Huang’s visit

is part of the EDRMS project. They not only assisted in setting up and testing the systems, but also provided the 69-hour training courses to more than 400 governmental officials who will be the users of the EDRMS later this year.

Mr. Fu indicated that the project of EDRMS between Taiwan and SVG is a comprehensive plan for SVG. Apart from the installation of e-document and e-archiving systems, the EDRMS project also established the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to secure the system.

Most importantly, Mr. Fu emphasized that capacity-building is the core component of the EDRMS project. To date, more than 30 Taiwanese ICT experts visited SVG to hold a total of 45 training programs and 70 workshops for more than 1,200 staff members from different ministries of SVG. Mr. Fu said that the EDRMS is scheduled to be completed and handed over to the Government of SVG at the end of 2018.

He expressed his gratitude for the assistance and support provided by the excellent staff of Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and

Project Manager David Fu (left, standing), Senior Engineer Yu-Che Huang (right, standing), Director Tsu-Wei Kao (left, sitting) discussed with Vincentian officials.

Commerce; Service Commissions Department; Treasury; Inland Revenue; Customs and Excise, and Information Technology Services Division.

“Without them, the EDRMS project could not be implemented,” Mr. Fu stressed.

Director Tsu-Wei Kao and Senior Engineer Yu-Che Huang held training courses for Vincentian officials.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Service

Lions donate school supplies TWENTY-FIVE STUDENTS were on Tuesday, August 21st, the proud recipients of bookbags filled with school supplies, courtesy of the Lions Club of Kingstown SVG, at the Lion’s Den in Kingstown.

The project, in its seventh year, continued to identify some less fortunate but well deserving youngsters, thereafter providing them with school bags, books and stationery for the new school year.

The project was made possible through donations from business establishments and club members.

This year, two pre-schools also benefitted from a donation of furniture, namely the Glad Tidings Pre-School in Kingstown and the

Because We Care Pre-School at Lowman’s Leeward.

This project was followed by the placement of garbage bins on the beaches at Mt Wynne and Questelles on Saturday 25th, by members of the Lions Club of KingstownSVG and the Leo Club St. Vincent.

Lions with the proud recipients of school supplies.

Lions and Leos while placing bins at the Questelles beach.

Lions making donation of pre-school furniture to representatives from the Glad Tidings Pre-School and the Because We Care Pre-School.

Rotaract Club of Kingstown Feed the Homeless AS THEY CONTINUE IN THEIR mission to make a difference in SVG, the Rotaract Club of Kingstown, engaged in one of their most tremendous and successful activities during the first quarter of their Rotaract year, on Sunday 26th August, 2018. Under the leadership of the Club’s President Mrs. Felicia Cumberbatch, Rotaractors ventured to the city of Kingstown and provided a hearty Sunday meal to the homeless men and women who dwell within the city.

Assisting with the project was District Members of the Rotary Club of Kingstown, preparing boxes Rotaract Representative Delon Earle from of food for distribution to the homeless in Kingstown.

Guyana. global organization that facilitates projects aligned with The Rotaract Club is a group of young causes that are important to our society. The project professionals between ages 18 - 30 who completed over the weekend, was spearheaded by engage in voluntary work throughout St. Community Service Director Shari Bramble under the Vincent and the Grenadines. The club is a Community Service arm of the club.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 15.

News

Some of the participants during the VINLEC Youth Forum.

VINLEC hosts first Youth

Forum for students on Education Award Programme ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY Services Ltd. (VINLEC) hosted its first Youth Forum for the 26 scholarship recipients currently on the Education Award Programme. The one-day event was held at the Anglican Pastoral Centre, New Montrose, last Wednesday, August 22nd.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thornley Myers encouraged participants to make the most of the day’s session as it was an opportunity for them to be better informed of VINLEC’s operations, to guide their career choices and to foster their own development and social interaction among their peers. He reiterated that as a company, VINLEC’s interest is not only in their academic advancement but also in their spiritual, social and

holistic development.

The day’s event commenced with an icebreaker “Getting to Know You” segment.

This was followed by simple but informative presentations on the calculation of fuel surcharge; the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; decisionmaking; life skills; etiquette and career choices.

Acting Director of Adult and Continuing Education, Mrs. Kathleen Jeffers, conducted the session on Career Guidance and the supporting subject areas to pursue. She spoke on the importance of the career key which is an assessment tool used to match the working environment and personality type; and listed the sixteen (16) categories or clusters of

careers. Participants were advised to thoroughly research the different career options and to carefully select subjects that are in line with the career they hope to pursue, which they are passionate about.

During the feedback segment, participants, Kiara Hazell and Chase Johnson agreed that the sessions on Decision Making and Life Skills were most memorable, and that they intend to put into practice the knowledge gained. Those sessions had allowed the participants to give their opinions on likely solutions to challenging situations and the possible negative and positive consequences that can result from their choices.

The event was an initiative of the Human Resources and Administration Department and the Education Award Committee.

Resource personnel were drawn from within the company and the Ministry of Education.

Students at The VINLEC Youth Forum partaking in a game.

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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CDC holds Prize Giving Ceremony passengers arriving on Caribbean Airline flights and THE CARNIVAL Development the Sunwing flights, according Corporation (CDC) held its to Adams. FLOW, the annual Prize-giving Ceremony on National Lotteries Authority Tuesday 21st August at the and the St. Vincent Brewery Murray Heights Hotel, in order to also came in for high praise reward the 2018 Vincy Mas from the CDC Chairman. winners, as well as to recognize Adams congratulated the individuals and organizations various committees for a job who contributed to the premier well done. He said that he event. believes the country has all of Speaking at the event, the technical materials Chairman of the CDC Ricky required to put on a world Adams declared that Vincy class show. “What I think that Mas 2018 was a huge success. we are still lacking, is some of He stated that the Rural the technical personnel to be Carnivals had an excellent able to distribute across the outcome, so much so, that different shows that are there is the need for dialogue happening, so that we could between CDC, the Rural have the level of quality of Carnival Committees and the production that we need; Royal Police Force. “Because I because the dream is to take get the impression that for Vincy Mas to television-ready some of the rural carnivals, production, so that we can sell the Jump-ups are outgrowing it to the world, and in order to the streets that they are on. So do that, our shows must be maybe we need to figure how more compact and we can get them (Jump ups) professionally done,” Adams on the larger roads,” said stated. He added that now is Adams. the time to train Producers, He said that the police Sound Engineers, Light reported that Vincy Mas 2018 Engineers and other skilled was a crime-free one, which persons. “And I can assure you speaks well for Vincentians’ that it is going to be one of the ability to welcome persons focal points of the CDC going from across the globe and forward,” said the Chairman. show them warmth and He also said that CDC is hospitality. looking at ways that they can LIAT brought over 5,000 close the gap between their persons over a two-week revenue and expenditure. period during carnival, not Chairman of National taking into consideration the Lotteries Authority (NLA),

by KENVILLE HORNE

Murray Bullock congratulated all the winners while declaring that Carnival 2018 was a huge success. He pointed out that the NLA contributed over $650,000 towards the Prize-giving ceremony, and that the NLA recorded in the vicinity of $60 million in gross revenue during the Chairman of the Carnival last financial period.

Development Corporation, Ricky However, a large portion Adams.

Chairman of the National of the figure went towards expenses. Bullock Lotteries Authority, Murray Bullock. stated that there is a need for CDC to be more representatives Jean Johnneycreative in an effort to be Findlay and DJ Q collecting on profitable. his behalf.

The CDC Chairman also Also missing from the congratulated Miss SVG 2018 ceremony, was second place Shellisa Nanton, who was sponsored by the NLA. He said winner in the Soca Monarch that Nanton will be rewarded competition Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle and Calypso in the future for her exploits Monarch, Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ on the regional scene, after Adams. winning the 13th annual The artist with the greatest FLOW Miss Caribbean success for 2018 with his hit Culture Queen pageant, that song “Funky Business”, Fimber ‘Fimba’ Jardine took place in Nevis on 6th Fimber ‘Fimba’ Jardine, was accepts his trophy for winning August. on hand to collect his rewards the Road March title from Among the big winners at for copping the Ragga Soca the prize giving ceremony Chairman of NLA Murray Monarch title and the Road were reigning Soca Monarch Bullock.

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, who March title.

Among the other big besides winning the challenge the Year, Junior Queen of winners on the night were trophy and prize money, was Carnival, Junior Uptown also awarded a new car valued Miss SVG 2018 Shellisa competition and the Section of Nanton; BMC Amerijet Magic the Bands titles. at $40,000, compliments 103.7 FM Blondie Bird and Coreas and Hazells Inc. Senior Panorama Friends, for winning the Hooper, who was overseas champions, Flow Sion Hill Junior Mas Individuals (5-9) performing, had his Steel Orchestra; Junior Pan years, (10-15) Fest winners in the School years, Queen of the Based Band, Girl’s High Bands, Mardi Gras School Steel Orchestra and 2018- Best Use of Community Champions Colour, and Starlift Steel Orchestra, were Uptown also on hand to receive their Competition, prizes.

Junior King of J’Ouvert Fanatics Carnival and dominated the J’Ouvert Junior Band of the category.

Year titles; and Flow was awarded the Xtreme FM 104.3 trophy for Most Uniformed TG&T Enterprise Shirt Band and Biggest TLynx Mas Band, Shirt Band. Best Organized for winning the Rural Carnival went to the Best Junior Section Windward Carnival and King of the Committee, while the Bequia Bands.

Carnival Committee was SVG Players adjudged the Most Improved International Mas Rural Carnival, and DJ Q was Band took the selected as the Best Local prizes for Mardi Repertoire DJ in Rural Gras 2018 Band of Carnival activities.

A section of the audience at the CDC Prize Giving Ceremony.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 , 2018. 17.

V Vincentians awarded for excellence at TrinityÊs Fifth Term Ceremony 18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE VISION OF TRINITY Medical Sciences University is clear; that is, “To educate physicians to meet the primary care and healthcare needs of the communities they serve.” Trinity graduates therefore, “are in a position to improve access to quality healthcare and enhance the health status of current and future healthcare systems.”

Uniquely, the first significant step towards the achievement of this vision is the students’ completion of their first five terms. Fifth Term Ceremonies are held to commemorate this milestone, after which comes the future physicians’ transition to continue their clinical training in the United States.

The August 14th ceremony saw three Vincentians, among the Class of 2020, completing this vital step: Amog Jayarangaiah, John Rickards and Kassinda Matthews. To their credit,

these students have carved niches for themselves, and have become important examples for other Vincentians aspiring to pursue studies at Trinity.

Firstly, Amog Jayarangaiah was awarded Top performer in Basic Sciences overall. He tied with another student, Michael Seiferth. Secondly, Amog was also awarded for Top Comprehensive Basic Science Examination Performer for Term Five.

Additionally, a special recognition to the student excelling in Kassinda Matthews.

Amog Jayarangaiah.

John Rickards committee activities at Trinity, administered by the Library Amog: “Honestly, encourage Committee, went to Kassinda medical school is hard, and it doesn’t any willing Vincentian to do so.”

Matthews. John Rickards, who chose matter how smart you are, you still John: “I always believe that life to add serious academics to his need to put in many hours a day. needs a balance of things. I’m happy creative disc jockey exploits, also did We’ve all been through that! My to have stepped out not only as exceptionally well. choice of career is really not someone in the creative industry, but Student comments coincidental. Growing up with many also been able to academically reach to doctors in my family would have this point. Fifth term really has been helped me make this decision. My a culmination of all that hard work Mom, my Dad and my sister, all and it is a grand accomplishment. I’ve inspired me to take this step.” known since I was six that I wanted to Kassinda: “Fifth term means that I be a doctor.” have been working hard and God has The future physicians will now been blessing me to this point. My transition to Baltimore, Maryland in family and friends have also been the United States where they will do supportive. I feel that this required core clerkships for another accomplishment is open to anyone who two years before graduation and is willing to step out in faith, and I application for residencies.

World Pediatric Project General Orthopedic Mission WORLD PEDIATRIC Project (WPP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health will be conducting a free orthopedic clinic on Sunday, September 2, 2018 for all children up to the age of 21 years. The Orthopedic Mission will evaluate children with club feet, severe bowing of the legs and unequal length of legs.

At the orthopedic mission in September 2017, 32 patients were evaluated, 11 of whom were regional patients. There A child getting casted for a club feet. were 15 surgeries provided.

Executive Director of the asked to contact World Pediatric Eastern Caribbean, WPP, Lauren Project office at 784-451-2989 or 784McIntosh indicated her delight at the 494-2751 for more information. continued impact of these missions.

World Pediatric Project offers “The ability to provide children with surgical and diagnostic critical the opportunity of diagnostic and pediatric care to children of the surgical critical care in a multitude of Eastern Caribbean, and has been pediatric subspecialties, is reflective of actively working in St. Vincent & the WPP’s purpose to healing children and Grenadines since 2002. improving healthcare capacity”, The work of the WPP and its impact highlighted McIntosh. can be followed at Parents and guardians of children www.worldpediatricproject.org. who may need to be assessed, are

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

What a friend!

I was told that he said his marriage was more important than my “simple relationship.” I I HAVE a friend who kept am thinking of going to all of my secrets and we his wife and tell her all have been friends since childhood. He knew that I that I know. The pregnant female in cheated on my girlfriend question told me that the with this girl, but helped me convince her that it did baby is his and he told her he was going to not happen. blame it on me. She, This friend however, went and messed around however, does not want to say this to his wife. It with the same girl and seems that I am the one got her pregnant.

Knowing that this would who was left holding the destroy his marriage, he hot end of the stick. I thought friends were went to my girlfriend supposed to stick and told her that I was together no matter what. responsible for the pregnancy. My girlfriend believed him and walked Raw deal away from our relationship. He did not Dear Raw deal, even apologize to me, but

Dear George,

There is an old saying that says “ If you were not there, your name would never be called.”

Friends are expected to be there for each other, but should not condone wrong doing. You have not dealt justly with your girlfriend, and what you are experiencing now is a payback for your deeds. Take this experience and learn from it, and also reassess your list of friends and choose those who would build you up and encourage you to be better. This is the time to focus on your shortcomings and not anywhere else.

George

Time to confront her about her whereabouts on those days, she would lie, saying she was at MY WIFE has been work. This man would making excuses for not take her home during giving it up in bed, and this has gone on for more working hours, and has been doing so more often than 8 months. Like a fool, I believed her every than not. I have not revealed to her what I time. She would say things like her body does know, and she continues to use the same old not “feel right” and “the doctor advised no sexual excuses. What should I do now? activities for 3 months”, and of course the famous Hole in my heart headache excuse. I just found out that during all Dear Hole in my heart, this time, my wife has been seeing this You have to answer businessman in town. I the question of how followed her on more much do you want your than one occasions to marriage. You have to this man’s house, and decide on how much fight after questioning her

Dear George,

you put up to save it, or whether it’s not worth the effort. You are better served to tell your wife what you know, and see whether she reacts to that revelation in a way that leaves room for restructuring of the marriage.

Communication is very critical at this point.

Find a marriage counselor to help you both ventilate and to come up with ways to rebuild the trust that was shattered. It will be all downhill for a while, but things will even out as you go along.

George

Keep the lines of communication open Dear George, MY MOTHER is giving me hell for seeing the boy I’m seeing presently. I find nothing wrong with him, but she is saying things like he is “low class” and a “gold digger” etc. I told her I am an adult (19 years) and she cannot choose for me. After I told her that, she said she will disown me and I must leave her house. I went ahead and got a Visa for the United States, and told her I’m going away in a few weeks to clear my head. She knows my boyfriend is travelling with me, and that was when she told me never to come back home or refer to her as “Mother” again. What she didn’t know (until I told her), was my boyfriend ran into some money, an inheritance and he will have lack of nothing for a very long time. My mother got wind of this and is now trying to be nice about our relationship. My boyfriend would have none if it, because he maintains her interest in him is purely

materialistic, and he is so right. We both are ok, with my mother not being in my life for as long as we live.

No bad feelings.

Dear No bad feelings, The opportunity is there for your mother to learn a valuable lesson from this. You can be that conduit, to ensure she gets the message to appreciate people for who or what they are, and not because of their social of financial status. You may be surprised to know that your mother most probably has your best interest at heart, but has difficulty putting this out in a principled way. Keep the lines of communication open and take the higher road and do your best to mend whatever is broken, keeping in mind that re-establishing your relationship will prove to be an invaluable action.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Social events will be plentiful. Put your energy into self‐ improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you. Snap out of it.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Children may be difficult to deal with.

Don't get involved in uncertain financial ventures. You can set your goals and make a beeline for your target. Your changing attitudes may be causing concern for your partner.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Listen to the complaints of others. Take a look at investment opportunities. Try not to overspend on friends or family.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You may find yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind. Travel will enhance romance and adventure. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Take care of chores that have been hanging over your head. Your creative talent may well be recognized by others this week Don't let someone try to bully you into doing things their way.

Romantic opportunities may not be as they appear.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day. Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event. You will reap the rewards for your kind actions. Don't overextend yourself in the process.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Be tolerant, but don't let anyone take you for granted. Travel will be on your mind, but you should be sure that you've got all your work up‐to‐date. Residential moves should be considered carefully.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Pleasure trips will induce exciting and passion ate encounters with those of foreign extraction. Confusion regarding other people's money and joint ventures will come to a head. Your creative imagination will help you in coming up with unique ideas.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners. Make sure that you have all the pertinent information before any reprisals or making any moves.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Keep your eyes and ears alert for any evasive or deceptive statements. Make sure any presentation you have is ready.

Don't jump as quickly as you usually do.

You will have a problem with your boss if you haven't done your job.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Don't expect anyone else to pay your bills for you. Be careful not to hurt someone's feelings. Put your efforts into your work or money‐making ventures rather than your emotional life. Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Be careful; your ideas are good but make sure that you're realistic and start off on solid ground. Take a look at your legal position. A trip to visit relatives should be rewarding. You can accomplish the most if you travel for business purposes.

ACROSS 1. Strike forcefully 5. Having a toe 9. Sever 12. River in central Switzerland 13. Roster 14. Japanese sash 15. Extent of space 16. Islamic call to prayer 17. Witty remark 18. Clublike weapon 20. Clique 22. Withdraw 25. Erase 26. Hives 27. Periodic movement of the sea 28. Breach 29. Roll of bank notes 30. Tibertan gazelle 33. Sharp bristle 35. Graceful birds 37. The rank of an abbot 40. Stops 41. Muslim veil 42. Toward the mouth 43. Biblical high priest 44. Juniper 46. Fresh‐water fish 50. Period of human life 51. Chilled 52. Person who lies 53. State of drowsy contentment 54. Air (prefix) 55. Sea eagle DOWN 1. Bleat of a sheep 2. Organ of hearing 3. Part of verb to be 4. Joined 5. Vestige 6. Exude slowly 7. 7th letter of the Greek alphabet

8. Moved rhythmically 9. Narrow valley 10. German submarine 11. Name 19. Fuss 21. Malt beverage 22. Floor covering 23. Period of history 24. Brown‐Capped boletus mushroom 25. Part of verb to do 27. Label 29. Lopsided 30. Sparse fluid 31. 1 32. Donkey 33. Not good 34. Gum yielding leguminous

shrub 35. Ocean 36. Walk with short steps 37. More or less vertical 38. Protuberance 39. Lasting a short time

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 21.

40. Formula of belief 42. River in central Europe 45. Very skilled person 47. Atmosphere 48. Metal container 49. Before

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Scholarship awardee- Romarno Hector (centre) accepts his disbursement from Treasurer of FOSH SVG Inc. Cecelia Williams. Hector’s motherRaquel Tittle is at left.

Friends of Sion Hill Inc. awards Scholarship and Bursaries ROMARNO HECTOR is the 2018 recipient of the Friends of Sion Hill Inc. (FOSH) Annual Scholarship Programme.

Hector, a former

student of the Sion Hill Government School, who was successful at this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), best met the conditions required for

the scholarship.

Hector will attend the Thomas Saunders Secondary School at the beginning of the 2018/ 2019 academic year, next month.

Worth $800 per year, the scholarship spans five years, providing that he maintains good grades, and his conduct and attendance are satisfactory.

Speaking at last Friday’s handing over, which took place at Marion House, Murray’s Road, President of FOSH Inc. SVG, Clyde Fitzpatrick, urged Hector to make use of his opportunity to get a secondary education.

“The $800 you are getting might not be a lot, but it should go a long way in helping you to attend school”, Fitzpatrick underlined.

Fitzpatrick noted that the parent body based in New York, USA, works hard to have fundraising activities to finance the Scholarship Programme and other social ventures, which the organisation undertakes.

FOSH Inc. USA, established in June 2013, led to the formation of FOSH Inc. SVG, in 2017.

Bursaries Also presented at the ceremony last week,

were $200 bursaries to four other students.

Gaining the bursaries were Isis Samuel, Dove Medford, Gabrielle Gould and Kalia Mc Kie. Additionally, the six students and two scholarship winners from 2017, would receive a quantity of school supplies, also compliments FOSH Inc.

Gratitude Parents and guardians of the recipients, who were on hand at last Friday’s ceremony, all expressed gratitude of the members of FOSH Inc. to see it fit to give back to the Sion Hill community.

When the Scholarship Programme was launched last year, two females — Reanna Jackson and Kiara Baptiste were the awardees.

Both Jackson and Baptiste are attending the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

FOSH Inc’s Scholarship Programme is geared at providing a student, who is permanent resident of Sion Hill, but whose parent or guardian has great difficulty in meeting the expenses.

The Motto of FOSH Inc. is “Rebuilding our Community, one life at a time”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 23.

National Football Teams draw with Jamaica in Friendlies

The SVG Senior Team starting XI in last Sunday’s match at the Chili Playing Field in Georgetown.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-20 outfit is preparing for the CONCACAF Qualifiers in November in Florida, USA, while the senior men’s team is prepping for the Nations League which kicks off 8th September.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ first match in the Nations League is set for the Arnos Vale Playing Field on 8th September versus

Chavel Cunningham on the go for St Vincent and the Grenadines in last Sunday’s match.

BOTH THE ST VINCENT and the Reflecting on the two Grenadines Under-20 and Senior matches, Jamaica’s Head Men’s Football teams, drew Coach- Donavan Duckie said their matches with the Jamaica “They were good matches, Olympic squad over the quality matches for the weekend. teams”.

On Friday at the Victoria Duckie, who was high in Park, Romano Johnson had praise for the St Vincent and netted for St Vincent and the the Grenadines teams, Grenadines in the 7th minute, declared that for national but Andre Leslie equalized in teams to get better, they have the 16th minute for the to be engaged more in Jamaicans. “international matches.”

And, last Sunday at the Chili Playing Field in Georgetown, the SVG Senior Men’s team and their ST VINCENT AND THE Grenadines has Jamaican found the going tough in the Americas counterparts drew Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA) two goals each.

Qualifiers taking place at the Sir Garfield Jamaica UnderSobers Gymnasium in Barbados.

23s drew first blood Seeking to be one of the two countries in the 29th minute which will advance from the qualifiers to through Kareem next year’s World Championships in Parris.

England, St Vincent and the Grenadines Nazir Mc Burnett restored parity in the will be hard pressed to do so, after losing two of their three matches.

55th minute, with a In their opening fixture last Saturday, St well taken right Vincent and the Grenadines suffered a 62footed shot.

But the Jamaicans 49 loss to Grenada.

But on Monday, the Vincentians regained the lead in outplayed St Maarten 78-27, but fell to host the 71st minute, when Alex Marshall’s Barbados, 65-31 on Tuesday evening. free kick beat Kevorn In other results, Grenada beat USA 72 Henry in the St 39, Trinidad and Tobago overcame Canada Vincent and the 80- 26; USA flogged Argentina 74- 20 and Grenadines’ goal.

Trinidad and Tobago won Grenada 82- 41.

But Chavel Also, Trinidad and Tobago outclassed the Cunningham, three USA 86-29, with St Maarten edging out minutes later, Argentina 35-33; Barbados walked over levelled the encounter Canada 70- 28, Grenada stomped on with a goal from close Argentina 106-11, Canada beat the USA 45range.

43, Barbados swamped St Maarten, 110-12

Nicaragua.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation has a list of matches planned for both outfits.

Among the friendlies are the Under- 20s meeting System Three Sports Academy at the Victoria Park this Friday evening, with the Senior National Team taking on Hope International thereafter.

The Senior Men’s team will conclude their lead up to their

Jamaica’s Under-23 Head Coach- Donavan Duckie. encounter with Nicaragua, with a match against Sion Hill FC, this Sunday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Tough going for SVG in AFNA Qualifiers and Argentina 10510.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ remaining matches in the tournament are versus Canada, USA, Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago.

Representing St Vincent and the Grenadines is a 12member team which is being led

by Nicole SandyStevenson.

Also included are Skiddy Francis — Crick, Vasha Adams, Mary Ann The SVG Senior Netball Team, with Patron of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association- Rene Baptiste - third from right in Fredericks, Ruth the front row.

Ann Williams, Maxine James, Moeth Gaymes is the Head Coach, with Shannique De Shong, Anella Samuel, Shellisa Davis, Kaywanna Charles, Joseann O’ Neil Cockburn Assistant Coach and Doris Mc Intosh Manager.

Antoine and Naomi Williams.

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Ollivierre promises medals Michael Ollivierre, Head Coach of IT DAT Academy Participants at IT DAT Academy Summer Camp.

Aaravinda Shallow, MVP Male Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN MICHAEL OLLIVIERRE, Coordinator and chief coach of the IT DAT Academy, has promised medals for this country at the next CARIFTA Games.

“I think the future looks good for athletics for the next 8-10 years and beyond. We’ll have persons who will be returning to CARIFTA and I can guarantee we will be getting medals in the 4x4 up. … I can’t guarantee gold medals all the time, but definitely medals of some color in the 4x4 relays,” Ollivierre told this reporter following the formal closing of the 2018 IT DAT Academy sixweek Summer Camp, last Friday at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Ollivierre’s optimism may have been based on what he said was “a pretty successful camp,” adding, “We were able to identify some new prospects among the champions from the Primary Schools taking part… all in all it was an outstanding six weeks well spent.”

Over 50 of the nation’s emerging athletes were exposed

Keiffer Bailey, MVP Female to various aspects of sessions were conducted by IAAFconditioning, sprinting, hurdling and lateral jumps. In addition to Ollivierre, qualified local coaches Marc Hillocks, Akani Slater and Jenice Bailey of St

Kitts.

The camp also welcomed the presence of overseas-based athletes Delroy Parmer and Brandon Paris who offered tips to the participants.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, also took time out to deliver an inspirational talk to the participants.

“The other areas we covered also made an impact on our camp in terms of developing the right attitude in the youths and really motivating the kids,” Ollivierre said.

A number of participants were recognised at the closing, among these being: Aaravinda Shallow Male MVP and Keiffer Bailey - MVP Female award.

Brandon Parris with mother Lesanne Valentine BRANDON PARRIS, NATIONAL 200/400m track athlete who is presently on an athletics scholarship in the United States, believes his first two years spent at Clafin University in South Carolina, were productive.

Parris, home for the summer and involved in the IT DAT Academy Camp, majored in the Science and Sports Management and minored in Business Administration.

He didn’t compete in his first year at College, choosing instead to begin his track outings in his sophomore (second) year.

“I had a pretty good year … starting off my collegiate career with the national indoor tournament where I came third in the 400m and set a new record in the 200m outdoors,” Brandon reported, adding that eventually he was ranked 2nd in the 400m and 6th in the 200m, in his division.

The highlight, though, of his career to

date was representing SVG at the 2016 Olympics.

“It was a good year for me and the experience of being on what is the world’s biggest stage for sports, despite picking up an injury early in the games but still competing, was a dream come through,” Brandon said.

Brandon, who moved to the University of Kentucky in 2017, is determined to regain his Brandon Parris with mother Lesanne Valentine ranking as he works with his Canadian coach looking to sponsor two young athletes Adrian Flower, under whose guidance he from IT DAT Academy … providing them has already clocked 20.82 sec for the with sneakers twice a year. I got help so 200m.

I am looking to help someone because we And when THE VINCENTIAN spoke are still one nation, one country and have with him during a break in IT DAT to come together and lift our country in Summer Camp, Brandon said, “I am terms of sports.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 25.

Sports

Scatter shot

THE REGIONAL Under 19 cricket tournament wound up here last Wednesday. Besides the individual champions in the three versions, and 50 Over competition, attention will be on a squad to represent the region in future competitions.

Alongside the traditional teams: Windwards, Leewards, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, Canada joined in the 50 Over segment.

The quest for a place in the Gold Cup is on, with the staging of the Concacaf Nations League stirring up the hemispheric pot.

The Vincentians prepared for the Nicaragua clash with a two all draw against an Under 23 Jamaican squad at the Chili Playing Field last Sunday. As little as the groundwork might have been, the Vincentians will have to build on whatever momentum they have gathered, and step on to the next stage of the ladder.

The Concacaf Nations Cup has immense benefits, especially to nations even smaller than St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There is the potential for upset.

September 6 features Dominica and Suriname, while Guyana and Barbados clash. Anguilla hosts French Guiana September 7, St. Lucia will be in Antigua, and Bahamas away in Belize.

Vincy Heat takes on Nicaragua at Arnos Vale from 3 pm, while Cuba hosts Turks and Caicos Islands. The tiny Island of Montserrat will be hosts to perhaps their biggest opponent in the form of El Salvador.

September 9 sees Canada in the United States Virgin Islands, to highlight the widespread nature of this showdown.

Aruba hosts Bermuda, and Cayman Islands will be away to Jamaica.

Sint Maarten will get a test of their level of competition in Haiti, September 10. That same day, Grenada will have a showdown in Curacao.

September 11 may have its global ring, but it will be action in Saint Martin when they welcome Guadeloupe. At the same time, Martinique welcomes the squad from the British Virgin Islands.

The Vincentians have three more openings: October 11 in French Guiana, November 18 in Turks and Caicos Islands, and return to Arnos Vale for a Bonaire showdown March 22.

The Nations League features some interesting clashes. Big nations will have the opportunity of testing their fitness in extreme conditions in remote circumstances. Vice versa, unknown nations will get a chance to make inroads in territories used to more spectacular appearances.

Therein lies the potential for unexpected results.

Trinidad and Tobago finds itself in the top tier, having been in the Hexagonal Round of the last World Cup. Even though they missed a final spot, or even the Inter-continental play off which saw Australia qualifying at Honduras’ expense, The Soca warriors did prove a point when they beat USA at home in an almost bizarre result.

A recent earthquake whose centre was in Venezuela, bears testimony of a near similar occurrence in the region.

By October 1, a period of transition will begin in the two island Trinidad and Tobago nation as regards to the state owned Petrotrin. What spillover effects are there will be revealed in time.

CARICOM has become a platform spurned by economic reality. Times have influenced its focus.

Sporting legacies stand out as tools of regional integration.

That was manifested in the passage of laws to facilitate the staging of the Cricket World Cup in 2007. The region must show magnanimity on other aspects of regional development and ensure their stay in solidarity despite differences in culture, religion or ethnicity.

Football coaches attend refresher/advanced course FIFTEEN Football coaches, mainly drawn from the national set up, were last week, exposed to some advanced training, via an Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course.

Conducted by FIFA InstructorTrinidadian- Anton Corneal, the four-day course engaged the coaches in practical and theoretical sessions, at the Victoria Park and the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Football Federation’s Conference Room.

Reflecting on the four days, Corneal noted that the course material and content were pitched at an advanced level.

“We looked at systems of play…

We looked at match analysis, where we broke the game down and we were able to see problems in the game and address sessions that would help with some of those problems and how to formulate sessions, and we did it at a pretty high level”, Corneal underscored.

“We were able to refer Football

at the World Cup level, at the CONCACAF level and see ways which we can improve”, Corneal added.

Corneal, who has conducted several Football courses here in St Vincent and the Grenadines in the past, analysed that he has observed some progression in many of the coaches.

“What we are hearing are now more informative coaches and coaches with the capacity to grow as a coach, so the type of information that they are able to relate to me … I am happy to see how far they may go”, Corneal posited.

Corneal is hopeful that the experienced coaches will “package” their knowledge for the betterment of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Football.

Meanwhile, Technical Director of the SVGFF — Keith Ollivierre outlined the reasoning behind the course, noting that the course was pitched close to level three, which

Standing are the Football coaches who attended the four- day Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course. Seated from left are Devron Poyer- General Secretary of the SVGFF, Keith Joseph – Secretary General of the SVG Olympic Committee, Anton Corneal – FIFA Instructor, Otashie Spring- First Vice President of the SVGFF, Keith Ollivierre – Technical Director of the SVGFF.

Former national player – Shandell Samuel gets his certification from Otashie Spring – First Vice- President of the SVGFF. is similar in nature to the CONCACAF C Licence Certification exercise.

Looking ahead, Ollivierre stated, “So when we do get the C Licence (course), our national coaches and other coaches that were selected would be in a better position to handle that environment”.

Ollivierre is mindful that investments in coaches have been made in the past, with many satisfied with the certification, and yet do little work in their communities.

“I am hoping that it would not happen like in the past, where they go back and keep the information to themselves …We tried to impress on them that they have to start the process... They have to make the changes… No longer must they say they have it, go and preach it”, Ollivierre projected.

This latest course was part of the SVGFF’s thrust towards coaches’ education.

SVG Rugby Female Participation recognized THE SVG Rugby Union (SVGRU) placed 4th in the region in Female participation numbers, for its schools Get into Rugby (GIR) Programme.

The ranking, based on figures for the first 6 months of 2018, was announced following the August 17 and 18 Annual General Meeting of Rugby Americas North (RAN), held in Miami.

SVG Female team at a training session.

Rugby Americas North (RAN) is the governing body In the RAN Our schools programme is pretty for Rugby Union in the North Female inclusive and we definitely try to American continental region, have as many females taking part Participation which includes the Caribbean. ranking, Mexico as we can. All this is possible, Sophie Goddard, President of sits at the top thanks to our coaches, SVGRU, attended the AGM, and ahead of Canada, administrators and volunteers on her return said, “We are very who continue to grow the game in Barbados, St happy with the results for the Vincent and the SVG. We would love to urge first 6 months of 2018. We are a Grenadines and females to come along to our tiny Union compared to most in Curacao, in that senior training as we try to our region, so for us to place 4th order. rebuild the Female National for Female participation, out of all team.” the Unions, is a big deal for us.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Sophie Goddard, President of SVG Rugby Union.

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018. 27.

Classifieds

AZUCENA DEL CARMEN WILLIAMS aka Teacher Haynes 6W 3DXO¶V $QJOLFDQ Church Calliaqua Saturday 25th August 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

EMELIA PETERS St. Michael Spiritual Baptist Church Richland Park Sunday 26th August, 2018 Viewing: 12:30 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

JAMES ADOLPHUS BUSHAY GOULD Vermont Miracle Tabernacle Sunday 26th August, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

ADRIAN HANNIBAL

EILEEN ANGELA GONSALVES

EUNICY MARGARET JACK

Kingstown Evangelical Church Monday 27th August, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Bible Missionary Church Sans Souci Saturday 25th August, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

6W 3DWULFN¶V Anglican Church Barrouallie Saturday 25th August 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 31, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.35

by KENVILLE HORNE

concern. The details of that concern are not clear; however, the move will have an impact on the economy, including loss of foreign exchange, since many landlords benefit from renting their homes to the volunteers, as well as other businesses.

The volunteers were transported to the neighboring island St. Lucia, after which it is believed, they will fly back to the USA or be reassigned to a different country. According to one Peace Corps Volunteer, “Peace Corps might not be

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www.thevincentian.com

PEACE CORPS PULLS PLUG ON SVG

programme participant, a Peace Corps A UNITED STATES Volunteer, is an government programme American citizen, that has been operating typically with a college here for over 50 years is degree, who works cutting ties with St. Vincent abroad for a period of and the Grenadines, at two years, after three least for now. months of training.

THE VINCENTIAN Peace Corps has been has been informed that operating in SVG since the Peace Corps 1961. In March of 2011, organization is pulling its they celebrated 50 volunteers out of the years of service to the country, citing safety country. concerns.

The volunteers work The Peace Corps is a with governments, volunteer programme run schools, non-profit by the United States organizations, nongovernment. The stated government mission of the Peace organizations, and Corps includes providing entrepreneurs in technical assistance, education, business, helping people outside the information technology, United States to agriculture, and the understand American environment. After 24 culture, and helping months of service, Americans to understand volunteers can request an the cultures of other extension of service. countries. The work is The removal of the generally related to social Peace Corps Volunteers is and economic said to be as a result of a development. Each potential specific safety

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in Vincy (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) so I have to go home.”

Calls to Cuthbert James, the Associate Director of Peace Corps in SVG, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proved futile.

The Peace Corps programme was established by Executive Order 10924, issued by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961, announced by televised broadcast March 2, 1961, and authorized

by Congress on September 21, 1961.

Just last year, eight new excited Peace Corps Volunteerrs were sworn in at a ceremony in Kingstown.

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

EC$1.50

“I LOVE HERE (SVG) BAD”, ST LUCIAN DECLARES

BY HAYDN HUGGINS A NATIONAL OF ST. LUCIA, whose illegal stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines ended recently after he was held at a house in Owia, expressed his love for this country, when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

“I love here bad, trust me”, 40-year-old Chester Gilbert of Castries, St. Lucia, told Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett after pleading guilty to entering the state by boat, other than at a port of entry, and entering the state by boat and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer. He made the illegal entry at Owia between August 23 and 24 this year.

“I understand you love here bad, but there are laws you have to comply with”, the Magistrate told Gilbert, who nodded his head.

When Burnett asked him if things were not working out for him in St. Lucia, he shook his head.

“We have problems here too”, Burnett told the St. Lucian.

“What sort of problems you have; you mean with crime?” Gilbert asked the Magistrate, who replied in the affirmative.

Gilbert was held at a house in Owia where police had gone to execute a search warrant in respect of controlled drugs, firearms and ammunition. When questioned, Gilbert admitted that he arrived here at Owia, and did not clear immigration. Ports of entry were checked, and there was no information of him entering the state.

When questioned, Gilbert told the police he came here on a fishing boat to do some farming. He told the Court he came to St. Vincent for the first time in 2014, legally by plane, using his identification card (ID), and lived here until last month. He was living at the Owia home of his girlfriend, a Vincentian.

According to Gilbert, he had received an extension of time from the Immigration authorities, but did not go back to them to seek a further extension. He returned to St. Lucia last month, but came back in August, this time illegally, and was caught at his girlfriend’s home.

Burnett was puzzled as to why he chose to “slip in” the second time, and did not use the same channels as he did in 2014.

Gilbert was fined $500 or one month on each charge. The sentences will run consecutively if the fines were not paid. A removal order was also made for him.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.