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FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 23, 2015

VOLUME 108, No.43

FATHER FORGIVES DRIVER Redemption Sharpes resident, Bardoo (the driver) would GARNET BROWNE said that he often give him money for has fully forgiven the driver of lunch. the mini-bus that took the life of The two had developed a his 9-year-old son, Cunjah close bond over the six years Browne. that Cunjah had travelled Browne told THE with the very mini-bus in VINCENTIAN that he went to which he would eventually visit Richard Bardoo at the lose his life.

Central Police Station, where The Grade 4 student of the he was being held in police Lodge Village Government custody as the investigations School became this country’s were being conducted. most recent road fatality.

“The driver was his According to Garnet in a (Cunjah) good brethren,” he radio interview, he was said. informed by another According to the individual, who was seated

by DAYLE DA SILVA

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Garnet Browne (sitting) was understandably overcome by his emotions and may have reacted erratically when he first arrived on the scene of the accident.

Left: Cunjah Browne was a regular traveller in the mini-van in which he died.

bus, HN 113 owned and operated by Bardoo, in which he was travelling, collided with a lamp pole.

The young boy’s head next to connected with the pole, and his son, that young Cunjah put his head out the impact caused his death the window in order to try get on the spot.

Eye-witnesses told THE a glimpse of what was taking place outside, when the mini- VINCENTIAN at the scene of

the accident on Monday, that the mini-bus was trying to avoid hitting another student, 6-year-old Gabriella James.

The eye-witness said that the van swerved in an attempt not to hit the girl, but was unsuccessful.

Continued on Page 3.

Accident victim recovering well

The lamp pole, showing signs of the impact of Cunjah Browne’s head.

YOUNG GABRIELLA JAMES, the student involved in Monday’s accident at Lodge Village, has already received a clean bill of health.

According to Joann James, mother of the 6-year-old , her daughter has been recovering well since her involvement in the accident.

James said that she does not fully know what happened on that day, but was happy that her daughter was alive and showing signs of making a full recovery.

Reports indicate that Gabriella, a Grade 1 student at the Lodge Village Primary School, was struck by a minivan, owned and operated by Richard Bardoo.

The incident occurred along the main road in Lodge Village sometime around 3p.m.

James said that when she got the news, she went directly to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

“I heard that she had died,” she said.

But when she got there, she was relieved to find out that her daughter’s condition was not as bad as she was originally left to believe.

By the second day, James told THE VINCENTIAN that she took comfort knowing that her daughter’s condition had gotten better.

Gabrielle James was resting comfortably when THE VINCENTIAN visited her on Continued on Page 3. Wednesday. Photo was taken with the permission of her mother.

V „Working together to enhance national pride.‰ 2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Feature

Message From Her Excellency MRS. SUSAN DOUGAN, O.B.E. Governor-General’s Deputy to mark the 36th Anniversary of Independence on the 27th October 2015

ELLOW VINCENTIANS, I am pleased to address you on our Nation’s thirty-sixth Anniversary of Independence on this the 27th day of October, 2015.

Independence is symbolic because it reminds us of the

F

importance of our sovereignty and the successes of working together in a truly democratic society.

Independence reminds us of the struggles of generations of outstanding Vincentians from all walks of life,

whose contribution allows us to enjoy a peaceful, stable society.

Further, Independence is also a time for reflection as we renew our efforts to revitalize our small island. In the past, our small size has not prevented us from

exercising our democratic rights and freedoms, upholding the rule of law, providing social safety nets for our people, having food security, celebrating the academic achievements/ accomplishments of citizens, and providing the foundation for citizens to function competitively at home and abroad.

Notwithstanding these successes, we should also be cognizant of treating each other with respect, behaving politely, valuing differences of opinion, being courteous and welcoming to visitors to our shores, and joining with our brothers and sisters to build a nation of which we will all be proud. In short, by overcoming divisions in the past and working selflessly together on common goals for our national development.

It is, however, clear that several ills are beginning to erode the fabric of our society, including disrespect for authority and property, negative messages disseminated through talk radio and social media, intolerance, illdiscipline, rising criminal activities and disregard for the symbols of our identity, for example, our national anthem, flag and pledge.

We, therefore, must now ask ourselves what are we contributing individually and collectively to produce a model nation? One in which future generations will work and live in harmony, and are given the support, motivation and tools to achieve to their maximum potential. Are we striving for the common good by putting aside petty grievances and moving forward with dignity, being proud of working hard and smart, while seizing the opportunities for social and economic development?

It is important to build our country by uplifting those aspects which are symbolic and truly Vincentian. Let us be inspired by those who have used little to achieve much, by demonstrating our

Mrs. Susan Dougan Deputy GovernorGeneral entrepreneurial spirit and resilience evident through innovations by our small business owners and farmers. Let us strive for peace and tranquility in our nation, while being acutely aware of the struggles of humanity in the Middle East, the devastation caused by the recent hurricane to our Caribbean neighbours, and the economic turmoil facing some countries in Europe.

Let us value self, family and nation by working for the common good and being our brothers’ keepers.

Fellow Vincentians, we have to work assiduously and collectively to protect and support local industry.

We are blessed with a plethora of agricultural resources which we can use to get into manufacturing enterprises. Stop the wanton littering of our beaches, rivers and immediate environment, eliminate the scourge of violence and criminal activities, nurture the young, be role models for those of working age, care for the elderly, treasure national symbols and embrace healthy lifestyles.

It is only when the words of our national pledge resonate with all of us, that we will truly continue working together to enhance national pride.

On this our thirtysixth Anniversary of Independence, I wish everyone a wonderful Independence Day. May God bless us all!

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 3.

News 3

VINLEC meets with South Rivers community RESIDENTS OF SOUTH RIVERS met with representatives of VINLEC to discuss the upcoming rehabilitation project at the South Rivers Hydro Power Station, scheduled to commence within the upcoming month. The meeting was held at the South Rivers Methodist School on Thursday, October 15th.

The VINLEC team included Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thornley Myers; ManagerEngineering, Dr. Vaughn Lewis; Station Supervisor, Mr. Lonnie Dabriel and other officers from the Company. Mr. Ruddy Daize, Manager of Ruddy’s Electrical Contracting Company was also present.

VINLEC’s Manager Engineering, Dr. Vaughn Lewis told the gathering that the project is extensive, and solicited the support of the community as the Company embarks on this undertaking. He explained that work will be done on the pipelines and also at the Power Station. Dr.

Lewis outlined the scope of works, and noted that the wood stave pipelines will be replaced with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), which he said will allow for greater efficiency and a safer environment. According to Dr. Lewis, the electro-mechanical work that will be done at the Power House will Residents of South Rivers listen attentively to enhance the overall presentations by VINLEC personnel. operations at the Company. disruption to the way of renewable energy in the Chief Executive Officer, life of the residents. generation mix.

Mr. Myers thanked the Upgrade work at the community for supporting Richmond Power Station, EDITOR’S NOTE: L:ast VINLEC over the past which was damaged in the week, October 16, we sixty-three years that the December 2013 floods, is carried a caption to a Company has been in the final stages. photograph that operating in the VINLEC’s Technical team accompanied an article community. He reinforced is undertaking a series of headlined, ‘Fuel the need for members of final tests and the official Surcharge decreased the community to work recommissioning will take over 13-month period’ – closely with VINLEC as place within the next see page 2 – in which we they reside in close week. erred by stating, proximity to where some This upgrade of the ‘VINLEC’s fuel of the rehabilitative work South Rivers and consumption is confined will be done. Mr. Myers Richmond Power Stations to the Cane Hall and noted that the work will is part of VINLEC’s plan Lowmans Bay generating require heavy equipment to improve efficiency at all plants. In fact, VINLEC and a fairly large work of the Company’s Power also operates diesel force, and that VINLEC Stations. It is also in generating plants in will work to ensure that keeping the VINLEC’s Canouan, Mayreau and there is minimal mission to maximize Union Island. We apologise for the misrepresentation.

Airport security workers to be sent home THE PUBLIC SERVICE UNION (PSU) intends to take action on behalf of the 26 Airport Security workers who, the union says, were told that their positions will soon be made redundant.

The PSU President, Elroy Boucher, said that the union was informed that the officers were told that their jobs would be made redundant and that the Director of Airport, Corsel Robertson, had met with a few of the affected workers.

According to Boucher, the workers were told that the next time they heard from the Service Commissions Department, that would

be when they receive their letters of dismissal.

“Cold hearted behaviour by the director,” Boucher said.

He went on to state that the union had not been officially notified of the decision, and that the news had not gone down well with some of the affected persons.

Individuals with personal responsibilities and mortgages would be especially affected by the move, Boucher said.

“In a climate in which things are difficult, where the government should be focusing on employment, you are hearing about persons about to be sent home,” he said.

This was yet another example of how the authorities have disrespected the union, the PSU president said.

“Because the union should have been engaged, let us find alternative ways of dealing with this other than sending workers home,” he said.

Letters were sent to the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security about a week ago; however, Boucher said that they are yet to receive feedback.

He said that the union will follow-up by sending a letter to the prime minister. (DDD)

Accident victim recovering well Continued from Front Page.

Examinations, x-rays and head scans have revealed no broken bones nor head injury, but another series of tests have been scheduled.

James did admit that her daughter has complained about headaches, and does not speak much – something she

attributes to the trauma associated with the incident.

Indications are that a therapist will be assigned to work with the young girl.

Another youth, 9-year-old Cunja Browne, died on the spot after his head collided with a utility pole.

Father forgives driver Continued from Page 1.

It hit a lamp pole and came to a stop just a short distance from the entrance to the Lodge Village Primary School.

Garnet’s reaction was in stark contrast to that of Monday when he reportedly attacked the driver.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that his action then was as a result of his emotions getting the better of him.

The grieving man said that he raised young Cunjah from the time he was 6 months old, when he and the boy’s mother split.

Cunjah was his only child.

“It has been rough,” he admitted.

The only thing keeping him strong was the outpouring of love that he said he has received from members of the community and others.

He said that in the hours that have passed, he was finally finding it easier to eat - but it has been hard.

“I have been keeping pretty good,” Garnet said.

He described his last interaction with his son, saying that he (Cunjah) woke up late that morning.

He got him ready for school and then told him to run in order that he could catch van to take him to school.

According to Garnet, his brother relayed the tragic news of his son’s death about half an hour after the incident. They journeyed together to the scene of the incident.

Meanwhile, Bardoo, who was taken into custody immediately following the fatal accident, was on Thursday taken before the Serious Offences Court and charged with ‘being the driver of minibus HN 113, did cause the death of Cunjah Browne, a nineyear-old student of Redemption Sharpes, by driving the said vehicle recklessly.’

He was granted bail in the sum of EC$25, 000.00 and had to surrender all travel documents.

He is to report to the Calliaqua Police Station everyday between 6a.m. and 6p.m.

Bardoo is down to return to court on January 26, 2015.

Traffic department officials say that here have been ten (10) road accidents this year, which resulted in the deaths of 18 persons.

V

4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG could be ÂGanja GardenÊ

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS DEFENCE LAWYER Grant Connell thinks that if certain changes are made to this country’s drug laws, the marijuana industry here would have a positive impact on our tourism.

“People would come here in droves to enjoy our environment, local cuisine and a good spliff,” Connell told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview on Tuesday.

While Connell is of the view that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves understands the role marijuana plays throughout the world, and, like his position on everything else, the PM would not like to see the country lag behind in

that regard, the lawyer thinks there is need for prompt action.

“We need to revisit our marijuana laws now, and there is need for drastic measures so that we can have a paradigm shift in the way we deal with marijuana,” Connell said.

“The rest of the world is filling their banks from the profits of marijuana, while we are filling our jails and pressuring our people,” he added.

According to Connell, “The Drug Act is not a reflection of the role marijuana plays in the lives of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the spirit and intention of parliament should be, to some degree, a reflection

of its people.”

Connell is of view that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the potential to become the ‘Ganja Garden’ of the Caribbean. But he declared, “The authorities have to change their approach now, or the rest of the world will move forward and we will still be lagging behind.”

The lawyer noted there are brilliant youngsters here who could be trained to deal with the medical aspect of marijuana.

Connell’s comments to THE VINCENTIAN came minutes after his client, Wilford Charles of Vermont, appeared at the Serious Offences Court and was fined on

Youngster charged with stabbing death

If this marijuana plant growing on the side of the road in a rural community in St. Vincent is any indication, this country could well become, as Grant Connell says, the ‘Ganja Garden of the Caribbean.” (Credit: www. alamy.com) two charges of marijuana possession.

Charles was one of several persons to have appeared in court on Monday on separate charges of possessing small amounts of marijuana.

A 24-year-old Ottley Hall man has an early court date next year, on a murder charge.

Junior Nash is expected to reappear at the Serious Offences Court on January 24, 2016, when a Preliminary Inquiry into last Saturday’s stabbing death of Dexter Weekes is expected to commence.

Reports are that Weekes, 49, Junior Nash – of New Montrose, received a charged. stab wound to the left side of his chest at Rose Place, Kingstown shortly after 6 a.m. He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he died.

Nash was not required to plead when he made a brief appearance before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday. He was remanded pending the Preliminary Inquiry. He was not represented by a lawyer.

Weekes’ death chalked up the 22nd homicide for the year.

The deceased was described by one person who knew him well, as “troublesome but never one to have any intent to do anybody anything bad.”

Charges withdrawn in Rose Place blast ABOUT ONE MONTH after Ottley Hall resident Andre ‘Judge’ Bowens was killed, a man accused of shooting at him, some two months before, was this week cleared of two charges in connection with that matter.

When the accused, Lara Carter, returned to the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the court that the prosecution was withdrawing the charges against him.

Carter, also of Ottley Hall, was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm at Bowens, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger Bowens’ life.

The charges stemmed from an alleged exchange of gunfire at Rose Place, Kingstown, in an area called ‘The Gulf’, on July 4 this year.

Bowens was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm at Carter, possession of a firearm with

intent to endanger Carter’s life, and assaulting Carter causing him bodily harm.

Both men had initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on July 8.

They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. The Lara Carter – matter was discharged adjourned.

Bowens, however, died in a blaze of gunfire in an area at Lowmans Leeward called ‘Gun Hill’, on September 15. He reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to the head and body.

Up to press time Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into that matter.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 5.

Literacy Arts

Jamaican Marlon James wins Man Booker Prize JAMAICAN author Marlon James has won the 2015 Man Booker Prize for Fiction, for his novel ‘A Brief History of seven Killings’, inspired by the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in the 1970s.

James is the first Jamaican to have won the coveted book prize, and the second Caribbean- The short list for the 2015 born writer, after V. S. Prize included (L-R): Sunjeev Naipaul in 1971, to have Sahota (UK), Chigozie Obioma done so.

(Nigeria), Hanya Yanagihara The Jamaican, (US), Anne Tyler (US), Tom currently domicile in McCarthy (UK), and Marlon Minneapolis, US, was announced as the winner James (Jamaica).

Marlon James holds the of the £50,000 prize in award after his book, ‘A And London on Tuesday, October 13.

Brief History of seven while he The 44-year-old author was admitted Killings’ was named presented with his prize by the that the winner of the 2015 Duchess of Cornwall, and confessed book “was Booker Prize for fiction that it was “so surreal” to win. He not an easy at a ceremony at dedicated his award to his deceased read” and Guildhall in London, father who, he said, shaped his that “it is a England. (Credit: The “literary sensibilities.” big book Guardian) Michael Wood, chair of the panel of with some judges, described ‘A Brief History of tough stuff Seven Killings’, James’s third novel, as and a lot of swearing,” he advised that the “most exciting book on the “it is not difficult to approach.” shortlist,” and admitted that the This is the second year the Man judges had come to a unanimous Booker prize has been open to all decision in less than two hours. authors writing in English, regardless According to Wood, “The 680-page of nationality. epic was full of surprises as well as James was among a short list that being very violent”….. and “full of included: Tom McCarthy (UK), Satin swearing.”

Island; Chigozie Obioma (Nigeria), The James paid homage to Jamaica’s Fishermen; Sunjeev Sahota (UK), The reggae icons as being the inspiration Year of the Runaways; Anne Tyler for his writing, saying, “The reggae (US), A Spool of Blue Thread; and singers Bob Marley and Peter Tosh Hanya Yanagihara (US), A Little Life. were the first to recognise that the Predictions are that James can voice coming out our mouths, was a expect a dramatic boost in sales legitimate voice for fiction and poetry.” following his win.

The novel is set across three Reports cite Nielsen Book Research decades, and uses as its basis, the as reporting that after ‘A Brief History attempt on the life of reggae star Bob of Seven Killings’ was named on the Marley, to explore the turbulent world Booker shortlist last month, sales of Jamaican gangs and politics, using tripled to more than 1,000 copies a Jamaican slang and dialect, effectively week. interwoven in prose and verse.

Australian author Richard Woods, in delivering the judges’ Flanagan won last year’s prize for his verdict said, according to the BBC, wartime novel ‘The Narrow Road to “Someone said to me, they like to give the Deep North’.

Booker winners to their mother to The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is read, but this might be a little a literary prize awarded each year for difficult.” the best original novel, written in the He quipped that his mother could English language, and published in not have got beyond the first few the UK. (Source: BBC). pages, given the swearing.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 7.

Independence Feature

To love SVG

Independence Day Message 2015

by DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES Prime Minister of St. Vincent andthe Grenadines N OCTOBER 27, 2015, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will celebrate its thirtysixth anniversary of independent nationhood.

Six days earlier, on October 21st, the eightieth anniversary of the popular anti-colonial uprising of 1935 would have been commemorated; this political watershed event eighty years ago ushered in the start of the modern social democratic revolution in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a process which is still underway and has accelerated over the past fifteen years. Universal adult suffrage - one adult person, one vote - came in 1951 and heralded an era of the people’s participation in a competitive democracy. In October 1969, we obtained internal selfgovernment and a precursor to constitutional independence ten years later.

Britain’s assumption of colonial suzerainty over our country in 1763 presaged a profound externally-sourced disruption of the hitherto

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internally-generated process of social development. In the wake of Britain’s conquest and settlement of the landscape and seascape of what we know as our St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a criminal genocide and forced deportation of our native peoples (Callinago and Garifuna) were perpetrated and our heroic forebear, the Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer, was assassinated; the enslavement of Africans was systematically organised until formal emancipation in 1838; indentured labourers from Portuguese Madeira and India were imported, in turn, between 1845 and 1881; and a regime of exploitation was imposed in which our nation became a veritable “hinterland” to the colonial “metropole” of Britain.

Britain’s colonial overrule in St. Vincent and the Grenadines lasted some 216 years (1762 to 1979, save and except for a brief French interlude of a few years). British colonialism has left our country with a terrible legacy of underdevelopment which we, Vincentians, have all been engaged in repairing. My government insists that

Britain has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparatory recompense for its master-minding of native genocide and African slavery, so as to assist in repairing their awesome legacies. Our quest for reparatory justice is part and parcel of a Caribbean-wide initiative on this vital question on which my government has been providing sterling leadership.

It is absolutely remarkable that out of this “fever of history” has arisen a magnificent component of our Caribbean civilisation called St.Vincent and the Grenadines. We have evolved from a culturally plural society, held together by colonial coercion and a palpably divisive hate of, and alienation from ourselves, to a modern, homogenous, sophisticated democratic society of liberty based on consensus, grounded in the tried and tested values of our Caribbean civilisation. We have come from the burdens of yesterday to our strengths and possibilities of today, and tomorrow. We have in love, amidst much pain and anguish, defeats and triumphs, setbacks and advances, arrived at a point where we are continuing to fashion a

society of nobility and upliftment for all, despite its social blemishes and warts.

In the process of further developing our nation, the central building bloc is an enduring love. This love has always to be accompanied by an optimistic hope for our future and a faith, made perfect by deeds. This enduring love demands that we help each other to be good, to be the best we can; it entails that we do not wound each other, for if we do, we wound ourselves. These wounds come in diverse forms: Through the malice of the mind, the force of the hand, the negligence of the action, the unsavoury lash of the tongue, and the vainglory of a vengeful spirit.

Undoubtedly, our nation has made immense progress since independence in 1979.

On every index of material measurement there have been tremendous advances: Human development, education, health, housing, physical infrastructure, technology, communication networks, poverty reduction, wealth creation, sports, culture, and good governance.

There is a grave danger, nevertheless, that we

may succeed in eliminating material poverty and achieving zero hunger but experience a poverty of the spirit and a hunger of the soul.

An elemental and enduring love for our neighbour and our nation who are before my eyes daily, and a treasured love for our Divine Dr. Master who is in Heaven but whom we do not see physically, are required ever more to propel us forward in the people’s interest.

For all the abundant blessings that we possess, we give thanks and praise to Almighty God. We are grateful to all our forbears who with good sense, hard work, and a mature disposition, have contributed to our individual and collective progress. Despite, their human frailties and limitations, our leaders since independence have served us well. So, too, those who laboured in the political vineyard in the pre-independence period. We thus express our gratitude for their contributions, especially those of George Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Joshua, the Right Honourable Robert Milton Cato, our nation’s Founding Father, and his successor in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sir James Mitchell, who thankfully is still with us.

In the next few weeks or months, a free people in our nation will exercise their democratic choice in free and fair elections as to who would govern us for the next five years. I expect that the campaign would be robust, full of humour laced with biting Vincentian picong, educational, and uplifting, as befitting a mature people in quest of further ennoblement. I expect, too, that the campaign would be peaceful. I know that the people are not interested in malicious utterances, scurrilities, and vacuous posturing.

The people are demanding substance and a clear exposition of comprehensive, compelling narratives for our country’s development.

I am aware that the

Hon. Ralph Gonsalves people are currently clamouring for an enduring love and caring from their leaders and themselves, not merely in words but in deeds.

Those who mock love and seek to critique it, or caricature it, are likely to be viewed as sounding brass and clanging cymbals, signifying nothing. I know, too, that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2015 look for inspiration from their leaders; but the leaders must do more than “putting in” inspiration; they must “draw out” of the people the goodness and nobility in them; ofttimes to draw out that goodness and nobility which the people may not as yet know that they actually possess. Love and leadership; love, hope, and faith are what we continue to require as we celebrate 36 years of independence. We must stand by, and with, each other; love is the conqueror; love is a positive spirit which prevails over a joyless negativism.

So, let us rejoice in love for each other and our nation, under God, at Independence 2015. Let us, as Paul advises in his letter to the Phillipians: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God”.

[Chapter 4, Verse 6].

This advice will guard our hearts and minds.

This is an understanding which provides a settled wisdom. And as the Book of Proverbs instructs us, this wisdom “will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendour.” [Chapter 4, Verse 9].

Happy 36th Anniversary of Independence, St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

V

8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 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

The challenges of transformation IF WE ARE TO BELIEVE the pundits, this is a time of decline in a post independent St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The facts and figures might vary from pundit to pundit, but from out of the cacophony, the bottom line is the same thing: Times are hard, and destined to become harder.

One wonders whether this is so because we have continued a development paradigm that merely gives window-dressing to tried but failed approaches.

If the truth be told, the problems we face as a small island nation are not unique. And the challenges we face are no different from most of the rest of the world.

What makes for debate is how we tackle these problems; how we confront the challenges; if in doing so, whether we maintain an agenda that is designed and intended to serve all the people of this country.

The recent trend of the 21st century, at least in our small Caribbean geographical space, is one some describe as an accelerating and deepening wave of change at every element of our life, especially at the level of government.

In that context, if times are indeed hard, is this not the result of our failure to devise responses that are appropriate to those changes, that would encourage greater industry, greater production and increased returns?

In this our 36th year of Independence, and against the backdrop of at least one ‘initiative’ that has come our way in recent times, we ask: Has the great education revolution resulted in smarter minds, ready to probe the boundaries of science and technology? Is it too early to ask whether this great revolution has produced inquisitive minds, strong enough to influence real change? And if the answers are in the affirmative, are we encouraging a genuine spirit of entrepreneurship, which we bandy about as some panacea, to capitalise on discoveries by our young, smart minds? Are we prepared to fund those initiatives, underwrite new investments and help entrepreneurs, co-operatives and corporations to deploy this new knowledge and insight, or are we merely satisfied to encourage the mundane endeavours in already saturated market places? Are we guilty of intellectualising that serves only to delay and if not retard concrete, tangible entrepreneurial initiatives?

This is the age of scientific and technological revolutions and if we are prepared to punch above our weight class in other areas of human endeavour, what is there to prevent us from wrestling in the exciting worlds of science and technology?

Science and technology trigger economic, social and political upheavals. History tells us that. But the fallout of such upheavals are usually new and productive enterprises that cater to this world at this time, and not some narrow political agenda.

New ideas disturb the peace of cultures, yes. Taboos and traditional hierarchies are known to shake if not collapse under the weight of new ideas. And citizens have been known to rise up against brick walls of narrow partisan thinking and intention, to usher in a period of freshness and growth.

But new ideas also breed new enterprises, a new sense of industry. Young people grasp the possibilities of change, and revolt at the conservatism of their elders.

Sadly, this wave of change seems to have bypassed us. How much the turbulence that characterises our politics is responsible for that, is anyone’s guess.

In our quest to build a truly independent country, we have to master and survive change. These are the primary tasks, responsibilities of the structure and system of national governance, in the broadest sense of that word. The responsibilities are not the purview of any one person or entity — political or otherwise.

Admittedly, the challenges of building true nationhood will not go away. Everybody is going to feel the stress. Are we prepared to shoulder the challenges of transformation?

As the Man Age says: ‘If we don’t, who will?’

Happy 36th Independence anniversary.

Shall we weep for joy this Independence Day? WHEN WE NEXT MEET, we would have already celebrated the 36th anniversary of our Independence on the 27th October 2015.

In fact, the date was so selected by Prime Minister Milton Cato as to coincide with the birth-date of one of his favourite followers, Rene Baptiste.

I have repeated this news a thousand times to show that Cato never considered our past, and did not choose, therefore, a date which resonated with some historical event. He passed by the 21st October (1933) on which our glorious democratic revolution began, featuring the name of George Mc Intosh, which occurred within striking distance of the chosen date!

In fact, it challenges belief, but Cato had in mind to select 22nd January, our discredited so-called “Discovery Day”, but was defeated by logistics, and landed on Rene’s birthday.

Now Rene is, among other things, Chairperson of the selection committee on National Heroes. It, therefore, should not surprise anyone if the name Cato makes it to the charmed circle of National Heroes, and published probably on Independence Day, if not certainly by New Year’s Day. So, at the celebration of our furtive Independence, should we throw hands up in the air, cheerie emptily? Give up, or appeal to the Almighty to ring in real changes in our lives, so that the wonderful national element reflects our achievements and accomplishments, and ceases to be academic and “aspirational”, which it does now?

If Cato is so named on Independence Day, it would again supply uncontroverted evidence of one-manism of the PM, puzzlingly supported by Jomo Thomas of all persons, who a couple years ago had bluntly stated that Cato has not the wherewithal which makes national heroes.

As was noted previously, we are now an Independent nation of 36 years standing.

Cato was PM for five of those years, 1979 to 1984; James Mitchell of the NDP was PM for 16 years from 1984 to 2001; and Ralph Gonsalves was PM for 15 years from 2001-2015 and continuing? Surely, even the time-sharing taken by itself indicates that is Time for a Change for the next sixteen years or so.

Cato inherited an old creaky constitutional system unsuited to our political climate, but he was not unduly bothered. In fact, he dubbed those who called for a revamping of the system “a bunch of nincompoops”.

Cato was not even aware that one could plump for a Republic within his beloved

British Commonwealth. His biased choice was a monarchial system instead of a Banana Republic!

In the event, the Cato years in Independence were characterized by oppression, abuse of rights, and seriously abridged freedom.

Strangely enough, a fairly accurate description of the Cato years was best captured in 1983 by Dr. Gonsalves and Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams in the official mouth-piece of their Movement For National Unity, which was totally condemnatory of Cato’s style of politics.

Mitchell’s NDP came aboard like a breath of fresh air. A lot of emphasis was placed on the need for freedom all around, from thinking, reading, public broadcasts, trade unionism and the likes.

Economically, his flagship was the Rabacca Farms project, geared to producing a property-owning democracy based around banana cultivation and a plentiful supply of feeder roads projects that opened up farms. It was a staggering success.

At the turn of the 21st century, Ralph Gonsalves managed to emerge with a hybrid party of MNU and Labour, in which there has been a tight core of MNU and wider number of Labour followers on the periphery, many of whom simply conceded to the power of a disciplined centre, schooled in the art of infighting, employing communist tactics.

Strange but true, over the years, the ULP transformed itself as a more sophisticated ‘Catoite’ Labour Party which Ralph had painted as the devil incarnate in the 1970s and 1980s.

The ULP, in general terms, has produced an elite corps of wealthy politicians, as against the struggling mass of people.

In fact, the people have been kept quiet by a cadre of well-paid propagandists and a growing police force, whose commander openly sports his party colours, wearing his label, so to speak, on his sleeves.

The appointment of key figures in a democracy, the DPP, Speaker of the House, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, leaves much to be desired.

The aphrodisiac of power is secreted in a most vicious circle.

So the question is: On this Independence Day, should we jump for joy, throw our hands in the air, or solemnly pray for positive change that makes our wonderful national anthem a testament of our achievement and accomplishment, rather than a mere tract that remains futuristic and aspirational?

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 9.

Letters

Poor use of Roundabout MR EDITOR, I write to express my disgust with an on-going situation that exists here among our road users.

I speak to the issue that, in my opinion, the majority of road users do not know the rules of a roundabout.

I say this because almost every time I reach that area of Arnos Vale (I am travelling to Kingstown from Mesopotamia), and from what I was told umpteen years ago when I went for my driver’s licence, is

that traffic travelling from the Villa area ought to give way to us coming from the direction of Marriaqua. In other words, you give way to the traffic to the right – that is the general traffic rule for us here where we drive on the left.

So for us travelling to Kingstown, we stop for vehicles travelling to Villa and Marriaqua from Kingstown; you give way to vehicles coming from Villa but travelling in the direction of Marriaqua.

But for most Vincentian road users, the rule when approaching a roundabout is ‘who first reach goes’, regardless of if you are already negotiating the turn at the roundabout. And they have the gall to look at you as if you are wrong!

The only time the road users comply with some order is when a policeman is on duty.

However, when he has left the post on most mornings, motorists, particularly minibuses,

they almost never stop.

It is only because of the inconvenience of not having a vehicle why I would not allow one of these jokers to collide with me, because I know I have every right.

And the frightening thing is, we are yet to use the one we have correctly, yet the authorities have seen it fit to put another one along the public road to Marriaqua.

That could only cause even more chaos, and without proper Police

supervision, will lead to many problems.

So I am pleading to the Head of the Traffic Department: Rather than harass people on their way home for insurance and licence (both important no doubt), why not check up on these drivers who probably never even looked at the rule book, or took the relevant tests before being issued a driver’s licence.

Disgusted Road User

The ‘Silly Season’ Human Trafficking and more HISTORY was made in combating Human Trafficking in SVG, thanks to the hard working police.

Keep up the good work. The world is watching you, Station Sergeant Junior Simmons, as you continue your investigation into the first modern day slavery case in SVG. Continue the work of a Christian police soldier (Luke 3:14).

This is our understanding of the Trafficking in Persons Act: the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring of persons by means of ill-treatment or use of force, or other means of coercion; abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power; of giving, or

ST. VINCENT AND THE GREANDINES seems to have two seasons; one comes every five years — the receiving of payment, or benefits (Matthew 13:52), or our Prime Silly Season — and the other annually — the Crazy without the consent of a person; Minister can do the right thing Season. having control over another (Matthew 5:25-26). Christ did not Of course, the latter is the Carnival; the former person for the purpose of abolish laws and order, nor the is the period leading up to the general election. exploitation. prophecies of the prophets The build-up to the general election is usually a On another matter: When (Matthew 5:17). Those in period of sheer nonsense, at least from some of persons say that they didn’t vote authority or positions of power, those who offer themselves up as candidates. The for them (leaders) because they whether it is politics or religion, things they say leave you to conclude that these (leaders) did not give them fellows think we are all stupid and, because they will never escape the judgement (people) lumber and galvanize, are men of learning, that we will swallow all that of God (Isa 24:21-22). what is the mindset? When we see they have to say. Well, they better think again The Christian Democrats are stocks of lumber and galvanize because they are sillier than they think. calling on the government not to piled up at the eve of general Now there is Jomo writing in my favourite paper distribute those stocks of housing election, it is an intention of The Vincentian, of October 16. Here is what he materials until after the election. giving and receiving to retain said: “Even though Searchlight has a permanent control over the electorate.

ULP editorial gaze, its Christian Democrat Our Christian democratic attempts at objectivity is lawyers will answer for us commendable”. Now tell me, isn’t there something radically wrong with this statement by my learned friend?

Who is Jomo trying to witchcraft year. Halloween is a What should I do with those convince with this forked* Is it true time when witches attempt to things in my life that are tongue language? How that some communicate with the dead. associated with witchcraft or can one have a persons are Halloween is celebrated in a other practices of the occult? permanent gaze and still advocating that we number of countries on 31 Follow Acts 19: 18-20 which expect to be objective?

October, the eve (All Saints Eve) states: ‘And many that believed take in up to 5,000 I might not be the of the Western Christian feast of came, and confessed, and shewed refugees from most versed in the All Hallows’ Day. their deeds. Many of them also Syria?

English language, but All Hallows’ Evening”), also which used curious arts brought * Is the ‘old man’ this one surely seems to known as Allhalloween, All their books together, and burned from Layou showing be a contradiction.

See Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, is them before all men: and they up his ‘younger’ what I mean by the ‘silly a yearly celebration observed in a counted the price of them, and opponent as far as season’? number of countries on 31 found it fifty thousand pieces of energy on the And I could go on and October, the eve of the Western silver. So mightily grew the word campaign trail is on, but the silliness has Christian feast of All Hallows’ of God and prevailed.’ concerned? to stop somewhere, Day. So, should a Christian be sometime, and if I refer * What are the All Saints Day was set aside to involved with the pagan holiday to any more instances of authorities doing honor saints, but though perhaps Holloween? Ephesian 5:11 says, silliness, then I would be about that well intentioned, trying to ‘And have no fellowship with the guilty of furthering the continuing nuisance Christianize pagan practices can unfruitful works of darkness, but nonsense. to residents along never be pleasing to Yahweh, and rather reprove them.’

Halloween may be the most vivid the Vigie stretch?

Garnet, NY. example of this (Hebrews 9:27).

Yahweh descendant * Are the Noise and the Public Health Acts applicable to some and not to others? Are we to IT BOTHERS me that some of and what they? A Ragga and So to treat calypso as a assume that this people who like to run off ‘dey Soca competition. second class citizen, is to deny has something to do mouth’ about how calypso It seems to me that the our heritage. with your political going down the drain, are also persons who speak about this And to think one of the men affiliation? to be blamed for whatever, if heritage, think that heritage pushing this Soca/Ragga * Did a Minister of any, fall calypso has just began the other day. Well, Competition for Heritage Government experienced.

I have something to tell them: condone what some Radio announcers like to When the bell (not the election Month is a big man in CDC. See where we really heading? persons are doing run off ‘dey mouth’, but how bell but the bell of truth) is There can be no talk of our many of them place calypso as rung wherever and whenever, by referring to heritage, our cultural heritage, a priority? the only heritage we have as Arnos Vale as the Look what has happened far as music is concerned, is unless calypso takes a place of entertainment strip recently. A big, big, bassa calypso., not soca and ragga. prominence. Nuff said. in St. Vincent? bassa about Heritage Month, Without calypso there would Heritage Week, Miss Heritage, have been no ragga and soca.

Charles

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

OCTOBER 31st has long been known as ‘The festival of the dead’. In cults and witchcraft circles, October 31st represents a day of worship called Samhain (pronounced sow-en), a Gaelic festival ‘marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, or the darker half of the year.’

History tells us that the Celtic people were worshippers of earth gods, woodland spirits, and sun deities. One legend explains that on Samhain, the spirits of all those who had died throughout the year, would return in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for entering the afterlife. It was also the day that the living were to communicate with the dead. This practice is called necromancy.

Deuteronomy 18:11 tells us that Yahweh God considers this practice evil. We see examples of necromancy portrayed in movies like the ‘Sixth Sense’, ‘Lion King’ and ‘Ghost’, to name a few.

Regardless of where or how the ritual practice started, one thing is certain: Yahweh God forbids contacting any spirit unless it’s the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit).

Halloween today is performed usually by adherents to witchcraft, who use the night for their rituals. Witches celebrate Halloween as the first feast (a festival of the dead) of the

Look how we treating calypso

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 11.

Independence Feature

Up you mighty people, you can accomplish what you will!

Independence Message 2015 from Arnhim U. Eustace, Leader of the Opposition New Democracy Party (NDP) AST YEAR, my Independence message caused a stir. In it, I time-travelled to Independence 2019 to speak of what Vincentians could expect four years into the first NDP administration of government since 2001.

Reactions ranged from kudos to curses. Some declared me senile for celebrating our 40th rather than 35th Independence; others expressed concern that a self-congratulatory look back from the future would read as arrogant, while some simply found the idea preposterous and trite.

What I gleaned from the message’s critics, is

L

that in present-day St. Vincent and the Grenadines, many of us dare not court hope.

This discomfort wasn’t sage political advice along the lines of “don’t promise more than you can deliver”. What I heard was battle-weary Vincentians who, having taken more than a decade of hard economic blows, are left bent over, one hand on one knee, and the other hand, palm forward and raised high as if to say, “No more”.

But that’s the effect of battery upon the national psyche: we lower our standards because we have started to believe we deserve less. After all, we’ve been told the worst things about ourselves. We’re invisible, dunces, dirty dawgs and internet crazies who wouldn’t know what to do with a

constitution but wrap it around salt fish. We should be grateful to receive “poor relief” from the government and aid instead of trade from other countries. We should be satisfied that while the rest of the region and the world recovers from the global recession, we can’t move past it.

admit that none is accredited. I could go on.

Maintaining Independence is not easy. But contrary to what has been hammered into us for fourteen years, we Vincentians are capable of restoring and keeping that Independence. I say to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “We shall be great again!” because we And so we accept what have been great many is unacceptable times before. Go tell your everywhere else: police children and commissioners who wear grandchildren how great party colours to party we were when we staved events; farm lands lying off colonial forces so long fallow; potholes holding that we were the last in more water than some the region to be households can joag from colonised. Wake them up the standpipe; threats to and tell them about the public servants on the 1937 labour riots that eve of a strike; smug swept the region. Tell the college officials who children that Elma speak glowingly of their Francois, the great associate degree courses, Trinidadian trade even as their own unionist, was a Minister is forced to Vincentian woman. Tell

the children that in the 1990s the same IMF that hovers over us now marvelled that there was “much to praise and little to fault” about our economy. Make sure to teach the children and grandchildren that banana was our green gold; and how every Tuesday you had worst gridlock than on any single day in the last decade because the banana trucks used to hold up traffic from Geest shed all the way to Arnos Vale. And tell them that there was a time when any Vincentian — Indian, Black or White — could be prime minister. Run, tell the children the truth.

I dare you to dream about a St. Vincent with economic growth, statesmanship in political leaders,

Hon. Arnhim Eustace affordable quality healthcare, equal opportunity for employment, robust trade unions, sound infrastructure, diverse and profitable farming, a thriving private sector, integrity legislation, true freedom of information, sexual harassment policy in the public sector, prosecution of corrupt officials, free speech and a free press.

I know. The present day reality hurts. But there is hope. Let’s take back our Independence.

Up you mighty people, you can accomplish what you will!

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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

Mission Director for USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Christopher Cushing addresses attendees of an inaugural Caribbean Forum on DRR in Education, at the St. Lucia Bay Gardens Hotel.

USAID hosts inaugural Caribbean Forum on DRR THE UNITED STATES AGENCY for International Development (USAID) is working to ensure that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is incorporated into the region’s education sector. Last year, USAID directed more than USD$24.5 million towards DRR in the region.

From October 12-15, USAID sponsored an inaugural Caribbean forum on DRR in Education at the St. Lucia Bay Gardens Hotel. Co-sponsored by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), the theme was “Implementation and Best Practices in the Caribbean Region.” The forum focused on DRR and management within the context of special, early childhood, and higher education.

The conference attracted representatives from the Ministries of Education of 10 countries in the region, including the Minister of Education for St. Lucia; leading regional and international policy makers; researchers; and academics. The forum created opportunities for networking and sharing best practices.

Chairperson of the Board of Governors of SALCC Ms. Fortuna Husbands Anthony said the relevance and timeliness of the forum was critical: “This year we have wept with our sister country Dominica, and only last week the devastation and loss of life in the Bahamas brought home the message that, as a people, we must be educated on DRR. In my humble opinion, our schools, along with other agencies, must be at the forefront to educate all the citizenry.”

Christopher Cushing, Mission Director for USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean, underscored the importance of including DRR within the educational sector to foster an effective response. “Education plays a critical role in fostering a culture of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Spreading the message of disaster preparedness and risk reduction within schools, universities, and at the community level will help prepare individuals for the risks they face.”

Cushing lauded educators for their contribution, and emphasized the inherent strength and resilience of the region’s education sector with regard to natural disasters. He also praised the sector’s ability to withstand exogenous factors such as drugs and violence.

Providing insight into USAID’s efforts to date, Regional Advisor for USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean Sidney Velado said that the Agency has addressed DDR in education for the past 15 years through a School Safety Course. The course provides teachers and other staff with the concepts and tools necessary to reduce disaster risks and produce emergency preparedness and response plans for their schools. He highlighted the importance of sound planning and professional training to equip educators with the requisite knowledge to effectively address DRR. In addition to expert plenary presentations and working group sessions, the 3-day meeting had 10 panels that addressed financing DRR in education, building resilience to DRR at the early childhood development level, and community involvement in DRR in education.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 13.

News

World Food Day celebrated here

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE THE WORLD FOOD DAY Committee celebrated World Food Day in grand style with an Agricultural exhibition, at Heritage Square on Thursday 15th October, one day before the actual Day, October 16.

The exhibition, held under the theme ‘Social Protection and Agriculture’, offered agro-based producers the opportunity to display and sell their goods, and a number of agriculture service operators to promote their services.

The atmosphere was set by an appropriately decorated designed front stage, comprised of primary food produce. Agro processors, students from across the state, staff from the ministry of agriculture, stakeholders in the agriculture sector, Taiwanese officials, invited guests gathered for an opening ceremony.

Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, in delivering the feature address, highlighted the importance of the agriculture sector. He said agriculture accounts for

approximately 8-9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of SVG, while fisheries contribute 2%.

Agriculture, he noted, remains the single largest employer of labour by sector.

Recognising that the country does not have much agricultural An example of some of the products on display. land, he pointed to the interest on food production civil society to tackle the need to select properly what we plant, and to make in this country; so much so remaining 5, 0000 persons that SVG is the first who are categorized by the sure that we have a good English speaking Food and Agricultural yield.

Caribbean island to Organization (FAO) as The Prime Minister establish, what is now vulnerable as it pertains to called for modern scientific known as a parliamentary access and availability to approaches to boost the front against hunger and food. Caesar expressed agricultural sector, even as thanks to his staff, and the he thanked the farmers and undernourishment,” said Caesar, who also noted that farmers for their support. all those who are a Zero Hunger plan will Permanent Secretary in contributing to the soon be implemented, the Ministry of Agriculture agricultural sector. “because it is the policy of Raymond Ryan, Director of Minister of Agriculture this government that no Trade Cuthbert Knights Saboto Caesar told the Vincentian must go to bed and Chairman of the World gathering that SVG’s hungry.”

Food Day Committee, interest on food has been Going forward, the Cornelius Richards also renewed. government will be calling addressed the opening “We have a special for an engagement with the ceremony.

Arrowroot doing well, says Caesar THE ARROWROOT INDUSTRY has developed under the Unity Labour Party government.

This is the assessment of Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, one that he shared with the audience at the opening ceremony of this year’s World Food Day, hosted by his Ministry at Heritage Square, October 15.

The Minister highlighted what he termed as major Agriculture gains in that industry.

Minister Saboto According to Caesar, Caesar boasted three years ago, the country about the gains was producing 27,000 made in the pounds of arrowroot starch, Arrowroot and farmers were being Industry under paid 35 cent a pound for the ULP their rhizomes. government.

The government signed a contract with two purchasers in the USA, with each purchaser wanting 40,000 pounds per year.

“We moved from 27,000 pounds to 60,000 pounds, and this year 2015, as we celebrate World Food Day, we have produced 80,000 pounds this year, up from 27,000 pounds three years ago, and we are able to satisfy the market,” Caesar boasted.

Moreover, the Minister said, “Arrowroot farmers have received an increase from 35 cents a pound to $1 per pound, the highest price ever offered to arrowroot farmers in the country.”

And farmers can look ahead to more benefits, the Minister promised.

V The main beneficiaries of SVG independence 14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Feature

tuna to Taiwan. Taiwan has used this licence to create a billion-dollar tuna fishing industry.

The NDP and ULP T IS VERY CLEAR that governments should have the main beneficiaries of kept this licence and set SVG’s independence are up our own billion-dollar Taiwan and the white tuna fishing and canning super-rich foreigners of industry.

Mustique and Canouan.

If SVG had had its It is unbelievable that own tuna fishing and 36 years after we gained canning industry for the independence, we still past 30 years, life for our have high people would be much unemployment, high better. This industry poverty, high crime, and would have created more worryingly, thousands of long-term colonialism. At jobs, and provided the independence, 36 years SVG Treasury with ago, our people dreamed billions of dollars. We of jobs, an escape from could have had modern poverty and a good life hospitals, schools that for their children. Our were not dilapidated, people have been failed universities for our by the NDP and ULP children, truly free governments. education and low The NDP and ULP unemployment. governments betrayed The NDP and ULP the people of SVG by governments betrayed giving our licence to fish the people of SVG, too,

Independence message from MR IVAN O’NEAL Leader of SVG Green Party

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by not taxing Taiwan on the billions they made from our fish licence.

Gonsalves claims there’s no money to give public servants a pay rise, but if he taxed Taiwan, the SVG Treasury would have earned billions of dollars in tax. It is despicable that 36 years after independence, our government workers are forced to have their wages frozen for years, while Taiwan earns billions and pays no tax.

The NDP and ULP governments betrayed the people of SVG by giving the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan tax and customs duties exemptions in the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002. If the NDP and ULP governments had not done this, the SVG Treasury would have received hundreds of millions of dollars in tax

revenue over the years.

Poverty would be significantly reduced, and there would be no families living in a ‘lean to’, if the super-rich had been taxed over the years. How is it that we are an independent country, but the NDP and ULP governments are subservient to the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan?

SVG’s independence from the UK is not worth the paper it is written on, when our people are being treated as secondclass citizens in their own country.

When we got independence in 1979, it was meant to be the end of colonialism. However, that never happened, and we have had 36 years of segregation and white enclaves, like that under apartheid in South Africa. These white,

segregationist foreigners, living it up in their white enclaves in Mustique and Canouan, are eating the fruits of SVG’s independence.

It is time that Vincentians enjoy the fruits of SVG’s independence and reclaim our sources of revenue from the parasites — Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan.

The SVG Treasury needs this revenue to make life better for Vincentians.

We must create thousands of new jobs, make education truly free, make water and electricity affordable for all families. and reduce crime and poverty.

Let us not give up on the dream of true independence for our people. Vote Green Party.

May God bless SVG.

Ivan O’Neal Happy 36th independence anniversary.

Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA Leader and co-founder of SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 15.

Diaspora

Envoy says SVG’s record ‘solid’ independence, United Nations Ambassador I. Rhonda King says the nation’s record amid debilitating economic forces has been “solid.”

In her address, at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, at St. Paul’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church in the Village of Flatbush, Brooklyn, organized collaboratively by the Brooklyn-based umbrella group, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc.(COSAGO), and the New York Consulate General, King said, “As a self-governing state, as a political society, we must measure our success by these aims,” adding, “So how have we done?

“In spite of the fact that we are beset by crippling circumstances that originate beyond our shores, such as the consequences of climate change and the financial

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT AS VINCENTIANS in New York last Sunday began celebrating their 36th anniversary of political

Ambassador I. Rhonda King addresses congregation.

crises in the developed world, we have endured and are making sound progress,” the envoy continued.

Over the past 15 years, she said extreme poverty has been reduced from roughly 26 percent of the population to a mere 2.9 percent.

In addition, she said the nation has “far exceeded the goal of universal primary education” and that universal secondary education has been achieved — improving access from 39 percent to 100 percent in just five years.

She said the nation is also “proud to be among the early adopters, if not forerunners, of gender sensitive development strategies.”

King said under-five child mortality has been reduced by half; the spread of HIV has stabilized; increased access to pipe-borne water has significantly

increased from 70 percent to over 98 percent “through prudent infrastructural investments; “and this government’s record in ‘no and low income housing’ is exemplary.”

But she said there is still more work to be done, stating that “poverty, more broadly defined, remains a stubborn and vexing challenge in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Still, it is important to count the progress made and note that, over the last 15 years, nonindigent poverty was reduced by 20 percent,” she said.

The ambassador said, while governments have a great responsibility to their people, the people, at the same time, have “equal responsibility to our brethren”.

King noted — as enunciated in the sermon

by Pastor Nelverne Samuel, of the denominational Love

Tabernacle Fellowship International in the Brownville section of Brooklyn — that Vincentians are “Godfearing people.”

Also addressing the service were New York Counsel General Selmon Walters and Laverne McDowald-Thompson, president of COSAGO. Monies given in the church service’s second collection will go towards helping Vincy Heat, the national senior football team.

Independence celebrations in New York continue on Friday night with a COSAGOorganized cultural evening, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn; and a calypso competition, at Café Omar, in Brooklyn, organized by the Dynamite Calypso Tent.

On Sunday, COSAGO and the Consulate General, hold a gala

Pastor Nelverne Samuel delivering sermon.

Independence Luncheon at Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn. COSAGO public relations officer Earl Horne and community advocate Pastor Robert McBarnett, of the Bronxbased St. Matthias Charities, Inc., will be honored.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 17.

News

NIS hosts Pensioners’ Appreciation Day 2015 MORE THAN one week before the celebration of our nation’s 36th anniversary of independence, scores of pensioners across St. Vincent and the Grenadines received commendation at an event organised by the National Insurance Services (NIS).

The event, Pensioners’ Appreciation Day, convened at the NIS headquarters on Thursday 15th October, 2015.

The theme of the day was, ‘Recognizing, Respecting, Reconnecting Retirees’.

The pensioners had the opportunity to meet and greet Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Minister with responsibility for Social Security and Finance; the staff and board of the NIS, including Chairman of the NIS Board, Mr. Lennox Bowman; Deputy Director of the NIS, Dr. Minerva Glasgow, and fellow pensioners.

Deputy Director of the NIS, Dr. Minerva Glasgow, officially became a pensioner on the Pensioners’ Appreciation Day. Celebrating her 60th birthday, Dr. Glasgow acknowledged the contribution pensioners have made to national development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She added that pensioners formed an integral pillar of the NIS’s operations.

According to Dr. Glasgow, there are over 200 persons on elderly assistance benefit, and over 4000 old age pensioners. The NIS takes pride in delivering this service to pensioners, and considers it to be a significant contribution

to the pensioners, stated Dr. Glasgow.

The Pensioners’ Appreciation Day had an atmosphere of goodwill and merriment. Chairman of the NIS Board, Mr. Lennox Bowman, commended the pensioners for their lively participation in the worship session conducted by the NIS Heritage Groovers. Bowman said he has always had a deep and abiding interest in the welfare of senior citizens and, even more so, since becoming Chairman of the NIS. Now 69 years old, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves stated he has been told that he is the longest serving Minister with responsibility for the NIS in its history.

Prime Minister Gonsalves

expressed his appreciation to pensioners for the work that they did during the years when they contributed to the NIS. Dr. Gonsalves reiterated to pensioners that they are enjoying benefits beyond their deductions.

Currently, the NIS serves some 6367 pensioners monthly, of which, old age pensioners are 5218, explained Dr. Gonsalves, who added that this totals to an annual payout of some $40.7 million, The NIS fully covers 93% of wages to contributors, said Dr. Gonsalves.

The first NIS Pensioners’ Appreciation Day was held in 1999 to show appreciation and to honour pensioners for their Pensioners had the opportunity to intermingle with NIS staff contribution to nation and fellow pensioners. building. (Contributed)

Vincentians living longer

PERSONS are living longer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines than ever before. In 1970, there were about 6,000 persons sixty years and older. By the year 2013, that figured had increased to 13,811.

That revelation was made by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves last week Thursday while speaking at a Pensioners’ Appreciation Day, hosted by the National Insurance Services at its headquarters, Kingstown.

The Vincentian Prime Minister indicated that the Over 60 age group had doubled in less than 50 years.

Noting that that demographic had implications for housing, health, and security, Dr. Gonsalves urged, “We have to have a special safety net.”

Young people, he said, have to be

educated and respectful; to honour the elderly.

Persons collecting the minimum NIS pension can expect an increase from January 2016. That will be to bring them in line with persons on the Public Assistance programme who have been given an increase from January next year.

In an effort to continue the assistance to the elderly, Dr. Gonsalves has promised to build a third Golden Years Activity Centre either at Marriaqua or East St. George.

“I keeping me eye out especially for the elderly,” Gonsalves assured.

By 2028, the official retirement age would be 65, Gonsalves indicated, and he assured that the NIS is being dealt with “openly and transparently.”

The Prime Minister used the occasion to announce that the plan is to offer 14 national scholarships for this (school) year. Each recipient will enjoy five years of study.

Five National Exhibitions will also be awarded for three years. Twelve bursaries willbe handed over to persons who will have three years to pursue studies.

(WKA)

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced that the minimum NIS pension will be increased in 2016.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 19.

Politics

Bogus ÂLabour LoveÊ THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) has as its central theme for this campaign that of ‘Labour Love’.

However, Curtis Bowman, the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate down to contest the upcoming General Elections against St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince in Marriaqua, says that there is more evidence of love in the NDP camp.

The 2005 NDP candidate for Curtis Bowman, NDP candidate for the Marriaqua, Advira Bennett was Marriaqua constituency, is having one of the featured speakers at a difficulty finding ‘Labour Love’. public meeting in Mesopotamia last weekend, and according to platform.

Bowman, despite beating her in the Neither have they been seen in the runoff to become the candidate to constituency supporting Prince in his contest the 2010 elections, she has effort to become the next never turned her back on him.

Parliamentary Representative. (DDD) “She has been there, giving me her full support through the thick and thin and through the length and breadth of Marriaqua,” Bowman said.

Bennett has appeared on every single political THE STATE of the nation’s roads is deplorable, platform since he became and according to the New Democratic Party (NDP) the NDP candidate for candidate for Marriaqua Curtis Bowman, that Marriaqua, he constituency has among the worst (roads) in the contended. country.

He referred to the broken road at Ginger “And that was what you called love,” Bowman Village/Belmont, saying that it was just about two years since the road was damaged due to heavy told his supporters. rains.

To reinforce his point “And nothing has been done to ease the burden about ‘Labour Lover’ of the travelling public of Marriaqua,” he said being a bogus campaign during a public meeting in Marriaqua last sales pitch, Bowman Saturday. recalled that there were “And the chief engineer was still saying that three individuals on the studies were being conducted… if the study was ULP side who offered taking this long, then how long would it take for themselves as potential the physical construction of the road?” Bowman candidates to contest the questioned. elections, namely Godson The second-time candidate also pointed to the Caine, Kirk Da Silva and condition of the public road beginning in Belmont Prince. leading into Mesopotamia, describing it as the Prince was eventually worst road, and also highlighted the road handpicked, Bowman conditions in Yambou, Majorca, McMillan, said, and since that time, Montaque, Evesham and Cane End as some of the neither Caine nor Da other roads in the constituency that, according to Silva has been on the him, require urgent attention. (DDD)

Marriaqua roads dying for attention

V Effort afoot to assist kidney patients 20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

She lives one day at a time, for she knows not how another day will AYANA FINDLAY is perhaps turn out for her, and this one of this country’s has been the challenge youngest kidney patients. she has had to face since She is learning to cope being diagnosed with the with the illness, despite illness, as a third form the cost of acquiring the student of the Girls’ treatment.

High School.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Since then, she has endured the effects of end stage renal failure.

But she has soldiered on, seeking treatment for her illness initially in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

The costs of travelling has been cut, with the

setting up of an institution called Health Solutions Incorporated, the first and only hemodialysis service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Last Monday, October 19, Ayana was fairly energised at the National

Insurance Services Training Room, when she spoke in support of a planned fundraising event by the Kidney Society of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Incorporated.

That fund-raising effort, a concert entitled ‘What a Little Love Can Do’, that ‘will blend musical voices of gospel and calypso’, is scheduled for November 15, 2015, at the Russell’s Auditorium, Kingstown, from 6pm-9pm.

Co-ordinator of the event, Fidel Taylor, known for his experience in planning and executing major gospel events here, addressed the launch. He noted the cost of treatment at what he termed the “state of the art” facility, Health Solutions Inc., located at Beachmont, Kingstown.

According to him, a patient needs at least two sessions a week to relieve the threat on life, and the expenses are taking a toll on patients.

The intention is to raise some $100,000 to assist those persons needing hemodialysis.

Tickets will cost each person $40.00, but Jerry George, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Society, sees the asking fee as “not about the $40.00 … but about the contribution you are making.”

One person slated to perform at the concert, renowned local gospel singer Pearl McMaster, used the launch to highlight the seriousness of the kidney dilemma and even gave a rendition of one of her songs.

Pauline GarabedianDefreitas, Managing Director of Health Solutions Inc., noted that incidence of kidney failure was high here and was increasing.

She commended kidney patient Decent Henry whom she described as “a great advocate for the renal population,” and expressed the hope that Henry would continue his advocacy.

The Managing Director reminded persons that lifestyle

Ayana Findlay, herself a kidney patient, was on hand to share her experience and to solicit support for the concert.

Fidel Taylor has lent his skill as an event planner and organiser, to the fundraising effort of the Kidney Society of SVG. habits affect one’s health, and emphasised the importance of persons ensuring a healthy diet, as a preventative measure to ill health.

The Kidney Society of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Inc., was incorporated as a nonprofit company, under the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in December, 2013.

Its Board of Directors is comprised of: Dr. Malcolm Samuel, General and renal Transplant Surgeon; Jerry George, Public Relations Manager Digicel Eastern Caribbean; Norlann Gabriel, Country Manager (SVG) First Citizens Investment; Desiree Richards, Managing Director Metrocint General Insurance Ltd and Managing Editor of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 21.

View

Winning at all costs? - Part 3 And Yet I rise

“Unfortunately, corruption is widespread in government agencies and public enterprises. Our political system promotes nepotism and wasting money. This has undermined our legal system and confidence in the functioning of the state.” - George are the individuals who desire to win Papandreou (born 1952); former at all costs even if it means paying Prime Minister of Greece. large sums of money and/or giving “gifts” in order to guarantee votes.

THE TWO PRECEDING articles that These are the individuals to bribe appeared in this In Touch column voters en route to meeting their focused on winning at all costs in sports selfish ends. and business respectively. The thoughts Several years ago, I had the expressed in both essays emphasized distinct pleasure of being among two the fact that while it is desirable to politicians from neighbouring islands excel at activities in these two fields, it on a regular basis. One of them was a is essential that participants engage in female from the Republic of Trinidad behaviours that are honest. and Tobago. She was evidently Unfortunately, many succumb to the passionate about the people she temptation to cheat in order to get represented, and championed many ahead of the pack. This week’s essay causes aimed at alleviating their pain focuses on those who seek to “win at all and suffering in the rural community costs” in politics - neglecting or refusing in which she lived. The other was an to be guided by a moral compass, and assertive male politician from one of seeking alternate routes that reflect the OECS member states. He, on the characters that are dishonest or corrupt. other hand, would indicate how The political arena is not for the meticulous he was in counting the faint-hearted. It is certainly not number of votes in a particular house designed for those who are “thinto determine whether he would skinned”. This therefore explains why contribute a variety of kitchen some parents and spouses dread the appliances to the household. He was thoughts of their loved ones definitely more interested in gaining entertaining thoughts of seeking to be political power by “collecting votes”, community and nation builders by than he was about the welfare of the making themselves available to be constituents. He was prepared to win political candidates. However, we at all costs — even if it meant bribing need to encourage competent and the residents to secure their votes. decent citizens to open themselves to Reports emanating from several of serve in this capacity — as true the small Caribbean islands reveal statesmen and stateswomen. Our that some politicians are engaged in nations need visionaries who desire to encouraging residents to register in build people, strengthen homes, “marginal constituencies”, even fortify communities, and improve though they reside elsewhere. This is national development through their dishonest. The fraudulence is untiring and honest public service. magnified when those engaged in Unfortunately, there are too many perpetrating the lie (claiming to live examples of individuals who entered where they do not), are paid to do so. politics when they were very close to The corruption expands when the being penniless and, within a few reward for the deed is accompanied by short years, emerge as millionaires. material gifts (such as stoves, fridges, This is as true in the developed lumber, cement, etc.). Such activities countries as it is in emerging unravel the moral fabric of society. economies and small-island states.

This is especially damaging when How is this possible? How can it be young persons are aware of the that individuals whose salaries are activities and wrongfully assume that considered “relatively small”, can see it is right to do wrong, or that the end their financial fortunes turnaround so justifies the means. Working hard drastically in less than a decade? and winning fairly can generate very Such observations encourage citizens positive outcomes. However, to clamour for integrity legislation cheating, in all of its forms, will and the declaration of assets and encourage segments of our society to investments by all those who seek to plunge deeper into the abyss of pursue political life. While there is no immorality, corruption, and crime. guarantee that such guidelines will Political leaders who encourage such eliminate the temptation for some behaviours then discover that it is government officials to become impossible for them to be the voice corrupt, this writer is convinced that and/or icon for honesty, fairness, and it will assist in curbing the justice. Having been tarnished by temptation and, in so doing, reduce such crooked behaviours they become the enticement to seek to win via mute when required to speak out and corrupt or illegal means. stand up for integrity. Our society We would be naïve to assume that calls for leaders who will be everyone who seeks political office will aggressive as they pursue their have noble ambitions. Those who dreams and ambitions … but it seek to engage in activities that will beckons for them to do so fairly. encourage their constituents to Winning at all costs must not include improve their living standards and to deception and dishonesty. We deserve pursue noble dream encourage us. better than that. We demand better However, there will be others who are than that as we strive to take our so bent on using this as an avenue to people to a brighter future. amass personal wealth, recognition, and/or power, that they will seek to Send comments, criticisms & bend or break rules to ensure their suggestions to ascendency to political office. These julesferdinand@gmail.com

DEM AH GO BE tired to see mi face Oh yeah Dem char keep me out of the race Oh lord, it is a big disgrace Ah say they draw bad card.

Bob Marley bad card.

By the time readers get this column, the wooden portion of my office at Chauncey will be reconstructed. It is a bigger and better structure, and it will go a long way toward offering much needed assistance to the residents of South Leeward. The swift reconstruction is a living testament to my drive and determination, and the commitment to and our intention to win the South Leeward in the general elections.

Just before midnight last week Thursday evening, the top and wooden section of my constituency office was burnt to the ground. The fire represented an unfortunate incident that has led to wild speculation. Many ULP supporters were angry, and immediately pointed an accusing finger at our political opponents. Opposition sympathizers claimed that the fire either had an electrical source or that the ULP burnt its own office, with the hope that it would find sympathy with voters of South Leeward.

This is the truth as I know it.

About 7 of us were in the office until 8 PM that fateful Thursday evening. On leaving the office, some of us went to Vermont. I drove past the office a little after 11 PM on my way home.

Just after midnight, I was awakened with the sad news that the office was on fire. On our journey from Campden Park to Chauncey, I remarked to my colleague that I hope this was not a case of arson, otherwise it will represent a dangerous escalation of our political climate.

The building was inspected and searched by the police. Mr. Jack of the Electrical Inspectorate disclosed that the fire did not have an electrical origin. I was not surprised by the findings. While a deep freeze is in that section of the building, it was turned off. Only a light bulb was burning at the time of the fire. It means that there is a real possibility someone wanted the office destroyed.

Unfortunately and recklessly, Nigel Stephenson, the current representative for the NDP, took to the radio and declared that the office was destroyed by me and ULP to gain sympathy for a campaign that was not going anywhere. Contrast Mr. Stephenson’s inappropriate statement with mine, in which I called for the police and other investigators to do their work. I also commanded our supporters to remain calm as we continue to work for an electoral victory and proper representation. Mr. Stephenson’s irresponsible comment is yet another reason why he is unfit to remain in parliament.

We are not in search of sympathy.

Our team is driven and committed to win the seat, and we have been working to do so. For the last 20 months, Team Jomo has been among the people, presenting its case as to why South Leeward deserves new and better representation. We have offered support and solace to those in need. We have been explaining the ULP programmes and policies. We have pointed to the record of achievements, and I have committed to bringing confident, consistent and determined leadership so that the people of South Leeward can get their fair share of the national pie.

The people of South Leeward know

that the Vermont/Francois Bridge has been completed by the ULP after empty promises by the NDP. The Hope Bridge is rebuilt. The Penniston playing field is nearing completion.

Work has commenced on the pavilion and hard court at the Campden Park playing field. Farmers in the area have benefited from the $12 million given in agricultural assistance by the government in the last 2 years. This week, asphalt was laid on a portion of the South Leeward highway.

Therefore, it is not we who are on the defensive or begging for sympathy. Mr. Stephenson and the NDP have been forced to respond to us and our initiatives in the constituency, and they have no answers. Further proof of our increasingly solid position in the constituency can be gleaned from two recent events.

One month ago, I was rebranded as the conscious candidate. The outpouring community love and support was a sight to behold. As I greeted the PM on his arrival, he, in amazement, said, “This is a rass crowd you have here boy.” A simple rebranding was turned into a mass rally. Then two Sundays ago, thousands journeyed to Retreat, Vermont, for a massive rally, where I presented our plans for the constituency, to enthusiastic acclaim.

Neither the ULP nor I is asking for sympathy. All we ask for is understanding. The best is yet to come. Those who counted me out of this race in South Leeward, now know that they have a major challenge on their hands. They know what is happening on the ground, and they are trembling. We continue to work hard, but we are also guided by the science of numbers, and we know that we are ahead of the incumbent and the lead is growing larger. We don’t need sympathy to win. All we need is unity and organization that will mobilize for and execute a ‘get-out-tovote’ drive on elections day. This fire has energized our forces and made us stronger, more united and more committed.

There is no doubt that panic has set in among the NDP leaderships and their supporters. The NDP foolishly thought that the 7 seats it won in 2010 were safe seats, and so it began targeting North Windward, East St George, West St George and Central Leeward.

Sir Louis’ return has placed Central Leeward out of the NDP’s reach, while the ULP has consolidated its position in North Windward.

Camillo’s youthful energy, wit, charm, intelligence and hard work in the area, coupled by the fact that he is the PM’s son, will allow him to win comfortably in East St George, and ‘Ces’ will hold his own in the West.

Be calm and watch as Carlos and yours truly bring back the North and South Leeward seats into the ULP fold. Debbie, Beris, and Luke are creating headaches for Cummings, Leacock and Eustace.

And this is why I know that the best of me is yet to come. We shall win in South Leeward, and I will not disappoint.

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

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24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Poetry Feature

No plans for the future I’VE MAKE NO PLANS for the future, I just live freely from day to day, My world is full of laughter, Seldom bother, I welcome what may, Daily I’ll listen to the birds and the bees, And the rustle of the wind rushing through the trees, The birds fly free, the bees make sweet honey, The trees look on helplessly, As man continues to destroy their forestry, Why not preserve it, can’t we?

And live like the birds and bees, In total harmony, Why not leave the forest alone?

Listen to the birds and bees, it’s their home.

I’ve made no plans for the future, As man searches for ways to destroy each other, Power-hungry in their exploration with modern technology, Launch rockets into space and far reaches of its galaxy, Soon there may be star wars out there in space, Will man even be able to conquer outer space?

The race goes on for world supremacy, In their search will they find their own destiny?

I’ll rather keep the smile I’ve got upon my face, And stay close to the rest of the human race, Man may go rocketing into other bounds, I’ll keep my foot firmly on the ground.

I’ve made no plans for the future, My back is up against the wall, On this planet earth, there is more than enough for one another, Yet the greed of man may one day destroy us all.

Josiah Bobb - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The final straw - A woman’s strength WITH EACH BLOW I get, my body grows weaker and weaker, Where can I run or where can I even hide?

Am always in the house and can’t even get out, There’s nowhere to run, whenever he’s around.

about my abuse, The licks I get from a man, no one will ever assume.

I need to break free! But where or who can I turn to, I must be strong! And pick myself up off the ground.

Battered an’ bruised! Black eyes an’ buss mouth, Have to wear makeup, just to cover them up.

Big sunglasses even in the dark, people must be thinking ‘she’s a crazy woman’.

Long sleeves and jeans pants, whether day or night Have a smile now so everything will look and feel alright, But I still can’t make him see that look in my eyes.

Oh Lord! Please help me tonight, cause you know I can’t take it anymore, And I know when he comes home, its bare licks an’ plenty blows.

Here he comes, I’m frightened by each step he makes!

I stand in the corner of the room with a heavy mantle, Panting and puffing, so many things running through my mind.

Have to do what I must, to put an end to his hammering hands.

With just one blow ‘Bang”! He hits the floor!

Want to tell my friends, but what will they think of me?

‘Cause the impressions that I gave, makes everything seem okay.

But what must I do, I must tell someone

Nadine Gibson St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2005

Heading for the harbour I’M HEADING for the harbour, My ship is coming in, Soon we’ll be dropping anchor, Let there be a gathering crowd to cheer us in.

I’m heading for the harbour My sails are already trimmed, I can see your tender eyes within.

Like two lovely pearls an oyster newly shed, How nice to know they are your lovely eyes ahead, With flashes just like the harbour beacon light, Now I can see them clearly shining so bright, Oh! What joys untold they hold.

If you could only see the tears in mine, I’m trying hard to restrain and console myself, For soon the both of us will be intertwined.

And as if I can hear you whispering there along, Saying, “welcome my love” “come on in” “come home”, Your two breasts, were like marbles, now fully grown, Like two lovely balloons, inflated on their own.

Everything is fine, I make no request, Mother nature unfolds itself at its very best, With your composure and everlasting smile, I’ll journey to see you ten thousand miles.

Been a long time since I’ve seen you, Been such a long, long time, Oh! How I miss you really miss you, I’ve been slowly losing my mind.

I’m heading closer and closer to the harbour, I can smell your sweet perfume blowing in the wind, My vision is getting better and better, As the gathering crowd begin cheering us in, Down goes the ship’s anchor, Thank God we are in.

Josiah Bobb

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 27.

Independence Feature

Avoiding the Temptation of Self-Sufficiency

by BISHOP SONNY E. WILLIAMS Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District. (“What ere ... ....., our faith will ... .....”)

s our usual interest and preparation for our Independence celebrations resting in the shadow of the campaigning of our imminent general elections? Our need for the guiding hands and blessings of God is even so more needed, given the climate we are currently in, and the choice we will make, probably before the end of the year.

What we need most at this time, is the blessings of God. President Bill Clinton, in his first inaugural address, was convinced that “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America “. Was this an expression of patriotism or the echo for his nation’s claim to selfsufficiency? As we develop as a nation in science and technology, our greatest temptation becomes the lure of self reliance. The enemy tries to convince us that we don’t need more of God. Our self-sufficiency doesn’t allow us to admit that we, in and of ourselves, cannot cure what is wrong with our nation. Our best

I

manifestos, with effective strategies and programmes, will not sufficiently, in themselves, rid us of crime, violence and other social ills. The Prophet Jeremiah made an accurate diagnosis of the problem when he wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Problems of greed, corruption and selfishness are rooted in the nature and heart of man. Human hands cannot change human hearts. Creation, (which includes man) can be transformed by the Creator. The greatest need and the most challenging problem can only be met by the One who made us and has an eternal love for us. Our self-sufficiency often causes us to reject the healing of the Great Physician offers.

The Lord, through the Prophet Isaiah, sternly warned Babylon, the world’s then great super power, “ I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless” (Isa. 13:11) Consequently, “Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the splendour andpomp of the Cha/deans, will be like Sodom and Gomorrah when God overthrew them”. (v19) If the Lord, the just Judge, could judge Babylon, can he not judge St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

As we prepare to select those who will govern us

Bishop Sonny Williams for the next five years, let us not fall to the temptation of selfsufficiency. Let us explore the Lord’s help and guidance. The world’s wisest leader, Solomon prescribed “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5,6).

This truth is reflected in the line of our National Anthem: “What e’re the future brings, our faith will see us through”. The line underscores the importance of our dependence on God. As we celebrate our 36th National Independence, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District, salutes the nation and encourages us to renew our commitment to our country and to deepen our dependence on God.

30. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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32. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Optipharm hosts World Sight Day activity

IN COMMEMORATION of World Sight Day, Thursday 8th October, 2015, Optipharm Eye Centre, headed by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Benet C. Henry, held an exhibition at the Kenmars Building in Kingstown.

World Sight Day 2015 was celebrated under the theme, ‘Eye Care For All’.

In keeping with this (theme), the exhibition sought to “to educate the public about how diseases work to destroy our sight, and the severe effects they can have on your vision,” a release from Optiphram said.

Posters and Many persons took the opportunity to learn more brochures were about how they could care for their eyes, at the handed out at the Exhibition hosted by Optipharm. exhibition. The material highlighted how eye diseases develop and different proposes to reduce avoidable blindness by 25% by the year 2019. treatment options.

“Along with the global society, we “Globally, many persons are would like to urge everyone to take suffering from vision loss or vision deterioration; however, if proper steps care of their eyes by having regular are taken to detect, treat and manage comprehensive eye examinations, take precautions by wearing protective these conditions by receiving proper eyewear, and by taking all corrective eye care, many of these occurrences steps advised by their can be prevented,” the Optipharm ophthalmologist, in order to preserve release stated. their vision,” Optipharm advised.

The WHO global action plan

Burnette is new Bunpan head RICKIE BURNETTE is the new President of the Marriaqua United Friendly Society, known throughout the length and breadth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as ‘Bunpan’.

Burnette was elected at the Society’s Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 18th, October, 2015, at the Society’s headquarters in Mesopotamia.

Others elected to serve on the Board of Directors are: Theophilus Shallow - Vice President; Christy Thomas - General Secretary; - Cecil Jackson - Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Dougal James -

Rickie Burnette – newly elected President of Bunpan.

Theophilus Shallow – will serve as VicePresident.

Treasurer ; Garvin Jackson and Trevor Jackson — Trustees.

The Board will be fully constituted — i.e. nine members — when the Directors select two

persons to serve as Committee Members.

The AGM was addressed by outgoing president Theophilus Shallow, and also received the Board of Directors Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 33.

Financial Information Month

TO BORROW OR NOT TO BORROW?

Things to consider before deciding to take a loan is coming in and going out each month, will help WHEN YOU’RE THINKING you work out whether or about borrowing, don’t just not you can afford a loan. simply look for a loan with Some costs to consider the lowest monthly include, among others, payment. Before you sign mortgage or rent, food, on the dotted line, it is utilities, car payments essential that you know and/or vehicle the total cost of repaying maintenance, public the debt that you are transportation, hire about to undertake. purchase, insurance premiums and school Can you afford to fees. Once you know borrow money? exactly how much money you spend in any one If you’re thinking month, you will see about borrowing money whether you’ll be able to from a lending afford any new debt. institution such as a bank, credit union or any What does the other source, be sure that institution look for? you consider your current monthly Loan applications commitments. Knowing differ from person to exactly how much money person. As a former

by DANNY-LEE FRANCIS

lending officer, I know that it is important to note that no two loan applications are identical. Everyone would not have the same income or expenses, and would not have the same circumstances, so each loan is assessed differently. However, there are some standard things that lending officers look for in any loan application.

So what is the true cost of borrowing? It takes the following into account: the loan amount; the length of borrowing term; the frequency of the repayments; the rate of interest that will be charged; the cost of any fees.

Assessing a loan request goes beyond the initial application.

Credit Unions usually use what is called the 5 C’s of Credit when assessing a loan: Capacity - Your ability to pay is determined, in a large part, by your income and any competing debts. Your present and future ability to meet your financial obligations is typically assessed through your income, hence the reason for you to present job letters, salary slips and your level of existing debt when you’re in a loan interview.

history, in other words your “financial reputation”. An applicant’s pattern of saving and relationship with the institution is very important.

payments or obligations to different financial institutions, you may need to consider consolidating your debts.

Consolidation is a form of debt refinancing that involves taking out one Credit - A good loan to pay off many repayment history is others. That is, you get a vital. One must show single loan to pay off all that he/she is worthy of your smaller loans, Capital or Collateral credit. Most creditors thereby leaving you with This is savings or other have a maximum debt one monthly payment tangible assets which a /income ratio beyond rather than several. The creditor may hold as which they will not lend. theory behind debt security in the consolidation is that one unfortunate incidence of This usually fluctuates between 40-45 % of your payment will be easier to your default. The asset net salary. manage. must be wholly owned, Every application is which makes it a Conditions - There different, that’s because “readily disposable asset” must be a clear purpose each person’s or something which the for the loans and circumstance is different. creditor may probably adequate information If you are still undecided sell to recover their should be presented to about borrowing, or you losses. This is why need some advice as to untitled land, despite the the lending officer regarding the amount how to go about value, is ineligible for that you wish to borrow. obtaining a loan, feel free use, as it cannot be to contact your readily sold.

Consolidation institution and make an appointment to speak to Character - This is the When you look at your a lending officer. combination of the first salary slip each month, two factors based on does the amount of Submitted by: General your demonstrated deductions from your Employees Cooperative financial prudence, salary make you cringe?

Credit Union (GECCU) credit or repayment If you have too many

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 35.

Opinion

IS JESUS GOD?

THERE ARE SOME religionists who advance the erroneous view that Jesus is “a god”, but not the “Almighty God,” who is “Jehovah” (Let God Be True, p.33). Instead, they say that Jesus is “a created individual” who “is the second greatest personage of the universe” (Make Sure Of All Things, p. 207).

Clearly and unambiguously, these teachings are contrary to what both the Old and New Testaments teach concerning Jesus.

Consider the following passages which unmistakably prove that Jesus -the Messiah-was to be God in the Flesh.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). “Immanuel” literally means “God with us.”

Matthew 1:21-23 makes it clear that Jesus was the Immanuel spoken of, and that He is truly God with us. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This passage makes it plain that the Messiah, Jesus, would not only be a ruler, but also be “Mighty God.” Incidentally, it is claimed that Jesus is not “Almighty God” but “Mighty God.” This is contrary to their own view that Jesus is “a god.”

The passage states that Jesus will be called

“Mighty God,” not “a mighty god.” This is the same term Isaiah used in referring to Jehovah in Isaiah 10:21. Thus Jesus is not a second class god, He is “Almighty.” He declared that “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8).

As God the Father is “first and last” (Isaiah 44:6), Jesus is also the “first” and He is the last” (Rev. 1:17). He once said, “…before Abraham was born, I am” (Jn. 8:58). Do you see how the same terms used for God the Father are also used in reference to God the Son? These terms indicate that as God, Jesus has neither beginning of days nor ending of life.

Concerning Jesus, the Prophet Micah echoes, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).

Micah says the One who was to come forth was “from everlasting,” that He was eternal. Only God had existed from eternity, and the One who was to come forth, Jesus, existed with Him. Therefore, He has to be God (compare Jn 1:1-3, 10, 14). Paul, in speaking of Christ, mentions “His eternal power and deity” (Rom. 1:20). In Colossians 2:9, he affirms that in Christ

dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Deity).

How can one possess all the fullness of Deity and not be Deity? Paul also states that Jesus “…being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Phil.

2:7). The word “nature” is the Greek word “morphe,” which means the “inner essential and abiding nature of a person or thing.” In other words, whatever it is that makes God “God,” Jesus possesses all of it in completeness. That’s why He declared, “I and the Father are one” (Jn. 10:30). This means God the Son, and God the Father are one in nature, substance and purpose.

Furthermore, they are co-equal, co-substantial and co-eternal. Of course, they are not equal in terms of role or function.

Functionally, the Father is greater than the Son (of course, Jesus said this while in the flesh-Jn. 14:28).

Relationally, they coexist as “one.” Let me give you an example to illustrate. The husband and wife become “one” in marriage (Matt. 19:5).

Obviously, they are not one and the same person, but they become a unified whole or unit (unity in diversity!). The Husband is head of the wife (Eph. 5:23; I Cor. 11:3). She ought to submit to him (Eph. 5:22). This submission is a voluntary one by virtue

The case for the Divinity of Christ

of the man’s love for her.

Similarly, the church voluntarily submits to Christ, who is her Head by virtue of His love for her (Eph. 5:24). Mind you, this doesn’t mean that the wife is inferior to the husband. Though in His pre-incarnate state He was co-equal with the Father, Christ also submitted to the Father to bring about the redemption and reconciliation process (Phil. 2:6-8). He did not always exist as a Son, but he became a Son (Isaiah 9:6; Heb. 1:5).

Even God the Father declared the Deity of Christ when He called Jesus “God” (Heb. 1:8).

In the prayer of Jesus in John 17:5, reference is made to the glory He had with the Father before the world began.

Concerning Jesus, the Hebrew writer states, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of

your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will change. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” This reminds me of Genesis 1:1,2, where God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.

The Hebrew word “Elohim” is plural, and that should not be surprising, for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were involved in creation.

That’s why God said, “Let us make man in our own “image” (v. 26). Just as the Bible speaks positively of three Persons who have the essence of Deity, so it also proclaims decisively and conclusively that God is one. The same honor given to the Father should be given to the Son (Jn. 5:19-27).

Assuredly, Jesus, while on earth forgave sins

(Mk. 2:5-10), and did not condemn those who worshipped Him (Matt.

28:8,9). No doubt, only God alone can forgive man’s sins (Mk. 2:7) as well as accept worship (Rev. 22:8,9). Worship ought not to be directed to angels (Rev. 19:10; Col. 2:18), nor man (Acts 10:25,26). Jesus could have accepted worship as well as forgive sins because he was and is Deity!

Other passages that unequivocally and unambiguously affirm that Jesus is God include; II Pet. 1:1; Titus 2:13; Isa. 54:5; I Tim. 3:16; Jn. 20:28, etc.

Is Jesus God? No doubt, if you believe in the words of the Bible, then the answer in the affirmative is in order.

To believe and teach otherwise is not only blasphemous, but puts your eternal destiny in jeopardy! (Jn. 8:24).

Mark A. Charles

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 47.

News

St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. donates projector to Overland School CONTINUING TO EXPAND its outreach programme, St Vincent Distillers Ltd (SVDL), Mt. Bentinck — producer of award-winning Captain Bligh, Sparrow’s, SLR and Sunset Strong Rums — recently donated a digital video projector to the Tourama Primary Government School at Overland.

SVDL’s Brand Manager Seon Ballah made the presentation of the projector to the school’s Acting Principal Moses Stay at a recent presentation ceremony.

The projector is expected to be used in the school’s IT programme. Its largescreen capability will allow an entire class to view a single computer in real time, greatly enhancing the learning experience.

“We are pleased to be

involved in the education of our youth in such an important area,” Mr. Ballah said. “Particularly in the area of technology, learning by seeing is very important. A projector is a simple solution to a problem that plagues many schools, namely, how can educators reach as many students as possible with the limited resources we have here on St. Vincent.”

Mr. Ballah said he was attuned to how important it is to stay on top of technology. He said he hopes the projector will be a step in that direction for the Tourama School.

The former Mount Bentinck Estate, which is the current home of SVDL, has been producing rum since the early 1900s. It was renamed St. Vincent

The presentation of the projector was witnessed by a cross-section of the student enrollment.

Distillers Ltd in 1963 when it was sold to the Government of St. Vincent. In 1996, the business was sold to C. K. Greaves & Col Ltd.,

which continues to operate the distillery today. Since that time, the distillery has significantly expanded its operations, and now

produces six distinctive products. In 2014, Captain Bligh was voted ‘The World’s Best Rum’ at the World Rum Awards in London,

England.

Over the years, SVDL has quietly promoted projects that assist local organizations and communities.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 49.

Indeendence Feature

Empower yourselves: Fulfill your potentials NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE HE NATIONAL COUNCIL of Women salutes St. Vincent and the Grenadines on our 36th Anniversary of Independence. “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His inheritance.”

Psalms 33:12.

Independence is a time to reflect on our journey as a nation. We must thank Almighty God for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ‘Hairouna, Home of the Blessed’. We celebrate the achievements and aspirations of our men and women, our sons and daughters, as they continue to excel nationally and internationally. We celebrate our creativity and innovations; we embrace positive values for the strengthening of ourselves, our families,

T

our communities and our nation. As we chart our way to destiny, let us embrace every opportunity towards peace, progress and prosperity. We have a country to build. Let us urgently join together against the crime and violence which have invaded our land, and STOP the downward trend of our youth to gangs, drugs and guns. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

I particularly salute the women and girls of our beautiful island. We celebrate those who have served exceptionally well and those who are in service and of service. Support must be given to those who are preparing for service and those who want to serve. Service demands great humility, 1 Peter 5:5-6, says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” “Humble yourselves, therefore,

under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.”

I bring to your attention the Council’s ongoing project under the theme, ‘Let Women Be Seen and Heard’.

We are training women and girls to use the social media; to become activists or citizen journalists by using their technological devices to highlight issues affecting them within their various communities. We continue to look towards the removal of all aspects of discrimination against women and girls, thus allowing them to play a full part in national development and the advancement of women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Since the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women and the adoption of its declaration Platform for Action, we welcome the advancement of women,

though there are many issues that hinder advancement. We can still appreciate that: more girls have access to education; women have excelled the professions labeled male dominated; the number of women dying in childbirth has been reduced considerably; and more women are becoming leading entrepreneurs, leading politicians, and agriculturalists. On the other hand, women have been attacked for trying to exercise their right to an education and basic services; they have been raped and turned into sex slaves. Even in our peaceful societies, too many of our girls and women are targets of rape, domestic abuse and other forms of violence, that damage the morals of our societies. We need to change the minsets, remove the barriers, engage men into the conversation, and help them to become agents of change.

Before I conclude, the changes in our climate and environment will

affect people, animals and the ecosystems in many ways. I admonish women to empower themselves. Plant a seed, eat what you grow, and grow what you eat.

The election process has begun. Let us be mindful to learn from our past mistakes. Respect is due to all citizens. We may have different ideologies and political interests, but we are all interested in building a strong and prosperous nation.

I call on all Vincentians to be the very best that you can be - as a mother, father, a professional or business owner, an artiste or public servant and a neighbour. Fulfill your greatest potential. Never forget to lend a helping hand to your brothers and sisters. End the spate of murder and violent abuse of our children. Let us believe together, that we can make them safe and secure in our homes, streets and communities.

After all, they are the nation’s future. Every member of every

Beverly Richards community must assume this responsibility right now.

Let us build our communities and participate in the good governance of our country.

This is how we continue to build our nation. This is how we bring real meaning to Independence.

May our Eternal Father grant us the wisdom, courage, patience and grace to join hands and hearts all across our country. “What e’re the future brings, our faith will see us through. May peace reign from shore to shore, and God Bless and keep us true.”

I wish all Vincentians at home and in the Diaspora, a Happy 36th Independence.

Beverly Richards President

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 51.

Opinion

Teachers’ Union: Bunch of sell-outs?

IN THE AFTERMATH of recent activities outside and within the SVG Teachers’ Union, it is only fitting that the voices from below be heard. I wish to offer readers a synopsis of the SVGTU leadership from the onset of the ULP administration, to the year 2014. As citizens of a developing nation, critical thinkers are pivotal to its development. As a critical thinker, I have thought about the role of the Teachers’ Union in SVG,

Qualified Assistant Teacher (QAT). He was later elevated to Labour Commissioner. Mr. Oswald Robinson became the leader in 2000 and was promoted to a Head Teacher soon after. The infamous Otto Sam followed in 2004. I can still hear the voices from Presidents since 2000 below saying, “Don’t bite the hands that feed you”.

In 2000, Mr. Fitz Jones He began as a QAT, headed the union. Before became a Graduate and his tenure as president, he Head Teacher during his held the status of a stint. He no longer makes moreso the role of those entrusted with the responsibility to look after teachers’ interests (from president down to committee members). The following summary of the union’s leadership serves to illustrate my ‘point of thought’.

headline news in SVG. Joy Matthews made good use of her short tenure as president of the SVG Teachers’ union (2006- 2007). Before her role as president, she held the status of a QAT. She quickly made it to Head Teacher. Due to hiccups within the union, Sheldon Govia ended her reign. He was appointed President in 2007. The statuses he held before and after his presidency mirror that of Ms. Matthews. Mr. Elvis Charles (2008-2009), in my opinion is the most successful past Teachers’ Union president to date.

He began his stint as a Graduate Teacher.

However, he is a former Parliamentary Secretary and current CEO of Housing and Land Development. This took him less than five years.

Congratulations sir!

My good friend Mr. Ron Clarke was appointed in the year 2010. Before his leadership role, he was also a QAT. He is currently the principal of the Georgetown Secondary School.

In 2012, teachers decided to elect Mr. Oswald Robinson as president again.

Time for a change It is important to note that, these individuals possess at least the minimum requirements for the positions they hold.

However, what role did they play during their stints at the top of the Teachers’ Union? What role are they playing now?

Whose interest did they represent? How many fingers do they show when they discuss teachers’ business - three or four fingers? Did they participate in the recent teachers’ strike? DID THEY SELL OUT? ULP supporters refused to participate in the recent strike; NDP supporters reflect on the three teachers that resigned last election and are still out of the service.

The recent strike or ‘socalled strike’ has shown the division and weaknesses of the SVG Teacher’s Union. Several executive members of the Teachers’ Union ignored the call to strike. Teachers deserve better representation and, towards that end, I propose we get rid of the entire executive board in the next Teachers’ Union election. Disloyal members

must go; weak leaders must go! I hereby signal my intention to contest the next Teachers’ Union election.

Giving notice The late Mr. Ray Laborde, during many of our conversations, would have encouraged me to participate actively in our union’s activities, and provided me with much needed information.

My new team will put teachers’ interests first, act independently of any other institution, but be open to collaborate and compromise to enhance the teaching profession.

My fellow teachers, statistics do not lie, but people can lie with statistics. Critically evaluate the information provided and make your own informed decisions about the role of the present Teachers’ Union and those we put in charge of our affairs.

“MEN WHO ARE NOTHING, WHO ASPIRE TO BE NOTHING, WILL ALWAYS BE NOTHING.” Dedicated to the late Ray Laborde. May his soul rest in peace.

Vanrick D. Williams

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52. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Nelson King: Caribbean Life freelancer since 1990

Nelson King is also the US correspondent for THE VINCENTIAN.

by ALLEY OLIVIER NELSON KING began putting pen to paper for Caribbean Life newspaper while wrapping his senior year at Brooklyn College, pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Journalism, back in 1990.

King’s affinity for words and sharp reporting did not start in the Fall of 1990, rather, it began right at home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines where his focus was to shine a bit of light on his hometown, Chateaubelair.

“I covered a lot of politics, but I initially started out as a sports reporter – I wanted to put my town on the map,” King, who served as the president for the North Leeward Cricket Association and Chateaubelair Football Association in St. Vincent, said.

King’s first piece for Caribbean Life newspaper featured a cricket player whose stomach was sticking out – reining in a bit of laughter from the audience.

“I did the story, and I didn’t realize it had so much impact on the readers; a couple people called me up and told me they were making fun of the guy in the article. I was a senior in college – been around a long time and have paid my dues so to speak,” he said.

His extensive resume’ included experience serving as a correspondent for multiple Caribbeanbased publications.

In the mid-late 1980s, King had toured the Eastern Caribbean — travelling from St. Vincent to St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Montserat — as a way to promote himself and his work. Before landing at Caribbean Life, King had already corresponded for exceptional news organizations such as the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Stacked alongside his vast journalism experiences, are his time spent teaching Caribbean History and other topics at secondary schools in St. Vincent, serving as a local preacher and activist in his community. All of these experiences lent to his inspiration to begin writing, documenting all that he encountered.

“I began to report these activities in the community to the national radio station and newspapers pro bono,” he said.

Much of his success he attributes to his extensive education, including an undergraduate law degree – LL.B (Upper Second Class Honors) – from Huddersfield University School of Law at Holborn College in the

United Kingdom, and an associate degree in Liberal Arts from St. Leo University in Florida, while serving in the U.S. Army at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia.

His thirst for knowledge and his connections to the Caribbean community – locally and abroad – have cemented King as a trusted source for reporting.

“The bottom line is promoting our community, the positive things for the most part because, if we don’t do it, nobody else is going to do it. Back in the Caribbean, I covered everything; it wasn’t just daily news, it was sports, politics, human interest stories, anything you could talk about, I put my hand on,” he said.

Watching the paper go through many transformations, King’s number one hope and wish to Caribbean Life is that everyone involved continue to support and develop our dynamic Caribbean community.

“I will hope that the Caribbean reporters for Caribbean Life will continue to un-earth events that are happening in our community.”

Editor’s note: This article was written by Haitian American Alley Olivier, as the Brooklyn-based

Caribbean Life, the largest circulating Caribbeanthemed newspaper in the United States, celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Olivier inadvertently omitted much of King’s

wide-ranging experience and education, including his graduate degrees in Political Science, Public Administration and Law. We are very proud to have

the very hard-working and trust-worthy King as our US Correspondent, and wish him all the best in his initiatives.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 53.

News

Walking/ Running for Breast Cancer Awareness

by GLORIAH…

Medical Association, kicked off at the entrance of the Arnos THE SECOND ANNUAL Breast Playing Field at 6:30 am, and Cancer Awareness 5k Walk/Run ended at the Grassroots Tennis was held on Sunday, 18th Courts on Murray’s Road.

October. The event, a Hundreds of participants, collaboration between Trinity locals, medical students from School of Medicine and the SVG Trinity, and other visitors, turned out to show their support for the cause of creating awareness of the dreaded disease of breast cancer.

Last year’s initial event had started a momentum, especially among persons who either walked or ran for fitness, and as a result, this year’s numbers increased exponentially.

American Medical Student Association (AMSA) President, Alyssa Heinrich, expressed her pleasure at the number of persons coming forward to donate towards the cause.

“Everyone was very generous in their donations, and we really greatly appreciate it,” she said.

The firm of Coreas and Elizabeth Jack (right) Hazells Inc., through its City receives her medal for being Store Pharmacy, donated the oldest participant in the $1,000 to the AMSA Chapter Walk/Run.

at Trinity, to be used to purchase t-shirts for the participants. These were sold as a package, with a water bottle and breakfast at the finish line.

At the end of the event, the students of Trinity publicly handed over $5,000.00 to Dr. Rosalind Ambrose, President of the SVG Medical Association. This goes towards the Association’s programme of support for victims of breast cancer.

The walkers were not left unrewarded. Medals were distributed to the youngest participant, Vivian Smiddy, who turned out to be eighteen months old and rode in her stroller as her father ran. The most senior participant was Mrs. Elizabeth Jack.

Prizes also went to the winners in the male and female categories: Jamin Graham, Wesley Phillips and Connor Rohrback in that order for males; and Taylar Dykstra, Araceli Salazar and Emma Daymond in that order for females.

Given the increased support

Dr. Rosalind Ambrose (left), President of the SVG Medical Association, receiving a cheque for $5,000, the amount raised from the 2015 Walk/Run. Right: Commissioner of Police Michael Charles was one of the many ‘local celebrities’ who completed the run. in 2015, organisers are already looking forward to even greater participation in 2016.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 69.

News

Strike successful: Government gives unions proposal Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA MEETINGS involving the executive and members of at least two trade unions here were expected to be convened today, to discuss the proposal put forward by the government for a salary increase.

President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Elroy Boucher, told members of the press on Wednesday, that a proposal for a 4.5 percent overall salary increase, beginning with the payment of the first 2.5 percent for 2015 being retroactive to January and tax-free, was put to the unions’ heads when they met on Tuesday with the Prime Minister and other Ministry of Finance officials.

That meeting was brokered by Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie, in his capacity as President of the National Labour Congress. Bonadie had, on Monday, written to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Commercial Technical and Allioed Workers Union, the National Workers Movement, the Police Welfare Association and the Nurses Association, requesting a meeting to resume the salary negotiation process.

As far as a date for the application of the 2.5

percent is concerned, Boucher said this was expected to be done on December 18, should the general membership of the PSU and SVGTU agree to accept the offer.

The latest offer follows the initial failure by government and the PSU and the SVGTU to negotiate for a salary increase.

The unions made a subsequent request for government to make a one-month, tax-free payment to public sector workers in lieu of not granting a salary increase for over four years, but this too was denied by government, resulting in strike action on Tuesday, October 13.

The strike action, according to Boucher, was a measure aimed at forcing the government to comply, one way or the other, with the demands of the unions.

The PSU head described the latest proposal as clear indication that, despite the comments otherwise, the strike action had impact.

“Our primary objective was achieved, and the strike was successful,” Boucher said.

“If you were to take a productivity measurement

President of the PSU Elroy Boucher (right) seen here with the Union’s Grievance Officer, Joel Poyer, insisted that the call for strike action had its desired effect.

throughout the schools, you simply have to ask the students what was done throughout the day, and they will tell you very little was done,” the PSU top man continued.

In a previous interview, President of the SVGTU Oswald Robinson said that, based on the numbers he had received, about 40 percent of teachers stayed away from the classroom.

Boucher did not provide any figures, but said that productivity on the part of public sector workers on Tuesday 13th October, was lower than what it would have been in normal circumstances.

The strike action also had impact in that the PRESIDENT of the Public Service region, and not just St Vincent The members, according to union heads wanted to test the commitment of their Union (PSU) Elroy Boucher has and the Grenadines.

Boucher, were the PSU’s Firstdenied rumours that he left the “The fundamental thing is that Vice President, Leroy James, and membership, Boucher explained.

He pointed to three specific reasons why country on the eve of the planned I was here for the entire day of Second- Vice President and Public members did not cooperate, saying that some called strike action, which took place on the strike action, and left after 6 Relations Officer (PRO), Simeon to enquire about job security.

October 13. on that afternoon,” he told Bacchus.

“They were fearful, and it’s no secret that public Boucher said at a press briefing reporters.

In a similar vein, the St Wednesday, that contrary to what The PSU President said that it Vincent and Grenadines Teacher’s servants operate in an environment of fear,” was being said, he left the state was reported to him that Union’s (SVGTU) President, Boucher affirmed. shortly after 6 pm on the date in members of his executive had said Oswald Robinson, said that at Others turned up to work because of the loyalty question, to attend a meeting of that he left the state on Monday, least four members of his union’s they had to their political party and, according to the Caribbean Public Service the day before. This, he declared, executive had gone to the Boucher, there were some who simply believed that Association (CPSA). was totally false. classroom on the day of the strike. the government was genuinely not in a position to Boucher, who was elected He did, however, confirm that These individuals included: give in to the request.

President of the CPSA in July at least two PSU executive First-Vice President Sheldon “Those are the reasons, from our investigation, this year, said that he tried to members defied the planned Govia; Margaret Lewis-Jackson why public servants have not heeded the call; but have the meeting postponed, but industrial action and went to General Secretary; Jane Farrell was unsuccessful in doing so, as work, even after the entire Assistant General Secretary; and the success of the strike was not dependent on persons coming out, because the union got a the organisation was made up of executive had agreed to go ahead Maxwell Jones - Committee trade unions from across the with strike action.

Member. response,” he concluded.

PSU Pres was present during strike

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70. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

National Heritage Parade Celebrates all things Vincy

ON TUESDAY, 20th October, capital Kingstown came alive with nostalgia and spectacle as the 2015 National Heritage Parade wended its way along the main streets.

Beginning at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal and passing along Bay Street, turning on to Higginson Street then on to Back Street, the lengthy display of

individuals, groups, and floats came to a halt at Heritage Square, South River Road, where the National Heritage Parade Concert commenced.

The parade, themed ‘We Love We: All Things Vincy’, not only highlighted our unity through colours and dress, it also afforded participation and

entertainment.

The number and levels of persons participating in the procession was very commendable.

Complementing the cadre of current contestants in the National Secondary Schools Ms. Heritage Pageant, were: Ms. SVG 2015, DeYonte Mayers; rural queens of 2015; past Ms. Heritage

winners; dramatists in costume; a musical band; steel orchestras; drumming ensembles; dance groups with dancers of all ages; students from a number of secondary schools; the SVG Special Olympians; carnival costumes from the 2015 festival; and Cultural Forms – Jab Jab other cultural forms. and the SVCBL; praised and musical band never The steel orchestras, the choice of theme; ceased in providing the drumming ensembles thanked the sponsors sounds to keep the procession moving. They and entreated the listeners to words that used “all music Vincy”. further evoked their And group members patriotism. burst into action along The highlight of the the route, with the concert was the dancers striking up introduction of the energetic routines and delegates in the 2015 the dramatists giving National Secondary hints of scenarios Schools Ms. Heritage indicative of their Pageant. The audience costume.

As the parade reached waited and received what they desired: a series of Heritage Square, the hyped-up speeches from furor continued as the the ladies predicting National Heritage Parade Concert unfolded. what to expect at Victoria Park on October The audience heard 31st, the night of the from Mr. Omari France show. from the Bank of St. The entertainment Vincent and the continued, ending in the Grenadines (BOSVG); launch of the National Mrs. Laverne Velox, Heritage Village, sited Manager of the St. close by.

Vincent Cooperative All in all, the 2015 Bank Ltd. (SVCBL); Mrs Michele Beache, Deputy National Heritage Headmistress of the SVG Parade was an event well received by Girls’ High School; and Mr. Anthony Theobalds, spectators and participants alike. The Chief Cultural Officer. organizers are to be Each speaker lauded heartily commended. It the efforts of the certainly gave a lift to National Heritage Organization for putting the spirit of our on the event; commended ‘Vincentian-ness’ at this independence time. the original financing entities of the BOSVG

May Pole dancing

Outdoor Cooking

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your ability to come up with good solutions for problems related to work will no doubt help you in getting a promotion. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures.

Erratic behavior at home may be hard to handle. If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can avoid hassles by sticking to your work and refusing to get involved in gossip or idle chatter. Entertainment should include the whole family or a lot of your friends. Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Compromising could be on the agenda this week. Romance is likely if you participate in unusual forms of entertainment. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Do not give your heart to someone who may not live up to your standards. Be fair, not colorful. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your charm will attract members of the opposite sex. You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism.

Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Work quietly behind the scenes. Get involved in creative groups. Elders may get you going this week. Curl up with a good book or go for a drive in the country.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. You probably aren't getting straight answers to your questions. Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. Go after your goals. You will be able to contribute a great deal to organizations that you join. All your energy should be directed into moneymaking opportunities.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Don't be too quick to voice your opinion. Listen to others carefully. Get help to finish a project if you need it.

Accomplishment is yours if you direct yourself accordingly.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Go after your goals and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers.

Get busy on projects that improve your own image; you'll have the discipline to succeed. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to keep your cool; you may be a tad frazzled by all the rushing around. Don't delay; go to your physician or dentist and get to the bottom of the discomfort. Anger could lead to problems. You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Try to take care of the needs of those you love. Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. If they're really interested, they'll wait. The talk you have may be eyeopening with regard to your present situation.

ACROSS

41.Challenging 1. Gold expert 44. Muslim 4. Operation faith ctrs.

47. Harmful 7. Surrounded 48. Actress by Garr 11. Checkers 50. Maria _ choice Trapp 12. Possessive 52. Gangster’s pronoun gal 14. Phi _ Kappa 53. Witches 15. Yale 54. Grooms student vow (2 wds.)

16. Take a 55. Has chance creditors 17. Denomin56. Decay ation 57. Lawmaker 18. Desire (abbr.) strongly 21. Stimpy’s 20. Singer DOWN pal Franklin 24. Roads 22. Charged 1. Before (abbr.) atom (prefix) 25. _ Aviv 23. KO count 2. Bank (on) 26. Small 24. Reporter 3. Garfield’s battery Brenda canine pal size 27. “Finding 4. Disgust Nemo” 5. “Zorba” actor 27. Courtroom human Anthony figures 31. Herbal 6. Fourth-year (abbr.) drink students 28.

Not 32. _ Cruces (abbr.) healthy 33. August 7. Not in zodiac sign attendance 29. Comprehend 34. Cuts 8. “_ the Press” 30. _ poodle roughly 9. Scratcher’s 32. Duration 37. Long-time target Chicago 10. Computer 35. _ the beans mayor info (blabs) 39. Cage 13. Uses a rink 36. Chick’s 40. Ex-Gl 19. Telecast

mom 37. Discontinue 38. NJ’s ocean 40. Zodiac sign 41. Auto dealer’s model 42. Acknow-

ledge 43. Annoy 45. Hertz’s competitor 46. Fashion 49. Hearing organ 51. Pierre’s refusal

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 71.

A quagmire of three marriage falls apart so she could get a grab at me? On the other hand, I MADE THE horrible mistake of cheating on my what if she is telling the truth about my wife wife of 1 year, with her being involved with her? maid of honour.

Frankly speaking, I She danced with me at would enjoy the situation the reception, and of my wife being willing whispered in my ears what she would like to do to share me with this woman. But, deep down, with me. For many I do not know which way days after that, she to turn, for fear of repeated the same making the wrong sentiments until I gave decision. in to her. That had been our best kept secret until I found out that she Betwixed & Between had also been involved with my wife sexually, at Dear B&B, least so she said.

You dug a hole for She had the boldness to tell me that it is best I yourself and instead of trying to correct the tell my wife about “us”, error of your ways, you seeing that she and my wife had already come to are entertaining the thought that will sink an understanding. My you deeper into the wife, she said, had told quagmire of infidelity. her that she had no problem sharing her with Why would you think your newly wedded wife me. would be so pleased to Now, George, this is share you with the too good to be true; I do individual she trusted to not trust this woman. be her Maid of Honour?

Suppose she is just You are playing with saying that to get me to fire, having this other confess to cheating, and woman involved in your then watch as my

Dear George,

life, and surely she is and will remain a threat to your marriage. Wake up from your slumber and quit fantasizing about having a permanent third party in your marriage. You need to figure out whether or not you wish to remain

married and the quickest way to free yourself of this distraction. You should know your wife well enough to know when is the best time to confess your cheating ways to her, thus woman. Give the love removing the threat of you both professed to blackmail from this other each other a chance to

prove itself.

George

A message for the ‘Village Rams’ now, I have been taking my revenge on men like There is more HIV/AIDS him.

However, I am now in in this Kingstown than what people would want a throng of guilt. One of my girlfriends confided to believe.

I am 22 years old, and in me that her boyfriend had given I have a body that men are literally going crazy her HIV. I realized it was probably I who gave over. I have slept with it to him because he was men all over this town. one of them men I slept I even lied to some of with. At the time, I did them about my age. not know she was his Times are hard with girlfriend. It was then me, and a manager in the company in which I that I decided to stop doing what I set out to work, made me sleep do, which was to destroy with him because I every man who felt they wanted a salary could use their power advance. I got the and position as a advance and more. It turned out that he gave bargaining tool for sex. me this dreaded disease, A lot of them would be dying soon, and sadly so, and since that time to

Dear George,

their women would be going with them.

It is time that these men stop their nasty ways and start acting like real men. I do not intend to go further with this, and I consider it my civic duty to use this letter to you as a wakeup call to the village rams out there.

death.

You had a right to be angry, but unfortunately you misdirected this anger rather than finding professional help to assist you in coming to grips with the reality of your situation.

Let us hope that from out of this frightening Sister X declaration by you would come some good.

Dear Sister X, I strongly suggest that you get some supportive What happened to counseling and learn you is sad, but it did not how you can still live a give you the right to meaningful life, despite indiscriminately infect the odds that are before others with a disease you. you know could be as devastating as causing George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 73.

News

JCI WI holds National Convention OCTOBER 13TH TO 18TH, 2015 marked the hosting of The 55th JCI West Indies National Convention held in Antigua and Barbuda from October 13 to 15, 2015.

Held under the theme ‘Igniting the Fire, Fueling the Flame’, the Convention attracted participation from JCI Chapters across the region, including Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Tobago and Jamaica. Members from chapters in Martinique and Guadeloupe also attended.

The JCI St. Vincent Chapter was represented by an eleven (11) member delegation of executive and ordinary members, led by President Mandisa Stephens.

Participants in the Convention, in addition to networking and socialising, were involved in motivational sessions, training sessions with focus on effective leadership, effective meetings and

Left: JCI West Indies Convention attendees at the Cancer Centre, Eastern Caribbean.

administration, along with Public Speaking and Debating competitions.

One JCI St. Vincent member, Rhealyn Burke, won the First Timers Challenge, which was introduced into the programme at this year’s Convention One of the evening events dubbed ‘Island Night’ gave persons the opportunity to socialise and enjoy cuisine and cultural presentations from the various countries.

Chapters witnessed a donation by JCI Antigua to The Cancer Centre, Eastern Caribbean. In addition, all organisations contributed to a donation of food and

toiletries to the Fines Institute, which cares for disadvantaged youth and elderly persons who have no one to care for them.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI), formerly known as Jaycees, is a nongovernmental, voluntary organization with the main objective of developing and empowering young people, and contributing to community growth through active involvement.

This year, the organisation celebrates 100 years of impact with over 200,000 members in more than 5,000 local organisations across the globe.

Countdown to Digicel’s Win and DRIVE THE DRAW for the car in the Digicel ‘Win and Drive’ promotion will take place Independence Day, October 27th at this year’s Independence Motorsport Extravaganza.

“We have partnered with Drag Wars St. Vincent & St. Lucia, and part of the excitement in the day’s events will be the draw for our Toyota Runx.” Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid said.

This is the second car giveaway Digicel has fostered, and folks at Digicel say they look

forward to a lucky customer ‘gaining independence’ on this Independence Day, by driving away in a car of their own.

Digicel will also provide car insurance and registration for six months.

Several lucky persons will also win additional prizes in the ‘Special Key promotion’. Customers were given keys for every $10 or more credit they purchased in store.

Holders with 20 keys will be rewarded on the big day.

Digicel encourages

The Toyota Runx that is up for grabs in the Digicel’s ‘Win and Drive’ promotion.

their customers to top up $10 or more or to pay their bills on time for a chance to win!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 75.

People

Ashelle raises the bar

Last week Thursday, Ashelle Morgan was called to the Bar in Kingstown.

Lawyer Theodore Browne made the presentation on Morgan’s behalf, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, himself a lawyer, supported her call.

President of Ashelle Morgan has moved from the local bar, a beauty Pageant contestant to Rene Baptiste, be an Officer of the Court. also offered words of ASHELLE MORGAN recommendation and graduated from the Justice Brian Cottle was University of the West “content” that Morgan Indies in 2007 with a met the criteria and Bachelor of Science in granted her application.

Economics and Political Morgan confessed to Science degree. being floored by the kind In 2009, she was a words of her presenters, contestant in the Miss and for her that day was one of the happiest of her SVG Beauty Pageant.

life.

She paid tribute to her mother and declared that the accomplishment of being called to the Bar was due to her mother’s inspiration.

Morgan admitted that her “mother’s struggle has empowered me.”

Morgan praised Prime Minister Gonsalves whom she testified “has always taken a vested interest in my education.”

Gonsalves confirmed Morgan’s credentials and declared her as “fit to be a Prime Minister.”

He noted her “excellent communication skills, spoken and written,” and traced her development, describing her as an “accomplished modern Caribbean woman.”

Ashelle Morgan makes her first court appearance in one week.

Given her versatility and record, Morgan is on course to fulfilling the confidence placed in her.

(WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. 79.

Classifieds

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