FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.33 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Prison Officer’s fate Too many NTRC My App Soufrière Trail: in the balance youngsters with workshop No Ground for Page 4 H licenses completed - Trial - Page 14 Page 4 Page 13 KIND-HEARTED BRIGHTON MAN KILLED

and was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer Shon ‘Sean Paul’ Browne (DMO).” A farmer who tends to FRIEND’S BETRAYAL his animals close to where the deceased was living, said that Samuel RESULTS IN HOMICIDE built a small house many years ago behind the A 33-YEAR-OLD-MAN was killed after park (now the SVGFF confronting a male friend whom he discovered in a facility) and lived by compromising position with his girlfriend. himself. Police confirmed that they are investigating the “He use to pass and go circumstances surrounding the death of Shon by Monique shop. He Browne aka ‘Sean Paul’, a 33 year old don’t drink rum and labourer/auto mechanic of Stubbs. Browne is Samuel’s best friend thing so but he does said to have died on Sunday 22nd August, George O’Garro. smoke e little weed. His sometime around 5pm, in Diamond. mother use to work on According to a press release from the Royal Grenadines Football the estate for ‘Das’ SVG Police Force, preliminary investigations Federation (SVGFF) DaSilva,” the farmer revealed that on the Sunday in question, the facility in Brighton. He shared. deceased and the accused male allegedly got into was also a painter. When THE altercation which resulted in the accused Samuel was a regular VINCENTIAN visited receiving a chop wound to his left hand. During patron of Monique’s Bar Monique’s business the tussle, the accused is said to have stabbed in Brighton, and his place, there was an Browne multiple times in his chests with a knife. fellow patrons recalled atmosphere of sadness. Browne was pronounced dead at the scene of his regular routine of In remembrance of the altercation by the District Medical Officer drinking two Guinness Samuel, two bottles of (DMO). Stouts, watching a movie Guinness, partially Browne was described as easy going and and conversing with his hiding the words ‘RIP willing. Linley Butler, a friend of the deceased, friends until he was Bush’, rested on the seat said that he was the person who had given ready to go home. of the stool Samuel Browne the place to stay in Diamond. The On that fateful usually occupied. property was Wednesday, some The deceased’s best registered in Linley community members friend, a dread lock man aunt’s name. said it was not more that by the name of George He described Samuel in happier times. fifteen minutes after he O’Garro, recalled his last Browne as “easy going left the bar that shots moments with Samuel. and willing,” adding Stories by state of shock. rang out from the He said that about 26 that he and Browne KENVILLE HORNE Samuel was known to direction of his abode. minutes to 10pm on would undertake be a kind-hearted and Checks by residents Wednesday he and his “mechanic jobs” as a THE SHOOTING DEATH of generous man; one who revealed that he was friend left the Bar. team. Edward ‘Bush Man’ had a special kindness shot. Samuel, O’Garro said, Linley, though, Samuel at his home in for the children in the According to a police told him he was going admitted that he had Brighton on Wednesday community. release, “….some home to make tea and warned Browne on 18th, has left many He was employed as a unknown person(s) fry half a breadfruit and several occasions about residents in that East St. member of the armed with a gun, shot fish. the number of George community and maintenance team at St. Samuel multiple times surrounding areas in a Vincent and the about the body. He Continued on Page 3. Continued on Page 3. succumbed to his injuries Friend Linley Butler. 2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . 3. CARPHA introduces online form to report adverse vaccine events by GLORIAH… by a vaccine. Dr Joy St. John, personnel will do Executive Director of CARPHA local follow-up. THE CARIBBEAN PUBLIC HEALTH elaborated, “The reporting of an AEFI CARPHA has AGENCY (CARPHA), through its CARPHA does not mean the event has been expressed the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), has caused by the vaccine, or that the belief that this launched an online reporting form to aid person who gave the vaccine made an undertaking will immunization programmes within error, but it is an important part of reduce the need Ministries of Health in the region in helping the national authorities to for a physical collecting of case reports of adverse identify events that may need to be presence at events following immunization. investigated further. The information health facilities. The World Health Organization from investigations and data analyses Any person describes an ‘adverse event following will assist Member States in wishing to report immunization’ (AEFI) is “any identifying the types of reactions that an AEFI untoward medical occurrence which persons are experiencing, and any experience may follows immunization and which does additional monitoring or regulatory speak with a not necessarily have a causal actions that may be needed.” health relationship with the usage of the Additionally, neither is it confined professional for advice on the medical as a regulatory unit within vaccine. The adverse event may be any to COVID-19 vaccines as, according to aspects, and/or assistance in CARICOM’s regional public health body, the Caribbean Public Health unfavourable or unintended sign, CARPHA, the “form may be used for completing the online form: VigiCarib Agency (CARPHA), with support from abnormal laboratory finding, symptom any vaccine, including COVID-19 Vaccine AEFI Form. the Pan American Health or disease.” vaccines”. All reports will be received Questions about use of the form This reporting therefore, is not may be sent via [email protected] Organization and the Bill and by CARPHA-CRS and then sent on to Melinda Gates Foundation. About the confined to only events directly caused the respective Ministries The CRS is an initiative of the Caribbean Community and Common CRS https://www.carpha.org/What-We- of Health where Do/CRS/Caribbean-Regulatory-System Ministry of immunization programme Market (CARICOM) and is managed Education Kind-hearted Brighton man killed Continued from Frontpage. that she would miss Samuel. She too attested to the type of person He knew nothing about what Samuel was. She said that he launches transpired that night until would give the children his last Thursday morning when his dollar and stay without. neighbours told him that his “It just senseless… you try to education friend was killed. make sense of it and you can’t and According to O’Garro, “That the sad thing in this whole man dey don’t trouble nobody. He situation they are not going to recovery efforts don’t get involve with no drugs lock up anybody,” said the because he nar support coke grieving woman. (cocaine) and them thing dey. Monique’s daughter, Trachelle, When he come in the shop ah two also expressed that she would by GLORIAH… The house where Samuel was Guinness he ah drink and he will miss the deceased. killed. A TWO-YEAR RECOVERY PROGRAMME buy more than two Guinness give “He use to call me Beyonce or intended to assist students in catching-up on anybody else.” Chiney or Japanese,” said learning lost as a result of the limitations presented He said that nothing was too Trachelle. person or persons, who apparently by the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosive much for Samuel to give and that Reports are that Samuel was thought he would have already eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, was almost every child in the supposed to collect some money received the money. undertaken by the Ministry of Education, community can give testimony of that day and some residents have Samuel’s death was recorded as beginning on Monday 23rd August with Recovery of how nice his friend was. speculated his death might have this country’s 26th homicide for Learning and Emotional and Psychological Support Business woman Monique said been the result of a robbery by a 2021. (ROLES). According to the Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation, the ROLES initiative Friend’s betrayal results in homicide which is funded by UNICEF, seeks to “help with the knowledge and skills that students have Continued from with a number of tell me he staying at compromising position. missed, but it also takes into consideration the Frontpage. females, would often home to clean up the The rest is now history. social, emotional and mental well-being of the meet at Browne’s place yard,” Butler recalled. “‘Sean Paul’ is a good students”. It is expected that educators, families persons he was inviting to have some drinks. “When me dey pon de man. If you send him and school communities would function as critical to his residence, and Butler said he was work now, all after 5pm, America three times he players in this endeavour. with whom he would even detained for a while them say ‘Sean Paul’ go walk go and come The ROLES programme began with vacation indulge in “drinking last week Thursday after dead. Me watch it pon a back. He is a man now session for students needing remedial work and rum.” he had to remove one of man phone…, see ‘Sean he go make his little those entering exit levels in the upcoming school He also said that he the girls from the Paul’ lie down in a minor trouble but he year. Students will go through three weeks of had warned his friend property. She reported to yellow jersey and blood wasn’t a man who like academic and non-academic activities mixed in with about taking back his the police that she was full up the whole place,” violence. He was a good traditional and modern learning strategies. girlfriend every time she injured after she was he said on how he found man and I feel real bad,” As the programme expands into the academic ran away from his thrown out by Butler. out that his friend was said Butler about his year, the following goals are cited: building core residence. “Sunday morning a killed. friend. “Somebody needs skills through Literacy and Numeracy; enhancing According to Linley, it man came to me and say He added that later to bear the penalty,” he Science, Psychosocial and Life Skills; was Browne’s girlfriend he have a car break that day, Sunday, he was sighed. understanding Special Education and Disabilities; who brought the accused down and he want arwe told that Browne had Browne’s death marks the twenty-seventh and improving self-awareness and personal to the house and Browne to fix up. Me tell ‘Sean returned from the shop development through Music Education. (27th) homicide for the and his alleged killer Paul’ let arwe go and fix and found his girlfriend The official launch of the recovery efforts of the and his friend, known as year 2021. were friends who, along the car for the man. He Ministry of Education is Tuesday 31st August. Short Man, in a 4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Prison officerÊs Labourer charged in fate in the balance Diamond

during the trial, of which Cupid said, ‘I told Primus, the man whom did this man have the stabbing Primus and Cupid him if he wanted to go Cupid is said to have key to the cell? Did interacting at a desk in out he will have to come conspired with, and the Veron Primus have a key death the prison, and of Primus up with his own plan and prosecution did not even for his cell for weeks, and Prison Officer Louis subsequently climbing go through with it’. mention that Cupid had was in and out of his Cupid DELROY QUASHIE, down an area. Delpleche said that told Junior Prison Officer cell? Where are the the man who is The Prosecutor added Cupid also told Duncan Alban Edwards to write Stories by diaries? The diary at the accused of causing the that when Cupid was that he worked the night a report for him, with the dorm will detailed the death of 33-year-old HAYDN HUGGINS taken into custody, he shift on September 30, Superintendent of activities at the dorm”, Shon Browne, of gave a statement to 2019 and around 2 a.m. Prisons permission, CLOSE TO two years after the lawyer submitted. Stubbs, also known as Sergeant Biorn Duncan on October 1, Primus following Primus’ escape, He noted that the murder accused Veron who was party of the came out of his cell and because of his (Cupid) ‘Sean Paul’, will make defence requested Primus was sentenced to investigating team, and told him he wanted to vision problem. his next appearance at 16 months in prison for in that statement, Cupid leave, and he (Cupid) The lawyer said that disclosure of the diaries, the Serious Offences escaping lawful custody at admitted that he assisted told him he could leave the report made no but the investigator said Court on November2. Her Majesty’s Prison, Primus to escape. how he wanted. mention of any they could not be located. Browne, 40-year-old Kingstown, prison officer Delpleche said Cupid “Isn’t that tantamount agreement between He recalled that resident of Sally Louis Cupid is awaiting his decided to speak to to conspiracy. A man Primus and Cupid, but retired Superintendent of Spring, originally of fate in connection with the Sergeant Duncan, and telling you he want to the investigator seemed Prisons, Brenton Layou, was taken matter. Duncan made notes of leave, and you said, leave not to have even spoken Charles, who was Prison before Chief On Monday, following what Cupid said. how you can”, the to Edwards at all. Superintendent at the Magistrate Rechanne closing submissions by In that statement, prosecutor questioned Edwards and time of Primus’ escape, Browne on Wednesday Senior Prosecutor which was read in rhetorically. Commissioner of Police told the Court, in after being charged Adolphus Delpleche, and evidence at the trial, and “Is not an ordinary Colin John were called as evidence that the diary with murder. He was Cupid’s attorney Grant referred to, in part, man on the street telling defence witnesses. for the dormitory existed, not required to plea to Connell, at the trial, during Delpleche’s him that, is a prison Connell noted that the was written in, and the indictable charge, which has been ongoing closing arguments, Cupid officer”, the prosecutor dates on the video updated, and when and was remanded. for several months at the was quoted as saying, said. footage from the prison Charles was questioned A police release Serious Offences Court ‘Officer let me tell you Delpleche contended were wrong. about the diaries not stated that, according Chief Magistrate the truth. I assisted that there was enough “In fact one of them to preliminary Rechanne Browne being filled out for three Veron Primus to leave evidence to prove the was in daylight. Was years, he said that if investigations, reserved her decision the prison, but I did not charges of conspiracy, that the day of the sometime after 5 p.m until Tuesday, August anyone was to say that, give him no key to the and corruption, beyond escape? It shows Louis it would be a lie. on August 22, at 31. cell, or open the cell. He reasonable doubt, as both Cupid, but did not show Diamond, Browne, also Cupid is facing Connell contended told me he wanted to go charges interlocked. what day it was. It a labourer, and charges of conspiracy that the prosecution’s out, and he wanted to But Connell in his shows cells open, and Quashie, had an and corruption brought case was hinged on escape, but I did not give arguments, said that prisoners walking up and altercation during against him following him a positive answer’. while Cupid may have down. They did not Cupid’s statement to Primus’ prison escape Sergeant Duncan, and which Browne was Based on what Cupid been negligent, in not provide evidence to show stabbed in the chest. between September 29 is reported to have said reporting Primus’ you that they were not does not show that there and October 2, 2019. was an agreement, or Quashie also received in the statement, intention to escape, it did just on a fishing a chop wound to his Primus was discovered common design between Delpleche was of the not amount to conspiracy expedition, taking dates left hand. missing from the prison Primus and Cupid. view that he omitted his and his statement to from a hat. Browne was around 9 a.m. on October “The ASP was to go duty as a prison officer. Sergeant Duncan, “Where are all the pronounced dead on 1, 2019. “Here is a prisoner on showed that there was diaries? None of these and follow up on this to the scene by a medical The Senior Prosecutor remand on a murder not agreement or documents were show if the dots authority. who led the case for the charge, telling a prison common design between presented. There is a connected. “It’s called prosecution, submitted officer he wanted to them to escape. He dormitory diary that Prosecutor Renrick independent evidencte. Cato told the Court on on Monday that the escape, and you did not pointed out that the reports all the activities “The defence humbly prosecution had proven Wednesday that the report it”, the prosecutor investigator, Assistant at the dormitory”, submits that the its case beyond investigator informed queried. Superintendent of Police, Connell hinted. investigator failed or reasonable doubt. He Delpleche also made Elgin Richards failed to “Would the diary him that he had about pointed out that footage refused to investigate the nine witnesses. reference to another part provide any evidence to reveal who last had the matter properly”. was shown in Court, of the statement in the Court from Veron keys to Primus’ cell, and Too many youngsters with H licences DEFENCE was Douglas’ third conviction for “The law needs to be fixed”, he his lawyer, he could have been facing LAWYER Grant dangerous driving, and that he had a suggested. permanent disqualification, as he was Connell thinks horrific driving record. According to Connell, “When you convicted three times for dangerous the law with But Connell is of the view that too look at his (Douglas) character in driving. regard to the many youngsters with very little general, he is not a hardened criminal, Browne thinks that the term of granting of H driving experience are driving H he is a good boy”. imprisonment for Douglas could be a licenses, should vehicles. Connell commended Sergeant Jones renewal for him, as well as a reflection be amended, as He said that when these young who prosecutes traffic matter, adding of his attitude. too many inexperienced drivers are granted H that he (Connell) always say to “That could be a stern message for inexperienced licenses, and they are of control, the minibus drivers that Sergeant 444 all van men now”, Connell responded. drivers are Court cannot fix the problem. Grant Connell Kenny Jones means good, and his Section 48(2) (c), Chapter 483 of the driving H “You have to amend the law. The advice to those drivers is, “You don’t Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, vehicles. problem is within the law. You can fix Connell commented on the issue at the problem with sentences you pass demand respect, you command revised edition of the laws of SVG, the Serious Offences Court on now. That is like putting a plaster on respect”. 2009, states that a person, on their Wednesday while mitigating on behalf a sore”, he opined. Douglas was fined $2,500, and was third conviction for dangerous driving, of his client J’Lani Douglas, a 26-year- “We see it too often for young disqualified from driving for nine may be disqualified permanently. old minibus driver, who had pleaded drivers with H licenses to clog up the months. Douglas was one of several persons guilty to dangerous driving, Court. Maybe they should not have H But Chief Magistrate Rechanne who appeared in Court on Monday on committed on May 28, 2021. licences at all. I have seen young men Browne told him that had it not been charges of dangerous driving. It was revealed in Court that this 18 and 19 driving container trucks. for the sterling mitigation plea from THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 5. V News No subsiding of Virgin Atlantic Flights; says Beache “WE WOULD NOT BE SUBSIDING VIRGIN FLIGHTS to St Vincent; we are having a marketing arrangement with them, we have joint marketing plans with the airline. There are two things. One, the contract with Virgin is very confidential as to what is in it, for obvious 300,000 GBP,” he further would be part of a tag the inaugural flight However, as it stands reasons. Two, we do a joint added. flight, which will see would leave Heathrow now, it’s going to be a marketing campaign. So Those were sentiments aircrafts making stops London for Grantley two-stop. “All flights out let’s say we put in expressed by head of the in Barbados first, then Adams Airport Barbados, of the UK into the 150,000 GBP into a St. Vincent Tourism on to the Argyle then onto the Argyle Eastern Caribbean are marketing campaign; Authority Glen Beache International Airport Airport. tagged flights; it may Virgin has to match that, during an interview on before making the He said the only very well include St so the campaign comes to BOOM 106.9 FM last journey in reverse. country in the Caribbean Lucia soon as there are Monday. He added that Speaking on the OMG which was a one-stop for new arrangements with Glen Beache, Chief Executive Officer of the St. the Virgin Atlantic Morning Show on BOOM Virgin out of the United that country” said Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. inaugural flight to St 106.9 FM, Beache said Kingdom was Barbados. Beache. (KH) Vincent on 13th October 6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 7. V News Persons need to return home

SCHOOLS ACROSS the country are that we would want to be in a position still move,” he contended. expected to re-open on October 4, and to put in furniture and do other The recent heavy rains would have there is a push for those schools that are repairs,” Gonsalves said. prevented persons from moving back currently being used as shelters, to be Government gave permission for Gonsalves admitted, but if individuals ready. persons to return to areas North of waited until everything was 100 And although it may be delayed by Rabacca after August 23, after being percent, the nation’s children would PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves a week or so, there needs to be a evacuated due to the eruption of the not be able to return to school for a deadline. La Soufrière volcano in April. long time, Gonsalves said. Level Four referring to either There were some persons who were But according to Gonsalves, there The effects of the disruption in face- rebuilding or relocation. still residing in shelters and whose were some who were of the view that to-face interactions for students was At the moment, the government has homes may have sustained Level One it was better for some to remain in the not going to be felt now, but in the started to construct 27 houses and this damage and have not gone back to do shelters than to return to their homes long-term he continued. project is expected to be completed by any clean-up. on the Northeastern side of the island, “Which is why it is important for us the middle of September 2021, he said. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves because of the condition that their to address the educational issue Land is also being made available to said on NBC Radio on August 25 that houses were in. properly.” persons in Orange Hill, Colonaire and there were still 31 shelters open, “Well, the truth is that some According to Gonsalves, there was a a section of Sandy Bay the prime housing some 1,134 persons. persons are in the shelters either plan to further decrease the numbers minister added. And of the 31 shelters, 24 of these because they are ill, or because their of persons still living in shelters In the meantime, Gonsalves said were schools, the prime minister said. homes are not ready to receive them so although there were a minority of that the Red Cross had pledged to “Because we are scheduled to open they are not able to move, but a individuals who were saying that they make resources available to cover the schools on October 4, which means significant number of this 1,134 can were not leaving the shelter until they short-term rental for persons for a get a house. period of two to three months which “I caution them again, although this would give some time for their homes is a caring government, you cannot try to either be rebuilt or restored. MOE launch initiative to to game the system like that,” he said. He said that government was Gonsalves explained that damaged looking to secure at least 200 homes to houses were assessed and placed into accommodate such persons, and this help students “catch-up” one of four levels with Level One he said, should deal with a number of referring to minimal damage and those still residing in shelters. (DD) IN AN EFFORT to help students The programme began on Monday, “catch-up” with learning lost due to August 23 with a three-week vacation the COVID-19 pandemic and the session, particularly for students in volcanic eruptions, the Ministry of need of remedial work and those Education has begun the roll out of a entering the exit levels in the new two-year recovery programme. school year. The students will be A release from the Agency for engaged daily Monday to Friday, 9:00 Public Information (API) noted that am to 1:30 pm and they are expected after pinpointing some areas in which to benefit from a range of academic students need support, the ministry is and non-academic activities, as well as partnering with a number of agencies traditional and modern learning to put suitable measures in place. strategies. One such strategy that will be used The programme, which is projected is the Recovery of Learning and to extend into the academic year, is Emotional and Psychosocial Support focusing on: Building core skills (ROLES) initiative, funded by the through Literacy and Numeracy, United Nations Children’s Fund Enhancing science, psychosocial and (UNICEF). life skills, Understanding Special According to the release, “the Education and Disabilities, Improving initiative is not only designed to help self-awareness and personal with the knowledge and skills that development through Music students have missed, but it also Education. takes into consideration the social, The Ministry of Education’s emotional and mental well-being of recovery efforts will be officially the students. Educators, families and launched on Tuesday, August 31 with school communities are also a live broadcast on Facebook and recognised as critical players on the Channel 114 on cable TV. (KH) road to education recovery”. Stop abandoning the young and elderly THERE HAS been abandon your father, or said that government another appeal to your mother, or had commenced the persons to desist from grandfather or process of cleaning up abandoning elderly grandmother,” he said and doing some repairs relatives or children while speaking on NBC on the facility at Orange when vacating the Radio on August 25. Hill that temporarily shelters. He said that there housed the Mental According to Prime were as many as 14 such Health Facility. Minister Dr. Ralph elderly persons The said facility has Gonsalves, the issue was abandoned at the JP the capacity to house a challenging one as Eustace Memorial which between 30 and 40 many of the abandoned was being used as a individuals, Gonsalves elderly were ill or shelter for persons said, and will be an suffered from dementia. displaced by the eruption extension of the Luis “Please for heaven’s of La Soufrière back in Punnett Home where sake, don’t abandon your April. additional staff will be children and don’t The prime minister hired. (DD) 8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V 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: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial Incitement? What next? Political cricket Gonsalves’

Editor’s Note: This piece was intention by the authorities to use style written before the charges of high handed means to quell what is ‘illegally organising a public protest, undoubtedly a testing time for the (An abridged version - first published in etc.,’ were brought against the Unity Labour Party’s hold on THE VINCENTIAN of November 14, 2014.) Kings.) government. What other grounds, unless there I AM DEAD SERIOUS. I thank P.M But to stretch the analogy, Ralph never WELL, WELL, IT DIDN’T TAKE US LONG are mitigating circumstances that Gonsalves for using his formidable played the game of “ins” and “out” which to swallow that Yankee pill which we state intelligence has thrown up, are talents in so abusing and insulting the politics is, nor by the rules that govern are wont to accept as the correct there on which to close in the two intelligence of the Vincentian people, as it still less by the umpire whose word is remedy all, if not most of the time. young persons who have been, if the to awaken them to the danger which he final like an electorate’s decision. It seems like it was just yesterday that truth be told, two of the more ‘vocal’ poses. But to start at the very beginning, the ruling political bloc in the USA was opponents of Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves could easily have gotten Ralph first played cricket for the calling for the prosecution of Ralph Gonsalves, his Cabinet and away with many infractions that his Lawyers’ team under skipper Kenneth President Trump for inciting a riot, the Party Executives. government has committed over a dozen John in a match played at South Rivers, years, but over the last two-year period before he had been called to the bar. He key word being ‘inciting’, when a But just what is this criminal act he has grown overbearing and persists had come up from his home at Colonarie swarm of Trump supporters stormed that we call incitement? in his folly with his hang-ups on the as a camp-follower, when he was asked the seat of Government causing Incitement is understood to mean weaknesses of Black people still intact, to fill the eleventh spot vacated by mayhem, and leaving a trail of the encouragement of another whom he has forced, almost in spite of Parnel Campbell who had twisted his destruction and injury as they person to commit a crime. themselves, to observe matters through ankle just before the match on the rough departed. If this be the definition that we eyes from which the scales has at last terrain of an apology of a playing-field, Yes, we have added that word accept, we dare say that there have begun to fall. which was really an old river bed subject ‘incite’ to our political lexicon here been many before now who could Even so, because of my current to flooding, misnamed pasture! with the recent arrest of two young well have been similarly taken in by maladies over the last six months I had So Ralph’s entry into political cricket persons - Adriana King and Kenson the SVGPF. not the time, energy or inclination to was facilitated by PR whose boots were King — for their roles in support of a There have been demonstrations peer properly into a multiplicity of his too large for him! The pair eventually cause they believed to be right and of opposition to state and misdeeds, only viewing with alarm the became, at various times stretched over demonstrated in what they deemed government throughout our modern direction in which he is taking this the years, political rivals and closely knitted comrades, calling each other all to be legitimate action on the streets political history. No one, to the best country, like nobody’s business. He is in sorts of names, from the devil incarnate of Kingstown that, in one instance, for a rude awakening. of our memory, has ever been to a chameleon resulted regrettably, in injury to the charged with incitement - a serious In spite of his capacity to outsmart and beguile listeners with his silver As a cricketer Ralph was indifferent Prime Minister. criminal charge if there is one. tongue, beguiling language and smooth but exceptionally keen, for he had long Correct us if we are wrong but But it would serve those who are demeanour, an observant person may calculated its political value. When we wasn’t the first indication from the behind this recent move, to bear in detect a subtle change of style: he is played country side the following made authorities, as per reasons for the mind that the bar required to reaching out more, less reassuring and, speeches on behalf of the lawyers- P.R., arrests, that they were taken into prosecute someone for incitement is for the first time hinted at his coming Ralph, Arthur, Andrew Cummings and police custody on grounds related to very high, and for good reason. defeat in saying that the people must Stalky John. ‘incitement’? At the very heart of the charge of not vex him or he might call elections All together we visited places It would not be far off the target incitement is the right to free speech and let whoever wins deal with the including Richland Park (women), to surmise given the surgical move so that whatever Criminal Law is international airport. Dubois and Petit Bordel. on these two young activists and applied, one cannot exclude the THIS WEEK focuses not on the With deft handling by the Captain, others, that some persons in Constitution in any argument of failings of the ULP government but on the Team including the “professionals” like Kens Dougan, Stuart Nanton and positions of authority assessed that law. one aspect of the Doctor’s tool-kit, which Clem Ballah, survived the vicissitudes of what transpired on the streets of If this is not accepted as being is pleasant and innocent-looking, but could be devastatingly effective. I refer two elections-1979 and 1984 emerged capital Kingstown over the last five enshrined as protection for the from the scrimmages with the patched- to his constant exploitation of the game or so weeks, was an indication of people, then we are biased in our up MNU. Dr. Gonsalves manoeuvred his of cricket which West Indians, including some sinister plot to overthrow the separation of government and charges through stormy seas by skillful our own people, love with a passion. government, including to protection of the people, by making captaincy in 2001 to the political As far as I know, Ralph had not a assassinate the Prime Minister as it too easy for any government, kingdom. clue of the game. He may not have has been purported by Unity Labour aggressive or otherwise, to charge True to form, however, especially in played even back-yard cricket though he Party members; and that the two someone for angry hyperbole that the vicinity of a most significant came to use its language fluently and elections, Gonsalves’ historical sense, Kings played a leading role in that calls into question the conduct of effectively. For instance that even his plot. government. notwithstanding his aged and ailing bod, original rival for North Central planned a festival match at South If these are the grounds for the Did anyone else hear a direct call Windward seat, Vincent Beache who action against the Kings, then they for violence during any of the recent Rivers, to start his 2015 campaign. But came from South Rivers was not fit for the rains washed out the game, as if seem rather flimsy and speak to an street protests here? test cricket only for coconut bat version. nature was saying, “Enough is Enough?” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 9. V Letters

rather than a becoming a very good batsman to go bowler who can along with his bowling. He too, must LetÊs talk cricket bat a bit. In doing be given the opportunity to bat higher so it would and given more games. strengthen the It is also my firm belief that Jason WEST INDIES CRICKET team continues Having tried many recognized batting and still Holder should be given the to flip-flap especially when it comes to batsmen in that position with little or allow room for the same amount of opportunity to bat higher up the test cricket. Sometimes they bring joy no success, as crazy as it seems, I front line bowlers. Added to that he order. Of late, it has been mainly the and at other times they make many loyal think Rakheem Cornwall can be given would be able to bowl and so lower order carrying the weight of fans angry. a try at opening the batting. If one strengthen the bowling line-up while both bowling and batting. Therefore, In analyzing briefly, one of its many should observe, he has a good defense not weakening the batting with an serious consideration must be given to failures is the batting and in and some array of shots. History extra bowler. reshuffle the team and its batting particular the opening pair. For years would show us that some of the Kyle Mayers needs some help order. This is just my two cents on we have been struggling to find a solid leading batsmen started out as technically as well as many of the West Indies cricket. and dependable opening pair. Except spinners batting low down the order. other batsmen. He made a great debut I wish them every success and it is for Skipper Braithwaite, no one seems Among them are Sir Garfield Sobers with a double century, but since then my prayer that they would rise and to deliver with any consistency. and Steve Smith. has faltered and faltered badly. I one day regain the number one spot in Therefore, I want to recommend a After all, it would do no harm to let would therefore recommend that he be the ICC rankings. crazy suggestion to aid with the him open the innings. He can play replaced with Shai Hope. Also aforementioned. primarily as a batsman who can bowl Alazzari Joseph has the potential for Kennard King Double standards

I NOTE, via an ULP regarding their alternative medium, that 2020 posters he puts his A. W. Indupp Mr. Leacock is calling for own political party in the removal of 2 ULP order. By arranging election posters at some sort of clean-up of Frenches Gate, based on these slogans that the fact that they refer to predate the ULP the 2020 election and are billboards by some 5 and now not relevant. It is 10 years. It is sheer noticeable that within hypocrisy to castigate the outlying regions of the ULP for posters that Kingstown there are still are not quite 12 months various NDP election out of date but to ignore slogans, in large letters their own slogans that, and bright yellow paint, as stated, are now 5 and that date back to the 10 years out of date. To elections of 2010 and conclude, I would 2015. These are daubed remind Mr. Leacock of on a number of roads the adage “people who and walls. I would live in glass houses suggest that before Mr. should not throw Leacock chastises the stones”. 10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Resettling and rebuilding lives after SVG is falling apart the eruption ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is falling apart. That is the general from the European Union to assist in Introduction consensus of most Vincentians. The diversifying agriculture after the Unity Labour Party (ULP) has failed the removal of preferential treatment for THE EXPLOSIVE eruption of the La people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines bananas. The resulting projects are Soufriere volcano on April 9, 2021, those residents. The residents and eight months after the general still incomplete and are yet to help caused significant disruption to the lives returning home, are practically elections, most Vincentians are farmers. of thousands of Vincentians living in the restarting their lives and while there demanding that the ULP must go. More and more people are saying northern part of mainland Saint Vincent, may be moments of anxiety, the On July 6, hundreds of Vincentians that the ULP has little or no regard designated as the Red Zone. Once the government is providing much took to the streets to express their evacuation order was given, the process for our laws governing financial support and assurances that together dissatisfaction with the ULP accountability and financial of moving for more than 20,000 we would get through this. From the Vincentians began, and for many what government and to demand change. management. Accountability is provision of transportation for The people’s anger was particularly fundamental and critical, as it goes would happen next was uncertain. In the residents and their personal items, to months leading up to April 9, 2021, fueled by the manner with which the from the top to the bottom of the ensuring that food packages are alleged shooting of Mr. Cornelius John since the beginning of effusive eruptions immediately available once they have business of government. It crosses all in December of 2020, much settled, the government has put was being dealt with. Moreover, they sectors and it connects to everything consultation and information sharing things in place to ease the burden and were angry with the government’s else that happens in the business of had taken place, to prepare residents in address whatever anxiety our brothers failure to manage effectively, the ‘running the country’. The lack of the Red and Orange Zones especially for and sisters may be experiencing. COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout of accountability erodes public what would happen in the event of an the eruption of La Soufriere. confidence in government. explosive eruption. Rebuilding and relocating Vincentians have had enough of the We recall the problems associated The truth is, that no amount of lack of accountability, high rate of with: the PetroCaribe funds where advisories and simulations could have Comrade Ralph has spoken publicly unemployment, increasing crime, $112 million was left off the books fully prepared residents for the on the government’s intention to deplorable condition of our roads, eventuality of the eruption. However, according to the International assist the worst affected residents demise of agriculture, poor health Monetary Fund; the misuse of the every care was taken by the whose homes have been significantly authorities to ensure that proper care, high cost of living, overdraft facility; the abuse of Special damaged or are in areas deemed mismanagement of this country’s Warrants especially during the years monitoring of the volcano was done unsafe and unfit, by relocating them and timely updates given. The economy and the serious allegations of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 to areas that are safer. Lands have corruption that are levelled against National Emergency Management been identified, and the process is in when the government spent over $100 Organisation, with the expert an advanced stage for the construction state officials. million under the Special Warrant assistance of the Seismic Research of homes for those who are to be The people of St. Vincent and the facility but failed to come to Centre within the University of the relocated to this new location. This is Grenadines want jobs. After twenty parliament in a timely manner to get West Indies provided regular updates just another of the many examples years of the ULP government, approval. And, there was also the to citizens on activities at La where our ULP administration has unemployment has skyrocketed. The lack of effective accountability during Soufriere that would assist in their provided assistance in the form of overall unemployment rate has the construction of the Argyle own planning and preparation. Once housing to nationals impacted by increased from 20 percent to 26 International Airport. the eruption occurred, most residents natural, and in some cases, manmade percent, and 46 percent of young knew where they were to go, either to disasters. Engineers and other experts people are unemployed. Those figures Eruption aftermath a designated shelter or in the case of from the Ministry of Housing and were before COVID-19 and the others, to previously arranged private BRAGSA are already making accommodation. This began a period volcanic eruption. We were told by the Indications are that residents of the assessments and doing the necessary Minister of Finance that since Orange Zone are dissatisfied. The of uncertainty for all citizens, but preparations to begin physical work especially those who had to leave their COVID-19 the situation has worsened government has told them to return to on the construction of these homes. To with some 420 businesses ceasing to homes and their livelihoods, having this end, contractors including those their homes - up to the Rabacca on their lives disrupted in ways closest to the Red Zone are operate and 2,754 jobs lost. The ULP the Windward side and to Petit Bordel unimaginable and not knowing how encouraged to register so that they government has no clue as to how to on the Leeward side. We have already long a period this disruption would be. can be included among the workers solve the current unemployment begun to hear many accounts of During the period of the explosive used to carry out the construction situation. shortcomings in the process of eruption and immediately after, heavy work that will begin shortly. The The ULP government is not returning people to their homes. ash falls and lahar flows caused much efficiency with which the government working in collaboration with the Though many have returned home, damage to infrastructure and private has gone about this exercise will no private sector. It appears that they there is still a significant number who property in the red zone. As it all doubt give hope to those who are most are against private sector began to sink in, many residents will continue to live in those impacted as they see the work being development. After 20 years, the ULP temporary facilities, away from home, realised that they would not be done by our government to assist returning to lives as they knew it pre- government has not facilitated any for some time to come. We have a them. In the meantime, those significantly new jobs in Vincy duty to make their lives comfortable. eruption, as for some it would not just residents who are unable to return to be the task of resettling, some would businesses. According to the World The partisanship must stop. Every their homes continue to benefit from Bank, it has become harder to do require a rebuilding of property and of assistance provided by NEMO and displaced citizen has a right to expect their lives essentially. other partners, as they are housed in business in St. Vincent and the support from the government. Cases shelters and offered excellent care Grenadines under the ULP in which people are made to feel that Easing the burden of resettling considering the circumstances. The government. Our ranking has fallen they are not entitled to the support period continues to be fraught with from 103 in 2015 to 130 in 2020. The provided by so many donors at home Once the all clear was given, based challenges for our nation and even report reveals we are one of the and abroad, must be exposed and on the advice of the experts more acute for those who had to leave hardest places in the world for rooted out. No partisan consideration monitoring the volcano, residents who everything behind and must now face businesses to find credit and register should be used to decide who gets remained displaced were given the reality that they will not be going property. timelines within which they could help, when they get help and what back to what they left, but together The ULP has neglected fisheries sort of help they get. In other words, return to their homes. The we will rebuild even better. government, through NEMO provided and agriculture. They have taken the donated supplies must be given continuous updates to assist those Conclusion these sectors for granted and have out according to need. It should not be who would be returning to their failed to deliver on their promises to that the best is given to some homes after almost 5 months away, to support these crucial industries. politically favoured persons and the Most Vincentians may not be able Agriculture used to provide 30 percent prepare themselves. Some residents to relate to the emotions being remainder to rest of the people. had used the opportunity previously experienced by residents in the Red of our (GDP). Now it struggles to The same goes for the supplies to visit their homes and make Zone who have moved back to their reach 3 percent. For twenty years, the bought by the government with the assessments, and where practicable, communities this week and their ULP has failed to remove the money allocated for the purpose by begin the process of removing ash and attempts to get their lives back on blacklisting of St. Vincent and the Parliament in the Supplementary other debris on their property. Some track after the La Soufriere eruption. Grenadines from selling fish to the Estimates. For example, the allocation residents were faced with the harsh Our government has however European Union. of $1million for purchasing appliances reality that they would not be able to committed to making this transition Our balance of trade in agriculture for persons whose appliances were return to their property immediately as seamless as possible, for those is the worst it has ever been, with because of damage to the physical destroyed or damaged and the $6.5m residents who were most severely many key crops in decline. Many allocated to repair and rebuild homes structure, while others would not be impacted, by providing much needed able to return to that property farms once under banana cultivation raise the questions: Who will get assistance. As we work together; are now covered in bush and are those appliances? Whose home will be because of extensive damage, or the government, residents, contractors, it threat posed to property based on the unproductive. There has not been an rebuilt or repaired first or at all? And, is important that residents exercise agricultural census in over twenty location. The government is ensuring patience, as the government does the how much will politics determine the that those who have returned home work in providing the support needed years, so the ULP does not know answers to those questions? are offered assistance during the to restore their lives back to pre- where our farmers are, what they are These issues and more forced process of resettling and NEMO, eruption status and put this nation on growing, how they can help them to Vincentians on the streets of working with the Ministry of Social a path to recovery after a very improve their yields or even what Kingstown. Undoubtedly, St. Vincent Development and other ministries and challenging period. land is available. The ULP and the Grenadines is in a crisis. It is department is providing support for government received some $37 million falling apart. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 11. V Views Content and Context When Rhetoric meets Reality PM GONSALVES was not always “The frame, the definition, is a type of context. And context, as we said combative and dismissive when dealing before, determines the meaning of with workers. There was a time when he things. There is no such thing as the offered meaningful advice that was view from nowhere, or from intended to bring real and lasting everywhere for that matter. Our point change. You can be the judge of what role for the Public Service Union of view biases our observation, happened as time passed. via honest means and through hard (PSU) in the administrative consciously and unconsciously. You work. However, if this desire for In a brilliant address at the 29th machinery; cannot understand the view without financial or material gain is all- Annual Conference of the Caribbean the point of view.” ? Dr. Noam 9. Inadequate remuneration and consuming (i.e., as is the case where Public Service Association in 1999 Shpancer, Professor of Psychology, poor conditions of work for too many some individuals pursue it at all Gonsalves declared, ‘In the final Otterbein University means — even if/when it involves public servants; analysis, the public worker unethical behaviours) we can 10. The lack of participatory individually and collectively must put IN TODAY’S WORLD OF “FAKE NEWS” it appreciate why the love of money is involvement of the population in the is not surprising to observe how many all the relevant issues on the agenda. perceived as “the root”, the state administration.’ individuals are misquoted and their An apathetic public service that is foundation, of all evil. Reading these words 22 years on, a thoughts thwarted by persons who take easily cowed by the powers-that-be The example used in the preceding keen observer could easily conclude their statements out of context. Such paragraph (1 Timothy 6:10) is will not be able to do more than that not much has changed even as individuals may duplicate the content extracted from a more extensive set of survive. Those public workers who but take it out of context in an effort to we enter the 21st year of ULP and thoughts that the Apostle Paul was take no interest in their union or who encourage readers, listeners, and/or Gonsalves in power. sharing with Timothy in relation to fail or refuse to tackle aggressively viewers to misinterpret the thoughts how the pursuit of wealth could cause In the same address, Gonsalves their own concerns will be trampled that are being shared. Words taken out some to “err from the faith and pierce calls for a participatory governance upon by a manipulative, of context could be quite misleading. themselves through with many model, intensely political societies The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Machiavellian government. Public sorrows.” To gain a full insight of the that do not yet have a tradition of defines “context” as “the parts of a workers must support their unions; thoughts shared in this regard, it is independent Public Service discourse that surround a word or useful to read all twenty-one verses of pay their dues: participate fully in Commissions. But some governments passage and can throw light on its 1 Timothy 6. The pearls of wisdom their collectives or branches; display do not even try.’ meaning.” The word means, “to shared in that passage that was utmost vigilance in their hard-won weave together”. The implication Gonsalves also opined that ‘the written over two thousand years ago rights; build the requisite industrial here is that we communicate in a public worker requires a political are still priceless today. and political alliances on an ongoing manner that the words used fit neatly Researchers, journalists, and framework of governance which is basis; and serve the public well and in place so that they convey our students writing papers/articles must responsible, which is responsive to faithfully. When all that and more is thoughts in a manner that is clear. be especially careful when seeking to democratic imperatives and demands, However, while words play a major done, the public worker will not only extract content from others in an which is corruption-free and which role in transmitting our thoughts survive; they will prosper and attempt to strengthen the thoughts does not lurch from one crisis to these are often aided by other advance. In short, the public worker that they (the writers) are seeking to another without a solution.’ variables such as stories, anecdotes, convey. While it is admirable to has to take up his or her bed and and body language. To merely extract Pointing to the centrality of the provide evidence of having done walk. To be sure, the weight of the words from another’s discourse may consent of the governed, Gonsalves, in extensive research on the particular public workers will be less to carry if result in misunderstandings and a scathing critique of the Mitchell topic, the content extracted must there is a government that embraces misinterpretations. To be effective, government noted, ‘it follows that the accurately convey the writer’s their concerns demonstrates the we must be able to communicate ruling regime has had to use clearly. This is virtually impossible thoughts even as efforts are made to practices of good governance.’ communicate that extensive research undemocratic means or practices, if/when we take things out of context Those were the lyrics of a politician of relevant literature was conducted. whatever their legal clothing, to as we seek to exchange thoughts with yearning for power. Such actions (i.e., taking the content govern. These means have included others. This is sometimes done During that address, Gonsalves out of context) will misrepresent the the cynical manipulation of the carelessly (innocently). At other told regional public servants that times it is done deliberately as in the meaning of the utterance having democratic institutions of the state, many problems retarded the growth case where a statement is made to altered the original context when political victimisation of citizens, and development of the public sound menacing in an effort to tarnish perverting the setting in which the including public workers, reckless statement appeared. Stewart service. Among problems cited were: someone’s reputation or to ignite an political propaganda, bribery and Stafford, an accomplished actor, 1. The manipulation and coercion of emotional response. Such thoughts, intimidation, and even threats of especially when they are linked to a reminds us that, “Separate text from public servants by highhanded physical coercion in unjustifiable prejudice, can result in tremendous context and all that remains is con.” Ministers of Government and a few circumstances. In such a climate, a personal and/or societal damage. The foregoing cautions us to be senior public officers who have the especially careful when seeking to state of virtual paralysis or siege It is possible that individuals could ears of the Prime Minister; decipher situations predicated on envelopes the public service. And no misunderstand something that is 2. Undue political interference said, written, or viewed. In their “third party information” (i.e., details bull-in-a-china-shop approach by any occasioned due in part by the ignorance, it is possible to relay that are provided by an individual [government] Minister can remedy imprecise demarcation of political and misinformation. However, there are who obtained it from another source). this. Much more is required that is administrative roles but also because individuals (especially in the realm of In such instances, it is absolutely positive.’ of the unwieldy quest for excessive politics and religion) who would essential that we seek to examine the The bull in a china shop analogy purposefully take a thought or accuracy of the content being shared administrative powers by the most aptly describes our current statement out of context with the as well as the context in which it politicians; political reality regarding, leadership clear intention of misleading the appeared. Failure to do so may result 3. The lack of popular controls and and governance. reader, listener, or viewer. When this in our jumping to conclusions based the inadequacy of existing formal happens, the real victim is truth. Ten years before his address to the on details that may not necessarily be controls on the public service; Such distortions deflect truth. These accurate. The true position having regional public servants Gonsalves 4. A condition of anxiety and are considered most dangerous when eluded us, our judgements may penned a letter to the Vincentian insecurity among public servants as a they are “tinged with a bit of fact”. A therefore be impaired. This, in turn, newspaper titled ‘Fear stalks the consequence of their alienation, loss of classical Biblical misquotation is the may result in our having a biased land.’ He lamented that ‘too many self, despair, apathy, loneliness, reference to love of money. The bible view of the particular situation. public servants, teachers, policemen, records that, “The love of money is the pessimism, powerlessness, We must avoid being naive and/or prison officers, and even lowly place root of all evil …” (see 1 Timothy meaninglessness and isolation. gullible when presented with government employees are trembling 6:10). However, we too often hear information that is channelled from 5. A lack of motivation on the part in their boots in the face of a individuals misquote the passage by another source. Thus, there is of a significant number of public conveniently deleting some words and seemingly all-powerful governmental wisdom in probing, asking the right servants; quoting the segment as saying, authority. Their mouths are muzzled questions, in an effort to ensure the 6. Insufficient resources to meet all “money is the root of all evil.” This by the food they eat to live.’ accuracy of the content as well as the the pressing demands in the civil deception of editing the content and A similar argument regarding context. Context is so very critical in service and a lop-sided or skewed thereby changing the context assisting us in determining the true Gonsalves’ method and style of understandably provides a glaring distribution of the existing resources; meaning of things. governance. example of how the thoughts 7. Too much waste in the public surrounding the statement could be Send comments, criticisms & administration of the country: altered. There is nothing inherently Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to 8. The failure or refusal by the suggestions to [email protected] wrong or evil about pursuing wealth [email protected] competent authorities to find a proper 12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views SVG should go 100%

supply alone. The Nordic country is known for its many steep valleys and renewable energy for rivers, as well as increased rainfall due to climate change, meaning hydroelectricity is bountiful. With the second highest supply of renewable energy, Brazil is the leader electricity production in biofuel and waste energy. These sources account for 32 per cent of its IN JULY 2021, oil jumped to its highest equality and all households to access taxes on equipment and parts needed total energy supply. price level in six years after talks mains electricity. to generate electricity by solar, wind, Renewable energy sources account between OPEC (Organization of the Where we already have hydro- hydro and waves. With electricity for 42 per cent of New Zealand’s Petroleum Exporting Countries) and its generated electricity, we could produced by solar, wind, hydro and energy supply. It is a world leader in oil-producing allies were postponed increase our capacity by having wave processes, electricity will be wind and solar energy which make up indefinitely, with the group failing to consecutive turbines along the river. cheap. That is the best way to ensure 25 per cent of its energy supply. reach an agreement on production policy The same water used to power a hydro that every household has access to The Leader of SVG Green Party, for August and beyond. The price of oil turbine upstream can be reused to mains electricity. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal was its highest since November 2014. power more hydro turbines as it flows An SVG renewable energy industry BSc (hons), MSc, MBA, says that the High prices of oil result in high to turbines located further would create thousands of jobs and reliance on oil for electricity electricity charges for our people in downstream. We should build two electricity for all SVG homes. production is draining our country of SVG. SVG Green Party Leader, additional hydro units in series at Household electricity bills could be money as it flows abroad to oil Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal South Rivers and at Richmond. reduced to virtually nothing. Areas producers. This is money that should BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, very strongly We should remove the monopoly such as North Windward, North be invested and spent in SVG to believes that SVG should go 100% that Vinlec has to generate and sell Leeward, Central Leeward and South strengthen our economy. If SVG went renewable energy for electricity electricity in SVG, so that households Leeward are prime areas for wind 100% renewable energy for electricity production, as this would make and Vincentian-owned businesses are farm renewable energy electricity production, then less money would be electricity cheaper and make our allowed to generate and sell electricity production. lost abroad. country’s electricity production produced by renewable energy. Having Norway, Brazil and New Zealand We must make SVG electricity sustainable in the long-term. more suppliers will create a market are all world leaders when it comes to cheaper and sustainable. In the long- Decades ago, we should have phased where electricity prices would come renewable energy. They came first, term, oil will become scarce, and out the use of oil to generate electricity down. second and third respectively in the therefore, more expensive. We have an in SVG. Thousands of households in To make it easier and cheaper for global rankings. endless supply of free sun, wind, water SVG have no mains electricity, households and companies to produce Norway utilises hydropower more and sea, so it makes sense for SVG to because it is too expensive for them. electricity in SVG from renewable than any other country around the go 100% renewable energy for We need policies in SVG that enable energy, government should remove all globe - it accounts for 45 per cent of its electricity production. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 13. V Technology First of two NTRC MyApp workshops completed

THE FIRST OF TWO ‘MYAPP’ August 20. applications, such as the recent launch WORKSHOPS put on by the National The skills acquired can be applied of ‘DCash’ meant that there is now the Telecommunications Regulatory in a wide array of jobs, Cyrus demand for persons to become Commission (NTRC) is now complete. explained, and although it was technologically innovative and Mikhaila Johnson, Valedictorian in Students from the Canouan challenging teaching the concept to a knowledgeable in areas of the NTRC My App Summer Secondary School participated in the group of students with no previous programming. Programme, receives laptop - one of 2021 NTRC edition of the programme, experience, he said that was optimistic “To have knowledge of coding and her prizes from NTRC Director Apollo which is now in its sixth year. that they grasped the information put application design today is really Knights. During the weeklong event — forward. golden because it opens a new horizon August 16 to August 20 — participants After all, we are now living in the for you,” John said. the entity he heads embarked on such learned the basic concepts of coding, digital age and according to Cyrus, She commended the NTRC for the a programme to inspire young people programming and how computers, there would be the need for more initiative saying that the programme to venture into different areas in IT. machines and robots work through the programmers in the future. gave students the opportunity to be “So, some might become coders, use of the micro:bit controller. Patricia John, Branch Manager — able to lead. while others will get to better “These pocket-sized computers Bank of St Vincent and the “The future is digital and we appreciate the use of software,” the which are used around the world are Grenadines (BOSVG) explained that continue to invest in you the young NTRC Director said. used to introduce youths to the world the banking sector was presently being people.” The summer programme was also of programming with its simple to use transformed and that many financial And that was the objective of the used as a steppingstone for the ‘Icode’ block coding design,” Cyron Cyrus one institutions were using IT to update myApp programme. competition, which is scheduled to be of the facilitators of the programme its online banking platform. Apollo Knight, Director of the NTRC held in September. said at the close of the programme on And with the introduction of cash said in the feature presentation that “It is all part of the bigger mandate of the NTRC for connectivity,” he said. Not just being connected to the internet and having access to sites from other countries, but according to Knights, it is to be able to connect to goods and services locally. “Therefore, we need people like you to build apps to connect persons together…we at the NTRC are playing our little part in that,” he continued. The expectation was not that all the participants would become software developers, but it was anticipated that some will Knights told the participants. Nineteen participants ranging in ages 13 to 18 completed the workshop, with Mikhaila Johnson selected as the Valedictorian of the event. The next myApp workshop is scheduled to be held at the Spring Garden Resort and is expected to wrap up today, August 27. (DD) Participants in the workshop with NTRC personnel. 14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Make sure it works facility in St. Vincent and diligent attention to of large scale leading the Grenadines. creation of the App, used edge technology. EASTERN CARIBBEAN convinced that this is the Antoine promoted the to provide the service, Security is such that CENTRAL BANK direction in which institution as a credible and there are guarantees questionable GOVERNOR, Timothy members ought to be outfit, supported by to the safety of users’ transactions can be Antoine is pleased with moving. That formed part reserves assured by the assets. Antoine is tracked and alert the adoption of the digital of his presentation at the Bank. pleased with his triggered. currency platform. He is August 12 launch of the There has been institution’s introduction The financial network Governor of the ECCB must be incorporated for Timothy Antoine is this venture to succeed, pleased with the Antoine contends. introduction of the new (WKA) App. Soufrière Trail: No Ground for Trial THERE HAS BEEN SOME RESTORATION to the trail leading to La Soufrière volcano, but Professor Dr. Richard Robertson is advising persons not to take the adventure. His comments came in the wake of reports submitted to the Professor Dr Richard National Emergency Robertson has urged Management persons to desist from Organisation of works taking the hike up to the carried on the path. La Soufrière volcano as it Robertson is still not safe. reminded listeners and viewers to his broadcast of the ongoing activity at the volcano, and that the uncertainty of the terrain posed threats to adventurers. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves pointed to realignment needed for easier and safer access for scientists monitoring the volcano. A team from National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority is spearheading the landscaping drive. Eruptions of the volcano, pitched over four thousand feet above sea level, have been known from 1718, 1812, 1902, 1971, 1979, and 2021. Intensity in recent activity triggered December 27, 2020, after indications of unrest. Events came to a boiling point on April 9, 2021 with outburst of steam and ash. That pattern prevailed over two weeks before slacking. Given the unpredictable nature of the volcano, no one can predict the next phase. The scientists attached to the Seismic Research Centre based at the St. Augustine wing of the University of the West Indies have been the authorities, keeping the Vincentian government updated on the state of affairs with the volcano. A Mapping exercise is being done to warn and also help planners with the rebuilding and recovery programme. Heavy rains in recent weeks have provided conditions for lahar flows, an aftermath of the explosions. (WKA) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 15. V News Soroptimist gears up for new action School Library and Grenadines has rendered Mrs Annelle Thomas masks given to van assistance at shelters; drivers and fisher-folk at delivering disaster relief 100 years since the the Kingstown Fish supplies donated by local inception of Soroptimism Market. Soroptimists, and the St. Vincent and A fundraiser, ‘Taste of Soroptimists sisters from the Grenadines Club has Christmas’ was held at the Caribbean, UK, received international the Farmer’s Market Germany, France, recognition through the while the annual Martinique and distinguished service of Christmas presentation Guadeloupe: and to Soroptimist Mrs. Annelle was made to the female families in private Thomas who was named wards of the Milton Cato homes, shelters, and by the Federation among Memorial Hospital. other organisations such its outstanding members Additionally, ‘Love Box’ as the SVG Netball over the 100 years of its distribution to several Association, Helping standing, celebrating her homes for the elderly; the Hand Centre families, for making a difference Annual Christmas from friends of in the lives of women President and Federation Vice President - Donnette O’Neal parties at the Glebe Day Soroptimists in UK and and girls. Councilor - Ikarmola La Borde Nursey and at the elsewhere, Freewinds The Club lost 2 active Helping Hands Centre at Cruise Ship, and British members: Nina Maloney Montrose; care packages Airways. and Zeitha Hadaway; but delivered to the female initiated 6 new members inmates at the Prisons Other engagements in May, 2021: La Fleur were success stories. Quammie, Andrea Gift vouchers for school The Club engaged Gaymes-Mohess, uniforms and books were with its Caribbean sister Kimberley Cambridge, given to Secondary clubs through the Sabrina Murphy- School students from Soroptimist International Bascombe, Avyeng disadvantaged areas to Caribbean Network Murphy and Samantha meet needs for the 2020- (SICN). Activities Browne-Cordice. 2021school year. centered around For the 2021-2022, the Development Officer – René M. Baptiste- IPP Programme Action Chair – During the period establishing Anti- Club would be engaged Lavina Gunn Shannon Durrant-Samuel November-December, the Human Trafficking in programs geared Comfort Station at Banners at Airports in towards Women’s Heritage Square was the Caribbean and Enterprise refurbished with support lobbying CARICOM for Empowerment with from BRAGSA. This its Consultative Status Women in agriculture in facility is the only one of and Observer Status at particular; Helping its kind, built by various Women Behind Bars; Soroptimist in 1991. Caribbean/CARICOM Education; Youth Skills Following the eruption fora in keeping with the development along with of La Soufriere, Civil Society Charter of its usual Annual Soroptimist International CARICOM. programmes and of St. Vincent and the This year will mark activities. Secretary – Josie-Ann Treasurer – Christine Membership Officer – Small Da Silva Keisha Fraser The elected executive to serve for the 2021-2022 year. Soroptimist International President and Federation Development Officer – OF ST. VINCENT AND THE Councilor - Ikarmola La Lavina Gunn; Membership GRENADINES RECENTLY Borde; Vice President - Officer – Keisha Fraser; HELD ITS VIRTUAL 34TH Donnette O’Neal; and René M. Baptiste- ANNUAL GENERAL Secretary – Josie-Ann IPP/SICN Representative. MEETING. THE Small; Treasurer – FOLLOWING PERSONS Christine Da Silva; Programmes were elected to serve for Programme Action Chair – the year 2021- 2022: Shannon Durrant-Samuel; Soroptimist International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had a very active year despite the limitations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the La Soufriere eruptions. President Ikarmola Laborde’s report revealed that the club successfully hosted the award-winning program “Girls On Fire” during the 2020 summer, adapting it for residents of the Guadeloupe Home for Girls in Marriaqua. Library books were The refurbished Comfort Station at Heritage donated for Literacy Day, Square which was built by Soroptimist in 1991. to the Sion Hill Primary 16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News UWI receives US$500,000

Culture, Creative and Performing Arts reparation at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. It’s a seminal moment in the regional reparations movement. Bridget Freeman should be celebrated as a citizen who has broken ranks with payment British white supremacy, conservatism and has become an activist reparationist. Editor’s Note: The following US$500,000 to the University’s Bridget has accepted her statement is issued by Professor development fund – through its responsibility and willingness to be Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice- 2021 Global Giving campaign. held accountable. In this regard, she is Chancellor of The University of The philanthropist described a reparations hero, and we hope that the West Indies, and Chairman of being ‘horrified and touched’ by the millions of other British citizens in the CARICOM Reparations the discussion on the impact of her position will step up, come forward, Commission. slavery on the region today. She and participate in the healing and agreed that reparations should be development that is reparations. ON THE HEELS OF THE UNIVERSITY paid by those who benefitted from The reparation investment will be OF GLASGOW’s agreement to enter the crime against humanity. “It is directed to needy students in order to into a £20 million reparation not right”, she said, “We owe it… sustain the access revolution that is programme with The University of the giving back just seems so central to Caribbean development and the West Indies, apologizing for its obvious.” to the University’s strategic plan. financial participation in the Bridget’s family married into Caribbean slave economy, an the Barbados slave-owning class English woman has agreed to pay and became involved in its Right: Bridget Freeman is of the reparations for her family’s development. As an accomplished view that those who benefited involvement in slavery. musician, she has also declared from Slavery in the Caribbean Bridget Freeman, a British an intention to contribute to the should pay reparation. citizen has agreed to contribute newly established Faculty of THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 17. 18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 19. V Diaspora Successful Inaugural Vincy Day in Brooklyn Story and photos by Great South Bay in East NELSON A. KING Islip, Suffolk [email protected] County, Long Island, a US CORRESPONDENT New York City suburb. The annual Vincy Day Organizers have described USA, Inc.’s picnic was as very successful the suspended for the last inaugural Vincy Day in two years because of the Brooklyn, New York. COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds turned out “Everything is free,” on Sunday 22nd August Samuel said. “We’re at Seaview Park in the having fun. We’re Canarsie section of celebrating life. We’re Brooklyn, for the not charging anybody inaugural event that was anything. hampered, almost at He said that once picnic’s end, by torrential COVID-19 abates, and downpours from Tropical the situation returns to Vincy Soca artiste Storm Henri. normal, his group will Edson “Lively” Mc “I love it,” Chairman adjust its picnic date to Donald performs “We Vilard ‘Mr. Cool’ Samuel, avert any potential Drinking” at inaugural told THE VINCENTIAN conflict with the grand Vincy Day in Brooklyn. adjacent to a tent, under Vincy Day USA, Inc.’s which popular picnic in Long Island. together.” Vincentian DJ Supa The latter usually takes Community activist Eyes blasted Caribbean place on the third Laverne Williams, vibes, in the company of Saturday in August. originally from Cemetery members of his “We’ll have Vincy Day Hill, Kingstown, said organizing group, in Brooklyn next year, that, in light of COVID- dubbed ‘Cool and the but not on that 19, the picnic was most Gang’. particular day,” Samuel welcome. “The original group, said. “It’s good,” said the Vincy Day USA Inc., was “We’re not fighting executive member of the not doing anything,” with anybody; we’re just Brooklyn-based Vincy added the New having fun,” he stressed. Liberators, Inc. “After Montrose, Kingstown Soca artiste Edson COVID held us down, we native, “so we decided to ‘Lively’ McDonald, still have a little come out and do our originally from Lowmans camaraderie. thing. It’s just to have Windward, had the “They could have it fun. crowd gyrating to some (picnic) twice,” she “It’s a different of his hits, including ‘Old added. “Have one in community,” continued Bottle’, ‘Tek Dat’, ‘We Brooklyn in July then Samuel, contrasting his Drinking’ and ‘Big the real thing in Long group’s event with the Thing’. Island — Heckscher State massive Vincy Day USA, “For a short notice Park — in August.” Inc.’s annual picnic that and the first-time event, takes place at the 1,657- it’s a great turn-out,” he Issue with a Name acre Heckscher State told THE VINCENTIAN. Park on the shore of the “Everybody just came In lieu of the annual, Continued on Page 22.

Members of the organizing group, ‘Cool and the Gang’, L-R, front row: Brianna Lowman, Vilard “Mr. Cool” Samuel and Evard Lewis; back row: Rodger Mulzac, Donald Jarvis, Francelia Durrant, Lenford Mornix and Bennett Straker. 20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Just a pity kiss? Dear George,

SOMEONE reported to me that she saw my girlfriend kissing another man. Of course, I got extremely furious about it and confronted her straightaway. She disappointed and to lose trust in your had the gall to admit that it was true, girlfriend. She displayed very poor BUT the man she kissed was her former judgment and should not be going boyfriend and she did it because he around kissing her Ex out of pity for begged and begged her for one last kiss, him and meeting his selfish and simply because he missed kissing her. lustful desires. He blew his time with She said she did it because she felt sorry her and should have been reminded by for him. George, she sent this guy her that he no longer has the privilege packing over a year ago for cheating on of touching her the way he used to. her. Now my problem is I do not know That privilege is now extended to what else he begged her for and how someone else, not him. Maybe, with much pity she had for him then. I simply some timely counselling you two can cannot trust her again and once this get past this. Sometimes in man is still alive I do not trust her with relationships, people do mess up, but him. I really thought we had a strong in the final analysis you are the one bond of love between us but this opened who has to decide whether or not this my eyes. action by your girlfriend is a deal breaker. One thing is certain, getting Bitterly disappointed past this should make your relationship stronger. Dear Bitterly disappointed, George You do have sound reasons to be Bucket list confusion Dear George, I would not want this to you are ready to wholly be the thing to mash up and solely commit to I HAVE BEEN with my my marriage. I am your partner, forsaking boyfriend for two years wondering whether or all others. If you are not and we have recently not I should tell my there yet and have your started discussing boyfriend any of this and doubts, then I advise you marriage. I know deep if so when is the best to take all the time you down there are a few time to do so. think you need. While things on my bucket list you are waiting, your that I would like to try Curious Cat boyfriend has the right before I settle down, but to be told the reason for I have this fear that if I Dear Curious Cat, any prolonged wait time. do one of them it might If at this stage of your change my feelings for It is not for me to tell relationship you are not my man forever. you to go out and do your comfortable discussing I have been told by a trial runs before getting any and everything, then few people that once you married, but what I that is another engage in this activity would tell you is, indication that maybe there’s no turning back. marriage is a serious you need more quality I have this deep desire to step and before taking time together before be with another woman this step you have got be taking that next step. and I want to do it before absolutely certain it is I get married, all because what you want, and that George

Your wife quoted the Bible Had it up to here out of context, and took her Dear George, new-found Christianity too far, allowing it to interfere with her MY WIFE has decided to change her marriage. Marriage is ordained by life and live a Christian life. I do not God and as a wife, there are have a problem with that. Where I instructions in the Bible for both have the problem is she telling me husband and wife to follow. These that we can no longer have sexual pertain to obedience, submission and relations due to her new status and it detail how each partner should love would be sinful for her to sleep with the other. Once your wife is a me. She tells me how “unclean” I am principled Christian, she should have and she is going to keep herself from no problem putting them into me until I become a Christian. Many practice. I suggest you have a talk times I would try to touch her only to with her Pastor about your situation have her respond, “Touch not the regarding roles of spouses in lord’s anointed...” George, I have news marriage. I further suggest you resist for her. I will have no problem looking the temptation to step outside your for a woman who wouldn’t mind marriage to appease your sexual sleeping with a sex starved married urges. If there is no resolution after man. I have never cheated on my wife visiting the pastor, see a professional and if she wants to destroy her 22 year marriage counselor. The onus is yours old marriage in the name of to try saving your marriage. Your Christianity then she can go ahead. I wife has the same responsibility. This have had it up to here. issue can be resolved once you both see the marriage worth saving. Annoyed husband George Dear Annoyed husband, THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 21. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Your versatile mind and common sense Your ideas are right on the mark and will allow you to come up with various your work commendable. Be careful 1. First-aid set solutions. Get on with your life. A long, not to divulge secret information this 4. Metered auto quiet walk alone may help you sort out week. Your added discipline will help your thoughts. you complete the impossible at work. 7. Eye part 9. Mall lure TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 10. Gridiron maneuver Leave things as they are for the Avoid disputes with family; their 12. Holiday decoration moment and focus on reaching your complaints can't change anything 15. Yellowstone herd highest potential at work. Get involved anyway. Express your interest if you animal in creative projects that will enhance want the relationship to progress. 16. Plains shelter your earning power. Try to be precise Friends and relatives can give you good in your communications. advice. 18. Boot tip 19. Sweet beverages GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 21. Stylish Get help to finish a project if you need Overindulgence may be a problem. Be 22. With 11-Down, it. You will be highly sensitive to discreet and don't reveal any personal “M*A*S*H” star comments made by your lover. Travel information. You may have difficulties 23. Genesis figure could bring you the adventure and while traveling or problems dealing 25. Sampled excitement you require. with close friends or relatives. 27. Opponent CANCER (June 22-July 22) CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 29. Bolt fastener Your input into their activities will help Spend time getting into physical 30. Watched 2. Provoke 30. Egotistical 38. Strike mightily bring you closer together. Money can activities with your lover. Get into 33. Pleasant 3. Pinball violation 40. Permit be made if you are willing to take a 31. Sea-surrounded fitness programs to keep in shape. Your 36. Go beyond 4. Tender love mass 42. Scratch (at) chance. Try to take some time to listen ambitious mood may not go over well 37. “Spare” bone to their complaints, and in turn, do with loved ones. 5. Pub serving 32. Wield a shovel 43. Fishing spool something to appease them. 39. Solid fuel 6. Fab Four member 34. College class 46. Nectar AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 41. Tanker filler 8. Appear 35. Make lighter collector LEO (July 23-Aug 22) The distance may make you both 42. Cheroot or stogie 9. Norway neighbor 36. Spooky author 48. Bawl Put your efforts into your work or appreciate each other more. You will 44. Apply 10. Social drink money making ventures rather than have to make changes in order to 45. Give power to 11. See 22-across your emotional life. Use your quick wit eliminate the tension. You can anger 47. Concealed 13. Leaping amphibian to win points and friends. If you others quickly this week. Avoid haven't planned a vacation, then at overspending on items for your home. 49. Close in distance 14. Fowl female least try to get away for the weekend. 50. Towel designation 17. Stew vessel PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 51. Garden wetness 20. Bank vaults VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may find that your family 52. Harsh chemical 22. Upstairs room You will accomplish the most through responsibilities are piling up. You will 24. Cut (grass) or. Don't take advantage of your be up and down emotionally. You will DOWN 26. Celestial heat expense account. Don't hold back. Take have a greater involvement in groups; source SOLUTION a short business trip if possible. however, they may not be to your LAST WEEK’s advantage. 1. Punted 28. More surreal 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News SVG Red Cross donates generators

President of SVG Red Cross Mr Bernard Morgan makes to the RSVGPF presentation to Commissioner of Police ON FRIDAY AUGUST 21, The donation was made by of the national Mr Colin John. 2021, the SVG Red Cross Mr. Bernard Morgan, emergency management Society donated three (3) President of the SVG Red system in St. Vincent security situation in our portable power generators Cross Society to and the Grenadines, the communities.” to the Royal St. Vincent Commissioner of Police, SVG Red Cross Society is Commissioner John and the Grenadines Police Mr. Colin John. always happy to support thanked the SVG Red Force (RSVGPF), at Police Mr. Morgan and partner with the Cross Society for the donation. “The RSVGPF during this period.” Headquarters, Kingstown. acknowledged, “As part police in improving the tangible and timely is very grateful for The Commissioner receiving the generators also noted that the SVG at this particular time”, Red Cross Society has he noted, “as you are been a very reliable aware, the country is in partner in the area of the hurricane season. disaster management These generators will and the gift to the assist us to respond more RSVGPF was not the effectively to emergency first. (Submitted) situations that can occur Successful Inaugural Vincy Day in Brooklyn Continued from Page 19. massive Vincy Day USA, Inc. picnic, Chairman Raymond O. Lewis, a Frenches, Kingstown native, said his group held a “Food Sale BBQ” on Saturday to help defray the cost of the annual extravaganza. “There wasn’t a heavy presence of patrons, but we had a fairly decent flow of patrons purchasing meals and leaving,” he told THE VINCENTIAN about the event, which took place at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center on Logan Street in Brooklyn. “ “As it was the first time that we gathered in that capacity, because of the pandemic, there was a moment of silence for persons who passed on over the last 18 months or so,” Lewis added. Those remembered included Junior “Soca” Jones - past Vice Chair and founding member of Vincy Day USA, Inc.; calypsonian,Winston Soso, who was always available to perform at Vincy Day; and Ferrand ‘Randy D’ Dopwell, who served as an MC at Vincy Day on many occasions. At the same time, Lewis took issue with the use of the words ‘Vincy Day’ in the promotion of another Vincentian picnic in Brooklyn. “First off, Vincy Day Family Fun Day is an undertaking that is done by the Vincy Day USA Committee, Inc.,” he said. “We are not opposed to anyone having a gathering or such, but using the term ‘Vincy Day’ is very misleading, because it gives the impression that the Committee is putting on the family fun day and not informing the general public.” Lewis said it costs over $40, 000.00 to host the event. Expenditure include park permits, stage, dumpsters, clean-up crew, park police, insurance, medical personnel on stand-by, security and portable toilets. “We also have a responsibility to our sponsors to be good corporate citizens, because it’s been pretty difficult over the past couple of years for many businesses to generate income, much less to have disposable income for sponsorship,” Lewis said. “And seeing that most of the community organizations draw from the same sponsors, we have to be diligent and find creative ways in which to raise funds for the event.” Nonetheless, he said Saturday’s fundraiser was “successful, despite the circumstances”. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 23. V 24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN Vincentians shine in AntiguaÊs Cycling Championships

Amber Glasgow Elite top three: Albert Quammie (left), Jeffrey Kelsick (centre), Ghere Coates (right). St Vincent and the lone female listed in the came via Albert Quammie, who was Grenadines’ representatives were Championships, thus giving the runner-up to Antiguan Jeffrey Kelsick Cammie Adams and Zefal Bailey, who Vincentian an easy win. Glasgow’s in the Male Elite Category. competed in the Elite Male and Martin efforts saw her clocking 3:14.04.46 Quammie’s time was 5:11.6.98, Bollers, the Masters. in which she did the Time Trial, while Kelsick’s clocking was The Elite Males did the 4.1 miles along with 20 laps or 29.2 miles 5:10.49.86. Taking the third spot was Time Trial, a 43.8-mile Criterium, and 21.8 miles in the road race. Ghere Coates - 5:11.39.80. made up of 30 laps of the circuit and And, St Vincent and the Apart from Bynoe, Durrant, the 67 miles road race. Grenadines’ other podium finish Glasgow and Quammie, the other

Desron Bynoe (left), receives his awards from St Clair Williams- President of the Antigua and Barbuda Handal Roban holds SVG’s Cycling Federation. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES placed first and second in Masters 800m all-time Record Category, took the Elite Female and was second in the Elite Male, when the Kenya, set a new St. set a new mark of 1:49.41, Carifta Games. He earned a Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation Vincent and the which earned him a place in gold in the Under-17 staged the Subway Three Stage Grenadines all-time Saturday’s semi-finals. Division in 2018 and won Invitational Championships, last record over the Saturday’s feat by Roban, bronze at the 2019 edition, Saturday and Sunday. distance. was the sixth occasion that when he moved up to the Desron Bynoe, in his maiden Competing in the he was re-establishing the Under-20 age group. representation at Cycling for St first of two semi- Under-20 record. In 2019, he took bronze Vincent and the Grenadines, copped finals, Roban finished Roban is also the holder in the 800m at the North the Masters Title, thereby dethroning fifth in 1:48.37, which of the St Vincent and the American, Central fellow Vincentian- Peter Durrant, who is the best ever from Grenadines Under-20 American and Caribbean triumphed in 2019. any Vincentian 1500m record, and has the (NACAC) Under-18/ Under- Bynoe was second in the Time Trial, athlete. He thus best times in the 400, 800 23 Championships, staged but won the Criterium and the Road eclipsed the 1:48.60, and 1500m of the in Mexico. Race. In total, Bynoe’s time was done by Eversley Intermediate Division at the And, last month Roban Handal Roban has once Linley, at the Summer Inter Secondary School gained a gold medal in the 4:15.11.99. Second place - Peter again set a record for SVG. Durrant’s overall time was 4:25.38.46. Olympics in Barcelona, Athletics Championships 800m and silver in the Third place went to Patrick Peters Spain in 1992. (ISSA). He is also part of 400m, at the North HANDAL ROBAN, despite In addition to the the quartet that holds the American, Central of host country Antigua and Barbuda, not reaching the Men’s whose time was 4:32.53.15. national record, Roban National Under-20 4 x400m American and Caribbean 800m final at the World rewrote his own national record. (NACAC) Under-18/ Under- The Time Trial was 4.1 miles, the Athletics U-20 Criterium consisted of 25 laps or 36.5 Under-20 record. In Since bursting on to the 20 and Under-23 Championships, last Thursday’s heat at the scenes in 2018, Roban has Championships, held in miles and the Individual Road Race - Saturday, at the 43.6 miles. World Athletics U-20 copped 800m gold and Costa Rica. penultimate day of Championships, Roban had bronze medals at the Junior Meanwhile, Amber Glasgow was the competition, in Nairobi, THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 25. V Sports Four Vincentians in Kings CPL Squad FOUR VINCENTIANS are expected to feature for the St. Lucia Kings, formerly the St. Lucia Zouks (2013–2016, 2019–2020) and St Lucia Stars (2017–2018) in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the region’s premier T20 cricket tournament. The 2021 tournament officially bowled off yesterday, Thursday Fast Bowler - Kesrick 26th August, and will Williams run until Wednesday 15th September. All the matches are taking place in St. Kitts and Nevis. The four Vincentians turning out for the St. Lucia Kings are fast bowlers Kesrick Williams and Obey McCoy; and top order batsman Sunil Ambris, and leg spinner Keron Cottoy. Williams, one of the leading wicket-takers in Fast Bowler - Obed the CPL, will be looking McCoy to transfer that status to his new team, having turned out for the Jamaica Tallawahs previously. McCoy, a regular in the West Indies T20 squad, will be looking to continue his rise among the regional fast bowlers who will be on show. Ambris is expected to approach this year’s CPL with a determination to amass runs and force Leg Spinner - Keron himself back into Cottoy contention for a place in the West Indies squads across all formats. McCoy, a right-arm leg-spinner currently contracted to the Windward Volcanoes, last played in the 2019 CPL for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots. He returns to the St. Lucia Kings after representing this franchise in CPL 2015, then St. Lucia Zouks. Batsman - Sunil Ambris The Saint Lucia CPL franchise is now owned against Jamaica by K.P.H. Dream Cricket Tallawahs. Private Limited, The St Lucia Kings principal investor in team reads: Faf du Punjab Kings franchise Plessis (captain), Andre in the Indian Premier Fletcher, Kesrick League (IPL). This new Williams, Wahab Riaz, ownership occasioned Rakheem Cornwall, the name change from Keemo Paul, Javelle Zouks to Kings. Glen, Mark Deyal, Defending champions Alzarri Joseph, Jeavor Trinbago Knight Riders Royal, Obed McCoy, and Guyana Amazon Roston Chase, Usman Warriors were scheduled Qadir, Samit Patel, to feature in the opening Keron Cottoy, Kadeem match yesterday. St. Alleyne, Tim David and Lucia Kings begin their Sunil Ambris. CPL campaign today Friday 27th August, I.B.A.ALLEN 26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Joseph remains positive

SHE IS NOT included in the Being in that unit at the years ago….This West Indies Female highest level wasn’t hard tournament is an Cricket training camp in but it was a challenge. important one for me,” a preparation for a South …Batting-wise, I have cheerful Joseph added. Africa tour starting later also made some Joseph is thankful for this month in Antigua, but improvements as well as the assistance from some Vincentian Japhina Joseph accepting my of the senior regional remains positive, responsibility and role in players. She singled out Sending the right signal describing her omission as a team,” Joseph told Anisa Mohammed, motivation to work harder. THE VINCENTIAN. Shakera Selman and REGIONAL cricket stakeholders have to come to Joseph, who The Regional Female Stafanie Taylor for grips with some of the subtleties of cricket which represents J.G Tigress Cricket Tournament is special mention, saying tend to strengthen aspects of racism. The St. and Sons in local female expected to bowl off in “They were always there Lucia Kings, formerly the St. Lucia Zouks, are tournaments, was part of Guyana later this year for me as big sisters, into the quest for this year’s championship. That the training camps for and Joseph is looking sharing cricket ideas and change is a consequence of the alignment with the Pakistan and Sri forward to displaying her when I needed a the Indian based franchise interest. Lanka series earlier in skills and get back into shoulder to lean on. So whoever is responsible for team has to cater the year, and went on to the West Indies setup. They definitely impacted to the interest of the investors. Image matters. So play one match for the “I look at this in a positive way during that’s the reason why du Plessis has to be in West Indies A team Tournament as an my time in the camp and charge. Or was it that there was no one else against Pakistan. opportunity to impress I am very grateful for eligible. “I was happy for the the selectors again as I their help and support.” The squad includes: Rakheen Cornwall, Andre opportunity and will did in the West Indies Japhina Joseph, West Fletcher, Roston Chase, Tim David, Marky Deyal, continue to work harder Under-19 Tournament I.B.A.ALLEN Indies A team player. Keemo Paul, Samit Patel, Wahab Riaz, Usman to get back into the mix. held in Trinidad a few Qadir, Obey McCoy, and Kesrick Williams. The Caribbean Premier League should be the breeding ground for as many indigenous players as possible to hone their skills. And that should Nero aims include opportunities to captain. Overseas players could enhance the competitiveness, but has to be a balance and a concerted thrust towards youth development. The youngsters are not going get experience for the top unless they are exposed. St. Lucia Kings, whatever the composition, is to develop. and Field Championship. the team which Vincentians will be keen on. We And he has his focus on the He also eyes “going abroad to will watch with interest how the duo McCoy and very top of his sport, sharing, “I compete” with “the Williams combine. McCoy has become something would also like to be an Olympian Commonwealth Games in the mix of a weapon according to Andre Russell as a one day like my coach Ballantyne in a few years’ time” and “one day result of the T/20 series against Australia. and carry on his legacy, but I will obtaining a scholarship”. He The issue with Williams is one of the mysteries have to be committed always… added, “…meaning, I can think of of the region for, even with his record at the never give up… consistent and what I want to do and how I want international level, Williams appears to have disciplined if I want to achieve my race to be, so after the first been the subject of some subjugation in recent that goal.” 400 meters I just have to sprint times. As for training with home, after you done your Who can forget the battles with Virat Kohli Ballantyne, Nero assured that planning and thinking. My goal and Williams, so much so that commentators wait “this was very comfortable. He is now is to compete in the with anticipation for that confrontation. family but he is also supportive Intermediate especially in the Williams will love to return to that stage at the during my training and school Inter School Sports and going World Cup. His note book will not be far out of work as well. He knows what is abroad, at least going to the reach. But far away, or a figment of my required to get to the top.” Commonwealth Games in a few imagination. It will be a sense of national As for what stands immediately years’ time”. significance for bot McCoy and Williams, to be in before him, the Sandy Bay the West Indies World outfit. They can prove resident is eager to compete in the I.B.A.ALLEN their value at this CPL. Inter-Secondary Schools Track The chances are open for everyone to stake their claim to the West Indies party. Those with the greatest appetite, or indeed fortune will find Malakye Nero, upcoming middle Edwards suspended by SVGCUA favour with the selectors. Make no mistake about distance athlete. it, selectors, or even those in positions of CORNELIUS EDWARDS, a Pitch Siding is not an offence authority can determine one’s career. MALAKYE NERO, a forth form member of the SVG Cricket in the West Indies but it is We have seen it before and there are reasons to student at the St Martin’s Umpires Association (SVGCUA) against the tenets of the ICC believe that it will continue. It is a reality of Secondary School is keen to make and a West Indies qualified Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). As human frailties. his mark in track, following in the umpire, has been suspended by such therefore, the matter as It will be fascinating to hear the du Plessis’ footsteps of Pamenos Ballantyne. the SVGCUA for a "Pitch Siding referenced, is currently under version of culture which engrossed the South Nero, an 800m specialist, is Affair". investigation by the ICC ACU. African circles in the post-apartheid era. coached by Ballantyne, a former The website And as the SVGCUA awaits Disclosures by Paul Adams during the Cricket OECS sports personality and a www.crackittoday.com defines the outcome of the ICC South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation-Building stalwart of the Caribbean road pitch or court-siding as ‘having investigation, a release from that hearings has caused ripples. Adams recalled race circuit; is hoping to carry on somebody inside a sports venue Association said, “…the referred to as ‘Brown shit’ and placed in the the legacy of his coach. and passing on immediate Executive of the SVG Cricket centre of a ring as part of the team ritual. “I began training last year with match-related updates to, for Umpires Association met … and The question of racial discrimination has Ballantyne whom I met when I example, a bookie’, i.e. someone took the decision to suspend surfaced as a bone of contention especially was in Form Three at St Martin’s who facilitates gambling, most umpire Edwards from all recently. Secondary where he is the coach commonly on sporting events. activities related to umpiring, for Ironically, cricket and sports, were/are of the School team. I was the The incident involving a period of one (1) year.” supposed to be platforms where equality and School’s Intermediate Champion Edwards is said to have taken Edwards has also been respect for human dignity should be the order of with two Gold medals and one place during the 5th T20 relieved of his position as the day. But that appears more and more a Bronze at the School’s sports.” International between West Secretary of the local Umpires distant reality, for as much as we may want to be Nero is committed to adopting Indies and South Africa in Association. frank, racism is an entrenched aspect of present and practicing “the positives Grenada earlier in this year. reality. during training” as he continues I.B.A.ALLEN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021. 27. V Classifieds

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(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell [email protected] FRIDAY,PUBLIC AUGUST 27, 2021 VOLUME 115, SERVICE No.33 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 WORKERS TO WITHDRAW SERVICES by KENVILLE HORNE the workers will mount a street protest on Thursday 9th in front of the vegetable market. PUBLIC SERVANTS, including workers in the health “We have the letter going out to the care system, are expected to engage in industrial Commissioner (of Police) according to Public Order action for three days, to demonstrate their objection to Act to inform him of such,” assured Boucher. the amendment of the Public Health Act, which was He further assured, “We have served notice to the passed in the House of Assembly in the early morning Governor General that the essential services, and I PSU hours of Friday 6th August. mean workers at the hospital - nurses and some President Speaking on Hot 97.1 AM Mayhem programme doctors - have indicated that they are ready…. You Elroy last week Wednesday, President of the Public have the nurses in the communities …. All of the Boucher. Service Union (PSU) Elroy Boucher said that in a persons working at the hospital, modern medical meeting held two weeks ago, the union members and district hospitals .. we have served notice that Services Act, they can more easily withdraw their took the decision to withdraw their services. from the 7th there will be a withdrawal of service, services. Additionally, the union met with the nurses who and that is to strictly demonstrate our objections to Turning his attention to the Public Health also agreed to take industrial actions “to defend the law I think is now in effect, …that has stripped Amendment Act, Boucher stressed that the Act did their fundamental rights.” away very important fundamental rights and not simply affect workers in public service, but that The workers have set the period September 7 to 9 freedom,” said the PSU president. it affected the entire country. during which to withdraw their services. The President noted that because the majority of “…The super majority of Vincentians opposed it While the first two days are expected to be ‘quiet’, public servants do not fall under the Essential (Act as referenced), yet the minority went ahead and ignored the majority and passed this amendment that is now law,” said the PSU President. He said that he expected a push back from the government, “because if you listen to the Prime Minister there seems to be no sense that anybody else opinion really matters,” and he proceeded to contrast the actions of Prime Minister Gonsalves against those of Prime Ministers Mia Mottley of Barbados and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, and the leadership of St. Lucia. Boucher contended that the leaders and leadership in those three territories “are listening to their people. They have met with their people and the majority of people in those countries have indicated that’s not where we want to go and therefore, they have adopted different approaches to achieve (increased vaccination).” It is not something that he relishes saying but, according to Boucher, “When you listen to the Prime Minister and the members in his Cabinet, they have zero respect for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Protest action on Thursday 5th August against the proposed amendment to the Public Health Act turned violent and resulted in Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves sustaining a head injury when someone is alleged to have pelted an object in his direction, after he alighted his vehicle and was making his way to parliament. Protesters, it was reported, were also Action from the last protest. manhandled by the police. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.