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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.36

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Brent Bailey, Chief Engineer in the Transport and Works Ministry.

Above: The site of extensive land slippage in the Belmont area that now makes the road inaccessible.

Garth Saunders, General Manager of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA).

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin.

V First day back at school: 2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Some thoughts

by KENVILLE HORNE

IT IS A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, and there is excitement in the air as hundreds of students, decked in carefully seamed uniforms with spanking new bags hung over their shoulders or backs, make their way to new classes, to meet new teachers, to make new friends, some even to acclimatise to different schools.

THE VINCENTIAN spoke with a few primary school students, to find out how they felt going into the new school year, and what plans they might have going forward.

ASHURNA BREWSTER

ABBERDEANE WILLIAMS

ZIDANE WILLIAMS

Entering Grade 5 C W Prescod Primary School

Entering Grade 4 Kingstown Preparatory School

Entering Grade 4 Kingstown Anglican School

“I feel a little scared, because I am new and I see a lot of new faces. I want to pass and make my family proud. I know Grade 4 is different from Grade 5, because it is harder and you have more work to do. All students, including me, will be looking to study hard, come first, and make their parents proud.”

“I enjoy being back at school, even after having a good holiday.

School is fun, I want to work hard. My new class is good, I have different teachers and already I have made new friends. I am expected to take care of my younger sister Abbernelle, who is now in Kindergarten. I want all students to work hard.”

“I am feeling happy that I’m in a new class, and I intend to study hard.

We are doing more work now. I have already made new friends. I want to apply some new skills I learned at the Luke Browne Summer Camp. I am encouraging children to go to school, in order to get a good job in life.” advised the Kingstown Anglican student.

CODY LAIDLOW Entering Grade 5 Roman Catholic Primary School “The first day was enjoyable.

We didn’t do much work on the first day.

Even though I am one class away from contesting the CPEA exam (Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment), I am already preparing for the exam and I am working towards placing in the top ten for the exam. I encourage all children to go to school to get a better education.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 3.

News 3

Rejuvenated FGBMFI to host Regional Conference THE RECENTLY REJUVENATED local chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International (FGBMFI) will host the annual regional convention of the organisation.

The FGBMFI is an international organisation founded over 60 years ago, with 7000 chapters in 142 countries.

The various chapters meet once per week for a time of sharing and mutual encouragement geared at improving the lives of members, their families and their communities.

Previous attempts at

establishing a vibrant local chapter have been made, however, after a life-changing encounter partially influenced by a Grenadian chapter of the organisation, local businessman Mr Anil Jiandani returned with a passion to make a change, and has been the driving force behind the local chapter.

The chapter held its first meeting in March of this year, and continues to have breakfast meetings, 9:00 a.m each Saturday at the Paradise Beach Hotel. It is led by an interim committee which includes Anil

Jiandani, Dennis Gaymes, Theodore Browne (Junior), Paul Morris, Silky Da Silva, Lennox Dennie and George Frederick.

The fact that the annual regional convention has been moved to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from Barbados, its originally scheduled location, is evidence of what is happening in the local chapter.

The convention which will be held from the 24th October26th October, 2013, is expected to have participation of 50 male delegates representing all walks of life, from various Caribbean

A visibly contented group of members of the local chapter of the FGBNFI at one of their breakfast meetings. countries.

Despite its name, the organisation caters to females through its Women’s Chapters.

Although a local Women’s Chapter has not yet been initiated, plans are on the way

to do so in January 2014.

All men are welcomed to be our guests at a Saturday morning breakfast meeting.

More information on the Organisation can be found on website www.fgbmfi.org

Slippage causes major disruptions disaster, pointing to torrential rains which resulted in the soil being PERSONS HAVE BEEN waterlogged.

WARNED against getting In addition to the close to Belmont, an area weight from the soil, en route to the Bailey alluded to the Mesopotamia valley. weight of the Bus Stop in Brent Bailey, Chief the vicinity. The added Engineer in the Transport pressure aggravated by and Works Ministry, open embankments led to issued the warning at a rapid, major press conference last deterioration. As a result, Tuesday, held at MEMO Bailey advised the road headquarters, while giving closure. an update on This, he asserted, was developments last to ensure the safety of the Tuesday, following a public, especially massive land slippage motorists. which occurred last The Chief Engineer Monday evening, in noted that subsequent Belmont. rains caused further Bailey described the widening of the occurrence as a “major embankments, and he landslide.” predicted that the He outlined the situation was likely to get conditions which led to the worse.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

expects that serious engineering expertise and works will be involved.

He anticipates that there will have to be a The Ministry of realignment of the road, Transport and Works, lands will have to be through the Bridges, Roads and General Service acquired, and there will be Authority (BRAGSA) was a “new geometric design.”

He thinks that it would moving to deal with the take at least eight months disaster. to complete the job.

Bailey announced that In the interim, $700,000 had been concentration will be on earmarked to repair refurbishing the Fair Hall bypass routes to cater for main road which will a necessary detour of absorb the bulk of the vehicular traffic.

An additional sum will diversion.

Bailey is urging the be required for effecting public to cooperate with major refurbishment of those engaged in the the road. A cautious restoration works.

Bailey admitted that a cost for such an undertaking was not been Water supply disrupted determined but, given the Also in attendance at extent of damage, he last Tuesday’s press

Serious road repair work needed

U N - H E A D L I N E D

N E W S

Man tries to claim reward for his capture A TALIBAN COMMANDER has been captured after marching up to a checkpoint brandishing a wanted poster with his own face, and demanding the $100 reward for his own arrest.

Mohammad Ashan was wanted for organising attacks on Afghan troops and so police were bemused when he voluntarily approached the checkpoint.

They arrested him immediately but called for American backup to check they had the right man.

“We asked him, ‘Is this you?’ Mohammad Ashan answered with an incredible amount of enthusiasm, ‘Yes, yes, that’s me! Can I get my award now?’” one US soldier told the Washington Post.

A biometric scan confirmed that the man in Afghan custody was the insurgent they had been looking for. “This guy is the Taliban equivalent of the Home Alone burglars,” one U.S. official said.

The neighbourhood in Paktika province had been plastered with the wanted posters but few Nato or Afghan officers held much hope it would lead to

The Wanted poster for Mohammad Ashan.

Ashan’s capture.

“Clearly, the man is an imbecile,” a US official added.

May be he just needed the cash. (The Telegraph)

conference was Garth Saunders, General Manager of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA).

Saunders reported that the land slippage had uprooted pipe lines, and he estimated that over 160 feet of pipe lines were damaged.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the CWSA will undertake a re-routing of the pipe lines that serve the area, and this could well mean the laying of some 800 feet of pipe.

As a result of the damage, the water supply to residents in Belmont and surrounding communities has been interrupted.

The CWSA was working with the Ministry of Works, to “ensure efficiency and speed,” in its effort to restore some level of regular service, within the shortest possible time.

In the meantime, the CWSA has installed two temporary tanks, one at George Williams’ shop at Belmont and the other at the Calder Government School.

Residents are encouraged to use these sources as well as to be on the lookout for the CWSA water truck, that will complement the two tanks.

Since Tuesday’s press conference, THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that the CWSA has also installed a stand pipe at the site of its Calder tank.

Saunders used Tuesday’s press conference to apologise to

residents for the inconvenience caused, and urged households to invest in alternative storage facilities, as situations such as the one at Belmont were likely to reoccur, especially during the hurricane season.

Other services and advice Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin was also on hand to inform that police officers will be assigned to the area, to provide guidance as to the routes that motorists will have to follow.

He urged motorists to “comply” with the instruction given by the law enforcement officers, and in cases where there were no Police officers, to follow the signs installed.

Additionally, residents were directed to the National Omnibus Association’s measure of a “shuttle system”, to assist commuters affected by the new traffic adjustments and general disruption.

National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) Manager Howie Prince attributed the cause of the slippage to rains associated with a small portion of a tropical wave, meandering in the region.

He encouraged persons to be vigilant, cautious and observant because there was likely to be more landslides, and advised that persons put in place their own emergency plans and be prepared to move at the first sign of impending danger.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

GLAM gives back and brings hope AN EXTRA SPARKLE LIT UP the faces and warmed the hearts of about 700 Vincentian Primary School children as this new school year opened. They were being encouraged to focus on their education, ‘a key to open many doors’.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Mrs. Isabelle Lewis, founder and spokesperson of the organization GLAM Giving Life A New Meaning visited four schools in St. Vincent to motivate students, their parents and teachers, and to present essential school supplies to each student.

While speaking to the school assemblies at New Grounds, Colonarie, Dickson and Buccament, the GLAM representative touched on her own educational beginnings in Diamond Village, St Vincent.

She also explained to the children how ‘education enhances the journey’ through life and that GLAM chose to step forward at this early stage, to support the journey of children in the Caribbean.

Speaking passionately, Mrs.

Lewis testified: “Although I while Bens left St. Vincent many years Auto ago, St. Vincent has never Rentals left me, and I always must be wanted to give back given something precious to my special blessed homeland. So as we mention for give to each of you a their backpack with basic school assistance. supplies, we hope that in The Isabelle Lewis, time you too will give back Principal something to help others on founder and and Staff of spokesperson of their journey.” the schools Although she did not visit GLAM. gave Diamond Village enthusiastic Government School and support to the project, and Diamond Village pre-school in many students and parents person, it must be noted that expressed heartfelt thanks for contributions were also made the GLAM gifts. to these two institutions.

Every year, GLAM intends Some of the persons who to expand its support to the made contributions to GLAM education and empowerment of were with Mrs. Lewis as she communities in the Caribbean. visited the schools. Among This is the second year of its them were Mr. Everton work in SVG, and other Jackson of New Grounds and countries will receive support Toronto, Mrs. Sheila Billingy in the years ahead. of Colonarie and High The charity, launched 2 Wycombe, and Sister Cathy years ago by Caribbean Bird of Idaho. persons in the USA, solicits Dr. Veronica Marks and Mr. donations in order to carry on Oscar Allen were also part of its work. (Contributed by: the GLAM presentation team, Oscar Allen)

‘Live Lounge’ concludes season one At Saturday’s Grand Finale, the ‘LIVE LOUNGE’ featured artiste concluded its first was Stacey season with a grand Lyttle, a finale last Saturday, songstress who 31st August at its favours gospel home location at and soul.

Palymira Other acts Restaurant and Bar included the at Buccament.

Creative According to Mr. Stacey Lyttle, the Entertainment gospel/soul Rhondel Dickson of Group artistes, songstress London Summer and the works of Entertainment, the featured at the music producer group responsible for finale of the first Delron Dickson of season of ‘Live the creation of the ‘DFND Lounge’. activity, ‘Live Productions’.

Lounge’ was a Season two “concept created as begins in October, a platform to 2013 at the same highlight known and location. unknown talent in Dickson had the arts.” words of gratitude Its first season for two corporate consisted of five entities which episodes which saw come on board to performances in make Season One Rhondel Dickson, poetry, song and a reality. the man behind musical He has London Summer (instrumental) promised that Entertainment, presentations. producers of ‘Live Season Two will A season spans “focus on people Lounge’. five episodes. Each who have not yet episode hosts a featured come out, people who are artiste. Other smaller acts are relatively unknown but are interspersed throughout the seriously talented.” main act.

by GLORIAH…

ÂLaugh out loudÊ for Methodist Missions presented a number of short skits that THE KINGSTOWN elicited bouts of METHODIST uncontrollable Church took laughter. This was members of the further pushed down public on a journey ‘Funny Lane’ when of hilarious comedy comedian Gloria when it presented Williams came to the its ‘Laugh Out Loud’ stage to tell the comedy show last audience that Friday, 30th August, “Vincentians does talk at the Methodist the best stupidness.”

Church Hall on She made some in the Grenville Street. audience scream The event literally as she consisted of a recalled some of her number of acts by experiences at school known performers and in the public. in the field of These professionals comedy. These did not leave the other included the performers by the Methodist wayside. The ladies Dramatists and from the Kingstown stand-up comedian Methodist Women’s Gloria Williams.

League, Christine Master-ofSmith, and poet Anita Ceremonies, Monty Williams worked right Maule, assisted the alongside their other audience on their counterparts. journey with The Women’s sprinklings of jokes League ladies, not in between acts. known to be actors, The Methodist Dramatists into one of their skits.

The Methodist concocted and delivered Dramatists with literary creativity.

According to Mrs. extremely funny ‘Laugh Out Loud’ was Sylvia Stoddard of the presentations of situations with which the a new idea created as an organisers, “These days, Gloria Williams effort to realise funds to with finances becoming audience related. made hay and support the missionary so difficult to come up Christine sang while laughter out of work of the Methodist with, we have to find Anita rendered two of ‘Vincentians’ Church. other ways to support her original poems filled ‘stupid talk’.

by GLORIAH…

the work we do here at the church.”

The success of the venture had the audience asking for repeats.

Everyone reported of an extremely great time.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 5.

Regional

Jamaica urged to legalise marijuana

respect to the benefits of marijuana legalisation, but he strongly believes that anecdotal evidence suggests, it (marijuana) could be the next big crop for the island.

“If you legally regulate marijuana, first you stop wasting tens of millions of dollars per year on enforcing a policy; secondly you reduce the opportunities for police Ethan Nadelmann of the Dr. Henry Lowe, corruption; you begin to renowned Jamaican US base Drug Policy raise tax revenue from the scientist, has weighed domestic sales of cannabis, Alliance, has offered a and you can begin to in with arguments in number of ‘benefits’ recruit tourism on that Jamaica can derive from favour of legalising basis,” Nadelmann said. marijuana. its legalisation of He pointed out that the marijuana.

United States has no credibility in lecturing any drugs, and is directed at ANOTHER CALL has been country on changing its made for the legalisation of Portia Simpson, Prime marijuana legislations, Minister of Jamaica. marijuana. because 20 states in the Nadelmann urges The latest urging, made U.S. have legally Prime Minister Simpson last week, comes from regulated marijuana and to “legalise marijuana as Ethan Nadelmann, the nation’s economy could are reaping the benefits Executive Director of the benefit from such a move.” from it.

US base Drug Policy Meanwhile, well known The calls comes, as Alliance, the leading Jamaican scientist, Dr. organization in the United Nadlemann admits, Henry Lowe has also without any real study States promoting entered the debate and alternatives to the war on being undertaken with said that he believes the

Portia Simpson Miller administration should take a serious look at developing the medical marijuana industry .

Lowe made the statement while addressing an editor’s forum at the Jamaica Gleaner last week Wednesday.

He pointed to the Jamaica Government missing out on billions of dollars, which could be earned from the wide range of cosmeceutical, neutraceutical and pharmaceutical products being developed across the world.

“I think Jamaica has got a clear leadership role in medical ganja, and I am calling on the Government of Jamaica - including the parliamentary Opposition - to take a look at this, so we can move forward and do what we need to do … because it has real potential,” Lowe told the forum.

Lowe argued that, while the cultivation of

Antigua gets Citizenship by Investment Unit ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA becomes the latest Caribbean territory to formally open its offer of economic citizenship to the world.

That country’ prime minister, Hon. Balwin Spencer, informed that country’s Parliament last week, that the country had opened its Citizen Investment Unit (CIU) for business.

According to Prime Minister Spencer, the Unit will be headed by Don Myatt, a Canadian with over 38 years’ experience with the Canadian Foreign Service.

PM Spencer did not disclose the budget for the CIU Unit. However, it is known that the Unit is located in rental premises at a rate of EC$20, 169.00 per month.

Myatt is expected to head the

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said he did not anticipate that his country would have any problem in adopting an Economic Citizenship programme. (Photo Source: Caribarena.com)

unit for one year, with the option to renew for a further year, and will report directly to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda becomes the third will, in turn, report to OECS country to open its doors for economic citizenship business.

Parliament every six months on the relevant information,” Spencer said. progress of the Unit.

In addition to Myatt, the Unit is “The expectation is that there expected to be served by an will be full disclosure of pertinent operations compliance officer, information, including the number project development officer, of applications, the respective financial controller, compliance investments made, disbursement of officer, operations clerk and investment funds, number of secretary. persons who have qualified for Attorney General Justin Simon citizenship, balance of funds in the said the aim is for an Antiguan & investment account and any other Barbudan to take over Myatt’s position in the coming years.

“The intention is, because the contract is only for two years, that we have somebody local who is an understudy that can take over from him,” Simon said.

Prime Minister Spencer had assured his country men and women in October 2012, that he was confident that Antigua & Barbuda will be successful, despite established CIP’s in the Caribbean states of Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis.

“We are satisfied that Antigua & Barbuda has certain qualities, certain attractions…but, we are satisfied that, should Antigua & Barbuda adopt this programme, we are not going to have any problems at all,” PM Spencer said then.

Jamaica is known for its widespread cultivation of marijuana. marijuana is illegal and most of the debate has been centred on the smoking of marijuana, emphasis must now shift

to the medical and extension, economic potential for Jamaica.

(Source: CMC — Caribbean 360)

LIAT has had its share of flight delays, cancellations and mechanical problems over the last three or so months.

LIAT responds to charter queries IN THE FACE OF CRITICISM from across the region, LIAT has defended its decision to charter one of its aircraft to accommodate Taiwan’s President, Ma Ying-jeou and his delegation during their recent visit to the Caribbean.

LIAT’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain George Arthurton, disclosed for the first time that the charter had been booked several months in advance.

“That request was placed at least two three months ahead of the date. At that point in time we looked at the schedule, we made adjustments, we relocated passengers to other services under the assumption that we would have had sufficient units to operate the rest of the schedule,” Arthurton said.

All did not work according to plan. In fact, things worsened with flight delays and cancellations during the airlines peak summer schedule and at a time when another of its planes was already out of service.

All of this to add to a host of issues due to its fleet renewal.

The flight operations director said it was difficult to cancel the charter, once it emerged that there were problems with the engine of one of the airline’s new ATR aircraft, grounding the aircraft in Barbados.

“Unfortunately just within a week of the date of that schedule, we had that incident … we had already committed to that schedule, we had already been paid for the charter, it would have been very difficult for us to walk away from it,” the director of flight operations explained.

When LIAT realized the worst was yet to come, they tried to remedy the problem.

“We did charter in other carriers, unfortunately it had to be around their services, we had one carrier on that evening that could only make their aircraft available after 8 pm,” Arthurton said, adding, “We did everything possible by getting external assistance. We also, during the course of the week when that aircraft was out of service, brought in other airlines to assist us in moving stranded passengers.”

The Director of Flight Operations admitted that the dislocations affected a number of passengers over these last couple of weeks and months, and apologized for the inconvenience caused.

V Policeman shot Fresh convictions at police house for money 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into last Tuesday’s shooting of one of their colleagues.

A police release stated that Sergeant 401 Jimmy Jack, stationed at the Calliaqua Police Station, was at the police house, Calliaqua, when he was shot by an unknown assailant.

He received a bullet wound to the right side of the abdomen, as well as injuries to fingers on his left hand.

The Police house at Calliaqua in which an officer was shot.

Up to press time, the circumstances understands that Jack, a sound of a gunshot around 2:30 surrounding the shooting were not policeman for over 20 years, was a.m., and realized he was shot. He clear. asleep last Tuesday at the Police was rushed to the Milton Cato THE VINCENTIAN house when he awoke to the Memorial Hospital.

Jack was a patient at the Male Surgical Ward when THE VINCENTIAN visited.

He appeared to be in stable condition, but indicated that he was in no mood to speak to the press and did not want to be photographed.

Jack is the third police officer to be shot in the last three months.

Constable Jolaine Jack was shot in Kingstown on June 13, during a robbery that alledgely left a postal worker without an estimated $100,000; and Constable Sunil Barker was shot in the foot, during J’Ouvert celebrations, July 8.

No arrests have been made in connection with those shootings.

laundering ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES continues to make great strides in tackling the scourge of money laundering, with two fresh convictions for stand alone money laundering offences.

On Monday, September 2, 2013, Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, sitting at the Serious Offences Court, convicted Nixon Morgan, selfemployed businessman of Calder, for concealing US$39,050, the proceeds of crime, and having the cash in his possession, reasonably suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained. His former common-law spouse, Delores Haywood, also of Calder, was convicted of concealing US$39,050, the property of Nixon Morgan.

Upon conviction, Morgan was sentenced to two years in prison on both counts, to run concurrently. Haywood was fined $10,000. She was ordered to pay $1,000 forthwith and the balance in three months, with an alternative of one year in prison.

The sum of US$39,050 was forfeited to the confiscated Assets Fund. The prosecution did not apply for confiscation of any assets from Morgan, having being informed by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) that there were no substantial realizable assets.

The accused persons were represented by Richard Williams of Williams and Williams, while Crown Counsel Sejilla Mc Dowall represented the crown. She was assisted by Kozel Creese of the FIU. In a release, the DPP’s office gave the assurance that it continues to partner with the FIU, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and other law enforcement agencies, “in our quest to conclusively fight crime and the causes of crime”.

The DPP’s office assures, “we are wholly committed to anti-money laundering efforts geared to bring to justice, those intent on living beneficially on criminal proceeds.”

The charges against Morgan and Haywood stemmed from an action by FIU personnel and other police officers April 15, 2010.

St. Lucian awaits sentencing ST. LUCIAN NATIONAL Melvin George will be sentenced on September 10 for firearm and ammunition possession.

George, of View Fort, is charged with possession of a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, serial number 74892 and four rounds of .38 ammunition.

George pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

He was charged jointly with Unique

Howe of Chateaubelair and Alfredo Edwards of Lowmans Windward.

Howe and Edwards maintained their innocence, and the prosecution withdrew the charges against them.

George’s sentencing was adjourned.

Attorney Grant Connell represented George and Howe, while lawyer Israel Bruce appeared on Edwards’s behalf.

The matter stemmed from a police action at Chateaubelair last Saturday.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 7.

Youth

Miss Heritage gets firm backing Grecia, Intermediate High School; Terreka Nero, Buccument Bay Secondary School; and Crystel- Lyn OCTOBER 19, 2013 might seem some Browne, Bequia Community High distance away, but organizers of the Scotiabank National Secondary Schools’ School.

Syran Clarke, a Scotiabank Miss Heritage Pageant 2013 are wasting representative, said the bank was no time in getting the wheels rolling to happy to be involved in the pageant kick start the event. for a second time, noting that the Last Monday, Headmistress at the financial institution was pleased with St.Vincent Girls High School (GHS), Andrea Bowman, accepted a cheque of the impression that was created, when the show was held in 2011. $ 35,000 from Platinum sponsor “ When it is nice you do it twice, so Scotiabank, along with financial and the first time we whet our appetite other assistance from other cowith this show, we were very sponsors, for the Pageant that will be impressed with the quality and held at Victoria Kark. professionalism of the Miss Heritage A contingent of sponsors, Pageant committee, so that makes our chaperones, the contestants, their task, this year, a pretty easy one,” parents, and other representatives Jack explained. from the Scotiabank, came together Headmistress of the host school, last Monday, at the bank’s headquarter on Halifax Street, for the GHS, Andrea Bowman, on accepting the cheque, said she was pleased to sponsorship launch and official accept “the big cheque, that very ‘sashing’ of the contestants. generous sponsorship from The bi-ennual event will be hosted Scotiabank.” by the GHS, and would see seven Bowman said the cheque is an young ladies, representing various indication of the bank’s confidence in schools in SVG, vying for the the committee. The head of the prestigious title. The seven include: renowned learning institution Mililone Edwards, West St.George understands that such confidence Secondary School; Kia May, Sandy comes with a great deal of Bay Secondary School; Lateefa Noel, responsibility but, having done it Girls’ High School; Sharikah Rodney, before, “we can do it again, and we will St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; Nia

by KENVILLE HORNE

Miss Heritage 2011 Anya Frederick, with the 2013 contestants (from left): Mililone Edwards, West St.George Secondary School; Kia May, Sandy Bay Secondary School; Lateefa Noel, Girls’ High School; Sharikah Rodney, St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; Nia Grecia, Intermediate High School; Terreka Nero, Buccument Bay Secondary School; and Crystel-Lyn Browne, Bequia Community High School. do it even better,” Bowman promised.

La Toya De Roche- John, National Secondary School Miss Heritage Pageant Committee Chairperson, assured that the delegates were worthy representatives of their schools “They carry themselves with great decorum. They are very disciplined young ladies,” she said.

Among the sponsorship representatives voicing their endorsement of the pageant were: Aneka Anderson, Vice-President of Media and Communication, of Sky Media Groups; Candis Sealey, Marketing Coordinator at the St. Vincent Brewery, which extended

sponsorship in the name of Vitamalt; and Digicel Country Manager, Sean Latty.

Also making brief remarks was Minister of Tourism and Culture, Cecil McKie. He pledged his ministry’s support for the event, telling the audience that the pageant adds to the cultural and sporting calendar.

The National Secondary School Miss Heritage Pageant was started in 2009 to coincide with the Vincy Homecoming activities. The Pageant has, from all indications, built up quite a following, and many consider it a ‘must-see’ event on the calendar of cultural activities in SVG.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 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

It’s ‘LIAT time’ again YES, it’s ‘LIAT time’ again! As a matter of fact, it has been ‘LIAT time’ for some time now.

And, given the dependence of Vincentians, in particular, on this airline, readers will understand why ‘LIAT time’ will be featured in this column in so far as ‘LIAT time’ continues to be characterized by multiple shortcomings and disregard for the travelling Vincentian public.

LIAT, the regional airline, currently experiencing perhaps its worst protracted period of service in its 57-year history, has decided to expend its hard-earned cash, in a period of admitted cash flow problems, on a number of public relations efforts, e.g. full page newspaper advertisement.

Not that the ‘equal opportunity’ and best practice company spent money with this publication; that is understood; it saved some by being discriminate in its spending in this shareholder country. Not that if it did, it would be guaranteed safety of flight.

Perhaps this period demands a heightened PR effort because, without a doubt, LIAT, as we speak, is scarred with what is an avalanche of shortcomings, made all the worse by the fact that the bowels of its operation have been spurned open, during a time of high demand for air travel.

So LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Ian Brunton, dismissed CEO of Caribbean Airlines, takes to the print pages to ‘beg’ Caribbean people and whosoever else, to understand LIAT’s current predicament, a period of turbulence so to speak.

Brunton: bemoans the ongoing ‘challenges’ of LIAT as it works its way through a total ‘fleet renewal transition’; attempts to empathise with travelers by admitting how “stressful” flying can be in these days; and promises a “new journey” that will result in “high levels of productivity and quality.”

Now, if the truth be told, what else is new?

Didn’t LIAT in 2012, present, with much pomp and an overdose of boastfulness, a strategic plan that was destined to set the airline on a part of profitability, fueled by improved service, that would make it the pride of the region?

With all that has happened since, who can blame us for concluding that even this strategic plan was riddled with serious shortcomings.

Would this strategic plan not have factored in the much heralded fleet revision transition? Would it not, or should it not if it was worth the paper it was written on, have made provisions for the requirements of acquiring those French built ATR’s? Would the strategic plan not have addressed the capital demands of that acquisition in terms of the requirement for training pilots already in LIAT’s employ, and the expenditure for the employment of contract pilots and other cabin crew?

Would this strategic plan not have addressed the need to make certain re-scheduling adjustments so as to cater to whatever fallout theremight have been? (As a matter of fact, the need to revise its scheduling should have been addressed long before any talk of a strategic plan, since LIAT continued to use a schedule that was plagued with meaningless, unnecessary, not to mention costly flights that took passengers heading north south, before taking them to their final destinations.)

Would this strategic plan, this panacea, not have provided for the fact that LIAT’s DASH 8 fleet was aging and therefore, prone to more ‘regular’ mechanical problems and total breakdowns at the worst?

Would this strategic plan not have recognized the terrible customer service record of the airline and moved expeditiously to improve in this area? (No one would have queried expenditure on training that would lead to improvement in this vital area of any airline’s operation. After all, the ‘little’ customer service agent at the check-in counter could do a universe of good, when compared to a letter in the newspaper. So we spend money to clean the litter that discolours the landscape, when we could have provided bins into which to throw the litter. It’s a case of spending money when the horse has long bolted, when we could have spent money to ensure that the horse was trained. Some strategic plan!!)

And we can go on and on, but there will be other times for furthering the discussion.

It is not too late for the shareholders and director to admit to the folly of their decisions with respect to their management choices, and rid LIAT of those who have been trusted to deliver but have failed miserably to deliver effective strategies that will lead to profitability and as quality service. This ‘LIAT time’ is more than testimony of this.

Some comments on Ralph and me (Courtesy the “Searchlight” 30th January 2009) I RE-PUBLISH some roving thoughts on Ralph and me by someone who had been groomed as a youngster in the politics of the U.L.P and right now, seems to have outgrown Ralph’s seminal influence on him. This is how Marlon Bute summed it all up.

“The whole Caribbean and many around the world know Dr. Gonsalves. Some recognise him as a brilliant lawyer. Others see him as a vivacious speaker, and a don of politics. As Prime Minister, he has riled some, but has rewarded many hungry minds with scholarships. Rising to power on the promise of hope and change, he had initiated the wellness revolution, and continues to charm his way throughout the country. Now, working feverishly is his trademark style to tailor-make a foreign policy that is as bold as it is ambitious and focussed. The Prime Minister, who I still talk to from time to time, is also racing to give SVG the infrastructural advancements that will modernise!

“Still, with alarm being raised by many, Ralph is at worst a star batsman like Lara, who lacks the testicular fortitude around him, and as captain must take the blame for the foibles of his team. My opinion is still being formed, but I could only attest to the good I see in him, thus far. He gave birth to the Youth Arm as deputy leader, and nurtured and motivated a bunch of us to work the width and length of the country, morning, noon and night.

“Some time before that, when I had been unable to return to complete my final year at UWI, he had worked the phone tirelessly and convinced the quite willing Joel Providence, a new manager at Corea’s, to give me a “hold on” there, where I added to my meagre resources and eventually finished my studies the following year.”

reminisce about some of his lovely work.

“Surely he reads a lot, so I would like to go through his favourite books, and borrow a few, maybe. I’d leave a better writer, I believe.

Such honour may not be mine; so you, who have written so beautifully and generously, of the sterling contribution of others, in cricket, netball, business, farming, calypso and politics, the arts, in colourful ways, in a rhythmic fashion, in a clear style, with asweet flavour, I say thanks for giving me a piece of you.

I long to be a magnificent writer like you.”

Of course I am not a writer pure and simple, but one who uses language to communicate progressive and uplifting thoughts to my people. Marlon is welcome any day to enter under my tent in which there is unlimited room.

A dog’s life

I trust that readers can recall my article, ‘I lost my cat over the Carnival’, of some twenty years ago. That was intended to be hilarious and was set in the true carnival mould of jollification and bacchanal.

This current piece is not meant for too serious treatment, even though it points to some areas that touched upon psychology and philosophy. A dog’s life was prompted by the disappearance and near certain death of my dog, Pluto, by human hands.

I have missed Pluto now for nearly two month, presumed dead. And I am reminded of him every single day by all and sundry: my friends with whom I sea —bathed; the regular ‘beach boys’; the vendors on the beaches’ people in general simply strolling about in the villa area. Pluto was simply popular.

About Kenneth John, On the Other Hand I did not raise an alarm earlier for Pluto was a free spirit who took long leave of my In regard to Kenneth John’s writing, Bute house, especially during the mating season, appears to have been watching me from after which he would return completely morning, and admires, in particular the wide drawn, exhausted and pulled down. sweep of my attention. I am no fanatical or At other times he spent holidays at single biased political writer but catholic in my women or couples who would tell me how approach, touching everything under the sun. much they enjoyed his company. My only That is the essence and touchstone of my problem was that those friends happened contributions, which Marlon Bute captures. invariably to be white tourists, which tells its “Kenneth John is not an overly liked man, own story - they do not treat dogs like a dog! or so it seems, I couldn’t care less; I admire Pluto’s latest friends had been the brothers the man, and have for as long as I could Chester and Grant Connell who met Pluto on remember been soaking up his columns. I Villa beach which they visited sporadically. In remain enthralled with his mastery of the brief, both young men told me that there was pen, and naturally find it easy to disregard an inexplicable humanity about Pluto who his detractors’ ramblings about his alleged conversed, frolicked, and looked them straight lies and half —truths. Besides, none among us in the eye as they communicated. I will say no is flawless. Heck! We have a literary genius in more but leave the floor to both brothers, our midst! Never have words flowed so when they read the sad news. smoothly for so long. Rarely have such Andrew, the last of my sons, was closest to writings given us a clearer picture of elements Pluto when he visited from abroad. He would of our social, cultural, economic and political sorely miss Pluto, particularly as he could not consciousness. dig a grave and erect a cross for him as in his “I thank Dr. John, here and now, because youth he did for one of Pluto’s predecessors!

I, too, like to write, and his strokes were a My beach party, especially Ron Browne, staple that nourished me, from my Grammar our Jamaican masseur Lille Williams, and School days through to this day. Alas, I only light exercise leader Judy Roberts, will miss met the man but twice, unfortunately at a Pluto. So, too, will regular tourists who time when fine literature was not foremost on frequent the picturesque beach. my mind. I will love to meet him again Pluto has gone, but not to the underworld though, to chat, have a drink maybe and of which he is supposedly King.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 9.

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The use of the finger ON FRIDAY 9th August, 2013, the News front page carried a photograph of Police Officers standing in front of the Kingstown Police Headquarters, on the day of the NDP march. The photograph singled out a policeman making a gesture of showing a finger, to whom, I am not sure.

The News claims it was to “A cameraman”. To add more effect, the photograph was captioned, “Disgusting”, and they went on to make a big issue out of nothing. The Acting Police Commissioner was interviewed, and he rightfully indicated that the matter will be addressed.

Enter Dr. Ferdinand: “Clean your finger, before you point at my spots,” and to cement his objection to such behaviour, he referred to an article some four decades ago,( just so that we know, a decade is ten years).

The article was written by one of their (THE VINCENTIAN’S) popular columnists, “Ad Astra”, who wrote back them, “He who wants respect, must first show some”. Then he, Dr. Jules, went on to give a lecture on the use of the five fingers.

What is interesting, he wasn’t sure if the police officer saw the Constable pointing his finger, but he made this clarion call for civic organizations to let their voices be heard, including demanding an apology from the policeman.

Now, for all intent and purposes, the offending policeman might be wondering why he was being singled out by the News?

We might never know what was his intention.

Was he showing his finger to an NDP supporter?

Why did no other journalist show a similar picture?

Suffice it to say, this matter must be dealt with in house by the Commissioner and not be done as suggested otherwise, for it is a trivial matter blown out of context.

Concerned

You’re You’re nothing but a hell cat But I’m the wrong guy you’ve got A she devil that’s what you’re Set me free from heaven your paws.

When we go out dancing You call all the boys darling You wink at Jack behind my back I’m sick and tired of that You’re nothing but a hell cat by far A she devil that’s what you’re You may think you’re star The devil daughter that’s what a you’re.

You keep searching for a special dream A vain illusion it seems You must have scanned through thousands of scans Wondering will you ever find that elusive dream.

You go out early in the morning light You com home late at night If that’s a game you’re playing right I won’t be here when you return tonight.

I’m saying goodbye I’m leaving If I stay here until the morning Me and you’ll have a fight So I’m getting myself way out of sight.

I hate being treated like a puppet I’ll rather be a preacher or a pupil Or in a choir where I can sing Than being tied to your apron string.

You won’t be able to claw me You won’t be able to bite me, truly I’ve got enough of your marks on me The whole wide world can see.

By Josiah Bobb SVG 2013.

A local hero IN HONOUR of my late father, and to commemorate the anniversary of his passing on 8th September 2005, on behalf of my family, I would like to convey thanks and pay tribute to local hero, Rudolph Simon of Calliaqua, for saving the day.

Rudolph Simon assisted in the burial and the erection of the head stone and tomb of our beloved mother Guida Amelia Simon who passed on 2nd July 1998.

When our dear father also sadly passed, Rudolph Simon was there again to assist in erecting the headstone and making good the grave after his burial, when he was

once again reunited with his wife of over thirty loving years.

Without Mr. Simon’s diligence, kindness and compassion in the work he undertook to repair and make good a very difficult situation, our family would not have been able to move forward with our expression of grief and bereavement at this time of marking the eighth anniversary of our father’s passing.

We owe Mr. Simon a debt of gratitude for all that he has done for us.

Mrs. Beverley Miller

Rudolph Simon

An Equal Rights and Justice Committee IS THE PM and his Reparation Committee serious?

The month of emancipation has gone, and absolutely nothing national was planned and implemented to enlighten our people as to where we came from, or where we are and where we are going.

We are demanding that the reparation committee be scrapped and replaced by an Equal Rights and Justice Committee. We have no confidence in the PM and that Reparations Committee.

Remember, we were not born to be slaves; we were made slaves by force, by violence. When the Europeans invaded the Americas, they enslaved

Well done!!!!

IF THE TRUTH be told, as you like to say, Mr. Editor, the police here have come in for their fair share of bad rap. Now, this is not to say that when they slip up, we must sweep it under the carpet. Far from that!!!

Wrong is wrong anyhow you spell it, and a police who does wrong must be made to atone in some way for his deviant behavior.

So, for example, when the police issued a statement with reference to businessman Joseph da Silva from Mespo, and that man had nothing to do with the matter, I agree with Man-About-Town that they should apologise to Mr. da Silva. That is the mature thing to do.

However, when they do good work, and this is most of the time, they must be congratulated. That is why I must give THE VINCENTIAN kudos for its August …., 2013 back page story, headlined ‘Police make Breakthroughs’, for ‘bigging up’ the cops for a job well done. I was pleased that the reporter found it fit to tackle the story from what could be considered a positive angle. It was good to read something upholding and becoming about our police officers.

I dare say that, with the changes at the top, we can expect a more compassionate police force.

Well done to THE VINCENTIAN, and hats off to the men who make it safe for us to sleep at night.

Dennis G.

the Indians and brought in some indentured whites to do the hard labour, under the scorching sun in the West.

When those people failed, the answer was black people from Africa.

They were captured, chained neck to neck, hand to hand, and ankle to ankle. Women were chained neck to neck, but made to carry baskets of food on their heads and in their hands.

It is recorded that P.M. Gonsalves’ descendants, the Portuguese, were the first to bring black slaves from Africa to the West. He is part of the problem directly or indirectly. If he wants to be part of the solution, the recommendations to him are as follows: 1. Provide a true education revolution by providing school uniforms for all our youths; removing the burden of school fees from all parents; providing state paid transportation for school children; training teachers to the level of those at the Sugar Mill Academy; and 2.

Build a university and teach music, agriculture and the art of cooperatives in all schools of learning.

And finally, before you leave the PM office, enact the Integrity Legislation that you took to parliament on the 28th March 1996.

We are 100% in agreement with our government’s position on Syria’s plight, but locally we are demanding implementation of our recommendations.

Christian Democrat

* Where in Orange Hill are we going to relocate the patients at the Mental Health Centre? * Is there going to be room for all of them at the temporary location, or are we going to discharge a number of them? * Why are school children saying that the Ministry of Education has too many chiefs and not enough braves? * What has become of the great ULP plan to save bananas and agriculture?

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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Three examples that define the ULP administration as a people’s government The Issue In the conduct of its development strategy for St.Vincent and the Grenadines, the ULP administration has had to provide special assistance to the citizens of the country, where they are affected directly by national projects.

Where this has happened, the ULP administration has been extremely generous in the compensation being provided, either through monetary provisions, or “like for like” land exchanges.

In all cases, the ULP administration has been fair to the citizens so affected. During its time in office, the NDP did not demonstrate a similar approach. In fact, it was the ULP who had to provide compensation to some land owners on the leeward side of the island, whose lands were acquired by the NDP, for the construction of the leeward highway.

Banana assistance Many persons, including banana farmers themselves, do not remember the level of assistance provided to the industry, and agriculture, over the last eight years or so.

First, in 2008, the ULP administration secured a grant of EC$4 million to help the banana farmers eradicate the Moko disease, and put them back on a sustainable production footing. Secondly, the government paid the banana farmers over $600,000 in bonuses, based on their production in the first half of 2007, and this was followed by a grant $1.8 million as follows: (1) The sum of $1.55 million for banana farmers in respect of replanting, rehabilitation, inputs, and other support; (2) The sum of $150,000 for arrowroot farmers; (3) The sum of $100,000 for farmers of other crops in the National Food Production Plan.

Of this grant of $1.8 million, the Taiwanese provided $1.5 million and WIBDECO, $300,000.

All of this is in addition to the ongoing annual subsidy of $1.75 million for agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and chemicals. This creative subsidy by the ULP government comes from the profits from the importation and sale of sugar by the state-owned Inputs Warehouse Company. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the cheapest agricultural inputs of all countries in the Eastern Caribbean, with the possible exception of Trinidad and Tobago. Still, we must push always for even lower prices for the inputs.

Then there are the sensible longstanding policies which the ULP government has continued, namely, no income or company tax on income or profits from farming; and the 75 per cent duty free concession on pickup vehicles for qualifying farmers.

The residents of Argyle The success of the International Airport Development Company, IADC, in relocating the residents of Argyle, pending the construction of the international airport project, is still to be told.

When this idea was placed before the residents, there was much debate and some opposition. Readers will recall the insults hurled at Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves when he held consultations with the

residents. Still the ULP administration persevered, and in the process, some EC$50.4 million dollars was paid to 126 home owners at Argyle.

Additionally, the ULP administration played a major role in finding areas to facilitate the relocation, provided cash incentives for the relocation, and allowed the home owners to remove construction material and housing fittings, from their old properties, a most generous offer.

No home owner was placed at a disadvantage. In fact, the residents are in a better economical position in their new locations, and some have realized savings from the relocation exercise. Quietly, sometimes at parties and picnics, the former Argyle residents, even those who support the NDP, have expressed praise and admiration for the manner in which the ULP handled the relocation exercise.

Currently, a sum of EC$5.7 million is outstanding for one reason or another, for six of the residents who had properties at Argyle.

Land for the landless In 2002, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced a new policy by the ULP administration, of turning “dead capital into live capital”. It was ground breaking and at the same time historic, with the ULP offering Vincentians crown lands at knock down prices, sometimes as low as ten cents per square foot.

The people of North Leeward benefited immensely from this strategy. Last year, 257 persons in that part of the state, received their title deeds to 32 acres of land. But let’s look back at the previous years.

In 2003, the ULP administration sold 139 lots of land at ten cents per square foot, to the Vincentians living in the Fitz Hughes area. In 2006, some 107 plots were sold at fifty cents per square foot in the areas of Coulls Hill and Spring Village. And then in 2008, six lots in Golden Grove were sold under similar conditions.

So in the North Leeward area alone, over 500 persons have benefited from the policy of turning ”dead capital into live capital” through the sale of crown lands, at extremely low prices.

What does this mean? For starters, and almost immediately, the 500 plus persons and their families are now richer. They now have title deeds for their lands, and the way is now clear for them to profit from this. They can now engage the banks or credit unions, to put a proper housing structure on their plot of land.

They can realize that dream of setting up a business, sending their child to university, or purchasing a vehicle. A similar situation applies to the people of North Windward, particularly those in Noel and Langley Park, who took possession last year, of over three hundred plots of land.

It is for these and other examples why the majority of the voters in St.Vincent and the Grenadines support the Unity Labour Party.

THE NDP’S proud record in education Re-printed from 2012 The NDP has done more for education than any other administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP is, and has always been cognizant of the importance of education in the development of this our blessed island, and will continue to place tremendous emphasis on education when it returns to office. So, for the ULP to portray the NDP as not having any interest in education or having done nothing for education when it was in office, is outrageous.

When the New Democratic Party took office in 1984, the education system was plagued with serious problems which existed since the 1960s and which the Peoples Political Party (PPP) and the St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP) did not adequately address. Some of the problems were: * A severe shortage of school places especially at the primary level; * Dilapidated school buildings; * A serious shortage of furniture for both students and teachers; * A teaching force with less than thirty (30) percent trained teachers; * The lack of a comprehensive policy on the development of education.

The NDP administration, headed

by Sir James Mitchell, vigorously addressed those problems and provided meaningful solutions at all levels in the education system.

local training and at the university level. As a matter of fact, a special training programme was developed at the St. Vincent Teachers’ College for secondary school teachers, which enhanced their ability in the delivery of the curriculum.

Other major achievements * The NDP repeal the Coutts Agreement which allowed every female teacher to get maternity leave; * The recognition of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union and the signing of the first Collective Agreement with the SVGTU; * The establishment of the School Feeding Programme; * The decentralizing of the Common Entrance; * all students of common entrance age allowed to write the exam; * Establishment of the School Radio Broadcast; * Establishment of the Annual Science Fair; * Paying of the Economic Cost for all students studying at the University of the Wes indies(UWI); * Number of island scholars increased from 1 (one) to 4(four); Primary schools * Establishment of the Book Loan These primary schools were among Scheme; those constructed, rebuilt or refurbished * The introduction of the Student by the NDP: Loan programme; * Chateaubelair Methodist * Established the schools computer Brighton Government programme and computer labs; * Troumaca Government * The STATVEC project to enhance Belmont Government Technical and Vocational Education * Rose Hall Government came on stream; Evesham Government * Seeking scholarships for students to * Westwood Methodist study at universities other than the Lowmans Windward Anglican UWI; * Spring Village Methodist * Establishment of the Curriculum Marriaqua Government Development Unit; * Barrouallie Anglican * A significant increase in teachers’ Lauders Primary salaries; * Lowmans Leeward Anglican * The introduction of Professional Greggs Government Development Week; * Kingstown Government * The passing of the Education Act of Langley Park Primary 1992 replacing that of 1937; * Lodge Village Government * Establishment of the Community Pamelus Burke Primary College. * C W Prescott Primary It must be noted that the increased Sandy Bay Anglican (under number of students who now pursue construction) studies at the University of the West * Sion Hill Government Indies is largely due to 3 (three) major Mary Hutchinson Primary initiatives of the NDP administration * Calliaqua Government when it was in office: the introduction of the Student Loan Programme; the Secondary schools payment of students’ Economic Cost; These secondary schools were also and the introduction of the A’ Level constructed, rebuilt or refurbished by section of the Community College, now the NDP: * Bethel High School the Division of Arts, Science and (Campden Park) * Georgetown General Studies.

Secondary * North Union Secondary * With the establishment of the New Adelphi Secondary * Carapan Community College, the number of Secondary * St. Vincent Boys Grammar students who write the A ‘Level exams School * St. Vincent Girls’ High School * increased from fifty (50) to over three Union Island Secondary * Petit Bordel hundred (300), thus enabling more Secondary School students to be qualified for entry to universities. Be reminded that A’ Level Technical Vocational Centres students were housed at the St. Vincent Technical Vocational Centres were Boys Grammar School which had built at: * Petit Bordel * Georgetown insufficient space. Also, the payment of * Barrouallie * Campden Park the Economic Cost gave children of poor families the opportunity to further their Teacher training studies at university level.

In 1984, less than forty (40) percent of teachers were trained. By 2001, Closure when we left office, 90% of the teachers The NDP has always been committed in the system was trained. to the development of education in St. The University of the West Indies Vincent and the Grenadines, and will had begun its distance teaching and continue to demonstrate that learning programme through what was commitment when it returns to office. then called UWIDEC, and about twenty It was the leader of the NDP, the Hon. (20) teachers had commenced their Arnhim Eustace, who announced at the Bachelor’s Degree programme in NDP’s convention in 2010, that when Education. Moreover, two (2) Head the party returns to office, he would teachers had already obtained their give a laptop to each school child; a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational programme that was implemented by Administration and were managing the ULP. Today, the NDP in opposition primary schools; these were Mr. Tyrone continues to demonstrate its Burke, former Chief Personnel Officer commitment in education through and Mr. Hugh Wyllie, Former Deputy vincyclassroom.com. Undoubtedly, the Chief Education Officer.

NDP has an impressive track record in In the secondary and post secondary education and should be given the institutions, teachers were given the opportunity to continue to govern St. opportunity to upgrade themselves in Vincent and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 11.

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The seeds we plant Let’s moderate our politics

“Behold a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root, withered away. And some fell on thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them out. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty some thirty.” - Matthew 13:3-8 We sometimes lose valuable lessons when we read passages in the bible that we consider to be familiar. Sometimes, especially when we are in a hurry, we wrongfully assume that we already know all the lessons that can be extracted from a particular passage. This may have been the case when persons read the New Testament verses that were selected as a forerunner to this article.

We are so familiar with it that some of us may not have even bothered to read beyond the first line. We could have concluded, “Okay, I know the passage, so let me jump ahead to the article.”

But it is amazing how new revelations emerge each time we read a “familiar passage” like this one.

This passage in Matthew was part of the reading of a daily devotional that I subscribe to on the Internet.

My initial reaction was that I knew this parable about the sower and the seed. It was therefore understandable that I proceeded to read it with the idea described in the preceding paragraph — I have read it hundreds of times; I know about the seeds that fell by the wayside (the ones that the birds ate); those that fell on the stony ground (those that were scorched as they grew); those that fell among thorns (and were choked as they grew), and those that fell on good soil (grew to bring forth fruit in abundance). And then a new revelation struck me — Jesus’ example involved a “proactive sower”. I pondered. What about those farmers who have “planting seed” but never venture to plant them because they are concerned that some will be eaten, or fall on rocks, or that weeds will choke them? And so the seeds remain in storage rather than be put to gainful use - being given the chance to multiply a hundredfold, or sixty fold or thirty fold.

It is sometimes amazing how many persons die with the seeds of greatness within them; ideas that were never given the opportunity to mature beyond the “thought stage” or the “planning stage”. Good plans that were never implemented; great inventions that never left the cranial cavity; fantastic ideas that begged to be planted but, for various reasons, never got done. And even as I share these thoughts, a quotation from Sir Arthur Lewis, the St. Lucian-born Nobel Prize winner for Economics in 1979, creeps into my consciousness.

He once said, “Making the plan is an exercise in imagination; but implementing the plan is the real struggle with reality”. It is not just

okay to have the plans (the seeds); it is more valuable to implement them (plant them). All will not grow. But those that do can make a significant difference to our lives and our livelihood.

However, before we become too far removed from the context of that most important New Testament passage, let us revisit it a little. Jesus Christ was actually talking to his followers in the form of a parable. He was cautioning them (as He still cautions us) that His word will continue to be preached (the sower spreading the seeds) but that some persons will not allow His word to take root in their lives (seeds falling on rocks, birds eating some, thorns strangling others, and so on). However, there will be instances where the Word will take root and grow. What reassurance!

What comfort! What reason for hope!

We are encouraged by Jesus’ explanation in Matthew 13:18-23 that even while some will discontinue the pursuit of following Him for a variety of reasons, there will be those that will be thoroughly grounded in the faith (planted in good soil) and will bear fruit; their lives will be living testimonies of His power and provision. Amidst the distractions of this world, it is possible to live a righteous life. This is good news!

Following Jesus Christ is the best decision that you and I can make!

That gospel message continues to spread far and wide. The mere fact that you are reading this article is an indication that the message continues to spread. The follow-up questions are very important though. If you are one of those persons who are now being challenged to follow this Jesus Christ that is so precious to us, what do you plan to do about it now? This is not a time for procrastination.

Putting it off will only increase the risk of the conviction and/or commitment being strangled. You need to be decisive. Choose, this day, whether you will follow Him. If you are already a follower, what role are you playing in spreading the good news? We all have opportunities to plant seeds for Jesus. Too many of us are fading away in the distance; appearing to be committed “from afar” but really being far from committed.

What will we do now? Whose life will we touch? Who will we encourage to bear fruit thirty fold, sixty fold or one hundred fold? We are called to action.

We are called to plant. We are called to harvest. Will we be numbered among the “few” labourers? We can sow seeds of kindness, love, hope, inspiration, and salvation in our homes, schools, and communities. Oh how the Master invites us to join with Him in planting such seeds. He is well pleased when we do.

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

IN TIMES PAST, I MADE it my business to spend some time in the parliamentary chamber during each sitting. In recent times, I had not gone, partly because I have a little less flex time, and more so because the rancour and small talk that pass for parliamentary debate were embarrassing if not a downright waste of precious time.

Parliaments across the world are arenas of power plays, divisiveness and gridlock. They are bee hives of buzz: all politics all the time. Ours is no exception, but I am particularly troubled by what goes on in our parliament. Others can afford to waste time. Some are endowed with an abundance of natural and human resources. Others are aligned, engaged or married to powerful partners who tide them over in good times and bad.

We are not so fortunate and cannot afford to follow the herd. We have to find ways to wrap our collective head around the serious problems facing our country and the world. The financial and economic problems arresting developed countries and large economies are not abating. They may get worse, much worse before they get better.

Therefore, it befuddles me that our politics remains that of the old style variety. The government maintains its ‘we were elected, we got a mandate, stick it in your face’ style, while the opposition continues its suicidal fascination and romance with the ‘politics of oppose and depose’.

Should a government with a razorthin majority remain hyper partisan in the face of the mounting economic and financial problems facing our country? Is the opposition remedy for all problems encapsulated in the tactic of retreat and parliamentary walk out? Who is thinking about the less fortunate among us? Is there a single national politician who is truly concerned about the overall and long term health of our nation? Can we expect a statesman-like address that calls on the both sides of the political divide to recognize and address the national crisis engulfing our beloved nation?

Can our politicians stop pointing fingers and instead start looking in their mirrors? Are they afraid of what they might see? Would they be willing to man-up and proclaim I know I am not worthy and have fallen short: the problem is me or we?

This is hardly likely because most politicians quickly morph into self assured and perfect creatures.

To explore this question further, I draw on a column written by Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post, entitled ‘Is moderation possible in American politics?’ Almost everything she says applies to us.

Parker says ‘the implied consensus would seem to be: Probably not, or at least not without massive reforms and/or a renaissance of civic duty.

The hyper-partisanship we at least say we love to hate isn’t likely to recede, given the rewards.’

Although the discussion was aimed at politics, the question can’t be considered without also contemplating the broader culture.

She opines that the Id-eology in our belief system means that we have developed supersized egos which have made us immoderate.

“This was not always so. Once

upon a time, moderation in all things was the maxim by which most people tried to live their lives. Today moderation is merely boring. Extreme is the virtue of the cool, as well as of a populace whose attention span compares favorably to a sand fly.”

“In the political realm, passions roam unbridled. By saner standards, what would be readily identified as fanaticism is considered conviction, while resistance to compromise is allegiance to principle. In an environment where talk radio sets the tone of discourse, dispassion and facts give way to heat and opinion. In the policy arena, moral principle morphs into purity tests for politicians.”

Compromise is mocked. Such does not bode well for a nation in trouble. What we need are calm voices and pragmatic minds. Can we identify a single calm or pragmatic voice in our politics? The probing and intellectual titan, Oscar Allen, is derisively described as lazy or crazy.

Other voices, not connected to the political tribes are said to have a political agenda. Steam and bile is preferred to contemplation and reason.

Parker urges us to look deeper at the causes of our immoderate natures and see where voluntary, individual adjustments might be made. First, she says “we must recognize moderation once again as a virtue, both in our public and private lives. Those who shun political moderation view its practitioners as traitors to some higher cause, spineless and weak.” What use was a moderate voice to the conservative agenda or a party leadership cocksure of its policies and actions?

But Parker argues that “the shunners of moderation are something worse than spineless or weak. They are incurious and, by the rigidity of their convictions, lacking in imagination. Want boring? Talk to someone enamoured of his own certitude.

“Moderation isn’t an endpoint or even a center point, necessarily. Rather than a template, it is an approach, a tone, a cock of the head, an open mind, a willing ear, an unjaundiced eye. A moderate wonders what other facts might be brought to bear. A moderate figures we’re in this together and believes that a meeting of minds is not tantamount to surrender.”

Paerhaps the nation gets what it deserves, but I’d rather think not. Those who are transfixed to a particular thought, those who bend facts to fit their Ideology need to be removed from the controlling heights of public life. Strategies have to be found which force our Id to stand down, because these maddening times demand moderation.

Moderation isn’t only possible, it is crucial. Is our country ready for a more moderate approach?

This piece first appeared on March 28, 2012.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Abolish VAT now – its punishing our people

will abolish VAT in order to resuscitate our VAT MUST BE ABOLISHED and they will confirm that it cannot Association, Paula economy and get money now. VAT is punishing this. Analysis of our competently manage the Calderon, said that many circulating in the businesses and punishing economy shows that VAT finances and the SVG manufacturers are economy. There is too our people. is a major disaster for economy. In 2008, the consumed with dealing much pain being suffered VAT is a regressive SVG economy.

ULP regime failed an with these VAT policy by poor and low income tax, used by governments In 2006, SVG had a audit of the public issues, as opposed to families. that lack the ability to fiscal deficit of $52 accounts conducted by devoting their time VAT is opposed in think financially. VAT million. VAT was the Director of Audit of running their businesses.

The Bahamas. Paul disproportionally affects introduced in 2007 to Public Accounts.

Calderon, who owns and Moss, head of Dominion poor and low income help the economy, VAT is sucking the operates Caribbean Management Services, households, as it takes however, by 2013, SVG’s lifeblood out of poor Awnings, says she told Tribune Business proportionally a greater fiscal deficit had shot up households and killing personally feels like that VAT was “nonamount from people on to $114 million. Analysis our economy. Money is closing down her Bahamian” and being lower incomes. For this has shown that the ULP not circulating in our business because she is imposed on this country reason alone, VAT should regime actually ran out country. VAT has past the point of by outside forces, such as never have been brought of revenue in 2008 and decimated the rural frustration. the IMF. into the SVG economy. created a massive bank economy and caused President of the St. He said, the reason Its use illustrates that overdraft of $185 million many businesses to scale Lucia Small Business those people think they the ULP regime is lost at the late National back on their work force, Association, Flavia can impose VAT on The when it comes to finance Commercial Bank. and many have Cherry, has also warned Bahamas is because our and economics.

This ULP regime’s eventually ceased to that she expects several leaders are lazy, and VAT is stifling the economic incompetence operate. VAT has caused struggling small don’t think about how to economy and is the and $185 million thousands of job losses. businesses to go under grow the economy and biggest barrier to overdraft killed the NCB. In St. Lucia, with the introduction of raise taxes. “They don’t stimulating economic The ULP regime has lost President of the St. Lucia the VAT. tax those who need to be growth. Ask businesses its way and has shown Manufacturers A Green government

taxed; the companies.

You have companies making millions of dollars in a tax-free environment. It is not only scandalous but irresponsible for our leaders to let it happen,” Moss said.

SVG has the same scandalous problem. In order to combat this and raise revenue for our people, a Green government will tax the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. This will alleviate the need for poor families to pay so much tax.

VAT has failed to help our people. Abolish it now.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Time to end the national heroes debate and consider:- An Overlooked Legal Imperative by: R. THEODORE L.V. BROWNE Part 11

DR. J.P. Eustace has no equal SO, THE EVIDENCE SUBMITTED so far, for Doctor J.P. Eustace is strong, clear, compelling, convincing, living, persuasive, cogent, logical, current, contemporaneous, verifiable and full of merit. Let us not waste time and desecrate and cheapen the national importance of the exercise by wallowing in the mire of political dregs, and use our fertile minds in our abundant moments of idleness to invent, structure and manufacture arguments for or against, to please relatives and friends or to ease the subtle pressure from party supporters.

Let us be honest and disabuse our minds of all intellectual gymnastics and let the unadulterated facts speak.

Let us not enthrone the ego; let us subdue the passionate urgings of pride and strong temptation to elevate self on the political altar of national prominence or put our influence to the test. We must remember the referendum and lessons therefrom. In this respect, P.R. Campbell is the epitome of objectivity and can be trusted whole-heartedly. No wonder, Doctor Eustace is his hero. Doc is my National Hero, too. Apply the test and you will agree with me. Did Dr. Gonsalves interrupt the process? By the way, how did P.M. Gonsalves, at this stage, get involved? He erred and the people were not happy with his premature intervention and his apparently conflicting role which amounted to an assault on the principles of natural justice. Did he

privately request to be approached? Or did the sponsor lure him into a trap? — like the spider to the fly? His detractors come in different ,forms and colours and levels of literacy and can be found in high and low places. He has to be vigilant even when dealing with friends, family and foe. In his apparent anxiety to get things done, did he act prematurely? The Umpire of a cricket match should neither bat nor bowl for one side or the other. The same thing holds good for the scorer or for anyone charged with the responsibility of announcing the results. He should not become blinded by the dust of conflict by being involved, in the ring, one way or the other. He should stay aloof and ensure that the rules are obeyed. P.R. and Jomo WERE RIGHT. I don’t know if Jomo was PR’s minion — but I know P.R. is a legal heavy weight anywhere (in any jurisdiction). Eustace, Lewis, Friday, Leacock and other democratic deficits in the N.D.P. would do well with P.R’s advice — they would cease to appear so foolish, hollow, shallow, narrow, obsolete and spent in their presentations. They are a shameless group who appear to be so raw, crude, cantankerous, vulgar, classless, immature and rustic in what appears to be vulgar and bantam weight attempts to trade punches with super intellectual heavy weight University Professor, Ralph Gonsalves. Their light shots often boomerang to be self inflicted blows or duds. They are paid for work which they don’t do or can’t do or lack the capacity to do and hide their apparent inability under a cloke of rudeness or bad boyness or by resorting to the weak, shameful,

exploitative and brainless strategy of walking out of Parliament when they perhaps think their vulnerability will be exposed or be put on display or come under public scrutiny and in so doing expose their inadequacy. For Professor Ralph Gonsalves, teaching is an inescapable vocation. It does not go away even outside the classroom or University Lecture Theatre. It is not fair to hardworking tax payers to pay these retired men for limping away from their post of duty so often. It is more than a retirement job with a secure monthly income. They appear like pygmies to P.R., a political giant.

P.R. is perhaps seen as a sleeping volcano. While P.R. may not relish the idea, as a humble man, an objective examination of the history of the N.D.P would reveal him as that party’s greatest political asset surpassing by far Sir James who is often overrated for mediocrity and for outrageously alarming and foolish, unscientific statements relating to cholesterol and for exposing apparently deep atheistic ideas or beliefs. P.R. out shines them all.

(1) As a scholar -the others are not even remotely close to him (2) as a strategist; -he is without peer (3) as an effective and persuasive communicator — he is among the best in the Commonwealth and (4) as a profoundly religious and God-fearing man though not without faults and (5) as a legal expert. I write this, not withstanding P.R’s membership in a rapidly, vanishing party whose decline has been accelerated by Eustace. It is really a rapidly disappearing reality.

Our conflicting and opposing political association should not cloud my

objectivity and preclude me from giving credit where credit is due. Without this maximum figure Dr. J. P. Eustace at the head, N.D.P. will forever flounder and will remain in opposition and in the shadow of oblivion until its soon total extinction — effectively supervised by Eustace. At present, the party is rapidly sliding and meandering towards the rancid and putrid rubbish heap of history. The party appears to be headless — it’s like putting the bulging or protruding waist line where the head should be. It looks like N.D.P. supporters are saying and singing to Sir James: “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying.” As far as political talent is an issue, there are only two super political heavy weight, in this country — Ralph E. Gonsalves and Parnel R. Campbell. In time, young Luke Browne will emerge to eclipse both of them. He will in a practical and democratic way flatten or level the playing field for all. He will revolutionise the political environment that would enhance the quality of life for all. St. Vincent will lead the way.

Emphasis will be put on motivational and qualitative, development of people and not on the scandalous and defamatory destruction of people.

The question which seems to dominate the minds of the electorate at this time is this: Is Eustace N.D.P or U.L.P? Many people are inclined to think that Eustace is more U.L.P. than N.D.P. Is he trying to embarrass Sir. James, Friday and Ollivierre?

V Vincies revel in NY carnival

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 13.

Diaspora/Arts

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

THOUGH THERE WAS NO LARGE Vincentian mas band participating in the 46th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade, thousands of Vincies joined their Caribbean and other counterparts on Labour Day, Monday 2rd September, in reveling in the extravaganza along Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway.

The stifling humidity and afternoon showers failed to dampen the electrifying spirits of Vincentian revelers and spectators along the 4 ½ milelong route, which began at Buffalo Avenue and ended at Grand Army Plaza on Flatbush Avenue.

Millions converged on Eastern Parkway, one of Brooklyn’s larger thoroughfares, for the spectacle that is considered the largest in

North America.

A kaleidoscope of colors and a potpourri of Caribbean delicacies augmented the gaiety, as masqueraders and revelers gyrated to hypnotic soca, reggae and zouk music, blaring from humongous speakers mounted atop huge flatbed trucks.

In an election year, politicians, running for city and state offices, also joined the gigantic extravaganza, as they sought votes in the forthcoming Primaries.

Though the duration of the parade was much shorter than in previous years, revelers and masqueraders, with feathery and skimpy outfits, couldn’t withhold their delight in participating in what is described as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.

With Mas Productions Unlimited, arguably the largest Vincentian mas band in the United States, opting not to participate in the Adult Band segment in the last two years, because of financial reasons, most Vincy masqueraders and carnival lovers either participated in Trinidadian bands or watched the spectacular event behind ubiquitous police barricades.

Vincies join T&T bands

Phyllis Wyllie-James, of La Croix, producer of Devine Mas Camp, portraying ‘From India with Love.’

Viola Hendrickson Chaka, a Buccament Bay native, told THE VINCENTIAN she enlisted her daughter, Roslyn, and friend and fellow villager, Monica Franklin, to play mas with the Trinidadian band Dingolay.

“I feel good,” said Viola, disclosing that she has been participating in the parade for the past 24 years. “I love it, I’m enjoying it, and I’ll continue to

Vincy spectators among the throng behind police barricades.

Buccament Bay natives, L-R: Monica Franklin, and mother and daughter Viola Hendrickson Chaka (R) and Roslyn Hendrickson playing mas with ‘Dingolay.’

Left: Vincy sisters playing with T&T Boys: Latifa, 21 (L) and Latisha Stephen, 19, of Redemption Sharpes, Kingstown.

Below: Displaying Vincy flags on the Parkway, (L-R) Kiara Stewart, 14, of Georgetown; Jenicka Sharpes, 21, of Questelles; and Kieisten Brooker, 20, of Richmond Hill, Kingstown.

play until my knees give out.

It’s my culture, and I‘m trying to enjoy my culture.”

Brooklyn residents and friends, Alverna Peters, 23, of Glen, and Charlene Millington, 22, of Sion Hill, said they were having a time of their lives.

“It’s wonderful! I’m excited!”

Peters said. “I am proud to be a Vincy.”

“I’m happy,” said Millington, a relative of former national football (soccer) star Elliott “Morrie” Millington. “I’m also proud to be a Vincy.”

Nearby, Morica Kydd, of Mesopotamia, Shell-Ann Hughes, of Fairhall, and Shireen Cropper, of Georgetown, played mas with the Trinidadian-owned Kaios International, which portrayed “Savage Paradise.”

Up the street, Sharon Barker, of Park Hill, brought along her six-year-old daughter, Alsha Lawrence, to play with another Trinidadian band Barokeete, U.S.A. Redemption Sharpes, Kingstown sisters Latifa, 21, and Latisha Stephen, 19, played with T & T Boys.

“We’re enjoying ourselves,” the older sister said. “We love it.”

As a DJ struck up ‘Ready for the Road’, with D’Midas International, another Trinidadian band, Cleo Stowe, of Mesopotamia, proudly waved her Vincy flag, as she portrayed ‘Indian’.

Adorned in head ties in the colors of the Vincentian national flag, Kiara Stewart, 14, of Georgetown, Jenicka Sharpes, 21, of Questelles,

and Kieisten Brooker, 20, of Richmond Hill, Kingstown, jumped with perennial Band of the Year Champions Sesame Flyers, a Trinidadian band.

Despite meager resources, Phyllis Wyllie-James, formerly from La Croix, in the Marriaqua Valley, said she felt very proud and compelled to produce the three-year-old small band, Devine Mas, for Labor Day. “I feel great!” she said, portraying “From India with Love,” surrounded with masqueraders from “all over the USA, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Panama.”

Other activities

The festivities included a Soca and Reggae Show, Panorama, Junior Carnival and Dimanche Gras show.

J’Ouvert, in the pre-dawn hours of the parade, is also part of the carnival festivities, but organized by a different group.

In addition to activities organized by WIADCA, there was a star-filled, three-day Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival at the Barclays Center, downtown Brooklyn.

A hot lineup of top-ranked creole, reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso and worldbeat music stars participated in the festival that ended last Sunday night.

Labor Day, a public holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday in September, is considered the unofficial end of summer.

The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizers of the parade, said over 40 costumed bands and dozens of brightlydecorated floats participated in the parade.

Pre-parade events started two Thursdays Van on Eastern Parkway displaying Vincy ago at the Brooklyn Museum. flag.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 15.

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 THE VINCENTIAN

K.E.E.E.P. holds first graduation celebration

Graduates of the 2013 Training Programme rendering their interpretation of a Stevie Wonder classic.

Inset: Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, Training Instructor, described his undertaking as a passion.

Starlift trains another fifty plus since 1982, Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, said the annual programme is the most critical component of the band’s continuity. “…. This is what keeps the band going ….This is what provides the membership for the band,” Roberts confirmed.

Boasting a 39-year unbroken span of involvement with pan here in SVG and elsewhere, Roberts admitted that undertaking to direct the annual training for youngsters is his passion, as it also helps his personal development as a tutor and arranger.

Meanwhile, Captain of the senior Starlift Steel Orchestra, Roddy Dowers, noted that the yearly output of new players ensured continuity in the composition of the senior band, and expressed the hope that the programme will continue well into the future.

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony were: Marla Nanton, PRO/YPM, recognized the newly elected president of the value of training progrmmes like the one Youlou Pan Movement – Onika conducted by Starlift Steel Orchestra.

THE STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRA last Saturday afternoon, formally inducted fifty – eight (58) young pannists into the pan fraternity here.

The pannists were presented with their certificates after seven weeks of training in the rudiments of the steel pan.

And, the man who has been carrying out the training exercise

Morgan; Parliamentary representative for Central Kingstown- St Claire Leacock; Public Relations Officer of the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM) Marla Nanton, the afternoon’s featured speaker.

All lauded the efforts of Starlift in helping to keep the art form alive and provide posterity through the training programme which it engages.

Nanton acknowledged that Starlift could not consume all the trainees into its band, and suggested that the pannists could seek to join other bands.

Nanton, who is the musical director of the South East Steel Orchestra, alluded to her own experience as a trainee as testimony of the effectiveness of training programmes.

The afternoon’s activity included a rendition of the Stevie Wonder’s classic, ‘I just called to say I love you’, by the graduating class.

The Junior Starlift Steel Orchestra also rendered a variety of numbers.

Girls from the K.E.E.E.P Jim Maloney Drummers and Dancers demonstrate some of the cultural dance movements they learned.

THE FIRST GRADUATES of the Inivershall Rastafari Movement Inc. Kultural Environmental, Educational, Enrichment Programme (K.E.E.E.P.) were presented to the public on Saturday, August 10th, 2013.

In a graduation celebration, which featured

special guest speakers, presentation of certificates and awards, and a special environmental art exhibit and ‘kultural’ presentation by the participants of the programme, some 30 children received recognition for having stayed the course.

According to the Inivershall Rastafari Movemnt Inc., the programme began with a registration of 50 persons, grew to 66 at one point and tapered off to a consistent attendance of 30.

The goals and objectives of K.E.E.E.P. include: to assist youths between the ages of 6-16 years in building and improving their literacy skills; to engage them in expressing their creativity through environmental art, drumming, dancing and drama; and to challenge them in becoming advocates and caretakers of their target community of Rose Place.

Participants, however, were also drawn from the communities of Edinboro, New Montrose, Buccament, Frenches and Sion Hill, and together with their Rose Place colleagues, attended a two-hour session every Saturday afternoon, for 25 weeks.

The first hour was devoted to literacy work. The second hour was given over to a ‘Kultural’ component.

The programme was not without its challenges.

According to Empress Modupe Olufunmi-Jacobs, Education Consultant Inivershall Rastafari Movement Inc., “We observed many .. obstacles which prevented some children from attending the programme on a more regular basis, even though they had shown great interest in being there.”

She explained: “Some children did not have parents/guardian who monitored their activities…. others mentioned they had no shoes, nor clean clothing, and …. unfortunately, we also had to deal

The boys from the K.E.E.E.P provided some pulsating drum rhythms to the graduation ceremony.

Left: Marr Chris Dennie, of Rose Place, one of the 30 children who graduated. with some people in the community who are still entrenched and obsessed with political tribalism…. (who) questioned our motives for working in Rose Place and also discouraged the youths from attending the programme.”

Despite the challenges, volunteers and members of the Inivershall Rastafari Movement Inc remained steadfast and, according to Empress

Modupe Olufunmi-Jacobs, ensured that “our objectives of having the children gain from the services provided and being able to measure their achievements in terms of improving their literacy skills, social skills, sense of communal responsibilities, as well as opportunities to discover and express their creative skills, were achieved.”

Funding permitting, K.E.E.E.P. is expected to be expanded in the future.

Euphonium plays sweet note for education

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE THIRTEENTH GRADUATION ceremony of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, which twinned education and the steel pan, received overwhelming approval from area representative Arhnim Eustace.

Eustace, who is reported to have attended every one of the ceremonies, was full of praise for the organisation’s chairman, Warren Knights, who left the day after the event to further his studies at the UWI St. Augustine in Trinidad.

The band, which has been conducting the six-week summer programme since 1995, held its first graduation ceremony in 2000, to recognise those students who had excelled in the programme.

A total of thirty students, the majority from the immediate community, successfully completed the programme this year, which culminated with the ceremony on Sunday, September 1st at the Sion Hill Hardcourt.

In addition to awarding certificates to those attending the programme, this year, the band also recognised students who did well at the CSEC and Common Entrance

Left: Oneka Morgan, President of the Youlou Pan Movement, addressing the gathering.

Examinations, which Eustace highlighted in his address.

Girls’ High School student and one of the tutors in the 2013 programme, Angelique Fitzpatrick, who got eleven subjects at the CSEC level, and Sirya Jackson, who placed fourth in the Common Entrance, both received tokens of appreciation, while all other successful students were given a ‘big up”.

“I am really impressed to see how they have taken this ceremony to this Graduates of the Sion level…….it is clearly a commendable Hill Euphonium Steel effort, and they must be encouraged,” Orchestra 2013 Training programme noted Eustace, who is into his 15th rendering a number at year as MP for East Kingstown.. last Sunday’s graduaThe Orchestra and the Sion Hill community in general, welcomed back tion ceremony. renowned pannists and arranger Rodney Small, who has completed Right: Invited guests, tertiary level studies at the Edna parents and guardians Manley School of Music in Jamaica, in attendance at the and pannist Mikala Knights, who ceremony. attended Cave Hill and is now a teacher at the St. Vincent Grammar School. programme resulted in the formation of a Knights explained that the training Junior band in 1997. The band has won six programme came about following the Junior Panorama titles to date - 2003, 2004, departure of most of the older players.

2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

There was, according to Knights, a need to Also addressing Sunday’s ceremony was “replenish the band.” newly elected president of the Youlou pan The overwhelming response to the Movement Oneka Morgan who urged the

young pannists to appreciate the art form and to take care of their instruments at all times.

She also pointed to the opportunities which are available to study and to travel.

Minister of Culture Cecil Mc Kie was a “no

V

16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Economy

SVG: A model country for FDI NEWLY INSTALLED EXECUTIVE Director of Invest SVG, Bernadette Ambrose-Black, has declared St.Vincent and the Grenadines a model country for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Ms. Ambrose-Black made the declaration during an address to a Business Networking Forum entitled ‘Banking on Returning National: A Solid Investment’, hosted by the Caribbean Returning National Foundation (CRNF), in Trinidad, last week.

In highlighting the investment opportunities in the varying sectors and subsectors, as well as incentives and benefits that are available for returning citizens of St. Vncent and the

Grenadines, who live in the global Diaspora, the Executive Director pointed to the country’s development as being at a stage where, “we continue to open our shores to all reputable investors, returning nationals included, as we seek to transform the economic landscape of the most naturally beautiful group of islands in the Caribbean.”

Ms. Ambrose —Black appealed to the Diaspora to not only recognise this, but also “to reconnect with the home-base on a regular basis, meet with various government officials to acquaint themselves with the current policy on various matters, bridge the gap so-tospeak between the host

country and the returning national or potential investor.”

This recent presentation follows on one by Invest SVG in 2012 to the Vincentian Diaspora in New York, when the agency presented opportunities to Vincentians in the hope of peaking their interest in investing in their country of origin.

The Forum was the first of its kind in the Caribbean region for returning nationals, and attracted participation by some 200 persons, who heard addresses from public officials from Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, the American Chamber of Industry and Commerce and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Host CRNF,

0

NOTICE! Invest SVG in conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Tourism Sports and Culture, and the International Airport Development Company (IADC) is inviting locally based hoteliers and potential investors in hotel development in St Vincent and the Grenadines, to attend a meeting hosted by the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves This meeting will be held on Thursday 12th September 2013 at 8:00am at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade Conference Room, located on the 3rd Floor of the Administrative Building, Kingstown.

Topic of meeting: Hotel development on the verge of the Argyle International Airport.

All interested hoteliers and potential investors in hotel development are asked to contact Invest SVG at 457-2159 or info@investsvg.com for more information Kindly confirm attendance by Monday 9th September 2013.

We look forward to your participation in the further development of our country!

headquartered in Washington DC, is a non-profit organization established to engage Caribbean expatriates and their families in the global Diaspora with the community of their home countries.

President and founder of the CRNF, Arlene Graham, in her address, explained that the Foundation was established to provide a regional network for returning nationals, in an attempt to offer them a sense of community, and a platform from which they can offer their skills, knowledge and expertise in favour Bernadette Ambrose-Black, Executive Director of of developing the region. Invest SVG, made out a case for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a model place to invest.

SVG on display at ‘The EX’ admission to the exhibition grounds.

Shelly John, Director of SalesCanada for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Office, partnered with Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St.Kitts and St.Lucia as ‘Islands of the Caribbean’, to have a booth at this year’s CNE in the huge Direct Energy Building.

The attractive booth won the award for ‘The Best New Booth’ at the CNE for 2013.

During the past week, THE VINCENTIAN visited Shelly at the CNE to see yet another initiative St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism is taking to get the message out to over a million visitors, many of whom are making vacation plans for the coming season.

Shelly John, Director of SalesThe timing Canada for the St. Vincent and the has never Grenadines Tourism Office, at the been more SVG section of the ‘Island in the important Caribbean’ booth. than now, especially

by BEN HARRISON with the International Correspondent opening of the Argyle THE CANADIAN NATIONAL Exhibition (CNE), founded in Toronto Airport just around the in 1879, is Canada’s largest annual community event attracting more than corner, to let the world 1.3 million people each year.

The ‘EX’, as it is commonly known, know about St. Vincent is held during the 18 days leading up and the to and including Labour Day, and Grenadines, offers entertainment and events a destination The ‘Island of the including an aerial acrobatics and ice Caribbean’ booth that ‘Once skating show, a dog show, a working proudly displays it Discovered farm, parades and a three-day Air ‘Best New Booth’ Will Never Be Show, all of which are free with ribbon.

Forgotten’.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 17.

News

Reviving skills of our indigenous people

Participants in the craft course get down to practical work.

ST. ANDREW CHAPTER of the National Council of Women, in collaboration with the St. James Spiritual Baptist Church, Clare Valley, conducted a one-week Course in Basketry, Art and Needlework, from August 26th - 31st, 2013.

The Course was conducted by Master Weaver, Melvina Nanton from

Sandy Bay, home to the descendants of the indigenous Kalinago (Carib) people. Nanton has been engaged in weaving straw items since she was ten (10) years old.

Participants in the programme were delighted at the opportunity for learning, and expressed an intention

Crime and violence consultations coming AS CRIME AND VIOLENCE escalate around the region, St. Vincent & The Grenadines has not been spared. It is a matter of grave concern to the well being of the State.

THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper’s Editorial of 30th August, 2013, captured one of the root causes of the Crime and Violence has shown marked increases and violence in the new manifestations throughout the Caribbean region. society. The Editor boldly states dominance, and therefore disposable. “………then, there is the question of The Coalition for Development and how much we encourage the Reduction of Armed Violence cultivation of relationships of respect (CDRAV), through its focal point, the between men and women, women and Committee for the Development of men, and men and women”.

Women (CDW), intends to hold a The presence of an innate respect National Conference on Crime and for one’s neighbour, leads to an Violence on 19th November, 2013. absence of rage when conflicts arise, The Conference will be preceded by a and arrival at peaceable solutions. series of community consultations on The recent murders in our violence in all its forms, including communities, are clear indicators that child sexual abuse. The opinions from the attitude of respect, “ while it a wide cross-section of the population receives its nurturing in the home and will be analysed, with a view to school system, can be undone, and, if arriving at workable solutions. the truth be told, is being undone by Every effort must be made by the wider society, where women folk citizens to exercise self-control in are considered, across the spectrum of times of conflict — many have died, are men folk (top, middle and bottom), as in prison, or are walking wounded. commodities and serfs”. It is also (Source: Committee for the true that perpetrators perceive men Development of Woman) folk as threats to their male pride and

to continue making the items through monthly training sessions.

And to ensure a ready supply of material (straw) for future endeavours, e.g. baskets and tablemats, the villagers are determined to re-plant the ‘ping Melvina Nanton, the Course instructor. wing’ shrub along the Clare Valley Bay front.

Apart from the weaving in straw, several skilled home-makers assisted younger women and children in making cushions, bracelets, pencil holders, picture frames and stuffed toys. They were very innovative, using materials such as toilet tissue and paper plates as base material.

This course is part of the continuing effort to ‘Tell our Children’ of the ways in which our fore-parents, particularly the indigenous people, sustained themselves. (Contributed: National Council of Women) Some of the items produced by the participants.

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Sean Patterson - J88CU giving the FT2000 HF transceiver a test.

Training is an integral part of the RRL missiom. Pictured are the participants of an RRL training programme held from Feb. 04 – 08, 2013.

RRL assists ÂBig BrotherÊ NTRC AS PART of its continuing service to the entire Vincentian community, the Rainbow Radio League (RRL) again volunteered its resources and expertise, this time to service a multiband vertical antenna at the request of the NTRC. The assignment involved the dismantling of the The RRL team well into re-assembling the GAP vertical entire antenna, antenna. removing any rust that may have built up, lubricating all mating parts, by the NTRC. The first contact was made with V44KAI - Joel from St. then re-assembling, erecting and Kitts, then with J39JX- Floyd from testing the antenna.

Grenada and J88DT-Sylvester from Following the servicing of the antenna, it was time for testing, with Bequia.

Radio operators who worked along licensed radio operators taking turns with the NTRC staff on this to operate the first class station owned assignment included Vulon PetersonJ88NEL, Sean Patterson-J88CU, Wraith Mc.BrideJ88NWB and Donald De RiggsJ88CD. Assisting one another with IN LAST week’s issue, we technical matters, carried a story (page 25) including erecting captioned ‘Cadets in camp’. antennas, is The camp, as we reported, common practice was under the command of Captain Vulon Layne-Peterson. among radio amateurs In the article, we referred to Captain Layne-Peterson as ‘the worldwide.

As part of its young man.’ service to the We apologise for this Vincentian reference, since we have since community, the been corrected. Captain Vulon RRL conducts two Layne-Peterson is indeed a female and an outstanding one, ham radio training courses a credit to her sex and per year. The Vincentians in general. final course for We are pleased to feature 2013 is scheduled her in her full Cadet (Military) for midattire.

Captain Vulon LaynePeterson November.

A woman at the fore

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 19.

Commentary

Vincentian Theatrical Group makes history the Caribbean governments sit on their AS THE ELEVENTH edition hands and pay little or of the Caribbean Festival no attention to of Arts and Culture nurturing our cultural (CARIFESTA XI) came to a heritage, there are those close in Paramaribo, who, with little or Suriname on Sunday night, nothing, go out of their I am perplexed at the lack way to promote our not only of participation culture and take it to the but of advertisement of world. this Caribbean showcase.

Where is the pride?

A roller coaster of Encouragingly, while emotions

by EARL JACKSON

This brings me to Jems Theatre, a truly Vincentian Theatre Company, led by Playwright/Director/ Producer, extraordinaire, Jerol Huggins-Jackson.

Jerol is among the first Caribbean playwrights to open a major theatrical production in the USA. And “Truth be Told” is

(L-R) :Jerol Huggins-Jackson (Playwright/Director/ Producer) and cast members LaFayette Johnson, ‘JP’ Schwmon, Sylvia Gould and Stanley Johnson. the very first Vincentian play with an all Vincentian cast to appear on Off Broadway.

History has been made!

The production had its opening night last Friday night (Aug 30th) at the

777 Theatre, an Off Broadway Theatre on 8th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, USA. This play takes you on a ride that is non-stop.

It is a roller coaster of emotions; you go from laughter to anger to sorrow, to Oh! Lord, to tears, laughter, not to mention sadness.

The play itself is a plethora of ‘Truths’ that need to be told; it deals with subject matter that some would call “taboo”.

However, the genius of playwright Jerol Huggins-Jackson, is the way he weaves the issues throughout the show.

Just think of this: … A Father rapes his teenage daughter…Baby sold by Grand Ma…daughter becomes a money lover, a real money lover…..daughter’s husband has his own “Truth” to be told. The Impressive development had been thought to be the construction of play awakens parts massive and numerous buildings. within you that you probably want to keep the end of this decade. Before the growing inequality, rapid hidden, but I say, let end of this conversation, the population growth and rising ‘The Truth be told’. farmers will remember that the unemployment, all find their As and for the cast, harvest they had reaped over the origins in the stagnation and years were indeed from the seeds often retrogression of economic LaFayette Johnson plays that they had planted with their life in rural areas”. the role of Sandra Jones own hands. who is the wife of the The farming community Farmers must look among unemployed former having now come to the themselves attorney, Raymond. Jp realization that they cannot Schwomon is the That quotation seems to be depend on the politicians and unemployed husband closely describing the present technocrats to advance their and unemployed attorney reality in St. Vincent and the cause and protect their welfare, who has had to find have to look diligently among Grenadines. We in the alternative means of themselves to find new seeds, agriculture community are still earning. Sylvia Gould grappling with the concept of new approaches which offer them plays the role of Mother being at the cusp of an economic more reliable chances of success.

Brown who is Sandra’s One of those seeds is cooperation. take off which our Prime mother. Mother Brown Minister had declared some years With that there will be reason to is widowed after dealing, ago. The popular view is, now, hope, but to borrow from The in her own way, with her that only those who are “partily Editorial of THE VINCENTIAN husband’s incestuous conditioned” are qualified to reap some weeks ago. “Hope is forever conduct. In fact, Mr. dashed on the jagged rocks of the harvest that was promised Brown had one callaloo years ago also. death if there is no will”. soup too many before he The recent lecture on I believe that in the dropped “bladdap!!” agriculture by Professor Leonard agricultural community today, Stanley Johnson is a callthere is enough cerebral O’Garro will, I believe, play a significant part in stimulating endowment to generate that will. boy and holds secrets If not, many of us may perish discussion on the agricultural which are the major part in the conflagration or be swept element of the broader of this play and help conversation, which is beginning away by the deluge. bring together the wide and which is likely to extend into range of emotions as will

A look at development

by LEROY PROVIDENCE WHAT is development? It ought to be the utilization of a country’s resources in a manner which advances the cause of the people, the citizens, so that they all have a fair chance of improving their lives and livelihoods. Responsible and prudent development systems and approaches are sensitive to the protection of the resources to be passed on for use by succeeding generations, in such a manner as to guarantee them a fair chance of success.

As we in this Caribbean today contemplate what we perceive to be development needs of our region, we should use for our benefit, the experiences of people in other parts of the world, where impressive development had been thought to be the construction of massive and numerous buildings and the like, over a relatively short period, only to see those infrastructure become irrelevant over time, when circumstances unpredicted, began to influence negatively the behaviour of people.

Our Caribbean has been recognized as a uniquely precious area of the world. We are the only chain of islands washed by the Atlantic between ten and thirty degrees north of the Equator. We are the Caribbean and we could always have something distinctly different to offer the world if we are mindful of the forces which could negatively impact us, and do our utmost to resist those forces.

Quoting from Michael P. Todaro’s — ‘Economic Development in Third World’: “If development is to take place and become self-sustaining, it will have to start in the rural areas in general and in the agriculture sector in particular. The core problems of widespread poverty,

be experienced throughout this play.

Keeping the culture alive As I spoke with them after their “outstanding” performance, and then listened to them on the Global Highlights programme on Saturday morning (Aug 31st) with Luzette King, it is obvious that cast’s on stage persona is an extension of the fellowship that they hold so dear off stage.

As only Luzette could, she had them all telling their acting life story …with one simple question on Global Highlights: “What brings you here?”….and the stories unfolded.

Luzette made the point that the two schools of note were menetioned as nurturing ground in the arts — Girls’ High School and Bishop ‘s College, Kingstown. She hoped that these schools will continue to teach drama.

I say that drama should be part of the life of all schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. To do anything less is to shortchange the young natural actors, writers and directors.

And to all Vincentians I say, let us know our culture, respect our culture and feel deep pride for our cultural wealth. Let us, with confidence, chart our own path in this world.

You must therefore see this play. It is important to the ones who, in cultural nakedness, make themselves available for your entertainment. You therefore must support this team. You will not be disappointed. I promise you.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

I had sex for money I did it just for him or I should say for us. Times have been hard with us MY SCHOOL mate just lately and we needed the returned from the USA money. How could that for a month’s vacation be so wrong? and made his intention My best friend told me clear once he saw me.

I was not doing right He told me how sexy I with my boyfriend but I had become and invited told her, “He who feels it of economic pressures. me to go out with him.

While economic pressure We went out once and he knows it,” and I left her can change your there. did not take long to ask situation and standard of me to sleep with him. I All Real slept with him after he pleaded and pleaded.

Yes, I have my boyfriend Dear All Real, but at the time I had The fact that you have needs. I figured that if I slept with him he would taken time to write this tells me that you are still be generous to me struggling to justify your financially. actions. Being unfaithful The next day he met me and gave me US$500. to your boyfriend and accepting money for I asked him what was sexual favours, because that for and he said, Dear George, that was what it “Just take it.” After amounted to, cannot be that, I have slept with I HAVE BEEN struggling morally right. him whenever he asked with the stress of wanting To beat the hard times and on you speak about, why not to get out of my marriage By the time he left of 15 years. I have given join heads with your SVG, I had paid off all boyfriend and try to come my husband the best my debts I had hanging up with innovative ideas? years of my life and I have around, and still had finally decided to leave Get this guy out of your enough money to put after 15 years of system and lift your some away. My marriage. game to the level where boyfriend never knew When I got married to you can maintain your about this. I consoled him, I was still a virgin. myself by thinking that dignity, even in the face I thought that being a

Dear George,

living, it should never change your morals.

George

A problem with his size Dear George, I JUST GOT married to this guy, and I have a huge problem with his equipment. He is too heavily endowed, and it is causing a huge problem in our relationship. It has been two months since we are together, and we only had sex one time. We never got involved while we were dating, and he never gave me any clue as to the size of what he was carrying. While I am not a virgin, my last sexual encounter was 15 years ago when I was just a teenager (13). He is so big that I bled profusely the first time, and since that time I am afraid.

I have heard of women bleeding to death in other countries because of this. To be honest, I have never seen anything like this, and I do not know what to do with him. Sex for me right now is not enjoyable, and I was so looking forward to it.

Want out, but feeling guilty virgin was what a man wants, but instead he hardly ever touched me during our first few months and years of our marriage. His rational was that he did not want me to get to exposed and excited about sex and feared that if I did, I would want to sleep around and even leave him for better. I could not believe it when he told me this some years later.

During our 15 years of marriage I can count the number of times we have had sex. I never complained. I put up with it because I wanted to save my marriage.

Now, I cannot take this anymore and I want out. My husband is sleeping around with other women so he is sexually satisfied, while I am left on the dock to dry. In the back of mind I feel guilty for wanting to leave but I have to do this for me. We have no children and it is no wonder why. I want to get out while I am still

fertile. Why do I feel so guilty?

Disappointed Newlywed Dear D/Newlywed,

Starved

Your husband has to listen to you when you Dear Starved, speak of the discomfort that you experience after Your situation can be engaging in what should characterised as a form have been a most of abuse, and it should pleasurable time with have been addressed him. sooner to avoid you Yes, there could be getting to this point. health implications, and There is room for you need to see a marital reconciliation once your counsellor or preferably a husband is willing to sexologist, to come up seek professional help with ways to handle this immediately. Of course rather unique situation. he would have to agree In the meantime, there to rid his mind of this are other ways you can warped way of thinking, enjoy a satisfying sex life and get on with the by making the necessary business of meeting your adjustments to sexual needs and any accommodate each other. other that you may have To do this, you have to be that is still outstanding. prepared to be creative Should he be and willing to step unwilling to cooperate, outside the box in some then it is all up to you to cases. do what you have to All is not lost for you. do to salvage what is left It is just a matter of of your youthful life learning to use what before there are more you’ve got, and be willing regrets. to adjust as you go along.

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) It’s doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass this week. Expect to have problems with the ones you love. New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last. You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship this week. You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly, rather than doling everything in a half baked way.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover. Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Don’t let your health suffer because of abuse.

You can make drastic changes in your professional direction this week.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Use discrimination and play hard to get. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Don’t hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs. You will be too quick to point your finger at your mate.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may want to put your creative thinking cap on. Don’t confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people’s affairs. Make changes that will enhance your appearance and entice potential partners. Generosity will put you in the poorhouse.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you’d like. You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you’ll have little patience with those who are slacking off. You could easily lose your temper at work. Don’t

push your opinions or ideas on others.

Don’t forget to let your mate know how much you care.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Don’t start a dispute unless you’re prepared to accept irreversible results.

Be careful not to come on too strongly.

New projects may lead you into a dead end.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be best suited to doing things around the house or inviting friends over for a visit. Go out with friends. Do something constructive outside.

Camping, swimming, and biking expeditions should all be considered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don’t jump into investments too quickly.

You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Take time to do something nice for yourself. You will back yourself into a corner if you are baited and your stubbornness will only make matters worse.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Stomach problems could prevail if you haven’t been watching your diet. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don’t push them, instead just continue working on development. Take time to do some writing, whether it’s correspondence, poetry, or keeping a journal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Family talks may get a little combative.

Do a little extra work at home. You can make new friends who could turn into intimate connections if you join clubs or take creative courses. Be prudent and don’t be led down the garden path.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack. Try to take care of the needs of those you love. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects.

Paul’s Avenue, P.O. Box 592, Kingstown Tel: 456-1821 Fax: 457-2821 E-mail: metrocint@vincysurf.com Website: www.metrocintsvg.com

ACROSS 1.Tennis great Arthur 5. Aliens (abbr.)

8. Ayres and Wallace 12. Thick rug 13. Obnoxious person 15. Pearl Harbor’s Island 16. Early computer game 17. Groucho’s brother 18. Exploited 19. Vain one’s trait 21. Joins forces 23. One, in French 24. Dollars 25. Nosegays 29. Scribble 32. Some tablecloths 33. Cut into cubes 35. Knocking sound 37. “Singing Cowboy” Autry 38. Alias letters 39. Hindu philosophy 40. Table scrap 41. Hunter Fudd 43. Librarian’s gadget 44. Skin picture 46. Manufacturers 47. Sacred picture

48. Guy’s date 49. Stage __ 52. Seizes legally 56. Folk myth 57. Banks or Pyle 59. Bound 61. Sharif or Bradley 62. Highways 63. Like fine wine 64. Go by 65. “Baby __ You” 66. Clumps DOWN 1.Nile viper 2. Brake component 3. Hover 4. Waffle brand 5. Obliterate 6. Definition 7. Between Aug. and Oct. 8. Author Alcott’s first name 9. New York’s coast 10. Shout of delight 11. Soapy water 13. Vandyke sites 14. Leap upon 20. Before Wed. 22. Social misfit 24. PBS grouch 25. __ stick 26. Obvious

27. __ Claus 28. Island (Fr.) 30. Composed a letter 31. Tavern order 33. Actor Matt __ 34. DDE’s nickname 36. Norms on golf courses 39. “Yakety __” 41. Engrave with acid 42. Plunderer 43. Wooded Valley 45. “Lions and __ and bears…”

46. Certain horses 48. Gratings

49. Disaster at the box office 50.“Arrivederci, __” 51. Some nest eggs (abbr.)

52. Med. School subj.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 21.

53. Cabbage salad 54. Caesar’s wear 55. Drove too quickly 58. King (Fr.) 60. Asner and Wynn

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 23.

Duke retains Bequia Basketball title more individual awards, as forward Lamont Gordon took both the most assists and most blocks trophies with 27 and 14 respectively in 8 games, and Jonas King, had the most rebounds with 123.

In the First Division, Stevorn Taylor was awarded Most Valuable Player overall as well as his team’s MVP. Kirstin Lampkin of the silver medal Rising Stars was adjudged his team’s MVP, and also had the most points in the tournament with 154 in 8 games.

Teammate Chaz Compton was presented with the Most Improved Player award. Kelan Edwards of East Blazers was his team’s MVP, while Keon Skinner of Warriaz and Ewing Andrews of last place Gladiators were their teams’ MVP’s.

In the Second Division, Blazing Heat came out victorious, also in two games of the best of 3 against Rising Stars juniors.

Rising Stars centre Austin Derrick was awarded that division’s MVP. He also had the most rebounds with 85 in 6 games, and the most blocks with 24. Teammate Sharas Foyle had the most points with 119 in 6 (L-R): Stevorn Taylor, first division games. Mark MVP, accepts his award from Browne was Sabrina Mitchell, President of the awarded most Bequia Basketball Association. assists with 16 and his team mate Denroy Hutchins adjudged the most improved player. In the final series, Mickel Joseph was adjudged that series MVP. Hawks defeat defending Champions Young Wizards to Chaz Compton collects his trophy win the gold for being adjudged the Most medal in the Improved Player.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS DUKE dominated the annual Bequia Basketball competition, defeating Rising Stars in two games of the best of 3 finals, to claim the gold medal of the First Division championship of the 15th annual Vita Malta Bequia Basketball Tournament, which came to an exciting conclusion last Saturday, August 31st, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court.

The scoring prowess of Duke’s shooting guards Stevorn Taylor and Ishama McKree, and center Jonas King was not matched by Rising Stars, despite the stellar efforts of Center Kirstin Lampkin and sidekick point guard Chaz Compton, who fought an uphill battle from the outset.

Ishama McKree was adjudged the Finals MVP for his effort in the two game series. Duke also walked away with three

Duke, champs of first division Basketball in Bequia for another year.

Below: Hawks U16 division champ.

Blazing Heat, second division champs.

U16 Division. The most improved player in the 2013 season was Titans Kirsty Bailey for most points 147 in 10 games, and most steals 60 in 10 games. His brother Kirsta had the most assists with 12 in 10 games. Last year’s MVP Givin Forde repeated his Overall MVP award, taking the title once again in 2013. Givin was also adjudged Dragons MVP, had the

most rebounds and most blocks with 185 and 33 respectively. Gold medalists Hawks scoring leader Cody Compton was recognized as MVP of the Final series and his team’s MVP. Jermaine John of Silver medal team Young Wizards was his team’s MVP and Anthony Thomas was Hornets MVP. I.B.A.ALLEN

‘Future of Bequia basketball ensured’ “WITH THE RAPID GROWTH and skills of teams in this young division, it is clear that the continuity of basketball in Bequia for the foreseeable future is guaranteed.”

This was the sentiment expressed by Sabrina Mitchell as she addressed the closing of the 2013 Vitamalt 2013 Bequia Basketball Tournament last Saturday, August 31, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court.

As far as Mitchell was concerned, the Under16 division was proof that a feeder system was ensured for the more senior divisions.

And to guarantee that this ‘feeding system’ would continue, Mitchell disclosed that the Under16 was deliberately being nurtured by the Association, which

Barbadian referees Jennifer Hackett (left) and Rene Batson (right) were recognized for their contribution by Sabrina Mitchell.

has been covering all expenses for the participating teams.

The 2103 tournament marked the 15th year of competition, and Mitchel pointed to this as “a great achievement.”

Thanks and recognition of sponsors did not go unnoticed. The St. Vincent Brewery, Courts SVG Ltd, Frangipani Hotel and Vintages Bequia came in for praise, and there was also public tribute for the Bequia Sabrina Mitchell, business community in President of the general, and special Bequia Basketball acknowledgment of the Association, is patrons and fans for their convinced that continued partnership and Bequia’s emphasis financial support of basketball on the Under16 in Bequia. players will ensure “Everyone must be continuity for applauded for putting 15 basketball on the years of basketball in the island. history books,” the President declared.

This year’s tournament benefited from the services of visiting FIBA Referees, Rene Batson and Jennifer Hackett of Barbados, who together with Shem Ollivierre, Michael Peniston, and the team of referees from Bequia, ensured, according to Mitchell, that “Bequia continues to lead the way in officiating in SVG.” I.B.A. ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

National Club Championships in final prep

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Starlight, Rudy’s in North Leeward final

however, indicated that unlike last year, the U13 Division will not be part of the SVGFF programme this year.

“We want the Ministry (Education/Sports) to bring back the Primary Schools Football Competition….we believe that they will Elroy Boucher, third have more control and vice-president of the be able to organise and SVG Football run the competition with some input from Federation, confirmed that an U15 division will us…..that is why we have gone to the next be introduced in the 2013 National Football age group,” he said.

THE 2013 NATIONAL football club championships will see at least one change from the 2012 edition, and this will be the addition of an U15 competition, according to third vicepresident of the SVG Football Federation Elroy Boucher.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday evening, Boucher said that the Federation will be introducing the U15 Club Championship. competition so as to Sponsorship create a nursery for the bigger teams. He said that, while it He indicated that sixteen teams is still in the planning stage, they are expected to take part in the First would be asking each of the First Division, sixteen in the second division teams to field an U15 team, division and five in the females. as part of their development thrust.

One team, Carib Warriors, were demoted, while Richland Park Pride U15 in, U13 out and Joy who won the second division and runners up Sion Hill have both Boucher said that they will be been promoted. hoping to get at least ten teams to On the question of sponsorship, he begin that segment of the admitted that discussions are still on competition which, at this point, is going with last year’s sponsors the yet to finalise sponsorship.

National Lotteries Authority and it While the SVGFF is not planning will not long before an agreement is on penalising teams if they do not reached in time for the September bring an U15 team this year, the 15th kick off date. football administrator who is charged “Indications are from the Gen. Sec with overseeing tournaments and (General Secretary Trevor Huggins) related matters said they will be that things are very positive and only looking to make it mandatory for a few little things need to be the2014 competition. finalised,” he said.

“We must have a building process…..it is important for there to Venue challenge be continuity, and we can only do this if development is part and parcel And among the areas which are to of the sport,” Boucher said. be agreed upon is the venue of the While driving this point, Boucher, opening of the competition.Boucher

Football action in the 2013 Club Championship will not open at Victoria Park. Photo Credit: Oris Robinson of Orisphotogtraphy) said that with the Victoria Park out of commission until after the Independence, suggestions are being made to take the opening twentyseven miles out of Kingstown to the newly opened Park Hill Playing Field, which is also slated to host matches during the tournament. He however, conceded that the travel will be a cost to most teams.

“I understand that it is tentatively being suggested that we do the opening out there because Victoria Park will not become available until the first week in November ….yes it is some distance away, but it is a chance to play in a different area in front of a different set of spectators,” he pointed out.

He indicated that matches will be played at Campden Park, Sion Hill, Arnos Vale TWO, Layou, Bequia, Calliaqua (1st div. & U15), Park Hill and eventually Victoria Park.

CARLOS JAMES Troumaca Starlight and Rudy’s Electrical will vie for the 2013 Vine North Leeward T/20 cricket title.

That battle is set for Sunday, September 8 at the Petit Bordel Playing Field.

Starlight disposed of Somerset last Sunday morning to earn their berth, and Rudy’s joined later with a 93-run win over Heritage Tours Peto Stars.

Somerset made 85 in 18.4, overs with Rolando Charles 31 leading the scoring. Kentish John 4 for 14 was the pick of the bowlers for Starlight. Donald Delpeche 2 for 21, and one each by Dodson Cottles, Sermon Providence, Phillip Anthony and Nikon Alexander made it a team effort.

Keshawn Lewis plundered 52 before being run out, and Starlight cruised to 89 for 1 from 9.4 overs.

Janie Haywood 16 and Mozart Harry four, were unbeaten.

Rudy’s reached 209 for 8 from their 20 overs. Nolan Williams 42 not out ensured a flurry for Rudy’s. He built on contributions by Leon Samuel 41, Ian Allen 33 and Bertram Stapleton 25.

Ronique Laborde carried his wicket haul to 13 with figures of 2 for 31. Angel Small took 2 for 48.

Peto Stars folded at 117 from 15.1 overs.

Rangel Small,23, and a similar score from Colvin Edwards gave Peto Stars hope. They were undermined by McNeil Morgan who reaped 4 for 17. Alston Bobb 2 for 17 and Augustine Bentick 2 for 36 provided support, and Andre Hunte 1 for 5 and Norlan Williams 1 for 20 made it an overall effort.

Peto Stars reached the semi-final with a crushing win over Winterset Ball Beaters.

Rangel Small 74 not out and his brother Nigel erased any chances of a Winterset victory with an unbroken 107 run second wicket stand to guide their team to victory.

Nigel was the pick of the bowling with returns of 4 for 11 as Winterset were dismissed for 111 from 15.2 overs. Omar Tucker hit 39 to be the tournament’s top run getter. That score took him to 291 surpassing Casmond Walters’ 277.

Shamon Hooper 3 for 23 added to Winterset Ball Beaters’ misery.

Ten teams in two zones began this year’s championship. Carlos James Troumaca United and Robertson Surveying Rising Stars were eliminated after preliminary matches.

Rudy’s Electrical upset last year’s champion Ajuba in the quarterfinals.

Somerset got over Sharpes in their quarterfinal match.

Rivals are Super40 Champions Police One to capture the third position.

Their victory was centered around a display of class and power hitting by Windward Islands left handed opening batsman, Atticus Browne, who stroked 110 and Keron Cottoy, 72. They propelled Victors One to a record 321 for 9 in 40 overs. Parnel Browne took 3 for 61.

Police One replied with 155 off 25 overs. Salvan Browne led with 42, with Vertil Davis contributing Saints, losing finalists.

31 and Mc Leon Williams Rivals Warner took 3 for 28, Romel Currency 2 20. Keron won the toss for 21 and Rolando Wright 2 for 43.

Cottoy took 3 and elected Guardian Saints in reply were for 16, Delorn to bat. They cleaned-up for 117 off 19.1 overs after Johnson 2 for posted 193 they were asked to chase an adjusted 25 and Alston for 7 from 33 target of 168 in 26 overs based on the Bobb 2 for 50. overs, a Duckworth/Lewis system.

Atticus Team Rivals, champions of the Super 40 cricket competition. reduction in Romel Currency top scored with 38 Browne was the allotted and Devane Warner helped himself to Man of the TEAM RIVALS CAPTURED the overs reduced because of rain.

33. Lyndon James took 3 for 12 and Match for his inaugural Super 40 cricket title when Gidron Pope, Windward Islands Gidron Pope 2 for 29. Gidron Pope was 110. they defeated Guardian Saints by 74 under 19 and 17 left handed batsman, adjudged Man of the Match for his allruns in the finals of the competition, at led the batting with a entertaining 70. round performances. the Park Hill Playing Field last Gidron Pope, Man of He was supported by Roneil Jeffery, 37, On the previous day, Victors One I.B.A.ALLEN weekend. the Finals. and Darren Greaves, 30. Devane had an emphatic 166 runs win over

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 25.

Sports

North Leeward brightens THE VINLEC North Leeward Cricket Championship ends at the Petit Bordel Playing Field this Sunday. The clash features Rudy’s Electrical and Carlos James Troumaca Starlight.

Rudy’s Electrical have become part of the North Leeward landscape and were the 2009 champions.

They grabbed the fourth spot from their zone, but once into the quarterfinal, have displayed a new outlook. Rudy’s shocked last year’s winner Ajuba with a one run win. They proceeded to dispose of hometown favourites Heritage Peto Stars en route to the final.

They will feel that it is time to return to the pinnacle. They have been buoyed by Windwards’ allrounder Alston Bobb since their quarterfinal.

Rudy’s is a real cricket team. There is no question as to their commitment, and they are a happy bunch of individuals who enjoy their sport. The squad comprises seasoned cricketers who have been there and done that. They are not perturbed over what happens on the field of play, as long as they give it their best shot.

Captain Ian Allen played for the West Indies in England in the early 1990’s. He serves as coach of the Windwards’ team in their regional tournaments.

Bertram Stapleton was once dubbed the Vincentian Carl Hooper owing to his majestic strokeplay.

McNeil Morgan is another former Windwards player. He remains capable of plugging in.

Leon Samuel is an experienced all-rounder. He has not played at the senior national level, but his returns especially with the bat have helped to bolster Rudy’s.

Christopher Campbell has not been prolific as he can, but he is still capable of wielding an effective willow. Starlight’s bowlers cannot afford to be complacent with him, or indeed any other player for that matter.

Norlan Williams is a dangerous prospect. He can plunder runs in the lower order and snatch wickets with his lively seamers. Augustine Bentick is a deceptive medium pacer. Batsmen will have to be careful when lines up.

Cricket is a team sport, and any of the other players will relish the opportunity of making a name for himself.

Starlight will be looking to wrest the trophy for the first time. This is their third year in the competition and their second final.

They faltered last year in a one sided final against Ajuba. Starlight will be keen to improve their performance.

They started this season dismally and were swept aside by Somerset. Since, they have been unbeaten.

Leshawn Lewis is recovering from a knee operation, but is showing signs of recapturing the form that helped to propel his team last year.

Donald Delpesche has turned in some crucial performances with bat and ball. He and his teammate Kentish John are in contention for the most wickets. With twelve scalps each, they will be aiming to surpass Ronique Laborde.

Individual accolades may be on their minds, but they will be satisfied with a team success.

Niclon Alexander has proven to be another vital link in the Starlight network. He has produced some match winning innings, and his bowling has also been incisive.

Dorson Cottle, Starlight’s captain is having a mixed season. His returns have not been earthshattering, but he has contributed with bat and ball.

Zemron Providence is a left arm slow bowler who can be dangerous at any opportunity.

J’ranie Haywood has not set the stage ablaze with his stroke-play, but has been a stabilising factor in the opening position.

While everyone may revel with the sight of the boundary hitters in operation, Haywood has an enduring influence.

Sylvester Pitt has emerged as a revelation. His wicket keeping has not been spectacular, but he has done enough with both bat and gloves to have projected his team.

Phillip Anthony can be lethal when he gets it right. There will not be room for error this Sunday, and the anticipation is building as the countdown intensifies.

North Central beaming……

Leeward bawling

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE RESIDENTS of South Rivers and Park Hill are beaming from ear to ear over the recent commissioning of multimillion dollar sporting facilities in their area.

But while they are happy, and rightfully so, their counterparts on the Leeward side of the island, Penniston and Cumberland in particular, are teary-eyed. They are dismayed by the fact that for more than a decade in one instance, of being promised similar facilities by their then area representatives, there is just bush and grass staring at them every day in plots earmarked as playing fields..

Current MPs for those areas, Nigel Stephenson and Roland Mathews, have both expressed frustration over lack of progress on these facilities, while over a reported four million dollars have been spent in constructing the facilities in the constituency of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

The Cumberland Playing Field.

Windward MP Gonsalves is sharing in the joy of his constituents.

Gonsalves had indicated at an earlier visit to the projects that “the National Lotteries Authority is partnering with the government on the two projects, by providing The Penniston Playing Field. financial assistance, as well as doing work on the projects.”

Stephenson’s plight in South At the first stop at Park Hill, Leeward appears to be similar he had explained at the time that with the Penniston Playing Field, the lands on which the playing which began in 2005 with the fields were being constructed were acquisition of a parcel of land purchased from private from the Sylvester family, individuals. This, he said, relatives of his. contributed to the high cost of the Dr. Douglas Slater, who projects. represented South Leeward, Gonsalves had disclosed that at promised the residents of Park Hill, “close to eight acres of Penniston and Vermont the land” were bought from two construction of the playing field vendors for the playing field, at a while campaigning for the 2005 cost of almost $800,000.

General Elections, according to And Dr. Gonsalves may himself Stephenson. have succinctly summed up the The former SVG U19 fast response to the developments in Cumberland – a forest bowler said he is dismayed with South Rivers and Park Hill, when the lack of progress on the field, he said: “The people are very North Leeward MP Mathews claiming that it was all an happy in South Rivers. I know said that the efforts to build a “Election gimmick” designed to what is going through some playing field in Cumberland fool the people of the constituency. persons’ minds; well how you began in 1999 when the then He opined that a football can could have a facility of this kind government bought a parcel of get lost in the high grass, while in Park Hill, you buy so much land to satisfy the needs of the the area outlined for a cricket land and you putting down this residents of Cumberland and kind of facility and that it’s only Coulls Hill. The development was pitch is now a pool filled with tadpoles. because the parliamentary halted with a change of representative is also the Minister government in 2001. He said that North Central Windward happy of Finance and is also the Prime work began under then area Minister.

Representative Jerold Thompson While these two MPs are “Well there may be some truth in 2003 with the laying out of a experiencing playing field cricket pitch and the planting of in that,” he stated. heartache, North Central grass. However, Mathews said, the field has been allowed to return to what he described as ‘forest’.

“There is now bush and high grass that you will SIXTEEN teams are expected to for 7. not believe that there is compete in two zones in the 2013 In the weekend’s third game, where a playing field is edition of the National Lotteries Top Newbornne Joseph’s innings of 47 and supposed to be…..you Belair T/20 Softball Cricket Kenny Stapleton’s 26 guided Bank of might quicker find Competition.

SVG All Stars to 138 for 6 from their roaming wild animals The Competition bowled off last 20 overs, against Gomea Bombers. In than people playing weekend at the Dauphine playing reply, Gomea Bombers reached 139 sports……this is real field. for 8, to win by 2 wickets. Ovando O bad,” he said in a voice In the opening matches, Simple Brien led the runs chase with 58 and drenched with a mixture Boyz defeated defending champion Benny Cunninghan had 42. Desmond of frustration, pain and Novice by 2 wickets. Novice made 80 Bramble picked up 3 for 9, including a anger. with a top score of 50 coming from hat trick, and Earl Pope 2 for 24.

“It hurts me to see that Roderick John. Casmond Walters took The competition continues this a place that has turned weekend at the Dauphnie playing out so much national and 3 for 12, Eldon Morris 2 for 10 and Travis Cumberbatch 2 for 18. Simple field. regional sports people is Boyz in reply reached 84 for left to suffer like 8. Roderick John took 3 for 26 and I.B.A.ALLEN this…..this cannot be fair,” said the former Kimani Thomas 2 for 8. sports administrator.

In another match, He said that in Zimroy Humphrey response to a question in stroked a top score of 89 the House, Sports not out and Kenford Minister Cecil Mc Kie Collins 29 as Nar Fren had indicated that the Dem’s compiled 193 for 6 field would have been / 20 overs. Kareem ready by June of this Cumberbatch took 3 for year, but the work that 11. In reply, Georgie restarted a few months Valley Saints were ago has stopped dismissed for 76. indefinitely.

Glenford Woodley took 3 Teams lined up at the opening of the NLA Top for 14, Travis Peters 2 Penniston – a political for 15 and Brent Lavia 2 Belair Softball Cricket Competition. gimmick

TBPO Softball opens

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013. 27.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.36

A.I. REAL ESTATE Questelles 3 bedrm property on 7,977 sq.ft. - $350,000.00 H714 Lowmans Windward 8,712 sq.ft @ $5.00 p.s.f - $43,560.00 BB468 Questelles 7,516 sq.ft @ $12.00 p.s.f. - $90,192.00 - BB469 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com

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WOMAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING BABY Right: J-Verne Fernandez (centre) is accused of causing the death of her infant child.

A 23-year-old unemployed woman of Colonarie, in the North Central Windward area, is behind bars awaiting a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of her infant.

J-verne Fernandez appeared at the Serious Offences court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of her newborn baby. She is accused of committing the offence last Saturday, August 31.

It is alleged that Fernandez gave birth to the infant at her home in Colonarie, wrapped the baby in a blanket, put it in a handbag, and took it to the Milton Cato

Memorial Hospital. The child was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.

Fernandez seemed to be in a pensive mood when she was taken to Court on Wednesday. She placed her hand on her jaw and stared blankly as she sat in the prisoners’ row.

Fernandez was not required to plea when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Sonya Young and was remanded. A Preliminary Inquiry is slated for January 8.

The accused was without legal representation.

Van driver’s livelihood impacted intensively damaged and both drivers sustained WHILE GILBERT MOORE awaits injuries. surgery at the Milton Cato Moore told THE Memorial Hospital for serious VINCENTIAN he was injuries sustained in a vehicular travelling from South accident last Friday, part of his Rivers to Kingstown, with focus is on his three children, passengers, and on including a 4-month-old. reaching Villa, in the “The van is my only source of Aquatic Club area, he had income,” the 35-year-old omnibus to pull away from the owner and driver of South Rivers omnibus ‘Toppa’, which told THE VINCENTIAN from his was coming from hospital bed on Wednesday. “I Kingstown. don’t know who going to provide Moore said that as he for my youths,” he added. pulled his van away to He noted that his girlfriend, save himself and his Petranella Maloney, the mother of passengers, ‘Toppa’ struck his last two children, is his van, which carries no unemployed. name, and pinned him Moore indicated that his first down in the vehicle.

Gilbert Moore, confined to a bed at the child, an 8-year-old boy, is a Luckily a truck came Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, awaits student at the South Rivers along and the driver and surgery.

Primary School, while his second, other people who arrived also a boy, attends pre-school. on the scene, tied a rope Once ‘freed’, he was transported A police release stated that the from the van to the truck in order by the police to the Milton Cato police were carrying out to release him.

Memorial Hospital. investigations into the accident “After that was done, my door Moore said he sustained a involving passenger van H-119 was still locked, can’t release, they broken right leg as well as injuries owned by Hyan Ellis of Brighton had to come with a crowbar and a to his right foot and right hand. and driven by Darren Frederick of heavy hammer and beat off the He noted that his right hand was Enhams, and passenger van HEdoor. seriously damaged and took 15 843, owned and driven by Gilbert “After they got the door open, sutures. He was experiencing Moore of South Rivers, which my foot still jam under the ‘X’ severe pains in his right shoulder. occurred along the Villa public (accelerator), so a policeman had Up to press time, he was awaiting road last Friday. The release to come and ring up the ‘X’ to surgery. He noted that his vehicle stated that the vehicles were release my foot,” Moore explained. was a ‘write off’.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

The passenger van, owned and driven by Gilbert Moore, was reported to be a ‘write off’.

The popular van ‘Toppa’ shows signs of irreparable damage.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.