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FRIDAY,

JUNE 12, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.24

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

by DAYLE DA SILVA

The Death Certificate for Kadrian Nanton.

JUANITA HARRY said that she is not turned off by the fact that filing a lawsuit against the staff at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital may be a daunting task.

She is determined to get justice for her one-year-old son who died on June 5, while a patient at the MCMH, as a result of what, Harry claims, was negligence.

Harry explained that her son, Kadrian Nanton, was admitted to the hospital last week Monday, June 1, because of complications associated with a condition known as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), with which her son had been previously was diagnosed.

CAH is brought on by an electrolyte imbalance, and is a genetic condition which causes the swelling of the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands and kidneys manufacture hormones and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are critical as they allow cells to generate energy, maintain the stability of their walls and allow general

Kadrian Nanton, one-year-old, was deemed to have died from dehydration Left: Juanita harry, the deceased infant’s mother, is not daunted by the challenges that may arise in her filing a lawsuit against the MCMH.

function.

Infant admitted – Instructions not followed The infant was admitted after his sodium level dropped, and the doctor decided that he should remain until his salt levels were at a satisfactory level, the 28year-old resident of Lower Questelles said.

This was not the first time that the one-year-old was hospitalised

for treatment, the mother said.

However, she said that on Wednesday (last week) her son began showing symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The following day, the doctor passed and left instructions for the nursing staff to administer an Intra Venous (IV) line, to prevent dehydration, Harry told THE VINCENTIAN that she came to realise on Friday that the nursing staff had failed to follow the doctor’s orders.

Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Mini fair stresses less salt, healthier life

by GLORIAH…

Another visitor (right) concentrates on information contained in the brochure specially prepared for distribution at the Fair.

A HIGH-SODIUM/SALT DIET, which is normally shaped during childhood, fosters an individual’s taste or liking for salt. This could be very detrimental, as high salt/sodium intake raises the blood pressure, causing hypertension or what is commonly known as high blood pressure. It also contributes to causes of other chronic non-communicable diseases like stroke, heart failure and heart disease, stomach cancer and kidney disease.

Ministry of Health officials in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been issuing information and

warnings about the negative effects of high sodium/salt intake. This year, during the Ministry’s Nutrition Awareness Week, the Nutrition Unit within the Ministry of Health and the Environment highlighted the National Dietary Guideline Number Six: ‘When cooking, use less salt and salted seasonings.

Eat less salted foods and snacks’.

Plastic bags placed alongside foods on display, carried the exact amount of salt contained in one serving of those foods.

Mini fair food display Among the activities to mark Nutrition Awareness Week, with its theme of ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living: Less Salt, Healthier Life’, was a ‘Less Salt Mini Fair’, held on Friday 5th June, under the gallery of the SVG Post, Kingstown.

Community Dietitian in the The Fair Nutrition Unit, Kerry Samuel comprised displays (right) shares with an of commonly consumed foods, (e.g. interested visitor to the fair. salted seasonings, cheeses, instant and fast food, baked goods and ready-to-eat foods, processed meats like salami, chicken franks, corned beef, and salted snacks). Strategically placed alongside each food was a a tiny plastic containing the quantity of salt per serving of that food.

This proved overwhelmingly effective as per the reaction.

Ms. Kerry Samuel, Community Dietitian in the Nutrition Unit, told THE VINCENTIAN, “Many times when we speak to persons about reducing salt, the recommendations are in milligrams (mg), and most persons have no idea how big or small this quantity is, so today we have a variety of foods showing these quantities.”

Samuel also explained that, while some salt is added to food for its preservation, excess salt is added to enhance taste.

One display board labelled ‘Healthier Options Instead of Salt and Salty seasonings’ promoted the alternative of using herbs (e.g. mint, celery, garlic, rosemary, sweet pepper) for the enhancement of flavor.

Persons who took the time out to view the display, walked away with brochures which, among other things, recommended the daily intake of salt for different age groups, and reinforced that the daily recommended intake of salt should be 140mg.

Given the throngs of persons who attended the Fair, viewed its displays and took in the information from the Health officials on hand, the Fair, according to those responsible, was a huge success.

Nutrition Week 2015 ended on Sunday, 7th June with a ‘Views on Issues” radio call-in programme, carried simultaneously on NBC Radio, WE FM, and Hitz FM.

V News 3 Man kills EX, then commits suicide

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 3.

Monica (a name by which Johnson was also known) THE NORTH LEEWARD town of Chateaubelair bin have blood all over is still in a state of mourning after a member she. Ah see one big of that community killed his ex-lover and chop at the back of then committed suicide. the neck. He na bin Keno ‘Choice’ Franklyn killed his have to do she so. former lover, Shadine Johnson, a 35-year- If he want tek he old Store Clerk, in what many have own life he could a deemed a crime of passion. do that, but na tek Johnson died at the Chateaubelair people life,” said Health Centre at approximately 9:10 am the relative. last Sunday (June 7), succumbing to chop Johnson was wounds about her body, reportedly reportedly inflicted by Franklyn. According to a transported by a police report, Johnson received the chop private vehicle to the wounds at about 7:30 am that said day.

Chateaubelair Health Franklyn died at the Milton Cato Centre, while residents Memorial Hospital at about 9:40 pm, after rushed to put out the fire. he had consumed a poisonous substance, Franklyn could not be found, so a the police report stated. search was mounted by residents. He was According to one of Johnson’s eventually found in the vicinity of the relatives, who preferred to remain Chateaubelair Methodist Church, under unnamed, Johnson had ended the some bushes. He was taken to the relationship with Franklyn a month ago, Chateaubelair Health Clinic and then and had moved out of the house they transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial shared. hospital, where he was pronounced died.

The relative said that on the Sunday Following Sunday’s unfortunate morning in question, Johnson received a incident, Carlos James, ULP candidate for call from Franklyn telling her to come for North Leeward, issued a statement, in the furniture she had left behind. which he expressed his condolences and Minutes later, the relative said, sympathy to the families of both Shadine persons within the vicinity of the house and Keno. the two shared, said they could hear “Although this tragic incident has screams, and witnessed columns of smoke brought a dark cloud over the coming from the house. constituency of North Leeward, we “When I went and see what happen, remain strong and resolute in our quest

by KENVILLE HORNE

brandishing guns.

The women feared for their THE OWNERSHIP of a Toyota lives, and took cover. The Four Runner appears be a occupants recalled hearing bone of contention between pounding sounds on the doors some family members. It has of the premises, and the men led to claims by one party, shouting “Glenroy!”, a name by Leslie Matthews, that the which Matthews has been vehicle over which he had known. control, was removed illegally The jeep, PB 800, which was from the home in La Croix. parked on that property was But indications from the driven off.

Police are that the vehicle has Matthews, in following up been passed on to another the incident, determined that family member. the men who came to the What led to the removal of premises that night were the jeep from that residence, in indeed members of the Rapid an operation close to midnight Response Unit (RRU). last week Thursday, is what is Matthews has not seen the causing Matthews some vehicle since it was driven concern. from his yard.

Matthews is a farmer and He disclosed having left musician. He has been taking $2,000 in the vehicle along care of his 84-year-old mother, with four sacks of sweet Ethel Wyllie, for the past 15 potatoes and some pieces of years. lumber.

His efforts to retrieve the Vehicle removed vehicle led him to the RRU headquarters at Fountain.

He was asleep when two Matthews recalls being vehicles pulled up at the urged to pick up his four sacks residence. According to two of potatoes from that female occupants of the house, compound, but when he men, dressed in black, entered inquired about the jeep, he was the premises, some met with a terse response from

Continued on Page 3.

“When the doctor came in and saw the child, he said that he told the nurse to put an IV, and he called the IV by its name. ‘What happen to the IV that I told you all to put up?’ That’s what he asked the nurses,” Harry explained.

The results of the post mortem revealed that the child died of dehydration.

“But how could a child die of dehydration while a patient at a hospital?” Harry questioned.

Negligence at the MCMH

Residents, on seeing the smoke, rushed to put out the fire. Inset: Shadine Johnson was said to have broken off the relationship with her killer a month ago. for peace, unity and healing, as a constituency and as a nation,” James encouraged in his statement.

Johnson leaves a 14- year-old daughter to mourn her loss.

Her death brings the number of homicides for the year to 10.

Vehicle conflict may involve police

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Mother to sue MCMH

a Police officer, who asked him if he saw any jeep on the compound.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Crime, Frankie Joseph, was alerted to the matter after Matthews visited the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department.

Joseph was still trying to verify details of the incident when contacted last Wednesday afternoon. He The 84-year-old Ethel Wyllie promised further information on the issue when his inquiries was exposed to what her were done. Matthews’ stepson said was an invasion by father Mory Wyllie, died in a Police unit.

New York April 5 and was tantamount to an invasion. He buried shortly after. contends that the Unit was not operating in any official Other motives capacity, but that they are being used to fulfil the wishes Matthews reported that he of a friend. has never been arrested, Matthews also recounted charged, or been in conflict receiving death threats since with the law. his step father’s passing on He suggests that if the April 5 in New York.

Police wanted to get in touch “I want to know what is with him, it would have been going on with our Police appropriate for them to have Force,” Matthews said. come in the fullness of “This is something so wrong. daylight.

Why invade the home of a Matthews’ assessment is senior citizen?” he contended. that the action of the Police is

She further accused the nursing staff of almost overdosing her now deceased child, with the medication prescribed to treat the sodium level.

The dosage goes according to weight, Harry said, and the dosage was increased to half a teaspoonful. Harry said that she was vigilant enough to recognize that this was more than the prescribed amount.

After some resistance, it was ascertained by another nurse that the dosage was more than the prescribed amount.

“Down there, if you take your child and you are not there, even if you are there, you not getting the service that you deserve – and because of their negligence, I have to go home without my child – and this is very hard for me,” Harry said before breaking down.

Other people saw the child, Harry told THE VINCENTIAN, and they all said that they never expected him to die.

“Nobody telling me anything.

It took me six days to get my son’s body from down there.”

Death certificate run around She said that when she went to the MCMH on Wednesday this week, she was sent from Administration, to Steward, then to Paediatrics a number of times, before she was able to get her son’s death certificate signed.

“That is all the ups and downs I had, after they know they are the ones responsible for my child’s life,” she said.

“The last thing my son did was blow me a kiss, and they saw when he blew me the kiss.

“And we were there, and he was watching us helpless. When I took my son there, I never expected to leave without my son, I never expected that,” she said.

Harry admitted that she did not launch a formal complaint with the hospital’s administration.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Grace Walters, Hospital Administrator at the MCMH, she said she was not aware of the situation, and that she would have to investigate the matter before she was in a position to comment.

V

4. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Rape cases must be properly, urgently addressed: Eustace Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT OPPOSITION LEADER Arnhim Eustace has sounded an SOS over what he described as an unfathomable and distressing inordinate number of rape cases in the country, urging that the issue be properly and urgently addressed.

“We have to address this issue with legislation,” said Eustace, leader of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), in addressing a town hall meeting two Sundays ago at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“Whoever will think this small Caribbean island (St. Vincent and the

Grenadines) will be in this league?” he asked rhetorically. “Sometimes, it pains to look at this thing (statistics).”

Alluding to a recent poll, Eustace, a former prime minister, said 80 percent of Vincentians “regard this issue as a serious issue.”

He said that, in recent months, the NDP has begun to take “a very strong line on this issue”, stating that a “collective sense of shame and outrage blanketed this nation when a 2007 United Nations report ranked St. Vincent and the Grenadines third in the world for rape.”

IACHR Report Referring to data from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Eustace

said St. Vincent and the Grenadines “ranks highest in the OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) for the number of reported cases of rape in the period 2000 to 2010.”

The IACHR is an organ of the Washington, D.C.headquartered Organization of the American States (OAS).

The OAS said the body was created to “promote the observance and defense of human rights and to serve as consultative organ of the organization in this matter.”

The IACHR data pointed to 802 “reported cases of rape” in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2000-2010 period, with Antigua and Barbuda second in the sub-regional OECS with 569 cases.

“We can’t hide these things,” declared Eustace, an economist by training. “We must deal with them and compel ourselves to take

Eustace (L) taking questions from the audience, flanked by SPOONY public relations officer Bernard Wyllie, a former NDP government minister and Minister Counsellor at the SVG Mission to the UN.

2007, the nation was fourth, with a rate of 133 per 100,000; in 2008, it UNDOC Reports was fourth, with a rate of 154.8 per 100,000; in Pointing to figures 2009, it was second, with a released in 2012 by the rate of 186.7 per 100,000; United Nations Office on in 2010, St. Vincent and Drugs and Crime the Grenadines was (UNODC) on policeranked second, with a rate recorded cases of sexual of 153.7 per 100,000. violence — defined as rape “And, in 2011, the last and sexual assault, year on record (for the including sexual crimes UNODC), we are (were) against children — the ranked first — the very Opposition Leader said worst for rape,” Eustace “the emerging picture is underscored terrifying” for 2004-2011. painstakingly, stating that With no data published the rate was 389.5 per on St. Vincent and the 100,000, “while the closest Grenadines for 2003, he nation, Sweden, ranked said, according to the second, with 180.9 per UNODC statistics for the 100,000.

2004-2011 period, “we “We had more than averaged second among double the recorded cases 102 countries.” than the next highest Eustace drew the country,” he bemoaned. distinction between police- “That’s St. Vincent and recorded and reported the Grenadines; that’s cases, saying that, in St. reality.”

Vincent and the Grenadines, “there is no Police statistics requirement for police to record every report of a At the same time, sexual offence received.”

Eustace said the Royal St. In 2004, according to Vincent and the the UNODC data, St. Grenadines Police Force Vincent and the Data in December 2014 Grenadines ranked first, revealed that there were with a rate of 177.8 per 187 reported cases of 100,000; in 2005, the sexual assault, including nation ranked fourth, with allegations of rape and sex a rate of 104.8 per with a minor and buggery 100,000; in 2006, it was in 2013. second, with a rate of In 2014, the police 139.6 per 100,000; in reported cases of rape, sex action.”

with a minor and buggery rose to 228, Eustace said.

“Taken with the UN data, it indicates a continuation of the 20042010 trend, with 170.9 per 100,000 in 2013 and 208.5 per 100,000 in 2014,” he said.

“Even if 2011 proves to be a statistical anomaly, we are not improving,” he warned.

With police-recorded cases of rape in 126 countries, according to UNODC data, Eustace said “the story is much the same” for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the nation averaging fourth among 126 nations for the 2004-2011 period.

On police-recorded instances of sexual offenses against children covering 92 countries, based on UNODC figures, the Opposition Leader said St. Vincent and the Grenadines averaged seventh for the same period.

“It appears that our nation preys upon our most vulnerable — children,” said Eustace in a document subsequently made available to THE VINCENTIAN. Even with these “sound data”, he said he continues to “hear all kinds of foolish statements” on local radio and television disputing them.

Care and treatment of potted plants ways such as greenhouse windows, in a sunny kitchen on a window sill.

Hanging baskets containing flowering plants or ivy can also be used.

Look around and discover various ways we can decorate our homes, work Plants can be used for decorating places and communities with plants. We many areas, including our homes, as must remember, though, that we must well as our business environments, as take care of them. they provide a pleasant environment and atmosphere.

Presented by the SVG Horticultural They can be displayed in a variety of Society.

We have looked at some of the things that must be taken into account in the care and treatment of potted plants; these are light,temperature, water, humidity, potting and re-potting and pruning.

V Venezuela lays claim on Guyana territory again

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 5.

Regional

VENEZUELA HAS, once again, sought to establish claim to territorial waters of Guyana, to include an offshore area where a major oil deposit was discovered only last month, May 2015.

This claim is in addition to Venezuela’s decades-old claim of two thirds of Guyana’s territory (land mass), described as Latin America’s largest territorial dispute.

The most recent claim, June 6, surfaced when Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro issued a decree claiming sovereignty over Guyana’s territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean, off the Essequibo region, exactly the area in which the oil deposit was discovered.

Guyana’s immediate response came through its newly installed Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge, who said the Venezuelan ambassador will be summoned to give an explanation.

“We shall be calling in the country’s ambassador to explain its meaning, and to voice our concern about this escalation of a long-running attempt to achieve by questionable means, what Venezuela has so far failed to achieve by internationally accepted legal and diplomatic approaches,” Greenidge told AFP. Minister Greenidge also told AFP that his Ministry was examining the contents of a May 27, 2015 edition of Venezuela’s Official Gazette that states the coordinates of what is purportedly an extension

of its maritime boundary with Guyana.

Guyana is not taking the most recent claim lying down, and evidence of this came from the Head of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, who said that the military and civilian authorities were studying the decree by Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.

“That matter is being studied … it is being studied by the Foreign Affairs, it is being studied by everyone, all the main actors, including the military.

Everybody is paying attention to it,” he told AFP. Prior to ExxonMobil’s announcement last month that it had found a “significant” oil deposit, Venezuela had twice written to the Guyanese subsidiary of that company warning it against continuing the search for oil because that maritime area and the entire Essequibo Region – the land area from Venezuela east to the Essequibo River – were part of its territory.

Back in September 2013, Venezuela’s Navy intercepted and arrested a seismic vessel that had been conducting tests as per an offshore concession that Guyana granted to a Texasheadquartered company, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.

Meanwhile, the Venezuela-Guyana impasse has not escaped the attention of CARICOM. Following its noting of assertions contained in a Communique from the

Map showing area (land mass) of Guyana to which Venezuela lays claim.

Ministry of the Peoples Power of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, dated March 3, 2015, CARICOM issued a statement which read, inter alia, “The Caribbean Community reiterates its firm, long-standing and continued support Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s Foreign for the maintenance of Minister, moved the sovereignty quickly to voice and territorial his country’s integrity of concern about Guyana, and for Venezuela’s latest the unhindered attempt to lay economic and claim to Venezuela has renewed its claim to Guyana’s offshore territory, social Guyana’s development of all offshore territory. this time including an area where US oil giant ExxonMobil recently discovered oil. of Guyana,” There is yet to be a CARICOM response EDITOR’S NOTE: Venezuela’s territory Guyana, on the other hand, has a total to this latest chapter in covers around 916,445 sq. the ongoing Guyanaarea of (214,970 sq. km (83,000 sq. km(353,841 sq. miles) with an Venezuela dispute. miles) with an estimated population estimated population of 29,100,000.

(Source: AFP) of 799,613. (Source: Wikipedia)

LIAT - a ‘black hole’ REGARDLESS OF WHAT Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, chair of LIAT shareholder governments believes, LIAT was a “black hole” into which he (Gonsalves) and his partner governments “were throwing away their money.”

This was just one of the many sentiments expressed by Caribbean Aviation expert and former LIAT pilot, Captain James ‘Jim’ Lynch, in an open letter to the shareholder governments of LIAT. The Trinidad and Tobago Newsday of Thursday 4th June, 2015, reported that Lynch, in his letter, called for major changes in the operations of LIAT, “from the top to the bottom — from the composition of the Board to the lowest ranking member of staff.”

He continued, “If LIAT is to survive, there is required massive change, change of Board, change of management, change of attitude and change in the way things are done.”

Unless this action is taken immediately, Captain Lynch predicted the airline, in its current structure and operation, “will die.”

According to the Newsday report, Captain Lynch also forecast an early demise if nothing changes. “My considered forecast is that LIAT has less than two years before the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), or some other creditor group, chains its doors and sells the airplanes for debts.”

The Newsday reported further that Captain Lynch had expressed a belief that politics played

too much of a role in LIAT, and called for the airline to be turned over to aviation professionals.

Towards this end, he suggested the appointment of a new Board, comprising persons with knowledge of the airline industry; and the removal of the current executive, no matter the cost.

He called for the publication of the airline’s audited statements annually, so that the taxpayers could see where and how their money was being spent.

He wrote, “The airline is paid for with public money, and that public has a right to an accounting,” Captain Lynch is said to have told the shareholder governments.

LIAT is said to have had passenger loads in 2014 that were half what they were in 2013, yet the expenses remain the same, or even greater.

Captain James Lynch, former LIAT pilot, has predicted a swift death for LIAT unless immediate and major changes are made in its operation.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, PM of St, Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairman of LIAT shareholder governments, is cited as ‘throwing away money’ in an airline that needed serious change from top to bottom.

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival Beat

Dynamites ready for calypso semi Bowman said he expects at least five of the 14 calypsonians, including himself, who participated in the preliminary round, to be selected for ThE NEW YORK-BASED Dynamites the semi-final round.

Calypso tent was once again first out the He, however, declined to identify starting boxes, when it held its 2015 the others, saying only: “Everybody preliminaries of the 20154 national performed very good.” Bowman’s 2015 calypso Monarch Competition, Friday number was “”Calypso Best Friend”.

29th May. John, “the Truth” Dougan, the tent’s Though many of the cast declined to public relations officer and a member predict the number of calypsonians of the cast, whose preliminary offering who will be selected for the semi-final was “Secret Weapon”, said, “It round, scheduled for Friday 26th June [Preliminary Night] was well attended. at Victoria Park, Kingstown, most … The guys (calypsonians) performed calypsonians from the tent have well. We had songs for the NDP [main expressed confidence that they will be opposition New Democratic Party] and selected. the ULP. “I think it was one of the better “Everybody is saying we have six or years in terms of the quality and seven picks [for the semi-final round],” standard of the calypsos,” said Dennis he added. “…. I’m thinking about six Bowman, a frequent National Calypso picks. I’m not calling any names, finalist. though.”

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

Those who attended the preliminaries were perhaps surprised by perennial favourite and five-time National Calypso Monarch De Man Age (real name Errol Rose). His number, “Changes’, was a philosophically inclined one, a diversion from his usual biting political commentaries.

He told THE VINCENTIAN, while “Changes” was philosophical, some nationals may not like another song, “You Overstay Your Welcome”, which he plans to release next week.

Dennis Bowman, perennial finalist, expects to be at Victoria Park as a finalist in this year ‘ssemi-final.

‘The judging is a set-up’ Ainsley Primus, the Arnos Valeborn president of the Dynamite Calypso Tent, also declined to predict the number of calypsonians who will be selected.

“I stop predicting,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “Last year, I predicted five, and they give us three.

“The way the judging is set up, the Dynamite Calypso Tent is at a disadvantage,” he added.

Ainsley cited that calypsonians from his tent are judged earlier than their counterparts at home, and that there is a two-week gap before the local (home) judging.

“It should not be two weeks, and it just leaves four days [from the announcement of the semi-final results] for the guys here to practise,” Primus said. “Last year, we protested it, and they [Calypso Association] go back and do the same thing.

“We have jobs up here, where we have to put in for time off [in advance],” he added. “You [calypsonians] have family, you have to arrange for certain things, you have to buy airline tickets. It’s ridiculous.”

Nevertheless, Primus said overall, it was a very successful night. “All the guys performed well. They delivered the songs nice, and the people responded well,” he assessed.

Besides Bowman, Dougan and Rose, the others to have faced the judges were: Bob MC (“Comrade”); Brother Don (“Poor People Tired”); Phil Patch (“Jamming”); Fabulous T (“Change is Coming”); ”); Navel String (Come out and Vote); Exposer (“Ah Hear What Me Mother Say”); Stryker (“Calypsonians Nah Rich”); Oscar James (“Argyle International Airport”); Jakie (“Don’t Sing About That”); Rejector (“That Is Why”); and I Madd (“I Love This Land”).

The Preliminary Night also featured a moment of recognition when New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams, a Grenadian American who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, presented the Dynamite Calypso Tent with a proclamation for the tent’s work in the community.

Ainsley Primus accepted the award.

John “The Truth” Dougan expects the Dynamites to have up to seven picks in this year’s semi-final.

Earl “Exposer” Isles, the veteran minor key specialist, continues to wax his lyrics among a wave of newcomers.

Ainsley Primus, president of Dynamite Calypso Tent, once again, expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which the ‘judging is set up’.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 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 No, No, Venezuela TENSION WAS HIGH IN GUYANA over the last week, as a result of the latest claim by Venezuela to Guyana’s territorial space.

The claim, contained in a decree from Venezuela’s President Nichols Maduro, was for an area of offshore territory of Guyana, which, interestingly, included an area smack in the middle of recently identified oil deposits.

This claim is but the most recent in a border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana that dates back to the 1800s, when Venezuela first laid claim to two-thirds of the land territory of then British Guiana. That claim was adjudicated by international tribunal in 1899 in favour of the British, (i.e. Guyana), very much to the consternation of the Venezuelans who, from day one, have contended that the arbitral award of 1899 was not binding.

When Guyana achieved its independence in 1966, both parties agreed to the Treaty of Geneva, which established a framework for resolution of the border dispute. The Treaty remained unaltered but has not led to a solution of the dispute.

And as recent as October 2013, tensions between the two neighbouring South American countries erupted, when Venezuela detained a seismic survey vessel operating in Guyanese-claimed territorial waters.

Guyana moved swiftly after this intrusion for a resolution to the sea and land boundaries, but to no avail.

And now the June 2015 decree, which is nothing but a threat by the Venezuelans. Are we to assume that Venezuela has no real intention of having this centuries-old dispute settled? Are we to assume that the settlement Venezuela seeks is one that rules in its favour?

All of this comes amidst Venezuela’s overtures to the Caribbean and beyond, through its PetroCaribe, an oil alliance that allows CARICOM members (moreso OECS members) to purchase Venezuela oil on conditions of preferential payment; through ALBA, a regional bloc it heads, that purports to encourage social, economic and political integration (not independence) in Latin America and the Caribbean; and through its touting of UNASUR, a Union of South American Nations, supposedly modeled on the European Union.

Interestingly, Guyana is neither a member of the PetroCaribe alliance nor ALBA, but it sits, along with Venezuela and 12 other South American countries, as ‘equal’ members of UNASUR. But, how can UNASAR ever be considered a body of equal opportunity, when its principal member (Venezuela), like some antiquated imperialist power, lays claim to the territory of another member (Guyana)? If it was, would Venezuela not consider pursuing a settlement of the dispute through mediation by its comrade countries within UNASUR? Who better to do this than their neighbours?

Then again, there might be too much risk implied here since Guyana stands apart, culturally and politically, from the majority of UNASUR members.

But, if as its mandate says it, UNASUR, is, among other things, ‘a mechanism for the resolution of investment disputes,’ wouldn’t it be correct to deem Venezuela’s intrusion as ‘an investment dispute’, since it appears that the only good reason Venezuela would want land and sea territory of Guyana is to lay claim to that country’s natural resources/deposits?

Then there is CARICOM. The last we heard of CARICOM on this matter was in March 2015, five months after the intrusion by Venezuela naval forces into Guyana’s territorial waters, when it issued a statement that very politely ‘reiterated its firm, long-standing and continued support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana’, and expressed ‘its hope for an early resolution of the controversy which has arisen as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the arbitral award of 1899… is null and void’.

Not a word since, and no word as we go to press, from CARICOM, on the recent presidential decree from Venezuela.

What on earth is CARICOM afraid of? Why has it been so lame in its expressions about this dispute that involves one of its organic members? Why has it stopped short of condemning the machinations of a superior ‘power’ over one of its legitimate members? Are there among CARICOM membership those who feel so indebted to Venezuela for what it has provided for them, that they feel it impolite and ungrateful to even raise a whisper of condemnation of that Bolivarian Republic? Where does our allegiance lie? Where is our sense of what is right?

No, no Venezuela! Hands off of Guyana! This should be the deafening, finger-waving warning from CARICOM. To do anything less is to wallow in a state of self-pity and hopelessness, far from that genuine Caribbean Civilization that we so want to build.

A gentle reminder that the Garifunas are our lost brethren VINCENTIAN PEOPLE ACCEPT that the Garifuna brethren are our soul brothers with whom we should reconnect sooner rather than later.

For years, we yearned after and longed for them to rejoin us. And in the 1970s, there sprang up progressive youth who formed themselves into groups, with a common cry relating to our Black brotherhood.

The social situation spawned bodies such as the Educational Forum of the People, the Organisation of Black Cultural Awareness (OBCA), Black Liberation Action Committee (BLAC) and the Young Socialist Group, all with shared views and common interest to promote union and progress among coloured folks.

Some spill-over and kindred groups concentrated their action on specific goals, all contributing to the rise of subject peoples to their self-realisation. We have republished such a gathering which speaks for itself.

We note the names of some progressives: Renwick and Conley Rose, Nelcia Robinson, John Horne, Yvonne Francis Gibson, Tydel John, Blazer Williams, and sympathetic references to “Son” Mitchell and Dr. Fraser.

But, significantly no mention at all of Dr Gonsalves.

Reading History backwards, we can perhaps begin to understand the position taken by Ralph Gonsalves against our Garifuna peoples. His absence was significant, and he sent no messages to that gathering.

Why on earth does Renwick Rose always fly in defence of the comrade with well-written, albeit hypercritical, rationalisations? He cannot live on “damage control” to compensate for personal favours rendered in the past.

But more of that later. Here is the real Mc Coy, “First Hero’s Day Rally” by Conley Rose, an employee of THE VINCENTIAN 1992, and blood and soul brethren of Renwick.

“In spite of the inclemency of the weather, the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) held a historic and successful National Heroes Day Rally at the Langley Park Government School, on Saturday 14th of March 1992.

Under themes: “Let us Honour our Heroes” and “500 years of struggle and Resistance”, the NQC activists, led by its Chairman Renwick Rose, must be congratulated for braving the pouring rain and carrying on the day’s celebration, in such damped and uncertain conditions. The rally nevertheless started around 5:15p.m, with singing of the National Anthem, followed by a fitting prayer

by Nelcia Robinson, and welcoming remarks

by Tydel John, the chairman of the day’s proceedings.

Open remarks were given by the NQC chairman Renwick Rose, who stressed the significance and importance of National Heroes Day, and he emphasised the representative character of the NQC, and also indicated that the request to the Government of St Vincent and Grenadines is one of a serious nature to be treated in such manner.

In his words, “National Heroes Day has to do with our history, our self-pride, our identity and also our cultural traditions as a struggling people”.

Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, John Horne, delivered greetings to the rally on behalf of Government. The Cultural Minister in an emotional address, said that, “at times like these, reality must give precedence to our emotions”. He went on to state that the Garifuna people in Belize become very emotional and hysterical when

reacting to St Vincent as their homeland, and he is very proud of the Garifuna response in Belize. The education Minister stated that he knows that there is a burning desire by the people of St Vincent to recognise March 14th as National Heroes Day, but that it was up to the Cabinet to decide on the issue. The Administration had no objection of declaring March 14trh as National Heroes Day. He later called on the people above the Dry River to recognise their roots as Garifuna people to seek to develop Calinago Culture.

The Minister of Culture stated that in three years time, a number of the descendants of the Black Caribs from Belize would be visiting St Vincent for the centenary celebrations, and said, the question is, “Are we ready and able to welcome the Garifuna people to our shores?”.

He then made some recommendations to the rally: (1) that Vincentians consider a programme of education on history and culture of St Vincent and the Grenadines. (2) That the History book “Rise and Fall of the Black Caribs” be taught in all schools throughout the State. (3) That Dr. Kirby and Dr. Fraser compile a book on local history to use as a history book. (4) That the Historical Society be revived as an active organisation.

The Education Minister, on behalf of the Government, thanked Mayor Sylvia Flores for visiting SVG. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Culture Yvonne Francis Gibson followed soon after with a short address.

Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams paid tribute to Ebenezer Theodore Joshua. He spoke on the “Life and Times of Joshua,” and reiterated the call for “Pappy Joshua” to be made a National Hero.

The highlight of the National Heroes Day Rally, however, was the feature address delivered by the guest speaker, the Hon. Sylvia Flores, Mayor of the City of Dangrega in Belize. Mayor Flores was given a rousing welcome, and a standing ovation by the Chairman and officials present at the rally.

Chairman Tydel John gave a good account of himself, in keeping the attention of the crowd, and moreso, for his precise introduction of Mayor Sylvia Flores.

The chairman told the crowd that Sylvia Flores, a descendant of the Black Caribs, is the first Woman Mayor, (a Garifuna) of the city of Dangrega in Belize.

Mayor Flores asked the rally to observe one minute silence for Chatoyer, then recited a poem on Africa, which was well received. The mayor said that her visit to St Vincent is the fulfilment of a dream come true, of returning to her roots and homeland. She outlined the common bonds of blood relations, history, culture and struggles as a people both in Belize and in St Vincent.

Several cultural performances took place throughout the rally, including the kids of New Adelphi, the Sandy Bay/Owia Quadrille Dance Group, Sulle and others. An exhibition of arts and craft, and photos of National heroes were displayed. Local foods, including doucana and bam bam, with local juices were on sale. D.J music complemented a fine evening of rich culture and positive education, combined with a strengthening of the bonds between Garifunas of Belize and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 9.

Letters

Watching our development WHAT TODAY we regard as development, may tomorrow, prove to have been the commencement of the construction of the infrastructure to cultivate slums. To negate this deterioration and the resultant wastage of land space and other resources, we must demand that all projects aimed at development be well thought through, with the view of

ensuring, that whatever we may be embarking on, represents the best use of our limited resources, and has the potential to contribute positively, to the welfare of succeeding generations of citizens.

When a project is put down, it is the duty of the persons charged with the supervision, to ensure that the quality of work is the best that could reasonably be expected. It

would seem to be common sense to have a continuous programme of monitoring and maintenance, so that any weakness of construction could be effectively addressed.

Some of the projects which are today beginning to show signs of deterioration, are the ‘Cruise Ship Terminal’, the ‘NIS’ building and the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Some years ago, a group of

persons, quite likely engineers, had offered their services, with respect to the development of a programme of organized maintenance of public properties. It would be good if another such effort could be made.

By the way, are we, government and citizens of SVG, satisfied and comfortable with the condition of the drain which we cannot

help but notice, as we take the walk to the cemetery, the drain which borders the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, just two hundred yards away from the offices of the Public Health Department?

Certainly, we can do better than that!

LeRoy Providence

Do what Thank you, Chanderpaul is right!

I WILL NOT STOP writing against wrong things, as long as God inspires me, like Paul, to write.

I am not speaking from some philosophical point of view; I am speaking from my own personal experiences.

Some righteous people who work hard and make a contribution to this nation, make wills to benefit their children. When death comes, it meets some of the children living abroad. In those circumstances, that is when the con-artist steps in, looking for what they haven’t worked for.

The sad thing about it, is that the dead don’t have any sort of power or strength to come and turn the wrongs to right. There is nothing wrong with lawyers doing their job, but by the end of the game, let it be fair.

The lawyers’ work is to build this nation to prosperity.

Righteousness exalts a nation. Not me ‘Liveup’ say so, is God.

I THOUGHT I would depart from my usual interest, and submit something on cricket.

Yes, cricket. As you know, I dabbled in the game a little bit during my school days back home.

You will be surprised, but there are many of us living up here in the Big Apple, who do our best to keep abreast of what’s happening with West Indies cricket. I don’t have to tell you how we suffer whenever we hear or see our side crumble to the likes of England and Australia in particular. Gone are the glory days of men like

Viv Richards.

Now to my point. It concerns Shiv Chanderpaul. There has been a lot said about Chanderpaul’s omission from the team for the current test series against the Australians.

That is understandable because, if ever there was a man who gave his all for West Indies cricket, it was this little man from Guyana.

But to tell the truth, his time has come.

There is no doubt that over the recent past, his form has dipped way beyond what we have grown to expect from him. And isn’t he now

A paucity of diabeticfriendly foods

IT IS MORE than a little ironic that, despite constant warnings, cautions, and advertisements regarding diabetes as one of the greatest threats to life and limb in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there is a real paucity of diabetic-friendly foods in the local supermarkets: cereal foods, salad dressings, ice cream, pancake syrup, jams and jellies, cookies, sodas, etc., all of which are manufactured in sugar free or low sugar versions by dozens of companies; few if any are available to diabetics here. This is particularly puzzling, in view of the large customer base for these products in St. Vincent.

There should be a large “sugar-free” or “low‘Live-up’ sugar” section in every supermarket here, well stocked with a wide range of products. And in that those items tend to have a slightly FOR ALL THOSE many Africans from their higher profit margin, retailing at a slightly Garifuna people who have homeland and sold them higher price, there is a and continue to dealt into slavery. You know with this gentleman, you the history of our people. built in incentive, so why the scarcity? How were all wasting your Do not start up this many Vincentians time. engine. would be alive now, or Mr Prime Minister, our not have lost a limb, ancestors were forcefully Wellington C. Ramos removed from the country Adjunct Professor History had they been able to incorporate sugar-free that you are governing. products into a diet of How would you feel if a Editor’s Note: This country was to invade letter was first published local fruits and your ancestors’ home, on Caribbean News Now, vegetables, forestalling the ravages of Portugal, and take your June 4, 2015. It was diabetes? people somewhere else? accompanied by a video In fact, your people, which cannot be included HJA the Portuguese, removed here.

SVG PM doesnÊt mean well for Garifuna people

close to or 40 years old?

This is no offense to him, but he has become unproductive, while some young fellows seem to be piling up some runs in regional cricket.

It is a pity that he has to go this way, with people like Lloyd having to tell him that there is no room for him in this new period. If I were Chanderpaul, I would have avoided this embarrassment and announced my retirement soon after the last series against

England in the Caribbean.

One question though: I and some others have been wondering if Chanderpaul has, since his omission, announced his retirement from test cricket. If he hasn’t, somebody, may be his friend Brian Lara, could advise him to do so.

In the meantime, we have to thank Chanderpaul for a helluva lot. He deserves to be duly honoured.

Garnet, N.Y.

Open letter to FLOW THE RECEPTION on some TV channels, particularly Ch.160 BBC World News and Ch.258TCM, is at times broken, poor and wholly unacceptable.

I feel that Flow is aware of this situation, but is indifferent and uncaring to it. Rather than being silent on it, Flow should inform the public as to its cause and how it will be remedied.

I write this open letter of complaint, so that Flow cannot say that no one has complained about it.

Castine I. Quashie

Welcome home, my brothers and my sisters WE HAVE CUBANS and Venezuelans working in our country. They too are welcome. So too are other Caribbean brothers and sisters!

As our leader quite rightly pointed out, they will not take away, they will add! And , as one of my friends said, “This is a game changer.”

In time, the majority of Vincentians will support this idea (Honarary Citizenship for Garifuna) because, apart from strengthening our cultural ties with the Garifuna community, this move will have a significant positive impact on our economy.

Let me make one thing clear: The idea of bestowing honorary citizenship on our Garifuna brothers and sisters, does not necessarily mean that they would take up residence in SVG; and even if they do, I believe they would be investing and building our economy.

We might also like “Punta Rock!”

Great move, Hon. Arnhim Eustace!

Stephen ‘Scombo’ John, President of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Committee of New York (SPOONY), the NDP New York arm.

* Where is the local Garifuna Heritage Foundation, in all this debate about honorary citizenship for Garifuna? * Has there been any formal discussion with the owners of Balliceau, regarding the purchase of part or the whole of the island, to make that promised sacred ground for Garifuna? * Are we covering up a recent spate of attacks on yachts and yacht persons here? * What’s the situation with that money found on the plane that crashed in Langely Park not so long ago? Has the money been used to buy conchs? * Could somebody explain to ManAbout-Town how a man who was declared the best investigator in the Caribbean, could be removed as head of the local CID? It doesn’t make sense to me; but then again, I am not so sensible, eh?

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Arnhim Eustace’s darkest hour The issue ARNHIM EUSTACE, the leader of the opposition New Democratic Party, is going through a phase in his political life that he would want to forget, but this period is not going to disappear.

Last month, Arnhim Eustace disgraced his political party, further disgraced all patriotic Vincentians, and demonstrated even further, why he is unfit to lead this country. Many NDP supporters, some publicly, others in their private corners, are still trying to come to grips with the performance of Eustace, at his latest town hall meeting in Brooklyn.

By and large, town hall meetings are an important platform to outline the socio- economic plans of a political party. For the opposition, this town hall meeting was an opportunity for Eustace to convince those Vincentians in the Diaspora that his party is ready for leadership. He needed to do this, so that those Vincentians in the Diaspora could convince their relatives and friends in their homeland, to support the NDP. Secondly, here was an opportunity for Eustace to be convincing, so that persons in the Diaspora could provide some much needed funding for the NDP.

Eustace’s performance A number of Vincentians followed the presentations of Arnhim Eustace either live on the internet, or through the live broadcast on NICE radio.

Those Vincentians who were expecting something more than the run of the mill, monotone presentation that Eustace provides, on his usual Monday programme, were sorely disappointed.

Arnhim Eustace provided nothing different, nothing to show that the NDP was ready for government, and nothing different to show that he was ready for leadership in this country.

On the contrary, Vincentians came away with the distinct feeling and opinion, that the NDP must “wheel and come again”, and present new ideas, a new vision and a different philosophy.

Here are some examples: 1) When asked about his five to fifteen-year economic plan for St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Eustace could only say “Ask Ralph”.

Here was an opportunity for him to outline in some detail, his economic plan for the country, bearing in mind that the government had already outlined a new twelve year plan from 2014 to 2026. Eustace failed miserably in this regard.

2) He was asked about his degree, and whether or not he has been current with the field of his studies.

Arnhim Eustace found this to be unforgiveable, and his answer was “that is a very interesting question, very interesting, and my answer is, you are out of your place”. This was an opportunity for Eustace to demonstrate his expertise in the field of economics. He should have been saying where he has lectured, what articles he has written and published, and outline his thinking on current economic theories. Not so Arnhim Eustace! He decided instead to hurl an insult on the asker.

3) He was asked about his constant attempts to “bad talk” this country, and his answer was, “Everybody has a

right to speak, even if they speak foolishness”. Many NDP supporters were appalled by this answer, another insult to a member of the audience who was asking a simple question.

To make matters worse, Eustace took to the microphone at a political meeting in Richland Park, to claim that the ULP arranged for these questions to be asked at the town hall meeting. Nothing could be further from the truth. But in any case, even if this were so, it brought out the very worse in Eustace, and showed even further, why he is unfit for leadership in this country.

To sum up his performance, we turn to the Searchlight newspaper of June 9th, 2015, and page seven, and “The Week That Was”. The paper stated “in the long tradition of Vincentian politicians making the pilgrimage to Brooklyn to hold town hall meetings with the Diaspora, few have been as politically disastrous as Arnhim Eustace’s trip to drum up support for the NDP’s election effort”.

This says it all. He was battered, beaten and bruised on Facebook by all and sundry. Even mild-mannered Vincentians who are loathe to getting in the country’s political debate, could not resist having their say, on the performance of Arnhim Eustace. It was indeed a black day for Armhim Eustace and the NDP, and it is difficult to see them recovering from this episode, to make any significant difference at the next general elections.

Conclusion Two other issues which emerged from that disastrous town hall meeting must be mentioned here. The first is the statement made by Eustace offering “honorary” citizenship to the Garifuna people.

Much has been said about this, but we await, with interest, further explanation from the Leader of the Opposition, since he must tell the Vincentians people what he means by this statement. To some persons, this is an illusionary attempt to influence the voters in the North Windward constituency, but we await further development in this regard.

The second issue is the use of the former member for the Southern Grenadines, Glen Stewart, to discredit the international airport project at Argyle. In the process, Stewart made some virtually incorrect statements on the project, in which he stated, among other things, that the ULP government never brought a bill to Parliament, in relation to funding for this project. We can perhaps forgive Glen Stewart for this unfortunate statement, but we must hold Eustace and the NDP responsible, since they will remember not supporting at least three bills which came to Parliament, seeking approval for funding for this project.

One thing is for sure, and it is that Arnhim Eustace and the NDP will wish that this event never happened, and that Vincentians will forget this sorry, sordid episode by the next general elections.

The Garifuna are our brothers and sisters THE GARIFUNA were exiled by the British from St. Vincent (Yurumei) to Roatan Island, and 218 years after, they still recognize Yurumei as their Motherland. They are our brothers and sisters. And it must be reiterated that the NDP will grant honorary citizenship to all Garifuna. The form which this honorary citizenship will take, will be determined in consultation with the Garifuna, the NDP and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The following is a brief account of our Garifuna brothers and sisters.

In 1635, two Spanish ships carrying African slaves sank off the coast of St. Vincent. The slaves who survived swam ashore, and found shelter in the existing Carib settlements. Over the next century and a half, the two peoples intermixed, intermarried and eventually fused into a single culture, the Black Caribs or Garifuna.

During the 17th century, the French and English began to take an interest in the Lesser Antilles. King Charles I claimed the island as part of his mandate over Barbados and, in 1627, granted the island to the Earl of Carlisle. The Caribs there repelled most attempts at colonization.

However, two French priests came to the island in 1653 but were generally unsuccessful at converting the natives. In 1654, an inter-island council of Caribs agreed to fight to expel the French and English from the West Indies. The Caribs in St. Vincent killed the French priests, and the French responded by sending an expedition which destroyed Carib villages and crops. This inter-island Carib offensive was unsuccessful, and in 1660 an agreement was reached between the Caribs, French and English. In this agreement, the Caribs agreed to abandon all of the islands except for St. Vincent and Dominica.

As a result, the French and English regard these islands as neutral.

Despite this declaration of neutrality, the English continued to assert sovereignty over the islands.

The British tried a number of techniques to trick the Caribs out of their land; they proved generally unsuccessful. The Black Caribs harassed surveyors who entered their territory, and evaded several agreements designed to relocate them to Bequia, in the Grenadines. The skirmishes between the Black Caribs and the British increased and escalated into a full scale war.

During the war, the Black Caribs attacked from the Leeward side with Duvalle, and from the Windward side with Chief Chatoyer. Working his way along the coast, Chatoyer met up with his French supporters at Chateaubelair, and together the forces worked their way to Dorsetshire Hill, from where they would launch their attack on Kingstown.

Chatoyer, from all historical accounts, was an intelligent and charismatic leader. His followers considered him to be invincible.

However, it was reported that Chatoyer was killed on March 14th 1795, in a fight with British Major Leith.

In 1796, Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercrombie arrived in St. Vincent with a force of more than 4000 men, and forced the Carib leaders to surrender. The Caribs did not forget their allies, and insisted that the French be included in the negotiations. From this point on, the Black Caribs did their best to evade the British, disappearing for days at a time into the woods, prolonging the negotiations for surrender.

The sentiment among the British on the island was that the planters

could no longer coexist with the Caribs. Sir William Young’s account of the Black Caribs in the island of St. Vincent, published in England in 1795, was a long history of the Black Caribs and English on St.Vincent, primarily justifying the actions taken by the English, and ending with a powerful argument that the Caribs needed to be removed from the island.

Among his points were: “The Caribs combination of barbarous and of national enmity is not to be broken, and that the Caribs will ever be French. ….. The nation can have no further confidence in the treaty. ….

British planters would no longer have confidence returning to their plantations as long as they were still in fear of another Carib uprising”.

He ended the account with the statement: “Under all these circumstances and considerations, the Council and Assembly of St Vincent, in the instructions to their agent in London, declare the sole alternative to be, that the British planters, or the Black Caribs must be removed from the island of St Vincent”.

In the end, this sentiment prevailed, and the Black Caribs were forced to agree to an unconditional surrender, whereby they would be removed first to the island of Balliceaux, and then to the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras.

Even after the surrender, however, the Black Caribs did not accept this easily. After the Carib chiefs were sent back to report the decision to their people, with orders to respond within 4 days, the majority again disappeared into the woods and only 280 left for Balliceaux. Abercrombie’s troops were again sent to track down the natives and bring them in. The Caribs responded as before, with an attempt at guerrilla warfare. This time the British responded by laying waste to the Caribs settlements and torching their provisions. At one point, Chatoyer’s son had offered to surrender along with his large number of followers, but had again disappeared before they could be conveyed off the island. In the end, however, the policy of burning provisions wore them down and the people became destitute. The British sent two of the captives from Balliceaux to the people to explain how well they were being treated, which turned out to be highly successful. By October, 5080 Caribs had turned themselves in; they were then loaded onto boats from Balliceaux which set sail for Roatan in March 1797.

In reality, life on Balliceaux was harsh; more than half died of diseases before they arrived at Roatan. Those who made it to Roatan, however, fared relatively well. Most eventually moved to the mainland and became farmers, some joining in the wars of independence there. Today, Garifuna live throughout Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and North America, and number in the hundreds of thousands.

A few escaped to the most remote parts of the island of St. Vincent and remained in hiding for many years until the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in 1812. Very soon, Vincentians will be welcoming home our Garifuna brothers and sisters.

(Excerpts from St, Vincent and the Grenadines-a plural country and the Second Carib War)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 11.

Views

Seeing from behind our eyes

“Never let what the eyes see determine what your heart believes.” — Dr. Miles Munroe (1954-2014) THE QUEST FOR INNOVATION and a proactive culture is now discussed wherever people congregate in our “Caribbean space”. Many of our institutions of higher learning have embarked on programmes and courses that seek to encourage participants to be more focused on critical thinking.

There seems to be great urgency to encourage our people (young and old) to ascertain where and how they can innovate – to see things from behind their eyes.

There are still some among us who will state, “We have to see it to believe it.” These individuals are among those who have been socialised to avoid taking calculated risk. It would seem as though they are programmed to “play it safe”. They unwittingly retain the status quo, even as the world around them may be rapidly changing. So often, they are unaware that the world is unravelling around them. We need to encourage a new way of thinking in our schools, neighbourhoods, and workplaces. We need to encourage individuals to see from behind their eyes and not limit their vision to only what they can see with their naked eyes.

Innovation takes place when we see from behind our eyes. We can develop new value added products and services when we embrace such thoughts. We can find new ways of doing things when we accept the challenge of breaking away from the status quo. We can put new systems and structures in place that will improve the efficiency of operations, or give birth to new products or services when we learn to question the unquestionable. We do not limit ourselves by seeing the world as it is, but have a revised vision that sees the world as it can be … as we can make it.

This article is not suggesting that we engage in risky behaviours.

Neither is it suggesting that we uproot the moorings that keep societies strong. No, that is certainly not what is being proposed here.

Those principles that keep societies strong must forever remain unchanged. The principles that encourage honesty, integrity, decency, and purity must forever be protected.

We must always protect these from the evil forces that will rise and recommend that they be disbanded.

No, we must forever hold them dear.

However, we must forever seek to influence positive change around and within us. That is what this article is about. We must forever yearn to better our best efforts in relation to those deeds considered to be noble.

In May 2009, the researcher and author Haiyan Wang presented me with an autographed copy of the book that she had co-authored with Anil K Gupta. The book has helped me to see differently from behind my eyes.

The book, entitled “Getting China and India Right: Strategies for

Leveraging the World’s FastestGrowing Economies for Global Advantage”, was published by John Wiley and Sons Inc. earlier that year.

Students of global strategy and leaders of multinational firms will find this book extremely useful.

Among other things, Gupta and Wang reveal how successive governments of China and India have developed national strategies to ensure that their people are at the forefront on technology. For decades the governments of China and India have nurtured their people to see from behind their eyes; to not limit their thoughts and dreams to what they can see and feel. Today, China and India can boast of having the human resource capability to provide leadership in every profession. As a result of this, firms from all over the world now flock to those two nations as they seek to tap into the human resource capabilities there.

Our Caribbean leaders can “take a page from their book”. We need to encourage our people in general, and our children in particular, to take calculated risks and to dream the impossible dreams. We must encourage our citizens to invent and innovate; to constantly examine how to do things better, faster, and with less effort and energy. We have no less brain capacity than they do. We must begin from where we are to get to where we must be. In addition, as is the case in those Eastern cultures, we need to champion teamwork and cooperation. We are encouraged by those teachers in our primary and secondary schools who design programmes that will encourage students to look for synergies inside and outside the classrooms. Many of our tertiary institutions have also seen the wisdom of such an approach.

They know that “no one of us is as strong as all of us”. We encourage the pursuit of excellence. We know that collaborative efforts will give us a much greater return than the solo works. The detractors who seek to encourage us to “go it alone” and to “climb over others to get to the top,” must not discourage us. We see from behind different eyes. We see beyond the hurdles and mental (or physical) roadblocks that will periodically emerge. We are winners (not whiners)! We press on to new heights! We are inspired, and we do inspire! We must see things differently now. We will invent and innovate. The processes and techniques that brought us thus far are not necessarily what will be required to take us over through the next century. We must see beyond our mental horizons. We must see from beyond our eyes.

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

Danger lurks in your hair A SERIES OF PUBLISHED studies are revealing that black women are paying a heavy price, not only in dollars and cents, but more importantly in their health, when they choose to ‘chemicalize’ their hair.

A new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology has discovered a link between hair relaxers and uterine fibroid tumors in women and early puberty in young girls. Scientists based at Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center, followed more than 23,000 pre-menopausal Black American women from 1997 to 2009, and found that the two to three times higher rate of fibroids among black women may be linked to chemical exposure, through scalp lesions and burns resulting from relaxers.

Women who got their menarche (first menstrual period) before the age of 10, were also more likely to have uterine fibroids, and early menstruation may result from hair products black girls are using, according to a separate study published in the Annals of Epidemiology, last summer.

Three hundred African American, African Caribbean, Hispanic, and White women in New York City were studied. The women’s first menstrual period varied anywhere from age 8 to age 19; but African Americans, who were more likely to use straightening and relaxers hair oils, began seeing their period earlier than other racial or ethnic groups.

While so far, there is only an association rather than a cause and effect relationship between relaxers, the first menstrual cycle, and fibroid tumors, it is a known fact that the hair care industry is not regulated, so there’s no telling what black women are putting in their hair, and how harmful those products may be.

‘These studies go way beyond the damaging effects chemical relaxers may have on one’s hair. Women and girls may be damaging their reproductive systems with some of the hair products they use, making it even more critical to know exactly what you’re putting in your hair and in your body,’ said Cheryl Blackburn, the lead scientist in the study.

Other studies suggest that the toxic chemicals in hair products may be absorbed through the scalp in sufficient amounts, to create adverse pregnancy outcomes among black women. A case-control study of 525 Black women in North Carolina, who had delivered a singleton, live born infant, examined whether exposure to chemicals used in hair straightening and curling increased the odds that the infant, was pre-term or of low birth weight. The researchers found that women who used a chemical hair straightener at any time during pregnancy or within 3 months prior to conception, were more likely to deliver babies that were either pre-mature or of low birth weight.

The study disclosed that Black women were twice as likely as White women, to have a preterm delivery or a low birth weight infant. It said that differential socioeconomic status account for part but not all of these disparities. It noted further, that environmental factors such as

chemical exposures through hair oils and products that are common in Black women but uncommon or absent in White women, might account for some of the variation in risk.

Black women routinely report hair damage and skin irritation. Until now, they were unaware of any evidence of any reported systemic health effects. A recent report indicated that cosmetologists may be at increased risk of spontaneous abortions from occupational exposure to a variety of chemicals. Thus, it seems appropriate to investigate whether women who undergo chemical hair straightening or other forms of styling, are putting themselves at risks.

And it gets even worse. A causal link has been found between certain chemicals used in hair dyes, and the risk of adult leukaemia (cancer of the bone marrow/blood). This is a real problem among older men and women, who dye their hair to hide the greying evidence of advancing age.

It has been found that the darker, more permanent dyes are more cancer-forming than temporary and lighter dyes used less frequently.

Non-permanent dyes were not associated with risk. Long duration of permanent dye use may have a larger impact on the risk of leukaemia and other forms of cancers, than prior studies suggest.

Through the years, concern has been raised about the potential cancer risks associated with hair dye use.

Hair dye use has been examined as a risk factor for breast cancer, uterine cancer, and urinary tract cancer, and associations have been either lacking or marginal and based on sparse data.

Epidemiologic studies have suggested the existence of positive associations with a variety of cancers.

Various factors might affect cancer risk related to hair dye use.

Permanent dyes contain greater amounts of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals than semipermanent or temporary dyes, and darker dyes contain greater amounts of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals than lighter dyes. Older dyes may also be more carcinogenic than newer dyes formulated in response to concern about potential cancer risk. Frequency and duration of use are also likely to affect risk, as are the chemical processes involved (e.g., use of peroxide to lift colour in dyeing from dark colours to light) and the percentage of hair that is grey and in need of colour.

The hair and beauty industry is big business. Those who control it are more concerned with making money than with the health of consumers.

Information is all around us. We need to pull it together in order to augment our knowledge. Be warned. Failure to act can result in irreparable harm to your body, your baby and your health.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG government should reach out to the Garifuna people MANY PEOPLE of Garifuna descent, who were born outside of SVG, regard SVG as their true homeland. The Garifuna people were ill-treated by the British; thousands were killed fighting to protect and preserve SVG from the colonial invaders.

Respect and gratitude should be shown to our Garifuna brothers and sisters, for the great sacrifice they made in fighting to save their indigenous homeland, SVG. Although much time has passed since the Garifuna people were mercilessly forced out of SVG by the

British, many Garifuna people abroad still struggle today. SVG Green Party co-founder, Donald O’Neal, spent time with the Garifuna people in January 2003, in both Livingstone, Guatemala and Roatan, Honduras, and can attest to this.

Low-income, unemployment, racial inequality and prejudice are still everyday concerns for Garifuna people in Guatemala and Honduras. Any request for assistance or citizenship by the Garifuna diaspora should be taken

seriously by an SVG government.

Gonsalves has stated categorically that he does not support honorary citizenship for Garifuna people, and followed that up with insulting and undiplomatic ethnic slurs, such as, that the Garifuna people are ‘coming for jobs…for your houses’ (Source: The News, Friday 5th June, 2015). He should resign for this ethnic slur.

It is ironic that Gonsalves suggests that the Garifuna people are ‘coming for your jobs’, when there are no jobs to take. Gonsalves has been a failure in creating jobs for all our peopl,e and unemployment is high in SVG. Is it racially biased and prejudiced for Gonsalves to quickly reject the black Garifuna people, but welcome, with open arms the white, super-rich foreigners of Canouan and Mustique, who have no heritage with SVG? As well as the warm welcome to the white, super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan, Gonsalves has granted them blanket tax and customs duty exemptions too.

The white man helps the white man, but rejects the black man. Did colonialism ever leave SVG? A dialogue between the Garifuna diaspora and an SVG government needs to take place to establish exactly

what remedy or assistance the Garifuna people seek. A Green government will reach out to the Garifuna people abroad, and consult with them about the issues they face, and possible solutions to help them resolve these issues.

Honorary citizenship will not work, as certain rights and entitlements are bound up with citizenship, and creating different types of citizenship will blur the lines between what one is entitled to or not. People should be offered normal citizenship or not.

There exists a mechanism within the SVG Constitution for people who are SVG descendants, to claim their SVG citizenship. It may be that the evidence needed to prove descent has to be updated.

The Garifuna people are noble people, whose fore-fathers battled hard to defend their homeland and avoid slavery. The SVG government should reach out to the Garifuna people abroad. It may be that, having been displaced from their homeland once, being displaced again from their new homeland abroad is a scenario they wish to avoid. Consultations need to take place though.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 13.

Court

Twins to stand trial for attempted murder charged jointly, on three counts, with the attempted murders of TWIN BROTHERS Mike and Kelon Baptiste, Kenny Michael Prescott have Edwards and Askey been committed to stand Roberts, all of Lowmans trial in the High Court in Leeward. They are also connection with a charged together, on shooting incident at Buddy three counts, with Gutter, Lowmans Leeward, unlawfully discharging a June 16, 2014. loaded firearm.

The twins, 24, of At the conclusion of a Lowmans Leeward, are Preliminary Inquiry (PI) Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias ruled that a prima facie case was made out for the Prescotts to answer.

Nine prosecution witnesses testified at the PI which had commenced at the Serious Offences Court on May 4 this

year.

The witnesses included four police officers and virtual complainants.

Attorneys Israel Bruce and Roderick Jones represented the twins, while Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche appeared for the prosecution.

Man jailed for ammo possession A 22-YEAR-OLD UNEMPLOYED man of Green Hill is into his fifth day of a nine-month prison term, for ammunition possession.

Glenroy Ballantyne was on Monday sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of eight rounds of .38 special ammunition without a licence, and six months for having three rounds of 12-guage ammunition.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Ballantyne pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared before

Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias at the Serious Offences Court, on Monday.

The facts showed that on June 6, police executed a search warrant at Ballantyne’s Green Hill home, in respect of a report of burglary. Ballantyne was met at home.

During the search, the ammunition was found in a black plastic container in Ballantyne’s room.

Ballantyne was not represented by a lawyer.

The maximum sentence for illegal ammunition possession at the Magistrate’s Court level is seven years.

L-R: Twins Mike and Michael Prescott will together answer to three counts of attempted murder.

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bystander wounded in shooting NATTEREL STAPLETON was up to Wednesday, a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) recovering from a single gunshot wound to the stomach.

Stapleton, a farmer, was shot after two men opened fire on another

individual in the area of the Young Island dock, sometime between 8:30 and 9:00 Wednesday morning.

One eyewitness, who preferred to remain unidentified, told THE VINCENTIAN that some men were in the area

talking, when another individual arrived on the scene.

The eyewitness said a couple of minutes after the individual arrived, a vehicle pulled up and two masked men, each armed with two handguns, got out and

opened fire in the direction where the individual was standing.

Stapleton was unfortunately hit once in the stomach, but was not involved in the incident.

The injured man is said to frequent the area, with the Young Island and conducts business Resort.

Over the weekend, Shadine Johnson succumbed to the chop wounds she sustained at the hands of her former lover, bringing the

Two bullets penetrated the vehicle parked in the area where the incident took place. number of homicides committed for the year to 10. (DDD)

SVG seeking to reverse Canada visa requirement WHEN St Vincent and the Grenadines lost its visa free status with Canada in 2012, a statement attributed to that country’s Minister of Immigration, purported that this country’s travel document (passport) was unreliable, and that there was an inundation of applications for refugee status in Canada, by Vincentian nationals.

A lot has happened since that, with respect to reinforcing the reliability of Prime Minister this country’s passport, and Stephen Harper Prime Minister Dr Ralph may have Gonsalves said that he confused SVG intends to work towards with another obtaining visa free travel to Caribbean Canada once more, for territory, with Vincentians. respect to his According to Dr. concerns about Gonsalves, he was fortunate to be seated next to Canada’s economic citizenship.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the April 10 — 11, 2015 Summit of the Americas in Panama.

The two spoke uninterruptedly, Dr. Gonsalves said, for about two hours on a number of issues, including the visa requirement for Vincentians.

Dr. Gonsalves said that, now that the Schengen visa waiver had been signed, he would be taking the Canadians to task, in an effort to have them reverse the decision that now requires Vincentians to obtain visas to travel to Canada.

“I told him (Prime Minister Harper) that we are going to get a Schengen visa waiver, and that I was coming back to him, once the visa waiver was signed, because there is no reason for us to have lost that,” he said.

Gonsalves continued, saying that Harper asked about difficulties with economic citizenship, to which he said he responded that St Vincent was being mistaken for another state, and that he was confusing the two countries.

“When countries like this make decisions, they don’t change them very easily,” Dr. Gonsalves admitted, but he indicated that he had already instructed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Camillo Gonsalves, to get going on the issue, and that he intended to speak to Harper more in the future.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 15.

News

NOBA committed to making improvements

by DAYLE DA SILVA THE NATIONAL OMNI-BUS ASSOCIATION (NOBA) continues with their task of formalising the country’s transportation system.

To date, 100 omni-bus operators and/or drivers have registered with the organisation, have had their vehicles numbered, and are the holders of a bona fide NOBA Identification Card.

Additionally, as of Tuesday, those members are now officially attired in blue Polo shirts, compliments of telecommunications service provider LIME. The shirts were officially handed over by new LIME Senior Marketing Executive Nikala Williams, to Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, President of NOBA, at a function at the Cruise Shipp Terminal.

Bacchus told THE VINCENTIAN that the tshirts can be regarded as a formal uniform for members of NOBA. “We want to be able to differentiate NOBA drivers from the other drivers, because when something happens, NOBA gets blamed, and we want to ensure that NOBA is a well organised and disciplined organisation,” Bacchus said.

Shirts were not provided for conductors, however, and according to Bacchus, this was because they (conductors) are changed very often.

“We don’t want to give them uniforms and then they are gone,” NOBA’s president explained.

The organization has asked its members to encourage their conductors to wear matching blue t-shirts.

But while Bacchus hints at some success in the process of regularising NOBA, he admits that not all the drivers and owners are on board.

“We still having problems with those operating omnibuses that don’t want to come on board, because they feel it is not of interest to them.”

He stressed that all drivers and owners should have an interest in becoming organised, explaining that “when something happens involving an omni-bus or driver, the entire organisation gets blamed. They don’t look at that individual or that van, they look at the omni-bus association, so it is important for us to try to get them in.”

Whatever the issues some drivers/owners might have with the Association, the registered members of NOBA would be pushing forward with its plans.

According to Bacchus, a proposal will be submitted soon to the Transport Board, which will include a code of conduct and address concerns like drinking and driving, proper uniforms and zoning.

On the question of zoning, the NOBO Head noted, “Sometimes you may have 25 buses in one area, and one in another – it’s a problem.”

It was, in Bacchus’ words, “the members’ intention to change the entire transportation system because there were too many accidents involving omnibuses, and too much ‘van violence’.

“We are behind time in the Caribbean; we are the only ones running our transportation

The official logo displayed on omni-buses operated by NOBA members.

system in this way,” he lamented, adding, “It’s putting Senior Marketing Executive Nikala Williams (2nd from left the travelling public’s lives in front) making sure that NOBA members are now uniformed. danger, people losing their lives, van drivers driving recklessly; so it’s about time make another step forward, a the whole transportation that NOBA step up and try to big step, to try and change up system.”

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CCA donates to kidney patient Left: Yolanda Power, kidney patient, accepts a cheque from CCA Public Relations Coordinator Camille Crichton.

by KENVILLE HORNE

KIDNEY PATIENT YOLANDA POWER says that she is extremely grateful to CCA Ltd, for their financial assistance

towards the cost of her dialysis treatment.

Power says that although her insurance coverage is helping her to some extent, she still has to come up with some of the money needed for dialysis.

Last week Monday, Power received a donation from CCA Ltd. The money was handed over by Public Relations Coordinator at CCA, Camille Crichton, during a short ceremony at Health Solutions Inc., Beachmont.

“It will help me a lot because as you know, dialysis is very expensive…it’s still a little hard on me so I am very grateful and thankful,” said Power who was diagnosed with kidney problems last June.

Crichton said that CCA Ltd is always pleased when they can give back to persons in the community.

“On behalf of management of staff of CCA Ltd., I am pleased to present this cheque to Yolanda Power of Arnos Vale to assist with her dialysis treatment during 2015. Mr. Salidino is always keen to help in the health and wellbeing of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Crichton.

Antonio Saladino is the Chairman of the Canouan Resorts Development (CRD).

CRD is a subsidiary of CCA Limited, the main construction company and developer on the Grenadine Island of Canouan.

In 2014, CCA also assisted kidney patient Catherine Sargeant with her dialysis treatment.

Managing Director at Health Solutions Inc., Mrs. Pauline Garabedian-De Freitas, was on hand to witness last Monday’s donation.

CCA assistance to persons requiring dialysis is but one aspect of its communityspiritedness. They have been active benefactors of the mas band SVG Players International, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, the Lewis Punnett Home and the St. Benedict’s Hospital and Day Nursery, among others.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 17.

News

Census report expected soon

FOR THOSE who have been speculating about the census report, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves informed the nation last week Thursday, that the details of the census report are expected to be published by the middle of this month, June.

The Prime Minister gave the indication in response to a question posed to him during last week Thursday’s sitting of the House of Assembly.

According to the Prime Minister, the data processing was completed in 2014, and the report from the team at Central Planning was submitted to the Director of Planning, Laura

Anthony-Browne, to have some editorial work done in November 2014.

“The Director of Planning has not yet completed the editorial work, hence the delay in submitting the document to Cabinet,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

He further stated in his response, that a note was circulated, originating from Anthony-Browne, Data gleaned from the indicating that the Population and Housing process should be Census that was begun completed by mid-June, in 2011, is now with the at which time it will be Director of Planning, submitted to Cabinet, Laura Anthony-Browne and then published. (pictured) undergoing The government was editorial review. forced to redo the 2011 Population and Housing which occurred at the Census after the data Administrative Building was damaged in a fire back in October, 2011.

KFC (St Vincent) Limited (In Receivership) Opportunity to purchase used restaurant and kitchen equipment

The Receiver Managers of KFC (St Vincent) Limited, Marcus Wide and David Holukoff, are currently marketing for sale used restaurant and kitchen equipment (the "Equipment"), the Equipment was previously used in the operation of four franchise restaurants.

The Equipment is to be sold as is, where is, as a single lot, and cannot be split into individual lots.

To receive an information package, including terms and conditions of the sale and to arrange a viewing please contact Chris Macdonald on +1 284 340 3177 or chris.macdonald@uk.gt.com The Receiver Managers are inviting bids for the Equipment which is to be submitted in writing to; Restaurant Equipment Bid Attention: Chris Macdonald Regal Chambers P. O. Box 1674 Regal Building, 2nd Floor Middle Street Kingstown Saint Vincent The deadline for the bids is 5pm Eastern Standard Time on 30 June, 2015.

Please be advised that the Receiver Managers are not obligated to accept the highest or any offer, and any acceptance is at their discretion.

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18. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Miss Rose Hall takes Miss Leeward title

by KENVILLE HORNE

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Community College student, Philicia Ashton, appearing as Miss Rose Hall, displayed not only beauty and talent, but a

good dose of consistency, and was crowned winner in the inaugural Miss Leeward Pageant.

The pageant, held last Friday night at the Petit Bordel Hard Court, saw six

Miss Leeward 2015 (seated) flanked by 1st Runner up Lanesha John (left) and 2nd Runner-up Camille Myers.

contestants chosen from communities on the Leeward, competing in four judged categories Swimwear, Talent, Interview and Evening Wear.

Ashton was dominant on the night, winning in three of the four categories, - Swimwear, Talent and Evening Wear, and adding two of the four non-judged categories, - Photogenic and Most Community Spirited.

Miss Layou - Lanesha John — was adjudged 1st Runner-up, having won the Interview segment and being named Miss Congeniality.

Miss Questelles Camille Myers - took the Facebook People’s Choice award and was judged to be the evening’s 2nd Runner-up.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN following the results, Ashton

expressed happiness that she took the title, and expressed thanks to her Chaperone, former Miss SVG Shadiesha George, and all those who supported her.

The other contestants in the pageant were Miss Chateaubelair — Zeshain Adams, Miss Fitz Hughes — Melony Woods, and Miss Barrouallie- Bean Gloster.

Roland Matthews, Member of Parliament for North Leeward, in delivering remarks at the Pageant, pointed to the constituency’s record of entrants in the Miss SVG Pageant, including two in this year’s edition.

He also commended the North Leeward Sports Association, organizers of the carnival activities in the constituency.

Following the Pageant, persons took to the streets for the J’Ouvert (Saturday) celebration. A Street Jumpup was held in the afternoon.

Philicia Ashton, Miss Rose Hall, winner of the inaugural Miss Leeward Pageant.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 19.

News

Lions Club KingstownSVG hosts eye clinic THE LIONS CLUB KINGSTOWN -SVG, in collaboration with the Mobile Medical Mission from the United States, hosted another successful, annual ‘Eye Care 4 U’ clinic here.

Held over the period May 31st to June 5th, a volunteer team of 16 medical professionals, including 2 ophthalmologists and 3 optometrists, administered eye care services at two clinics, Dr. Robert Fisch, Head of the Mobile Medical one at the Arnos Vale Mission, conducts eye examination for one of the Sporting Complex, hundreds of persons who made use of the free where some just over service.

600 persons received attention; and at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where 65 surgeries were performed. The surgeries included 2 corneal transplants and the removal of an orbital tumor.

In addition to the surgeries, the team dealt with a range of eye related problems, and administered care and advice for persons with cataracts and glaucoma. Visual screenings were also performed, and a number of persons Lions Club members were on hand to received free prescription glasses. assist, including Lion President Head of the team from the Mobile Monica Glasgow, pictured here Medical Mission, Dr. Robert Fisch, sorting prescriptions. praised the Lions Club Kingstown-SVG for undertaking this initiative annually, and expressed gratitude on behalf of his continued collaboration with the Mobile team for the opportunity to provide this Medical Mission, stating that their yearly commitment to the project has service to the people of SVG. helped make it a success.

Lion Monica Glasgow, president of The Lions Club Kingstown-SVG is the Lions Club Kingstown-SVG, hailed this year’s clinic a success, declaring, “It one of three Lions Clubs in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, with its den was heartwarming to see the members of the club showing their commitment in (Headquarters) located at Frenches Gate. It undertakes service projects from our efforts to reach out and touch the Calliaqua to Chateaubelair on the lives of the less fortunate in our Leeward side of the island. community.”

The annual ‘Eye Care 4 U’ clinic is She also expressed gratitude for the considered the Club’s signature project.

Stubbs Government School assists Shellene SHELLENE RYAN PHILLIPS, a Grade Six student of the Stubbs Government School, will leave the state on Friday 12th June 2015 for Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A., where she will have a corneal transplant in her left eye.

Shellene’s eye problem, reduced vision, first surfaced when she was a Grade One student. Early intervention and action by her class teacher, Mrs. Flavia Gilbert-Frederick, and mother, Miss ShellyAnn Ryan, led to a series of local examinations and eventual corrective prescriptions (glasses).

The problem persisted, and Shellene was eventually referred to a visiting medical team of the World Paediatric Project of Richmond, Virginia, whose experts recommended the transplant.

Immediately, the School, led by Principal Miss Erline James, put in

Foreground: Principal Miss Erline James (left) hands over amount raised, to Ms. Shelly-Ann Ryan. Shellene Ryan Phillips is pictured between the two. motion a programme to raise funds to assist with Shellene’s travel to the USA, and the staff and students of the School were pleased, this week, to announce that they had raised some $3,307.93, through sponsored walks and appeals to individuals and groups, including teachers, parents and the

SVG Mission of Seventh Day Adventists.

Principal James, in handing over the amount raised to Shellene’s mother, remarked that the effort was driven by a strong belief in the adage, “Charity begins at home’.

Shellene will be accompanied to the USA by her father, Mr. Brenton Phillips.

20. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 21.

Feature

Hairoun Beer:

Turning Thirty - Maintaining its class HAIROUN BEER, the unique, smooth, refreshing lager, is unquestionably the Beer of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincentians guarantee that it is, as they ensure that four out of every five beers sold in the local market, are Hairoun beers.

It seemed like only yesterday that Hairoun Beer oozed out of the nozzles at the state-of-the-art Brewery at Campden Park, for the first time. But in fact, it was thirty years ago (1985) this year (2015) that Vincentians welcomed their own beer.

And like the generation of Vincentians that has grown up with Hairoun over the thirty years that it has impacted the local market, the Beer has grown up, but remains that distinctive tasting lager that makes it uniquely Vincentian.

Beer connoisseurs the world over, who have indulged in the Beer of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, attest to Hairoun’s distinctly crisp taste which, according to those responsible for supervising and guarding its brew, can only be produced from use of the finest hops and barley, and the purest water.

The latter, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is blessed with, and those who manage the affairs of the Brewery go out of their way to make certain that the primary raw materials are chosen from among only the very best.

Little wonder that the brand has been recognised the world over for its high standards of excellence, and has won several quality awards, including gold medals (1987 and 1993) from the prestigious Monde Selection, a European organization that tests and

The Evolution of Hairoun Beer. 1985 (left) and today (right).

rates consumer products from wine, beer and spirits to chocolate, confectionery and cosmetics.

Hairoun Beer has earned its place of pride and status among the best, anywhere, and is the envy of many of its competitors.

What else can we say, but to point to an enquiry on the TripAdvisor website, where an American who had visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and had imbibed herself with Hairoun, inquired, in

desperation, whether the Beer was available for sale in the US. Among all the beers brewed in and imported into that metropolis, the taste of Hairoun Beer had impacted in a lasting manner on that poor soul.

That is the magic of Hairoun Beer — the hold that the spirit of the forebearers of this sun-drenched island they called Hairoun — ‘The Land of the Blessed’ — has from its first sip.

Need we say more? Class is class, and Hairoun Beer, the Beer of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brewed

by Vincentians for Vincentians and offered to the world, just does not have class, it is a class above the rest.

Thirty years and ready for another generation, that’s Hairoun Beer.

22. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 23.

People

Sunny Banks calls for August Pan

at the St. Joseph’s Convents in Kingstown and Marriaqua.

‘SUNNY BANKS’ YOUNG, a Understandably, he pan tutor, pan arranger, said, parents are calypsonian and masman, reluctant to send their is suggesting that the children to practice.

Junior segment of the Banks himself is no Panorama competition be ‘fly-by-night’ shifted to August. His commentator of issues reason is that its current related to music and positioning (June), within culture here. He boasts the official Vincy Mas an unbroken programme of activities, involvement of 40 years clashes with the period of in those arenas. time set aside for He is an accomplished students’ examinations. music tutor, offering his Banks is attached to expertise to those who the Adelphi Secondary wish to learn the art of School as its music/pan playing the pan, drums, instructor, and has seen acoustic guitar and students struggle with keyboard. the dual tasks of pan He is skilled in the art practice and of building and tuning preparations for their miniature steel pans for examinations. That sale in the tourist situation has confronted market. him for the past seven His culture tapestry years, and he sees the also includes an integral August exercise as an role as builder/decorator alternative. with Blondie Bird and And Banks’ Friends Mas Band, a observations and leader in the mas culture recommendation are here. based not only on his His cultural experience of seven years endeavours extend to at the Adelphi Secondary being an active exponent School, but additionally of the calypso art form. on his stints, before that, He plies this trade as a

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Hull is new LIME Country Manager WAYNE HULL is the new St. Vincent and the Grenadines Country Manager of LIME. He replaces Leslie Jack.

Hull, a Certified Accountant (ACCA), was previously LIME’s Finance Manager and Senior Financial Analyst Operations and Control in the Southern Cluster.

His portfolio included managerial responsibility for all aspects of finance, Wayne Hull moves financial planning and up the corporate reporting, corporate ladder from Finance governance, as well as Manager to Country serving as financial Manager of LIME. controller for all Southern Cluster markets.

During his extensive tenure at LIME, Hull also had the opportunity to act as Country Manager, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Prior to joining LIME, Wayne worked with KPMG, one of the world’s largest professional services companies.

A release from LIME expressed confidence that Hull will continue to play an important role, as the Company further cements its position as a leading telecommunications company across the Caribbean and Latin America.

member of the Graduate Calypso Tent, and this year, offers two numbers, ‘Blame on me’, and ‘Keep them in the opposition’.

On the issue of the declining support for calypso, as evidenced by the fall off in numbers of persons attending the

tent shows, he acknowledges that the younger generation tends to gravitate towards the Soca genre; but wonders, “What happens to the calypsonians after they leave school?”

Sunny Banks is confident that he will

make it to the finals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition this year.

‘Sunny Banks’ Young has advanced the radical suggestion of removing the Junior Panorama from the Vincy Mas calendar.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Use of Viagra fooled me More fish Dear George, I HAVE BEEN with my boyfriend for six months now, and believe me when I tell you, I have had no problem with him until very recently. This has prompted me to write you.

The main thing I love about my boyfriend is he is extremely good in bed.

However, the last time we attempted to make love, he had an erection problem. It was all over in less than five minutes. I asked him what was wrong, but he did not tell me. I insisted that he give an answer. It was then that he told me he was taking Viagra pills since he has been with me, and that was the main reason for his superman actions in bed. It turned out that that time I referred to above, he had run out of pills, because the person who supplied him was out of town.

George, I was so disappointed and mad at the same time. I felt like a fool! I gave him his

marching orders, not because he had that problem, but for deceiving me.

I do not want a man whose aim is to fool me.

He knows I love my sex, and I would have been willing to work with him on his problem had he not been so deceptive.

in the sea

Dear George,

I WILL NEVER love another man, neither will I ever trust another man as long as I live!

For some time, a few girlfriends of mine kept seen in him thus far, and Maybe this experience telling me never to trust men. They gave me you think you can work would allow your various reasons, but I never bothered with them through with him on his relationship to become because I had a man, and I loved him. stronger, and give your problem, then it would What a shock it was for me when I found out Hurt not hurt to use this boyfriend the confidence from a good source (with pictures to prove it), that opportunity to let him he needs to be more open those same girlfriends, four of them, were having a Dear Hurt, know that he should with you. relationship with the man I boasted about. They never be fearful of would meet at different places and have their group It is your choice with talking to you about any George sex. Now I know why they were telling me not to respect to whom you and everything. trust men. want to be and remain When I confronted them, with. It is a good thing all they could say was that I to know what you want was too sure of myself and the from a man and from man I had, so they had to do your relationship. that to prove their point. not why I am with her. happiness in different Having said that, it is Dear George, It so happens that today he She wanted to add my ways and, at times, in human to make mistakes is with one of them and sometimes really the strangest places.

I AM IN LOVE with a name to her property, permanently, but they dumb ones. You can You seem very woman who is 30 years but I refused to let her do that because I do continue to have their group understand the convinced that you older than I am. She insecurity in your friend looks good in her body, not want her or anyone have found what you sex. Good for them! I am out! else to think I am with were searching for, fearing you would give and she has a big and her for what she has. I albeit someone so much Hell Mad him marching orders had loving heart. She have my own he come clean with you. treats me well, and older. The age debate The relationship is yet there is nothing I won’t profession and I have Dear Hell Mad, will go on forever, and property of my own as young and would do for her. depending on what side well. I am not hand to experience turbulence at This man who has betrayed She has her own of the fence you are on, mouth, and neither is this early stage. If this your love and trust, does not house and lots of your argument will be she. is the only flaw you have property, but this is represent all men, and you structured to suit.

The sex I have should not allow this sad and Once you have with her is the best hurtful experience to destroy discussed the age sex I have ever had difference in detail and your confidence in men. He is in my entire life. I a poor representation of what not only as it is now, am not going to tell a real man is. but what it would you how old she is There are other men out mean in the future, but let me tell you, there who are just waiting for then you need not give George, she is a sex the chance to show someone goddess! I have met way to the arguments like you what it is to love and the woman of my of others who would care for a woman. dreams. I just want look to discourage you As for your girlfriends, you you to advise me on from staying in your need to find another group of how to present her to dream relationship. friends. They are not your my friends and A good relationship friends, and probably never parents, because I is all about finding were. Be wary of friends who would want their happiness and peace. blessings on our If for now you have all pump negatives into your ear relationship. that you need and also about your partner because, often times, their motives are for the future, then Happy more power to you and less than noble. Consider this as a lesson learned, and move your partner. All the Dear Happy, on. best to you and yours.

We do find our own George

ItĂŠs all about happiness

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection. Invite friends over. Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues. You will be able to talk to your lover about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction. Concentrate on work. Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated. Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Networking will be a necessity. Join a choir or a drama club. You may be considering moving to larger quarters.

You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. Your ability to relate will close the generation gap.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Visit those less fortunate than yourself; be sure to help them with their personal problems. Business trips might prove unproductive. You could experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be careful while traveling. You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Lovers will be less than accommodating, and decisions regarding personal direction a necessity. Opportunities to travel will be favorable in terms of moneymaking connections. Emotional situations could bring out your stubborn nature.

Changes involving your domestic scene may be unpleasant.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. You should follow through on educational endeavors you have wanted to pursue for some time.

You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. Someone

important may be watching you from afar.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you'll have little patience with those who are slacking off. Don't let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you're not able to attend one of their affairs. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. You can make new connections if you play your cards right.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try not to lend or borrow money this week. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. You could pick up valuable knowledge through conversations with experienced individuals. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Secret affairs may be tempting, but keep in mind that they will damage your reputation if you decide to indulge. Try to put your money away for a rainy day.

Uncertainties are still prevailing. You'll be prone to tears if your mate is harsh with you this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. Sentimental feelings may make it difficult to get much done at work. Your personal life is going through a state of confusion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your partner may blame you for everything. Face any emotional problems head-on to avoid situations getting out of hand. Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect. If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't exaggerate. Ferret out information that will hold them responsible. Don't let any money slip through your fingers this week. In-laws may cause difficulties.

Travel should be considered.

ACROSS

44. Deduce 47. Plant’s 1. Cooking manager measurement 51. Chem., e.g. (abbr.)

52. Author 5. Couch Bagnold potatoes’ 54. Verdi fixations masterpiece 8. Swimmer’s 55. Eng. Course unit 56. Brazilian 11. Sunburnsoccer healing legend plant 57.Cherrystone, 12. Scrawny e.g.

13. Lyricist 58. Lisper’s Gershwin problem 14. Hobbled letter 15. Divorce town 59. Actor Hanks 16. Diarist Anais 60. Living __ quarters 17. Hillary’s daughter DOWN 19. Sheep’s cry 21.Mediterranean, 1.Powder e.g.

2. Uninteresting 22. “__ was 3. Indefinite saying…” amount (2 wds.)

4. Removes 23. Teen’s rock skin sta.

5. “Take __ 26. Nicholas II, Train” e.g.

(2 wds.)

28. Lament 6. Wine (Fr.) 32. Columbus’s 7. Snooty state people 34. French article 8. “Walk the 35. Singer __” Guthrie 9. Opera solo 36. Tinted 10. Breathe 37. Pitcher Nolan rapidly 39. LP abbr.

12. Public 40. Chilly revenue 42. Police officer department

18. Position 20. __ bean 22. Longdistance prexfix (2 wds.)

23. Fashionable 24. Poet’s possessive 25. Struggle 27. However much 29. Hockey great Bobby _30. Heidi’s mountain 31. __ de plume (pen name) 33. “Garfield” pooch 38. Scand.

country 41. Crawled 43. Soft orange color 44. Rhodes, e.g.

45. Military detective show 46. By __ and

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 25.

starts 47.Photographer’s need 48. “ __ and Otis” 49. Cain’s father 50. Mention 53. Recent (prefix)

V

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Entrance to Kingstown to bloom

“WELL, WHEN YOU WALK past the river at High School now, you can actually hear it flowing ... it’s quite relaxing!”

That’s one reaction to work that is being spearheaded by the Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC), intended to “transform” the drive into capital Kingstown, from the area of the Haddon Hotel Tennis Court, down to the area of the NDP Headquarters, to include the river running along the Girls’ High School hard court.

Grant Connell, Director of GTC, said that “We adopted the river opposite Grassroot Tennis Club (Haddon Hotel Tennis Court), having transformed the left side of the entrance to town.

We embarked on adjusting the other side so that the entire entrance to capital Kingstown could be changed ... the entire process should take 4 to 6 months.”

He described the undertaking as a “labour of love, …. the perfect example of the quintessential community project to which everyone can contribute — even if that means

simply desisting from the habit of littering.”

Connell admitted that it (the undertaking) can be difficult, cannot be accomplished alone, and called for help.

“We got some assistance from Senior Forestry Officer Mr. Cornelius Richards, and Work continues apace to ensure that the river we used their is clear of all debris, in preparation for a (Forestry replanting exercise.

Division) expertise in hopes that this will encourage cutting the trees, and guidance others to help. on the replanting process, which When all is said and done, will commence soon along with when the piles of waste are a bit of excavation.” removed, the area sanitised, Among others whom Connell everyone will benefit from the expects to come on board are a improved aesthetics and paint company and John and healthier environment, Connell Denise Punnett of Mount said.

William Estate Gardens. He

Alban Cudjoe (right) returned from T&T to accept his Lotto cheque from Anthony Dennie.

Patience pays off for Cudjoe ALBAN CUDJOE is a retired carpenter. He cites his patience as one of his traits.

That attribute seems to have paid for him for after being a regular playing of the National Lotteries Authority games, he won the LOTTO draw of April 17, 2015.

He collected his cheque for $64,000 last Tuesday.

The lucky man, with connections with the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, had journeyed to

that country not long after the draw of April 17, but returned within the stipulated 180-day period to claim his winnings.

The middle aged man confessed to feeling “fine” having hit the jackpot for the first time. He is continuing to play the Lotto.

When asked what he planned for the money, he responded: “So many things I could do, I wish I could win another.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 27.

Williams qualifies for World Youth Championship

Coach Pamenos Ballantyne takes Shantel through a training exercise.

WHILE UP TO PRESS TIME there has no official confirmation from the Track and Field authorities here, top junior female athlete, Shantel Williams, must be looking forward to representing this country at the World Youth Athletics Championship, slated for July in Columbia.

Williams, a student of the Girls’ High School, made the qualifying time for the 200 metres.

She clocked 25.31 seconds, a time inside the qualifying standard of 25.35 for the 200 metres in her age group, at the Hampton International Games, held last month in Trinidad.

Reports indicate that Williams could well qualify for the 100 metres as well, when she campaigns in a meet in Barbados, this weekend.

An obviously elated Williams said she was very excited to have qualified for

Transport and Works adds another title THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND WORKS has added another InterMinisterial sports trophy to their cabinet.

Following on victory in the 2015 Street 20 Cricket Competition which closed here in April, the Transport and Works men clinched the Inter-Ministerial Football Competition.

In a final played last week Thursday, June 4, they trounced SVG Coast Guard 3 goals to nil. Deptor Culzac, Akisha Nichols and Zenroy Lee were the goal scorers for Transport and Works.

The third place playoff, scheduled for earlier last Thursday, never materialised. Customs and

Transport and Works – 2015 Inter-Ministerial Football champions.

Excise forfeited the game to Treasurer.

Inter-Ministerial sports continue here with

competition in Netball. This is scheduled to shoot-off on June 16.

selection to compete at the World Youth Athletics Championship, and recognized that her feat is even more outstanding when she considers that she “could be the only person from St Vincent who will be competing at the Championship.”

She credits her build-up and progress to “my hard work since I began training with my coach Pamenos Ballentyne, and the help from my mother.”

Ballantyne, for his part, is “very pleased that Williams made the qualifying standard to go to the World Youths Athletics Championship.

Since I began working with her, she has made immense improvement, and with her discipline and positive attitude towards her sport, I believe she has a bright future in athletics.”

He added, “This (World Games) will be the ultimate

Shantel Williams could well be the only SVG representative at this year’s World Youth Athletics Championship. test for her to see how she can compete with other top athletes in the world.”

On the question of her qualifying for the 100 metres, coach Ballantyne quipped, “I am confident she will meet the qualifying time for the 100 metres, in Barbados.”

As it stands, Williams will not have the services of Ballantyne as her coach, at the World Youth Championship.

With respect to this, Ballantyne urged the authorities “to look into this aspect for future outings,” since it is important “for continuing the work relationship between athlete and coach, especially at major championships.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

SVG Rugby Team gets visas MEMBERS OF THE SVG National Rugby team have been issued visas to allow them entry into the USA, where they will compete in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Olympic Qualifier.

Armed with supporting documentation from the SVG Olympic Committee, Ministry of Sports, the US Olympic Committee, and Barbados and USA Rugby Associations, the members of the team travelled to Barbados earlier this week, for interviews at the US Embassy there.

Their successful applications for visas now make it possible, though challenging, for the team to travel to the USA in time for the tournament which commences June 13 and continues on June 14.

SVG is grouped with

Mexico, USA, Jamaica and Barbados, and while they recognize that the “going will be tough,” coach, Mark Winder said that the team has been training hard and should give a good account of themselves.

This will be Winder’s last outing with the SVG Rugby team, since it brings to an end his six-month attachment here.

SVG Rugby Union is looking forward to welcoming a new coach for the upcoming season, beginning in September.

The SVG Rugby team to the 2015 NACRA Olympic Qualifier is: Andrew Phillips (Captain), Benson Nanton, Aniso Lewis, Kimran Barnum, Gilan Comas, Godfrey Matthews, Dellon Durant, Leonard Matthews, Kenmore Horne, Dugal James, Shane Samuel and Leon McKenzie.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

28. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Francois’ ton set up Victors’ win

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT LAURON FRANCOIS hit an even century to power Victors ONE to an outright victory over NEWS Spartans at the Sion Hill Playing Field on the weekend.

SCORES: NEWS Spartans 112 & 144, Victors ONE 253/9.

Francois, who had shown some good form during the season, but failed to go on to get the big scores, took advantage of good batting conditions and a depleted News Spartans team, to reach three figures.

He struck 12 fours and one six in his innings in his team’s only innings.

The left-handed Francois, whose driving was once Lauron Francois in action wicket with an uncharacteristically sedate Miles again a sight to behold, added 147 for the third Bascombe, whose 68 nonetheless, included six fours. during his even 100 innings for Victors ONE. The pair had continued from a 60-run second wicket partnership between Bascombe and Chrisroy John (43). The pair began a recovery after the team players, were asked to follow on had lost Atticus Browne (0), with the total on two. and reached 144 in their second John struck two fours and three sixes. innings, with Gidron Pope, 40, But from the seemingly impregnable position of and Welcome, 37, being the lead 209/2, Victors ONE went into quick decline, losing scorers. Norlan Williams took four wickets for three runs, before limping to a total 4/45.

Ruddy’s Electrical Unique that turned out to be a match-winning lead. This, Victors ONE, left with four Warriors have booked a spot after the NEWS Spartans were dismissed for 112 in runs to make for victory, claimed in the finals of the NLA First their first innings of 26.5 overs, Joey Welcome topvictory after NEWS Spartans Division National Cricket scoring with 35, and Bascombe grabbing 4/44. could field only six players, to Competition.

The ever hard-working Basil Andrews, for yet resume the match.

In the semi-finals match another time, collected a five-wicket haul — five for played over two days, June 6 53 from 7 overs. Teron Simon took 2/33 and and 7,at Arnos Vale Two, Basil Andrews, yet had a fiveWelcome, who was pressed into service, 2/51.

Warriors were literally wicket (5/53) innings haul for handed victory by Smashers.

The NEWS Spartans, who played with seven NEWS Spartans.

Set 13 for victory, Smashers conceded defeat without a ball being bowled, in Warriors’ second innings.

On opening day, Smashers put in a disappointing performance with the bat, Warriors’ Bill mustering 100 in 27.2 overs.

Edwards was the Leading scorers were Marvin mact’s top scorer

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT The pugnacious opener has Harry, 30 not out, Darren with 95. registered at least two halfRussell, 25, and Javon VETERANS Cordel Jack and centuries, and has bowled her Samuel, 22.

Julianna Nero are among 24 off spin with good control and Bowling for Warriors, players who have been named by regular returns.

Jelano Neil took 3 for 17, the local cricket selectors, for Jack boasts the accolade of Reginald Jeffery 3 for 20 and selection to an eventual 13being named top allrounder Leon Samuel 2 for 9. member squad to travel to and MVP of the2005 West In reply, Warriors, after a Grenada for a three-match series. Indies tournament held then in patient approach, closed on The three-match series will SVG. She subsequently gained 248 off 58.5 Overs. Bill serve as a trial for selection of a selection to the West Indies Edwards topscored with 95. combined Grenada-SVG team team, but met with limited Other good scores came from which will compete in the West opportunities, being forced to Jelano Neil, 47; Leon Samuel, Indies Women’s cricket bat at time out of her Cordel Jack has shown a 35, and Samuel Holder 30. tournament, in August. customary opening position. In rejuvenated spirit, and has earned Anthony Charles, 4 for 57, Jack, a former national captain addition, reports said she at her recall with creditable allround and Javon Samuel, 3 for 63, who took a break a few years ago times struggled to maintain performance. were Smashers’ best bowlers. and contemplated full retirement, the level of fitness required to Smashers fared better the has returned with an obvious play at the highest level, and international career. second time at the wicket, but Leon Samuel had hunger, performing creditably duly lost her place.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines knew, when their final wicket a good all round with both bat and ball in this Nero, who captained the team game for debuted at the regional level in fell at 161, after 27.2 overs, year’s local competition. last year, is one of the most Warriors, taking 1999, and has been one of the top that they had not done internationally teams, having won the League, enough to challenge Warriors. five wickets in the capped players in the Knockout and U23 titles during Cutbert Springer with 50, match and and team, and was part hitting 35 in his their reign at the top.

Ronald Scott, 31, Courtney of the West Indies only innings.

The squad: Julianna Nero, Joyette, 26, and Ozico setup for a number Latoya Providence, Nyasha Williams, 21, led for of years as an Williams, Ronique Fergus, Smashers. opener. However, a Jephenia Joseph, Sue-Ann Joseph Medford turned in figures of 4 for 43, steady decline in Martin, Shanica Campbell, Stacy Leon Samuel 3 for 64 and Kelorn Davis 2 for 7, to form resulted in the Ann Adams, Kayleen Garrick, undo Smashers.

36-year- old losing Shevorne Clarke, Rochelle John, With Ruddy’s Electrical Unique her place, and Xavian Stevens, Cordel Jack, Warriors requiring 13 runs for victory, Smashers possibly bringing a Terisha Lavia, Crystal John, informed the umpires that they were conceding closure to her Kemone Homer, Gleendeen defeat.

Turtin, Giany Marshall, Sherry Warriors now await the outcome of the semiJulianna Nero is Ann Abott, Melisa Charles, final between Combine Youth and Ishallz Byam bent on showing Vinisha King, Ronish Glasgow, Physical Therapy, to know their opponents in the that she still has Shaniza Daniels, Camille Garrick. finals. what it takes to Coach: Cleton Burnett, Assistant perform at the Coach: Samantha Lynch.

I.B.A.ALLEN highest level.

Warriors into First Division Finals

Veterans Jack, Nero named in squad

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 29.

Sports

World Cup ties

BY SUNDAY, June 14, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines would have known whether or not they progressed to the next stage of the 2018 World Cup, carded for Russia.

The Vincentians came from behind twice to scratch out a two-all draw with Guyana, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Wednesday.

The Vincentian hero turned out to be Tevin Slater. His 83rd minute goal gave the home team a glimmer of hope for the away leg in Guyana on Sunday.

Slater came on in the 52nd minute, a replacement for Gavin James. By then, Cornelius Stewart had eventually found the nets for the Vincentians for the first goal. But there were complaints about finishing touches, with Stewart chided for missing clear cut chances.

The Guyanese will be pleased with their two away goals.

Midfielder Brandon Beresford silenced the Arnos Vale crowd with a goal in the 26th minute.

The Vincentians found their groove in the 49th minute when Stewart struck.

The home team showed glimpses of brilliance, but the Guyanese also sparked, and when Daniel Wilson converted in the 75th minute, many Vincentians were left numb.

Slater bounced the ball over goal keeper Clarke’s head after a daring and energetic burst of energy which saw the home team outrun the Guyanese down the left flank. Slater found himself in an ideal position to the right side of goal and found the nets.

Both teams were intent on seizing the initiative, and the Vincentians might feel hard done when Guyanese custodian Clarke saved the day for them in the dying moments of normal time.

The visitors might be peeved that they were not able to take advantage, having led twice in the match. They also came close to a third goal even before the Vincentians equalised.

They will be pleased however with their away goals.

The Vincentians also have a task on their hands to dispose of the Guyanese in Guyana next Sunday. So it will be all to play for.

St. Lucia and Antigua will battle for a spot in the second encounter in St. Lucia June 14.

St. Lucia will be buoyed by their 3: 1 win over Antigua in Antigua last Wednesday. They will be mindful not to take anything for granted in the return leg.

Aruba against Barbados, Curacao versus Cuba, and Dominican Republic and Belize will also be looking for advances.

St. Kitts/Nevis and El Salvador will try to eliminate each in Tuesday’s second round decider.

Puerto Rico and Grenada are also battling for a spot, as does Dominica in trying to thwart the Canadians.

Guatemala will want to believe that Belize will not be any match, but they have to await the final whistle to make any further plans.

The Vincentians starting line-up was Winslow McDonald, Roy Richards, Glenford Ashton, Darren Hamlet, Myron Samuel, Oalex Anderson, Gavin James, Kevin Francis, Cornelius Stewart, Emerald George and Reginald Richardson.

Coach Cornelius Huggins was left to rue the chances squandered by his lads. The performance of his defence force will also be of concern to him.

His opposite number will want to find a strategy to thwart the fast moving Vincentians and prevent them from scoring. But he also will be happy that his team managed to register two away goals.

SV United regains Biabou football title SPRING VILLAGE (SV) United Football team returned to the top of the Hairoun Beer Biabou football league.

The Georgetown-based team, last Sunday afternoon, pocketed the league competition title, at the Biabou Playing Field.

Facing Diamonds’ Sparta FC, SV United did most of the early running, but poor shooting resulted in the score sheet remaining goalless for the greater part of the first half.

Just before the sound of the first-half whistle, Euston Duncan breached the SV United’s defence to put his team one goal up.

The second half saw SV United introducing Ivan Clarke in a striker’s position, as against his usual centre back position.

This proved to be the gamechanger, as Clarke put his team

League winners- SV United.

level after receiving a pass from a free kick near the Sparta FC penalty area.

Clarke then got the go ahead goal, when he headed home from a corner.

This turned out to be the deciding goal, handing SV United a 2-1 win, and the cash prize of $1500. Sparta collected $1200.

“We all play in all the league dem cause we keeping the players out ah MVP of the tournament, Alistair trouble,” shouted one of SV Williams (right) gets his award from United’s ardent supporters.

Director of Physical Education and “Look out for we in the Sports, Nelson Hillocks. club championships ... We top goal scorer, and his teamgoing deal with them,” shouted mate, Kimron Quashie, the best another elated SV United midfielder. follower.

Richland Park’s Pride and Joy SV United also featured in the Youths’ Alistair Williams was presentation ceremony, as Shorn adjudged the Most Valuable Browne, with 19 goals, was the Player of the tournament, and his fellow player, Orlando Trimmingham, the best defender.

The goal keepers’ awards were collected by Nathaniel Carrington of Grove Street Ballers; Anthony Hazell- Richland Park Pride and Joy Youths, and Kingsley JosephSparta.

Richland Park Pride and Joy Youths won the knock out title, and were third in the league competition, gaining a trophy and $1000 for their respective placing.

DESCO Strikers were named the most disciplined team, and Biabou United, the best dressed team.

Sixteen teams participated in this year’s competition.

Local referees Association on recruitment drive TOWARDS ensuring that there is an ongoing cadre of new and young referees, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Referees Association will soon embark on a vigorous recruitment drive.

This has come from Head of the local association, John Hinds, who said, “Soon after the Carnival festivities are over , we are planning to approach the Police Training School , the Community College , the Technical College and fifth formers at secondary schools, to show them that they can make a living from being a FIFA approved referee.”

Hinds said it has become necessary to go this route, as persons are not coming forward voluntarily with any degree of satisfactory

frequency.

And while recognising those few who have come forward, Hinds observed that many more “have been warded off” by the unwarranted abuse which they sometimes receive from players who lack the knowledge of the laws of football.

Hinds noted that much of the “abuse” meted out to referees have come from the experienced players, namely those who play in the Masters competition.

“The present problem comes from the seniorsthe Masters competition - which should play an integral part in developing youngsters in terms of discipline and how they go about it.

Instead, they are creating the most problems,” Hinds lamented.

Hinds opined that the Masters are not too in tune with the ongoing changes with the Laws of the Game.

In helping to address the situation, Hinds proposed: “I will like to have a session with the captains, the managers of the teams, to bring them up to speed on what is going on.”

Hinds thinks that, despite the bashing that the local match officials get from players and spectators, “ On a scale of one to ten , I would put our referees at eight and a half ... I would make the broad statement that we have the best FIFA officials in the Windward Islands.”

And in this regard, he lauded the efforts of referees’ assessor Clemroy Francois, for his constant guidance and updating of the local

John Hinds, Head of the SVG Football Referees Association, thinks that, despite the challenges facing local football officials here, they are still the best in the Windward Islands. football match officials, through meetings and inhouse training sessions.

A former St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper, Hinds turned to officiating following his retirement from national duties in the early 1990s.

30. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015. 31.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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ÂRAY JÊ RELEASED

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, just after the boat arrived EVEN AS HE FOCUSES on a marijuana at the Fisheries Wharf shortly after its possession matter, set to commence on release, Clarke said, “I must say July 20 this year, 2015 Fisherman of the thanks to Mr. Grant Connell for Year, Ray-Anthony Clarke, is happy that making sure that my only source of his boat ‘Ray J’, which was detained, has income, my daily bread, was returned been returned to him. to me safely.”

The Green Hill man has been Clarke expressed the view that his charged with possession of 25,651 arrest was the result of a “set-up”, grams of marijuana with intent to adding, “I am very much disappointed supply. He pleaded not guilty to the in the ones who would even begin to charge, and was released on $40,000 think of doing this to me.” bail, when he appeared at the Serious Clarke also apologized to his wellOffences Court last week Tuesday, wishers for whatever disappointment June 2. may have been caused due to the The drug was allegedly found on charge laid against him.

‘Ray J’ at the Fisheries Wharf in “I am sorry for the little Kingstown, around 6 p.m. on June 1st, disappointment, but I assure you that 2015. this is not a part of me, and after God, Upon Clarke’s arrest, the boat was you will see that this cloud that is detained at the Coast Guard base at hanging over my head will pass over,” Calliaqua, as part of the exhibits. he said.

In a letter date June 3, Attorney Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “I Grant Connell wrote to the office of commend the Commissioner of Police the Commissioner of Police requesting for his prompt response in addressing the release of the motor vessel, stating the issue at hand, with a great degree that it was Clarke’s only source of of urgency. His decision to release the income to maintain himself and his boat, in my humble opinion, was family, and to detain the boat would correct. The case of possession would be nothing short of draconian, in the be fought in Court if the authorities circumstances. have a leg to stand on.”

In a letter dated June 8, the Connell advised: “When the police Commissioner responded to Connell’s have cases of a certain magnitude, Ray-Anthony Clarke arrives in his fishing boat ‘Ray J’ at the Fisheries Wharf letter, stating, “I wish to inform you they must use the good Office of the in Kingstown, after the boat had been released by the police. that I have directed that motor vessel Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ‘Ray J’ be returned to Mr. Ray to guide them as to procedure, and if When contacted on Wednesday for a “In my opinion, it was not necessary to Anthony Clarke of Green Hill the case has any merit, before certain comment, DPP Colin Williams said, detain the boat.” immediately”. actions are taken.”

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Winsbert Harry, in examining the rules of the Competition, agreed that there was nothing which suggested that action could be taken against Clarke.

Isaacs acknowledged that this was the first time an incident of this nature, one involving an individual who had copped the ‘Fisherman of the Year’ title, had occurred.

Clarke, he said, could not be disqualified, since the “alleged incident occurred out of the activities.”

Fisherman’s Day related activities

Clarke will not be stripped WORD COMING from the Fisheries Division indicates that Ray-Anthony Clarke will not be stripped of the 2015 ‘Fisherman of the Year’ title.

Kris Isaacs, Senior Fisheries Officer, and member of the Fisherman’s Day Committee, told THE VINCENTIAN that a meeting, convened last week, discussed the issue of Clarke’s arrest on June 1, at

the Kingstown Fisheries Depot.

Clarke is accused of possessing 25,651 grams of marijuana which was discovered on one of the boasts he owns, at the Fisheries Wharf, Kingstown, around 6 pm on the said date.

According to Isaacs, the meeting, which included Chairman of the Fisherman’s Day Committee,

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

were held between April 18 and May 25. Clarke was arrested and charged in June.

The 31-year-old Green Hill resident took the top prize at the 40th Fisherman’s Day prize giving ceremony, at the Calliaqua Playing Field, after he and his crew landed the heaviest catch, 3,111.8 pounds, over the period.

He is presently on $40,000 bail, and is expected to return to court on July 20. (DDD)

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