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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 14, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.33

www.thevincentian.com

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ARNOS VALE ISSUE by DAYLE DA SILVA

CABINET WAS EXPECTED to decide on a matter when it met yesterday to resolve an issue that is brewing between some residents of Arnos Vale and proprietors of business houses that are in close proximity to those residents. Minister of Housing, Montgomery Daniel told THE VINCENTIAN that a report had come to Cabinet, and that he was asked to investigate what is happening, in an effort to try and bring a resolution to the on-going issue. “I met with the residents, and I met with the entrepreneurs to see if some resolve could have been met; but both sides are firm on their own issues, and so, I just have to take the matter back to Cabinet for further discussion and approval. That is where we are at the moment,” Daniel explained. The issues, according to one resident, include loud music, smoke, traffic, rodents and dust which are coming from three business houses located along the main Arnos Vale road. The resident, who requested that she remain anonymous, told THE VINCENTIAN that she often feels like a prisoner in her own home, with the amount of smoke that emanates from the grills of at least two of the establishments. “It is a health hazard; these are the things that I am concerned about,” she explained. The issue has been on-going for close to a year, and according to the resident, there seems to be no compromise coming from two of the three proprietors. She said that she has made numerous calls to the police; however, when they turn up and make a request for the music to be turned down, after the authorities leave, it goes back up. Smoke is a constant problem, forcing her to keep her windows closed, and cement dust and noise from the nearby hardware are just some of the inconveniences she says she has to endure seven days a week, and until the early hours in the

The grills (pictured) are lit, emanating smoke all day long, residents say. stench, that morning. The resident also said that there is there is a drain coming a problem with some of the patrons from the who frequent one of the spots, saying business that she has seen broken bottles left house, and it on the road, empty Styrofoam has an containers thrown about, people unpleasant urinating on the side of her property, odour. and vehicles parking in her yard “It is really without permission to do so. an ugly site Another resident, Claude out here. Cambridge, added that he too is When you having issue with the smoke, loud spend music and traffic. $500,000 to He said that he lives in close proximity to the business entity known build a house, it’s bad,” he as ‘The Chill Spot’, saying that he is often inconvenienced by having to wait said. on patrons who park in the road to purchase food. Cambridge further Continued on Page 3. complained about the

One of the spots that residents say have been an ongoing inconvenience.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG and Republic of China on Taiwan sign Agreement on Technical Cooperation THE GOVERNMENT OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES and the Republic of China on Taiwan on Friday, August 7th, signed an Agreement on Technical Cooperation. The Agreement, which was signed by Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Ambassador Extraordinary

and Plenipotentiary to St Vincent and the Grenadines, His Excellency, Baushaun Ger at Cabinet Room, will enable the commencement of a fouryear project entitled: “Strengthening of Farmers’ organizations and Improving Fruit and Vegetable Production Technology in St

Vincent and the Grenadines”. The objectives of the project are: strengthening of Agriculture Service Units; building capacity of Ministry of Agriculture counterparts; establishment of production standards for the crops selected for the project; to provide training programmes

An Agreement on Technical Cooperation was last Friday signed by Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves (left) and Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, His Excellency Bau-Shuan Ger (right).

for fruits and vegetable farmers, improve management systems at fruits and vegetable farmers’ organizations, and training of executives of farmers’ organizations to develop the mechanisms for the operation of cooperatives. Expected results from the four-year project include: an increase in farmers’ income from sales of fruits and vegetables; upgrading the soil lab and soil testing capability, and the training of at least six cooperatives in management of cooperatives with the aim of building the internal management capacity of the organization through the establishment of administration and information management systems. Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Saboto Caesar said it is the quest of the Ministry of Agriculture to build a competitive agriculture sector in St Vincent and the Grenadines. “It is very important and paramount that we produce more, and have a carefully planned, structured and conceived programme, not only to increase production, but to ensure that we market importantly what we produce. And from these figures, it is showing that right on our doorsteps, we have markets for approximately US$1 billion worth of goods. “This is transformative for a small island such

as St Vincent and the Grenadines, because what this means is that, once we have the requisite structures in place, we can be able to carve out a larger market share, regionally…” the Agriculture Minister said. Ambassador Ger said it was a “great honor” to sign the agreement. His Excellency Baushaun Ger explained that both countries signed the first Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation in 1982, just after the establishment of diplomatic relations between St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan. “Since then, we have renewed the agreement periodically so as to update, enhance and deepen our cooperation in the field of agriculture,” the Ambassador further explained. “The new agreement we have signed will focus on the aims of strengthening farmers’ organizations, improving farming technology on certain fruits and vegetables. “It is agreed that when the selected agricultural cooperatives are empowered with the necessary management skills and production technology, the farmers involved will go and market their production in a very efficient and competitive way,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said the signing of the Agreement “is an important one” that is in tradition of agreements with Taiwan, but different because of its specificities. “I’ve read the project document, and as I understand the agreement, it’s to lift capacity, knowledge, organizational skills, to help with the production of a number of commodities…. “I believe that this programme will help us to improve the technical quality of agriculture that will improve our production and help us with our marketing,” Prime Minister Gonsalves said. This new project is expected to complement the EU-BAM programme and further enhance the modernization of the agricultural sector.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 3.

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Searching Ramos was deliberate, says Eustace at the E.T Joshua Airport to search Ramos THE DECISION taken to as he was leaving the search Professor state. Wellington Ramos was a “Before Professor deliberate one and not a Ramos arrived here, we random act, Leader of the discussed with the Opposition Arnhim Eustace relevant authorities that alleges. he be given VIP status,” Speaking on the ‘New Eustace explained. Times’ radio programme Ramos was received in on Monday, Eustace said the VIP lounge at the that he condemns the airport, where Eustace action taken by staff said he and some other by DAYLE DA SILVA

New Democratic Party (NDP) members were waiting, and Ramos was expected to leave through the VIP lounge when he departed. But after Ramos placed his bags on the machine to be screened, someone came carrying a document, and informed the Garifuna representative that he was to be subjected to a

Arnos Vale issue issue of rodents which are being harboured by The pastor of a a nearby skip which he nearby church also said is not covered and complained that the is only hauled away smoke has affected the when it is full. congregation and a All concerned say number of activities, for that they are not example prayer against the businessmen meetings. operating their business; She questioned the however, they are positioning of an asking for a establishment compromise. authorised to sell So too, with the Arnos alcoholic beverages, and Vale area earmarked for its proximity to a further development. church. They say that they The music is also a welcome such an major issue, and she initiative; however, the said that she has been business entities and given a time limit -residents ought to carry after a certain time the on without any music goes on, whether inconvenience. or not service is A team has been put completed. together, headed by the Another resident, who Minister of Housing, has been living in the and comprising area since the late representatives from the 1970s, said that Planning Department, generally, there is noise Traffic and Public coming from the said Health -- this team establishments all day. visited the site on He said that his wall August 6. was knocked down, and A meeting was although the owner for scheduled for members General Hardware/Aqua of the team to meet with night spot has fixed it, it residents and the is not of the same entrepreneurs last quality he maintains. Monday. The music goes on However, residents until 4 in the morning, say that very little has he told THE changed since then. VINCENTIAN. THE VINCENTIAN With regard to the contacted two of the smoke, it does not affect three business houses, him that much in the with Ian Trotman, who morning, but once the also operates a similar wind changes direction operation as the other later on during the day, two, saying that he is affected. following Monday’s He too said that he meeting, he had made a has not been able to decision to change the open his windows as a manner in which he result of the smoke and conducts his business. loud music. Trotman said that he The concerned will stop roasting resident referred to outside and will resort cement dust, and the to gas as an alternative Continued from Page 1.

random search. He was taken to another section of the airport where he and his luggage were searched, according to the leader of the opposition, before being taken to the VIP lounge. “I don’t understand that, you know.” Ramos’s travel documents were processed while he was in the VIP lounge on his arrival, Eustace said, and his luggage was not searched. “His bags were brought to the VIP lounge after they went to customs,” the leader of the opposition said. “I don’t believe it’s any random search; I believe it is a deliberate attempt to harass him. That is what I believe, and I was most disturbed to find out that that did happen. “We can’t operate like

Opposition Leader Hon. Arnhim Eustace (left) believes that the act against Professor Wellington Ramos (right), was not random. that. We are supposed to be a civilized country, and I believe people acted under instructions; there was no random nothing,” Eustace said. He described the action taken as deplorable, and said that he wanted to make the point “unequivocally clear.” Professor Ramos, a Belize born Garifuna descendant and the VicePresident of Garifuna Nation and the United Garifuna Association, and who currently resides in the United States, visited St Vincent and the Grenadines on the invitation of the

to coals. “We can’t move into an area and make the residents uncomfortable,” he said. Marcus Mayers, representing Lance Oliver -- the owner of ‘Chill Spot’ and Rent and Drive, said that he was not in a position to speak on Oliver’s behalf; however he said that he read from a letter sent by Oliver at Preliminary Results of the May/June 2015 last Monday’s Examiniation (CAPE) meeting. He said that THERE WAS A CANDIDATE they were entry of 536; 469 of whom were currently taking from the St. Vincent and the steps to rectify Grenadines Community College the situation -such as providing and 67 Private Candidates. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines parking. Community College candidates sat Mayers 1578 examinations in 21 different however stated subjects. that many of the For CAPE 2015, the following residents had an subjects were sat for the first time; issue with the Digital Media Unit 1 and 2, and smoke, but that Physical Education and Sport Unit area has been 1. At right is a table of the % subjected to passes in each subject offering. smoke from Passing grades (Grades 1 to V) previous were obtained in 1411 subject businesses. sittings representing an overall He further pass rate of 89.42%. This stated that he believed that the represents an increase over 2014 issue as it related results where the overall pass rate to the smoke from was 87.71%. This year’s pass rate is also the highest since 2008. (The the grills, was 2008 pass rate was 90.88%) being For CAPE 2015, the following exaggerated, as it subjects recorded a 100% pass rate: could not reach Caribbean Studies Unit 1, the said Computer Science Unit 2, Digital residents. Media Unit 1 and 2, Environmental “There are Science Unit 2, French Unit 1 and some persons in the area that are 2, Information Technology Unit 1 and 2, Management of Business not open to change,” he said. Unit 2, and Spanish Unit 2. This year’s results show that “The area is going to be a new high pass rates have been maintained in most subjects taken. town…it looks like they are bent Other Advanced Proficiency Subjects were taken at the on closing us Cambridge International down,” Mayers Examinations. These are reported continued. on separately.

NDP, after Eustace declared during a town hall meeting in the US, that he was going to grant honorary citizenship to the Garifuna people. He came here, which is regarded as their ancestral home, to participate in a week of activities, that included rallies in Greiggs and Sandy Bay, a visit to Balliceaux, and the drafting of what is being termed as a declaration of intent which outlines an agreement intended to strengthen the ties with the Garifuna people.

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Top cop calls in Health Authorities

Wilson explained that the holding cell located in the area of the station WITHIN the past two weeks, measures office, on the ground floor of the twohave been taken to address certain storey building, had mould growth on environmental issues at the Station the wall, and there was a defective office of the Calliaqua Police Station, area on the cover of the septic tank and repair work is being done to improve which was allowing fumes to escape. the physical appearance and standard of He indicated that vehicular traffic the police station. could have contributed to that damage, The move was made after officials as the septic tank is situated in the from the Environmental Health centre of the yard. Department inspected the facility on The acting Chief Environmental Wednesday, July 29, at the request of Health Officer added that some areas Commissioner of Police Michael of the station office needed repairs. Charles. Wilson pointed out that, based on Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN their findings, he recommended the this week, acting Chief Environmental immediate closure of the ground floor Health Officer Carlos Wilson said the of the building for one day to facilitate Commissioner was concerned about the cleaning and disinfecting of the some police officers at the Calliaqua holding cell and other areas, and the Police Station falling ill and, through repairing of the septic tank. the Permanent Secretary in the In the short term, he recommended Ministry of Health, the top cop that potted plants be placed at the requested the services of the front of the station office to improve Environmental Health Department for air quality and aesthetics, and that inspection of the facility. the station office be retrofitted to Wilson said the Commissioner’s accommodate artificial ventilation (air request was made on July 29, and on conditioning). the same date, he (Wilson) and Wilson confirmed that their another Health Officer visited the investigations did not reveal a rat police station and assessed the problem at the station. conditions there. The Permanent Secretary was Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

After a health inspection, it was determined that the Calliaqua Police Station needed repairs. Inset: Commissioner of Police Michael Charles requested the inspection. provided with a officials from the Environmental report on the findings and Health Department visited the facility recommendations, which were then the same day and, based on their forwarded to the Commissioner of recommendations, the problems Police. regarding the holding cell and the Wilson commended the septic tank were addressed. He added, Commissioner for acting on the however, that the opportunity was situation swiftly. He noted that, even taken to repair the station office and after the top cop was informed of the kitchen area. As a result, the station recommendations, he stayed in contact office has been temporarily relocated with the Health Authorities for to the upper floor of the building. Up guidance, to ensure that things were to press time Wednesday, it was still done in the best way possible. there. When the Commissioner was Wilson had confirmed to THE contacted, he confirmed that he VINCENTIAN that officials from the requested the assistance of the Health Department revisited the scene on Authorities, through the PS, on July Tuesday, and “We are satisfied with 29, after certain concerns at the the work being done to repair the Calliaqua Police Station were brought septic tank, the aesthetics and the to his attention. He admitted that police station as a whole”.

Police High Command visits International Airport project AS THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT project nears completion, persons continue to visit the site to gain first-hand knowledge of the work being done there. And the High Command of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is no exception. Last Friday, August 7, the High Command, comprised of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents visited the site and were taken on a tour of the control tower, terminal building and runway by

Jennifer Richardson-Herbert, Communications Officer of the International Airport Development Company (IADC). Commissioner of Police Michael Charles described the experience as “very interesting and educational”, adding that the Police High Command is now more informed as to the work being done and the work to be done to make the project operational. “A substantial amount of work has been done. We are satisfied with the progress being made, and we look forward to the completion Police High Command on their visit to the and operation of the facility”, Argyle International Airport. Charles said.

Youth jailed for high powered gun A 20-YEAR-OLD LABOURER of Vermont was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on Tuesday for possession of a firearm, said to be among the most powerful guns in the world. Ricardo Williams also received a six-month prison term for having two rounds of ammunition, without licence. The sentences, handed down by Magistrate Carla James at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, will run concurrently. Williams had pleaded guilty to both charges. Ballistics expert Sergeant Julian Caine told the Court that the firearm was a high point semi-automatic .45 pistol, and is rated as one of

the top ten most powerful firearms worldwide. According to Sergeant Caine, the gun has an effective range of 50 meters, and the magazine has the capacity to carry up to seven rounds of ammunition. He noted that the gun is easy to conceal and operate. In presenting the facts, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the Court that around 7:50 pm August 7, police, acting on information received, went to Layou to execute a search warrant at the home of Wilmore Goodgie. Williams was met in the public road. On recognizing the police, he began to run. He ran into Goodgie’s house. A search was conducted of the house, but nothing illegal was

found. A search of the yard turned up the firearm. The lawmen checked the gun, and two live rounds of ammunition were found in the magazine which was attached to it. Williams was taken into custody along with the firearm. The gun was handed over to Caine, who examined the weapon and found it to be in good working condition and capable of firing. He test fired it, and it went off. When cautioned, Williams said nothing. Williams’ lawyer Grant Connell pleaded for leniency, saying that his client was the father of two, had pleaded guilty to the charges, and was a virgin to the law until then. According to the lawyer, Williams took the police to

where the firearm was at the back of the yard. “It was never his intention to use nor did he brandish it (gun) to the public. That firearm is now off the street. “He is not a hardened criminal, and had not come before the court previously on charges of this nature”, Connell said. “Behind those walls are where hardened criminals lie. He is not a threat to society. In fact, he stopped that threat by taking the officers to where the gun was”, he continued. Connell suggested a significant fine and a bond. But Magistrate James stressed the prevalence and seriousness of firearm related offences, and imposed the custodial sentence.

Pear thief ordered to pay compensation RANZO LEE, a 25-year-old Belmont labourer, was this week ordered to pay compensation of $294, after pleading guilty to the theft of 147 avocadoes, the property of fellow villager Joyce King. Lee was allowed three weeks to make the payment, with an alternative of three months in prison. He was also bonded for one year. In breach, he would have to pay the Court $1,500 forthwith or go to prison for four months. Magistrate Carla James, sitting at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, issued the compensation order, following a recommendation by Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche. When the Magistrate raised the issue regarding the handing back of the pears to King, the Senior Prosecutor told the Court, “I don’t know what procedures they (pears) went through, while the defendant had them; they could be contaminated because they are perishable goods”. The Senior Prosecutor added, “There is no guarantee that the virtual complainant could have a ready market for the goods”. Delpleche was clear in his recommendation for compensation, and the Magistrate agreed. Lee had stolen the pears, valued at $294, between 6:15 p.m August 9 and 7:15 a.m. August 10, from a tree at King’s Belmont home. Conducting her own investigations, she came into Kingstown and met Lee with two sacks of peers. When she questioned him, he said, “I got them from somewhere else”. She reported the matter to the police, who responded promptly and picked up the defendant. He was charged under the Criminal Code. When the Senior Prosecutor was asked by THE VINCENTIAN why Lee was not charged under the Predial Larceny Act, he smiled and said, “I don’t know; that is a question for the police”. When asked for his opinion, he said the defendant should have been charged under the Predial Larceny Act.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 5.

News

Courts opens Optical Store

Dr Rosmond Adams - National Epidemiologist and feature speaker.

Senior Manager Courts SVG, Michele Samuel.

high cost associated with eye health, eye care often goes unnoticed – this EYE CARE AND THE according to Dr Rosmond Importance of maintaining Adams. healthy eyes are not Adams was at the highlighted as much as time speaking at the non-communicable launch of Courts St diseases. Vincent Ltd ‘Optical’ So too, eye health is Store. not seen as important by Vincentians now have individuals in developing an additional outlet countries as the rest of where they can receive the body. quality eye checks and This coupled with the eye wear at affordable lack of trained eye care prices and terms. professionals and the So no longer will Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

someone have to put off getting their eyes tested. Courts Optical is offering this service free of cost, and anyone can walk in and schedule an eye exam and leave without making a purchase. Customers can choose from a wide assortment of brand-name, stylish frames, and receive quality lenses that are not available anywhere else locally.

Optometrist Indria Hadley “From now on, the Vincentian public will have easy access to optical services and solutions as never available before here,” Michele Samuel, Senior Manager Courts SVG said. She spoke of not just the experience of accessing state of the art digital equipment, but the comfort and

Matther Render - Regional Optical Chain Manager convenience of being able to own a pair of stylish glasses, and do so on an affordable payment plan of 24 months. Courts SVG is the first in the OECS to open the chain of Optical stores, and the 10th country behind the likes of Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Trinidad – this according to Matthew

Render, Regional Optical Chain Manager. “The optical business is more than just brands, but about technology,” he said as they offer the best in digital equipment, and is complemented by a qualified staff, headed by Optometrist Indria Hadley, to serve the general public.

Political leader and GS call on Opposition POLITICAL LEADER of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has called on the members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) to state by what means was its headquarters constructed. Speaking on Wednesday at the official launch of L-R: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and General the ULP Secretary of the ULP, Julian Francis. headquarters, which was acquired their headquarters, and they recall purchased by the political the circumstances surrounding the acquisition party, Gonsalves said that it of that building, and up to today, those was vital in the interest of questions have not been answered by the openness and transparency NDP,” Francis said. that they explain how the “All I will say is that at the same time property was purchased. when the NDP headquarters was being built, “Inside this property, there the financial complex was also being built, is not one nail, not one tile, not and the same contractor who built the one louver, not one piece of financial complex built the NDP galvanize or lumber or headquarters,” he added. concrete which has come by Questions were raised and no one gave way of the government of St answers, Francis said. Vincent and the Grenadines,” However, the ULP established an account Gonsalves said. back in 2008 at the St Vincent Cooperative “I would like the leadership Bank, and during these years, money to go of the NDP to say so in respect towards the purchase was being accumulated, of their headquarters, and I the ULP’s general secretary said. invite them so to make it,” he “Hard-earned money that we used to buy it. continued. Questions were raised and nobody gave Meanwhile, General answers. We set to establish early an account, Secretary of the Party, Julian and that was at the St Vincent Cooperative Francis also noted in his Bank for all these years; this was opened in presentation, that the ULP 2008. And we have been saving some moneys used money that it had earned there. to purchase its headquarters, “The business of a political party, it is vital situated at Murray’s Road in in the interest of openness and transparency, Kingstown. it is important to say how it was purchased”, “But like our competitors he concluded. down the road, there were a lot of questions as to how they

V Parrots yet to reproduce 6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

MP for North Leeward, Patel Matthews. Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar.

challenge of sustaining any meaningful conservation efforts, geared towards ensuring that the populations of SVG’s Parrot, Amazona Guildingii, remain viable. This challenge did not go unnoticed, and in 2006, ACTP helped initiate a long term conservation programme for the national bird with the wildlife authorities in SVG. This programme includes: measures to protect the remaining natural habitat of the species, the extension of the breeding center, and improving the management of the captive breeding population of SVG parrots in the Botanical Gardens, in order to increase the reproductive output of this facility. In 2011, the Forestry Department and ACTP signed an extensive

cooperation agreement, and in October of the same year, 15 parrots were transferred to the ACTP facility in Berlin, Germany. Matthews asked the Agriculture Minister: How many parrots have left the state and how many have since returned under this project?; Whether the country has benefitted from any financial resources under this project?; and if yes, will the minister state the extent of the financial benefits? Additionally, the MP asked Caesar to give an update on the programme. In his response to Matthew’s questions, Caesar told parliament that, while there have been successful pairing of the birds in Germany, they are yet to reproduce. He said the second phase of the arrangement will be reciprocal transfer from the ACTP to SVG, because the government can determine that the parrots are not reproducing and ask that they be returned.

The Amazona Guildingi at one of ACTP’s Avaries in Berlin, Germany.

training at the Postgraduate level in conservation, in the United Kingdom, at a cost of $20,000 pounds, and three In terms of financial and other THE 15 PARROTS that were sent to the support, the minister said that ACTP officers received training at the Association for the Conservation of has given the Ministry, Euro $120,000 University of Trinidad and Tobago in general forest management Threatened Parrots (ACTP) in Germany to support on-site conservation work conservation, which they completed in became the subject of a number of on the wild parrot population, 2014 at a cost of EC$ 90,000. questions directed towards Minister of rehabilitating the forest in the upper Veterinary checks on all birds in Agriculture Saboto Caesar by Member of watersheds damaged by hurricane the local breeding programme at the Parliament for North Leeward, Patel Tomas in 2010 and the 2011 floods, Botanical Gardens to international Matthews, during parliament on Tuesday and the construction of a modern avian standards in 2011 and 2013, 4th. captive breeding facility. Caesar told parliament concerning the The ACTP, based in Germany, is Last year, the Ministry also question on financial benefits from dedicated to preserving endangered received three new Nissan pick-ups ACTP posed by Matthews. birds and their habitats worldwide, by from the ACTP to support law The Agriculture Minister added using rare parrot species as flagships. compliance, and enforce public that this ministry has received other Since the early 1980s, the Forestry education and on-site research at a technical support for the monitoring Division and the Ministry of cost of EC$210,000. Additionally, in and evaluation of the captive breeding Agriculture have been facing the 2009, one Forestry Officer received programme in Germany. “These visits included several officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),” said Caesar. by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY Matthews reflected on the accurately,” Alexander In 2013, four Journalists from St. Johnson family who lost three contended. Vincent and the Grenadines visited HENDRICK ALEXANDER, The conflict came in the members in the June 28 the ACTP facility in Germany. The the Speaker of the House for wake of differences accident. Matthews also Journalists, Duggie ‘Nose’ Joseph — the past 14 years, has refuted lamented the loss of three between opposition The News newspaper, Audwin claims made on radio, that he others in an incident off the members and the Speaker. Andrews — Searchlight, Nadia Slater refused Senator Linton Lewis North Western coast. He In a session held earlier Agency for Public Information (API) the chance of paying tribute to mourned that the body of this year, Senator Lewis and Kenville Horne - THE deceased persons, at the Charles Walker was yet to be warned the Speaker about VINCENTIAN newspaper, visited and sitting of the House of coming to Calliaqua. recovered. observed firsthand operations at the Assembly Tuesday, August 4. It was at that moment that Lewis is the candidate for state of the art parrot breeding facility Prime Minister Dr. Ralph the opposition New Senator Lewis rose to in Berlin.The parrots are housed in Gonsalves kicked off the Democratic Party for East contribute. But Speaker well kept aviaries, where they are tribute with recollections of St. George in which Alexander indicated that he three women: Beryl Baptiste, had no prior information of given special diet and medical Calliaqua is located and Speaker of the House Elma Dougan and Nicole treatment if desired. where Alexander lives. Lewis’ intended input. Hendrick Alexander. Sylvester. Lewis had to take his seat. Dr. Godwin Friday joined The issue surfaced again in paying respects to the last Tuesday, August 11 when ladies, and also paid tribute to the House resumed. There persons from his Northern was no segment for tributes, SUPPORTERS OF THE Unity Labour Party in the way Eli had advised Samuel - Speak Grenadines constituency. however, as it was a (ULP) are expected to turn out in their Lord, your servant is listening,” Gonsalves Central Kingstown’s St. continuation of the sitting. numbers at Rabbacca this Sunday, as the said. Clair Leacock paid tribute to Alexander made it plain party is expected to stage what is being Back in 2010, the pre-launch was held on the ladies also, and paid that Lewis did not indicate to anticipated as the official kick-off of lead up to July 23 at Mount Bentick, so the event was homage to other persons who him that he wanted to make a the next General Elections. being staged a little later this time around, passed away. Senator Jomo presentation during the According to the party’s General Secretary Gonsalves said. Thomas also paid homage to obituaries segment. Julian Francis on Wednesday, the event will “Now anybody can read and say that we Nicole Sylvester. He read The Speaker declared that officially kick-off the campaign for the fourth will come a little later than the last time, but from his column written statements were uttered term. this is not an arithmetical matter – it is not fourteen months previously, outside the House, that he However, Political Leader and Prime just that, it is geometry.” which called for Nicole prevented Lewis from making Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that the Gonsalves said that the party had done its Sylvester to be made a his tribute. As far as event was more of a ‘pre-launch’. scientific testing to complement its Queen’s Counsel. Alexander was concerned, the “We have said before, ‘on your marks’, now observations, and concluded that the ULP was North Leeward statements were “misleading.” ‘we getting set’ – the real thing starts when stronger today than it was back in August Parliamentarian Roland “Let us try to do it we say ‘go’, when the good Lord answers me, 2010, and the NDP far weaker. by KENVILLE HORNE

ACTP’s contribution

Alexander refutes Lewis’ claims

ULP pre-launch campaign this weekend

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 7.

News

Bill stirs up energy in the House He expects that the 12 megawatt plant will save WHEN PARLIAMENT MEETS here next Tuesday, August the country $413M in 18, one can expect another round of clashes between fuel imports. the members of the ruling Unity Labour Party and the Geothermal opposition New Democratic Party. exploration is a high cost Speaker of the House Hendrick Alexander may exercise but with low once again find himself a target of ridicule. He may maintenance, the Prime have become used to it, but there is no telling how Minister pointed out. intense the debate may be. The foreign based Last Tuesday’s sitting was a continuation of the companies will collect 75 previous week when indeed tensions ran high. per cent of the returns, The Geothermal Resources Development Bill was with government getting the spark which generated last Tuesday’s clashes. the remainder. That Bill with seven parts, 87 clauses and one The Clinton Global schedule, was read for a second time. Initiative is assisting Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves presented with the venture, the the Bill, and reported that the Select Committee Prime Minister had met five times on it. mentioned. He is having According to Gonsalves, “The project is entering an “open door approach its drilling stage,” and he is forecasting that it will to ensure transparency,” be complete in 2018. Some US$80 million has been Dr. Gonsalves indicated. Elsworth Dacon seated in the House with some of the children from the earmarked for expenditure on the first phase, with The meeting was to summer programme. the government, Emera and Reykjavik Geothermal provide the legal Senator Luke Browne, sitting on the government involved in the operations. framework for the operations, he added. side of the House, noted “elements of contradiction” The government is looking for a “grant/loan” so as He promised that health and safety measures by Cummings. to proceed with the venture, in addition to the US must be an integral part of every government Browne, the ULP candidate for East Kingstown, a $15 million which they have secured from the venture. As far as Gonsalves was concerned, the Bill Kuwaitis. is an “important path-breaking piece of legislation.” constituency held by opposition leader Arnhim Eustace, pointed out that Geothermal Energy will The Prime Minister outlined that sites have been His version was dismissed by West Kingstown’s reduce the cost of living, and had the effect of identified on the Windward side of mainland St. Parliamentarian Daniel Cummings. providing a reliable supply of energy. Vincent where drilling will be done. He was still looking to see what game is being Browne was supported in the House by a group of Three places have been selected, and steps are changed. For him, the plans for geothermal children in a Summer programme held under the being taken so as to make way for a fourth well. production is a “sinister plot.” The Vincentian leader hinted that US$4m will be He urged the government to take the question of theme: ‘Energy and the Environment.’ The children absorbed the atmosphere of the required to upgrade roads from Orange Hill to the geothermal energy seriously. He accused the sites. government of entering into an arrangement with a House, and visited the Soufriere volcano the following day. “Once a contractor is selected, it will take six company “that has no known expertise.” “We have made commendable progress in this months to get the equipment on the ground,” Dr. The West Kingstown representative took serious direction,” Browne stated, as regards the energy Gonsalves indicated. issue with the ruling ULP and stated: “The modus production. He was satisfied that the Bill was He added that Reykjavik and Emera were operandi of this government troubles me.” “indeed path-breaking.” reducing risks of environmental degradation by He prefers the government to have invested in Central Kingstown’s parliamentarian St. Clair doing “extensive surface exploration before drilling.” the exploration instead of allowing others to invest. “The government has signed on to rob the people Leacock contributed to the debate, and as is his wont, there was a heated exchange with the of our resource,” Cummings emphasised. Speaker. Leacock joined Cummings’ call that the The New Democratic Party will “revisit the government to “revisit” the Bill. agreement,” Cummings declared. He expressed The House was suspended so that members could “disappointment in the manner in which attend the funeral service of Elma Dougan, wife of government is going about this project.” former Attorney General Carlyle Dougan. by DAYLE DA SILVA by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Opposition Leader has evidence THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Arnhim Eustace said that he intends to go public with the names, and will be taking legal action against persons that have transferred to vote in East Kingstown, but are not resident of that constituency. “I must say that I know of some names already who are registered to vote in East Kingstown who are not living there, and I have a few names on that, and I will deal with those persons,” Eustace said on Monday during his weekly radio programme ‘New Times’. This is a cause for concern, the leader of the opposition said. According to Eustace, the New Democratic Party (NDP) had evidence that individuals were being registered in the constituency and were not resident there. “And we know some of the names,” he said, adding that, once they have been confirmed, he would be making them public, and intended to take legal action. Chapter 5 of the ‘Representation of the People Act’ Subsection 1(b) states that an individual qualifies to vote if he/she is a ‘Commonwealth citizen who has been residing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a period of not less than twelve months immediately preceding the qualifying date, and in either case has resided in that constituency for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the qualifying date.’ Subsection (2) states that ‘no person shall be qualified as a voter for more than one constituency’.

PM says US report is flawed by DAYLE DA SILVA

under 18 are pressured to engage in sex acts with men for exchange of money and gifts, and that local PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph officials and NGOs have also Gonsalves has once again raised concerns about foreign dismissed the US State women who are engaged in Department’s 2015 Trafficking in prostitution, and that foreign Persons Report, saying that it is workers from South America and flawed and wrong. other parts of the Caribbean are Speaking at a press briefing subjected to forced labour in or last month, Gonsalves - this while transiting the country. country’s Minister of National It stated that while there have Security - hinted that the report been measures implemented to was flawed and inaccurate. deal with the issue of human “I made this point from the trafficking, the government did very first time, in my letter to the not demonstrate overall Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton increasing anti-trafficking efforts a few years ago, and I make the compared to the previous same point. If you read the report, reporting period. you will see what I tell you that it But Gonsalves said that the is lacking some specificity,” report was wrong, and that local Gonsalves said. authorities continue to work with According to the report, it all the relevant persons and stated that SVG was a source, groups to get rid of this global transit and destination country problem. for men, women and children Work continues locally, he said, subjected to forced labour and sex adding that he had received a trafficking. copy of the second quarterly It also stated that there were report - issued locally - as he is reports that some local children the chairman of the task force.

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves has hinted that the US State Department’s 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report is inaccurate as pertains to the state of affairs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The report gives him a detailed outline of the work done during the corresponding period, he explained, and among the details in the report was that of the unit’s work in preventing a young woman from being a potential victim of human trafficking or scammed. This country was placed back on the Tier 2 watch list last year, which comprises countries, according to the State Department, that do not fully comply with the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 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 What is Venezuela’s motive? IS VENEZUELA being honest about wanting to put the current impasses between herself and Guyana to rest? Venezuela, which borders Guyana, and which is a leading OPEC member, demanded, by way of a Presidential Decree of May 28, that Guyana, a fullfledged CARICOM member, cease oil exploration off the coast of a region known as the Essequibo, territory that forms part of the sovereign nation of Guyana. The demand/decree came a matter of weeks after it was reported locally, regionally and internationally, that the Exxon Guyana explorations had discovered large deposits of oil. In fact, Exxon Guyana announced in May that the estimated deposits stood at 700 million barrels of crude oil, at the least — a substantial amount in any ‘oil’ language — Arabic, Spanish or English. The value of that motherlode is cited by Bloomberg Business, highly regarded for its market news, data, and analysis, as being equivalent to 12 times Guyana’s gross domestic product (GDP) — US$ 2.99 billion in 2013. Of course, Venezuela’s latest claim to Guyana’s territory included the maritime area in which that motherlode of crude oil was discovered. Let’s be honest. Would Venezuela lay claim to an ‘empty’ bed of water? Being honest. Would anyone be faulted for concluding that Venezuela’s claim has nothing more to it than increasing its territory of oil deposits? To extend its place and size in the world of oil producing nations (OPEC) who, take it or leave it, still have serious impact on the world economy? Does Venezuela’s increased earning capacity, should it ever take hold of Guyana’s oil deposit, mean increased assistance under Petro Caribe and Alba? Is allowing the claims on a CARICOM’s colleague’s territorial sovereignty a sacrifice we are prepared to make for thirty pieces of silver? Venezuela must be put in its place, regardless of how many OECS countries hold fast to the ‘concessionary’ oil facility offered by Petro Caribe, and assistance in other social programmes such as health and education. President Maduro must not be allowed to go unrebuked for his belittling of a sitting leader of CARICOM, to wit, “It takes a lot of patience to process, digest and not vomit when one reads and hears the statements against Venezuela ... by the current president (of Guyana),” and referring to the recently elected Guyanese President David Granger as a “hostage of Exxon Mobil.” What does the Venezuela President expect? That President Granger would take his threats sitting down? That the robust politicians who comprise the Conference of Heads of CARICOM would pull their plugs and deflate in the face of a threat to a fellow CARICOM member? Sadly, with the mild and seemingly apologetic statement that arose out of their last Conference, the Heads of CARICOM appear unwillingly to displease the mightier Venezuela. Is that an act of cowardice? Are we to even think that Guyanese would be left to fend for themselves at a table of ‘negotiations’ that has been prefaced by wild, unhealthy and downright disrespectful utterance against their President? According to a Reuters report, President Maduro has ordered his foreign ministry to conduct a full review of bilateral relations with Guyana. What this implies is anybody’s guess. It is time that the rest of CARICOM accept the fact that Guyana has a lot to offer the region and, therefore, must be supported. Albeit, the English-speaking country is among the most impoverished countries in South America, currently ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI); with a reported 35 per cent of the population below the poverty line, and some say, limited opportunities for meaningful employment. The contradiction is that the country has a literacy rate of 93.7%. Education has received much of the state’s focus in the last decade, but because of the lack of investment in the country, and limited skilled labour opportunities, many are forced to migrate to North America, and to a lesser extent, CARICOM countries. But Guyana is poised for substantial investment. With an abundance of raw materials, e.g. lumber, iron ore, shrimp, gold, and now oil, Guyana has the potential to grow faster that most, if not all other CARICOM countries, and even faster than many South American, non-English speaking countries. Does Venezuela recognise all of this potential why it is ready to pounce on Guyana? Do CARICOM countries recognise this? If there is to be any genuine Caribbean integration, CARICOM members must stand firmly behind one another, especially in the face of threats that are motivated by narrow political and economic gain. Are there more friends of Venezuela among the CARICOM grouping than there are friends among themselves?

This is Arnhim Eustace: Yesterday, today and tomorrow A Necessary Re-Print IT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE that Arnhim Eustace is a cold and aloof personality that lacks the common touch. It is more accurate to say that he is indeed a serious person who learnt how to mix, but does not wallow. Refreshingly natural, Arnhim greets people with real warmth, minus the contrived folksiness, back-slapping and raucous laughter that is skin-deep and puton. And he does seldom suffer fools gladly. Still less is Arnhim a cost-cutting accountant devoid of human feelings though, it is admitted, he can be blunt and forthright in all his dealings. One caller to a radio station had to climb down from an original claim that in negotiating with teachers Eustace had bellowed “Not a damn cent more for you”, and Jeff Trotman whom Glen Jackson had placed on the scene, could not recall a situation in which Eustace had virtually started a shoutingmatch with public servants across the bargaining- table. It is not his style which is to be gentle but firm. It was, however, Eustace’s victory speech at Victoria Park which sent the Red Rats into a bout of hysteria. Arnhim’s hard-hitting mission statement was described by his detractors as vicious and belligerent, precisely because it did not match the image they had projected on Eustace as a man who yields his ground rather than stand up and fight fire with fire. The perception presented by Eustace’s critics, was that the speech was strident and bellicose, betraying a man headed for the warpath. Objectively, Arnhim had picked his words carefully in producing a speech that was brilliant, measured and appropriate. Up to the time of his election as president of the NDP and Prime Minister designate, Eustace was generally known for his straightforwardness, honesty and integrity. Top drawer journalist Jerry George had described him as being incorruptible, while Stalky John declared that, in all his dealings with Eustace, the latter always “played with a straight bat”. Since, however, politicians are corrupt by definition, there is currently an orchestrated attempt to stain his name and besmirch his character, in a thinly-veiled attempt to derail his election drive. The New Bank matter will eventually come out in the wash. In the meantime, however, one may justly call in aid one of Mitchell’s favourite quotes: “You cannot tarnish gold with dirty water”. Eustace himself has a more reflective response: “If that is what politics has descended to, God help us”. It is significant that public figures

known to be in opposition to the NDPBassy Alexander and Patrick Hughes- have all publicly declared their confidence in the innocence of Eustace vis-à-vis the Nano affair. In regard to his professionalism, the picture painted is that Arnhim suddenly appeared in St Vincent around the midnineties, to serve Mitchell as a sort of lacklustre, compliant economist in the erection of “failed projects”! The truth is that most projects are indeed impressive. And back-up infrastructure has been excellent - water, electricity, social insurance and the rest. However, the main point stressed here is that in his earlier career, Arnhim proved to be a brilliant economist and public servant during Labour’s Administration 1974-1978. Within those five years, Arnhim, armed with a Master’s Degree in Economics, moved from being an Administrative Cadet, to Assistant Secretary, to Manager Development Corporation, to Director of Planning, to Permanent Secretary Agriculture (of which Beache was junior Minister), completing the distance at the tender age of 32 years! He then walked out of his job on a matter of principle! Clearly, Eustace’s C.V.neatly fits the job description of the task he is now called upon to undertake. Nowadays, the real theatre of action is located externally, with only shadow-boxing taking place locally. Arnhim has the wherewithal to deal with our external economic environment. In his earlier years, Eustace had been a member of the Forum, and a radical president of the CSA. Indeed, it was generally believed that the Labour Government had passed the draconian Public Service Act 1971 specifically to curb the political trespass of the likes of Eustace, Parnel Campbell, Kerwyn Morris and John Cato. Deep down in the innermost reaches of Eustace’s psyche, are commitments made to the people of this country in the philosophy of the Forum which was partly captured in the DFM manifesto of 1974. The consultative process was referred to in the promise to take directions from the civic society in general; there was the imperative of representatives reporting back to base periodically; for the institution of the system of Recall; for a limit of two terms for a Prime Minister; for a declaration of assets; for the continuing search for more appropriate and relevant forms of governance. Continued on Page 12.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 9.

Letters

Abomination!

HOMOSEXUAL and abortion are against the will of God. What does Almighty God — Yahweh have to say about this? You prefer to listen to man who rewrites Yahweh’s laws. They tell you that to kill innocent babies in the womb is not a sin. They legalize abortions, and the preachers teach the church not to speak against this law. The organized churches who meet on Sunday have taken the bribe of the governments of this world. They have taken the spirit of fear and worn it as garments. Where are Yahweh’s holy ministers, who have not compromised and still speak against sin? The man-made laws legalize what Yahweh said is an abomination. They call it same-sex marriage. Not even in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah have there been such sins although the abomination of homosexuality abounded. But they did not dare call it a marriage. Those who have embraced abortion, have not spoken out against it. Pastors, you who call yourself leaders, there is no excuse before Yahweh, if you do not repent of this atrocity. The blood shall never come off your head, for the screams of unborn echo in heaven’s ears, and although they’re safely taken home, they still would judge down here. This is what is spoken of in part, what you read in the bible the souls underneath the altar want judgment and they cry out and they say “How much longer, how much longer” — (Rev 6:10). Do you not know that these children are put on an altar of sacrifice to Molech (Psalm 106:38, Lev. 20:2)? Homosexuality is just another lifestyle you want to teach, but it’s the darkness from hell has kept you from seeing the light of truth. This is an abomination unto Yahweh, and it has brought AIDS for an awaking, so that you can ignore Yahwah and try and find cures.

Garifuna, airport and fancy vehicles MR. EDITOR, I hope you will allow me a little more space this time around, since I have a couple things to raise. The first is this whole thing surrounding that Garifuna fellow, Dr. Ramos. The man really caused a fracas in town. Everybody seemed to get into the act, even those who didn’t hear one word that the man said. Radio people and their callers had a field day going home on the man, with one radio man even saying outright that we don’t want them kind of people in this country. Well, I am not going to take sides on this matter. Suffice it to say, I have concluded that there is a whole lot that we still have to learn

about the Garifuna, especially the spiritual side of their history and what they practise today. Those who feel they can play politics with these people, better watch out. My second point has to do with the airport. You will recall that I was one of your letter writers who supported the construction of the international airport from the outset. I especially supported it because there seemed to be so many other countries who were prepared to help us in one way or the other. However, I am left to ask, as we go about borrowing money to complete it (airport), where are those countries who we were

told made up the ‘Coalition of the Willing’? Have they given us all that they promised, or is it that what they promised is just not enough since the original cost has all but disappeared? Unlike Mr. O’Neal, I am not going to cast doom on the airport. I want to see it finished. The only thing that I ask is that we be honest about the whole affair, say how much more we need to borrow once and for all, and stop this piecemeal approach to securing those loans. The third point has to do with all those fancy vehicles I see with number plates carrying ‘F’. I understand that the ‘F’ stands for

‘Farmers’, and the duty free concessions allowed to these ‘Farmers’ were for the purpose of buying a vehicle that could help out with their cultivation, etc. From what I see, these vehicles with ‘F’ on their number plates belong in one of those ‘Fast and Furious’ movies which feature all kinds of sporty vehicles, all ‘supped’ up and ready for the next race. I wonder: Is this privilege being I have read in the newspaper or seen fact a failure of the news media. abused? on TV news, that this health screening Advising the public of what is to I will leave off here. or that public forum is taking come, is one of the major functions of a More another time! place today or took place yesterday at responsible Press. Telling me a road Yahweh descendant this or that public venue in was closed last week, when the media Kingstown. Wonderful! What I don’t should have been on top of the Charles read or hear is that this or that event Government’s planned action, and was going to take place next week, on should have reported the this or that date, or at some other date week before that a road closure was in the future. I would have loved to be planned, is bad news coverage. And GOVERNMENT took its time to execute the present for the public forum held by this happens much more than it rebuilding of the Caratal bridge in Georgetown, and NTRC and ECTEL at Heritage Square should in this country. The various behold that project makes the ULP look small in last Friday. Telling me about clubs, NGOs and cultural and engineering. The bridge should have saved SVG it after the fact is not a service; it is in religious organizations, as well as * Anybody taxpayers $138,000.00 less Government entities know remembers that than its present cost. well in advance when public somebody said that Imagine the river span activities or services are going we would not be is about 50 ft. wide; they to be provided (maybe not so borrowing to have over-stretched its much with the Government, I am a regular listener to WE FM it several times, so others can learn construct the wings on both sides of over who has a hard time telling radio station in Questelles, and for from it too, and especially at a time airport at Argyle? 80 ft on solid ground, and its right foot from its left). It the past 3-4 years, I have listened like this when we are hearing about Will we be in the regular road, it has is the news media’s intensively to the VIEW POINT the Garifuna and Africa. I borrowing anymore over 5 ft above the river responsibility to let the public programmes. I have never missed personally think Mr Ramos should for that purpose? bank overflow. The stones know in advance, not just one. I have enjoyed and learnt a lot have been introduced to Ms * Which two used in the gabion baskets after, significant services from these programmes, especially Charles, to get a better knowledge projects the ULP are too small for river and/or events are to those on Tuesdays presented by about what actually took place must complete embankment protection. transpire. commentator Ms Roseclair Charles. during the Slave Trade, coming before they could These baskets were The Government may well I am not sure how many people from someone who physically risk calling introduced by the British want to conceal an open listen to these programmes, but I stepped foot on those sites and elections? in 1955 after hurricane forum, for its own reasons; an encourage everyone to listen. know the history. * Are we losing the Janet. I cannot resist from publicly On a more serious note, though, I NGO or private organization significance of On that bridge, the may simply not have a appreciating Ms Charles’ think the government and other August 01 — engineers should have used programme of Tuesday 4th August organisations should utilise persons sufficiently competent Emancipation days? a taller back bridge with publicity person to get the 2015. This particular programme like Ms Roseclair Charles to * Anybody notice an arch abutment. They word out in time. News media enlightened persons like myself to a enlighten us on ‘Life on the how many different should have used solid deeper insight of the Slave Trade Continent’ from the eyes of someone need to be reminding those kinds of bank concrete blocks the way the coming from someone who actually who spent a long time among our entities to give them advance charges there are British used their bricks in lived, worked and interacted with notice so as to be able to brothers and sisters. these days? flaming or old English advise the public, to get the our African brothers and sisters. I am quite sure the young Anybody realize bond. Too much flat word out in time to allow the Ms. Charles gave us insights on generation coming up will benefit that on top of bridges, remember the how our ancestors were treated in greatly from her. public to avail themselves of lending out our bridges of old had little or The Gambia, Senegal and Ghana, Kudos to you, Ms. Charles, and these opportunities. savings to earn high no steel, but they outlast while awaiting to be shipped across keep up the good work. It is my I hesitate to say it is rates of interest, the modern. the Atlantic to the Caribbean, hope that one day, Vincentians here laziness on the part of those banks charge Caratal bridge has spoilt Europe and the Americas. She also and abroad will be able to read journalists, because I have a us a pile of different the layout around the shared her own emotions while about your experiences on the great deal of respect for fees on those square, which was used as visiting these sites. While I listened, ‘Motherland’. Do keep educating us journalism as a profession, savings? Is that I could only imagine myself being on different social issues. You are a a Saturday morning but I am not reluctant to prod fair? there sharing these experiences. I true daughter of our soil. market drop off and collect the media as employers to be * How much we felt very emotional. place for shoppers above really paying more active in pursuit of their I will never forget this particular Gerald Richards the Dry River. Venezuela for a legitimate responsibilities. programme, and wish that Kingstown gallon of fuel? management of WE FM will repeat An old engineer HJA

What is the role of the media?

Ugly engineering

Well done, Ms Charles

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Labour Loves You… The Issue THIS WEEK, THE ULP unveiled a new looking headquarters building, following a decision to purchase outright, the property at Murray’s Road. In the process, the ULP displayed a slogan called “Labour Loves You”. Already, this slogan has captured the imagination and attention of supporters and members of the ULP. Even supporters of the opposition NDP exhibit wry smiles on their faces when they hear about “Labour Loves You”, and persons who are undecided voters, are beginning to take notice. On radio, the ULP commentators and programme hosts continue to detail many of the strategies of the ULP administration, which provides the evidence, that “Labour Loves You”. In many ways, this slogan characterizes the approach of the ULP administration, in relation to the socio economic development of the nation. “Labour Loves You” means what it says. It means that the ULP, under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has an abundance of love, faith and care for all Vincentians. It means that the ULP is in love with all Vincentians, including the poor and the working class, all strata of the society, and Vincentians in the Diaspora.

mercy of the Rabacca River. The ULP administration defied the odds and some awful criticism from the NDP, and with the assistance of the government of Taiwan, a bridge was constructed over the river, effectively improving communication and travel between the rest of the country, and the area north of Rabacca. Among the many examples of “Labour Loves You” that we can talk about, is the issue of leadership. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves heads a group of men and women who genuinely express love, faith and caring for all Vincentians. Dr. Gonsalves is mobbed and crowded everywhere he goes in the country, even in constituencies which are represented by the opposition. He is approachable, always has a kind word for all and sundry, with a ready smile. Dr. Gonsalves will always reach out to Vincentians, because he has a passion for this country, and the people of this country. Arnhim Eustace, on the other hand, cannot boast about these qualities. We cannot forget another example of “Labour Loves You”, when the ULP Demonstrating the Love administration responded in a positive way, to two tragedies, the Perhaps the greatest demonstration of “Labour Loves You”, heavy rainfall of Christmas Eve 2013, and the Rock Gutter incident earlier is the way in which the ULP this year. The ULP administration led administration has been able to empower the people of St.Vincent and a national outpouring of love, care the Grenadines through the education and support for the persons who were affected. revolution. From the time the ULP launched its universal access to NDP… a party of HATE secondary education in 2005, more children were going to secondary By comparison, the NDP could school, more children were going to never say that they are in love with the Community College, and equally this country, and its citizens. That important, more Vincentians were party and its spokespersons have lied accessing tertiary level education on the country, have lied on abroad. Vincentians, and they will continue to So the country moved from a tell lies, because they see this as the position where only the children of only way to achieve political power in the rich and the privileged went to universities, to one where the children the country. We must disabuse them of this idea. of all Vincentians were being How can the NDP show love to education, once they have the talent. Vincentians, when they tell the world Suddenly the children of the poor that Vincentians are so poor, that were earning university degrees, they can’t buy a pound of chicken getting into well paid jobs, and back? How can they love Vincentians positioning themselves to help their families. The examples are numerous, when they declare openly, that they don’t care if the country suffers, in where children of the poor and the their quest for political power? The working class have increased their NDP has lied on our young people, qualifications, to benefit their families. This is one of the ways that lied on the education revolution, lied on our health system, lied on the lives the ULP used, to show that “Labour to live programme, and lied on Dr. Loves You”. Ralph Gonsalves and other members Then there is the issue of turning dead capital into live capital. “Labour of the ULP. Now they are involved in a series of Loves You” allowed a number of lies on the International Airport Vincentians to obtain title deed to Project at Argyle. And they say they lands that they were squatting on, love this country and its people? The purchasing state lands at prices as evidence is there, and the facts are low as ten cents per square foot, clear. As a political party, the NDP purchasing houses under the middle cares nothing for this country, and income and low income programmes; has no respect for Vincentians. and for public servants, the one hundred percent mortgage Conclusion programme. All over this nation, Vincentians have been touched, and And so “Labour Loves You” will be have benefited from these strategies, among the key words for the and their lives have been enriched. upcoming election campaign, once Let’s take the issue of the bridge over the Rabacca River. For years, the “the Comrade” rings the bell. The residents in the north of the country, ULP has demonstrated, and continues to demonstrate its love for this from the villages of Fancy, Owia, country and all Vincentians, wherever Sandy Bay, Orange Hill, Overland they are. Remember, we cannot break and Magum, have existed at the faith with the future.

Policies and programmes that the NDP will implement SINCE THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) was elected to office in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we have seen a steady decline in all sectors of the country’s economy. To the extent that we have had four consecutive years of negative growth (2008- 2011) which the ULP regime has failed to admit. As a result, there has been a steady decline in the standard of living for most Vincentians. Moreover, there has been a significant increase of violence against women. This we must change. The NDP is ready to implement its programmes and policies, and will continue to outline them through the media and other means, so that the electorate can be informed. Ten-point plan to be implemented by the NDP for the elimination of violence against women 1. Reforming sections of the police force by: (a). Creating a special unit within the CID, staffed not only by trained female and male officers, but with consulting doctors, social workers and counsellors, with specific training and facilities to address complaints of domestic and sexual violence; (b). Training all police officers, especially in district police stations, to address domestic violence and rape allegations ;( c). Making it mandatory that all allegations of abuse be recorded and acted upon ;( d). Providing CID and district police stations with templates for the interview, advice to and follow up of domestic violence and sexual violence complaints; and (e). Requiring the presence of a female officer at all times at all stations to receive or be physically present at the receipt of complaints of sexual violence. 2. Revising and broadening the police training manual to include training for all police recruits in domestic violence and human trafficking. 3. Implementing the mandatory use of rape kits in medical examinations of rape victims at all district clinics and hospitals. 4. Reviewing the functioning of the Family Court and all legislation connected with Domestic Violence and violence against women to, among other things; increase the power of the Family Court to include the imposition of criminal sanctions for domestic abuse. 5. Passing legislation to criminalize sexual harassment, and to make it illegal for a husband to rape his wife, and amending existing legislation by removing the requirement for the victim to bring evidence to sustain a criminal charge against men who commit statutory rape 6. Making mandatory the reporting by all medical personnel of births to minors at hospitals and clinics or wheresoever that birth may take place. 7. Implementing the collection of data relative to domestic violence, and violence against women nationally, including its dissemination to the public. 8. Instituting and enforcing a code of conduct within the public service at all levels, that provides for protocol on reporting sexual offences, including sexual harassment in the workplace. Respect for the women and girls in our society MUST be a part of how this government conducts itself. We must set the example. 9. Implementing the Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter, to provide women and children with proactive opportunities at the community level.

10. Making API, GIS, public and informal education programs, and public social media programs available to NGOs and social stakeholders. The NDP’s to do list for the first year in office 1. Appoint a Committee on Public Financing and Debt, to give us an actual picture of the state of our country’s financial situation. 2. Remove VAT on more than 100 basic foods and service items including electricity, to become more competitive in our industries. 3. Replant and rehabilitate 1000 acres of bananas in the first year. 4. Complete the reinstatement of a development bank to support enterprise and development. 5. Implement the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to provide local employment and handle constituency development and small projects at constituency level. 6. Pay fees for all CSEC and CAPE examinations, so our young people can afford to sit the number of examinations for the subjects they are signed up to do at CSEC and CAPE. 7. Revive and refinance the Book Loan Scheme, a scheme started by the Honourable Arnhim Eustace as Minister of Finance. 8. Begin the maintenance of all constituency playing fields. 9. Tackle and reduce crime at the community level. 10. Design and Implement a National Health Insurance Scheme. Preparation was completed by the NDP before it left government in 2000, and NEVER implemented by the ULP. It will be done. 11. Improve health facilities and availability of medication at the hospitals and clinics for persons who are unwell, so they would not have to leave the hospitals and clinics when they are sick, to get medication not available at the hospitals and clinics. 12. Begin the process of repaying the government’s debt to the Private Sector. 13. Do what is necessary to complete construction of the Argyle International Airport. 14. Create 500 technology jobs in our first year. 15. Introduce Integrity Legislation. It must be noted that the five hundred (500) jobs mentioned are in the Information Technology sector alone. More jobs will be created in the agricultural sector, the tourism industry, through the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund, in the private sector and from projects that will be implemented. In addition, our embassies and missions will be restructured, and a special unit will be established at those embassies and missions to seek investors to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From these investment jobs will be created for Vincentians. Vincentians, you have been suffering for too long, under an administration that does not care about your wellbeing. The NDP has the policies and programmes that will improve your standard of living. Therefore, we are appealing to you that on Election Day, vote for the NDP. WE READY!

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Baobab: The Tree of Life

“Strong astride its environ. This African tree flourishes in the desert’s drought and flowers in the darkest night.” — Insert found on the inside front cover of the programme for the installation of Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (May 31, 2015). Professor Sir Hilary Beckles will go down in history as one of the Caribbean’s citizens who championed the need to create and sustain a strong link between the nations of the Caribbean and the African continent. This is reflected in many of his writings. A visit to the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies (Barbados) confirms he sought to remind the peoples of the Caribbean of this “connection across the Atlantic”. As principal of the Cave Hill Campus, he encouraged and supervised the construction of the new administration building which is designed to portray one of the more popular African stools. Visitors to this building will be pleasantly surprised to observe the many African paintings, photographs, and carvings that adorn the walls. In his own way, Sir Hilary has heightened our awareness of the need for our Caribbean people to network with governments and organisations in Africa. The quotation that was used to introduce this week’s article was found on the inside front cover of the programme for the installation of Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as ViceChancellor of the University of the West Indies. This event took place at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies on May 31, 2015. Research confirms that the Baobab tree can be found in the drier parts of Africa and Australia. Some natives on those continents refer to the tree as “bottle tree”, “the upside-down tree”, or “the tree of life”. The last name is most interesting and quite understandable. Some species of the tree reach heights of close to 100 feet, and the diameter of the trunk can sometimes reach 36 feet. However, one of the very fascinating things about this wonder of God’s creation is that lies in the fact that the trunk can hold as much as 120,000 litres of water. Wow! No wonder some refer to it “the tree of life”. This amazing tree is often leafless for most of the year. We can therefore imagine why some viewers will refer to it as the “upside-down tree”; the leafless branches appear like roots stretching to the sky in search of water and nutrients. Research has confirmed that some species live well beyond a hundred years. Throughout their lifetime, they provide water, food, shelter and clothing for the animal and human inhabitants in the areas where they

grow. This is especially important for the dwellers of the African savannah regions. The massive stem contains fibres that are fire-resistant, and have proven to be excellent for making rope and clothing. Medicines and condiments can be made from the leaves. The plants produce a fruit (often referred to as “Monkey Bread”) that looks like a coconut and has a velvet-like shell that is an excellent source of Vitamin C. This “wonder tree” has a cork-like bark. The mature trees are usually hollow. This feature, and the massive size of the tree, make it ideal for several species of insects, animals, and humans to live in. It is known that some entrepreneurs have constructed bars and beer shops in the “natural living spaces” within the trunks of Boabab trees. In an article appearing in the Daily Mail in December 2007, reference was made to a South African family (the Van Heerdens) who came across a Boabab tree containing artefacts belonging to the pioneering Dutch Voortrekkers family. The Voortrekkers had travelled through South Africa in the mid-1800s. Tools and wagon pieces dating back to the Great Trek were also found within the hollow of the tree trunk. They assert that Boabab trees hollow naturally as they age. They proclaim that there are trees on their farm that can easily seat as many as fifteen persons within the tree trunk. Wow! What a wonder of God’s creation! The Boabab tree can teach us so many life lessons. In the first instance, we realise that we can flourish, even when we are exposed to extremely harsh life conditions. Sometimes we underestimate our ability to cope, even as we face very trying times. The “drought” may appear to be harsh and long, but we often have the capacity, the ability, to survive — to flourish. It is also true that such harsh conditions may initially appear to rid us of our “leaves,” but we still have so much substance within us. Amidst our trying times, we can be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. The Boabab inspires and encourages us to be strong; to not lose hope even when/if conditions may initially appear to be unfavourable. It is a tree of hope. It is a tree of provision. It is a tree that encourages and inspires us to find strength from within and bless those without. In a very true sense, it is a tree of life. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

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Factories needed in SVG for jobs and to strengthen the economy

OUR COUNTRY has a significant potential to export many more goods, but the economic incompetence and lack of vision of the ULP regime, are dragging our economy down and pushing unemployment up. The ULP regime simply does not understand that the SVG economy cannot grow unless we increase the number of products that are exported. Creating new products expands the economy, and in order to create new products, especially in light industries and agro-processing, we must build factories. The economically incompetent ULP regime is focused on a policy of begging and borrowing and mass tourism. This is a waste of time, and does not bring long-term sustainable economic growth. On Tuesday 4 August 2015, ULP and NDP parliamentarians approved a further $13 million to be thrown away on the Argyle Airport fiasco. This $13 million should have been used to build factories for agro-processing, so that

we could start exporting a variety of fruit juices and tea. These factories would create thousands of new jobs for our people, and expand the economy. We must bite the bullet and close the misfit Argyle Airport. One of the priorities of a Green government is to build factories to create jobs, boost the economy, and help farmers and small businesses export their goods. As well as a strategy of import substitution, we need to change our economy so that it is export-oriented. A Green government will cut ties with Taiwan and create ties with China. We will then use SVG’s deepsea tuna fishing licence to set up a joint-venture, tuna fishing industry. A factory will be built in SVG to process and can this tuna fish, so that it can be exported and also sold in shops in SVG. This tuna fishing and canning industry will create thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for our country. As in Zanzibar, a tuna fishing and

SVG should be exporting products such as organic tea, organic baby food, organic fruit juices, organic honey, organic dried fruits, organic vacuumpacked vegetables, organic bottled coconut water, organic coffee, smoked fish and numerous other products. Many of the vegetables grown in SVG, such as dasheen, have byproducts that can be exported too. Vision and innovation are needed to boost the economy and create a thriving agro-processing industry — a Green government has the ability to do this. The ULP regime has been a failure. A Green government will also set up factories for light manufacturing. Most of the manufactured goods in SVG are imported. A Green government will profile the economy to assess which of the imported manufactured goods could be made in SVG. For example, most clothing in SVG is imported, but by importing cloth and working with fashion designers in SVG, our country could not only have factories producing clothes, but exporting clothes too. By doing this type of economic adjustment and innovation, a Green government can bring the change that is needed in our country to create thousands of new jobs, reboot the economy and get money circulating in our country. Factories, import substitution and an export-oriented economy are necessary to reduce poverty, expand the economy and create economic growth.

canning industry will create hundreds of new jobs in secondary industries such as ice-making plants, cold-storage services, boat-building yards, workshops to make fishing nets, and engine repair and maintenance workshops. It is imperative that factories are set up for agro-processing. It makes no sense that SVG exports peanuts, but imports peanut butter; and exports a variety of fruits, but imports fruit juices. These types of economic anomalies need to be sorted, to create jobs and strengthen our economy. By exporting ‘value-added’ products such as fruit juices and peanut butter, rather than primary products such as peanuts and fruit, the economy will grow faster. Since 2011, over $200 million of food has been imported in to SVG every year. This $200 million a year has been going into the pockets of farmers abroad and funding jobs abroad. By setting up agro-processing factories in SVG and making use of the fruit and vegetables SVG farmers produce, this $200 million a year can go into the pockets of SVG farmers, fund jobs in SVG, and make food cheaper for everyone in SVG. Imported food is very expensive, and many poor families cannot afford to SVG Green Party feed themselves adequately. www.svggreenparty.org

This is Arnhim Eustace: Yesterday, today and tomorrow Eustace’s stint with the Caribbean Development Bank opened to him a What the country now sees as new world into which he had to find a brilliant ideas coming from other niche for those small Caribbean sources are, in part, wanton islands. He certainly impressed both plagiarism of thoughts Arnhim and Bank Presidents Willie Demas and Sir company championed over 26 years Neville Nicholls with whom he worked ago! as to the quality of what he offered. As far back as the late 1960s, As Prime Minster, Eustace could Eustace while attending University in have a direct and wholesome influence Canada, had sent back home to in guiding our destiny and enhancing associates for publication in the our survivability in a world situation Flambeau magazine an article with that daily challenges us. the tell-tale label: “Obstacles to After some 14 years, the mists have Economic Growth”. Using different cleared somewhat, and the people now fora, Eustace made a life-long see that the NDP led by Eustace is the commitment to seek to eliminate, or only saviour that can rescue them significantly reduce, the cause of those from the evil ways of the ULP obstacles. Government that has lost its way, Arnhim has always been as solid as currently running amok. they come: feet anchored on the On the hot-seat of Leader of the ground, head firmly placed between Opposition, Eustace has matured like sturdy shoulders, and heart beating to vintage wine, and acquired the wisdom of the ages: his exemplary stand on the the pulse and rhythm of his people. St. Kitts election; his views on The speed and ease with which Guyana-Venezuela boundaries dispute; Eustace shifted gear from technocrat his take on the challenging SVG to politician, speaks volumes on the International Airport, and finally his versatility and adaptability of the principled commitment to the concept convert, eager to move from the of Honorary SVG citizenship for our stultifying atmosphere of the office Garifuna “Exiled” brothers, all mark environment, regularly to catch a him as a visionary grounded in breath of fresh air in identifying with pragmatism, a true leader. the grass-roots.

Continued from Page 8.

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More elated LIME smart phone winners through text and win LIME CUSTOMERS CONTINUE to scream and shout for joy, after being told that they are the winners of top-of-the-line handsets, by just sending a text message. Businesswoman Sandra Jack, still elated about winning a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, said that she could not contain herself when she received the call telling her she was a L-R: winner. The Brighton resident said she is a long standing customer, and that the new smart phone comes at the perfect time for her. “I can’t thank LIME enough. When I heard Nikala on the radio, I started texting because I really wanted to win,” Jack said. “I started out with LIME on a Blackberry, and then I moved up to an iphone which I had for the past four years, and the battery was going, so I definitely needed an upgrade.” Jack said that she is still getting used to her “latest toy” which she could not have afforded if she had to get it on her own. She said that her years with LIME have paid off, and that she has no problem sticking with the number one telecommunications provider, with whom she is well pleased. “I am encouraging others to text and they will stand a chance of winning. If I could win, anyone can

Dacara Telesford and Sandra Jack. win. I can’t stop smiling,” Jack said. Also winning in the week was Arnos Vale resident Dacara Telesford, who won herself a brand new Samsung Galaxy ACE 4. Telesford, another long time LIME customer, said “I was shocked when I heard that I won, because I didn’t expect to win. I am grateful to have won.” She admitted that she doesn’t normally enter into competitions, but couldn’t help sending a few texts, because “the promotion sounded good.” Other customers can take advantage of this opportunity by texting #SUMA to 6263 for their opportunity to win. Customers can also win free grocery vouchers, when they top up $20 or more at LIME locations, and receive free backpacks, when they purchase smart phones.

C&W Communications begins countdown to Rio 2016 Pledges commitment to bring more Caribbean Olympic content RIO 2016 OLYMPIC Games is just around the corner, and C&W Communications (C&W), operators of Flow and LIME brands in the Caribbean, has pledged to bring more Caribbean Olympic content to regional fans. With just 361 days to go, C&W, the Exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), has also committed to support Caribbean athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams. With the hopes of millions of Caribbean nationals in the diaspora and across the region hanging onto the prospect of mining gold, the Olympic Games are eagerly anticipated and a major source of national and regional pride. Only last week, Flow Jamaica announced a major partnership with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, (JAAA), and inked a twoyear deal valued at J$28M to sponsor all its national championships and teams. In the coming weeks, other C&W markets across the region will announce their support of local athletes in preparation for Rio 2016. Earlier in 2015, C&W revealed it had become the exclusive telecom

partner to the CANOC, which had secured the Olympic content rights in 20 English-speaking countries, as well as non-exclusive rights to 10 nonEnglish-speaking countries throughout the region. The company also announced its intention to thrill Caribbean audiences by bringing multi-platform streams of exclusive, locally focused content featuring Caribbean athletes as they pursue victory at the games. “We are proud to bring a more enriched Olympic experience to the Caribbean,” said John Reid, President of the C&W Consumer Group. “We are readying our markets for the games through our sponsorship of athletes and programmes, and by offering multi- platform coverage featuring Olympic content to Caribbean viewers who yearn to see more home-grown talents live and in action on the prestigious world stage,” added Reid. In addition to the JAAA partnership, C&W will unveil a full schedule of activities as it marks the countdown to RIO 2016; customers will soon notice their local Flow retail stores featuring Olympic promotions.

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Digicel Team greeting the athletes. Inset: Special Olympics Team on motorcade.

Special Olympians treated to Motorcade ON FRIDAY, August 7th, Digicel along with the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines orchestrated a motorcade for the Special Olympics team returning from The World Games held in Los Angeles. The team returned home with a total of 22 medals; four gold, twelve silver and 6 bronze medals. The team consisted of 26 athletes and 6 coaches. The day of activities commenced on Friday morning with a professional photo shoot to display their medals. They were then treated to lunch at the

Bank of St Vincent and Grenadines offices, and from there they ended their fun filled day with a motorcade that took them around the streets of Kingstown, waving and celebrating with persons on the streets. When asked how his day went, Walsh Ollivierre stated, “It was so fun! Can we do it again?” Digicel and BOSVG took pride in putting such big smiles on the faces of these Special Olympians. They made us proud to be Vincy.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 15.

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SVG ÂproudlyÊ participates in Unity Parade

Right: Sehon Marshall, Deputy New York Counsel General; Terrance Edwards (back), Kaiia Phillips, Janelle Humphrey (back), Alexi Humphrey, and flag bearer Alecia Williams, a student born in Sion Hill but resides in Brooklyn.

Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

DEPUTY NEW YORK Counsel General Sehon Marshall says St. Vincent and the Grenadines was “proudly represented” at the 2nd Annual National Day of Friendship Unity Parade in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, Aug. 2. Led by Marshall, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation “flew its (the) national flag high at the event,”

which was held last year for the first time and organized by the office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “I feel honored that the Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was invited to participate in this event,” Marshall told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards. “Our participation in the ‘National Day of Friendship’ unity rally is consistent with the principles we hold as a nation, and with our

foreign policy,” he added. “St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains an unequivocal and consistent voice of fairness, equality and justice in the international system. “Participating in this unity rally shows our commitment to a more united and peaceful world, where the virtues of friendship and respect for the rights of others are held paramount,” Marshall continued. Adams had led the “Unity Parade of Flags”, featuring the colors of all member-states of the United Nations, in a march from the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Plaza Park, in kicking off his second annual celebration of International Day of Friendship. Participants in this

year's festivities also enjoyed an array of cultural performances, highlighting the artistic expression of various nations, as well as complimentary tastes of global cuisine. “Our borough and our city are such a special place to live, because here integration of different cultures occurs,” Adams told THE VINCENTIAN after the celebration. “It’s what I call ‘Brooklyn Fusion’ International Day of Friendship, a holiday which is formally recognized worldwide,” he added. “It allows us to attract hundreds of Brooklynites

to enjoy cultural exchange and the borough’s diversity,” continued Adams, stating that 47 percent of Brooklynites speak a language other than English at home. On International Day of Friendship, the United Nations encourages events and initiatives that promote dialogue among civilizations, as well as solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation. Adams’ celebration of the event attracted

hundreds of Brooklynites to Brooklyn Borough Hall to enjoy cultural exchanges. Marshall said St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ delegation to the “National Day of Friendship” Unity Parade also included Janelle Humphrey; Alexi Humphrey; Kaiia Phillips; Alecia Williams, who carried the flag in the parade, and Terrance Edwards, “who staked the national symbol at the flag- staking ceremony.”

V Guardsman covers 10 students 16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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by KENVILLE HORNE

A TOTAL OF TEN STUDENTS were on Wednesday presented with scholarships and bursaries by security firm Guardsman SVG Ltd., during a presentation

ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Kingstown. Four scholarships were awarded, with two going to two new students who performed exceptionally

well during the 2015 two others, to CPEA examinations, and students who are

Scholarship and bursary recipients and their parents. in secondary school and teachers for their continued dedication in continue to produce educating our young excellent results. minds and producing The recipients of the excellent well rounded scholarships are: Rhett Matthews and Jamarni products from our Vincentian Matthews (the new recipients), and Tiffanni communities.” Chairman of Agard and Tuwhana guardsman Keith Bowens, who are Howard said that it is continuing their his hope that the secondary school students use the scholarship. Receiving opportunity to further the bursaries were: their studies. “When you Kevern Nicholls, Joego to school, study your Hanna Hoyte, Ricardo Lewis, Brittney Weekes, books,” Howard Fitzgerald Hamlett and appealed. He also implored parents to William Soleyn. The ensure that the children awardees of the make good use of the scholarships and bursaries are children of funds. He told the students that he had the the company’s opportunity to look at employees. some of their results, Speaking at the ceremony, Idris Forbes, and noted that there is Administrative Manager need for improvement. “Don’t depend on your at Guardsman SVG parents, don’t depend on Ltd., said that the Guardsman… students employees are the must take up that company’s greatest responsibility and work assets. “Our employees are our greatest assets, hard,” Howard said. Guardsman SVG Ltd. and with this in mind, began its operation here we continue to reward in SVG in 2003. It offers them for the a wide range of security immeasurable contribution in building services, including: Cash this company into what in transit, armed and guarding services, it is. The directors and vehicle tracking and management share the security alarm systems. joy of the many proud parents; our employees who deserve to witness their children rewarded for their great efforts. I am even more pleased to announce that there will be two instead of one new scholarship award for the 2015 academic year,” said Forbes, adding, “I would like to congratulate all students along with their parents, and not Keith Howard, Chairman of forgetting the Guardsman SVG Limited.

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News

More students benefit from Melanie Mckenzie scholarship collected to these six students. We have six students, and these are all THE NATIONAL SOCIETY of Persons with Disability students with disabilities,” said (NSPD) awarded six students with scholarships, under Cumberbatch. the Melanie Mc Kenzie Educational Scholarship Fund, The beneficiaries of this year’s a programme that has been running for the last ten scholarships are Jamarni Findlay years. and Rhea Burke from the The scholarship fund is the brainchild of the late Georgetown Special Needs School; Melanie Mc Kenzie who dedicated her life to Destiny Cuffy and Winston Frank educating children with disabilities. from the Helping Hands Centre; Phil The scholarships were distributed at a Ollivierre from the Bequia Sunshine presentation ceremony on Wednesday 5th August at School, and Devin Richards, a Form 3 the NSPD headquarters at New Montrose. student from the St. Clair Dacon President of the Society Patricia Cumberbatch Secondary School. Recipients of the scholarship, their parents, and other members outlined how the money to finance the scholarships Cumberbatch said that the of the National Society of Persons with Disability, including is achieved. financial support for Destiny Cuffy President Patricia Cumberbatch (sitting in wheelchair) next to Persons and organizations that care for persons was limited, forcing the Society to Jonathan Nicholls (kneeling). with disabilities across St. Vincent and the look for additional funds. Grenadines are invited to attend a benefit march, “Because it’s a little more costly Police Jonathan Nicholls said that over 25 years which is an annual event beginning at the Peace and we know Helping Hands caters for children ago, he recognised that “Everything that we can do Memorial and ending at Victoria Park. with severe disabilities,” said Cumberbatch. to help less fortunate individuals is important”. During the event, funds are solicited from the The Society’s President stressed the point that “It’s not about how much wealth and possessions general public, and these are then used to provide disability is not inability – “And that is what we you can acquire; that does not count if you do not the scholarship for the students. are here for, to educate them.” consider the less fortunate persons,” said Nicholls. “So today, we are contributing what we have Recently retired Assistant Superintendent of by KENVILLE HORNE

Basil points scholars to IT skills the opportunity to encourage persons to get into the Fourteen Preschools throughout the state have field of Information Technology. received help with feeding, training for teachers and He urged students to learn how to make parents, and repairs to those institutions. programmes using the Information Technology Cots have also been given to those outlets. base. “We need to hone in on these skills,” he implored. The message was not just to the youngsters. Charles urged parents to tell their children about the benefits of mastering the technological era. L-R (front row): Jada Chambers, Calecia Swift, “We should spend a Khalid Browne, Saviola Blake and Reanna Phillip. lot of time trying to get Back Row: Basil Charles, Samantha Goodluck our kids into and Karen Joseph-Nero. Information Technology programmes,” he by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY advised. He pointed out that BASIL CHARLES, FOUNDER of the Basil Charles jobs were available in Educational Foundation, is advising persons to make Information Technology a main focus of their those areas. Over 200 youngsters lives. He made the request last Wednesday at the have received help from handing over of three scholarships and two the Basil Charles bursaries to former primary school students. Foundation since it was The scholarships were awarded to Jada founded in 1995. Chambers, Saviola Blake and Calecia Swift. The Charles has been a bursaries went to Khalid Browne and Reanna driving force behind the Philips. Mustique Blues Festival. Calecia Swift placed 24th for Girls and 35 overall. She will continue her education at the Girls’ Proceeds from that event, along with sales High School. She had primary education in her home village of Richland Park at the Richland Park of CDs, provide funds for the children’s education. Government School. Donations from Jada Chambers also enters the Girls’ High individuals and business School, having placed 54th for Girls and 72 overall outfits add to the in the last Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment. The Peter’s Hope resident attended the Barrouallie students’ support. Rasbert Humphrey, Government School. one of the first recipients Blake will attend the St. Vincent Grammar School. He placed 35th for Boys and 115 overall. He of the Basil Charles Foundation, works for is a former Diamonds Government School student. the Caribbean Browne hails from the South Windward district of Biabou. He placed 45th for Boys and 133 overall, Development Bank, having acquired a and enters the St. Vincent Grammar School in Master’s degree in September. Finance. Reanna Phillips is from Diamond and attended In addition to the the Argyle Roman Catholic School. She will proceed scholarships and with her secondary education at the Girls’ High bursaries, the Basil School. She placed 88th for Girls and 129 overall. Charles Foundation has The five students and their parents heard helped with the Early Charles’ words of wisdom. One with wide-ranging Childhood Programme. experience on international affairs, Charles used

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

More students off to Taiwan Left: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and H.E Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan with new scholarship awardees.

SEVENTEEN MORE young Vincentians will be joining the 50 that are currently pursuing graduate and post graduate studies in Taiwan. H.E Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan said at a ceremony last Thursday, that this number was four more than that which was awarded scholarships in 2014. He also said that with this, it was important to note that the budget allocated for scholarships remains the same, so when there are four more students awarded from St Vincent and the Grenadines, this means that the number of scholarships for other countries decreased. “So overall, you performed well,” the ambassador said. Since the beginning of the scholarship programme back in 2004, over 100 Vincentians have benefitted from it, H.E Ger said. “We are especially happy to see that many have returned to serve the country in many ways. They are contributing back to the country from what they have learned in Taiwan,” he said. Both Taiwan and St Vincent and the Grenadines were small island states with very little except their human resources, H.E Ger said. He added that his government has admired the implementation of the education revolution by the ruling Unity Labour Party government, saying that it was his belief that it will pay off in the long term and have a positive

impact on the country. “The scholarships can be seen as a small complement to this initiative assisting our ally in human resource development,” he said. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in his remarks, said that he wanted those present to reflect on what the scholarships represented in “dollar terms”. He explained that, for students pursuing medicine at the University of the West Indies, the cost was EC$100,000 per year. “I want that number to sink in,” he said. Some people attended UWI with full scholarships, half, and part - but whatever the arrangement, it cost roughly EC$100,000 for a medical student, Gonsalves said. In other fields of study, the cost ranges between EC$75,000 to $80,000 per year. “You may be saying to me, Prime Minister you are exaggerating.” But with the various fees, the cost for a tertiary level education at one of the three UWI campuses is expensive. “So this is a great investment, even if you were to factor for each student over year at the sum of $80,000. For 10 students, that’s $800,000 then another 7, that’s another $560,000. That’s 1.56 million,” he said. In addition to the other advantages such as air travel and the US$900 monthly stipend each student receives, it was a good offer.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 19.

News

Essay writers gone foreign the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia as well as the Community College, before embarking on his tertiary sojourn. Zavielle Primus is awaiting assignment having graduated from the Division of Teacher Education of the St. Vincent Community College. She did not hide her emotions, having been Essay Prize Winners and other representatives with Lanceford Weekes, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared winner of the Community College (furthest left, front row); Senator Camillo Gonsalves (2nd from left, back row) and Melicia Abbott, Digicel’s Mobile Advertising segment. “I’m excited. I liked the Executive (furthest right, back row). topic. I am surprised and by WILLIAM ‘ KOJAH’ ANTHONY Tablet, compliments Digicel, very happy,” Primus admitted. and a trophy. Hutchins earned The Campden Park NINE VINCENTIAN WRITERS $150.00 and a phone. Williams resident attended the Thomas have been rewarded for their was given $150.00 for her Saunders Secondary School literary skills. Moses Davis, effort. and the Division of Arts, Cassica Hutchins and Jai-Len Davis, a graduate of the Sciences and General Studies Williams took the top three University of the West Indies before enlisting in the Teacher positions in the General Public with a degree in Economics Education Division. (age 25 and under) category. and Accounting, will be Primus wrote on the topic: They had to write on the topic: pleased with the rewards of ‘Given the reality and ravages ‘Having attained 35 years of the competition. He returned of climate change on Small political Independence, can from the UWI last year, and Island Developing States, development be attained was perhaps inspired to enter what recommendations would without integration of Small the competition so as to get you like to make to Islands States in Caricom and himself into something Governments to effectively Organisation of Eastern productive. He described his address these issues in its Caribbean States?’ position as unemployed. The Foreign Policy?’ Davis received $500.00, a Georgetown resident attended Primus received $200.00

and a tablet. Curtis Johnson was rewarded with a phone and $100 for his contribution, and Renique Hadaway who placed third, took home $150.00. Rayon James, a fifth form Bishop’s College student, also received $200 and a Tablet for winning the Secondary Schools category. The topic in that sector was ‘Deportation has become a topical issue in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as many nationals are being deported from countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As a Vincentian citizen, how would you advise Vincentians to respect the immigration laws of other countries in order to avoid a situation similar to the Canadian decision to impose visa restrictions on our nationals?’ James’ schoolmate Demali James was given a phone and $100.00 for second, and Ozari Gurley from St. Martins Secondary received $150 for placing third. The prize giving function took place last Friday. The competition was put on by the Department of Foreign Policy

and Research within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology. Senator Camillo Gonsalves, at the helm of the Ministry, noted that essay competition was aimed at getting persons between the ages of 15 and 25 more aware of the importance of Foreign Affairs. He noted that many of the challenges this country faced, emerged from situations outside of this region. He pointed that the topics chosen were “pertinent.” Lanceford Weekes, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, disclosed that the essay competition was aimed at increasing the visibility of the Foreign Service. Melicia Abbott, Digicel’s Mobile Advertising Executive described the competition as a “valuable exercise with long term benefits.” She encouraged the winners to use their gifts wisely. “They are the keys to your future,” Abbott outlined. She was referring to the tablets and phones that her company provided.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Is she really a shoplifter? Dear George, MY FRIENDS keep telling me that my girlfriend is a shoplifter, but I refused to believe them. I have no evidence of it, but they are adamant that I should not be with her because of this tendency to take up what is not hers. I asked her about it, and she denies it all, and tells me that her friends are just jealous of her, and want to destroy our relationship. We have been going together for four years now, and nothing like this ever surfaced; so why now? I love this girl, but yet I am not so sure if my friends have information that I do not and should have.

Unsure Dear Unsure, You said you do not have any evidence of what your friends are saying to you, and I do not think you should judge and sentence her without such evidence. Until you do get other information to the contrary, I think you should continue your relationship, and make it clear to her that your values are there to stay, and you will not compromise in anyway shape or form. The important thing is for both of you to be on the same page, as far as morals and values are concerned. Sometimes, friends can be wrong, and it will be a shame if they are wrong in this case, and got you to throw away a good thing.

George

I fear for my life Dear George,

MY HUSBAND threatened to burn the house down with me inside it, if I talk of leaving him. He said if I leave him and he gets his hand on me, he is going to kill me point blank. George, this man is very abusive, and I do not know what else to do. He beats me almost every night, and I am afraid to tell anyone. I have a visa for the United States, and I have been advised to go there by my very good friend who is the only person that knows about my situation. I do not want to leave him just so. He knows I have been planning to go there for a vacation this Christmas, and is ok with that. Should I stay in the U.S with my girlfriend? I do not want to go to the police, because I do not trust them not to tell him, as he has many police friends.

Fearful Dear Fearful, It is a very delicate situation that you are in, and I do understand your fear of not going to the police. Maybe a good break away from the country will do you well. Go and be with your friend for a while, and take that time to settle your thoughts. You need to get away from the environment that you

are in as soon as possible as it is very unhealthy. At some point, you may have to tell someone about your situation so that you can get the best advice meanwhile. I advise that you go to the Marion House in the first instance or find

professional help otherwise. Your husband needs help, but you cannot wait around for him to get that help. You need to look after yourself first and foremost.

George

Nothing to do with the cow Dear George, I TOLD MY BOYFRIEND that I do not like my men masturbating around me and, as a matter of fact, I am totally against it. He did not put up any argument with my position, and told me plain and straight that he has no problem with not masturbating, and it is something he only used to do when he was a boy. To my surprise, George, I not only met him masturbating, but he was doing so standing behind one of our cows. I called to him, and he almost jumped out of his pants on hearing my voice. I asked him what he was doing, and he said what he was doing had nothing to do with the cow. George, I told him there and then, that I do not want such a man in my life, and took my things from his house and walked away. He has been begging me to come back, but as far as I am concerned, he is now history. My friends are accusing me of walking away from a good man without a good cause; but they do not know the real issue, and I do not want to involve them. Am I so cruel to do what I did?

Shocked Dear Shocked,

It was your decision to walk away, and I guess that decision will give you the peace of mind that you will need to continue living the rest of your life. Your fiance’s behaviour is somewhat abnormal, and I think he should get some professional help before things get further out of control for him. It was good that you told him up front what you are about, and he was not the man you are looking for and wish to settle with. I hope you fare better in the future.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will need to spend extra time sorting through your work. You might have a problem hanging on to your money this week. Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it's time to let them stand on their own two feet. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You could lose money or precious belongings if you aren't careful. You may want to talk to your boss about your future goals. Property investments, insurance, tax rebates, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Don't believe everything you hear. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Put your efforts into moneymaking ventures. Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work. Socializing will be more than just entertaining. Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need more time to think this whole situation through. Don't even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do. Emotional upset may prevail on the domestic scene if you have neglected your duties or your mate. Erratic behavior may confuse others, and mood swings may result in isolation. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You could meet an interesting individual you'll want to get to know better. Real estate investments could be prosperous. You will be emotional about money matters. Avoid scandals of any sort. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your best efforts will come through hard work. You are best not to nag or criticize. Social activity should be on your agenda. Try to avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. Don't make promises you can't keep. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this week. Don't make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Be careful not to confuse issues when discussing the matters at hand. You will be emotional about money matters. You are best to work at home if you can. You can help them with difficult projects. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Make sure that you have covered yourself legally and try not to let your temper get out of hand. Voice your opinions and contribute to the de bate. You may have a problem with someone you live with if you don't include them in your gathering. Drastic changes regarding your personal attitude are evident. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Erratic behavior at home may be hard to handle. Try and avoid getting involved in idle chatter or gossip that might get you in trouble. Trips will be favorable for business as well as pleasure. Your charm will be captivating. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. Try a barbecue or a day at the beach. Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too. You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. Jealous co-workers may try to sabotage your attempts to get ahead. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on.

ACROSS

42. Jail inmate 43. The check 1.Attention-get__ the mail ting sound (2 wds.) 4. Invitation 46. Sketches initials 51. Invited 8. Letters on a 52. Abandoned bank door 53. Biography, 12. Wanted for short poster 54. Lichen initials 55. Affirmative 13. C.S.A’s votes Robert 56. Ted (2 wds.) Turner’s 14. Passenger car channel, for 15. Set free short 17. Optimistic 18. Cold and wet DOWN 19. Oil-drilling equipment 1.Good friend 2. Schuss 21. Festoon 3. Restaurant 24. Beau bill Bridges’s dad 4. Televised 27. Coal boxes again 28. Sense 30. Former acorn 5. Chopped cabbage 32. Stinging 6. Animal dr. insect 33. Lawn growth 7. Without equal 34. Uninteresting 8. Wells __ 35. __ Khan 9. Couple 36. Snobbish 10. “__ Only attitudes Love” 37. Ridicule 11. Demure 38. Blast from 16. Proves the past human 40. Israel’s Meir 41. Dancer Miller 20. Evils 21. Swedish

rock group 22. Dora the Explorer’s cousin 23. Actress Tatum 25. Sing, Swissstyle 26. Had the nerve 28. Amiable 29. Ring or mark start 31. Actress Sedgwick 33. Put on pounds 37. Singer Mitchell 39. Natives of Copenhagen

40. Dresses 42. Actress Irene 43. Computer co. inits. 44. __ Paulo, Brazil 45. Name bracelets,

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 21.

for short 47. Fish eggs 48. CBS rival 49. Bombay Sapphire product 50. George W., to Barbara

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The 2015 Eastern Caribbean Youth Ambassadors (left to right): Rol-J Williams, Kamalie Mannix, Alron Henry, Tessa Moncherie, Matthew McLawrence, Timothy Ferdinand (mentor), and Adiel Charles pose with U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS, Dr. Larry Palmer.

Ambassadors to participate in leadership program SIX YOUTH AMBASSADORS from the Eastern Caribbean will travel to the United States in August for the 2015 Youth Ambassadors Program for the Caribbean exchange program. Kamalie Mannix of Antigua and Barbuda; Adiel Charles, of Barbados; Matthew McLawrence of Dominica; Rol-J Williams of St. Kitts and Nevis; Tessa Moncherie of St. Lucia; and Alron Henry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, accompanied by mentor, Timothy Ferdinand of St. Lucia will take part in the three-week exchange program, along with participants from The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The goals of the Youth Ambassadors program are to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and South America, and the Caribbean; prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities; influence the attitudes of the leaders of a new

generation, and foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups; and create networks of hemispheric youth leaders, both within the participating countries and internationally. During their exchange, participants will focus on the program themes of civic education, leadership, and community service. Students will create social action plans at the end of their community program, that each will implement in his/her own country. The program will begin on August 8 in Vermont, and concludes in Washington, D.C. on August 29. Since 2007, World Learning has implemented the Youth Ambassadors Program. World Learning is an American nonprofit organization advancing leadership in more than 60 countries. Its mission is to empower people and strengthen institutions through education, sustainable development, and exchange programs.

VINLEC supports five through education awards programme FIVE STUDENTS of the scholarship who were recipients, Myers successful in the encouraged them to be 2015 sitting of the actively engaged in Caribbean their children’s lives. Primary Exit Meanwhile, General Assessment Secretary of the (CPEA) have National Workers received Movement, Mr. Noel scholarships from Jackson told the St. Vincent students that it was Electricity important for them to Services Limited understand the value of (VINLEC). education. Jackson said L-R: O’Neilia George, Jonte The that in order for them to Martin, Jahdiel Charles. CEO scholarships are succeed, they need to be Thornley Myers is at back. offered under focused and well VINLEC’s Education Awards disciplined. Words of advice also came programme, which was set up in 1984. from scholarship recipient 2008, Ms. The programme seeks to provide Gaidell Andrews. She thanked financial and moral support to VINLEC for their contribution to her children of employees, in an effort to education, and encouraged the help them reach their greatest youngsters to choose friends carefully, potential and prepare them to manage time wisely and work hard. participate in national development. This year’s scholarship recipients At an orientation session held on are Chase Johnson, Sonali Small, August 12th, Chief Executive Officer O’Neilia George, Jahdiel Charles and of VINLEC, Mr. Thornley Myers, used Jonté Martin. the opportunity to congratulate the VINLEC also provides scholarships children, and urged them to be wellto two students at the tertiary level rounded. He noted that the Secondary annually. Over 190 persons have School scholarship will last for five benefitted since the inception. There years, and is valued at twelve hundred are currently twenty-seven students dollars annually, and that this will aid on the programme, twenty-five 25 at both children and parents the Secondary level and two at the significantly. Addressing the parents Tertiary level.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 23.

Under 23 Footballers on historical journey

Coach, Wade “Elbir” Jackson. Stories by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Under 23 footballers will take on host country Haiti later this evening in one semi-final of the Caribbean Football

from the Qualifiers, the team has been doing extensive work in match situation and working on some areas of concern, and he was happy with what they had achieved. He said that in their last practice match against a select national team, the U23 were Relaxed Mood: Kevin Francis, Tevin Slater, Jahvin Sutherland and Nazron Hoyte chatting before departure. able to come away 4-1 victors, and it U17 team which were hammered 6-1 served as a timely boost in the team’s by the Haitians in Trinidad in 2008. confidence. The team will be boosted by the Jackson said that while they have return of Seattle Sounders FC striker not seen any live matches with the Oalex Anderson, who could come up Haitian team, they were doing their against his teammate and Jamaica analysis through videos that they have defender Damion Lowe who will been able to source. represent his team in the other semiHe said his players are heading into final against Cuba. the encounter against Haiti with The talented and speedy Anderson thoughts of revenge on their mind, as has found the nets three times for many of the players were part of the SVG in the Olympic Qualifiers, and reports say that since signing for the Sounders, the 19-yearold has converted four chances. Winners of each of this The team is expected to evening’s semi-final matches be dominant, with viceautomatically qualify for the captain and left-arm spinner two Caribbean Zone spots in Alston Bobb first among the the CONCACAF Men’s contenders. Olympic Qualifying Bobb was among the Championship and will faceWindwards top performers off for the top seed on August in the 2014/15 season, with 16 at Stade Sylvio Cator. over 30 wickets, and is The CONCACAF Men’s expected to be at the Olympic Qualifying forefront of the team’s Championship, will offer the efforts for regional success two Caribbean teams the this year, with Devon Smith opportunity to face the tipped to lead the team in United States, Mexico and place of Liam Sebastien. Canada, as well as the three Legspinner Keiron Cottoy qualifiers from the Central who impressed all during America Zone with a place to his short stint with the Left-arm spinner the 2016 Olympic Games in Zouks in the 2015 Alston Bobb Brazil on offer. Captain Lyndon James Caribbean Premier League The SVG team: Azinho (CPL) and the impressive Solomon, Sylannus Baptiste, the leading batsmen in the trials. right-arm offspinner, Kenneth Dember Dennis Prescott, Kevan The batting is expected to be are the two spinners who will join Bobb, Henry, Nazir McBurnette, shouldered by the experienced pair of not only in the 13, but with a strong Lemus Christopher, Chavel Romel Currency and Miles Bascombe, possibility in the final eleven as well. Cunningham, Kevin Francis, with James and the young brigade of In an indication of the possible Kyle Edwards, Danrouy Gidron Pope, Romano Pierre and Sunil predicament of the local selectors, one Edwards,*O’joy Degrads, Ambris providing good support. official close to the team, hinted that the Derron Rouse, Nazron Hoyte, FULL SQUAD: Lyndon James (Cpt), selection of the three spinners who are all Joseph Douglas, Akeem Alston Bobb (Vice Cpt), Sunil Ambris, capable of contributing good runs down Williams, Brad Miguel, Deno Miles Bascombe, Atticus Browne, the order, could see only two pacers John, Jahvin Sutherland, Shaquille Browne, Keron Cottoy, Romel making it into the final team. Tevin Slater, Oalex Anderson, Currency, Kenneth Dember, Dawnley Wicketkeeper Lyndon James is Dwight Roberts (Manager), Grant, Deron Greaves, Delorn Johnson, retained as captain, despite attempts by Wade Jackson (Coach), Kevin Ray Jordan, Desron Maloney, Obed well -placed sources to raise the question Richardson ( Goalkeeping McCoy, Kenroy Peters, Romano Pierre, about his ability to hold onto the job. A coach), Denis Byam (Physio). Gidron Pope. right-handed batsman, James was among

Union-CFU-Olympic Qualifiers at Stade Sylvio Cator located in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. In June, they advanced to this stage after topping Group Four in Puerto Rico which also included the host country and Trinidad and Tobago. They played to a 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico and beat regional power house Trinidad and Tobago 5-3, to make the historical step forward, the first team to get to this stage of any Olympic Qualifying tournament. Prior to the team leaving here on Tuesday, coach Wade ‘Elbir” Jackson was a man exuding confidence, and felt his team could overcome Haiti, which is one of the teams in Caribbean football that have dominated SVG at all levels. “We know that they are always a good team, and while we are having a good run, we are not going to get ahead of ourselves. The objective is going to be to score goals and to cut down on our defensive errors, and we are good to go”, Jackson said. He informed that since returning

SVG to go spin-bias for Senior Windwards ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines will host the Senior Windward Islands Cricket tournament next week at three venues-the main Arnos Vale Playing Field, Sion Hill Playing Field and the rural Park Hill Playing Field. Concerns are at their highest, with the rainy season now making a serious impression, and ground staff at the three venues battling gamely to get pitches and outfield in good enough condition, which will afford the players the best returns on their outputs. Cricket officials, despite the uncertainty, remain confident of hosting a good tournament, indicating that the pitches at all three locations will produce good cricket. The opening round on August 20th and 21st will see home team SVG taking on Grenada at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field, and St. Lucia and Dominica doing battle at the Sion Hill Playing Field. In round two, August 22nd and 23rd, SVG will take on St. Lucia at Park Hill while Grenada and Dominica will engage each other at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field. The final round of matches on August 25th and 26th will see SVG taking on Dominica at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field, with Grenada and St. Lucia facing each other at the Sion Hill Playing Field. The SVG team has been reduced to 18, with the final 13 set to be named on Monday, local cricket officials said.

V Lyndon James prepares with century 24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

for 46 against Rudy’s Electrical who collapsed to 160 from 15.5 overs. Desroy Samuel 2 for 11 was the next best bowler for Sharpes United. Rudy’s Electrical were rollicking at 99 for 1 at one stage, built on a second wicket partnership of 98 between Krisroy John 55 and Deon Bynoe 39. Browne hit 22 at the top of the order to kick start North Leeward Parliamentarian Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, hands over uniforms to Captain of the Coulls Hill Rangers, Angus Cyrus, his team’s response. while other members look on. Christopher Howe 47 and Lyndon James, Captain of Augustus Cato 26 both not SVG’s senior cricket team, Roland Mathews, beat Somerset total. Cavin Holder out, sealed the victory. proved his worth with his 126 Somerset of Fitz Hughes by 2 for 8 had the best figures for They came together at 105 run haul at the Petit Bordel six wickets. Marcus McCoy 46, Rangers. for 5 and saw their team to Playing Field last weekend. consolidated on Akeem North Stars play victory. Rudy Daize 2 for Shallow’s 37 as Rangers Circumstance in tomorrow’s 40 had the best returns for 216 for 8 from 20 overs. Shang romped to 134 for 4 off 9.3 (Saturday August 15) first his team. I John top scored with 36. overs. Milton Trumpet 2 for 34 game, followed by a Peto Shang I John, playing for Kimal Williams 33, Ewaldo was the best bowler for Stars/Carlos James Rose Bank Robertson’s Surveying Future Stapleton 27 not out, and 25 Somerset. clash. On Sunday, defending Legends, grabbed five wickets each from Rajiv Roberts and They were held to 133 for 6 champs Police play Petit for three runs to help dismiss Oswald Soleyn contributed to from 15 overs in a game Bordel Secondary School, and Carlos James Rose Bank for the score. reduced owing to a late start. then there is a Robertson 51 off 10.1 overs. Winston Coulls Hill Rangers, playing Kevin Small 52 and John Surveying Future Samuel took 2 for 7. in outfits donated by North Williams 32 contributed to the Legends/Ajuba showdown. Future Legends knocked up Leeward Parliamentarian

CAPTAIN OF THE St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior cricket team Lyndon James used the dirt wicket at the Petit Bordel Playing Field to prepare for the 2015 Windwards Island tournament. He notched up the first century in this year’s Vinlec North Leeward T/20 Cricket Competition. James showed his quality with an innings of 126. Playing for North Stars, the right hand batsman stamped his authority. Batting at number three, James started slowly but, once he established the pace and bounce of the wicket, he unleashed an array of shots. His knock was a lesson even for opposing players and those who watched from beyond the boundary. He shared a 143 run fourth wicket stand with Denis Byam 55 not out. North Stars piled up 234 for 5 from their 20 overs. Kimali Williams 2 for 25 was the best bowler for Ajuba. Javon ‘Sauce’ Samuel 4 for 24, supported by Mayor Edwards 2 for 20 and THE 2015 BARROUALLIE Football season Jamal Nash with commenced last Sunday at the Kearton’s similar returns, playing field in front of a huge crowd, restricted Ajuba to 149 despite the sorrow of losing a member of for 9 from their 20 the football fraternity, Dean Browne, overs. abruptly the Saturday night. McKlean Browne The competition began following the shared the weekend’s opening ceremony that featured addresses spotlight with an allfrom Sporting officials and sponsors. round performance for Speakers urged teams to maintain the Sharpes United. required discipline as they give of their best Browne picked up 7 in contesting the 2015 championships.

Bagga Football in full swing The opening encounter between defending champs Youngsters FC and North Leeward Predators ended in a nil all draw in a tame affair. Youngsters displayed great resolve, despite the loss of their Manager Dean Browne abruptly the Saturday night. In Monday’s result, a 54th minute stunning free kick sent the park into chaos, as Veteran Unit The Expendables handed a youthful Unlimited Strikers a one nil defeat. The strike converted by Philbert Gould was enough, as both teams squandered chances in an exciting 13 points, 13 rebounds. Leading scorer for encounter. Rockets was Omario Louie with 10 points. In The second the Second Division action, Blazing Heats encounter between defeated Wizards 75 to 34. Blazing Heats QCESCO Titans and were led by Vernell Phillips with 28 points, Glebe Strikers was a 15 rebounds, 3 assists. Leading scorer for thriller, as Wizards was Shian Farrell with 10 points, 2 assists. Wizards defeated The Generals 79 to 47 in the First division. Leading scorer for Wizards was Orando Blugh with 27 points. The Generals’ top scorer was Colin Blugh with 14 points. Rockets defeated Young Wizards 72 to 27 in the under 16 division on Sunday. Leading scorer for Rockets was Omario Louie with 12 points, 5 steals. Mario Tannis top-scored with 10 points, 12 rebounds for Young Wizards. First Division, East Blazers defeated Warriaz 76 to 69. East Blazers’ top scorers were Kelan Edwards and Cosmus Hackshaw with 19 points each. Leading scorer for Warriaz was Julius Kerr with 32 points.

Blazers, Heat, Titans out-front in Bequia EAST BLAZERS, BLAZING HEAT and Titans are the front-runners in the First, Second and Under 16 divisions respectively, following last weekend matches in the Vita Malt Basketball competition at the Clive Tannis Hard Court on the weekend. East Blazers topped the First division on 60 points, followed by Duke and Warriaz on 45 each. Blazing Heat lead the second division with 55 points, ahead of Rising Stars on 45 and Wizards third on 35. Titans control the under 16 division on 80 points ahead of Hornets 75 and Rockets 70. In last weekend results on Friday, Hawks defeat Dragons 36 to 18 in the Under 16 division. Top scorer for Hawks was Trey Gregg with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals. Leading scorer for Dragons was Jada Peers with 10 points 5 rebounds. Titans ran past Rockets 36 to 31. Leading scorer for Titans was Kelroy Durham with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist. Rockets’ scoring was led by Teddy Isaacs with 17 points, 4 steals. On Saturday, also in the Under 16 division, Hornets defeated Rockets 24 to 22. Shar Benn led the scoring for Hornets with

spectators were treated to a seven-goal thriller. Glebe Strikers led 3-1 in the latter stages of the second half with goals from Andrew Johnson, Winston Browne and Oscar Richardson. QCESCO were persistent and eventually equalized in stoppage time. As if this wasn’t enough, they took the lead in the very last minute of the allotted injury time, clinching a wellearned 4-3 victory. Scoring for QCESCO were Jeremy Charles, Jamal Gibson and Kevin Abraham. Teams will compete in the Bank of SVG Senior Division, Norell Hull Under-17 division, Maxwell Charles U13 division, as well as Hairoun Beer Knock Out title. The Barrouallie Sports Association extends deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Dean Browne, as we share in your sorrow. I.B.A.ALLEN

I.B.A.ALLEN Action in the Bagga football opening

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 25.

Sports

Football craze: Cricket story THE VINCENTIAN Under 15 footballers faced Dominican Republic in a quarterfinal match last Wednesday. The Dominican Republic won their group with nine points, while the Vincentians progressed by virtue a 2: 0 win over St. Maarten in the preliminaries. Having gone down 7: 0 to Curacao the following day, then a 2;0 loss to Antigua and Barbuda, it might have been asking a great deal for the Vincentians to move on to the semi-final scheduled for today Friday, August 14. The final will be Sunday 16. Whereas expectations for the Under 15 lads were farfetched, there is the possibility that the Under 23 will be able to handle the Haitians in a virtual eliminator, in the bid for the two places from Concacaf. The United States of America, Mexico and Canada have secured spots in that line-up. Three others will come from the Central American Zone. A win for the Vincentians today will put them in one of those Groups. Today’s game offers the Vincentians Under 23 a spot in the final against the winner of the Jamaica/Cuba clash Sunday 16. It will be an opportunity for the Vincentian players to get used to conditions in the USA when the time comes for World Cup qualifiers. The Vincentians have a date with Aruba September 4 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, and a return leg in Aruba Tuesday, September 8. Aruba will have no qualms with FIFA having won their protest over Barbados, after the Bajans played an ineligible player. The Vincentians themselves overcame protest action by the Guyanese. The issue was in ongoing contention, even with the fixtures announced. Some appear to be mounting challenges to the FIFA decision. While a diet of football is overflowing the local federation, a number of matters have surfaced. How much effect it will have on the team, is a matter of speculation. The differences within the Federation ought to be handled in a sensitive manner. It benefits no one to be arousing distractions at this critical juncture. This is a time when the nation needs to be in unison on the team’s behalf. Friction within the very body at the helm of this potential period of success will dampen the impact of the forward movement. The fixtures for the Senior Windward Island Cricket tournament throw an interesting venue. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia meet at Park Hill August 22 and 23. That is a red letter day in the context of Vincentian life. Persons seeing the name Park Hill might be of the view that the place may be some near to the city. The tournament opens at the Arnos Vale Playing Field August 21, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines taking on Grenada. St. Lucia and Dominica meet at the Sion Hill Playing for their two-day encounter, also on the 21. Residents in the Windward district will welcome top class cricket in their surroundings. Park Hill is to the north of mainland St. Vincent. It is a small village in the interior. The creation of the sporting facility has undoubtedly transformed that area. Business prospects have enhanced in no small measure. The ground has undergone several trial runs, having served as the venue for some cricket finals since it opened. The village is tucked away in luscious Vincentian verdure, and the rugged landscape adds a tropical backdrop to any sporting event. It will be an excursion of every sort when the game is played there. That marks a new era in Vincentian life.

Scotia Bank supports team to Cayman Islands ranking of 12. Other top 20 ranked players like Kevin Hannaway, Othneil Bailey and Jason Doyle are also looking to step up from their ranking from last year. The men’s L-R: James Bentick (President of SVGSA), squad will be completed Syrian Clarke (Scotiabank Representative) with Romario Constance, and Sherian Slater (Treasurer of SVGSA). in his second appearance also head coach and World at this tournament. Squash Federation tutor, is James Bentick, who is hoping to retain his title and, in currently the SVG, OECS and doing so, encouraging his team to Caribbean 40+ champion, will be strive for a podium finish in this defending his title for the third year’s event. consecutive year. Bentick, who is Sherian Slater, the current OECS 40+ champion, will be vying for the 50+ women’s title. Slater did not compete in last year’s event, but was the Caribbean 50+ champion in 2012 and runner up in 2013. The SVG Squash Association and Senior Squash Team would like to send out a huge thanks and appreciation to their sponsors Scotia Bank (Gold) NOC (Gold) and other corporate sponsors included Bickles SVG, Hadley Blooms and Quik-Print. Back L-R: Romario Constance, Jason Doyle and Othniel Bailey. Front: L-R: James Bentick, Jules Snagg, Sherian Slater and Kevin Hannaway.

TOP SENIOR VINCENTIAN SQUASH players will leave the state to participate in the Senior Caribbean Squash Championship (CASA) to be held in The Cayman Islands from the 16th - 23rd August 2015. Seven elite Vincentian squash players will join their teammates from the BVI representing the OECS team. The championship begins with the individual events followed by the team event. St. Vincent and OECS No. 1 player, Jules Snagg, who recently participated in the regional professional tournament in BVI, will be aiming to improve his 2014

SVG Consulate receives donation

A LARGE SELECTION of new youth cricket and football equipment valued at approximately EC$10,000.00 has been received by the Consulate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to Northern Ireland, following a donation initiative started by Dr Christopher Stange — Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland. The donations are from individuals, businesses, and supporters of SVG, including Podium 4 Sport, various sporting clubs across Northern Ireland, and Granshaw Presbyterian Church. Shipping has been kindly arranged by Dr Christopher Stange – Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Geest Line, Winfresh, Ewings Grenadines (SVG) to Northern Ireland with youth sporting equipment. Shipping Ltd and All Route Shipping Ltd. Dr Stange commented: “On behalf of the The new equipment has been marked for youths aged 12-17 in SVG, through the Ministry of Foreign Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all Affairs, Trade, Commerce and Informational stakeholders for their generosity, which correlates Technology; Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Culture; and Ministry of National Mobilisation and with our Government’s strong commitment towards health, wellness and engaging the youth, which Youth, as there is a demand and need for these cricket and football provides an important medium. individuals, particularly in rural areas. We plan this to be an ongoing initiative, and anyone Arrangements are being made for transport to Kingstown and disbursement through the National who would like to contribute or explore how they may assist SVG, please feel free to contact the Sports Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate directly or visit their and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, website: www.svgconsulate.co.uk. Commerce and Informational Technology.

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

IN MEMORIAM In Loving Lovin ing ng memory me emo ory of ADOLPHUS ADO AD DOL OLP LPH PH HUS AUGUSTUS AUG GUS UST ST TUS JAC JACK JA AC CK who w ho died die di ied ed on on August Aug Au ugu gus us st 14th, 14t 14 4tth, 20 2014. 014. 014 01 14. 4. His H is presence preeseenc nce ce we missed missed, mis iss sse seed, His H is cherished cheerissheed memories meemo oriees we treasure, treeasure re, e, Loving Lov Lo ov vin ng him him always, alw lwa way ays ys, s, No longer lo ongeer in our our life lif ife fe to share. sha are re. e. Ass the A the year yeear departs, deepart rts tss, I our In our hearts, heart he rts tss, he’s he’s he’ he ’ always ’s alw lway lwa ays ys there. the here re. e. He left leeft us us quietly, qu uie iet ettly ly, y, His H is thoughts tho ough ght hts ts unknown, unkno now ow wn, But Bu ut left leeft a memory, meemo ory ry, y, We are are proud pro oud to own. ow wn. Every Eve Ev veery day da ay in some so ome small small way, way wa ay, y, Memories Me emo oriees of of Him Him come co ome our our way; way wa ay; y; So treasure treeasu ure him him Lord, Lo ord d, in your yo our garden ga arrd rde deen to rest; reest; stt; For Fo or when wheen on on earth, eartth, He was wa as one one of of the the best. best st. t. Sa Sadly Sad ad dly missed mis iss sse sed ed and and quietly qu uie etly remembered re em me embere red ed by by his his wife, wif ife fe, e, children, ch hild ldr dre re en, grand gra gr ra and children, child ldr dre re en, relatives re ella ati tiv ive ves es and an nd friends. ffr fri rie ie ends ds. s.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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A.I. REAL ESTATE Gunn Hill 2 bedrm Property - $600.00 per month - CALL Queensbury 22,186 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $332,790.00 - BB139

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AUGUST 14, 2015

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The newly rebranded Headquarters is now owned by the ULP.

ULP OWNS HEADQUARTERS

April and, according to Gonsalves, under the agreement, the sum of THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY EC$120,000 was paid, with a period of HEADQUARTERS at Murray’s Road now 90 days given to complete the belongs to the members and supporters transaction. of the political party. Failure to complete the deal in this It was revealed during a press period would have meant that the 10 briefing on Wednesday that the percent downpayment would have leadership of the ULP had completed been lost. transactions with the property’s “Which is normal for this kind of previous owner, Lionel Coombs, to transaction,” the political leader purchase the property for EC$1.2 explained. million. “Because of the way in which land Political Leader and Prime Minister transactions take to search for titles Dr Ralph Gonsalves told members of and to have all the arrangements the press that, in addition to the properly made, I had asked that we EC$1.2 million that was paid, an get four months to complete; but the additional EC$60,000 was spent on vendor said he would wish three stamp duty, and the registration fees months,” he said. amounted to EC$3,022.50, bringing The period ended on July 21, and the total cost of the transaction to Gonsalves said that all the relevant EC$1,263,022.50. paperwork was signed, that is the deed The process of negotiating to was sent to the previous owner, and on purchase the property began back in its return, the moneys were paid and by DAYLE DA SILVA

the deed was registered on August 5. He further disclosed that half the amount was paid to the bank, while the other half was obtained through a mortgage that was taken on the Gonsalves’ residence at Frenches. “I wanted this property to be free of any encumbrance, and it is free of any encumbrance,” Gonsalves told members of the press. The names of four trustees appear on the deed, these being Sir Vincent Beache, Sir Louis Straker, Julian Francis and Dr Ralph Gonsalves. And he said that, although his family’s property was mortgaged in order to pay for the property, it did not belong to him. In fact, it was revealed that the names of each of the trustees can be changed by the executive of the party in the future. Julian Francis, General Secretary of the ULP said that the building was

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first utilized as the campaign headquarters leading up to the 2005 General Elections, and for the period up to 2010, attempts to purchase the property had proven futile. Two years later, there was a change of heart, and negotiations began. This in light of a report which surfaced in the media earlier this year that stated that the ULP were asked to vacate the premises after amassing EC$100,000 in unpaid rent. Gonsalves said that on March 28, a promise was made to the supporters of the ULP that by the end of the third term, the party would have its own headquarters. “This is a very proud moment for the ULP and its members, this is not a pride which is stuffed up, nor one that is ungodly – this is a pride which speaks to the achievement of a goal that was set,” he said.

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