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FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 27, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.48

www.thevincentian.com

clothe and shelter several persons in AS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES for the that part of the December 9 general elections heighten, country, and pay for a call has been made for candidates their children’s contesting the North Leeward seat on schooling. behalf of the two major political parties, “The fact of the to declare their party’s policy on the matter is that marijuana issue. marijuana plays a The call came from local attorney crucial role in Grant Connell during an interview Vincentian society; with THE VINCENTIAN, on Monday. but while the people Connell said that to date, he has not in foreign lands are heard neither the ruling Unity Labour filling their banks Party (ULP) candidate for North from the profits of Leeward, Carlos James, nor Roland marijuana, we are Carlos James, a lawyer, is Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews ‘Patel’ Matthews, contesting the seat filling our jails by is a businessman and the a first-time candidate for in that constituency for the New using the tools incumbent representative the ULP in North Democratic Party (NDP), stating their provided by those Leeward. for North Leeward. party’s position on marijuana. countries to fight the The herb, in Connell’s view, has war against contributed significantly to the marijuana, which we cannot win,” for the North Leeward constituency economic and social development of Connell declared. are afraid to touch the marijuana the far Leeward side of the country.

He cited, for example, the local “I will like to see the bank that can coast guard vessels which, according to issue. Marijuana contributes to the growth of our underground economy claim the credit for the development him, only have the capacity to and it is the new green gold,” Connell on the far Leeward coast,” Connell intercept small crafts which attempt stressed. challenged. inter-island trade of locally grown He commended Prime Minister Dr He pointed out that the marijuana marijuana.

Ralph Gonsalves for playing a pivotal trade has significantly helped to feed, “I don’t know why both candidates

by HAYDN HUGGINS

EC$1.50

Attorney Grant Connell has remained steadfast in his drive to see reform to the laws and practices governing the use of marijuana. role in the establishment of the CARICOM Marijuana Commission, primarily aimed at determining whether marijuana should be decriminalized for medicinal purposes.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is represented.

But Connell added, “I hope that when parliament resumes, there would be amendments made to the law, to reflect the role marijuana plays in this society.”

The lawyer is aware that, “It is without doubt that it will take a leader with some testicular fortitude to deal with the external forces who may want to influence the direction we, as a small nation, would take in addressing the marijuana issue. Those foreign forces have no legal or moral grounds on which to speak, as they themselves have taken steps towards the decriminalization of marijuana.”

Continued on Page 39.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel: No better experience VINCENTIANS and indeed, anyone here with access to Digicel facilities, can take advantage of what will be a “special” and unique season,’ with that company’s Christmas Promotion.

Some $150,000 in cash and kind will be up for the take in the promotion

that is already ain train and scheduled to end on December 24, when five persons will win $5,000 each.

The megabucks promotion was officially launched last Friday, at the company’s flagship store, Back Street, Kingstwon.

Digicel Country Manager John Gidharry outlined the theme ‘More the merrier’, and pointed out that his company was “spreading the love.”

Gidharry disclosed that there will be additional excitement, for example Merry Mondays, Wonderful Wednesdays,

Festival Fridays, and Santa Selfie- Sundays.

As far as the Digicel Country Manager is concerned, there is no better experience than a Vincy/Digicel Christmas.

Before the grand Christmas Eve finale, three persons will win $1,000 every day,

Digicel Country Manager including two daily John Gidharry (centre) was on Xtreme radio. on hand to roll out his Patrons can company’s 2015 megasecure discounts, bucks Christmas credit, and data promotion. He is flanked by plans. two of Santa's elves & Once you top up helpers sharing merry $10 or more, pay moments with customers! your bill on time and, sign up for at least a Two Day 4G data plan, purchase a 4G each week, and the Smartphone, you will be winner gets a total wish up to $1,000. eligible for the prizes.

Daily winners will be Customers can send a chosen randomly from all text to 1130, to become qualifiers every day from eligible for the Fridays to Thursdays.

Christmas wish. One (WKA) winner will be chosen

Sol launches ‘Go Further’ line of fuels SOL, the leading supplier of energy products in the Caribbean Basin, has officially launched its Sol ‘Go Further’ line of fuels to customers in the St. Vincent market.

Sol ‘Go Further’ gasoline and diesel are specially formulated to offer up to 10 km more per full tank, based on average driving conditions. The Sol “Go Further” line of gasoline has an advanced formula, which provides a state-of-the-art cleaning technology. With prolonged usage of our Sol “Go Further” diesel products, motorists with dieselpowered engines will be able to experience the benefits of better engine capability, emissions reduction, less corrosion, and improved fuel economy.

This line of fuels was developed in response to extensive market research, which indicated that Caribbean motorists needed a more reliable, economic, and innovative fuel that would provide maximum value for money. The introduction of this innovative line of Sol “Go Further” products is just one example of Sol’s commitment to the development of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines energy landscape.

“Our aim at Sol is to provide the highest quality of fuel and petroleum products to our customers.

We believe that this will improve their vehicle’s performance and provide value for money,” said General Manager of Sol St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Steve Francis.

The launch of the new line of fuels coincides with the completion of the recently rebranded Sol Arnos Vale Service Station which opened on Friday, November 20th.

“Arnos Vale Service Station will become the biggest site on the island to supply our customers with the new Sol “Go Further” line of fuels,” Francis also noted.

The rebranding of the Sol service stations across the island is in line with the company’s continual investment in this region, and complements its ongoing investment in the local community.

Sol, a Caribbean-owned company, is currently celebrating 10 years of success, and remains committed to providing innovative energy solutions to individuals, families, businesses, and government organisations across the region.

(Contributed)

V News 3 NDP launches manifesto:

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 3.

by KENVILLE HORNE THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) officially launched the ‘hard copy’ of its 2015 Manifesto, Wednesday 25th November at its headquarters , Murray’s Road, Kingstown.

The 83-page document encompasses the Party’s vision and development plans for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with Political Leader Arnhim Eustace describing it as “an ambitious agenda for the development of the country.”

It addresses a range of national concerns, including Fiscal Policy and National Debt, Agriculture and Fisheries, Private Sector Development, ICT, Tourism and Grenadines Affairs, Financial Services, Health, Physical Planning and the Environment, Crime, National Security and Justice, Sports, Culture, Family and Women’s Issues, Housing, Energy, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform, The Diaspora, Foreign Affairs, and Legislation.

First year

Arnhim Eustace, Political leader of the NDP, gave an overview of the manifesto.

Party members, supporters listen attentively as Eustace detailed his party’s plan of action for the first year of an NDP government.

In addition, the manifesto details specific action that the party intends to undertake within the first year of its return to government.

Among these, as articulated last week Wednesday by Political Leader Arnhim Eustace, is the removal of VAT on 140 items, and a process that would lead to the removal of VAT on electricity.

Following on the party’s ongoing focus on agriculture and banana production in particular, attention will also be given to rehabilitating 1000 acres of bananas during that period.

Including in the party’s response in this regard is the provision of soft loans to help with cultivation, etc., and a livelihood grant of $500.00 a month to registered banana farmers, for six months.

“We don’t want the loans

money for the banana to be use to do things at home, we going to give you a grant of $500 a month to look after your families, and by the seventh month or eight month, your bananas will begin to be sold, and you will start to earn some income…… we expect that by the first 100 days, we would be exporting 21 million dollars worth of banana”, said the opposition leader. Eustace also took aim at the Ministry of Agriculture, saying that for first time in over 55 years, the country did not export any bananas to England. “That is a disaster,” Eustace declared.

High on the first year agenda is the reinstating of a development bank. “We had one before, but the government stupidly put it in the National Commercial Bank,” Eustace recalled.

Also included in the first

year plan is the development and maintance of a playing field in every constituency, and the provision of lights.

Implementing integrity legislation also features as proposed action within the first year. “We are very serious about that, because there is too much corruption in the government,” declared Eustace.

The NDP proposes within the first year to settle all debts with the private sector, design a proper low income housing, which would see persons paying less interest on the loans for their house.

Long term Eustace promised a closer look at the Fiscal Policy and National Debt of the nation for two or three months, after which a comprehensive policy

to deal with the situation over the long term, will be set in place.

The NDP leader touched briefly on other issues: incentives for private investors, including establishing a Ministry of Private Sector; an improved health system; and a plan to use YES workers to create employment.

Citizens can expect a revision of the Geothermal Energy Bill by a NDP government. The party is particularly concerned about the majority foreign interest ownership (75%) of the company proposed to manage the exploration and harnessing of this energy source.

The NDP is confident that it will wrest the seat of government from the ULP, to which it lost in 2001 and in the following two elections — 2005 and 2010.

ULP launches manifesto FOLLOWING UP on the launch of the online version of the manifesto last Saturday, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) launched the hard copy of the document on Monday, November 23.

While addressing party supporters at the Campden Park Playing Field last weekend, the Leader of the ULP, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said that what was being launched then was the ‘Maccabees version’ of the document, and that the party

would be launching the ‘King James version’ shortly.

What both copies had in common, according to Gonsalves, was that they were both one of the “most comprehensive, compelling narratives offered by any political party in the Caribbean.”

He added “incisive and insightful”, on Monday at the party’s headquarters in Kingstown, saying that the document included the most creative set of proposals ever presented by any political party.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, “It is based on a peoplepolitical leader of the ULP, centred vision, and it is based assured that his party’s manifesto gave a clear vision on a philosophy of a social of the practical programmes democracy that is applied to our own circumstances,” of the ULP.

Gonsalves explained.

“We have a package of policies and programmes that we have built upon over 2001, 2005, 2010 manifestos, and our national and social economic plan,” he continued.

He accused the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) of duplicating a number of items from the ULP’s manifesto.

“But because they do not have a holistic integrated approach, it’s like you just biting a piece here and biting a piece there, and it looks disjointed and inchoate,” the ULP leader said.

He did not go into details, but assured that it contained a clear vision of the practical

programmes of the ULP, aimed at uplifting the country.

Gonsalves chided the NDP, saying that the manifesto, which was launched last week, did not contain issues such as climate change.

“That is an existential issue off the table. You say nothing about that, you have nothing on oceans, when we have 10,400 nautical miles of sea scape, some 70 times our landscape, and you have nothing on it. Are you serious, are you really serious? And there are other things I can talk about that are in our manifesto that are absent from our principal opposition’s manifesto,” he said. (DDD)

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

‘I will put a LIAT,’ warns Gonsalves DR RALPH GONSALVES, the Political land at the Argyle International Airport.

Leader for the Unity Labour Party (ULP), This is unless the members of the has threatened to have an aircraft owned New Democratic Party (NDP) stop and operated by regional carrier LIAT, with their negative comments about the project between now and the end of the campaign season, Gonsalves noted.

“They said all kinds of things; that nothing will ever land at Argyle … why is it that we didn’t test it with a jumbo jet,” Gonsalves said last Saturday night at a political rally at the Campden Playing Field.

“They so foolish. You don’t test approach lights with a jumbo jet,” he asserted. According to Gonsalves, officials from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Agency (ECCAA) conducted some testing on the approach lighting. The ECCAA will, in turn, report to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“If they don’t know these things, why don’t they ask Ralph?” Dr. Gonsalves questioned.

Four aircraft were involved in teat landings at the airport last week Thursday, November 19.

The test landing was a requirement of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority ECCAA, the Eastern Caribbean Regulatory Body for Civil Aviation.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves took umbrage According to Jonathan Palmer, who with the opposition for crying foul at piloted one of the flights, the landing the test landings at the Argyle was a routine one, with nothing to International Airport.

worry about.

But Leader of the NDP Arnhim Eustace, last week, said that the activity which took place at the international airport site was being done to fool the public.

According to Eustace, the size of the aircraft that landed was not a determination that the airport was in a state of readiness.

Eustace said that he had evidence then that the aircraft that was going to be landing at the site seated 19 passengers.

“The airport is supposed to be able to accommodate 747 jets, aircraft that carry over 400 people. You put a small airplane, and then tell the public the airport soon to open; foolishness,” Eustace said.

“That doesn’t say anything; that is not the type of plane you are trying to attract. You will have those types of planes, but you are trying to attract big jets that will bring large amounts of people into the country; so let’s not try to fool the public,” he added.

(DDD)

The NDP faithful gave every indication that they fully supported the sentiments Scott shared about his colleague ‘Nature’.

Scott bucks talk of strife with ÂNatureÊ ’by KENVILLE HORNE

FORMER New Democratic Party (NDP) representative for South Leeward Jerry Scott has made it clear that there is no rift between him and current representative, Nigel ‘Nature’ Stephenson.

In fact, Scott declared his full support for Stephenson.

Scott declared his hand while speaking at an NDP political meeting at the Campden Park playing field, on Thursday 19.

“They have been saying that ‘Nature’ and I don’t talk, and that ‘Nature’ and I have words,” Scott said, and turning in the direction of the candidate, said, “ ‘Nature’, if you know you and I have words, confess tonight.”

He admonished his colleague saying, “…If I tell you that you are

Jerry Scott (right) and Nigel going wrong , and Stephenson in a show of you play you are brotherly love in front of a upset with me, too large South Leeward crowd. bad for you. Crapo smoke your pipe.”

“You will have my Scott has not been blessings, and if I bless seen on a political you, you are very platform for some time, blessed,” Scott assured and his appearance last his successor, and once Thursday was greeted again turned to the with an overwhelming hundreds gathered and sense of appreciation. pronounced, “I have Turning his focus on endorsed him (‘Nature’) those in attendance, he before, and I am fully urged them to “ensure endorsing him again,” to that on the 9th of next a resounding month, that he endorsement.

(Stephenson) is in The meeting in government,” and Campden Park took on suggested that “when he a celebration type atmosphere when a is in government (and) large crowd, made up he plays the fool, then primarily of NDP we eat him alive.”

Scott appealed to the supporters from Vermont, accompanied constituents to have by a truck carrying patience with ‘Nature’, amplified music, and to avoid factoring converged on the him, Scott, into the playing field. equation.

Party leader Arnhim “ ‘Nature’,” he said, Eustace said he was impressed with the “is my political son,” support for Stephenson, and openly declared and with the unity that all he wanted for among constituents. him was the best.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 5.

Regional

ISIS money attracting Trinidadians TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO nationals who migrate to the Middle East, with the purpose of fighting with Islamic rebel groups, do so, in the main, because of what the rebel fighters are paid.

According to Umar Abdullah, who heads the Waajiahtul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front), which, among other activities, publishes a monthly news letter condemning US and British activities in the Middle East, Afghanistan and other parts of the Muslim world, those who leave to join ISIS do so because, “They are driven more by the pull of being paid as rebel fighters than for any ideology,” the Trinidad Newsday of November 22, 2015 quotes him as saying.

Umar Abdullah also confirmed that there are at least 75 nationals who left Trinidad and Tobago for the Middle-East, with the specific purpose of fighting with Islamic rebel groups such as

the Taliban and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The Princes Town-based radical Muslim who wants to establish an Islamic state in Trinidad and Tobago, also disclosed that he had received feedback from nationals in Syria and Iraq, who told him they are being paid adequately, “on a daily basis.”

Those who had chosen to join ISIS, had done so because “they are very poor here; they lived secluded lives, and, there is little hope for them. It is not that they are killers,” Abdullah explained.

Abdullah also claimed that six of the 75 persons were killed while fighting for ISIS, and their families have since returned to Trinidad.

However, Yacoob Ali, head of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest Muslim organization, the Anjuman Sunnat-ulJamaat Association (ASJA), has expressed caution about falling for these reports.

His position was that

Abu Zayd al-Muhajir, in the company of his children, is said to be one of the Trinidad and Tobago nationals who migrated to Syria with his family, to join ISIS.

Yacoob Ali, Head of the Anjuman Sunnatul-Jamaat Association (ASJA), does not consider Umar Abdullah as a credible source of information. (Guyana Chronicle)

like activities in Arab countries, the organisation would reserve comment.”

Local Islamic scholar Siddiq Nasir also added his voice to the debate, describing those who might have migrated to Syria and Iraq as misguided.

He admitted to Newsday that the financial incentive was a major attraction for persons to join organizations like ISIS, but he insisted that most Muslims reject the ideology of terror groups. “…. Not a single bona fide

Umar Abdullah, head of the Waajiahtul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front), says those who have left to join ISIS are poor and find no hope continuing to live in Trinidad and Tobago.

confirmed data had to come from “credible authorities,” and advised people should be wary of speculation.

Ali, according to the Newsday report, said ‘”…Unless ASJA is furnished with information on whether or not there are in fact Trinidadians engaged in war-

Muslim organisation in the world today has supported ISIS. They have all opposed it.

We know five or so people have gone, but what have they gone for, we don’t know,” Nasir told Sunday Newsday.

National Security Minister Brigadier Edmund Dillon has said Government is concerned about reports of the presence of nationals amid terror groups, and has been liaising with local, regional and international intelligence agencies.

Last year, former national security minister Gary Griffith disclosed that Trinidadians had gone to the Middle East, and, it was believed, to join ISIS. (Source: Trinidad Newsday)

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Dispora

Three Vincentians honoured with Impact Award Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

editorial, said that the award recognizes, “Selflessness, determination and passion — three attributes embodied by those living with a purpose of serving others,”

Wood and her late husband, Egerton ‘Creech’ Wood, of Lodge Village, Kingstown, established Square Deal Shippers and CARIBBEAN LIFE, the Movers, Inc., which largest Caribbean-themed has provided jobs newspaper in the United for a number of Ruby Wood States, last Thursday night persons, “giving honoured three Vincentians them opportunities Wood, a Mt. Pleasant, among 32 Caribbean to be successful Stubbs-area native, owns Americans in the New York professionals,” Mrs. the Brooklyn-based metropolitan area, Wood said. bestowing its Impact Award Square Deal Shippers and She is involved in on them at a gala ceremony Movers, Inc. several Diaspora For her, the award was in Brooklyn. community The ceremony was held “a profound honour to be activities, and she at Paradise Catering Hall the recipient of the 2015 and her company Caribbean Life Impact on Avenue U, where Award. educator and community Ruby Wood, owner of Square have made donations to Wood subsequently told Deal Shippers. advocate Vaughan Toney, numerous THE VINCENTIAN in an long-standing shipper organizations, such interview, that “It is Ruby Wood and lawyer acknowledged by the especially rewarding that prestigious Caribbean Life as the Salvation Army, Nicole Robinson-Etienne Catholic Charities, the my work in the were honoured. newspaper.”

Red Cross, Schools for community is Caribbean Life, in an Children with Special Needs, sports and educational youth programmes and feeding programmes for school children and homeless people, and distributed books, computers, medical equipment and supplies, and building materials for hospitals and churches.

Vaughan Toney Calliaqua-born Toney — the president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn-based Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH) — said he was “especially proud to have been honoured with this award.”

Vaughan Toney, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn-based Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH).

He noted that the award “recognizes the many ways in which our community and the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers in particular, continue to be a force for good, and a source of pride and empowerment in the City of New York.”

With a current network of 19 full-service centers in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island, FOCH has evolved under Toney’s leadership, to become one of the largest providers of child care and early education, including Universal pre-K and afterschool programmes, in the City of New York.

He previously served as a member and former chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors, in a relationship spanning some 30 years.

Currently he holds a concurrent appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Tabernacle Day Care Center in Brooklyn and is a member of the Board of the Day Care Council of New York.

His former endeavours include: Board member of Child Care Inc.; Chief-of Staff to former New York City Council Member Jamaican-born Una Clarke; Chief-of-staff to Belizean-born the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Henry, who represented the adjacent 45th Council District.

Toney avails the use of the FOCH for meetings and other purposes by many Caribbean community and political groups.

Lawyer Nicole Robinson-Etienne, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) New York Aquarium and Prospect Park Zoo.

humbled and honoured to receive this recognition by Caribbean Life newspaper.

“Awards, such as this, help reinforce my identity as a Caribbean American and further my commitment to the betterment of my community,” added Robinson-Etienne, whose husband is Haitian-born.

Robinson-Etienne is the Zoo and Aquarium’s liaison with state and city elected officials, government agencies, community boards, the amusement industry and community stakeholders.

She has also been actively engaged with the newly-formed Alliance for Coney Island and the Nicole RobinsonConeyRecovers campaign Etienne that mobilized efforts to assist local residents in Robinson-Etienne was the aftermath of born in Brooklyn to Superstorm Sandy.

Vincentian parents.

Robinson-Etienne Her mother, Naomi began her legal career as Corbin Robinson, is a an immigration attorney former school teacher and in a small law practice, nurse from Lowmans and later worked as Windward, and her father, Special Counsel to former George Robinson from New York State Glen, is a former member Assemblywoman Rhoda S. of the Royal St. Vincent Jacobs for over 8 years. and the Grenadines Police Jacobs represented the Force. The Robinsons 42nd Assembly District in migrated to the US in Brooklyn.

1970.

She holds a Bachelor of Robinson-Etienne, Arts degree in Political Assistant Director of Science and Urban Government and Studies from Fordham Community Affairs at the University in New York Wildlife Conservation and a Juris Doctorate Society’s (WCS) New York (JD), a law degree, from Aquarium and Prospect Northeastern University Park Zoo in Brooklyn, also School of Law in Boston, told THE VINCENTIAN Massachusetts. that she was “truly

V P.I into ÂCruickyÊsÊ death continues

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 7.

Court

‘Cruicky’ Cruickshank by dangerous driving.

Anthony is also charged with using an uninsured SEVEN MORE prosecution motor vehicle, using an unlicensed motor vehicle, witnesses are listed to testify failing to renew his driving permit on his birth date at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) and fraudulently using the (vehicle) identification involving a fatal vehicular mark P7516. accident at an opposition New The P.I which started before Chief Magistrate Democratic Party (NDP) public Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences meeting at Clare Valley Court earlier this month and continued on December 6, 2014.

Antwone ‘Quincy’ Anthony, a CD vendor of Questelles, has been charged with being the driver of motor vehicle P119 caused the death of 78-yearold Questelles Antwone ‘Quincy’ Anthony. resident Edgar Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

U.S Embassy fraud case collapses MARGARET CHARLES, a Campden Park woman who was accused of taking forged documents to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados on May 13, 2013, in order to obtain a non-resident visa for the United States, was discharged at the Serious Offences Court this week.

Charles was discharged at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) after the prosecution’s case collapsed as a result of a slip up by investigator Corporal Nelica Kirby, on whose evidence the prosecution’s case hinged.

Charles was charged with, that on 13th May 2013 at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, used an instrument purporting to be a job letter issued by the Public Service Commissions Department and purportedly signed by Mr. Tyrone Burke, a former Chief Personnel Officer, which was and which she knew or believed to be fake, with the intention of inducing a visas agent at the U.S Embassy in Barbados to accept it as genuine.

Charles was also charged with, that on 13th May 2013 at the U.S Embassy in Barbados, used an instrument namely a document purporting to be a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Ltd financial statement, which was and which she knew or believed to be fake, with the intention of inducing a visas agent at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados to accept it as genuine.

Corporal Kirby, the last witness to testify in the matter, could not identify the alleged forged documents as she had no distinguishing marks on them.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche tried strenuously to guide her, but to no avail.

The date on a caution statement Kirby took from Charles was also at variance with the date on which Kirby said she took the statement.

As a result of the slip up, the prosecution’s case fell apart, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias discharged the accused, concluding that the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case.

When contacted on Tuesday, Charles’s lawyer, Grant Connell, told THE VINCENTIAN, “Prosecutor Delpleche is the Serious Offences Court’s asset, but he could only act on the case file that is presented to him. He cannot create miracles.”

Charles had initially appeared in court March this year, having been charged in connection with the matter after investigations led to her. She was granted bail and the matter was adjourned on a number of occasions.

Wednesday, has been adjourned to December 17.

Several witnesses have already testified for the prosecution, including retired Police Sergeant Lavell Mapp who was a motor vehicle inspector and examiner in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force at the time of the incident.

The witnesses also included Corporal Rawl Pope, a gazetted motor vehicle inspector and examiner attached to the Central Police Station’s Mechanic Garage; Sergeant Brian Archibald, a member of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Criminal Records Office, as well as persons who were on the scene when the incident occurred.

Among the witnesses left to testify is Station Sergeant Junior Nero of the Traffic Branch who spearheaded the investigations.

Anthony was 39 at the time of the incident.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 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 Politics and ‘Private Morality’ “POLITICS is ultimately about performance, not who anybody sleeps with or what anybody does.”

Wow!!!

Did we hear somebody say that the moral fabric of our society has all but gone up in cinders?

Did we hear somebody say that the tried and tested values and traditions of the past have all but wilted away into oblivion?

Did we hear somebody say the family structure, the bedrock of any society, has all but lost its place in our civilization?

Did we hear somebody calling for role models for our young people?

Did we hear somebody apportioning blame for this disturbance of the quilibrium in our society, on the school system, the churches, et al?

And we listened further, waiting for somebody to apportion some of the blame for this sordid mess, on our cultural and political leaders. We waited in vain!!

Instead, what we got was some pollster, whom we have accorded status of all-knowing, all-righteous and major opinion make, saying to us, in partly addressing the bigger picture, but no less telling in impact, that: “Politics is ultimately about performance, not who anybody sleeps with or what anybody does. ….. I think we have been able, as a Caribbean people, to separate one from the other, and I think that is the way it should be.”

Ascribe the afore-mentioned wisdom, and the opening quote, to Mr. Peter Wickham; but if the truth be told, we are wont to conclude that he has merely articulated the insipidity of hundreds of half-baked men and women.

That he may be correct in his analysis that we have learned to “separate one from the other,” is exactly why ‘the moral fibre of society’ has all but be torn to shreds.

His argument, narrowly intended, it appears, to cover for a benefactor, does not weigh in on the real issues: of the rampant sexual exploitation of younger men by older men; hundreds of young women made to be dependent on older men for their upkeep and to fan their modern fancies; mothers forced to turn their backs on the immoral and ungainly conduct of their young men and women for the sake of thirty pieces of silver; men who use their high office to take advantage of the weak of mind , the poor in spirit and those with empty pockets who yearn for an opportunity to set them on a path to filling them.

For too long we have failed to rein in the bad — to tell those who are guilty of festering the disease that tears away at morals in our society, those who live in and work daily to deny the evil that abounds in our society, those who put their own ‘spins’ on the issue, that they give sustenance to a society of double standards.

Leadership has everything to do with moral principles and uplifting behaviour.

This is a small society. What takes place in the dark of one night, is revealed by the very dawn of the next day.

That is no excuse to roll over and accept the weeds with the wheat. At some point, we must be able to ‘separate’ both, but destroy that which is evil (weeds), and keep only that which is in the furtherance of the common good.

In this ‘silly season’ of a political campaign, we ought to be considering not only that which is purported as a plan to continue our advancement to genuine development and independence; but we ought to be considering what exists among those who offer themselves as potential representatives that is morally uplifting and good examples for not only their peers and the electorate, but moreso for the generations who wait in the wings, and whom society is obligated to mold and inform, to assume the mantle of ensuring that our steps to development are both quantitative and qualitative.

Those who put themselves up to be leaders of a people, a people founded on the principles of respect for one another, respect by one sex for the other, respect for the goods and companions of others, owe it to those people to show unambiguously that they are ready to face up to the challenges of governance of a small island economy, as much as they are clean of hand and mind, void of the weaknesses of flesh and mind, and armed with a genuine love of people, weak and strong, rich and poor alike.

In deference to the opening quote and the message implied, it is worth considering something of the converse, i.e. the public behavior of people who lead or would like to lead our country, is influenced by their ‘private/personal morality’.

Political leadership in SVG MOST PEOPLE with a political turn of mind seem to have declared the coming elections as shaped by the balance of strength between two leadership types.

To begin with, there is difficulty in separating out the question of Leadership from the quality of the led.

Simply put, it has been said that usually the people get a government that it deserves.

In our part of the globe, the matter can best be addressed using the tools of history. So, the ex-slave, colonial societies of the West Indies invited up to the 1990s, governments that were led by charismatic leaders, often with a religious background, well-groomed in the language and culture of their (former) colonial masters, and at times displaying an element of whiteness in their personal tool-kit.

Changes wrought by modernity, technological developments and the shrinking of the world, particularly the western world, into global villages, naturally attracted corresponding changes in the colonial body politic.

Approaching its fortieth birthday of Independence, our country emerged with a two-party political system characterised by a circulation of elites serving the country, within a democratic frame in two or three-term spells.

Never four in a row which, given that that power often corrupts, will release many negative forces. So although there is at present no legislation to prevent this event from happening, the tired state of the economy and will of the people do call for a change of leadership. “Get rid of Them”, the N.D.P is ready; not necessarily ‘reddy’!

And perhaps this event might be bolstered by the fact that long-serving parties are subject to the iron law of oligarchy, whereby power within them coagulates around a small group, and narrows progressively to De Comrade Leader, which is destructive of democratic properties, our ultimate goal.

Already we espy the germination of this plant, propped up by two elders, Sir Vincent Beache and Sir Louis Slater, standing guard to Emperor Ralph Gonsalves, while the heir-apparent Camillo Gonsalves looks on with bated breath, and two young hopefuls, Luke Browne and Saboto Caesar, bide their anxious moments until their final comeuppance.

Hopefully, this next election will stop this emergent movement in its tracks, and introduce an entirely new ball-

game.

In spite of the rising Party fever which is now raging both ways, I hold to my early forecast of 11 N.D.P, 4 Labour, but which can end up 12 to 3.

NDP will return Friday and Olliverre in the two Grenadines constituencies; Eustace, Leacock and Cummings in the three Kingstown constituencies; North Windward and North Leeward; East and West Saint George; and South and Central Leeward; leaving the outgoing U.L.P with the remaining four seats North Central Windward, South Central Windward, South Windward and Marriaqua.

The leadership of Arnhim or Ralph People seem to forget that Ralph was on the scene since 1974, numbered among the Leadership of the Young Socialist Group, 1982, as leader of the Movement for National Unity, and in 1992 as a member of the Labour-MNU combination.

Generally, he failed to win a seat in elections in 1979, 1984 and 1989, three personal defeats in a row, until he won his seat in 1994 for a party that became the U.L.P, and his success continued up to 2010.

Eustace, on the other hand, had worked himself through the Public Service, becoming a Permanent Secretary at the tender age of 35. He then entered politics and has never been defeated in elections - 1998, 2001, 2005, 2010 - yet U.L.P claims that Eustace is a loser, and a blight on the N.D.P. In fact, he kept NDP alive by winning twice, the only NDP success on the mainland.

After 2005, I publicly advised Arnhim to quit, since there was an interpretation that he was a liability on the N.D.P. Arnhim’s reaction was to widen democracy in electing the president. Arnhim had no competition.

Strange enough, it is only U.L.P chieftains and their minions who hold that Arnhim has been an N.D.P humbug. The entire N.D.P executive, including Chairman Linton Lewis, the two Vice-Presidents Friday and Leacock, and PRO Vynnette Frederick, all are (AD IDEM) of the same mind on the matter of Arnhim’s leadership.

Continued on Page 10.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 9.

Letters

That’s right, Jomo Thomas I AM HEARING many ideas coming from the candidates of all the political parties. But I especially like ULP’s candidate Jomo Thomas’s idea, as expressed on November 15, in Clare Valley.

Jomo made it known to the world, that he will seek to develop the human resources in South Leeward. As a human resources development specialist myself, I am delighted at Jomo’s assertive pronouncements. He did not just make that claim in a vacuum. In fact, he presented this strategy as being critically vital in the context of the plans to develop the South Leeward area, to include increased service in vocational and technical education, because the development plans for SVG and South Leeward require this type of knowledge and skills.

Jomo must keep highlighting this human resources development strategy. The benefits will be plentiful - more jobs, less poverty, less social exclusion, and more inclusive development in South Leeward and, by extension, SVG. It will mean more economic growth. It will mean more local development in South Leeward, and other constituencies.

The entire nation must embrace this approach.

All candidates should be in a race to see who is more committed and genuine in facilitating the enabling environment that would enhance the

Consider a CIP

CORRECT ME if I am wrong, but I haven’t heard very much, if anything, from the New Democratic Party (NDP) about whether they will introduce a Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), should they form government after the December 5 general elections.

We know that the ULP under Dr. Gonsalves has made it clear that they will not, or they will never, introduce a CIP here. Here is what Dr. Gonsalves had to say on the issue: “I know what the downsides are, and I insist that the highest office in the land is that of citizen, and it is not for sale.... the passport is the outward sign of the inward grace of citizenship, and it is not for sale either.”

Instead, he preferred to see citizenship granted to those who “come in and they invest and later on” [become citizens].

That said, I don’t think we should ever expect a ULP government of SVG to follow the path of its OECS colleagues — St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia — and introduce a CIP. But it appears to me that we may as well do so up front, since at the end of the day, whether citizenship is granted at the beginning or the end (as Gonsalves suggests), it boils down to the same thing — economic citizenship — since the same checks would have to be made about someone wanting to invest and someone applying for Citizenship under a CIP. And by the way, I read somewhere that individuals spent nearly US$2 billion last year to purchase passports through Citizenship by Investment Programmes.

Seems we might be missing out on sharing in this windfall. Then again, some might think that holding out the beggar’s bowl is a better means of raising much-needed money to sustain our development.

CIP Supporter

human resources of the nation, in accordance with the national development vision, plans, policies, and projects.

The people in South Leeward will be much better off when Jomo gets to implement this strategy. And as the ‘conscious candidate’, as he is called by the people, he understands this strategy very well. The local communities in the villages and towns, should rally around this strategy and ensure that during the elections campaign, the candidates speak toward these strategies. But they should not stop there.

They should vow to keep the elected representatives, including Jomo, accountable for promoting this kind of human resources development strategy.

It is repeatedly said that people are SVG’s major resource. If we really believe this, then Jomo should be encouraged to elaborate on his proposal, organise around it, making it crystal clear in the process, that this strategy is urgently needed for SVG’s further development.

This human resources development strategy is in

keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in September 2015 by 193 member countries of the United Nations. Goal 4 of the SDGs is to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Four of the main targets to this goal speak to Jomo’s strategy.

Target 4.3 urges: “By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university”. Target 4.4 stresses, “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship”.

And Target 4.5 calls for, “By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in understand that another MR. EDITOR, the last thing I education and ensure equal access to newspaper carried it as a front ever expected was that any all levels of education and vocational politician would expose the child page story. I hope it stops training for the vulnerable, including there. or children to the ridicule and persons with disabilities, indigenous This is exactly what I mean. rough and tumble for which our peoples and children in vulnerable The young lady could do without politics has become known. situations”. what I call this immature Moreso, exposing them at the The nation should hear more about exposure.

Tried and tested height of a political campaign. these ideas, leading up to December politicians like Dr. Gonsalves Now, it is not my decision, 9 and beyond. should need no one, far less his but if I were Dr. Ralph daughter, to defend him against Gonsalves, I would not have Maxwell Haywood his political enemies. I know supported having my daughter him to be one of the best in do what she did, even it was getting back at his detractors, that she offered to do so. especially from a political Dr. Gonsalves himself has noted how ‘robust’ the campaign rostrum. Is he mellowing with can get; how much piccong there age?

To have allowed his daughter I ATTENDED the Kingstown can be. And if I may add, how to be used in this way, tells me Anglican School and there learnt my dirty the politics can get. that he has let his guard down. first lesson in morals. It was about Already I have heard mixed My hope is that his political the old woman and the two crabs. reactions here in New York to adversaries will not see any My second was about the stone that what Ms. Isis Gonsalves did. I wisdom in making Ms. rebounded. My third was the father have also spoken with some Gonsalves a victim of any folks at home, and they tell me who was a gardener, who told his shortcomings they might that she has come in for her fair perceive Mr. Gonsalves to have. three sons that he had buried a large share of attack. fortune for them in his land. The I pray for a safe and violenceI was not at all surprised to sons set about ‘working-up’ the land free election campaign. see your cartoon of last week in order to find same. They worked zeroing on the matter. I Garnet, N.Y. land that had lain idly for years, and there they found the moral of their father’s story.

Mr. Editor, you don’t hear about these stories anymore; you THESE ENERGY saving bulbs are that they can be hazardous; that can find them in the Caribbean they should be taken to an a waste of time. They are simply Reading Book, but then again, appropriate facility for help is this an increased weight on our our young teachers have never regard. But that facility is miles pockets, given their prices. . It read them, and the older ones away from most citizens! It seems that the energy saved by might have forgotten them. using these bulbs far exceeds what doesn’t seem to be My advice to SVG citizens: environmentally beneficial to the manufacturers tell us. This You cannot drown by falling in results in no real financial gain or anyone to create hazardous waste that many people will just place in water deep or shallow or rough. saving to poor people.

You can only drown by staying their household garbage, does it?

Another concern: How must below the water. these energy-saving bulbs be Rabbi Connoisseur disposed of? We have been told Hutchie

Open to attack

Moral stories

Waste of time for energy saving bulbs

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Distracted or Distorted by Titles

some insecure individuals who lead organisations, will gravitate to flaunting their education, place of study, and/or experience, in a manner that seeks to enhance their credibility.

However, many competent leaders in THE SKILLS AND COMPETENCE of the business, government, and society seek leaders and managers of organisations to avoid wearing their credentials and often play a major role in determining experience on their sleeves. They know how effectively and efficiently their that their competence and character respective operations will operate. will shine through. They are not Secure leaders and managers have the distracted or distorted by titles. They ability to invite constructive criticism and often express a willingness to learn to embrace critical thinking as they seek from others; even those perceived to be to develop the human capital within their less qualified and/or less experienced. enterprises. In doing so, they often “lay Titles can become comfortable places aside their titles” and invite ideas to flow to hide. Let me explain by using an unhindered. This explains why some of example from tertiary level academia: the more progressive businesses seek to Some lecturers or professors insist that remind their staff members not to allow participants address them by their titles or years of experience to get in the title. While it is often necessary to way of progress. CISCO Systems Inc., the maintain discipline in places of higher American-based Information Technology learning, insisting on affixing such company, has a very interesting teamtitles whenever the facilitator is being building video that encourages team addressed appears to automatically members to leave their egos at the door create emotional and mental barriers whenever they gather to brainstorm between themselves and the ideas. They recognise that ideas and participants in their respective innovation can come from any and every programmes. Such an approach layer of the organisation; the leaders and creates barriers between the facilitator managers do not have a monopoly on and the student. In such a case, the ideas. Innovation and improvement can learning is not as rich as it can be come from the lowest ranks in the when individuals feel comfortable organisation. They do not have to emerge enough to challenge or debate the from the most senior, educated, or issues that may emerge within that experienced employees. learning environment. However, there Research in leadership and are some facilitators who would readily organisation behaviour confirm that indicate that they have spent too much “We must all consider ourselves as assistants, regardless of the titles we carry in our official capacities.” Thomas J. Watson (1874–1956) Founder, chairman & president of IBM

Ridiculous bus fares THESE ARE NOT only ridiculous, but they are annoying. Those who implemented them failed to realize that not all consumers will jump to pay them. Although they are providing a worthwhile service, we as consumers are the ones who keep their business afloat. If we refuse to pay for what they are offering, would they have a business?

To this end, there are some drivers who are very insolent, and feel that they could treat consumers the way they cannot treat their spouses. They fail to realize that they put their vehicles at the disposal of the public at a cost, and so cannot simultaneously treat

them as being private.

When they meet to discuss raises in fares, these are some of the issues to be addressed.

Their greed refuses to allow them to see anything clearly, apart from the money.

How in the name of all that’s good, distance x and y should be paid for in the same way when they are further apart?

There are many disgruntled consumers out there who are complying but remain generally peaceful. But they will erupt one day into something that will not be easily quelled.

Consumers’ concerns are rudely pushed aside.

The money is at the forefront. A condition of

the latest raise in fares was to drop consumers at or close to their homes. I witness, time and time again, some of these consumers literally begging to have this done, when they should be demanding.

The raise in fares is creating madness among some drivers.

They cannot manage it; they are having difficulty allocating the correct fare to the distance.

I feel strongly that the law should make provision for discrimination in this regard, then the culprits will know the difference between running a vehicle privately or publicly.

Angry

money and studied for too many long hours to allow individuals to not “put handle to their names”.

However, insisting on affixing titles in such situations retard the richness of the learning experiences for all concerned — including the facilitator. Lecturers and course facilitators who agree to the removal of titles in the learning environment (but insist on mutual respect) will discover that knowledge will flow unhindered. Richer, fuller, learning experiences will emerge.

Innovation will arise.

Based on the foregoing example, many of this column’s readers will understand and appreciate how such an approach can also enhance performances within business entities, government departments, the various church assemblies, and within nongovernment organisations. However, such a culture will not emerge overnight. It will not develop from the general workforce. The leadership within those entities must encourage it.

Men and women who lead such establishments must be prepared to encourage their team members to share their ideas and experiences for the common good and, to facilitate this, admit that they (the leaders) do not know everything about everything.

This is especially important when we consider the wealth of knowledge that is now so very easily obtained via the Internet. It is possible that individuals who are considered to be at the lower ranks of the organisation, could have more recent and accurate information than their leaders and managers, in specific areas that they have researched. This became quite obvious to me several months ago when I was facilitating a training course for a diversified company. I had encouraged the participants to do an Internet search for templates that can be used to perform a specific human resource

function. We were quite surprised to discover that the best submission had actually come from a security officer who had only developed the skill of doing Internet searches several days earlier. Although she never obtained a tertiary level education, her submission was superior to the human resource experts who were university graduates.

This example is shared to impress upon all of us that it is important to avoid limiting ourselves by being distracted by the titles that persons possess or do not possess. The title is often insignificant when seeking improved individual and corporate performance.

Titles have their place. We do have to pay homage where homage is due.

To not do so could lead to situations of disorder and discord. Effective leaders and efficient managers are required if we are to maximise the performances in our respective operations. However, based on the examples cited in this essay, we can appreciate the benefit of encouraging cultures where individuals are not distracted by the titles that exist. Competent and secure leaders and managers will always understand and appreciate that they are an authority in their own right (based on their knowledge and skills). This sense of security can empower them to delegate more and encourage critical thinking within their work environment. Titles can distract and/or distort if they are allowed to become barriers within and beyond our places of work and abode.

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

Political leadership in SVG first among equals, mostly engaged in co-ordinating the work of Specialist And what about Ferdinand? He Ministers. It is obvious that in such said that Ralph had invited him to circumstances, Eustace will talk less join the U.L.P, for which he would and appear in the limelight much less have run against Major Leacock, and often than does Ralph. But according he could be assured of the deputy to this columnist, the leadership of the presidency of the U.L.P. Well that is N.D.P is no less real and effective, how the Leader conducts business in looking like a team led by a man who the U.L.P. always plays with a straight bat — so Early in the game, Lynch referred declared Stalky John — “Mister Clean” to the ‘one-mansion’ of the U.L.P in in conducting a most harmonious which all roads run to and from the melody like the maestro that is Prime Minister. It is different with the Arnhim Eustace.

N.D.P whose leader appears to be the Continued from Page 8.

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Views

Forward we go: Four inna row The Issue In another eleven days, from the date of this publication, Vincentians will go to the polls to re-elect the Unity Labour Party for a fourth term in office. The signs are all over, from the massive support the ULP is receiving at its meetings and rallies, the quality of the candidates on show, the successful message of “Labour Love” that the ULP has demonstrated and will continue to exhibit, the richness and informative nature of the manifestos, and the overall strong appeal of the ULP as a serious political party.

Behind all this euphoria is the strong knowledge that the ULP has clearly outlined the reasons why Vincentians will return the party for a fourth term in office. There is the philosophy of the party, based on the people centered development vision that has uplifted the quality of lives of Vincentians from all walks of life. This strategy has led to an impressive list of achievements, which have been secured in the most challenging of circumstances, including the worst global economic and financial crisis ever, and the crippling natural disasters which have affected the country.

It is leadership and teamwork that have served the country well over the fourteen years of the ULP administration. That leadership is still available, supported by a team with diverse talents and a proper mixture of experience and youthfulness. There are no internal squabbles and no scenes of confusion, and the team is integrated and united.

Why the voters are excited The voters who will go to the polls on December 9th , 2015, are all excited and ready to cast their vote for the ULP, because this is the only party that offers hope for the development of the country in the future. This hope is based on faith, as delivered through the work of the ULP. The party has delivered, and the evidence is clear, as can be seen in the marked upliftment in the quality of life of our citizens.

Jobs have been provided; poverty has been reduced; health services have improved considerably; our young people are being educated and are “soaring like eagles with their wings unclipped”; and overall, there is a general feeling that our country has progressed considerably, and that we are far better off since March 2001.

Additionally, when Vincentians examine the situation with their Caribbean neighbours, they are counting their blessings. There have been no job losses, no salary reductions, and the society has not been fractured from any “austerity” measures, simply because “austerity” is not in the doctrine of the ULP. Instead the ULP has created jobs, and the wealth of the country has increased.

And now Vincentians are looking forward to a brighter future under the ULP, when the party is re-elected. The

Argyle International Airport offers great prospects for the economic development of the country, and will open avenues for new business in the areas of tourism, agriculture and business. The new city at Arnos Vale offers tremendous commercial opportunities for Vincentians and for investors from the region. The ULP has concrete plans for the introduction of geothermal energy in the north of the country, and the construction of an acute referral hospital at Arnos Vale.

These are game changers with amazing possibilities for development.

Added to this scenario, are plans for the development of significant tourism projects, the expansion of the ICT sector; the facilitation of major development work in agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, and the deepening and further consolidation of the Education and Housing Revolutions. These plans and more, are expanded upon in the manifesto of the ULP, and they are at the centre of the efforts of the ULP, led by Comrade Ralph, together with the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, to shape the nation’s future.

The ULP is ready The ULP has demonstrated over the last fourteen years, that strong leadership, strategic thinking and action are its hallmarks. If one seeks to cross the developmental divide or chasm, in baby steps, the inevitability is that one would fall at the bottom of the widening gorge. Major leaps are required in a small resourcechallenged economy like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to bring about genuine sustainable development.

Timidity and learned helplessness, coupled with pessimism and a lack of faith in our people, lead to hopelessness and non-achievement.

That’s what the opposition NDP has to offer. The ULP offers boldness, courage, optimism, faith, hope, love, and all the right reasons which will lead to progress and a better life.

It is clear that the opposition NDP, led by Arnhim Eustace, is a clear and presnt danger to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They offer no compelling narrative, and they have no developmental philosophy, to take the country forward. It is clear that they will fracture our country, with all the talk of austerity, and reduction in expenditure. Jobs will disappear, projects will be closed, and the country will fracture. At this time in our history, we cannot afford to go back to the days of 2001. We have achieved too much to turn back at this time in our developmental history.

The ULP has performed well since 2001, and St.Vincent and the Grenadines is a far better place to live today, than in 2001. These are important factors to consider when you go to vote on December 9th. Your vote for the Unity Labour Party is critical if you want to preserve the forward momentum of our country.

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Vote for the change our country and people need MANY PEOPLE have told the SVG Green Party Leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal, that they are fed up with the way the country has been dragged down by the incompetent ULP regime. They have been dying for change, but felt too powerless to bring change.

On election day, the power to create change will be firmly in the hands of the people. The people can use their power to bring an end to the hopeless management of SVG’s finances by Gonsalves, and install a new Parliament that is willing and able to create thousands of new jobs and reduce poverty.

We request again, that for the sake of our country and our children, SVG Green Party supporters vote NDP in the constituencies that do not have a Green candidate. Equally so, SVG Green Party is calling on NDP supporters, to vote SVG Green Party in the constituencies where there is an SVG Green Party candidate. An SVG Green Party- NDP coalition could manage the country better.

SVG needs to abolish the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002, and other similar Acts, that give customs duty and tax exemptions to super-rich foreigners. It is important to tax the super-rich in order to generate revenue to create jobs for the poor. We should impose a windfall tax on the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan for not paying tax for decades. We must end this second phase of colonialism in SVG. Our country has significant potential to export many more goods. SVG Green Party pledges to build factories to drive exports, create jobs and boost the economy. As well as a strategy of import substitution, we need to change our economy so that it is export-oriented.

SVG needs factories for agro-processing. It makes no sense that SVG exports peanuts, but imports

peanut butter, and exports a variety of fruits but imports fruit juices. By exporting ‘value-added’ products such as fruit juices and peanut butter, rather than primary products such as peanuts and fruit, more jobs will be created and the economy will become strong.

SVG should be exporting products such as organic tea, organic baby food, organic fruit juices, organic honey, organic dried fruits, organic vacuumpacked vegetables, organic bottled coconut water, organic coffee, smoked fish and numerous other products.

And we can rejuvenate banana and the rest of the SVG agricultural industry with new foreign markets via a revived Marketing Corporation.

In April 2015, the President of the USA repeated SVG Green Party’s university message to the CARICOM leaders. Using Singapore as an example, Obama told the CARICOM leaders that if they had a highly-educated workforce, they could attract a lot of foreign investment. SVG needs its own university so that our children can become highly educated, and use their skills to attract foreign investment in to SVG. All the Caribbean countries that have tourism as the foundation of their economies are highly indebted, have high crime rates, high unemployment rates, high levels of poverty and rely on foreign aid and begging. It is only by educating our people that we can end generational poverty.

SVG needs free education and free internet.

VAT is choking the economy. Many businesses all over the country have closed down, because of the damaging effect of VAT on the economy, and others

that survive are experiencing their lowest sales levels for decades. We must abolish VAT and create a tax system that helps businesses to grow and create new jobs.

SVG needs to cut ties with Taiwan and use our deep-sea tuna fishing licence to set up a jointventure, tuna fishing industry with China. We need a factory in SVG to process and can this tuna fish, so that it can be exported and also sold in shops in SVG. This industry will create thousands of new jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for our country.

We need to put Vincentians first, not tourists or super-rich foreigners. To do this, vote for SVG Green Party to provide new blood in the SVG House of Assembly. People want real change in their lives.

Election Day offers the chance for that change.

Vote to throw out a government that enriches its own chosen few and ignores the needs of the many.

Put your X next to the telephone for jobs and a strong economy.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Victory margin of 9-6 expected PERMIT ME SPACE in your highly informative newspaper to express my humble views/opinion on the upcoming General Elections and make predictions for polling day.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP), led by Dr Ralph Gonsalves, is seeking a fourth term in office. Not an easy feat to achieve; but the candidates and supporters of the party seem confident that it could be achieved. Their spirits have apparently been rekindled following the successful landings of four small aircrafts on the incomplete runway at the site of the International Airport, which is being built at Argyle. The New Democratic Party (NDP) on the other hand, continues its vigorous campaign to prevent the ULP from forming government again. The supporters of the NDP have for several weeks now, been gathering in large numbers to attend meetings in various constituencies. They appear highly energized and seemingly rejuvenated, convinced that this time, after three successive defeats, their party, the NDP, will form government to run the affairs of the country for the next five years. The other two parties contesting the General Elections’, the St Vincent Green Party led

by Ivan O’Neal, and the Democratic Republican Party (DRP) led by Anesia Baptiste, are not expected to have any significant impact on the results of the General Elections.

Now, as we head towards polling day scheduled for the 9th of December 2015, what are the chances of either of the two major political parties claiming victory?

In considering that question, let us now look at the present state of affairs in our blessed land. The roads across the country are in a deplorable state; Government buildings have virtually been neglected, with many in serious need of repairs; agriculture has drastically declined; tourism is almost stagnant; unemployment is steadily increasing; and there is an alarming increase in crime and violence. Amidst all these blaring evidences of the country’s economic downturn, more and more businesses are forced to close, increasing the unemployment rate. While the ULP-led administration may not be fully responsible for all of this, it must shoulder most of the blame for this deteriorating state of affairs. All is not well in the country, contrary to what the ULP and its supporters may want us to believe.

There are several pertinent questions which we must ask ourselves. I would like each voter to consider the following: (1) Does the ULP deserve to be given a fourth term to correct its mistakes and get things right this time? (2) Is the ULP willing to accept that the situation in the country is far from good? (3) Would the ULP be able to alleviate the fears of Vincentians regarding what many see as too

many cases of suspected victimization, alleged corruption and perceived mismanagement of the economy? (4) Has the ULP been truthful in its proclamation of the true state of the country’s economy, or has the Honourable Arnhim Eustace been right all along? There is only one way we will ever know for sure.

There is growing discontent among the country’s populace, even as a ‘wind of change’ is reverberating throughout the nation. Added to that, controversies abound in regard to the suspected cases of illegal voter registration and transfers.

The atmosphere is feverish and full of tension. One hopes that violence would not raise its ugly head in this period leading up to the General Elections.

In closing, this writer feels that these Elections would be keenly contested. NDP is likely to retain the seven seats it now holds, while ULP is expected to retain four of the eight seats it won in the General Elections of 2010. There are four seats that are difficult to call at this present moment: Central Leeward, East St George, West St George and North Windward. The first two seats appear to be leaning towards the NDP; the last two seem to favour ULP. It is therefore, expected that NDP will win the first two of those four seats, thus forming government with a 9-6 margin of victory.

The Watchman

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 13.

Tourism Focus

St. Vincent Distillers Limited: Always a winner Grenada 2013; World’s Best Rum in England 2014; and World’s Gold ST. VINCENT DISTILLERS Award London 2015.

Limited, makers of Sunset As recently as July Strong Rum, SLR, Captain 2015, Sparrow’s was voted Bligh, Sparrow’s and Sunset among the 50 best Rums.

Rum Punch, is one of this The Export/Promotions country’s premium Manager attributed the manufacturers. quality of the Distillery’s The records speak for products to the themselves, and consistency and dedication Export/Promotion of her staff and of the Manager Phillippa “fresh spring water from Greaves is pleased with the volcano.” the recognition that her She noted that most of products are receiving, a the staff have a long sentiment she last history of working with Wednesday addressed the Distillery. Many of when she entertained a them have been employed group of visitors, including with the Distillery for as journalists, to the many as 27 years in some Distillery located in Mt. cases and 30 years in Bentinck, Georgetown. others.

She beamed with pride And while she projected as she counted the awards her products as “Rum, for that her company has Vincentians, made for received.

Vincentians,” Greaves was “Wherever we send it, equally delighted to cite we are always winning,” markets in the Caribbean, Greaves pointed out. including Barbados, and Captain Bligh has won announced the recent accolades in Barbados sealing of a deal with 2001; Canada in 2002; parties in Australia.

Tampa, Florida - 2009; She is hopeful that Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

St. Vincent Distillers Limited, situated in Mt. Bentict, Georgetown at the base of the northern range of mountains, has become a tourist attraction. manufactured products in ‘Aging Rooms’ for five Phillippa Greaves, Export/Promotion Manager, years in the case of the was pleased to conduct a tour of the facility and Sparrow, and eight years to highlight the many awards the rums produced for Captain Bligh. there have won.

The next stage is the Bottling Plant, from where overseas markets will She traced the history the finished products are open in the near future. of the operation from 1928 distributed mainly to “When the airport when it was part of the Mt Vincentians. comes on stream, I am Bentinck Estate.

The Distillery has also sure things will change.

In 1962, the venture become a tourist … I am very confident was sold to Basil attraction of its own. that when that airport Balcombe and was Besides getting the comes, it is going to subsequently passed on to change things for the his son. better,” the In 1985, sugar Export/Promotion production ceased on the Manager added. estate, and the Distillery Greaves led the touring was privatised in 1986. party through the entire The process involves process of the production. leaving barrels of the

opportunity to observe the production process in operation, visitors can purchase samples of the products from the source.

Souvenir items such as caps, T/Shirts, and other replicas can be purchased at the Distillery’s location at the base of the northern mountain range, amidst a splendour of verdure and natural Vincentian landscape.

Orange Hill awaits your call PERSONS INTERESTED should seek out the in expanding their Orange Hill Horticulture productivity in agriculture Research and Development Complex.

That is as good a source as any for procuring what is necessary for planting in the back yard and even on a commercial scale.

Gale Da Silva, Agriculture Instructor responsible for Shade House Production at the Complex, guided a group, including journalists and representatives of tourism related entities, on a tour of the site last Wednesday.

The trip was part of Tourism Month Activities, Gale Da Silva, held under the theme: Agriculture Instructor Tourism is everyone’s responsible for Shade business: Live it, love it, House Production, embrace it. conducted the tour of DaSilva outlined the the Complex.

Touring party admires the seedlings at the Complex.

background to the venture which was under control of the Taiwanese until 2011.

Vida Jack is the person in charge of the Vegetable Seedling Nursery. A variety of plants can be purchased from that outlet, including parsley, celery, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, cabbage, and sweet peppers.

Prices range from 20 cents to 60 cents per plant for those doing Back Yard Gardening. Those more commercially inclined will get their plants in trays for as little as 20 to 30 cents.

Jack prefers persons to contact her beforehand.

“Call, and let me know what you want me to do for you,” Jack urged.

Shereen Ballantyne is a Laboratory Technician attached to the Plant Tissue Lab. She explained the seven stages used to produce plants through the Tissue process.

Some crops handled at the Tissue Laboratory are bananas, dasheen, tannia, pine apple, and plantain.

Juliet Ambriton is responsible for the Food Packaging Station. She pointed to a relationship with the Rabbacca

Farmers’ Cooperative (RAFCO). The farmers bring their produce to her, from where they are distributed to Supermarkets nationwide.

Casks of rum left to cure in the ‘Aging Room’.

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Cummings: ÂNo confidence in Elections SupervisorÊ

by KENVILLE HORNE

Daniel Cummings, NDP candidate in West Kingstown, is concerned about what he terms the unprofessionalism of the Supervisor of Elections.

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) candidate for the West Kingstown constituency, incumbent Daniel Cummings, has declared that he has no confidence in the Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb.

Speaking on the Boom FM 106.9 OMG morning show last Tuesday, Cummings said that he was not satisfied that the Supervisor of Elections was working in the interest of all the people.

“Let me add to that. When that lady was appointed, and for the first couple of years, I would have had a different opinion, but I have seen enough and heard enough to realize

that something has gone wrong,” said Cummings.

Cummings cited, to support his view, that with just about two weeks to go before the general elections, he has been hearing that many of the polling stations have been changed, yet the Supervisor is not informing persons where they are going to vote.

“You cannot wait until the 99th hour; that is information that should be in everybody’s face already. If I didn’t ask, I wouldn’t know these things. I am hearing that there is a possibility that instead of 17 polling divisions, there are going to be 19 in West Kingstown. I am going into election, and if I didn’t ask, I wouldn’t know,” Cummings disclosed.

Adding, “The Supervisor of Elections needs to be fair to all concerned, and do her work and do it properly…. Right is right, wrong is wrong; she is not acting as professionally as she ought to.”

Cummings also claimed that his party had submitted evidence of illegal transfers of voters, to the Supervisor, stating further, “She has not even been acknowledging, much more to respond”.

Cummings will be looking to retain the West Kingstown seat in a contest that pits him against Unity Labour Party candidate Debbie Charles and SVG Green Party’s Natasha Black, in the December 9th elections.

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News

More sports with FLOW

FLOW’S SPORTS FANS are the winners with the news that Cable & Wireless (C&W) launched its anew sports network, Flow Sports (Channel 290), on Monday 23rd November.

With the arrival of the first Caribbean-based, region-wide High Definition sports network, Flow’s TV customers can now access new, exciting and high quality sports programming, featuring the best local and international action.

And in another big win for Flow’s customers, the new channel is available in Flow’s Basic TV packages.

“With Flow Sports, we are changing the game,” said John Reid, President of Cable & Wireless’s Consumer Group, which operates both the Flow and LIME brands. “Our goal is to be the number one destination for sports fans in the Caribbean. With our recently announced content partnerships — including 2016/17 Premier League football, CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, and the Rio Olympics — Flow Sports will offer our customers the best possible viewing

experience of the content that they are truly passionate about.”

In addition to the best regional and international football, initial cricket programming will include home games of South Africa; New Zealand home series; the Ram Slam T20 tournament; and the T20 Bangladesh Premier League featuring West Indies superstars Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine and Darren Sammy.

Flow Sports will also deliver exclusive NFL regular season games, athletics, auto racing, Fed and Davis Cup tennis, rugby and much more. In addition, Flow Sports will be C&W’s key broadcast platform for the Rio Olympics, and, from August 2016, Premier League football.

Flow Sports is broadcast from a newly constructed, state-of-the-art media facility in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Sports fans can access the Flow Sports channel on the Flow network in Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Trinidad. (Contributed)

Regional C&W artiste to perform here THE CLASSIC Country Music Club (CCMC), recently launched, with the aim of promoting country music locally, has caught the attention of one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished country and western artistes, Linus Modeste, aka LM Stone.

Linus Modeste, a St. Lucian by birth, is well recognized in country and western circles internationally.

Not only is he a recording artiste, but he has had a string of live performances, including in Nashville, Tennessee, the

heartland of Country Music in the USA. In his home country of St. Lucia, LM Stone is referred to as the Caribbean George Jones of country music. This is partly due to his singing style which seems to emulate the late country music legend, George Jones.

Stone will visit the Classic Country Music Club on the occasion of the finals of its first annual ‘Carry Your Own Key’ popularity singing contest and country dance, to take place upstairs the Music Centre in

St. Lucia’s Linus ‘LM Stone’ Modeste, will headline the cast of guest artistes at the finals of the CCMC’s ‘Carry Your Own Key’ contest.

Kingstown on Saturday 28th November 2015.

Starting time is 8.00 pm, and ten finalists are slated to compete for prizes, including cash prizes.

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News

KGS trumps KCCU Quiz competition THE ALL-FEMALE COMBINATION of Beounce Bailey and Ann- Jean Roache, representing the Kingstown Government School (KGS), answered their way to the top of the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) annual Primary Schools Quiz competition last Saturday, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

The duo ended on 21 points ahead of last year’s winners, Sion Hill Government, represented by Kevin Cain and Javed Baptiste. The dethroned champions tallied 17 points.

It was the final phase — the buzzer round, in which the Kingstown Government pipped the Sion Hill Government, as both were locked on 17 points

going into the final segment.

Last year, the Kingstown Government finished third, behind the Clare Valley Government, who placed second.

The Calliaqua Anglican, represented by Shante Forbes and Jamund Cyrus, docked in third after a tie-breaker with the Westwood Government pair of Michael Joseph and Jay-Mella Allen.

Both schools had ended on 14 points.

The other finalists were the Langley Park Government, which had Nelly Sampson and Duronique Johnson as their representatives, and the Pamelus Burke Government whose flag was carried by Tyniesha Samuel and

Alexandrina Pitt, placed fifth and sixth respectively.

Langley Park put together 12 points to finish fifth, and Pamelus Burke 4 points to end in the sixth position.

The finalists emerged from the preliminary round held Beounce Bailey and Ann- Jaen Roache, flanked by principal of the 7th November at the Kingstown Government – Thedica Commissiong – Jones (left) and St Vincent Grammar teacher- Winston Telesford (right).

School.

In addition to being themselves cash awards and The students were quizzed awarded the Thomas Saunders individual trophies. in the areas of local history, Challenge Trophy, the current affairs, general Cash awards and trophies Kingstown Government School were also presented to the knowledge, sports and credit is in line for funding of a union affairs, using multiple second and third places, with project of its choice, while the the other finalists given choices, closed ended questions two winners earned and the buzzer round. tokens.

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

ULP breaking the rules

Right: Materials from Tank Weld, Jamaica, being offloaded at the Campden Park Port.

WHEN EC$30 MILLION has been spent from the Consolidated Fund to purchase building materials to be distributed for election purposes and to supporters of a particular political party, then that is a violation of

the rules.

So says the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Political Leader, Arnhim Eustace who has previously levelled accusations of bribery at the Unity Labour Party (ULP).

Eustace said on the New Times radio programme on Monday, that the very people who did not qualify to receive the materials, were the very ones partly responsible for paying the bill however.

“And what is worse, it is being paid to Jamaica,” he said.

Eustace reiterated an earlier point that he raised, stating that the materials were purchased from a foreign company, Tank Weld in

Jamaica, when the items could have been purchased locally, and then questioned if anyone locally had collected a commission for the sale.

Ten percent of $30 million was easily $1.3 million, which, according to Eustace, went into someone’s pocket.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves, however, defended the action taken, saying that the government does purchase building materials from local suppliers.

In this case, however, Gonsalves explained that in the case of

galvanize, which was manufactured locally, all other materials were purchased overseas.

The company that offers good terms and longer credit is Tank Weld, Gonsalves had explained during a press briefing.

The other factor when the decision was made to go to the Jamaican company, was based on a question of size.

None of the local companies are of the size of Tank-Weld, and are incapable of supplying the large quantities that were required for mass home repairs. (DDD)

NDP promises no cuts in public service There are no plans by a New Democratic Party (NDP) government to cut the civil service.

Political Leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace, made the point earlier this week in response to comments being made by Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the Political Leader for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).

Eustace said on the radio programme New Times on Monday, that although Gonsalves keeps referring to the point that an NDP government will implement austerity measures and downsize the civil service, that was a lie, and that none of the NDP candidates ever made such a statement.

“We have never said anything like that, and don’t intend to cut the civil service,” Eustace said.

He went on to say that, should his party form the next government, he intends to honour the payment of the 2.5 percent increase promised to civil servants on December 18. “…The NDP will honour whatever commitment that the government has made to the civil servants. We can’t do otherwise; we will be irresponsible to

Arnhim Eustace has refuted the allegation that anNDP government will cut the size of the public service. stop any payment that another government has agreed to,” the leader of the NDP explained.

Eustace also addressed the allegation that the NDP, if elected, will stop the nursing programme.

“I don’t understand this foolishness (that) we will stop the nursing programme and the $1,000 stipend to student nurses.

“We never said anything like that at all,” he said.

In fact, an NDP government will raise the monthly stipend offered to student nurses to $1,250, he promised.

(DDD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 19.

News

LIME appreciates customers

General Manager of LIME - Wayne Hull delivering gifts to customers.

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK at LIME culminated last Friday with General Manager’s

Day. Wayne Hull — General Manager of LIME - planned

an exciting day for LIME patrons, which began with a “door buster” sale that allowed early shoppers to get a smartphone for only $99.

The day continued, with customers getting a taste of

Christmas with local favorites like ham, fruit cake, sorrel and more.

Mr. Hull added even more excitement as he invited customers to dip their hands into a box filled with vouchers that were all labeled with FREE phones, data, credit, discounts off

handsets, LIME services and more.

The day climaxed with a LIVE Image Modeling Agency Mannequins display and a “show and tell” of the NEW iPhone 6s!

Hundreds of customers were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected generosity, and the opportunity to chat with the GM.

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

Down Memory Lane

‘Joe Bla Bla’s passing recalls a special time WITH THE PASSING of Jonathan ‘Joe Bla Bla’ Lewis, the football team Castrol was no more. He was the last surviving member of the team.

Castrol was a rugged Bottom Town team, and whoever came up against them was in for a real battle. Every man in that team was a bruiser. They gave no quarters and they accepted none.

But then, there was a team called Castrol Football team Juniors that people seem to forget.

Juniors had a few bruisers of their own, them?”

Anyhow, calmer heads prevailed, and so they were able to match Castrol the match got underway. In those days stride for stride.

These two teams were the teams that each team walked with a ball, and the referee selected the better one to play introduced Sunday afternoon football. the game. That day, the Juniors captain Sad to say, we don’t have the date and did not prepare a ball, and so went to the year on record. the match without one. The match was That particular Sunday afternoon played with Castrols’ ball. when the two teams clashed, Victoria Twenty minutes into the game, Park was bursting at its seams in Juniors’ Vin Hadaway slipped one past heightened expectation.

Castrol’s custodian Eldon ‘Muckle’ Both teams refused to come out and Bramble. Soon after, Juniors got warm up; Juniors remaining seated another goal, and everyone knew in upstairs, and Castrol downstairs in the those days that if Juniors had you 2 pavilion. down, ‘you ain’t coming back’.

When referee ‘Son’ Allen blew his Castrol realized their position, and in whistle, both teams trotted to the middle order to save face with and for their of the field for pre-match instructions. supporters, who had wagered on the When Allen was finished issuing game, one of their well-known players instructions to Castrol, they decided they were not playing because Allen had who went by the nickname ‘Bage’ Lucas, took up the ball and walked off. spoken with his back toward them, and After that incident, the Association they felt insulted. Well, the Park was in started providing balls for the games. an uproar. Some people got into the act and started shouting, “They right not to Old footballer play.” “How he can turn his back to

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28. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Stubborn about making changes around your home. Travel will be favorable. Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. Organizations may cost you more than you can afford.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. This could be a serious relationship. If you're uncertain of your feelings, keep your opinions to yourself. Make sure you concentrate if operating machinery or vehicles.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) The key to feeling good about yourself will be to do something about it. Try not to get into disputes that will lead to estrangements. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. Take time to catch up on gossip and make plans to do a little adventure travel.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Take a break; you can finally mend any disputes on the home front. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. Confusion is apparent and you'll need some sound advice if you want to do the right thing. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't divulge secret information. A need to be in love may fool you. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes.

You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't let the cat out of the bag. Your determination and sheer desire to do your own thing will be successful.

Opportunities to make financial gains through investments look promising.

Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Focus your efforts on details, and keep

to yourself in order to finish your work.

Put your energy into self-improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you. Be prepared to counteract the damage that adversaries are about to create. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. If you can include them in your plans, do so.

Children could cost you more than you can afford.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You need time to make things better.

You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want this week. Financial limitations will not be as adverse as they appear. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Changes in your home will be positive.

Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. Romantic relationships could be under pressure. You have to believe in yourself and your talents.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful. Sudden changes regarding friendships are likely to occur if you have tried to change others. You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly, rather than doling everything in a half-baked way. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. Situations you can't change should be forgotten for the present.

Misunderstandings at work could easily lead to your demise. Be diplomatic but stem when it comes to giving of yourself.

ACROSS 1. Christmas’s mo.

4. Football league letters 7. Gp. that includes the Mets 10. Fury 11. Chef Child 13. Clock numeral 14. Purge 15. Pile up 16. Crooner Torme 17. Retains 19. Had a siesta 21. Director Howard 23. Watch 24. TV attachment 28. Before tenth 32. Rock’s __ Fighters 33. Prevail 35. Memorable years 36. Girl Scout’s group 39. Recover 42. Polite drink 44. Owl’s question 45. State 48. Photo __ 52. Fla.’s neighbor 53. Kitchen device

55. Nonchoosy one’s Word 56. Sandwich inits.

57. Pitchers 58. That boy 59. Needle feature 60. Journey segment 61. Barnyard home DOWN 1.Long dagger 2. Pennsylvania county 3. Grant by treaty 4. Bk. After Leviticus 5. Custard dessert 6. Bonet and Hartman 7. Marcel Marceau, for one 8. Fibbed 9. Cartoonist Keane (“The Family Circus”) 11. Actor Robards 12. Ski resort 18. Prior to (prefix) 20. Architect I.M. __

22. SSE’s opp.

24. Behind, on a boat 25. Neither’s pal 26. “Never __ Late” 27. Televise 29. Teacher’s group (abbr.)

30. Angle starter 31. __ on rye 34. Recent 37. CIA’s predecessor 38. Fragment 40. Burns slightly 41. Reaction to an IM joke

51. Phrase akin 43. Skulk to around “goodness” 45. Confederate (2 Wds.) 46. Satisfy 47. Forest sight 52. Lincoln, for short 49. Words from 54. Measure of Scrooge work 50. Military division

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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Advice

very body conscious whenever I am with him, and it is so bad that I do not want to get undressed in his presence.

I HAVE A small problem. My boyfriend does not think my body is appealing any The last degrading thing he told me was he would have to find a woman longer. He complains that my breasts with firmer body parts, but he would sag and my thighs are too big and not leave me because I am very good lumpy.

George, it is true that after my 2nd with the house work and taking care of child with him, that my body is not the the children.

I feel so down right now. same; but I do not think he has the Sometimes I feel like packing my right to criticise me like that. I feel

Dear George,

things and leave. I am just waiting to see if he would change his attitude towards me and my body.

The thing is, I am not sure how long I ought to wait.

Sad with the problem. Let him know that you are not happy with him and why, and give him the opportunity to hear There is much for your boyfriend to your concerns in an independent environment. This talk needs to take understand. To begin, he needs to understand that your body did not just place and very soon. If he refuses to shift from his position, then he needs get to that point because you were doing nothing. You are the mother of to be given the opportunity to find his children, and child bearing has its himself the woman of his dreams.

Then he might learn that firm breasts effect on the bearer! and thighs are not vital ingredients for I strongly suggests that you ask your boyfriend to accompany you to get a healthy relationship. some professional counseling to deal

Dear Sad,

George

You have to make a decision about our future together.

Going-going gone.

Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND had the gall to tell me that she is going to take up an offer made to her by her friend, to start giving sex in exchange for money. She explains that should she do this, all of her bills would be taken care of, and her university education would be “in the bag.” Apparently, her girlfriend makes over $3000,00 per week prostituting her body to preferred customers.

I told her point blank that I am not in that, and if she is asking me for my permission to do this, she is not going to get it. Yes, we need the extra cash, but not this way.

I made it my business to check this friend of hers to find out what exactly is entailed in her ‘business’, and she explained that sometimes they have to make out with other women, if that request was made by a particular customer.

My girlfriend seems determined to do this, and I told her that if she does, then she would have to say goodbye to me. To this day she has not answered to that, which leaves me very doubtful

Dear Going/gone The promise of money, especially when there is a great need for it, can influence one’s decision to do things they would normally not do.

Your girlfriend seems to have already made her mind up about this, and only told you to you to get your blessings. Since you are not prepared to sanction this proposal of hers, you need to understand that the end result could be a split between you two.

She is an adult and has the right to choose her own way; but, at the same time, if she wishes to remain in this relationship, she needs to understand the business of giving and taking. Her actions can have a negative impact on the relationship, but, at the end of the day, the decision is hers to make. You would have to make a decision as to whether or not you would want to compromise your values and stay, or move on without her.

George

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Feature

Area of land before preparation began.

The same area of land after preparation and just before planting began.

Volunteer Team on agriculture ST. VINCENT, Hairouna “Land of the Blessed” - and what a blessed island it is.

Since arriving in St. Vincent in September as a volunteer for Inspirational Volunteer Journeys (IVJ), a non for profit organisation based in the UK who are working in partnership with the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA), I have had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself into St. Vincent, through its rich culture and beautiful landscape.

Prior to my arrival in SVG, I was working as a Young Peoples Support Worker, working and mentoring young people in a 24-hour supported accommodation service in East London.

I received an email from a friend about an opportunity to volunteer with IVJ to set up a demonstration farm and engage with young people in order to promote agriculture, as there is a deficit in the amount of youth in agriculture.

Consequently, a lot of Vincentian farmers have no one to pass their knowledge down to.

This sounded ideal for me, as I would be able to

economists, marketing experts, project managers, administrators, biochemists, agronomists, to name a few. These professionals are an Understanding the example of how far and agricultural landscape wide agriculture spans in terms of the various roles Since being a volunteer, and employment potential and working alongside within farming businesses, experts like Kozel Fraser in which the Vincentian (Coordinator at WINFA) graduate population and and Colville King the wider youth (Diversification Officer at population of today can the Ministry of utilise their qualifications Agriculture) who (both) and transferable skills in have given me a positive order to create jobs for outlook on agriculture, I themselves. now think that agriculture in SVG has been Cont’d on Page 34. misunderstood and limited to the idea that agriculture equates to a farmer in water boots, dripping with sweat, with a hoe in one hand and a fork in the other.

Farmers are instrumental to the agricultural sector, and their hard work is fundamental to the fruition of the industry.

However, I have personally gained insight and witnessed a cadre of professionals from a variety of backgrounds including: accountants, continue working with youth, and also gain some practical experience to see if I was really cut out to be a farmer and ‘work di lan’.

The IVJ volunteers (from left): Rochelle Walker (Project Co-ordinator), Matt Larden, Keeton Castillo, Melis Celgen, Mattew Johnston (Project Manager).

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News

Trinity shows appreciation for Cadaver Walter

Pastor Dr. George Frederick accepted the challenge of presenting the exhortation.

ON THE AFTERNOON of Monday, 16th November, in a very touching gesture of gratitude, a special Service of Appreciation was held at the campus of Trinity School of Medicine.

The activity gave thanks for the gift by ‘Cadaver Walter’, who had donated his body for medical study upon his death.

A cadaver is the body of a dead human being. These are used by medical schools in their students’ study of anatomy. Before practising on living human beings, medical students must learn body parts and their functions, and a host of other

information about how the body works.

They do so by using dead bodies.

Dr. Frances Jack, Associate Dean of Students and Assistant Professor of Medicine, called Cadaver Walter’s contribution, his legacy of selflessness which has allowed the students to receive knowledge in the most tangible way, “What is clearly evident by his ‘selfless’ gift is that, he and his family, they believed in humanity, and hoped by this single act that they could make a difference.”

President and CEO of Trinity, Mr. Steven Wilson, received on behalf of

the institution, a plaque commemorating Walter’s place among cadavers used at Trinity.

Pastor Dr. George Frederick presented words of exhortation.

“In my forty-nine years of ministry, I’ve never done something like what I’m about to do today,” he admitted.

He went on to say that the living know that they shall die, but the dead do not know anything, so once people have life, they should love it and love people.

The audience included students who had worked with and learnt from Walter. In reflecting on how Walter touched her life, Third Term student, Avani Shukla, said, inter alia, “Him giving his body so that we could further our education is a very humbling experience”.

The service was followed by interment at the Kingstown Cemetery.

The final remains of ‘Cadaver Walter’ (in small box) were intered at the Kingstown cemetery.

Volunteer Team on agriculture From page 31.

and transforming a land full of bush to functioning farmland.

An enriching experience We have made a short video which we will present to the students of St When the time comes for me to say Clair Dacon Secondary School in “bye for now, until I see you again”, I December, and we have also invited can say that I have truly been some young people on a tour of our enriched by my volunteering journey, farm and our nature trail in Brighton. having gained a tremendous amount If you would like to view our of first hand experience from drafting farmland, please contact our project research surveys, writing proposals for manager Matthew Johnston from IVJ funding with the WINFA team, on 455 8902 or email him at attending training on climate change matthew.johnston@ivj.org.uk. and, overall, networking with so many For more information about WINFA talented and accomplished individuals please visit their website at from all walks of life. On a practical winfa@winfacaribbean.org 1784 456 level, I can say that I have learned 2704 that perhaps I’m not cut out to be a farmer — yet! But I have enjoyed Written by Rochelle Walker, Project learning how to use a hoe and a fork, Co-ordinator

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 35.

Sports

Coombs wins second term

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

VENOLD COOMBS is completing the first week of a second fouryear term as president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).

Coombs comfortably beat challenger Roddy Dowers when the organisation held its AGM on Saturday, November 21st at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

The incumbent Coombs won 31/17, as all 48 duly registered Affiliates cast their ballots for their candidate of choice.

Otashie Spring was elected 1st VP, Marvin Fraser 2nd VP and Wayde Jackson 3rd VP. The rest of the executive will be completed with the election of four committee members in the next two weeks.

The meeting, as per usual with the AGMs of the SVGFF, was not without its share of personality clashes and loud exchanges, as delegates witnessed what some may see as a phenomenon for the

second time within a year, when sitting members of an executive took to the floor to question the president.

The first such display took place at last year’s SVG Cricket Association AGM, when President Julian Jack was humiliated by his executive and forced out of office.

On Saturday, President Coombs and second Vicepresident Marvin Fraser occupied the head table, as 3rd VP Elroy Boucher, then dismissed General Secretary Trevor Huggins and Committee Member Clemroy Francois took turns at, what some say, appeared to be a

Venold Coombs (centre) fielding questions from the floor.

Left: The successful slate (from left) Venold Coombs, Otashie Spring, Marvin Fraser and Wayde Jackson.

3rd vice president position.

The ‘slate” put forward by Coombs, made a clean sweep in collecting all three vicepresidents positions.

Spring, an accountant, had to stave off a strong challenge from technician Wayne Grant before taking the 1st vice-president planned and well —orchestrated attempt to position with 14 votes. Grant create doubts in Coombs and collected 12 votes, with company’s credibility and Osborne Bowens eight, suitability.

Kendale Mercury eight and The issue which once again Keith Duncan six, being the proved the bone of contention others on the ballot. was the income from the sale The incumbent Fraser of world cup tickets. In the garnered 22 votes to hold onto end, the Affiliates seemed the 2nd vice president position satisfied with the explanation to beat nearest challenger given by the president, and Francois who got 15. St. Clair overwhelmingly voted him Stapleton, whose tenure as back into office. accountant at the SVGFF’s Francois lost in the second office appears to have been vice-president battle and ended, got five votes, while a Huggins, sensing the possible name listed as “Rockwell inevitable, made a last minute John” got three votes, and withdrawal from that race. there were three spoiled Boucher was unsuccessful in ballots. his attempt to stay in the Jackson recorded the widest

margin of victory, as he secured the 3rd vice president position by a 17-vote advantage over the incumbent Boucher, winning 28/11.

Bevan Lewis, the other candidate in the race, pooled eight votes.

“People do not want football to be dragged into the mud and they have shown that in no uncertain terms….football must not be seen in such negative light constantly…..

Yes, I admit that people will have differences, but the extent which some people went to even write to FIFA Ethics Committee and go to the FIU, that was taking it too far”, opined the President.

He also said that it was his intention to try and get as many people on board as they still have the World Cup campaign and other programmes, and these must be given priority over the next few weeks.

Foreign runners top NACAC Chatoyer 10k KENYAN KENNETH ROTICH and Trinidadian Tonya Nero won the male and female categories of the international segment of the NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10K, which took place from Gordon Yard to the Chateaubelair Playing Field, last Sunday.

Rotich breasted the tape in a time of time 39 minutes 48 seconds, ahead of second placed Pamenos Ballantyne of SVG in 41 minutes 30.

Trinidadian Curtis Cox was third in 42 minutes 30 seconds.

Trailing Nero, whose winning time was 42 minutes 31 seconds, was Vincentian Linda Mc Dowall in 47 minutes 47 seconds, and Fanjanteino Felix of Martinique third in 48 minutes 26 seconds.

The top three in the international segments

collected US $1000, $700 and $500, for first, second and third, respectively.

Rotich received a bonus US$ 100, for being the first to cross the 5k mark.

Dubbed as the ‘World’s Most Challenging 10K’, the consensus among the visiting athletes, which also included two from Grenada, a lone female from Cuba, as well as two other competitors from Martinque, was that the course was too difficult, as there were too many down-hills and the hills were too steep to mount.

That sentiment was not rife among the locals, some of whom would have traversed the terrain on occasions, especially during the LOG Enterprises North Leeward 5K, which is part of Team Athletics SVG’s road racing

Pamenos Ballantyne calendar.

Among the local competitors, Ryan John of IT DAT took the Under- 20 in 47 minutes 43 seconds. He was followed home by teammates Akani Slater and Slyford Lampkin, second and third respectively. Slater did 49 minutes 51 seconds and Lampkin 50 minutes 53 seconds.

In the female Under-

Tonya Nero 20, the winner was Kerina Hooper of XCeed in one hour one minute 55 seconds.

Second was Sorenya Miller of IT DAT and third Tara Joseph also of IT-DAT. The three top finishers in these categories received EC$ 400, $200 and $150, respectively.

Taking the male Over20 was IT DAT’s Meshach Dublin in 42

Kerina Hooper minutes 8 seconds, with Cyron Lewis of X Ceed second in 43 minutes 52 seconds, and Caswell Lewis of IT-DAT, third in 44 minutes 49 seconds.

Prices awarded in this category — first place $600.00, second $300.00 and third $200.00.

Samantha Lynch of SA SA Club won the female over 20 in one hour 12 minutes. Second

Kenneth Rotich in one hour 17 minutes 58 seconds was Sandrieka Hooper, who competed unattached.

Lynch pocketed EC$600 and Hooper$300.

IT- DAT earned the team prize of EC $300.

This Sunday, 29th November, will see Team Athletics SVG hosting the Round D Town Road Relay.

V

36. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

No time for complacency THE NEW EXECUTIVE of the local Football Federation will be celebrating their victory, but when they put away the euphoria, there will be the stark reality that all is not well with football.

Crying foul or hoping for perfection could be ways of dealing with the situation.

It will be hard to condemn the players for their performance in their first two matches in the Group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

It is a pity that fans may have overestimated the situation in which the squad has found itself.

Looking from a distance, there seems to be a lack of appreciation of the opportunities that we face.

The Football Federation is more interested in trying to get competitions off the ground, rather than looking into the welfare of the players.

Our players have been left to feel like outcasts, given the scant regard given to them. No one expects the Federation to hand out mega bucks, but those men who put their life and limb on the line to represent the nation deserve a higher level of respect.

It was sad to see players of the national squad attending training sessions in slippers and short pants. What kind of message are we sending to the youngsters?

I am not saying that the players must be treated as super stars and adorned with silver and gold. But such as we have it must be given to them. The players are the ones who help to attract whatever monies FIFA delivers. It is time that they benefit from any windfall.

Far too often, executive members take matters into their own hands, and the players who make the final product possible are left to scramble for the crumbs.

There are examples for all to see. And the trend is continuing.

The players have an obligation to prepare themselves. They can’t expect others to shoulder their burden. But respect has to be shown to the players.

The Vincentian World Cup campaign has hit a miserable low. As much as we have to try to salvage some pride, it is hard for us to be in contention for further advances.

Remarks from the management do not engender much prospects in the rest of the sojourn. It sounds distasteful some comments from the management after the two games.

If Assistant Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s analysis is a guide, there will be new players in the squad, if only to remind the current crop that their places are not automatic.

It is ironic that the crop of players who have worked so hard to achieve their stage of progress have become so complacent as to elicit the statements by Hendrickson.

We appear to have inherited some management issues. Football is never a sport here where unity is guaranteed, neither on the field or elsewhere.

Our history has shown us that, even with the strongest outfit, we have created factions which inevitably will cause rupture.

There is an opportunity for us to come to grips with our situation. Individual players have to take on their own responsibility. The Federation with its renewed mandate has to step in to ensure the smooth operation of its programmes.

If we can’t rise to the occasion and settle our differences, we will continue to flatter to deceive and attain a level of mediocrity which will make us big fish in small waters and no fish at all as soon as we hit the ocean.

ÂFootball future is bright,Ê Coombs NEWLY RE-ELECTED president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) Venold Coombs is confident that the game will go to higher heights in his second term.

Coombs brushed aside a meek challenge from Roddy Dowers, en route to a second consecutive fouryear term, coming out a 31-17 victor at the organisation’s November 21st, 2015 AGM, held at the Media Centre at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

Coombs had gone into the race pointing to what he said was his many achievements during the period October 2010 to November 2015.

In a post-election address, Coombs said that he was confident that more gains would be made on those of the previous term, given his and the SVGFF’s relationship with overseas fraternal organisations, including the UEFA - the governing body for Football in Europe.

“The close relationships that I have and we have with different international bodies like the US Soccer Federation, will grow because we are offered scholarships, equipment and gear. … In fact, we got the gear for the national (senior) team without paying (up front) and we are paying…and we got the greatest of concessions from them because of their links with Nike,” he pointed out.

“We have over two million dollars already approved (by FIFA) to buy a headquarters….we have 1.3 million dollars to get a home for football and we are going to access funds from FIFA to have a semi-professional league….we want to engage with the government with Lottery in the mix so we start to develop that sense of professionalisation

with our players,” Coombs said.

Coombs also took the opportunity to reassure the Affiliates that the sport was in good hands as he highlighted the track record of the men on his executive - first timers Otashie Springs the 1st viceAffiliates of the SVGFF put their faith in president and Coombs and his team, much to the 3rd vice-president Wayde Jackson, along disappointment of some who had sought office. with 2nd Marvin Fraser who was reInset: Venold Coombs, re-elected President of elected. the SVGFF, has promised an even more He described Fraser as an element invigorated term the second time around. of stability. he and his executive chart the “Brother Otashie is from the way forward for the sport here.

Windward side…. We want to The president, who appeared to develop football all across the have had a turbulent relationship country, so I want to thank you with some members of the last all very much for voting a executive, later indicated that the brilliant young educated, confidence shown in him and his intelligent man….and the whole slate by the Affiliates was a clear country is part of it, for we have sign that he was on the right path Mr. Jackson from the Leeward in taking the game forward. side, and everybody know the On Wednesday, Coombs, who work that Mr. Jackson has been as president is afforded the doing on the Leeward side, privilege of naming two working selflessly with the committee members to the youths,” Coombs enuciated. executive, selected Dominique After laying out the credentials Stowe and Dwight Baptiste as of his vice-presidents, it was time those persons. to turn the focus of attention on The remaining five members of himself. the executive- all committee “Let me tell you, Venold members- will be named in the Coombs mean well… and will next two weeks, according to the continue to be that person. president.

Understand this, I am no false A total of 15 candidates prophet…you have people who I contested the elections, with two have identified me with in the presidential race, five in administration over the years will both the first and second vicecome and tell you that in Venold president race, and three for third Coombs you have a person who is vice president posts. dedicated and want football to go Forty-eight Affiliates-36 forward,” he said. clubs/teams and 12 leagues -were His intention, he assured, is to eligible to vote in last Saturday’s listen to the ideas of everyone as Elections.

Union Island retains Grenadines Basketball title THE UNION ISLAND All-Stars are for the third consecutive year champions of Grenadines Basketball.

They retained the title when they beat Bequia All Stars, 75 to 67, in the finals of the 2015 Digicel Grenadines Basketball Championship, played in Bequia at the Port Elizabeth Hard Court, last weekend.

Leading scorer for Union Island was Steveon Taylor who led the way for Union Island with 25 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals.

Kirstin Lampkin with 16 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals stood out for the Bequia team.

Earlier, Canouan Islanders easily defeated Mayreau 105 to 69 to take third position. Warrican Myers continued to show his class with 34 points, 14 rebounds, 4

assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. The top scorer for Mayreau was Rashaun Forde with 22 points.

Union Island had booked their place in the finals by easily bypassing Mayreau 82 — 61.

Steveon Taylor, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, dominated for Union Island, while Damian Forde with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals did his best to keep the Mayreau team within reckoning.

Bequia booked their spot in the finals following a close encounter with Canouan. The ding-dong battle finished 67- 65. Bequia had much to thank Kirstin Lampkin for, as he turned in a 16 points and had 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, and 3 blocks.

Canouan’s Damina Harry had a game high 26 points along with 4

rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

Despite their third place ranking, Canouan took most of the individual awards.

Power forward Warrican Myers was adjudged the Overall Tournament MVP. In addition, he copped the Championship’s awards for most points (119), most rebounds (99) and most blocks (15), computed over the 6 games of the preliminary round, and was named his team MVP. Bequia All-Stars’ captain, Kelan Edwards, had the most steals award, while Union’s Kenny Alexander took the most assists award.

Other team MVP’s were: Dario Glasgow for Union; Keithroy Lavia for Bequia; and Nemiah Alexander for Mayreau.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 37.

Sports

Vincy Heat fans react

by KENVILLE HORNE

LAST WEEK Tuesday, November 17, many Vincentians turned up at the Arnos Vale Playing Field prepared to cheer their senior national football team, Vincy Heat, to victory over Guatemala.

The encounter was Vincy Heat’s second in the fourth-round of CONCACAF Group “C” qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Vincy Heat was returning to their home ground after being trounced 6 -1 by the USA, November 13.

Exuberant as they were, the Vincentian diehard fans were quickly deflated, and many remained so to the end of the match, the final score being Guatemala 4, SVG 0.

THE VINCENTIAN spoke to some of the Vincy Heat fans to get their reaction. Here is what a few had to say. needs to change, and work with the defenders.

The coach used to be a defender, yet the defense was poor, poor today.

problems. But they could have done better. I hope they go back to the drawing board and improve.

Jeremy Dean The team give away too much possession.

They give away the ball too much in the midfield. Some simple corners to defend, they can’t defend. The defense is a big problem. The tall man in the back he alone - the guy came and take away the ball and run right around tall man. What do you think happen there? I was impressed with the number 15, Kevin Francis.

Ali Afia John

Let we just give the youth them a chance, I wasn’t impressed because they playing with the game. The guys against professionals slack off in the first half. who getting paid big I feel they could have money. Vincy Heat is done much better. They just a group of wasn’t pressuring youngsters trying to get enough; they were giving themselves together. Let the team more time on we cope with them. We the ball, which give them have to back we own, but more chances. There they need to work harder wasn’t any and train more. communication between the players. I feel disappointed because I have seen them play better than this.

Raffique Barbour The defense and the keeper were real poor.

That means we need to work in the defense, and the keeper needs to either be changed or work harder. Otherwise everything was ok, but the coach needs to make some adjustment to the defense and bring on the substitutes earlier. We have some good players but we ain’t use them enough. The line-up

Aliesha Campbell Shianne James The game wasn’t a bad game, but you can see that there isn’t any communication. The defending was poor and for the set plays, the keeper, he was not talking to his players, so that created a lot of the

I think that we could have done better, but we have to support the team whether or not we win.

At the end of the day, it is important that they receive constructive criticism. They could have done better. We don’t have the best facility, but am happy we reach thus far.

38. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015. 39.

Classifieds

‘Declare your hand on ganja issue’

of which he is director.

Connell’s request was According to Connell, made in a letter dated “Marijuana has to be a October 5, 2015 to the benefit to our state, and Minister, and copied to not a burden. We simply the Governor General, cannot afford to make Prime Minister, Minister marijuana a burden.” of Sports and Culture, Connell has been Minister of Foreign consistent, over the Affairs, the Attorney years, in championing General and the Director the cause for the of Public Prosecutions decriminalization of (DPP). marijuana.

Connell told THE He has been VINCENTIAN that the instrumental in getting law provides a the Police High mechanism through Command to establish a which permission could policy of granting station be granted to cultivate a bail to persons charged plant for a specific with possession of 15 purpose, through the grams of marijuana and Minister of Health, in under, and has accordance with the repeatedly called for a Drugs (Prevention of national discussion, involving all stakeholders, on the marijuana issue.

His most recent move was to seek permission from the Minister of Health to cultivate a marijuana plant, for display and educational purposes, on the compound of the Murray’s Road based ‘Grassroot Tennis Club’, Continued from Page 1.

Misuse) Act Cap 284 section 9 of the revised laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“That law is always there, but was never explored. We better start exploring, or we will miss the boat. We have a duty to future generations”, Connell advised.

Up to press time Wednesday, he was awaiting a response to the letter.

REPAIRS Wahing machine and microwave repairs.

Home Services 455-5018

ANDRENE HAZELL Holy Cross Anglican Church Paget Farm Saturday 28th November, 2015 2:00 p.m.

TREVOR ALEXANDER JACKSON Vermont SDA Church Tuesday 24th November, 2015 2:30 p.m.

CRIGHTON BROWNE

JONATHAN LEWIS

Pilgrim Faith Church, Stubbs Sunday 22nd November, 2015 2:00 p.m.

Kingstown Methodist Church Wednesday 18th November, 2015 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Dr. Rudy Matthias, CEOIADC, made no bones about who has the ‘right of privilege’ to open the Argyle Airport.

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The sea of ULP supporters who witnessed the test landing, may have influenced the CEO’s perception of the NDP’s right of authority over the opening of the airport.

ARGYLE AIRPORT: NOT FOR NDP TO OPEN we didn’t need this airport, that it couldn’t be built. I can’t CEO of the International Airport conceive of them, coming to Development Corporation Argyle to open this (IADC), Dr. Rudy Matthias, said international airport.” that he cannot image the New Perhaps buoyed by the Democratic Party (NDP) opening large numbers of persons the International Airport at decked in red, who had turned Argyle, given their criticisms of out to witness the landings, the project.

Matthias continued, “I can’t During his speech at a conceive of Arhnim Eustace ceremony, on Thursday 19th, sitting in the VIP lounge in after four planes landed at the this new airport when it is Argyle International Airport opened. I can’t conceive of as part of test landings that. It will be an injustice if conducted by the Eastern we are not allowed to finish Caribbean Civil Aviation this airport project here at Agency (ECCAA), Matthias Argyle.” said that it will be his dream The CEO assured that the to see the airport completed airport is close to its final under the ULP stage. “They said it couldn’t administration, but, “I can’t be done, they said it couldn’t conceive of the Argyle be built; but today we are International Airport being witnessing one of several completed by persons who said historic moments in the at almost every juncture, that construction of this Argyle

by KENVILLE HORNE

International Airport,” said Matthias , after the four planes landed.

He commended all the agencies and individuals involved in the construction of the airport, but singled out Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as the mastermind behind the project, confessing, “Truly, we couldn’t have gotten this far without the strong support of Ralph Gonsalves and his government.”

Matthias admitted that “At every stage of this project, we encountered challenges,” but was pleased to report that “we are overcoming them day by day,” Pointing to the sourcing of funding for the project, the CEO said, “…I wouldn’t tell you the money always came when we needed it, so there

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

were always financial issues that we had to deal with up to this stage. But I doubt in the next two or three months, that IADC can complain about financial issues , because I know where the money is now, to complete the project.”

While he anticipated completion in the next 2

months, he beckoned the gathering to reflect on the fact that “decision time is December 9th. So you have to decide whether you want us to finish this airport, or whether those who don’t know where to find the money , will come here and finish it.”

One of the planes involved in the test landings.

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