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FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 30, 2015

by DAYLE DA SILVA THE PUBLIC SERVICE UNION (PSU) never agreed to a quantum, and President of the PSU, Elroy Boucher, has taken Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves to task for the comment he made at the Independence Day Parade at Victoria Park. Boucher’s contention was that Dr. Gonsalves had said in his Independence Day address, that he

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves delivering his 2015 Independence Day Address, in which he cited a certain salary increase agreement with which the PSU head took umbrage.

VOLUME 109, No.44

and the representatives of the public sector unions had arrived at an understanding, when they met on October 20. According to Boucher, the Prime Minister said that the unions agreed; however, he asked, if an agreement was reached, then what did the unions agree to? He reiterated to THE VINCENTIAN in a telephone interview on Wednesday, that the PSU never agreed to a quantum. “We did not agree on a quantum…but he has chosen to legislate salaries,” he said.

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EC$1.50

the media on October 20, he was chided by Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie of the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU) for breaking protocol, when he announced the proposal put forward by the government. Bonadie had brokered the meeting with the Prime Minister.

PM’s announcement

The Prime Minister, in his address at the annual Independence Military Parade at Victoria Park, said that the government had determined, after consultation with the public sector Elroy Boucher, President of the trade unions, to grant an increase of PSU, has refuted the claim by the Prime Minister that an agreement Initial disclosure by PSU 2.5% in salaries and wages for all had been arrived at with the Unions categories of workers in the Public representing public sector workers. Boucher had told members of the Service - Pensionable and Nonpress on October 21 that following a Pensionable - for the year 2015, meeting with the Prime Minister the retroactive to January 2015. day before, a proposal was put to the In addition, in January 2016, there unions present for a 4.5 percent will be a further wage, salary increase; the first 2.5 percent would be enhancement of 1.5%, Dr. Gonsalves paid in 2015 and would be paid disclosed. retroactively to January 2015. The 2.5 % increase was expected to He went on to say then, that the cost the treasury EC$ 7 million. other 2.0 percent would be paid in But Boucher pointed to a report 2016. which surfaced in local media, where But Boucher insisted that nothing Bonadie stated that the figure of 4.5 was agreed upon, since he had to first percent was agreed. put the proposal to the general The PSU president went on to say membership. that he could only reason that the A special meeting of the PSU Prime Minister had taken off the .5 membership was convened last Friday, percent because he (Boucher) had October 23, where the proposal was gone ahead and made the Oswald Robinson, President of the expected to be put forward for a announcement before he did. SVGTU, disclosed that he was not decision to be made. present, nor was his union, at the October 20 meeting with the Prime Minister. Following Boucher’s disclosure to Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

DigicelÊs RunX gets an owner Ithesha Alexander (2nd from right) is congratulated by Digicel’s Commercial Manager Dionne Emtage, in the company of Digi Girls.

INDEPENDENCE DAY, October 27th, eight lucky customers of Digicel converged on Arnos Vale Two Playing Field, during the staging of Drags War 2015, for a chance to drive away in a Toyota RunX. The occasion brought the Digicel ‘Sweet Ride’

promotion to a fitting climax, as finalists Ithesha Alexander, Kendol Brewster, Guillis Francis, Rodney Gill, Laidlow GoodLuck, Sasha Joseph, Julianna Marksman, Catelle Olliviere and Gareth Sayers, jockeyed for the correct key to the red Runx. Each finalist drew a car key, and some persons from the crowd came forward to guess which one (finalist) had chosen the correct key to the red Runx. In addition, patrons in the crowd were encouraged to come forward and guess which finalist they thought had the winning key. There were ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs,’ as the finalists ‘tried their keys’; but the day belonged to one Ithesha Alexander - the lucky customer, the one with the only working

key! As the crowd roared in applause, and friends and supporters flooded on to the field to congratulate her, Ithesha, between being lost for words and tears, was heard to mutter, “Digicel makes me smile!” Another Digicel customer made happier, a fitting tribute to another Digicel promotion. In order to be entered into the promotion, customers were asked to top up $10 or more, pay their post-paid bills in full and on time, or text RACE to 7171. Consolation prizes included smartphones with credit from Digicel for taking part in the Independence Top Up, Pay up and win promotion which included the ‘Sweet Ride’ Promotion.

Fourteen more Sports and Cultural Ambassadors FOURTEEN more Vincentians have been honoured for their contribution to sports and culture here. On October 27, Independence Day, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves announced the newest batch of individuals designated as Sports and Cultural Ambassadors. New Sports Ambassadors are: Lance John (cricket); Ezra Hendrickson and Marlon James (football); Esther Williams-Robinson, Shirley Browne-Winsborro, Peggy Ince-Hull, Stella BoyeaAshby and Gailene Windsor (netball); and Adonal Foyle (basketball). Included in the 2015 Cultural Ambassadorial list are: Wollis Christopher, James ‘Jamesy P’ Morgan, Carlton ‘CP’ Hall, Olsen ‘Caribbean Pete’ Peters (Calypso and Soca), and Bridget Blucher for her contribution to Gospel Music. According to the Prime Minister, the recipients enjoy certain privileges, among which includes the granting of a diplomatic passport to each of the ambassadors.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 3.

News 3 Chile ready to assist further US$1 million to OECS member states to assist PRIVATE SECTOR in poverty alleviation. investment, human The funds will be capacity enhancement and accessed through the the environment are just United Nations some areas where the Development Programme government of Chile is (UNDP), which will offering assistance to this manage the project, H.E country. Schmidt explained. H.E Fernando “This is a very Schmidt, Ambassador of ambitious programme, Chile to Trinidad and and we can expect to see Tobago, Barbados and the results next year,” the OECS, who is the ambassador said. resident in Trinidad and And already, Tobago, highlighted Vincentians have these areas of benefitted from Chile’s cooperation, saying that human capacity the relationship between development programme. St Vincent and the Vincentian nationals Grenadines and Chile have participated in the has been excellent. courses of higher and The Ambassador, advanced learning at the while speaking to THE Chilean Diplomatic VINCENTIAN on his Academy, and in areas of recent trip to this Methodology for country, on the occasion Teaching Spanish as a of the 36th Anniversary Second Language for of Independence, teachers of Spanish, and explained that a lot has Seismic Criteria for been happening within Bridge Structures. the last month. Advance level The first area of programmes of study, cooperation, according to fully financed, will be the Chilean diplomat, made available to was the provision of Vincentians on an by DAYLE DA SILVA

ongoing basis, the Ambassador assured. This area — Education - of the diplomatic relationship was important, H.E Schmidt explained, because Chile seems so far away, and the relationship seems to be more decorative rather than practical. “I want to demonstrate that it is practical and not decorative,” he stressed. According to H.E Schmidt, he was hoping to improve relations as it related to air services, and that St Vincent and the Grenadines and Chile can collaborate on issues relating to the environment. “We want also in the political arena, to try to engage more at that level,” the ambassador told THE VINCENTIAN. He added that he was anticipating a visit to his country by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Camillo Gonsalves.

H.E Fernando Schmidt, Non-resident Ambassador of Chile to the OECS, seen here with Ms. Desiree Richards, Chile’s Honorary Consul in SVG, spoke with a certain optimism about building deeper relations with this country. Finally, H.E Schmidt touched on the area of foreign investment, saying that his country had developed a reputation for investing abroad. Chilean investments abroad have amassed nearly US$100 billion during the period 1990 to 2014, he said. A further US$11 billion is available for investment between now and 2019 in various sectors including tourism. These were just some of the possibilities that are available to states such as SVG, he said. Most often, developing states have grown accustomed to looking elsewhere for assistance;

Veteran journalist Charles Harding passes REGIONALLY ACCLAIMED journalist Charles Harding passed away in his native Barbados on October 24, 2015. According to Barbados Today, an online news service, Harding passed away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, after suffering a heart attack. He had been hospitalised for three days. Harding was a former journalist with The Nation newspaper, Barbados, and when he retired from direct newspaper service, he established East Caribbean Publications Inc. (ECPI), from April 1997 — 2013, a privately-owned organisation engaged in publishing, publicity and public relations, media consultancy and media house

training. Through the ECPI, Harding availed his skill and experience to a number of publications throughout the region, not least being this publication, THE VINCENTIAN. Not only did he offer onsite training to its reporters, but he, in fact, would have assumed direct editorial duties when circumstances demanded it. It is therefore, no wonder that he would have endeared himself to the management and staff of this publication. We at THE VINCENTIAN feel a deep sense of mourning on Charles Harding’s passing and extend since condolences to his Charles Harding impacted the wife, Janet, and daughter. performance of many a young May he rest in peace. journalist in the region.

however, it was, according to H.E Fernando Schmidt, his responsibility to try to

make links to the South, where there are a lot of opportunities in countries including Chile.

Union woes abound Continued from Page 1. Moreover, he again repeated the position of the PSU that no amount was agreed upon, adding that he was not aware if the St Vincent and the Grenadines Union of Teachers (SVGUT) had agreed.

SVGTU not present When contacted, Oswald Robinson, President of the SVGTU, told THE VINCENTIAN that he was out of state when the October 20 meeting was held, and that he was not in a position to comment. Robinson said that he found out about the meeting following his return from St Lucia, where he had travelled for an event. “I was a little surprised that, given the nature of the meeting I was left out,” he said. The SVGTU president said that he was disappointed that his team was omitted from the meeting, seeing it was his organisation that was at the helm of the negotiations, and who would have made the call for industrial action in the first place. Robinson said that he saw a letter that was sent by the National Labour Congress and dated October 19, to inform them of the proposed meeting. But the meeting had taken place as he was making his way back to the country. “It was very unfortunate that the meeting had taken place in my absence,” he said. When asked if he was satisfied with the proposed figure, Robinson said that it should have been better, but the SVGTU asked for relief and the amount has already been legislated. The matter is expected to be discussed when the members of the SVGTU meet for its Annual General Meeting, that is expected to coincide with activities that will form part of Teachers’ Solidarity Week which will run from November 8 to 14. “At that meeting, we will decide what is what,” the president said.

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4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Lawyers disagree with Bacchus-Browne Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS SOME LAWYERS here are of the view that their colleague Kay BacchusBrowne’s advice to offerees to ignore letters for the sale of crown lands at 50 cents per square foot, is not in the interest of the offerees. Addressing an opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) public meeting at Murray’s Village, October 17, Bacchus-Browne outlined that under the Limitation Act No 11 of 1988, revised Edition 2009, persons who possess crown land for 30 years and over continuously, without government reclaiming the land, automatically become the owners of that land, and the government’s title is extinguished. Bacchus-Browne, in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN subsequently, advised those persons to ignore the letters and take steps to get title to the land. She is also advising those who are on Crown Lands for less than 30 years, to ignore the letters, to avoid finding themselves in jeopardy of running afoul of the statutory limitation of 30 years. “I am advising them to ignore the letters, and not to do anything until they seek proper legal advice,” Bacchus-Browne said. However, other legal sources with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke, but preferred to remain anonymous, are of

the view that it would be far more costly and time consuming to acquire title by applying under the Possessory Title Act 2004, and it could also run the risk of the application being challenged by another person with a similar claim to the land. “Even though you fulfil the criteria to justify owning the land by being in possession of it, you have to acquire proper title under the Possessory Titles Act, in order to turn dead capital into live capital. “Normally, if land is being owned by a citizen and occupied by another in excess of 12 years, the rights and title to the owner would be extinguished, but this does not give the occupier proper title, he has to make the necessary application under the Possessory Title Act”, one lawyer explained. According to the lawyer, if BacchusBrowne’s advice is followed, it may leave persons without proper titles, since their financial resources may not be able to fulfil the requirements as set out under the Possessory Titles Act. “When you compare the costs involved to acquire title under the Act, the government’s offer is an act of kindness and a gift to the people.” the lawyer opined. Government is doing the deeds for $35, he noted. Another lawyer explained that

Noel Dickson sued NOEL DICKSON, Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the South Windward constituency, is scheduled to appear at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on November 5th, to answer an action brought against him by Questelles resident Akiyama Johnson, for damages caused to her vehicle. Johnson has instructed the law firm of Marks and Marks to file legal action against Dickson. According to the claim form, “On December 17, 2014, the defendant so negligently drove his vehicle causing same to collide with the plaintiff’s vehicle P7487 at the Sion Hill public road. The plaintiff’s vehicle sustained extensive damage, and various parts had to be replaced. As a result of the defendant’s negligence and recklessness, the

plaintiff has suffered loss of use of her vehicle, and had to use alternative transportation.” The claim form added, “On the 18th day of March 2015, the defendant was convicted of driving motor vehicle PA151 without due care and attention, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. The plaintiff will Noel Dickson has not rely on this responded to a claim by a conviction at trial. Questelles resident for In the damages caused when he circumstances, the collided with her vehicle. plaintiff caused a letter dated 11th labour at $1,200.00; legal May, 2015, to be served fees at $150 and bailiff on the defendant by her fees at $50. solicitors, Marks and In connection with the Marks, seeking incident, Dickson was compensation in the sum found guilty, following a of $5,215.50.n To date trial at the Kingstown the defendant has failed Magistrate’s Court, and and/or refused to do so.” was fined $250 forthwith The amount claimed is or two weeks computed as follows: imprisonment. cost of materials at An appeal was $1,465.50; loss of use for subsequently filed by 47 days at $50 per day Dickson against the amounting to $2,350.00; decision on March 26.

refusing the offer letters Right: Kay Bacchusand going to court to get Browne raised the title, would cost the person issue of Crown Lands occupying the land legal being sold to fees of $1,500 plus 15 persons, when they percent VAT. He added may have right of title that to survey one lot of based on their land is over $1,000 and occupation of the land for more than 30 they would have to do an evaluation of the land. He years. pointed out that newspaper notices would cost near $1,200 and stamp duty is 3 percent of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves declared, the value of the land. seemingly in response to Bacchus“The alternative to what Browne, “Some lawyers vex with me government is offering would be far because they want the money to do the more expensive,” the lawyer said. deeds, but we are doing the deeds for Other lawyers expressed similar $35.00.” views. Gonsalves added, “There is no Speaking at a Unity Labour Party government which has done what we (ULP) rally in his home village of have done in the distribution of Colonarie last Sunday, Prime Minister housing lots and houses for the poor.”

Landmark judgement in Rasta’s favour A LANDMARK JUDGEMENT was handed down at the Serious Offences Court last week, when two Chinese nationals were ordered to pay thousands of dollars in damages to a member of the local Rastafarian community. Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias, in a civil matter on Wednesday, October 21, ordered Ming Ping He to pay a total of $13,324 in compensation to Giles ‘Bongo Ilee’ Francois’ of Georgetown for false imprisonment, battery and aggravated damages. Browne-Matthias also ordered Ruming Yee to pay Francois a total of $13,062 in compensation for battery and aggravated damage. The matter was heard ex-partied at the Serious Offences Court on October 20, and judgement was delivered the following day. Francois, represented by Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, had filed civil action against the Chinese in July 2014, but a criminal charge, in connection with the incident, had also been brought against Ming Ping He. Following a trial on September 1st, 2015, he was bonded in the sum of $1,000 or three months in prison, for unlawfully and

maliciously wounding Francois. The matter stemmed from an incident on February 24, 2014 at a store in Kingstown, where Ming Ping He and Ruming Yee were employed. The store belongs to the company New Century Trading Ltd. Francois claimed, in evidence, in the criminal and civil matters, that while he was at the store on the date in question, Ming Ping He asked to search his bag to look for an item he claimed was discovered missing from the store. Francois said he refused to allow him to search his bag, telling the Chinese to call the police or security. Francois said he insisted that he was not allowing Ming Ping He to search his bag, and the Chinese tried to prevent him from leaving the building, and bit him on his finger. He added that Ruming Yee jumped on him and spat on him. Francois said when he got to the entrance of the building, he emptied the bag, showing that nothing from the store was in it. Ming Ping He later found the item he was looking for in the store. Francois reported the matter to the police. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN this week,

Giles ‘Bongo Ilee’ Francois insisted that he was abused, and the court agreed with him. Francois, a calypsonian and reggae artiste, used the opportunity to thank Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams and other lawyers who encouraged him to go forward with the civil matter. He also expressed gratitude to the witnesses who testified on his behalf in the criminal matter. “Some people felt that I would not have been successful in the civil matter because I did not have the financial backing and status,” Francois said. He feels the treatment meted out to him by the Chinese was an “act of racial prejudice.” “I think it is a landmark judgement. I hope it would be a motivation to our people to recognize that they have rights and must stand up for their rights,” said Francois, who described himself as a ‘Bingy man’ (Nyabingy).

V Cable and Wireless changing hands?

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 5.

Regional

SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the acquisition by Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) of the holding of Columbus Communications International on November 6, 2014, the consumers in the Caribbean market have been struggling to come to grips with what the merger means for them. Still in that state of

uncertainty, the Caribbean market was hit last week — Thursday 22rd October - with the news that Liberty Global, the largest international cable company active in 14 countries, including 12 in Europe, with revenue quoted at US$18.2. billion — was in talks to buy Cable & Wireless Communications for US$5 billion.

Vincentian charged in Tobago double murder A VINCENTIAN, Naajip Hills, 23, and a Tobagonian Andre Romeo, 29, both construction workers, have been charged with the murder of Britishborn attorney Richard Wheeler and his wife Grace, between October 18 Richard Wheeler and his and October 21, at wife Grace. the couple’s home at Riseland Gardens, Carnbee, Tobago. Wheeler, 73, was found hacked to death, while his 67-year-old wife was found with her throat slashed. The couple lived at their Tobago address for the last 16 years. Lawmen say Richard Wheeler, 73, a British national who was a senior partner with Lex Caribbean, was chopped to death, Murder while his 67-year-old wife Grace, accused a real estate agent with Island Vincentian Investment, had her throat slit, Naajip Hills at their home in the middle-class (Photo Credit: neighbourhood. Trinidad According to the Trinidad Guardian) Guardian, when the two accused appeared in court October 26, 2015, in Tobago, Hills told the pressing magistrate that ‘police officers had squeezed his testicles during interrogation. He also claimed that he was coerced by investigators to ignore his constitutional rights’. Police denied the allegations. In an earlier statement, police said that their initial assessment of the crime scene suggested that robbery could have been the motive, as the bedroom and living Also charged – room areas were ransacked. Tobagonian In a statement to the Lex Andre Romeo. Caribbean family, Country (Photo Credit: Managing Partner Marjorie Trinidad Nunez said the brutal killings had left the company’s employees Guardian) with a sense of profound sadness. A number of Lex Caribbean and Island Investment staff members were present in court when the two were charged formally. The men are scheduled to reappear in court on November 24. (Source: Trinidad Guardian)

Reuters has confirmed that John Malone, the cable TV mogul who is said to have a net worth of US$8.3 billion and is currently chairman and principal shareholder of Liberty Global, is fully committed to see the deal through. The Wall Street Journal, in a report on the talks in its October 22 issue, citing unnamed people “familiar with the matter”, said that the deal could be reached by

early November, given that all the prerequisites are met. The Guardian of London said that Liberty Global, owners of Virgin Media, among other large companies, fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet service provider in the UK,has been on the hunt for an acquisition that would expand its reach in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

John Malone is not only a major player in television and media generally, he is cited by Fortune Magazine as the largest single landowner in the USA, with holdings amounting to some 2.2 million acres. (Credit: Forbes)

After abandoning talks with Vodafone, Liberty Global turned its intention to Cable and Wireless Communications. Interestingly, John Malone is already a shareholder in Cable and Wireless, having acquired a stake of about

13%, after Cable and Wireless had bought Columbus International. Assuming the deal goes through, Caribbean consumers would once again be thrown into a quandary, especially as it relates to what the ‘new deal’ would mean for job security and rates.

Private company gets ganja licence A CANADIAN company recently became the first private entity to be issued a licence to cultivate ganja in Jamaica. Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC), a Canadian nutraceutical and pharmaceutical company operating in Jamaica, has been granted a ganja research licence by the Government, allowing it to cultivate marijuana (ganja) locally, for research ganja and development. This licence is the third to be Hawthorne issued, Watson, a local scientist who has following been working with similar awards to the marijuana for University of some time now, the West will head the TCH Indies (UWI), ganja research and and development University of operations. Technology

Minister Phillip Paulwell urged the TCH to move quickly to advance their research. (UTech). Timeless Herbal Care Limited is now expected to develop an international global brand for Jamaican medical marijuana. Speaking at a formal presentation of the licence last week in Kingston, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, said, according to the Jamaica Observer, that the PNP government was “positioning Jamaica as a global leader in medical marijuana research and development.” The Minister, the Observer continued, urged THC to “move very quickly” in establishing facilities capable of conducting the level of research that will record significant outcomes. In accepting the licence, THC President and Chief Executive Officer, Courtney Betty, said his company is pleased to have been awarded the licence, pointing out that “we take our research and

Courtney Betty, THC President and Chief Executive Officer, said his company is ready for and serious about this new venture.

development very seriously.” In this regard, he announced that former Scientific Research Council (SRC) Executive Director and renowned local scientist, Hawthorne Watson, has been recruited to head THC’s local operations, adding that he will place “tremendous focus on research and development.” The recent granting of another licence is in keeping with the Jamaican government’s expressed intention to position the country to tap into the global marijuana medical industry, which is said to generate an estimated US$1 billion dollars in earnings. (Source: Jamaica Observer)

Palm IslandÊs Barret expanding ROBERT ‘ROB’ BARRET, Chairman of Elite Island Resorts which operates the Palm Island Resort here, is set to make a multi-million dollar investment in Antigua. Reports are that Elite Island Resorts will invest some US$160 million over the next three years in the tourism-driven economy of Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua Observer quotes Barret as saying, “I am going to spend about EC $100,000,000 at Verandah and I am going to be

spending at least EC $60,000,000 in an area around St James’s Club”. which we hope This investment is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, as well as add about 150 more hotel rooms to the country. In addition to the world renowned Palm Island Resort, Rob Barret’s Elite Island Resorts currently operates: the Galley Bay Resort and Spa, the St James’s Club & Villas and the Verandah Resort and Spa in Antigua; St

James’s Club Morgan Bay in St. Lucia; Long Bay Beach Club in the British Virgin Islands; and Los Establos in Panama. Robert ‘Rob’ Barret intends to expand his holding in Antigua. (Photo Credit: www.onlinetraveltraining.com)

V Stalwarts receive NY Independence honours 6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

job in sports and culture — both in New York and at home — and I know you will continue to gain a lot of respect in this regard. “Mr. Robert McBarnett, your THE BROOKLYN, New York-based humanitarian drive for St. Vincent umbrella Vincentian group in the United and the Grenadines is outstanding,” States, Council of St. Vincent and the she added. “Thank you, and Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. congratulations!” (COSAGO), on Sunday, honored two Horne and McBarnett also received stalwart community advocates for their a New York City citation from exemplary service to the Vincentian Brooklyn Councilman Dr. Mathieu community in the Diaspora and at home. Eugene, the Haitian-born Earl Horne — a sports and culture representative for the predominantly enthusiast, and former secretary of the Caribbean 40th Council District in local and Windward Islands football Brooklyn. (soccer) associations and current COSAGO’s public relations office; and Earl Horne Pastor Robert McBarnett - founder and president of the Bronx-based Horne, a native of Lower Middle philanthropic organization St. Street, Kingstown, and nephew of Matthias Charities, Inc., received the former New Democratic Party (NDP) special honors, at a gala Independence Culture Minister John Horne, said he Luncheon at Grand Prospect Hall in was grateful to COSAGO for bestowing Brooklyn. the extraordinary honor on him. The sell-out event, held at that “It is with great honor I stand here venue for the very first time, and in before my family, my friends and conjunction with the St. Vincent and strangers, to accept this muchthe Grenadines Consulate General, appreciated award from COSAGO,” climaxed celebrations in New York for said Horne in his acceptance speech, the nation’s 36th anniversary of adding, “It is with humility I give back political independence. to the great nation of St. Vincent and “On behalf of COSAGO, I salute the the Grenadines and all the Caribbean honorees,” said COSAGO President islands.” Laverne McDowald-Thompson in her Horne, a former student at the introductory remarks. “Mr. Earl Intermediate High School in Horne, you have done an outstanding Kingstown, developed a love for the Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

game of football at a very young age, and while he played football for a short time and enjoyed it very much, he felt it was his “calling” to become an administrator, manager and organizer “all rolled into one.” He became one of the founders of Avenues United Football Team and later served as secretary for Honveds Football Team. As the secretary of the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA), Horne said he was the “mastermind behind the home and away games” in the early 1970s. Two years after migrating to New York in 1976, Horne said he “masterminded” the formation of the Brooklyn-based Hairoun Sports Club, erstwhile perennial champions in the Central Brooklyn Soccer League (CBSL) and dubbed the “Kings of Brooklyn Soccer.” Additionally, Horne was manager of Team SVG USA in the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Soccer Cup, and was one of the “driving forces” behind the team’s successes in the early years, starting in the 1990s. He currently works as a senior activity specialist at Research Foundation at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College.

Earl Horne delivers acceptance speech.

Robert McBarnett McBarnett, who hails from Georgetown, said: “It is with great honor that I stand before you today. “I accept this award on behalf of the St. Matthias Charities, Inc. and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said. McBarnett said he grew up following the footsteps of his late grandfather, Archbishop Percival Dick, and his mother, Margaret Quashie?Dick, both Spiritual Baptist leaders. Mc Barnett is now an ordained Spiritual Baptist Minister. He always harbored a desire to give back to the Vincentian community, but did not know how to get started. He found a way to give back in 2011. A visit to St. Vincent in that year, as a member of St. Jude Baptist Church on Bristol Street in Brooklyn, provided the answer. That mission centred on distributing food, clothes and toiletries to the less fortunate, McBarnett said, and during the course of distributions, he donated a wheelchair to the Georgetown Hospital. On returning to New York, McBarnett said he was “filled with joy and the idea,” of giving back, and urged the church to “do this more often and in a bigger and better way,” but, he lamented, “no one was interested” in his ideas. He broached the idea to his wife Sharon, and with her support, McBarnett said they travelled in 2012 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with “two oversized refrigerated boxes containing over US$10,000 worth of food, clothes, sheets, toiletries, crutches, wheelchairs, canes, books,

Pastor Robert McBarnett gives acceptance speech. pencils, bibles and other miscellaneous items for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” After they returned to New York, they founded the St. Matthias Charities, Inc., named in honor of his late grandfather. In February 2013, the group returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a 40-foot container of medical supplies and equipment for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Kingstown, as well as items that were distributed to residents of Fancy, Owia, Overland, Sandy Bay, Dickson, Stubbs, Union Island, Barrouallie, Buccament Bay, Vermont and Pembroke. In June, St. Matthias Charities, Inc. conducted its first mission to Grenada, donating medical supplies to the general hospital there, and last month, McBarnett travelled home to donate two EKG machines to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and school supplies to residents of Stubbs, Dickson, Calliaqua, Argyle and Clare Valley.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 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

Flow hikes: Time to take serious note LAST WEEK’S VINCENTIAN carried a notice of Flow’s intention to increase rates for some of their Broadband (internet) packages. What else is new? This publication, from the day the announcement was made that Cable and Wireless Communications (C&W — LIME) had moved to take over the holdings of Columbus Communications Inc. (Flow), has been keeping ‘an eye’ on how the buyout would affect the Vincentian market in particular, and the Caribbean market in general. Questions were asked of this new entity (C&W and Columbus) concerning job security, quality of services and rates, just to list a few of our concerns. It appeared that, given the existing legislative framework in the OECS, nothing could be done to prevent the ‘merger’ — another monopoly — but at least certain conditions could be put in place to ‘regulate’ the operations of the new entity. As we understood it, the merging parties (C&W and Columbus) and the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) Council of Ministers had agreed to a set of proposals related to ‘net neutrality and the unrestricted use of Over the Top Services, roaming, a harmonized entry level broadband package and permitting customers to migrate to the most favourable service plan for them, and gave a commitment to work with the Council of Ministers and ECTEL to ensure that services were offered at affordable prices and at the highest quality levels’. It appears, as it relates to the case of ‘affordable prices’, that there was an inbuilt understanding that there would have been some dialogue on this matter, before any steps were taken to adjust the rates charged by the new entity. Given that the ECTEL Council of Ministers is reported to have ‘rebuked’ the company formed from the LIME and FLOW merger for announcing new, increased broadband rates before finalizing an agreement with the regulatory body, speaks to this understanding as per dialogue referred. Just as this publication had suggested, the strength of this new entity — this new monopoly - is amplified ten times over, given the fact that there is no legislative framework to legally prevent any increase in rates. This new entity-ECTEL agreement appears to be nothing more than a gentleman’s agreement in a world of sharks — a case of standing for what is moral in a world that sees only profit - the makings of an ongoing political stalemate. And while politicians flex their muscles, if any, those riding on million dollar investments move merrily on to extract the maximum from consumers, towards ensuring they stay above the line — far above the line. On the other hand, could there have been some sinister twist to this whole thing about seemingly arbitrary increases in broadband rates? Could it be that our ministers had had prior indication of Flow’s intention to make upwards adjustments in some of their rates, but failed to respond adequately and timely, thus allowing Flow full reign to do as it pleased? Nay!! This is too sinister a plot to even entertain, far less accept as real. And while all of this pans out in our faces and our pockets, movements on the international market continue apace, much to our distant attention. Cable and Wireless Communications (C&W) could well be on the verge of changing principal ownership. News is that the cable television, media mogul John Malone of Liberty Global, has tabled a multi-million dollar buyout offer for C&W. It is gradually unfolding: those who control the technology for which we yearn, and on which many of our political parties base their economic diversification plans, are changing and could continue to change. Bet your last dollar that whosoever owns what we use, as far as telecommunications/information technology is concerned, will not be too concerned about ‘how the other half lives’. Profit is a mean thing. Driving towards it almost always means leaving some behind. We have become literal slaves to the modern telecommunication/information services. This little country is far ahead of many in terms of what we enjoy in these services. We have been inculcated into believing that our very existence depends on accessing this technology. We have become a captive market for absentee capitalists, bent on exploiting every weakness to their advantage. Time we took this C&W-Flow thing a little more to heart and devise ways and means to safeguard our interest. Increased rates today.... job cuts tomorrow?

A few comments on Ralph’s Election- Independence speech IT WAS JOMO THOMAS who explained that any speech given by Ralph is expected to be magnificent, though not necessarily right. Jomo was talking of the fine oratory delivered by the P.M to support the promotion of Milton Cato to the sanctuary of National Heroism. I find myself in agreement with Jomo in regard to the P.M’s public speech delivered on 27th October 2015, Independence Day. I threatened to be carried away, or become green with envy, at first shot. Then on sober thoughts, I found that he used words for embellishment, rather than as a presentation of S.V.G of the immediate and foreseeable future. Then I recalled that Ralph prides himself on his charisma in which words become a chief tool and an end in itself. In this respect, I think that Ralph’s real Caribbean hero was Forbes Burnham of the so called “Cooperative Republican School”, a euphemism for communist dictatorial rule. In this regard, Ralph worked on responsive soil. By and large, we are descended from African slaves who worked for nothing from the White Masters, but who they imitated nonetheless by aping their behaviours at tea-meetings characterised by heavy English words, for which Ralph had cultivated a facility which was no doubt gained to exercise a compelling effect on the Negro mind, among others. I honestly do not believe that this effect used by Gairy, Joshua, Bustamante and Butler in the middlethird of the twentieth century stretches with like potency to these modern times of international communications and “the education revolution”. But the real test comes in the next election. Another thing. The U.L.P has so far given us mostly lip-service of progressive measures intended for the mass of the people. For fourteen Independence Birthdays, Ralph mainly offered pie-inthe-sky promises which generally failed to fructify. The Cross-Country Road, the National Cultural Centre, the Diagnostic Hospital, various fishing complexes, the International Airport with receding opening dates, etc. At least, this year, the P.M pledged his greatest twin-gift, which almost brought the house down with a blast of applause: landing at the airport in February 2016 will be the U.S footballers and fans, to engage our national footballers in a World Cup Encounter, accompanied by hundreds of American-based Vincies. But the airport will probably be functional at the time

but still not officially opened! That announcement took the cake. It looks as if elections will now take place in late January 2016, AFTER the next Budget, which will naturally make more promises, but BEFORE the football encounter and Vincy-Americans, who might face another disappointment in the further postponement of the Argyle airport for unavoidable, cogent reasons. Venold Coombs, President of the Football Association, had better concentrate on the game of football involving Vincy Heat, and not be diverted by his old political boss, Ralph Gonsalves, for whose M.N.U he ran in the 1989 elections, with personal disastrous results. As a matter of interest, I still hold to my belief that the elections will be held in the second week of December just before the promised payment of an assortment of Christmas goodies. I simply do not envisage a 2016 elections for several reasons, including the narrowing time-frame and the U.L.P’s deprivation of all element of surprise. Contrary to his earlier election speeches which treated the N.D.P as if it was non-existent, when the country had taken a giant leap forward in its first three-quarters of its four terms, this year there was a modicum of respect for Mitchell, if not his years in Government. But that concession was not graceful, but calculated to mending part of the fence in the emerging situation. There is a saying in Caribbean politics with regard to elections: the people always remember their last meal. Hence the lumber, cement, and galvanise which are now being given out, and news of pension rise and all sorts of goodies in an election package. Once more, people are simply treated like voting cattle. Even so, it remains a moot question as to whether these gifts are realisable or only show the profligacy of a reckless party facing defeat in an election, which promises to expose the eighty per cent cover-up of the skulduggery of the outgoing U.L.P. According to my books, the N.D.P will record a comfortable victory, at least two to one, which translate ten N.D.P seats to, at least, five U.L.P seats.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 9.

Letters

The better shepherd

WE’VE ALL READ, or had read to us, the fantasies of The Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland, where imaginary or self-presumptive powers exercise absolute authority. Now we have a recitation by a ULP candidate for Parliament, “There will be hundreds of jobs…” from “an investor we are in negotiations with”. If I were a major hotel chain, or a group of investors seeking to open a hotel/resort on the Leeward side of St. Vincent, after doing due diligence on the prospects of profitability for such a venture, would I care if the two-bit tin-horn, selfabsorbed would-be tyrant I am talking to about this deal, might soon be voted out of office by a more fiscally responsible opposition? No! I would be delighted at the prospect! A new hotel/resort at Mt. Wynn-Peter’s Hope, if such a prospect even exists, would sooner come to fruition under the auspices of an NDP administration, a Government more likely to shepherd such a project in a manner less involving under-the-table moneys, and more likely in the long run to benefit both the investors and the citizens of St. Vincent. The implication that such a deal will only be realized after a ULP victory, is not only ridiculous, it is insulting to common sense. HJA

What is a uniform? IN LAST WEEK’S paper and on talk radio, the less than wise decision of the Commissioner of Police to wear red at a ULP meeting while making the four finger sign of the party, was criticised by many Vincentians. I want to highlight the way police officers who wear the same colour uniform as Mr Charles, wear their “uniform”. This I observed since Mr Charles’ tenure. However, it may have existed before his time. To begin, I looked up two definitions online of the word ‘uniform’: “of the same form with others : conforming to one rule or mode”; and “having always the same form, manner, or degree : not varying or variable”. I noticed one female officer who was shown in the paper as retiring, wearing her shirt inside her trousers.

There was another who retired earlier this year who sometimes wore his inside and at other times outside. Then, on the eve of independence, I saw another male officer with his shirt inside of his trousers. On the same day, I saw another neatly decked with his own worn in the traditional manner i.e. outside his trousers with the belt around his waist. But of late, I have seen Commissioner Charles and others wear their shirt outside their trousers without the belt. In an organisation that is a disciplined one, as the police force is supposed to be, senior officers cannot decide that they would wear the uniform of the organisation to suit their personal preferences. Discipline starts at the

top. It would look very odd to put all of these senior officers together in a space with foreign dignitaries, their regional peers or among locals, and they do not look uniformed. The varying manner in which senior police officers wear their work attire cannot now be viewed as uniform, if we consider the definitions above. What if some junior officers decide they want to wear their grey shirts outside of their trousers because they prefer it that way? A uniform in an organisation such as the police force cannot just be the same colour. Following strict guidelines is essential to the stability and success of all organisations, let alone disciplined ones. The Force must take steps to ensure that its

senior officers wear their uniforms in exactly the same manner. But Mr Charles may be of the opinion that his senior officers have the right to decide how they should wear their “uniform”. Remember how he “reasoned” why he wore red at the ULP meeting. A Vincentian

Common sense and leadership THE VINCENTIAN: THIS ARTICLE seeks to highlight the meaning of ‘Commonsense and Leadership’ as it relates to the current situation in SVG, in which the SVTU and the PSU are contemplating a withdrawal/strike in demand of a month’s payment from the Government. By the time this article is published, a decision would have been made as to the outcome of this situation. If they (leadership) threw caution to the wind and proceeded with their action, and the end result was negative, they must be held accountable and resign immediately from their positions. And they should apologise for the embarrassment to their membership, not only in SVG, but in the Caribbean. All of this will have implication on their backwardness as it embraces

Independence Thirty-six years, We have endured, Sweated, lost and gained. The Pain we have endured, It’s unquestionable, But we have survived, by God’s grace. Although it has been so long, We can’t forget our past or how far we came. Our cause before has been liberated, We are free and blessed. I am proud to be a Vincentian, Proud of my Country! Happy Independence to all! Yanic Sayers SVG/ 2015

‘Commonsense and leadership’. Common sense is all part of a homemade ideology of those who have been deprived of fundamental learning, or those who have been kept ignorant. The point is, ‘common sense can never teach itself, can never advance beyond its own limit, for as soon as the lack of fundamental learning has been made good, all items become questionable and the whole function of common sense is destroyed.’ (John Berger). Not because you might have a Bachelor’s degree, if you don’t have common sense, it means

nothing. No one owes you a living; you have to earn it. Leadership ‘is the art of influencing human behavior so as to accomplish an objective in a manner desired by the leader’. Time would not permit me to go into the principles of leadership. Just to mention: You must not bite the hands that feed you. Ungratefulness is like witchcraft. You don’t have public opinion on your side; you are not on Mars to know the government cannot pay at this time. Randolph Farrell

Greeting to SVG on its Independence HAPPY SVG Independence 2015. Congratulations on 36 years!!! I would like to congratulate, thank and encourage all of the people who give of their time and talents to the development of the nation. It is appropriate at this time to reflect on the nation in terms of its political development. Let us then recall, in particular, the first elected representatives following universal suffrage in 1951. I would like at this time to highlight and remember these early representatives of the then eight constituencies: Rudolph Elliott Baynes (Kingstown); Julian Augustus Baynes (St. George); George Hamilton Charles ( Central Windward); Ebenezer Theodore Joshua (

North Windward); Evans Berkeley Morgan (South Windward); Samuel Eric Slater (North Leeward);7) Clive Leonard Tannis (The Grenadines); Herman Fraser Young (South Leeward). In terms of history and continuation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fortunate today to have citizens who are documenting and publishing their thoughts and ideas. This augurs well for future generations. They will be able to have first-hand local information at their disposal, and this will serve them well in the future development of the nation. Each generation stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. Cheryl Phills King

Upright and uplifting I MUST congratulate you, Mr. Editor, for your choice of a lead story in last week’s VINCENTIAN. The talk of the Commissioner of Police parading in ‘Red’ and making certain gesticulations was so bandied about during the * What has week, that I was happened to that surprised when two National Health newspapers decided to Plan talk? Is it no longer on the lead with it. agenda of the NIS? Now, this is not to say * Why are people that there might not have seeing ‘red’ about been something immoral the Commissioner about the Commissioner’s wearing red? behaviour, but to labour Haven’t they the point was to take the noticed how many matter down a further other public silly, political trail, that servants flaunt will end nowhere. their political I was moved, given the affiliation in the spirit of the occasion of open, even if they our independence, to have don’t wear party read a story about colours? forgiveness: one that * Is there a certain NGO that should be highlighted the humane recognised for its aspect of us as role in sustaining Vincentians; one that farmers’ showed another side of involvement in the our people. cultivation of I have no reason to arrowroot? doubt the accuracy of the * By the way, story, and consider it anybody knows who most fitting to the is the biggest arrowroot farmer in occasion, and one that the country? carries a real lesson for *Why did LIME all of us, on the occasion pull that one on us? of the 36th anniversary of Why is the SVG our independence. telephone Directory May you and your staff cover so misleading? continue to be guided by How many people what is upright and thought it was a uplifting. God bless. Yellow Pages Directory? Retiree

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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Private Sector Development The ULP⁄ 21 years and getting stronger The Issue LAST SUNDAY, October 18th 2015, the ruling Unity Labour Party celebrated its 21st anniversary since it came into being in October 1994. Over fifteen thousand party supporters and wellwishers gathered at the Layou playing field, to celebrate the anniversary of a party that has brought tremendous social and economic benefits to the people of this country. The outpouring of support has tremendous implications for the political process in this country. Coming on the eve of the next general elections in this country, the celebration clearly indicates the standing of the ULP, in the eyes of the voting public. The celebration event indicated the level of support that the ULP still enjoys, the level of management within the organization, the relationships which still exist and are being fostered, and the leadership being provided. These facts are a clear indication that the ULP is the preferred party at this particular time in our history. Large crowds are flocking to the events organized by the ULP, and there is clearly an understanding and an appreciation for the way the ULP has governed this country. The ULP has spent seven years, 1994 to 2001, in opposition, in preparation for governance. But within its ranks, it boasted a cadre of politicians with “wilderness experiences”. When you apply the experiences of Sir Vincent Beache, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, René Baptiste, Sir Louis Straker, and other former and present senior officials of the party, it is not difficult to see where the ULP found the resources to function as a government, at the level that it did.

The ULP as a Modern Political Party As a modern political party, the ULP must operate within a particular paradigm. First, it has to have a clear and well enunciated philosophy, which will govern its strategies in government. The ULP has declared that its vision is along the lines of a “people-centered development” policy. Everything that the ULP has achieved has people at the centre; from the construction of the Rabacca bridge, to the education revolution, the developments in the fields of health, agriculture, tourism and culture. Secondly, modern political parties must have a process of refreshing, of continuously rebuilding its stocks to ensure continuity. The ULP has done this in a number of ways. It now boasts a cadre of young leaders who are ready to take the party to the next level. These include Luke Browne, Camillo Gonsalves, Saboto Caesar, Carlos James, Kezron Walters and Augustine Ferdinand. A great deal of political knowledge and experience is passed on, when these young candidates interact with the leaders of the party. Third is the issue of leadership. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is the clear political leader of the ULP. There are no threats around, and he does not have to look over his back to see who wants

to take away his title. The same cannot be said about the leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace. At every turn, he is confronted by the likes of St. Clair Leacock and Linton Lewis, both of whom are eager to take over the leadership of the NDP, and push Eustace aside. Meanwhile Dr. Gonsalves is being sought after for speaking arrangements, conferences and seminars. The truth of the matter is that “the Comrade Leader” is widely regarded as one of the leading Prime Ministers in CARICOM. And fourth is the development of a fierce and abiding love for the people of the country in which that political party operates. The ULP as a political entity has shown this characteristic many times over, and the party is committed to the protection of all Vincentians, and also, of the country called St. Vincent and the Grenadines. By comparision, the NDP says that it is not afraid to tell lies on the country as a means of getting into government. They are unpatriotic and have no love for the country.

The 21st anniversary event And so, the event to mark the 21st anniversary of the ULP was a fitting one to celebrate the achievements of this great party. Julian Francis has not lost his touch as an extraordinary campaign manager. His planning continues to be precise, sharp and well coordinated, and he has lost none of his flair and creativity. Julian Francis will be a force to be reckoned with during the upcoming election campaign. Many of the attendees marveled at the fact that the ULP has maintained such an excellent relationship with its first leader, Sir Vincent Beache. Sir Vincent still performs an important role in the ULP administration, as the National Security Advisor. Within the ULP he is revered and respected, and his role in the process through which Dr. Gonsalves succeeded him, is still being admired. He also brings political savvy to the table. Other veterans such as Arthur Williams, Mike Browne and Conrad Sayers, offer valuable contributions from time to time. The NDP has no such respect for its former leading politicians. Persons like Sir James Mitchell and Parnell Campbell QC., are regularly subjected to verbal abuse, and there is no recognition for what they have done for their party. This means that the NDP will never benefit from the experience and counsel of these veterans. The ULP has brought a level of governance to the country that is unheard of. The ULP has brought a new level of integrity, compassion, leadership, and resourcefulness to the nation, and that is why the voters will return this party to governance when the bell is rung. Four in a row!!!

THE OPPORTUNITIES for companies and corporations to invest productively, create jobs, and expand are key to fostering private sector development. This is intrinsic to establishing sustainable progress towards attacking poverty and improving the standard of living for all Vincentians. The New Democratic Party (NDP) recognizes that improving government policies and behavior will not only shape the investment climate and drive private sector development; it will also drive the overall economic growth and improve opportunities for everyone. We will therefore provide a range of incentives and support to encourage private sector development, and above all, create the stable and predictable macro-economic and social environment that will encourage investment. The NDP will eliminate red tape and restrictive bureaucratic practices and processes in the public sector, and develop a facilitative and responsive public sector and ensure that we put in place measures that promote competiveness and growth in the private sector. As a result, private sector development that encourages growth, will create sustainable jobs and opportunities for macro and microentrepreneurs alike. Moreover, we will put in place economic and legal structures to foster an entrepreneurial spirit. The NDP recognizes that entrepreneurs are a national asset, and should be encouraged and rewarded as much as possible. Developing national entrepreneurship will create more wealth, more jobs, more opportunities and more prosperity in our nation.

aggregate small business grant offered to agro processors from $20,000 annually to at least $100,000 initially. Further development of the creative industries sector and its role in private sector development; The role of Science and Technology and Innovation in business development (this is a critical element in moving up the production value chain). The government has not developed through the Ministry of Agriculture a programme which seeks to move farmers up the production value chain and focus on adding value to their produce. Instead, they continue to produce commodity goods to be sold in its raw state at extremely low prices. The support given to farmers through the Farmer Support Company (FSC) is inadequate at best. In the absence of some level of income support since farmers inevitably will use a portion of the monies to meet basic needs. While these issues/ recommendations are in no way exhaustive, they represent some of the key policy issues that the government has failed to address in any meaning-ful way. Private sector development since 2001

Apart from the existing Fiscal incentives Act of 1982 and the Small Business Grant Programme (which were both in existence prior to 2001);a few tax concessions and some specific changes to the Hotel Act, there has been Revitalizing the private sector no real legislative change that speaks specifically to private sector Reviving and revitalizing private development. The Prime Minister, from sector investment and activity will time to time in his budgetary addresses, require significant policy adjustment declares that concessions will be and resource redirection. Fortunately, extended to small and medium though, most of the technical resources enterprises; but this is highly are readily available within the public discretionary, and frequently ends up service, but just simply misplaced being a nightmare for business people presently. Furthermore, the NDP is seeking to benefit. In other words, cognizant that the private sector is the cabinet gets to say who should receive engine of growth, and holds the key to escaping this unemployment dilemma in these incentives, and not the technocrats in the Industry department which this country now finds itself. Empowering businesses and facilitating or the Ministry of Finance. Over this same period, a number of business activity is the first step in initiatives which began with the achieving private sector led growth. previous NDP administration, in the form of Developmental projects and Some policy issues that need attention programmes were continued and/or supervised by the relevant Ministry Amendment of the fiscal incentives officials , sponsored mainly by the Act to address, more specifically, European Union, and involved all the current investment needs and make it relevant stakeholders. These included WTO compliant; Access to low interest the Private Sector Development finance for medium, small and micro Programme, Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (Currently even the new Enterprise policy framework, Private credit entity (COMFI), created by the sector Development Policy, Small Credit Unions, specifically to lend to business Development Act and other small businesses, lends at rates programmes specifically geared towards unfriendly to small businesses); building capacity in critical areas of Formulation of a national industrial private sector development. policy framework to address and direct To date, none of these policies or manufacturing and industrial programmes have been implemented or development on a whole; Enactment of passed by parliament, proclaimed and current private sector development implemented. The Centre for Enterprise legislation, including the Small Development (CED), which should play Business Act and the ICT Investment a critical role in business service Incentives Act; Technical support to delivery and technical support, has seen start-ups and other businesses support its complement of staff and government to all sectors (This includes business budgetary allocation for the advice, training and coaching); implementation of its mandate, cut by Affordable factory space for small over 50%. Yet a claim is made of this manufacturers (Building of Factory shells to accommodate agro-processors); government doing exceedingly over and above what previous governments would Strengthening of Center for Enterprise Development (CED) (restoring staff and have done since 1979, to stimulate private sector investment. The ULP increasing budgetary allocation, building capacity for business delivery); administration has failed the private sector. Database /business register (to keep The NDP reminds all eligible /record data on businesses/firms as it Vincentians to get registered. Ensure relates to their operations, needs and growth in the sector; Identification and that your name is on the voters list, and on Election Day, go early to the polls focus of three (3) or four (4) key agricultural products to be developed for and vote solidly for the NDP whose symbol is the key. WE READY! the export market; Increasing the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 11.

Views

O.T. MayersÊ Relay Race

“The seasons of life require that we sometimes enter a period of dormancy. We are not dead, but we may feel we’ve become invisible. During such times we may feel useless, and we may wonder whether God will ever use us again. But periods like this are for our protection and preparation. When the time is right and the conditions are safe, God will call us once again to service and worship.”— Julie Ackerman Link

THE NAME O.T. MAYERS is known throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some citizens warmly refer to him as “the barefoot man”, an expression that originated from the fact that he was shoe-less until his early teens and, now 70 years old, he still appears to be more at ease when his feet are not restricted by footwear. Many of those dearest to him simply refer to his as O.T. – an abbreviation for his Christian and middle names. Olmroy Theophilius Mayers celebrated his 70th birthday in fine style. He recognized this significant milestone by hosting three major events. These took place at his Finishing and Furnishing Compound at the Diamond Estate on the windward side of the island. The first event took place on Friday, October 16th, 2015. On that occasion he launched his book entitled “O.T. Mayers’ Relay Race”. The following evening took the

form of a gala dinner with his family, friends and business associates. Both of these events commenced at 7:00 P.M. However, the final celebratory activity took the form of a thanksgiving service and open eulogy. That four-hour Sunday activity commenced at 5:00 P.M. O.T’s invitation provided a foretaste of what attendees could expect as they joined him in his celebration of his “three scores and ten”. The invitation’s background motif took the form or a lightly varnished wood - the raw material that has been the core of his business operations over the years. The front cover contained 70 in a large font and 20+20+20+10 in smaller font immediately beneath. Nestled on the inside page was the biblical quotation from the tenth verse of Psalm 90: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength, they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” These features provided a glimpse of his great appreciation for having attained this landmark. This writer was fortunate to attend the book launch and the thanksgiving service. Having had the pleasure and honour of reading the book, I had been invited to share my insights. Bassy Alexander, a newspaper columnist for the Searchlight newspaper,

also provided his perceptions in relation to this outstanding literary work. Senator Luke Browne; Matthew Thomas, musician and radio talk-show host; and Randolph Howard, retired lawyer, also shared their insights on the wealth of information contained in the publication. The foreword by Sister Ivy Pacheco invites readers to “feast their eyes” on the wealth of information captured in the book. She paints a portrait of a man whose passion and focus on excellence propelled him from the depths of poverty to the pinnacle of business success. This book is excellent reading for those persons who are interested in learning about life on mainland St. Vincent in the mid nineteen hundreds. O.T.’s stories, as captured by Ingrid Punnett, shares insights about washing clothes in the river, tea meetings, and making coals via coal pits. The early segment of the book describes the construction of mud houses and the use of the banaca, flambeau, and tilley lamps. He describes the ingenuity of the early carpenters who constructed low cost houses by using lumber from the coconut and breadfruit trees. It is also good reading for those who need inspiration as entrepreneurs and are determined to pursue excellence even against great odds. O.T.’s life story reminds us of the significant role

Let them sweat OVER THE LAST several weeks, the anticipated date of elections is very much the centre of speculation among Vincentians of all walks of like, and according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, he intends to let the speculation go on a little further. “I know that some of you want me to announce the date of the election, but you have trusted me with this party and this government for 15 years, and I want you to trust me to choose the right time,” Gonsalves Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Leader of the told Unity Labour Party (ULP) supporters on Tuesday at the George incumbent ULP, has promised to make the opposition sweat a bit more as he Stephens Secondary School in refrains from making an untimely Colonaire. “I am in the best position to make announcement of the date for the next general elections. the judgment as to whether I have every single thing ready and in place, He noted that the opposition New to take us to a historic fourth term,” he Democratic Party (NDP) had made continued. numerous calls for the election bell to be According to Gonsalves, the people rung, but over the last few weeks, they could not expect that he would call the have become silent on that score. date of the elections before the benefit “You know, it’s one thing for them to concert to raise funds for the people of grand charge, is another thing when the Dominica, affected by Hurricane Erika. event is almost upon us that they That benefit concert is expected to getting real scared, and what they have take place this Sunday at the Victoria here, they quaking in their boots, and I Park. Any day following that show could be will give them a little more time for them to sweat,” Gonsalves promised his the big day, Gonsalves teased. supporters. (DDD)

that many single mothers have played, and continue to play, in their children’s success. Throughout the book, reference is made of his “absent father” and his own desire to ensure that his children never suffer from the lack of a proper relationship with him. His commitment to his children is quite evident throughout the book. His early influence on their attitudes and respective careers reminds us of the need to allocate quality time to listen to and guide the next generation. The book highlights many of his successes. It also portrays aspects of his life where he considered himself to have failed. He notes his strengths, and does not refrain from also pointing out his failures. The book portrays him for who he really is. The publication describes the importance of having a dream, a vision, and being prepared to make the incremental steps in achieving these. He captures the importance of teamwork and the value of helping others to achieve their noble goals. This is a true mark of an outstanding

leader. He notes the importance of developing bartering and negotiation skills, and how critical it is to reinvest in the business. O.T. also stresses the importance of innovation as he describes how he designed and operated his “Hands Peak” - a mechanical tool that substituted for a labourer. He credits his four pillars of moral codes for guiding him throughout his career: no lies; do your best; never compare or compete with others; and be considerate to self and others. O.T.’s book is not available for sale. This noble gentleman published the book with the intention that the copies are to be distributed at no cost to those persons who desire to read about his life story. Every public library and school library throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines should have copies of this inspirational book. This article merely scratches the surface to reveal a minute portion of the wealth of information that it contains. This writer is convinced that O.T. Mayers’ Relay Race can propel many to obtain

high levels of success in their respective fields of endeavour. The climax of O.T.’s weekend of celebrations occurred during the Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 18th. After several testimonies from individuals whose lives he had impacted, and a powerful sermon from Reverend Douglas Neverson, O.T. informed the congregation that he had recommitted his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and looks forward to serving Him wholeheartedly henceforth. In addition, he announced that he had dedicated a section of his business place to be a place of worship. He beckoned the audience to uphold him in prayer as he embarks on this new phase of his life. We are confident that, with God’s help, this phase of his relay will be just as glorious, as he seeks to meet the spiritual needs of those with whom he will interact. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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Green Government: First 100 days in office GROSS INCOMPETENCE by the ULP regime is the core problem that has killed the SVG economy. Gonsalves is hopeless at managing the SVG economy. To move away from bank overdrafts, huge public debt and fiscal deficits, a Green government would be a government of revenue creation. Taiwan has been making billions of dollars every year from our fish licence, and has not paid tax. Within days of taking office, a Green government would take back our fish licence from Taiwan, cut ties with Taiwan, and begin the process to set up bi-lateral trade relations with China. This is essential in order to set up a joint-venture tuna fishing and canning industry. This industry will bring billions of dollars a year in revenue to the SVG Treasury and create thousands of new, long-term jobs. A Green government would immediately abolish the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002, and other similar Acts, that give customs duty and tax exemptions to super-rich foreigners. We would impose a windfall tax on the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and other foreigners that have failed to pay tax. It is only right and fair that

the super-rich pay tax. Money received from the windfall tax will be used to build factories for agro-processing and exporting our farmers’ produce. We would set up a marketing corporation and establish export partners abroad to export the goods to. These new factories for agroprocessing will create new, sustainable sources of revenue for our farmers and the SVG Treasury, and create thousands of new jobs. This will expand the economy. A Green government would set up a framework to create a renewable energy industry, producing electricity from the sun, wind and hydro. Licences to be an electricity provider from renewable energy will only be given to Vincentian nationals. This will reduce the amount of money lost from our country each month buying expensive oil, and see more money circulating our country. These new, smaller electricity producers will create jobs and revenue for our people. Import taxes for renewable energy equipment and machinery will be zero rated. By increasing the amount of electricity we use produced from free, renewable

review of our national health service, with a view to building new hospitals energy, a Green government will over in Kingstown and Union Island, and modernising the health service. time be able to reduce the price of A Green government will electricity by 50%. Thousands of households in SVG immediately abolish the charge for are without mains water. Initially, we Rabacca sand. This will stimulate will increase the number of standpipes more houses to be built, and this will so poor families can have access to create revenue and jobs. clean drinking water. We would start A Green government would begin a program to get every household the process to provide free, wireless connected to mains water with internet access throughout SVG. SMART meters, that can be topped up All work on Argyle airport will be like mobile phones. No household aborted. The ULP regime has already would ever be cut off from water admitted that the airport will have again. We would abolish the $25 virtually no impact on strengthening standard charge on all water bills. the SVG economy, saying under them, A Green government would create SVG would still be heavily in debt in legislation to ban the sale of land in 2030. We cannot afford to waste SVG to foreigners. Land is limited in millions more on this dead project. our country, and it is essential that The above shows the main policies the land of our country is inherited by of what a Green government would our children. prioritise in its first 100 days in office. A Green government would start a review of the education system, with a Creating revenue and financial competence are essential to create a view to bringing in free, high-quality strong economy and thousands of new education from pre-school to university, free books and free jobs, and more importantly, improving uniforms, building a secondary school the quality of life and the standard of in Canouan, and building a science living for all who live in SVG. and technology university for SVG’s children. It is essential that all SVG Green Party children get a high level of education. www.svggreenparty.org A Green government would start a

SAVE. GROW. INVEST. FOSTERING the habit of saving early in childhood is necessary to start your child’s journey in financial education. Even two-year-olds can be taught how to put money into a money box (e.g. a piggy bank or any container for saving money). Although they may not grasp the concept of saving, the introduction of coins and notes, and putting them into a money box, teaches them basics about money identification and differences between the different denominations. The saving pattern and the time period allocated for a savings goal should be tailored to the age and maturity of the child. The younger the child is, the shorter his or her attention span will be. Therefore, if the child intends to save enough money to purchase a certain item, the item should be attainable within a short period of time, in order to prevent the child from feeling that saving is a hopeless, endless endeavor. On the other hand, if the child is older, the saving pattern could be extended by turning the saving goal into something unattainable within a short period of time. Encouraging children to save for a few months before they can purchase a favourite toy, can teach them the virtues of patience and deferred gratification. Furthermore, saving habits can be inculcated more effectively if children can witness and observe the actual accumulation of their savings efforts. Some parents use a clear jar rather than a money box, as a young child may feel that the money is “gone” if they cannot see it. Visual representations

are important for children, and putting a picture of the item they are saving for in their “bank” reinforces their motivation to save. Another method of encouraging your child includes matching his or her savings amounts. So if your child saves 50 cents a day, you can encourage him or her by also contributing 50 cents to his or her savings, or simply open a bank account where interest is paid on whatever is saved. Besides serving as a reward for the child’s efforts, it can also help reinforce the saving habit and spur him or her on to save for future financial goals. As the child becomes more proficient in saving in one jar or money box, parents may introduce more sophisticated concepts through other ways of saving. The practice of “save some, invest some, share some and spend some” provides children with opportunities to develop good money habits, while teaching them to look beyond their own needs, and care for the less fortunate. The celebration of saving is the ability to spend. Making children understand that whatever you spend must be supported by what you save, is a great way of teaching them how to live within their means. When your children ask for something in the store, explain to them that you will have to pay for it and that it is not free. Suggest that they utilize the savings in their money boxes if they truly want the item. For younger children who may need more visual representations of the concept, you should also allow them to see the money, hold it, pay for

the item at the checkout counter, and receive the receipt along with the item. With older children, the concept of “needs versus wants” should also be introduced in tandem with learning how to spend only what you save. Teaching children about money management habits is not merely telling them what you want them to do. Children learn through experience. Encouraging them to save through their money boxes or allowing them to handle their own money during “field trips” has a more lasting impact. Hence, always seize real-life opportunities to teach your children the benefits of good money management. Exposure to formal savings habits will broaden youths’ understanding of financial services, develop positive behavioural cognition, and help kids to acquire better access to education and healthcare in the future. Submitted by: The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 13.

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 15.

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Avenue Dancers showcase Vincentian roots

Right: Paying tribute to gospel singer by GLORIAH… Europeans October, the members of indications of pride, Bridgette the Avenue Dancers took patriotism, solidarity and came and the Blucher. NEVER HAD THE pure enjoyment from the population their audience through AUDIENCES of the Avenue an entire history lesson, audience. blended their Dancers been so indulged. in their 2015 dance The show was divided culture with those of the Never had they seen so into seven segments. newcomers. The extravaganza entitled ambitious an undertaking ‘Roots’. The production ‘Where are our Roots’ intermediate and senior as a mixture of dance, showcased our people dancers modeled the took place at the Peace modelling and storytelling Memorial Hall. well inveigled in the European styles of as a means of highlighting American hip hop fashion of that era. some of the significant culture, but the intrusion The fourth segment, Show content milestones on our of the storyteller began ‘The Dawn of a Nation’, Vincentian historical In this most inpiring to put our history to signaled our desire to landscape. presentation, the right by beginning the create something On two consecutive dancers, in paying account from our indigenous. It looked at evenings, Saturday 17th homage to their ancestors’ time. The activities like our ‘Cake and Sunday 18th homeland, elicited storyteller continued to Dances’, our indigenous prepare the audience for folk songs and ring what was to come with games. timely historical ‘The Emergence of our accounts. Artistes’ was next on the ‘Our Carib Connection’ agenda. It paid tribute involved the Caribs, the to our musical stars like shipwrecked Africans, Kevin Lyttle, Alston the birth of Garifuna’ ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Bridgette and our Hero’s decline. Blucher, and Marlon The Carib and African Roudette. attire of the day was ‘Ah Want Soca’ was modelled by the junior the sixth segment. It and intermediate saw the juniors, dancers. intermediate and seniors ‘The Infiltration of a dancing to strategically Culture’ showed how the mixed soca medleys. The grand finale – ‘This Island is Mine.’

‘My Roots Come Full Circle’ was the grand finale. It brought the show to an end with where it had started, with dances to a mixture of African rhythms and the hip hop genre, climaxing with an energetic, frenetic to the strains of Skinny Fabulous’s ‘This Island is Mine’.

Patrons response

The shouts, rounds of applause and ‘ohs and ahs’ told the story of a successful production. An added treat was afforded all, as comedian Gloria Williams and expolice officer Jonathan Nichols performed the roles of co-hosts, carrying them along throughout the night’s performances with powerful snippets of hilarious humour.

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Matthew Thomas

Jules Ferdinand

THERE IS SOMETHING for everyone who reads a copy of “O.T Mayers’ Relay Race.” From the young child wanting to know about life long ago, to the up and coming business man or woman wanting to develop their entrepreneurial skills; as well as the leaders from all areas of life; who may need a reminder of what leadership is all about. And of course, if you want to know more about “the little man” himself, his book is one of the best places to find out. That’s according to Mr. Jules Ferdinand, the man who was given the honor of scrutinizing O.T’s book from cover to cover, and giving a full and in depth review at the launch of the publication on October 16 at Diamond Estate, during activities to mark the three score plus ten years of Mayers life, who turned 70 four days earlier. Mr. Ferdinand, who has been O.T’s friend for many years, described the book written by Sr. Ivy Pacheco as an inviting piece, which draws the reader in from the beginning, starting with the foreword by Sister Ivy Pacheco until the end, where throughout, O.T describes his life from growing up in dirt-poor poverty, to becoming one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ leading entrepreneurs; with

Luke Browne

the race still continuing. “He is a role model to so many, reminding us that we can start at nowhere… from a wattle and daub house as a child, and pulled himself up,” Mr. Ferdinand said of O.T. “One of the things I like about this book, it also tells you in so many different ways how it is possible to take the incremental step, one step at a time.... We need to tell this story more so that our young children could understand and appreciate that it doesn’t matter where you start in life, it is what you pull from within u to get you to where you need to go,” Mr. Ferdinand added. The lecturer and motivational speaker said that he himself was moved and motivated after reading about O.T’s memories of his early childhood, his not having shoes until he was 14 years old, discrimination and prejudice at home and abroad, developing his entrepreneurial, business development and leadership skills, and of course, his love of family. Mr. Ferdinand highlighted O.T’s admiration for his mother, his wife Lenora (whom he calls Lenny, his Minister of Finance), the love for his sons and daughters, and the significant others in his life. “Several times throughout this book O.T refers to his absent father,

Many well-wishers and friends were on hand for OT Mayers’ 70th Birthday celebrations.

Bassy Alexander

Rondolph Howard

Wendell Roberts

but as I read it, I looked at the flipside of what O.T was saying in describing the disappointments of his father not being around he magnified his mother…. “O.T’s mother was an icon of hope for him and, as I read it I realized that a lot of the skills and the talents and abilities that emerged from this O.T Mayers’ ‘Relay Race’ is a chronicle simple yet complex man, was of the struggles and successes of because of his commitment to Omroy Theophilus Mayers. improving the life of his mother from being a little child, and seeing his The undertaking was given to mother struggle, he committed longtime friends Mr. Sebastian himself from age seven, that he “Bassy” Alexander, Mr. Matthew would build his mother a house, and Thomas, Mr. Rondolph Howard, he worked tirelessly to make that Pastor Wendell Roberts and also real (which he did at age 19).” Senator Luke Browne, who interact“Who should read this book? ed with O.T as he (Browne) was Persons who want to find out about preparing material on O.T for life long ago; persons who are another publication. interested in moving out of poverty; All agreed that the book was persons who want to develop their something to be read by all; some entrepreneurial skills, those who are suggesting that it should make its advancing as business leaders; those way into schools, to be read by who have the desire to succeed students. against great odds and challenges; Persons attending the book and those who need to extract and launch and signing, received a free harness the strength of a single copy. The book would be available mother, read O.T’s book,” Mr. for sale to the public at a later date. Ferdinand concluded. His sentiments were shared by Foreword by Sr. Ivy Pacheco other persons who were also given the task of reading the book before O.T MAYERS its launch, and gave their own evaluations. A man for all seasons who recognizes the signs of the time A man who dares to be different, therefore is fearless and courageous A man who stands for justice Though short he stands tall as he steps out in faith and as he walks the walk and talks the talk. A man of wisdom and common sense, who reasons and thinks constructively, A man of action A man who is for the rich and the poor alike and who will help at any level A man who has a generous heart and does not look for gain A man who brings a smile to others That man I speak of is no other than Mr. O.T Mayers.

ADVERTORIAL

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 17.

News

Caratal Bridge officially opened

Bailey said, however, that the engineering THE MINISTRY OF study did not address the TRANSPORT and Works hydraulic capacity of the hosted a ceremony on bridges, and as a Monday 26th, to officially consequence “of this lack open the rehabilitated of foresight and lack of Caratal Bridge at planning,” , in 2012 , two Georgetown. years after the The project was completion of the funded by the Windward highway, flood Government of St. waters impacted all of Vincent and the the bridges . Grenadines from the The Chief Engineer proceeds of a loan from said he addressed the the Bank of St. Vincent challenges in executing and the Grenadines. The the project, including the contract was estimated designing. He said that at almost EC$ 3 million the new bridge is higher (2,999,752.86), and than the original one, executed by Bailey and that special Contractors. measures had to be Brent Bailley, the taken to ensure proper Chief Engineer in the drainage. Ministry of Transport Contractor George and Works, said that an Bailey expressed great engineering study was pleasure in presenting done in 2000 that shaped the bridge under the the government’s Ministry of Transport approach to and Works. He rehabilitating roads and reminded the gathering bridges. That study that during the initial recommended that the construction stage, Union, Byrea , Caratal, persons had a lot of and Langley Park river criticism, with some bridges, had the asking, ‘What kind of sufficient capacity to mountain the Comrade is accommodate the traffic building there?’. Since loads. the bridge has been by KENVILLE HORNE

The new Caratal bridge was constructed at a cost of $3m. constructed, “everybody is congratulating,” Bailey said. Member of Parliament for the North Windward constituency, Montgomery Daniel told the gathering that the construction of the bridge “is another indication of the ULP administration’s concern about the quality of life for Vincentians.” Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves delivered the feature address. He recalled that he had requested 8 million dollars from the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and sought approval of Parliament to borrow the money. “..But the opposition Montgomery Daniel, MP for the Constituency, gets ready to cut the ribbon to declare the bridge officially open.

members objected. Well, I ain’t bother with them, we have the majority,” said Gonsalves. Gonsalves disclosed that the Government already had some 450 million dollars sourced to effect a series of road

repair programmes, river and costal defenses, and construction of defenses, and bridges. “I have that money from the World Bank, from the European Union. I have that money from Mexico, in

relation to the bridge at Cumberland, and the old river defense down there. I have money from Taiwan, I have money from the Caribbean Development Bank,” Gonsalves boasted.

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18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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Skills Development Programme launched THERE IS NO distinction between students of the Technical and Vocational Institution and other Secondary Schools. Chief Education Officer Louan Gilchrist made this clear last Tuesday, when she addressed the launch of a Youth Skills Development Programme. By August 2016, 220 of this nation’s youths would have been trained in Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Data Operations, Food and Beverage, Cosmetology, Welding, and Small Engine Repairs. The courses will be conducted at Technical and Vocational Institutions at Georgetown, Kingstown,

Campden Park and Barrouallie. Course participants will receive ten weeks of theoretical and practical classroom instructions and two weeks attachment at business houses and industries. The first segment ends in December, with the other two finishing in March and August. The courses are based on Caribbean Vocational Qualification designed by consultant Dr. Vernon Daniel, and participants are expected to receive certificates of qualification that will ready them for the job market or for further education. Course participants will come from the 15 — 29

age range, but Gilchrist expressed concern over the Kenneth King, Chief Education registration Adult Education Officer Louan of 15-yearSpecialist , is Gilchrist olds. She is co-ordinating expressed some anxious to the Skills concern about find who are Development those 15-yearthe 15-yearProgramme. olds who have olds who registered for the have been registered, so that she courses. can discern the causes for their not attending mainstream schools. The Youth Skills Development Programme is being co-ordinated by Adult Education Specialist Kenneth King. Funding is provided through a partnership involving the U.K. Department for International Development and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) in Canada, and is managed by the College of the Rockies, British Columbia, Canada. (WKA)

Kyle tops 2015 National Scholarship Awards WHEN KYLE JAMES was announced as the winner of the 2014/15 Prime Minister’s Award, it came as no surprise. He has been a top performer in the national school system since 2008, when he topped the Common Entrance Examination as a Kingstown Preparatory School student. James, son of Dr. Franklyn and Louisa James, entered the St. Vincent Grammar School and maintained his trend with Kyle James – winner of the excellent performance at the CSEC Exams in 2013, gaining Prime Minister’s Award for his top 11 Grade Ones in the 11 subjects he wrote, to be the top performance in the 2015 CXC: male performer. CAPE. He was not finished. His latest accolade, the Prime Minister’s Award, he collected last week Friday at Victoria Park, at the Schools Independence Rally, for being this country’s top performer at the 2015 CXC: Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, with passes in Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics, French and Communications Studies. James is one of 14 National Scholarship winners for the year 2014/2015. Each will have his/her studies funded for a period of five years. Kaela Barret, this country’s top female performer in the 2013 CSEC exams, is among those fourteen. The others are Daniel Stewart, Page Veira, David Browne, Laurel Gibson, Omar Edwards, Judaja Prescott, Amog Jayarangaiah, Shanika John, Luzianne Matthias, K-Wani Roberts, Rita Alexander and Sonja Hull. Five National Exhibitions were also handed out. They went to Kristal Cain, Adrian Constance, Zonique Dublin, Tianna Homer and Allesandro Peters. Those recipients will receive funding for three years. Twelve other young Vincentians were given bursaries. They will get $20,000 a year for three years. The recipients are Jamarl Alexander, Azel Daniel, K’Andrew France-Beckford, Jomo Lewis, Genese Nichols, Antonia Marks, Clint Nelson, Shontae Bacchus, Zachary Williams, Brianna Jack, Najhma McKenzie, and Amber-Marie Murphy. (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 19.

News

Vincentians share their Chilean experience “I learned that there are many things that we can do to change our bridge structure without adding much YOUNG VINCENTIAN professionals now cost,” Huggins told THE have the opportunity to further develop their skills through the relationship that VINCENTIAN. “I saw how we can complement our currently exists between this country and construction here, and we don’t have the Chilean Government. to do much,” he continued. So said H.E Fernando Schmidt, And with this country prone to so Chilean Ambassador accredited to the many natural disasters, and with talk OECS, Barbados and Trinidad and of climate change and the occurrence Tobago, while on a recent visit here of frequent storms, Huggins said that earlier this week. he has come to realise that we need to The Ambassador revealed that step up our game in St Vincent and there were training programmes and courses available to Vincentians in as the Grenadines in terms of construction. He has had two weeks to many as 13 different areas of study, learn exactly how to do that through and they are financed entirely by the his experience in Chile. Chilean government. Three Vincentians have already Cornwall: International relations benefited from study programmes in important Chile, and have returned equipped with increased knowledge and Alberto Cornwall is a young experience. professional attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. His area Huggins: Changing our bridge of expertise is International Trade structures Relations. Cornwall spent two months Gregory Huggins, Civil Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Works, participating in the ‘International Course at the Chilean Diplomatic spent two weeks in Chile under the Academy’, where he said he was ‘Seismic and Bridge Structures’ introduced to international relations. programme. “That enabled me to understand the According to Huggins, he learned importance of international relations first-hand the modification of bridges in order to withstand earthquakes and and how it can affect or be of benefit to various countries,” he explained. other natural disasters. by DAYLE DA SILVA

From left: Kashka King, Janice King (Min. of Foreign Affairs), H.E. Fernando Schmidt, Gregory Huggins, Alberto Cornwall, Clarence Harry (Trade), Chile’s Honorary Counsul Ms. Desiree Richards. Developing diplomatic relations is very important, Cornwall said, and from his experience in Chile, he said that he was able to “broaden his knowledge and gain some experience.”

Teaching; Not limited to talk and chalk The courses are not limited to just sectors in the public service, but as Kashka King, a teacher at the Girls’ High School experienced, her skills in the classroom have been enhanced. According to her, she now has a new approach to teaching. “From my short stay in Chile, I have realised that teaching cannot be limited to talk and chalk; it has to be done in a real life context, so it has to be done in a practical way that can be applied to everyday situations,” she said.

She compared the way teaching is done here, describing it as being done in a structured form, in which students are taught specific things with a specified procedure to follow. However, the method she was exposed to in Chile is one which incorporates practical aspects. “So you are not limited to just grammar or translation; you are taught to speak the language,” King said. According to King, she sat among Koreans, Brazilians, and other English speakers – none of whom knew very much English. But by the end of the second week, they were all able to communicate in Spanish, King said. “So that made me come to the realisation that learning a foreign language has to be practical,” she explained.

V Step-parenting problems 20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

remain married to her. My boys are 19 and 21 and are both in college. I WHEN MY WIFE met me, made it plain that I am she knew I had two boys not kicking my boys out living with me from my of the house, seeing that previous marriage. She I am all that they gave no indication of have. Kicking them out having a problem with it. Now, two years into our into the world at this stage in their lives when marriage, she is they are trying to make complaining that she cannot any longer live something of their lives, is not on my agenda, and with them, because of she has no right to force their attitude. Her this me to do otherwise. position: Get rid of them I asked the boys what from the house if I wish to

Dear George,

the problem was, and they said she has never given them a chance to get along with her. It was clear to them that she could not be bothered with having them around. She would be nice to them in my presence but behave differently when I was not around. George, no woman is going to come into my life and dictate to me what should be the

future of my children. She cannot say she loves me and hate my children. Right now we are at an impasse, and as far as I can see, this is coming down to a bitter end. way. You need to have a talk with her to learn Dear Frustrated, what the real issue is. Assure her that you are Step-parenting has its prepared to give her all challenges, and may be the support that she your wife thought she needs to cope with the was ready to take on situation. that role but never I would strongly expected the challenges suggest that you seek out that popped up along the a family therapist to get

Frustrated

some supportive counseling and a better understanding of the challenges that are associated with stepparenting. All is not lost. This situation can be remedied, once all parties are willing to make it work.

George

Tell the truth Dear George,

do not know what to do.

I MET THIS wonderful and attractive young lady at a dance. We danced for most of the night, and it felt as though we were made for each other. After the dance, we talked for hours and, right there and then, realized that we were falling for each other. It was crazy! It has been three weeks since we met, and we have been seeing each other almost every day for those three weeks. We are very serious about each other, but there is a problem. Things were moving so fast that I did not get the opportunity to tell her that I once served time in prison. I know she is deeply in love with me, but I do not know how to tell her that there is something in my past that she needs to know. I am scared that this information would hurt her badly, and she would end up making a decision not to be with an ex con. Believe me when I tell you that I

Love scared Dear Love scared, One thing is for certain; you would have no choice but to let her know of your past. It is always advisable to put all cards on the table from the onset, once you are convinced that the other person has more than a general interest in you. The longer you keep this information from her, the harder it will be on the relationship emotionally, whenever it is revealed. Look her in the eyes and tell her the truth, and if the love that she feels now for you has the substance that you believe it has, then your relationship will be on solid ground. This is your relationship test to see whether or not you were indeed made for each other.

George

Send him packing!!! Dear George, I DO NOT trust my boyfriend. Everything he told me during the 11 months we are together was one big lie. He lied about being single when, instead, he was still married. He said he and his wife were separated and divorce papers had been filed. He said he had no children when, in fact, he has 4 children with four different women. He said he has over $80,000 in the bank, when, in fact, he does not have one red cent. I confronted him, and he had an explanation for every one of them. He refuses to come clean, even when I presented him with hard evidence. I love this man despite the lies, and this is why I am having a hard time deciding whether or not to stay and work things out, or walk away.

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, What is there to work out? Are you willing to remain with this man for him to waste another 11 or more months of your life? The fact that he lied to you, means that he has no respect for you and no intention of building a meaningful life together. A relationship or marriage cannot flourish or survive on a foundation of lies. The sooner you walk away or send this man packing, the better for you and your own peace of mind. You do not want to entertain anyone in your life who is a complete stranger to the truth. Love and truth are inseparable!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Empty promises will cause confusion. Don't allow personal problems to conflict with professional duties. Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship. You will be able to contribute a great deal to organizations that you join. It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You have a lot to offer. Emotional partnerships may develop through projects you initiate. Don't let peers distract you or push their work your way. Your family may be feeling neglected and unloved. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can make professional changes and direct your energy into making all the right moves. Go after your goals. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. You may want to take a serious look at your goals and objectives. This day was meant for love. Make creative changes to your residence. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your partner's a little jumpy. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You should be able to tie up loose ends this week. Unexpected events may upset your routine. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family. Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection. Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don't make any rash statements you may regret later. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. Investments will not be as they appear this week. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Travel will promote romantic connections. Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Hidden assets can be doubled if you play your cards correctly. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Your tendency to vacillate will drive everyone crazy. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quit trivial after all. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain. Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't let the cat out of the bag. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can't win and they won't listen. Concentrate on spending quality time with children and friends. Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Those you work with may have little consideration for the underdog.

ACROSS 1. “Gomer Pyle, __” 5. Switch settings 8. Goose formation 11. Dappled 12. Sacred image 13. Biblical vessel 14. Galaxy member 15. Julie of “Afterglow” 17. Parkay product 19. Work tables 20. Of the universe 23. Animation unit 24. “By Jove”! 25. Swashbuckler’s fight, often 27. Unaccompanied 31. Cherry stones 33. “__ dear!” (2 wds.) 34. Dirt 35. Luxurious 36. Actress Martinelli 38. NYC summer setting 39. Relieved sounds 41. River of song 43. Actress Maureen

46. Good for what __ you 47. Horror movie character 49. Mary’s little companion 53. Permit 54. “__ Bell” (Stephen Foster song) 55. Cambodia’s continent 56. Sneaky 57. Fourth-yr. students 58. Buzz Aldrin’s gp. DOWN 1. Delivery letters 2. Make a lap 3. “Oh, give __ home…” (2 wds.) 4. Computer game format (hyph.) 5. Eight, to Eduardo 6. Neither’s partner 7. Insulting 8. Large vessels 9. Estrada of “CHiPs” 10. __ out a living 12. Bartender’s

16. 18. 20. 21. 22. 23. 26. 28. 29. 30. 32. 37.

“rocks” (2 wds.) Trades for money Top Cartoonist Al Cincinnati’s state Collegeentrance tests (abbr.) Sort Snakelike fish Foretoken Uncovered Ending for major One’s portion Leather puncher

40. Birds of prey 42. Lion of Narnia 43. Night birds 44. Foot part 45. Creative 46. Elevations

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 21.

(abbr.) 48. Rower’s need 50. Happy __ lark (2 wds.) 51. Behave or print preceder 52. Lamb’s cry

22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Lance John named Sports Ambassador

In a career of over 56 matches, John “I had that choice to be in football playing an active scored 3012 runs at an average 30.42, and cricket, but the opportunities in part in the with three centuries. cricket were better then, and I made community. LANCE JOHN on Tuesday, October Lance John On the local level, John represented that choice,” he explained. In his current becomes the latest 27th, 2015, Independence Day, became John also served in the capacity of Facilities this country’s latest cricketer to be made Radcliffe in the Premier Division, and cricketer to be led them to a number of titles with his manager of the senior national football Manager at the a sports ambassador. accorded the pugnacious stroke play. team which won the Windwards and Arnos Vale The former SVG and Windwards captain status of Sports Always a team man, John came to OECS football titles. Sports Complex, Ambassador. expressed satisfaction at having the the rescue of his team two years ago, He also served as a member of the John continues to honour bestowed upon him, and even when they were short of a full team. Windwards cricket selection panel, remain close to sports in a supervisory jokingly suggested that it was long The then 56-year-old promptly and currently sits on the local panel. capacity. overdue. answered by hitting 98 filled with a “I have played my part on and off John was one of ten persons who “I feel very happy at being named a the field…I got from sports, but have were named as sports ambassadors on Sports Ambassador, and I can say that number of his trademark shots. John’s sporting career was not given back in many ways because I Tuesday. He joins Cameron Cuffy, everyone knows my contribution in the confined to cricket. He also love sports,” he said. Nixon Mc Clean, Deighton Butler and field of sports,” John said from his represented SVG at the Youth football John was also president of the Denis Byam as cricketers who have Barrouallie home just hours after level, serving as goalkeeper in a match Barrouallie Sports Association for ten been named as sports ambassadors. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves against Trinidad, at the Victoria Park. years, and is reported to be still made the announcement during his Independence Day address. John represented SVG and the Windwards at both the Youth and Senior levels, with distinction for many years. As a youth, he played bt the name THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS National Games will get going this Sunday, Lance Phillips, and is remembered for hitting a splendid century (125) for the November 1, when swimmers take to the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in the National Games Aquatic Meet, beginning at 9:00am. Windwards against Barbados. Competition is expected in the following: 25 metres Freestyle & With his name now officially Breast Stroke; changed to John, the left-handed 50 metres Freestyle & Breast Stroke; 4 x 25 metres Freestyle Relays; opener then went about his senior career with flair and panache, and and 4 x 50 metres Free Style Relays. carved out many memorable innings There will be a break after the swimming events. The Special against some of the best bowling Olympians then move to Victoria Park where the Games will open in attacks in the region. earnest on February 4, 2016 and continue on February 5. One such innings was against According to a release from Special Olympics St. Vincent and the Barbados at the Arnos Vale Playing Grenadines, all the athletes, including those from Bequia, are in serious Field in 1983, with great Malcolm training to ensure maximum preparation before the big February 2016 Marshall and lightning quick Wayne event. Daniel in their heyday. The recent participation by local Special Olympians in the World John, using the cut and pull against the Bajan attack, carved out a brilliant Games 2015 in July, Los Angeles, California, is also expected to boost performances. 110, to become the first Vincentian to score a first class century at the Arnos This event, like all Special Olympics meets, gives the athletes an Vale Playing Field. opportunity to showcase their sporting talents, meet with friends and “That was one of my best innings make new ones from around St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Special Athletes take to the pool this for the calibre of the attack and the The public is urged to support the efforts of our Special Olympians. Sunday. manner in which I batted,” John said. by E GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Special Olympics National Games

SVTTA embarks on DNSS A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT STATE of Table Tennis here is being undertaken, with the objective of arriving at the Development of a National Sports Structure (DNSS). At the epicentre of this charge is Table Tennis expert Georg Silberschmidt of Switzerland, who will plot the structure over the next six months. The timeline and plans of putting the DNSS together were outlined last Monday at Olympic House, at a press conference. In piecing the whole together, Silberschmidt said that a forensic look at the sport itself and the constitution are critical areas in establishing the DNSS. Silberschmidt, who will spend four weeks here in the first instance, then return in January for two weeks and another period in February/March, revealed that a pilot project in Bequia forms part of the plan. “ We will start there in the beginning of January at five different schools, the Police Youth Club, the Community Centre ... We chose Bequia

because it is a small place, and we have an ITTF level one coach there ... We want to analyse it after two months”, Silberschmidt outlined. Silberschmidt said that, based on the outcome of the pilot project, it will be used as the basis for other communities across St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Swiss is hopeful that after one year, at least one thousand young players would be actively involved in Table Tennis. Silberschmidt, who was in St Vincent and the Georg Silberschmidt (right) and President of the SVGTTA- Tyrone Jack. Grenadines in 2013 to conduct a level one certification course, underscored the success of DNSS... I was hoping for an island-wide, inclusive the DNSS on sustainability. He expressed his disappointment that several of skill-development and talent-identification programme and the establishment of clubs in every the persons who obtained the level one certificates constituency, but Silberschmidt has brought new then are not active coaches in 2015. ideas as to how to get to these ideas.” Silberschmidt confirmed that another level one The DNSS is part of an Olympic Solidarity effort. course as well as a level two course will be .A similar undertaking was carried out here in convened during his next visits. 2011 under the guidance of Egyptian — Ahmed Meanwhile, president of the SVGTTA, Tyrone Dawlatly. Jack, said , “ We are eager to have this flagship

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. 25.

Sports

Vincy Heat in U.S BY THE TIME THIS PAPER hits the streets, the Vincentian Football contingent will be in the USA. Their encounter with that country takes place in St. Louis, Missouri November 13. There is optimism that Vincy Heat can hold its own, even though the odds are stacked against us. The US have been finalists at the World Cup since they silenced Trinidad and Tobago in 1989. A draw would have sent the Soca Warriors to Italy for the 1990 World Cup final. That goal in the 31st minute was enough to send shock waves into a disbelieving Trinidad and Tobago stadium. Persons stood numb, dazed in the stands hours after the final whistle, unable to come to grips with what had transpired. It was not until 16 years later that Trinidad and Tobago distinguished itself at the World Cup in Germany 2006. They were eliminated in the first round, beaten by England, and Paraguay 2: 0 after a goalless draw with Sweden. They became the second English-speaking Caribbean nation to have reached the World Cup final. Jamaica was the first in 1998 in France. This time, there are three English-speaking Caribbean countries bidding for Russia. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago will be fighting up for two spots from their group to make it to the Hexagonal. The other two countries are USA and Guatemala. We will have to beat two of the big names. In this scenario; however, there will be no easy matches. Preparation is vital. The modern game hinges on being prepared mentally and physically. There is no doubt that our standard is below the rest of the world. We hardly have an organised structure. To many, it is a miracle that we have progressed. We will have to step up if we are to make an impression. There is doubt about the ability of our players. We are naturally gifted, but there is more than just talent. There must be commitment, desire and fitness. When I heard that coach Michael Ollivierre had joined the technical team, I breathed a sigh of relief. I expected players would have grabbed the opportunity to fine-tune their preparation. Whether they have taken on training regimes on their own to adapt them to the rigours required is a matter of speculation. Abandoning the expertise of Ollivierre is like throwing away the baby with the bath water. Whether Ollivierre’s methods were too severe is a matter of interpretation. Players will have to realise that this is not the ordinary qualifiers. They will have to play hard if they are to match the wits of any squad. If we qualify, there will be a higher obstacle with which to contend. The government has assisted the Football Federation. Four days after the initial match, the Vincentians return home for their home game. The qualifiers resume in March 25, and in Trinidad, 29. February 2 next year will be a red letter day. We will be hosting the USA. Four days later, the Group stage ends in Guatemala. If we have any World Cup qualifying matches after that, it will be new grounds for us. But we have to take it one step at a time. My appeal to the players is to be in as much a state of readiness as possible. And that entails mental and physical preparation.

Butler powers North East to big win Former West Indies fast bowler Deighton Butler put in a good allround performance on the weekend., to help power North East to a 10-wicket win over Kirk Da Silva’s La Croix Masters, in the SVG Masters 20/20 cricket tournament. Butler bagged 4 wickets for 6 runs as La Croix were reduced to a paltry 65 for 8 off 20 overs. He was supported by Jerry Matthias who took 3 for 7. North East then raced to their target, reaching 66 without loss off 7 overs. Deighton Butler led the runs chase with a stroked-filled 45 not out. In another match played in the 6th round of matches, Park Hill United defeated Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan by 7 runs. Park Hill United made 117 for 7 off 20 overs. Andy Quashie hit 33 not out. Elvis John took 4 for 25. Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan replied with 110 all out off 19.5 overs. Samuel Richards hit 25 and Kendal Buntyn 24. Freddie Dougan took 3 for 7 and Oscar Ryan 2 for 23. Kirk Da Silva’s La Croix climbed out of the ashes of defeat to get the better of Marriaqua Masters by 20 runs, on Sunday. La Croix posted 116 for 8 off 20 overs. Elroy Francis made 28. Elmundo Shoy took 2 for 18. Marriaqua replied with 96 for 5 off 20

overs. Elmundo Shoy hit 31 and Benedict Phillips took 2 for 17. Stanley Browne’s Stubbs defeated St.Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani by 8 wickets. P’tani made 109 all out off 20 overs. Alfred McKenzie hit 28 and Jerome Samuel 20. Anthony Richards took 3 for 20 and Livingston John 2 for 6. Stanley Browne’s Stubbs made 110 for 2 Deighton Butler, 4 wickets for 6 off 15.5 overs. Christopher runs and 45 not Campbell top scored with 55 not out, took charge out and Nixon McLean got 21. of business North against La Croix. Leeward defeated Belfongo by 7 wickets. Belfongo made 125 for 3 off 20 overs. Aaron Bascombe hit 25 and Junior Bacchus 24. North Leeward replied with126 for 5 off 17.5 overs. William Edwards stroked 48 not out and Felix Greaves 36.

The Expendables put their name behind them, and claimed the Bagga Knockout Football title for the first time.

Rose Hall, losing finalists, must have rued the many chances they had on goal.

I.B.A.ALLEN

New Knockout champs in Bagga THE EXPENDABLES are the new holders of the Barrouallie Football Hairoun Knockout title. Considered a team of veterans, they beat Rose Hall in the finals last weekend to claim that

title. But it was no easy walkover for the eventual champions. They faced a spirited Rose Hall outfit whose quick style of play made it difficult for the

Expendables to stamp their authority with their customary slow tempo. Chances went abegging, with Rose hall being by far the bigger culprit, and it was no surprise that at the end

of regulation time, the score was nil-nil. Rose Hall took their ‘missing’ ways into the penalty shootout and were downed 3-1 by the Expendables. I.B.A.ALLEN

More matches completed in TBPO T/20 THREE more matches were completed on the weekend in the 2015 National Lotteries Authority TBPO T/20 Cricket Competition. In a match played on Saturday, Winter Boys beat Computec Older Boys by 3 wickets. Older Boys batted first and made 101 for 7 in 15 overs. Ashford Wood top scored with 39. Bowling for Winter Boys, Emmanuel Baptiste took 2 for 15 and Glenroy John 2 for 24. In reply, Winter Boys reached 104 for 7 in 14.5 overs. Delon Williams made 27 not out and Christian Williams 25. Sylvannus Morgan, 2 for 9, and Keith Constance, 2 for 28, were Older

Boys’ best bowlers. Stingers won by default over Nar Fren Dem in the other match scheduled for Saturday. In Sunday’s action, Sheldon Nanton, 3 for 4 and Jevon Jack, 3 for 5, combined to bowl Ezee Woods Toppers to victory over New Track, by a whopping 123 runs. New Track were annihilated, managing a mere 24 all out in 10.5 overs. This was after Toppers had posted 147 for 7 in 15 overs, with Jevon Jack getting 42, Joel Patterson 31 and Marcus Hackshaw 20. Bowling for New Track, Andre Woods and Carlton Baptiste had 2 wickets each for the losers.

In what promised to be a close contest, Sunset Strikers had a narrow 11-run win over Shot Callers. Sunset Strikers batted first and made 116 all out in 18.1 overs, with Charles Burgin getting 20, Dazzie Cambridge 19 not out and Kyron Cumberbatch 17. Bowling for Shot Callers, Raje Questelles took 3 for 9 and Lee Bullock 3 for 27. In reply, Shot Callers reached 105 all out in 15.4 overs, Questelles leading once again with a top score of 41. Rodney Gibson, 3 for 26, was Strikers’ leading bowler. I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY,OCTOBER 30, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

Bowman re-captures NY Independence Calypso crown just a matter of going up and making a great presentation on stage, and that I did.” WITH CLEARLY LESS controversy than had bedeviled In “Take Care of SVG,” the inaugural New York Vincy Independence Calypso Bowman urges that “every Competition last year, Dennis Bowman, perennial man, every woman, every finalist in the national calypso competition in Vincy child must work together Mas, re-captured the New York Vincy Independence as one to make a better St. Calypso crown, last Friday night. Vincent and the The veteran calypsonian won the crown in a field Grenadines.” of five other contenders at Café Omar on Nostrand Last year, some Avenue in Brooklyn. The event was organized by elements of the audience, the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Calypso Tent, the at the same venue, did not lone Vincentian calypso tent in North America. hesitate in withholding Singing ‘Take Care of SVG’, Bowman garnered their displeasure by booing 270 points — eight points ahead of his closest when the top three spots challenger, John ‘D Truth’ Dougan (‘For a Brighter were announced. Future’). Delano ‘Detector’ Crawford (‘Welcome’) Apart from dissention Dennis Bowman placed third, with 244 points. from a handful of fans — as delivering his winning Other contenders were: Kenroy ‘Jakie’ Jack (‘One could be expected in any number ‘Take Care of Day’); Vincent ‘Groovy D’ Kennedy (‘We Different’); competition — most patrons SVG’. and Francis ‘Stryker’ Brown (‘How Independent Are appeared very satisfied We?’). with the results. Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles and Gregory ‘Brother Don’ This year’s judges were veteran calypsonian and Oliver were listed to compete but did not appear. ex-diplomat Cyril N. ‘Scorcher’ Thomas; Vincent Meryn “Bob MC” Bobb gave the opening prayer but ‘Vince’ Harry, member of the defunct Vincentian also did not compete. band Asterisk; and Phill Nichols, the Guyanese“It’s always a great feeling to come out on top in born keyboardist with the popular New York based any competition,” Bowman, who tied for the third band Lambert and the Matadors. spot with Shenell McKenzie in the National Calypso Bowman also performed on Sunday at the St. Monarch Competition in Vincy Mas 2015, told THE Vincent and the Grenadines 36th Anniversary VINCENTIAN afterwards. Independence Gala Luncheon at Grand Prospect “I knew I had a powerful song,” he added. “It was Hall, in Brooklyn. Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

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EUSTACE WANTS CHARLES OUT by KENVILLE HORNE

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, has seen it fit to call for the intervention of the highest Office of State to get the Commissioner of Police out.

LEADER of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace has written to the Governor General, asking for his intervention in having the Commissioner of Police, Michael Charles, vacate his position. The letter, dated October 26, 2015, one day before Independence Day, stated the reason for the correspondence as having to do with the behaviour of the Commissioner, who has a pivotal role to play in our nation’s security. Eustace’s letter claims that the Commissioner “frequently and blatantly plays a partisan and political role. He has resorted to wearing ULP colours at party and other public events.” The Opposition Leader’s references included photographs circulating in the media, showing the Commissioner, decked in a red outfit, the colour of the

ULP, and showing a hand gesture that represents the ULP slogan ‘four in a row’, the number of general election wins the governing party is hoping to achieve if they were to win the next general election. Eustace also spoke about the pictures in the media depicting the Commissioner playing Old Mas during carnival festivities, ridiculing opposition members of parliament.“This type of behavior by a senior public official is unacceptable, but even more so since his post is critical to the national security of our state,” said Eustace in his letter. “Your Excellency, I request that you use your best efforts as Head of State to resolve this recurring situation. In fact, I am of the view, Your Excellency, that the Commissioner should resigns as his behaviour is inimical to the best interest of the security of the state of St.

Vincent and the Grenadines,” the Opposition Leader further stated in his letter. Eustace’s call for the Commissioner’s resignation comes on the heels of calls from Opposition MP for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock, and President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Elroy Boucher. The Commissioner, in his explanation for wearing the red outfit at the ULP event, said that he attended the meeting to gain information and to see what was happening on the ground, and that he wanted to blend in with the crowd. He said he recently attended an NDP meeting and he wore yellow, the colour associated with the NDP. He described the calls for his resignation as outrageous.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles’s recent public appearance in a red outfit and his gesticulations have angered the Opposition.

Road fatality count at 20 cyclist, Paul Liverpool, which occurred in Friendship Bay, Bequia, last Friday, KENRON SUTHERLAND became this country’s October 23. 20th road fatality for 2015. Liverpool reportedly died on impact The 60-year-old, formerly of Georgetown, died at after his motorcycle crashed into a tree, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital after the while he was making his way to work motorcycle he was riding collided with a mini-van in around 6:00 am. the Diamond area, on Tuesday, October 27. He is reported to have been a resident According to a press release issued by the Police, of Union Island, but had been living on the incident occurred while Sutherland was making Bequia with his wife, where he worked his way to Georgetown. as a heavy equipment operator. The release also stated that the man was The two motorcycle related deaths Kenron travelling from Arnos Vale, and when he got to the come one year after 51-year-old Sutherland Diamond area, in the vicinity of the corner which Martiniquan Jeslin Emmanuel - 20th road leads to the landfill, it was reported that Gorearvia died after making impact with fatality for Sutherland met a parked truck. a truck in the Arnos Vale area, back in 2015. Sutherland passed the truck, but lost control and October 2014. crashed into a mini-bus HL 594, driven by Lester He had journeyed to St Vincent to take part in Jackson of Diamond. the annual Independence celebrations here, which The accident occurred shortly after 4 pm, over the years have seen motorcyclists showcasing however, Sutherland succumbed to his injuries their talent. around 7:35 p.m. The official road fatality count now stands at 20 The scene of the fatal crash at Diamond. Sutherland’s death follows that of another motor- according to the police. by DAYLE DA SILVA

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